The Boro Magazine Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

THE TRANSFORMERS

“What is now proved was once only imagined.”

—William Blake

John Altdorfer Nathan Brennan Stacey Federoff Christopher LaFuria Logan Lilly Nate Steis Alex Womer

Ruane

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings, Fighting Scots. Happy 2021!

I am honored to be writing to you as Edinboro University’s interim president.

As with any new year, this one holds endless possibilities, as well as inevitable challenges. Both are part of life, as is change. The late President John F. Kennedy said that “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

You are aware that the future of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education will likely look different from the past and that the anticipated changes will impact Edinboro, as well as a number of our sister institutions. I don’t view the proposed changes—part of the State System’s Redesign— with trepidation; for me, this is an opportunity to shape the future for our students. They represent a positive adaptation to a changing higher-education landscape, one that will enable us to harness the collective strengths of Edinboro, Clarion and California Universities to expand opportunities for students.

In April, Chancellor Dan Greenstein will present to the System’s Board of Governors an implementation plan to integrate Edinboro and its two sister schools, one to the south and the other to the east. The planning process has been underway since the fall, with representation from all three campuses involved —more than 400 people, including students, faculty, staff, as well as alumni and foundation volunteers.

Change is not new to Edinboro nor to the System. For more than 160 years, we have transitioned to meet the evolving needs of the students we serve. Founded in 1857 as an important private training school for teachers, Edinboro later became a normal school and then a state college before transitioning to one of Northwestern Pennsylvania’s largest and most comprehensive institutions of higher education.

Always, the evolution has been driven by the needs of our students and our community. Generations of students have had their lives transformed on this campus we call home. Faculty have helped them find their passions, opened doors to opportunities, and served as mentors, sometimes long after graduation. Coaches and counselors have inspired them. Along the way, students have pushed each other to be better, to endeavor higher. Just as a bowl is pulled from a kiln looking quite different than when it entered, students depart Edinboro different— stronger and with their life’s path better defined— because of the experiences we provide.

Featured on the following pages are stories of personal change and transformation that would not have been possible without Edinboro. We now move forward into the future, committed to ensuring that those experiences of personal growth and change will continue for generations to come.

With warm regards,

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson Interim President, Edinboro University

CLARION LEADER ASSUMES INTERIM EDINBORO PRESIDENCY

DR. DALE-ELIZABETH PEHRSSON BRINGS BROAD EXPERIENCE TO ROLE

By Angela Burrows

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson brings a breadth of experience to the interim presidency of Edinboro University, a role she assumed on New Year’s Day. She will continue as president of Clarion University, a position she has held since 2018, and will remain as leader of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Western Integration initiative. The integration would involve Edinboro, Clarion and California University of Pennsylvania in a proposed consolidation that is believed to be the first of its kind in U.S. higher education.

“Dr. Dale” to her students and colleagues, she succeeds former Edinboro President Guiyou Huang, who was recently appointed president of Western Illinois University.

A native of New York City, Dr. Dale has served as a business owner, nurse, hospital administrator, mental health counselor, career counselor, faculty member, dean and university president. Her career spans more than 40 years in different parts of the country from the East to the West Coast to the West and Southwest.

PUBLIC UNIVERSITY ADVOCATE

Born in Queens, she is one of four children of a New York City gold shield detective and a registered nurse, both of whom are deceased. The first in her immediate family to graduate from college, she earned her academic credentials at state universities and has long been a passionate advocate for regional comprehensive universities and the access they provide to social mobility. She has seen firsthand the transformative power of a college education and has dedicated the past 22 years to ensuring that others have the same opportunity.

An avid endurance bicyclist who covers 100 miles per week, Dr. Dale exudes energy, energy she will need in the coming months as she regularly makes the drive from Clarion to Edinboro. She intends to spend substantial time on both campuses and looks forward to getting to know the Edinboro University community.

“Edinboro has such a rich and proud history, steeped in tradition and shaped by the lakes that surround it and the blistering winds and lake-effect snow that test its resilience,” she said during a recent interview. “It is a community of strivers, and that resonates with me.” Dr. Dale embraces the benefits and beauty of winter, having spent many years living in Idaho, Michigan, Pennsylvania and upstate New York.

The power cycling gives her an opportunity to think, she said, laughing at the notion that it is a chance to relax.

“When I’m on my bike, my mind is working as fast as I’m traveling.”

ALL ROADS LED TO CURRENT ROLE

Early in her career, she was drawn to nursing because it was a field that afforded an opportunity to help

people get well physically. Over time, she transitioned to mental health counseling, where she worked with clients to improve their emotional wellbeing. “The two go hand in hand, and they are also related to teaching in that educators are also helpers.

“There’s a ripple effect to education. Faculty and staff members and even college presidents are stewards who have the privilege of touching the future. The mission we serve is so important. We transform the lives of students, who then go on to improve their communities, the Commonwealth and the broader world. Education at all levels—PK to graduate school—leads to an informed citizenry. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.”

A pen-and-ink artist and former art therapist, Dr. Dale said she has always been smitten by the arts and is quite impressed with Edinboro’s 100-year history as a leader in the area. She is looking forward to visiting studios during an in-person tour of campus and eventually meeting faculty, staff and students in person.

Those who have worked with her describe Dr. Dale as creative, strategic, insightful and engaging; an inspirational leader who gets things done. While there is a common thread to her experiences in other sectors, there have also been unique aspects of each that have afforded her a different perspective.

The nurse turned mental health counselor understands how essential physical and emotional health are to leading one’s best life. The faculty member turned dean turned college president understands that all faculty and staff have a privileged role to play in the lives of the students they serve. The higher-education leader, who earned her first degree at a community

college before earning a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree in education, understands the importance of access, opportunity, persistence and grit.

HAPPY TO BE IN PENNSYLVANIA

She and her husband, “Dr. Bob,” a retired professor emeritus of literacy and psycholinguistics, and their dog, Damon Runyon, are looking forward to proudly wearing the Tartan plaid. Red, she said, has always been a favorite color.

After many years in the West, they are happy to be living in Pennsylvania, where both had spent time. In fact, prior to her appointment at Clarion, Dr. Dale spent a year as an ACE (American Council on Education) fellow at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. While it is a nice place to visit, neither she nor Dr. Bob, a Brooklyn native, miss the city. When she and her siblings were growing up, her parents took them camping up and down the northern East Coast for six to eight weeks every summer as both an escape from the crowds and a chance to gain an appreciation for nature. That love of the outdoors has stayed with her.

Dr. Dale said she is excited about the future of the State System and its universities. “The mission we serve is critical. The planning we are doing will greatly expand opportunities for students both within and beyond the Commonwealth, while keeping premier academic programs affordable and accessible.”

Although life will be even more hectic as she takes on dual presidencies, she is quite comfortable in the expanded role. “Once you find what you are called to do, it is not a burden. That’s true for all of us.”

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson and her husband, Dr. Bob Pehrsson

Learn more about the State System’s Western Integration: edinboro.edu/integration

EDINBORO.EDU GETS A FACELIFT

The Edinboro University website edinboro.edu has a new look, enhanced navigation and updated content.

The early February launch of the new site was the culmination of an 18-month project that involved a redo of all content, development of a new site architecture, and creation of a cleaner, more contemporary design. The University’s Marketing and Communications division partnered with Boston-based iFactory, a web design agency focusing on higher education, on the project.

Aimed at prospective students, the new site offers:

• Fewer pages

• Fewer words

• More images

• More video

• More infographics

Check it out!

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

THE TRANSFORMERS

Immersive, transformational experiences and meaningful learning opportunities have been a hallmark of Edinboro University since its founding in 1857 by local citizens who sought a higher level of education for their children. More than 160 years later, the University continues to push students to venture beyond their comfort zones, question prior assumptions, and discover untapped potential within themselves.

Day in and day out, Fighting Scots rise to the occasion and say no to the status quo, fueled by intellectual curiosity and a burning desire to change the world. They don’t fear change—they drive it.

The Edinboro alumni, students, faculty and staff featured on the following pages are passionate, purposeful and persistent. Their lives were transformed at Edinboro, and, in turn, they are changing the lives of others in big ways.

We invite you to read their stories.

Building Bridges and CyclesBreaking in the Steel City

FORMER FIGHTING SCOTS FOOTBALLERS TACKLE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT GAPS

By Kristin Brockett

TWO PATHS. ONE DESTINATION.

The decline of the steel industry and subsequent deindustrialization of Pittsburgh in the 1970s and ‘80s devastated the regional economy. Unemployment soared, the population dwindled, and by the early 1990s, gang activity was on the rise.

Born to young, single mothers and raised in high-poverty neighborhoods on the city’s East End, Brent Jernigan, ’01, M ’07, and Anthony Williams, ’02, had the deck stacked against them from the start.

“Growing up in the mid-‘90s in the city of Pittsburgh, gang violence really infiltrated a lot of educational systems,” said Williams, who bounced around between East Liberty, Garfield, Homewood, Lincoln and Larimer before graduating from Peabody High School in 1998. “Your geographic residence correlated with concerns around safety and violence, and different challenges were associated with various neighborhoods.”

Street gangs were relatively new to Pittsburgh at the time, and law enforcement wasn’t prepared to address the escalating violence between neighborhoods. A lack of knowledge about gang dynamics, risk factors and membership motivations made intervention difficult.

“No one had a great plan for responding to killings within the inner city or an understanding of how gang violence was impacting schools,” Jernigan said. “I was attending public school, and I wasn’t doing very well. I was distracted and struggling with attitude, energy and purpose.”

Those circumstances changed when Josephine B. Moore and the Rev. Thomas E. Johnson Jr., who ran a summer school for at-risk teens, offered him and two other neighborhood kids a full scholarship to attend the Kiski School, an all-boys boarding school in Saltsburg, Pa.

“They really saw something in me and believed in me,” said Jernigan, who recalls thinking as a 16-year-old that if they saw his grades, the benefactors might not have granted him the opportunity. “The boarding school was a culture shock in a number of ways— from race to expectations, academic standards and school norms. But the distractions were out of the way. I had never before experienced education in its purest form.”

When it came time to fill out college applications, Jernigan reflected on the experiences of Ronald Scott, ’91, an older kid in his neighborhood who had attended and graduated from Edinboro University.

“There weren’t many role models in my neighborhood, and I looked up to this guy,” he said. “It stuck with me.”

For Williams, it was his mother who inspired him to stay on track and earn a college degree.

“She taught me the value of a strong work ethic and instilled in me the importance of having aspirations and setting goals,” he said. “I also had some really good teachers who I think tried to the best of their ability to advance educational opportunities for students. I had a lot of coaches and individuals in our field who really invested in me.”

His first exposure to Edinboro was facilitated by former Fighting Scots football player Devas Simmons, ’94, who coached for Peabody High at the time. Simmons, now a quarterbacks coach at Sto-Rox High School, connected Williams and two of his high school teammates with the Edinboro coaching staff.

