The Valley Magazine: Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020

DR. JAMES M. MACLAREN LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE’S 19TH PRESIDENT

PLUS: LVC HEROES ON THE FRONTLINES OF THE PANDEMIC

THE VALLEY Volume 36 | Number 1 Special Issue Dr. James M. MacLaren, President Molly O’Brien-Foelsch, Chief Communications Officer

EDITORIAL STAFF Dr. Tom Hanrahan, Editor, Writer Susan Sarisky Jones ’92 Molly O’Brien-Foelsch, Editor, Writer Jaime Rowe M’18 Darby Seymour ’22 Matthew Weaver Ali Wenger Barb West ’98 Anita Williams

DESIGNER Emily Acri

FEATURE WRITER Dr. Tom Hanrahan

PHOTOGRAPHY Jonathan Kolbe, Cooper University Health Care Tim Flynn ’05 Eric Forberger, Cover, President MacLaren A.J. Nutter A.J. Suero, American Red Cross Greater PA Region Eric Tuttle, UPMC

WWW.LVC.EDU SEND COMMENTS OR ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement Maud P. Laughlin Hall Lebanon Valley College 101 North College Avenue Annville, PA 17003-1400 Susan Sarisky Jones ’92, Director of Alumni & College Relations Rebecca Hearsey, Assistant Director of Alumni & College Relations Phone: 717-867-6320 Email: alumni@lvc.edu Lebanon Valley College® publishes The Valley twice each year and distributes it without charge to alumni and friends.

The deadline for submission of information to The Valley is approximately four months before being received by its readership. Class Notes received after the deadline will be included in the next

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issue of the magazine.

THE VALLEY

CONTENTS

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

PEOPLE, PROGRAMS, AND PL ACE: MEET DR. JAMES M. MACL AREN, LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE’S 19TH PRESIDENT

ON THE FRONTLINES OF THE PANDEMIC: LVC ALUMNI HEROES HELPING TREAT AND FIGHT COVID-19

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PAVING THE WAY

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GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

ON THE COVER LVC’s Board of Trustees unanimously elected Dr. James M. MacLaren as the College’s 19th president. Dr. MacLaren, who brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education, was selected after an extensive national search that involved alumni, faculty, staff, students, trustees, and friends.

INSIDE COVER A duck’s view of the “Hot Dog” Frank statue in the Peace Garden.

BACK COVER For the third consecutive year, career guidance site Zippia identified Lebanon Valley College as #1 among all colleges and universities in Pennsylvania in its listing of “The Best Colleges in Each State for Getting a Job 2020.” LVC’s placement rate is 95.63%, which was #5 for all U.S. colleges and universities.

SUMMER 2020

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

July 1, 2020—Today as I work from my home in New Orleans preparing to make the journey to Annville, Pa., and take on the responsibilities as the 19th president of Lebanon Valley College, I reflect on how different that leadership task is now compared to just a few months ago when I accepted the position. Our country struggles with the spread of the novel coronavirus, which presents particular challenges for higher education institutions. Faculty and staff have worked extraordinarily hard over the spring to ensure students could continue their education and have invested significant time and effort this summer, helping prepare for the future. I could not be more proud or grateful for all these efforts on behalf of LVC. Before starting this summer at LVC, I held academic and administrative positions at Tulane University in New Orleans and Saint Xavier University in Chicago. I was in New Orleans at Tulane University in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina closed the campus and city for the fall. While this pandemic is different in many ways from the challenges presented by Katrina, the principles for planning for the future are not. What I learned in 2005 is because of uncertainty, there is a need to plan carefully for different scenarios to address the immediate, while also taking time to think strategically for the future— since disruptions provide new opportunities.

I have worked closely with President Thayne and LVC’s leadership team on Fall 2020 planning. Together, we have worked through the many interconnected challenges resulting from COVID-19. Out of this work, we created a publicly available plan that summarizes how we envision the College’s operations for the coming year, should we be fortunate to return to campus. The plan outlines the steps being taken to protect our community’s health and safety following the guidance of state and federal public health agencies and ensuring a high-quality education that is the LVC hallmark. Whether in-person or virtual, our campus will feel different. An in-person experience will require physical distancing and masking and incorporate online learning to give us as much flexibility as possible, given the pandemic uncertainties. A community covenant will unite around health and safety practices and principles and care and concern for one another.

Recent events have also made us painfully aware of the pernicious systemic racism affecting our country and the need to take meaningful action to address it beyond words. LVC is committed to creating a more inclusive campus that values and respects differences. While progress has been made in recent years, it is clear there is more work to do. I see the areas of (1) improving the diversity in our faculty and staff hiring and (2) creating equity in learning outcomes as measured by first-to-second-year retention and four-year graduation rates for students of color as critical issues to address. Faculty and staff have made several additional recommendations that we can take to advance diversity and inclusive excellence.

A dedicated committee has been charged with continuing this work in earnest. LVC alumni, families, and friends can find anti-racism resources on the College’s website. I encourage all to keep learning, dialoguing, and moving our society toward equity and inclusion.

Though these are difficult times, I am enthusiastic and optimistic about the future. The tenacity and closeness of the LVC community, the College’s mission, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the passion and commitment of our students and alumni are the very traits that will carry it through the pandemic to emerge an even stronger institution. I look forward to meeting as many of you when I can as soon as that becomes safe. In the meantime, I hope everyone stays safe and well.

Go Dutchmen!

Dr. James M. MacLaren, President

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People, Programs, and Place: Dr. James M. MacLaren, Lebanon Valley College’s 19th President

“We were trying to come together as a family and support one another through difficult times.”

He is an award-winning physicist, a pas-

Though talking about his experiences

radical changes in the higher education

was elected unanimously as LVC presi-

at Tulane University after Hurricane Ka-

environment at the forefront.

dent by the Board of Trustees earlier this

Dr. MacLaren brings three decades of

year. He and his wife, Gina, joined the

trina in 2005, the words of Dr. James M. MacLaren, LVC’s newly appointed 19th president, parallel the current world situation. He joins Lebanon Valley College at a historic time in U.S. history, with racial justice, the COVID-19 pandemic, and

sionate advocate for student success, and a visionary academic leader who

experience as a professor, academic

College June 1.

leader, innovator, and community builder

Molly O’Brien-Foelsch, LVC’s chief

at Tulane University, and most recent-

communications officer, sat down with

ly as provost of St. Xavier University in

Dr. MacLaren to learn more about The

Chicago, Ill.

Valley’s next leader.

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“As dean of NewcombTulane College, James

Why did you pursue this opportunity with LVC?

What are your primary goals as you enter your first year?

MacLaren made an im-

Any successful liberal arts institution

Ensuring that our students and

has three key ingredients: people,

staff can return safely to campus,

mense difference to me,

programs, and place. When I was

depending, of course, on recom-

a first-generation college

first approached about the oppor-

mendations and regulations set by

tunity and began researching the

government and health officials, is of

student. Dean MacLaren

College, and throughout the inter-

paramount importance. However, we

thoughtfully and kindly

view process, I found an amazing,

also need to look ahead and move

dedicated, and talented faculty and

forward to continue the College’s

staff, and an equally engaged Board

momentum. As such, I will initiate

of Trustees. I also found wonderful

three primary goals: fostering aca-

students.

demic success and equality, diversi-

responded to student feedback, worked to make

fying LVC’s revenue streams, so we

the campus more equit-

Further encouraging was the really

able, and fostered a real

plished to develop programs and

community. From his first-

institution for success in the next de-

an educational perspective.

year seminar on leader-

cade. Everything is in place through

First, the College has strived to

the work of a strong faculty and

foster academic success and equity,

ship to Friday morning

administration to advance the insti-

but our job has only begun; there is

Donuts with the Dean,

tution. I am honored and humbled to

so much more to do and accomplish.

be asked to be part of and continue

The work that our team in the Office

this tradition.

of Intercultural Affairs and Inclusive

Dr. MacLaren’s impact on the student experience cannot be overstated.”

