Juniata College Magazine Spring Summer 2017

Juniata 2017 SPRING-SUMMER

Business Savvy A Rite of Passage Ellis Hall Asia Adventure

CAMPUS NEWS

Read It and Keep: Juniata Faculty and Staff Recommend...

The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler Ever wonder where the ever-popular hard-boiled detective stories from the mean streets of urban America came from? Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler invented them during the 1920s to the 1950s. The Big Sleep is one of the best. As one of their detectives might say, reading them is like a cold slap in the face, cold as a corpse you fish out of the drink after the spring thaw.—Donald Braxton, professor of religion

The One-in-a-Million Boy, by Monica Wood A sad and joyful novel about how one person can, unknowingly, impact everyone they meet. It’s also an excellent reminder that our ages and our differences make little difference when it comes to whom we choose to love.—Teri Blanchard, interim vice president for finance

Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology, by Johnjoe McFadden and Jim Al-Khalli

A well-written non-technical account of how quantum mechanics is needed to understand processes in biology. We used it at my retiree “Quantum Metaphysics” group at Penn State which contains retirees of all types. It created much discussion.—Paul Schettler, professor emeritus of chemistry

The Serengeti Rules: The Quest to Discover How Life Works and Why it Matters, by Sean B. Carroll Carroll explains how life is regulated at many scales, from molecules to ecosystems, by using the fascinating, personal stories of various scientists around the globe searching for the “rules” and “logic” of life. It’s a wonderful read and provides insight on how to promote not only human health, but also the health of the planet.—Doug Glazier, professor of biology

The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah It is a gripping piece of fiction that examines the horrors and complexities of war, but at a more personal level, through several welldeveloped characters. You will be spellbound by the heroism of the main characters.—Randy Rosenberger, professor of accounting, business, and economics

Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch This is probably the best, most entertaining book I’ve read in the past year. The book uses a tense, thrilling sci-fi paradigm to examine what happens when one’s “normal” life is instantly undone. Ultimately, the story asks the question, “Are you happy with your life?”

—Mark McKellop, professor of psychology

How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything: Tales from the Pentagon, by Rosa Brooks Published before last November’s elections, this book explores a disturbing trend in government policy that is likely to accelerate under the Trump presidency: the increasing dependency on the military to solve international conflicts and a host of other issues rather than pursue diplomatic solutions. Daughter of anti-war activists, wife of an Army Special Forces officer, and a professor of international law at Georgetown University who previously worked in both the Pentagon and the State Department, Brooks brings a nuanced perspective to bear on the growing militarization that undermines our democracy as boundaries of war become increasingly difficult to define.

—Henry Thurston-Griswold, professor of Spanish

The Dictator’s Handbook: Why Bad Behavior Is Almost Always Good Politics, by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith When a student who distinguished himself as a deep thinker recommended this book saying, “I never understood politics until I read this book,” I decided I’d better read it. If this book yields insight into how our students see the world, it is a true gem. There is a fine line between reality and cynicism; this book walks that line very well.—Russ Shelley, Elma Stine Heckler Professor of Music

PRESIDENT’S NOTE Dear Friends,

Nowhere else asks students to collaborate as intensely with advisers to shape their own education, and few colleges provide as many means to customize the learning experience to satisfy any student’s career plans. We are committed to delivering a far-ranging liberal arts education grounded in critical thinking because we know that confident, well-spoken graduates succeed, and that most careers require skills that are best earned through a liberal arts education.

MEGAN BRENNEMAN

Presiding each year over the joyous celebration that is Commencement reminds me that Juniata has a sacred duty to provide a rite of passage from young adulthood into the adventure that most of us call “the real world.” The difficulty in that sentence is that, in most ways, a Juniata education mirrors the real world.

James A. Troha trohaj@juniata.edu @juniataprztroha

The stories in this edition document various rites of passage. Tracking the progress of six students as they prepare presentations for this year’s Liberal Arts Symposium is a view into how students juggle the demands of time, scholarship, and work to produce presentations. The kicker is that the story was written by a talented student, providing Joey DiGangi ’18 a rite of passage of his own.

The story on Juniata’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership details how the College’s business faculty and the Center’s staff have revamped the curriculum and the Sill Incubator to focus on business creation as a method to solve problems. Working to find a solution to the needs of the marketplace is a rare experience on the undergraduate level. Study abroad is also a rite of passage, that is increasingly an expectation, and in Juniata fashion, students shape it. Where else could an undergraduate student propose an entire study abroad course and have it become a reality a year later?

Be sure to follow some of the important changes we have made on campus, including a great photo essay on the new façade for Ellis Hall, some of the new hires we have made, and the parting words of a few retiring faculty.

Genna Kasun ’06 Director of Social Media and Content Coordination

Luke Fragello Director of New Media Communication

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Juniata is published two times a year by Juniata College, Department of Advancement and Marketing and is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of Juniata. Postmaster and others, please send change-of-address correspondence to: Alumni Relations, 1700 Moore St., Huntingdon, PA 16652-2196. Juniata can accept no responsibility for unsolicited contributions of artwork, photography, or articles. Juniata College, as an educational institution and employer, values equality of opportunity and diversity. The College is an independent, privately supported co-educational institution committed to providing a liberal arts education to qualified students regardless of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. Its policies comply with requirements of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IV of the Education Amendments of 1972, and all other applicable federal, state, and local statutes, regulations and guidelines.

Anthony Downey ’17 creates a snow globe during welcome week in January.

Each year, the Juniata Activities Board plans special events to help students ease back into the semester.

—Photo by Sarah Rohrer ’20

2017 Spring-Summer |

Juniata

Dawn Scialabba Alumni Relations Assistant

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Rosann Brown Executive Director of Marketing

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Gabriel Welsch VP of Advancement and Marketing

David Meadows ’98 Director of Alumni Relations

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John Wall Editor

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Two exhibition visitors observe one student’s take on “The Scream.”

In February, students harvest maple sap and make syrup at Maplefest.

—Photo by Amber Boring ’18

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—Photo by Luke Kresse ’20

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Following student and staff participation at the women’s march, members of the Juniata community continued their advocacy by participating in a postcard-writing campaign at Stone Church of the Brethren.

—Photo by Amber Boring ’18

In April, Juniata students built and fired a new wood kiln, located behind Brumbaugh Academic Center. In this photo, Robert Boryk, lecturer in art and ceramic studio assistant, unbricks the door of the kiln after its inaugural firing as local artist BJ Watson observes.

—Photo by Morgan Horell ’17

Katey Meehan ’20 and Suraia Silveira ’20 work together to repair the flood-damaged home of a Columbia, S.C., resident during a spring 2017 Campus Ministry alternative spring break trip.

—Photo by David Witkovsky, college chaplain

—Photo by Sarah Rohrer ’20

2017 Spring-Summer |

Every March 14, Juniata’s student math club, the Null Set, holds a fundraiser on National Pi Day, at the end of which a lucky professor endures a pie to the face—all in good fun.

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Juniata

2017 SPRING-SUMMER

CONTENTS

Read It and Keep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover President’s Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Campus News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Business Savvy: JCEL Mission to Solve Problems . . . . . . . . . . 26

The Juniata College Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and the Department of Accounting, Business, and Economics have refocused the entrepreneurship program on studying and researching a problem and then finding a business solution to that problem. The result? A fully occupied Sill Incubator, ambitious faculty ventures, and fully invested students.

A Rite of Passage: Liberal Arts Symposium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Many colleges and universities are seeking ways to provide students a capstone experience that encapsulates what they have learned into a major project. Not surprisingly, Juniata has been doing that for the past decade and not just for seniors.

The Liberal Arts Symposium gives students an opportunity to present their work to peers, professors, and others. The yearlong journey made by six students to create a project is documented within.

Ellis Hall: By the Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Juniata’s student center, built in 1969, received a new façade as the College added a redesigned foyer/entrance and added an elevator to make the building more accessible. See photos of the new space and read some of the statistics associated with the project.

Asia Adventure: Student, Professor Collaborate on Vietnam Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Scene 1: student and professor sit in The Gambia on a beach

On the cover: On a class trip to Vietnam, Andrew Burlingame ’17 captured a photo of his classmates in Sung Sot Cave, a “surprise cave” that overlooks Halong Bay. “I loved that there were different colored lights illuminating various parts of the cave,” Burlingame said. Above, Seppi Grugan ’19 looks out at a heritage site as he walks. Students’ journeys in Vietnam would not only teach them about politics— they also explored healthcare, agriculture, and tourism.

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Faculty Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Faculty Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Alumni Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Juniata Community Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 MyJuniata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 The Power of the Juniata Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Homecoming and Family Weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 I met a Juniata alum in the most unusual place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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discussing study abroad trips. Scene 2: student suggests the next study abroad course should be in Vietnam. Scene 3: Student sets up country-wide tour of Vietnam for professor. Scene 4: Juniata students and faculty dig into the history, economics, and culture of the southeast Asian nation on the ground.

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PHOTOS: ANDREW BURLINGAME ’17

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Mary Ellen Beachley Donates $250,000 for Faculty Development

Mary Ellen Beachley, widow of longtime Juniata College trustee Donovan Beachley Jr. ’47, donated $250,000 to the College to support faculty research, scholarship, and professional development.

Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Donovan and Mary Ellen’s original donation to fund the Beachley Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Beachley Award for Distinguished Academic Service, the gift will create an endowment to support “one or more faculty member’s scholarly activities,” which can include teaching, research, public service, professional development, or other purposes that would enhance the educational environment at the College.

“We wanted (our gift) to be something lasting. It was a great way

to recognize faculty,” said Mary Ellen Beachley of the original endowment, as she announced the new gift at Juniata’s Spring Convocation ceremony May 2.

“We were extremely gratified with the positive response (the award) brought and how the award changed the lives (of those who received it). Fifty years later, we felt it’s about time to do it again.”

In 1967, Donovan Beachley Sr. ’21, third-generation president of the Beachley Furniture Company, and his son, Donovan Beachley Jr., gave $25,000 to fund the awards.

“Some who won the awards today were not yet born at the time of the original gift,” said Lauren Bowen, provost, as she introduced Mary Ellen Beachley at the convocation. “Mary Ellen has added to the family’s tradition of

supporting Juniata faculty and providing the means to help our faculty continue their professional development on their way to one day earning a Beachley honor.”

“It’s amazing to see that my parents’ contribution for the teaching awards is still honoring Juniata faculty—which shows you the power of an endowment,” says David Beachley ’77, “We thought an endowment that professors can use to further their education and aspire to that next level would be a good stepping stone for future candidates for the Beachley Distinguished Professor awards.”

2017 Spring-Summer |

PHOTOS (TOP TRIO): J.D. CAVRICH; (AT RIGHT) AMBER BORING ’18

provost; Elizabeth From left, are: Lauren Bowen, y ’77; James A. chle Bea Beachley, wife of David Beachley ’77, id Dav t; iden Pres ata Juni Troha, y Fur niture; chle Bea of CEO Juniata Trustee and pient of the reci and Bill Thomas, professor of IT ching; Tea d ishe ingu Dist for rd Beachley Awa essor prof se, Kru y Jerr Mary Ellen Beachley; pient of the reci and ost, prov t stan assi h, of mat ished Academic Beachley Award for Distingu y Marshall ’74, a Service; and Barbara Beachle . ator retired educ

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CAMPUS NEWS

In his new course, Archeoastronomy, physi cs professor Matt Beaky leads students in considering the ways the stars and planets have influenced daily life for ancient peoples.

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For thousands of years, human beings have been looking up at the sky in awe. What they saw in the heavens inspired architectural feats, such as Stonehenge, and impacted entire civilizations on both a national and personal level. This fascination with how early people viewed the cosmos inspired a Juniata College course called “Archeoastronomy.”

“What we’re trying to investigate is how early human cultures around the world viewed the sky, and how they incorporated astronomy and celestial objects into their daily lives—whether that’s religious ceremonies, calendars, or buildings,” explains Matt Beaky, associate professor of physics and creator of the course.

For people living in Newgrange, Ireland 5,200 years ago, this meant erecting a burial tomb that allows light

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to pass through a small window precisely on the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. “You see how winter and the shortest day are being associated with death,” explains Beaky. Across the world in North America, the Anasazi people of the American Southwest constructed pueblo buildings with windows that lined up so that the sun could pass through all of them at certain times.

Beaky developed the new course, taught in spring semester, for the Cultural Analysis curriculum.

Primary artifacts, or original works from people living in the civilizations being studied, are a key component for helping students learn about astronomy and early cultures. “We can study some of the original writing, or other things like globes, even if we can’t hold the artifacts in person,” says Beaky. “We can examine them and try to interpret, in the light of

the cultural context, what they were used for and how they might have been used.”

“I like the overlap of history and science,” says Anna VanDusen ’18, of Wexford, Pa. “It’s such a popular cultural and historical topic, but I didn’t know that much about it before.”

Beaky also has his students look up at the night sky. “The main thing they do is keep a sky journal. It’s a digital, print, or handwritten journal observing the sky for over two months. They write what they see or maybe draw what they see, and also reflect on what they see in light of what we talked about in class,” Beaky says. “I think if you’re going to study astronomy, especially archeoastronomy, you have to try to put yourselves in the shoes of people in the past.”

—­By Joey DiGangi ’18, Juniata Associate in Media Relations

PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION (LEFT): MADISON THOMPSON ’19

Look to the Skies: Physics Class Studies Stars

 Editor’s Note: Every year, we ask the winners of Juniata’s teaching awards to list some of the things that have inspired them in

their professional lives, be it books, songs, movies, or a combination of those things. Here, the winners pick five inspirations, lessons learned from pop culture, and lessons learned from Bugs Bunny.

Beachley Award for Distinguished Academic Service Jerry Kruse, Dale Professor in Information Technology, Computer Science, and Mathematics So, I was asked to provide a “Top 5” List of something.

Anything. Except mathematics theorems, or sorting algorithms, or iterative solvers. Things that probably wouldn’t be very exciting for a general audience.

So I asked if I could share my “Top 5 Beers.” And it turns out that topic was probably too exciting! So, here are “My Top 5 Sports Movies.”

5. Moneyball If I catch this while channel surfing, I stay with it, no matter how many times I’ve already seen it. I love all of Michael Lewis’ stuff, but this might be my favorite. It’s amazing how the “radical” ideas from the early 2000s are now mainstream. Heck, on-base-percentage (OBP) and slugging-percentage are now two “standard” stats given when you watch a game.

4. Miracle “Do you believe in miracles?” Yes, I do now. And how about announcer Al Michaels? What a great game ending call, and then going silent for several minutes to let it all sink in. Little known fact, the game was shown on tapedelay. The U.S. hockey team had gotten crushed by the USSR in an exhibition just prior to the Olympics, so I think ABC was worried about having a boring game. In February 1980, I watched it knowing that we already won. Still one of the most amazing sports experiences of my life.

3. Caddyshack

“Just don’t get caught watching the paint dry!” Who hasn’t tried the old “Picket Fence” playing pickup basketball? It never works, but it did for tiny Hickory High School (in real life it was Milan High School) in Indiana.

Fun Fact: the 1987 Academy Awards was the same night as the 1987 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game. The producers of the movie had to decide whether to attend the Oscars ceremony (Hoosiers was nominated for a few awards but didn’t end up winning anything) or the championship game, where Indiana University beat Syracuse University in a thriller.

1. Field of Dreams “Dad, do you want to have a catch?” The first time I saw this movie, where Ray Kinsella plays catch with his dad at the end, I was in tears. My dad had died two years earlier, and playing catch with him after he got home from work was a summer ritual when I was growing up.

Maybe we didn’t talk about a lot of things, but we could always talk about baseball. I was so into this movie, when we were in grad school, my friend John Bukowski, professor of mathematics, gave me the book, Shoeless Joe, that the movie is based on.

Honorable Mention: The Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series The “script” for this movie was just so ridiculous. A rain delay in extra innings of Game 7? Kyle Schwarber leads the team in hitting after being injured all season? Mike Montgomery getting his first ever career save? Kris Bryant’s leg slipping as he throws across the diamond for the final out? Seriously, Hollywood, no one would believe this script. (Editor’s note: It evidently still has not sunk in for Jerry).

2017 Spring-Summer |

Yes, it’s sophomoric and juvenile. And that’s why I love it.

My friends and I at University of Illinois in the early ’80s could probably have re-created dialogue from the movie on the spot. A few years back I read an oral history of the making of Caddyshack. It was even crazier than you might expect. They rented a golf club in Florida and basically set the cast loose with the cameras rolling. The most traditional part of the production was provided by some of George Lucas’ special effects people, who created and operated the Gopher.

2. Hoosiers

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CAMPUS NEWS

Retirements* David Sowell

Professor of History 1989 to 2017 I don’t think that Juniata is unique. It has its special characteristics, as do most liberal arts colleges, but unique is a singular word that ought not be used casually. We have an excellent commitment to students that manifests itself in an excellent culture of teaching, and of knowing students as people, and helping them in a crucial era of personal, social, and academic growth. I will miss the day-to-day interaction with students and colleagues.

Debra Kirchhof-Glazier

Professor of Biology and former director of the Health Professions Program 1981 to 2017 Juniata’s collegial atmosphere is palpable. I love the fact that it is a small campus, which has given me the opportunity to form positive working relationships with faculty across disciplines. In my experience Juniata has traditionally had “pink tape” rather than red tape. If you wanted to do something for yourself or your students that bent the rules but was reasonable, you could make it happen. I will miss the personal interactions with the students. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching. Also, several students over the years have become lifelong friends, and I am looking forward to having the time to visit them or have them over for tea in my grape arbor.

Paul Schettler

Charles A. Dana Professor of Chemistry 1967 to 2017 Students enter Juniata, and leave as friends. I have always appreciated the easy relationship between students and teachers at Juniata. I am anticipating that the wide range of the people who I am engaged with will plummet in spite of my efforts to keep that from happening.

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*Not Pictured: Mark Hochberg, Charles A. Dana Professor of English, 1970 to 2017.

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She Can Help: Biologist Lauded for Mentorship

Juniata graduates who were mentored by Professor Lamendella have gone on to work in national laboratories, win Fulbright Fellowships, and pursue doctoral degrees at prestigious institutions.

Gina Lamendella, associate professor of biology, was awarded the 2016 Outstanding Mentor Award in the Early Career category from the Council on Undergraduate Research’s Biology Division.

Since arriving at Juniata, Lamendella has established a robust research program, using undergraduate students to study fracking impacts on streams and fisheries, Superstorm Sandy runoff effects, microbial communities, the neo-natal microbiome, and mercury concentrations in brook trout.

“As a freshman, I was relatively naïve about the possibility of research as a career,” says Rebekah Ford ’19, of Souderton, Pa. “After my first advising session with my adviser (Lamendella), I was amazed that there was an exciting, viable, and constantly changing career in research.”

Lamendella joined the Juniata faculty in 2012 as assistant professor of biology.

She previously worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, Calif. She earned

“After my first advising session with Professor Lamendella, I was amazed that there was an exciting, viable, and constantly changing career in research."

a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2004 from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., and went on to earn two master’s degrees from the University of Cincinnati: one in 2006 in environmental science, and one in 2011 in molecular genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology. She earned a doctoral degree in environmental science from the University of Cincinnati in 2009.

Her research focuses on how to design and implement novel molecular-based detection methods to track sources of fecal contamination in the environment. She has also researched molecular microbial

ecology approaches to better understand the role of microbes in human health and the environment.

She has secured more than $1 million in research funding from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute, the University of Colorado’s Earth Microbiome Project, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the Merck Investigator Studies Program.

Her previous research experience is extensive, including a job as a private

2017 Spring-Summer |

PHOTOS (LEFT): J.D. CAVRICH; (RIGHT) JASON JONES

—Rebekah Ford ’19, of Souderton, Pa.

contractor for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2009. She also served as an EPA graduate student trainee from 2004 to 2008. As an undergraduate, she was an EXCEL Research Scholar from 2003 to 2004 and a Robert Hunt Research Fellow from 2002 to 2003.

At Juniata, she teaches courses in microbiology, biology research, dynamics and biological processes, as well as other biology courses.

Lamendella received the 2011 Science and Technology Achievement Award from the Environmental Protection Agency and the SPOT Recognition Award for Exceptional Research Contributions from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

She is a member of the American Society of Microbiology, International Society for Microbial Ecology, Graduate Women in Science organization, and the Water Management Association of Ohio.

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Gibbel Award for Distinguished Teaching Amy Frazier-Yoder, Associate Professor of Spanish

Who doesn’t love to lose and find themselves in fiction? This list of favorite literary characters is chosen from works of metafiction, also known as self-conscious fiction.

Metafictional works construct a fictional illusion while drawing attention to their own artifice. I enjoy this lost-and-found mode of reading and have chosen a list of lovely characters found along the way.

The narrator-author in Miguel de Cervante’s Don Quijote de la Mancha.

The narrator parodies the chivalric novels that Don Quijote bases his adventures upon as he tells of the most memorable knight-errant of all time. This unreliable narrator meddles, admits to omitting details, and intentionally forgets, but his perspective allows us to see when princesses are prostitutes, courtly music is the squeaking of a pig, and giants are windmills. This novel is more than 400 years old, yet the humor and wit are timeless. Perhaps readers will relate to the narrator’s description of Don Quijote’s madness: “what with little sleep and much reading his brains got so dry that he lost his wits.”

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Unamuno of Miguel de Unamuno’s Niebla (Mist).

Augusto Pérez, the protagonist of Unamuno’s 1914 novel, sometimes fancies that he might be a character in a novel. When he visits the writer Miguel de Unamuno, he meets his author. Well, in a way. He meets Unamuno, the character. Readers are witnesses to the battle over who has free will, who will live on after the novel ends, and which, if not both of them, is captive in the prison house of fiction. Less fraught with guilt than Emma Thompson’s author character of Stranger than Fiction, Unamuno explains that he has control over Augusto and that, at his bidding, Augusto must die.

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La Raba of Manuel Puig’s Boquitas pintadas (Heartbreak Tango). Maid, survivor of sexual violence, devoted friend and mother, and hopeless optimist, La Raba represents the losing side of inequitable class, race, and gender divides in 1940s Argentina. In this fragmentary, telenovela-esque, pop culturefilled novel, Puig portrays her kindness and resilience. Despite committing one of the most violent acts in the novel, she is one my favorite characters because she is forgiving and worthy of forgiveness. In a society that Puig portrays as haunted by the disenchantment of conformity, she is one of the few characters who finds happiness.

The members of the secret society in Jorge Luis Borges’ Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius. This story follows the trail of a mysterious society, which has invented and secretly introduced an encyclopedia entry for a fictional country (Uqbar). The scope of the society’s work grows; it is said to be working on revisions of its detailed description of an entire planet (Orbis Tertius). Full of small, embedded details, the story reveals increasingly more about the society, only to pull the rug out from under the reader. The society’s creations eventually cross frames into the “fictional real” in an act that speaks to the nature of reality and fiction.

Grover of The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone. As a child, I read this book over and over and was able to do a convincing-enough Grover voice for imagined public readings. Grover asks the readers not to turn the page, but, of course, we read on. This sense of engagement with fiction is something I’ve continued to seek.

CAMPUS NEWS

Christine Gibson, formerly chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Wesley College, in Dover, Del., since 2014, was named vice president for finance and administration at Juniata in June 2017.

“Juniata is very fortunate in attracting a financial executive of such wide-ranging strengths as Christine Gibson,” says James A. Troha, Juniata president. “She brings two decades of experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, and multinational corporations and has brought innovative and progressive thinking to every post she has held.”

Gibson bears responsibility for the College’s facilities, Juniata’s finances­­— which include a $84.6 million annual operating budget and a $115.7 million endowment—and the College’s human resources. She also works collaboratively with community leaders, faculty, and other stakeholders.

“What attracted me to the job at Juniata was the leadership, the strategic plan, and the dedication to Juniata students that is evident everywhere I look,” says Gibson, who took over as Juniata’s chief financial officer from Teri Blanchard, interim vice president for finance and operations. “I love the College’s traditions, the individualized approach to learning, and the emphasis on real-world experience. Most of all, I love the warm and generous spirit of the community that I encountered when I visited. Juniata is a special place and I am excited to become a part of that.”

