A Magazine for WESLEY COLLEGE Alumni & Friends
WINTER 2017
WESLEY Distinguished Alumni Embracing Innovation Above & Beyond
Pack Attack WWW.ALUMNI.WESLEY.EDU
President’s Message
MANAGING EDITOR
Jessica L. Cook COPY EDITOR
Realizing Wesley’s Worth Dear Alumni and Friends, Wesley continues to transform the lives of the young men and women who call Wesley home. Our intimate setting offers individualized learning and the personal connections that empower our students to hopefully reach their full potential, which in turn helps to improve and transform the communities they go on to serve. Examples are everywhere, including NFL quarterback and recent Wesley graduate Joe Callahan ’16. Joe credits his coaches, professors and the family atmosphere at Wesley for much of his success in reaching football’s biggest stage. We also have the relatively new track and field program at the college, run by Angelo Nicolai, Ruth Ann Clark, Carolyn Nicolai '62 Coach Stephen Kimes, which boasts and President Clark two national championships in two events, the 4x100m relay team and the 100m dash. It is not just on the athletic fields that our students and alumni excel — it’s every facet imaginable. Colin Bonini ’91 just ran for the highest political post in the state, Governor of Delaware. Although he didn’t win that election, he will continue to advocate for his beliefs and his constituents’ needs as a State Senator. Wesley senior Jennifer Jankowski, a political science major, was selected as a 2017 Legislative Fellow, and ten new students were inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in If you look at the number of leaders Psychology. Our students, under the guidance and mentorship of in state government, education, busiour talented faculty and staff, ness, agriculture, medicine, law, the have consistently raised the bar arts and the sciences who are Wesley and Wesley’s profile by presenting College graduates, it is astounding undergraduate research, co-authoring textbook chapters, attend- and definitely disproportionate to ing and presenting at conferences the relative size of our school. and being recognized as leaders. These are just a few examples of what I call Wesley’s Worth. If you look at the number of leaders in state government, education, business, agriculture, medicine, law, the arts and the sciences who are Wesley College graduates, it is astounding and definitely disproportionate to the relative size of our school. As is the case with most small colleges around the country, enrollment this past year was down and as a result, we had to cut back on some of our initiatives that support the margin of excellence we provide our students. Your engagement and continued support will help ensure that we are able to fully realize Wesley’s Worth, today and well into the future. Ruth Ann and I want to thank you for your continued and steadfast support, and I look forward to seeing you all on campus in 2017.
Joanna Wilson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kacy Cassat Peyton Cluff ’15 Jessica L. Cook Brett Ford Theresa Gawlas Medoff INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT STAFF
William F. Pritchard Vice President for Institutional Advancement william.pritchard@wesley.edu (302) 736-2316 Kacy Cassat Communications Coordinator kacy.cassat@wesley.edu (302) 736-2441 Steve Clark Coordinator of the W Club steve.clark@wesley.edu (302) 736-2557 Peyton Cluff ’15 Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving peyton.cluff@wesley.edu (302) 736-2734 Jessica L. Cook Director of Communications and Marketing jessica.cook@wesley.edu (302) 736-2354 Amanda Downes M’06 Director of Advancement Services amanda.downes@wesley.edu (302) 736-2318 Laura (Bigham) Mayse ’92 Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving laura.mayse@wesley.edu (302) 736-2317 Cathy Nosel Director of Development cathy.nosel@wesley.edu (302) 736-2410 Wesley is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Wesley magazine online has all the content of the print edition and gives you as a reader the ability to post comments and view web exclusives like photo albums and reader polls. POSTMASTER
Send Changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement Wesley College 120 North State Street Dover, Delaware 19901 Photo credits: Kacy Cassat, Jessica L. Cook, Joe Del Tufo, Gary Emeigh, Brett Ford, Evan Siegle, D3 Photography On the cover: Joe Callahan with the Green Bay Packers (Evan Siegle)
All The Best and Go Wolverines!
ROBERT E. CLARK II
W W W.AL U M N I . W ES L E Y. E D U
VOLUME
45,
NO.
1
A Magazine for
WESLEY COLLEGE WINTER 2017
8
Pack Attack
Joe Callahan ’16 has been on the ride of his life – from Wesley College to an NFL mini-camp and onto the Green Bay Packers active roster.
12 Embracing Innovation Sophia “Sia” Willis Khalfani ’97 wanted to be a doctor until she discovered her love of technology – now she solves complex cybersecurity issues.
Departments 3 Highlights 14 Sports 17 Class Notes 20 Advancement
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
Robert E. Clark II President Wanda Anderson Dean of Students Christopher Dearth Vice President for Enrollment Management Mike Drass Director of Athletics/Head Football Coach Christine Gibson Vice President for Finance Dr. Jeffrey Gibson Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost William F. Pritchard Vice President for Institutional Advancement BOARD OF TRUSTEES
THE WESLEY COLLEGE MISSION Wesley College is a United Methodist institution of higher education that seeks to be among the finest student-centered learning communities in the liberal arts tradition. Consistent with our Methodist heritage, the College affirms meaning and purpose in life through justice, compassion, inclusion and social responsibility that enhance community life and respect for the environment. Wesley College exists to liberate and empower its students with the knowledge, skills, ethical attitudes and capacity for critical thinking needed to achieve personal and professional goals and to contribute to the local and global society.
