Millersville University Review - Spring/Summer 2022

SPRING | SUMMER 2022

UNIVERSITY REVIEW

MEET the Artists:

Creatives at Millersville | PAGE 16

AHEAD of their TIME | PAGE 4 Providing Hope to CUBAN DOCTORS | PAGE 28

Artwork by Brant Schuller, professor of Art and Design.

Ink and Acrylic on paper “ Exterior Tracing: Lugano 1-1”

TABLE of CONTENTS 4 | AHEAD OF THEIR TIME 8 | CAMPUS NEWS 10 | GRADUATION 12 | HOMECOMING / ALUMNI 16 | MEET THE ARTISTS 21 | SPORTS 28 | PROVIDING HOPE TO CUBAN DOCTORS 30 | MIX & MINGLE 32 | CLASS NOTES 35 | WHY I GIVE 2 | M I L L E R S V I L L E U N I V E R S I T Y • S p r i ng | S u m m er 2022

UNIVERSIT Y REVIEW Spring | Summer 2022

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VOLUME 140

Dear Millersville University friends & family, As I walk from my home to my office, I often take time to admire our beautiful campus. Every season brings something new and breathtaking. Right now, the trees are full and green and multi-colored flowers are everywhere. It is an excellent time to reflect on the academic year behind us and prepare for my favorite time when the students and faculty return in the fall.

Spring semester was a whirlwind of activity, starting with the 34th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast and the always wonderful American Meteorological Society annual gathering in January.

The Conrad Nelson Fellow, Carter G. Woodson Lecture and celebrating Black History Month followed in February. We were thrilled to have the Science Olympiad and Holocaust Conference in March. April included the return of Disability Pride, Women in Mathematics, Science & Technology Conference, Mentorship Recruitment Day, and one of my favorite events Made in Millersville. We concluded the academic year with four wonderful commencement ceremonies in May. While we have much to be thankful for, we had heartbreak this spring when we lost two of our employees; Renardo Hall, our interim Chief Diversity Officer and Nick Celia, from facilities. We recognize and honor their profound impact on our campus.

Covid remains in our world and with the health and safety of our University community our top priority, we made masks optional while emphasizing vaccinations for eligible and able adults. We also continued a normal distribution of face-to-face and online classes and full capacity in our residence halls.

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No. 3

The Review is published by Millersville University, a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.

PRESIDENT Daniel A. Wubah, Ph.D.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Victor Ramos

AVP FOR UC&M Gregory Freedland

MILLERSVILLE REVIEW STAFF Janet Kacskos, Executive Editor Cheryl Lockley, Designer Kelsey Madas, Copy Editor John Cheek, Creative Director Ethan Hulsey, Sports News Corinna Linn, Alumni News Staci Strauss, Class Notes

CONTRIBUTORS Mary Miller ’22 Devin Marino ’23

MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES

This summer, we host summer classes for our students, camps for the community, orientation for our new students, and open houses for prospective students. To ensure access and affordability, we’re waiving the application fees for fall 2022, and we’ve made the SAT/ACT tests optional for the fall.

This Review highlights students who graduated in 3.5 years and features fabulous artwork from students, faculty, and alums. You can read about our outstanding athletic teams, learn about the ”Imagine the Possible campaign topping $96 million and find out about our new employees.

I hope you enjoy this edition,

With warm regards,

Michael G. Warfel ’84 (chair) Richard L. Frerichs, Ph.D. ’64, ’69M (vice chair) Rep. Jordan A. Harris ’06 (secretary) Thomas J. Baker ’02 Brandon W. Danz ‘03 Saul W. Fink ’85 Rick Rodgers Kathryn R. Ross Amber M. Sessoms, Ed.D. ’06, ’08M Holly L. Trego ’98 Madison Whitcomb (student member) Chancellor Daniel Greenstein, Ph.D. (ex officio) President Daniel A. Wubah, Ph.D. (ex officio)

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Joyce King ’83 (president) Matt Olphin ‘95 (president-elect) Bill Martin ’81 (treasurer) Derrick McCutchen ‘98 (secretary) John Held ‘02 (past president)

Daniel A. Wubah SPRIN G

| SUMM ER 2022

UNIVERSITY

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rsville | PAGE

MILLERSVILLE ART EDUCATION STUDENT BLAKE SHOWERS HAS MILLIONS OF TIKTOK VIEWS.

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AHE AD of their TIME Providing | PAGE Hope to CUBAN DOC 4 TORS | PAGE

MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD Joseph W. Garner ’90 (president) Darryl L. Landis, M.D. ’85 (vice president) Kemah E. P. Washington, Ed.D. ’03 (secretary) Suzanne J. Walstrum ’94 (treasurer)

MEET the Artis ts Crea tives at Mille

REVIEW

Millersville University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.

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AHEAD of Their Time JADON BARNETT

Students attending college today often have jobs, family responsibilities and other reasons for taking longer than four years to graduate. The pandemic has also factored into lower graduation rates, with many students taking a semester or year off. The national average for students graduating in four years from public institutions is 40.7%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

That makes what 30 students at Millersville did in December all the more remarkable— they graduated in 3.5 years!

We highlight several students here, many who graduated with honors and are now enrolled in a graduate program.

Jadon Barnett, majored in Spanish and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in language and culture JADON BARNETT studies. From Walnutport, Pennsylvania, Barnett graduated summa cum laude and is now enrolled in the Master of Arts program in English at Millersville.

How did you graduate early?

I didn’t always plan to graduate in 3.5 years.

My concentration was originally Spanish education. I came to MU with enough AP credits to graduate early, but student teaching was only available in the spring.

This meant that I couldn’t push student teaching to the fall semester and graduate early. However, I was granted a wonderful opportunity to continue studying languages and linguistics in MU’s English MA program, so I switched my concentration from Spanish education to Spanish language and managed to graduate early with my AP credits.

What’s your best memory at Millersville?

My favorite MU memory was serving as president of the Spanish club. It was a strong leadership experience and a fantastic chance to meet and befriend other Spanish speakers while learning about the culture.

There are so many opportunities available to you at MU if you make an effort to explore them. Millersville really is what you make of it. 

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MARY BROGNA Mary Brogna, majored in psychology at Millersville, with a minor in sociology. Hailing from Exton, MARY BROGNA Pennsylvania, she graduated magna cum laude in 3.5 years.

How did you graduate early?

I graduated in 3.5 years by taking dualenrollment and AP classes in high school, and taking full course loads every semester.

What’s next for you?

I am enrolled in the University’s Master of Science program in clinical psychology, where I will work towards my goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor.

I also work two jobs in the field to gain experience as a behavioral health technician and neuro rehabilitation assistant.

What’s your best memory at Millersville?

Meeting my current boyfriend and best friends. They have been my biggest support system and have had a hand in my success and college journey. Millersville gave me several opportunities to learn about various topics inside and outside of my major. I was able to work alongside some very knowledgeable students and professors, and am looking forward to continuing to attend as a graduate student. 

AHEAD of their TIME

ANTHONY CALAMIA Anthony Calamia, a business administration major with concentrations in accounting and finance, ANTHONY CALAMIA graduated magna cum laude in December after 3.5 years. Hailing from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Central Dauphin East.

Did you always plan to graduate early?

I came to Millersville with 22 credits from AP classes in high school. I did not want to graduate in three years because I wanted the opportunity to play soccer all four seasons. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I could only play three seasons before I graduated.

Plans after graduation?

Continue with a one-year Master of Accounting program to complete the 150-credit requirement for the CPA. I will then pursue studying and sitting for the CPA while working full-time in a public accounting firm.

Best memory at the’ Ville?

My best memory at Millersville would be the run to the elite eight with the men’s soccer team. I am also grateful for all the help I got from all my professors and the friends I made during my time at school. 

JARED COHEN Jared Cohen, majored in psychology and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 3.5 years.

JARED COHEN A native of Bethesda, Maryland, Cohen graduated magna cum laude.

How did you graduate early?

I graduated early by taking college-level courses while I was in high school and taking courses during the winter session.

I also found that by taking a CLEP exam, it would give me the last few credits I needed to graduate early.

What are your plans now?

I plan to utilize my degree to attain a job working in mental health for one year.

During this time, I also plan on applying to a few occupational therapy programs.

What’s your best memory of Millersville?

I have many favorite memories, but one, in particular, was being inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, which is a national leadership honor society. I loved being surrounded by family and friends while also having the opportunity to talk with the University president.

Any advice for students who want to graduate early?

My advice is to create a plan early on to determine what courses will be taken each semester and for how many total credits each semester. With good planning, it is possible to graduate early. 

COURTNEY COOK Courtney Cook, from Lititz, Pennsylvania, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of COURTNEY COOK Arts degree in psychology in 3.5 years. She came to Millersville with AP credit, credit from labs and took summer courses.

How did you achieve graduating early?

Every semester I took five classes. I realized right before the summer of 2021 that I was six credits shy of graduating early, so I decided to take two classes over the summer, as it was a much cheaper option than coming back for the spring semester.

What are your plans now?

My career goal is to become a guide dog mobility instructor for The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey.

Best memory at Millersville?

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to raise two of my service dogs in training on campus—they were both large German shepherds, Levi and Ives, respectively. It was great exposure for them to be raised on campus and experience going to class and all the stimulation of the dining halls.

Any advice for incoming college students?

Find an upperclassman your first year who you can talk to about anything and everything. I found mine in one of my best college friends, Cheyanne. We both worked at the Anchor, and she was such a huge help to me in locating classes, keeping my motivation up, and providing all-around good advice on things both academically and socially. 

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AHEAD of their TIME

DELANIE DUGAN Delanie Dugan, majored in art, concentrating in interactive and graphic design, with a minor in graphic DELANIE DUGAN technology. She’s from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and graduated summa cum laude in 3.5 years.

How did you accomplish graduating early?

In high school, I completed two classes at HACC that brought in six credits. I then started taking classes over winter and summer breaks to relieve some GenEd stress over the semester so I could focus more on my design and art classes.

What does it mean to you to graduate early?

School has always been a high priority for me. I knew coming into college that I would focus all of my energy and effort into doing the best I could because I was setting the foundation for my future career goals.

Completing college has been the most challenging thing I have done so far, and it became even more difficult with COVID, but no matter how many years it takes to graduate, what matters most is you finished.

Any advice for those who want to graduate early?

The best thing you can do is break apart your course requirements over winter and summer breaks and choose classes that fulfill multiple requirements. Your DAR is your college course checklist, so keep referencing that and speak to your advisor every step of the way. 

LEAH FREEMAN Leah Freeman, a member of the Honors College while at Millersville, graduated summa cum LEAH FREEMAN laude in 3.5 years with a bachelor’s degree in English writing studies.

In addition, she had minors in ESL linguistics and psychology. She hails from Saylorsburg in the Poconos of Pennsylvania.

Did you always plan to graduate early?

Nope! It happened by accident. When I was in my second semester as a junior, the Honors College kept referring to me as a senior, so I reached out to them, thinking it was a mistake. It turns out I had enough credits to be a senior and I had no idea!

How did you accomplish graduating early?

I looked at my DARS and felt I was a little behind, so I decided to catch up with a summer class. I enjoyed it so much I ended up taking two more summer classes and then a winter class.