— Courtney Liss, Tulane University ’15

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heavy lifting that had been accomstructures that will position the

are not so tuition-dependent, and creating new opportunities to serve our students and community from

Programming is doing is impressive

adults complete their degrees and

and more important than ever. How-

advance their careers. Success in

ever, it needs to become an all-cam-

this area will, in turn, help us achieve

pus commitment; become part of

our first two goals.

our daily fabric. We need to increase our support of underrepresented and first-generation students, and for our underrepresented faculty and staff.

I am a firm believer in guiding students while they are in college and during their post-graduation lives. I

What do you mean when you say, “Students are the Center of the Enterprise?”

also will encourage further integration of academic and career advis-

Many of us have had a teacher who

ing, the latter through the Edward

became a mentor and guide, some-

and Lynn Breen Center for Graduate

one who lit up a subject for us. I had

Success under the leadership of Dr.

a teacher who ignited my interest in

Kimberlee Josephson. I’ll work with

the physical sciences and inspired

Provost Monica Cowart and the fac-

me to become a guide and mentor

ulty to weave career development

to students. I always thought I was

into the curriculum, and implement

going to “pay it back” in a sense

professional development oppor-

and become a faculty member at a

tunities for our students on and off

university. I was fortunate to con-

campus.

tinue this tradition of serving as a

Second, like any higher education

professor and dean at Tulane, then

“I first met James MacLaren as part of Tulane University’s freshmen initiative. He was my professor for a leadership course, and I had not at that point, or since, met an educator who cares as much about students as he does. James MacLaren works hard to ensure that every student in his classroom and oncampus feels understood

as provost at St. Xavier.

and appreciated and

landscape, we need to diversify our

Placing students at the center of the

revenue sources and become less

enterprise leads to transformative

that they belong to his

tuition-driven from our tradition-

education, especially at a four-year

al-age undergraduates. This flexi-

residential institution. LVC is the

bility will create new and enhanced

ideal size. Students don’t get lost

opportunities for our students and

‘between the cracks’ as they might

faculty and help LVC become an

at a larger state school. LVC is par-

even greater college. It will also fos-

ticularly successful at hiring faculty

ter academic success and equity.

and staff whose primary motiva-

institution in today’s competitive

Finally, we must find ways to serve our students and community better, whether it’s expanding online educational opportunities, graduate education, allied healthcare, other new market-driven programs, and/ or degree completion. There are 40

tion is mentoring and guiding their students. Our culture believes in an educational and student development style that goes beyond the classroom and into their activities and leadership development. This

community…. He and his family have been a rock in my life even years after I graduated from Tulane.

LVC welcomes a president who puts students first.”

—Lea Bogner Loy, Tulane University ’12

makes LVC a special place.

million adults who started college

At LVC, I can see a clear focus on

but haven’t completed their under-

the student as the center of the

graduate education. LVC can play

enterprise. The faculty and staff help

an important role by developing

students get to places they perhaps

tailored programs to help working

thought were not possible, then take

SUMMER 2020

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“Working with James is working with a true professional who cares about students—all students. One of the great

them there. They take particular

deemed safe to do so, we plan to

pride in their students’ success—

safely open LVC in the fall while

that love of teaching and mentoring

maintaining academic and student

forms a transformational education.

development excellence.

What are some personal highlights of your career thus far?

As part of the Renewal Plan, I was appointed founding dean of Newcomb-Tulane College, which united students in those schools offering undergraduate programs to form a holistic student experience.

joys of my professional life

Probably foremost, I was proud to

During my 12 years leading the col-

was working with James

establish the Center for Academic

lege, retention rates increased sig-

Equity in the undergraduate college

nificantly, and the college exceeded

at Tulane University. We recognized

fundraising targets each year. The

that many first-generation students

experience I gained during another

for Academic Equity for

and those from underrepresented

unprecedented time in American

underrepresented students

groups felt lost in terms of academ-

higher education will be invaluable

ic support and needed increased

as we move LVC forward through

co-curricular support, and some had

and beyond COVID-19.

to establish the Center

at Tulane. The work of meeting the equity needs

food and housing insecurities.

We formed partnerships with the

What is your educational background?

of students of color, first-

Posse Foundation and College Track,

generation, LGBTQ, and

These programs provide mentoring

Posse and College Track

and I know we can use some of

I was born in London, England, and

students is a labor of love

these approaches at LVC to help our

earned my bachelor’s and master’s

students achieve academic success

degrees in the natural sciences from

and imagination, both

and equality.

Churchill College at the University of

of which define James

LVC, through the great work of Dr.

MacLaren as a leader.

Office of Intercultural Affairs and In-

Lebanon Valley College is

like Dutchmen First, already has a

which is run by the Urban League. and support for a student cohort,

Renata Williams and Tyler Cox in the clusive Programming and programs

Cambridge, U.K. Then, I studied the electronic properties of catalyst surfaces at Imperial College, London, earning a Ph.D. in condensed matter physics.

lucky beyond words to have

strong foundation from which these

My research focused on the elec-

James MacLaren as your

partnerships can blossom. I plan

tronic structure of materials, particu-

to make it an even stronger focal

larly layered magnetic materials. My

new president.”

point for our underrepresented and

colleagues and I had some success

first-generation students.

in spin-dependent tunneling that

—Rebecca Mark, Ph.D., Director

Another milestone was working

of the Institute for Women’s Leadership, Rutgers University (Past Director of Newcomb College Institute and Center for Academic Equity at Tulane University)

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remotely with my colleagues after Hurricane Katrina to develop and implement the Renewal Plan, a roadmap for Tulane to reopen and rebuild. There are many similari-

lead to a remarkably sensitive read head for magnetic hard drives. The United States Department of Energy recognized our work with an Outstanding Scientific Accomplishment in Metallurgy and Ceramics Award.

ties to what is occurring now with

I’ve also published 150 peer-re-

the COVID-19 crisis. Again, if it is

viewed articles, reviews, and books

“Lebanon Valley College is fortunate to be getting James MacLaren as its 19th president! He is an effective leader, and presented papers at nation-

affected by the loss of high school

al and international conferences.

graduation, family members affect-

However, I consider myself a teacher

ed by COVID-19, and the work to

first, gaining great pride in collabo-

address the pernicious systemic rac-

rating and mentoring my undergrad-

ism in the U.S. Fortunately, LVC is a

uate and graduate student research-

supportive place with a student-first

ers. This LVC tradition was another

focus—it’s an excellent setting for

reason I was interested in becoming

having difficult dialogues, learning

the College’s next president.

deeply about these complex issues, healing, and doing the hard work of

Would you mind sharing a bit about your family?

creating change.

