Clarion Magazine Spring 2023

CLARION

SPRING | 2023

Tradition and Transformation

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Golden Eagles,

It is the privilege of a lifetime to serve as founding president of Pennsylvania Western University. During these past five years in the State System, I have been honored to lead California, Clarion and Edinboro as separate institutions and throughout the transition into our new university.

Getting to know so many of you who were shaped by your Clarion experiences has been deeply rewarding. This campus has played a significant role in your lives and, indeed, greatly impacted the borough, region and commonwealth. You have returned the favor by endlessly supporting our students, faculty and staff. For that, I thank you.

Working remotely these past few months has enabled me to reflect on my 50-year career as an entrepreneur, community leader, business owner, nurse, hospital administrator, mental health counselor, career counselor, full professor, department chair, associate dean, dean and president. It’s been a great ride.

After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to retire as founding president, effective July 1.

In retirement, I look forward to spending more time with Dr. Bob and our little rescue pup, Penzy West, at our cottage in Erie. For those who are wondering what I will do next – it will include creativity, nature, gardening, books, writing, learning, helping, and, of course, cycling.

I am forever grateful to our students; they are the reason we do what we do, and that work matters deeply. I am also thankful to our communities, alumni, Council of Trustees, faculty, staff and volunteers for giving their all to our students and to one another.

Together, we have laid the groundwork to ensure a strong, secure future for public higher education while keeping our campus legacies alive.

Laurie Bernotsky, D.Phil., has been serving as PennWest’s chief operating officer since 2022 as a loaned executive from West Chester University, where she serves as executive vice president and provost. She shares my passion for public education, and PennWest is well-positioned to thrive with her at the helm.

I am filled with appreciation, gratitude and pride for all that we’ve accomplished together. Today and always, I remain a steadfast supporter of PennWest.

Wings up!

Correspondence

Office of Communications

PennWest Clarion

840 Wood St.

Clarion, PA 16214

communications@pennwest.edu

Acting President

R. Lorraine Bernotsky, D.Phil.

Vice President of University Advancement

James M. Geiger

Executive Director of Communications

Wendy Mackall

Executive Director of Creative Services and Brand Identity

Bill Berger

Managing Editor

Tina Horner

Writers

Kristin Brockett

Sean Fagan

Christopher LaFuria

Amy Wozniak ’02, ’06G

Editor

Gloria Ruane

Photography

Sean Fagan

Zach Frailey

Jeff Helsel

Brianna Kirkland ’16

Design

Philip Haragos

Deborah Henry

Bryan Postlewait ’04

Greg Sofranko Past

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson Founding President Pennsylvania Western University

CLARION

A GIVING NATURE 36

24 GOLDEN EAGLES SP0RTS DIGEST

One year after winning the program’s first conference championship since 2010, the Golden Eagle volleyball program put together another memorable season in 2022, reaching the NCAA Atlantic Region final and garnering their share of the national spotlight.

FERRARO NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR, FELDKAMP BATTLES TO ALL-AMERICAN STATUS

InterMat named their year-end award winners in the Mid-American Conference, with Clarion’s Keith Ferraro earning the publication’s MAC Coach of the Year honors.

Ferraro finished his ninth season at the helm of the Golden Eagles program in 20222023, with Clarion reaching a number of significant achievements along the way. The most notable of of those achievements came the 2023 NCAA Division I Championships, when Will Feldkamp battled his way to a seventh-place finish at 184 pounds to become All-American and the program’s first top-eight finisher since 2013.

Feldkamp earned his way to the NCAA Championships by winning the MAC championship 184 pounds, making him one of two Golden Eagles to win a conference crown. Senior Seth Koleno finished his Golden Eagle career by taking home the MAC title at 141 pounds and clinching a spot at NCAAs, while 174-pounder John Worthing was a MAC finalist and NCAA qualifier at 174 pounds. All told, the Golden Eagles’ two MAC champions and three conference

finalists were the most they have boasted in both categories since making the move to the MAC in 2020.

As a team, Clarion was third at the 2023 MAC Championships, a two-spot improvement from their fifth-place showing a year ago. The Golden Eagles finished with an 11-6 dual record on the season, including wins over Central Michigan and Lock Haven.

Eight Golden Eagles wrestlers were represented on the 2022-23 Academic All-MAC Wrestling team, placing them fourth in overall selections. The Academic All-MAC honor is for a student-athlete who has excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport.

Golden Eagles wrestlers who earned Academic All-MAC honors this season are: Ty Bagoly, redshirt senior, MBA, 3.96 GPA; Austin Chapman, junior, medical imaging services, 3.53 GPA; Trevor Elfvin, redshirt senior, business administration, 3.48 GPA; Will Feldkamp, redshirt senior, MBA, 3.61 GPA; Joey Fischer, sophomore, management, 3.30 GPA; Seth Koleno, senior, biology, 3.37 GPA; Mason Prinkey, sophomore, management, 3.82 GPA; and John Worthing, redshirt sophomore, early childhood education, 3.36 GPA.

CALHOUN NABS COACH OF THE YEAR, CASTELLANOS IS WOMEN’S DIVER OF THE YEAR

Freshman diver Luna Castellanos was CSCAA Division II Women's Diver of the Year. She was national champion in both the Women's 1-Meter and Women's 3-Meter dives. She is the eighth Clarion women's diver to win both championships in the same season, the first since Kristin Day in 2014.

Diving coach Heath Calhoun was named CSCAA Division II Women's Diving Coach of the Year, after the Golden Eagles women earned five All-American finishes. This is Calhoun’s first Coach of the Year award.

Anna Vogt was named a Third Team Academic AllAmerican for the CSCAA women's swimming & diving team, the 10th time a Clarion women's swimming & diving athlete has earned Academic All-America status. Vogt and Alexa Gonczi combined for three Second Team All-America honors out of four attempts.

KELLEY HONORED AS COACH OF THE YEAR, BOCCI NAMED MEN’S SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

Bree Kelley won Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Men's Swimming Coach of the Year, the first woman to win the honor and the first time a Golden Eagles coach has won since 1998. Sophomore David Bocci, last year’s Freshman of the Year, won Men’s Swimmer of the Year.

Bocci is Clarion's first NCAA Division II Championships top-eight finisher in the pool in a decade, placing eighth in the 200 Fly. He was part of the conference championship 800 Free Relay team, and he placed in the top eight in the 200 Back, 100 Fly and 200 IM.

The Golden Eagles qualified both Bocci and senior Connor Cary to the NCAA Championships in March. Cary won his third career 200 IM championship at the PSAC Championships and was part of the champion 800 Free Relay team. The Golden Eagles men placed third overall. During the season, they broke school records eight times.

CALHOUN

CASTELLANOS

KELLEY

BOCCI

TRIO COMPLETES INTENSIVE ‘INSIDE WASHINGTON’ SEMINAR

SGA LEADERS JOIN TO BENEFIT ALL PENNWEST STUDENTS

Darrek Harshberger, Samuel Shannon and Emily Muniz have different majors and life goals, but they share a commitment to ensuring their peers have the best possible college experience.

PennWest

students Wyatt

James Ross and

Schwalm completed an intensive weeklong academic seminar in Washington, D.C., last spring as part of Dr. Kevan Yenerall’s experiential political science course, CPS 350: Inside Washington 2022.

The seminar included topical presentations and Q&As with political scientists, journalists, policy experts, public servants and more, followed by small discussion groups led by Yenerall, and then educational briefings with practitioners in media, public policy, politics, diplomacy, national defense and governmental relations throughout the D.C. area.