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to attend graduate school for English.

Best memory of Millersville?

Millersville, especially the Honors College, opened up so many opportunities for me to work and gain experience in my field and participate in college life in a way I would have never expected of myself in the past.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Even if people take five or six years to graduate, graduating at all is an amazing accomplishment to be proud of. 

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EMILY HOFFMAN Emily Hoffman, majored in mathematics with a concentration in statistics. Hailing from York, EMILY HOFFMAN Pennsylvania, she graduated magna cum laude in 3.5 years with a Bachelor of Science degree.

How did you accomplish graduating early?

My high school offered some dualenrollment and AP classes that definitely helped. Also, my advisor was so helpful in making sure I was taking the classes I needed and keeping me on track. I knew coming in that I could graduate early, but I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to. I didn’t want to feel like I missed out on anything. But as I went forward in my career, I knew that I wanted to graduate in 3.5 years.

Plans after graduation?

I am enrolled in the master’s program in technology and innovation here at Millersville. After the completion of my master’s degree, I plan on pursuing a job in the field of data analysis or statistics.

Best memory of Millersville?

It’s hard to pick just one, but some of my best memories were when I was a studentathlete on the volleyball team. Going to NCAA’s my sophomore year was definitely a highlight! I met some of my best friends at Millersville and made memories to last a lifetime. 

MICHAEL SKROS Michael Skros, a member of Millersville’s Honors College, majored in emergency management MICHAEL SKROS and geography, with a minor in economics. He graduated summa cum laude in 3.5 years with a bachelor’s degree in both emergency management and geography.

Plans after graduation?

I moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, and started full-time as a health and safety specialist with Amazon. I am also enrolled in Arizona State University’s master’s in emergency management and homeland security program.

Best memory of Millersville?

One of my favorite memories from MU is traveling to the International Association of Emergency Managers Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this past fall.

Anything else you’d like to add?

How did you accomplish graduating early?

I took at least one course during winter and summer, in addition to taking a full course load every spring and fall. All three of my academic advisors, Drs. Angela Cuthbert, Sepi Yalda and Elizabeth Thyrum assisted with planning my future semesters and making adjustments to ensure I could accomplish all of my goals.

Graduating early does not limit your college experience. I made great friends, graduated with 151 credits, completed four internships, volunteered in the community and held a position on the executive board of two campus clubs. Everyone’s college experience is unique, and Millersville provides flexibility and support so that each student can have an individualized experience. 

EMILY LAZAR KREIDER

EMILY LAZAR KREIDER

Emily Lazar Kreider, is a 2015 graduate. A member of the Honors College, she majored in speech communication with an option in public relations and a minor in marketing— and graduated in three years.

Kreider is now the Retail Learning Manager for The Hershey Company.

How did you accomplish graduating early?

I came to Millersville University with 15 college credits from high school AP tests. After my first semester, I took 18 credits each semester instead of the average 15 credits. Also, I was a summer intern at WITF, the Harrisburg NPR and PBS affiliate, so I was able to get college credit for that career-building experience.

What does it mean to you to graduate in three years?

Looking back, I am very proud of my decisions and hard work to graduate early. However, I did not try to complete my degree in three years to brag. I was paying for my college tuition, so I was motivated to get through my degree without taking out student loans. I worked as a resident assistant for my second and third years to get reduced housing and a stipend. Also, I worked a few other campus jobs, such as a business group tutor and a communications intern at the Ware Center. By the time I graduated, I was debt-free.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I remember I told my parents my first year that I planned on graduating in three years, and they said, “We’ll see.” On my graduation day, my parents told everyone who would listen that I graduated at 20 years old. At my celebration dinner, my parents teased me about being a college graduate but unable to drink alcohol. 

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CAMPUS N E W S

CAMPUS NEWS | Spring/Summer Tuition Freeze The Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education voted on April 14 to freeze tuition for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.

“The cost of higher education has been escalating over the past few years and the pandemic added another layer of fiscal challenge for students and their families,” says Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, president of Millersville. “During this period, Millersville has focused on making our education affordable by lowering the total cost of attendance through various means such as decreasing the price for staying in the residence halls last year. With no increase in tuition and the reduced cost for the residence halls, we have decreased the total cost of attendance at Millersville University, bucking the trend in higher education.” 

Campaign Tops $90 Million When the “Imagine the Possible” fundraising campaign started in 2017 with a goal to raise $32 million in three years, no one imagined just how successful the effort would be. As of April 30, 2022, the campaign has raised $95,917,290.

“We’ve been making history at Millersville University since the campaign began,” said Daniel A. Wubah, president of Millersville University. “As the first fundraising campaign in our history focused entirely on students, the response has been nothing short of amazing.”

The Imagine the Possible campaign areas include scholarships, student learning experiences, Marauder athletics and campus revitalization. The campaign was extended in 2020 when it hit $44.8 million and is set to conclude on June 30, 2023.

DR. WUBAH

“While topping $90 million is a historic moment, our fundraising efforts will continue so we can provide vital support for our students still in need of assistance,” says Victor Ramos, vice president for advancement. “This outstanding accomplishment was made possible by the contributions of the Millersville University community of alumni, students, parents,

current and former employees, and friends, and we are truly grateful for this outpouring of support.” 

One Day Give 2022 Event Celebrates Record-Breaking Fundraising Success The Millersville University community demonstrated overwhelming generosity during this year’s One Day Give fundraising event that took place on February 24, 2022. Thanks to the 2,139 gifts that were made during the 16-hour event, the final fundraising total was a record-breaking $743,839.

The University also reached several exciting milestones during the ninth annual event, including matching gifts that totaled more than $270,000.

Give To Wha

t Yo

u LOVE The day featured giving challenges and incentives to motivate donors to make gifts in keeping with the event’s theme: Give To What You Love.

Donors could designate a gift to a specific scholarship, athletic team, academic program or department, or give to the Millersville University Scholarship Fund.

This year’s historic event featured the ever-popular One Day Give socks, a giving incentive for employees and students, and the Athletics Giving Leaderboards, which tracked donations for men’s and women’s athletic teams.

Because of this year’s One Day Give, the University established five new endowed scholarships and created 12 new or renewed annual award scholarships. Thanks to many generous donors, the positive outcomes of the One Day Give event will make a transformative impact in the lives of students for years to come. 

$900K Donation Pulls at the Heart Strings Retired professor Jean Marie Romig started playing the violin in elementary school and never stopped playing and learning.

She would later become a strings faculty member at Millersville University and her love of the violin and music will now benefit our students for years to come.

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Romig, who played with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, retired from Millersville in 1994 and died last year at age 86. To honor her parents, she left the University $900,000 JEAN MARIE ROMIG in her will for the “Jean M. Romig Violin and Viola Scholarship in memory of Karl and Pauline Romig.” The endowment will generate approximately $45,000 each year to be awarded to Millersville University students majoring in music education with demonstrated excellence in violin or viola.

For more information about estate planning or creating your legacy through a scholarship at Millersville University, please email Planned.Giving@millersville.edu or call 717-871-7520. 

Made in Millersville In-Person The annual Made in Millersville Conference returned in 2022 for in-person presentations after a three-year absence. The eighth annual conference was held in the Francine G. McNairy Library on April 12 where 225 students gave their presentations on a variety of topics ranging from diabetes and mental health to mini writing lessons. The theme of the conference was “A Celebration of Student Scholarship and Creativity.”

The conference is open to all students at Millersville and students can opt to have their research included in the Made in Millersville Journal. 

Carlos Wiley, CDIO Carlos Wiley will join Millersville University on July 1 as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

Wiley previously served as the director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center at The Pennsylvania State University since 2010.

At Penn State, he provided programs and support services to cultivate the celebration of under-represented communities’ diverse perspectives and cultures.

CARLOS WILEY

CAMPUS N E W S A standout football player at Quincy University, Wiley received his bachelor’s in sociology there, after helping to create the university’s Black Student Union. He went on to get his master’s in education from the University of Wisconsin Platteville.

While there, he became an assistant football coach, the multicultural admission advisor and the interim director of the Multicultural Educational Resource Center.

Wiley has success in bringing diverse students to multiple universities, creating mentoring programs and diversity advocate programs. His successes have been based in social justice, racial identity development and inclusive excellence. His goal is to equip diverse students with the tools to empower themselves and others, to take responsibility for their actions, and to serve. 

Dr. Mary Beth Williams, VP Student Affairs Dr. Mary Beth Williams will join Millersville University as the Vice President of Student Affairs on July 1. She was previously the Vice President for Student Development & Dean of Students at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Williams has more than 20 years of experience and is committed to making a difference in the lives of college students. She has a background in DR. MARY BETH student development WILLIAMS administration, crisis management, institutional assessment, residential life and student retention.

During her tenure at Wilson, the college moved to co-educational, and she helped lead the college through many significant changes. She was also the lead grant writer and served on the Middle States Accreditation team.

Prior to her time at Wilson College, she was the Associate Dean of Students at the University of the South and Assistant Director for Student Activities at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Williams has her bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature/Letters from Rhodes College, her master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Memphis and her Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education/ Higher Education Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi. 

New Dean of the College of Education and Human Services Dr. Lara Willox will become the dean of the College of Education and Human Services, effective July 1, 2022. Willox takes the place of Dr. George Drake, who retired in 2021.

Willox was a professor, department chair and interim associate dean in the College of Education at the University of West Georgia. The College of Education at UWG is the 13th-largest College of Education in the nation. It includes various programs, including health, community wellness, sport management, speech pathology, leadership and teacher preparation.

In making the announcement, DR. LARA WILLOX Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Millersville University, Dr. Gail Gasparich, praised Willox’s teaching and research, focusing on socially just and responsible education.

Willox has experience researching social studies education, transformative education and LGBTQ+ topics in teacher education.

She is active in the National Council for the Social Studies, engaged in researchpractice partnerships with local school systems and committed to integrating 21st-century skills in formal and informal learning environments.

Willox is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a doctorate in culture, curriculum and change. 

Dean of the College of Science and Technology Announced Dr. Marc Harris has been named the dean of the College of Science and Technology at Millersville University, effective July 1.

Harris was previously the dean of faculty at Lebanon Valley College. There, he was the primary liaison and advocate for all faculty matters in his role. He provided leadership in academic standards, policies and curriculum. In a prior role, Harris served as the associate dean of

academic affairs and chair of the ACS-certified chemistry department.

In making the announcement, Dr. Gail Gasparich, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Millersville, lauded Harris for how well his research pairs with the active scholars in the college.

Harris’ research focus is on student learning and cognitive development. He has partnered with Educational Testing Services to develop a longitudinal research project to explore how college students’ generic skills, domain-specific knowledge and noncognitive skills change and interact throughout college. He is also investigating the relationship between these skills and other measures of college and postcollege success.

Harris is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He earned his doctorate in inorganic chemistry from the University of Nevada, Reno. 

The Office of Alumni Engagement Has a New Director Kristin Schab was recently hired as director for the Office of Alumni Engagement at Millersville University.

Schab served as the development manager for Helix Strategies. In her position, she helped nonprofits of all sizes develop profitable fundraising strategies and elevate their leaders, staff and board members.