Whether it’s an in-person or virtual experience, we’ll ensure we have the support systems, counseling services, and peer-to-peer connections,

My wife, Gina, was born in Mem-

including facilitating group conver-

phis, Tenn., but spent most of her

sations among students. Through

life in New Orleans, La. She works

our robust First-Year Seminars,

as a realtor. We have three daugh-

faculty will be particularly sensitive

ters. Emily, our eldest, graduated

to what these students lost out on

from Tulane with a degree in public

due to COVID-19; they’ll build a sup-

health. Meg, our second daughter, is

portive learning community. Faculty,

a political science major at Tulane,

coaches, and staff have reached

and Caroline, our youngest, is a ris-

out to new and returning students

ing sophomore studying computer

throughout the summer, and, as

engineering at Villanova University.

always, will continue to be there for

We also have Luna, a very excitable

them in and out of the classroom.

pit-bull and, I think, alligator mix that likes to chew a lot!

Any closing thoughts?

Much like our students at Tulane

Gina and I look forward to hosting

teacher, administrator, and fundraiser because he connects well with faculty, staff, students, and alumni. James treats people with respect, finds commonality with them, and genuinely cares about their well-being… James is an effective problem solver and a team player who encourages others, builds on their strengths, and uses his resources well. I look forward to seeing all that LVC and James will accomplish together!”

—Beth Wee, Ph.D.,

LVC community members at Krei-

Associate Dean of the School of

derheim when it is safe to do so. We

Science & Engineering, Tulane

especially can’t wait to get to know

University

the students.

after Katrina, when we can safely

Editor’s Note: Please visit our Valley

return to campus, I anticipate some

Forward blog to learn more about

new and returning students will

LVC’s plan to return to campus if

need extra support. They will be

officials determine it is safe.

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On the

Frontlines of the Pandemic

By Dr. Tom Hanrahan, Editor

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LVC alumni heroes helping treat and fight COVID-19

“Everyone worldwide has added stress, anxiety, new roles, and new ways to do things. I think everyone is a hero in that respect—adapting, learning, asking for help, fighting to provide for others. Everyone deserves gratitude right now.”—Dr. Nicole Caruso Dickson ’08, D’10 We interviewed alumni from various health professions—medicine, nursing, veterinary care, physical therapy, counseling, education, dentistry. Still, countless other LVC alumni were, and continue to be, at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. Thank you from everyone at Lebanon Valley College to those included here and the many other alumni helping to keep us safe and recover.

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All Hands on Deck

career that enabled him to work on projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Cameroon, and Madagascar. Wurapa also served four tours of duty with his Special Forces Unit 3rd

Lebanon Valley College has long had military connections.

SFG in Afghanistan.

Ranging from working with Ft. Indiantown Gap to host and ed-

Little did he know that after serving 23 years in the Army and

ucate Vietnamese refugees in the early 1970s to losing several

earning the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit military awards, he

students, including 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Marcel

would return to the mid-state area and soon be affected by a

von Bereghy, Class of 1918, during World War I, military service

worldwide pandemic. In 2017, Wurapa entered private practice

has been a core LVC value. Many alumni have made their way

as a physician with Patient First and ComForCare Home Care in

to medical school via the armed forces.

Maryland. Just three years into his private practice, COVID-19

Dr. Eyako Kofi Wurapa ’90, one of five family members who

hit the U.S.

are doctors, is the first of three LVC alumni featured here who

“Working in an urgent care setting, I deal with walk-in patients

followed a military medical path. Growing up in Ghana, West

so must treat everyone as though they have COVID-19 first,”

Africa, he was inspired to pursue a career in medicine from

said Wurapa, who also has master’s degrees in tropical medi-

an early age.

cine and epidemiology.

“My father ran a medical outreach mission from his church,” he

“Safety for my patients and family—our youngest child,

noted. “I was in contact with numerous missionary doctors and

Fafali, is four, and my father, Albert, who lives with us, is 93—

medical workers who volunteered there.”

is a paramount concern. Not having an effective treatment for

Years later, after graduating from LVC, Wurapa earned his

the virus and having limited testing capabilities was frustrating

doctor of medicine degree from the Penn State College of

at the onset.”

Medicine. Then, he served in the U.S. Army and embarked on a

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Despite these initial difficulties, Wurapa, a 2020 America’s Top

Continuing another tradition, Dr. Colleen O’Neill Segall ’10 was

Doctor, is optimistic. “I strongly know scientists will develop a

a biology major inspired by her LVC faculty, among other fac-

vaccine soon. In the meantime, please, please get a flu shot

tors, to pursue a medical and military career. Recently promot-

this fall.”

ed to Major in the U.S. Army, she earned her doctor of medicine

Like Wurapa, Dr. Stuart J. Hartman ’07 comes from

in dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2014.

a family of physicians.

His father, Dr. Stuart A. Hartman P’07, had a practice in Lebanon, Pa., and grandfather, Dr. Samuel A. Hartman ’48, practiced pediatrics, also in Lebanon.

“From a young age, I would go to work with my father,”

“We have to remain positive and know this too shall pass. If we continue to work together, from social distancing to developing a vaccine, we will prevail.”

—Dr. Stuart J. Hartman ’07

shared the youngest Hartman doctor. “His caring and kind nature showed me how compassion could help heal even the sickest patients.

“His work inspired me, as did the mentorship and support of LVC faculty, especially my advisor, Dr. Stacy Goodman [chair of biology], and Dr. Dale Erskine and Dr. Allan Wolfe [both professors emerita of biology]. Everyone in the Biology Department was amazing.”

Today, Hartman is an internal medicine hospitalist with Keiser Permanente’s Southern California Permanente Medical Group in San Diego. He noted that the community has been tremendous throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our patients and families have been understanding, despite limited visitation privileges.

They’ve been flexible, and many have transitioned to telemedicine, which has been a blessing despite having its challenges.

“The local community has provided medical supplies, adapting their business processes to help,” added Hartman. “Breweries and distilleries have made hand sanitizer, and clothing and furniture stores have made masks.”

And, like many of his fellow healthcare alumni, Hartman is optimistic about the future.

“We have to remain positive and know this too shall pass.

If we continue to work together, from social distancing to developing a vaccine, we will prevail.”

Now, Segall, a member of the U.S. Army Dental Corps, is preparing to graduate from a civilian residency program in pediatric dentistry at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas.

She also helps staff dental clinics at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.

“Many of the dental clinics in Dallas were closed for routine dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Segall. “However, we remained open at each site to handle dental emergencies, which meant we were busy. I’m glad we could serve as a safety net for so many children in the area. Treating patients gives me a sense of purpose.”

Though overall, the situation is improving in her area, Segall and her colleagues are still being very cautious.

“We have adequate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) under current circumstances but are being very cautious in how we reopen. We are spacing appointments and seeing fewer patients each day than we did pre-COVID. However, as we begin to ‘return to normal,’ acquiring adequate PPE has been a challenge for many healthcare facilities.”

Despite these challenges, Segall noted, “Our patients and families have

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“I think the pandemic will ultimately yield positive changes to our system. It exposed several weaknesses and forced us to adapt.”

—LCDR Daniel Hodge, M.D., ’09

ularly Dr. Timothy Peelen, associate professor of chemistry, while an Academic All-American on the men’s basketball team.