Mr. Robert V.A. Harra, Jr. – Chair Mr. William J. Strickland – Vice Chair Mr. D. Wayne Holden – Secretary Mr. Kevin M. Baird, Esq. Dr. William E. Bazzelle, Sr. Mr. Scott R. Brown Mrs. Linda S. Broyhill ’71 Mr. Charles L. Burton Mrs. Stephanie Smith Christiano ’98 Mr. Robert E. Clark II (Ex-Officio) Mr. Timothy J. Constantine Mr. Charles R. Dashiell, Jr. Rev. Boyd B. Etter Rev. Dr. Vicki Gordy-Stith Rev. Dr. Benita Harris Rev. W. LeRoy Jones ’53 Mr. Alan B. Levin Mrs. Valerie J. Lyons ’80 Mr. Donald L. Masten Mr. Larry Mercardante Mr. Gregory V. Moore Rev. Charlotte A. Nichols’73 Rev. Dr. Tom A. Pasmore Rev. Dr. Kyung-hee Sa (Ex-Officio) Bishop Sandra L. Steiner Ball Judge Charles H. Toliver, IV Mr. Harry D. (Skip) Willis’70 Mr. William H. Willis, Jr. ’66 Dr. Rafael A. Zaragoza TRUSTEES EMERITI
Mr. Thomas W. Burn, Jr. '79 Mrs. Ann L. Burton Dr. Thomas C. Roe Rev. Dr. James T. Seymour Bishop Peter D. Weaver ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Committee Kirsten Higgins ’98, President Courtney Stewart ’04, M’06, Vice President Stefan Roberts ’96, Treasurer Lynn (Schmid) Knable ’67, Secretary
WESLEY COLLEGE 120 North State Street Dover, Delaware 19901-3875
Yalonda (Wilkins) Adams ’95 Brad Benson ’62 Desiree Frieson ’07 Allison (Snyder) Gudeman ’98 Brad Gudeman ’95 Alexandra Hollywood ’05 L. Jane (Kearney) MacDonald ’60 Oswald Osaretin Guobadia ’96 Brian Shanklin ’01 Lauren (Decker) Shanklin ’02 Jeff Spang ’75
News and Views from WESLEY COLLEGE
HIGHLIGHTS
Distinguished Alumni Wesley College recognized distinguished alumni during the Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Ceremony on Friday, October. 7, 2016 at the Duncan Center in Dover. Wesley selected one winner for each of the following three award categories: Alumni Service Award, Alumni Public Service Award and Alumni Professional Achievement Award. Stephanie Smith Christiano received the Alumni Service Award. The Alumni Service Award is awarded for extended, extraordinary service to Wesley College. Stephanie graduated from Wesley in 1998 with degrees in accounting and business administration. She joined Merrill Lynch and earned her Master of Business Administration from Wilmington University. Currently, Stephanie is a senior vice president at Merrill Lynch, a member of Wesley’s Board of Trustees, served as president of Wesley’s Alumni Board and the Wesley Society, and serves as vice president of the Hope Medical Clinic Board. The Hon. Harvey R. Kenton received the Alumni Public Service Award. The Public Service Award honors alumni who have fulfilled the obligations of their education through creative leadership in service that has benefited society and reflected credit on Wesley College.
Harvey graduated from Wesley in 1964 with a degree in education and has served in the Delaware General Assembly as the representative for the 36th district since 2010. He serves on many non-profit boards in the state of Delaware, including the Delaware State Fair, People’s Place II and the Felton Bank Board, and is vice president of the Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club. Harvey also served as vice president of the Wesley Alumni Board. Kristen Stewart Jones received the Alumni Professional Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in any professional field. The award honors alumni
whose achievements in their vocational fields have brought distinction to themselves, credit to Wesley College and a real benefit to their communities. Kristen graduated from Wesley in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and again in 2008 with her Master of Arts in teaching. Kristen taught business education at the high school level in the Delmar School District for two years before transitioning to a middle school role. She has taught middle school business for seven years, and coached JV softball and basketball. She serves as the advisor for Delmar’s Business Professionals of America Club, director of the District’s Hospitality Committee and the liaison for the “Bank at School” program. She also is a team member of the latest professional development initiative called Common Ground 3.0. Kristen was named the Delmar School District’s Teacher of the Year and competed for the Delaware State Teacher of the Year.
MORE PHOTOS from the 2016 Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Ceremony are available on Flickr at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wesleycollege
Winter 2017 WESLEY COLLEGE 3
H I GH L I G H T S
Legends Lost The Wesley College community mourned the loss of several influential Hall of Fame former head coaches in the past year and a half. Most recently, Coach Jim Wentworth passed away Dec. 14.
Wentworth was the men’s basketball coach for 41 years, compiling 502 wins and 465 losses after taking over in 1961. In 199798, he guided the Wolverines to a record of 16-8, earning their first regional ranking since joining NCAA Division III in 1986. Wesley captured the ESAC title in 1987 and the ESAC Southern Division crown in 1988 under Wentworth’s guidance. Coach Wentworth also served as Wesley’s director of athletics and was a tenured professor in the college’s Physical Education Department. Due to their significant contributions to the college, the school’s gymnasium bears the name of Coach Wentworth and his first wife Shirley.