“Various individuals served critical roles in my development—both before and during my experience at Edinboro, which was essential to my ultimate matriculation from high school to college,” said Williams, a four-year varsity football player for the Fighting Scots. “I was very fortunate to earn an academic, athletic and needbased scholarship.”

Brent Jernigan, ‘01, M ‘07

Dr. Anthony Williams, ‘02

FROM TEAMMATES TO ROOMMATES

At Edinboro, Williams and Jernigan found structure, support services, a sense of community and lifelong friendships. They met as members of the football team in 1998, formed a close bond, and eventually became roommates.

After his first semester, Jernigan was torn between two disciplines: communication and education. His career path became clearer with the help of an attentive academic advisor.

“I realized how much education had changed my life, but I also thought I wanted to be a broadcaster,” he said. “My advisor was patient with me. He listened. He gave me some personality surveys, and he told me my niche was education. He was right.”

His subsequent experiences in Edinboro’s School of Education reinforced the decision—even as he faced one of his toughest moments.

News reached campus that his grandmother, who raised him since birth, had suffered a stroke. Without a method of transportation to Pittsburgh, Jernigan attempted to “tough it out” rather than miss class. Dr. Mary Jo Melvin, ’75, a faculty member since 1990 and current chairperson of the Early Childhood and Reading Department, could sense that he was struggling.

“Dr. Melvin pulled me aside and sincerely offered me a ride home to see my grandmother in the hospital. I didn’t take her up on it, but it was so genuine,” Jernigan said. “That moment perfectly captures the people at Edinboro. She went above and beyond to show her ultimate care, and I’ll never forget that.”

Now nearly 20 years into his career in education, Jernigan—who earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Edinboro in 2007— continues to draw on the lessons he learned from Dr. Melvin and the nowretired Linda Best, ’75.

“I hope Dr. Best knows that she helped produce and educate a lot of the future leaders and instructors that are out here today,” Jernigan said. “Her fingerprints are absolutely a part of my professional growth.”

Like Jernigan, Williams benefitted from the guidance of Edinboro’s dedicated faculty and staff. He credits Georj Lewis, ’93, Professor Umeme Sababu, Former President Frank G. Pogue and Ronald Swift, ’70, among others, for inspiring him to push beyond life’s circumstances in pursuit of his academic and life goals.

He joined Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter

fraternity established for African American men, and ultimately served as chapter president.

“Edinboro was a wonderful place, and my experience was transformational,” said Williams, who had initially planned to pursue a business degree but opted instead to major in Criminal Justice. “Coming from the city of Pittsburgh, where—at the time—there was a lot of division within the African American community based on geographic location, it was phenomenal to be at a place where individuals from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Erie could come together. There was always a spirit and a sense of community contribution, responsibility and accountability.”

“I truly believe that one person can change the world.”

The Neighborhood Academy offers a vibrant arts curriculum that empowers students to think critically and express themselves creatively.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD ACADEMY

Through his friendship with Jernigan, Williams met Moore and Rev. Johnson, who were now in the pilot stage of opening The Neighborhood Academy—a faith-based, collegepreparatory school for underserved Pittsburgh youths. He worked as an intern at the school during his final semester at Edinboro and has served in various capacities ever since.

“I fell in love with The Neighborhood Academy and its philosophies, values and intentionality around safety, support and academic rigor,” said Williams, who succeeded Rev. Johnson as head of school upon his retirement in June 2019. “I saw myself in those kids. I wanted to invest deeply and ensure that they had access to opportunities like attending Edinboro University, just as I did.”

Jernigan gained experience as an elementary teacher in Baltimore before joining The Neighborhood Academy faculty in 2004. He taught math courses for 12 years until he was called upon to oversee the institution’s expansion into middle school programming, a duty that included writing the curriculum, hiring the teachers, and designing the physical space.

Now in its fourth year, the program has thrived, seeing an average academic improvement in reading of 1.6 grade levels and two grade levels in math.

“This is a special place,” said Jernigan, who was promoted to assistant head of school for academics in 2019. “When you walk down the halls, it’s everything education could and should be.”

The students feel it, too.

“Anthony and Brent were some of the only positive male role models that I had in my life at that time,” said Doug Hollaman, a 2009 graduate of The Neighborhood Academy. “They set an example of the type of man I could strive to be.”

Like his mentors, Hollaman attended Edinboro, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2013. He is now a senior analyst at BNY Mellon and the owner of Trust and Believe Delivery Services LLC.

“Anthony was an integral part of my college admissions process,” Hollaman said. “He was the dean of students at that time and our senior advisor as well. By sharing his experiences, he made the decision to come to Edinboro a lot easier.”

Williams earned a Master of Arts in Management and Technology in 2007 and an MBA in 2009, both from Carlow University, and recently completed a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

“I want to continue to grow my influence and have the deepest possible impact on the lives of students that I can,” he said. “I truly believe that one person can change the world.”

Part of that work involves accompanying students on college campus tours each summer.

“About nine years ago, I took my first trip back to Edinboro,” Jernigan said. “As we walked through campus, I realized what a turning point it was in my life. Looking at those young kids, I thought to myself, ‘This institution is one of the places that helped me get on course, and I’m trying to prepare you and hand you off to a place like this where I know you will be cared for and you will continue to develop as a person.’”

“Watching the kids grow up, head off and create families of their own—those are the types of things that change generational circumstances and move the needle within the city. It’s a beacon of hope.”

Continue reading to learn more about The Neighborhood Academy

Students at The Neighborhood Academy learn through hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art facilities.

The Neighborhood

Forging Pathways for Lifelong Learning

Academy: Forging Pathways for Lifelong Learning

By Kristin Brockett

Early on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks changed the course of American history. Waves of intense heartbreak crashed over the nation as news footage of the crumbling Twin Towers looped on every television screen.

One day later, in a renovated warehouse on Pittsburgh’s East End— only 80 miles northwest of the Flight 93 crash site—The Neighborhood Academy (TNA) opened its doors.

“It was a very difficult time in our history,” said Dr. Anthony Williams, head of school at TNA and a 2002 Edinboro University graduate. “It was a time in which great despair was really taking over our nation. And we would like to think that The Neighborhood Academy served as a beacon of hope for the city of Pittsburgh, offering a high-quality experience that students might not otherwise be able to afford.”

Josephine B. Moore and the Rev. Thomas E. Johnson Jr. founded the

independent, faith-based, collegepreparatory school after years of working with adolescents from atrisk communities and witnessing the detriment of poverty on their mental and emotional development. Moore and Johnson met at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and partnered to develop a summer school program for underserved youths. Eventually, discussions began about the establishment of a full-time school for students in grades 8-12.

Following a feasibility study funded by the R.K. Mellon Foundation, TNA welcomed its first official cohort of students.

After several successful years in Garfield, TNA moved to its 7.8-acre Stanton Heights campus in 2011. The modern facility features state-ofthe-art labs and technology; intimate classrooms with garage-style doors that add to learning versatility and encourage collaboration; a bright, open

dining facility; designated space for visual and performing arts programs; and an adjacent recreational facility.

“Our mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty through education and prepare students for both college and citizenship,” said Williams, who began his career at TNA as a summer intern while still enrolled at Edinboro.

“With support and access to high-quality education, students with challenges can achieve their dreams and aspirations of college matriculation.”

The curriculum utilizes a holistic approach to learning aimed at providing students with the educational, spiritual and emotional resources they need to succeed. To ensure students become well-rounded adults, 10% of their grade is based on social skills and etiquette.

Students benefit from a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, transportation to and from school, three meals a day, an extended school day and year, individual and group counseling, career

development and financial literacy programs, travel-study opportunities, and guidance through the college research and application process.

Through the generosity of donors in the Pittsburgh region and beyond, students are never denied access based on economic status. Tuition is based on household income, and the average family contribution is just $500 a year.

“The Neighborhood Academy is so important to the city of Pittsburgh. They provide opportunities that the students would not have otherwise,” said Dr. Terrence Mitchell, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Edinboro University. “They care for the children nutritionally, spiritually, emotionally and academically. The students know they are loved, and the parents are loved, too. That familial approach is what makes it such a special place.”

In 2014, TNA received 10-year accreditation from the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools.

And in 2017, enrollment was opened to males in grades 6 and 7.

“We saw a national trend among young, African American boys who were in a state of emergency,” said Brent Jernigan, assistant head of TNA and a 2001 graduate of Edinboro University’s School of Education. “Deficit growth, school suspension, violence in school, attitudes toward dropout—these were all markers of a national crisis.”

According to research gathered in 2014 by A+ Schools Report to the Community, only 56% of African American students in the city of Pittsburgh graduate from high school.

Since its founding, 100% of The Neighborhood Academy graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges, and 74% graduate from college in five years or less.

“Studies found that middle school is the quintessential time if you’re going to make an intervention for boys,” Williams said. “We have experienced

overwhelming success as a result of that investment and expansion.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges for TNA and its students, many of whom rely on the in-person support systems and thrive in a structured environment free of athome distractions.

School administrators and teachers responded by implementing a hybrid learning model, offering in-person instruction to a limited number of students with essential needs. The remainder of students are engaging in virtual-only learning.

“It’s vastly different than a traditional school year,” Williams said. “These are challenging times. But difficulty births opportunities for leadership, change and impact. I am confident that we will be stronger when we make it through this, and we will be better connected.”

44% of African American students in the city of Pittsburgh do not graduate from high school.*

89% of low-income, first-generation college students do not graduate within six years.**

100% of TNA graduates are accepted to four-year colleges or universities.

74% of TNA graduates earn a college degree in five years or less.

*2014 A+ Schools Report to the Community • **The Pell Institute 2018 Historical Trend Report

(Déjà vu)

VETERAN’S JOURNEY THROUGH MEMORIES SHAPES VIETNAM WAR CURRICULUM, GOODWILL TRIPS

By John Altdorfer

(Déjà vu)

By John Altdorfer

Everyone kept asking Bob Matthews, ‘66, M ‘72, the same thing

“Where are you headed?”

A newlywed, 21-year-old Matthews had completed Army basic training a few days earlier.

Each time he heard the question, the 1966 Edinboro grad changed the subject. Finally, his brother figured it out.

“You’re going to Vietnam.”

Less than two weeks later, as 1967 unfolded, Matthews shipped out for a yearlong tour of duty that changed his life and, ultimately, the lives of many other young men who served during the Vietnam War.

At 76, Bob Matthews is a living time machine, a flesh-and-blood history lesson. Which is exactly what you might expect from someone who taught social studies for 42 years in North Carolina and Meadville, Pa., and earned multiple teacher of the year awards.

Some might call him a natural-born teacher, but Matthews quickly set the record straight.

“From the moment I first stepped on the Edinboro campus, it was like heaven. I had a lot of good professors. But one really taught me how to teach.”

Matthews paused a few beats before naming that special influence.

“Harvey Heath,” he said. “I just loved that guy. Harvey taught U.S. history and is probably the best teacher I ever had.”

