a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends
Vol. 44, No. 1 • Winter 2016
Meeting Pope Francis
Save the Date
View event details and register online at www.alumni.neumann.edu. Friday, February 26
Neumann Knight at the Sixers Wednesday, March 16
Charter/Sponsorship Day Wednesday, March 16
Knight-2-Knight Student & Alumni Dinner Bayada Atrium, Mirenda Center
Saturday, March 19
Parent Breakfast and Our Lady of Angels Tour Saturday, April 2
Seventeenth Annual Scholarship Gala The Please Touch Museum • 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 7
Ninth Annual Alumni & Student Appreciation Celebration — Continuing Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) Friday, May 13
Alumni Induction Ceremony and Graduation Rehearsal Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development
Saturday, May 14
Commencement Monday, June 6 Watch the Alumni Online Community (www.alumni. neumann.edu) for more information on alumni events and networking opportunities.
Twelfth Annual Neumann University Brendan P. Kelly ’87 Celebrity Golf Classic Penn Oaks Golf Course
Various Dates
A series of professional workshops for students, parents, alumni and community members sponsored by the Neumann University Alumni Association.
Accent a magazine for Neumann University alumni, family and friends
Vol. 44, No. 1 • Winter 2016
President
Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D.
f e a ture s Meeting the Holy Father 3 Dr. Mirenda tells her story Honored 4 DeMaria for Courage and Faith ISSCD award to former Notre Dame swimmer
ON THE COVER: Dr. Rosalie Mirenda clasps the hand of Pope Francis with Ambassador Tony Mirenda close behind.
Best Homecoming Ever 16 Something for everyone at NU’s 50th birthday party
Graffiti as Art 21 Alumnus gains international fame with his art
D e p a rt m ent s 3 From the President 4 Around Campus 24 Class Notes
Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations
Henry A. Sumner, M.A., CFRE Executive Director, Marketing and Communications
Stephen T. Bell Director of Publications
Carol DiAntonio Director, Alumni Relations and Special Programs
Judi Stanaitis ’07 ’13 Contributors
Jeffrey Eisenberg Christina Farrell Dr. Joseph Glass Carolyn Seagraves '84 Jill Weigel Photography
Kelly & Massa, Hunter Martin David Jackson Jerry Millevoi Accent Magazine is published two times annually by Neumann University, Office of Public Relations and Marketing, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298. Tel: (610) 558-5549. Copyright by Neumann University. Accent Magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of Neumann University and is printed on recycled paper. Information in this issue was received by 12/31/15. Please send change-of-address correspondence to: Office of Institutional Advancement Neumann University One Neumann Drive Aston, PA 19014-1298 or to alumni@neumann.edu.
Tony and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda await the arrival of the Holy Father with 150 seminarians at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Dr. Mirenda Meets Pope Francis During a whirlwind, six-day trip to the United States, Pope Francis was seen from afar by hundreds of thousands of wellwishers. His television audience was greater still, with prime time exposure on national news programs as well as local outlets in Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia. The number of people who were able to greet the Holy Father personally, however, was much smaller. Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president, and her husband Tony (Neumann’s official Ambassador) were among that select few. Neumann students taught youngsters about St. Francis during the World Meeting of Families.
Sr. Mary Ann McCarthy ’85 (center) and students hold a Pope Francis bobble-head before serving meals to guests at the World Meeting of Families.
Fro m the p re s ident
A Whirlwind Papal Journey Touches Neumann University
A
t the generous invitation of Bishop Timothy Senior, Rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Tony and I left our home in the wee hours of Saturday morning, the 26th of September, to journey through the various checkpoints and arrive at the Seminary hours before Pope Francis was anticipated to arrive. We were grateful for the opportunity to be among the seminarians to welcome our Pope to his home for the weekend. Never, ever did we imagine or consider possible the events that followed. Having been to Rome and the Vatican this past June and having seen Pope Francis preside at the liturgy for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, we could only rejoice that once again we might be in his presence at a place we both love . . . our seminary. The experience moved from total surprise when the seminary staff asked Tony and me to wait by the “red rope” at the very bottom of the front steps leading to the front door of the seminary to joy at the sight of Bishop Senior arriving, stopping right in front of us, followed by the “popemobile” out of which stepped our Pope Francis. Within seconds, Pope Francis stood in our midst and Bishop Senior beckoned Tony and me to approach and be introduced as Neumann University’s president and ambassador. These sudden “reality bites” turned two hearts to beat fast, directed
our hands to reach out and touch his and our voices to whisper “welcome, Pope Francis on behalf of all of Neumann; benvenuto, Papa Francesco!” A few seconds . . . a sacred moment in time that is forever etched in the minds and the hearts of two very grateful pilgrims and memorialized in photos that we hope will serve our children and grandchildren a lifetime of joy, wonder, and beauty grounded in their faith and in their Church. In those few seconds at the bottom of the steps of our seminary, Tony and I experienced with depth the joy, wonder and the beauty of our faith. Grazie, Archbishop Chaput, Bishop Senior, and the staff of World Meeting of Families 2015 — you made it happen here in Philadelphia! Neumann University is grateful. Pace e Bene,
Rosalie M. Mirenda, Ph.D. President
A Final Ode to Family:
‘‘
I pray that our days of prayer and reflection on the importance of the family for a healthy society will inspire families to continue to strive for holiness and to see the Church as their constant companion whatever the challenges they may face. Pope Francis
’’ Winter 2016 3
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Haley Scott DeMaria Inspires Neumann Community Haley Scott DeMaria visited Neumann University on Monday, October 19 to accept the 5th Annual Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award. After surviving a 1992 University of Notre Dame swim team bus crash but being paralyzed from the waist down, Haley defied the odds and the experts as she learned to walk again and compete in the sport she loves. DeMaria’s selection to receive the 2015 Institute Award stems from the faith and perspective she credits with seeing her through the most difficult hurdles in her life. Dealing with the tragic loss of two teammates and the potential for a lifetime of paralysis, she put trust in God and prayer to see her through multiple difficult surgeries and an emotional recovery process. Haley’s strength of spirit embodies the mission of the Institute Award and beautifully represents the deeper perspective on sports explored at the Institute.
“I realized it was going to take more than the swimmer in me to survive,” Haley explained during her acceptance speech. “This is when [my] spiritual journey took root. I started asking ‘why?’ — Why did I heal? Why did I make it back?” Years later, she found guidance on those questions. As she received prayers from across the country following the 1992 accident, and her recovery in turn encouraged so many, DeMaria realized that her story needed to be shared. In that sharing, she has been blessed with the privilege to inspire others, explore the union between sport and faith, and promote the value of prayer. “Keep praying. God listens, but doesn’t always answer in the way we think He should,” DeMaria explained. Indeed, her own story is a testament to that; though Haley’s mother prayed she would not be cold in the immediate aftermath of the bus crash, it was, in fact, her extended time lying helpless in the snow that prevented excessive swelling and may have saved her spine.