Coach Richard “Dick” Smith, football coach from 1961-1966, had a short tenure at Wesley but made a huge impact. Smith, a well-known and successful high school coach before taking the reins at Wesley, coached at several high schools in Delaware including Caesar Rodney, Dover Air Force Base and Conrad. Both his Wesley 1962 and 1963 teams had unbeaten seasons, ranking 5th in the country in 1962 and 2nd in the country in 1963. Many of his players went on to successful Division I, II or III college football careers after their time at Wesley. He continued to coach after he left Wesley and established the Towson University football program. Smith passed away Oct. 26. Coach Bob Andrus, an instrumental figure in Wesley College’s transition from junior college to NCAA Division III, passed away on November 9, 2015 . During his 21-year tenure as the school’s head football coach, Andrus brought a new era to Wesley football and Wesley athletics,
laying the foundation for the Wolverines’ current success.
In 1967, Andrus was hired as Wesley’s head football coach and won the Tri-State Conference championship his first two seasons. In 1970, the Wolverines appeared in the Sterling Silver Bowl in Hutchison, Kan., where the squad ended the season as the second-ranked Junior College football team in the nation. That year Andrus also won his first Coastal Conference Championship. His team won again in 1976 and he was named Coastal Conference Coach of the Year twice in 1970 and 1976, and was three-time head coach of the Coastal Conference All-Star game. He coached until 1987.
Wesley Launches New Graduate Programs Wesley College is now offering two new master’s programs, master of occupational therapy and master of criminal justice, for students looking to further their education in today’s challenging job market. Wesley’s master of occupational therapy program, the only occupational therapy program within a 60-mile radius of Dover, launched in the fall of 2016 with a maximum number of students and a waiting list for the next cohort. Dr. Varleisha Gibbs serves as chair and director of graduate programs in occupational therapy. She is a graduate of the 4 WESLEY COLLEGE Winter 2017
University of Delaware, earned her master’s in occupational therapy from Columbia University and earned her doctorate in occupational therapy at Thomas Jefferson University as well as a Ph.D. in health sciences from Seton Hall University. The master of science degree in criminal justice includes a concentration in restorative justice and is entirely online. The concentration focuses on changing the educational discipline from punishment driven to restorative justice, which personalizes the crime by allowing the victims and the offenders to mediate a
restitution agreement to the satisfaction of each, as well as involving the community. The program director is Professor Charlisa Edelin, who earned her bachelor of arts in journalism and public relations at Howard University and her juris doctorate from Howard University School of Law. In addition to the new programs, Wesley offers master’s programs in business administration, education, environmental studies, nursing and sport leadership. For more information visit wesley.edu.
Wesley Welcomes New Board Members Kevin M. Baird is the managing member of the law firm Baird Mandalas Brockstedt, LLC, with offices in Dover, Georgetown and Lewes, Delaware. Baird’s primary practice areas are estate planning and administration and business law. He was recently recognized by Delaware Today magazine as one of the Top Lawyers in Delaware. Baird graduated from the University of Buffalo with a bachelor of science degree in engineering and then earned a master of science degree in engineering from Virginia Tech. He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2002, and began his legal career as a law clerk to Judge Sue L. Robinson in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. After his clerkship, he practiced law in Wilmington at two of the nation’s largest law firms. In 2007, he moved his practice to Dover to focus on a local practice and to spend more time with his family. Baird resides in Middletown, Del., with his wife Karen and three sons, Sean, Colin and Ryan.
The Rev. Dr. Benita Harris is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and the senior pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury, Md. Harris has 36 years of experience as a registered nurse, and was a nurse educator for 19 years at Delaware Technical Community College, providing theory and clinical instruction, curriculum development and revision, and advisement and mentoring of students, along with handling various committee responsibilities and developing a home healthcare aid program. After Harris retired from Delaware Technical Community College, she worked as a site coordinator for the Salisbury/Cambridge campuses of the Nursing Program for Sojourner Douglas College. She has a BSN from Salisbury State College, MSN from Salisbury State University, a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, and M.Div. from Palmer Theological Seminary. Harris has recently completed a master's in spiritual formation and spiritual direction at Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, Ga. Harris resides in Salisbury, Md., with her husband Ken.
Larry J. Mercardante ’67 has more than 45 years of experience in the construction materials testing, inspection and engineering industry. He has worked in all facets of the business, encompassing many positions throughout his career, from construction inspector to chairman of one of the largest professional service firms in the New York Tri-State area. He has shared his knowledge as an adjunct professor and class instructor at the State University of New York Farmingdale in the Construction Technology Department. He was also a technical instructor at Cooper Union School of Engineering in the Civil Engineering Program. For more than 10 years, Mercardante was selected to be a presenter of quality control inspection/testing at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Eastern Region Airport Engineering Conference held annually in Hershey, Pa. He graduated from Wesley College with an associate degree in business, before earning his BBA in business from Adelphi University. Mercardante honored his late wife Valerie by naming the Home Health Lab at Wesley’s Johnston Hall Health Sciences building in her memory. Mercardante resides in Bay Shore, NY.