She is also the former director for the Office of Alumni Relations at York College of Pennsylvania. There, she developed and managed a comprehensive KRISTIN SCHAB alumni relations program for over 37,000 alumni. She established engagement goals, objectives and metrics in accordance with York College’s strategic plan and in collaboration with advancement division partners.

Schab is a 2004 graduate of York College, earning her bachelor’s degree in public relations.

Schab is married and has three young daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, working out, playing tennis, reading books and spending time with family and friends. 

DR. MARC HARRIS

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Commencement 2022

COMMENCEMENT SPRING 2022

Millersville University celebrated the achievements of its winter, spring and summer graduates on May 6 and 7 with four ceremonies held in Pucillo Gymnasium. Commencement was moved indoors because of heavy rain and wind on both days.

More than 1,400 undergraduates and 345 graduate candidates received their diplomas.

The commencement ceremony for the College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning featured DR. DAMARIS RAU, superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, as the keynote speaker.

SILVIA VASQUEZ-LAVADO ‘96, a Peruvian-American mountaineer, author and social entrepreneur, was the keynote speaker for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences & Lombardo College of Business.

KEVIN MAHONEY ‘81, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, was the keynote speaker for the College of Science and Technology.

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DR. DANIEL A. WUBAH, president of Millersville University, was the keynote speaker for the College of Education & Human Services and School of Social Work.

Vasquez-Lavado and Thomas Baldrige, president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce (pictured together), received honorary doctorates at the morning ceremony. Mahoney received an honorary degree at the 1 p.m. ceremony.

Congratulations to all the graduates, including the ‘Ville’s field hockey coach, Shelly Behrens, pictured with President Wubah. Behrens received her master’s in sport management, finished with a 4.0 GPA and completed a 24-month program in 15 months!

Want to watch a recap of this year’s commencement ceremonies?

Go to millersville.edu/commencement. 

Commencement 2022

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G N I M O C E M O H 2022

SAVE THE DATE

to Celebrate Homecoming 2022!

October 21 – 23, 2022

Mark your calendars and save the date for an exciting weekend filled with events and activities to welcome Millersville University alumni back to campus for Homecoming 2022! Homecoming Weekend is open to all alumni as a chance to celebrate milestones and reconnect with friends, enjoy treasured Homecoming traditions, explore

campus and create lasting memories during this special weekend!

To learn more about Homecoming 2022 and for a full schedule of events, please visit Millersville.edu/homecoming for details and registration information. Welcome home! #VilleforLife #MUHomecoming2022 

villealumni.com | mualumni@millersville.edu | 717.871.7551 | 1.800.681.1855

H O M WEEKEND E C OEVENT M HIGHLIGHTS I N G 2022 THE MILLERSVILLE PARADE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 8:30 A.M. – 10 A.M. Back for the 25TH ANNIVERSARY, the streets of the Borough of Millersville and Millersville University will come alive with this year’s parade theme – Animal Kingdom!

‘VILLE BLOCK PARTY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Returning this year is the popular block party celebration, including refreshments, food trucks, affinity tents and much more! THE ‘VILLE BLOCK PARTY will feature kids’ activities, crafts and some furry friends!

Make sure to visit the ‘Ville for Life tent!

CLASS OF 1972 50TH REUNION The Class of 1972 is invited back to campus for their 50th reunion. Members of the class will be welcomed into the Ad Astra Society during this reunion celebration event.

28TH ANNUAL MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME An induction dinner and ceremony will honor the 28th annual class of inductees.

ALUMNI ATHLETICS EVENTS Come cheer on the Millersville University Athletics teams during Homecoming weekend!

CAMPUS TOURS Explore the ‘Ville campus, including new dorm suites, the Lombardo Welcome Center and the beautiful campus pond/lake and resident swans. Make sure to see renderings for Lombardo Hall – the reimagined Brooks Hall building – to become the future home for the Lombardo College of Business, and much more! 

Event details are being finalized, and many more events will be added in the coming months!

Stay updated on the latest Homecoming information at Millersville.edu/homecoming and on social media!

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ALUMNI NEWS | PROFILE

MEET Amber Liggett ’18,’20M Communications Analyst and Award-Winning Business Owner at Homecoming Weekend

and networking skills,” Liggett AMBER LIGGETT has earned says. She returns to the ‘Ville for two degrees from Millersville “THE BUSINESS HELPED ME Homecoming weekend annually, University. Liggett received creating one-of-a-kind balloon a bachelor’s degree in LEARN DISCIPLINE, designs and treasured memories meteorology in 2018 and for children and guests of all ages. earned a master’s degree in TIME MANAGEMENT, emergency management in ENTREPRENEURIAL, MARKETING In her career experience, Liggett 2020. That combination helped has excelled professionally, propel her to a new position as a AND NETWORKING SKILLS,” which has led to her success in communications Liggett says her new role. “This position is analyst with through the Federal contractor NOAA, CollabraLink Technologies based at Inc., and I am working at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric their headquarters in Silver Administration’s Climate Program Office,” says Liggett. “In Spring, Maryland. this role, I am one of two employees that focuses on internal strategic communications to highlight and promote climate Liggett has also established an science research done by scientists at, or funded by CPO,” she award-winning business of Amber’s says. “I am most excited about working in a network with some Amazing Animal Balloons, and of the top scientists in the weather, water and climate enterprise she has gained popularity for her at NOAA… I am excited to bring a unique skillset, including participation at Millersville meteorology, emergency management, public-speaking, University’s Homecoming outreach and crisis and emergency risk communication/public celebration every year. relations to this office.”

At the age of nine, Liggett launched her When reflecting on her time as a Millersville University student, own business, and Liggett emphasizes the valuable academic experiences by the age of 13, she obtained, which contributed to her career success. “My she was teaching undergraduate meteorology program included a course in balloon art at her climate dynamics my senior year. This course was very helpful local community in giving me basic climate science knowledge that I can apply college. “The to this job today… I learned skills to communicate with various business audiences, and how to identify and understand the plethora of helped vulnerabilities specific to a community,” she explains. “In this me learn role, I am looking forward to learning and spreading factual discipline, time information about climate science to help people understand, management, adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”  entrepreneurial, marketing

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ALUMNI NEWS | PROFILE

ALUMNI FRIENDS Mentor Millersville Students Through Uncertain Times As longtime friends and classmates at Millersville University, the bond between Millersville University alumni SOLOMON LEONARD ’13, ’16M, and KIHEEM BYNUM ’13 has existed for over a decade. In the wake of the pandemic in 2020, their connection came full circle in providing an opportunity to mentor current Millersville University students during a challenging time of uncertainty.

Leonard and Bynum met in 2010 at

who recalls, “We just connected. It went

and with Gospel Choir, the growth trend

Millersville University as fellow students

from that to we just became real friends,

that Gospel Choir was experiencing

and members of the Millersville University

like we’re brothers.” Through Leonard’s

spread to BCM, and both organizations

Gospel Choir, and their connection

involvement with Bible Campus Ministries

grew and thrived simultaneously.

KIHEEM BYNUM ’13

SOLOMON LEONARD ’13, ‘16M

propelled each of them and the University organizations in which they participated into an incredible period of exponential growth. Leonard is originally from New Jersey and started in 2010 as a transfer student, while Bynum, who is from Lancaster, began his freshman year in 2008. “I actually grew up in Lancaster, so I was very familiar with the Millersville University Gospel Choir…” Bynum recalls.

“When I got to Gospel Choir… it actually was, in rehearsal, just like five people – and when we had engagements, there would be about four of them who would show up.” During his first semester of freshman year, there was an opening for the position of the Gospel Choir director, and following an exhilarating and successful audition, and a change to the organization’s bylaws, Bynum was named the choir director.

In 2010, Leonard attended Millersville University and credited his mother (Bernice Harris) as the primary catalyst. As a new student, Leonard joined the Gospel Choir, where he encountered Bynum,

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ALUMNI NEWS | PROFILE

He states, “At one time, we had about 40 students showing up places to sing, and it was a consistent base, and we developed a presence on campus that was known, and not just on campus, but all throughout the East region.” Leonard says, “There was seemingly a desire for people

their respective career fields.

“At one time, we had about 40 students showing up places to sing... and we developed a presence on campus that was known... throughout the East region.”

just to come together… but

Kiheem Bynum ’13

we found ourselves connecting

Bynum is a Senior IT Business Analyst for Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia. Leonard is a Social Emotional Learning Specialist in Ellington Public Schools in Ellington, Connecticut.

In 2019, Leonard and his wife, Taylor Leonard ’14, visited campus and connected with Jovan Cosby ’21, Allen Chatmon

with many organizations.” These

’22 (current BCM president),

campus connections included Millersville Concerned Men, which was led by Dwight Horsey, Cheryl Hodges and Dr. Rita Smith Wade-El, who all provided mentorship and wisdom to the group. Additionally, the success of the organizations is attributed to key figures including Jorrel Nugent ‘13, Tyriq Clark ’14, Ryon Freeman ’14, Milan Credle ’14, Anthony Stansbury ’14 and Tianna Arnold ’16.

and Ryon Freeman ’14, who was the advisor for BCM, and a program called “In Reach” was subsequently created. “The ‘In Reach’ is an extension of BCM and Gospel Choir alumni, so it’s an alumni initiative to connect with students,” explains Leonard.

Bynum explains, “Solomon always remained connected to the students… and through Solomon’s ongoing connection, they [BCM] were having online Bible study with the current students

Both Bynum and Leonard acquired mentorship skills through

who went to Millersville… When 2020 happened, and I was

their experiences of being mentored from compassionate leaders

talking to those students via Bible study online, I was listening

at Millersville. Bynum proudly mentions, “I have an open line

to stories and all I kept thinking about was just things that I

when it comes to students. I have an unwritten rule, no matter if

went through, and how helpful it would have been to have some

I know a student or not, if anyone wants to talk about anything,

of that knowledge. So, I was like, ‘I’m all in.’” Leonard’s advice

when it comes to spirituality or even just development, I’ll take

to those facing uncertainty is, “Always remember, life is not

a call, and I kind of took that from my mentor, who was Dr.

happening to you – but it’s happening for you… Anything going

Rita Smith Wade-El. ‘Rita’ is what we called her…” For Leonard,

on mentally, physically, emotionally, academically, there is a

he credits Dr. Leonora Foels as playing a guiding role in his

remedy, there is an answer somewhere, but be patient enough

academic success, Dwight Horsey, Jan Bechtel, Cheryl Hodges

to allow it to present itself to you. Don’t give up.” 

and Dr. David Johnson for the valuable assistance that they each provided throughout his student experience. Currently, both Bynum and Leonard are successful professionals in

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH ONLINE MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES Are you looking for a rewarding way to connect with current students and give back to your alma mater?

There are opportunities for you to volunteer to become an alumni mentor with Mentor Collective – an online mentoring community. Students are paired with a mentor invested in their success — a person ready to listen, inspire, help navigate challenges and recognize opportunities.

To register for Mentor Collective, please visit https://millersville.mentorcollective.org /register/mu-alumni/mentor and to learn more, email mentorship@millersville.edu MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHOIR

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MEET the ARTISTS C R E AT I V E S AT M I L L E R S V I L L E

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Meet the ARTISTS

M I LLE R S V I LLE U N I V E R S I T Y I S H O M E T O M A N Y A R T I S T S H E R E , W E C H AT W I T H S O M E O F T H E M A B O U T W H AT I N S PI R E S T H E M

By Kelsey Madas SOPHIA CAMACHO ‘22 Art student Sophia Camacho says that for many years, she didn’t realize that having a career in art was possible.