U.S. Capitol.

The three were elected last spring as Student Government Association presidents at PennWest’s California (Harshberger), Clarion (Shannon) and Edinboro (Muniz) campuses. Each student leader has previous SGA experience, but integration of the three campuses has presented opportunities for them to work together.

Melissa Dunn, director of Student Engagement for PennWest and advisor to California’s SGA, said student government gives all students the opportunity to shape the student experience at PennWest.

“These three students, who serve as leaders of our Student Government Associations on each campus, have brought together the individual campus perspectives and are leading us into the future,” she said.

Student government is the governing body of clubs and organizations and serves as a liaison between students and administration.

Clarion

Baker,

Cassie

The three are pictured with Yenerall at the

SEVEN HONORED FOR PROMOTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

AWARDS AND RECIPIENTS

• Outstanding Community Award

Jacqueline Griebel

• Outstanding Supporter

Dr. Joseph Croskey, chair of PennWest Department of Student Achievement and Success and director of the State System’s Frederick Douglass Institute

• Outstanding Employee

Dr. Natasha Dias, assistant professor of biology and advisor to Clarion International Students Association

• Outstanding Student

Natalie Thomas

Special Group – ALLIES

• Special Equity Award

Jarrett Boxley, assistant director of Admissions and NAACP representative

• Presidential Award

Rogers Laugand III, assistant vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Support.

Dr. Brenda

was one of three members of the PennWest community who received Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Keepers of the Flame Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions by creating and promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of belonging. Keepers of the Flame inspire others and keep the flame for positive change burning bright.

Dr. Dedé retired from Clarion in July 2019 after 23 years that included serving as associate vice president for Academic Affairs, interim associate provost, associate vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs, coordinator of Graduate Studies and director of Faculty Research Development. She is the founder of Clarion’s Juneteenth and MLK Day Community Breakfast events.

PennWest Clarion Student Senate and the Office of Equity and Title IX honored six individuals and a student organization at the annual Equity Dinner and Awards Ceremony Nov. 1. The annual dinner recognizes faculty, staff, students and community residents for their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sanders Dedé

DEDÉ RECOGNIZED WITH INAUGURAL KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD

Hundreds of flags dot the PennWest Clarion -- Venango campus in Oil City as a tribute to fallen military heroes.

The 2022 theme

“A History of Service-Honoring all who served and died and their families that will never forget them” was inclusive of all conflicts.

VENANGO HONORS VETERANS AT A HISTORY OF SERVICE

The Venango Veterans Club at PennWest Clarion – Venango hosted the annual Veterans Day observance with a new theme: A History of Service.

The program is a dedication to those who served, died or have been wounded, and to the families who have felt the pain of missing a loved one.

In its inaugural year, A History of Service focuses on World War I, the ending of which on Nov. 11, 1918, became the basis for establishing Veterans Day. In subsequent years, the program will focus on other specific conflicts. Guest speaker was R. Lee James, representative of the 64th legislative district, including all of Venango and part of Butler County. James takes pride in his family’s history of public service, including four generations who have served in the armed forces. His grandfather served in the Army, and his grandmother served in the Marine Corps during World War I. His mother served in the Navy and his father served in the Army during World War II. Lee served in the Navy from 1966 to 1972. His son and daughter-in-law currently serve in the Army at Fort Bragg, NC. Harry Whittemore, director of Venango County Veteran Affairs, offered concluding remarks, emphasizing the ongoing issue of veteran suicide.

The Walk of Remembrance, the flag-lined sidewalk between Frame and Montgomery halls, represents those from Pennsylvania who fought and died in any conflict. Visitors were encouraged to think of a loved one, comrade or special person as they viewed the simple but somber reminder of service to our country.

The program is dedicated to all veterans and their families.

Active duty military personnel join the Venango Veterans Club in front of Suhr Library. From left are: Sgt. Edwin Tyren, U.S. Army recruiter; Maria Fry; Mark Conrad, club advisor; Marichu Leiva; Jim Reisinger, Immediate past president and veteran (Navy, Army National Guard), Kassidy Lee, club president; Spencer Wakefield; Jozilyn Grove, club vice president; Jay Stull, club co-advisor and veteran (Army National Guard); Ashley Hanst, club treasurer; Bryce Galt, Air Force recruiter; and Robyn Biondi, club secretary.

The B-Code: The relationship between emotions and intellect

Fire. The wheel. Anesthesia. Penicillin. Braille. The traffic light.

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” Plato wrote. Such was the case with many objects, ideas and technologies that make our lives better, including the aforementioned list.

Such was the case, too, for entrepreneur and business owner Sam Lucci ’69. He found himself broke and divorced many years ago, and he realized it was up to him to find his way to a happy life.

But, how?

Read more at PennWest.edu/b-code

Antronice Wilson Student Leadership Student Leadership

Antronice Wilson describes herself as timid and an introvert, but that hasn’t stopped her from serving in a variety of leadership capacities at PennWest Clarion.

The senior psychology major with minors in social work and health communication works as a community assistant and serves on the President’s Leadership Academy, the Student Conduct Board and the Leadership Council. She also is vice president for both the Black Student Union and PennWest Clarion’s Black Lives Matter student organization.

Prior to coming to Clarion, she was president of her high school’s Interact Club, a manager at Kennywood Park, and a Pittsburgh Promise ambassador.

“I became a student leader during high school. I have always been someone who wants to make an impact in the world and for others,” Wilson said. She’s learned she can have the biggest impact by being a leader and being at the front of the process.

“I have always thought I was too timid or introverted to serve in a leadership position,” Wilson said. She surprised herself, however, with her capacity to take charge, and is now recognized as a campus leader. She attributes her success to many other leadership characteristics: honesty, humility, confidence, respect, congeniality and consistency.

“Antronice often takes on leadership roles without reservation,” said Rogers Laugand, assistant vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Support.

Laugand added that Wilson provokes thoughtful discussion, and she is dependable and sharp. She also successfully balances her activities and academics.

Because of Wilson’s experience, she encourages others to take that step into leadership, whether it’s through a campus job or serving in a leadership role in an organization.

“There are many great opportunities at Clarion for students to lead and to develop leadership skills,” she said.

Her advice to incoming freshmen is to get involved, as that simple step can lead to greater opportunities.

She also encourages students to develop their leadership qualities through the President’s Leadership Academy.

She believes the leadership skills she gained at PennWest Clarion have already impacted her life, making her a better student and person.

“The leadership skills that I have learned at Clarion will remain with me for the rest of my life, and they have helped to shape my future.”

“THERE ARE MANY GREAT OPPORTUNITIES AT CLARION FOR STUDENTS TO LEAD AND TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS”

Leadership Leadership

by Tina Horner and Amy Wozniak

Student Leadership Student Leadership

Leadership Leadership

Ember Steffens

What started as a need to step outside her comfort zone soon has become a chance for Ember Steffens to be a voice for other PennWest Clarion – Venango students.

“This past year I was given many leadership roles, starting with being Student Senate president at the Venango campus,” Steffens said. “The reason I became a student leader was to help boost my confidence in leadership for after college.”

Once Steffens accepted the role, however, she discovered there were many changes happening at Venango campus and “throughout the year, my new reason for becoming a student leader had turned into being a voice for our small campus.”

One major concern was that the café, the only food source at Venango campus, was disappearing. The issue became a priority for Steffens and Student Senate, and this year, due to their efforts, Venango has a café.