Heath shared this advice with Matthews: “When you become a teacher, ask good questions and listen to your students’ answers.”

Those skills served Matthews well when he decided to write a careeraltering lesson plan—a history of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

In the early 1980s, Matthews noticed that his high school students knew little about the Vietnam War, even though it ended less than a decade earlier. When he approached school administrators about developing a Vietnam course, they rejected the idea as “too controversial.” No one, they said, wanted to talk about a war that so deeply and so recently divided the nation.

That decision led to a change of scenery for Matthews and a change of attitudes about his project. When he presented the Vietnam curriculum to the school board at his new job in North Carolina, they asked for one reason students should learn about the war.

“I can give you 58,000 of them,” he said, referring to the number of Americans killed in the Southeast Asian country during the nearly 20 years the U.S. was involved there.

With the board’s unanimous approval, Matthews was going to Vietnam. Again.

Unlike his first trip to Vietnam, Matthews never left the states. This time, he journeyed through his memories. Memories of unbearable heat. Of enemy voices in the dark. Of mortar attacks and body bags. Of unending fear and loneliness.

Then he remembered something else. A lesson learned at Edinboro.

“Harvey Heath told me the best way to teach history was to find someone who lived through it.” So, Matthews started talking to other vets. Helicopter pilots. Swiftboat operators. Medics. Wounded vets. Generals and admirals. Everyone.

As his research accumulated, the course grew to 62 pages. In the classroom, Matthews discovered a surprising reaction to the new lessons. Suddenly, students wanted to learn about Vietnam. They wanted to listen to Matthews’ and other vets’ experiences.

“When the plane landed the first time, no one said a word. On the trip back home, you couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces. They had finally finished the job.”

More importantly, they wanted to ask why the U.S. sacrificed so much on a war that still raged on in the bodies and minds of many who fought there.

The course title also served as its mission: “To Teach a Nation.” Matthews realized that America was ready to learn. Requests flowed in from around the country. Today, the course is part of the curriculum at 3,000 U.S. schools.

Yet, Matthews realized that another group of people seemed even more eager to learn the lessons of the Vietnam War—the men and women who served there.

“When vets heard that someone was telling their story, their reaction was, ‘It’s about damn time,’” Matthews said. “A lot of them were still bitter and angry. The course gave them a chance to finally open up.”

But Matthews knew the veterans needed something more than a classroom lesson. Once again, he heard a voice telling him, “You’re going to Vietnam.” This time it was for real and with others who served there.

At first, many vets hesitated at revisiting the place that left them physically and emotionally wounded.

They feared returning to Vietnam would inflict more damage.

Matthews explained this time would be different. No mortars. No body bags. No voices in the dark. The war was over. Now, he hoped, the vets could end the wars within themselves.

“Some of the guys couldn’t believe that they would ever go back,” he said. “When the plane landed the first time, no one said a word. On the trip back home, you couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces. They had finally finished the job.”

Part of that job included serving as goodwill ambassadors. During that first trip and four others that followed, veterans provided bikes, playground equipment and supplies for several orphanages and a school for the blind. They also sponsored the college education of an orphan who eventually became a teacher.

On that first trip, Matthews taught a group of Vietnamese high school students. Before the class started, one student said, “Mr. Matthews, we’ve been waiting for you.”

“I’ve been waiting to talk to you guys, too,” he replied. “For 25 years.”

Today, Bob Matthews is waiting again. Waiting to say those words that hold a far different, more positive meaning than the first time he heard them.

“You’re going to Vietnam.”

For now, COVID travel restrictions will keep Matthews at home with Betty, his high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years. Still, he dreams of telling fellow veterans they’ll be returning to Vietnam. Meanwhile, Matthews talks about the place that made just about every dream in his life come true.

“To this day, when I walk on the Edinboro campus, it is so special to me. I started at The Boro and learned how to teach there. I wanted to be a teacher all my life. Edinboro gave me a chance to pursue my dream.”

From Ice Rink to Art Studio

ALEXA ALPERN HAS A WILD PASSION FOR ANIMATION

By Logan Lilly

Under the training of Olympic medalists Ron Ludington and Barbara Roles Williams, Alexa Alpern, ’16, was determined to one day compete in figure skating in the winter games.

Alpern’s training at the University of Delaware’s ice arena was rigorous; she skated six days a week for a minimum of two hours a day. Over the years she

gained a closetful of competitive medals she’d won since age 9. So, she faced a tough decision when it came time to choose whether to continue her training or pursue her other passion, animation.

“It was a difficult decision in what to do, skating or college,” Alpern recalled. “Growing up, it was always a mix of sports and arts. I quickly found out

animation was a sport of its own kind. Animation takes just as much effort and determination as any sport requires. As the days went on, I quickly fell more and more in love with the endless possibilities that animation had in store for me.”

Ultimately, Alpern chose to pursue animation studies at Edinboro University, where her mother had attended.

While at Edinboro, Alpern quickly found that she often incorporated her passion for skating into her works, including 3D animation projects for Professor Steve Carpenter.

“We were just beginning to dive into the world of 3D, or computer animation,” Alpern said. “He often would utilize these figure-skating poses and moves during these lessons. The athletes that were being utilized were some skaters I’ve trained with or have been coached under during my professional skating career.”

While her passion has shifted from the ice rink to the art studio, Alpern said she still laces up her skates and enjoys skating just as much as she did during her competitive days.

Alpern was able to translate her passion into success in the classroom. During her time at Edinboro, she was honored with the George H. Nicholas Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a Bachelor of Fine Arts student demonstrating Excellence in Animation.

After graduation, Alpern found success working with an impressive group of clients. She has worked with NASA, developed the entire animation department for BB&T/Truist, interned with Disney, and more.

“I have loved every step of my journey thus far,” Alpern said. “Each position has been so different from the last. From animating planetarium shows to creating and directing animated series to console corporate worries and currently creating education materials for our federal agents under the United

States Department of State. The world of animation is filled with endless opportunities. I could never see myself doing anything else.”

With Alpern’s latest project, “Breezy’s Wild Adventures,” she hopes to share another passion of hers, wildlife.

“One of my top influencers in life was Steve Irwin,” Alpern recalled. “I remember watching the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ and many other of the wildlife enthusiasts all the time.”

The show follows Breezy, voiced by Alpern, and other adventure guides as she shares the wonders of wildlife with young viewers. In one, African elephants in vivid tones of blue, turquoise and purple swing their trunks as Alpern narrates with fun facts, such as how they use their big ears to communicate.

“Education was always very important to me,” Alpern said. “In creating this new children’s educational brand, I wanted to combine all of my passions into one major project. Love for animals, passion for animation and the desire to learn.”

“Breezy’s Wild Adventures” is hosted on YouTube and debuted in October. Alpern finds the thrill of bringing a character to life to be one of her most rewarding pursuits.

“From a simple still drawing to a moving and talking being, this is definitely an experience an animator enjoys most. Animation is filled with long, devoted hours, but the end results always make every second worth it,” she said.

Despite all the hard work on “Breezy’s Wild Adventures”—an episode can take three to four weeks to complete—Alpern tries to remember the advice of her animation professor at Edinboro when putting in long hours.

“Brad Pattullo had a great saying that has always resonated with me. Brad had told our class, ‘Think of an iceberg. Icebergs are massive, yet we only see the tip sticking out of the water’s surface. Meaning, when creating an animation, your audience will only see the small amount of ice that sits above the water’s top. Only you will know how much work and effort went into building your final productions.’

“I think about this every day when I am consistently creating more and more content for ‘Breezy’s Wild Adventures.’ The extra work is always worth it,” she said.

“The world of animation is filled with endless opportunities. I could never see myself doing anything else.”

RISEN FROM THE RUBBLE

SURVIVING

A TORNADO INSPIRED A TEACHING CAREER IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT

By Kristin Brockett

“Dr. Gibson gives her all to the classroom. She brings energy and expertise to each day that allows students to be engaged through relevant information and challenging assignments. It is clear that she cares about the success of each student by the joy and passion she exudes each day. It was a blessing to be one of her students. Dr. Gibson is a professor that I can directly attribute to my preparedness in the workforce.”

Joshua Kaufer ’16, M ’18, chief of staff for the Office of Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

May 31, 1985, began like any other Friday in the small, rural town of Albion, Pa.

With the weekend in sight and summer vacation not far behind, 15-year-old Melissa Gibson , ‘92, was looking forward to joining her classmates at a school dance that evening. She walked up the stairs of her family’s two-story home to lie down for a quick nap beforehand—not knowing it would be the last time she slept in her childhood bedroom.

Just after 5 p.m., Gibson was jolted awake by a thunderous roar like a fast-moving freight train. Startled and confused, she jumped out of bed, pulled back the curtain, and peered out the window.

“Debris was flying everywhere,” said Gibson, the elder of two children. “I walked into the hallway, and before I could even yell for my mother, everything on the top floor started to collapse. I ran into my brother’s bedroom, and the windows shattered in my face. I fell to the ground to protect myself from the debris that was flying around in the room, and the last thing I remember is the floor shaking underneath me. I fell from the top floor to the basement.”

Regaining consciousness, she opened her eyes and saw a pile of rubble where her home once stood. An F4 tornado with wind speeds as high as 260 mph had torn through the quiet streets of her neighborhood, leaving miles of destruction in its wake.

She scooped up her 6-year-old brother, Jason, as he crawled out of the debris and ran with him to their grandmother’s house a few blocks away. Battered, bruised and bleeding, she headed back to search for their mother. Minutes later, her father, who had been on his way home from work in Cleveland, came running down the street. The roads were impassable, and he had parked his vehicle outside of town.

“Jason is at Grandma’s house,” she told him. “But I think Mom is dead.”

Time stood still as Gibson waited for her mother to be sawed from the wreckage. After 45 minutes, she was

freed—critically injured but alive and headed to the hospital. Twelve other Albion/Cranesville area residents weren’t so lucky.

The storm was part of the most powerful tornado system ever recorded in the state. Forty-three twisters ripped through Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario that day, killing 89 people and causing more than $600 million in property damage.

In the days that followed, the National Guard was called in, and the junior high school was turned into a relief center. Residents impacted by the disaster were provided meals, shelter, personal care items and clothing.

Gibson’s family had lost everything. But she rose from the ruins with newfound perspective and purpose.

“To whom much is given, much will be required,” she said, quoting Luke 12:48. “When you survive a crisis or an accident like that, I think that you have a deeper appreciation for life and for those who helped you through it.”

A desire to help others in similar situations and a budding interest in crisis management led Gibson, a first-generation college student, to earn a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from Edinboro in 1992.

“I had really wonderful professors who pushed me on the path to get my master’s degree,” said Gibson, who subsequently completed her master’s and doctoral degrees in Communication and Business Management from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. “Once I was in my master’s degree program, I had the chance to teach, and I was hooked.”

Gibson taught courses in organizational communication, leadership and consulting at Western Michigan University for four years before returning to northwestern Pennsylvania in 2001. She held positions at Gannon and Mercyhurst Universities before joining the Edinboro faculty in 2005.