At Wesley College, Gibson oversaw strategic planning, finances, human resources, campus safety and construction, student financial aid, and dining services. She developed a six-year business plan to guide Wesley’s growth, with key initiatives to expand health

care and graduate programs. She helped develop a new master’s degree program in occupational therapy and brought in significant donations to residence halls and other facilities.

She also developed and initiated an improved quality technology services program and established a human resources department, while improving the College’s payroll services and retirement plan.

Before becoming a chief financial officer, Gibson was associate vice president for business affairs and finance at Saint Leo Christine Gibson

“What attracted me to the job at Juniata was the leadership, the strategic plan, and the dedication to Juniata students that is evident everywhere I look.”

—Christine Gibson, vice president for finance and administration

University, in Saint Leo, Fla., from 2008 to 2014. She started her financial career in the corporate world in 2001 as an investment analyst for the Sara Lee Corporation, in St. Louis, Mo. She moved into nonprofit financial management when she became controller and director of accounting and reporting for the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg (Fla.) from 2004 to 2007.

In 2007, she returned to corporate finance and gained international experience as director of finance— international division for Walmart Inc. from 2007 to 2008.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lindenwood University, in St. Charles, Mo., and went on to earn a master’s degree in accounting and financial management from the Keller Graduate School of Management. She also earned a doctoral degree in organizational leadership from Regent University.

2017 Spring-Summer |

PHOTOS (LEFT): JASON JONES; (RIGHT) CANDICE HERSH

Juniata Names Wesley College Finance Executive as Vice President for Finance and Administration

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CAMPUS NEWS

Commencement Speaker Tells Graduates ‘Global Engagement is the Right Path’

| Juniata

After congratulating the College for its global vision, Kristin Lord, president and CEO of IREX, told the assembled 2017 graduating class at Juniata’s 139th commencement ceremony May 13, “Engaging the world is not exactly in vogue these days. Yet you are right to do so: global engagement remains the right path, not only for Juniata students, but for all of us.”

The graduating class of 343 Engaging with the world is still worth the undergraduate students was awarded effort. And I am asking you, the class of bachelor of arts (106) or bachelor of science 2017, to be the generation that gets global degrees (237) at the ceremony. Juniata engagement right.” also graduated five students who earned

Lord referred to life-changing events master’s degrees: three in accounting and and career changes that she called “an two in nonprofit leadership. unorthodox journey,” saying, “I learned

The 2017 Senior Class Gift collected that the best route to impact is making the more than $46,000 (68 percent of the class effort to genuinely understand issues from contributed to the gift) for an endowed multiple viewpoints and being willing scholarship named in their honor. to question even friends and mith

In addition, Miriam Smith Wetzel, allies when necessary."

Miriam S 2 ’5 el a 1952 graduate of Juniata, received an

“I decided that if no one is z et W honorary doctor of humane letters degree. ever uncomfortable, either you

aren’t really working for change or you’re not doing work that matters,” she added.

Lord went on to illustrate how global outreach and peacebuilding is never easy work but also asked the crowd what the alternative to such work is. “If we turn our backs and close our doors, will we really be better off in the end?” she asked.

“For good or ill, I think the answer is no. Change does happen, all too slowly, then Kristin Lord sometimes all at once.

The pressure builds until

Lord, who has led IREX’s efforts in something bursts forth. international education and development We don’t know when it since 2014, explained, “Global engagement will happen but when it is a mindset and a way of life that anyone does, it is powerful.” can embrace, even if you never leave the

Lord ended her country,” she said. “Engaging the world speech telling the will challenge your mind and uplift your assembled graduates soul, but it can also break your heart. that American security For every act of ingenuity or humanity, comes not from walls there is cruelty and intolerance; after and fear but from every breakthrough, setbacks. To echo Martin Luther King Jr. and others before him, the arc of the moral universe bends towards justice. But it does not always bend as much or as quickly as we want it to.

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vitality and strength. “I believe that if we truly want both security and justice, we must make life better not just for ourselves but for people of all backgrounds, in our country and around the world,” she said.

“Our nation’s greatest accomplishments have come from being open rather than closed, brave rather than fearful. That is what I wish for our country going forward—and for you as individuals. But you are going to need to do better than my generation at extending the gains across our society, pulling others up and communities together.”

Before joining IREX, Lord was acting president and executive vice president at the United States Institute of Peace, a federally created organization that seeks to prevent, mitigate, and resolve global conflict worldwide. From 2008 to 2013, she served as executive vice president and director of studies at the Center for a New American Security, where she oversaw the Center’s research efforts.

Lord earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies in 1991 from American University, and went on to earn a master’s degree in 1993 and a doctorate in 1997, both in government, from Georgetown University.

Miriam Smith Wetzel ’52, a resident of Casco, Maine, is a retired curriculum consultant

for Harvard Medical School and a former content analyst for Harvard Health Publications. She retired from Harvard Medical School in 2000 as assistant professor of medicine.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Juniata and went on to pursue graduate study at Temple University from 1952 to 1954 on a State Senatorial Scholarship awarded to her by the Miss America Foundation as Miss Pennsylvania.

She and her family moved to Maine in 1971, where she taught music in the Lake Region School District and was principal of the Manchester School in Windham from 1977 to 1981. She earned a master’s degree in 1975 in education administration from the University of Maine, PortlandGorham, a master’s degree in 1982 in human development from Harvard University, and a doctoral degree in human development in 1987 from the University of Pennsylvania.

She was hired by Harvard Medical School in 1985 as curriculum coordinator and played a large role in implementing a new method of medical school education that de-emphasized lecture-based classes in favor of small-group, problem-based learning and case studies.

Wetzel has been active as a Juniata volunteer for much of her career. She served as the first female president of the Juniata College Alumni Council in 1970. She also received the College’s 2006 Alumni Achievement Award.

PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH

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CAMPUS NEWS

Diving In: Juniata Adds Men’s Swimming to Varsity Sports

Smith will now coach Juniata swimming coach Nathan his work with the to tion addi in team swim a men’s women’s swim team.

On the heels of the recent additions of women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s golf, the College has decided to add men’s swimming as a new varsity sport, beginning with the 2017-2018 season.

Men’s swimming will complement the College’s existing women’s swimming program and will give Juniata 23 varsity intercollegiate sports.

“Logistically, this will help Juniata compete in the Landmark Conference.

We already have a swimming facility in place and because many of our conference schools already support men’s swimming teams, it will become easier to schedule meets and other events at our pool,” says Greg Curley, Juniata athletic director and head coach for men’s basketball.

Previously, Juniata competed in men’s swimming from 1986 through 1995.

“Having a men’s swim team has the potential for great impact both athletically and from an enrollment perspective,” says Matthew Damschroder, vice president for student life and dean of students at Juniata.

“Fielding a men’s swim team has the potential for great impact both athletically and from an enrollment perspective.”

—Matthew Damschroder, vice president for student life and dean of students

The potential enrollment gain from having complementary swim teams could be more than 20 students, because, according to NCAA statistics, the average size for a men’s swimming team is about 17, while other statistics reveal that women’s teams from colleges sponsoring men’s teams average 18 members. Juniata’s women’s team has averaged about 11 members.

Current Juniata swimming coach Nathan Smith, who came to the College in 2013, will add coaching the men’s team to his portfolio of duties. Smith came to Juniata after coaching a private swim team, the Brentwood Barracudas, of Nashville, Tenn., and at DePauw University.

| Juniata

Juniata College Joins Higher Education Consortium On Poverty

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Juniata students intent on studying the causes and consequences of poverty will be able to receive important internship experiences and Juniata faculty will be able to develop poverty-based courses more easily as the College joins the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty.

“A critical examination of the various dimensions of poverty remains a pressing issue for our time. Moreover, such a focus is consistent with our values and mission,” says Lauren Bowen, provost at Juniata. “Understanding poverty and seeking to ameliorate its effects is an interdisciplinary inquiry which also suggests that Juniata, given our longstanding commitment to such methods, is especially well suited to support our

students in this endeavor. Existing courses as well as new ones to be developed as part of the program will complement the experiential learning opportunities our membership in the group can provide.”

The Shepherd Consortium is a 23-member organization of colleges and universities that helps institutions explore poverty as a social issue by expanding and improving educational opportunities for students on member campuses.

Five Juniata students received internships that began this summer. The recipients are: Jessica Eades ’18, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Kien Le ’18, of Hanoi, Vietnam; Daisie Rodriguez ’18, of Weslaco, Texas; Nicholas Guillermo ’20, of The Bronx, N.Y.; and Mai Hoang ’19, of Hanoi, Vietnam.

PHOTOS (LEFT): JUNIATA PHOTO FILE; (RIGHT) AMBER BORING ‘18

Ceramic Artist Explores Art and Body Image Jillian Bloise ’17, of McKeesport, Pa., was extremely busy in her senior year, as her artwork was featured in the juried exhibition “Half Truth,” hosted in the Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio from Jan. 27 through Feb. 25. Unlike a typical exhibition, the participants were judged based on a set of criteria set by the gallery.

Bloise’s work, “Perceived Imperfections,” also was part of her senior capstone exhibition, which opened March 13 in the Esther Doyle Lobby of Halbritter Center. It explored body image and self-esteem through the lens of an eating disorder. Her capstone was relatable to all who have been exposed to media images of unobtainable bodies. Bloise is particularly interested in portraying the emotional experience of having a negative body image, saying, “I personally have not had an eating disorder, but I’ve struggled with self-esteem my whole life, so it’s something I’ve thought about a lot.”

“Perceived Imperfections” depicts a young woman facing her own distorted image, which is a central theme of Bloise’s work. She strives to bring attention to eating disorders, which are often brushed under the rug, saying, “I wanted to bring it to light. People wave it off like it’s not serious.”

Bloise’s work approaches the topic in an innovative way. Bloise explains, “The abstracted form is how she sees herself,” making it apparent to the viewer how powerful a negative self-image can be. The scale of her work is important, too. Bloise chose to create life-sized figures, saying, “I thought it would be more impactful if I had these full-bodied figures to reflect that feeling.”

Art has been an important means of expression through Bloise’s life. She recalls, “I’ve been drawing since I was really young. All through high school I did studio art—every class I could possibly take.” She found her love of ceramics at Juniata, saying “I was going to be more drawing-focused but there were more opportunities in the ceramics studio, and I’m glad I ended up there. It’s a good outlet for me.”

As for the future, Bloise hopes to change the way the media portrays young women. “The media and ads create the mindset of ‘I need to look perfect.’ It would be interesting to be a part of that marketing and see how I can change it,” Boise contends. With an open dialogue about the emotional impact of body image, Bloise aims to make the media a more inclusive and positive space.

Artist Jillian Bloise ’17 has found her voice in works of clay.

—Laura Snyder ’18, Juniata Online Journalist

The Shepherd Consortium was founded in 1998 as the Shepherd Poverty Alliance at Washington & Lee University, in Lexington, Va., to prepare students in professional, civic, and political career fields by experiencing a wide range of perspectives, both inside and outside the classroom.

“The Shepherd Consortium welcomes the robust plan for poverty studies

—Nicholas Guillermo ’18, The Bronx, N.Y.

that Juniata has proposed for its membership,” says Harlan Beckley, executive director of the consortium and a former professor of religion at Washington & Lee. “We are confident that this initiative will serve the Juniata students superbly as well as the communities in which they work currently and in the future, especially Huntingdon.”

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In addition to Provost Bowen’s guidance, students participating can partner with Kathleen Biddle, associate professor of education.

“The most exciting thing for me is the actual opportunity to help people who were once like me,” says Guillermo.

“Aiding people is one thing, but when you can help people in an area of misfortune that you may have experienced, the reward is so much greater.”

“The most exciting thing for me is the actual opportunity to help people who were once like me."

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Beachley Award for Distinguished Teaching Bill Thomas, Professor of Information Technology and Computer Science

Our students: Juniata students are polite, respectful, and eager to learn. In addition, they work hard and appreciate the things that we do for them. On top of that, they are a joy to be around. The students are definitely a big part of the reason that Juniata is such an inspiring place to teach.

My colleagues: Everyone in our department is kind, friendly, and supportive. We enjoy working together to provide the best experience for our students. I also enjoy working with those in my building and across campus. It makes for a wonderful place to work when you know that your opinions are valued.

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Life-long learning: When educating in the field of information technology it sometimes feels like you are trying to jump on a moving train, but I love constantly learning about new technologies. I also get to play with new technologies—hardware and software.

As a tech geek that is a lot of fun. Being constantly challenged to stay current with technology keeps my job interesting.

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The schedule: During the semester things get very busy, and sometimes there is little separation between work and home life. But each semester has a defined beginning and end; in most other professions you never get such a clean closure. The end of the semester allows you to reflect on what just occurred and think about what you might do better in the upcoming year.

Having the summers to enjoy, relax, and improve as an educator is satisfying.

Sense of community: Juniata College is truly a great studentcentered place to work with an impressive sense of community. Not only are the employees totally focused on what is best for our students, the students look out for and care for each other.

Students support and help each other daily. The experiences that we share at Juniata bring us together as a family. Being a part of such a caring family adds special meaning to our work.

PHOTOS (LEFT): J.D. CAVRICH; (RIGHT) COURTESY LISA MCDANIELS

Before teaching at Juniata I worked in the field of information technology for 15 years as a computer programmer, project lead, database administrator, and network administrator. When I began working as an adjunct instructor in the evenings I fell in love with teaching. These are the top five reasons I love teaching at Juniata College:

CAMPUS NEWS

Colby College Librarian Named Beeghly Library Dean Lisa McDaniels, assistant director of research and instruction for the Colby College Libraries since 2014, has been named dean of the library at Juniata.

McDaniels will lead Juniata’s efforts to renovate and expand Beeghly Library and integrate the College’s planned Learning Commons into the operation of the Library and other areas. In so doing, she will work with the College’s faculty to ensure library resources serve Juniata’s curriculum and support the educational enterprise for all in the College community.

“Lisa McDaniels has extensive experience in libraries, academic and career resources, and a commitment to student learning, all of which make her the ideal candidate to expand and help reimagine our own library,” says Lauren Bowen, Juniata’s provost. “She understands the modern library and ways in which to retain its purpose as the academic hub of campus while adapting to the contemporary learner. She has a strategic vision and a demonstrated commitment to work collaboratively with all constituencies in this important work.”

“Some people question the relevance or need for libraries or librarians in a digital age. I would answer that academic libraries are on the cusp of a major transformation— not a dead-end but a new beginning that integrates pedagogy, technology, and design into a whole-campus intellectual hub,” says McDaniels, who led a team of five librarians specializing in research and instruction across the three libraries on Colby College’s Waterville, Maine campus.

“The chance to work with the faculty, staff, and students at Juniata to reimagine Beeghly Library is an extraordinary, once-in-a-career opportunity. It will require us to ‘think about who we are’ and who we want to become, as an engaged, interdisciplinary community where print and digital learning tools bring students into the scholarly conversation with faculty.”

McDaniels initiated Colby’s Personal Librarian Program, where librarians

“Some people question the relevance or need for libraries or librarians in a digital age. I would answer that academic libraries are on the cusp of a major transformation— not a dead-end, but a new beginning that integrates pedagogy, technology and design into a whole-campus intellectual hub.”

—Lisa McDaniels, dean of the library

connected with all first- and second-year students. McDaniels has extensive higher education experience in college and university libraries as well as in academic services. Prior to her work at Colby, she served as director of the library and learning commons at Southern Maine Community College, in South Portland, Maine, from 2012 to 2014. She also served as assistant dean of libraries at the University of Maine at Augusta from 2010 to 2012.

She began her higher education library career at the University of Iowa, where she was a reference and instruction librarian from 2005 to 2010 and was head of the math and physics libraries from 2005 to 2008. In addition, she worked at public libraries in Florida from 1998 to 2003 and then spent almost a year working in Anchorage, Alaska at the

Lisa McDaniels

Alaska Resources Library Information Services cataloging technical documents related to the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics in 1981 from Bridgewater College and went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling psychology in 1991 from James Madison University. She earned a master’s degree in library science in 1998 from Florida State University, in Tallahassee, Fla.

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Four Alumni Receive Achievement Awards PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AMBER BORING ’18

Juniata presented the 2017 Alumni Achievement Awards June 3, during Alumni Weekend. Howard Nathan ’75, president and chief executive officer of Gift of Life Donor Program in Philadelphia, Pa., was awarded the Alumni Achievement Award; Dr. Michael Johnston ’77, an anesthesiologist at Kauai Medical Clinic in Lihue, Hawaii, received the William E. Swigart Jr. ’37 Alumni Humanitarian Award; Karen Beck ’93, controller at Logan Capital Management in Ardmore, Pa., received the Harold B. Brumbaugh ’33 Alumni Service Award; and Elena Long ’06, an assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire, received the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Howard Nathan ’75 Watch Howard's speech on YouTube: tinyurl.com/howardnathan75

Since 1984, Howard Nathan has been president and chief executive officer of Gift of Life Donor Program (formerly Delaware Valley Transplant Program), the largest and one of the oldest of the 58 organ procurement organizations in the United States. As CEO, he oversees all clinical and administrative duties for the organization, which provides all vital organs and tissues for 15 transplant centers and employs more than 200 professionals. He manages the $75 million budget of the organization, which has coordinated more than 42,000 organs for transplantation and hundreds of thousands of tissue transplants since 1974.

Nathan was elected to the board of directors for the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) for three terms and served as treasurer. He also is a past president of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), Donate Life America, and the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP).

He began his career in organ donation in 1978 as a transplant coordinator for Delaware Valley Transplant Program. Before that he worked as a research specialist at Wistar Institute from 1975 to 1977. He went on to graduate study in public health in 1978 at the University of Pittsburgh. Nathan is also the president of the Transplant Foundation; the founder and president of the Gift of Life Institute, an international research and training center for donation and transplantation professionals established in 2004; and the president of the Gift of Life Family House.

Considered a leading authority on organ and tissue donation, Nathan is a regular presenter at national and international organ and tissue procurement and transplantation conferences and has published more than 350 scientific papers and abstracts.

Nathan is an active volunteer for Juniata as well, volunteering at regional alumni events in the Philadelphia area. He has served as a Juniata Admissions Ambassador and participated in Juniata job-shadowing programs for health professions students.

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:

| Juniata

Harold B. Brumbaugh ’33 Alumni Service Award • Alumni Achievement Award Young Alumni Achievement Award • William Swigart Jr. ’37 Alumni Humanitarian Award

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For nominations and more information: www.juniata.edu/alumni/association/awards.html

Dr. Michael Johnston, a native of Harrisburg, Pa., has 30 years of experience in anesthesiology and has been affiliated with Kauai Medical Clinic in Hawaii since 1990. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Juniata in 1977 and went on to earn his medical degree at Temple University in 1981.

Dr. Johnston has made more than 25 mission medical trips with Rotoplast International, a nonprofit organization that treats children with cleft lips and palates, to China, Peru, the Philippines, Venezuela, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Togo. He has operated on nearly 2,500 children during his service to Rotoplast International. He has been making medical mission trips since 2001.

Dr. Johnston started his medical career as an intern in Lancaster General Hospital in Pennsylvania and served as a doctor in the National Health Service Corp. from 1982 to 1987 at Lee County Community Hospital in Pennington Gap, Va. He served his residency in anesthesia from 1987 to 1990 at the University of Vermont.

He received the Great Humanitarian Award from the Rotary Club of Koloa, Hawaii, in 2006 and was named to the board of directors for Rotoplast International in 2012.

Dr. Michael Johnston ’77 Watch Michael's sp eech on YouTube: tinyurl.com/michae ljohnston7 7

Karen Beck earned a bachelor’s degree in German and international marketing from Juniata in 1993. She is controller at Logan Capital Management, an investment advisory company based in Ardmore, Pa. Beck started her career at Logan Capital in 1998 and became operations manager in 2004. She was promoted to controller in 2008.

She has been extraordinarily involved as a volunteer for Juniata. Since graduation, she has worked as an admission volunteer and has served as chair of the Juniata Admission Ambassadors since 2008 and served as co-chair prior to 2008.

In addition, she served as a member of the Juniata Career Team from 1993 to 1997 and served on the College’s Alumni Council from 1998 to 2001. She has been a member of the Delaware Valley Juniata Club Leadership Team since 2010 and is on the Class of ’93 reunion committee.

3 Karen Beck ’9

YouTube: s speech on Watch Karen' 93 arenbeck tinyurl.com/k

Elena Long ’0

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Watch Elena's speech on Yo uTube: tinyurl.com/e lenalong06

2017 Spring-Summer |

Elena Long has been a postdoctoral research associate in the University of New Hampshire’s Nuclear Physics Group since 2013, and who was promoted to assistant professor this year. She is involved in the university’s polarized target spin structure research program. Her research focuses on the internal structure of nucleons.

Long earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Juniata. She went on to earn a master’s degree in physics in 2008 and a doctorate in physics in 2012, both from Kent State University.

Previously, she worked as a graduate student researcher at Kent State and the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Va.

Most recently, Long received the 2017 Kidder Award from the University if New Hampshire, one of the university’s highest LBGT-related honors. She received the oSTEM National Service Award in 2014 and was named JSA Promising Young Scientist the same year.

She has been active in her support for Juniata, returning to speak frequently and volunteering for alumni-related affinity group activities. In 2016 she received the Juniata College Office of Diversity and Inclusion Award of Recognition for Alumni Advocacy.

Long served as an executive committee member on the American Physical Society’s ad-hoc committee on LGBT issues from 2014 to 2016. She was the postdoctoral representative on the President’s Committee on the Status of LGBT Issues and the Transgender Policy and Climate Committee at the University of New Hampshire. In 2009, she also founded LGBT+Physicists.

She has been a member of the American Physical Society since 2009 and has presented her academic research at conferences and professional meetings across the United States.

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Chrisi Lerchen ’18 takes the mound for the Eagles, helping to clinch the team’s first playoff appearance in the Landmark Tournament since 2013.

The Best of

JUNIATA SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH

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Kyle Seeley ’17 was named AVCA Second Team All-American and received All-Conference honors in his senior campaign. Seeley was instrumental in helping his team win the CVC conference championship and advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

2017 Spring-Summer | 21

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Chris Schreder ’18 logged his 100th career hit in a conference game against Drew University and earned Landmark Second Team All-Conference honors.

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Vienna Cordier ’19 was a leader on the court this season and was awarded Landmark Second Team All-Conference recognition.

The Best of

JUNIATA SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Dean Polisena ’17 has shown constant focus on the court over the course of his athletic career and was named to Landmark First Team All-Conference for his success in both singles and doubles. Polisena helped his team advance to the Landmark Championship match this season.

2017 Spring-Summer |

PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH

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Trevor Clune ’17, who managed the College’s Twitter feed, goes in for a layup. In 2016-17, the men’s basketball team was selected to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Best of

JUNIATA SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTOS: J.D. CAVRICH

Rachael Anstine ’18 saw the court in 23 games for the Eagles and averaged eight points per game.

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Four new members were recognized during the 20th induction ceremony for the Juniata College Sports Hall of Fame on April 9, 2017. Pictured from left to right: Joe Montrella ’00, Nicole Mueller Gioiosa ’03, Dusty Lehr ’03, and Michael Slough ’75 were honored for their varsity sports achievements and for representing the finest ideals of Juniata College athletics. Along with the Hall of Fame class of 2017, charter member and retired coach and athletics administrator Bill Berrier ’60 was recognized at the ceremony for his induction into the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame.

Five Honored by Juniata Sports Hall of Fame Juniata celebrated its Sports Hall of Fame 2017 induction April 9. Dusty Lehr ’03, a manager at Utz Quality Foods; Joe Montrella ’00, a geologist with Office of Surface Mining in the U.S. Department of the Interior; Nicole Mueller Gioiosa ’03, manager at Johnny’s U Pull It and co-owner, Last 44 Farm; and Mike Slough ’75, research manager at BAE Systems, make up this year’s class.

season (2,915). He was honored as MAC Offensive Player of the Week three times during his senior season, including the week he threw for a Juniata and MAC record 589 yards at Widener—helping lead Juniata to a school and MAC record 711 yards of total offense. He was the recipient of the Dr. J. Harold Engle ’23 Award as the football team's most valuable quarterback for 1999-2000.