In addition to serving as Student Senate president, Steffens served as the treasurer for Venango’s campus activities board, was a Clarion Students Association board member and a member of both the Medical Imaging and CUserve clubs. She also worked as a tutor on campus. Prior to Clarion, she was summer camp counselor and captain of her high school soccer team.

“Ember just finished her term as Venango Student Senate president,” said Casey Beightol, director of campus relations for PennWest Clarion – Venango. “She was a fantastic leader and

handled the role and challenges very well, all while excelling in her classes. Ember was the student body spokesperson at meetings of the Venango Forum and Venango Campus Advisory Council, and she worked to keep the campus community informed.”

Steffens, a junior medical imaging major, is in clinical training at UPMC Northwest School of Radiology. She continues to serve as a resident assistant at Venango Campus Apartments.

“The characteristics that I deem most essential to leadership are skills such as communication with the people around you, creative thinking to solve the various problems that might arise, and confidence in leading others,” Steffens said.

Steffens believes the leadership skills she’s gained at Venango will help her to become a leader in her professional field, and she encourages other students to get involved in the many leadership opportunities at PennWest Clarion – Venango.

“My advice to upcoming freshmen is to get involved in clubs on campus,” Steffens said. “Learn from the leaders around you, and take in the skills that are essential to becoming a good leader.”

In honor of her leadership, Steffens was awarded the Frame Outstanding Leadership award at the Venango awards ceremony.

“I never would have seen myself doing this, but after a year of being Student Senate president, I am so glad that I got the opportunity,” Steffens said.

“MY ADVICE TO UPCOMING FRESHMEN IS TO GET INVOLVED IN CLUBS ON CAMPUS.”

#Prepared4PA

Throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, our graduates are stepping up and standing out. They are saving and improving lives, revolutionizing technology, commanding boardrooms, inspiring future leaders and literally soaring to new heights.

Each founded more than 150 years ago to increase educational attainment and fill training gaps in our communities, the California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses remain focused on transforming lives and meeting the ever-evolving workforce needs of the commonwealth.

Together as PennWest, the economic impact of our alumni continues to grow, and the reach of our Global Online campus is infinite.

Workforce development –or aligning individuals’ education, skills and training with the needs of Pennsylvania industries –is a critical challenge for our commonwealth. In response, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education introduced the Prepared4PA initiative, which links education and industry through strategic partnerships. These partnerships customize programs to provide a pipeline of talent to meet the growing workforce needs of Pennsylvania, preparing students for meaningful lives and careers.

PennWest is building on the strengths of each campus and leveraging partnerships with industry and community leaders to help students succeed in a dynamic world.

Our graduates serve the commonwealth as business owners, counselors, educators, doctors, nurses, lawyers, inventors, public servants, journalists, engineers, pilots, authors, artists, scientists, researchers and so much more.

TOTAL LIVING ALUMNI IN PA 125,000+

TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT $701 Million (Direct and indirect spending) FY 2021-2022

TOTAL PROJECTED ECONOMIC IMPACT

$758.6 Million (Direct and indirect spending) FY 2025-2026

PENNWEST INITIATES RECRUITMENT, TRAINING PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS U.S. TEACHER SHORTAGE

he National Education Association estimates the U.S. is facing a shortage of about 300,000 teachers and support staff. Job openings began to outnumber hires in 2017, and the gap only widened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

With more than 480 years of combined experience in preparing exceptional educators, it’s no surprise that Pennsylvania Western University is doing its part to address this growing crisis.

“Our sister campuses share a proud history in teacher preparation,” said Dr. Daniel Engstrom, deputy provost. “As the demand for qualified educators grows, PennWest continues to look for new recruitment and training solutions to meet the dire need within our communities.”

“PENNWEST CONTINUES TO LOOK FOR NEW RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING SOLUTIONS TO MEET THE DIRE NEED WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES.”

Participants in the Edinboro Noyce Teacher Scholar program are helping to meet the need for STEM educators in low-income school districts.

Partnership adds 69 nurses to Somerset County workforce

Early in 2019, a group of community stakeholders began conversations about bringing an Associate of Science in Nursing program to Somerset County.

Seeking partnership with a quality, experienced educational institution, the group – comprising members of Somerset County Commissioners and Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education (SCFHE) – turned to PennWest Clarion.

Four years later, three classes of nurses have completed the program, adding 69 skilled registered nurses to the region's health care facilities.

Citing Clarion’s proven, cuttingedge nursing and technology program, Charles Korn, Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education vice chair, said the program would complement the foundation’s robust scholarship, tuition assistance and student loan initiatives.

The Somerset commissioners and SCFHE worked with Pennsylvania Sen. Patrick Stefano and state Rep. Carl Metzgar to secure grant funding to start the program. The funding was used to renovate a wing of the Somerset County Education Center, which houses the program, purchase simulation equipment, and offer scholarships to residents of Somerset.

Other community leaders joined the effort and have created

First-year nursing student Riley Hay hones her skills in the ASN Somerset simulation lab.

scholarships for students who enroll in the ASN program at Somerset. The students are eligible for low-interest loans through a local financial institution that has partnered with SCFHE.

“This partnership will result in the county being able to retain a highly skilled and educated nursing workforce delivering vastly improved health care and medical services throughout Somerset County,” Charles Korn, SCFHE vice chair, said at the time.

“Health care facilities in the region were having a difficult time attracting and retaining nurses. When young people left the community to pursue educational opportunities, they often would leave the area and not return,” said Dr. Deb Kelly, dean of PennWest’s College of Health Sciences.

“Leaders of the Somerset community believed that if they brought a nursing program to the area, they could attract people who were interested in remaining in the region.”

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and Somerset Hospital are also partnering in the initiative. PennWest Clarion offers the core nursing classes and general education, while Penn Highlands provides additional general education and support courses.

Somerset Hospital serves as a clinical training site and offers diverse clinical/hospital experiences arranged to cover a variety of nursing specialties including emergency room, operating room, home health and other nursing specialties, such as medical-surgical and pediatrics.

Krista Mathias, board chair of Somerset Hospital, said Clarion’s nursing program benefits the region significantly.

“Not only is this an excellent educational opportunity for our young people and folks looking to be trained in a highly marketable and noble profession, it is an opportunity for Somerset Hospital to connect with the best and brightest in the Laurel Highlands and recruit highly skilled nurses from the clinical portion of the program,” Mathias said.

“These partnerships create additional learning opportunities for our students and strengthen our local workforce,” said Trish Corle, Penn Highlands vice president of student services.

The two-year ASN program leads to licensure as a registered nurse upon successful completion of the NCLEX state exam. Clarion’s current ASN program has boasted strong

in 2016 and 94 percent in 2017, well above the national average.

“This partnership brings a topnotch education program to help staff our world-class medical institutions here in Somerset County,” Stefano said.

“Working with Rep. (Carl) Metzgar, I was proud to secure the funding needed to renovate the facility and acquire the technology needed to provide the students in this program with the tools that they need to succeed.”

Once students complete the program and pass the licensure exam, they can begin working in the nursing specialty of their choice. Students can seamlessly continue to Clarion’s online RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The online format supports program completion built around the student’s work and family responsibilities. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for the upperlevel degree programs.

Brenda Miller graduated in May 2022 from the ASN program in Somerset and is a registered nurse at UPMC Somerset.

“

... it is an opportunity for Somerset Hospital to connect with the best and brightest in the Laurel Highlands ...”

DREAMS TAKE

PENNWEST EDINBORO’S ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN AERONAUTICS helps students turn their dreams of flight into a future that has wings.

