Juniata Magazine Summer 2022

JUNIATA

Dear Friends,

Life at Juniata has a renewed vigor these days as we embrace our restored traditions and celebrate the ability to gather together once again. Members of a new class of Juniatians have left their undergraduate years behind and set off into the world to embark on the journey into their future.

In the pages of this magazine and its expansive online counterpart, you can experience the joy we feel and the pride we take in the accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff. The voices of our choir members have once more sounded across the globe following a pandemic-imposed hiatus. Our students continue to find opportunities to serve one another and their community while focusing their goals on leadership and a desire to make the world a better place. Faculty members find new and ever more innovative ways to combine their interests to offer a truly unique and individualized educational experience for their students. Alumni, leaning on the appetite for life-long learning cultivated during their days on campus, celebrate and share their knowledge creatively.

It is an honor to be a part of this community of leaders and learners who make possible much of what we do and value. This is at the heart of what it means to be a Juniatian.

With warm regards,

A. Troha, Ph.D. President

Photo: Jason Jones

Cover photo: courtesy of Russ Shelley

About the cover: Members of Juniata’s Concert Choir explored Scotland as part of their spring tour, the first since 2019.

James

James A. Troha trohaj@juniata.edu @juniataprztroha

PHOTO: MEGAN BRENNEMAN

Future Podiatrist Finds Her Stride at Juniata

BY JENNIFER PENCEK DIRECTOR OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION

A cheerleader by nature and by choice, from the moment Haley Carrasco ’22 set foot on Juniata’s campus she was committed to making a difference in her life and the lives of those around her—and she’s been busily doing so for the past four years.

“It’s challenging coming in as a first-generation student, but that challenge was made a lot easier through the support of the financial aid office, the registrar’s office, and how personalized everything is,” said Haley. “I found mentors everywhere. I felt like I wasn’t figuring things out on my own, we were collaborating. As a first-gen student, I’ve always felt that support at Juniata.”

Coming from Cresco, Pa., near the Poconos, Haley’s Program of Emphasis was biology with a secondary emphasis in bioethics in pursuit of a career in medicine. She leapt into college life, becoming a Juniata cheerleader, a community adviser, co-president of the Juniata Activities Board, a resident assistant, a tour guide, a Pocono Mountain Evangelical Hunger Ministry volunteer, and an undergraduate researcher.

Throughout her academic career, Haley has been awarded the Homer C. and Ethel F. Will Biology Scholarship, the Charles Q. Griffith Jr. ’42 Endowed Scholarship, and the Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Ellis Cherry Leadership Scholarship.

Photos: (above) Rakshan Sadasivuni ’22; (right) courtesy of Haley Carrasco ’22

With Jill Keeney, Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology, Haley conducted research on YNR029C, a gene of unknown function found within the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, otherwise known as baker’s yeast.

“It was completely sequenced in the 1990s, but, even after that, we don’t know what nearly one thousand of those genes do. I chose one of those genes, and I’m currently running experiments to see if I can figure out what it does,” said Haley, adding that her research is the subject of her senior thesis. “It’s been a great opportunity.”

Outside the lab, Haley is at the center of planning campus events and weekend activities, including cherished Juniata traditions like Mountain Day, Madrigal, Lobsterfest, and Springfest. Serving and encouraging others is a lesson Haley said she learned from her family, especially her mother and her younger brother, Cesar.

“My mom especially has encouraged me and pushed me to follow every crazy dream I have had,” she said. “She’s been my biggest support system, always helping me through the college process as much as she can, and having a helpful hand on my back.”

During a medical internship in Panama, Haley Carrasco ’22 had the opportunity to hone both her laboratory and clinical skills as she explored her future career interests.

When she first began college, she was torn between surgical specialty and primary healthcare as her intended career field. Haley began job shadowing at Penn Highlands Huntingdon Hospital and was able to watch surgeries and take part in regular clinic visits. During a health professions course with Tricia Hunt, director of health professions, she learned of a virtual internship with the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, which provided her with the opportunity to interact with podiatrists from all over the U.S.

“I was also able to shadow at Raystown Podiatry with Dr. Tammy Carlson-Little. She served as a great mentor, and I got to know the Huntingdon community super well,” Haley said. “I met many different types of patients, from the oldest to the youngest. Now, seeing those same people at Walmart, they’re so encouraging and keep tabs on how I’m doing.”

Her internship and job shadowing experiences confirmed podiatry was the career she wanted. Through an alumni connection with podiatrist

Haley Carrasco ’22 completed an internship at Irma Tzanetatos hospital in Panama, where she gained hands-on experience in patient care in multiple fields of medicine and participated in clinical research in neonatology.

Photo: courtesy of Haley Carrasco ’22

Dr. Duane Ehredt Jr. ’07, Haley was able to expand her knowledge and her interest.

“Podiatry was it for me,” said Haley. “I liked the idea that I could be a clinician—meet and talk with people, but also be a surgeon.”

Haley credits Tricia Hunt and the Health Professions Program with aiding in her preparations to apply to podiatry programs at medical schools.

“They helped me craft a good personal statement and understand the steps. They helped me out with the application and provided me with a mock interview and a committee letter,” she said. “It was great for me, especially because I don’t have any family in the health professions or anyone that I know personally.”

All her hard work has paid off, and Haley will be attending Kent State University’s College of Podiatric Medicine in the fall.

As she looks forward to her future, she hopes to be able to help other first-generation students, much as she was supported along the way.

“I was so nervous coming to college, but everyone was super helpful. I’ve gotten support emotionally and in getting to know people on campus,” said Haley. “I’d love to help motivate other first-generation students and empower them by being a part of the alumni network for Juniata. That helped me so much.”

As a cheerleader on and off the field, Haley Carrasco ’22 has committed to making a difference in her life and the lives of those around her by pursuing her own success and encouraging others on their paths as well. She expresses her gratitude for the mentors she found at Juniata during her four years on campus and looks forward to mentoring others as an alum.

It’schallengingcominginasa first-generationstudent,butthat challengewasmadealoteasier throughthesupportofthe financialaidoffice,the registrar’soffice,andhow personalizedeverythingis. Ifoundmentorseverywhere.”

—Haley Carrasco ’22

Photo: Veronica Cosmopolis ’20

Inspiring Scientific Curiosity Through Comics

BY APRIL FEAGLEY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

When a young Jay Hosler first sketched his favorite dinosaur, he probably couldn’t yet spell the word “interdisciplinary.” Even so, it was the first step on his journey to merge his love of the natural world with his passion for art.

Today, as the David K. Goodman ’74 Professor of Biology and chair of the biology department, his talent for sharing his fascination with science through storytelling is influencing the researchers and practitioners of tomorrow.

“After 20 years of teaching, what I want most is to inspire others to be curious,” Jay said. “I need to inspire them to seek answers on their own. I don’t want students to just be Pez dispensers who spit out answers.”

Haldan Kirsch

Photo:

That lifelong celebration of curiosity and what began as a dearth of dinosaur illustrations suitable to please a young paleontology enthusiast led to a career as a biologist, author, illustrator, and educator.

“These days, you can go into a bookstore and find gloriously illustrated books about dinosaurs. When I was growing up, it was rarer,” he said. “I’ve always drawn, so if I wanted to see a battle between triceratops and tyrannosaurus rex, I had to do it myself.”

Jay’s love of drawing continued as an undergraduate biology student at DePauw University, and he honed his ability to combine writing and cartoons to create single-panel and four-panel sequences.

The fusion of biology, education, and drawing came about when Jay was reading The Biology of the Honey Bee by Mark Winston while completing his work toward a Ph.D. in biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame.

“When I read the book, I thought, ‘Someone should do a comic. Maybe I should do it’,” Jay said. “I applied things I learned from doing shorter strips into creating a longer story. I was learning on the job.”

He began to publish science comic books, using the money earned from one to cover the printing costs for the next. “It was a way I could combine my three interests, science, writing, and art,” he said. “I felt like I was contributing something new to comics.”

By the late 1990s, that idea had developed into Clan Apis, a series of five traditional comic books. A coming-of-age story told through the perspectives of three generations of worker bees, the narrative weaves a very human story within the context of the honeybee’s natural history. The collection was published together as a graphic novel in 2000.

Prior to coming to Juniata in 2000, Jay’s work with bees led him to a position as a National Institute of Health Postdoctoral Fellow at the Ohio State University’s Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory. Clan Apis was recently republished by Harper Collins as The Way of the Hive and was named one of the Best Middle-Grade Nature Books of 2021 by Kirkus Reviews.

Jay has also authored Evolution: The Story of Life on Earth and wrote and illustrated The Last of the Sandwalkers, The Sandwalk Adventures, and Optical Allusions.

“What I like to do with comics is to provide visuals to contextualize the story. It all dovetails,” Jay said. “When students see images or animations or are forced to draw various systems in biology, it solidifies information in a particular way.”

Jay’s students are familiar with his unpublished works in the form of sketches on a whiteboard or within class materials designed to illustrate biological concepts.

“I’ll make comics for my Introduction to Biology course, but a lot of it comes down to drawing on the board,” he said. “If I draw something on the board, students put it in their notes. That helps them figure out how to visualize something in particular in the moment.”

After20yearsofteaching,what Iwantmostistoinspireothersto becurious.Ineedtoinspirethem toseekanswersontheirown.

“

“

JayHoslerisascience educatoraheadofhistime.

Hisabilitytocombine hispassionforcomics withbiologicalsciences andteachinghas“evened theplayingfield”inthe scienceclassroom.Jayhas revolutionizedourfirstyearbiologycurriculum bydevelopingthematic “sciencestories”that captivatetheattentionof ourstudents.Hisillustrations makehistoricallydifficult conceptslikerespirationand photosynthesisaccessibletoall, bydepictingthe“bigplayers” inthesepathwaysascartoons thatcomealive!

—GinaLamendella,Ph.D. George’75andCynthia’76Valko ProfessorofBiologicalSciences

By using multiple sensory pathways in teaching, students are better engaged with the academic material.

“We are organisms who have evolved, and a lot of our success is based on our five senses, including vision,” said Jay. “That is a powerful source of information from the environment and a powerful way to communicate.”

Through the dynamic duo of Ant Edna, an ant named for Jay’s great-aunt Edna, Wilbur, a fruit fly protagonist from a bedtime story created by Jay’s father, and their fellow cast of characters, students at Juniata are given new avenues to explore biological concepts.

“It’s easier to remember stories than lists of terms,” Jay said. “You can have a baseline memory of concepts and terms, but if I can place them in terms of a story, you can provide a scaffolding that helps hold on to information and retrieve it to answer questions.”

His newest graphic novel, Santiago!, will be released on September 20 and is a true story based on the life of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, a visionary pioneer of modern neuroscience who dreamed of becoming an artist. Forbidden to pursue art by his parents, who wanted their son to become a doctor, Santiago continued to paint in secret while exploring scientific methods. Combining his interests in art and medicine, he won a Nobel Prize.

In his artistic and scientific pursuits, Jay credits the support of his wife, Lisa, sons, Max and Jack, and his fellow faculty members as contributing to his success.

“I’m very grateful that my colleagues in my department and across campus value this science communication work that I do,” he said.

Photo: Haldan Kirsch

Jay Hosler, David K. Goodman ’74 Professor of Biology and chair of the biology department, uses comics to reinforce biological concepts for his students, including Samantha Baker ’22. Using images and animation, he enables students to solidify the information in their minds.

Jack Barlow, Charles A. Dana Professor of Politics, presented a paper, “Earning Heaven’s Curse: Gouverneur Morris on the Constitution and the Slave Power,” at the eighth Salmon P. Chase Faculty Colloquium, Georgetown Law School, Dec. 3, 2021.

Hannah Bellwoar, associate professor of English, director of general education & writing, was elected as member-at-large to the Board for the Small Liberal Arts Colleges-Writing Program Administrators.

Lauren Bowen, provost, led a session titled, “Authentic Community: Creating Lives of Consequence, Integrity, and Accomplishment,” at the annual Institute Chief Academic Officers hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges in Louisville, Ky., in November 2021.

Kristin Camenga, associate professor of mathematics, along with Patrick X. Rault, Ilya M. Spitkovsky, and Rebekah B. Johnson Yates, published, “The Gau—Wu Number for 4x4 and Select Arrowhead Matrices, Linear Algebra and its Applications,” Vol. 644 (2022), p. 192–218. Camenga, along with Brandon Collins, Gage Hoefer, Jonny Quezada, Patrick X. Rault, James Wilson, and

Rebekah B. Johnson Yates, published, “On the Geometry of Numerical Ranges Over Finite Fields, Linear Algebra and its Applications,” Vol. 628 (2021), p. 182–201.

Matthew Damschroder, vice president for student life and dean of students, served as a peer reviewer representing the Middle States Commission on Higher Education on visits to Drew University in November 2021 and Boricua College in March 2022. Damschroder was certified as a trainer for Cultural Intelligence and Unconscious Bias workshops through the framework of the CQ Center.

Dan Dries, associate professor of chemistry and chair, was named as one of two representatives of the Americas on the Education and Training Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB). Dries was also named Chair of the IUBMB Fellowship Committee. He was invited to present a talk titled, “It Only Took a Global Pandemic: Exposing Cracks in the Façade of Biochemistry Education,” at the 48th Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Annual Convention in December 2021. He delivered the invited plenary talk titled, “The Push We

Matthew Damschroder, vice president for student life and dean of students, represented the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as a peer reviewer.

Photos: Jason Jones

Associate professor of chemistry Dan Dries was instrumental in securing a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Needed: How the Global Pandemic Forced us to Reconsider How We Deliver a BMB Curriculum,” to the IUBMB-FAOBMB-CBSL Virtual Education Symposium in July 2021. (IUBMB: International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; FAOBMB: Federation of Asian and Oceanic Biochemists and Molecular Biochemists CBSL: College of Biochemists of Sri Lanka.) Dries was also awarded a $499,665 RCN-UBE grant from the National Science Foundation titled, “RCN-UBE: Transforming the BMB Education Community by Building an Inclusive Community for the Assessment of BMB Learning.”

Douglas Glazier, professor of biology, was invited to participate in an international workshop, “Cell size and growth, from single cells to the tree of life,” sponsored by the Company of Biologists at Buxted Park in East Sussex, England, on April 2–6, 2022. There, he presented, “Is cell size a ‘hub trait’? Exploring its integrative role in biological scaling, phenotypic plasticity, and adaptive evolution.”

Glazier published an article, “Complications with body-size correction in comparative biology: possible solutions and an appeal for new approaches” in the Journal of Experimental Biology in March 2022 and “A quantitative genetics perspective of the body-mass scaling of metabolic rate” in the Journal of Experimental Biology in March 2022.

Gabriel Gould, instructor in music and first year experience, launched a new podcast, “Burning the Thrushes,” in March 2022. The podcast explores Gabriel’s work as a composer and listener and aims to help people hear the world around them in a more open way. “Burning the Thrushes” is available on Apple, Spotify, and all other major platforms.

Elliot Hirshon, coordinator of the English for academic purposes program and instructor of English as a second language, was invited to serve

as a member of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers’ (NAFSA) Association of International Educators Internationalizing Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Subcommittee. Hirshon delivered a virtual presentation for NAFSA Region VIII on May 24, 2022 “To Go Far, Go Together: Creating Community and Pathways for International Students.”

Katie E. (Hildebrand) Hoffman ’01, assistant professor of education, and Laura Bray, a colleague from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), discussed the implications that COVID-19 placed on educational professionals at Pennsylvania’s Council for Exceptional Children Conference on Oct. 2, 2021. Hoffman and Bray described ways in which institutions of higher education, schools, and state education agencies can continue to support educational professionals for a return to better, not just normal, practices and work. With Dipali Puri, assistant professor of education; Kathleen Biddle, professor of education and chair of the Education Department; Michelle Hunter ’22, and Dylan Thompson ’22, Hoffman presented a poster titled “Back to Basics: Creating a Positive Classroom Climate” at PDE’s Conference on March 3, 2022, in Hershey, Pa. The purpose was to share social/ emotional/behavioral high leverage, researchsupported practices that foster a positive learning environment for students.