Her specialties include organizational communication, leadership and executive training, integrated

marketing communications and crisis management—which remains one of her favorite courses to teach.

“Those enrolled in the class are likely Communications and Public Relations majors, so what we talk about is going to be beneficial for them in their professional lives,” she said.

“However, I also think it’s important to talk to students about how crisis can happen in their own personal lives. Understanding the life cycle of a crisis can help prepare them to react. Every day that I can be in the classroom or teaching is an opportunity to help students develop and grow.”

She begins each class period by asking her students about the current crises in the world.

“Teaching a crisis management class during a pandemic facilitated a lot of discussion and real-life application,” said Gibson, head of Edinboro’s graduate program in Communication Studies. “It was interesting to have a class that allowed us to walk through all the steps of a crisis and discuss the communication challenges that unfolded for public health organizations as they worked to disseminate information.”

In addition to her full-time teaching schedule, raising her daughter, Abby, and running her own food truck, Mel’s Mobile Diner, Gibson works with students at Northwestern High School, leads youth activities at her church, participates in a variety of outreach programs in her community, and serves as a board member for Boro Women and Family Services. She was recognized in January 2020 for her contributions to the community as one of Mercy Center for Women’s Women Making History.

“I try to find ways to give back to those in need, just as I was helped when I needed it,” she said. “My experience with the tornado prompted my interest in crisis management, which led me to teach and ultimately brought me back to Edinboro. It is strange how things come full circle and you get back to where you’re supposed to be.”

Reeling in

EDINBORO STUDENTS GET HOOKED ON ENVIRONMENTALIST BUSINESS TO SAVE LOCAL WATERWAYS

By Christopher LaFuria & Nathan Brennan

You’re taking in the majestic scenery of towering mountains and a babbling brook.

You’ve got your fishing gear—fly rod, tackle box and hip waders. You never know what to expect with the quick rapids and slippery rock surfaces. Preparation is key.

As you find your spot in the tranquil wilderness, your near-Zen moment is disrupted by unexpected visitors—a plastic soda pop bottle and sandwich wrapper, presumably discarded by previous anglers.

Now your entire fishing trip is tainted, as you reflect on the state of your favorite fishing stream and the lack of responsibility by fellow sportsfolk.

This is what happened to Edinboro University grad Tyler Waltenbaugh,

’20, and current student Hunter Klobucar—creators of the outdoors environmentalist business Fish Gods.

During a recent trip with Brook Trout Odyssey, the pair measured local waterways and analyzed trout populations of their favorite spots. During the trip, Waltenbaugh and Klobucar noticed the pervasive pollution and discarded garbage in the watersheds.

“Our company and our product come from seeing a problem out there,” said Waltenbaugh, one of the designers for the new Clean Earth Bag. “You take care of what you love. Being so passionate for the outdoors, we saw a problem with pollution. And we naturally wanted to take care of it.”

This fall the two co-founders of Fish Gods, LLC, launched the Clean Earth Bag, a reusable bag made specifically for outdoor enthusiasts to pick up, contain and recycle plastic and garbage pollution they encounter in the outdoors. The Clean Earth Bag eliminates the problems that come with using trash bags, grocery bags or any other home items you’ve been using to collect outdoor waste. Unlike a trash bag or garbage bag, the Clean Earth Bag is durable and tear resistant, while also being easily washable, drainable and foldable (making it simple to pack). Outdoor enthusiasts can easily attach the bag to a kayak, bike, boat, belt, backpack and more.

“The Clean Earth Bag was designed to last,” added Klobucar,

TYLER

HUNTER

pollution

an Environmental Science major. “The bag’s lid was designed so you can easily put trash or plastic in the bag with one hand. To empty the bag, we have included a zipper design so one can easily dispose of the collected trash and plastic in recycle bins.”

In October, Fish Gods completed a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising $20,889 with 328 backers.

“This Kickstarter campaign gave first access to the bag and special merchandise packages; collectively, we can start cleaning up our streams, rivers, lakes and oceans right away,” Klobucar said.

The idea and planning behind the Clean Earth Bag were developed after the pair earned primary funding through a $5,000 grant from Ben Franklin

TechCelerator. They designed their product and marketing strategies at the Edinboro Student Start-Up Hub and collaborated with the Edinboro Center for Branding and Strategic Communication, part of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network.

As for the name Fish Gods? This came about from the co-owners’ experience as anglers and fishing historians.

“Fish Gods came from our passions for fishing and being outdoor enthusiasts,” Klobucar said.

The phrase is also a nod to Kū`ula, the Hawaiian god of fishermen. According to Hawaiian lore, Kū lived with his wife, Hina, and their son, `Ai`ai, in Hāna on the island of Maui.

On the edge of the waters, the fish gods maintained a small pond in which he

raised a variety of fish. He created local shrines out of reverence for fish, and— as he prayed for fishing victories and favorable weather—he would find success even if his friends had no such luck.

Many anglers to this day make offerings to Kū`ula prior to their own fishing trips in Maui.

“There’s a lot of history with this name,” Klobucar added. “Fishermen would pray to the fish gods for a good catch, and he would bring good fortune.”

To learn more about the environmental work and products from Fish Gods, visit www.fishgods.co

“You take care of what you love. Being so passionate for the outdoors, we saw a problem with pollution. And we naturally wanted to take care of it.”

SOLBERG BRINGS KNOWLEDGE AND TRIVIA SKILLS TO HONORS COLLEGE

In his three decades at Edinboro University, Dr. Roger Solberg has shared his wealth of experience and knowledge—everything from Babe Ruth to Vikings—not just in the classroom but at baseball conferences and on national television.

Solberg, an avid reader and writer, has been published in The New York Times, The Iowa Journal of Literary Studies, Traditional Home, Family Money and Lake Erie Lifestyle. He has also shared his expertise in his hometown newspaper, the Staten Island Advance.

The Staten Island, N.Y., native has written a section in “Babe Ruth at 100,” a collection of scholarly pieces about one of the most famous athletes in U.S. history.

In 1994, Solberg was a three-day champion on “Jeopardy!”. He credits his love for reading and writing along with strong recollection skills for helping him on his run on the popular game show.

“From the late Alex Trebek, I learned to appreciate and celebrate knowledge,” said Solberg, who entered his 32nd year at Edinboro this fall. “It was a real pleasure to be on that set with somebody who has truly become an American legend.”

Through it all, Solberg remains a humble, family-oriented man who loves New York Mets baseball along with teaching

By Nate Steis

others the importance of writing and literature. He teaches several courses, among them two notable ones he created: Literature of Baseball and Literature of the Vikings.

In 2017, when he was named Faculty Member of the Year, Solberg was offered the opportunity to direct the Edinboro Honors Program. He has managed to grow the program (since renamed the Honors College) by about 70 members—from approximately 270 to almost 340—since taking over.

“I could not do it alone or take credit for all of it,” Solberg said. “A lot of people have helped make the Honors College what it is today.”

The Edinboro Honors College offers a common 24-credit curriculum and multidisciplinary seminars focusing on the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Additionally, Honors students complete an experiential learning capstone tailored to individual interests and career aspirations.

Honors students gain access to study-abroad opportunities, preferential class scheduling, scholarships, a peer mentoring program, extended library privileges, access to honors-only extracurricular programs, leadership conferences and group trips, collaboration with faculty, and access to a dedicated residential living-learning community.

First-year and transfer students receive admission to the Honors College if they have earned a 1200 SAT or 25 ACT and a 3.5 high school GPA. They may also be admitted if they have an 1100 SAT or 22 ACT and a 3.75 high school GPA. Students with exceptional grades and achievement during their time at Edinboro can join the program during the middle of their college career.

Solberg has taken students on various trips and helped them prepare for a collection of professional conferences. He helped students manage a trip to New York City for a cost of about $25. That’s just one example of the possibilities the Honors College offers to students.

Some recent Honors graduates are making their marks around the world, continuing their studies or contributing in big ways in the workforce.

Former Edinboro scholars are enrolled in programs like the doctoral program in Audiology at Arizona State, the graduate program in Geology at Washington State University, and the doctoral program in Clinical & School Psychology at Roberts Wesleyan College.

Others are working as lead tutors and counselors for Upward Bound at Clarion University, registered nurses at UPMC

Cole and interns at UPMC Hamot in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Outpatient Unit.

“Dr. Solberg is probably my favorite person. I could walk into his office anytime just to say hello and then have a half-hour conversation with him,” said Aaron White, who graduated with an Honors diploma in 2020 as a Middle Level Education major. “He’s welcoming, warm and inviting. He helps you become the best person you can be by developing yourself.”

While the Edinboro Honors College creates many opportunities, Solberg said students are scholars first, and the perks of the program come second. “The Honors College offers a lot to students, but I make sure to communicate that they are scholars. Everything else is important but secondary, including the social aspects.”

What may set this program apart is the leader behind the scenes who has helped make Edinboro and its Honors College better during his time as a Fighting Scot.

“I could not do it alone or take credit for all of it. A lot of people have helped make the Honors College what it is today.”

DiversityDialogues

By Nathan Brennan

Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel, professor of Social Work and Diversity

Dialogues panelist

The pursuit of diversity and inclusion is a struggle that continues in the U.S. and all over the world. Compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, the current day and age is rife with significant and converging issues including race, politics and economics that need to be addressed.

Edinboro University’s Diversity Dialogues series, featuring the expertise of Edinboro faculty and students, aims to tackle these issues head-on, with scholarly and informed discussions and events.

Dr. Terrence Mitchell, chief diversity and inclusion officer in Edinboro’s Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (CDEI), created the series this semester with the goal of providing the University and surrounding community with a forum for these important discussions.

“Community members needed a format for discussion about the last months of the pandemic, protests, culture, political divisiveness and personal stressors,” he said. “This was our effort to help our community through these times.”

Mitchell himself has been affected by recent events.

“I felt many of the things that members of our community experienced: stress, fear, worry and frustration,” he explained. “We all needed to talk about what we were experiencing and needed to hear strategies and techniques for handling our stress and our feelings. We also needed each other and the expertise of our community members to get us through.”

The Diversity Dialogues were livestreamed on Edinboro’s various social media, including YouTube and Facebook. Some of the topics that panelists have covered include Latinx culture, impact of the summer’s Black Lives Matter protests and self-care techniques.

“Our presenters were so bright and informed, and they were well known in our community and in the Erie area,”

Mitchell said. “We had excellent participation due to their popularity.”

One of the earlier events, the “Summer of Discontent: Lessons Learned, Looking Ahead,” touched on many topics, including social justice, art therapy and political implications of 2020.

Dr. Julaine Field, assistant professor of Counseling, School Psychology and Special Education, focused on the role of interpersonal relationships.

“One term that I have heard, which I’ve found interesting, is called ‘collective complex trauma,’” she explained. “We have multiple things happening simultaneously that make things quite complicated.”