PennWest Edinboro has partnered with 141 FAA-approved flight schools on an accelerated 60-credit program that allows students to complete academic coursework online, as well as complete between 225 and 250 flight hours, in about two years. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared for a job as a commercial industry pilot (nonpassenger), a private charter pilot or a flight instructor.

Additionally, when students complete flight training at High Flight Academy in Butler (one of Edinboro’s flight school partners), they can be hired as paid flight instructors for the next generation of pilots. This helps them gain additional flight hours to become airline transport or cargo pilots. The program, housed under Edinboro’s physics department, also fuels the flight industry, which needs pilots.

PennWest Edinboro student Preston Sears flies above Butler with his flight instructor, Joe Dornetta, of High Flight Academy.

TAKE FLIGHT

In Technician Outlook, Boeing estimates that more than 600,000 pilots will be needed over the next two decades –which was good news for Nick Fritz, who has wanted to fly since he was 8 years old.

Couple that with his interest in truck driving, and Fritz is on his way to becoming a cargo pilot.

Through research, Fritz discovered the PennWest Edinboro program has many advantages, including that in addition to an A.S. degree, he could also achieve a Bachelor of Science in applied technical leadership.

Unlike Fritz, Nathaniel Webb was well into his college career, but he was without a future plan until he discovered the aeronautical science program.

“I wanted to find something exciting,” Webb said.

Webb, who had an interest in flying, was fully on board when he discovered that most of his credits would transfer into the A.S. program and that the program’s coursework is completely online.

Another major factor in Webb’s decision was easy access to financial aid. Flight programs require access to planes, plus fuel and maintenance to fly them; costs add up quickly. Loan institutions believe becoming a pilot is a good return on investment, said Korey Kilburn, Ph.D., advisor and developer of the Edinboro aeronautics program.

Once students complete training, well-paying job offers are typical; pilots eventually make six figures, according to the Department of Labor and Industry.

“You get a good-paying job at a young age. You can hit the ground running,” said Chris Hayden, chief instructor at High Flight Academy, where Fritz, Webb and fellow student Preston Sears are gaining their flight training and experience.

Choosing Edinboro and High Flight put Sears in the cockpit sooner than other aeronautics programs. Sears knew he wanted to fly, but he had no idea how much he would grow to love it once he stepped inside the cockpit.

“I didn’t realize it was going to be so fun,” Sears said.

High Flight works to make certain its students get experience both in the full motion simulator and in the air. Gaining the necessary flight time can be problematic at other flight schools, but High Flight has 12 airplanes in its hangar and is looking to buy another, Hayden said.

Accessible planes make it easier to gain crucial flight hours. In order to complete a part of the 141 pilot program, the FAA requires a student to log a minimum of 190 hours of flight time.

Sears is looking forward to becoming a trainer to log additional flight hours required to become a commercial or cargo pilot. He’s logged many of his hours with Joe Dornetta, who has been a trainer for four months.

“I never walk away from here in a bad mood,” Dornetta said as he coached Sears in a Cessna 172 on a cloudy afternoon. The exhilaration of flight is part of the fun that Sears, Webb and Fritz have found.

“I really want to fly,” Sears said.

Preston Sears is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Aeronautical Science at PennWest Edinboro and a pilot's license from High Flight Academy in Butler, Pa.

here mechanical and electrical engineering, computing technology, automated control and information systems intersect are graduates from the mechatronics engineering technology program based at PennWest California.

“Making robots is a really common application for mechatronics,” said Dr. Jennifer Wilburn, chair of the Department of Applied Engineering, Technology and Physics. “Because we are located in southwestern Pennsylvania, we focus on advanced manufacturing, because we have a lot of manufacturing jobs. Our students want jobs when they’re done.”

Wilburn helped to build the mechatronics engineering technology program, which launched in 2013 as the first hands-on, technology-focused, four-year program of its kind in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.

One highlight is the Industrial Advisory Board, a key component to ensuring the program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Member businesses provide input into the program in order to ensure graduates are

Bailey Jellison and Gideon Godspower make final preparations to their project, Fire Search and Rescue Robot.

workforce ready. Some sponsor the students’ senior projects.

“Businesses come to us with problems in their production process that maybe aren’t big enough for a contractor to pick up,” Wilburn says. “Maybe it’s not urgent, but it’s something they would like to address.”

The business provides the parts and a mentor. Students flesh out the complexities and design a solution. Final designs are presented to the Industrial Advisory Board before students graduate.

Julietta Maffeo ’22 and her team presented their project in partnership with DMI Companies, a leader in HVAC products and services. They wheeled their label applicator for ceiling radiation dampers from the classroom to a truck for delivery to the company’s production floor. The project eliminates drying time and labor on more than a million parts produced each year.

“What DMI seemed to like about me is that I knew the manufacturing side and engineering side as well,” said Maffeo, who also studied electrical engineering technology and now works for DMI as an automation engineer. “I had hands-on experience with programmable logic controllers and automation equipment – stepper motors, robotics and circuit design.”

Maffeo returned to California last fall as an industry partner and guest presenter on AutoCAD Electrical, a product that is important in understanding electrical drawings.

“It works out well for the students,” Wilburn said. “They get feedback from the industry and the durable skills they will need in the workforce.”

NSF SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS STEM MAJORS

PennWest California has been granted $745,379 for student STEM scholarships through the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program.

The funding will be used to support the recruitment, enrollment, retention and graduation of 12 low-income, academically talented students pursuing bachelor of science degrees in computer engineering technology, electrical engineering technology or mechatronics engineering technology.

Each of the 12 students who receives a scholarship will be granted up to $10,000 per year for four years, based on their unmet financial need. Students will also have access to comprehensive academic support services as part of PennWest California’s Aligning Careers and Campus Experiences for Student Success project.

For information, contact Dr. Brent Wilburn, wilburn_b@pennwest.edu, or Dr. Jennifer Wilburn, wilburn@pennwest.edu.

by Wendy Mackall

THE LIBRARY IS THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Shelly Mathis remembers one of her library science professors sharing the adage that “the library is the heart of the community.” He then amended it to say that “the community needs to be the heart of the library.” For Mathis, they’re one and the same. Library science brings together two of her passions: lifelong learning and service to her community.

Mathis graduated in May with her Master of Science in library science in May 2023. She previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies: library science from PennWest Clarion. Both programs are fully online.

The path to her degrees took 10 years, but Mathis takes joy in knowing that she earned them in the way that worked best for her family. As a homeschooling mom, Mathis worked part time at her local library in Grand County, Colorado, while

taking classes. It was important to Mathis to be available for her children, so she steadily chipped away at her schooling, the online classes making that possible.

In fact, it was having children that brought her back to the library in the first place. As a youngster, Mathis remembers having a fondness for the library, but being a mom and seeing firsthand the impact libraries have on the community made her want to work at one.

So, she does, while she completes her degree. She said working at a library at the same time she is acquiring knowledge is beneficial, as she is able to apply her education right away.

By the time she graduates, Mathis will have taken 20 library science-specific classes. “I use all of it,” she said. “I just found it was a perfect fit. I get to teach, and I get to serve,” Mathis said.

She does both, guided by her professor’s lesson about making the community the heart of the library.

In December, she led a snowshoeing class. She said it’s not the type of program you’d expect from a library, but a variety of free programming is offered at all libraries –especially rural libraries – where the library and schools are the center of community life.

Her education has exposed her to other aspects of library science that she may not have considered prior to her education.

PennWest Library Science professor Xiaofeng Li, Ph.D., was so impressed with a paper Mathis had written on an imagined program that she proposed collaborating with Mathis to create a study based on the idea.