DeMaria with the founders of the Institute: Dom DiGiulia, Jimmy Murray, Dr. Leonard DiPaul, and Dr. Robert Palestini. 4 Accent Magazine
by Jeffrey Eisenberg The Institute Award presentation was attended by students, staff, Neumann Board members, Sisters of Saint Francis, and family members of the late Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, in whose honor the Institute Award is given. Later, DeMaria met with a small group of students for an hour-long question and answer session. During that time, she explored subjects ranging from advice on effective care for aspiring nurses, practical lessons for student-athletes seeking to be effective teammates, and the mission of Catholic and Christian colleges in formation of students in mind, body, and spirit. To cap off the evening, Haley offered a special life skills presentation to more than 300 Neumann student-athletes. During her own recovery process, she credited a strong sense of purpose — specifically, to walk and swim again in honor of the two teammates she lost — with giving her the drive to forge ahead in the face of overwhelming odds. For studentathletes, that lesson translates well. As they spend hours working on their sport while balancing many competing demands, purpose and passion, Haley explained, are key. So, too, is balance and perspective. “You have to love what you do to give the passion, time, and commitment it deserves,” Haley advised. “And sometimes, when we don’t win, we need a different perspective.” That perspective, which she gained upon realizing the post-accident physical limitations she would live with (most notably her inability to ever achieve her previous race times), became rooted in the areas of life that matter most. DeMaria advised Neumann community members to always foster faith, family, and friendships, noting that sometimes one of them may falter, but that nurturing all three will offer the strength and resilience for a full life. “Haley Scott DeMaria’s visit was a tremendous gift to Neumann University. Everyone in attendance was mesmerized by her story of perseverance, courage, and faith” said Institute Director Lee DelleMonache ’05. “While Haley’s experience is unique, the lessons learned are transferable to anyone facing a challenge. It was quite moving to see our students approach Haley after her presentations and share how they plan to move forward facing their particular challenges, newly inspired to overcome them.” DeMaria’s day-long visit to Neumann University was the largest Institute Award celebration in its five-year history. Past recipients of the award include Keith Primeau, former captain of the Philadelphia Flyers; Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia; Olympic gold-medalist Ann Donovan; and the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. Haley’s book, What Though the Odds, is currently in pre-production as a feature film and will be only the third ever filmed at Notre Dame. More information on Haley’s journey, including links to her book and her blog, is available at www.HaleyBook.com.
DeMaria spoke to hundreds of students, winning their hearts with her courage, faith and good humor.
Presenting the 2015 Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award to Haley Scott DeMaria (left) is Lee DelleMonache ’05, director of the Institute.
After the presentation, DeMaria mingled with students and spoke to them about her experience.
Winter 2016 5
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Drexel Neumann Academy Honors Neumann University At its annual dinner on October 29, Drexel Neumann Academy honored Neumann University for the support that the University has provided for the Catholic school in Chester. Pictured are H. Edward Hanway, DNA board chairman; James Delaney, chairperson of the Neumann University Board of Trustees; Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, university president; Sr. Maggie Gannon, OSF, DNA president; and Sr. Cathy McGowan, SSJ, DNA principal.
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6 Accent Magazine
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Travers Crowned Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe Ciara Travers, a nursing major, was named Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe on November 28 at the Philadelphia Donegal Association Ball and Mary Selection. The Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe contest is an Irish heritage competition for unmarried young women of Irish descent between the ages of 18 and 27. Criteria include strong character, connection to the Irish community and personal accomplishment. As the Philadelphia winner, Travers receives a $500 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland to compete in the International Mary from Dungloe Festival in County Donegal in the summer of 2016. She was selected from among 11 contestants. A resident of Malvern, Travers won the title on the strength of her community service. She is a presidential ambassador and member of the campus ministry team at Neumann. As part of her campus ministry role, she is the service leader for outreach to House of Joseph II in Wilmington, a center that provides long-term housing and essential support services, including nursing care, to homeless men and women in the advanced stages of AIDS. Last year, she was one of six Neumann students who participated in the Ignatian Teach-In for Justice at Washington, D.C. Students spoke with Congressional staff members to advocate
for immigration reform and policies to address climate change and poverty. Travers also volunteers for Amigos de Jesus, a service organization in Honduras. The group provides a home for more than 130 abandoned and neglected children, some as young as three years old. She helps with fundraising for the group here at home and, two summers ago, traveled to Honduras to work with the children. For the competition, all the finalists were interviewed separately by three judges about the qualities they would bring to the Dungloe festival and their connection to the Irish community. Finally, each had to answer a question on stage in front of the crowd at the association ball, which was held at the Commodore Barry Irish Center. “I was so shocked when they announced the winner,” admitted Travers. “There were contestants from Temple, LaSalle, Villanova and St. Joe’s.” Travers, a junior, has Irish roots in County Leitrim through her father and County Donegal through her mother. She’s looking forward to her trip to the 10-day festival in County Donegal in late July and early August. At that international festival, “there will be 15 to 20 contestants from around the world,” she explained. “We will travel around the county and participate in different festival events.” The Mary from Dungloe Festival is
Ciara, decked out in crown and sash, is flanked by her proud parents, Seamus and Marie.
Ciara Travers (left) poses with the 2015 Philadelphia Mary of Dungloe, Shannon Alexander of St. Joseph’s University.
one of Ireland’s biggest, founded in 1967 and named for a young woman, Mary Gallagher, whose sad love story is told in a traditional song, written by Pádraig Mac Cumhaill, a Donegal stonemason, in 1936. A modified version of the song reached the top of the Irish singles music chart in the late 1960s. This success prompted the creation of the festival. According to legend, the original Mary, a native of Dungloe, was courted by a man from Gweedore (also in Donegal), but her parents refused to let them marry. Her suitor left for America in the fall of 1861, and just two months later, Mary left for New Zealand to join her relatives there. On the boat she met and married another man. The marriage resulted in the birth of a son, but sadly, both Gallagher and her child died within a few months. The Donegal Association of Philadelphia is a charitable and cultural organization that was founded in 1888 and traces its roots back to County Donegal. There are similar chapters in the United States and other countries. According to the association’s website, the group formed in the late 1800’s to take care of immigrants who were in need of aid and comfort. The vast influx of immigrants during those years prompted the growth of various Irish social societies in the United States. Winter 2016 7
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On the Air. On the Rocks. On the Job. Neumann Media Mixes Utility and Utopia by Dr. Joseph Glass Policymakers and pundits are popping the question: What is the purpose of a college education? The decision to build skills or build souls is at the heart of the current tension on campuses across America, according to Kwame Appiah. In his September New York Times Magazine essay, “College at the Crossroads” the NYU Philosophy Instructor describes the current climate as a battle between Utility U. and Utopia U. “If Utility U. is concerned with value, Utopia U. is concerned with values,” Appiah says. For 50 years Neumann University has blended value and values. In business terms, Catholic and Franciscan may be the two words that best describe Neumann’s corporate philosophy, but value and values may best describe the institution’s deliverables. Ask sophomore Erin Martz, editor of Neumann’s monthly magazine the Joust, whose September day started in classroom 317 of the Bachmann Building attending a communication class with Associate Professor Dr. Joe Glass, and ended, with two additional Neumann students, in the West Wing of the White House with an on the record question and answer session with Press Secretary Josh Earnest. Ask recent graduate Reggie Coleman ’15 whose classroom experience with Instructor Sean McDonald inspired him to apply what he learned and, along with two other students, create “Showtime Sports” a Neumann Sports Network (NSN) program produced in conjunction with Neumann athletics. This fall his team received a Student EMMY for Best OnAir Talent awarded by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of 8 Accent Magazine
Neumann Media students and General Manager Sean McDonald ’08 ’11 (front left) with WMMR’s Preston and Steve.
Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Ask senior Danielle Koyles whose NeuTube program “Cyberella” was among just four in the Arts and Entertainment/ Cultural Affairs category to receive an EMMY nomination. Through Neumann Media, Danielle was able to direct the program and lead a team of student writers and actors. Finally, ask junior Matt Popo whose experience typifies that of the 125 members of Neumann Media. He’s part of the crew producing “Neumann on the Rocks” a live broadcast of Neumann Radio — WNUW (98.5 FM) highlighting local musicians. The experience gives Matt the chance to integrate professional behavior, apply academic theory, and practice in-demand media skills. Neumann Media members must be responsible and respectful while striving for excellence; they must dress, speak and act appropriately as they interact with guests and audience members in order to represent Neumann in a positive manner. Members achieve proficiency in live sound set-up, mixing, remote broadcasting, and demonstrate an understanding of FCC regulations. Though “On the Rocks” is a radio program Neumann Media members understand industry convergence — today, it’s never just radio, or just print, or just TV. Students use social media as professionals to promote the event,
run a video live stream on NeuTube concurrent with the radio feed, engage in photojournalism to report and archive, separate and index the audio track for later broadcast. In addition they will edit the audio, video, and photographs for a variety of uses in news reports and public relations. They will interview the artists, guests and other sources for cross-platform news stories and reviews. Finally, they will tag these stories, audio/video clips and photos with metadata and post them to the Neumann Media website. Whether they come through an interest in the Joust, Neumann Sports Network, NeuTube, or WNUW Radio, Neumann Media provides all students with practical, hands-on training, real-world scenarios that fit any schedule, mentoring, and oneon-one coaching. Students sharpen their skills — they learn what they can do. Students nurture their souls — they see who they can be. And it pays off. Former Neumann Media students are currently working at ABC-7, CBS Radio, Comcast Spectacor, Saatchi & Saatchi, iHeart Media, the Rachel Ray Show, and the Philadelphia Union. Skills and souls; value and values; utility and utopia. What is the purpose of a college education? At Neumann University the answer is all of the above.
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Neumann and Widener Accelerate Path to Law Degree Neumann University and Widener University Delaware Law School have created an articulation agreement that will give Neumann first-year students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and a juris doctor degree in just six years. The first three years of study will be at Neumann. During this time, students must successfully complete all major and core curriculum requirements, 75 percent of their bachelor's degree requirements, and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The last portion of this 3+3 program will be at Delaware Law for students who meet the school’s LSAT standard (at least the median score for entering Delaware Law students) and admission requirements for character and fitness. At the completion of one year of successful full-time study at Delaware Law, students will receive a Neumann bachelor’s degree. They may then continue legal studies full-time (the 3+3 plan) or part-time. “For Neumann University students interested in the legal profession, this agreement provides an accelerated path to a juris
doctor degree with a respected local law school,” said Dr. Lawrence DiPaolo, Neumann’s vice president for academic affairs. “Neumann University is excited about offering this opportunity to all students who are considering the legal profession.” Delaware Law Dean Rod Smolla said he was pleased to see the two schools enter the agreement. “Students who take advantage of this will be choosing an academic path that provides enormous opportunities for meaningful lives. We are confident a solid undergraduate foundation from Neumann University coupled with our robust program at Delaware Law School can lead to engaging careers,” he said. This agreement, an early admission program at Neumann University, will begin in fall 2016. For more information about the 3+3 program, email neumann@neumann.edu or call the Office of Admissions at 610-558-5616.
Dr. Rodney Smolla, dean of the Widener University Delaware Law School, signs the agreement for a 3+3 program with Neumann University as Dr. Lawrence DiPaolo, Jr., Neumann’s vice president for academic affairs, looks on. Standing are Dr. Jerry Greiner, interim provost at Widener; Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president; Barbara Ayers, Esq., assistant dean for admissions at Delaware Law; and Dr. Stephen Wilhite, Widener’s interim president.
Winter 2016 9
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Greccio Live Nativity The Live Nativity was first staged in 1223 when a group of friars, organized by St. Francis of Assisi, led a singing throng of local residents to Greccio, a simple monastery in the heart of Italy, to reenact the birth of Christ. Students, faculty and staff kept the tradition alive in an annual event, sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry.
Sleep-Out for the Homeless
On November 20, approximately 30 students spent the night outdoors, sleeping in cardboard boxes, to bring attention to the plight of the homeless in America. The evening began with a prayer service in front of the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development.
10  Accent Magazine
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A gift to Neumann makes
THAT BIG
of a difference?!!!
YOU BET!
Gifts of all sizes from Neumann alumni, parents, family and friends make a BIG difference to Neumann students. Gifts to The Neumann Fund support student scholarships, fund research projects, support campus programs and events and help the University continually improve campus technology.
Give today! Believe in Neumann! www.neumann.edu/give Winter 2016  11 
The volleyball team finished 9-2 in conference play and made it to the Colonial States Athletic Conference championship game.
Ath l etic s
Volleyball Steps Up as Ace of the Fall Season The volleyball team made it to the CSAC championship game, where they fell 3-0 to Cabrini College. Neumann finished the season 16-20 overall and 9-2 in conference action.
Rachael Hoffman was named the CSAC Rookie of the Year and earned second team All-Conference honors. Julia Malseed received first team honors. Anna Waltz and Kat Wolf joined Hoffman on the second team.
Malseed led the Knights with 340 kills and 416 digs. The senior also tallied 45 service aces. Waltz added 336 kills and 376 digs with 53 service aces. Wolf handed out 1,151 assists, 341 digs and a team high 65 service aces. Hoffman led Neumann with 61 blocks while adding 300 kills.
Andrew Kelly (22) was named to the All-Conference second team in men’s soccer. The team qualified for the postseason for the ninth straight year.
12  Accent Magazine
Ath l etic s
The field hockey team went 9-9 in 2015. Becky Guinto and Becca Wallace were named to the All-Conference first team.
Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team went 6-10-2 overall and 4-4-1 in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) action in 2015. The Knights made it to the CSAC semifinals, qualifying for the postseason for the ninth straight season. Abu Donzo and Andrew Kelly were named second team All-Conference. Jake McDevitt and Christian Cortese received honorable mention. McDevitt led the Knights with five goals and an assist for 13 points. Three of his goals were game-winners. Shane Smith played over 1,000 minutes with a goals-against-average of 0.60 and six shutouts.
Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team went 3-13-1 overall and 3-8 in conference action in 2015. Jamie King led the Knights with seven goals and two assists for 16 points. Alexa
DeRose had five goals and four assists for 14 points. Kristen Montgomery was in net for almost 1,500 minutes and made 105 saves.
championship. Mayers ran a 24:54.8 while McCloskey finished with a time of 25:55.3 in the final meet of the year.