She used the term “tridemic,” which she named as COVID-19, the racial injustice/ systemic racism and the economic crisis.

In alignment with the CDEI’s Diversity and Action plan, the series also placed a particular emphasis on diversity, lending a voice to those not often heard from and healing.

This was clear in the Latinx-centered events, which took place during Latinx Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The month is dedicated to the celebration of Latinx heritage and culture.

One of the events, the La Familia: Virtual Studio Event, discussed the role of family in one’s life as well the Latinx community.

According to Dr. Sheila Lorenzo de la Pena, a Counseling instructor at Edinboro, “familia” means something different to the Latinx community.

“For us, familia is a very expansive term, and I have a lot of people I would consider familia who actually, for a long time, I didn’t know weren’t really family,” she said.

Familia, whether immediate family or not, have an impact on our lives. This is perhaps felt even more during the time of the pandemic.

Therefore, during the event, participants crafted postcards to be sent to a person who has made an impact on their lives.

“The act of being able to send a postcard, doing something more personable, is helping to bridge that physical contact disconnect that we’re all feeling during COVID-19,” said Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel, a professor in the Social Work Department.

For Diez-Morel, it made perfect sense to get involved.

“As a social worker, being involved in the series not only aligns directly with our code of ethics, but also with my beliefs in wanting to celebrate diversity and helping to reduce misunderstandings, stigmas, and conscious or unconscious bias that others may have about diversity,” she said.

Diez-Morel not only participated in the series for the social work aspect, but also as a proud member of the Latinx community.

“As a Latina born to immigrant parents and raised in the culturally diverse city of Miami, I feel a strong calling to serve the Latinx community.”

She was able to realize this motivation through her social work practice, as well as her research as a C-SALUD Student Scholar in Health Disparities Research Fellow. In this role, she was able to contribute to eliminating health disparities in Latinx communities in the U.S.

“It is important for all voices to be heard, and through the Diversity Dialogues series, the University is creating a space for dialogue to be heard and shared from those who historically were not given a platform,” she said. “It is my hope that through this series, we can strive to learn more and grow stronger together.”

“It is my hope that through this series, we can strive to learn more and grow stronger together.”

– Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel

PREPARED TO POP

NICK HEFLER BROUGHT LEADERSHIP SKILLS, POLITICAL SAVVY AND SPIRIT TO SGA LEADERSHIP

By Alex Womer

Root beer and kettle corn may not be the first food offerings you encounter when stepping through the gates at a summer fair, but you can be sure they’ll be there—even before the scintillating smell wafts your way.

Nick Helfer, ’20, who finished his time as president of the Edinboro University Student Government Association (SGA) with the conclusion of the fall semester, was likely one of the first vendors to arrive to get his concession stand in place.

To arrive ill-prepared would present a variety of issues; imagine clamoring around a trailer wondering how to create the perfect mixture for root beer or the exact tools you need to pop the kernels.

His parents helped teach him to think systematically in part via his father’s trade and export logistics company. It was one venture the family would take, not the sweetest.

“My parents used to own a chocolate company and teach cooking courses,” said the already accomplished entrepreneur. “They had coffee, chocolate and a whole bunch of other things at their store. And my grandparents owned their own farm.”

Helfer has a knack for not only arriving prepared to a most crucial event such as the hot, summer fair or SGA proceeding, but making sure those who arrive after him will be set up for success.

As a freshman, he was part of “MacCato’s Crew,” a collection of impassioned students inspiring school spirit, and he even helped establish a wrestling club.

All that before eventually being elected as vice president of SGA, and eventually to the top spot of president.

Arguably the biggest change he made as SGA leader was changing the timing of elections, in part to lessen the stress of learning a new position in the heat of summer.

“I really pushed for having elections on a calendar-year basis so a traditional student would be elected the fall semester of their senior year,” said the Butler, Pa., native who studied remotely his final semester due to COVID-19 restrictions. “So, when a new president comes in, in theory, the outgoing president would still be here at campus, giving them advice if need be.”

Summer doesn’t mean less work for SGA officers or for Helfer. In a normal year, he would be attending 30 to 35 fairs operating his root beer and kettle corn concession stand. Officers of SGA spend summer making impactful decisions, and a busy Helfer knew a change was needed to make sure systems were in place to get the job done.

Incoming president Madj Al Halaby has witnessed Helfer’s leadership skills as they have worked together for several semesters.

“From the election amendment to Congress’ amendment, Nick’s utmost goal was to get more students involved,” explained Al Halaby, a senior studying Political Science and International Relations. “Although not all the changes he made are visible, and some are underrated, he certainly left a legacy and gave hope to all who will come after him that SGA is an organization that every student desires.”

Summer of 2020 was an odd one for Helfer, as it was for most everyone, due to COVID-19. Additionally, Helfer was charting his course as a professional.

“Another reason I wanted to have elections in fall is because as a senior you shouldn’t be focusing too much on SGA or other clubs and activities,” said Helfer. “I had to schedule or prepare for tests to get licensed in certain areas, and you usually have to schedule yourself a year ahead of time. Future seniors won’t have that now, and it will help the campus community to have an SGA president who is not deterred or tired.”

Helfer graduated with a degree in Geology with a minor in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). He said a perfect example of geographical information systems is a presidential election.

“When you look at a map of the United States on the news and they fill in the red and blue states,” he said of the electoral college map most Americans watch painstakingly on election night. “Those are basically GIS maps pushing the data out there.”

Knowing that, it might not surprise you much to know that Helfer has had success as an SGA officer, even though politics is not the first thing that comes to mind when planning his future.

“When I am interacting with people because of student government, they are usually surprised to hear that I’m a Geology major. But my family kind of has a history with politics and that is what pushed me toward SGA so I could hopefully make a difference.”

Similarly, to Al Halaby’s account of Helfer’s leadership, Nick points back to those who came before him while deflecting his own due credit.

“I give my parents credit for teaching me,” the horsebackriding enthusiast reflected. “And my grandparents for teaching me business knowledge, business ethics, and having a background in and understanding of politics.”

He then raved about his executive board and the accomplishments they made together.

“They could have given me a tougher time because I asked them to do a lot, but there was a mutual respect, and it was always a pleasure to work with my executive board.”

Helfer was also involved with the equestrian team, as he shared in his mother’s love of horseback riding, particularly “Western style” riding, which he has been practicing most of his life.

“My mom went to England when she was 17 or 18 when she graduated high school and learned how to ride ‘English style,’” remarked a smiling Helfer. “When I came to college and saw there was an equestrian team, knowing my mom always talked about it, I decided I wanted to learn English style.”

With so many interests and a desire to help people throughout his professional career, it may not come as a shock the attention to detail and planning Helfer’s feats have required. He made the most of his Edinboro experience and left a legacy that many in his wake will benefit from.

Like that sweet smell of kettle corn circulating in the hot summer air, with a delicious root beer to wash it down.

“When I am interacting with people because of student government, they are usually surprised to hear that I’m a Geology major. But my family kind of has a history with politics and that is what pushed me toward SGA so I could hopefully make a difference.”

gold-collar standard

A BUSINESS LEADER WITH GLOBAL EXPERIENCE DIRECTS EDINBORO’S NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAM IN INTELLIGENT ENTERPRISE

Douglas Battleson’s , ‘88, 30-year career has literally taken him across the globe. As an armor and cavalry officer in the Army, he served in many roles from platoon leader to squadron and regimental staff positions for nearly six years. While stationed in West Germany, he witnessed the end of the Cold War and forward deployed to Desert Storm.

Afterward, the Edinboro University faculty member cut his teeth in business and enterprise systems (ES) during his 16-year career with SAP Consulting Services, which allowed him to travel as a sales and distribution applications consultant and project manager.

ABy Christopher LaFuria

He started as a sales and distribution applications consultant but spent most of his time in project, program and delivery management roles. ES projects have a history of high failure rates, and as a project manager, Battleson was tasked with successfully turning them around. One of the more meaningful accomplishments in Battleson’s SAP career was successfully turning around a failing ES implementation for a major airlines’ merger and acquisition. Through this integration, he focused on the shared maintenance program between the two airlines, which was subject to a Federal Aviation Administration deadline.

“It was a unique experience because I first had to successfully address the organization’s culture issues,” Battleson said. “Once they were resolved, we were able to get to work developing a project schedule to lead these folks to an integrated enterprise solution.”

It was in the San Jose Airport nearly 20 years ago where a magazine article changed Battleson’s perspective on career opportunities. The writer outlined the difference between white- and bluecollar workers and a worker that was novel to Battleson—the gold-collar worker.

“Gold-collar workers are the ones who understand business processes— such as accounting, marketing and

manufacturing—and can apply enterprise solutions,” said Battleson, who joined Edinboro’s School of Business faculty in August 2019. “They know both the technology and the business.”

That, coupled with his history of turning around failing enterprise systems projects, steered Battleson toward a career in academia and ultimately resulted in the launch of a new academic program at Edinboro.

This new concentration prepares future leaders for the new face of business and economics. Last fall, Edinboro launched the new Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, focusing on Intelligent Enterprise (IE).

“Edinboro students will receive a broad and deep education from understanding how enterprise systems run businesses to configuration, project management, analytics and digital innovation,” said Battleson, academic program manager of the Intelligent Enterprise track. “Graduates will be prepared to use enterprise systems on day one, which greatly accelerates company-specific training and employee value-add.”

This new program—Battleson brings his experience in business and SAP— lies at the intersection of business and computer science, using modern and advanced technologies, analytics, design thinking, digital innovation and project management to keep businesses running efficiently and competitively in today’s marketplace.

Edinboro University is a member of the SAP University Alliances program, which provides access to ES technologies to learn and practice within the classroom. In addition, students are introduced to the SAP ecosystem, where industry certifications can be earned beyond the classroom.

The affiliation, combined with Edinboro’s comprehensive business curriculum, allows students to acquire the knowledge and skills that industry partners need when they consider next-generation talent. Edinboro’s program is designed to ensure that students understand business processes and how companies execute these processes using the SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and other current and advanced technologies and methodologies.

Though students will utilize SAP technologies in the courses, these are highly transferable skills that translate to other enterprise technologies.

In preparation for leading the new generation of Edinboro students through the program, Battleson reflected on his military career, which included time as an ROTC cadet at Edinboro University and as a Pennsylvania National Guardsman.

When Battleson graduated from Edinboro in 1988 with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics, he commissioned as an active duty armor officer and served in Germany.

“That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to come back to Edinboro,” he said. “I had a wonderful experience at Edinboro and in the ROTC program. Edinboro University got me started by providing a quality education and entry into a professional career.”

Battleson earned an MBA from Old Dominion University, which he completed in 1996, and his Executive Doctorate in Business (EDB) from Georgia State University in 2013.

When Battleson circled back to the region to begin his higher-education career at Edinboro, he noticed certain elements of the student body that aligned

with his own experience. He understands that many are first-generation students with a desire to advance their social mobility with a college education and experiences. Battleson supports the student body as the Phi Kappa Psi faculty advisor and brother.