“Shelly and I worked together on a paper which got a research competition award at the national (Association for Library and Information Science Education) conference. It is a prestigious award,” Li said.

Mathis is humbled by the recognition and delighted that it opened her eyes to the possibility of research in her field.

“I’m just a lifelong learner,” she said.

While at the conference, other library professionals encouraged her to pursue her Ph.D., but she isn’t certain about her next steps.

In addition to research, Mathis has been investigating library consulting; she could work remotely, and she wouldn’t have to leave the community she so deeply loves.

“I am rooted in this community,” Mathis said.

PENNWEST LIBRARY SCIENCE by Amy Wozniak

BUILDING. ACADEMIC. MUSCLE.

GLOBAL ONLINE FLEXIBILITY ENERGIZES HEALTH/FITNESS EXPERT’S CAREER PATH

Fitness has always been a vital part of Dr. Jacque Crockford’s life – from spending her childhood at the YMCA to summer camp, swim lessons and gymnastics. “I am someone who needs to move to survive and be my best self, and competing in challenging sporting events gives me purpose and direction while challenging me to grow and evolve,” said Crockford ’20, senior product manager for the American Council on Exercise.

This love for movement and sport directed Crockford, 38, to the online Doctorate in Health Science program at Pennsylvania Western University – then hosted by California’s campus. In her program, she focused on adult online education with a special emphasis on exercise science.

This concentration on individual learning fortified Crockford’s ability to connect academic content to health and fitness professionals.

“Understanding how our learners learn was essential to me,” said Crockford, who’s worked in a variety of fitness-related fields for more than 20 years. “The California program allowed me to research and practice those skills so that I could be better in my own career, while helping those in the health and fitness industry improve theirs through online learning.”

Crockford is one of thousands of alumni who have channeled their interest in health and wellness into a professional path. Through PennWest Global Online, individuals can earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion, and a doctorate in health science and exercise leadership.

With all three tracks offered 100% online, students can invest in their careers with an education from nationally renowned instructors and industry professionals while working in the field.

PennWest California is the leader in the study of exercise science as the first institution to offer the nationally ranked master’s degree program. Those who pursue the doctorate-level program are at the forefront of the societal shift from treating disease to promoting wellness and health. The bachelor’s degree track recently earned the No. 1 national ranking from EduMed – a leading higher-education health care consultant – for accreditation, internship opportunities, and practical and theory method delivery.

For Crockford, her educational degrees have been an essential part of her career trajectory. Prior to her doctorate from California, she earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in exercise and sport sciences from Florida International University.

“Through the educational process, I have been guided in the various directions my career has taken,” she said. “Formal education may not be for everyone. But for me, it has helped to steer me in a path I might not have taken, and for that I am grateful.”

Since receiving her doctorate from California, she was promoted within the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and has been a featured spokesperson for ACE in the Los Angeles Times, New York Post and Women’s Health.

This achievement at the professional level matches Crockford’s definition of success as being content while simultaneously moving forward with opportunities for growth.

“I believe that qualities important for success are the ability to be comfortable being uncomfortable, desire for lifelong learning, and a sense of adventure and willingness to try new things,” she said.

For more information about PennWest Global Online’s exercise science programs, visit online.pennwest.edu

One year after winning the program’s first conference championship since 2010, the Golden Eagle volleyball program put together another memorable season in 2022, reaching the NCAA Atlantic Region final and garnering their share of the national spotlight.

The groundwork for this year’s success has direct roots in 2021, when a relatively youthful and inexperienced roster coalesced over the course of the season. Early growing pains turned to gains as the lineup jelled, culminating in the team’s stunning conference championship run. Behind PSAC West Rookie of the Year Cassidy Snider and PSAC Tournament MVP London Fuller, the Golden Eagles defeated three higher-seeded opponents – two of which had beaten them in the regular season – en route to the third conference championship in

rushed their way to a 14-2 mark against their PSAC opponents. They once again reached the finals of the PSAC Tournament, this time falling in a five-set classic against Gannon. Clarion pushed through the first two rounds of the Atlantic Regional, beating West Liberty and Wheeling to make the Regional Final for the first time since 2010.

Herron, the vast majority of that group was back in 2022, now a year more experienced and more understanding of what it took to challenge

establishing themselves as one of the teams to beat in the region, winning 10 straight matches to start the season, including a road victory at conference schedule, where the Golden Eagles

Fuller continued the personal progression that began in the previous season, earning recognition not just as one of the best players in the region but also in the country. She became the first player in Clarion history to earn a spot on an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America team, earning third team honors, and was also a Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) Second Team All-American. The senior setter was also the fourth player in program history to win PSAC West Athlete of the Year honors.

She was not the only one to earn regional and national recognition. Snider was named an AVCA All-America Honorable Mention for the second season in a row after pacing the Golden Eagle offense in kills per set. She and fellow outside hitter Julia Piccolino were consensus All-Region selections, earning spots on both the AVCA and D2CCA teams, and teammate Lauren Aichinger earned all-conference honors for the first time in her career.

SNIDER

Young team progresses under new head coach

Under the leadership of veteran head coach Raymond Monica, the youthful Golden Eagles football team showed important signs of progress in 2022, improving in the second half of the season and laying the groundwork for future growth.

In his first season in Clarion, Monica set out to establish an identity for the program, and early on, his vision for 2022 became clear. On offense, veteran assistant coach Mark Speckman installed a run-heavy offensive system that focused on volume and wearing away on defenses over the course of 60 minutes. The Golden Eagles became one of the top rushing attacks in the conference by sheer force of will, using multiple backs, receivers, and even the quarterbacks to great effect. Running back Khalil Owens was one of the main beneficiaries, earning his second straight all-conference honors with the best season of his collegiate career. The Golden Eagles averaged more than 161 rushing yards per game in 2022.

Meanwhile, longtime coordinator Josh Hager led the Golden Eagles defense to a major improvement in 2022. The defense allowed an average of 14 fewer points per game in 2022 and became more adept at taking the ball away from opposing offenses, forcing six more turnovers than they did in 2021, en route to becoming one of the best teams in the conference in turnover margin. Discipline on both sides of the ball also helped the Golden Eagles’ cause, as they finished among the conference leaders in fewest penalties committed and fewest penalty yards per game.

Perhaps most impressive for the Golden Eagles was the manner in which they earned their wins in 2022. Clarion finished with a winning record on the road, going 3-2 away from Memorial Stadium. That marked their first season with a winning road record since 2010. Included in those wins was an improbable 23-21 comeback victory against Mercyhurst, when Second Team All-PSAC West kicker Jarrett Esposito booted a 38-yard field goal as time expired.

With only a handful of graduating seniors and a year of experience in their new systems, the Golden Eagles are hoping that the foundation formed in 2022 turns into a launchpad for success in 2023 and beyond.

OWENS

BENEDEK

MEN’S BASKETBALL

PAYS TRIBUTE TO MEMORY OF STAR

ROB AGURS

The Golden Eagles men’s basketball team held a special tribute Nov. 29 for a former player taken far too young, as Clarion athletics joined with the friends and family of Rob Agurs for a pregame ceremony in Tippin Gymnasium.

Agurs was a star basketball player for the Golden Eagles from 2014 to 2016, leading the team back to the PSAC Tournament for the first time in many years as a senior on his way to earning all-conference honors. A beloved teammate, Agurs was known for his leadership on the court, as well as his infectious personality off it, and was recognized as a source of joy for his teammates and coaches.