“Dr. Peelen was a great teacher who also understood the challenges of competing at very high levels academically and athletically. We spent countless hours in the lab together, eventually co-publishing an article, but his attendance at my basketball games showed he truly cared about his students. Though, he would sometimes mention a bad turnover or missed shot I had in the game the previous night,” added Hodge with a laugh.

“I didn’t realize the value of this intimate learning environment until I was in large lecture halls with more than 200 students at Eastern Virginia Medical School,” said Hodge, now a Lieutenant Commander with the U.S. Navy and multiple military award honoree.

Hodge has had to use the skills learned at LVC as an internist in the Navy during the COVID-19 pandemic. He plays numerous roles at his hospital in North Carolina, including primary care manager, inpatient hospitalist, and director of the Navy’s only cardiometabolic health and weight loss clinic.

“Two of our critical care doctors and several specialists were been extremely

deployed to the USNS Comfort and to support a field hospital

understanding and

in New York City. Our hospital was operating with a skeleton

respectful of hospital protocols and policies.

This acceptance has made my job so much easier.”

Segall, who plans to return to Ft. Hood to care for the children of sol-

crew since many of our active duty physicians and nurses were pulled to support the NYC mission,” said Hodge. “This forced the hospitalists to help design, implement, and manage the critical care COVID unit. The fear of the unknown was the most stressful aspect.

“It was weird to be tallying the number of available ventilators

diers after her residency, “loves the hap-

on your military base and asking Marine command to supply

piness I gain from caring for our patients—the

additional ‘Breaking Bad’ style gas masks so you can run the

soldiers and their dependents. They are my heroes.

I have their back, well, at least their teeth!”

intensive care unit,” he added. “Fortunately, the military had adequate backup plans for any shortage.”

LCDR Daniel Hodge, M.D., ’09 was also mentored by and con-

And, Hodge appreciated his wife, Alexandra Wolfe Hodge ’09,

ducted student-faculty research with LVC professors, partic-

whom he met at LVC.

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“At times, I think Alexandra had a more challenging task than

as we are fighting a mostly unknown foe. Luckily, medical and

I did during the pandemic,” he said. “She was a tremendous

scientific professionals provided us with continuing education

supporter during my military service and while taking care of our two young sons, Everett and Campbell.”

to update the way we approach patients, workups, and treatments.

“I work with children who were initially not considered to be at great risk for COVID-19,” added

Originally scheduled to end his

Weller. “More recent information shows they

Navy service in June, Hodge’s

may be at risk for other complications, so we are

plans to return home to start a

closely following as new information is shared

primary care practice in Camp

and working hard to make sure we care for all

Hill, Pa., Fourth Tree Health, are

our patients to the best of our abilities.”

temporarily on hold due to the COVID-19 situation.

“I went into internal medicine with a specific vision, but it’s funny how the journey shapes you,” said Hodge. “As I went further into my military medicine career and gained exposure to several civilian and military healthcare systems, I realized I didn’t want to work in a large, broken health system. Opening Fourth Tree Health, a Direct Primary Care practice, will enable me to develop deep, personal relationships with my patients in the coming months.

“I think the pandemic will ultimately yield positive changes to our system. It exposed several weaknesses and forced us to adapt.”

Weller also offered words of advice and hope.

“This pandemic has been hard on everyone, except maybe our dogs who are happy to have us home,” she said with a smile. “We need to keep adjusting and learning. I encourage you to help others when you can, find joy in the smaller things in life, and know that if we keep moving forward as a global entity and keep each other safe, this too will pass.”

Nearer to campus, Amanda Bostdorf McLaughlin, CRNP, ’03 and her nursing colleagues at UPMC Pinnacle Medical Group in Harrisburg have been severely affected by COVID-19.

McLaughlin, who graduated from LVC with a degree in psychobiology in partnership with Thomas Jefferson College of Nursing, worked seven-days-a-week during the initial onslaught of the virus in the mid-state.

Hodge and Dr. Melanie A. Weller ’06 (above) have a mutual connection to Eastern Virginia Medical School, where Weller is an assistant professor of pediatrics and served a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship from 2015–18. She is now an attending physician in the same discipline at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Virginia, part of the medical school’s campus.

Weller first considered going into veterinary medicine but switched gears after experiencing a traumatic life event.

“Early in my LVC career, my mother was battling breast cancer,” said Weller. “The interactions she had with her physicians and other healthcare team members led me to think to become a physician was a better career path.

I wanted to provide care to others, as we were cared for during mom’s illness.”

Weller also agrees that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a vital wakeup call.

“It made us look more closely at the way we plan and better evaluate disaster planning. This virus has been challenging

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Stephen A. Teitelman ’92

“We worked every day to assist with the setup of testing sites,

with a provider,” added McLaughlin. “I anticipate this trend to

in addition to our other responsibilities, the first two-three

continue post-COVID because it helps avoid bringing frail or

weeks straight,” noted McLaughlin. “Probably the most difficult

immunocompromised patients into the office setting and ex-

challenge was maintaining the same level of patient care while

posing them to additional risks.”

making sure no further harm befell our patients or staff.”

Pre-COVID, McLaughlin supervised physician and nurse prac-

Thankfully, McLaughlin did not have to do it alone.

titioner assistants at four convenient care, walk-in settings, but

“My work family and real family have become stronger than we

two of the offices were closed at the onset of COVID-19. She

thought possible. My husband, Matt, stepped in to care for our two-year-old, Sam, so I could work with COVID patients each

quickly adapted, using the staff to perform nasopharyngeal swabs on patients with possible COVID-19.

day, which is very scary. My work team has been fantastic; they’ve been flexible and willing to process new material and research to provide the best care for our patients.

“I wasn’t able to see my parents, siblings, or friends for

“We quickly jumped on the

“It is incredibly gratifying to see patients who were critically ill ‘at death’s door’ walking and talking, exiting the hospital.”

—Stephen A. Teitelman, B.S., B.S.N., R.N., ’92

15 weeks, and as I move into

opportunity to help and were honored to take on a new and complicated testing process,” said McLaughlin. “Every week, the procedures change as we learn more, so we continually adjust to improve as quickly as possible.

different levels of care for COVID patients, I may have to isolate

“We have adequate PPE at our testing sites, but it’s a daily task

myself again. But, it’s comforting to know that I wouldn’t be

to ensure this continues, and there is still a shortage at other

taking that on alone; I’d have our team. It’s been amazing how

sites. However, our leadership was mindful of PPE management

we lean on each other, whether it’s grieving or supporting.”

from the start and excellent about educating the staff regard-

Also on the positive side, “This situation has provided a great

ing conservation. Dr. John Goldman, the physician in charge of

opportunity to promote the benefits of telehealth or video visits

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our infectious disease and COVID-19 management, has been

relentless in making sure the hospitals, outpatient sites, and

“Wearing PPE, though generally not for such extended peri-

staff are protected and educated with the latest information.”

ods, is not a new process for us. However, the sheer volume

As of mid-June, McLaughlin and her team were testing al-

of patients, logistics of contamination and decontamination,

most 100 patients daily. “We bring the patient into a negative pressure room to ensure the test is accurate and decrease the

and acuity of patients in one shift is not normal and requires an exhausting level of focus. At the end of a shift, many of us are

potential for a false negative. We’ve also expanded testing to

exhausted beyond anything we’ve previously experienced.”

pre-op patients to ensure they have a clear COVID status be-

“Things have become better,” said Teitelman. “However, the

fore their procedure, which also helps ensure staff safety.”

healthcare community’s losses due to a lack of supplies are

McLaughlin said she feels fortunate to be such an essential

inexcusable and unconscionable. While my organization’s

part of the community. “As a walk-in site in the city of Harrisburg, we have continued to be there for our patients. I’m

supplies were adequate, the country should never have lost any healthcare providers because there were insufficient

impressed that our area was able to bend the curve and not

N95 masks.”

overextend the hospitals amidst the pandemic.”