Charles H. Toliver IV, currently a partner in the law firm Morris James LLP, is a former two-term judge of the Delaware Superior Court, appointed by the Governor in 1990 and 2002. He also served as assistant city solicitor for the City of Wilmington and worked in a private practice with Leonard L. Williams & Associates and Biggs & Battaglia, as well as serving as treasurer and assistant treasurer of the Delaware State Bar Association and as an associate member of the board on Professional Responsibility of the Delaware Supreme Court before his tenure as Superior Court Judge. Toliver’s civic roles include serving as a member of the board of directors of the Lincoln Club of Delaware and the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is also a former chairman of the Wilmington Housing Authority, and a member of the Delaware Public Employment Relations Board, the Delaware Violent Crimes Compensation Board, the Wilmington Pension Arbitration Board and St. Anthony's Community Center. Toliver received his bachelor of science in history from Hampton Institute and his juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. Toliver has four daughters and resides in Wilmington, Del. with his wife, Vera.
Winter 2017 WESLEY COLLEGE 5
H I GH L I G H T S
Kegs and Eggs
Football Game
Homecoming To view and download these and other photos from Homecoming Weekend, visit flickr.com/wesleycollege
Golden Grads Brunch
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Talent Show
Halftime
Class of 1966 Luncheon
Wolverine Tailgate
5th Quarter Social Event
Homecoming Court
Kegs and Eggs
Winter 2017 WESLEY COLLEGE 7
Photo Credit: Gary Emeigh
Pictured (left to right) Wesley Head Football Coach Mike Drass, Callahan and Wesley Assistant Coach/Offensive Coordinator Chip Knapp.
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F E AT U R E
Pack Attack
Photo credit: Evan Seigle
Since completing his exercise science degree in the spring of 2016, Joe Callahan has been on the ride of his life. That the former Division III quarterback was able to get an invite to an NFL mini-camp last May is remarkable in itself. That he actually made the team is almost unheard of. By JESSICA L. COOK And it all began at Wesley College.
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“I owe a lot of where I am today to Wesley. Wesley was a team that gave me a chance. It was the perfect fit.”
PA C K AT TA C K : J O E C A L L A H A N
O
Photo credit: Evan Seigle
N A MILD AFTERNOON
last November, Joe Callahan was back in a very familiar place. There he was, once again, on Drass Field, in a packed Scott D. Miller Stadium in Dover, Del., as the Wesley College Wolverine football team faced William Patterson University for a chance to secure their second straight NJAC crown. Only this time, instead of being in the game, the former star quarterback was on the sidelines, rooting many of his old teammates on to a 59-14 victory. “I really wanted to come back and support this team and the coaches who have been so instrumental in my development,” Callahan said. It’s not unusual at all for former Wesley football players to come back after their college careers have ended, as Callahan had done on this day. However, it is unusual for them to do so as members of an NFL team. Since completing his exercise science degree in the spring of 2016, Callahan has been on the ride of his life. That the former Division III quarterback was able to get an invite to an NFL mini-camp last May is remarkable in itself. That he actually made the team is almost unheard of. According to the NCAA, every year about 72,788 student athletes play some level of college football. Of those, only about 256 make an NFL roster. An even smaller number of those players come from Division III programs, typically much smaller schools that do not offer athletic scholarships. An NCAA divisional breakdown of the 256 NCAA players selected in the 2015 NFL draft shows: Division I FBS (236), Division I FCS (17), Division II (2), Division III (1). Joe Callahan is one of those very rare players. “Joe is the entire package. If anyone was going to make it, it would be Joe,” said Wesley College Head Football Coach Mike Drass. “Playing in the NFL is a dream come true,” Callahan said. “I never gave up on that dream.” This improbable story of a Division III
football player – once considered too small for even a Division I program – making the NFL would not have been possible, Callahan says, without the invaluable lessons learned on and off the field at his alma mater. “I always knew academics was a top priority when picking a college, and that factored into my decision to go to Wesley,” he said. “The family atmosphere was important to me, and the coaches and faculty really care about you as a student as well as an athlete.” Many Wesley fans are aware of Callahan’s prowess on the football field. As a three-year starter, he compiled a 33-7 record while throwing for 12,852 yards and 130 touchdowns. In 2015 he became the first NCAA Division III quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a season, finishing with 5,068 yards to go along with an incredible 55 touchdowns. As a result, he was awarded the Gagliardi Trophy – Division III’s version of the Heisman Trophy – given to the nation’s most outstanding player. Still, Callahan’s striking statistics and accomplishments didn’t earn him an invitation to one of the NFL’s Super Regional Combines and the opportunity to showcase his skills to pro scouts and coaches. But Callahan persevered and participated in workouts at the University of Delaware and later Monmouth University, where he caught the eye of Green Bay Packers scout Mike Owen. His performance at Monmouth garnered interest from the Packers as well as the Indianapolis Colts. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers was an amazing achievement. But Callahan did more than just make the preseason squad; he dazzled at quarterback in parts of four preseason games, throwing for 499 yards and three touchdowns. The young quarterback displayed a veteran’s poise on his way to posting a passer rating of 88.2 and earning a roster spot as the Packers’ No. 3 quarterback. “Being signed to the 53-man squad was a crazy long shot, but I just kept working hard,” Callahan said.