“Throughout my entire life, I knew that art was going to be a nonnegotiable part of who I am and what I do,” explains Camacho. “All four years of high school I took various classes with an art teacher, Mr. Pinguli. He was the first adult in my life who made art seem like a realistic and viable option.”

Thanks to his encouragement, Camacho took more art classes and decided to pursue art as a career at Millersville. She graduated in May 2022 with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a concentration in drawing.

Today, she is pursuing a graduate degree in art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.

SOPHIA CAMACHO ’22

Camacho honed her craft over the years at Millersville and often explores themes of feminism and the female experience in her work.

“The overarching theme and subject matter of my art has always been figures,” she says. “I am largely inspired by women’s rights, feminism and the female body.” She says she also takes inspiration from “all things whimsical, occult-ish and creepy,” as well as from movies, television shows and animation, like Wes Anderson Films, Pixar movies, Studio Ghibli films and ‘80s cult classics. “It’s nice to find compositional elements in the movie and take inspiration from them,” Camacho shares.

During her time at MU, Camacho took part in several exhibitions, including juried student exhibitions. If you’d like to view some of her work in person, she has several paintings on display at the Pop of Color Art location in Lancaster.

“I have a specific memory during Sophia’s junior year when she asked me question after question about the path I took after graduation,” shares Dorothy Frey, assistant professor of painting and drawing. “We talked about art-related jobs, non-art-related jobs, graduate schools, exhibitions and being a professor. It appeared that goals and plans were solidifying as she interviewed me.” Frey says she feels privileged to have watched her achieve many of those goals. “While working towards graduation and her BFA

exhibition, she was accepted into her top-choice MFA program, and I look forward to what she will do next.”

The connections Camacho made at Millersville are, she explains, the most important part of her experience on campus. “My closest friends and roommates are the strongest, most intelligent, powerful and hilarious women I have ever met,” she says. “I’ve had multiple incredibly independent female professors who have opened up my range of what is possible in the art field.” To keep up with Camacho’s artwork, visit sophiacamachoart.squarespace.com.  AARON CHU ‘11 Aaron Chu is a 2011 art history and graphic, web and interactive design graduate of Millersville. Considering his educational background in the arts, you might be surprised to learn that today Chu is a software engineer and spends his days writing code and writing about design, disability and inclusive design.

Chu, however, doesn’t view these interests as in opposition in any way. In fact, he sees a real intersection between art and tech. “I have always seen them as AARON CHU ’11 two sides of the same coin,” he explains.

Art and design, in his view, work hand in hand.

Chu already holds a master’s degree in design research, writing and criticism, with a research focus in disability, technology and design from the School of Visual Arts. He is also working toward a second master’s degree in integrated design and media at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering. He says his time at Millersville taught him some very important skills. “My ability to think critically came from Dr. Christine Filippone,” he shares. “She helped me develop important skills, like critical thinking and learning to have healthy skepticism.” Filippone, an associate professor of art history, also helped Chu to develop a love for feminist art, especially Frida Kahlo. “Art for me is a reminder of strength.”

While Chu is not a full-time artist now - it is something he plans to return to in the future - he’s using his unique skill set to infuse art into technology and vice versa. “My preferred medium lately has been code and microcontrollers,” he shares. For one project in his master’s program at NYU, Chu created a magic 8 ball—inspired doll. You shake the doll to ask her a question. Chu crafted an algorithm that allows the doll to respond to questions in various ways depending on how “annoyed” she is.

Chu is also researching and writing about the good and the bad of inclusive design, including a recent piece published by Fast Company. “I hope to use my knowledge in art/tech to stress the importance of disability rights, especially disability employment. I’d also like to continue to write about design and disability issues that would otherwise be unnoticed.” Chu’s website is at aaron-chu.com. You can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @aaron_chu_. 

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Meet the ARTISTS BOB WAGNER ‘75 Congratulations are in order for 1975 Millersville art graduate and Landisville artist G. Robert Wagner. Several of his original pieces of art will be featured in exhibits and published both in the U.S. and internationally.

During his studies at MU, Wagner was the recipient of the prestigious Workman Memorial Award. He also worked closely with the late professor Robert Lyons, who he considered a BOB WAGNER ’75 mentor, a friend and someone who shaped him as an artist. “Professor Lyons was a mentor, motivator and an inspiration to delve deeper and work harder. Creating art meant becoming involved and connected personally. His encouragement and knowledge were invaluable.”

It was thanks in part to Lyons that Wagner pursued his career in the arts. Being a part of these exhibits, according to Wagner, is a dream come true. “Being in exhibits online, in galleries, and published expands the chances for artwork to be seen and peaceful reactions to happen.”

The pieces, “Lest We Forget” and “Covid Not Over,” are featured in the international exhibit called Art in the Time of Corona, presented

by Dab Art Co., and are available to view online at artsy.net. This three-year project includes an online art gallery, a book, an artist video and a documentary and will culminate with an eight-week exhibition to be held simultaneously in three cities at Dab Art Co. Galleries in Los Angeles, Ventura and Mexico City.

Other pieces include “Listen to Reason,” which was selected and featured in ICON: A National Exhibition of Artworks Inspired by Momentous Artists & Movements Exhibit. “It’s A Mad World” will be part of an exhibit called Extinction, Save the Planet. “Covid Not Over” was also published in the magazine Artistonish in November 2021.

Wagner explained the inspiration for his selected works of art. He says it was to spread a message.

“Art that has meaning and purpose is very important. Creating a message and evoking thought and awareness is part of that. My lofty goal is for peaceful reactions that lead to a better world.”

Outside of his work as a fine artist, Wagner owns and operates the Lancaster Shirt Company with an art studio and gallery in Manheim, Pennsylvania. His work in commercial art, he explains, allowed him to pursue his real passion. “Choosing a path in commercial art afforded me

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early financial security. Having a college degree and being a veteran were beneficial for acquiring years of government and corporate commercial art positions, giving me knowledge before starting my own business,” says Wagner. “Commercial and fine art do not have to be oil and water; the two can mix very well. My love and passion has always been fine art.” His final piece of advice for blossoming artists?

“Take time to create and dream.”

His work is also on exhibit locally at the Discover Lancaster Gallery in Lancaster and his gallery in Manheim, Pennsylvania.

Want to learn more about the art programs offered at MU? Visit millersville.edu/art.  BRANT SCHULLER Millersville is home to many talented artists, including faculty member Brant Schuller. He first came to the University in 1998, hoping to use the position as a stepping-stone to go on and teach graduate students elsewhere.

“But instead,” he shares, “I found an opportunity that merited a greater investment and offered me a number of advantages that fit my goals and aspirations. In other words, MU was a BRANT SCHULLER good fit.” Art, says Schuller, is something that always came naturally to him. “I saw it as an extension of how I thought through concepts and problems as they presented themselves,” he explains.

Meet the ARTISTS Schuller is a multidisciplinary artist and is a trained printmaker, though he says his ideas dictate the medium that is most appropriate. “The mediums that I tend to gravitate towards are one of the print processes for the flexibility and the multiples that they offer,” shares Schuller. Multiples, he explains are original pieces of art that are editioned, a term used in printmaking and sculpture for works that are made that have more than one impression or cast.

“The process I am using most recently is relief printmaking in which a woodblock is cut to leave raised and recessed surfaces that can be inked up and printed. Then I take the images and work back into them with acrylic paint, making each of the impressions unique.”

and I have been working so long on 4strikes, we are very hype to get a physical book in stores,” explains Showers.

He’s also trying his hand at animation for the first time. “Right now, my focus is on 4strikes and animation work,” he says. “I have [wanted] to put out an animation short for a while, and I think this [is the] year.”

The short, shares Showers, is called Entraillio. “It is about a prince that gets a talking magical sword that gives him this disgusting armor made of blood, guts and bones.” He describes it as an adult comedy that’s “like ‘Craig of The Creek’ meets ‘Berserk.’ ”

As an established artist teaching aspiring artists, Schuller says he loves seeing the moment when students finally make a breakthrough in the classroom. “My favorite part about teaching at MU is when I see the spark go off in a student’s eyes when they finally get what it means to be an artist,” he explains. “It is the point when they are making their own work, not just executing an assignment.”

Schuller’s work can be found in various locations around Lancaster County, including Elizabethtown College and the Demuth Museum. Internationally, he will have work featured in 40 venues around the world. He was a participant in an exchange portfolio, International Print Exchange Programme, that was organized in India and juried by an American artist. “Each selected participant made a print based on the idea of “Threshold” in an edition of 44 impressions that were collated into 44 portfolios. 40 of the portfolios were shipped back to each artist to be exhibited in their part of the world. I will be organizing an exhibition of the work here at Millersville in the Swift Gallery, located in Breidenstine Hall. The remaining portfolios are part of an archive and permanent collection of the IPEP, India,” he shares. The portfolio will be available to view in the Swift Gallery at Millersville later this year. To view more of Schuller’s work, visit brantschuller.net.  BLAKE SHOWERS

BLAKE SHOWERS

Art education major Blake Showers is already a published manga illustrator. Showers, who says he’s loved art since he was a child, finds inspiration in many different places. “Right now, rap, anime, manga and older cartoons have really been my inspirations,” he shares, also citing the popular video game Animal Crossing as a current influence on his works.

Outside of his homework, Showers spends time working on his original shonen manga (a comic aimed at a young, male audience) series called 4strikes, which debuted in 2016. The series is a collaborative effort with his cocreator, cowriter and editor, Daniel Williams. The story follows Meleak Williams, a demon hunter who finds himself in the afterlife prematurely following a mysterious alleyway incident with a demon masquerading as a talking weasel. The series is available to read in the Saturday AM app, and the pair are working on getting the series published. “Daniel M I L L E R S V I L L E U N I V E R S I T Y • w w w. m i ller sv i lle. edu

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Meet the ARTISTS Manga and anime have always had a strong influence on Showers.

“I think that the types of stories and heroes are so bizarre in those genres,” he explains. “That really caught my attention as a kid. I am still really surprised and amazed at all the different kinds of stories being told through anime and manga.”

Showers is set to graduate from Millersville in the spring of 2023.

Postgraduation, he hopes to secure a teaching job and pass on his love of art to the next generation of aspiring artists while continuing work on his own projects. “I hope that I can get hired by a school,” he says, “I am very excited and scared to finally be teaching art officially.”

To keep up with his work online, you can follow him on Instagram at @BlakeOBK, check out 4strikes in the PM section of the Saturday AM app, or visit his website at blakeshowers.art.  BECKY MCDONAH

BECKY MCDONAH

Becky McDonah is a talented metalsmith artist who began teaching at Millersville in the fall of 2012. She says she first discovered her love for art as a child.

“Growing up, I spent my summers at a cabin on a lake with no phone and no television. Much to my mother’s disappointment, I did not want to fish 24 hours a day, so I started drawing and making things to entertain myself,” she explains. “I have always been attracted to the creativity and problem-solving that goes along with being a maker.”