Dusty Lehr ’03 Lehr, of New Oxford, Pa., was the first Juniata male AllAmerican in track when he placed fifth nationally in the 110-meter hurdles in 2002. He was also a two-time National Championship qualifier in the Decathlon in 2002 and 2003 and the 110-meter hurdles in 2002. He was an Indoor National Championship qualifier in the 55-meter hurdles. Lehr is a seven-time MAC Championship winner, three coming in outdoor competition and earning four in indoor meets. In indoor competition, Lehr placed first in the pole vault in 2001 and 2002, and was first in the 55-meter hurdles in 2002 and 2003. He won the decathlon in 2003 and the 110-meter hurdles in 2001 and 2003 during outdoor competition.

Nicole Mueller Gioiosa ’03 Mueller, of Altoona, Pa., ranks fifth on the career women’s volleyball blocks list with 397. She was a two-time All-MAC selection and a two-time team MVP. A team captain in 2002, she was a AVCA First-Team selection. Mueller helped lead Juniata to four conference titles, four regional titles, and four trips to the NCAA Division III Final Four.

In addition, Bill Berrier ’60, Juniata’s former athletic director, was recognized for his induction into the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the first class for the Juniata College Hall of Fame in 1995.

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Joe Montrella ’00 Montrella earned First Team All-MAC Commonwealth League honors in both 1998 and 1999, becoming the first Juniata quarterback in 30 years to earn first team allconference status in back-to-back seasons. He set Juniata single season records for completions (190), attempts (355), yards (2,932), and touchdown passes (30), and set both Juniata and conference records for total offense in a single

Michael Slough ’75 Slough earned two of his six MAC championship titles at the 1973 championships plus two silver medals contributing to the team championship. He was voted the team captain and MVP in 1974 and 1975. From 1972 to 1975, he won a number of various medals at the MAC Championship meet in the 440 intermediate hurdles, the 440-yard and 220-yard dashes, long jump, 440 relay, and the mile relay. Slough held the school record in the 440-yard dash. He was a part of the 4 x 400 relay team that still holds the school record.

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Start Us Up, We’ll Never Stop Juniata’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Finds Its Path

By John Wall PHOTOGRAPHY BY: J.D. CAVRICH unless noted

Starting a new business isn’t child’s play, even taking into account all the Silicon Valley megacompany origin stories that celebrate two guys in band T-shirts inventing the Internet.

That’s why Juniata has reorganized the path to business creation at its Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership to focus less on the Big Idea and more on the foundational research and preparation on which most businesses are built.

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Isaac Fisher ’19 operates a 3D printer for Dimensions, a JCEL-started business over which he has taken ownership from its founder, a previous JCEL tenant.

Fisher has fabricated everything from a Mercedes door part to a model of an archaeological artifact.

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Terry Anderson, standing at right, has worked with his fellow faculty in the Department of Accounting, Business, and Economics to develop a flexible curriculum based on problem solving to help students understand the process of entrepreneurship.

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“We wanted students to learn to start businesses based on examining a problem,” says Terry Anderson, director of JCEL and assistant professor of entrepreneurship. “You’re more likely to create a successful business if it solves an existing problem.”

One lingering problem that the College wanted to remedy was the sustainability of student-created ventures. While JCEL in the past had nurtured a handful of successful businesses such as an ice-cream truck, a beef jerky product, and a mini-refrigerator rental business, few students were able to transition their work beyond the hot-house atmosphere of the business incubator.

“Most of the ideas coming through the entrepreneurial sequence were very similar and not unique—opening a restaurant or starting a sporting goods store— so we wanted to rewind the part about our students coming up with the big idea,” Anderson explains.

Instead, the would-be entrepreneurs start their POE by taking Intro to Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, two courses that focus on opportunity recognition and research within the marketplace. The next step is the course New Venture Startup, which asks students to test-pilot their business ideas and determine if the light bulb over the entrepreneur’s head gets brighter or dims. The student is assigned a mentor from the local or alumni communities and can apply for a Next Step Fellowship, which funds research and supplies up to $1,300.

If a student makes it through the process, the final leg of the journey is the capstone course, Entrepreneurship, or, running and growing the business. If the pilot program proves viable, the next phase means taking a detailed business plan to Anderson and the JCEL board of directors, which, if approved, can net the student up to $15,000 in funding.

The College has also tweaked how the students use the funding. In its earlier incarnation, students were expected to clock into an online workforce management platform, and work on their ventures during set hours. Instead, students are not paid by the hour but rather like a research stipend, where students can authorize larger payouts for materials, market research, or other expenses.

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Start Us Up

“The process helps students ‘think’ like

“We don’t want them working inside the building 24/7,” Anderson says.

“We want them to be outside talking to customers, mentors, or researching the needs of the community. The process helps students ‘think’ like an entrepreneur by embracing a new mindset about solving problems. Not all students will have successful startups, but the experience will make them better employees.”

The Accounting, Business, and Economics faculty also are intricately involved in the entrepreneurship sequence. Such courses as Behavioral Analysis of Organizations, Accounting, Marketing, and Economics are required.

Some students, such as Jane Shapiro ’18, of Binghamton, N.Y., found

an entrepreneur by embracing a new mindset about solving problems.

Not all students will have successful startups, but the experience will make them better employees.”

—Terry Anderson DIRECTOR OF JCEL AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Though pictured above in a classroom, Anderson believes students learning about the entrepreneurial process need to spend time out and about, talking with customers, mentors, and community members to refine their ideas and understanding.

2017 Spring-Summer |

more value in the business department’s accounting and management courses.

Shapiro transferred to Juniata from a community college and brought her idea for a community arts center with her.

Envisioning a building with gallery, performing arts, studio, and store spaces, she researched the venture by talking to more than 50 artists and people in art-related careers. In the end she found that Huntingdon could not support such a space and scaled back her vision to start an art supply store in Huntingdon. She hopes to take the experience of running the store for her senior year and apply it to her art center concept in a larger city.

“I’ve had this idea since high school and at Juniata I was able to combine art and entrepreneurialism,” she says.

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Beyond Duct Tape

| Juniata

Joey DiGangi ’18

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I have always loved building things and coming up with creative solutions to problems.

This year, I applied my passion for problemsolving to a medical condition that affects 15 million Americans, including me. I have a severe allergy to nuts— specifically peanuts and almonds. Ingesting a peanut or almond can cause my body to go into anaphylactic shock. I break out in hives and my throat closes up to the point where I can’t speak or breathe.

Everyone who has a life-threatening allergy knows they must always carry an epinephrine autoinjector with them.

The most common version is the EpiPen. EpiPens can inject epinephrine into the blood stream to reverse the allergic reaction.

Even though I know how important having an EpiPen is, I have always been bad at remembering to bring it with me when I go places.

In fall semester 2016, I took a course called Entrepreneurial Creative Thinking, where the credo is “identify a problem, find a solution.”

My problems? Forgetting to bring my EpiPen with me. My throat closing up during an allergic reaction, preventing me from calling for help.

The medication inside the EpiPen overheating or freezing and thus becoming less effective.

And the challenge of finding safe places to eat.

After identifying my problems I made sure the issues I face affected others in the food allergy community.

I spoke to everyone I could find on campus who either had severe food allergies or cared for someone with this medical condition. I also spoke to my allergists, and Connie Peters, the nurse at Juniata’s Health and Wellness Center. The responses I collected showed me that my problems were universal.

However, I needed to confirm my findings on a larger scale. I conducted a 200-person survey among online support communities for people with food allergies. The results overwhelmingly showed that these problems were issues for the entire community.

The next step: forming a solution.

When I was in ninth grade, I had addressed my trouble remembering my EpiPen by taping it to the back of my cell phone. This idea worked quite well at the time, but someone already invented duct tape, so no business opportunity there.

I decided to create a case for the device that synced to an app on smartphones via wireless connection.

Whenever a person gets out of range of his or her autoinjector the

phone will receive an alarm saying, “Retrieve the device.” Additionally, when the case is opened, the app sends a notification to predesignated emergency contacts.

As I developed this new product, I discovered another company, Aterica, was in the process of developing a product that was similar in almost every way to my proposed product.

Aterica had also planned to offer nearly identical service features. This was devastating. For around a week and a half I was miserable, wondering whether I should continue my business venture.

After researching the Aterica product, I realized that there was ample room for innovation and improvement. I can’t share exactly what this entails, but I am currently working on an improved version that offers the same value and features, and is more practical.

I will be working with several students at the College and Penn State University to help bring this idea to market.

As we move forward in our research and development, we are open to working with Mylan, the company that produces the EpiPen, and Kaleo, the producer of the Auvi-Q (the second most popular auto injector).

—Joey DiGangi ’18, Juniata Associate for Media Relations

Start Us Up

Maddie Joyce ’18 is developing ideas related to the needs of personal fitness devotees, including her venture MJoyFit.

“I tend to be very impatient and JCEL’s process taught be to be very

The step-by-step structure of JCEL’s process appealed to Maddie Joyce ’18, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., who has used the Center’s resources to start a personal training business and is currently researching an idea called ProClean.

She identified a problem—the rank smell left in protein shake bottles (used by workout devotees) if they are not washed immediately.

Her solution: an easy-to-use cleansing tablet that can be dropped into the shake bottle with water, purifying and cleaning the bottle. “There is an existing product that is liquid that is used when you’re home or doing dishes, but most people don’t immediately wash their used bottles,” Joyce explains. She pitched the idea at last year’s Business Pitch Competition and placed second. “Everybody told me it was a great research opportunity,” she adds.

This year, Joyce has created the personal training venture, MJoyFit, to help fund her larger idea. She also spent the summer talking to gym owners in

Mechanicsburg to see if they thought the idea was viable. She has put a funding proposal together for the JCEL board.

In the meantime, she also approached chemist Richard Hark and biologist Gina Lamendella on the feasibility of hiring four science students to develop the cleansing tablet as a summer research project.

“I tend to be very impatient and JCEL’s process taught me to be very patient and to focus on each step of the process,” she says. “I want this to be a success for me and the College—because people using your product or talking about your idea is just the coolest thing.”

The new changes for the JCEL educational sequence seem to be paying dividends. When Anderson took over the program there were three Entrepreneurship POEs and the program now has 12. While JCEL has been part of the Juniata curriculum for a decade, the focus on problem solving is relatively recent.

patient and to focus on each step of the process. I want this to be a success for me and the College— because people using your product or talking about your idea is just the coolest thing.”

MECHANICSBURG, PA

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—Maddie Joyce ’18

From participating in the business pitch competition to creating her own business, Maddie Joyce ’18 has made full use of the Juniata Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership as well as the Brumbaugh Fitness Center.

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Start Us Up

Amy Chen ’19 is looking to solve the problem of voter apathy. She’s working on creating an “app” for smartphones, giving voters electoral information at the touch of a button. “You put in your ZIP code, address, and political party and you have access to bios, issues, and where your polling place is located,” she says. “I think it’s a way to increase voter turnout and educate voters.”

Chen is still researching the concept and presented the idea for a Next Step Fellowship.

The College’s original vision for the Sill Incubator and JCEL included student housing and a myriad of student businesses that could be developed at the Sill Incubator and taken out into the real world, or taken over by younger students.

One such business that was taken over by a successor is Dimensions, a 3-D

| Juniata

Through her experiences at JCEL, Amy Chen ’19, a left-fielder on the women’s softball team, is developing an app to overcome voter apathy.

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printing company owned by Isaac Fisher ’19, a chemistry POE from Huntingdon, Pa. The business, located at the Sill Business Incubator, features two 3-D printers and a scanner, a $10,000 to $15,000 investment made by the previous owner through JCEL’s Seed Capital fund. With threads of plastic inserted into the printer, the whole operation looks like a space-age sewing room. The machines are designed to fabricate or replicate what Fisher has designed or scanned into the computer.

He can do anything from replicating a simple cap-nut to creating a door part for a Mercedes automobile. “I’ve done 3-D models of artifacts for archaeologist Jonathan Burns, so people don’t have to touch the real artifact while he’s showing it,” says Fisher.

Fisher is planning to expand by starting computer-aided design (CAD)

services and modeling services. He says more people are becoming familiar with 3-D printing, which bodes well for the business. He hasn’t decided if he will continue past his graduation date, but he loves the venture’s mix of science and mechanical ability. “The challenge is going to be understanding materials and how they are used in the printers,” he says.

Juniata’s immersion into entrepreneurial education was a natural outgrowth of a still-fervent trend in higher education inspired by the halcyon days of Silicon Valley companies such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, all founded by college students (or college dropouts).

Major universities and liberal arts colleges scrambled to develop incubators or innovation centers that would give business students an energizing new major and give administrators a brightly-lit, positive example of how colleges and universities can produce work-ready graduates.

Although student interest in entrepreneurial centers and starting businesses is still strong, entrepreneurialism in general is experiencing a bit of a downturn. According to The State of Entrepreneurialism 2015, a report published by the Kauffman Foundation, U.S. business creation is trending downward and the percentage of young people starting businesses is lower now than it was in the 1990s. Factors affecting the lower numbers could include the economy, relatively stagnant since the 2008 Great Recession, which prevents graduates from accumulating work experience, or student debt, which may require students to opt for steady salaries.

The most successful model for teaching entrepreneurship emerges from Stanford University, located (no surprise) in the heart of Silicon Valley. The culture of Stanford’s StartX and other innovation programs “immerse faculty and students in interdisciplinary work and learning through problem solving,” according to a 2015 article

by Beth McMurtrie in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Juniata’s adaptation of elements of the Stanford model are obvious, but the Center’s mission also includes responsibilities to develop and nurture businesses created by Juniata faculty as well as entrepreneurs in Huntingdon or surrounding communities.

Although few faculty initially found the time to take advantage of JCEL’s facilities and the Center’s status as a Keystone Innovation Zone (which makes

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startups eligible for state tax credits and low-interest loans), more professors are exploring business opportunities.

For example, Jamie White, professor of physics, has established a United States office for MOG Labs, an Australian company. Started four years ago, the company markets lasers used in quantum optics labs at national laboratories and research universities across the United States. The small business has proved to be so successful that the company donated an $18,000 laser to the College in the 2016-2017 academic year. Chemist Richard Hark also has formed a company called Artifactual, which seeks to monetize his expertise at using scientific instruments such as Raman spectroscopes and laser-induced spectroscopes to analyze materials in artworks and historical artifacts.

Certainly the most advanced startup—in terms of technology and business reach—to emerge from JCEL is Wright Labs LLC, a genomics analysis company created in 2015 by biologist Gina Lamendella and Juniata graduate Justin Wright ’14. The company specializes in microbial community profiling and meta-genome sequencing, which leverages Lamendella’s research in tracing how microbes affect such environments as streams, soil, and the human digestive system.

Lamendella’s career experience in tracing microbial communities in her labs at the University of Cincinnati, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, and Juniata has given her a relatively rare skill set that she in turn has passed on to Wright and the dozen or so students that she mentors each year. Explained simply, Wright Labs’ business model takes samples of water, soil, fecal material, or other substances and identifies the genetic material within the microbes of the sample. Then using gene sequencing technology, the company can “sort” through massive amounts of genetic data to see patterns or compare healthy microbial communities to damaged microbial communities.

(L-R) Justin Wright ’14, left, and Professor Gina Lamendella are the brains behind Wright Labs LLC, a genomics analysis company created in 2015 and housed in Juniata’s Sill Business Incubator. Pictured with them is the company’s newest employee, Christopher McLimans ’17.

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Start Us Up

Wright Labs has experienced sufficient growth to provide summer research opportunities for five Juniata students, purchase equipment for Juniata’s instructional labs, and contribute computing equipment.

“Justin and I thought this would be a nice little side business but we quadrupled in size from year one to year two.”

—Gina Lamendella

| Juniata

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

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“There are many labs that can identify the bacteria within an environment and will generate piles of data, leaving you to sort through the data to sniff out trends or answers,” Lamendella explains. “Our company can generate the mountains of data and search within it to discover trends, answers, or new ideas. We got very excited about making this technology available to people who are making an impact in transitioning research into medicine.”

The startup has attracted clients from all over the world, including Penn State Hershey Medical Center. “Justin and I thought this would be a nice little side business but we quadrupled in size from year one to year two.”

So far the business supports Wright as a full time biometrician (as a reference, beginning biometrics specialists can make from $40,000 to $80,000 annually), and hired Christopher McLimans ’17 soon after Commencement. In addition, the venture also provided summer research funding for five Juniata students last year and the same amount in 2017. Lamendella also was able to buy a computer pod for Juniata’s supercomputer stack, a thermal cycler, and other equipment for the College’s lab. Plus, the company made a substantial profit, which in turn was plowed back into the business.

Other faculty also collaborate with the business department’s entrepreneurial curriculum by incorporating elements of startup principles into existing classes, funded by grants from the Coleman Foundation. Bethany Benson, associate professor of art, uses entrepreneurial principles as students organize the College’s annual ceramics sale and Juniata’s

Empty Bowls event. Environmental scientist Uma Ramakrishnan used grant funds to bring in speakers to talk about business opportunities in natural resource management.

Cultivation of community resources also is a central mission for Juniata, and JCEL has helped local entrepreneurs get new businesses off the ground since it opened its doors. In partnership with Huntingdon County Business and Industry, Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce, and St. Francis University Small Business Development Center, the Center works with small business startups, offering office space in the Sill Incubator, resources, and other help. Kristie Putt, assistant director of JCEL, manages the day-to-day operations for the Incubator, oversees the use of conference rooms or other public spaces in the facility, and recruits and retains businesses at the Sill Incubator. She also tracks data collection for all the businesses at JCEL, analytics that are important when businesses, the College, or JCEL apply for grants or other types of funding.

“My goal is to make JCEL a community, not just people who are next door to each other in a cubicle,” Putt says.

“I think we all operate in a neighborly fashion.”

Currently, the Incubator’s office space for community businesses is 100 percent occupied by such businesses as a local attorney, an insurance agency, Quinn Analytics (a database analysis firm), Dimensions (Fisher’s 3-D printing), and computer-assisted design business, and a realtor.

One of the most recent local tenants is the Central Pennsylvania Clinic, a

“I wanted our students to be a part of the TuesdaysTogether gatherings and to benefit from the relationships with our community business owners. So, I applied to be a leader and now Juniata is the first college chapter for The Rising Tide Society—the first to include both students and professionals.”

—Kristie Putt

PHOTO: VERONICA COS MOP

OLIS ’20

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF JCEL

Kristie Putt works with Greg Quinn, owner of Quinn Analytics, a business tenant in the Sill Incubator. Putt’s goal as JCEL’s assistant director is to make the place a community, and not just a group of people sitting next to one another.

2017 Spring-Summer |

genetic testing facility for the company founded by Dr. D. Holmes Morton, a pediatrician who founded the Clinic for Special Children, in Strasburg, Pa., to track genetic diseases in the Amish and Mennonite communities. The company is utilizing JCEL’s oversized “wet lab” space to prepare and analyze a variety of genetic tests. “The opportunities are enormous for the College,” says Putt. “They want to be part of Juniata. They’re willing to teach and to hire students. They are very willing to be part of the community.”

Putt says the company, headquartered in Belleville, Pa., will gradually build its presence in the Center as it expands its testing and analysis business.

Putt also sees potential in cultivating creative entrepreneurs, people she calls “solo-preneurs” or “makers,” and has used JCEL to establish a Huntingdon County chapter of The Rising Tide Society, which was established in 2015 as a meeting source for creative entrepreneurs.

The society sponsors meetings called TuesdaysTogether, so small business owners could gather and compare notes with similar-minded entrepreneurs. The group is open to any type of business owner, but was originally aimed at creative business owners such as artists, photographers, bakers, or—as Putt puts it—“makers.”

“I wanted our students to be a part of the TuesdaysTogether gatherings and to benefit from the relationships with our community business owners. So, I applied to be a leader and now Juniata is the first college chapter for The Rising Tide Society—the first to include both students and professionals,” Putt says.

Like any new venture, it took a while for JCEL to find its footing, but the business sequence/incubator approach seems to be paying dividends for the College. Student enthusiasm for business creation can attract faculty participation and provide an outlet for faculty and community business ideas.

MJoyFit founder, Joyce, a former basketball player at Widener College and a current lacrosse athlete, transferred to Juniata specifically because she saw the Juniata Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership as a beacon drawing her in. “I saw this and the ideas I had been sketching throughout my childhood made sense. I want to apply this to what I want to do for the rest of my life.” >J<

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Juniataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mountain Day Students Share Research Projects with

| Juniata

Taken in the Ellis Ballroom, this photo of a single poster session of the 2017 Liberal Arts Symposium will reveal to the astute Juniatian more than just dozens of students but at least two trustees, at least four faculty members, and a staff member. The attendees are a testament to just how much LAS is an event for the entire Juniata community.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mountain Day of the Mind featured twice the number of posters as the 2016 event.

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of the Mind Juniata’s Academic Community

By Joey DiGangi ’18 PHOTOGRAPHY BY: J.D. CAVRICH

2017 Spring-Summer | 37

Mountain Day of the Mind

Juniata bursts with traditions.

Students stand before hundreds and speak at the Bailey Oratorical. Every fall, firstyear students willingly line up to get tackled by upperclassmen during the Storming of the Arch, and those same students can’t believe when classes are cancelled for Mountain Day. Liberal Arts Symposium (LAS) has been called “Mountain Day of the Mind.”

As on regular Mountain Day, students are given a day off from classes, but for the onethird of Juniata students who participate, LAS is anything but relaxing. Students spend hundreds of hours researching, preparing final projects, and practicing their presentations before showcasing their work

| Juniata

to the College.

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ANALYZE THIS VIDEO

Meet Morgan Horell ’17, a multimedia arts production and marketing POE from Altoona, Pa., who worked on a senior thesis project that addressed the way independent videographers adapt their personal style to fit corporate approaches. “Yes, I’m a creative person and have all of these skills, but can I fit into what they do?”

Horell wondered.

Horell examined four companies that produce online entertainment: ATTN:, Buzzfeed, Cut.com, and Soul Pancake. From there, she selected one video from each of the companies. Each video tackled a similar topic: mothers.

Horell analyzed the way each company constructed their videos. She looked at how the video message is constructed and examined the film language used by the videographer such as camera movement, lighting, organization, emotional reaction, invention, and the writing style of the script.

Her analysis took most of the fall semester to complete. She started with a literature review, which she described as “finding everything that’s ever been written about all of the videos I am looking at.” She spent the rest of fall semester writing an analysis based on her research. In spring semester, she produced four videos of her own designed to fit each company’s style. She chose the theme of “change” for each of her videos.

The Liberal Arts Symposium, established in 2006, was designed to provide a forum for students from different areas of study to

Morgan Horell ’17 edits one of four short films she created in the styles of four online entertainment sites. While categorized as a “fine arts project” for LAS, her work included message analysis, a literature review, and technical research, bringing a multidisciplinary approach to the work she ultimately shared.

demonstrate what they are working on to the rest of the College.

Horell’s work is classified as a fine arts project. On the day of LAS, she can see what fellow students in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences are doing.

AIRPLANES AND ECONOMICS

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Ryan Mull ’17 is from Fairfax, Va., and a political economy POE. Participation in LAS is not only a Juniata tradition, but a personal one as well. This was his third year at LAS. Mull looked at something that has fascinated him since he was a toddler: commercial airlines. He examined the political and economic impact of international commercial aviation companies entering the U.S. market. No small feat.

In most countries, the domestic airline industry is protected.

“In the United States, they want only American airlines to fly from Los Angeles to New York, or in China, they want only Chinese airlines flying from Beijing to Shanghai,” explained Mull.

Near the end of the Obama administration, an international airline, Norwegian Air Shuttle, was granted permission to open operations in the U.S. “This would be the first step of expanding into the American market,” said Mull.