Dave Hsiung, professor of history, presented a paper, “Disaster in the Forests and Fields: Energy, Metabolism, and the War of Independence,” at the annual meeting of the American Society of Environmental History in March 2022 and received a research fellowship to spend one month next year at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, Mount Vernon, Va.

Alex Kurtz, director of esports and head coach, led the Juniata College Esports Team to become the 2021 Fall CLOL Bilgewater Division Champions.

George Merovich, associate professor of environmental science, along with Stephanie S. Coster, Megan N. Dillon, and William More, published, “The update and optimization of an eDNA assay to detect the invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus),” in PLOS ONE, 16. With co-authors Madison Hearn ’19, Nicholas A. Smith ’21, and the late Vincent Buonaccorsi, professor of biology, Merovich published, “Hybridization between two introduced, invasive crayfish species in the upper Juniata River system, Pennsylvania, USA, in the Journal of Crustacean Biology: DOI 10.1093/jcbiol/ruab084. Merovich, with co-authors, Mack W. Frantz and Petra B. Wood, published, “Patterns in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in an active region of shale-gas development in the western Appalachian Plateaus of West Virginia, USA,” in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 194: 368 DOI 10.1007/s10661-022-10015-w. With Isabelle Croteau ’22, Benjamin Haussman ’22, and Christopher Grant, assistant professor of biology, Merovich presented, “Culverts are associated with disjunct aquatic assemblages,” at the Joint meeting of the Keystone Coldwater Conference & the PA Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Feb. 25–26, 2002. With Stephanie Coster and C. Unger, Merovich presented, “Testing the Sensitivity of Rusty Crayfish Detection Using Edna Sampling,” at the 28th Annual The Wildlife Society Conference, Nov. 1–5, 2021. Merovich secured two grants, $16,900 from the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission to research, “Walleye use of rock rubble created for spawning habitat,” and $5,500 from the Foundation for Pa. Watersheds to research an unassessed waters initiative.

Roy Nagle, director of environmental health and safety, and instructor of environmental science and studies published the article “Sheltering Oak: Spotted Turtles in a Tree” with co-authors Travis Russell ’13 and Ryan Rimple ’21 in Ecology. Nagle, Russell, and Rimple also published “Catching Clemmys in a Tree: Inquiline Spotted Turtles in Central Pennsylvania, USA” in Herpetological Review, and Nagle and Russell published the photo essay “Tiny Tree-dwelling Turtles” in the Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America.

Kim Roth, professor of mathematics, participated in the design and construction of the room-sized mathematical art exhibit, “Mathemalchemy,” including attending a week of the three-week build of the exhibit at Duke University. Mathemalchemy began its tour at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., in mid-January. The exhibit moved to Juniata in mid-June and will move on to Boston University after Thanksgiving. Its exhibition at Juniata is partially funded by an Innovative Educational Initiatives grant. Roth authored, “How to knit a Tortoise in n+1 steps,” for the Mathemalchemy blog. With Jessica Sklar, Roth published “Mathemalchemy: A Playful Pandemic Project” in the Oct./Nov. 2021 issue of MAA FOCUS, the newsmagazine of the Mathematical Association of America.

Li Shen, assistant professor of marketing, served as the chair of the International Marketing track and presented two papers at the Academy of International Business U.S. Northeast Conference in Oct. 2021. She published “Challenges of Distance Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Student Perspective,” with co-author, Mohammad Elahee, Ph.D., and “Use of AI Image/Video Search for Shopping Fashion Items—A Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Consumers.” Shen advised the Chinese

Club in organizing the Chinese Dinner and administered the Chinese Fashion Show at the Chinese Dinner and the Fashion Design and Photography Club in February 2022. With Gallagher and Meersman, Shen published Business Case at IMA 21-16, “To Make or Not to Make,” in March 2022. With Gallagher, she presented, “Lone Wolf or Wolf Pack? A Comparative Analysis of Group Work Productivity in Course Projects,” at SoTL Brown Bags in March 2022.

Adam Steele ’13 g’21, systems/web programmer, earned his master of organizational leadership degree at Juniata College.

James Troha, president, was selected to serve as vice-chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III President’s Council, which is the highest governing body in Division III. The Council establishes and directs the general policy of the Division, while also establishing Division III’s strategic plan.

Jim Tuten, Charles R. and Shirley A. Knox Professor of History, with Kathryn Westcott, Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology, authored, “Shared experiences: Why we must bring back campus cultural events ASAP,” which was published in University Business on Sept. 17, 2021. In collaboration with Hannah Bellwoar, associate professor of English and director of writing and General Education, and Kim Roth, professor of mathematics, presented, “Engagement in Common Reading Programs: A Five-Year Study,” at the Conference on the First Year Experience, on Oct 12, 2021. Tuten chaired a panel at the Southern Historical Association Meeting, “Land, Wildlife, and Power: New Perspectives on Hunting in the Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century South,” on Nov. 6, 2021.

Ursula Williams, associate professor of chemistry, and Dan Dries, associate professor of chemistry and chair, published an article titled, “Supporting fledgling scientists: The importance of autonomy in a guided-inquiry laboratory course” in the Journal of Chemical Education.

Assistant professor of marketing Li Shen published “Challenges of Distance Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Student Perspective.”

George Merovich, associate professor of environmental science, led several student-involved research projects which have been published in professional periodicals and journals.

Photo: Candice Hersh

Photo: Jason Jones

CATALYZE

cat·a·lyze–to cause an action (or process) to begin.

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNINGS, LOCKDOWNS, AND DAILY BRIEFINGS CATALYZED CHANGE WORLDWIDE. DECISIONS HAD TO BE MADE QUICKLY, BASED UPON THE BEST INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. THE WORD UNPRECEDENTED BECAME UBIQUITOUS AS JUNIATA COLLEGE ENTERED INTO AN ERA UNLIKE ANY EXPERIENCED IN HISTORY.

SYNTHESIZE

syn·the·size–to combine often diverse conceptions into a coherent whole.

AS LIFE DURING A PANDEMIC MOVED BEYOND THE INITIAL SHOCK, YET WITH THE RISK OF COVID-19 TRANSMISSION STILL LOOMING LARGE, SOCIETY BEGAN TO MOVE BACK INTO PUBLIC SPACES. PRECAUTIONS LIKE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASKING WERE PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE, BUT SO WAS A RETURN TO CLASSROOMS AND OFFICES. JUNIATA PAIRED A RETURN TO RESIDENTIAL LEARNING WITH CUTTING-EDGE TESTING PROTOCOLS TO KEEP THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY SAFE.

en·er·gize–to give vitality and enthusiasm. ENERGIZE

TWO YEARS FROM THE ADVENT OF A HISTORIC GLOBAL PANDEMIC, THE NUMEROUS INNOVATIONS EMPLOYED TO KEEP SOCIETY SAFE HAVE CREATED BOUNTIFUL OPPORTUNITIES. REMOTE EMPLOYMENT, TELEMEDICINE OPTIONS, PHARMACEUTICAL ADVANCEMENTS, AND NEW CAREER FIELDS DEVELOPED IN UNANTICIPATED WAYS. NEW STUDY ABROAD PROSPECTS, EXPANDED ALUMNI CONNECTIONS, AND VERSATILITY IN ADVANCEMENT OUTREACH HAVE ALL RESULTED AS PART OF THIS NEW SEASON AT JUNIATA.

Rediscovering the Global Impact of Performance

BY APRIL FEAGLEY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

CATALYZE

DURING A SPRING

TRIP TO ALTOONA, PA., THE JOINING OF STUDENT VOICES IN SONG HAS BOUND GENERATIONS TOGETHER THROUGH SHARED EXPERIENCE AND LOVE OF MUSIC.

“It was the first time they let the men and women sing together because it was such an emotional experience. Before 1932, they kept the choirs separated because they believed it was too intimate,” said Russell “Russ” Shelley, director of choral and vocal activities and chair of the music department. “When they combined them, they became the Juniata Concert Choir.”

Since that fledgling tour to a neighboring city, the Juniata Concert Choir has toured in 28 countries and six continents. This tradition of celebrating the College’s global connections through musical performance was a rite of passage for students.

Until 2020.

The spring tour for 2020 was set for Patagonia in Chile, with departure planned for the Friday preceding spring break. Rising COVID-19 case numbers and rapid updates from around the world meant the situation was ever evolving.

SINCE THE MOMENT IN 1932 WHEN JUNIATA COLLEGE’S NEWLY INTEGRATED CO-EDUCATIONAL CHOIR PERFORMED

Photo: courtesy of Russ Shelley

“The first decision we had to make regarding COVID-19 was whether to allow the choir to travel to Chile. COVID was not in South America yet, but our thinking changed betwee n 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day,” said Provost Lauren Bowen. “The thought originally was to normalize things, not to be alarmist. I had always assumed we’d be able to manage a virus without it becoming a crisis. Somewhere in the middle of the day, the concern shifted to the possibility the choir would be stranded and unable to get back to the United States.”

The cancellation of the trip was understandable, but crushing.

“It was heartbreaking, even if that word doesn’t begin to describe it,” Shelley said. “I know it was the right decision in my heart of hearts. It was the best decision, but my regret lingers to this day.”

Choral singing was deemed a major risk for the transmission of COVID-19 early in the pandemic.

The physical act of singing—coordinating breathing, and voice—raised the risk of aerosolized droplets spreading the virus widely among the performers and their audience.

“I remember the day I read a national headline, ‘Singing is Deadly.’ For a person whose life and career are bringing people together to sing, that was really hard,” Shelley said. “It sums up the worst of the worst days.”

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and finally, a year had passed. The spring 2021 choir tour to Kosovo was also canceled.

“This Juniata tradition means everything to me. This group helped me grow not only as a singer, but as a person. I’ll always remember the experiences I’ve had with the Concert Choir,” said Molly Harris ’21. “It was disappointing to lose the tours that were scheduled for my last two years of college.”

The music had gone silent for a time at Juniata.

Members of Juniata College’s Concert Choir performed in Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam this spring, celebrating a return to international touring following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

SYNTHESIZE

PERFORMANCES

“For the fall of 2020 and spring 2021, there were no concerts,” said Shelley. “We had rehearsals in Rosenberger Auditorium, with the members positioned nine feet apart, fully masked in the audience section.”

Central to the choral experience is the interplay of voices, listening to fellow singers, and being immersed in sound.

“It was the furthest thing from a choral experience you can imagine,” he said. “They were doing it for the love of singing.”

Harris had been active in choir in high school, encouraged by a friend to audition during her senior year. She loved the dynamics created among choir members and between the ensemble and the audience.

“I always knew I wanted to continue singing in college. We all work incredibly hard on our repertoire to ensure that our audience members feel this connection,” said Harris. “It’s rewarding to watch this play out during a performance.”

Frank Dorman III ’25, of Brownsville, Vt., had learned of Juniata Concert Choir’s excellent reputation while exploring

Choir

colleges. He looked forward to sharing his love of music with his peers while at Juniata.

“When it comes to singing and performing, I enjoy the feeling of pride I get when I’m able to present something that I have worked hard on for some time,” said Dorman. “I have always had a love of music, and I enjoy analyzing the music that I sing and finding parts of it that are interesting to me. I also like to see people be entertained or ‘made happy’ for lack of a better term, from something that I create.”

THE JOY IN JOINING VOICES TOGETHER IN HARMONY, EVEN WHILE TRADITIONAL

REHEARSALS AND

WERE IMPOSSIBLE, REUNITED MEMBERS OF

THE CONCERT CHOIR UPON THEIR RETURN TO CAMPUS.

Photos: courtesy of Russ Shelley

members, from the left, Austin Baker ’24, Frank Dorman III ’25, and Elsa Klotz ’23, enjoyed the scenery of Scotland.

For the more senior members of the choir, this “new normal” was an anomaly. Harris and other returning choir members had experienced rehearsals and performances on the stage in Rosenberger Auditorium. They had entertained audiences on campus and on tour.

For those joining Juniata’s Concert Choir in a pandemic reality, like Dorman and his peers, it was an alien experience.

“A lasting consequence is that of the first-year students who joined choir in the fall of 2020, 80 percent did not stay in Concert Choir,” Shelley said. “They didn’t persist because they didn’t have a choral experience. They decided their time would be better spent doing something else.”

One small benefit of the masked and distanced rehearsals was a marked improvement in diction as vocalists worked to counteract the muffling caused by mouths swathed in fabric.

By the second fall of the COVID-19 pandemic, after working through all the difficult, distanced rehearsals of the past year, Juniata’s Concert Choir took to the stage once more to do what they loved most.

Shelley predicts it may be years before the choir returns to its previous membership and vigor, but the shared experience has created strong bonds among the current members. It was an experience these vocalists will not easily forget.

“Our first concert was in November 2021. It was beyond fantastic. We couldn’t believe the day had finally come,” said Shelley. “At that point, only our juniors and seniors had ever performed in a Juniata concert. For the seniors and me, it was bittersweet. We were aware of what we had lost, but thankful we were back to doing something similar to what we loved.”

ENERGIZE TO TRULY UNDERSTAND THE CHERISHED TRADITION OF THE JUNIATA CONCERT CHOIR TOUR IS TO LOOK AT EACH DESTINATION AS AN OUTGROWTH OF A RELATIONSHIP.

CONNECTIONS WITH ALUMNI, FACULTY, AND FRIENDS OF JUNIATA COLLEGE PAVE THE WAY FOR NEW ADVENTURES AND NEW AUDIENCES.

So, after a two-year hiatus from traveling, the news that the voices of Juniata would again be heard around the world was met with rejoicing.

“The first post-COVID Juniata international trip took place during fall break with Neal Utterback (associate professor of theatre arts) and Phil Dunwoody (professor of psychology),” Shelley said.

“When they came back and reported success, that’s when we got the green light. The door was opened and we were given permission to travel.”

Only the seniors in the choir had ever been on a Juniata Concert Choir tour, and those who had never been a part of one were eager to carry on the tradition of international touring, which began in 1994.

The concept of regular international touring for the Juniata Concert Choir began as an offshoot of the alumni tours, which began the year prior. The goal was to provide an international opportunity for undergraduates and keep the cost as low as possible.

“We took around 40 students that first year,” Shelley said. “At least 35 didn’t have passports. At least 12 of them had never been on an airplane. Some had never been out of Pennsylvania. That tour was a success, and the students were ecstatic.”

Each tour signified an outgrowth of the special place relationships have in the hearts of Juniatians around the world. The canceled trips, Chile in 2020 and Kosovo in 2021, are examples of this. The first tour was organized through a connection Shelley had formed with two South American guitarists who visited Juniata in 2019. Kosovo had been selected as a venue with the assistance of Sarah Ullom-Minnich ’18, who was a Peace Corps volunteer after graduating from Juniata.

During a trip to Germany, France, and Switzerland in January 2019, Shelley and the members of the choir became friends with travel agent Elmar Wild, who drove their bus. The choir made such an impression on him that he flew to the United States to visit Juniata and attend the spring concert in 2019.

“Through his agency in Germany, he had many connections in Scotland,” Shelley said. “Because he had people on the ground in Scotland, I felt safe having that be our first location after COVID.”

Among the 38 choir members and alumni were recent graduates who had missed their long-anticipated senior choir tour.

“I have performed in Germany, Switzerland, France, Morocco, and Scotland. In our most recent tour to Scotland, we were also able to visit the Netherlands and drive through England,” said Harris. “I felt extremely grateful to be able to travel with the choir again.”

Performances were held in Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam.

“It means a great deal to me to be a part of this because these are opportunities that I may never have again,” Dorman said. “It’s more than just traveling, especially with a group that is contributing to the community when they go. It is about learning the culture, meeting people, and providing a little music along the way. To have been able to do that is one of many reasons why I feel humbled and grateful to be a part of this tradition.”

While performing in Scotland during their spring tour, members of Juniata’s Concert Choir took some time to explore the scenery of the Highlands.

Photo: courtesy of Russ Shelley

Leading With Compassion Through Crisis

BY APRIL FEAGLEY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

CATALYZE

The first international alert, warning of the spread of a novel coronavirus variant was issued on December 30, 2019, but seemed removed from everyday life at the time. In six weeks, COVID-19 began to dominate the news cycle but still seemed relatively remote to those living in central Pennsylvania.