“I believe that this student body is the right student body for me to work with,” he said. “Our students care if they’re learning and receiving a good education.” Integrating his professional experience and research with his academic program, Battleson looks to connect students with quality internships and experiential learning. As part of the Intelligent Enterprise major, he would like to see students complete an internship before their final academic year.

Other experiential learning opportunities include the Intelligent Enterprise Student Club, the Intelligent Enterprise Online Resume Book and participation in industry events such as the Americas’ SAP Users’ Group (ASUG).

“Once Edinboro students enter the IE program, I’ll be able to let industry partners know that we’re ready to start working together,” Battleson said.

Not only is Battleson excited to share his professional experience with Edinboro students, he is also enthusiastic about the future of the Intelligent Enterprise program making businesses more effective and efficient and adding value for their customers.

“Understanding the Intelligent Enterprise is very important for businesses to compete effectively, especially in the experience economy.” he said. “This is about organizations moving forward, embracing advanced technologies and methodologies to drive digital innovation for better analytics to inform better decisionmaking and business models.”

more than a ‘spectator’

EVEN WITH NO ACCESS TO THE COMPTON HALL OFFICE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

KIMBERLY FIRESTINE USES HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE TO REPORT AND EDIT AND TO ENCOURAGE FUTURE LEADERS

By Stacey Federoff

When breaking news hits, Kimberly Firestine, ‘17, knows how to get the story out to readers.

Executive editor and editorial assistant at The Spectator, Firestine learned of Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson’s appointment as interim president one evening, and by the next morning, she had not only written a story about it, but also set up an indepth interview.

“It was the morning of,” explained faculty advisor Chris Lantinen. “She had the article written about the new president’s hiring, and then an hour later she was interviewing her, so that takes quite a bit of skill.”

Along with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Edinboro, Firestine’s skill comes from about a year and half of working as a professional journalist as well as her own experience as an undergraduate at The Spectator. Now, she’s a graduate assistant earning a Master of Arts in Communications Studies.

“I think the only sense that it feels different is because I have more responsibility,” she said. As an undergrad, Firestine rose in the ranks at The Spectator from contributing writer to staff writer, then arts editor.

The about 20-person Spectator staff—some of whom have never set foot in the student newspaper’s Compton Hall office thanks to precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic—might argue that a few other things feel different as well.

The pandemic also temporarily halted the print edition, with circulation of about 2,000, so all the focus shifted

to providing up-to-date news online with Edinboro Now.

“We had an award-winning website already; we’ve just had to utilize it all a little more,” Lantinen said. “Before, we were a little locked into the print schedule. Now, it’s more fast-paced.”

The staff also tested a few episodes of a news podcast, available at anchor.fm/edinboro-now

“We’ve had to adapt and find a way to still produce the quantity and quality of content that we are capable of,” Firestine said.

While she considers herself the students’ peer or colleague, she also serves as a proxy to Lantinen and a guide to the staff.

Arts Editor Hazel Modlin, a junior majoring in English Literature, said the pandemic—and the accompanying firehose of news to cover—made the spring semester hectic, but by the time the staff returned in the fall, Lantinen and Firestine made the remote working and online focus easier.

“We came in to this semester and it was really well organized,” Modlin said. “They had thought out how to transition, so it wasn’t nearly as stressful as I thought it was going to be.”

Firestine knows how to connect staff members to the right sources, Modlin said. She’s a role model who’s approachable and always willing to help. To top it off, she really cares about The Spectator.

“She’s really invested in the paper and our group,” Modlin said.

Firestine’s compassion has extended this semester from her work with The Spectator into a practicum project

working with the Coalition for Natives and Allies, an education and advocacy group for indigenous people in Pennsylvania.

“That’s a great characteristic as a journalist,” Lantinen said. “Something I try to teach all my students is to be empathetic toward your subjects and toward your stories, you know, and toward situations that you approach.”

Melissa Gibson, head of the MACS graduate program, served as Firestine’s practicum advisor.

“Kimberly is incredibly passionate and persistent,” Gibson said, explaining that as part of a practicum, the applied project can be completed a number of ways, for example, by developing an integrated marketing plan. Instead, Firestine wanted to head a project working on the removal of Native American mascots and imagery from Pennsylvania high schools.

“Knowing how resistant people are to change, they may never convince that high school to change their logo,” Gibson said. “But fighting the good fight is something that’s important to her.”

Graduate students at Edinboro should expect opportunities like the ones Firestine has taken on, Gibson said. Instead of focusing on the Integrated Marketing Communication emphasis, Firestine chose the Managerial and Leadership Communication emphasis.

“She’s really been able to put those concepts into practice,” Gibson said. “She’s learning to apply those leadership and management concepts to her work at The Spectator every day.”

The Voice of the Fighting Scots

The sum of Alex Womer’s professional career can be encapsulated in one word: voices.

For the past decade, the Oil City, Pa., native has contributed his voice as the host of his FOX Sports radio show, on which he interviewed local, regional and national athletes and coaches on the Erie iHeartMedia station. His shows “The SportsBlitz” and “Never Enough Football” became staples in the local radio lineup.

On Friday nights, Womer dedicated his voice as the play-by-play radio announcer for Cathedral Prep High School and local universities. He has worked as an entertainment emcee for the Erie Otters, Erie SeaWolves and Erie BayHawks, providing his vocal talent for Erie’s amateur and semi-professional sports scene and volunteering with local youth sports.

Now, the focal point for Womer— Edinboro University’s new sports information director—is to provide a voice for Fighting Scots studentathletes and coaches in the Athletics

Department. Womer was named to the position in July, following the retirement of longtime SID Bob Shreve, who spent 22 years in the post.

“Sports play an important role in any community—especially if that community is a college campus with the reputation of Edinboro University,” said Womer, who joins the University by way of Gannon, where he studied Journalism Communications. “I’m excited to be able to share my experience in athletics and to be able to shift from a tiring life of self-promotion in radio to giving a voice to student-athletes.”

As the sports information director, Womer brings his experience in local sports to lead the communications and marketing efforts for the Department of Athletics. From writing game summaries and gathering statistics to establishing social media strategy and overseeing graduate assistants, Womer has begun to hit his stride in the department.

“Working in sports entertainment locally has given me a look into what those from our area are capable of

WOMER LAUNCHES NEW STUDENT-CENTERED STRATEGY IN EDINBORO SPORTS

INFORMATION

By Christopher LaFuria

when they work together,” said the former role player as a high school athlete.

“Working with our alumni, local partners, campus clubs and departments will hopefully help us produce an experience that people feel a sense of pride and involvement in.

Womer’s first few months in the role have been filled with

audibles and detours as Edinboro University and the entire global sports community have battled COVID19’s impact on competition. Within Womer’s first few weeks on the job, he’s advocated for student-athletes and coaches in the fall and winter programs as championships and competition in both seasons have been either canceled or significantly delayed.

But that hasn’t stopped Womer and his crew of graduate assistants, which includes former Edinboro student-athlete Trey Staunch, ’19, and newcomer Nate Steis. As a unit, the trio has shifted from game-day information specialists and promoters to the de facto campus storytellers.

“When a student-athlete is recruited and decides to attend Edinboro, they bring with them an extensive history and a unique world perspective,” Womer said. “It’s truly an honor to work on the team that gets to share their stories with the Edinboro community, because these experiences are what make this place special.”

Dr. Katherine Robbins, who became director of Athletics in 2018, has overseen the new era in sports information and is excited about the innovative direction of communications and marketing.

“We are excited about the opportunities for the department to share the stories and achievements of our student-athletes and coaches while promoting the mission of Edinboro University,” she said. “When our Fighting Scots see their name and story on our website or in the news, we know that they feel a sense of belonging, which they wholeheartedly deserve.”

Despite the cancellation of several athletics seasons, Womer and his team have already crossed an array of items off their checklist. In his first few months on the job, Womer has built working relationships with coaches and studentathletes to understand their needs and the expertise they bring to Edinboro.

Working with his graduate assistants, Womer has developed a strategy for sharing news releases and arranging

press conferences and media requests, and established new graphic design standards for the department.

The team has also revamped the Athletics Department website, gofightingscots.com, to include magazine-level feature articles, complete sports rosters and a survey repository for incoming and prospective student-athletes.

As the entire Edinboro University Athletics Department and Womer’s team anticipate the imminent impact of COVID-19 on the upcoming athletics competition season, Womer is maintaining his excitement for the student-athletes and continuing to build upon his success as a voice for Edinboro.

“Every athletics program has faced similar issues with COVID-19 and major adjustments to competition schedule,” Womer said. “Our job now is to keep our Fighting Scots family connected and to let our student-athletes and coaches know that they are the reasons we come to work.”

“It’s truly an honor to work on the team that gets to share their stories with the Edinboro community, because these experiences are what make this place special.”

KEEPING THE PARTY GOING

ART100 TO CONTINUE IN 2021

We’re officially extending the ART100 celebration. This year, we’re hoping there will be more opportunities to gather and celebrate all the accomplishments of Edinboro’s Art programs. Information about the extension of the ART100 celebration will be subject to change as we continue to navigate the regulations associated with COVID-19. To ensure you have the most up-todate information about ART100, make sure to:

• Check events and order your ART100 T-shirt at art.edinboro.edu/art-100

• Follow Edinboro University and Edinboro University Alumni on social media for the latest news and events

• Check for news and updates in the monthly Alumni Newsletter

• Make sure your information is up to date in our records by visiting your.edinboro.edu

ART100 ART SCHOLARSHIPS

Every student can use a little help completing their degree. Your contribution to the ART100 Scholarship Fund could make all the difference.

Change the life of an Edinboro art student—support the ART100 Scholarship Fund with a gift in any amount at your.edinboro.edu/pages/donateart100

MAKE YOUR MARK: ADD YOUR NAME TO THE ART100 DONOR WALL

The creation of a dynamic 2,700-square-foot contemporary exhibition space will expand art and cultural space on campus and undertake ambitious projects like never before. Make your mark at the new gallery. With a gift of $5,000, your name will be added to the new gallery donor wall, and your gift will be used to support future programming for the gallery. Make your gift at your.edinboro.edu/pages/donateart100

Located in a highly visible, centrally located space on the first floor of Baron-Forness Library, the gallery is designed to engage all members of the Edinboro community in the arts.

Join us as we extend this special celebration honoring the history and success of the Edinboro Art Department and the faculty, alumni and current students who are continuing the legacy of transformation and creativity.

One-time or recurring donations for ART100 scholarships and the new gallery can be made online or by mail. Please make your check payable to Edinboro University and mail to:

Edinboro University Advancement Office

210 Meadville Street Edinboro, PA 16444

Thank you!

Interested in creating a legacy gift to support the arts at Edinboro? Contact Amanda Brown Sissem, interim assistant vice president of Advancement, at 814-732-1796 or asissem@edinboro.edu

RECENTLY RETIRED? NOW IS THE TIME TO TRANSFORM LIVES!