Mull examined studies conducted on how the airline market responds to foreign competition. He analyzed various statistics

Liberal Arts Symposium, established in 2006, was designed to provide a forum for students from different areas of study to demonstrate what they are working on to the rest of the College.

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Mountain Day of the Mind

In preparing for his third LAS, Ryan Mull ’17 examined political and economic issues in the airline industry, with a goal of creating a policy proposal for the Trump administration.

“So, what would make America greater? Would it be protecting the airline industry? Or would it be fostering a free market?”

—Ryan Mull ’17 | Juniata

FAIRFAX, VA

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about what could happen if Norwegian enters the market. Although the Obama administration opened the market, President Donald Trump’s plans for commercial aviation, and whether he will allow Norwegian to expand into the U.S., remain unclear. That situation set up Mull’s final project: a policy proposal for the Trump administration.

The issue is complicated because the politics and the economics of the situation are at odds with each other. Economically, Norwegian’s entrance would be a boon to the consumer. For instance, an American airline could charge a consumer $250 for a round-trip across the country. If Norwegian were to enter the marketplace and begin offering the same flight for $150, American airlines would have to follow suit or risk losing customers. It seems like the question is simple: would you rather fly from New York to Los Angeles for $250? Or $150?

But it’s more complex. A foreign airline, like Norwegian, entering the American market would have an adverse effect on domestic companies. If domestic airlines are no longer able to charge as much per flight, they must make cuts elsewhere. This could mean reduced services, route reductions, or layoffs.

History has shown that actions resulting in a loss of American jobs threaten political careers. This puts President Trump in a difficult situation.

“Trump ran on the platform of ‘making America great again.’ So, what would make America greater?” said Mull. “Would it be protecting the airline industry? Or would it be fostering a free market?”

ROOTS OF CONSERVATISM

While the humanities look at how people understand human experience and its impact on culture, social science students, such as Andrew Burlingame ’17, focus on how human beings think and behave.

Burlingame is a history and politics POE working on his senior thesis paper, “The Roots and Effects of Conservatism in Central Pennsylvania.”

Burlingame looked at the political atmosphere of four Pennsylvania counties: Blair, Huntingdon, Bedford, and Fulton.

He’s from Blair County and will graduate in Huntingdon County, so he wanted to investigate the roots of his region’s political beliefs.

After returning to Juniata in fall 2016, he started collecting data by splitting the history of the four counties into four sections: settlement/pre-industrialization; industrialization; de-industrialization; and post-industrialization. To understand each period’s contribution to the region’s overall conservative attitude, he spent over a semester and a half reviewing journals, diaries, surveys, census data, and election results.

He also analyzed a 400-page dissertation on a similar topic by Tim Blessing, a professor of history and politics from Alvernia University.

He then interpreted each source to determine how the events shaped the political climate of central Pennsylvania.

“There was an early distrust of the government as a result of their ineffectiveness dealing with violence from Native Americans. This created this idea of resentment and distrust.”

—Andrew Burlingame ’17 ALTOONA, PA

Andrew Burlingame ’17 studied the census data, diaries, journals, newspapers, and other information sources from pre-colonial central Pennsylvania to the present in his research to understand the roots of conservatism in the region he calls home.

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Mountain Day of the Mind

“An ecosystem with non-native trees can sustain itself because predacious bugs still live on non-native trees, which means that birds and other species further up the food chain have a food source.”

—Kendra Bierman ’19

| Juniata

YORK, PA

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BUGGED ABOUT NATIVE SPECIES

Horell, Mull, and Burlingame each are doing individual projects. Students participating in LAS may also choose to work with partners. That’s exactly what Annaleigh Baremore ’19 of Silver Spring Md., Kendra Bierman ’19 of York, Pa., and Max Ferlauto ’19 of Arlington, Va. did.

The trio of environmental science students did their LAS project on how native and non-native tree species affect insect species that are food sources for birds in a specific area.

Imagine taking a walk down a local street. Do you ever stop and notice what kind of trees are planted near the road?

Do you think about how the type of tree growing near the road can affect the bird population in the area? Trees that are native to the area, and trees that are not, play different roles in the food chain.

As far as birds are concerned, not all trees are created equal. Certain types of trees attract the insects birds like to eat, while others do not.

The three students examined trees at the Peace Chapel to determine how

many bugs of how many different species inhabit them. How? Beat-sheeting. “That’s when you beat trees with a stick and you collect the bugs on a white sheet,” explains Ferlauto.

Trees that have lots of insects are a sustainable food source for birds; trees with fewer are not.

Studies suggest that native trees are better insect food sources for birds than non-native trees. Baremore, Bierman, and Ferlauto’s research has yielded similar results so far. The trio has submitted their research to the Pennsylvania Botany Symposium held in State College, Pa., where they received second place.

The students will be gathering additional data over the summer and through next year from the Peace Chapel.

They also plan to improve their research methodology. “We used shrubs and trees in our LAS study, and we’re trying to only use trees in our work next year,” explains Baremore. This summer, the group will expand its geographic area by including street trees in Huntingdon and Altoona, Pa.

Kendra Bierman ’19 and Max Ferlauto ’19 do some “beat-sheeting,” beating or shaking trees over sheets that collect insects shaken loose from the branches. Researchers then count the insects. With them is their professor, Norris Muth, of the biology department.

PLANNING, PREPARATION PAYS OFF

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In the last week and a half leading up to LAS, the students participating shifted focus from the academic work to their presentations. Students can present their work in several ways.

After completing the research and analysis, Horell had to find volunteers, who totaled close to 70 people, to be in her films. Next, she edited the videos so that they mirrored the original styles used by the companies she analyzed. It took her five weeks to edit her shortest video, which lasts just 60 seconds, mostly because of the learning curve for editing techniques.

The other three were completed on three-week timetables. The videos ranged in length from one minute to almost four minutes.

At LAS, she showed her clip, “Social Change Through Social Media,” alongside a professionally produced ATTN: video. She gave an oral presentation in which she described her entire process. She worked with her faculty sponsor, Donna Weimer, to determine what information should be included in her relatively short presentation.

Mull also did an oral presentation. He worked hard to keep his audience in mind when preparing to speak. LAS presentations are open to everyone, meaning that anyone can be in the crowd. He carefully included explanations about his research and findings so it would make sense to audience members who may not be as familiar with the subject matter.

When preparing for any presentation, Mull likes to practice whenever he can. “Why sing in the shower when you can talk about airplanes?” he joked.

Burlingame practiced with his roommates. One crucial element of Burlingame’s presentation was his PowerPoint. He only had 12 minutes to speak, so organization was critical. “The PowerPoint is broken into the four different periods I’m researching,” he explained. “Each section talks about the different economic changes going on through each of the periods. Then I try to bring each section back to the conservative movement.”

At LAS this year, 125 posters were presented. Baremore, Bierman, and Ferlauto created their poster when they presented at the Pennsylvania Botany Symposium and the Pennsylvania Wildlife Society Conference. “In a way, those two conferences have been our preparation because in both cases, we were in front of our poster talking to people who came by, explaining what we have done, and answering questions,” explained Bierman.

The group worked with their faculty sponsor, biologist Norris Muth, to organize the poster’s content. They laid out how their poster would introduce their topic, explain their method, and show their results. Juniata covers the cost of each poster at LAS.

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Mountain Day of the Mind

MOUNTAIN DAY OF THE MIND

| Juniata

Andrew Burlingame was one of the first students to present his work on the big day.

At 10:15 a.m. in Founders Hall on Thursday morning, students and faculty poured into a crowded classroom that was standing-room only when Burlingame began.

Burlingame’s research concluded that conservatism had existed in central Pennsylvania since the area was first settled and built his case over the next 11 minutes. “There was an early distrust of the government as a result of their ineffectiveness dealing with violence from Native Americans,” he explained. “This created this idea of resentment and distrust.”

He went on to point out that the isolation of the valley, with “core families” dominating the population, cultivated an “us vs. them” mindset. Burlingame argued that the conservative viewpoint of the Juniata Valley did not shift over time, as other researchers theorized, but rather remained strong through good times and bad. He noted the lack of jobs in the valley, first due to its primarily agricultural economy and then, in the post-industrial period, when industries such as railroads and factories left. This kept people from moving to the area. This in turn prevented fresh faces that might have developed differing points of view from moving to the area.

Burlingame used PowerPoint to make his presentation and each slide revealed how the area’s original “us vs. them” mindset contributed to the area’s conservative atmosphere. He illustrated each point with quotes from his research or historical photographs. By the end of the presentation he had taken the audience from colonial times to the 2016 presidential election and explained why voters in the Juniata Valley gave President Donald Trump the highest vote percentage for any Republican in history.

Horell also presented to a packed house in Sill Boardroom. “I was surprised how many people were there,” she said.

“But in hindsight I thought, ‘it’s Juniata students—they always show up to LAS.’”

Horell started by showing examples of charts she made to track the stylistic choices each company uses in producing videos.

She detailed how her charts and research helped her understand the techniques used.

She explained that videographers can use a similar method of analysis to adapt their style to produce content that fits into a company’s brand.

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“A lot of production companies require you to make a video in their style, or have a visual portfolio. They asked me, ‘How comfortable are you fitting into our company style?’

And I said, ‘That’s exactly what I did my thesis on!’”

—Morgan Horell ’17 ALTOONA, PA

Then she unveiled her finished product: one of her videos that mirrored the artistic style of a professional company.

She was only able to show her ATTN: video because of time constraints, but she posted the others online. For this project, Horell had to learn new technical skills, but also gained professional skills. “Having the chance to defend my stylistic choices and talk about the reasons I made those choices has been beneficial because I will be defending my work as a professional,” Horell explained.

Ryan Mull simplified his presentation titled: “Airlines, Airports, and Trump,” by posing the question: “Would you rather pay $350 or $100 to travel from NYC to LA?”

Mull explained how Norwegian Air Shuttle is expanding to enter the U.S. market, and shaped his talk as a position paper for President Trump outlining the pros and cons of the proposal.

Mull calls it “Neo-Regulation.”

Months of research have led him to the conclusion that President Trump should temporarily deny Norwegian entrance into the U.S. airline market. During the temporary halt on Norwegian’s expansion, Mull recommended the government encourage more competition among existing airlines already serving the domestic market.

Among the changes is his recommendation that U.S. airlines adapt their flight strategies from “hub and spoke” models, where planes fly from a central service center (which is economically advantageous for airlines), to a “point to point” model where airlines set prices solely on each leg of the journey (less infrastructure and employee overhead means this model is less expensive for consumers). He also argued that the federal government improve airport infrastructure through government subsidies from the Department of Transportation to improve runways, terminals, and ground facilities to make room for any emerging airline seeking a place in the U.S. market.

Mull’s presentation and policy proposal was so detailed that onlookers might have benefitted from a crash course in airline jargon. But the questionand-answer session brought up several challenges about the difficulty of implementing his plan.

Mull called up visuals of point-topoint and hub-and-spoke models while explaining that it would be difficult for the

that eat other insects. Herbivorous bugs can feed only on native trees, but the less-picky diet for predacious bugs means they don’t care as much about which trees are planted in the area.

“An ecosystem with non-native trees can sustain itself because predacious bugs still live on non-native trees, which means that birds and other species further up the food chain have a food source,” Bierman explained. “We’re going to continue exploring this topic because there isn’t as much research on the food webs associated with trees and on specific species of insects.”

REFLECTING ON LAS

Student presenters are expected to stand with their posters and engage attendees, answer questions, and describe their work extemporaneously. LAS is facilitated by Matt Beaky, director of undergraduate research and associate professor of physics, who leads Juniata’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry.

“LAS adds a level of professionalism.

Before you present you tend to think of this as another school project.

At LAS, you stop being a student and become a professional.”

—Morgan Horell ’17 ALTOONA, PA

2017 Spring-Summer |

airlines, but ultimately benefit the consumer.

“The Neo-Regulation strategy would allow the Trump administration to juggle its promise to promote free markets while offering protection to American carriers, their employees, and average consumers,” he concluded.

The final portion of LAS is the poster session. Posters were presented from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in Beeghly library and Ellis Ballroom.

Baremore, Bierman, and Ferlauto presented their research at 3 p.m. Stationed by their poster, the ballroom instantly filled to capacity. It was almost impossible to hear the person standing next to you over the sound of other conversations. The trio of researchers answered questions in waves.

The clamor in the room required them to bring questioners close to the poster to explain their exciting discovery. “There is no real difference between LAS and when graduate students and even professors present at professional conferences,” explained Muth.

The students’ research already supported existing theories about native and non-native tree species playing different roles in the ecosystem, but they found that the non-native trees affect herbivorous bugs significantly more than predatory species

“To see your work on the big screen is just so much fun,” Horell said. Besides learning valuable editing and animation techniques, she also has a project that she can show to potential employers. “A lot of production companies require you to make a video in their style, or have a visual portfolio,” she said. She already has a job lined up after graduation. “They asked me, ‘How comfortable are you fitting into our company style?’ And I said, ‘That’s exactly what I did my thesis on!’”

“LAS was like the exclamation point for all of the hours, all of the sleepless nights, the baggy-eyes, and the professors going ‘you look awful today,’ because I was up all night doing research,” Mull said. “It was really fun.

Juniata really emphasizes that things don’t exist in a vacuum. I connected politics with economics with airplanes. Being able to connect the dots is an important skill—it’s good for problem solving and employers love that.”

Baremore, Bierman, and Ferlauto’s poster was a learning experience for both the visitors and the three researchers. The group was visited by professors and students from different departments, some of whom offered suggestions and advice for future research. They plan on implementing several suggestions, including taking measurements on the biomass of the insects they collect.

They’ll dry out the bugs they gather and weigh what’s left. This will tell them how much food the insect populations are contributing to the food chain. “For example, it might take 1,000 mosquitos to equal one juicy caterpillar,” explained Ferlauto.

“LAS adds a level of professionalism,” added Horell. “Before you present you tend to think of this as another school project.

At LAS, you stop being a student and become a professional.” >J<

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2-4-6-8 Let’s Renovate Ellis Hall by the Numbers

For most Juniata students, Ellis Hall draws them to its various amenities­—dining, postal services, the College bookstore, study space, and more—all through their four years on campus. Given its central role in their lives and its prominent place on campus, it feels appropriate to give some statistics, numbers, and out-and-out trivia about the College’s student center. One bit: its original name was Ellis College Center, used off and on until about 2005.

In early 2017, Juniata completed a renovation of Ellis Hall’s entrance, replacing its distinctive four-column portico with a modern façade that allowed more accessibility for students, families, and visitors. Although the new addition looks like an expansion, the “footprint” of the building takes up the same amount of space as the old entrance steps and porch.

For those who prefer statistics to reading an in-depth history of student dining facilities, please wander through some of these numbers to see if anything pops out as must-know information.

| Juniata

PHOTO BY: J.D. CAVRICH

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That’s how many years Ellis Hall has been part of Juniata, or two years less than Paul Schettler taught chemistry at the College. Built in 1969, by Paul Hickes, an Alexandria, Pa., builder.

6

That’s how many buildings on campus, including Ellis Hall, were built by Hickes Construction Company.

2

That’s two Ellises. The College’s student center is not named solely after Charles Ellis, president from 1930 to 1943, nor his son, Calvert Ellis, president from 1943 to 1968. The building is named for both presidents.

4

The number of two-story columns supporting the roof of Ellis Hall.

Sheathed in wood, the interior columns were made of steel.

2017 Spring-Summer | 47

4

The number of steel columns of the original four that had rusted from the bottom, leaving just the wood sheathed columns as support.

The damaged part of the steel columns were cut away and new steel was welded to the original support columns.

“Super Tote”

This was the original nickname for Ellis Hall, popularized by Juniata students who missed The Totem Inn, the former student center located in the basement of the now-demolished Women’s Gym.

| Juniata

PHOTO BY: J.D. CAVRICH

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200

The WKVR radio antenna is 200 feet high. Installed in 1997, it remains part of the building. The previous antenna was perched on the top of Ellis Hall’s roof and was just 80 feet in height.

$2 million

The original budget for building Ellis Hall in 1969.

$1 million The final budget for the 2017 Ellis Hall renovation.

2

The number of floors the new Thyssenkrupp elevator services. The elevator does not go to the basement, but the basement remains accessible via other entrances.

0

That’s the number of extra rooms required to run the elevator. Many building elevators have “machine rooms” that contain the technology and machinery to run the elevator. In Ellis Hall the elevator’s operating machinery is contained within the shaft.

Ellis Hall by the Numbers

1,221

The number of square feet added to the building’s interior space.

The ground floor added 521 square feet and the second floor added 700 square feet.

Bamboo

That’s the environmentally friendly material from which the new entrance desk on the ground floor is made.

8

That’s the number of months it took to build the façade extension— from May 15, 2016 to Jan. 20, 2017.

$23,000

The budget for the plush-but-sturdy leather chairs, tables, and other furniture that are in use within the new space.

General Contractor: Poole Anderson Construction Architect: Street Dixon Rick Mechanical Contractor: East Hills Engineering Associates Structural Engineering: Stahl Sheaffer Engineering LLC

2017 Spring-Summer | 49

By John Wall PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ANDREW BURLINGAME â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17 unless noted

| Juniata

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

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A Bright, Shining Opportunity Juniata Course Explores Vietnam’s Transition to Global Economy

T

ry to imagine this scenario happening anywhere other than Juniata. A professor and a student are sitting in a café somewhere in The Gambia in summer 2015, the northwestern African country where the College has created short-term and longterm study abroad programs. The professor asks the student how she is enjoying the program.

The enthusiastic student, an international student who gleefully embraced Juniata’s commitment to international education, said, “I thought ‘The Gambia is a small emerging country and Vietnam is a small, emerging country; we should organize a trip to Vietnam.’” Anh Ha ’17, of Hanoi, Vietnam, says. “It was literally just a joke at the beginning, but I really wanted to show (Professor Nagengast) and the students that Vietnam was different from whatever they had seen on TV, YouTube, and the history books.”

2017 Spring-Summer | 51

A Bright, Shining Opportunity

b ’17 while Provost Anh Ha ’17 greets Roni Lau looks on. Ha helped Lauren Bowen, to Ha’s left, gn and exec ute a desi ast eng Nag il Professor Em of Vietnam. ion nat e lear ning trip to her hom

| Juniata

In perhaps 99 out of 100 conversations between professor and student, such words would be considered and then quickly forgotten, probably lost to well-intentioned but distracted follow-up or discounting the effort because of the work involved.

It helped that the two participants in this conversation were Emil Nagengast, professor of politics and an academic noted for his eagerness to pursue a new interest, and Ha, a student who, once she gloms on to an idea, pursues her goal with the singlemindedness of the true believer.

Ha’s experience as a student on The Gambia study abroad program challenged her preconceptions about Africa and The Gambia in particular. “I kept thinking about Vietnam and how assumptions can really shape our thoughts about a place,” she says.

“I kept trying to explain how Vietnam compares to other countries, but I soon realized the best way to explain Vietnam is to let them see it.”

When the Juniata group returned from Africa, Ha headed home to Hanoi, and Nagengast returned to Huntingdon. The email blitz began. Ha wrote an itinerary, listing where students would visit and their participatory activities. She sent another itinerary that included a budget. Next, she added a budget that allowed for 12 student visitors. “I could tell he was interested,” she recalls, smiling.

By June of 2016, Nagengast had agreed to visit Ha in Vietnam to see how a program

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would work. She took him to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, and into the highlands of Vietnam. During the visit Nagengast visited three college campuses and gave two lectures. He was impressed at Ha’s level of commitment.

Nagengast was able to get the course approved for the 2016-2017 academic year, which meant a fall semester class learning about the country, followed by a trip to Vietnam during winter break.

In the following spring semester, all the participants were to write a paper reflecting on the trip.

“We could not have done this without Anh,” Nagengast says. She even took over recruiting students for the trip, using Facebook to bring in 19 students, and all but one would make the final trip. The course cost $2,850, one of Juniata’s least expensive study abroad programs, according to Kati Csoman, dean of international programs.

Juniata Provost Lauren Bowen also made the trip, not only to support faculty and students who were learning while abroad, but to speak with high school students and guidance counselors. David Sowell, who was unable to travel with the group, helped teach the fall semester class.

Although most of the American students were familiar with Vietnam only through movies and television shows that reference the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War, Nagengast, Bowen, and Ha ensured the educational opportunities

“I kept trying to explain how Vietnam compares to other countries, but I soon realized the best way to explain Vietnam is to let them see it.”

—Anh Ha ’17 HANOI, VIETNAM

Going Long on Short-term Study

RWANDA: Conflict, Memory, and Reconciliation: Participants stay in the capital city of Kigali, as Celia Cook-Huffman, professor of conflict resolution, and historian Alison Fletcher take students through the country’s recovery from genocide.

January travel.

VIETNAM: Imperialism, Communism, and Globalism: Based in Hanoi, political scientist Emil Nagengast and historian David Sowell conceived the course. January travel.

SLOVAKIA: Viticulture and Enology in Central Europe: Chemist and oenophile Peter Baran bases the course in the city of Trnava and takes Juniatians through Slovakian wine country. May travel.

THE GAMBIA: Sociology in The Gambia: Sociologist Daniel Welliver teaches a course in The Gambia that is shorter than Nagengast’s politicsbased semester program. May travel.

GERMANY: Computer Science: Taught at Fachhochschulle Bocholt, computer science and information technology faculty Loren Rhodes and Jerry Kruse take technology international.

JAPAN Today: Students study the history and socioeconomic success of Japan with language instructor Jingxia Yang and historians Doug Stiffler and Peter Rothstein. May travel.

As par t of their journe y, students interacted with many Vietname young girl, whose fat se citizens. This her captained a boat tha t Juniata students too worked with her mothe k a river ride on, r to sell the wooden car vings pictured.

INDIA Environmental Science/ Marine Biology: Neil Pelkey, professor of environmental science, teaches this course in August. May travel.

TAIWAN: Environmental Resources and Entrepreneurship: Students learn how Taiwanese entrepreneurs find opportunity with the country’s natural resources. Wei-Chung Wang, associate professor of economics, and Uma Ramakrishnan, professor of environmental science teach.

January travel.

NORTHERN IRELAND: Conflict and Memory: Students explore the troubled history and conflicts of Northern Ireland. Celia CookHuffman, Kathleen Biddle, professor of education, and Mark McKellop, professor of psychology, teach the course. January travel CHINA Today: Wei-Chung Wang takes students throughout China with focus on the country’s socioeconomic success. May travel.

CHINA Business: Chinese language expert Jingxia Yang and historian Doug Stiffler focus on how China does business.

PHOTO: DEVIN RYM AN

The following courses are available for Juniata students and often are taught in alternate years.

’17

As it blazed trails in international education, Juniata shaped its shortterm study abroad experience into focused educational journeys that use place as an integral way to teach and learn.

THE GAMBIA: Senegambia: Emil Nagengast teaches the course focused on the politics of The Gambia and of Africa as a whole.

GERMANY Communication: Sarah Worley, assistant professor of communication, collaborates with University of Marburg on journalism and public relations lessons.

Juniata also offers short-term courses sponsored by other institutions: RUSSIA: Bard College (Russian).

AUSTRIA: BCA Vienna program (German).

GERMANY: KAPITO Muenster (German).

FRANCE: Lille Catholic University (French): Michael Henderson, associate professor of French, will teach a three-credit course at Lille Summer in Literature for four weeks.

2017 Spring-Summer |

JUNIATA STUDENTS CAN STUDY ABROAD IN 18 COUNTRIES THROUGH 47 PROGRAMS INCLUDING SITES IN SLOVAKIA, RWANDA, INDIA, AND NEW ZEALAND.

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A Bright, Shining Opportunity

went beyond military history.

The group of two faculty and 18 students arrived on Dec. 30.

“I came to realize how much I truly appreciate my family and our culture as Vietnamese people,” says Truc Ly ’18, of Westminster, Calif., and a Vietnamese-American.

“Before going, I didn’t feel very connected to Vietnamese culture and considered myself as more of an outsider. After immersion among the native Vietnamese I realized the many ways my family tries to incorporate Vietnamese values and traditions to my life.”