Teitelman also has witnessed victories.

Stephen A. Teitelman, B.S., B.S.N., R.N., ’92, flight nurse co-

“It is incredibly gratifying to see patients who were critically

ordinator for Cooper University Health Care in Camden, N.J.,

ill ‘at death’s door’ walking and talking, exiting the hospital.

is involved with COVID-19 patients for shorter periods than

There’s also been an increased appreciation from the lay public

McLaughlin, but it’s equally as intensive.

for what other nurses and I do.

“As a flight nurse, I have briefer interactions with

There have been many signs, banners, and personal ‘thank-

COVID-19 patients than my in-hospital colleagues face daily,” said Teitelman. However, these interactions can take a toll. In debriefing after particularly rough situations, “We try to stress self-care first and foremost.” Nurses are required to wear uncomfortable PPE eight to 12 hours each day, often while witnessing horrible realities that instantly change peoples’ lives. The mental and physical stressors associated with caring for this population

you’s’ from community members.

“It brings back memories of when I responded to New York City a few days after 9/11,” said Teitelman. “As we approached the city, the streets were lined with people clapping and cheering for first responders. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve experienced similar feelings when observing the public support that has arisen from this unprecedented time in our lives.”

Though McLaughlin, Teitelman, and others had sufficient PPE, healthcare systems throughout the country were not as fortunate.

According to Dr. Robert A. Bednarczyk (left), an assistant professor at the Hubert Department of Global

of patients are intense and allowing

Health at the Emory University Rollins School of Public

time to de-stress is vital to survival.

Health in Atlanta, Ga., the U.S. healthcare system faced two

“It is sometimes part of the job to have

issues: a slow rollout of testing and a lack of PPE supplies.

tough conversations with family members

“Because we weren’t able to test as many people as needed

regarding the care choices they have to make when relatives

early on, we lost the ability to do effective contact tracing to

are critically ill,” added Teitelman who was named Nurse of the

slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 transmission,” said Bednarczyk.

Year at Cooper University Health Care this year. “Having to use

Additionally, as hospitals began to see an influx of COVID-19

FaceTime for family members to say goodbye to their loved

patients, their PPE supplies were limited, putting healthcare

ones sometimes for the last time due to visitor restrictions is

workers at risk of exposure. We need to do a better job at prior-

one of the saddest and harshest realities of this pandemic;

itizing preparedness planning, and not relegate preparedness

thankfully one I have not had to experience personally.”

to be perceived as an unnecessary overhead.”

The COVID-19 crisis has affected Teitelman and his colleagues

Bednarczyk, who earned his Ph.D. in epidemiology from the

in various other ways, as well.

State University of New York, University at Albany School of

SUMMER 2020

15

Public Health, sees other challenges on the horizon.

my hands awakened something within me, a desire to pursue a

“We still face insufficient access to testing and contact tracing.

career that could make me feel like that.”

Relatedly, since we have only known about this virus since De-

It turns out, Pitt made the correct career—and college—

cember 2019, there are a lot of unknowns

decision.

regarding how transmission will continue during the summer, the risk of a fall resurgence peak, and other unanswered questions. My concern is that if transmission continues to decline, we will let our guard down and be unprepared for another round of high transmission.”

Conversely, how people in Atlanta responded to support businesses, especially restaurants, has impressed Bednarczyk.

“People have come together in this time of upheaval,” he said. “Many restaurants went to take-out only systems, and groups sprung up so individuals could donate money to buy large orders to donate to hospitals and healthcare workers.

This community spirit speaks about our ability to work together and take care of each other, even in the most trying times.”

Bednarczyk noted, “There are numerous candidate vaccines in clinical trials already; that is a tremendous amount of progress since December. However, there is still much testing for safety

“After surviving the science courses at LVC, my first year of veterinary school was a breeze. I even had the same textbook in my histology course at Tuskegee that I used in my cell and tissue biology course as an LVC junior,” noted Pitt. “I already had a wealth of knowledge compared to many of my classmates.”

After graduating from the Tuskegee University College of Medicine, Pitt returned to South Jersey to become an associate veterinarian at two local veterinary hospitals.

Then, just before COVID-19 hit, he became an associate doctor at a brand new practice, Heart and Paw in Marlton, N.J. “We had to cancel our grand opening due to the pandemic,” said Pitt. “This initially hurt business because we had to handle appointments, except euthanasia, curbside, and worry about patient safety. It was emotionally difficult for our pet owners and was more time-consuming for our staff. Fortunately, the business has recently started to increase.

“During the first few months of the pandemic, the local general practice hospitals stopped performing elective surgery, so we donated our PPE to human hospitals and doctor’s offices,” added Pitt. “More recently, we have been able to start up again, and have plenty of equipment to keep us safe.”

As a front line practitioner, Pitt has more than animals and their owners to consider.

and efficacy needed. I am hopeful that coordinated efforts

“Clients have been mostly understanding. Everyone wants to

across government, industry, and academia will result in rela-

be safe. I especially want to keep my son, J.D., and wife,

tively rapid vaccine development.

Courtney, who is carrying our baby girl, Amelia, due in

“I’m impressed by the resilience our healthcare system showed

September, safe.”

in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as we move forward, we need more flexible and create adaptable pandemic plans to respond better.”

Flexibility was paramount for Dr. Jared D. Pitt ’08 as well.

Recovery

Pitt decided to venture from his home state of New Jersey for

While so many LVC alumni are on the front line treating pa-

college due to LVC’s “rigorous and renowned science depart-

tients, many others are helping our country react and recover—

ment.” He had known since he was very young that he wanted

whether through physical therapy, helping feed those who lost

to be a veterinarian and realized the College’s challenging, yet

their jobs or are underemployed, or counseling those in need.

personal, curriculum would prepare him well for vet school.

Dr. Nicole Caruso Dickson ’08, D’10 was a member of LVC’s

“When I was about 8, I helped our local veterinarian deliver my

field hockey team that qualified for the NCAA playoffs every

aunt’s Siberian husky’s puppies, who were experiencing dysto-

year she was on the side, including two national semi-final

cia [a difficult birth],” said Pitt. “Holding the healthy puppies in

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appearances. She also starred academically in the College’s then-nascent Physical Therapy Program.

On the field, then-assistant field hockey coach Stacey Hollinger pushed Dickson to be a better player. Hollinger, now assistant director of athletics and senior women’s administrator, “had a knack for knowing every player’s potential and limits and how to help you achieve your personal best,” according to Dickson.

In the classroom, several faculty motivated Dickson, including Dr. Goodman, noted above, who “incorporated all learning styles into her lectures, making learning something abstract like physiology much more impactful.” She added, “Dr. Michael Lehr [clinical associate professor of physical therapy] brought a ton of energy to class, and Dr. Michael Fink [chair and associate professor of physical therapy] was just so impressively smart that I would leave class humbled and ready to study.”