“In late February, we gathered the crisis response team,” said Provost Lauren Bowen, Juniata’s chief academic officer. “At that moment, there needed to be a plan, but I wasn’t feeling a sense of crisis.”

Members of Juniata’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) met regularly to discuss and evaluate next steps,

making the difficult decision to suspend the choir’s upcoming tour in Santiago, Chile.

“There was just so much uncertainty. Nobody quite knew what was happening,” President James Troha said. “So, we were all anxious to learn how deep this was going to go.”

In the first week of March, cases were confirmed in New York, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with daily press briefings on the subject becoming the norm. It became apparent this virus would be nothing like preceding warnings about the hazards of bird flu that were only to fade away.

THE HARBINGER OF CRISIS IN THE SPRING OF 2020 WAS THE ANTITHESIS OF DRAMATIC. THERE WERE NO HOLLYWOOD-ESQUE RIPPLES IN A WATER GLASS OR OMINOUS “DUNNNN DUN DUNNN DUN” SCORE. FOR THAT MATTER, THERE WAS NO APPROACHING DINOSAUR OR GREAT WHITE SHARK, BUT DANGER WAS IMMINENT NONETHELESS.

Photo: Nate Thompson ’05

“I have this memory of standing in front of the faculty at a meeting in March 2020 and saying, ‘We’re not sure what’s going to happen over the next few weeks, so if you don’t have plans on how you’re going to use Moodle to teach online, it’s time to get some plans ready,’” Bowen said. “I said it in a way to communicate it as a contingency, so be prepared. Then it just happened so quickly.”

“It was March 16 when we knew we had to disperse,” Troha said. “We all thought it would be temporary—an extra week of spring break. No big deal. As things went on, we realized it wasn’t going to be feasible to bring everyone back. What transpired over the next 14 days was the realization that we had to prepare for a longer wait before we would have a normal semester again.”

Bowen had scheduled a trip to New York City to meet with members of Juniata’s Board of Trustees before the escalation of the pandemic and was in Manhattan the day the decision to extend spring break was made. Following that meeting, which she attended through a conference call, she observed an odd phenomenon within notoriously bustling New York.

“I would leave my hotel room and the streets were just getting quieter and quieter,” said Bowen. “I went to a Broadway show that Tuesday and Broadway went dark 48 hours later.”

Spring break came and went. When classes resumed, students and faculty worked remotely. Work from home became the watchwords for administration and staff. Juniata’s campus, resplendent in spring blooms, fell eerily silent.

“Everything just stopped,” Vice President for Advancement Jim Watt said. “There was no travel. Students had left. All the projects had stopped.”

For Watt and his team, the disruption threatened the imminent completion of BELIEVE: The Campaign

for Juniata College, a superbly performing seven-year philanthropic campaign in its final three months. Building projects, some years in the making, also ground to a halt.

“We were looking profitable,” Watt said. “We were feeling good. The market was still up. Things were in place and we were looking to have the largest year ever. Then we had to shift from raising money for big hopes and dreams for the future to maintaining and surviving. We were asking ourselves how students, our employees, and their families will survive in this state.”

In a moment when all that seemed certain was uncertainty, Juniata’s community did what it does best—come together and push forward. Faculty members found new ways of engaging their students in an unfamiliar medium. Students supported one another through social and digital media. Administration and staff continued the vital work necessary to ensure operations continued smoothly, even while working from their couches, dining room tables, and home offices.

Juniatians discovered their sense of community was not defined by a geographical location. The bonds of blue and gold spanned the globe.

Photo: Olivia Marie ’23

SYNTHESIZE

SUMMER MARKED BY SEPARATION AND UNCERTAINTY.

These preparations for an in-person fall semester began prior to the end of the spring semester, with College leadership constantly monitoring everchanging government mandates and guidelines.

“The mission of providing an individualized education remained paramount. We wanted to emphasize that we are residential, that we could mitigate risk and keep the community safe,” said Bowen. “Yet, we understood that for some students and faculty, the risk was going to be too great. We had to strike a balance, being flexible and adaptable, while retaining our core identity.”

A hybrid-flexible model of course delivery, HyFlex, that combined online and face-to-face instruction was implemented. HyFlex provided the ability to respond flexibly to public health challenges without sacrificing academic quality.

“Our commitment to experiential education is strong, and we tailored those opportunities to meet the students’ needs,” said Bowen. “We figured out how students could conduct research, even if they couldn’t be physically present.”

Enthusiasm for the return to campus was not limited to the Juniata community. Local businesses and residents eagerly anticipated seeing students in town once again.

“One of my favorite experiences happened the week students returned. I was going through the drivethrough,” Watt said. “The employee had no idea who I was but saw that I worked at Juniata. He thanked me for the College bringing the students back.”

The COVID Operations Team, known as “COVIDOps,” included students, faculty, and staff. It researched, designed, and enacted safety protocols on campus.

A precisely orchestrated return-to-campus plan was devised, with drive-through testing provided before students moved into the dorms.

“It was pretty remarkable,” Troha said “A lot of schools didn’t even attempt to come back in the fall. We were residential, it was a little bit different and spread apart, but the most important thing we could do was to lean into the testing to make sure we were going to be protected. Our protocols served our students, staff, and faculty so we could have a safe, successful year.” Safeguards were built into the fall schedule. Special events were organized to boost morale and Mountain Day—albeit in a modified form—was a high point.

“I remember thinking, ‘Okay, let’s get to the finish line.’ Just being able to have a semester during the pandemic was a victory,” Troha said. “As the spring 2021 semester started, the vaccine rollout began, so we continued to look at the levels of protection we could provide our organization against COVID.”

The crowning achievement of the 2020/2021 academic year was hosting an in-person commencement for the class of 2020 and the class of 2021. It was a day everyone at Juniata had longed for since the cancellation of an in-person commencement ceremony in 2020.

THE PLAN TO RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION FOR THE FALL 2020 SEMESTER

PROVIDED A BEACON FOR THE ENTIRE JUNIATA COMMUNITY AMID A STRANGE

ENERGIZE

EXPERIENCES TO DELIVER A FUTURE FILLED WITH PROMISE.

“It’s been a catalyst for us to be much more decisive. When the environment required a greater sense of urgency of leadership, we had to be out in front of a lot of things,” Troha said. “Even though we were reacting to what was happening with the pandemic, we had to be much more aggressive in making decisions.”

Troha described Juniata as one of a handful of schools that made difficult, but strategic, actions early in the pandemic to ensure continuity of operations even when the pandemic lasted longer than anyone could have expected.

There were also lessons in resilience to be learned as long-term plans for the BELIEVE: The Campaign for Juniata and Statton Learning Commons project were reconfigured.

“The campaign was supposed to go a certain way. The Learning Commons was supposed to go a certain way. There was no one to blame, it was just done,” said Watt. “It made me realize that the people you have on your team are more important than the direction you need to go. In the same aspect, you need to have that guiding principle, an ultimate purpose. It was about the mission.”

Disruption became an impetus for innovation.

BELIEVE: The Campaign for Juniata will go down in history not because of the pandemic, but because of the remarkable way in which the Juniata community rallied. Out of the pandemic, the Mountain Day Emergency Assistance Fund was created to aid

students experiencing hardship. Ground has been broken for the Statton Learning Commons, and the construction phase has begun.

“In the early weeks and months, we led with some boldness in terms of making important decisions — not just on how to deliver the curriculum, but how to support students,” Bowen said. “We had to move quickly and with humanity. All of our decisions have been made with an eye toward meeting people where they are in order to help them so they can get where they want to go, undergirded by a desire to remain decent, kind, and compassionate.”

Within the sphere of academics and operations, the video conferencing app Zoom has become a part of daily life on campus and has added new levels of flexibility and accessibility.

“The utilization of online learning, both in a domestic and global format, helps us understand students who learn differently,” said Bowen. “It has propelled forward what was a broad commitment to inclusion and made it more concrete.”

Experiences gained while steering Juniata through one of the greatest national and global crises in memory pave the way for even further advancement of the institutional mission.

“You’ve got to take the flag and move it forward,” said Troha. “We’ve survived it, we’ve maybe even thrived. It’s a testament to our collective decisive actions and the commitment of our community.”

THE MULTI-FACETED CHALLENGES OF THE PANDEMIC EVIDENCED THE TENACITY

OF THE JUNIATA SPIRIT, CARRYING THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY THROUGH PAINFUL

Emil Nagengast, professor of politics

Finding New Ways to Forge International Connections

BY ALISHA BOERSTLER ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ADMISSION

CATALYZE

WHEN THE COLLEGE REOPENED FOR RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION IN FALL 2020, STAYING AT HOME ON A PERSONAL DEVICE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS WAS STANDARD. IN A PREPANDEMIC YEAR, 35–45 PERCENT OF JUNIATA STUDENTS STUDY ABROAD, SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE. AS JUNIATA WORKED TO CONFRONT THESE CONFLICTING VALUES OF COMMUNITY SAFETY AND GLOBAL EDUCATION, WE HAD TO EXPAND OUR DEFINITION OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION TO PROVIDE STRONG OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS RIGHT ON CAMPUS.

This wasn’t the first time Juniata had thought about international education in novel ways, according to Provost Lauren Bowen. Despite many opportunities for Juniata students, things like cost, language proficiency, and the impact of global travel on climate

can all be barriers to international experience. The pandemic expedited the development of new, robust ways to provide international education, and one of the methods embraced was Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) courses.

Photo: Sarah Rohrer ’20

SYNTHESIZE

COIL COURSES ARE IMMERSIVE COLLABORATIONS BETWEEN TWO INSTITUTIONS, DEVELOPED COLLABORATIVELY BY THE PARTNER PROFESSORS.

The courses need not rely on shared language fluency and should encourage deep, cross-cultural interactions to meet the course objectives.

Professor of politics Emil Nagengast taught a COIL course on migration with Professor Alejandro Herran of the Autonomous University of Chiapas (UNACH), Mexico. The objective of the course was to find humanitarian solutions to migration policy issues. Three Juniata students were fluent in Spanish, but otherwise, the students had to work together to address the language barrier. Most of the Juniata class was politics students, while the UNACH students were mostly law or Ph.D. students.

Amy Rosica ’23 took the migration course after her study abroad program was canceled. She was surprised by how much of her pre-departure coursework applied to her experience in the COIL course.

“I experienced the culture shock that we learned about,” she says, describing the challenge of bridging the language barrier and noting the difference in perspective between the Juniata and UNACH students.

“You can sit in a class and be told that the U.S. has shaped international relations, but you don’t understand until you sit down with someone who has experienced that directly.” After the first meeting with UNACH students, Rosica paused, realizing how U.S. centric her views were.

Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Cultures Amy Frazier-Yoder also taught a COIL course, partnering with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito Ecuador. This class centered around gender, which can be a taboo topic. Frazier-Yoder reports that students from both universities saw more eye-to-eye than she expected. “Differences were great conversation topics,” she says, and the students had no trouble filling the course time as they learned from one another.

ENERGIZE

COIL COURSES CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED REPLACEMENTS FOR STUDY ABROAD.

While many parts of life were on hiatus during the height of COVID, international education at Juniata was not. The adapted version brought new opportunities for cultural exchange, language practice, and trans-national connections to students like Amy who were extremely grateful for the experience.

As we move into our next “new normal” with travel opening, hosting scholars in residence again, and international students back on campus, COIL courses will continue to be an element of a rich, multi-faceted, international education for Juniata students across disciplines.

Finding and Sharing A Stream to Follow

BY APRIL FEAGLEY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

In his debut novel, A Stream to Follow, Dr. Jesse Wright ’65 draws upon experiences gleaned from an impressive career in psychiatry, a love of fly fishing, and an interest in human nature to weave a compelling tale of one man’s journey in processing the trauma suffered as a front-line surgeon during World War II.

Originally from Hollidaysburg, Pa., which inspires the book’s setting, Jesse followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to attend Juniata College. The decision proved life-changing for many reasons, not the least of which was meeting his wife, Susanne (Judy) Wright ’65, on his first day on campus.

“The liberal arts environment was terrific. So many courses helped prepare me for the future, like philosophy, arts, and music,” Jesse said.

After graduating from Juniata, Jesse studied at Jefferson Medical College.

“I set off to be a surgeon, but when I did a rotation in psychiatry I was fascinated,” he said. “There was little known about effective treatments.”

Now a professor, vice chair of academic affairs, and director of the Depression Center at the University of Louisville, Jesse was mentored by Dr. Aaron Beck, widely known as the “Father of Cognitive Behavioral

Therapy (CBT).” He began to implement CBT into his practice in 1979.

“We know a lot about how to treat people, help them gradually face traumas, and get past their emotional wounds,” he said. “They are fellow travelers and can collaborate in the work. I think a life in psychiatry lends itself to you understanding people and wanting to help them.”

His research in the field is focused on developing and testing computer-assisted psychotherapy methods for improving the efficiency of treatment and enhancing the psychotherapeutic experience. Jesse’s projects have been funded through multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is the principal investigator of a NIH-sponsored study of computer-assisted CBT for depression in primary care. He has authored several books and textbooks.

“I’ve written a lot of non-fiction, including one book written with my daughter, Laura. This first work of fiction is a new chapter for me,” he said.

Jesse and Susanne’s children, Dr. Andrew Wright and Dr. Laura McCray, have found their life’s work in medicine as well. The family enjoys spending time together, visiting the home Jesse maintains in Hollidaysburg.

Drawing from his memories of his father and his uncle, both veterans of World War II, the novel follows a fictional battlefront surgeon, Bruce Duncan, who has returned to his small hometown in Pennsylvania.

“My dad and uncle were very much in the mold of men in those days,” Jesse said. “They just stuffed it inside.”

Much like Jesse’s father and uncle, Bruce looks forward to a restoration of “normal” life. He plans to open a general practice, spend his spare time fly fishing, and forget the past.

“He received a crash course in becoming a trauma surgeon, and back then, treatment was done right at the front lines,” he said. “In World War II, it was called combat fatigue. Bruce comes back from the war emotionally wounded.”

To learn more about the experiences of those delivering emergency medical care on the front lines of World War II, Jesse delved into existing records, including The Other Side of Time: A Combat Surgeon in World War II by Brendan Phibbs.

“My character is not based on a real person, and it took me a while to come up with the concept,” Jesse said, adding he found first-hand and fictionalized accounts relating the experience to be quite rare. His character, Bruce, continues to be haunted by the images of the soldiers he tried to save, even in the safety of central Pennsylvania.

“New battles begin to consume him quickly, but these new challenges help him fight his way back to wellness and healing,” Jesse said.

Even fly fishing, a favorite pastime Bruce shares with the author, evokes flashbacks to a battlefront stream in Europe where indelible images of death and destruction remain in his mind.

“It can be a meditative process, coming to grips with oneself and to work within one’s mind and feelings,” Jesse said. “Being a fly fisherman, I was able to resonate with what it’s like to be out by yourself along the water. There are some good things that can happen spending time along a stream.”

The novel’s title, A Stream to Follow, is metaphorical for the work Jesse has done in his practice to help those whose lives have been shattered through trauma to find a path forward and commit to a life of action.

“Psychiatry has been the place for me. It’s been a wonderful career. It keeps me going strong, and there is still a lot to learn and a lot to do,” he said.

“The liberal arts education I received at Juniata influenced that, and I’m eternally grateful.”

Dr. Jesse Wright ’65, an avid fisherman, psychiatrist, and author credits his liberal arts education at Juniata for preparing him to be a lifelong learner and encouraging him to foster his diverse interests.

Photo: courtesy of Dr. Jesse Wright ’65

Class Notes

1962

Harriet S. (Nichols) Windsor eulogized former Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner, alongside President Joe Biden, Delaware Senator Tom Carper, and Delaware Governor John Carney. Harriet served as the Secretary of State of Delaware during Minner’s administration from 2001–2009.

1968

Clair F. Kenyon Jr. (Photo) was inducted into the Huntingdon County Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 16, 2021. A member of the two basketball teams honored that night, he was a top scorer and playmaker. As a junior and senior, he was an All-Mountain League selection. He was team captain and an All-East selection.

1969

John R. Hayes was inducted into the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame for his successful career as Bellwood-Antis High School football coach.