The students met with leaders from the (Vietnamese) Veterans Association and with officials from the Health Ministry in Hanoi. “In Vietnam, meeting with health officials gave me an inside look into issues that the country faces within its healthcare system,” explains Victoria Wolf ’17, a biology POE from Saint Leonard, Md. “That experience helped me refine a career choice that would allow

“The entire time I was there Vietnamese would just walk up and talk to us. They really do not harbor any ill feelings toward Americans.”

—Haley Walker ’19 | Juniata

ALTOONA, PA

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Andrew Burlingame ’17 captured this photo shortly after arriving in Vietnam, from the window of an Italian restaurant in Sapa. As Burlingame captured this view of a street filled with shops and restaurants, other students prepared for a hike in the rain.

2017 Spring-Summer |

me to be actively involved in public health and healthcare development.”

Most of the Juniatians commented on how little Vietnamese dwell on the Vietnam War. Although the trip was heavy on military memorials (the Hanoi Military Museum, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, Hanoi Citadel and Underground Bunker), many natives of the country have moved on. Plus, over five centuries Vietnam fought long, grueling wars with the Chinese, Japanese, and French before fighting U.S. military forces. Few see the war with Americans as a turning point in their epic history.

“The entire time I was there Vietnamese would just walk up and talk to us,” says Haley Walker ’19, a business and politics POE from Altoona, Pa. “They really do not harbor any ill feelings toward Americans.”

One of the most impressive and exhausting parts of the trip was the group’s trip to Sapa, located in the highlands on Vietnam’s northern border. The area is historically populated with many different ethnic groups. The Hmong, many of whom fought alongside American soldiers during the war, are among the most numerous.

The group spent two days slogging up and down mountainsides in the rain, but despite the weather, students were able to talk with Hmong people and learn about the group’s culture.

“I will not forget walking through the mountain villages and interacting with those who lived there,” says John Bufalini ’17, a biology POE from Altoona, Pa. “Taking these trips can really impress upon us as young people the cultural differences in the world.”

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A Bright, Shining Opportunity

In addition, the group traveled to Hue, an ancient city in southern Vietnam that was home to a feudal dynasty. The Juniata contingent visited the Imperial Palace, as well as the Buddhist Pagoda and the King’s Mausoleum. Danang, home to the largest American airbase used in the Vietnam War, was also on the list of destinations.

Although the schedule was crammed with travel, Ha and Nagengast also wanted to incorporate visits to several Vietnamese schools to meet with prospective students.

“Anh and I had visited several schools when we did our first visit,” Nagengast says. “We thought it was important to carve out some time in the schedule for school visits.”

One of the most popular features of the visits was a six-hour scavenger hunt throughout Hanoi organized by Ha. “She teamed up one Juniata student with one

As the Juniata group hiked the mountains of northern Vietnam, they were guided by women like the one pictured here. Many students remarked at these guides’ endurance—each day, they hike to the tour center, take groups on 12-15 mile treks, and then walk home again.

“I will not forget walking through the mountain villages and interacting with those who lived there. Taking these trips can really impress upon us as young people the cultural differences in the world.”

—John Bufalini ’17 ALTOONA, PA

| Juniata

s cut Students hiked across land where Vietnamese farmer crops. grow could they which on ins mounta the from s terrace

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Students visited Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, discussing the country’s rural versus urban healthcare options, a topic Juniata students regularly examine in the U.S. as well.

—Seppi Grugan ’19

Anh Ha ’17 started a con versation with her professor, Emil Nagengas t, that, through her persistence and his ope nness to ideas, became a significant learning tou r and experience for 19 of her fellow students-as well as a few fac ulty .

2017 Spring-Summer |

ALEXANDRIA, PA

a semester-long study abroad program in Vietnam.”

All Juniatians know, sooner or later, that professors or administrators will help them follow almost any idea to completion.

The Vietnam trip’s origins in a random conversation is illustrative of the College’s willingness to respond to searching questions by going to great lengths to get an answer or create an outcome.

“The liberal arts create the chance to learn about and celebrate the differences among us,” says Ha. “Our trip is a great example of recognizing and celebrating our interests and differences.” >J<

PHOTO: J.D. CAVRIC H

“Experience-driven classes help students to become more connected to what they study.

Having traveled in Vietnam, I now have a personal connection to the nation, and therefore have a greater desire to learn about it.”

Vietnamese student and it really bonded the students,” Nagengast says. “It was a fun way to connect with kids who are very interested in studying somewhere in the United States.”

Meanwhile, Bowen lectured to high school students and parents about the U.S. Constitution and peaceful transitions of power. The presentation simulated liberal arts education for these prospective students, encouraging them to consider Juniata during their college searches. After her talk, Juniata students helped organize a debate about U.S. politics. And, Nagengast also spoke on the Trump administration and free trade to about 30 Vietnamese students at the National Economics University in Hanoi.

“Experience-driven classes help students to become more connected to what they study,” says Joseph “Seppi” Grugan ’19, a political philosophy and economics POE from Alexandria, Pa. “Having traveled in Vietnam, I now have a personal connection to the nation, and therefore have a greater desire to learn about it.”

By the time it ended on Jan. 13, the trip had been deemed a success by everyone involved.

Nagengast is still on the fence about organizing the trip again, but hopes another faculty member picks up the idea. “I hope we do it again,” he says. “My aim is to have

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FACULTY FEATURE

In October 2016, Wei-Chung Wang was recognized by his undergraduate alma mater, Shih-Hsin University in Taipei, Taiwan, with its Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Opening Doors Juniata Economist Loves College on Macro and Micro Levels

By John Wall

| Juniata

When Wei-Chung Wang arrived at work for his first job in academia, as a professor of economics at Taiwan’s National Chung-Hsing University, he walked into a huge office that reverberated resoundingly when he tried to talk to students. So, he left his door open to lessen the echo.

58

Soon, his colleagues began stopping by, asking why he kept his door open. He replied that he wanted his students to know he was in the office. They warned him that the department’s dean expected all of the faculty to publish as many papers as they could. The colleagues recommended that he keep his office door shut at all times. Maybe dim the lights, too.

“I spent the next two years staring into my computer monitor writing article after article,” Wei-Chung says, his face showing relief at not having to perform such onerous duties anymore.

Although Wei-Chung’s road from that lonely, resounding university office to Juniata was a circuitous one, his personal journey and academic story begins much earlier, in a much more regimented culture.

Wei-Chung is one of two sons born to a father who was an engineer for the China Steel Corporation and a mother who worked in international trade and then, when she wanted to slow down, started working in the insurance industry. The family lived in Kaohsiung City, the second-largest city in Taiwan. Wei-Chung remembers his father, who supervised the large furnaces used to make steel, having to notify seemingly dozens of people of his whereabouts in case something went wrong. His mother preferred being busy—always looking for something to do.

“I am much more like my mother,” Wei-Chung laughs, “I like having things to do.”

PHOTOS: ( LEFT) COURTESY OF JUNIATA COLLEGE ; ( RIGHT) CANDICE HERSH

coursework and improved his English.

During his time there he met a business student at Cal State Long Beach, Kim Liao.

The couple met at a party where they played mahjong, a Chinese gambling game similar to rummy that enjoyed a brief U.S. craze of popularity in the 1920s.

During their courtship Kim was accepted into the MBA program at Cal State-Fullerton and Wei-Chung was informed his doctoral research was so advanced he could earn his Ph.D. early. He was offered a job at National Chung-Hsing University, noted above for its “closed-door policy,” and Wei-Chung racked up frequent flyer miles as he flew to the United States nine times over two years. The last time, Kim flew to Taiwan and the couple were married in 2007.

“Two years in, I realized working at a national university was not what I was looking for, so I began looking into consulting,” he says. He returned to the Los Angeles area and began working for a Big Four accounting firm, helping multinational companies address transfer pricing issues.

“I thought I had my dream job,” Wei-Chung says. “I lived close to Anaheim, where I could see the Angels play baseball.

It’s a great cultural city. We bought a house.

My first son was born there. I told Kim ‘We are going to stay here forever.’”

Wei-Chung loved the economic parts of his new career and loved the financial cushion the job provided his family. But, inevitably, the demands of the job kept piling up and it seemed he never got to go to any Angels games and they never got to try many of L.A.’s numerous amenities. He was tethered to his phone in case clients needed him.

“I looked up at all of my supervisors and realized they were all either single or divorced,” he says. “Then one of my former graduate students, who had told me to

stay in academia just before I started my consulting career, died suddenly of a heart attack at age 42. I thought life is just too short not to do something you really love.”

Turns out that Wei-Chung really loved teaching and when he applied to Juniata’s ad in the Chronicle of Higher Education, he didn’t even tell his wife until he was in the finalist pool. “She told me ‘You go check it out, but I’m never going to let you take that job’ and I was a bit worried,” says Wei-Chung, who realized that a brightly lit door to a happy life was swinging open during the interviews.

“When they called to offer me a job I literally shed a tear, because I was able to reclaim my life,” he adds.

Since then, Wei-Chung has brought his zeal to many elements of work at Juniata. In addition to teaching classes, he is the College’s director of global program development and takes students on two different short-term study abroad trips to Taiwan and China. He also works for Kdan Mobile Software, as vice president of global marketing. A handful of students have done internships with the company and Wei-Chung just hired his first Juniata graduate, Amanda Short ’17, a finance POE who wanted to explore marketing as a career.

She came into Wei-Chung’s office to ask his advice and ended up getting a job in Taiwan.

Deeply invested in his many jobs and the Huntingdon community, Wei-Chung treasures his relationships with students and faculty colleagues. “I remember thinking as Brad Andrew was driving us around during my interview that this is a great place if what he’s telling me is even 50 percent true,” he says. “I never would have thought this of any place I’ve worked but 100 percent of what Brad was telling me turned out to be true. I have a great life.” >J<

“When they called to offer me a job I literally shed a tear, because I was able to reclaim my life.”

—Wei-Chung Wang ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS AND DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

2017 Spring-Summer |

That type of personality served the young man well as he grew up in an educational system where freedom of choice was sometimes curtailed—or maybe nonexistent. All students who expect to go to college take an extensive examination and whatever university they attend is determined by their performance on the exam.

“You listed the schools you would like to attend and then listed the careers you were most interested in,” Wei-Chung recalls. “Depending on your scores, you could go into what you liked.” In other words, the lower Taiwanese students scored on a test, the less likely they were to attend a great school or study something they loved.

“I loved economics and I was lucky—I got to study economics and attend a very good school, Shih-Hsin University in Taipei,” he says.

Wei-Chung recalls the very competitive atmosphere of Taiwanese higher education as highly stressful. For example, if students didn’t like their major it was extraordinarily difficult to transfer.

“The only way to do it was to have a really high GPA, which is completely contradictory!” he says.

Wei-Chung did not see many contradictions in the field of economics.

In fact he believes he was attracted by the logic of how human behavior affects the global marketplace. By the time his undergraduate career was completed, Wei-Chung knew two things: He wanted to earn a doctorate and he wanted to do it in the United States. “All our textbooks in college were written by Western authors, many from the United States,” he explains.

Because his area of interest was labor economics, Wei-Chung applied to several large state universities. His target was Iowa State, known for its four economics research centers and huge faculty.

Wei-Chung received a scholarship to attend but the university withdrew it at the eleventh hour. Wei-Chung was devastated—but not for long.

“I had never been to the United States and knew nothing about geographic location,” he says. So, when the University of California-Irvine accepted the young economist, he decided to go to Southern California. “I Googled Ames, Iowa, and Los Angeles and said ‘Holy Moley, I’m glad I didn’t go to Ames!’”

Sooner than you can recite the lyrics to “California Dreamin’,” Wei-Chung was as deeply invested in the California lifestyle as Brian Wilson or Katy Perry. His first year was challenging as he bulled through

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FACULTY/STAFF NOTES Donald Braxton, J. Omar Good Professor of Religion, published “The Digital Flaneur: Religion in an Information-saturated Marketplace” in an anthology on embodied technology/technologies.

Further Explanation...

PHOTO: JASON JONES

Sharon (Simpson) Yohn ’99, assistant professor of chemistry, was appointed as a research associate with the Powdermill Nature Reserve, in Rector, Pa., associated with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Q: How did you get appointed as a research associate with the Powdermill Nature Reserve?

A: I was contacted by the director of the Powdermill Nature Reserve with an offer to apply.

Q: What kind of work do they do at the Reserve?

A: Every year, the group brings a group of ecology graduate students from Central and South America. They do a two-week stint at Powdermill, and come to the Raystown Field Station for one day. I teach them for a day about temperate ecology.

These are graduate researchers who know tropical ecology, but a lot of ecological principles were determined in temperate areas, so it’s useful for them to learn about temperate ecology. We have lots of classes in the United States about tropical ecology where students go down there, so this is a chance for them to come up here.

Q: What are some benefits for you now that you are a research associate?

A: It gives me access to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s collections and libraries because the Powdermill Nature Reserve is part of that museum. So I can have access to their collections and facilities if I want to do research at the Reserve.

—Joey DiGangi ’18, Juniata Associate for Media Relations

Peter Baran, associate professor of chemistry, was named to the editorial board of the scientific journal Nova Biotechnologica et Chimica.

| Juniata

Jack Barlow, Charles A. Dana Professor of Politics, spoke at the Summer Institute on the Constitution and Bill of Rights at the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., in June. He also was an election-night commentator for WTAJ-TV in Altoona in November and again on Inauguration Day in January.

Barlow was a panelist discussing Walter Nicgorski’s new book, Cicero’s Skepticism and His Recovery of Political Philosophy, at the Northeast Political Science Association meeting in Boston in November. He spoke to the Huntingdon Rotary Club on “The State of American Politics” in November.

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Judith Benz, associate professor of German, spoke at Penn State’s Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures Speaker Series on “The Matter of Arthur— (Why) Does Arthur Matter?” She also was an invited presenter in April at a conference hosted by the German Academic Exchange Service/DAAD at the University of Toronto: “German Studies in Dialogue: Prospects of German Language and Culture in the Sciences: Canada, USA, Germany.”

Jim Borgardt, William W. Woolford Professor of Physics, gave a talk entitled, “The Efficacy of National Nuclear Forensics Libraries in Advancing a Nuclear Security Investigation” in Vienna, Austria, representing the State Department at the International Atomic Energy Agency International Conference on Nuclear Security.

Vince Buonaccorsi, professor of biology, published an introduction to eukaryotic genome analysis with four undergraduate co-authors: Dallas Hamlin ’17, Ben Fowler ’16, Cassie Wisyanski ’15, and Alex Sickler ’14 in CourseSource Vol. 4.

He also published, with Jacob Malloy ’16, an article on the genomic analysis of brook trout in the journal Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. In April, he gave the keynote address on the GCATSEEK network at the Undergraduate Bioinformatics Conference at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. Jonathan Burns, lecturer in international studies, was elected board member-atlarge of the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council for a two-year term, and spoke on “Documenting Pennsylvania’s Frontier Forts through Landowner Stewardship: The Case of Fort Dewart” at the 2017 Pennsylvania Archaeological Council Symposium on Public Outreach—Preserving the Past with New Technology, in Harrisburg, Pa. Kati Csoman, dean of international education, participated on a Fulbright International Education Administrators Seminar to Taiwan in March 2017. Emil Nagengast, professor of politics, and Csoman, spoke on “Are We There Yet? Navigating Approaches to Assess Student Learning in Short-Term Programs Abroad” at the Association of International Education Administrators Conference in Washington, D.C. Sarah DeHaas, Martin G. Brumbaugh Professor of Education, spoke on “Me, Myself, and I: Undergraduate Perceptions of Self-reflection in Learning” at the annual Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching in May in Washington, D.C. She also co-presented, with two area attorneys, “Walking the Thin Blue Line: The Role of Law Enforcement in Student Discipline” at the 45th Annual Lehigh University Special Education Law Conference in June.

Luke Fragello, director of new media communication, was awarded the Joseph W. Donovan Rising Star Award from College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP) in March.

Ryan Gibboney, instructor in integrated media arts, was named one of “Fifty to Follow” by Pennsylvania Business Central in the September 2016 issue and named as one of “36 Pennsylvania Women Making a Difference” in the October/November issue of the business newspaper. She also received the Huntingdon County Community Improvement Award, Community Spirit Category, from the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce and the Huntingdon County Planning Commission. She was the keynote speaker at the first annual Youth Leadership Huntingdon County graduation in April at Mount Union Area High School.

Douglas Glazier, professor of biology, published a paper with alumnus David Paul ’15 on body-mass scaling in a freshwater crustacean in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Matthew Powell, associate professor of geology, and Glazier published a paper on “Latitudinal Diversity Gradients of Four Major Taxa of Marine Plankton” in Paleobiology. With three British colleagues, Glazier co-authored a presentation on metabolic rates in plankton at the Aquatic Sciences Meeting of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography in Honolulu, Hawaii, in February.

Gerald Kruse, John and Irene Dale Professor in information technology, computer science, and math, and assistant provost, spoke on “Interpolation Techniques to Generate Closed Formulas for Series” at the Mathematical Association of America’s Allegheny Section meeting at Duquesne University in April.

Monika Malewska, associate professor of art, exhibited her art at “Food for Thought 2017,” a juried exhibition at Sechrest Art Gallery at High Point University in High Point, N.C., and at “Positive/Negative 32nd,” a national art exhibition at Tipton Gallery at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn.

George Merovich, assistant professor of environmental science, presented a halfday workshop at the 2017 Joint Technical Meeting of the Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapters of the American Fisheries Society in February at the California University of Pennsylvania, in California, Pa. Merovich was recertified as a certified fisheries professional in April.

Matt Powell, associate professor of geology, Norris Muth, associate professor of biology, and Katie Jeffress ’17, of Corpus Christi, Texas, received a TreeVitalize grant to plant 250 trees around Huntingdon for the town’s 250th anniversary.

Randy Rosenberger, professor of accounting, business, and economics, published “The Irrational Fear Predator: A Hidden Terrorist” in the Huffington Post.

Jack Troy, professor emeritus of art, was one of four U.S. ceramic artists honored at “Clay Gulgong” in Gulgong, Australia.

He also was interviewed for a two-part article in Yarrobil, an Australian ceramics magazine. He taught a salt glazing workshop at Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts in Maplecrest, N.Y., sponsored by the Catskill Mountain Foundation in July. Troy’s “Porcelain Jar” won First Prize and the Attorneys’ Award at the Strictly Functional Ceramics national exhibition in Lancaster, Pa. Other Troy artworks were displayed at Feats of Six Hands, at Sordoni Gallery at Wilkes College in Wilkes Barre, Pa., and, After All These Years, at the University Art Gallery at Eastern Michigan University, in Ypsilanti, Mich. He was also one of 30 U.S. potters selected

to participate in the 42nd Annual Ceramics Exhibition at the Art School at Old Church in Demarest, N.J. in December.

Belle Tuten, W. Newton and Hazel A. Long Professor of History, published “The Necessitas Naturae and Monastic Hygiene,” in Bodily and Spiritual Hygiene in Medieval and Early Modern Literature: Explorations of Textual Presentations of Filth and Water, which is part of the series, Fundamentals of Medieval and Early Modern Culture 19. She presented “Correcting the ‘Incorrect’ Breast in Medieval Medicine” at the Southern Association for the History of Medicine and Science in Myrtle Beach in March, and “Jihad and Hijab: What I Wish American Christians Knew about Islam” will appear in the journal The Fourth R, edited by Robert Miller, Rosenberger Professor of Religion.

Gabriel Welsch, vice president of advancement and marketing, was elected president of College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP) at the group’s March 2017 annual meeting for a two-year term.

Welsch has served on the board of directors since 2011, and previously served as vice president (2015-2017) and treasurer (2013-2015).

Further Explanation...

Sarah Worley ’00, assistant professor of communication and director of community-engaged teaching and learning, received a Pennsylvania Campus Compact grant in partnership with St. Francis University to host a March 2017 conference at Juniata on communityengaged teaching and learning.

PHOTO: MORGAN HORELL ’17

Q: How do you bring a conference onto Juniata’s campus?

A: We received a mini-grant from the Pennsylvania Campus Compact organization to host a conference in partnership with Saint Francis University. We applied for the grant by submitting a proposal to host a conference that would help to strengthen community engagement practices at our respective schools. The conference was called “Inspiring Citizenship Through Community-Engaged Learning.” Faculty, staff, students, and community partners attended.

Q: Why is hosting a conference important for a college or university?

A: It is important to bring people from other schools so that we can collaborate with others and learn from each other to strengthen and improve the implementation of community-engaged learning practices.

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Q: How does Huntingdon benefit?

A: The Juniata community benefits from strong partnerships and the innovations in teaching practices that come from the partnerships and collaboration.

—Joey DiGangi ’18, Juniata Associate for Media Relations

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ALUMNI FEATURE

Treasured Experiences Financial Executive Colleen Ostrowski ’95 Sees Leadership as Learning Opportunity

By John Wall PHOTOGRAPHY BY: J.D. CAVRICH

| Juniata

Colleen (Ranney) Ostrowski ’95 has vision. She’s known she wanted to be in the business world practically since birth. Okay, okay, since high school, right after she applied to attend the Governor’s School for Business, where the 16-year-old spent part of a summer at Penn’s Wharton School. But even before that, if she saw a goal to attain, she would map a path to fulfillment worthy of Ferdinand Magellan.

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Colleen Ostrowski’s rise in the world of corporate finance has been meteoric. While she has earned a professional degree, she notes that she uses everything she learned at Juniata on a daily basis.

| Juniata

That doesn’t mean, however, that she refused to take a few abrupt turns or reversals when she realized she needed to make a change. Vision, by definition, means taking in everything and interpreting the information. It does not mean steaming toward a goal with no deviation—that’s tunnel vision.

Take Colleen’s college search, which she put together in her tiny hometown of Mifflinburg, Pa. Her Wharton experience left her so jazzed about opportunities in the corporate world that she started searching for big-name, big-city schools that combined language programs and business programs, all of which would result in a big-time job.

She applied to Penn, Georgetown, George Washington University, and American University. Acceptance letter: GWU. Score!

“I got there, and the language programs were scheduled at the same times, the campus wasn’t really a campus and the course work wasn’t very challenging. It was a hard school to get into but after that the work wasn’t hard,” she says. A transfer was in order. “I did an extensive search—I had 30 schools on my list and Juniata was not at the top.”

But she visited the College, met a couple of people she knew from high school, took a campus tour conducted by her brother’s best friend, and realized there were scholarship opportunities that big-rep

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schools couldn’t match. She enrolled. “I was excited, plus I thought it would be pretty easy.”

Hah! “(Ron) Cherry ’53 told our class he was going to read from a few of the worst papers—and he started reading mine,” she recalls one of her first business classes with regret. “I got a 47 on the paper. I realized then you couldn’t just take notes and pass the test.”

Colleen’s rude awakening also made her realize that Juniata’s liberal arts core would give her a window to explore her vast curiosity for topics beyond business. That innate exploratory feeling has served her well in a career that could best be described as meteoric, where at age 43, she is treasurer and head of global investor relations for Mylan Inc., with revenues of $12 billion, the largest manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals in the world.

Colleen credits most, if not all of her abilities in teambuilding and leadership, to Juniata’s idiosyncratic but enveloping curriculum. Let’s let her explain it more succinctly. “I (earned) my MBA at Penn State, and it’s a credential you have to have, but I don’t think I’ve used much of what I learned there,” she says. “I use everything I learned at Juniata every day. I talk to scientists in our R&D department, to financial professionals, to marketing people, and they all communicate and

think differently. That was one of the first things I learned on the HOBO Hike.” (For those who may not know the reference, the business course, “Behavioral Analysis of Organizations” has as one of its perennial experiences a day-long hike in which teams compete and utilize skills and knowledge attained in the course. The nickname “HOBO Hike” contains an acronym that refers to the same course under its previous name, “Human Behavior in Organizations.”)

Among the other things she learned: two languages (Spanish and Japanese), public speaking, and how to throw a pot.