Sadly, Agurs was killed in an automobile accident early in 2022. But rather than reflect on the circumstances that took Agurs away, those closest to him assembled in November to

Williams, a former Golden Eagles men’s basketball coach from 2014 to 2019 and the person who coached Agurs at Penn State – Beaver before they both came to Clarion. “He was an amazing dad, an amazing brother, and an amazing son.

“Rob was the person that cared for everybody,” Williams said. “He had words of encouragement and was a leader by example.I think about him all the time. He’ll always be in my heart.”

Williams then presented Agurs’ daughter, Bella with a framed Clarion basketball jersey with her father’s number “3” and let her know that she would not have to face her challenges alone.

“Bella, I know you have some memories of your father, but … you’ve got about 100 brothers over here, ready to run for a wall for you,” Williams said. “If you ever need one, you just tell your mom, and this big brother will be there in a

1976

Kevin McGoun, Carnegie, retired June 24 from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, where he was senior revenue tax auditor and had worked since 1989. His family includes wife Mary Ann McGoun and son Michael J. McGoun.

1986

Mary Alice Ozechoski, Chester Springs, is senior vice president of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at Alvernia College, Reading.

1997

Amanda M. Saul, Newington, CN., was promoted to transportation supervising planner in the Office of Environmental Planning, Connecticut Department of Transportation.

2003

Jason A. Little, Ballston Lake, NY, has joined Farrell Fritz’s Albany office as corporate counsel. His practice also includes bankruptcy and commercial litigation work. Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, he practiced at Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman, LLP in Albany.

Jason earned his J.D. cum laude from University at Buffalo Law School and his B.A. cum laude from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He is licensed to practice in New York and Pennsylvania and admitted to practice in the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern Districts of New York and the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania.

2006

Joy Beurrier Banks, Stuart, FL, is executive of the Council of State Archivists, a nonprofit membership association representing the 56 state and territorial archives, their leaders and staff in their work to preserve and provide access to government records.

2011

Amanda Yetter, Zebulon, NC, is library director at Harold D. Cooley Library in Nashville, N.C.

2013

Daniel J. De Kok, Norristown, is the lead Interlibrary Loan clerk at Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library.

2016

Lauren Bovard was promoted to senior corporate HR generalist for Graham Packaging, Lancaster. She lives in Lancaster.

Brianna N. Dick is the owner of BD Method Consulting, Alexandria, VA. She lives in Alexandria.

2017

Katie Helwig Martin completed her Master of Arts in Teaching, with concentration in STEM education, at Shippensburg University. She and husband Ryan live in Cressona with their daughters, Isabella and Primrose.

2022

Ronald Buckner has joined New Century Careers, Pittsburgh, as marketing communications generalist. Ronald graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in digital media communications and a minor in speech communication. During his time on campus, he was an active member of Sigma Chi, Tau Beta Sigma and other organizations.

Steph Russell ’17, ’18G and Markell Adams were married Sept. 24, 2022.

alumni marriages

Ellora Gallo ’21G and Stephen Francica ’15 were married June 18, 2022.

Pictured with the couple: (from left) Amy Maust Francica ’86, Nick Francica ’85, Hannah Gloeckl ’15, Rob Fucich ’86, Emily Redfoot Layshock ’17, Chelsea Buell ’16, Zack Rosen ’14, Megan Cairns Naccarato ’15, Chris Naccarato ’15, Mike Guzik ’14, Brian Harvey ’15, Amanda Toven Harvey ’14, Adam Winter ’15, Dylan Hyman ’15, Laurel Pierotti Hyman ’16, Olivia Stouffer ’21, Elizabeth Foster ’21, Brandon Shaffer, Leanne Wilson ’20, Elizabeth Tanner ’21

Allison Latagliata ’12, ’14G and

Darren Young ’15, ’17G were married Oct. 22, 2022.

Pictured with the couple: (from left)

Ashley Cesare ’16, ’17G,

Franklin Markle ’18, ’19G,

Matt Moorman ’14,

Jen Moorman ’14,

DJ Brestensky ’17,

Brendan Shepard ’16,

Rachel Wagnor ’13,

Jeffery Donor ’14,

Zach Clifford ’14,

Tyler Kitzmiller ’14, ’16, ’16G,

Anthony Fuzzia ’16,

Scott Anderson ’16,

Craig McFeely ’12, Mike Cesare ’16

1940s

Guido Malacarne ’49, May 18, 2022

Eleanor S. Shaffer Spence ’49, Dec. 7, 2022

1950s

Florence W. Spak Brochetti ’51, Jan. 22, 2023

John Juban ’52, May 31, 2022

Harry E. Mehallick ’52, April 18, 2022

Dona D. Daugherty Oviatt ’52, June 5, 2022

Clayton E. Rhodes ’53, Sept. 17, 2022

Ida Roseann Bruno Gibbons ’54, June 8, 2022

John Louis Casciani ’56, Dec. 3, 2022

Jerry N. Lint ’56, Jan. 15, 2023

J. Robert Moore ’57, July 5, 2022 (retired faculty)

Donna W. Howard Capizzi ’57, Aug. 11, 2022

Robert L. Murphy ’57, Aug. 19, 2022

Samuel Floyd Barger ’58, Oct. 11, 2022

James R. Elder ’58, Oct. 14, 2022

Edward Joseph Sloff ’58, Feb. 13, 2023

Floda Pearl Swartfager ’58, Sept. 29, 2022

Richard M. Summerville ’59, July 3, 2022

Harry R. Greer ’59, Dec. 21, 2022

Joseph S. Volansky ’59, Jan. 5, 2023

1960s

Mary H. Hay Kruk ’61, June 27, 2022

Eugene C. Sheffer ’61, Sept. 2, 2022

John R. Colpo, ’61, Oct. 15, 2022

Marion E. Estadt ’61, Jan. 9, 2023

Clifford Robinson Logan ’61, Nov. 20, 2022

Joyce J. Johnson Mosely ’61, Nov. 15, 2022

David E. Selway ’62, April 14, 2022

Timothy D. Welty ’62, March 24, 2022

Taylor Henry Cotton ’62, Dec. 19, 2022

Lucy C. Curcio Vernile ’62, Oct. 28, 2022

Donna B. Spinos Spinazzola ’64, Aug. 31, 2022

Barbara Ellen Muck Scharfenberg ’64, Dec. 12, 2022

Jack A. Vesnesky ’64, Nov. 5, 2022

Rose Marie Sita Schwabenbauer ’65, Aug. 4, 2022

Cathy Elaine Brewer Haas ’65, Oct. 27, 2022

James Anthony Ruby ’65, Dec. 9, 2022

Ronald E. Ames, ’66, May 3, 2022

Robert E. Gill ’66, Oct. 26, 2022

Lawrence J. Kalcevic ’66, Jan. 1, 2023

Joseph P. Izzi ’67, Sept. 5, 2022

Linda J. Logan ’67, April 3, 2022

John M. Kriceri ’67, Dec. 30, 2022

Kathryn M. McClune Palenski ’67, Nov. 8, 2022

Louis E. Gurecka ’67, Sept. 29, 2022 (retired faculty)