Much of McDonah’s work includes metals like silver, copper, brass, bronze or nickel silver. She incorporates other materials into the work, such as fiber, glass, stone and even found objects. “There are so many metalsmithing techniques to be learned that you can never get bored of it; there is always something new to explore.” That curiosity about her craft helped McDonah clinch first place in craft award at the Art of the State 2021, hosted

by The State Museum of Pennsylvania.

Winners were chosen from 104 works selected from over 2,200 entries. She was also chosen as the Purchase Award winner, and her COVID-19-inspired piece, Particulate Protection, will become a part of the permanent collection at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

When she’s not making her own artwork, you can find her in the classroom, teaching Millersville students the finer points of metalworking techniques.

“Working with the students to help them bring their ideas to fruition is the most rewarding part of teaching,” she shares.

“I love seeing their excitement when things go well and helping build their confidence with a

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material that many of them have never worked with before, not to mention using tools and torches. Each student designs and creates original pieces, so no two projects are the same, meaning that every day will pose a different challenge, and the troubleshooting, problem-solving, and the eureka moments never end!”

McDonah’s work was also included in a number of other exhibitions in 2022, including a juried exhibit in the 43rd Annual Contemporary Crafts Exhibition at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum in Mesa, Arizona - which also featured art by a Millersville student - and a solo show at the Metal Museum, located in Nashville, Tennessee. To see more of McDonah’s work, visit beckymcdonah.com. 

SPORTS | 2022

CHAMPS!!!

May 14 was a banner day for Millersville’s baseball team when it beat East Stroudsburg 9-2 and became the PSAC Champs. Coach Jon Shehan summed up the team’s 41 victories, a PSAC East title, and the program’s first conference tournament championship since

2015 by saying “IT’S BEEN A WILD RIDE. THESE KIDS ARE SO RESILIENT... IT’S A GREAT TEAM.” Baseball was one of the top two seeds in the NCAA Atlantic Regional, its ninth appearance in a row. 

On May 14, the women’s track & field program brought home its first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship title since 1996. Hannah Woelfling won the discus and hammer throw with

record-setting throws and was named PSAC Championships MVP. “We’ve been working so hard at this for quite some time,” said Coach Andy Young, who is in his 16th year at the ’Ville. 

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SPORTS | 2022

SPORTS | 2022

A SEASON TO REMEMBER

BY JEREMY JOSEPH ’23M

SEASON AT A GLANCE Third consecutive PSAC Championship (2018, 2019, 2021) Eighth trip to the NCAA Tournament Fourth trip to the NCAA Quarterfinals No. 6 end-of-season national ranking Aaron Maynard became the first freshman in program history to receive All-American honors Four United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region honorees Five All-PSAC East selections Spencer Shortt led the PSAC and tied for fifth in the nation in assists Bobby Bosch led the PSAC in goals-against average (.859)

The 2021 Millersville men’s soccer season was one to remember, as it saw the program win its third consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship and advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament, a height only three other teams in program history have reached before, all under head coach STEVE WIDDOWSON. “It is always difficult to rank seasons, as they are all different; however, this has to be one of the best, if not the best, seasons we ever had,” said Widdowson. “Largely because we were coming off the COVID-19 break and there was so much unknown, and for us to achieve what we did was remarkable. There was so much to figure out and so much learning to be done by everyone. The whole team bought in and showed tremendous commitment and growth, and in the end, got rewards for their sacrifices and efforts. Those rewards were greater than we could have imagined and created lifelong memories.”

which were ranked nationally at some point over the course of the season.

Those three wins earned the Marauders a home-field NCAA second-round rematch against Gannon. The game was nothing short of thrilling for a packed Marauder fan base on a cold November night, as the PSAC’s best teams went the distance, resulting in a penalty-kick shootout that the Marauders won off a final PK attempt from PSAC Tournament Most Valuable Player BOBBY HENNESSEY. Millersville advanced to play No. 4 Franklin Pierce in Rindge, New Hampshire, the No. 1 team in the Atlantic Region that came into the contest with a 20–1 overall record and was ranked No. 1 nationally for three weeks of the regular season, the longest

The Marauders fought through tremendously talented teams to make their postseason run. This included wins over three of the PSAC’s top teams in West Chester, Mercyhurst and Gannon—all of

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consecutive stretch of any program in 2021.

Millersville once again forced a shootout and converted all five attempts while goalkeeper Bobby Bosch stopped one to eliminate the region’s top team on its home field and send ’Ville to the NCAA Quarterfinals.

“Franklin Pierce was probably the best team we have ever played,” said Widdowson. “It was a lot of fun going up against that team and seeing how we could cope. I thought the team applied themselves superbly and executed our game plan to perfection.

The belief and work rate they showed was even beyond my expectations, and they deserved to advance. The biggest thing we can take from that game is the belief that on our day, we can compete with the best teams in the nation and give ourselves a chance. It is important we have that belief, but also understand the effort it takes, how difficult the task will be, and be committed to putting in the work necessary to give ourselves that chance in the future.”

The Marauders’ season came to an end in double overtime against the reigning NCAA champions and eventual national runner-up, Charleston. 

SPORTS | 2022

DINING with the CHAMPIONS The annual DINING WITH CHAMPIONS event was scheduled to be held on Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium to showcase the start of a campaign for significant renovations to the facility, however, hot temperatures pushed it inside to Osburn Hall. One year earlier, Lois Morgan ’54 made the largest single gift in the history of Millersville Athletics—$1.5 million—to start a three-phase project at the stadium.

Initial plans include an overhaul and expansion of the locker rooms and athletic training room, with an eye on a new video scoreboard and press box in the future. The project is part of the University’s facility master plan, and the fundraising effort is one area of focus of the ongoing Imagine the Possible campaign, which has raised more than $7 million for Marauder Athletics since July 2017.

The event also celebrated the best and brightest in Millersville Athletics with recognition of annual award winners, who were selected by a combination of athletics staff and online fan voting.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT CARLOS MARTINEZ-LUCAS— MEN’S TENNIS Martinez-Lucas built a resume that rivals any tennis player in program CARLOS MARTINEZ- history, winning the LUCAS PSAC Athlete of the Year award in 2019, earning All-PSAC First Team honors three times and claiming a PSAC Doubles Championship with Frank Yanni in 2021. Martinez-Lucas finished his career with the best winning percentage of any Millersville player, and over two seasons with Yanni as his doubles partner, they won enough matches to rank in the top five all-time. 

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT ALIYAH STRIVER— WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

ALIYAH STRIVER

A two-time PSAC Indoor Championships Field Athlete of the Meet, Striver was an indoor

and outdoor national qualifier and twotime PSAC champion in the indoor shot put.

She earned All-PSAC honors six times prior to her senior outdoor season. She ranks in the top three at Millersville in five different events. Her efforts translated to team success, with the outdoor team finishing as PSAC runner-up twice and the indoor team posting its best-ever finish at the conference championships with her on the team. 

DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR-ATHLETE JAMES SULLIVAN— MEN’S BASKETBALL After graduating with a degree in business, Sullivan completed a second degree in JAMES SULLIVAN international studies while leading the Marauders to a PSAC East title and the PSAC Tournament championship game in 2022. In addition to finishing his career with over 1,000 career points and top-10 rankings in steals, assists and 3-pointers made, Sullivan posted a 3.91 cumulative GPA over his five years at Millersville, landing PSAC Scholar-Athlete status five times. He was also voted CoSIDA Academic All-District two times. 

CORE VALUES AWARD LYDIA YEAGER ’04 For the last 16 years, Lydia Yeager has given nights and weekends in service to Millersville Athletics, working LYDIA YEAGER 12 years overseeing ticket sales for countless football and basketball games and playing an instrumental role in the hosting of postseason championship events.

Yeager then transitioned to overseeing camps and conferences, working directly with coaches to support a key source of fundraising for the Marauders. In 202122, during a time of transition at the University, Yeager selflessly balanced two roles, managing both ticketing and camps, ensuring that gameday operations continued to run smoothly throughout the fall and winter, which included the hosting of the NCAA Division II Field Hockey Championships. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE MEREDITH FAGAN— FIELD HOCKEY After losing her mother, Kathy, to cancer the winter prior to her arrival at Millersville University, MEREDITH FAGAN Fagan devoted her time outside of field hockey and academics to serving at Camp Dragonfly. The camp is offered by Hospice of Central PA for kids from the ages of 6 to 15 who are grieving the death of a family member. Offering her shared experience, Fagan worked as a big buddy at the camp, helping those who had lost loved ones to remember how to have fun and be a kid again, aiding in the grieving process and fostering growth through various activities. On the field, Fagan was a four-time All-PSAC selection, three-time All-American and four-time member of the NFHCA National Academic Squad. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology before pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling. 

FACULTY MENOR DR. ANGELA CUTHBERT Dr. Cuthbert joined the football team’s Sideline program in 2019, and she attended team meetings, practices and joined the team on the DR. ANGELA sidelines during games.

CUTHBERT Her service to studentathletes has been cited as “above and beyond” by the coaching staff, meeting with student-athletes outside of office hours, engaging students in the classroom and bringing energy to the subjects she teaches.

During the COVID-19 shutdown of 2020, Dr. Cuthbert exemplified the University’s EPPIC values with her creative teaching methods and assistance during the transition to online learning. Dr. Cuthbert has also spoken with recruits during campus visits.

“Dr. Cuthbert is a terrific advocate for our students,” said Millersville associate director of athletics Larry Earnesty. “She is extremely supportive and works with our students to be as successful as they can.” 

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SPORTS | 2022

MARAUDERS

PSAC EAST CHAMPS

KHARI WILLIAMS HELPED MILLERSVILLE REACH THE PSAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS.

AN HOUR BEFORE TIP-OFF, FANS STARTED FILING THROUGH ANTTONEN LOBBY AND FILLING THE STANDS. DURING WARM-UPS, A BUZZ OF ANTICIPATION FILLED THE GYM. AND AT TIP-OFF, THE CROWD ERUPTED WITH EXCITEMENT, ALREADY FULLY BELIEVING THAT THESE MARAUDERS—PSAC EAST CHAMPS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS—WERE ON THEIR WAY TO A SPECIAL POSTSEASON RUN. Alumni had told the stories for years—of how hype the Pucillo Gymnasium crowd had been decades ago—and pined for that to return. Well, on March 2, 2022, Millersville basketball, a program with an unrivaled tradition in the PSAC East, made a statement.

The Marauders were back.

Behind Justin Nwosu’s double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, Millersville shredded West Chester, 70–54, holding the PSAC’s top-scoring offense nearly 30 points below its average. And that merely started a postseason that saw the Marauders upset No. 22 Mercyhurst in a virtuoso performance by James Sullivan in which he scored 30 points and held Mercyhurst’s top scorer to 0-of-11 shooting. Millersville played for a PSAC Championship for the first time since 2008 and fought eventual Final Four team IUP tooth and nail in a physical battle on the Crimson Hawks’ home floor, where they own a 58–3 record over the last four seasons. Who knows? A

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year earlier or a year later and the championship game would have been played in Pucillo Gymnasium. And no one wants to play in Pucillo in March.