Today, she uses the skills and dedication learned from her faculty and coaches in an acute care setting in the University of North Carolina (UNC) Health system, primarily on the orthopedic and trauma floors.

“COVID-19 has caused most people to forget that there are still people in the hospital for car accidents, gunshot wounds, and transplants,” noted Dickson. “It’s been nerve-wracking. Yet, it’s getting better as we learn more and have better access to PPE.” Fortunately, UNC Health has taken steps to reduce the risk to patients and staff alike.

“I am part of a rotation that treats active COVID patients. We don the protective gear and enter the ‘hot zone,’ said Dickson.

“There is a person at both ends of the donning and doffing stations to ensure every step is done in order since the donning/

do so, or using

doffing process is the most critical component of staying safe.

a physical thera-

“We are only allowed in the ‘hot zone’ for two-hour periods because the gear is so hot, and the PPE makes it challenging to move and be heard. I often have to shout through the N95 and face shield. It’s easy to get dehydrated, but it’s rewarding

py session to take a patient outside to see the sunshine after weeks in a hospital room.”

to help the patients get strong enough to go home. They get

Dickson also continues LVC’s

pretty lonely with no visitors allowed, so we’re a bright spot in

mission of service to others.

their day and hopefully a little inspirational.”

“My husband, Steve, and I do the

Dickson has also seen a positive change in the hospital’s

grocery shopping and run errands for

culture.

a neighbor who is in a high-risk category.

“With visitor restrictions hospital-wide to keep us safe, the staff has been creative in providing for patients who are scared and hurting, which is rewarding. The frontline team is much more unified. I regularly see staff helping patients by donating chargers, video chatting with families of patients who are unable to

It’s a simple thing, but it feels nice to give back.”

She’s also teaching additional Facebook live fitness classes because of stay-at-home orders. “It’s fun to connect with friends from all over the country and provide an outlet for stress release, or curse me for the sweat and soreness I inflict on them,” she laughed.

SUMMER 2020

17

What were the most significant challenges the healthcare system faced when the COVID-19 crisis first hit?

When we first saw the ravages of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, Milan, Italy, and New York City, U.S., our nation was largely unprepared to face this kind of assault on our healthcare system.

We did not have the protocols to deal with COVID-19 patients, a plan for where to cohort these patients, or a secure supply chain. It was fortunate that we were one of a few academic medical centers in the United States that received funding to develop the infrastructure and specialized training needed to offer care and limit the spread of lethal contagions.

Our Special Pathogens Team at Hershey had trained for years to respond to a pandemic such as COVID-19. This training helped us react quickly to treat COVID patients and keep our other patients, healthcare providers, and staff safe. It also enabled us to manage the supply chain that suddenly had new demands for the many articles needed to provide safe, efficient treatment and patient care. As an academic medical center, we also needed to figure out how to continue training our students and keep some research efforts while protecting everyone.

Finally, there was a palpable fear that this epidemic would overwhelm our health system. I am very proud of how Penn State Health responded quickly and effectively to these multiple challenges. We set up incident command centers for our hospitals and Penn State Health that functioned admirably to address all these challenges.

Q&A With Dr. Robert Harbaugh ’74 Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are Dr. Harbaugh’s and

What are the biggest challenges the country, and Pennsylvania itself, still face regarding the COVID-19 pandemic?

A quote, often inaccurately attributed to Mark Twain, comes to mind: “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” We have learned a lot about COVID-19 in the past few months, but there are still many more questions than answers, and we need to recognize this.

should not be construed to represent the opinions of Penn State

We have learned that the overall mortality rate for this disease

Health or the Penn State College of Medicine.

is much less than initially feared. Estimates have fallen from

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4-7% to 0.1-0.4%—a really dramatic change. We also learned that COVID-19 deaths are highly concentrated in the elderly and those with underlying health problems. The mean age of patients who died from COVID-19 in Pennsylvania is about 80 years. Approximately two-thirds of the deaths occurred in residents of nursing homes or other extended-care facilities.

When do you anticipate that a vaccine will be developed? A cure?

The influenza A virus responsible for the 1968 pandemic mentioned above continues to circulate as one of the influenza A

The risk to young, healthy people has not been zero, but it is

strains more than 50 years later. We have influenza vaccines,

very, very low. It also appears that this virus spreads preferen-

but as these viruses mutate, the vaccines are not effective

tially indoors when there is prolonged exposure. Perhaps the

against all strains, and we do not have a cure for the flu. I hope I

New York City experience was so different from much of the

am wrong, but I suspect we will be living with COVID-19, in one

rest of the country due to population density, use of subways,

form or another, for a long time.

multigenerational families in small living spaces, policies that introduced COVID-19 patients into nursing homes, and the early, aggressive use of ventilators. Because New York City is the center of our national media, the horror that occurred there and in surrounding areas was the dominant story for weeks on end.

In 1968 the H3N2 virus killed about 100,000 people in the United States. As the U.S. population was about 200 million in 1968 and is about 330 million now, it is almost certain that the 1968 epidemic killed a higher percentage of the U.S. population in 1968 than COVID-19 will kill in 2020. We don’t know what would have happened in 1968 had we used the lockdown measures we used in 2020 or what the result would be today if we had followed the laissez-faire approach of 1968. We can speculate, but we don’t know.

The challenge we now face is how to do a reasonable risk-benefit analysis with incomplete knowledge. If our only goal is to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, we can almost certainly do this with extreme lockdowns and severe social distancing.

However, we might well cause more deaths and disability from other causes than we prevent from this viral illness. Finding the right balance is the challenge for Pennsylvania, the U.S., and the world.

One of the disappointing things about the last few months is how politicized the response to COVID-19 became. We created

What are some positives we can take away from this crisis? What can we do to be better prepared?

I think the most significant positive is that we learned a lot about this virus and how to respond to a pandemic. If we could redo our response to COVID-19, there are things we could do differently—and better. We have also learned to keep our stores of protective equipment and medical supplies well-stocked.

We will continue to look for better testing options, treatments, and prevention strategies. One important message is that when faced with danger, it is essential to remain calm. During a long neurosurgical career, I have noted that the best surgeons do not respond to an intra-operative crisis with panic. They react with calm, quiet concentration. We rarely make good decisions when we light our hair on fire. Should there be a recurrence of COVID-19 or another pandemic in our future, we will be better prepared, mentally and physically, to deal with it.

Dr. Robert E. Harbaugh, M.D., FAANS, FACS, FAHA

false dichotomies of health versus the economy and science

Lebanon Valley College Board of Trustees

versus religion instead of recognizing and discussing the tough

Senior Vice President, Penn State Health Medical Group

decisions that need to be made with incomplete information. I fear this will continue. It would be refreshing to hear an honest assessment from our federal and state public officials, epidemiologists, and infectious disease specialists. I would like a frank discussion about all the things we don’t know and the difficult choices we need to make.

Distinguished Professor & Chair, Department of Neurosurgery Professor, Department of Engineering Science & Mechanics Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Penn State College of Medicine

SUMMER 2020

19

“I struggle with being called a hero all the time,” said Dickson.