Women’s Tennis
Field Hockey
The women’s tennis team went 4-11 overall and 2-8 in conference action. The duo of Talene Brinker and Sarah Schroeder picked up seven wins in the first doubles slot. Briner and Schroeder each picked up five wins in singles play.
The field hockey team went 9-9 overall and 3-4 in CSAC action. Becky Guinto and Becca Wallace were named first team All-Conference. Alexa McIntyre and Jessica Harrell received second team honors and Chelsea Kulesza was named honorable mention. Guinto led the Knights with 11 goals and eight assists for 30 points. Two goals were game-winners. The junior also had seven defensive saves to lead the team. Harrell tallied 10 goals and three assists for 23 points and three game-winner goals. Wallace spent over 1,000 minutes in net and had a 1.66 goals-against-average and two shutouts.
Cross Country Takeem Ford led the men in 2015. Over the season, he shaved almost three minutes off of this 8K time. At the CSAC championships, he finished 14th overall with this best time of 31:03.8. Leigha Mayers and Brenna McCloskey paced the Knights on the women’s side. Both improved their times throughout the season and ran their best in the 5K at the CSAC
Winter 2016 13
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Ovations for the Delaware County Symphony
The Delaware County Symphony performed four concerts, including a special production for children, during the fall semester.
The Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe invited audience members on stage to learn more about Native American culture. 14  Accent Magazine
Meghan Hickey and Michael Zurawski, as Luisa and El Gallo in the University Players’ November production of The Fantastiks.
a round c a m p u s Once again, the Delaware County Symphony transformed the Meagher Theatre into nirvana for music lovers, earning the passionate applause of audiences throughout the fall semester. From a season-opening chamber concert featuring works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Edward Elgar in September to their full-symphony December performance that blended Samuel Barber, Frederick Delius and Cesar Franck, the Symphony generated deep emotional responses and standing ovations. Along the way, the orchestra shared its interpretations of works by Wolfgang Mozart and Jean Sibelius as well as delighting a full house with a special children’s concert in November. Accomplished guest conductors included Joseph Caminiti and Brian Cox. Dr. C. Michael Kelly added expert commentary at the October performance. In addition to classical music, the fall program offered a variety of productions that were educational and entertaining. Through music, songs, dances and stories, the Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe opened minds and hearts to the beauty of Native American culture. Their colorful clothing and interaction with the audience, including youngsters from St. Francis De Sales School, created unforgettable moments on stage. An Afternoon with Frank Sinatra and Friends played to an overflow crowd, thanks in large part to St. James High School alumni turning out to see one of their own perform. The energy was electric in the theater with the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ol’ Blue Eyes just a month away. The popular theatrical performance of the fall was the University Players’ production of the classic musical, The Fantastiks. Brian Kavanagh directed a mix of current students and alumni in a sensitive and moving production of the story of young lovers whose fathers try to keep them apart. Add to this mix a program on the history of magic, a faculty concert by coloratura soprano Yukiko Ishida, a rousing performance by the University Jazz Band, and a Cultural Arts Forum Fashion Show to see why the arts are alive and well on campus.
S av e t h e D at e
Evening in
NEW YORK CITY Friday January 6, 2017
Winter 2016 15
2015
g n i m o c e m Best Ho
Gianivelisse Sherwood and Chadwick Johnson were selected as queen and king of homecoming. Below: Dr. Rosalie Mirenda (center) with the six alumni award winners: Elizabeth Sushereba ’88, William Pezzotti, Jr. ’05, Bruce Egan, Jr. ’03, Scott Bogard (accepting for Richard Boulay, Jr. ’04), Sr. Margaret Gannon, OSF, and Sr. Linda DeCero, OSF ’01.
The 2015 Homecoming and Family Weekend was more than a celebration of alumni, students and parents. This year, the five-day event was a prolonged birthday party in honor of the university’s 50th anniversary. The festivities got underway with the 10th Annual King and Queen Homecoming Pageant on Thursday, October 15. After a showcase of extraordinary talent by a host of students in front of a packed house in the Fred P. Meagher Theatre, Chadwick Johnson and Gianivelisse Sherwood were crowned king and queen. Both appeared at events throughout the weekend, proudly wearing the crowns and sashes that identified them as the winners.
Plenty of good food drew crowds throughout Saturday afternoon to a Taste of Neumann.
Fireworks, now a tradition at homecoming, are always a crowd favorite. 16 Accent Magazine
Friday’s President’s Scholarship Reception gave students the opportunity to meet and thank the donors, whose generosity makes it possible for them to pursue their dreams of a college degree. Fireworks followed the reception, as well as a new addition to the homecoming schedule — a bonfire in front of the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development. The evening drew to a close with a MidKnight Madness Pep Rally at the Center. As usual, Saturday was the highlight of the weekend. Two lectures launched the day, drawing scores of alumni to campus with popular speakers. Reverend Dan Horan, OFM, delivered the Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction Lecture entitled “The Name of God Is Relationship.” Shortly afterward, Colleen Pedrotty, MSHA, MSN, RN, CEN, SANE, engaged the crowd at the 10th Annual Philadelphia General Hospital Endowed Nursing Lecture with remarks on “Recognizing and Caring for Victims of Sexual Abuse.” The Birthday Picnic, featuring the Taste of Neumann Food Court, drew an enormous crowd. While most people came for food and friendship, the presence of other activities helped swell the number on campus: three athletic contests, a program on genealogy, theology on tap, a gathering of legacy families, and a reception for the Class of 2015, Neumann’s newest graduates. At the picnic, the Alumni Association distributed more than 1,550 T-shirts, the design of which was selected through voting on social media.
Ever !
Colleen Pedrotty
Alumni Awards After a family Mass at Our Lady of Angels Convent, the focus shifted to Community Hall, site of the Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner. Six alumni awards were presented, and four graduates were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Richard C. Boulay, Jr. ’04. Boulay is the vice president and general manager of Chesapeake Whalertown, award-winning sellers of Boston Whaler boats. He now sits on the board of directors for Marine Trades Association of Maryland and is consultant to the Boston Whaler design team. While at Neumann, Boulay was captain of the men’s lacrosse team. After graduation he has continued to be part of the growth of men’s lacrosse, assisting in admissions endeavors and serving as a Neumann ambassador in Maryland. Sister Linda M. DeCero, OSF ’01, received the Alumni Association Recognition Award, presented to outstanding alumni who have shown dedication and devoted service to the university. Sr. Linda has worked at Neumann since 1996 and currently serves as the director of Pastoral Service. She assists as a pastoral presence in student conduct hearings, responds to any and all medical emergencies, provides support for resident
assistants (RAs) with mission-oriented programming, and plans evenings of reflection for the RAs. Sr. Linda also serves as the chaplain for three teams and advisor for the gospel choir. Bruce D. Egan, Jr. ’03 received the Alumni Association John Neumann Award. This award is presented to outstanding alumni who, through professional development and community service, exemplify the values of the university. Egan is assistant chief of EMS for the Crozer-Keystone Health System. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Neumann and as EMS captain at the Aston Township Fire Department. He is the former owner of Onsite Medical, a medical transport company. The 2015 Honorary Alumni Award was presented to Sr. Maggie Gannon, OSF, president of Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester, Pennsylvania. In 2005 St. Katharine Drexel School was scheduled to close because of financial difficulties and declining enrollment. Collaboration among the Archdiocese, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, and Neumann University created an independent, Catholic school with a Franciscan spirit. In 2007, the school opened under Sr. Maggie’s leadership.