Cheryl E. McLaughlin Wolozyn ’68, Sept. 19, 2022

Carol J. Green Ossesia ’68, Nov. 17, 2022

Marsha E. Black ’69, Sept. 6, 2022

Gerald L. McFarland ’69, Feb. 25, 2023

Ralph H. Minich ’69, Jan. 26, 2023

Wesley E. Sherman ’69, Oct. 22, 2022

Mary-Lou Triola ’69, Dec. 15, 2022

1970s

Larry K. Morris ’70, April 1, 2022

Dorothy S. Dart ’70, Dec. 26, 2022

Anthony E. Donghia ’70, Feb. 9, 2023

Wilfred J. Eisenman ’70, Nov. 2, 2022

Karen R. Bauer Hulings ’70, Feb. 14, 2023

George T. Lawry ’70, Dec. 26, 2022

James Ronald Marshall ’70, Oct. 12, 2022

Dawn P. Weibel ’70, Feb. 24, 2023

Thomas L. Daugherty ’71, July 19, 2022

John R. Egger ’71, April 6, 2022

Barbara Jean Bernat Kreiling ’72, April 5, 2022

Donald W. Tatar ’72, Aug. 6, 2022

Jean M. Bajorek ’72, Feb. 20, 2023

Donn P. Whitmore ’72, Nov. 5, 2022

Randolph E. Hopper ’73, April 16, 2022

Mary E. Colligan King ’73, Aug. 25, 2022

Rein Ella Pold ’73, Nov. 10, 2022 (retired administrator)

Robert D. Emigh ’74, May 10, 2022

Dale K. Woodruff ’74, Nov. 8, 2022

Janice Coffman Albright ’75, Sept. 14, 2022

Paula J. Boyd Bowersox ’75, Dec. 19, 2022

Gary C. Faller ’75, Oct. 27, 2022

Robert E. Selker ’75, Oct. 25, 2022

Kay E. Ensle ’76, Sept. 3, 2022

Richard K. Slike ’76, April 7, 2022

Vickie L. Snyder Duncan ’77, June 30, 2022

James R. Williamson ’77, June 4, 2022

Doris Morgan Huegel ’77, Jan. 22, 2023

Geraldine A. Lenze Geer ’78, May 23, 2022

Mary Joan Larson Fetter ’79, March 14, 2023

Walter J. Henry ’79, Jan. 1, 2023

1980s

Alice M. Fulton ’80, April 30, 2022

David S. Mohr ’80, Aug. 31, 2022

Celeste A. Bertolini Gustafson ’80, Dec. 29, 2022

Linda J. Mayers Povlik ’81, June 5, 2022

Barbara L. Schar Eisenman ’81, Oct. 27, 2022

Stephen M. Davis ’82, Nov. 22, 2022

Joanne M. Strickland ’84, Nov. 28, 2022

Lisa A. Graffius Blasdell ’85, Nov. 3, 2022

Michael E. Shatsky ’86, Sept. 15, 2022

Clifford Farides ’88, Oct. 19, 2022

Amy J. Cotton Hale ’88, Dec. 10, 2022

Cheryl Toy O’Neil ’88, Dec. 7, 2022

Pamela S. Orris Peters ’88, Dec. 18, 2022

Charles K. Reott ’88, Jan. 14, 2023

Virginia A. Vasko ’88, Dec. 5, 2022

Michelle Lynn Jurkovic ’89, Aug. 4, 2022

1990s

Renata Ann Burton Lee ’91, Oct. 10, 2022

Frank W. Card ’92, May 12, 2022

Cheri L. Gustafson Wilson ’92, June 9, 2022

Karen Marie Jones Hamm ’92, March 1, 2023

Doris Lynn Kunselman Goodman ’94, Sept. 14, 2022

Tina Marie Siegel Kean ’94, Dec. 12, 2022

Dolores E. Wehrle Wagner ’95, March 8, 2023

Patricia Ann Adams ’95, Aug. 2, 2022

Mary Lee Kunselman ’95, July 29, 2022

Rebecca Jo Houllion ’95, Jan. 24, 2023

Sharon Joanne Kunselman ’95, Feb. 11, 2023

Tamara J. Boughner ’96, July 31, 2022

Nancy Florine Shook ’97, June 3, 2022

Brian J. Kapustik ’97, Dec. 27, 2022

2000s

Michele Renee Williams Angers ’00, May 13, 2022

Laura Anne Thorne ’00, Jan. 18, 2023

Linda Wentzel ’00, Feb. 20, 2023

Randy Samuel Heasley ’01, Sept. 30, 2022

Kristina R. Fox Robinson ’01, Dec. 30, 2022

Todd Joseph Emery ’02, March 11, 2023

Cheryl Pastor ’03, March 8, 2023

Marie Ann Cassano ’05, Oct. 21, 2022

Cheryl Brady Scott ’06, April 30, 2022

Theo Waksmunski ’06, Oct. 13, 2022

Marcia Diane Schmidt Brubaker ’08, April 29, 2022

Patrick James Marron ’09, June 25, 2022

2010s

Benjamin David Austin ’10, Jan. 25, 2023

Lorna Ann Schmidt ’11, Dec. 31, 2022

Julie A. Butterfield ’12, July 29, 2022

Cynthia K. Phillippi Waters ’12, Sept. 25, 2022

Holly Christine Joe ’16, April 3, 2022

Friends

James R. Barnes, Sept. 19, 2022

Carmella Dunkerley, Sept, 19, 2022

Leah L. Gesing, July 9, 2022

Patricia Ann Gracy, Sept. 7, 2022 (retired faculty)

Phyllis Grosch, June 13, 2022 (retired faculty)

James R. James, March 27, 2022 (retired staff)

Leatrice J. Minnick, April 17, 2022

Dennis Painter, March 21, 2022

Karl Leonard Schlentner, May 27, 2022

Mary Anne Brent, Oct. 9, 2022 (retired staff)

Ann Day, Nov. 10, 2022 (retired faculty)

Barbara Stright, Nov. 17, 2022 (retired faculty)

Kathryn Osterholm Graham, Dec. 3, 2022 (retired faculty)

John Stepulla, Jan. 3, 2023 (retired staff)

Ruth Kapp, Jan. 5, 2023 (retired staff)

Richard C. Lewis, Feb. 6, 2023 (retired staff)

Albert Jacks, Feb. 15, 2023 (retired faculty)

Ngo Dinh Tu, Feb. 23, 2023 (retired faculty)

Iseli K. Krauss, March 6, 2023 (retired faculty)

Catherine L. Schrecengost, March 21, 2023 (retired staff)

CLARION BABY EAGLES

OUR GIFT TO BABY EAGLES OF CLARION ALUMNI IS A DASHING NEW BIB!

To receive a bib, visit clarion.edu/babybib and complete the online form. Once you receive your bib, take a picture of your Eaglet putting the bib to use, and email a high-resolution photo to us for inclusion in Clarion Magazine. For more information, call the Office of Alumni Engagement at 814-393-2572.