1972

H. Aden Wertz III and wife Joan will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in June. They are both retired and have three children, 13 grandchildren, and a greatgrandchild on the way. The two spend three months a year doing work missions with the NOMADS group.

1974

Louis J. Eckerl III will retire as Calvert Hall’s athletic director and baseball coach at the end of the 2021–2022 academic year. He has overseen the athletic program for 40 years, and this spring will be his 21st season in charge of the baseball team. Lou has guided Calvert Hall to eight Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference titles and looks forward to spending more time with his family post-retirement.

1975 Friedhelm H. Wulczyn presented “Who Uses Foster Care and What Does it Say About Racial Disparity in America?” at Juniata College on Nov. 11, 2021. His work focuses on how states respond to children who are unable to live at home.

1978

Beth E. Sollenberger (Photo) retired as district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s South Central Indiana District, a position she held for nearly 11 years. In that time, she dedicated herself to multiple councils and committees and helped to organize a Biblical Authority Conference for Midwestern districts in 2018.

1980

Joan C. Martin (Photo) received the Gaston Clergy and Citizens Coalition 2022 Gaston County Martin Luther King Unity Award. The award honors Gaston County leaders

who have performed exemplary community service and helped build unity across all people. Joan is the first female clergy member to receive this award. She has served Gaston County since 2004, leading and facilitating the Interfaith Trialogue, the Clergy Women of Gaston County, and the Gaston Together Clergy and Citizens’ Coalition.

1981

Robert L. Gay Jr. (Photo) was featured in Pennsylvania’s Art of State show. Out of 2,200 entries, his submitted piece was one of the 104 accepted pieces. Bob submitted a 20x20 inch lustre print photograph of four interlocked hands titled “Generations.” It was displayed in the State Museum through Jan. 2, 2022.

Joseph E. Schall and his brother Steve celebrated July 4th on the Pine Creek Trail in central Pennsylvania. Joe biked from the south end to the north end, and back again. Steve ran from the north end to the south end. The two finished the last few miles together and each set new personal bests.

1982 Nicholas V. Fierro Jr. began working as a publisher of Bills Central for Sports Illustrated on Nov. 1, 2021.

Dara M. (Torrico) Maier is living in Germany and working as head of management systems for Technoform Insulated Solutions Tooling GmbH. She is looking forward to retiring soon.

Clair F. Kenyon Jr. ’68

Beth E. Sollenberger ’78

Joan C. Martin ’80

Robert L. Gay Jr. ’81

1985

Tracey L. (DeBlase) Huston accepted the 2021 Ryan, Moser, Reilly Excellence in Community Engagement Institutional Leadership Award on behalf of Penn State University during the 2021 Engagement Scholarship Consortium International Conference. The conference welcomed more than 800 representatives from 41 states and seven countries. She retired as Vice President for Outreach at Penn State in June of 2022. She has spent 37 years in higher education and more than 27 years with Penn State. She has led the outreach enterprise since 2017, advancing and facilitating the university’s outreach across the commonwealth. That same year, she and husband William established the DeBlase-Huston Family Open Doors Scholarship for World Campus Students.

1988

Bradley R. Newcomer has been selected to serve as the 12th Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. His appointment started Jan. 15, 2022.

1991

Scott M. Beatty published the graphic novel Batgirl: Year One, in 2003, which was named Best Comics Mini-Series of 2003 by Wizard: The Comics Magazine. Now, it is one of the comic book stories that inspired the upcoming Batgirl feature film. The film is in production in Glasgow, Scotland, and characters, settings, and plot-points from his graphic novel have been revealed from the Batgirl set. The film will debut on HBOMax.

Nicole C. Close ’92

Rose Marie (Regan) Ward ’98

Julia A. Krall ’99

Suzann M. (Bromfield) Bloom ’00

1992

Nicole C. Close (Photo) hosted a Juniata Alumni Spring Break at her house from March 17–21, 2022, where alumni across four decades were in attendance, including: Hannah (Buoni) Yetzer ’92, Jon Yon, Juniata Pep Band Director, Roxann (Binner) Yon ’84, Babz Barnett, Michael Barnett ’89, Chris Gahagen ’94, Erick Lewis ’89, and Nori (Kocum) Lewis ’90. They had an enjoyable time catching up and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

1994

Gregory S. Leis was hired as Chief Financial Officer of Fulton County Medical Center. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and is a certified healthcare financial professional through the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

1997

Amy B. (Gladfelter) Nabozny came to campus on Oct. 20, 2021 to speak about her career as a Pennsylvania game warden in Huntingdon. She shared her experiences with the cases she has encountered, tasks she is responsible for, and career paths within the Game Commission.

Jennifer J. (Gibbons) Renaldi served as a game official for the PIAA girls Class 6A title game in Hershey, Pa., refereeing the game between Plymouth-Whitemarsh and Mount Lebanon. Jennifer has been passionate about basketball since elementary school, and it has been a longtime dream of hers to be on the floor for the state championship game.

1998

Rose Marie (Regan) Ward (Photo) was named Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School for the University of Cincinnati.

1999

Stephanie J. (Elmo) Hanigan was hired as the Associate Director of Business Services for Southern Oregon University.

Julia A. Krall (Photo) was hired as Executive Director of United Way of Lebanon County. As executive director, she is responsible for overall strategy in United Way of Lebanon County’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of county residents. She brings two decades of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Upon joining the organization, she immediately helped launch its 2021–22 campaign.

Haley J. Sankey was appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners on Dec. 15 and will serve a four-year term. She enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, hiking, fishing, boating, and biking, and she is excited to be working on conservation issues at the state level.

2000

Suzann M. (Bromfield) Bloom (Photo) enjoyed Homecoming Weekend and reuniting with former classmates from the classes of 1999, 2000, and 2001.

2001

Matthew D. Dunn (Photo) hosted Juniata’s Brewing Class trip to Southern Tier Brewing Co., where he talked to students about the craft beer industry, his time at Juniata, and his degree relevance to his career.

2002

Leah R. (Dobrowlsky) Deskevich (Photo) helped Mario Grugan, Tyrone Area High School senior and part-time Juniata College student, win Pennsylvania’s 2022 Poetry out Loud State Championship. Leah serves as Tyrone Area High School’s speech team co-adviser. Juniata College Professor Emeritus Peter Goldstein also helped lead Mario to victory by analyzing poetry and critiquing recitations with him. Todd Cammarata ’93, history teacher and student newspaper adviser at TAHS, was also present and supported Mario through his competition journey. Both Leah and Todd were Peter’s students during their time at Juniata. Pictured (l-r), Peter Goldstein, Mario Grugan, Todd Cammarata, Leah Deskevich.

Leigh Ann (Suhrie) Wilson (Photo) was hired as Director of Manufacturing Strategy for Stambaugh Ness. She will provide leadership and direction, cultivating relationships with manufacturing and distribution companies across the country.

2003

Shya M. (Price) Erdman was hired as a recruiter coordinator with Capgemini after 16 years of service working in Juniata’s Center for International Education. Her work here ensured the success of hundreds of Juniata international students.

2004

Kenneth L. Eiser became one of the new head coaches for the Lancaster-Lebanon League boys volleyball team. He brings plenty of experience to the position; he earned 2004 Division III National Player of the Year honors after helping Juniata win the national championship, and he has coached in Hempfield’s elementary and middle school programs in recent years. Later this spring, he will take over the Knights’ varsity program.

2005

Patrick J. Brown (Photo) was hired by Western Maryland Dermatology. He is a board-certified dermatologist and will split his time between two offices. He brings years of dermatology experience and multiple recognitions.

Carli K. (Dale) Lehr was hired as the Director of BSSF Valuation & Litigation Consulting. Carli brings over 16 years of experience to the position. She is a Certified Valuation Analyst, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning.

2007

Joseph G. Daft has been awarded tenure at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. Joe teaches courses in health science, microbiology, and anatomy in Lee’s College of Arts and Sciences.

L. Hope (Mobley) Palm was hired by the Mount Union Area School District as assistant principal at the high school. She earned her principal certification from Penn State in 2018 and has been teaching 6th grade reading with Mifflin County School District.

2008

Karina A. Gonzalez met with members of Juniata’s Health Professions program on Dec. 2, 2021. She is a first-generation American who graduated from Juniata with a degree in biochemistry. She then studied epigenetics at Columbia University and graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in 2014. She is also a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Society. Karina works at a non-profit hospital in Denver.

Kathleen S. Weyforth graduated magna cum laude from Community College of Baltimore County’s Geospatial Applications Program.

2009

Daniel M. Albaugh was promoted to the rank of sergeant with the Ephrata Police Department, Lancaster County, Pa.

Evan T. Heisman was hired as Duke University’s Assistant Director of Communications for Student Affairs.

Joshua T. Smethers was promoted to the rank of corporal by the Tredyffrin Township Police Department. He has served the department for eight years and will supervise a patrol squad.

Matthew D. Dunn ’01

Leah R. (Dobrowlsky) Deskevich ’02

Leigh Ann (Suhrie) Wilson ’02

Patrick J. Brown ’05

2010

Jessica L. Fisher joined the board of the Blair County Chamber Foundation, which helps young people in Blair County meet their career goals.

Erica A. Quinn was hired as the Executive Director of 3 Dots Downtown in April 2021. She has helped the nonprofit organization build partnerships in the community and increase funding by raising support and obtaining grants. 3 Dots, in State College, is an arts organization that supports an alternative arts scene. They recently received a Pennsylvania Humanities Council grant.

Sandra K. (Baker) Rickabaugh was hired as the Principal at Shirley Township Elementary School (grades 3–5) in the Mount Union Area School District. She has worked as a special education teacher since 2010, most recently at the middle school in Tussey Mountain School District.

Carly J. (Thomas) Sunseri started a new position as the Associate Director of Data Science with the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research at Penn State University.

2011

John J. Martinez was inducted into the Huntingdon County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022. He was a standout baseball and basketball player for the Trojans and a four-year starter on Juniata College’s baseball team. Later, he played professionally for a year in Australia. The induction was held June 11.

2012

Erin T. Bean (Photo) was hired as Baylor University’s Assistant AD for Marketing Strategy in January 2021. In her first year on the job, she coordinated the downtown Waco parade celebrating the men’s basketball team’s first national championship.

Joel R. Frehn published a novel titled The Heart of the Dragon. The book was inspired by a running joke with Professor Jerry Kruse, who helped work on the original screenplay. It was then turned into a novel, which was edited through an internship facilitated by Juniata’s English Department. The Heart of the Dragon follows members of a small liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania on their quest to locate and retrieve the Fulbert Treasure.

Erin T. Bean ’12

Fatima Juma Bunafoor ’15

2014

Elise A. (Mihranian) Englund started a new position as Communications and Change Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Cambridge, Mass.

2015

Isaiah R. Slutter was awarded the 1st Annual TFSB Customer Experience Award from The Federal Savings Bank. He received this award by earning a customer satisfaction score of 96% or above. Isaiah looks forward to providing more exceptional service in the future.

Fatima Juma Bunafoor (Photo) was appointed Talent and Equity Director for four Pittsburgh organizations. Her management skills and human rights expertise will be shared among City Theatre Company, the Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh Glass Center, and Pittsburgh Public Theater as part of an arts cohort interested in advancing better practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion.

2016

Desnor N. Chigumba was awarded a 2022 PhRMA Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship in Drug Discovery. This competitive award will help her with her project “Systemic Discovery of Novel Classes of Plant Cyclic Peptides for Drug Development.”

2017

Steven H. Stroup and Danilo J. Meyer-Arrivillaga spoke on campus on Dec. 3, 2021. Their talk detailed their time after leaving Juniata, including their careers in the environmental and natural resources fields.

2018

Benjamin T. Gemballa was hired by Earth Data, Inc., a company that provides field-oriented hydrogeological and environmental consulting services, as their Project Geologist. He recently earned his Master of Science degree in seismology from the University of Memphis. Ben has worked on the Proline Pipeline, and he was the Memphis Chapter President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Haley D. Myers is coaching the Mount Union Area High School girls’ varsity basketball team this season. A former Juniata College athlete and a member of the Huntingdon County Sports Hall of Fame, she brings plenty of experience to her new position.

David R. Welsch head brewer at Juniata Brewing Company (JBC), was featured in an article by Breweries in Pennsylvania. He got started in brewing by taking a course at Juniata College, where he worked with John Matter and learned how to homebrew various beers. On campus, he was president of the homebrew club. His semester abroad in France also inspired his passion for craft beer and inspired many of JBC’s Belgian ales.

2020

Evan N. Ulrich (Photo) volunteered with Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) as a construction disaster project leader from July 2020 to July 2021. His work included helping tornado recovery efforts in Dayton, Ohio, and in North Carolina on Hurricane Florence recovery by rebuilding homes. Pictured left to right: Jenn Dorsch-Messler ’02, director of BDM, Lee Saylor ’03, Pastor at Salem Church of the Brethren, a prospective Juniata student, and Evan Ulrich ’20.

2021

Joshua P. Gery was featured in an AccuWeather video highlighting his work collecting data on the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species threatening the Northeast. His research also focuses on how changing weather patterns may affect migrant animals. Josh hopes to spread awareness about the growing issue of the Spotted Lanternfly, as well as teach people about waste and their individual impact on the world.

Olivia R. Mitchell started working as a copywriter/social media content creator for New Pig, Tipton, Pa. on May 10, 2021.

2022

Claire M. Alfree (Photo) was hired as a television reporter at the ABC affiliate station WNEP, outside Scranton, Pa., in January 2022. She landed the job with the help of alumna Jennifer Wade ’88, with whom she connected over their love of Juniata and journalism. She brings plenty of experience to her new position, including previous work with Hearst Television’s Washington News Bureau, Campus Reform, The Federalist, and Radio America. During her last college summer and semester, she worked as a Production Assistant in Washington, D.C. Claire was recognized as Pennsylvania’s 2021 Student of the Year by PennACE.

Caden L. Pensak was hired as a chemist in Sherwin-Williams’ R&D Leadership Development Program.

Evan N. Ulrich ’20

Claire M. Alfree ’22

Kristen E. Over ’99 and Hue Huynh (Photo) were married Aug. 6, 2021. Attending the ceremony were (l-r) John Over ’70, Peg (Slaughter) Over ’71, Bill Phillips ’70, Kristen (Over) Huynh ’99, Hue Huynh, Kelly (Place) Taranto ’99, Kelly (Holder) Meryweather ’99, Hope (Woolcock) Hand ’99, and Megan (Wiley) Crocker ’99.

Tyler J. Gunderson ’09 and Meghan Gunderson (Photo) were married Oct. 23, 2021. Attending the ceremony were (l-r) Aaron Rhodes ’09, Michael Day ’09, Lindsay Day, Justin Doutrich ’09, Kevin Dundore ’09, Corin Dundore, Michael Zauzig ’08, Tyler Gunderson ’09, and Meghan Gunderson.

Megan E. Phillips ’14 and Michael S. Lifshitz ’16 were married Aug. 17, 2021. They met on Juniata’s tennis team.

Tessa M. Thomas ’14 and Ryan Sehman (Photo) were married April 2, 2022. Attending the ceremony were (l-r) Bill Thomas (professor of IT/CS), Carly (Thomas) Sunseri ’10, Samantha DiLorenzo ’14, Colt Thomas ’09, Maria (Pessolano) Gongloff ’14, Josh Gongloff ’14, Tessa (Thomas) Sehman ’14 (bride), Ryan Sehman (groom), Kristin (Rodkey) Thomas ’12, Tyler Thomas ’12, Rachel (Gingrich) Doyle ’14, Zach Doyle ’14, Erika McKissick ’14, Arianne Waddington ’11, and Evan Decker ’14.

Laura A. Vannucci ’15 and Byron C. Felt ’15 were married Sept. 18, 2021. They met as freshmen at Juniata during Inbound.

Molley Stapleton ’15 and Seth Trovinger ’16 were married May 22, 2021. They met in the Juniata College Concert Choir in 2013.

Elizabeth H. Godusky ’17 and Taylor Leturgey were married Oct. 2, 2021.

Clarke G. Stoltzfus ’19 and Emily Cebulski were married Jan. 8, 2022.