She also learned a card trick from Chris Ostrowski ’94, a psychology POE with an interest in ceramics. He used the card trick at a party in South Residence Hall as an opening gambit to learn Colleen’s name. The couple has been married 21 years and have two children: Anelise, 11, and Ronan, 2.

In addition to admiring a well-done bit of magic, Colleen developed an acute sense of how the business world worked by going beyond hitting the books. She also found value in her work-study job in Juniata’s enrollment office, so much so that she was offered a job as an enrollment counselor covering south-central Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado, Maryland, and Virginia. She loved it. She loved Juniata. She loved her job. (She still can recite her enrollmentspeak description of Juniata verbatim when

“I use everything I learned at Juniata every day. I talk to scientists in our R&D department, to financial professionals, to marketing people and they all communicate and think differently.

That was one of the first things I learned on the HOBO Hike.”

—Colleen Ostrowski ’95 TREASURER AND HEAD OF GLOBAL INVESTOR RELATIONS, MYLAN INC.

treasurer in 2010, she continued her work in pension investment management and global cash management. When she moved up to vice president and treasurer in late 2010, she received a rare opportunity, managing all treasury activities at ITT, spun off into three separate companies: Xylem, which holds water-related companies; Excelis, which holds defense-related companies; and ITT, which holds the remaining industrial businesses.

“At ITT, I wanted to see treasury from a different perspective,” Colleen says. “ITT was perfect. It had a pension and a tightly focused treasury operation. We achieved investment-grade credit ratings for all three companies in the spin.”

Colleen achieved a milestone for herself when she moved to Mylan as treasurer and head of investor relations in 2014. She has been challenged and excited about building out the company’s treasury team and also deeply identifies with the company’s financial philosophy. “The CEO, CFO, and the board are all focused on the balance sheet, while most other companies are focused on profit-and-loss. Plus the company makes drugs more affordable. One of my favorite statistics is one out of every 13 prescriptions in the United States is a Mylan prescription.”

She called her time with Mylan “dynamic,” which means she was very, very busy as the company tried to acquire Perrigo, a manufacturer of over-thecounter pharmaceuticals, through a hostile takeover; fended off a takeover attempt from Teva, an Israeli multinational pharmaceutical company; and acquired Meda, a Swedish pharmaceutical company.

Colleen’s department was tasked with a myriad of duties relating to the debt of the acquisitions. “I think this year will be a quiet year,” she says. In the middle of 2014, she and Chris also brought their son, Ronan, into the world.

No wonder the couple hasn’t been back to Juniata for more than a decade. Not that they both want to stay away. Still she’d like to come back, maybe to spend a week as an executive in residence if she can find an open week. “One of my greatest pleasures in this job is teaching and developing colleagues, but it’s not the same as teaching in the classroom.”

She says she’s already talking to Anelise about the College. “My husband is of the belief the kids don’t have to go to college if they don’t want to,” she laughs. “I’m not quite there yet.” >J<

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colleagues ask where she went to college.)

She and Chris got married. They bought a house. Life was set. Then, a Juniata vice president for development, Don Moyer, suggested that she come work for him in development, further suggesting that earning an MBA might be a good career move.

Well, yes. Yes it was. If it’s possible for an institution of higher education to make a mistake with a talented employee, Juniata made a doozy when they sent Colleen Ostrowski to business school.

“Getting the MBA reminded me what I loved about business—learning how things work, problem-solving,” she says. “It all came flooding back that when you are in business, you have your hand in everything.”

In 1998, Colleen was hired by Pfizer Inc., one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, as a corporate finance associate, and soon entered the company’s corporate finance rotational program. Each associate is expected to work in four areas of the massive company’s operations, with the expectation that an area of interest or specialization will arise from the experience. She worked in treasury benefit financing, global manufacturing, international banking (in Dublin, Ireland), and business analysis.

“I loved treasury,” Colleen explains, “Because you’re looking at all aspects of the company and you have to understand how each part of the company works.

You work with benefits, pensions, investments, insurance debt, cash flow, and working capital.” In 2001 she started as a senior financial analyst in Pfizer’s treasury department, working on the firm’s investments and pension plans.

By 2008, she was senior director for pension and investments for Pfizer and managing $40 billion—all the global investments for pensions. Her management sense proved acute. For example, just before the 2008 real-estate bubble burst, she and her team decided to pull all of the pension investments out of asset-based instruments such as mortgage securities. While Colleen navigated the business world, Chris was able to stay at home for Anelise by operating his own business “O-Town Pottery,” and working as an educator.

Although Colleen’s Pfizer work was challenging, she also wanted to get more experience as a treasurer beyond pensions and benefits. She found her new challenge at ITT, a $12 billion diversified company classified by business historians as one of the first “conglomerates.” Starting as assistant

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class notes 1963

Mark your calendar for your 55-year reunion during Alumni Weekend on June 7-10, 2018.

Karen J. (Scherer) Audet

1938

Thelma E. (Smith) Scott

was the guest of honor at a celebration of her 100th birthday. Guests attending included her grandson, Michael Scott ’88, and his wife, Laura (Singel) Scott ’87, pictured with Thelma.

1954

Abe M. Finton

retired after 53 years of service from his dentistry practice in Meadville, Pa. In his retirement, Abe is looking forward to traveling and spending time with family.

1956

Jane I. (Ellenberger) Barber

| Juniata

has moved to a new home in Andalusia, Ala., where she lives with her daughter, Jennifer, and enjoys being involved in church and community activities.

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1958

Mark your calendar for your 60-year reunion during Alumni Weekend on June 7-10, 2018.

1961

Michael G. Farrow

received the Blair County Arts Foundation’s 2016 Angel of the Arts award. Mike, a retired genetics research scientist, is the author of two books highlighting the arts in Blair County. Altoona’s Historic Mishler Theatre was published in 2016 and Now Showing: A History of Altoona and Blair County Theatres was published in 2013. Mike also is an active volunteer for the Blair County Historical Society, serving on its board and conducting lectures and tours.

shared a photo from a recent gathering of Juniatians including (l-r) Karen (Scherer) Audet ’63, Karen’s husband, Peter, Juniata development officer Joe Scialabba ’86, David Bayer ’53, and Dave’s wife, Jackie. The group had lunch together in the retirement community in Pompano Beach, Fla., where the Audets and Bayers live. Karen ran into Dave shortly after the Bayers moved into the community and recognized him from previous alumni events. The two couples now connect regularly for meals and other events.

1967

Leroy D. Mell Jr.

has retired after a 48-year career as a clinical pathologist with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., where he was employed as the director of laboratories.

Lee and his wife, Brenda, moved to Richmond, Va.

1968

Mark your calendar for your 50-year reunion during Alumni Weekend on June 7-10, 2018. If you are interested in being on your reunion committee, contact Alumni Relations at alumni@juniata.edu or 814-641-3443.

1973

Mark your calendar for your 45-year reunion during Alumni Weekend on June 7-10, 2018. If you are interested in being on your reunion committee, contact Alumni Relations at alumni@juniata.edu or 814-641-3443.

PHOTO: BARRY GRUBB

These members of the Class of ’67 gathered for a group photo during their 50-year class reunion during Alumni Weekend in June 2017.

Row 1 (seated, l-r): Meg Taylor, Mary Beth (Klug) Cameron, Karen (Greiss) Retzloff, Judy (Salem) Hamilton, Genevra (Carbonetti) Allen, Rick Allen, Norma Jean (Edgar) Burns, Bob McDowell, Gayle (Yates) Wirschnitzer, Marsha Woods, Clara Gudolonis, John Katonah, Susan Graybill, Kathy (Forsht) Salmon, Molly (Conner) Culbertson, Carol Knisely, Marty (Utts) Jones Row 2 (l-r): Wendy (Hare) Simpson, Jim Eberly, George “Kip” Bollinger, John Shiley, Bob Gray, Jan (Binder) Gray, Kirsten (Miller) Gould, Cathy (Hoover) Petre, Lois (Weader) Bruno, Carolyn (Wetzel) Keefe, Pat (Cauffield) Birt, Christine (Bailey) Fuller, Sandy (Andoniades) Loughlin, Gloria (Zettle) Wurst, Paul Uhler, Susie (Loose) Doyle, Marcia (Highhouse) Lloyd, Emily (Feddeler) Conover, Marilyn (Deaney) Swart, Ruth (Hunsberger) Sew-Ell Arn, Myrnice (McCormick) Ravitch, Fred Ibberson, Maxine Phillips, Judy (Hershey) Herr Row 3 (l-r): Terry (Armstrong) Haltom, Terry Fabian, Gary Rowe, Randall Halter, Jim Donaldson, Gary Olinger, Jim Dinger, Janet Kauffman, Lee Mell, Terry Reed, Ann (Fisher) Abele, Andy Unger, Glen Wurst, Malcolm Wakefield, Alan Ringgold, Ellen (Church) Coffman, Jim Doyle, Steve Werner, Bill Roddey, Bill Vint, Arden Heverly Row 4 (l-r): Gary Lindenmuth, Dick Mohler, Bob Stump, Larry Bieber, Dave Gould, Jim Bryant, Larry Casper, Gary Merritt, Toby Dills, Larry Brown

1976

Sam A. Sirianni

was appointed rector of the Church of Saint Robert Bellarmine, one of the cocathedrals for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.

1977

Stephen S. Hale

Mark your calendar for your 40-year reunion during Alumni Weekend on June 7-10, 2018. If you are interested in being on your reunion committee, contact Alumni Relations at alumni@juniata.edu or 814-641-3443.

1983

Mark your calendar for your 35-year reunion during Alumni Weekend on June 7-10, 2018. If you are interested in being on your reunion committee, contact Alumni Relations at alumni@juniata.edu or 814-641-3443.

Cliff B. Beaver

retired in March 2017 from a 31-year career in insurance and real estate sales, most recently with Carriage House Insurance Agency, a subsidiary of Mutual Benefit Group in Huntingdon, Pa. Cliff and his wife, Rhonda, reside in Huntingdon.

1985

Lisa (Wood) Kirvin

continues in economic development at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center in San Francisco, Calif. Lisa also is collaborating with the family and friends of Barbara Shaffer Gumbiner ’59 to fund the Barbara Shaffer Gumbiner ’59 Endowed Fund for International Study. Barbara was a mentor and former supervisor to Lisa, who invites fellow Juniatians to donate to the fund to honor Barbara and to provide support for Juniata students participating in the College’s many international study programs.

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shared a photo from a recent gathering of Juniatians. Pictured (l-r) are David Parker ’77, Steve Hale ’77, Kristine (Joostema) MacMillin ’79, and Scott MacMillin ’77, at Dave’s home in McMinnville, Ore. Dave is a retired law enforcement park ranger with the National Park Service. Steve is retired from the U.S. Forest Service after serving as a forester and recreational specialist for several decades.

Scott currently serves as a managing hydrogeologist at Brown & Caldwell in Upper Saddle River, N.J.

1978

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1986

Christopher M. Fazio

was inducted into the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Hall of Fame.

Chris received Volleyball Magazine Division III Player of the Year honors in 1997, and was the first Juniata College men’s player to earn All-America honors. During his college career, he earned all-EIVA honors three times and was a three-time Juniata team Most Valuable Player. After graduation, he played professional volleyball in Austria and was inducted into the Juniata Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Kenneth J. Osiecki

was named assistant vice president and community branch manager for Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company at the branch office in Kingston, Pa.

1988

Mark your calendar for your 30-year reunion during Alumni Weekend on June 7-10, 2018. If you are interested in being on your reunion committee, contact Alumni Relations at alumni@juniata.edu or 814-641-3443.

Robert W. Glenny Jr.

1993

was named chief of police for the city of Leadville, Colo., beginning in June 2016. Prior to starting his new position, Rob had served with the Ferguson Township Police Department in Centre County, Pa.

Mark your calendar for your 25-year reunion during Alumni Weekend on June 7-10, 2018. If you are interested in being on your reunion committee, contact Alumni Relations at alumni@juniata.edu or 814-641-3443.

1989

1994

Robert W. Nairn

received the William T. Plass Award from the American Society of Mining and Reclamation for his work pioneering wetland technologies.

Bob’s work focused on the rehabilitation of the contaminated water at the Tar Creek Superfund site, one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s top abandoned dangerous waste sites. Bob is a professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Engineering in Norman, Okla.

1991

Joseph V. Fishel

was invited to become a member of the Screen Actors GuildAmerican Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) for his work in the film industry.

Amy R. Chamberlin

was named executive director of Creative York, an artistic and educational nonprofit organization in York, Pa. Creative York operates three art galleries and sponsors art classes and other community outreach programs.

Anna M. (Pontillo) Cox

owns and operates a forensic consulting business, Cox Forensic Consulting and Training. She provides bloodstain pattern analysis services and conducts training seminars on proper crime scene processing techniques for law enforcement agencies, crime scene investigators, and criminal attorneys. Anna and her husband of 20 years, Tim, reside in Brandon, Fla.

1997

| Juniata

We hope to see you at your 20-year reunion during Homecoming & Family Weekend on Oct. 6-8, 2017!

Visit juniata.edu/hc for more information.

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Wayne Langerholc Jr.

was elected in November 2016 as a state senator representing Pennsylvania’s 35th District, an area that includes parts of Cambria, Bedford, and Clearfield counties. Wayne previously had served as Cambria County assistant district attorney and a Richland Township supervisor.

1999

Beth A. Bleil

accepted a position as director of disability resources and academic access at Davidson College in Davidson, N.C. Previously, Beth was employed at Juniata, most recently as the director of disability services and acting director of academic support services.

2000

Rebecca R. Barrett-Fox

published a book, God Hates: Westboro Baptist Church, American Nationalism, and the Religious Right, an ethnographic account of the most well-known anti-LGBTQ church in the United States. Rebecca is an assistant professor of sociology at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark.

2002

We hope to see you at your 15-year reunion during Homecoming & Family Weekend on Oct. 6-8, 2017!

Visit juniata.edu/hc for more information.

2007

We hope to see you at your 10-year reunion during Homecoming & Family Weekend on Oct. 6-8, 2017!

Visit juniata.edu/hc for more information.

Glenn L. DeHaven

was named head men’s volleyball coach at Juniata College, beginning in January 2017.

Since 2012, Glenn was head women’s volleyball coach at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., where his teams won three regular season titles and made two NCAA tournament appearances. Glenn returns to the College after a playing career on the men’s volleyball team from 2003-2007, during which he was a starter on four Molten Championship squads. He also served as assistant coach for the program from 2008 to 2010.

Stephanie N. (Stupic) Putt began a new position in October 2016 as marketing communications manager for Global*Tel Link in Altoona, Pa.

Benjamin R. Waxman

was named by City and State magazine as one of its 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in Pennsylvania for 2016. The award recognizes 40 individuals under the age of 40 who serve in Pennsylvania government, politics, or advocacy.

Kernels of Inspiration

Alicia M. (Walsh) White

was honored by the Chesapeake (Md.) Public Schools as the high school teacher of the year for 2017. Alicia is a mathematics teacher and an active student organization adviser in the district where she has been employed for 10 years.

2008

Jeffrey K. Lennox

was named women’s volleyball coach of the year by the Conference Carolinas athletic conference. Jeff is the head coach of the women’s volleyball team at Barton College in Wilson, N.C.

2009

Kelsey L. Buffenmyer

was named to the Landmark All-Decade Team in women’s indoor track and field. The 2016-17 season marked the 10-year anniversary for the Landmark Conference. In conjunction with this anniversary, the conference recognized outstanding studentathletes from the past decade, as selected by conference members.

Brittany N. (Carr) DeHaven

Q: Why did you decide to take the leap into starting Free Day Popcorn?

A: When we moved to Kansas to help on the family farm, we had the opportunity to try the fresh popcorn that Nate grew, and we kind of fell in love with it. We wanted to share the quality of this popcorn compared to the typical brands you’d buy in a grocery store, because you never know what ends up in that. We had talked on and off about marketing the product for a while, and then we just decided to pull the trigger.

Q: What’s this I hear about “Popping Ears?”

A: Popping Ears is what we call our signature product.

Basically, it’s popcorn still on the cob, but when you microwave it, the kernels explode off the cob just like regular popcorn. It’s not bagged—just straight from the field. In our opinion, this product is a novelty, and we hope it takes people back to a simpler time.

Q: What challenges have you faced since starting the business?

A: In terms of growing, nature is always a challenge. As long as the rain falls, the winds stay calm, and hail and gophers stay away, the popcorn should be fine. You can’t predict the weather or pests, so that’s always a risk. In terms of sales, keeping track of calls and making good connections can be difficult. We feel that we do a good job following through, but sometimes it’s hard to break into some of the markets.

Q: How can I buy your popcorn?

A: We sell our popcorn in some local, small stores, gourmet popcorn shops, and movie theaters in a few states: Florida, Indiana, Kansas, and Nebraska. We also sell our products through our website, www.freedaypopcorn.com. There are different family-sized packages available, but the popcorn can be purchased individually, too.

Q: What are your goals for Free Day Popcorn?

A: We hope to expand our business into more gourmet popcorn shops and movie theaters. We are excited to announce that the Huntingdon Cinemas Clifton 5 is one of our newest customers. It’s really rewarding working with local businesses just like us. Also, we currently sell popcorn through our website to 48 states, so another goal of ours is to reach all 50 states this year.

—Taylor M. Smallwood ’19 Editorial note: Free Day Popcorn is

Alumni Relations intern from York, Pa.

available at Headwaters, the Juniata campus store in Ellis Hall.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NATE FREITAG ’05 AND STACEY (MILLER) FREITAG ’05

2017 Spring-Summer |

was recently named assistant dean of admissions at Juniata. Prior to returning to her alma mater, Brittany served as an admissions counselor at Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky., and as associate director of admissions at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J. Brittany is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Nate Freitag ’05 and Stacey (Miller) Freitag ’05 have been partners in marriage, and now they’re partners in business, too. A few years ago, Nate and Stacey relocated from Huntingdon, Pa. to Belleville, Kans. to be closer to Nate’s family farm—just over the border in Nebraska. In 2015, the couple began to grow their company, Free Day Popcorn. Stacey does the marketing and billing, while Nate farms and harvests the fresh popcorn.

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Christopher T. Shannon

was a member of the media pool for the Rose Bowl football game in Pasadena Calif., on January 2, 2017. Christopher worked as a photographer during the game between the University of Southern California Trojans and the Penn State University Nittany Lions, providing photographs for the Altoona Mirror and Lewistown Sentinel newspapers.

Erin M. (Smith) Wachter

was named as the director of advocacy and public policy for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, located in Harrisburg, Pa. Erin will work to advance food security and agriculture policies as a member of the leadership team for the nonprofit organization. The food bank’s mission is to reduce hunger in a region that encompasses 27 counties across the state. Erin was previously employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, where she served as policy director.

2010

2013

was named to the Landmark All-Decade Team in men’s indoor track and field. The 2016-17 season marked the 10-year anniversary for the Landmark Conference. In conjunction with this anniversary, the conference recognized outstanding studentathletes from the past decade, as selected by conference members.

was named to the Landmark All-Decade Team in women’s indoor track and field. The 2016-17 season marked the 10-year anniversary for the Landmark Conference. In conjunction with this anniversary, the conference recognized outstanding studentathletes from the past decade, as selected by conference members.

Timothy J. Breya

2011

accepted a position as associate attorney at the Altoona law firm of Goldstein, Heslop, Steele, Clapper, Oswalt, and Smith, where she will practice real estate and estate law. Krystal has a master’s degree in educational leadership policy and development from the University of Bristol in Bristol, England, and a juris doctorate from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Teresa M. Giannini

participated in Miami University’s Earth Expeditions global field course in Hawaii. She studied methods of saving species in the wild and maintaining ecological and social health.

Teresa is an aviculturist and zookeeper at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md., and is pursuing her master’s degree from Miami University’s Global Field Program. was named to the Landmark All-Decade Team in women’s basketball. The 2016-17 season marked the 10-year anniversary for the Landmark Conference.

In conjunction with this anniversary, the conference recognized outstanding studentathletes from the past decade, as selected by conference members.

Kirsten A. Olson

was named to a position as an artist-in-residence for the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, N.C. | Juniata

Julian W. Valdiserri

Krystal T. Edwards

Jennifer L. (Hnatuck) Sealy

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Angela R. Shaffer

Lauren N. Seganos Cohen

was ordained in the Church of the Brethren at the Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa., on Feb. 5, 2017. Lauren was named the spiritual care coordinator at Inland Hospital in Waterville, Maine.

2012

We hope to see you at your 5-year reunion during Homecoming & Family Weekend on Oct. 6-8, 2017!

Visit juniata.edu/hc for more information.

Ceth W. Parker

was named to the Landmark All-Decade Team in men’s indoor track and field. The 2016-17 season marked the 10-year anniversary for the Landmark Conference. In conjunction with this anniversary, the conference recognized outstanding studentathletes from the past decade, as selected by conference members.

Arielle C. Webster

participated in Miami University’s Earth Expeditions global field course in Baja in the summer of 2016. She studied desert and marine landscapes through ecological and social field methods. Arielle is a chemist at Stericycle in Philadelphia, Pa., and is working towards her master’s degree from Miami University’s Global Field Program.

began a new position as a sales representative for Snap Raise, where he will help high schools in western Pennsylvania raise money for individual clubs and teams.

Chelsea A. Wilson

has been named a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellow, which pays for her graduate education at American’s School of International Service. As part of her fellowship, Chelsea will receive internships on Capitol Hill and a posting at an embassy of her choice anywhere in the world. After earning her master’s degree, she will serve at least five years as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State. The Charles Rangel Fellowship seeks to identify college graduates with high potential who are members of communities that are underrepresented in the U.S. Foreign Service. Only 30 fellows are named each year.

2014

Kathleen S. McDonald

was named to the Landmark All-Decade Team in women’s basketball. The 2016-17 season marked the 10-year anniversary for the Landmark Conference.

In conjunction with this anniversary, the conference recognized outstanding studentathletes from the past decade, as selected by conference members.

Hillary L. Palmer

was named to the Landmark All-Decade Team in women’s swimming. The 2016-17 season marked the 10-year anniversary for the Landmark Conference.

In conjunction with this anniversary, the conference recognized outstanding studentathletes from the past decade, as selected by conference members.

Pinning Down a Calling Sixth grade teacher during the week and college wrestling official on weekends, Jim Rivello ’97 climbed the ladder to seize opportunities to officiate at the Division I National Championship tournament last year, and again in 2017.

Even as a teenager, Jim has always loved umpiring and refereeing. In just a few short years, he moved from officiating high school matches and Division III wrestling events to having his refereed matches broadcast live on ESPN.

Katrina A. Woods

was named to the Landmark All-Decade Team in women’s indoor track and field. The 2016-17 season marked the 10-year anniversary for the Landmark Conference. In conjunction with this anniversary, the conference recognized outstanding studentathletes from the past decade, as selected by conference members.

2015

Megan M. Smith

accepted a position as development assistant for the major gifts program at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa.

2016

Shanna L. Law

was recognized by the Forum on Education Abroad with the Academic Achievement Abroad Award for her research while studying abroad in 2015 at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. Shanna conducted a yearlong independent field study to connect vegetation patterns to underlying geologic units of a retired gold mine, now designated as the Springvale Scientific Reserve. Shanna presented her research at a New Zealand mining conference and was a contributing author on an article in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics.

Q: Why do you officiate?

A: I certainly don’t officiate for the money, but for the love of the sport. When I first started officiating after I graduated, it was a way for me to stay actively involved in wrestling.

Q: More than 20,000 attendees and millions of online views of the Championships—how do you handle that kind of pressure?

A: The event is extremely media driven, which makes it really neat, but also stressful and intense. I always focus on one match at a time, and focus on what’s right in front of me, instead of what’s going on around me. I think I’m pretty good at officiating under pressure. I get nervous sometimes, but being nervous lets me focus a little better than I usually would.

Q: You have to travel a lot to get to wrestling events. Do you have a travel partner?

A: My wife, Shelly (Brown) Rivello ’97, is a really talented photographer, so she attends quite a few events with me. Sometimes it’s a long ride in the car or on a plane, but it’s fun because my wife makes a great companion.