Still, the 2021-22 Marauders stamped their place in history with entries on two banners hanging in the Pucillo Gymnasium rafters— a PSAC East title and an NCAA Tournament berth. Fifteen years had passed since those banners had last been updated. In between, Millersville basketball hit its lowest lows. Two seasons before seniors James Sullivan, Caden Najdawi and D’Marco Suggs arrived as part of coach Casey Stitzel’s first recruiting class, Millersville won four games—the worst season in program history. Five years after the class’s first game, they celebrated with fans on the court after winning their final game at home.

“When I got the job, you start hearing from the alumni and fans in the community about how Pucillo used to be,” said Millersville head coach Casey Stitzel. “To be able to bring that back was special. It was really special for this group to do it. This team bought in to me when I had nothing to sell, and we were one of the worst programs in the PSAC. To see them go out like that in their last game in Pucillo, it was special. It was special for the community and for alums and for those seniors from where they came in to where they left it. It was one of the most satisfying things I’ve seen as a coach.”

SPORTS | 2022

In an age of PS5, TikTok and an overwhelming onslaught of distractions, the 2022 Marauders grabbed the campus’s attention with its swarming defense, toughness on the glass and an endearing swagger. They went 15–2 at home, closing the season with eight straight wins in the building. It was Najdawi slamming home an alley-oop and swatting an opponent’s shot out of bounds with a primal yell. It was the understated brilliance of Sullivan’s on-ball defense and steadying presence on the court. It was the way point guard Jaden Faulkner weaved his way through traffic for a tough bucket and his silky-smooth passing. It was lefty shooting guard Khari Williams playing with a chip on his shoulder and knowing that any night could be one of those flamethrower offensive performances. It was the toughness of forward Justin Nwosu, scrapping for offensive rebounds and running the floor as well as any big in the league. And there always came a big game or a key play from an unsung hero. There was sixth man Mekhi Hendricks sparking a struggling offense with 15 points off the bench in the PSAC Quarterfinals. There was redshirt freshman Jahme Ested scoring clutch, crunch-time buckets at East Stroudsburg, a win that proved to be the turning point of the season.

who was getting the shots.”

The feeling on campus at the start of the season was that the team was good. Then it smoked NCAA Tournament team West Virginia State in the third game of the season. That raised some eyebrows.

Then it outwilled the CIAA’s best team in Virginia State in double overtime. That win turned some into believers. Then the Marauders won at West Chester and at East Stroudsburg for the first time since 2003. They clinched the PSAC East with a dunk-filled 35-point win over Lock Haven on Senior Day. So when it came time for the PSAC Tournament, the fans knew this team was something far more than good. It was special.

Stitzel knew rebuilding Millersville basketball would take patience and time. His patience was certainly tested, and time, especially in those first couple seasons of nine and 10 wins, seemed to stand still.

But the commitment to build a program the right way—with true student-athletes and high-character individuals—never wavered.

That is truly what made the 2022 season special—a group of players who did everything the right way was rewarded.

“We thought that all year, even going back to practice during the COVID year,” said Stitzel. “Winning the East, hosting a playoff game and getting to the NCAA Tournament were always goals.

We had the talent, leadership and experience. Anyone on any g iven night could help us. It wasn’t about points per game or

JAMES SULLIVAN WAS NAMED ALL-PSAC EAST FIRST TEAM

While the on-court turnaround in that five-year span was dramatic, how the team, most notably the 2022 seniors, repaired the program’s broken culture will leave an even longer-lasting impact.

Sullivan, Najdawi, Suggs and Williams could have moved on from Millersville after COVID-19 canceled the 2020-21 season. Sullivan and Najdawi had already graduated. Suggs and Williams were on track to complete their degrees soon as well. But the group felt they had unfinished business. Sullivan added a second bachelor’s degree.

Najdawi entered graduate school. Suggs and Williams rearranged their academic plans to graduate in May of 2022. And with accord, they returned to finish what they started.

“They set the standard,” said Stitzel. “You can even see it in postseason workouts now. Our younger guys are influenced by those four seniors. It stays with them—how to work, how to prepare, how to treat your teammates. Their legacy didn’t end when their careers ended. They made an impact on their lives, the community, our players and a huge impact on me.

They made me a better person, and that’s something I will never forget.”

“I’ve been a big believer that if the players aren’t acting the way they should be off the court—in class, in the library, the cafeteria—you won’t get fans to come out,” said Stitzel. “But they were good people to be around, and they connected with people off the court and in the academic settings. How I view them in the locker room is the same way the community viewed them. When you have good human beings winning games, that’s how you get to where Pucillo is packed. Everyone wants to root for a good person.” 

CADEN NAJDAWI WAS VOTED PSAC EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

KHARI WILLIAMS AND JUSTIN NWOSU CELEBRATE A TOURNAMENT WIN IN PUCILLO

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SPORTS | 2022

SPORTS UPDATES “DOC ROC”

CELEBRATES 50 YEARS BEHIND THE MIC For 50 years, men’s basketball games inside Pucillo Gymnasium have had an unmistakable soundtrack—the voice of RALPH “DOC ROC” ANTTONEN. With his start in 1971-72, the 2021-22 season marked Anttonen’s 50th year as the team’s public address announcer. During that time, he’s announced over 700 games, becoming a familiar voice to both Millersville alumni and PSAC opponents. This season also marked the 25th for his wife, Judy, serving as the scoreboard operator.  DR. RALPH AND JUDY ANTTONEN

NAT IONA L S

BOU N D

A trio of Millersville wrestlers made history, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in St. Louis, giving the Marauders three Division II national qualifiers for the first time.

The 133-pound DEVIN FLANNERY capped an outstanding 20–7 season with All-America honors, placing seventh at nationals. BRANDON CONNOR was the Super Region 1 runner-up at 165 pounds, and ANTHONY GIAMPIETRO, wrestling at 184 pounds, also took second place at the Super Region 1 Championships. All three Marauders were also named All-PSAC.  LAUREN LISTER

A REMARKABLE Milestone

LAUREN LISTER became just the 15th player in PSAC history to score 2,000 career points, finishing her senior season with 2,023, ranking 11th among PSAC players and breaking the Millersville scoring record by 478 points. Lister’s career scoring average of 18.3 points per game also ranks first all-time at Millersville.

Lister earned All-PSAC East First Team recognition for the third season in a row, becoming one of just five Marauders to accomplish that feat.  DEVIN FLANNERY

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SPORTS | 2022

Topping the Podium

DARIAN HAUF

HANNAH WOELFLING AND ALIYAH STRIVER

The Millersville indoor track and field team earned its bestever finish at the PSAC Championships behind championship performances from ALIYAH STRIVER, HANNAH WOELFLING and freshman DARIAN HAUF. Striver won the shot put and finished second in the weight throw only to Woelfling, and she was named PSAC Indoor Championships Field Athlete of the Meet for the second time in her career. Woelfling extended her PSAC victory in the weight throw on to the NCAA Championships.

Hauf, who smashed the school’s pole vault record, capped a brilliant rookie season by becoming the first Marauder to win an indoor conference title in the event. 

SWIMMING UP THE STANDINGS The Millersville women’s swimming team set a program record for points scored at the PSAC Championships. MADDI STONER set a school record in the 200-yard butterfly at the meet, and she finished with top-five times in five different events. 

REAGAN KOLINSKI

A Memorable RUN

Led by senior defenders LAUREN DOWNEY and PAIGE MANCINI, the Millersville women’s soccer team made a spectacular run through the PSAC Tournament, advancing to the championship game for the first time in 19 years. With goalkeeper Reagan Kolinski turning away two shots in the overtimes and all five Marauders converting penalty kicks in the shootout, Millersville upset No. 3–ranked Kutztown in the quarterfinals, and then knocked off the PSAC West’s No. 2 seed Gannon by a 1–0 score in the semis. Millersville’s magical run came up just minutes short in a 1–0 decision in the title game, but five Marauders earned All-PSAC East honors. Downey became a three-time honoree. Savannah Rennix and Morgan Winchock were named to the first team, while Paige Mancini

MADDI STONER

and Emma Elwell were named to the second team.  M I L L E R S V I L L E U N I V E R S I T Y • w w w. m i ller sv i lle. edu

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Page HEADER Left

PROVIDING HOPE to Cuban Doctors | By Janet Kacskos |

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SOTOMAYOR , DR. KELLY KUHNS AND BOSCH

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ENMANUEL SOTOMAYOR TABARES and AURORA D. BOSCH PEREZ met in medical school in Cuba, fell in love, married, and both became doctors, working in the ICU, emergency in general, and internal medicine. On behalf of the Cuban government, they went to Venezuela to practice. That’s when things went downhill.

“We thought our mission to Venezuela would be a humanitarian one,” says Sotomayor. “We thought it was to help people. But it was not what we signed up for. We only received a very small portion of what Venezuela was paying Cuba for our work. We slept on a bare mattress, and we were practicing medicine in a war zone. The Cuban government asked us to do things we weren’t comfortable with – and when we didn’t do those things, we got in trouble. It was all lies. It had nothing to do with helping people. It all revolved around politics.”

The couple knew they needed to leave and wanted to come to the U.S.; however, they didn’t speak English.

They needed to get to Colombia before the U.S., but there were forms and applications to fill out.

Bosch plans to get her U.S. citizenship this year and is excited to have her citizenship interview scheduled.

Sotomayor became a U.S. citizen in August 2021.

Bosch’s first job offer in the medical field was as a janitor at Lancaster General, but she said it would have killed her soul to do that. So for the first three years in the U.S., the couple worked in a warehouse. Bosch wrapped Christmas presents. Sotomayor also ended up at the warehouse since it paid more money. “But we were safe, and we were free. We had the opportunity to move forward,” says Bosch.

Then they met Dr. Daniel Weber, who has been helping Cuban doctors for many years. When he learned how Cuban doctors were stuck in menial employment in the U.S., the retired Lancaster obstetrician/gynecologist kept thinking of the waste of talent and experience. And, because no one else was doing it, he decided he would launch a program to get them back into medicine or a related field if that was their dream.

“Dr. Weber helped us immensely. He guided us to the program at Penn State Harrisburg,” says Sotomayor.

“We went to a public library to use their computer, but you couldn’t save what you did. We would have to translate the English forms into Spanish and vice versa.

It took us seven or 10 tries to translate it so we could understand it. We spent 48 hours straight working on it. People were walking around, looking, so we would delete the whole thing,” says Sotomayor.

The couple received their bachelor’s in nursing at Penn State Harrisburg, and Weber then connected them with Dr. Kelly Kuhns and Millersville’s Wehrheim School of Nursing. They are now in the master’s program at Millersville and will graduate as nurse practitioners in 2024.

“I don’t think I would have done it with kids; it was so dangerous,” says Bosch. “Our main goal was to get here, to the U.S., and to freedom and opportunities.

We didn’t think it through; we didn’t think about my mom, his mom — we could have been killed. We had to cross borders without documentation. We had to go through Colombia.”

“The main thing with Dr. Kuhns was that she knew our background and believed in us,” says Bosch. “We are first generation here. We have no relatives here. Everyone is back in Cuba. We are building a future here for our two kids and us. Dr. Kuhns is someone on our side. She’s someone to tell us ‘you can do it.’ We’ve been blessed to have people in our lives who are mentors to us. Dr. Weber and Dr. Kuhns are certainly among those.”