Kristen E. Over ’99 and Hue Huynh

Tessa M. Thomas ’14 and Ryan Sehman

Tyler J. Gunderson ’09 and Meghan Gunderson

Regina M. (Diehl) Smith ’07 and Zachary Smith are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Isaac, on Feb. 22, 2022. Isaac joins brothers Tyler, Ryan, and Wyatt.

Ezra J. Cassel ’13 and Morgan (Slovin) Cassel ’14 are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Beckham, on Jan. 25, 2022.

Brittany R. (Strouth) Nixon ’13 and Gregory R. Nixon Jr. ’14 (Photo) are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Preston, on Jan. 25, 2022.

I MET A JUNIATA ALUM

“I was on a solo ski trip at Snowbasin in Utah. Some other skiers invited me to join them on the chairlift. They were a married couple, Jennifer Kowalski ’93 and Steve Brunette ’93, and by chance, both graduates of Juniata. We made three ski runs together, twice skiing down ‘Wildflower,’ the women’s 2002 Olympics downhill racecourse. They are exceptionally strong skiers and Steve was once a ski racer for the Juniata Ski Club. It was an unexpected pleasure to meet and ski with two Juniata alumni, as if we were old friends.” —Mike Jablonski ’74

While on a trip to Glacier National Park, Mont., Nancy (Zinkham) Graham ’80 finally connected in person with Mark Chalmers ’81 after years of online exchanges. Nancy, Mark, and Mark’s wife Christy enjoyed lunch and an afternoon on the lake. They even fed the eagles the fish Mark had caught.

Brittany R. (Strouth) Nixon ’13 and Gregory R. Nixon Jr. ’14

Vinnie Caroselli ’20 competed in the 2021 Harrisburg Marathon in November after volunteer coaching Juniata’s cross-country team for the season. The night before the race, he found out that Nate Alter ’14, an alumnus of Juniata’s crosscountry and track and field programs, would also be running. The two connected and warmed up together before the race began and went on to place 1st and 2nd in the race of 1,000 competitors. Nate won 1st place with a time of 2:30:43, and Vinnie won 2nd with a time of 2:31:54.

While eating at O’Neal’s Seafood in Wanchese, N.C., Nicole Close ’92, Ron Seiler ’77, Erick Lewis ’89, Nori (Kocum) Lewis ’90, Roxann (Binner) Yon ’84, Chris Gahagen ’94, and Shane Gallagher ’10, ran into Ruth (Sinclair) Semar ’85.

when in The Villages in Florida. The Berriers are former pickleball champions in the Florida State Senior Games. Nancy enjoyed playing pickleball and shuffleboard with the Berriers and afterward they reminisced about their days at Juniata.

We want to print your story . . .

“At my niece’s wedding in Boulder, Co., I was pleasantly surprised to meet the groom’s grandparents, Barry Drexler ’56 and Lois. His family proudly mentioned that he had been the MVP leading Juniata to win the Tangerine Bowl in 1956.”

—Mary Ackroyd ’76

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

Nancy (Zinkham) Graham ’80 met twins Bill Berrier ’60 (left) and Jim Berrier ’60 (right)

Remembering those we have lost.

Joanne Krugh

Retired Assistant to the Provost

I first met Joanne Krugh in April 2014 when I interviewed for the role of Provost at Juniata College. Serving as the administrative manager in the office of the provost, she was a member of the search committee that hired me. Her institutional knowledge and the respect she commanded from the rest of the committee was apparent from the outset. It was aweinspiring and frankly, a bit intimidating. What was less clear was her irrepressible sense of humor. But once I arrived on campus that July, she welcomed me with open arms and a powerful laugh that made me enjoy being at work more than I could have imagined.

Joanne served Juniata capably and loyally for over 30 years. Her distinctive laugh and her take-charge style endeared her to people throughout her career. She worked for seven provosts and with hundreds of faculty and staff. She was a conscientious supervisor to her team of Educational Services Assistants. Her impact on their Juniata education was profound and lasting.

Joanne was larger than life. She embodied the magic of Juniata. She was generous, tough, kind, funny, and dedicated. She understood the power of community and she worked hard to sustain it whether it was through her bottomless bowl of candy, the singing of gospel tunes at full volume, or the genuine way she would ask people about their families. She inspired nicknames because she made everyone feel welcome and special. To some, she was JK and to others JKrugh or Kruzer. To me, she was Jo-annie. She provided wisdom, counsel, and perspective each and every day. She knew when to diffuse with humor, when to offer a candid opinion, and when to offer a distraction. She took care of everyone in her orbit in her inimitable way. She didn’t have too many words during the tough times—she had just a few and exactly the right ones.

When I think of Joanne, I think of her organizing a campus event. She was in her element organizing commencement, baccalaureate, fall convocation, spring awards, CampusFest, or the annual faculty retirement dinner. She made it look so effortless because she held infinite details in her memory; she knew when to delegate and to whom. Joanne’s love of Juniata was on display at every one of these festive and significant occasions.

I learned so much from her…about Juniata to be sure but also about family, loyalty, friendship, humor, and joy. I feel quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her and I was honored to be her friend. She will be missed but never forgotten given the indelible imprint she has left on this place. —Lauren Bowen, Provost

Obituary

Joanne Louise (Smith) Krugh, 73, of Camp Hill, died on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, after a brief illness.

Born in Lewistown, Pa., on Aug. 6, 1948, she was the daughter of Freeda Louella (Baker) Smith and Charles Jacob Smith. She was a graduate of Chief Logan High School.

Surviving are her loving husband of 49 years, Otto Wayne Krugh; her son, AndrewKrugh’96 and wife, Halima; daughter, CatharineKrugh’98; her grandchildren, Anastasia Krugh and Nadia Krugh; her sisters Linda Smith and Maxine (Smith) Rudy and husband David Rudy; and her niece Jennifer (Rudy) Colwell and husband James Colwell.

Joanne’s great joy was her family, especially her granddaughters, who love her creative, crazy, wild spirit. Joanne was fueled by her passion for music.

Joanne served as Assistant to the Provost at Juniata College, Huntingdon for 32 years. After her retirement, in honor of her impact on the college community, Juniata established the Joanne Krugh Award for Exceptional Service to annually recognize an administrator or staff member whose body of work at Juniata demonstrates exceptional ability, accomplishment, and commitment to the campus community.

Joanne was a member of Stone Church of the Brethren, Huntingdon, where she attended for 27 years, played piano and sang in the choir.

Her favorite travel destination was Cape May, N.J., where she could spend time with family, lay on the beach, and enjoy the historic Victorian architecture.

Evelyn H. Church Assistant Professor of Spanish, Emerita

A consummate educator inside and outside of the classroom, Evelyn H. Church left a legacy of learning in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and students.

After her marriage to fellow educator Ralph Church, the couple traveled to the United Kingdom and throughout the United States. Evelyn’s long career in teaching included high schools in North Carolina, Alabama, Maryland, and Ohio. She continued her teaching career by joining her husband as a professor at Juniata College.

Throughout her years of teaching, Evelyn managed the family’s household, cooked the meals, lovingly reared six children, and completed her master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College in 1970.

When asked how she did all that, she said quite simply, “You do what you have to do.” Given the era and the demands and expectations that came with it, her accomplishments were truly remarkable.

Evelyn and Ralph both retired from Juniata in 1991 and continued to enjoy traveling together. Evelyn spent time cooking, enjoying music, reading, and spending time with her family’s pets.

The Churches relocated to North Carolina in the years following their retirement, making their home first in New Bern and later in Bermuda Village.

Obituary

Evelyn H. Church, aged 95, died on Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Born on October 20, 1926, in Birmingham, Ala., she was the only child of George and Bessie Lee (Underwood) Hester. She was united in marriage to RalphBruceChurch on August 23, 1945. Her husband of almost 65 years and their son, Ralph Bruce Church Jr., preceded her in death.

Evelyn is survived by five children, Emily Wenger and spouse, Lowell; Rebecca Benson; LynnChurchRathgeber’77 and spouse, John; Katrina Church Pope and spouse, Darius; and Melissa Church; 13 grandchildren, Heather Broderick; Neal Mortimer; Karena West; Marjorie, William, Gwendolyn, and Natalie Rathgeber; Tanner and Klara Bost; and Nicholas, Kyle, Ryan, and Kelsey Williams; and a number of great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was a 1949 graduate of Wake Forest College with a bachelor of arts degree cum laude in English, and earned her master of arts degree in Spanish from Middlebury College in 1970.

She had a long career in teaching, first at the high school level (in N.C., Alabama, Maryland, and Ohio) and later at Juniata College.

Evelyn retired from teaching in 1991. Her interests included travel, cooking, music, and reading. Her face lit up whenever she held a baby and she also enjoyed her family’s pets, especially cats.

After retirement, she and Ralph moved first to New Bern, N.C., and then to Bermuda Village in Advance, N.C. She spent her last years at Salemtowne Retirement Community in Winston-Salem where she received care during her progressing dementia.

Jeffery R. Demarest Professor of Biology, Emeritus

Biologist, naturalist, world traveler, great cook, and bon vivant Jeffery R. Demarest lived well and encouraged others to do the same.

During his military service in Guam, he developed his keen observations of the natural world, a skill that would become a large part of his professional life and enhance his enjoyment of daily nature walks. The University of California Bodega Marine Laboratory in Sonoma County, Calif., where he completed his Ph.D. and met his wife, Martha Noble, became the perfect setting to collect and observe fish and other marine life while making lifelong friends and colleagues.

Jeff came to Juniata from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and was appointed as a professor in the Biology Department and later served as department chair.

As a naturalist, Jeff was fascinated by the biology, chemistry, and physiology of all things in the kitchen, including beer. During a sabbatical from Juniata, he spent a semester earning a teaching credential in fermentation science from University of California Davis. He took this expertise back to Juniata where he initiated a course in brewery science. Several of his students have become very successful in the craft beer industry.

His outstanding communication skills, insight into many disciplines, and great sense of humor provided excellent links between his teaching, research, and administration work.

As Jeff approached retirement, he and Martha decided to return to Sonoma County, which they both loved. In 2011, they purchased a house in Healdsburg. In their new location close to the Russian River, Jeff would often walk along the river path into the town center. While completing his doctoral work at BML in the 1970s, Jeff began exploring the Sonoma Coast for mushrooms. In retirement, these mushroom foraging walks—primarily in the Salt Point State Park area—became a focused seasonal hobby he enjoyed with close marine lab friends.

His legacy will continue through many he taught and mentored at Juniata, but particularly through good beers produced by alumni, just as he would have wanted.

Obituary

Jeffery R. Demarest, aged 76, died unexpectedly on Jan. 12, 2022, at his home in Healdsburg, Calif., with his wife of 36 years by his side.

Born on May 10, 1946, in Harrington Park, N.J., he was the son of Pete and Catherine Demarest. He was united in marriage to Martha Noble in 1986.

Jeff is survived by his cherished wife, Martha; his brother, Steve; Martha’s family; numerous friends; and many colleagues. During the Vietnam War, he served as a military policeman in Guam.

Jeff began his Ph.D. studies in the Department of Physiology at the University of California (UC) Berkeley. His work with salt and water balance in the life history of fish led him to the UC Bodega Marine Laboratory (BML) in Sonoma County, just north of San Francisco, Calif. This was where he met his wife, who was a Stanford graduate student studying fish behavior.

After completing his doctorate, the couple settled first at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and then the University of California, Los Angeles. In the later 1980s, they moved to University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where Jeff was appointed as a professor in the biology department and served as department chair.

Jeff next received an appointment as a professor at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Martha remained in Arkansas until she moved to Washington D.C., to focus on agricultural law. The two commuted back and forth on weekends between their Huntingdon country home and their D.C. apartment.

International travel was important to Jeff. Together, he and Martha enjoyed visiting New Zealand and a variety of European countries. Jeff also employed travel in his teaching when he conducted class trips to Mexico, France, and other countries.

JoAnn deArmas Wallace Retired Dean of International Programs

JoAnn deArmas Wallace was a breath of life and exuded energy wherever she went. Plants, people, and programs blossomed through her efforts and influence.

JoAnn’s spirit was evident in everything she did, from making her husband, Ed, a native Texan, a wool sweater so warm he named it “Animal” and claimed it gave off its own body heat to threatening to wear white gloves—and only white gloves—in response to an invitation to one of her husband’s Air Force events requiring that “ladies must wear white gloves.” While she did not follow through on her threat, she did introduce herself as Martha Washington in the receiving line and claimed no one noticed.

While living in Yellow Springs, Ohio, JoAnn became active in the community’s performing arts scene and had a part in nearly every Gilbert and Sullivan musical, including Pirates of Penzance twice. She was also a frequent member of the backstage crew. It was at this time she also convinced her church that the choir should not be placed in the back of the sanctuary, as she led her fellow members in scoring the sermons with giant numbered signs.

JoAnn established study abroad programs at Antioch College, bringing many international students to her home. Her efforts resulted in international Thanksgiving, as she would invite international students to join the family and cook a dish from their home. When the couple moved to Huntingdon, where JoAnn became Dean of International Programs at Juniata, Ed would “carry her suitcase” as she traveled all over the world to Spain, Japan, China, England, Scotland, France, Italy, and beyond. She built Juniata’s program into a model of international study and was a leader in the Pennsylvania chapter of Partners in the Americas, a presenter at conferences in international education, and recognized as an expert in her field. Many of the international students still call JoAnn their American Mom. She made an impact on so many lives.

Obituary

JoAnn deArmas Wallace, aged 79, died on January 31, 2022, in Elizabethtown, Pa.

Born in 1943 in Buffalo, N.Y., JoAnn was the daughter of Jose Ramon deArmas of Cuba and Ana Dolores Gonzalez of Spain. On June 5, 1965, she was united in marriage to Ed Wallace, whom she met at Syracuse University where she was studying International Relations and he was studying Russian for his service in the United States Air Force.

JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Kaye, and her son, Ramon.

The Wallaces lived in Rochester, N.Y., Ludlow, Mass., and Yellow Springs, Ohio, during Ed’s military service and while completing her master’s degree in counseling, JoAnn worked as a teaching assistant in statistics which required her to run punch cards through a room-sized computer. After receiving her degree, JoAnn worked within the international programs at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She later moved on to Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where she worked in admissions, then as the director of international study. Following Ed’s retirement, JoAnn became Dean of International Programs at Juniata College and the couple moved to Huntingdon.

Following her retirement from Juniata College, the couple moved to Hershey, Pa., to be near their daughter and her family.

JoAnn was a member of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren.

In Hershey, she was deeply involved in the arts, organizing and creating costumes for the Hershey Area Playhouse, volunteering at the Hershey Public Library, singing in the Hershey Community Chorus, and working with Indivisible, a grassroots organization that encourages civic involvement. With her husband, JoAnn frequently prepared and hosted international gourmet dinners to raise funds for Rotary International Youth Exchange.

JoAnn was an avid gardener and well known for her Zucchino Rampicante (Italian Climbing Zucchini), which she gifted to her neighbors and friends, along with her chocolate zucchini bread.

Vincent ‘Vin’ Sarni Trustee and

Honorary Degree Recipient

Well-known as a highly respected leader, Vincent “Vin” Sarni used his time and talents to bolster the success of all those around him.

After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and serving with Olin Corp for 12 years, he joined PPG Industries Inc. in 1968 as Marketing Vice President of the former Industrial Chemicals Department. Vincent was elected the business unit’s Vice President and General Manager in 1969. He became Vice President and general manager of the former Chemicals Division in 1975; Group Vice President, chemicals, in 1977; Corporate Senior Vice President in 1980; Vice Chairman in January 1984, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in November 1984.

He worked at PPG Industries, Inc. for 25 years until his retirement in 1993.

Vincent served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Juniata College from 1979 to 1997 and received an honorary degree in 1979.

He was the former Chairman of the Board of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Allegheny General Hospital, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Opera, and the National Organization for the Disabled. He also served on the Board of Carnegie Mellon University and was a founding Director of the Extra Mile Education Foundation.

Many institutions were beneficiaries of his generosity. During his time as Chairman of the Board for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he was a member of the business group which worked diligently to keep the Pirates franchise in Pittsburgh. He will be remembered for his willingness to serve and to lead in all aspects of life, setting an example for all who come after him.