Callahan, not heavily recruited from high school, appreciates the fact that Coach Drass gave him a shot to play in College. “I owe a lot of where I am today to Wesley,” he said. “Wesley was a team that gave me a chance. It was the perfect fit. I’m very lucky to have found Wesley.” To say the least, Callahan made the most of the opportunity given to him by Wesley College. Today, he is one of very few NFL quarterbacks ever to hail from a Division III program. The very exclusive list includes Augustana (Ill.) College’s Ken Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowl pick with Cincinnati, and Milton (Wis.) College’s Dave Krieg, the former Seattle Seahawks starter. “The entire program is very happy for Joe,” Drass said. “We’re so proud of his amazing accomplishment.” Callahan’s wild ride hasn’t come without its share of adversity. But so far, each setback has been followed by good news. After earning the third-string quarterback spot over the summer with Green Bay, the Packers needed space for healthy returning players and put Callahan on waivers. Fortunately, within hours, Callahan was on his way to the New Orleans Saints, but they too needed to put him on waivers to make room for healthy starters, leading to Callahan’s third NFL team, the Cleveland Browns. Even though Callahan was considered a promising rookie, the Browns found themselves in the same position as other teams, needing room on their roster for returning players. The Packers were waiting patiently as Callahan was put on waivers once again. This time, they signed him to the practice squad and Callahan went back to where it all started. The news got even better on December 17 when the Packers announced that they had signed Callahan to the active roster and on December 22 the team gave him a contract extension through the 2017 season. From Drass Field to Lambeau Field, Callahan’s football fairytale has been filled with a multitude of emotions and locations – and the realization that despite the longest of odds, dreams do come true.
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F E AT U R E
Embracing Innovation Sophia “Sia” Willis Khalfani ’97 wanted to be a doctor. At least that’s what she thought – until she discovered her love of technology while working as an administrator for a multi-physician practice. By THERESA GAWLAS MEDOFF
T
ODAY, KHALFANI is a Network Security Identity and Access Management Engineer (NS IAM Engineer) at a large telecommunications corporation, where she works to ensure that her company’s networks are protected from viruses and hacking. She is challenged regularly to solve complex problems and to stay current with innovations in technology. Cybersecurity can be a high-stakes, high-pressure job. “We are in an age when data is premium,” she says. “It’s vital to secure that data, as well as the hardware and software. Losing data is a
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real liability for a company, which is why it’s so important to protect it.” Actually, medicine and technology have a lot in common, Khalfani says. “Doctors diagnose symptoms and treat patients, while in the computer field you are diagnosing computer problems and treating those issues. Analytically, it’s the same process.” And just as a doctor can feel good about helping a patient, Khalfani is rewarded by helping her colleagues. “In this field, people only come to you when something is wrong, and they’re counting on you to fix it,” she says. “It’s a great feeling to go to work and get high-fived because you made it possible for some-
one to do what they needed to do.” As a woman of color, Khalfani is a rarity in the male-dominated technology field, and she’d like to see that change. To that end, she produced a program that aired on public access radio in New York City until May of this year called “Bits, Bytes, Nibbles and Supercomputers,” featuring women working in technology. And as she has done for years, she continues to volunteer in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs that reach out to girls and children in underserved communities. “We need more women and more people of color in technology,” Khalfani says. “It’s important to bridge the digital divide.”.
“We need more women and more people of color in technology. It’s important to bridge the digital divide!” Winter 2017 WESLEY COLLEGE 13
WESLEY WOLVERINES News and Highlights
SPORTS Wesley Inducts 2016 Athletic Hall of Fame Class
Above & Beyond
On October 7, Wesley College inducted the new Athletics Hall of Fame class during a ceremony that was part of Homecoming Weekend. The 10-member class includes nine former student athletes and one team. For photos of the event visit www.flickr.com/photos/wesleycollege. 14 WESLEY COLLEGE Winter 2017
The 1976 Wesley Football Team Led by Hall of Fame Head Coach Bob Andrus, the 1976 Wesley College football team went 10-0 on the season on its’ way to a Coastal Conference Championship. The team posted the College’s best record as a junior college team and attained the highest national ranking (NJCAA) in Wesley’s junior college program history. Andrus was named Coastal Conference Coach of the Year after his defense allowed just 37 points to conference opponents in seven games combined. The team was led by two All-Americans: Dave Roccio and Wayne Irby. The team was arguably the best JC team in the nation at the time. Caty (Bivins) Beron Women’s Lacrosse Class of 2005 During her playing career, Caty Beron scored 65 goals and passed off 19 assists, graduating second in career points, goals and assists. She still ranks within the top 12 in program history in each area. She graduated as the program leader in ground balls and caused turnovers. She was named to the All-Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) Second Team in 2003 and the All-PAC First Team in 2004. Beron led the Wolverines to its first winning season in program history in 2003. Christo Garavelas Football Class of 2002 Garavelas was a two-time ACFC AllConference offensive lineman and a four-year starter in the trenches for the Wolverines. He was named All-ECAC and given the Ken Pippin Award, presented by the team to its best lineman. He was essential in leading Wesley to a first ever NCAA Tournament appearance as well. Mario Harris Football Class of 2007 Harris was a three-time All-Conference First Team selection at defensive back. He was an ECAC All-Star and appeared in the Aztec Bowl his senior season. Harris was a
two-time Football Gazette All-American, a two-time AFCA All-American and an AP Little All-American. He is currently in the Wesley College record book as fifth alltime in blocked kicks, 13th in interceptions, third in passes defended, sixth in forced fumbles, 12th in total tackles and fifth in unassisted tackles. Billie Jo Hrupsa Field Hockey/Softball Class of 2004 Billie Jo Hrupsa won three PAC Championships as a member of the field hockey team, leading Wesley to three NCAA Tournament appearances. She was a 2004 First Team All-PAC Selection and an All-PAC Honorable Mention in 2002. She was a two-time Academic All-American as a member of the field hockey team and also earned All-PAC honors in softball. Edward “Ned” Hunt Men’s Soccer Class of 2007 Hunt was Wesley’s goalkeeper for a pair of playoff runs. He led the team to a PAC Championship appearance and an ECAC South Tournament Championship in 2004. He was named All-PAC Honorable Mention in 2004 and earned All-PAC First Team honors in 2005. In 2005, he was also selected to the NSCAA All-Region team. After he finished college he was invited to train with English professional team Accrington and Stanley and played semi-pro with Lynch FC. Kevin Kerwood Football Class of 1998 Kerwood was a four-year starter and a team captain during his time with the Wolverines. He led the Wesley defense in tackles for a loss for both the 1994 and 1995 seasons and earned ECAC MVP during his tenure. After his time at Wesley he coached football at Penn Wood High School.