Congratulations on entering this exciting new phase of your life! Today, you call the shots. You decide how to spend your days and how you’ll give your time and talents to benefit your family and your community. Now is the time to live life passionately and think about how to use your gifts to the fullest.

Retirement is the perfect time to consider making a transformational gift to Edinboro University. Did you know there are creative ways to support students that anyone, even those with a modest income, can achieve?

Through thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for you, your loved ones and Edinboro University students.

Here are just a few of the ways to make Edinboro University part of your legacy:

• You can make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime.

• You can give stock and realize larger tax savings.

• You can get a monthly paycheck for life in return for your gift.

• You can donate your house, continue to live there, and get a tax break all at the same time.

Edinboro University students are the leaders of tomorrow. They will influence our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will teach, invent, create, heal, serve, lead and shape our world. When you make a planned gift to Edinboro University, you make the future brighter for all of us.

For more information about creating an Edinboro Legacy, please contact:

Amanda Brown Sissem, BSW, MNM Interim Assistant Vice President of Advancement

Edinboro University

210 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444 814-732-1796 | asissem@edinboro.edu

edinboro.plannedgiving.org

© Jim Prokell

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS

1960s

1965 | Richard “Pete” F. Peterson and his son, Stephen, recently co-authored “The Turnpike Rivalry: The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns,” a book that explores one of the most intense rivalries in NFL history. The duo previously published “The Slide: Leyland, Bonds and the Star-Crossed Pittsburgh Pirates.” Peterson, professor emeritus at Southern Illinois University, and his wife, Anita (Homich) Peterson, ’65, reside in Makanda, Ill.

1966 | Thomas J. Mitchell was appointed vice chairman of the board of trustees at Reading Area Community College. Mitchell, who previously served as secretary of the board, retired after four decades chiefly owning and operating insurance companies in Berks County, Pa.

1968, M 1974 | Robert D. Clark, an Erie, Pa., native who taught biology at Saegertown High School for 36 years, published his latest novel, “Christmas Presence,” in December 2019. Available as an e-book and in paperback, the action- and adventurefilled story follows private detective Virginia Prentice as she investigates the questionable business practices of holiday shop owner Myran Bishop.

1969, M 1974, 1984 | Yvonne K. Caputo published the book, “Flying With Dad,” in June. Both a history and a memoir, it tells the story of Caputo’s father, Michael Caputo, who was a navigator on a B-24 and a WWII veteran. According to Caputo, the historical knowledge she gained at Edinboro was instrumental to the book’s completion.

1969 | Nelson C. Horine, principal of Evening High School and Secondary Summer School in Anne Arundel County (Md.) Public Schools, was named the 2019 Washington Post Principal of the Year. Throughout his 51-year career as a teacher, science chairman and administrator in the Annapolis, Md., school system, Horine was also honored by the U.S. Naval Academy Sigma Xi Chapter for promoting student research and the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as 2017 Principal of the Year.

1970s

1972 | Dr. Deborah A. Good was presented with an Honorary Life Membership by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), the organization’s highest recognition for lifetime achievement. During her 45-year career as an art therapist and clinical counselor, Good started the Art Therapy Program at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, N.M., and served as its director for 10 years. She was president of AATA from 1997 – 1999 and the Art Therapy Credentials Board from 2010 – 2011. Good wrote and advocated for the first art therapy licensure bill, which was passed by the New Mexico Legislature as part of the Therapy and Counseling Practice Act. Good continues to advocate for Licensed Professional Art Therapists and maintains an active clinical supervision practice. Among other professional awards, she received Edinboro’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996.

1975 | Sue A. Sneddon was honored in recognition of 25 years of solo exhibits at Craven Alley Gallery in Durham, N.C. Sneddon’s latest exhibit, “From Memory,” was featured both in person and online throughout the summer. During her 45-year career, her art has been featured in coastal galleries from Duck, N.C., to Hilton Head, S.C., and was celebrated in a documentary short by the regional EMMY-winning team at Minnow Media of Carrboro, N.C. Sneddon lives in Shallotte, N.C., where she paints in her restored freestanding studio at the edge of the Shallotte River near its confluence with the Intracoastal Waterway.

1976 | William (Bill) F. Rothenbach retired in August from his role as chief human resources officer for J.J. Haines, the largest floor covering distribution company in the U.S. During his career, he accumulated 44 years of international executive human resources experience with companies such as Procter & Gamble, Black & Decker, Bausch & Lomb, Sara Lee and F&G Life. He has since opened his own consulting business named Harbor Lights Human Resources Consulting, LLC. He will now be able to devote more time to his passion for painting.

1978 | Raymond L. Witter, who passed away on May 4, enjoyed a 25-year career as a film editor, director, lighting designer and studio liaison at CBS. Following the completion of his BFA at Edinboro, Witter earned an MFA in Communications, Film and Television from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va. His master’s thesis, “The Forgotten Holidays: The Christian Significance of the Levitical Feasts” is still studied in many churches today. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Donna (Robertshaw) Witter, ’77.

Thomas J. Mitchell

Dr. Deborah

A. Good

William (Bill)

F. Rothenbach

“Flying With Dad” by Yvonne K. Caputo

1979 | L. Abbie Pritchard was promoted to market leader of the Western Pa./N.Y. market for First Citizens Community Bank. Pritchard was previously the manager of FCCB’s Wellsville branch. She is also deeply involved in her community as secretary of the Allegany County (N.Y.) SPCA and served for eight years as president of the Board of Directors for the Allegany County United Way.

1980s

1987 | Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez began her tenure as the sixth president of Montgomery County Community College in Montgomery, Pa., on May 18. Under Bastecki-Perez’s previous service as interim president, MCCC earned the prestigious Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction award and was named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges for the fifth consecutive year.

1987 | Dr. Michael J. Hahesy, assistant professor in Edinboro’s Health and Physical Education Department and head wrestling coach at Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, Pa., recently wrote a piece for The Sport Digest on the rewards of coaching. Hahesy has many years of experience in men’s and women’s athletic coaching at levels from kindergarten to college. The Dr. Michael Hahesy Family Scholarship assists students on the Edinboro wrestling team.

M 1987 | Dr. Monty L. McAdoo, librarian-professor for Baron-Forness Library at Edinboro, recently wrote and published a research skills poster with step-by-step guidance on how to conduct research. McAdoo has more than 20 years of experience as a professional librarian.

1988, M 1990 | Dr. Emily F. Morris, vice president of Marketing and Communications and chief brand officer for Chautauqua Institution, and Christopher C. Yuhasz, ’90, M ‘94, president of POV Solution in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, collaborated in August to present a webinar addressing the ways that digital and print media can be integrated to generate better results for nonprofit organizations.

1990s

1990 | Dr. Charles Herring was appointed director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for South Fayette Township School District in McDonald, Pa. He is one of the first full-time directors of diversity, equity and inclusion in public K-12 institutions in western Pa. Dr. Herring holds a Doctorate of Education in Language, Literacy and Culture from the University of Pittsburgh.

1991, M 1992 | Dr. Julaine E. Field, assistant professor in Edinboro’s Department of Counseling, School Psychology, and Special Education, and Dr. Jim D. Fisher, ’93, professor in the Department of History, Politics, Languages & Cultures, joined fellow faculty members Adrienne M. DixonMcCullum and Sheila Lorenzo de la Pena to kick off Edinboro’s “Diversity Dialogues” series in September. The series addresses a variety of diversityrelated topics and issues facing the campus and region.

1994 | John A. Budesky returned to Hanover County, Va., as the top county administrator. Budesky served as deputy county administrator in Hanover for five years before spending the last three years as county administrator in Goochland County. The first person in his family to earn a college degree, Budesky says his work at a group home with troubled youths during college gave him his appreciation for local government.

M 1994 | Dr. Susan L. Miller was named the assistant superintendent at Slippery Rock Area School District in August. Miller had been working as assistant director of curriculum and instruction for Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5 in Edinboro. She holds a doctorate in Instructional Management and Leadership from Robert Morris University, and she has worked in education for 26 years.

Dr. Michael J. Hahesy

Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez

Dr. Monty

L. McAdoo

Dr. Emily F. Morris

L. Abbie Pritchard

Dr. Charles Herring John A. Budesky

Dr. Susan

L. Miller

Edinboro Lake by Sue Sneddon, oil on canvas, 15 x 30

1995 | Sean L. Gibson wrote an essay for ESPN Undefeated about renaming the Major League Baseball MVP award after his great-grandfather, Josh Gibson. Josh Gibson is considered the greatest hitter and catcher in the history of the Negro Leagues—and among the greatest of all time. Sean is executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1994.

2000s

M 2002 | Joseph J. Varckette was named city manager for Geneva, Ohio. Varckette worked in the private sector, but he returned to public service five years ago when he felt something was missing—the chance to work with various community groups and bring them together in a positive way.

2004, M 2011 | Adam M. Tate, an art teacher at Jamestown Area School District, carved a Scotsman out of a tree stump in the front yard of alumna Betty (Bucklew) Waite, ’95. Also featured in the photo above are Mica (Waite) Hoffman, ’92, and current Edinboro students Rylie Waite, Jessica Giannoccaro and Barrett Hoffman. Tate specializes in wood sculpting and chainsaw carving.

2006 | Melissa M. Merchant-Calvert began a three-year term on the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Board of Governors. In her role, she represents lawyers in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties. MerchantCalvert has served for four years as chair of the PBA Young Lawyers Division and has practiced at the Whalen Law Offices in Mercer, Pa., since 2012. Her law degree is from Barry University in Florida.

2010s

M 2012, 2017 | Dale Ann Edmiston and her husband, William A. Wright, have published a second book, “St. Croix.” Edmiston teaches early childhood education at the high school level, and the pair has hiked and motorcycled through much of North America, Europe and the Caribbean Islands.

2013, 2018 | Jesse H. Custer has worked in the social service field since 2012. In November 2019, she celebrated her five-year work anniversary at Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center in Erie, Pa. Since joining the staff at Sarah Reed, she was named employee of the month and received the youth worker award in 2018. Custer has also volunteered in religious education, with the homeless population and as an after-school reading tutor for elementary students.

M 2013 | Danny J. Jones, chief executive officer at the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC)—a nonprofit agency that seeks to reduce poverty in Erie County through empowerment, education and community partnership—was named to Edinboro University’s Council of Trustees. Before taking the reins at GECAC in March 2017, he retired as director of student services and homeless liaison for Erie’s Public Schools, a position he held for 24 years.

2013 | Sean P. Regan, an award-winning professional bagpiper and Edinboro Bagpipe instructor, led the digital efforts of Pittsburgh’s Balmoral School of Piping & Drumming to transition to online learning through Zoom sessions and virtual performances. In addition to online summer classes and one-on-one instruction, Regan’s team transitioned the 14th Annual Balmoral Classic Competition completely online in November.

2015, M 2017 | Anthony A. Nathal was named president of Lakewood College in Cleveland in June. He is the youngest minority university president in Ohio.