Obituary

Vincent Anthony “Vin” Sarni, aged 93, of Latrobe, Pa., and Orlando, Fla., passed away on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, in Orlando, Fla., with his wife by his side.

Born on July 11, 1928, in Bayonne, N.J., and reared in Cranston, R.I., he was the son of Alfred and Louisa Sarni. He was first united in marriage to the former Dorothy Bellavance, who preceded him in death in 2008. He later married the former Sandy Palmer, who survives.

Vincent was a devoted father to his children, Louise Degrass of Matunuck, R.I., Karen Driscoll and her husband, Stephen, of Nokomis, Fla., and VincentA.Sarni,Jr.’78 and his wife, Deborah, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and a devoted stepfather to Jennifer Jackman and her husband, Dick. He was the beloved grandfather of 12 grandchildren, Derek, Daniel, Stacia, Stephen, Michaela, Katelyn, Tony, Megan, Patrick, Christopher, Hannah, and Julia.

He was the brother of the late Lawrence V. and Mary (Moran) Sarni of Mystic, Conn., and the late Dr. Robert P. and Janice Sarni of East Greenwich, R.I.

Vincent was a 1945 graduate of Classical High School of Providence, R.I., and a 1949 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a degree in business. He completed graduate studies in marketing at New York University Graduate School of Business and the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University.

Vincent was a successful leader at PPG Industries, Inc., where he worked for 25 years. He began as marketing vice president in the Industrial Chemicals Department and advanced to become chairman and CEO of PPG’s entire international operation. In addition to PPG, he was a former director of Amtrol, Brockway Inc., Hershey Corp., Honeywell Corp., LTV Inc., Mellon Bank, Mueller Group, Noveon, and PNC Financial.

Educational institutions that benefited from his philanthropy were Penn State University, the University of Rhode Island, Juniata College, Saint Vincent College, the Saint Benedict Education Foundation, and the Extra Mile Education Foundation. He was honored at the White House by three U.S. presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. He also received honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Rhode Island, Juniata College, Robert Morris University, and the New England Institute of Technology.

Walter Nadzak Jr. Former Head Football Coach and Athletic Director

Known personally and professionally as a model of honor and integrity, Walter Nadzak was an accomplished high school and college hall of fame athlete, a veteran U.S. Marine, minor league football player, and high school and collegiate baseball and football coach when he arrived at Juniata in 1969.

Arriving from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, where he was the baseball coach and assistant football coach, Walt served as head football coach from 1969 to 1976 and as Athletic Director from 1969 to 1977.

Over his eight seasons with the Blue and Gold, he put together a record of 45-26-3. In 1973, Walter led the squad to a 10-2 record as they upset Bridgeport 35-14 in the NCAA Division III Eastern Championship Game, giving the program its 200th win. This earned the team a berth in the National Championship Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in Phenix City, Ala. He left as the winningest football coach at Juniata and became the head football coach at the University of Connecticut.

Over the years, Walt had the opportunity to meet many famous people, including Neil Armstrong, President Gerald Ford, President Ronald Reagan, and Jack Hanna, whom he had coached at Muskingum.

After a brief hiatus away from college athletics, he made his way to The Citadel to be its Athletic Director, where he spent the next 15 years leading the department. His accolades were various, including being inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2008.

Obituary

Walter Nadzak Jr., aged 86, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2022, in Charleston, S.C., after a heart-wrenching battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on July 15, 1935, in Ambridge, Pa., he was united in marriage to the former Shirley Ann Meyer. His wife of 62 years preceded him in death on June 29, 2019.

Walter is survived by his sister, Sandra; his four children, Cary, Tracey, Tripper, and Jeff; and seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who lovingly called him “Dah” or “Gramcracker.”

In addition to his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty.

Walter was inducted into the Ambridge High School, Ambridge, Pa., and Beaver County Halls of Fame after earning seven letters and winning All State honors as a senior. His prowess at Denison University in Ohio, where he lettered four years in football and baseball, earned him a place in their Hall of Fame. At Denison, Walter was the football team captain and MVP his senior year, and a three-time first-team All-Ohio Conference selection. In baseball, he was voted MVP and was a star hitter, with a .434 batting average.

After graduating from Denison, Walter served as a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged from active duty as a 1st Lieutenant before serving as a Captain in the Reserves. He continued his education by attending night school at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he earned his master’s degree. Walter also played minor league football with the Columbus Colts.

Walter’s coaching career led him to positions at Sylvania, Chillicothe, and Utica high schools in Ohio. Then he threw his hat into the college football arena when he accepted a coaching position at Muskingum College in Ohio. Juniata College was the next step in his career. He served as Athletic Director and head football coach, compiling a 45-26-3 record, earning a bid to the first NCAA Division III National Championship in 1973, and leaving as the winningest football coach at Juniata. He accepted a head football coaching position at the University of Connecticut.

The couple ultimately settled in Charleston, S.C., in 1985. There, Walter served for 15 years as the Athletic Director at The Citadel before his retirement in 2000.

Frances B. (Read) Thurman ’40

March 12, 2022—Fran taught school in The City of Bradford before enlisting in the Women’s Army Corps in May 1943. She served in the Signal Corps through November 1945 and was stationed in Australia and the Philippines, earning the WAAC Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars. In 1946, Fran married husband Louis, whom she raised three sons with while substitute teaching. Fran was preceded in death by husband Louis and son Jon; she is survived by sons Dana and Dixon, and two grandsons.

Marian L. (King) Leister ’43 Oct. 2, 2021

Jan D. (Dunkle) Reynolds ’46 Feb. 3, 2022—Jan worked for the Department of the Navy during WWII and retired from Kemper Insurance in Summit, N.J. She was a member of many civic organizations. Jan was passionate about volunteering her time to help others. An active volunteer for the Republican Party, she volunteered for more than 20 years at polling places in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well

as at the Camp Hill Veterans Administration Clinic and the Cumberland County Historical Society. Jan was preceded in death by husband Wade; she is survived by sons Wade, Brian, Todd, and Gregg, and six grandchildren.

Samuel E. Woffindin ’48 Dec. 20, 2021—Sam enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and graduated from Cornell Midshipman School. He served aboard the USS Lavaca in the Pacific theater. He graduated from Juniata with a degree in sociology. Sam worked as a youth director for YMCA and then for Fischer & Porter Co. for three decades. He was a leader in church and community organizations. After retiring, Sam worked in human resources for North Penn Transfer and for Keenan Motors. He enjoyed tennis, theater, music, and the arts. Sam is survived by wife Ann Marie, stepsons Jon, Michael, and Brett, sons David and Philip, and five grandchildren.

Hazel L. Brashear-Bowser ’49 Dec. 18, 2021—Hazel was engaged in music, church, and community organizations. She attended the Church of the Covenant and then Faith United Presbyterian Church, where she served as choir director. She taught piano

and was a substitute teacher. At 50, she became an English teacher at Trinity High School and retired 15 years later. Hazel volunteered for the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA. Her hobbies included reading, painting, sewing, golfing, traveling, and spending time with her family. Hazel was preceded in death by husbands Robert Brashear ’48 and Edward Bowser Jr. ’48. She is survived by sons Robert and John, daughter Amy, and seven grandchildren.

Frances C. (Mitchell) Burd ’49 Dec. 30, 2021—Frances was preceded in death by husband Howard Burd ’50 and sister Martha (Mitchell) Frye ’44.

Lois E. (Esaley) Colburn ’50 Dec. 30, 2021—After Juniata, Lois went into teaching and was the theater director at Juniata College for a brief period. She also worked as a nursery school teacher, college instructor, and Mental Health Association Executive Director. In her free time, Lois loved learning, reading, writing, art, walking, gardening, museum going, bird watching, volunteering, and going to the movies and the theater. She traveled across the U.S. and cycled across Europe twice. Lois was preceded in death

by husband Donald; she is survived by son Christopher, daughter Erica, and three grandchildren.

Donald E. Kagarise ’50 Nov. 11, 2021—Donald received his master’s degree from Penn State University in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. For 31 years, Donald taught earth science, chemistry, and physics at Williamsburg High School. He retired in 1986. A lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren in Williamsburg and Altoona, he devoted many hours to each congregation as music director. He enjoyed landscaping and crafting dioramas and decorative items. Donald was preceded in death by parents I. Harvey Kagarise 1925 and Alice (Statler) Kagarise 1925; he is survived by wife Corena (Sollenberger) Kagarise ’50, daughters Amy and Kristen, son Todd, and one grandson.

Paul E. Patterson ’50 Nov. 13, 2021—After Juniata, Paul graduated from Garrett Biblical Institute at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., in 1955. That same year, he married his wife, Beverly. From 1955 to 1990, Paul served as a United Methodist minister for various churches throughout Southwest Michigan. He was also an avid

musician and pianist. Paul was preceded in death by wife Beverly.

Robert H. Stein ’50 March 25, 2022—Bob worked for Fayette Farm Service from 1950–1956 and for Gallatin National Bank from 1958–1986. He was a charter member of the Fayette County Agricultural Improvement Association, served on the Fayette County Fair Board, and was named Friend of the Fayette Fair by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Fair Board in 2019. Bob was active in civic and community organizations as well as in his church. Bob enjoyed working outdoors. He was a former member of the Church-College Relations Council at Juniata. Bob was preceded in death by wife Betty; he is survived by daughter Marti, son Robert, and four grandchildren.

Betsy K. (Wright) Young ’50 March 28, 2022—Betsy was an educator for more than 40 years. She taught elementary school in Ephrata, Pa. for more than 30 years, primarily at Lincoln Elementary School. She enjoyed reading, spending time at her family beach cottage in Delaware, and traveling the world. In her retirement, she visited six of the seven continents. Betsy was preceded in death by sister Sarah

(Wright) Calhoun ’48 and husband E. Richard Young ’53; she is survived by sons E. Richard, Mark, Mike, and Matt, and seven grandchildren.

William B. Dixon Sr. ’51 Feb. 20, 2022—Bill worked a successful career in chemical research and served in the Korean War with the 83rd Engineers Army. After retiring, he worked as a consultant in industrial water and wastewater treatment. Bill was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Electroplaters Society, and the American Spectroscopy Society, and he belonged to veterans’ and civic organizations, as well as the Methodist church. Bill enjoyed spending time with family, managing Little League, bridge, bowling, golfing, and horseshoes. Bill was preceded in death by brother Robert Dixon ’48. He is survived by wife Phyllis, daughters Cynthia and Sandra, son William B. Jr., and eight grandchildren.

Hilton R. Hines ’51 Jan. 8, 2022—“Skip” was a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1946–1947. At Juniata, he obtained his lifelong nickname and met his first wife, Eleanor. They had three children and built a life together until Eleanor’s death in 1972. In 1973, Skip

remarried and welcomed three new children. He had a successful career with DuPont for 44 years. In retirement, they moved to North Carolina, joining Covenant Presbyterian Church. They then moved to Utah to be closer to family. Skip was preceded in death by wife Eleanor (Bailey) Hines ’51. He is survived by wife Jane, five children, and 15 grandchildren.

Elaine D. (Mock) Sollenberger ’51 Feb. 14, 2022— Elaine taught English and Latin at Everett Area High School, wrote a weekly column, contributed to Mature Living, created the Pennsylvania Jersey Newsletter, and served on the Everett School Board. She was active in the Church of the Brethren, the first woman to serve as Middle PA District moderator, Annual Conference moderator, and chair of the General Board. She was a former member of Juniata’s ChurchCollege Relations Council and recipient of the Church-College Service Award. Elaine was preceded in death by husband Ray; she is survived by daughters Beth Sollenberger ’78 and Lori, son Leon, and four grandchildren, including Morgan Knepp ’15.

Stephen W. Dolak Jr. ’52 Dec. 9, 2021—Stephen was a radio operator during WWII and

served in Europe, Africa, and the U.S. After graduating from Juniata, he received his master’s degree from Penn State University. He went on to work as a chemist for the Pennsylvania Railroad, then became a chemistry teacher with Altoona Area High School, retiring in 1993. Stephen also worked as an instructor for the Juniata College Science in Motion program. In addition, he pursued his passion for flying and enjoyed piloting his Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Stephen is survived by sons Stephen, Kirby, and Scot, former wife and friend Jean, and five grandchildren.

Raymond L. Siren ’52

Dec. 21, 2021—Raymond was a professor at Washington and Jefferson College. He had fond memories of his time at Juniata, where he majored in chemistry and played in the dance band. His hobbies included golfing, target shooting, acting at Little Lake dinner theater, and watching Seinfeld and Jeopardy. Raymond was preceded in death by wife Constance (Sherman) Siren ’52 and daughter Gerrilynne; he is survived by son Eugene, daughters Susan and Gail, and eight grandchildren.

Stanley Wass ’52

May 10, 2022—Prior to Juniata, Stanley served in the U.S. Army,

assigned to the Coast Artillery Corps Harbor Defense on New York Harbor. He was discharged on June 7, 1947, and went on to attend Juniata and Penn State. He worked for Uhl, Hall, & Rich of Boston as a consulting engineer for the New York State Power Authority. There, he helped develop a hydro plant on the St. Lawrence River. After returning to Pennsylvania, he worked for the Department of Defense and retired in 1987. Stanley was passionate about working and devoting time to helping others.

Rose M. (Trotta) McCavitt ’53

Jan. 30, 2022—Rose earned her master’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For 38 years, she taught in public schools across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. She spent most of these years at Rayne Elementary School in Marion Center, Pa. Her hobbies included traveling, visiting family and friends, and coloring. Rose is survived by sons Brian and Dean, and two grandchildren.

Philip E. Norris ’53

May 2, 2022—Phil attended Bethany Theological Seminary, where he served as a trustee. He served as assistant pastor in Hagerstown, Md., for two years,

then pastored churches near Washington, D.C., and in Colorado and Washington until his 1996 retirement. In 2003, he became an active member of Lititz Church of the Brethren. Phil was preceded in death by son Nathan, parents Glen Norris 1924 and Lois (Detweiler) Norris 1925, and brother Arthur Norris ’59; he is survived by wife Joan (Fyock) Norris ’59, daughter Helen, son Byron, two grandsons, and brothers Donald Norris ’50 and Wilfred Norris ’54.

N. Fred Barefoot ’54 Oct. 7, 2021—Fred taught for 40 years at his alma mater, Hollidaysburg Area High School. He coached numerous PIAA District Wrestling Champions, three PIAA State Wrestling Champions, and won Wrestling Coach of the Year. After retiring, Fred served as a legislative assistant for State Rep. Rich Geist. He was a member and officer of multiple professional and civic organizations and received awards from the Professional Education and Resources for Learning, Hollidaysburg Area Education Association, and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. He was a member and deacon at the 28th Street Church of the Brethren. Fred was

preceded in death by daughter Tamara and brother Richard Barefoot ’54; he is survived by wife Patricia, daughter Kimberlee, son Brett, and eight grandchildren.

Thomas J. Cherok ’54 Feb. 11, 2022— Tom was captain of Juniata’s golf team, which won the Middle Atlantic Conference and the Western Maryland Invitational. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Tom became an assistant golf pro at Edgewood Country Club. In 1961, while head golf pro at Titusville Country Club, Tom played in the PGA tournament in Chicago. Retiring in 1993 as the head golf professional at Seven Oaks Country Club, his career included four holes-in-one and induction into his high school’s hall of fame. He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Tom is survived by wife Cheran, daughters Lisa, Lori, and Ami, and four grandchildren.

Nancy (Vaughn) Kyper ’54 Oct. 16, 2021—Nancy taught in the Huntingdon Area, North Penn, and Juniata Valley school districts. At Juniata Valley, she established the Math Counts Team and coached cheerleading, band front, junior high girls’ basketball, track and field, and cross-country until her

retirement in 1994. Nancy enjoyed refinishing furniture, the outdoors, volunteering, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church. Nancy was preceded in death by mother Zelda (Weaver) Vaughn 1925, former husband John, and husband Bernard; she is survived by son Stephen, daughters Sandra and Kimberley, and three grandsons.