Dugan also has fond memories of Dr. Dale Summers, retired

“Everyone worldwide has added stress, anxiety, new roles,

professor of education. The duo worked on a project hosted

and new ways to do things. I think everyone is a hero in that

by the Vernon and Doris Bishop Library, “The Human Library,”

respect—adapting, learning, asking for help, fighting to provide

at several Symposia on Inclusive Excellence.

for others. Everyone deserves grace and gratitude right now.”

“The Bishop project enables community members to ‘check-

Trevor P. Dugan ’18 can relate to Dickson’s thoughts on stress,

out’ a person to learn more about their culture, beliefs, and

anxiety, and adopting new roles and ways of doing things. He’s

lifestyle as a member of a marginalized group,” noted Dugan.

a special education teacher who works with pediatric psychia-

“I presented what life was like as a transgender male at a

try students at Devereux Children’s Behavioral Health Services.

school in a part of Pennsylvania that is typically considered

“The individuals in our care sometimes only know their world

‘conservative.’

as the facility,” said Dugan. “Their knowledge of the ‘outside

“Later, with Dr. Summers, we held a workshop where I was

world’ is based on what they hear adults who care for them say.

interviewed about my experiences as a transgender teacher.

We are continually reassuring them they are safe, and that we

I think it was eye-opening to those who attended to see that

are doing everything we can to make sure they remain safe

even at a progressive school like LVC, there can still be bias

and healthy.”

and discrimination, especially in some of the communities

Dugan initially began his LVC career as a chemistry major then

where student teachers trained.”

realized that teaching was his ideal path, so he switched to

These experiences and mentors have helped Dugan work with

early childhood education. His advisor, Dr. Ann Berger-Knorr

his pediatric psychiatry students during the COVID-19 crisis.

[associate professor of education], helped him with the change.

“I worked on-site until early April then quickly became adept

“Dr. Berger-Knorr worked with me to play catch up so I could

with virtual teaching tools,” said Dugan. “We now work as a

graduate in 2018 with my friends, even though I was a year

team more than ever. Teachers, residential staff, clinicians, and

behind on courses,” said Dugan. “Together, we created an

clients, most of all, are struggling with remote learning. But, our

outline of what classes to take and when, and she never

recent implementation of Zoom has helped. Being able to see

gave up on me.”

their teacher’s faces gives students a sense of normalcy.”

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Danielle Vernet Eisner ’95, ’96, M’19 has faced similar chal-

who need me, and my five children at home. This disruption has

lenges teaching remotely during COVID-19 as a biology, anat-

not been easy for anyone.”

omy, and physiology teacher at Cedar Cliff High School in the West Shore School District.

“When you have connections with your kids, it is tough on everyone when they can’t hear your voice or see your face anymore,” said Eisner, who added a third LVC degree last year, a master of science in STEM education.

“I decided to communicate via video, starting with a YouTube post sharing how much I missed them.”

Next, showing real dedication,

Those who have been disrupted by COVID-19 and other inevitable disasters that occur despite the pandemic can also turn to the American Red Cross for assistance.

“Communities across the country count on the American Red Cross for help every day,” said Hope Roaten ’09, executive director of the Mid-Central Pennsylvania Chapter. “Our work must continue despite the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve worked to collect and distribute thousands of convalescent products, which are potentially life-saving for critically ill COVID-19 patients.”

Roaten, who has deployed to six national Disaster Relief Operations, added that Red Cross has ramped up its anti-hunger work during the crisis.

Eisner reached out to each of her students with a personal letter.

“They probably thought I was odd addressing about 100 letters, but I felt it would be more effective than social media.

Next, knowing they needed to hear my voice, I started making videos of all my lessons and held some Zoom meetings. The feedback from the students was that it was beneficial.

“Some of the students had issues, such as taking care of a sick family member or babysitting siblings,” she added. “A few parents reached out who were worried about their child being depressed or just not understanding the subject matter. I visited about five kids at their homes and brought a whiteboard to teach them from about 20 feet away. I saw remarkable changes in those students and only wish I could have done it for all of them. I was acting with my heart.”

Eisner’s son, Austin Cassatt ’21, also chose LVC to study science. A John Bowman Allwein Scholar, Austin selected The Valley over such schools as MIT, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins University. “LVC was the perfect fit,” according to Eisner.

Much like Valley students, Eisner’s students miss being in school and learning.

“They miss our interactions and that personal connection,” said Eisner. “Some students have reached out to thank me, and it breaks my heart. I need to continue to look out for the 100 kids

SUMMER 2020

21

“Our chapter partnered with the YMCA of Centre Country

redcross.org/VFAC to access virtual programs, receive infor-

through their Anti-Hunger Program to deliver meals to individ-

mation and referrals, and connect to community resources.”

uals and families in Centre and Clearfield counties,” said Roaten. “To date, our teams have contributed more than 300 hours

evitable. Since February, Roaten noted that Red Cross workers

Food for the Soul

have helped more than 53,000 people recover from more than

Music is often said to be “Food for the Soul.” Music education

13,000 home fires.

and music double major Andy Kittleson ’15 has taken the mes-

of service to transport nearly 18,000 meals.”

This assistance is in addition to ongoing disasters that are in-

“The current pandemic is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” said

sage to heart.

Roaten. “Everyone has been impacted in some way; it’s an

An instrumental music teacher in the Wayne Central School

emergency in our backyards and the backyards of people

District in New York, Kittleson also directs a community band to

around the world.

bring music to people who could not otherwise come to perfor-

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone, especially

mances; people residing in nursing homes, for example.

those who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19. To those

Inspired by a project started by Band Directors Talk Shop,

suffering in any way, please know that the American Red Cross

Kittleson found a creative way to spread the joy of music during

developed a Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC). Visit

the COVID-19 pandemic. He created a series of Porch Concerts in which he performs on trombone.

“The performances are about bringing people together to foster connection. the success of the porch concert series has proven that we impact far more people than we ever know.”

—Andy Kittleson ’15

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“Suddenly, people were unable to attend live performances,” he said. “I love bringing music to the people, and thought it would be an excellent way to engage and inspire my students.”

Kittleson planned to perform a song each weekday until the end of the school year, but it’s been so successful he’s continued the concerts one night per week throughout the summer.

“So far, I have done 64 concerts,” he said. “I plan to keep doing them in some form until we can return to school.

“The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive,” added Kittle-

Ulrich also had to deal with the safety of her volunteers who

son. “I’ve met neighbors I never knew. And, though I play trom-

contribute about 20,000 hours of service each year, many of

bone, I’m now known as the neighborhood ‘trumpet player.’”

them older adults who are at high risk for COVID-19.

Kittleson’s music is bringing out the best in his neighbors.

“The Caring Cupboard uses a choice pantry model during ‘nor-

“Adhering to social distancing, I hosted a 20-person concert

mal’ times, which means users shop for their items,” said Ulrich.

band on my front lawn, and the outpouring of gratitude from the neighborhood was incredible. People who I had never spoken to offered

“We changed our delivery model to a drive-through service while relying on fewer volunteers. We’ve had some great, new people jump in to help and, we’re fortunate to have

their yards and driveways

excellent community support.”

for parking.