Krista Roosa Field Hockey/Women’s Lacrosse Class of 2003 Krista Roosa graduated as the top goalie in Wesley women’s lacrosse history, holding program records for career saves, singleseason saves and career goals against average. She still ranks first in career GAA and second in career saves. Three of the top four seasons for Wesley women’s lacrosse goalies in GAA belong to Roosa. She earned All-PAC honors in 2003. Roosa played on a pair of ECAC Tournament Teams and one PAC Championship team in field hockey as well. Scott Watras Men’s Lacrosse Class of 2005 Scott Watras was a four-year starter and three-year captain for the Wolverines over the course of the program’s most tumultuous times. He played under four different coaches, and earned the team’s Defensive MVP award twice. He was also a two-time Dave Reynolds Memorial Award winner and a two-time All-PAC First Team Selection on defense. Lindsey Williams Field Hockey Class of 2007 Lindsey Williams ranks fifth all-time in goals (46) and points (101) and was just the third Wolverine to ever score 100 career points. She was a member of two PAC Championship field hockey teams, leading the Wolverines to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. She earned three AllPAC selections, including two First Team selections. Williams was also a two-time NFHCA All-Region Team selection.
FRONT ROW (left to right): Williams, Roosa, Beron and Harris BACK ROW (left to right): Garavelas, Watras, Hunt and Kerwood
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Photo credit: D3 Photography
SPORTS
Wolverines Claim Two National Championships in Historic Showing
F
OUR SHORT YEARS AGO, Wesley College Men’s Track and Field Head Coach Stephen Kimes was rebuilding a program from scratch as he was tabbed with leading the Wolverines’ track and field team. It didn’t take him long to bring the program its first – and second – National Championships. Wesley’s 4x100m relay team, comprised of De’Vaughn Trader, DaJahn Lowery, Anthony Simpson and Greg Taylor, set the pace for the day during the 2016 NCAA Division III Men's & Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 2628 at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. The quartet was dominant from the opening gun, racing ahead of the pack in the first two legs and crossing the finish with a
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record-breaking 40.01 mark. The Wolverines’ finishing time set a new NCAA Championships record and stood as the second-fastest mark ever at the Division III level. Along with the gold medal and the National Championship, the Wolverines’ relay team was granted All-American Honors as well. But the Wolverines were not finished. Just a few hours after winning the National Championship as part of the 4x100m relay team, Wesley freshman Anthony Simpson brought home another national crown. The Baltimore, Md. native sprinted to gold in the 100m dash. Starting in the blocks in lane four, Simpson ran a 10.68 into a strong headwind to top the
competition and earn the first place finish. It was far from his fastest time, but it was enough to take home the crown. His finish marked him as the national champion as well as an All-American. With the two first place finishes combined with Trader’s sixth place finish in the long jump on Thursday, Wesley amassed 23 points as a team. The mark is the team’s highest point total at the National Championships in program history. The two National Championships are the first and second in program history, and just the second and third championships in Wesley athletics history. Chris Noll won the Men’s Golf National Championship in the 2002 season.
Alumni News from WESLEY COLLEGE
CLASS NOTES To post your latest news, visit the alumni website at
www.alumni.wesley.edu or email alumni@wesley.edu for developing and implementing policies and training to help create a safe, secure educational environment conducive to learning. Instructors receive the accompanying teaching supplement, offering detailed guidance on effective training of personnel.”
’74 L TO R: Margaret (Bosely) Eldon ’51, John ‘Jack’ Vaughan ’52, and Barbara (Hall) Schubert ’51
’51
’69
Margaret (Bosely) Eldon ’51, John ‘Jack’ Vaughan ’52, and Barbara (Hall) Schubert ’51 met up for lunch and reminiscing when Margaret’s daughter recently moved to Vero Beach. Her daughter brought her along for the journey to visit with old Wesley friends. They spent their time laughing and reliving fond memories of Wesley.
Jerry Kobassa was selected to enter the 7th Class of the Delaware Legends Basketball Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place March 19, 2016.
’60 Clarence Martin and his wife Carla-Donna Martin celebrated 50 years of marriage June 12, 2016.