Benton M. Newcomer ’54 Dec. 20, 2021—Benton earned his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. For 34 years, he served as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, and preached against war, racism, and sexism. After retiring, Ben served as a parish associate at First Presbyterian Church in Monterey, Calif. He enjoyed hiking, camping, backpacking, and photography. Ben was preceded in death by sisters Betty (Newcomer) Davis ’44 and M. Elinor (Newcomer) Shoaf ’51, and son Paul; he is survived by wife Alta, daughter Cynthia, and son Nathan.

Robert W. Rauch ’54

Dec. 23, 2021—Bob joined the Marine Corps, attended Officer Candidate School and flight school, and received his Naval Aviator wings. He enrolled at UCLA and was hired by companies selling mainframe computers. He continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve. His family moved to California in 1964. Bob enjoyed running, completing 33 marathons, 12 triathlons, and various other races. In retirement, he worked for H&R Block and rode his bicycle all over the country. He loved traveling and spending time with family. Bob was preceded in death by wife Barbara; he is survived by son Jim, daughters Leslie, Andrea, Stacy, Kristie, and Karen, and ten grandchildren.

Eleanor J. (Latulipe) Barberet ’55

Feb. 14, 2022—Eleanor taught elementary school for several years. She loved her home in Plymouth and enjoyed classical music, antiques, and especially reading. She was a communicant of the Plymouth Congregational Church. Eleanor was preceded in death by husband Alfred; she is survived by daughter Denise, son Dana, and one granddaughter.

Patricia L. (Turner) Elliott ’55

Jan. 6, 2022—Pat worked a variety of jobs after Juniata, including as a lab technician at Cornell University’s Molecular Biology and Genetics lab. She also enjoyed adventurous hobbies like spelunking and taking flight lessons. She was a gardener, baker, knitter, reader, and skier. Pat was preceded in death by husband Charles; she is survived by daughter Katy, sons Chas, Bill, and John, and seven grandchildren.

Russell A. Hill ’55 Nov. 6, 2021—Russ earned master’s and doctor’s degrees from Temple University. He was a Princeton University Fellow and a long-term employee of Temple’s College of Education and Research for Better Schools. Russ published, “Teach Internal Locus of Control: A Positive Psychology App,” in 2011. He was a member of Witness for Peace Solidarity Collective and the Rotary and Lions’ clubs of Jenkintown, Pa., and Long Beach Island, N.J. He was a member of Juniata’s Alumni Council and attended Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Jersey Shore. Russ was preceded in death by wife Joan (Irvin) Hill ’55, daughter Karen, and one grandson; he is survived by sons

Dwight and David, daughter Jeanne, and nine grandchildren.

Orlando C. Lash ’56 Jan. 22, 2022—“Orie” received his postgraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and studied at Geneva College and the University of South Florida. He spent his career as an educator and administrator for the Aliquippa School District and as the offensive coordinator for the Quips football team. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In his free time, Orie enjoyed golfing, going to the gym, and embracing his Italian heritage. Orie is survived by wife Dawn, sons Anthony and Adam, daughter Suzanne, and four grandchildren.

Walter A. Vanderbush ’56 May 2, 2022—A standout on the basketball court, Walt was inducted into the Juniata College Sports Hall of Fame. Walt taught and coached at Bangor, Newport, Steelton, and Hilton high schools. He earned his doctorate from Purdue University and served as a principal in Michigan and Indiana. Walt and Patience hosted multiple foreign exchange students and visited all 50 states and 44 countries. Walt was a passionate defender of civil rights and volunteered for Indianapolis Parents and Friends of Lesbians

and Gays and the American Civil Liberties Union. Walt is survived by wife Patience (Kinloch) Vanderbush ’58, sons Walter, Kevin, and Randy, daughters Patience and Sherry, and 10 grandchildren.

Dean A. Hancox ’57 April 12, 2022— In 1968, Dean earned his master’s degree from Frostburg State College. His career in education included teaching and serving as Administrative Assistant, Assistant Transportation Supervisor, Vice Principal, and Principal at several schools. Dean was a member of the Centre Street UMC and then of Wesley UMC. He was a member of several civic and professional organizations. From 1976 to 2009, he served on the Board of Directors of the Frostburg State University Foundation. Dean’s hobbies included playing the piano, golfing, composing limericks, storytelling, reading, and watching Jeopardy. Dean was preceded in death by wife Donna; he is survived by sons Michael Hancox ’93 and John, and five grandchildren.

Carol A. (Jenkins) Kramer ’57 Feb. 16, 2022—Carol taught elementary education in York, York County, and suburban

Philadelphia, and worked as a receptionist in various offices. She directed children’s choir, taught children’s church classes, was a deacon, usher, undershepherd, secretary, and served on various church committees at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren. Carol also volunteered at and served on the board of the Lancaster Day Care Center. She enjoyed time spent with family and taking photographs and portraits of loved ones. Carol is survived by husband Richard Kramer Jr. ’57, daughters Laurie and Leslie, two surrogate daughters Jessica and Angela, and two grandchildren.

George L. Anthony ’58 April 18, 2022—George taught for the Westmont Hilltop School District for 30 years and was a self-employed tax preparer. He belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1811 and was a computer enthusiast. George was preceded in death by wife Cecelia; he is survived by sons Scott and Randy, and five granddaughters.

Frederick A. Barnhart ’58 Dec. 4, 2021—Fred served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before attending Juniata. After, he moved to California and began his lifelong career with U.S. Government, Federal Housing Administration–

Department for Housing and Urban Development. He retired in 1988. He enjoyed RVing with the Ben Ali Bedouins, and he was a member of Bellefonte Lodge No. 268 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Sacramento, and Ben Alli Shrine. Fred is survived by wife Donnetta.

Jane E. (Butts) Kilgore ’58 April 22, 2022—Jane completed technical training at Jefferson Medical College Hospital, then worked for physicians in Philadelphia, Temple Medical College Lab, and Nason Hospital Lab. She was a laboratory technologist at McGinnis Hospital and Registrar at Surgicenter at Ligonier. Jane retired in 2000. She was a member of and a Sunday school teacher at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was a member and choir member of the church Chancel Guild, as well as several civic organizations. Jane was preceded in death by father James Butts 1921 and sister Joyce (Butts) Brumbaugh ’54; she is survived by husband David, sons Kevin and John, and six grandchildren.

Bernard L. McQuown ’58 Oct. 29, 2021—Bernie began his career as an Assistant Coach at Punxsutawney High School and served as Head Coach at East

Brady and Kane High School. In his 20 years coaching in Indiana, where he was a teacher and guidance counselor, he had two undefeated seasons and won three Central Pennsylvania Championships. Bernie received many recognitions, including Coach of the Year in 1980. He was inducted into Juniata College’s Hall of Fame as well as three other halls of fame. Bernie was a member of Graystone Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Christian Athletes, and the Greenwood Cemetery Board. He loved golfing with his friends. Bernie is survived by wife Barbara, daughters Kathy and Kim, and five grandchildren.

Jay R. Muir ’58 Oct. 1, 2021—Jay served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961–1964, attaining the rank of Airman Second Class. He was stationed in Germany after transferring to the Reserves. He was a history teacher at Huntingdon Area High School and a part-time accountant. After retiring, he worked full-time as a personal accountant. Jay was a member of many organizations, served on Huntingdon Borough Council and Zoning Board, the Board of Arize Federal Credit Union, and chaired Huntingdon Borough Water & Sewer Committee. Jay was preceded in death by sister

Jill (Muir) Klingler ’60; he is survived by daughters Jeanne and Jo Anne, three grandchildren, and brothers James Muir ’69 and Jon Muir ’75.

W. Haddox Sothoron Jr. ’58 Jan. 22, 2022—Haddox graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1962. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, two years with First Marine Division, one year at Bethesda Naval Hospital, and one year at the Navy Ordinance Lab. He opened the first private practice of Orthopedic Surgery in Howard County, Md., and joined the Patuxent Medical Group in 1985. He was President of the Howard County Medical Society and of the Maryland Orthopedic Society. After retiring in 1999, Haddox traveled and enjoyed time with family and friends. Haddox is survived by wife Jackie, sons Steve and Jeff, daughters Kathy and Wendy, and 10 grandchildren.

Maryellen (Blessing) Wolf ’58 Feb. 23, 2022—Maryellen taught elementary school in the Cumberland Valley School District for several years. She was an active member of the Bible Baptist Church, and her hobbies included sewing, reading, and cooking. Maryellen is survived

by husband Karl, son Glenn, daughters Debbie and Kara, and three grandchildren.

John W. Shaffer ’59

Nov. 4, 2021— “Jack” worked in furniture and flooring sales for 41 years, starting in Pittsburgh and then moving to California, where he worked for Carpet Corral and Valley Western Flooring. He was an active member and past president of the Association of the United States Army, a member of Optimist International in Carlsbad, and a member of The Community Church at Jess Ranch. Jack loved sports and participated in the Tangerine Bowl in 1956. He enjoyed playing tennis, working hard, serving others, being patriotic, and spending time with his family. Jack is survived by wife Frances, sons Keith and Mark, daughters Dawn and Gwen, and eight grandchildren.

William E. McCoy ’60 March 10, 2022—Bill earned his nursing degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and went on to work at several hospitals, including Johns Hopkins. He also worked at various nursing homes in the Indiana area and as far away as Clearfield, Pa. Bill is survived by many loved ones, including sister, Patricia (McCoy) Bub ’61.

Joanne C. (Zwick) Gordon ’61

Jan. 2, 2022—Joanne received her master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh and worked in the Red Lion School District from 1961–1966. She taught in elementary schools in Huntingdon, Pa., until 1975. Joanne earned a remedial specialist certification from Penn State and worked in the Juniata Valley School District until 2002. A member of St. James Lutheran Church, she directed the choir and bell choir and volunteered for multiple organizations. Joanne was preceded in death by husband Samuel Gordon ’68 and sister Geraldine (Zwick) Suvak ’64; she is survived by son Benjamin, daughter Amy, four grandchildren, and sisters Donna (Zwick) Davis ’62, Cheryl Zwick ’69, and Shelby Zwick ’71.

Thomas R. Kaupas ’61 Feb. 5, 2022—Tom served as a Navy aviator for 24 years, including three tours to Vietnam flying A-6 Intruder aircraft. After retiring as a Commander, he moved to Northern Virginia and worked for DCS Corp. as a Senior Vice President. He then retired to Hilton Head, S.C., where he enjoyed golfing and watching the golf course from his house. Tom

is survived by wife Joanne, son Thomas Jr., daughter Suzanne, and six grandchildren.

C.D. Allen Quackenbos ’61 Feb. 5, 2022—Allen worked as a computer programmer at Honeywell and, later, as an independent consultant with companies, including Nannette, John Wanamaker, Ship and Shore, and Merrill Lynch. He enjoyed running and going to the beach, and he was a member of the Appalachian Hiking Club. Allen was also involved in various church ministries, where he was a deacon, taught Sunday school, ministered to widows, local missions, and did home visitations. Allen is survived by wife Joan, daughters Diane, Vicki, and Melissa, son David, and six grandchildren.

Robert E. Rose ’61 Feb. 14, 2022—A graduate of New York University School of Law, Bob was elected Chairman of the Nevada Democratic Party in 1968, Washoe County District Attorney in 1970, and Lieutenant Governor of Nevada in 1974. Appointed to Clark County District Court in 1987, he won a vacant seat on the Nevada Supreme Court in 1998. Bob led the computerization of courts and

ordered judges to take a course on domestic violence. He served as Chief Justice for five years and as Senior Justice. Bob enjoyed traveling, reading, arts and music, and advocating for environmental causes. He received Juniata’s Alumni Achievement Award. Bob is survived by wife Jolene.

Margaret (Whittaker)

Esh ’62

Jan. 3, 2022—Peg taught music in the Huntingdon Area School District until her marriage in 1963. She was a homemaker and taught piano lessons. She was a member of West Kishacoqullas Presbyterian Church and was an elder and a choir director. She was a member of Belleville Civic Club, American Association of University Women, and Order of the Eastern Star. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, reading, baking, and traveling to England. Peg was preceded in death by husband Robert and mother Dorothy (Endres) Whittaker ’34; she is survived by daughters Elizabeth (Esh) Smith ’86 and Kimberly (Esh) Russell ’89, sons David and Christopher, and seven grandchildren.

Kay H. (Haviland)

Freilich ’62

March 20, 2022—Kay worked primarily as a board-certified genealogical records specialist and a certified genealogical lecturer. From 2002–2004, she served as President of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, and from 1999–2006 a Trustee. In 2012, she was elected as a Fellow of the National Genealogical Society. During her career in genealogy, Kay wrote several research articles. In 2014, she and her husband published “Genealogy and the Law: A Guide to Legal Sources for the Family Historian.” Kay was preceded in death by husband William; she is survived by son Robert, daughter Margaret, and two grandchildren.

Stanley P. Hallman ’62 Sept. 26, 2021—Stanley was a baseball MVP at Juniata and went on to receive his master’s degree in psychology and counseling from Temple University. He became the Executive Vice President for a London-based company and traveled often, overseeing various Human Resources departments. In his free time, he enjoyed running, competing in road races, biking, skiing, caring for his cats, and reading his devotionals. Stanley is survived by wife Sylvia and brother S. LeRoy Hallman ’56.

Dixie L. Defibaugh ’63 April 13, 2022—Dixie graduated from Temple University with a nursing degree in 1967. She then served as a Captain Army Nurse on the front lines in Vietnam. Later, she was a nurse at the community house. Dixie enjoyed volunteering and helped at the New Paris food bank and the Everett Railroad Museum. She was also a swimming instructor, member of the Girl Scouts, and member of the Quaker Church in Fishertown. Her hobbies included making crafts, baking cakes, singing in the community chorus, and traveling to all 50 states. (Alaska was her favorite.) Dixie is survived by many loved ones.

Joseph R. Mannino Jr. ’63 April 20, 2022—Joseph received his master’s degree from East Carolina University in 1965, his medical degree from Kansas City University in 1971, and his doctor’s degree from Colorado State University in 1974. Throughout his career, he served as the Director of Medical Education and taught medical students at several institutions. He also ran family practice residency training programs. Upon his retirement in 2017, he moved to Asheboro, N.C. to be closer to family. Joseph was preceded in death by wife

Rosemary; he is survived by daughter Angela and two grandchildren.

Thomas N. Rupert Jr. ’63 Oct. 23, 2021—Tom played basketball at Juniata and lettered during his time here. He worked for Bethlehem Steel for 21 years until his retirement as a Senior Vice President. In 1985, he helped PRC Consultants in Washington, D.C., and was an independent consultant for the Newborn Smart Card Industry. Tom was also an active Juniata Alumni Council member and president, class reunion volunteer, and class fund agent. Tom was preceeded in death by father, Thomas Rupert Sr. ’32, and is survived by wife Faith (Eshbach) Rupert ’62, and son Timothy, and grandchildren.

L. Jean (Fields) Smith ’63 Dec. 22, 2021—Jean worked at the High-Altitude Observatory and took graduate courses at the University of Colorado. After moving to Washington, D.C., she became a homemaker, raising two daughters, volunteering, and playing clarinet. In 1985, Jean earned her bachelor’s degree in math education, taught math, and worked as an administrative assistant at Foundry UMC and the University of Maryland. She moved to Arkansas, learned

Spanish, made friends, and attended church. Jean enjoyed nature photography, audiobooks, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She loved traveling with her daughters. Jean was preceded in death by husband Gary; she is survived by daughters Wendy and Cathy, and three grandchildren.

Mary Lois (Balsam) Ferraro ’64

March 6, 2022—Mary earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado and spent her career teaching at the high school and undergraduate level, specializing in English as a second language. She enjoyed hosting guests and welcoming them with food, and she held a passion for missionary work in Thailand and Burma, where she supported the work of and served on the board of Frontier Labourers for Christ. Mary Lois is survived by husband Paul, sons Timothy and Jon Philip, and four grandchildren.

Frank W. Friz ’64 Feb. 16, 2022—Frank earned his master’s degree from Temple University. He taught high school math, was an industrial engineer at Firestone Tire & Rubber for 11 years, worked in engineering, and was a math instructor. Frank owned Friz Nurseries for 30 years, was a dispatcher

at Boyertown Communications Center for 17 years, and a firefighter and training officer for the Collegeville and Gilbertsville fire companies. Frank was the first recipient of the Fire Chief’s Award from Collegeville. He enjoyed dancing, hunting, outdoor work, electric trains, and time spent with family. Frank is survived by wife Dolores, daughters Rebecca and Tami, son Russell, and five grandchildren.