Students danced in front of the Mirenda Center while they were waiting for the fireworks and bonfire.
Continued on page 18
Daniel Horan, OFM
Scholarship recipients gathered for a group photo at the President’s Scholarship Reception in the Bayada Atrium of the Mirenda Center.
Winter 2016 17
ve E g in m o c e m o H Best
r!
Continued from page 17
William M. Pezzotti, Jr. ’05 received the
Young Alumni Achievement Award, which is presented to young alumni in recognition of outstanding professional achievement while upholding the values of the university. After earning a B.S. in nursing, Pezzotti completed his MSN at Thomas Jefferson University. He is currently a critical care nurse practitioner with Penn Medicine at Chester County Hospital. Previously, he worked as an RN at Christiana Hospital, specializing in ER/ trauma and critical care transport. He also serves as a volunteer and member of the U.S. Medical Reserve Corps in Newark, DE. Dr. Rosalie Mirenda bestowed the President’s Distinguished Alumni Award on Elizabeth Greer Sushereba, MSN, CNM ’88. The award is presented to outstanding alumni who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to the university. Sushereba is a certified nurse midwife at Christiana Health Care System and president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, Delaware affiliate. She has volunteered in Zambia, Guatemala and Morocco.
Hall of Fame New inductees into the university Athletic Hall of Fame were: Judy Allen — Allen became the university’s women’s tennis coach in 1981 and, a few years later, took the men’s tennis program under her wing as well. For 17 years — from 1981 to 1998 — she led both programs. Teaching the game and art of tennis to students, Allen influenced scores of young men and women who loved the game.
Rachael DiCicco ’09
— In 2008 DiCicco led the field hockey team to its first conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance, earning MVP recognition for the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) tournament and CSAC Player of the Year. She graduated as the second leading goal scorer in school history and today still ranks fourth overall. She still ranks first in Neumann field hockey history with 8 game-winning goals. Donald Seeger ’01 — Seeger led the Knights to the school’s only Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship, winning the men’s lacrosse title in 1999. Individually, Seeger set the bar for achievement in Neumann lacrosse. He still holds the school records for most points scored with 218, total goals with 165, and most “man-up” goals with 15. He ranks second alltime in points per game with 8.07. Rahim Washington ’04 — Washington was the leader of some of the most successful men’s basketball teams in Neumann history, reaching the conference championship game twice. Athletic Director Charles Sack described Washington as “the heart and soul of those teams.” Washington ranks third all-time in scoring, second all-time in steals and fourth all-time in scoring average. When he graduated he was also second all-time in assists. The homecoming festivities wrapped up with Faculty Follies on Saturday night, the Massey Breast Cancer 5k Fun Run / 1k Fun Walk on Sunday, and the Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development Award (story on page 4-5) on Monday.
The Class of 2015 had a wine and cheese reception to celebrate their graduation and record-breaking class gift.
Plan Your
Reunion Now for
Homecoming 2016
All class year reunions are being planned now for Homecoming 2016. To initiate a reunion or to be part of a committee, please email Judi Stanaitis at stanaitj@neumann.edu or call 610-558-5544. class of 1971 45 years class of 1976 40 years class of 1981 35 years class of 1986 30 years class of 1991 25 years
Inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame were Rahim Washington ’04, Rachael DiCicco ’09, Sarah Kurpel (accepting for Judy Allen), and Donald Seeger ’01.
18 Accent Magazine
class of 1996 20 years class of 2001 15 years class of 2006 10 years class of 2011 5 years class of 2016 1st year reunion
AL U M N I N E W S
Fashion Show
Alumni Chapters
Estefani Vivanco ’12 was one of several alumni who strolled the runway during the annual Cultural Arts Forum Fashion Show at Penn Oaks Golf Club. The event raised money for the Margaret Mary Kearney Scholarship.
Now Forming Dear Alumni, Individually, as alums of Neumann University, we are powerful ambassadors. Collectively, we are even stronger. With this in mind, the Neumann University Alumni Association invites graduates to consider getting re-involved with their alma mater through chapters. Chapters form because of a common geographic area, academic similarity or other common denominator with the sole purpose of encouraging an organized effort of its members to be more knowledgeable about and actively supportive of Neumann University, our current students and all alumni. With the support of the Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Relations, chapters sponsor programs, educational workshops, reunions, and activities for their constituents. If you are interested in joining a current chapter or forming a new one, please visit www.alumni.neumann. edu/chapter.
Happy New Year!
Judi Stanaitis ’07 ’13 Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement
Show your pride on your ride The NU Alumni Association is taking orders for the Pennsylvania Specialty “Neumann University” license plate. Ordering your plate is easy and just $35.00! Visit www.neumann.edu/ specialtyplate for more information and to place your order, or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 610-558-5544.
Winter 2016 19
President’s Thanksgiving Reception
Members of the Guardian Angel Society were honored at the President’s Thanksgiving Reception. Guardian Angels have included the university in their will. Standing are Lisa Roberts Cadorette ’89, Elizabeth Mullen, Larry S. Friedman, Dr. Sandra M. Weiss, and Donald J. Weiss, Esq. Sitting are Judith B. Wentz ’75, Sr. Christa M. Thompson, OSF ’69 Ph.D., Bonnie C. Stufflet ’73, Carolyn A. Stankiewicz ’77, Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda, and Mr. Anthony D. Mirenda.
Leadership gift donors to In Giving We Receive, the 50th Anniversary Campaign were recognized at the President’s Thanksgiving Reception in November. 20 Accent Magazine
McIlwaine ’04 Philadelphia is home to more than 3,000 colorful murals that attract thousands of visitors each year, and Neumann University is connected to several of these paintings — ones created by Alloyius McIlwaine ’04. This creative alumnus has put Neumann on the art world map, and he is not stopping anytime soon. Continued on page 22
McIlwaine’s mural Twister is in Philadelphia.
Winter 2016 21
If I Blue Your Mind
Beware the Burst
Colorful 22 Accent Magazine Rebirth
Reclaim the Classroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, has a three-dimensional look.