’70 Eric Mondschein reported, “In response to the growing problem of bullying and sexual harassment in schools, I worked with Ellery Miller Jr. to co-author a book entitled Sexual Harassment and Bullying—Similar, But Not the Same, published by the Education Law Association. This monograph discusses current legal developments concerning sexual harassment and bullying in K-12. It also examines strategies
Marsha (Silbaugh) McCullough recently shared with the Wesley family, “June 1, 2015 my son started a job as an adult services librarian at Laurel Public Library in Laurel, Del. He has been to Dover a few times for librarian meetings. My husband and I once went through Dover on our way to visit our son. That was the first time in many years that we had passed through town. Boy has it changed. I hope to be able to visit Wesley in the near future to catch up!”
’80 Wendy (Shannon) Nichols shares, “After graduating from Wesley College in 1980, I received my bachelor of science degree from York College of Pennsylvania in 1982. I then began my career as a police officer in Delaware. After working for 33 years as a trooper with the Delaware State Police, I recently retired as a sergeant. I had an extremely successful, rewarding and challenging career. As a re-
tiree, I now enjoy life daily to the fullest. My husband Bob and I recently took a six-week 8,816-mile camping trip across the USA. We have two beautiful, successful and college-educated daughters. I also enjoyed a little mini reunion at Wesley College with Kathy (Megee) Zelinsky ’82, Susan (Shockley) Walker ’81, Alexis (Savoy) Blizzard ’80, and Joan (Axelby) Lloyd ’82.”
’81 Mark Banschbach writes “Happy to share that I have finally published the book I have been working on. Canticle Reflections is a series of meditations or reflections that take the reader through a thought-provoking and reflective journey through the canticles of the Bible. If you are looking for a meaningful, soulful and introspective book, that gives ‘flesh to the words’, then this is your book!”
’83 Joseph R. Slights III was nominated by Delaware Governor Jack Markell to be the next vice chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery. After receiving an associate’s degree from Wesley, Joseph went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and his law degree from Washington Lee.
Winter 2017 WESLEY COLLEGE 17
CLASS NOTES
’13 Aaron Givens recently secured a position at the Delaware Department of Agriculture as a data analyst. After receiving his B.S. in biological chemistry from Wesley, Aaron attended the University of Delaware and earned his M.S. in soil chemistry.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Jennifer Iacono ’02 and Michael Semans; Roxie Lee Dowling; Kira Tieman ’14 and Joel Jean-Simon ‘14; Amy Lipscomb and Shaun Strickland
’02
’07
’12
Jennifer Iacono and Michael Semans got engaged March 30, 2016 at Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. A Feb. 18, 2017 wedding is planned in Felton, Del.
Dr. Patrick J. Scarpello began his new position as Summit Public Schools athletic director on July 1, 2016. In his new role, Patrick is responsible for scheduling games, hiring coaching staff and overseeing all district coaches and programs, in additional to numerous other tasks. Before becoming the athletic director, Patrick served as vice principal at Bolger Middle School in Keansburg, N.J.
Amanda McCandless and John Dowling ’08 of Newark, Del., welcomed a daughter, Roxie Lee Dowling, on Dec. 23, 2015. John is a business support specialist at Bank of America in Newark while Amanda enjoys her time as a stay-at-home mom.
’05 Christopher Miller was recently hired to be one of the assistant men’s lacrosse coaches at the University of Vermont. Miller has seven years of experience and began his coaching career the September after he graduated, when he assisted with Wesley’s team.
’07 Erin (Oliver) Brennan was named Laurel School District’s 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year.
18 WESLEY COLLEGE Winter 2017
’08 Jillian (Tracy) Lontz began her position as Wesley College’s head women’s lacrosse coach in July. Jillian came back to Wesley after starting the women’s lacrosse program and serving as head coach at Delaware State University.
Annie O'Connor graduated from Arcadia's physician assistant program. On July 1, 2016 she began working in the Emergency Room at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital in Dover, Del. Lacey Smith was recently hired to be the new assistant coach of women’s soccer at Colby College in Maine. Lacey brings with her three years of collegiate soccer experience and was a former Women’s Premier Soccer League player.
Amy Lipscomb ’10, M’13 married Shaun Strickland M’13 on June 18, 2016, at The Waterfall in Claymont, Del. The two met at Wesley College while they were in the MAT program. In addition to countless friends and family, several guests from Wesley attended — President Bob Clark and his wife Ruth Ann, and faculty and staff members Dr. Ray Phillips, Mike Drass, Steve Azzanesi ’00, M’04 and his wife Margaux M’05. In addition, alumni in attendance included: Justin Strickland ’09, Nicole DeVito ’11, Anthony ’10 and Danielle (Scelsa) Fabbroni ’09, Jamil ’08 and Colleen ’08 Humes, Allison Heim ’02, and Brett Underwood ’11.
’14 Alyssa Batty was named head coach of Chatham University’s new women’s lacrosse program. Alyssa began her duties on June 1, 2016. The program is expected to make its debut during the 2017-18 season. Kira Tieman and Joel JeanSimon ’14 tied the knot June 5, 2016 in Smyrna, Del. Kira and Joel got engaged the year before. The couple was surrounded by countless friends and loved ones, including alumni. Tori Dunbar ’14, Savannah Durham ’16, and Sharon Kaufman ’13, M’15 were part of her bridal party. Other Wesley attendees included Dr. Cynthia Newton, Jordan Lozzi ’15 and Taylor Mushrush ’13.