Jack K. Crissman Jr. ’65 Nov. 8, 2021—Jack went on to earn his doctorate in biology from West Virginia University. He is survived by wife Lois (Williams) Crissman ’65, son David Crissman ’91, daughter Amy, and three grandchildren.

Janet K. Hess ’65 Jan. 24, 2022—Janet received her master’s degree in education from Salem State College in 1979 and taught English for 12 years. She attended Andover Newton Theological School and Boston University School of Theology and received her Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary. Janet was ordained a United Methodist minister deacon in 1984. In her 38 years of ministry, she served various churches across Pennsylvania. Janet loved teaching and preaching, and

enjoyed traveling, mission trips, mystery books, cards, board games, movies, the beach, eating hard shell crabs, and spending time with friends. Janet was preceded in death by husband Bill; she is survived by stepson David and stepdaughter Karin.

Kelly J. (Leverett) Bishop ’66 Nov. 21, 2021—Kelly’s career in music education included teaching at Wyoming Elementary School for five years and more than 50 years of teaching voice and piano. Her musical talents led her to sing with the Robert Dale Chorale and the Northeastern Philharmonic Orchestra. With her husband and her brother, Kelly founded the Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville, Pa., in 1981. She was general manager, music director, and performer for several years. Kelly was a member of the Harding Church of Christ, where she formed a charitable organization, and taught Sunday school. Kelly was preceded in death by children Danie and Devon; she is survived by husband Robert.

Robert L. Bridigum ’66 Jan. 13, 2022—Bob received his advanced degree in physics from Old Dominion University. He worked for NASA, was director of the Des Moines Science

Museum, and worked in avionics for Honeywell, and Stratasys. He finished his career working on security biometrics for L1 Technologies. Bob bicycled an average of 150 miles each week with friends and neighbors and completed the Register’s Annual Great Ride Across Iowa last summer. Bob was an accomplished woodworker. His rocking chair won an award at the Northern Woods Woodworking Show. Bob is survived by wife Susan, daughter Gretchen, sons Todd, Tom, and Brent, and six grandchildren.

Robert E. Klaum ’66 Dec. 12, 2021—Robert received his master of library science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his master of business administration degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. From 1967–1970, he served in the U.S. Navy, trained at the Defense Language School in California, and was stationed in Japan. He was a linguist and research analyst with the National Security Group, later an assistant editor for Book Review Digest and a senior technical editor, writer, and project manager for HBOC/ McKesson. He enjoyed word games, crossword puzzles, gardening, birdwatching, photography, and the Pittsburgh

Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Robert is survived by wife Donna, son Scott, daughter Alison, stepson Eric, stepdaughter Amy, and eight grandchildren.

Joan C. Van Note ’66 May 9, 2022—Joan received her master’s degree from Glassboro State College and taught in Woodbury and West Deptford, N.J. She was a past President and Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Club. Joan received the Harold B. Brumbaugh ’33 Alumni Service Award for four decades of service as Class Fund Agent for the Class of 1966, a Century II Campaign coordinator, a volunteer for Alumni Weekend and alumni events, and Chair of the Class of 1966 Reunion Committee. She was a member of the Alumni Council from 1981–1983 and had a lifelong connection and dedication to the College. Joan is survived by many loved ones.

Howard J. Smith ’67 Oct. 9, 2021—Howard earned his master’s degree in education at Towson University. He taught for 39 years at Dublin Elementary School in Harford, Md. After retiring, he enjoyed country living by gardening, landscaping, hunting, fishing, camping, reading, and traveling. Howard also loved music and sang in

church choirs, choral societies, barbershop quartets, as well as for weddings and other special occasions. Most recently, he sang with the Faith Presbyterian Church choir. Howard was preceded in death by one granddaughter; he is survived by wife Patricia, sons Gene, Phil, Jason, and Ben, daughters Deanna and Melissa, and 13 grandchildren.

Conrad A. Wickham III ’68 April 5, 2022— “Terry” played an instrumental role in starting the Juniata radio station and volunteered on the 1968 Reunion Committee.

Robert R. Chandler ’69 May 2, 2020—Bob was a Vietnam combat veteran who served in the Navy aboard the USS Constitution. In 1979, he graduated with his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska Medical School before moving to Ventura, Calif., for his residency. He practiced medicine for 33 years, the majority of which he spent as an emergency physician in southern California. Bob retired in 2015. He enjoyed volunteering with the Ventura, Calif. High School girls and boys basketball teams, as well as gardening, surfing, and watching the Los Angeles Lakers. Bob is survived by wife Denise,

daughters Jennifer and Lindsey, son Cameron, and one granddaughter.

David W. Cockerham ’69

Oct. 7, 2021—David worked for the State of New Jersey until his retirement in 2004. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Collingswood, N.J., and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City, N.J. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, gardening, and spending time with family. David was preceded in death by wife Beverly, and mother Dorothy (Holcombe) Cockerham ’69. He is survived by son Andrew, daughter Holly, and one granddaughter.

Anne S. (Groom) Dix ’69 Jan 14, 2022—After Juniata, Anne received her master’s degree in special education from Duquesne University. She spent much of her career advocating for and servicing the needs of children and adults with special needs. In her free time, she was a member of Holiday Park United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Gypsy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. Anne was preceded in death by son Samuel; she is survived by husband Leroy, daughters Beth, Patricia, and Hope, son Joshua, and seven grandchildren.

Ronald K. Schilling ’69 Nov. 7, 2021—Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in California. After leaving the Navy, Ron became a commercial pilot for Allegheny Airlines in Pennsylvania in 1977, and later director of flight operations and standards with U.S. Airways. In retirement, he was an airline consultant for SAMA Airlines in Saudi Arabia and Jet Asia in Bangkok, Thailand. Ron volunteered and was a member of the Senior Men’s Club of Sewickley. He enjoyed fishing and traveling with his family. He fought Parkinson’s disease and never let it get the best of him. Ron is survived by wife Pamela, sons Andrew and Jason, daughter Stephanie, and two grandchildren.

Alan N. White ’69 Jan. 23, 2022—Alan received his master’s degree from West Chester University. He taught at Penn Delco School District for over 34 years before his retirement in 2004. He enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, and spending time in Cape Cod with family and friends. Alan is survived by wife Donna, stepsons Timothy and David, and two grandchildren.

James R. Foor ’70 Jan. 17, 2022—Jim graduated from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1974 and spent his career as an educator there for 37 years. His retirement in 2011 allowed him to embrace his interests and hobbies, which included collecting General Motors vehicles from the ’60s and ’70s. His favorites were Buicks. Jim was also a devoted member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Morgantown, W. Va., and was active with Gideon’s International.

Thomas R. Warrick ’70 May 3, 2022—Tom worked in the healthcare computer industry throughout his career and his contributions let to multiple patents. He enjoyed swimming, travel, and long walks. Tom is survived by wife, Betsy, and children, Amanda and Brian. Tom was preceded in death by mother Jean (Morton) Warrick ’36.

Anne P. Hench ’71 June 12, 2021—Anne graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1975. She was commissioned as a medical officer in the National Health Service Corps. Anne was a pediatrician at the MLK Neighborhood Health Center in New York and selected as a Regional Medical Consultant for

the NHSC in 1979. Between 1981–1982, she worked in private practice in Vermont. In 1982, she was accepted into a joint program at UCSF/UC Berkley in Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. Anne worked at Regional Center of the East Bay, Oakland Children’s Hospital, and Sonoma Developmental Center. She enjoyed teaching yoga and singing. Anne is survived by husband Reginald and her stepchildren.

Suzanne R. (Cash) Willauer ’71 July 28, 2021—For more than 30 years, Suzanne taught and coached girls softball and girls basketball at Mount Union Area High School. She also enjoyed planting and caring for her flower gardens. Suzanne is survived by husband James Willauer Jr. ’73, daughter Angela, and two grandchildren.

Bryan R. Cramer ’73 Dec. 24, 2021—Bryan worked as an engineer for Owens Corning for 35 years. After retiring, he embraced his hobbies: riding his Harleys, napping in the pool, mowing at Denison Golf Course, and practicing his craftsmanship and handiwork. He was a member of the Newark Evening Lions Club, had his pilot’s license, earned a green belt in engineering, and was part of

the security team at Spring Hills Baptist Church. Bryan is survived by wife Tiera, sons Isaac and Christopher, daughters Makinley, Dixie, and Kerstyn, and 12 grandchildren.

Virginia L. Horn ’73 Feb. 21, 2022—Virginia earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Pittsburgh and worked at Dallastown High School’s library, Martin Memorial Library, and York Memorial Hospital’s medical library. From 1984–2010, she was director of the American Philatelic Research Library in State College, implemented the library’s first online catalog, mentored librarians, contributed to columns and articles, and gave presentations. While not an avid stamp collector, she did enjoy collecting stamps with hippos on them. Virginia loved music and played the piano, organ, flute, and recorder. She enjoyed knitting, growing tomatoes, jigsaw puzzles, word games, and walking. She is survived by many loved ones.

Lorraine E. Widdowson ’76 July 31, 2021

Donald E. Williams ’76 Dec. 8, 2021—For more than 49 years, Donald worked in construction and heavy highway industry. He was an entrepreneur who ran his own businesses.

He enjoyed attending the New Light Temple Baptist Church and sharing his wisdom with family. Donald is survived by wife Angel, daughter Brandy, and one granddaughter.

Suzanne (Sweatlock) Gumpert ’79 Jan. 26, 2022—Suzanne received her master’s degree in special education from Millersville University before beginning her 33-year career as a teacher in Governor Mifflin School District. She also taught at Huntingdon County Child Development and Lebanon County Head Start. For four years, she worked for the Youth Advocate Program in Lebanon. Suzanne is survived by husband Jeffrey.

Laurie E. Nelson ’81 Oct. 25, 2021—Laurie worked in banking and retail management. For 17 years, she worked for Barnes and Noble at its Duquesne University and Cuyahoga County Community College bookstores. Laurie enjoyed traveling, visiting the ocean, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and cats. She was also an avid Steelers fan. Laurie is survived by sister Lisa (Nelson) Miller ’83.

Lori A. (Schuh) Fortner ’84 Jan. 31, 2022—Lori received her master’s degree from UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical

School at Rutgers University and completed her residency in neurology at the University of Michigan Hospital. She held certifications from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She worked as an epileptologist for the University of Michigan Hospital, Henry Ford Hospital, Spectrum Health Neurosciences, and University of Toledo. Lori found a real passion for graduate medical education. She served on many committees for multiple organizations. Lori enjoyed traveling with her husband, beach vacations with her siblings, cooking, mystery novels, gardening, decorating for the holidays, and her pets. Lori is survived by her husband, Robert.

Margaret A. (Leet) Roach ’84 Dec. 21, 2021—After Juniata, Margaret received her master’s degree in psychology from Morehead State University. She worked as a psychologist with Central Virginia Training Center. In her free time, she attended the Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she was an Elder and sang in the choir. She was also a member of the Quaker Community Garden and Bible study, and she supported the Classical Conversation program. Margaret was an avid science fiction fan who loved Star Trek and had a soft spot for cats and

dogs. She enjoyed playing instruments and traveling, too. Margaret was preceded in death by husband Timothy; she is survived by son Jayson.

Catherine M. (Johnston) Nichols ’87 July 26, 2021—“Cammy” dedicated her free time to Boy Scout Troop 150, the Pine-Richland Band and Soccer, and the Christian Community Church. She is survived by husband John, and sons Jacob and Daniel.

Ernst F. Aschenbach III ’88 Oct. 1, 2021—“Ernie” earned his master of science degree in biology at Virginia Commonwealth University.

He then pursued a career in public service for the Commonwealth of Virginia, most recently for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Ernie was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, hunting, boating, and wildlife conservation. He was also a 3-palms Eagle Scout and enjoyed working on classic British cars. Ernie is survived by brother Eric Aschenbach ’92.

Frank J. Barnish III ’88 Sept. 30, 2021—Frank graduated from Temple University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry. He operated a dental

practice at the Southern Huntingdon County Medical Center and opened his own practice in Mapleton, where he worked until retirement. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, and hunting. He was a past council President of the Juniata Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, and a scoutmaster. He served as a leader and coach for the local PeeWee Football League. Frank is preceded in death by father Frank Barnish Jr. ’64. He is survived by wife Teresa, sons Matthew, Christopher, and current Juniata student Joseph Barnish ’25.

Jason Eggleston ’88 Dec. 5, 2021—After Juniata, Jason, wife Terri, and daughter Alicia moved to Maine, where they welcomed their second daughter, Rachel. With his brother, Jason owned and operated Fairbanks, Frost & Lowe Fine Jewelers and Goldsmiths in Freeport, which they ran for 15 years. Jason spent 11 years working at TD Bank and was a member of the Freeport Order of Free Masons Lodge #23AF/AM. He loved photography, a hobby that brought him to the football fields of Boston College, Notre Dame, the New England Patriots, and many Mt. Ararat High School sporting events. Jason is survived

by wife Terri (Talamini) Eggleston ’89, and daughters Alicia and Rachel.

Michael A. T. Martin ’89 Nov. 11, 2021—Mike went on to graduate from Ohio Northern University School of Law. He worked at a law firm in Huntingdon before he and wife Nancy sold their belongings and moved to Alaska. There, he worked for First National Bank Alaska and Northrim Bank. He was also a mentor at the Pacific Coast Banking School, president of the Alaska Bankers Association

and Alaska Public Media, and a ski coach for Junior Nordic. In his free time, Mike enjoyed hosting guests, playing rugby, cheering on the Steelers, and spending time with family. Mike is survived by wife Nancy (Simpson) Martin ’91, and sons Jackson, Finlay, and Kelly.

Michael A. Aber ’98 Nov. 2, 2021—Mike worked at Walmart and enjoyed comic books, reading, and sports, especially looking forward to March Madness every year. He loved spending time with family

and friends, making new friends, and helping those in need.

Ashley N. (Hughes) Saylor ’06 Feb. 7, 2022—Ashley worked in child welfare, adoptions, foster care, case management, and drug rehabilitation. Most recently, she worked as a hospice social worker. She was caring, loving, and patient. Ashley enjoyed time spent with family and friends, as well as showing her love for them through cooking. Ashley is survived by husband Lee Saylor ’03, and sons Thomas and Isaac.

OBITUARIES - EMPLOYEES

Roxy A. Cooper Nov. 14, 2021—Born and raised in Huntingdon, Roxy worked for Juniata College’s housekeeping department for more than 20 years. She was also a member of the Stone Creek Valley Lions Club. Roxy was preceded in death by daughter Dani; she is survived by daughters Amy, Rebecca, and Amanda, son William, and numerous grandchildren.

Dorothy H. Gurney Jan. 2, 2022—Dorothy graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1957. She was press

secretary for candidate Grayson Taketa, worked for California Gov. Jerry Brown, the state’s Department of Parks and Recreation Director Herb Rhoades, and as a consultant to the state’s Native American Heritage Commission. Dorothy authored, “Women of the West” and “An Everyday Women’s Guide to Politics” in 1976. Dorothy was a California delegate to the Democratic National Convention, retiring from politics in 1984. Dorothy earned her law degree from Santa Clara University. She taught writing at Juniata in the

1990s. Dorothy was preceded in death by husband Hartley and son Theodore; she is survived by daughter Michele, sons Dan, Jeremy, Tim, and Matt, and 10 grandchildren.

Margaret E. Yoder Dec. 17, 2021—Peggy was a former lecturer in English at Juniata College and a member of the woman’s league. She is survived by son Brian Yoder ’97 and daughter Anne Michelle (Yoder) Butler ’03.

Members of the Juniata College Concert Choir, from the left, Emma Sanders ’23, Hunter Riess ’23, Gab McDowell ’22, and Liam Riess ’25, with Ishiyihmie Burrell ’22 relaxing on their laps, took a moment to take in the scenery during their international spring tour of Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam, celebrating a return to international touring following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Alumni Relations Office

1700 Moore Street Huntingdon, PA 16652-2196