Q: Where will you go from here?

A: Reaching this level is honestly such a dream come true for me. When I first started college officiating, I wanted to see how far I could go. I’ve been blessed enough to get this opportunity, and my goal is to continue officiating for as long as I can. I hope that I get asked back to the Division I and Division III championships next year.

—Taylor M. Smallwood ’19, Alumni Relations intern from York, Pa.

2017

PHOTOS: SHELLY (BROWN) RIVELLO ’97

2017 Spring-Summer |

We hope to see you at your zero-year reunion during Homecoming & Family Weekend on Oct. 6-8, 2017!

Visit juniata.edu/hc for more information.

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For the Birds: Conserving Tropical Species While searching for employment opportunities, Ian Gardner ’11 (now a wildlife technician at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Pa.) became acquainted with a group of conservationists ranging from leisurely to professional birdwatchers. The group formed a committee called the Partners in Neotropical Bird Conservation. Interested in preserving different habitats and neotropical migrant birds, the committee coordinated a trip to Honduras, which they called CACAO—Cooperative Avian Conservation and Outreach. Ian spent approximately 20 days in Honduras touring the country, surveying and documenting bird species, and working with local conservationists.

Q: What were the goals of your trip?

A: Our goal was to work with the local people to see what kinds of plants and birds are in the area, and to figure out what kinds of threats there are to the land and tropical migrant birds. Ultimately, our goal was to collaborate with the local people to create a solution to any threats, like mining or pet trades. We did a lot of surveying and collected data regarding how far bird species’ ranges extended.

Another goal focused on training the bird guides in Honduras. They know how to spot birds because they are equipped as hunters. Since they struggle to identify a lot of common birds, we assisted with identifications and gave them some field guides.

Q: Did you have any major findings?

A: Every day we found a new bird, and we ended up getting audio recordings and photographs of a number of different species in several areas. Once we thought we had found a new species for the country, because the bird had such unique characteristics. It turned out the bird was of a subspecies that hadn’t been welldocumented at the time.

Q: Will you be returning to Honduras?

A: That’s the plan. I’ve been keeping in touch with the people in Honduras, so we’re coordinating another trip for next year. Ideally, it would be nice to have more time to work our way through the rainforest.

We’re working on compiling a folder of bird calls—there will be about 500—on an MP3 player so that the guides have recorded bird calls for all of the species we know of in the area.

On top of that, we plan on bringing them a few sets of binoculars and other helpful tools when we return.

—Taylor M. Smallwood ’19 Alumni Relations intern from York, Pa.

| Juniata

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF IAN GARDNER ’11

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Marriages Susan M. Lockawich ’89 and Craig T. Seifert ’90

were married Nov. 27, 2015, in Huntingdon, Pa. The couple resides in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Sarah L. Svigals ’07

and Jason Kriess were married Oct. 9, 2016, in Tacoma, Wash.

Sarah is an emergency room social worker and the couple resides in Fircrest, Wash.

Nisha S. Pulimood ’09

and Valentin Foti were married Aug. 25, 2016, in Cochin, India.

Erin M. Smith ’09

and Aaron Wachter were married Oct. 15, 2016, in Elizabethtown, Pa. Juniata alumni and former field hockey teammates in attendance included (l-r) Leslie (Stern) Freeman ’08, Abby Funk ’09, Ashleigh (Ehnts) Low ’08, Michelle (Campbell) Krall ’08, bride Erin (Smith) Wachter ’09, Kimberly (Wagner) Hilling ’08, Melissa Gorman ’10, Denalyn Spratt ’10, and Amanda (Wimer) Mosso ’08.

Clare L. Coda ’10

and Andrew Trontis were united in marriage Oct. 29, 2016 in Baltimore, Md. Pictured are: (l-r) Molly (Harlacker) Cupler ’10, Zachary Cupler ’11, Clayton Cooper ’13, Erik Dulick ’11, groom Andrew Trontis, Blake Colaianne ’11, bride Clare Coda ’10, Jason Cohen, Lauren Seganos Cohen ’11, Andrew Murdock ’11, Kelsey Thrush ’10, Sheena Zolla ’11, Joel Rhodes ’13, and Ian Mandichak. Also in attendance, but not pictured was brother of the bride, John Coda ’15.

2017 Spring-Summer | 73

Marilyn L. Cobiseno ’12

and Ryan Sutton were married Oct. 8, 2016, in Imperial, Pa. Juniatians in attendance included Andrew McCauley ’13, Carrie Payne ’12, Jennifer Ruglio ’12, bride Marilyn (Cobiseno) Sutton ’12, Amy Hunt ’12, Tine Guldbrand ’12, and Meghan Hall ’12.

Daniel R. Sekulski ’12

and Christi Schlager were married Aug. 26, 2016. The couple currently resides in Phoenixville, Pa.

Kelsey J. Miles ’14

and Joshua Darling were married Oct. 29, 2016, on her family farm in Julian, Pa. Pictured are (l-r) Linde Miles, sister of the bride, groom Joshua Darling, bride Kelsey Miles ’14, mother of the bride Lisa (Donohue) Miles ’82, and father of the bride Jeffrey Miles ’82. The newlyweds reside in Philipsburg, Pa., where Kelsey is an elementary emotional support teacher in the Philipsburg-Osceola school district.

Michelle D. Hoover ’15

and Eric Knoll were married Sept. 17, 2016, in Coatesville, Pa. Juniata alumni in attendance were (l-r) Michael Weintraub ’15, David Knecht ’15, Forest Miller ’15, Shayna Yeates ’15, Kaitlyn Yoder ’15, Devin Beck ’16, and Taylor Johnston ’15. Michelle is a program specialist for the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary in Wilmington, Del., and the couple resides in Lincoln University, Pa.

Andrea G. Morillo ’15 and Maxime A. Pierru ’12

| Juniata

were joined in marriage March 4, 2017, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

In attendance was Airokhsh Faiz Qaisary ’15. The newlyweds are living in Colmar, France.

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Births Ethan J. Gibbel ’02

and wife Meryl are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Shae Metta, on Nov. 27, 2016. Brothers Emmett and Finley welcomed Shae home.

Jennifer B. Habel Hall ’04

and husband Brian are proud to announce the birth of their son, Grant William, on Aug. 17, 2016. Big sister Montgomery Jane helped welcome Grant home.

Amber J. Helsel-Ickes ’04

and husband Ryan are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Bronsen Arthur, on June 10, 2016.

Jessica L. (Shenker) Abbey ’05

and husband Cory are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Luke George, on Oct. 6, 2016.

Anne M. (Laird) Huber ’05 and Adrian R. Huber ’05 are proud to announce the birth of their son, Ian Matthew, on Nov. 16, 2016.

Eric N. Bridenbaugh ’06

and wife Nicole are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, son Noah David, on June 25, 2016.

Shane A. Fether ’07

and wife Rebecca are proud to announce the birth of their son, Silas, on Dec. 8, 2016. Older brothers Andrew and Leo helped to welcome Silas home.

Nicole E. Luvison ’07 and Brenton R. Forshey ’08

are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Nora Hazel, on Oct. 14, 2016.

Janelle M. (Mitchell) Meadows ’07 and Michael J. Meadows ’07

are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Fiona Evelyn, on Aug. 31, 2016. Big sister Josephine helped to welcome Fiona home.

Stephanie N. (Stupic) Putt ’07

and husband Joshua are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Chloe Renee, on May 13, 2016.

Justine M. (Kobeski) Black ’08

and husband Brinton are proud to announce the birth of their son, Theron Anthony, on March 24, 2017.

Michelle A. (Campbell) Krall ’08

and husband Travis are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Asher Lee, on Feb. 10, 2017.

Katie A. (Rhoads) Weber ’08 and John E. Weber ’07

are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Carson David, on Oct. 24, 2016.

Naomi R. (Bean) Jensen ’11 and Zachary R. Jensen ’11 are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Felicity Noelle, on Dec. 15, 2016.

Angela E. (Banks) Yorke ’13

and husband Josiah are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Oliver David, on Oct. 2, 2016. is proud to announce the birth of his son, Landon Arliss, on Nov. 30, 2016.

2017 Spring-Summer |

Carl J. Coleman Jr. ’15

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Juniata Community Scholarship Through the Juniata Community Scholarship, alumni and parents can identify promising high school students who are a good fit for Juniata and assist them through the college search process. But how can alumni and parents find such students?

While some ways are obvious—a family member, a friend, or a co-worker—Michael Stefanic ’07 unexpectedly found the answer in a student whose high school required her to shadow a professional in her field of interest. During her day in Michael’s office with the PA Department of Environmental Protection, Madison Colyer ’21 of Newville, Pa., was “bright and intuitive.” Michael recognized that “her eclectic interests—geology/earth science, photography, soccer—made her a passionate and engaging person to talk to. Madison will quickly become an asset and integral part of any community she’s part of—at Juniata she will flourish.”

Michael Stefanic ’07, pictured with his fiancé.

After submitting a Juniata Community Scholarship form for Madison, Michael connected with her a few times over several months to answer questions and show her firsthand the supportive Juniata community. With a $1,000 annual scholarship in-hand, honoring Michael’s involvement in her recruitment, Madison will enter Juniata this fall with the Class of 2021.

If you find yourself interacting with a high school student who would flourish at Juniata, visit juniata.edu/recruit or call 814-641-3116 to start the process and share the Juniata community.

MyJuniata You’re invited to take advantage of the new MyJuniata, a secure, integrated site with enhanced features that can simplify your interactions: • Register for events quickly: MyJuniata remembers your info, so there’s no need to enter it time after time.

•

•

Give to Juniata on your own terms: Designate your gift to a specific project, make a matching gift, set up a recurring gift, and automatically store your giving record for future reference.

Search a password-protected directory: Discover alumni who share your career and social interests, find long-lost classmates, and network with alumni in your region.

Visit my.juniata.edu and register now to make the most of MyJuniata’s intuitive features.

| Juniata

You’ll need your seven-digit Juniata ID# that should have been provided to you by the Alumni Office. Questions?

Contact us at alumni@juniata.edu or call 814-641-3443.

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The Power of the Juniata Network

During Juniata Career Day 2016, Chandler Steffen ’16 happened upon Gabe Castro ’12, who was representing The Vangua rd Group at the fair. Chandler had me t Gabe and applied to Vangua rd after a prior campus visit during which Gabe gave a presentati on about the company and his experie nces as a young professiona l in the workforce. With Gabe’s help and guidance, Chandler sec ured an interview and accepted an offer to be a Brokerage Inve stment Professional at the compan y’s corporate headquarters in Malvern, Pa. Chandler was excited to sta rt his career with Vanguard and followed Gabe’s example by “paying it forward” with other Juniatia ns by representing the compan y at Career Day 2017. Since then, Aaron Messersmith ’16 and Kelly Reynolds ’17 have also accepted positions at Vangua rd and helped to introduce a group of first-year and sophomore students to the financial services industry during a visit to Vanguard’s campus. These Juniata alum ni are banding together to cre ate a strong Juniata presence at the largest mutual fund company in the world.

& Family Weekend October 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8, 2017

Fun for All Ages!

Class Reunions 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017

2017 Spring-Summer |

juniata.edu/hc

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I met a Juniata alum

in the most unusual place...

Chris Perry ’72, a former Juniata football player, is assistant athletic director at the United States Military Academy at West Point. I have been a season ticket holder for Army football for several seasons. When I learned about Chris, I contacted him and we met before a game in Michie Stadium at West Point. We shared a lot of Juniata football stories before watching the Black Knights roll to a victory.

—David Hogan ’61

Greg Breidenstine-Howe ’91 and I both have ended up in the health policy field. Although we have not seen each other since 1991, we have crossed paths at professional events three times since graduation.

Most recently, we found ourselves in the same meeting in January 2017 near St. Paul, Minn. We had dinner together and reminisced about our Juniata days.

—Donna Spencer ’91

These four Juniata alumni were all in attendance at the November 2016 Pennsylvania Botany Symposium in State College, Pa. Pictured (l-r) are Acer VanWallendael ’11, a doctoral candidate in biology at Fordham University in New York, N.Y., Ian Gardner ’11, a wildlife biologist technician at Fort Indiantown Gap, Kaitlyn Yoder ’15, a wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever, and Lisa Smith ’88, executive director of the Natural Areas Association and also chairperson of the steering committee for the conference.

—Norris Muth, associate professor of biology

I am a hardwoods development specialist for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. While promoting the sustainable use of Pennsylvania hardwood at the U.S. Green Building Council’s GreenCon convention in March 2017 in Millersville, Pa., I ran into Steve Cohn ’12.

—Jonathan Geyer ’16

X

| Juniata

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.

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PLEASE SEND YOUR STORY AND PHOTOS TO . . .

Dawn Scialabba, Alumni Relations Assistant Alumni Relations Office, Juniata College 1700 Moore Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652 Email: scialad@juniata.edu

Obituaries Beatrice (Branda) Schorsch ’36

Jan. 16, 2017—Beatrice worked as a dietitian and instructor in nutrition for nursing students in various hospitals. She was preceded in death by husband Christopher and is survived by daughters Beatrice (Schorsch) Hueglin ’64 and Christy Jean Schorsch ’65, and one granddaughter.

Helen B. (Garver) Bratton ’39

Dec. 17, 2016—Helen worked for many years teaching mathematics, as a high school teacher at McVeytown-Oliver High School in McVeytown, Pa., and at Kishacoquillas High School in Reedsville, Pa. She also worked as an assistant professor of mathematics at Southern Seminary (now Southern Virginia University) in Buena Vista, Va., and Madison College (now James Madison University) in Harrisonburg, Va. She ended her working career as a librarian for the Rothrock branch of the Mifflin County Library from 1965 to 1981. Helen assisted her husband with the operation of their family farm, and enjoyed reading, gardening, and quilting. She also served as an organist and a deacon at the McVeytown Presbyterian Church. Helen was preceded in death by husband William, and is survived by son Edwin, daughter Miriam, and three grandchildren.

Harold L. Utts ’42

March 7, 2017—“Buck” earned graduate degrees from Drew Thelogical Seminary in Madison, N.J., and Columbia University in New York, N.Y., and went on to a career as a social worker, serving as director of social services for Child and Family Services in Buffalo, N.Y. He was an active volunteer in the Aurora, N.Y., community, including organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the East Aurora Historical Society. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening, and chair caning and weaving. Buck was preceded in death by wife Janet (Holcomb) Utts ’44 and brothers James Utts ’49 and Herbert Utts ’52. He is survived by daughters Martha (Utts) Jones ’67, Sandra, and Rebecca, sister Betty, and four grandchildren.

Marjorie F. (Findley) Bellfy ’43

Elizabeth M. (Snider) Berlin ’43

Jan. 13, 2017—Betty taught music and horseback riding at the Oak Grove School in Vassalboro, Maine, before she started a family. While raising her children, she taught piano lessons and assisted at her husband’s veterinary practice. Her hobbies included completing crossword puzzles and watching programs on PBS and C-SPAN. Betty was preceded in death by husband Seibert and brother Donald Snider ’39. She is survived by daughters Patricia (Berlin) Malay ’78 and Rebecca, son Timothy, and two grandchildren.

Ann E. (Hill) Duffield ’43

March 27, 2017—Ann, of Harrisonville, Va., was a high school mathematics teacher and a librarian during her career. She enjoyed gardening and doing crossword puzzles.

Ann was preceded in death by husband Robert, and is survived by sons Neal and Glenn Duffield ’81.

Richard D. Heck Jr. ’45

Feb. 4, 2017—Richard attended Juniata and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., and master’s degree in accounting from Penn State University. During his career, he worked for Owens-Corning Fiberglas, Sylvania, and Stackpole Carbon Company. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Richard was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Emporium, Pa., where he sang in the church choir. He was a member of the Mount Union Lodge No. 688, the Simpson-Hunt American Legion Post 107, and the Coudersport Scottish Rite Bodies. His hobbies included golfing and watching Penn State football. He was preceded in death by wife May, and is survived by daughter Catherine.

Ruth E. Barkley ’48

Dec. 4, 2016—Ruth was a high school teacher for more than four decades for Somerset Area Schools in Somerset, Pa. She was an active lifetime member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Eldon, Ralph, and Dwight, as well as her sister, Wilma. Ruth is survived by her sister, Jean.

Harry E. Maclay ’48

Nov. 23, 2016—Before his time at Juniata College, Harry served in the Army during World War II. Following graduation from the College, he studied advanced advertising and marketing at Harvard University in

Cambridge, Mass. Harry held various writing, editing, and marketing positions during his employment at Sperry Univac and Sperry New Holland. He was active with many organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America, the National Association of Marketing, the International Council of Industrial Editors, the Eastern Lancaster County School Board, and the LancasterLebanon Council Boy Scouts of America.

Harry served as a member, Sunday school teacher, and lay leader at the New Holland United Methodist Church. After retiring, his passions included genealogy, writing, and gardening. Harry was preceded in death by wife Charlotte (Beam) Maclay ’48 and brother William Maclay ’47, and is survived by sons Douglas, Alan, and David, as well as 10 grandchildren.

James C. Rohland ’48

Jan. 27, 2017—After serving in the U.S. Navy, Jim was employed by the International Division of Merck & Company Pharmaceuticals for 40 years. He was an active member of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Huntingdon, Pa. He was an active member of the Masons for 65 years, and was a member of Frank W. Sidler American Legion Post #40 and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. His hobbies included hunting, woodworking, and golfing. He is survived by wife Gladys (Johnson) Rohland ’47, daughters Ann and Peggy, and five grandchildren, including Matthew Sullivan ’09.

Mary C. (Ono) Covey ’49

Oct. 24, 2016—The oldest daughter of Japanese immigrants, Mary was born in California and attended public schools until she and her family were forcibly relocated into an internment camp during World War II. After the war, Mary and her mother migrated to New Jersey to work in a frozen foods packing plant. During this time, Mary received the support of the American Friends Service Committee to pursue a college degree at Juniata. She and her husband, whom she met while working in the packing plant, lived in various locations around the United States, including Texas, Washington, Nebraska, New York, and West Virginia. Mary worked at Pipestem State Park, the U.S. Census Bureau, and at Concord College in Athens, W.Va. She was active with the American Association of University Women. Her hobbies included reading, quilting, teaching traditional Japanese koto music, working on jigsaw puzzles, and watching football and baseball.

Mary was preceded in death by husband Winton, son David, and several siblings,

2017 Spring-Summer |

Jan. 10, 2017—Marjorie was an English teacher at Bedford High School in Bedford, Pa., and an office supervisor for Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company in Hartford, Conn. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames organizations. Marjorie attended the Bedford Church of the Brethren and played in several bridge card clubs. She was preceded in death

by husband Wendell. She is survived by daughters Cynthia, Gretchen, and Mary Ellen, son Michael, and six grandchildren.

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including Kazuyuki Ono ’58. She is survived by daughters Mandy and Amy. The obituary for Franklin L. Dorman ’49 in the Fall-Winter 2017 Juniata Magazine mistakenly listed his service in the Strategic Air Force Command as being during the Vietnam War. Frank served during the Korean War. The editor regrets the error.

June J. (Cave) March ’49

Nov. 25, 2016—June was preceded in death by husband Richard March ’49.

Richard W. March ’49

May 1, 2014—Richard was survived by wife June (Cave) March ’49, who now is also deceased.

Cary H. Simpson ’49

Dec. 27, 2016—Cary served as a radio operator in the U.S. Navy. He continued his career in the radio industry, eventually owning and operating the Allegheny Mountain Radio Network. He was highly active in professional associations including the National Association of Broadcasters, the Radio Advertising Bureau, and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters.

Cary served on the Penn State School of Communications advisory committee, and was named Pennsylvania Broadcaster of the Year in 1985. He was also active in his home community of Tyrone, Pa., serving as a volunteer with the Presbyterian Church, Tyrone Hospital board of directors, Boy Scouts, and the Tyrone Chamber of Commerce. He was preceded in death by wife Betty (Finnegan) Simpson ’49, and is survived by daughter Barbara (Simpson) Becker ’81, son Ted, and eight grandchildren.

Herman S. Groninger Jr. ’50

March 24, 2017—Herman, a resident of Seattle, Wash., since 1957, served in the military during World War II, and earned a doctorate in biochemistry from Penn State University. He retired from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a research chemist. Harold was an active member of the Sierra Club and the Mountaineers Club, and his hobbies included hiking, climbing, and bicycling. Herman was preceded in death by wife Alma. He is survived by sons David and Walter, daughters Susan and Mary, and two grandchildren.

A. Robert Smith ’50

| Juniata

Nov. 15, 2016—Bob was a journalist for 60 years, serving as a reporter, columnist, correspondent, and editor for newspapers in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Virginia.

Additionally, he was the founder and editor

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of Venture Inward magazine for the Association for Research and Enlightenment, and the author of 10 books on politics, spirituality, and healing. He is survived by children Dana, Edward, Phillip, and Elizabeth, as well as five grandchildren.

Betty (Savine) Wagner ’50

Feb. 9, 2017—Betty received a master’s degree in social work from Boston University, and began her career working in the public assistance offices in Lewisburg, Pa., and Cheyenne, Wyo. She later served as director for the Wyoming Children’s Home Society, a nonprofit adoption agency. Betty moved with her family to Afghanistan and Greece before settling back in Cheyenne and serving the Laramie County School District as a social worker. After retirement, she became a confidential intermediary, facilitating connections between adoptees and parents.

Betty enjoyed biking, traveling, acting, and was active with the Unitarian Church. She was preceded in death by husband Richard and siblings Mary (Savine) Phillips ’37, Mildred, Henry, Jane, Anthony, Michael, and Robert. Betty is survived by daughters Judy and Lisa, three grandchildren, niece Maxine Phillips ’67, and nephews William Phillips ’70 and Thomas Phillips ’78.

Kenneth J. Wenger ’50

Dec. 17, 2016—Ken served in the U.S. Army, and then had a career as an admissions director at Juniata and, later, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, both in Pittsburgh, Pa. Ken was preceded in death by son Kenneth and daughter Nancy, and is survived by wife June, daughter Barbara, sons William, Thomas, and James, as well as 12 grandchildren.

Paul E. Whitsel ’50

Jan. 2, 2017—Paul served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and was a lifelong educator, serving as educational coordinator for the State Correctional Institution in Huntingdon, Pa., and an English teacher and principal in the Mount Union Area School District in Mount Union, Pa. He also served as a justice of the peace in Mount Union. Paul was preceded in death by his son, Stanley Whitsel ’83. He is survived by wife Barbara (Jensen) Whitsel ’48, sons Ralph, Jonathan, Bradley Whitsel ’85, and Christopher, three grandchildren, and nephew Eric Jensen ’77.

Doris M. (Orner) Faust ’51

March 22, 2017—Doris was a music teacher at Sugartown Elementary School in Malvern, Pa. She is survived by sons William, Thomas, and Robert, daughter Carole, sisters Barbara

(Orner) Cohen ’58, Joan, and Susan, and one grandchild.

Coy T. Hicks ’51

Feb. 27, 2017—Coy served in the U.S. Army for three years, spending much of that time in Korea during the Korean War. Later, he served in the National Guard and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Additionally, Coy was a teacher at Southern Huntingdon County High School for several decades, as well as a coach of both basketball and football. His passions included gardening, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was preceded in death by wife Ardeth, daughter Danice, son Jon, and an infant daughter. Coy is survived by daughter Ann, sons Thomas and Coy, as well as eight grandchildren.

Lorena A. (Hebrank) Mazer ’51

Nov. 8, 2016—Lorena, of State College, Pa., was a school teacher in several communities and also worked in the Pattee Library at Penn State University. She was a member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Women’s Circle Group.

Her passions included painting, drawing, arranging flowers, traveling, doing crafts, and playing cards. Lorena was preceded in death by husband Homer. She is survived by sons Mark, Joel, and Neal, daughter Amy, sister Carole, brother Jim, and seven grandchildren.