The couple eventually made it to Colombia and then to Miami. An uncle provided the money for the flight. They came through a refugee program for Cubans. “We were supposed to go to Las Vegas or Kentucky, but they sent us to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 2015,” says Sotomayor.

But in choosing freedom and turning their backs on Cuba, the doctors had to start over in a place where their medical degrees were not recognized.

“Once we abandoned our Venezuelan mission, we were no longer Cuban citizens,” says Bosch. “Coming to a country like this was huge. We have insurance. We can sleep at night without fear that something might happen. It’s a huge difference. It’s the best feeling ever.”

“In Cuba, they tell you that the poverty in the U.S. is so high that people die frozen on the streets and have nothing to eat and are evicted from their houses,” says Sotomayor. “They told us lies.”

“We ate from churches. We took classes to learn how to be a citizen and how to speak English. One of the churches gave us a paper with which church had food on which day. I’m not a citizen yet, but I have the support of a community,” says Bosch.

“I met Dr. Weber through the Lancaster Literacy Council,” says Kuhns. “We hope they will go through our DNP [Doctor of Nursing Practice] when they graduate from the MSN [Master of Science in Nursing] program,” says Kuhns. “We have a holistic view of health care here, and we are thrilled to have them at Millersville.”

Kuhns hopes to enroll more Cuban doctors into the MSN and DNP programs at Millersville.

The couple now has two girls, a 3-year-old and a 6-month-old.

“We have hopes and dreams for our two daughters,” says Bosch. “They will have resources here, and we hope they go to college and have a career. It doesn’t have to be in the medical field. We just want them to go and study and be happy.”

Bosch summed up the couple’s journey, “No one can take your beliefs or your knowledge. They can take everything else, but they can’t take those things.” 

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ALUMNI NEWS | E V E N T S

MIX &MINGLE

“We consider our alumni to be stakeholders and are committed to finding meaningful ways for them to strengthen the bond with their alma mater. The Office of Alumni Engagement has a goal of creating a program to connect our 73,000 alumni worldwide. Alumni engagement is about keeping our alumni connected – with each other and Millersville University.”

Kristin Schab, Director of Alumni Engagement

DON’T MISS UPCOMING EVENTS! Visit villealumni.com for more information. 

Thank you to our Millersville University Alumni & Friends who attended the American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting in January. Over 100+ attendees, including alumni, students, faculty, friends and sponsors, participated in the virtual networking event. Attendees joined Millersville University professor of Meteorology and chair of Earth Sciences, Dr. Richard Clark, along with the faculty and current students

from the department for their annual alumni and friends’ reception. Sponsors included AccuWeather, WeatherTrends 360, and the Millersville University Department of Earth Sciences. We would also like to congratulate Dr. Clark on his election to the American Meteorological Society as President for 2022. 

Go ’Ville! Over 25 alumni participated in the annual Women’s Soccer Alumni game which took place this April at Pucillo Field. 

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ALUMNI NEWS | E V E N T S

Millersville University Alumni Network

Millersville University’s 73,000 alumni are represented across the globe in several recognized Alumni Networks. Whether your affinity—or connection— to Millersville is tied to your identity, your involvement as a student or where you are geographically, we want you to find your place in the alumni community, just as you did as a student.

The Millersville University Alumni Network formally recognizes groups of alumni who have organized themselves with the goals to:

Provide opportunities for fellow alumni to renew The Department of Criminology, Sociology and Anthropology, hosted an event for their AKD (International Sociology Honors Society) induction ceremony. Thank you to following MU alumni who served on the panel, Jessica Shingara ’19, Alex Rohrer ’15, Tiana Kelly ’16, Amy Bitner ’01, and Chelsey Wirth ’15.  UPDATE: CLASS OF 1970 PHOTO CAPTION The Class of 1970 50th Reunion photo caption in the Fall-Winter 2021-22 edition on page 15 featured errors. Alumni featured in the photo but not listed in the original photo caption include Rodney S. Loose and Kathryn “Kay” Kessler Lingle. Incorrectly listed in the original photo caption, but not featured in the photo, include Faith Holzman Adams, who was not in attendance. 

SEEKING Alumni LEADERS Put your enthusiasm and passion for Millersville University into practice by joining the ‘Volunteer at the ’Ville Network.

There are multiple ways you can stay connected to your alma mater, develop your alumni network, sharpen your professional skills, and impact the lives of current and future Millersville students.

and sustain MU friendships

Attract new students to Millersville University Support current Millersville students, especially as they transition to alumni

Connect alumni back to the ‘Ville Our reach is ever expanding, and we welcome alumni everywhere to help build the Millersville University Alumni Network!

Visit villealumni.com for more information, or email us at mualumni@millersville.edu to get started!

SUPPORT FUTURE GENERATIONS of Millersville Students

Through the Millersville University alumni volunteer platform, you can register to: Come back to campus to serve as a panelist | Work with Admissions to recruit the next generation | Mentor students | Attend and/or volunteer at events | Serve as a Millersville University Social Media Ambassador The Office of Alumni Engagement serves as the hub that connects alumni to each other and to their alma mater and the work we do can’t be done without your help!

Visit alumnivolunteers.millersville.edu to learn more about the various volunteer and leadership opportunities available. #VilleforLife

’ Ville Connections !

HAVEN’T BEEN RECEIVING THE ALUMNI E-NEWSLETTER? We probably don’t have your email address on file!

Reach us via any method below to update your contact information.

The e-newsletter is a quick read and will keep you informed about alumni events and what’s happening at Millersville!

Connect with us on Facebook @millersvillealumni MU Alumni Association — Millersville University, PO Box 1002 Millersville, PA 17551-0302 | 800-681-1855 Email: mualumni@millersville.edu

Leave your legacy by including MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY in your will or trust, or as a beneficiary designation of an IRA, retirement plan or other account. You can make a lasting impact while maintaining flexibility if your needs change.

For more information or to request our FREE WILLS GUIDE, please contact us at Planned.Giving@millersville.edu or 877-872-3820, or visit millersville.giftlegacy.com.

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Page CLASSHEADER NOTES |Left 2022

Class Notes | 2022 1950 s u LA VERNE HYMAN ’56, Lititz, retired on 8/18/20, ending her career in substitute teaching. She taught 3rd grade at James Buchanan School in Lancaster Township, became a stay-at-home mom and a substitute teacher for 50 plus years.

1960 s u N.A. THOMAS KLINGER ’61, Wheat Ridge, CO, along with his wife released their 5th book, “C&Sng Railroaders’ Photos, Memories and Then Some,” in July 2021.

NANCY ZIMMERMAN ’75

u ROBERT (MIKE) BUTLER ’77, Parker, CO, competed in the 2021 Ironman Triathlon 70.3 World Championship, this past September in St. George, Utah. This was his 26th triathlon.

u WILLIAM GORDON ’69, New Cumberland, earned his Doctor of Business Administration, from American Meridian University.

WILLIAM GORDON ’69

1970 s

u NANCY ZIMMERMAN ’75, New Providence, was awarded the 2021 Frank Mulhern Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association.

WALTER STRAITON ’77

u WALTER STRAITON ’77, Williamsport, accepted a position as Director of Sales at MusicFirst. He is excited to be advancing the global cause of music education.

1980 s

u ROBERT BALDINO ’71, Reading, was inducted into the High School Sports Hall of Fame. He coached wrestling for 15 years and just completed his 18th year coaching high school girls soccer.

u KATHLEEN ACHUFF ’80, Royersford, retired on 1/2/2022 after 40 years in the food service industry. She also taught 5th and 6th grades in the Catholic school system for 13 years.

u RAYMOND JANIFER, ’71, Chambersburg, retired on 5/10/20 after 30 years as a professor of English and six years as director of the Ethnic Studies Program.

u KEVIN DIXON ’81, Columbus, OH, upon retirement from the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board created the Dr. Kevin L. Dixon Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award in his name.

u THOMAS KESTLER ’73, Ashburn, VA, retired on 12/31/2021 from Advisor Group, where he worked as a production group leader. He spent 43 years in the financial services industry. u LAWRENCE JONES ’74, Camp Hill, retired after 38 years on 4/11/16 as a programmer analyst in the IT field. u THOMAS WISNIESKI ’74, Gainesville, FL, retired after a rewarding 40 year career in the health industry with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

u DONNA HURLEY ’81, Lancaster, was part of the first FACE Principle Approach Master Teacher certification graduation class. She has been an educator at Dayspring Christian Academy since 1994, earned her M.Ed. from Regent University in 2008 and has served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction since 2017. u KAREN SANTUCCI SCHEUER ’82, Newtown, recently had her second children’s book published, “I Know Something You Don’t Know.” Her

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first book, “A Bug and a Wish,” has sold over 13,000 copies. u ERIC STALLWORTH ’83, San Antonio, FL, retired as an adjunct professor of education at the University of South Florida and Saint Leo University in Tampa, Florida. u RICHARD MUSSELMAN ’84, Thompsontown, retired on 07/01/2021 after a diverse career at Midd-West School District. He has started his own custom woodworking business named Musselman Woodworking located in East Salem, PA. u RICHARD CARNS ’85, Carlisle, retired from Carlisle Construction Materials after 36 years in the commercial roofing industry. u ARMENTA WASHINGTON ’85, Philadelphia, won the Philly Magazine 2021 Health Hero award. She was recognized for her work to address cancer health disparities in the African American community during the global pandemic. u DAVID HENRIQUES ’88, Millersville, was awarded the Millersville University Athletics Faculty Mentor Award for 2020-2021. Henriques also accepted the position as Chair, Department of Academic Advisement & Student Development at Millersville University. u KAY GILLESPIE ’89, Draper, UT, started a new position as Chief Human Resources Officer at WorkCare, Inc. she is also a mentor with the KAY GILLESPIE ’89 Women Unlimited Leadership Development Program.

199 0 s u AMANDA PHILY ’90, Ardmore, was promoted to Principal of Assistant District Counsel of Civil Works and Regulatory at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District. Amanda joined the Corps in August 2014.

CLASS NOTES | 2022 u SHANE MAYOR ’90, Chico, CA, was recognized with the California State University Chico 2021-22 Outstanding Mentor Award. u AMY GABRIELE ’91, Harrisburg, received the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association Advocacy Award. This award is given annually to a non-music therapist AMY GABRIELLE ’91 who has exhibited exemplary effort in advocating for the advancement of Music Therapy in areas such as program development, advocacy at a local, state, or regional level, financial support, or other various means.

SHANE MAYOR ’90

AMY FASANO ’92

u AMY SARA FASANO ’92, Lancaster, received a Doctorate of Philosophy PhD in Safety Sciences from Indiana University of Pennsylvania on 12/11/21.

u MARDA CLAY ’01, Lancaster, was presented with a Commencement Certificate signed by Governor Tom Wolf, Penn State Dean of Agricultural Science MARDA CLAY ’01 Rick Rosch, and Director of Extension Brent Hales. She is one of 30 Commonwealth residents to complete the two-year RULE Program. Through a series of in-person study institutes, 38 webinars as well as hybrid study institutes, RULE scholars had an inaugural experience of learning models during their two-year leadership challenge immersion.