CLASS NOTES
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: AnnaMarie Dill ’16 and Keith Perry; Ruth Ann Elston ’16 wedding including (back row left to right); Alex Spaul ’14, John Jackson ’15, Stephanie Malakuskie ’16, Hannah Veasey ’16, AnnaMarie Dill, Elston, Peyton Cluff ’15, Mike Crockett ’15 (bottom row left to right) Ashten Bodofsky ’16, Stephanie Serrapica’16, Jana Dean ’16, Samantha Weber ’16, and Lorrie Bunker-Foy ’16; John Jackson ’15 and Stephanie Serrapica ’16; Stephanie Malakuskie ’16 and fiancé, and Savannah Durham ’16.
’15 Lynn Baglin was recently hired as a registered nurse by Delaware Hospice.
Ruth Ann Elston married Lenny Woerner in a Sept. 10, 2016 ceremony in Media, Pa. Many alumni attended the wedding, including those in the photo above.
IN M EM ORIA M Ruth (Nichols) Mink ’44
Ralph McCoy ’74
Marie (Darcey) Anonsen ’48
Nancy (McGee) Morris ’85
Harold Maloney ’48
James Krail ’94 Mildred (Steele) Hansen ’04, M ’10
John Jackson and Stephanie Serrapica ’16 got engaged during Wesley’s 2015 Homecoming Weekend. They are planning a summer 2017 wedding.
Stephanie Malakuskie got engaged May 7, 2016, after Wesley’s graduation ceremony.
G. Neill Kinnamon ’51
’16
AnnaMarie Dill got engaged to Keith Perry after graduating from Wesley in May.
Herbert Hill ’61
Savannah Durham started Villanova Law School this past fall.
Charles Murphy ’58 Richard Hoch ’60
Bruce Moyer ’62 Barbara (DiMondi) Lewis ’65 Alberta Douglass ’67
Janet Leitch ’06 Kelli Grant ’13 Alainna-Caitlyn Earl ’16 Robert Andrus (former coach and faculty)
Albert Morris ’67
Richard “Dick” Smith (former coach and faculty)
Wendy (Rhodes) RhodesPackard ’72
James Wentworth (former coach and faculty
Winter 2017 WESLEY COLLEGE 19
Institutional News from WESLEY COLLEGE
ADVANCEMENT Dear Alumni and Friends of Wesley, Since becoming the Vice President for Institutional Advancement in September 2016, I have had the opportunity to meet numerous donors. I hope to meet all of you at some point so that I may say thank you in person for your support of Wesley College. We have made a couple of changes to Wesley magazine. First, the Honor Roll of Donors is now accessible online rather than included in this publication, which enabled us to reduce the total number of pages by half.* Second, a majority of recipients now receive the magazine electronically rather than through the U.S. Mail. These changes have helped us realize a sizable cost savings that will allow for more frequent communication with our donors, alumni and friends throughout the year. Of course, we’ll continue to share Wesley College news on our website, www.alumni.wesley.edu, as well as through Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media on a daily basis as these forms of communication are growing exponentially in popularity. Additional financial information for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2016 may be found with the Honor Roll of Donors online. Although the graph pictured shows reduced numbers, that is illustrative of the successful completion of several capital projects, such as the North and South Plazas, Johnston Hall and the new turf at Drass Field. With your generous support, we are in the planning stages of the next great improvements to our campus. Thanks to you, Great Things Await at Wesley College. Best wishes for a successful and happy 2017!
William F. Pritchard Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Wesley College Cash Gifts Capital Projects Restricted Unrestricted Total: $1,923,771
Total: $2,348,779 $367,730
$421,288
$611,078
Total: $1,456,264 $369,764
$1,369,971
$614,603
FY14-15
FY15-16
$551,597 $950,886
FY13-14
$471,897
Wesley College 2015-2016 Total Giving Capital Projects Restricted Unrestricted
$369,764
$471,897
$614,603
$1,456,264 FY14 and FY15 totals differ slightly from previous reporting due to reclassification of certain gifts.
*A printed version of the Honor Roll of Donors is available upon request by contacting the Office of Institutional Advancement at 302-736-2467 or sending an email to advancement@wesley.edu.
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“The scholarship opportunities at Wesley truly make a difference. They allow me to focus on my studies instead of worrying about college debt.” —J ENNIFER JANKOWSKI ’17 (left)
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Do you love Wesley College and believe in its future? Join others who do and become a member of the 1873 Legacy Circle.
What is the 1873 Legacy Circle and who is part of it? The 1873 Legacy Circle honors Wesley supporters who are making a future gift to the College from their wills, retirement plans, or insurance policies. Whether the gift is large or small, people like you make a huge difference through planned gifts to Wesley.
Why are planned gifts important for Wesley? Planned gifts of all sizes help support scholarships, faculty, and specific programs at the College. It’s important to let Wesley know if you have included the College in your plans so we can ensure your gift will be used as you wish, and so we can thank you and welcome you to the 1873 Legacy Circle.
How do I join? To start the conversation visit our special web page: www.1873Circle.org Or, contact Cathy Nosel for a confidential, no-obligation discussion: (302) 736-2410 or cathy.nosel@wesley.edu
wesleycollege.plannedgiving.org