2015 | Martha C. Nwachukwu, Davona

L. Pacley, ‘12, and Lydia R. Laythe, ‘17, began hosting a new serial podcast called Our Erie. All three produce the podcast along with Edinboro IT Generalist John C. Lyons, ‘00. The series aims to bring local thought leaders together to discuss societal issues in Erie, Pa., and the nation at large.

2015 | Cory A. Somerville recently founded the Pittsburgh-based company Attraction77, which produces natural beard oil and shampoo products. Somerville assembles and ships the kits from his home, and he hopes to expand once COVID-19 restrictions ease. The influential website WeBuyBlack.com selected Attraction77 on its top eight list of black-owned grooming sites nationally.

M 2016 | Armani Davis was named to Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP’s 2020 Class of 40 Under 40. Davis is a Frederick Douglass fellow, a lecturer at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and public affairs fellow faculty lead at Coro Pittsburgh.

Joseph J. Varckette

Dr. Jim D. Fisher

Danny J. Jones

Sean P. Regan

Cory A. Somerville

Sean L. Gibson

Melissa M. Merchant-Calvert

2019 | Walter C. Fletcher was named a member of the Howard County (Md.) All-Decade Offensive Football Team. After breaking several school records at Centennial High School, Fletcher earned Division II All-America recognition during his time at Edinboro.

2020s

2020 | Michaela J. Barnes, Edinboro’s all-time leading basketball scorer, is the first female Fighting Scot to have her number retired.

2020 | Teresa A. Shields accepted a position in July as a seventh and eighth grade special education instructor at Glendale School District in Flinton, Pa.

• Rachel L. Berlin, ’05, M ’12 - artist and art instructor, owner, RLB Art Studio

• Maggie R. Beveridge, ’13 - product analyst II, Erie Insurance

• Emmanuel J. Fyke, ’17 - field organizer, Pennsylvania Democratic Party

• Maria R. Gangemi, ’10 - production coordinator/local talent purchaser/event producer/stage manager/audio stage patch technician

• Christopher B. Lantinen, ’10, M ’14instructor and campus newspaper manager, Edinboro University; social media specialist/podcast specialist

• Fredric J. Oakman, ’03 - singersongwriter, income maintenance casework supervisor

• Angelica J. Spraggins, ’11, M ’15vocational rehabilitation counselor, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services; co-founder/administrator and head of creative, Erie’s Black Wall Street

• Kyra L. Taylor, ’11 - social worker, co-founder, Erie’s Black Wall Street

Walter C. Fletcher

Michaela J. Barnes

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs. Helen A. (Williams) Thompson | ‘43 | New Wilmington, PA

Mr. Richard L. Praetzel | ‘51 | Buckingham, PA

Mr. Warren F. Williams | ‘51 | Concord, NH

Mr. Robert N. Christensen | ‘53 | Port Allegany, PA

Mr. William P. Starr | ’53 | Valencia, PA

Mrs. Patrica J. (Seddon) Reed | ‘54 Hermitage, PA

Ms. Mary (Withington) Merenick | ‘57 Jamestown, NY

Mr. William J. Benoit | ‘58 | Edinboro, PA

Mrs. Patricia J. (Myers) Hack | ‘58 | Avondale, PA

Mr. R. David Andrus | ‘59 | Binghamton, NY

Mr. Ronald J. Putnam | ’60 | Greenwood, NY

Mr. Carmin E. Grasso | ‘61 | Naples, FL

Mr. Joseph Giordano | ‘62 | Sheffield, PA

Mr. John F. Schafer | ‘64 | Aliquippa, PA

Mrs. Doris M. (Black) Yannesse | ‘64 Hermitage, PA

Mr. Norman “Norm” S. Merchant | ‘65 Knoxville, PA

Mr. George Ristvey | ‘65 | Edinboro, PA

Mr. Harry Scott | ‘65 | Champion, PA

Mr. Joseph A. Crupie, Jr. | ‘66 | Pittsburgh, PA

Mr. Charles E. Herbert | ‘66 | Warren, PA

Mr. Robert L. Sprague | ‘66 | Freedom, PA

Mr. W. James Walford | ‘66 | Milton, VT

Mrs. “Peggy” Margaret B. (Ward) McWhertor | ‘67 | Winter Springs, FL

Mr. William J. MacArthur | ‘68 | Oil City, PA

Mr. Robert G. Speer | ‘68 | Northeast OH

Mr. Robert E. Bish | ‘69 | Jamestown, PA

Mr. David L. Edwards | ‘69 | Norman, OK

Ms. Teresa J. (Melious) Lecceardone | ‘69 Hornell, NY

Mrs. Joye L. (Welsh) Pickens | ‘69 | Meadville, PA

Mr. Gary J. Rilling | ‘69 | Erie, PA

Mrs. Barbara (Swetsky) Shapiro | ‘69 | Erie, PA

Mrs. Jean L. (Durfee) Berlin | ‘70 | Meadville, PA

Mr. Oreste F. Carioli | ‘70 | Pittsburgh, PA

Ms. Donna R. Martin | ‘70 | Erie, PA

Mr. John M. Taylor | ‘70 | Bristol, PA

Mrs. Connie L. (Smith) Zadylak | ‘70 | Daytona Beach, FL

Mr. Alfred R. (Lewicki) Boeson | ‘71 Conneaut, OH

Mr. Dennis J. Garrity | ‘71 | Blairsville, GA

Mr. Edward A. Grzelak, Jr. | ‘71 | Erie, PA

Ms. Josephine (Sleva) Hoisington | ‘71 | New Bloomfield, PA

Mrs. Yvonne F. (Miller) Lee | ‘71 | North Warren, PA

Ms. Cecilia A. Martini | ‘71 | Freedom, PA

Mr. James E. Mowbray | ‘71 | Sykesville, MD

Ms. Linda J. Schirra | ‘71 | Franklin, PA

Mr. James B. Van Kirk, Jr. | ‘72 | Latrobe, PA

Mrs. Lois R. Vidt | ‘72 | San Jose, CA

Mr. John M. Bukousky | ‘73 | Sykesville, PA

Mrs. Kathy (Ferguson) Burns | ‘73 | Mercer, PA

Ms. Margaret (Meyer) Dunegan | ‘73 | Erie, PA

Mr. George J. Spinner III | ‘73 | Surprise, AZ

Mr. David M. Zewe | ‘73 | Yardley, PA

Mr. Albert S. Arendas | ‘74 | Hermitage, PA

Mrs. Brenda (Leichliter) Clark | ‘74 | Port Charlotte, FL

Ms. Janet A. Reiser | ‘74 | Erie, PA

Mr. Eugene Sarazen | ‘74 | Sharon, PA

Mr. Terry D. Whippo | ‘74 | Sheffield, PA

Mr. Gregory A. Baran | ‘75 | Erie, PA

Mrs. Jean B. (Barr) Chimenti | ‘75 | Erie, PA

Mr. J. James Dankovic | ‘75 | Holland, MI

Mr. Dennis L. Kortyka | ‘75 | North Kingsville, OH

Ms. Mary E. Kwiatkowski | ‘75 | Erie, PA

Mrs. Susan M. (Lesko) Sabol | ‘75 | North Huntingdon, PA

Reverend Jesse L. Baker | ‘76 | Centerville, PA

Mrs. Marilynn A. (Kochan) Holoweckyj | ‘76 Tarentum, PA

Mr. Kevin D. O’Malley | ‘76 | Leechburg, PA

Mr. Richard E. Zylak, Jr. | ‘76 | Meadville, PA

Ms. Shirley A. Koscinski | ‘77 | Sharon, PA

Mr. Heromin “Harry” H. Zmijewski | ‘77 Buford, GA

Mr. Mark G. Ladika | ‘78 | Sugar Creek, MO

Mrs. Linda L. (Stoner) Marsden-Liken | ‘78 Erie, PA

Mrs. Bonnie (Stiffler) Snyder | ‘78 | Zephyrhills, FL

Mr. Raymond L. Witter | ‘78 | Chesapeake, VA

Mr. Michael J. Kalustian | ‘79 | Meadville, PA

Mr. Dennis E. Taylor | ‘79 | Mount Pleasant, PA

Mr. Michael C. Soupart | ‘79 | Tyrone, PA

Mrs. Judy A. (Brozell) Lawrence | ‘80 | Erie, PA

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS

With deepest sympathy to the family and friends of alumni who passed away in 2020

Dr. Sally A. (Dahlkemper) Preski | ‘81 Corpus Christi, TX

Mrs. Lenora E. (Kinsinger) Zybowski | ‘81 Erie, PA

Mr. Michael J. Parahus | ‘82 | Beaver Falls, PA

Dr. Michael A. Swavey | ‘82 | Saegertown, PA

Mr. William H. Kelly | ‘83 | Conneautville, PA

Mr. Timothy D. Reichart | ‘84 | Edinboro, PA

Ms. Mary E. Strawbridge | ‘84 | Ashtabula, OH

Mr. Mark D. O’Donnell | ‘85 | Homestead, PA

Mr. John “Jack” R. Sidman | ‘85 | Erie, PA

Mrs. Betty A. (Ward) Hedman | ‘86 Smicksburg, PA

Mr. John P. Rhoads IV | ‘86 | Montoursville, PA

Mr. Gregory J. Hampy | ‘87 | Concord, NC

Mr. Robert P. Kauffman | ‘87 | Fountain Hls, AZ

Mr. Robert A. Black | ‘89 | Butler, PA

Mr. Tracy W. Soggs | ‘89 | Erie, PA

Mr. David Stanley | ‘89 | Mentor, OH

Mr. Thomas J. Berkstresser | ‘91 | Meadville, PA

Mrs. Carrie A. (Burbee) Bongiorno | ‘91 | Erie, PA

Mrs. Kelly A. (Ryan) Mittelmeier | ‘93 Maidsville, WV

Mr. Lorenzo D. Adams | ‘94 | Murfreesboro, TN

Ms. Deanna M. Tropper | ‘95 | Erie, PA

Mrs. Lyra L. (Mesnar) Way | ‘95 | Pittsburgh, PA

Mr. Marc T. Fox | ‘96 | Meadville, PA

Mr. Gregory S. Keefer | ‘99 | Trafford, PA

Mrs. Melissa L. Johns-Hunt | ‘01 | Rochester, PA

Mr. David B. Mullen | ‘01 | Philadelphia, PA

Mrs. Ashley E. (Dangelo) Csuhta | ‘03 | Erie, PA

Ms. Christine R. (Rice) Peterson | ‘04 Fairview, PA

Mr. Darren S. Cook | ‘05 | Waterford, PA

Mr. Stephen M. Pinney | ‘07 | Girard PA

Mr. Christopher H. Barczyk | ‘09 | Erie, PA

Ms. Erica L. Wisor | ‘10 | Homer City, PA

Mr. Richard C. Skellen | ‘12 | Ridgway, PA

Mr. Caleb T. Hultman | ‘20 | Warren, PA