Gene K. Shaffer ’51

March 28, 2017—Gene, of Pinehurst, N.C., at the time of his death, had served in the Merchant Marines and then was employed for 42 years by the YMCA, retiring as executive vice president of the Greater New York Area YMCA. Gene was preceded in death by son Christopher. He is survived by wife Mary, sons Steven and Phillip, stepson Sam, stepdaughter Molly, and five step-grandchildren.

Joan M. (Sharp) Borchers ’52

Jan. 29, 2017—After graduating from the College, Joan first worked as a foreign language research analyst at the National Security Agency. After having children, she returned to college and received an associate’s degree in computer technology, which she utilized as a computer librarian at Citizens Bank. Joan was active in her church as a teacher and audio-visual librarian. Her hobbies included gardening and woodcarving. Joan is survived by husband Raymond, sons Karl and Wayne, daughter Ellen, and four grandchildren.

Joseph F. Hulgus Sr. ’52

Dec. 7, 2016—Joe served in the U.S. Army before attending and graduating from the

the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. She resided in Palo Alto, Calif., for many years, where her passions included being in nature, traveling with her husband, and singing, especially performing with the Peninsula Women’s Choir. Sue is survived by husband Richard Humphries ’58, son Daniel, and daughter Gwyneth.

William H. Jacobs ’58

PHOTO: ARIANA CAIATI ’19

College. Following his college education, he worked for the United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds for several decades. His passion was big band music, and he hosted a big band radio show on radio station WSWI for more than 25 years. Joe was preceded in death by wife Doris. He is survived by sons Joseph and David, daughter Carol, and three grandchildren.

tennis, ping pong, and biking. Bob’s other hobbies included bowling, fishing, traveling, and watching sports. He also was a member of the First Baptist Church in Woodstown, N.J., where he was a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and choir member. Bob is survived by wife Algia, and daughters Carol and Barbara, as well as four grandchildren.

John E. Criswell ’56

Jan. 14, 2017—Wilda was a teacher for 25 years, serving at Mastersonville Elementary School in Manheim, Pa., and in the Penns Valley School District in Spring Mills, Pa. One of her passions was singing, which she did with the Harmonettes at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home and Christus Choir at the Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ida and Harry Widdowson ’21, and is survived by husband Wayne, daughter Rebecca, son Christopher, and five grandchildren, including Jason Eberly ’06.

Feb. 19, 2017—John, of Everett, Pa., served in the U.S. Army for four years, and received a master’s degree in social studies education from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pa. He taught for 33 years at Claysburg-Kimmel and Everett Area School Districts in Pennsylvania.

He was a member of the Bedford Elks Lodge, the Pennsylvania State Employees Association, and the Down River Golf and Country Club. John’s passion was sports, including baseball, bowling, golf, and horse racing. He is survived by wife Joyce (Lashley) Criswell ’59, daughter Cindy, and granddaughter Becca.

Edith S. (Talbot) Morrison ’54

Joseph R. DeNicola ’57

Wilda (Widdowson) Eberly ’54

Feb. 14, 2017—Edith, most recently of Winter Haven, Fla., was a member of the Cypress Ridge Presbyterian Church, and had worked as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. She was preceded in death by husband William, and is survived by daughter Susan and five grandchildren.

Robert C. Motisher ’55

Sue E. (Paxson) Humphries ’58

Oct. 23, 2016—Early in Sue’s career, she served as an elementary school teacher. She then returned to school in order to become an X-ray technician in mammography at

Mary L. (Lockwood) Mazza ’60

Nov. 16, 2016—Mary earned a master’s degree in nutrition, and was employed as a dietitian at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Geraldine L. Thompson Care Center in New Jersey. Mary was preceded in death by husband Peter. She is survived by brother Edward and sister Jeanette.

Charles F. Parvin Jr. ’60

Dec. 9, 2016—Chuck received a master’s degree in education from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa., and was a public school teacher, most recently at Colonial School District in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. He met his wife at the College, playing drums and dancing with her in a dance band. The couple also performed together as members of the Gilbert and Sullivan Players of Philadelphia.

His other passions included reading and learning about American, European, and Russian wartime history. Chuck was a member of Berwyn United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Neagley) Parvin ’62, sons Charles and Douglas, and three grandchildren.

William B. Glenn Jr. ’61

Oct. 31, 2016—“Budd” earned master’s and doctoral degrees in chemistry from West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., and had a successful career in plastics engineering with E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company in Wilmington, Del. He then had a second career as a chemistry professor at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. His many hobbies included acting, playing games of strategy and knowledge, cycling, playing bluegrass music, traveling,

2017 Spring-Summer |

Nov. 20, 2016—Bob was an elementary school teacher, teaching fifth grade for 27 years of his career. Upon retirement, he spent his summers in Estero, Fla., where he enjoyed

Dec. 21, 2016—Joe, of Altoona, Pa., had a passion for sports, especially Penn State football. He was preceded in death by brother John and sister Theresa. He is survived by wife Vicki, son David, daughters Lisa and Renee, brothers Ronald and Richard, and two grandchildren.

Jan. 30, 2017—Bill earned a master’s degree from Northern Iowa University in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was a chemistry, physics, and nuclear science teacher and chair of the science department at West York High School in York, Pa. Bill was a proud supporter of the sports teams at West York, serving as a coach, scorekeeper, and timekeeper. He was also a member of the First Church of the Brethren in York. His hobbies included bowling, traveling, and playing cards. He is survived by wife Anita, son David, daughter Cheryl, and four grandchildren.

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woodworking, reading, camping, hiking, and fitness walking. He was a member of Banner Elk Christian Fellowship. Budd was preceded in death by wife Margaret (Chidester) Glenn ’60 and sister Lynne.

He is survived by daughters Sonja and Gretchen, son David, sister Helen, brother Jerry, and 13 grandchildren.

Kent O. Butler ’65

Paul D. Lenharr Sr. ’68

Susan (Kephart) Bushey ’62

Loretta M. (Martin) Fair ’65

Joanne L. (Molin) Berry ’69

March 17, 2017—Susan was a resident of Winfield, Md., and worked for the State of Maryland Law Archives, Carroll County Public Library Bookmobile, and her husband’s land surveying business. She was interested in history, especially American history and local Carroll County history.

John W. Clark Jr. ’62

Nov. 16, 2016—John built his family business, Clark Metal Products in Blairsville, Pa., where he held several positions ranging from tool designer to president and chief executive officer. He was active in the community, serving on the Indian County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Indiana County Development Corporation, Catalyst Connection board of directors, Blairsville Zoning Hearing Board, and many more.

He was a member of the Hopewell United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Hopewell Visionary Committee and a pianist. Some of his talents included woodworking, and playing trumpet and piano. John is survived by wife Darlene, children Jacki, Terri, and Rob, as well as five grandchildren.

Marcia K. (Quarry) Latz ’62

Feb. 12, 2017—During her career, “Marti” was employed as a legal secretary, a litigation paralegal, a real estate paralegal, a principal of M.Q. Latz & Associates, and co-founder and president of InfoSystems Consultants, Inc. She was active at the White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, N.C. Her passions included writing poetry, traveling, cooking, backpacking, sailing, and singing karaoke. Marti is survived by husband John, son John, and two grandchildren.

Douglas L. Dorset ’64

| Juniata

Dec. 8, 2016—Douglas earned a doctoral degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, Md., and was employed by Exxon Mobil. Douglas received the A.L. Patterson Award from the American Crystallographic Association in 2002, and was a member of the Sigma Xi, SUNY Albany Chapter. He enjoyed writing, reading, and collecting books. He is survived by wife Bonnie, son Erik, brother Ted, sister Cheryl, and two granddaughters.

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March 22, 2017—Kent, of Bel Air, Md., enjoyed playing golf, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. He also loved sports, especially following Penn State University athletic teams. He is survived by wife Donna, children Christopher and Tori, brother Stanley Butler ’63, and three grandchildren.

Dec. 15, 2016—Loretta was a science teacher at Pen Argyl High School, Northeast Junior High School, and Freedom High School. She retired from Freedom High School in 2004.

After retirement, she was active in the community as a volunteer for the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Slatington, Pa., and as a Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem. Her interests included birds and other wildlife, swimming in Cape Cod, walking, and reading. Loretta is survived by husband Phillip Fair ’64, daughter Rebecca, son Eric, and four grandchildren.

I. Marcus Robbins ’66

Dec. 20, 2016—Marc was a school teacher in the Harrisburg School District and served for several decades as a baseball umpire with the Central Penn Umpires Association. His passions included watching Hershey Bears hockey and New York Yankees baseball games, and volunteering at the Wildwood Nature Center in Harrisburg, Pa. He is survived by wife Patricia, son Jed, and two grandsons.

Patrick W. Loughlin ’67

Nov. 11, 2016—Paul, of Huntingtown, Md., dedicated much of his time to serving in leadership positions for the Calvert Elks Lodge. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Paul is survived by son Paul, daughters Elizabeth, Aalisa, and Kelley, and brothers Raymond and Urtha Lenharr ’71.

March 8, 2017—Joanne worked as a case manager for the Massachusetts Welfare Department and as a legal assistant. She enjoyed keeping up with current affairs.

Joanne is survived by sons Matthew Berry ’01 and John, granddaughter Caitlyn, and former husband, Dennis Berry ’69.

Robert J. Merrell ’69

Feb. 5, 2017—Rob had a career in retail, serving as a manager for Brooks Brothers and Nordstrom’s stores in New York, New Jersey, and Vermont. He enjoyed reading, antiquing, and attending cultural events. Rob was preceded in death by brother Thomas and is survived by brother Scott.

Thomas L. Jones ’71

Feb. 21, 2017—Before retirement, Tom was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. He was also a member of the Blair County Rod and Gun Club and an avid fly fisherman. Tom is survived by wife Marla, daughters Emily and Molly, and two grandchildren.

Jon M. Keller ’71

Jan. 1, 2017—After attending Juniata, Patrick completed his college education at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pa. He spent several years serving as a union organizer for the Oil, Chemicals, and Atomic Workers Union before finding his calling as a gunsmith. Patrick served as a weapons master and consultant for television programs, such as “America’s Most Wanted” and “Top Cops,” as well as movies “Cry Baby,” “Major League II,” and “Guarding Tess.”

Patrick was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. His hobbies included hunting, target shooting, Irish dancing, sheep breeding, and storytelling.

Patrick is survived by wife Saraunda “Sandy” (Andoniades) Loughlin ’67 and daughters Cara Loughlin ’94 and Katharine.

Dec. 22, 2016—Jon earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, becoming one of the first board-certified emergency physicians in the United States. He served as the first emergency medical resource director in Lancaster County, Pa. Jon later was certified in family medicine, which he practiced for many years. His many passions included his faith, music, motorcycles and automobiles, western movies, woodworking, nature, and playing checkers. Jon was preceded in death by mother Ruth and sister Sueann. He is survived by father John, wife Lynne, daughters Bonnie and Laura, son Jeffrey, siblings Robert and Sandra, and four grandchildren.

Patricia A. (Weber) Lee ’68

Feb. 13, 2017—After studying and playing football, basketball, and baseball at Juniata, Ricky moved to Florida to work in hotel management for a decade. He returned to Pennsylvania, and worked in the mortgage industry for 30 years. Ricky’s hobbies included

Dec. 5, 2016—Patricia was a resident of Kamuela, Hawaii. She is survived by husband Francis, sons Kainoa and Kealiiaea, brothers Kenneth, David, and Donald, and sisters Doris and Marion.

Ricky L. Fields ’75

golfing, hunting, archery, and spending time outdoors. He is survived by son David, daughter Melissa, and five grandchildren.

Camillia Farren ’77

Jan. 6, 2017—Camillia lived in Johnstown, Pa. at the time of her death, and is survived by her mother, Victoria.

Michael K. Hars ’78

March 3, 2017—Mike of Pittsgrove, N.J., was a teacher and coach at Arthur P. Schalick High School for more than 28 years. His passion was drumming, which he did in several bands, including The Chillers, 5th Block, Spartacus Fletcher Band, The Legend, The Plague, The Bad Eggs, and Jersey Southern. His other hobbies included football, history, rock and roll music, Lionel trains, and collecting hats. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Michael, and is survived by wife Susie, daughters Alyssa and Kerry, mother Lorraine, and brothers Pat and Bruce.

Mark R. Stader ’81

Jan. 6, 2017—Mark continued his education at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Md, earning a master’s degree in business administration, and then had a career working in medical sales. His hobbies were playing tennis and golf, listening to music, and driving his classic Cadillac. He is survived by parents Richard and Mary Stader, wife Laurie, daughter Nicole, son Andrew, and siblings Alan, Bob, and Anne.

Christina A. (McDonald) Schell ’87

April 19, 2016—After attending Juniata, Christina graduated from Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and received a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Millersville University in Lancaster, Pa. During her career, she worked for a suicide hotline in Charlotte, N.C., and as a pharmaceutical representative. She was a member of St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church in Huntersville, N.C., and the American Rabbit Breeders Association. She was preceded in death by brother David. Christina is survived by parents Thomas and Andrea, husband Michael Schell ’88, and brother Thomas.

Stephanie M. Cotham-Martin ’00

Feb. 22, 2017—Stephanie enjoyed photography, cross stitch, and reading. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary, and is survived by wife Karen, father Roger, and brother Christopher.

Nov. 11, 2016—Kevin served for more than 17 years in various positions at the Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia, N.Y.,

Jennifer L. (Angelo) Meck ’05

Feb. 11, 2017—After attending Juniata, Jennifer continued her education, earning degrees in diagnostic radiologic technology and nuclear medicine technology. She was employed in the Medical Imaging Department at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, in Huntingdon, Pa. Her passions included spending time at the beach and caring for homeless pets at local animal shelters. Jennifer is survived by husband Randy and son Jalen.

Quadir L. Christian ’13

March 29, 2017—Quadir, of Johnstown, Pa., was employed as a counselor for the Outside In school in Greensburg, Pa. He enjoyed playing and coaching football and other sports. Quadir is survived by his mother, Charlene Leake, his father, John Christian, his foster parents, Geneva and Louise Jones, siblings Quinton, Rickeshia, Williesha, Jamere, Kiana, and Kyante, and foster siblings Jonique and John.

Faculty and Staff Hazel E. (Black) Crouch

March 8, 2017—Hazel was a member of the support staff in Beeghly Library and the audio-visual department, retiring in 1989 after 25 years of service to the College.

She attended Ohio State University in Columbus and had previously been employed as assistant to the director of the Ohio Historical Society. She was a skilled needlepoint artist and was active in community theatre in Huntingdon, Pa. Hazel is survived by husband Howard, professor emeritus of education at the College, sons Marc and Eric Crouch ’73, daughter Marsha, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Stephen L. Hayes

Dec. 29, 2016—Steve served as an assistant coach with the Juniata football program for more than 25 years, working with former head coaches Rob Ash, Brad Small, Chris Coller ’85, Tom Gibboney ’78, Kevin Burke, Darrell Alt, and since 2012, under current head coach Tim Launtz ’80. He primarily coached the offensive line, but was the offensive coordinator for the 1999 and 2000 seasons, two of the top five seasons in Juniata football history for passing yardage. Steve

PHOTO: AMBER BORING ’18

earned a bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in Lancaster, Pa., and was a teacher and high school and college football coach for more than 42 years. He is survived by wife Debra and son Jeffrey Hayes ’07.

Donald D. Moyer

Dec. 27, 2016—Don, vice president of advancement and marketing at Juniata from 1991-97, earned a bachelor of arts degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa., a bachelor of divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa., and a master of social service degree from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work in Bryn Mawr, Pa. Don began his career as a Lutheran minister in Pennsylvania, then transitioned to positions as director of economic development in West Virginia, Maryland, Texas, and California, and vice president of advancement at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, W.Va., before joining the College administration. He was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the College in 1998, and ended his career at Golden Gate University in San Francisco, Calif. His passions included traveling, fishing, and current events. Don is survived by wife Peggy, sons Christopher, Michael, and Kevin, daughters Elizabeth Moyer ’85 and Kelly, and four grandchildren.

2017 Spring-Summer |

Kevin T. Dunn ’04

most recently as assistant director. He also worked as youth ministries coordinator at the Lansing United Methodist Church. He is survived by parents John and Wanda, brother Matthew, and wife Amara (Camp) Dunn ’05.

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IN MEMORIAM

Remembering John Workman Swigart Jr. ’61 John Workman Swigart Jr., 78, of Huntingdon died at home surrounded by his family on February 23, 2017, following an illness of two years.

Born April 24, 1938, in Huntingdon, he was the son of John Workman Swigart Sr. ’30 and Jane Bell Swigart ’27. His wife, Martha Hunter Swigart, survives.

The couple were married on the 30th wedding anniversary of John’s parents, June 17, 1961, in the Lewistown Presbyterian Church, with the Reverend William A. Parsons officiating. Also surviving are two daughters: Anne Hunter Swigart, who lives in West Chester, Pa., with her husband John C. Shetron, and Katherine Wells Swigart, a resident of Huntingdon.

John was the middle sibling between his older sister, Nancy Swigart Shedd ’62, of Petersburg, Pa., and younger brother, Charles Bell Swigart ’65, a recent resident of Fayetteville, Pa. The three enjoyed living near one another for 70 years in the Huntingdon area.

John Workman Swigart Jr. ’61

John Workman Swigart, a 1961 Juniata graduate and a Church of the Brethren representative to the Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2002, died Feb. 23, 2017, at age 78.

Swigart worked for nearly four decades in various positions with Swigart Associates Inc. (now the Mutual Benefit Group, in Huntingdon, Pa.), retiring in 1998 as president of the company.

He also was very active in Huntingdon’s Stone Church of the Brethren, where he served as deacon, with his wife, Martha Hunter Swigart, for three five-year terms. He also served on the church board and was co-chair of the committee that led the church’s 2008–2009 renovation project. At the time of his death, he was serving on the church finance team.

As a business leader, Swigart remained active in Huntingdon as a member of Huntingdon County Business and Industry and served as the group’s president from 1980 to 1981. He also worked with the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce, serving on the administration and finance committees. He was a trustee of the Huntingdon County Foundation and served on the investment committee.

He was a member of the Huntingdon Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris fellow. In addition, Swigart was on the board of directors of The Village at Morrison’s Cove and was a director at Huntingdon Savings Bank. He was a member of Huntingdon Landmarks, Inc., and Huntingdon Borough Planning Commission.

| Juniata

Swigart is survived by his wife, Martha, and two daughters, Anne Hunter Swigart and Katherine Wells Swigart.

—Christy Dowdy, Pastor at the Stone Church of the Brethren

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After graduation from Huntingdon High School in 1956, John attended Franklin & Marshall College for two years and then transferred to Juniata College to continue the family’s four-generation close association with the college. He graduated in 1961 from Juniata with a B.S. degree in economics.

John was part of the fourth generation of the Swigart family to belong to Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon. The church sanctuary is where he was baptized and where he proposed to his wife, Martha. The couple recently completed their third five-year term as church deacons. John served two terms on the church board, now called the Leadership Team. He was co-chair of the committee that oversaw the church’s 2008-09 renovation project and was, at the time of his death, a member of the church Finance Team.

John was employed for 37 years in various positions within the property-casualty insurance business begun by his grandfather, W. Emmert Swigart ’06, in 1907: Swigart Associates, Inc. (now known as Mutual Benefit Group). At his retirement in 1998, John was president of the company. In this position, fostering a corporate culture that was supportive of the employees was important to him. He continued serving on the company’s board of directors and its Investment Committee for the next ten years.

John served the Huntingdon area in a number of capacities. He was an active member of Huntingdon County Business & Industry and served as its president in 1980-81. More recently, he worked with the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce as a member of its Administration and Finance Committee, and at the time of his death, John was a trustee of the Huntingdon County Foundation and a member of its Investment Committee. From 1999 to 2002, John was a Church of the Brethren representative on the Juniata College Board of Trustees. He belonged to the Huntingdon Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and the club’s longest-tenured member. At the time of his death, he served on the board of directors of The Village at Morrison’s Cove; as a member of Huntingdon Landmarks, Inc., and the Borough Planning Commission; and as a director of Huntingdon Savings Bank.

Through traveling, hunting, and photography, John enjoyed the beauty of nature.

When their daughters were young, the Swigarts took annual summer road trips, often visiting areas in the American West. National parks and backcountry in the Rocky Mountain states were John’s favorite places to explore. He made 34 hunting trips west of the Mississippi River and eagerly looked forward to hunting seasons on the family farm in Cottage. He also earned a pilot’s license for single-engine planes. Beginning in his teenage years and through the rest of his life, John liked to learn about, work on, and drive performance cars. Local and Western history, including preservation of meaningful sites, was also a special interest.

END PAPER

Knox Knock Knocking at NFL Hall of Fame’s Door

By Jim Troha president

W

e are nearing the end of the game and time is running out. In the clamor and uproar of the modern sports marketing machine, a great man’s achievements are underservedly dissipating like the roar of the crowd after a Hail Mary touchdown.

JUNIATA PH

OTO FILE

We tend to celebrate football coaches more often than military figures, politicians, or even team leaders in other sports. They are literally put on pedestals, given book deals, asked to comment on football games, and, every so often, provide political advice. Often times, these other roles are unsuited to football coaches—a profession that rewards men who laser focus on football to the exclusion of everything else.

Chuck Knox ’54

Fortunately, these hyper-obsessed types are usually rewarded in the long run by inclusion in the NFL Hall of Fame, particularly if the coach managed to lead a winning team to the Super Bowl.

There also should be room in the Hall of Fame for coaches who were great teachers, inspirational thinkers, and tradition-busters who refuse to buy into the conventional wisdom—

men like Chuck Knox ’54, coach of the L.A. Rams, the Buffalo Bills, and Seattle Seahawks. Knox is the 10th winningest coach in NFL history (the other nine are already in the Hall).

One of Chuck’s most quoted sayings is “What you do speaks so well, there’s no need to hear what you have to say.”

What Chuck did in his twodecade head-coaching career, from 1973 to 1994, certainly qualifies him for inclusion in the Hall of Fame. And the way he did things, mirroring the education he received here at Juniata, should be emulated not only on the football field but as a blueprint for success in any field.

Chuck studied history at Juniata, but he also celebrated the benefits he received from the other classes he took. His halftime speeches were littered with references from literature, business, and history. His offensive philosophy of running the ball, running the ball, and occasionally running the ball, known at the time as the “Ground Chuck” offense, is a mirror for a wide-ranging education. You must master the fundamentals of life before you seek success. Unlike some executives, politicians, and yes, even football coaches, Chuck Knox knew that throwing it long every time and hoping for the best was a fool’s errand.

His achievements bear this out.

He was a three-time Coach of the Year (1973, 1980, 1984) who took a chance on a young African-American quarterback out of Grambling State University named James Harris. In 1973, Knox was the first coach to

regularly start an African-American quarterback. It would take another two decades before teams regularly drafted quarterbacks based not on their complexion but on the content of their talent and character.

The wisdom of another “Knoxism,” “work will win, wishing won’t,” belies the injustice done to this man’s great character. He put in the work, winning 193 games, losing 158 with one tie. He led the Rams to five consecutive division championships.

He so cherished his education at Juniata that he gave his largest financial commitment to his alma mater, not to help out the athletics program, but to endow a professorship in history. He didn’t get a statue, but the lessons delivered by our Knox Professor of History will continue to influence our students long after the patina of a bronze effigy has worn away.

In late summer, when sportswriters start voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame right before the season starts, please take time to lobby your local sportswriters, coaches, or any football fan who will listen. Tell them, “It’s only through admitting your mistakes can you profit from them.”

Yes, another Knoxism. But let’s put this in the context of my career field, higher education. Chuck has done the work, he has achieved at the highest level. He has set records and made history. When college professors see work like that, they award students an “A.” It is time to reward him. He’s had enough hard knocks in a very, very tough game. >J<

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PHOTO: JD CAVRICH

Peter Goldstein, John Downey Benedict Professor of English, congratulates Martha Carpenter ’17, of Trumansburg, N.Y., at Juniata’s 139th commencement ceremony on May 13, 2017. Carpenter is one of the 343 students who received their diplomas that day.