Sitting at the helm of his company, Cultures Clothing, McIlwaine has not only painted murals across the country and overseas, but also developed his own clothing line. He graduated with a business degree but was hard at work crafting his future in art while he was a Neumann student. Looking to make extra money while in school, he started designing hand-painted T-shirts. “I was approached about making T-shirts for a sports team and I was looking for ways to make money while I was on campus,” McIlwaine recalled. The Neumann men’s basketball team wanted customized shirts based on their nicknames. These shirts were custom-made and handpainted. McIlwaine delivered and the orders began flooding in. That was when he knew he was on to something big. While attending high school at Friends Select in Philadelphia, McIlwaine started getting into street art including graffiti and pop art. He considers himself a self-taught artist. Drawing has always been his go-to activity as a child. “When my mom wanted to calm me down, she would have me draw something,” he said. McIlwaine did his first mural in 2012. In addition to the 16 murals he painted in Philadelphia, he has three murals in Paris, France, and single works in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Miami. “I still can’t believe I’m getting paid to paint on walls,” he laughed. Along with designing and painting murals, McIlwaine is also an accomplished photographer and clothing designer. “They all work hand in hand. The mural money goes to fund the clothing,” McIlwaine said. The clothing line got a jump start with a gift from McIlwaine’s mother. On his graduation day from Neumann University, his mother purchased a domain name and hosting for a website. He decided it was time to take his clothing line to the next level. “It was a long learning process. It’s hard getting your feet wet in the business world. Professor (John) Wong helped me with my business plan, but when you get out there in the field actually doing it, it’s a whole different animal,” he explained.
A l u m ni p ro f i l e
Trending Career: Fashion Entrepreneur
Continued from page 21 McIlwaine got his clothing onto Facebook when the social media site was only just starting to become a hit, and experimented with marketing tactics. He soon gained support and a following. In 2012, McIlwaine launched a Kickstarter campaign to grow his business. Kickstarter helps artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and other creators find the resources and support they need to make their ideas a reality. To date, tens of thousands of creative projects — big and small — have come to life with the support of the Kickstarter community. McIlwaine runs Cultures Clothing, which was founded in 2000, from an office in West Philadelphia. The line includes high fashion, urban wear, and everything in between for men, women, and children. The goal of the company is to show that all nationalities, cultures, and social groups have something interesting or beautiful about them and to convey these pleasing aspects to help people learn more about each other. In order to do this, Cultures Clothing highlights visual aspects of a variety of cultures in its clothing design. The company also places, on the back of each clothing tag, a fact about a culture that is probably unfamiliar to the customer. “If I think a design on a piece of clothing is geared more toward one demographic, I’ll try to do the complete opposite thing on the tag, so people can learn a new fact about another culture.” McIlwaine said. “I have my clothing in boutiques. I sell most of my clothing online, and most of my sales are from overseas,” he added. This artist is truly omnipresent. He currently has a screensaver design on Google Chromecast, and one of his long terms goals is to paint a mural in every state in the USA. “I want both my art and clothing to be international. That’s my ultimate goal,” McIlwaine explained. McIlwaine recalls that he was lucky enough to have gone to a school where it was instilled in him at an early age to appreciate and learn about different cultures. He saw many similarities between the Quaker philosophies he learned in high school and the Franciscan principles that he witnessed at Neumann University. Those ideals are incorporated into all of his projects. “We are more alike than we are different,” he says. For more information about Alloyius McIlwaine visit his websites: www.culturesclothing.com and www.alloyiusmcilwaineart.com.
Terrance Clark ’14 is another Neumann University alumni who has started his own clothing design company. In what seems to be a NU trend, Clark also began designing T-shirts while he was a student. Today, Clark heads Limitless La Vie, a non-profit clothing company that has a strong focus on social impact. Clark describes himself as a self-taught graphic designer. He honed those skills while making his T-shirts that were called “Kicks & Culture” during his Neumann years. While at Neumann, Clark played varsity basketball and majored in sport management but had a deep desire to venture out on his own. “I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” he said. According to his company’s website, “La Vie,” French for “The Life,” represents a lifestyle that is truly limitless when one lives life with a purpose. Through the sales of the clothing line, Clark’s company is able to create opportunities and support organizations with similar missions. Clark has gotten his entire family involved in Limitless La Vie, which was founded in 2013. His brother Aaron, sisters Amani and Alexi (all under the age of 26), and mother Allison are involved in various capacities. Clark and his siblings grew up attending the Greater Newark (DE) Boys and Girls Club. When they decided to become a company that gives back, they didn’t need to look far. For the past four years, they have supported and donated funds to the Club’s basketball tournament — Cecil’s World Classic, held in memory of Cecil Bond (a friend who died tragically due to gun violence). Limitless La Vie has been primarily producing T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and sweatpants but is on the verge of launching its first collection for young professionals. According to Clark, this new line of clothing will be produced with all sustainable fabrics. “We don’t set any limitations of what we can do,” Clark explained. “I want to do what people think is unattainable.” For more information about Clark’s clothing line, visit his website at www.limitlesslavie.org. Winter 2016 23
c l a s s note s
1970
2000
Sr. Ann Marie Slavin, OSF, ’71, B.A., was
Shannon Mortimer, ’00, B.A., ’08, M.S., is the benefits and immigration
selected as the congregation’s (Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia) honoree at the Franciscan Federation Annual Conference.
Kathleen Moran,’77, B.S., recently received her master’s degree in nursing. Roberta Pichini, ’77, B.S., has been named a Best Lawyer in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, one of the legal professions oldest and most respected peerreview publications. She was named as one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers of Pennsylvania.
1990 Margaret Sullivan-Rogowski, ’90, B.S.,
traveled in October with Global Health Ministry as a healthcare volunteer with 40 other medical and non-medical professionals to Chulucanas, Peru, to provide surgical services to the local area and remote parts of the Sierras. She was a member of the Surgical Pediatric Plastics Team and General Surgery Nursing PACU Team. They operated out of a small general hospital in Chulucanas, working side-by-side with Peruvian medical professionals. The surgical services provided included GYN, general surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery. In the two weeks they were there, they performed 118 surgeries and saw 782 patients.
Joseph Giunta, ’93, B.A., was hired as the director of Athletics and chair of Physical Education at Dickinson College. Edward Federico, ’98, B.A., has accepted
a position as the associate director of communications at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
24 Accent Magazine
Jennifer Furniss, ’05, B.A., was in the top
administrator at Chatham Financial. She is currently manages all benefits, immigration and visas worldwide for her company. She is working on her Global Mobility Specialist designation, which is expected later this year. She most recently became a World Cultures Expert with emphasis in the United Kingdom, Poland, Singapore and Australia, and will be working on other country designations this year.
Maria Rolston, ’01, B.S., ’04, M.S., who
currently heads up Employee Development at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, was named CU Times Woman to Watch. CU Times is a major trade journal for credit unions. Grace Kalbach, ’03, B.A., and her husband
Miles, published a children’s book. The book is titled “There’s Something Strange About Robbie” and has a funny moral tale told in rhyming verse and a smattering of hidden references throughout. The official website is strangerobbie.com.
ten out of 50 teachers selected from the entire United States to receive the 2015 Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children’s Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Award.