BABY EAGLES

Harrison Rhodes Ward, born Jan. 3, 2022, and Logan Francis Ward, born March 12, 2020, sons of Matthew ’11 and Kayla Tomblin ’11 Ward

Amelia Sue Baum, born Jan. 4, 2022, and Callan Michael Baum, born April 24, 2020, children of Kaleb and Kylene Callender ’18, ’19G Baum

Lena Marie King, daughter of Bill ’11 and Elyse Fenstermacher ’11, ’13G King, born Jan. 26, 2021

Delaney Grace Dauber, daughter of Erik ’14 and Kristin Schopperth ’14, ’16G Dauber, born March 17, 2021

Rachel Lynne Seeley, daughter of Scott and Jenna ’15G Seeley, born April 23, 2021

Cooper Cole Watson, son of David and Katie Delaney ’14, ’16G Watson, born April 25, 2021

Tenley Jean Pollino, daughter of Joshua and Jennifer Breindel Pollino ’05, ’09G, born April 19, 2021

Claire Vivian Hoover, daughter of Jason R. and Denise Martz ’14 Hoover, born June 12, 2021

Myles John Nagurney, son of John ’09 and Danielle Jack ’09 Nagurney, born July 2, 2021

Alba Jean Hoffman, daughter of Cory ’12 and Emily Gross ’12 Hoffman, born July 29, 2021

Owen Oakland Matthews, son of Blake and Megan Hepfl ’18 Matthews, born Aug. 28, 2021

Calvin Denney, son of Matthew and Rachel Tano ’13, ’19G Denney, born Sept. 21, 2021

Elias Randall Oaks, son of Randall ’10 and Amber Seslar ’11 Oaks, born Sept. 23, 2021

Rowan Swartzlander, daughter of Brad and Holly Donnel ’16 Swartzlander, born Nov. 28, 2021

Rowan Lynn Vidmar, daughter of Tyler ’14 and Audrey Hummell ’17 Vidmar, born Dec. 21, 2021

Cooper Andrew Douglas, son of Luke and Corey Strawoet ’16, ’18G Douglas, born Dec. 28, 2021

Parker Pierre Pontzer, son of Phillip and Shondra Ginther ’18 Pontzer, born April 2, 2022

Ridge James Divins, son of Mark E. ’14 and Lara Divins, born April 21, 2022

Lydia Jade Koskey, daughter of James III and Kelsey Chizmar ’20 Koskey, born April 25, 2022

Ainsley Ann Fiscus, daughter of Benjamin ’13 and Lindsey Thill ’13 Fiscus, born May 2, 2022

Adelynn Lawrence Cleary, daughter of Kyle and Lydia Middaugh Cleary ’15, ’18G, born May 29, 2022

Macklin Patrick Felker, son of Michael ’13 and Nicolena L. Guzzi ’13 Felker, born June 15, 2022

Sophia Jo Intrieri, daughter of Joseph ’08 and Jessica Intrieri, born June 22, 2022

Deacon Sylas Fair, son of Jared and Brianna Regester ’15 Fair, born July 19, 2022

Eliza Claire McConnell, daughter of Cameron ’13, ’15G and Stephanie ’15, ’17G McConnell, born July 23, 2022

Jackson John LaFrance, son of Eric ’20 and Madison Cashmer ’20 LaFrance, born Aug. 13, 2022

A GIVING NATURE

“It has to be – and is –all about the students.”

–

Tom Bowman ’77

When Tom Bowman ’77 answered his phone 35 years ago, and the voice on the other end was a Clarion student requesting a pledge, he made his first gift to his alma mater.

“I couldn’t say no to a student taking their time to do a pledge drive,” Bowman said. “I also felt the need to give back to a university that (wife) Linda ’77 and I got so much from.”

That phone call began a lifetime of philanthropy.

“To this day, when I get a call from what looks like a Clarion number, I try to take it and support the students’ efforts,” he said.

Most often, the Bowmans support Athletics.

“Clarion has a rich sports history, and we want to continue to support that effort,” he said. “With roots in the Digregorio/Baschnagel era, we lean toward the basketball programs, but we support the Talon Club and all sports.

Five years ago, when Clarion started the BizPitch competition, in which students develop business plans and compete for cash prizes to implement the plans, the former business major and retired owner of a successful accounting business began to support it, too.

He said it’s a great feeling to contribute to the success of students.

“It has to be – and is – all about the students,” Bowman said.

His generosity doesn’t stop there.

“For over two decades, my other nonprofit passions have been the American Heart Association, Maryland Small Business Association Awards and the Professional Association of Small Business Accountants. For the last five years I have been a committee member for North Allegheny High School's Distinguished Alumni Awards Program. And last, but certainly not least, two years ago my brother was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, so Linda and I have begun to become involved with that as well,” Bowman said. He’s been recognized multiple times for his generosity, which includes giving time and talent.

Recognitions include: Greater Maryland Heart Walk Volunteer of the Year, North Allegheny High School Distinguished Alumni in Business, Professional Association of Small Business Accountants’

Lifetime Achievement, SBA's Mid Atlantic Accountant Advocate of the Year and Maryland SBA's Accountant Advocate of the Year.

Last fall, Bowman was honored as the Clarion Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni. The annual Distinguished Awards recognize alumni and friends who, over an extended period of time and/or through a singular achievement, have achieved exemplary success in their own field, extraordinary service to Clarion, their community, state, nation or all of humanity. Through their citizenship, service, and caring and generous spirits, they personify qualities and character for all Clarion students and graduates to emulate.

Ann Thompson, executive director of Alumni Engagement for PennWest Clarion, is proud to count Bowman among the alumni.

“The true measure of a university's greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni and friends,” she said.

Any gift, regardless of size, can add up to something big. Visit clarion.edu/givenow.

#WINGSUP

JENNA JOSEPH

EDUCATION: THE PATH OUT OF POVERTY

In a low-income area of Swissvale, a single mother struggled to provide for her family. With limited income, no vehicle and a refrigerator that had stopped working, the family got by as well as they could.

Without the ability to keep food cold, the family walked each day to a grocery store several miles away, bought the groceries that they would eat that day, and walked back home. They ate the food before it spoiled and repeated the process the next day. Some days, time, weather or limited daylight meant they bought their food at a neighborhood convenience store which had limited grocery items, but no fresh produce or meat.

That’s just one way that poverty impacted Jenna Joseph’s family. The molecular biology/biotechnology major said despite the financial circumstances that affected her family, her parents encouraged their five children to go to college.

“My parents told all of us the same two things: School, school, school; and regarding dating, put it off,” she said. “They said the best way to get out of poverty is through school.”

Her oldest brother, Jordan, was the first.

“He shot for the stars, and he made it. It was huge for our family,” Joseph said. “He’s getting his PhD in civil engineering at CMU.”

Inspired by her brother’s success, Joseph felt more confident as the time neared for her to start college.

“College was always the plan, always something I knew was important for me,” she said. Unlike her friends and classmates, Joseph couldn’t afford resources to prepare for the SAT and ACT exams, nor could she afford to tour multiple colleges. Still, she was accepted for admission to her top two choices, ultimately choosing Clarion.

Joseph has worked hard to meet the demands of her academically challenging majors. Fall of 2020 was particularly difficult for her. In the midst of the pandemic, she was living at home, taking classes remotely and working 20-30 hours a week.

“All the money I was earning was put back into the household. There was a lot of pressure to keep working. Not that anyone was telling me to, but I recognized the need and wanted to help my mom,” she said. “I got behind in calculus and organic chemistry, and I failed calculus. It was a valuable lesson that you’ll fail if you spread yourself too thin.”

After graduating in spring 2023, Joseph is pursuing the next step in her dream of becoming a physician’s assistant: She began graduate school at Case Western Reserve in mid-May.

Just as her brother inspired her, Joseph now encourages her younger siblings to elevate themselves from poverty through education.

“All I can do is show them that one day you’ll have a job, a house that’s not falling apart, and you’ll live in a part of a town where there are no gunshots, anger, poverty or drugs.”

Here’s Hook

College of Education, Class of 1961

Proud brother of Sigma Tau Gamma

Clarion Golden Eagle Football Alum

Still sings the alma mater

Has made over 280 gifts to Clarion

In 1988, Paul “Hook” Palmer made his first gift to Clarion. He chose Clarion, and he’s chosen to give what he can since. Over the past 25 years, Hook has made more than 280 gifts to support the experiences that enriched countless students’ lives.

It doesn’t take much for you to start your own legacy at Clarion. No gift is too small to make a real and lasting impact to the place that made a real and lasting difference in you.

CLARION.EDU/HOOK