Much of that support during the COVID-19 crisis

“The performances are about

and throughout the years has included LVC students and alumni, including Dave Warner, Esq., ’03

bringing people together

and Kristine Daiber Warner ’03. Dave is the pan-

to foster connection. The

try’s solicitor and Kristine is the past board chair

success of the Porch Concert

for the organization; both are long-time

series has proven that we impact far more people than

supporters.

we ever know. Indeed, I had

And, her biggest supporter and encourager also

no idea that my music

happens to be a two-time LVC graduate—her hus-

reached LVC!”

band, Derek Ulrich ’05, ’09.

“The sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau did a very successful

Food Insecurity In addition to educational and health challenges, families are increasingly suffering from food insecurity due to the record

food drive with us and numerous alumni have helped,” said Ulrich. “There are likely many names I’m forgetting.

But, Jasmine Ammons Bucher ’97, M’11, P’14, P’23 and her family; Andrea Moody ’93 and her son, Chad ’24, an incoming first-year student; Wes Dellinger ’75, P’05; Amy Hoopes Dellinger ’78, P’05; Jen ’92, M’00 and Karl Liedtka ’91 and their sons; Dr. Eileen Dwyer Smith ’05, D’07; and Walt Smith ’03 are frequent supporters.

unemployment/underemployment caused by COVID-19. Shila

“We have been touched by the outpouring of support and

Williams Ulrich ’05, along with an army of volunteers including

kindness from our community,” added Ulrich. “Our donations

LVC students and alumni, is taking this challenge head-on as

are at an all-time high. People want to help and mobilize. I’ve

the executive director of The Caring Cupboard, a food pantry

had so many people ask how they can support us; it’s been

aiding the Palmyra, Annville, and Cleona areas.

heartwarming.”

According to Ulrich, The Caring Cupboard typically welcomes

Ulrich also appreciates the guidance of faculty like Dr. Deanna

12 new families to receive assistance each month. In March

Dodson, professor of psychology, and former professor Dr.

2020, that number rose to 39 families. In April 2020, the num-

Kerrie Smedley, who now runs a private clinical practice

ber hit 50. Ulrich and her volunteers have responded with

in Annville.

increased capacity, creating a new food delivery system in

“I knew I wanted to ‘save the world’ when I came to LVC,” said

collaboration with Hershey Medical Center and the WellSpan Philhaven ACT program.

“The greatest challenge and threat to our organization is food procurement,” noted Ulrich, who also has a master’s in social work from Temple University and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University. “With the hoarding that occurred at the start of the pandemic, finding canned food and other shelf-stable items was challenging and scary.”

Ulrich. “Without these two dynamic ladies, I would not be where I am today.

“I recently had a woman who was out of work tell me she sat in her car and cried because of the amount of food we were able to provide to her family. It’s being able to help families like hers—in good times and bad—that enables The Caring Cupboard to ‘save the world’ one family at a time.”

SUMMER 2020

23

PAVING THE WAY

GIVING NOW, GIVING FOR THE FUTURE

Dr. Elizabeth Kreiser Weisburger ’44 was a trailblazer. She was the eldest Kreiser sibling—five of whom followed in her footsteps to graduate from LVC. After earning her B.S. in chemistry, she earned a Ph.D.—rare for a woman in the 1940s. Elizabeth spent an outstanding career in public health, including service as the chief of the Laboratory of Carcinogen Metabolism for the National Cancer Institute.

She honored her LVC roots by serving as a trustee and chair of the board, and by providing significant gifts to the study of sciences.

Elizabeth established eight endowed funds to support students in her lifetime. Always forward-thinking, she also funded a Charitable Trust during her life, the remainder of which now will establish the Weisburger Fund for Women in Science. A significant gift from her estate will enable generations of women studying science to follow in her footsteps.

Karyn Camilo ’09 earned a B.S in chemistry with a physics minor while nurturing her love for music by performing in the Marching, Concert, and Symphonic bands. After working full time in the energy industry, Karyn is now pursuing a master’s in analytical chemistry at Drexel University.

Karyn gives back to LVC as a member of the Thomas Rhys Vickroy Society. “The education and experiences I obtained at LVC helped me immensely in my personal life and professional career,” said Karyn. “As a student who had a scholarship while attending LVC, I feel it is important to give back to the scholarship fund so other students can experience the same opportunities that have made such a difference in my life.”

There are many ways to support LVC students of today and tomorrow.

Please contact the Office of College Advancement at 1-866-LVC-1866, advancement@lvc.edu, or www.lvc.edu/give for additional information about current and future gift opportunities.

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THE VALLEY

GO FURTHER IN YOUR CAREER. ACHIEVE AND EARN MORE. Take courses online or on campus.

Master of Business Administration • • • •

7-week courses, part-time or full-time Online, in-person, and hybrid options Affordable, online prerequisite modules ACBSP-accredited for its focus on teaching and student outcomes • Six concentrations (accounting, healthcare management, human resource management, leadership & ethics, project management, supply chain management/logistics)

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling • • • •

Partnership with WellSpan Health Internship and practicum opportunities 7-week courses, part-time or full-time Online and hybrid options

Master of Science in Exercise Science • Three degrees: Clinical Exercise Physiology, Human Performance, and Sport Performance • Courses are delivered via 7-week on-campus, hybrid, and fully online classes

Master of Science in STEM Education • Develop STEM-specific skills for your classroom and career • Integrate STEM curricula into any learning environment and gain tools for becoming a teacher-leader • Online or in-person options • Thrive as a student with small classes and personal advising that caters to your needs as a STEM educator

Inquire, and learn about Merit and Valley Forward scholarship opportunities at degrees.lvc.edu.

Leadership & Ethics Certificate • Take as a standalone graduate certificate or earn credits toward your MBA degree at LVC • Online or in person, select from courses in Ethical Leadership, Leadership: Theory and Practice, Executive Decision Making, or Special Topics in Leadership and Ethics

Healthcare Management Certificate • Learn from industry professional faculty with decades of experience in healthcare management • Online, in person, and hybrid options in a seven-week format • Complete in less than a year

Integrative STEM Education Certificate • Earn a standalone graduate certificate, or use the credits earned toward your master of science in STEM Education degree at LVC • Learn to apply STEM concepts in the classroom • This certificate makes you eligible to apply for STEM endorsement in Pennsylvania

Modern Band Certificate • Take as a standalone graduate certificate • Courses entirely online, with a 2-week residency • With or without a formal music education background, you’ll learn how to teach music as a second language

Online Teaching & Learning Certificate • Take courses online or in-person in a 7-week format so you can still work full-time • Complete your certificate less than 1 year • Apply your Leadership & Ethics Certificate (9 credits) toward our MBA degree

SUMMER 2020

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101 North College Avenue Annville, PA 17003-1400 www.lvc.edu

AMONG ALL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

IN PENNSYLVANIA

FOR ALUMNI JOB PLACEMENT 3 YEARS RUNNING For the third consecutive year, career guidance site Zippia identified Lebanon Valley College as #1 among all colleges and universities in Pennsylvania in its listing of “The Best Colleges in Each State for Getting a Job 2020.” LVC’s placement rate is 95.63%, which was #5 for all U.S. colleges and universities.

Zippia used the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to search “for the college in each state with the highest listed job placement numbers ten years after graduation.” Zippia noted, “With a 95.63% job placement rate, it’s easy to see why so many students end up there. The college sets students up to go further and achieve more, and by the looks of that rate, the college definitely takes that very seriously.”