Theresa M.J. Williams, ’05, B.A., and her husband Carl, welcomed their first child, a boy named Chase, in May 2014. Dr. Christopher R. Shearer, ’03, M.S., ’07, DPT, Dr. Angelo L. Labrinakos, ’05, M.S.,‘07, DPT, and Dr. Darren A. Rodia, ’05, M.S., ’07, DPT, owners of Kinetic Physical
Therapy in Chester Springs, PA, have been awarded the American Physical Therapy Association/Private Practice Section Private Practice of the Year for 2015. This distinguished honor is given to only one private practice in the United States every year. The therapists are thrilled that their colleagues across the country have noticed their achievements and chose them for this prestigious award.
Brian Chesnick, ’07, B.S., MaryAnn Wallen, ’04, B.A., received
the Diocese of Wilmington Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing her work with students at Padua Academy in Wilmington, DE. The award, given annually to members of the community who are making a difference, shines a light on the best and the brightest leaders in youth ministry.
and his wife Kelly, welcomed their first child, Brayden Mark, in August 2015.
Jeff Cordner, ’07, M.S., and his wife Ellie,
adopted a little girl in March.
John Mancinelli, ’07, M.A., Alumni
Executive Board, and his wife Alisha, Neumann University Cheerleading coach, welcomed Gia Rose Mancinelli into the world.
c l a s s note s Richard Behr, ’08, B.S.,
and his wife welcomed a baby girl, Mia, on March 11, 2015.
Amanda Pettinati, ’08, B.A., and husband,
Jason Locklear, welcomed son, Jackson, on January 20, 2015. Abilgail Bilski-Schetter, ’08, B.A., married William Schetter, ’07, B.A.,
on November 1, 2014.
Kenneth Waters,’08, M.S., was appointed
as the director of education at the Center for Literacy. Joseph Dolan, ’09, B.S., married
Katy Nowicki on August 22 during a ceremony at St. Patrick’s Holy Angels Parish, Woodbury, NJ. The couple reside in Missouri. Rebecca Nicoletti, ’09, B.A., and her
husband welcomed their second daughter, Annalina, into the world on June 5, 2015. She joins big sister Sarafina, who was born September 28, 2013. George Stephen Williams, ’09, B.S., is among those honored in the Chains Inc. second annual 40 Under 40 list. The award recipients, culled from about 150 nominees, were selected based on their educational and professional accolades, mentoring abilities and long-term positive impact on Delaware.
2010 Henry Hunt, ’10, M.S., was hired as the new
athletic director for Central Bucks High School West.
Nicholas Piccone,’10, B.S., formerly editorin-chief of Philly sports blog, BleedPhilly. com, recently launched a joint venture with former 97.5 The Fanatic sports talk show host Sean Brace called PhillyInfluencer. com. It highlights sports stories, local and national, by using daily articles, podcasts and videos. Nicholas also writes about professional wrestling for PhillyVoice.com. Caitlin Curran, ’11, B.S., is a Certified
Athletic Trainer at Northern Virginia Community College. She is a volunteer EMT with the Burke Fire and Rescue Department in partnership with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and was named 2014 Rookie of the Year.
Kimberly Galandak-O’Connor, ’11, B.A., graduated from Eastern University with a master of science Non-Profit Management degree in 2014. She currently holds the position of director of education at The Nature Museum of Grafton, VT. She and her family now live in southern Vermont in village of Bellows Falls.
Matthew Tendler, ’12, B.S., was hired as Neumann University’s head men’s ice hockey coach. Cortney Brooks, ’13, B.A., was promoted
in May 2015 to video operations coordinator at AccuWeather in State College, PA.
Stephanie Fortunato, ’13, M.S., will be serving as president-elect of Alpha Omega Nu honor society for the coming year 2015-16 and as president of the chapter for 2016-17. Alpha Omega Nu is a chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society. Lynn Mahoney, ’13, B.S., was hired by the World Meeting of Families as a consultant. As the customer relations coordinator, she was responsible for handling donor inquiries for 1.5 million direct mailing customers. Sharon Rupert, ’13, B.S., married J.
David Gunning after 11 years of dating on September 27, 2014 at Leverington Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA.
Francesca Altamuro, ’12, B.S., was
promoted to clinical manager at Bayada Pediatrics.
Joseph Larkins, ’12, B.A., was hired as a
full-time police officer by Ocean Township, New Jersey Police Department. Officer Larkins is sworn in by Mayor Christopher Sciliano. His mother, Jonita Larkins, holds the Bible.
Theresa Leszkowicz, ’12, B.A., married Aaron Leberfinger on July 12, 2014 at Saint Joseph Church in Downingtown, PA. George Needles, ’12, B.S., was hired as a
township manager for Upper Chichester Township in Boothwyn, PA.
Terrance Clark ’14, B.S., has been named to
the annual 40 Under 40 list in Delaware by Chains Inc. Clark is the founder and CEO of Limitless La Vie, a non-profit fashion company that uses proceeds to improve quality of life in communities throughout the state.
Jaclyn Gray, ’14, B.A., and Historic Cold Spring Village presented a pottery demonstration in October at the Cape May County Library, Lower Cape Branch. She began her career as a student in HCSV’s Junior Apprentice Program 12 years ago, at that time her apprenticeship was the museum’s potter. Kiriakoula Gregor,’14, B.A., is coaching
middle school girls’ lacrosse.
Continued on page 26 Winter 2016 25
c l a s s note s Continued from page 25 Carolyn Neal, ’14, B.S., is a corporate partnership
assistant for the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium. She has worked internships for the Philadelphia Union and Flyers as well as working as an Eagles training camp employee in 2014 before moving to Florida to take a job with the Dolphins.
In Memoriam:
Cherié Allen, ’15, B.S., accepted a position at Morgan
Stanley as an Analyst II in the Wealth Management Department.
Eric Dowrick, ’15, B.S., has accepted a position as a
Public Associate I with Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Stephanie Harrington, ’15, B.A., has been accepted to
Palmer Theological Seminary.
Breanne Klar, ’15, B.S., is working at Crozer Hospital
Sr. Janice M. Bahl, OSF ’76 Prudencia Bigas ’77 William J. Bittner, Jr. ’08 Sandra L. Bragg ’86 Kelly P. Brown ’08
in their clinical laboratory. She has been accepted and will begin studies at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for a master’s degree in forensic medicine.
Sr. Elena Goulding, OSF ’72
Samantha Kotowski,’15, B.S., is an analytical scientist
Sr. Mary P. Kerner, OSF ’70
intern at QS Pharma. She also coaches lacrosse at Brandywine High School and a travel lacrosse team.
Krista McAndress, ’15, B.S., has been hired as a medical technologist by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Lauren Shipman, ’15, B.A., (pictured right)
was the Patient Spotlight for Main Line Health.
David Wallace, ’15, B.S., accepted a position
with Staples in Loss Prevention.
Teka White, ’15, B.S.,
has accepted a position as a software engineer for Syntel.