PATRICE MORRISROSEBOROUGH ’05

u PATRICE MORRISROSEBOROUGH ’05, Philadelphia, transitioned into administration as a new high school assistant principal in the Philadelphia School District where she has taught

u COLLEEN MEYERS ’92, Old Bridge, NJ, recently stepped down from coaching varsity cheerleading after 28 years at Spotswood High School, where she continues to love teaching her social studies students. Meyers is a breast cancer survivor and thriver.

u TIMOTHY HOILAND ’05, Tempe, AZ, released a short film called “Dreams,” which he wrote, directed, and edited.

u MATTHEW RITTER ’92, Arlington, VA, assumed a new role as Digital Content Producer for the National Weather Desk, Sinclair Broadcasting Group.

u MICHAEL ISKRIC JR. ’07, Harrisburg, recently was appointed superintendent of the Steelton-Highspire School District.

20 0 0 s u MIKE CHICK JR ’00, Arlington, VA, was appointed by the Virginia legislature on March 10, 2022, to serve as Judge of the Arlington County Juvenile & Domestics Relations District Court.

u DEBORAH BOYD ’09, Willow Street, accepted a position CHRISTIE CHACON ’08 as business analyst for Peraton, where she will be training to be an informatician, and working with the DCD COVID-19 immunization data lake team.

2010 s

u STEPHANIE ZEGERS ’03, Mount Joy, accepted a position as assistant director of engineering/STEM relationship development for the School of Engineering, Math and Computer Science at Elizabethtown College.

since 2008.

u CROIX KRING ’98, Collegeville, promoted to Director, Global Medical Process and Technology Optimization within Global Medical Operations, Governance and Community at Pfizer.

u CHRISTIE CHACON ’08, Mount Gretna, promoted to Senior Sales Director for Barry Callebaut.

u ELONA DEPREZ ’05, East Windsor, NJ, was appointed as the chief development and communication officer for the Henry J Austin Health Center.

u CHAD VARGO ’07, Naperville, IL, was promoted to Senior EHS Program Manager at Microsoft. u ANDREW MOLLOY ’07, Lititz, opened a clothing store CHAD VARGO ’07 in Landisville, PA, with his wife, after selling online for many years. The store is called The Connection Landisville.

SARAH HALLBAGDONAS ’10

u SARAH HALLBAGDONAS ’10, Lake Ariel, promoted to Senior Forestry Manager of Family Forest Carbon Program in Central Appalachia in February 2022.

u SARAH RASMUSSEN ’11, Pottstown, accepted a position as director of communications for Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. u PHILIP VONADA ’11, South Williamsport, accepted a position as communications director for the National Grange in Washington, DC. The National Grange is a community based organization with more than 1500 chapters nationwide, focused on protecting the interests of rural America. u SARA STEVENS ’13, Littleton, CO, was featured in a Washington Post article titled “The Race to Rescue Florida’s Diseased Corals.” u DANIEL BERNDT ’13, Laredo, TX, accepted a position as environmental health & safety coordinator II for Texas A&M International University. u RACHEL CICIONI ’13, Lancaster, started her own private teaching practice; her business start-up is MyFrenchU. u TYRA BROWN ’14, Exeter, NH, was promoted to associate dean, science, where she will focus on supporting foundational math and science students, TYRA BROWN ’14 faculty and programs at Southern New Hampshire University.

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CLASS Page HEADER NOTES |Left 2022 u CHARLES STANBERY ’15, Camp Hill, retired on 8/31/2021 from Susquenita School District after teaching Mathematics for the past 28 years. u JOSEPH RECEVEUR ’16, Garnet Valley, earned his Doctor of Philosophy Entomology & Ecology degree from Michigan JOSEPH RECEVEUR ’16 State University on 5/1/2021. He is currently employed at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. u AMBER LIGGETT ’18, ’20M, Camp Hill, started a new job this spring as a communications analyst, with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Program Office.

In her new role, she focuses on internal strategic communications to highlight and promote climate science research.

GABRIELLA LICATA ’19

u GABRIELLA LICATA ’19, Hummelstown, was promoted to senior staff accountant at Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz, a regional premier accounting and advisory firm.

u JACKSON HOUSTON ’19, Lancaster, will be moving to South Bend, IN, to attend the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame in pursuit of a master’s degree in nonprofit administration.

u SAMANTHA SITES ’21, Leesport, accepted a position for a third grade long term substitute at Schuylkill Valley Elementary School.

u EMMA SCALESE ’21, Seoul, South Korea, started working in March 2022 to teach kindergarten and elementary school-aged children about various aspects of the English language in Seoul, South Korea. She also helps in their development through classes such as, literacy, cooking and math.

THERE'S MORE

u KEN STONER ’53, Wrightsville, died on 1/2/2021 at the age of 89.

WE DDINGS u ELIZABETH CARROLL ’95, Pinellas Park, FL, married Sandra Mallett on 8/8/2021, and have relocated to the Tampa area to be closer to family.

ELIZABETH CARROLL ’95

u JAMES LAMB ’03, Carlisle, married Samantha Pomroy on 10/17/21. u LORI HESS ’07, Pequea, married Neal Lefever on 12/11/2021.

u COLLEEN MOORE COBLE ‘16, Lancaster, married LORI HESS ’07 Trever Coble ’16, on 10/23/20. They credit Millersville for bringing them together.

BIRTHS u JAMES BOYER ’11, and his wife, Chambersburg, welcomed a daughter, Sadie Grace, 8/9/20. u SIGOURNEY PORTNER ’12, and husband Shae Portner ’13, Quakertown, welcomed a baby boy, Darcy Portner, on 7/18/2021.

2020 s u TERIANNE RINEER ’21, Lancaster, was promoted to Nurse Practitioner for Lancaster Emergency Associates.

DE ATHS u ROBERT LUTZ ’59, Mechanicsburg, died on 3/19/2022.

He was a member of the honors fraternity, KEN STONER ’53 Phi Sigma Pi. He sang in the choir and performed in several musicals. He is survived by his wife, Anne ’60. u EDWIN RESSER, ’64, York, died on 2/7/22 at the age of 80. He was a long-time employee of West York Area School District, as a teacher, principal, and various other positions in the administration building. In 1979, he was hired as the Personnel Director for the West Shore School District, and subsequently held numerous principal and administration positions within the district, before retiring in 1998. u S. RICHARD ZOOK ’66, Lititz, died on 10/11/2021. u EILEEN HALDEMAN ’70, Lancaster, died on 3/2/2022 at the age of 73. She always dreamed of being a teacher. She taught kindergarten and EILEEN HALDEMAN pre-first in the ’70 Penn Manor School District, retiring in 1999. u KATHY MCNAMARA DIGREGORY ’82, Brookhaven, died on 12/23/21 at the age of 60 years old. u LESLIE TRAUTMAN ’82, York, died on 1/12/22 at the age of 61.

DARCY PORTNER

u JORDAN EVANGELISTA ’15 welcomed a daughter, Venice Evangelista, 5/29/21.

LESLIE TRAUTMAN ’82 VENICE EVANGELISTA

u BROOKE KEYSER ’01, Skippack, died on 12/8/2021 at the age of 42.

u MATTHEW SPENCE HELLMANN ’13, Hershey, died on 2/24/2022. He is survived by his father, mother and twin brother. 

Want to know what they named the baby? Want more details on the big wedding? The new job?

The award? Pictures too? Check out millersville.edu/classnotes.

34 | M I L L E R S V I L L E U N I V E R S I T Y • S p r i ng | S u mm er 2022

WHY I GIVE

WHY I GIVE | 2022

Millersville Alumna Establishes New OSEH SCHOLARSHIP

By Mary Miller ’22

MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY

After 33 years serving in roles from compliance officer to director of management systems and operations, Adams ended her career in Washington, D.C. — though she never stopped investing in up-and-coming OSEH professionals. Adams serves on the University’s OSEH advisory board, which provides guidance and counsel for the OSEH program and its students.

ALUMNA NANCY ADAMS ’73 HAD AN ENRICHING AND SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION. RECENTLY, SHE CREATED THE

A partnership between OSEH and the Lombardo College of Business allows students majoring in OSEH or in management to pursue a specialization in the other program.

N. C. ADAMS ’73 AND W. G. ADAMS FELLOWSHIP FOR STUDENTS MAJORING AND MINORING IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL

NANCY ADAMS ’73

HEALTH. IN DOING SO, SHE HELPED TO FORGE A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE OSEH PROGRAM AND THE LOMBARDO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS TO CREATE A ONE-OF-A-KIND EDUCATION PROGRAM IN PENNSYLVANIA. Adams was one of the first women to work in OSHA after Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. At that time, they were hiring inspection staff with a science background. Thanks to her time at Millersville studying biology and with the encouragement of her brother, Adams began her OSHA career in Albany, New York. “OSHA provided me with an absolutely wonderful career. There was no other job like it,” Adams said. “I traveled and worked throughout the U.S. on special assignments and task forces. I was part of a ‘younger,’ nationwide set of folks who were at the forefront of OSHA’s use of information technology and the internet.”

As one of the first women to work for OSHA, Adams found the field to be both exciting and challenging. “Because OSHA is a law enforcement agency, I had the law behind me when walking into mostly male-dominated workplaces,” Adams said.

“I found that even as a young woman, if I engaged people in conversation and asked a lot of questions about what they were doing, they appreciated why I was there and took me seriously.

However, in the early 1970s, finding protective gear that actually fit me was a whole different story.”

“This opportunity is designed to foster the natural collaboration between the areas of business and occupational safety and health,” explained Dr. Jack Ogutu, the OSEH program coordinator.

In addition, Adams created the N. C. Adams ’73 and W. G. Adams Endowed Professorship. Ogutu will serve a three-year term as the inaugural Adams Endowed Professor beginning July 1. He will oversee enhancing scholarship activities, fostering facultystudent research, organizing on-campus and off-campus co-curricular events, and establishing internship opportunities for students in the program.

That collaboration between business and occupational safety is exactly why Adams created the fellowship and professorship.

“To create this type of partnership is unique to Millersville,” Adams said. “I have a very long-held belief that until safety and health professionals and corporate management gain a real understanding of both sides, workplace safety and health will continue to be looked at as a non-value-added contribution to a company’s bottom line.”

“The goal of this fellowship is to provide an educational opportunity to advance effective means for both OSEH professionals and company managers to better communicate what each can bring to the table to achieve a safer work environment and quality goods and services,” she explained.

Her advice to current MU students is this: “Never turn down an opportunity to learn something new. Even if at the time you think it is beneath or beyond your abilities … or even if you see no connection to how the experience might benefit you in the future, eventually it will.” 

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Non Profit Org.

US POSTAGE PAID

Office of Alumni Engagement Millersville University P.O. Box 1002 Millersville, PA 17551-0302

Millersville University

By insisting on FSC-certified paper, Millersville University helps to expand the protection of water quality, prohibit harvest of rare old-growth forest and prevent the loss of natural forest cover.

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@SYNKRITSADA That was it!

@ASIA.VILLE ASIA had a lot of fun last night at the Black Excellence Ball!

@VILLEPRESIDENT ‘Ville’s club sports hockey team presented me with a new jersey.

@TANIA.TEACHES It was an honor and privilege to travel to Harrisburg for Teacher Ed day on Capitol Hill!

@RUBYMUNDOK National Association of Broadcasters Show was one of the best weeks of my LIFE!

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