Margaret S. Cummings ’78
Katharine E. Markert ’05 ’99 Sr. Anne McMahon, OSF ’75 Rev. Haig S. Medzarentz ’76 Elizabeth C. Murphy Sr. Judith O’Neill, OSF Col. Julia Paparella, RN Diane Cirillo Patterson ’86 Miriam D. Powell John Randall ’11 Gary R. Rosenzweig ’08
Where are you and what are you doing? Let us know of any achievements or changes in your life that you would like to share at www.alumni.neumann.edu/classnotes
26 Accent Magazine
Dr. Eileen Schmitt Sr. Marcus Streibig, OSF Christopher M. Sweeney ’04
KUDOS
Faculty Publications, Conferences and Awards David Bullis ’10, multimedia specialist, won first place in the
Robert McKee STORY Cartoon Contest. He won a trip to New York City and a ticket to McKee’s legendary three-day STORY seminar. http://mckeestory.com/seminars/story/
David DiMarco, associate professor of mathematics, along with Ryan Savitz, associate professor of mathematics, gave
a peer-reviewed presentation of a manuscript at Mathfest, the national conference of the Mathematical Association of America in Washington, DC. The talk was titled “Stability — A New Way to Compare Statistical Measures: Theory and Applications for Assessing Learner Achievement and Teaching Effectiveness.” Jeffrey Eisenberg, coordinator of new media,
communications and events for the Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, co-authored a case study that was published in Casing Sport Communication titled “Beyond X’s and O’s on the Court: Why Social Media Demands a New Playbook for Student-Athletes.”
Mac Given, professor of biology, presented “Laudato Si’ — On Care for Our Common Home” at the Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Doylestown, PA, in October. He gave an overview of the Pope’s recent encyclical on the environment, supporting Pope Francis’s arguments with material taken from his recent pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, travel and study in developing countries, and his career as a scientist studying animal behavior. Given will give this presentation at Neumann University during the spring 2016 semester. Bill Hamilton, assistant professor of English, exhibited a poster presentation at the Faculty Convivium on October 20, Teaching the Satiric Uncanny: The Strategy of Defamiliarization in the Works of Haywood, Pope, and Swift. Mehdi Hojjat, professor of finance and international
business, had his book, Business Simulation Cases and Planning, published by Linus Learning Publishing Company in August 2015. He also had the article, Projection of the U.S. Balance of Payments, published in the proceedings of Pennsylvania Economic Association annual conference in November 2015. Robert F. Kennedy, academic advisor/adjunct faculty, finished an EMT class and is now a nationally certified EMT.
28 Accent Magazine
Elizabeth Loeper, assistant professor of nursing, was a speaker
at the Main Line Area Chapter of the American Holistic Nurses Association Conference in Wynnewood, PA. The title of the presentation was, “Accessing Your Superpowers: Forgiveness and Gratitude.” Last May, she also presented the poster, “Values, teamwork, and QSEN: Oh my!” at the Nurse Educator conference in North Falmouth, MA. Sean McDonald, ’08, ’11, general manager of Neumann Media,
presented at the College Broadcasters, Inc. National Student Electronic Media conference in October on the topic “Engaged To The End: Retaining Student College Radio Talent.” At the same conference, he also presented with Pat Fahy, coordinator of video production, and Neumann students (Nick Camlin, Nick Spica, Danielle Koyles, and Michael Yarabinee), a discussion entitled “Roundtable: Four Parts, One Organization: The Benefits of Converging College Media Outlets.” Daniel McKee, assistant professor of education and human
services, presented, The Power of Book Studies in Promoting Professional and Personal Growth in Pre-Service Teachers at the Kappa Delta Pi International Convocation in Orlando, FL, in October. He also presented this topic at the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators Conference in Harrisburg, PA, in October.
Andrew Miller, history instructor, organized and hosted a
veterans’ timeline event on October 21. Twenty-one Neumann students volunteered their time to help. In November, he organized and hosted five Neumann students who attended the Delaware County Marine Corps Ball, and represented Neumann at ceremonies in Philadelphia marking the birthday of the Marine Corps.
John Mizzoni, professor of philosophy, had his article
Pope Following the Path of St. Francis of Assisi published in The Philadelphia Inquirer on May 28, 2015. He also presented “Evolution and (Aristotelian) Virtue Ethics” at the Biennial Conference of the International Society for the History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology, at the University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Canada, on July 6, 2015.
Andrea Murphy, professor and social work program director, and Rina Keller, professor and director of field placement, wrote the first benchmark for accreditation with the Council on Social Work Education. The University Faculty Senate approved a social work major last summer and recently added a minor in this field.
KUDOS
Sr. Marguerite O’Beirne, OSF ’70, vice president for mission and ministry, and Dr. Rosalie Mirenda,
Neumann University President, have been invited by the Association of Catholic Colleges to present workshops for new presidents of Catholic colleges and universities at the annual meeting in February 2016.
Teaching with Technology If teachers want to ensure that students are prepared for college and careers, they need to make certain that classroom instruction fosters 21st century skills, including the “4 Cs” — critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity — identified as competencies crucial for success in education and the workplace. That’s the premise of Teaching the 4 C’s with Technology: How Do I Use 21st Century Tools to Teach 21st Century Skills? a new book by Neumann University professors Stephanie Smith Budhai (top left) and Laura McLaughlin Taddei (top right). The book is published by ASCD Arias, a wing of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. According to the ASCD website, “The authors emphasize rigorous uses of technology, focusing on its end-goal — improving student outcomes — rather than technology for its own sake. An in-depth discussion of how technology can promote the learning of the 4 Cs and numerous practical strategies to help support the development of each subskill are included.” “The book came about from a mutual interest between colleagues in helping teachers use technology tools to do things they could not otherwise do,” said Dr. Taddei. “We wanted to provide practical tools and suggestions to teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches on ways to use technology to teach the 4 Cs.”
Sr. Linda Marie Sariego, OSF, assistant professor of Spanish, presented the paper entitled: “De hito en hito: estructuras imponentes en Los siete libros de La Diana” (From detail to detail: imposing structures in Los siete libros de La Diana) at the South Atlantic Modern Languages Association (SAMLA) conference in Raleigh, NC on November 13, 2015. Ryan Savitz, professor of mathematics, had his
paper The Impact of National Culture on Corporate Diversification accepted for publication in the International Journal of Business and Globalisation.
Sr. Diane Tomkinson, OSF, associate professor of
theological studies, facilitated a Gathering Day on August 8, 2015, for the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, their companions, former members and co-ministers focusing on how we live the “the Joy of the Gospel” as members of the extended “Franciscan family” in response to Pope Francis’s Apostolic Letter. More recently, she represented Neumann University at the October 3, 2015, inauguration ceremony for President Valerie Smith as she was officially installed as the first female, African-American president of Swarthmore College. Sr. Diane is an alumna of Swarthmore College (class of ’81).
Maria Traub, professor of French and Italian, attended the PSMLA conference (Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association) in October which is dedicated to the teaching of foreign languages in Pennsylvania. She presented a one-hour conference in French for the AATF (American Association of Teachers of French) regarding life aboard an eighteenth century sailing vessel for crew and passengers based on documents regarding the Hermione, the ship that carried Lafayette to the colonies.
Winter 2016 29
One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298
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www.neumann.edu Change Service Requested
Seventeenth Annual Neumann University
Scholarship Gala
Saturday, April 2, 2016
î ?
Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Please join us for an elegant evening of fine dining and music to support Neumann University student scholarships.
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.neumann.edu/gala.