Saint Vincent spring 2010
quarterly
towey leaves a lasting legacy
Message from P r e s i d e n t J i m T o w e y
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n May 2004 when Mary and I loaded up the van with our five children (ages 12, 10, 7, 4 and 1) for a late night trip to Saint Vincent College, we were heading to a seminary commencement on a campus completely unknown to us. Little did we know that this trip and the speech I would deliver the next day would set into motion a chain of events that would lead to our family making Saint Vincent and the Latrobe community our new home. From the time we first awoke to the breathtaking vistas of the Laurel Highlands and experienced the warmth of Benedictine hospitality, Mary and I knew that there was something very special taking place on this campus. We desired to be a part of it, and the offer nearly two years later from Archabbot Douglas to be Saint Vincent’s 16th president made it possible for the Towey family to be joined to the proud history of the College, Archabbey, and Benedictine tradition. How tender and merciful are the ways of the Lord! This limited space does not permit me to cite the many wonderful memories we have of our time at Saint Vincent, or thank the many people who have been so kind to us. The talented members of the faculty and staff, the wonderful monks who have befriended us, the benefactors and alumni who have invested in the current and future success of the College, and most of all, the students who have shared their lives with us, will The Towey family in 2006 on the day of constitute a treasury of cherished memories. the announcement of Jim’s appointment This issue of the Quarterly recounts some of the as President of Saint Vincent College. marvels that God has done through the work of so many hands at the College. There is also a feature on the appointment of my successor, Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B., who has been my friend and occasional mentor during these four years. In my inaugural speech in October 2006, I dedicated my presidency to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and consecrated my work and the College to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Through the many challenges and changes, and trials and triumphs, in the years that followed, I have felt the support of their prayers. Thank you for yours, too. I am excited about the future of Saint Vincent College and leave knowing that it is in good hands. Enjoy this issue of the Quarterly and be assured that Mary, the children and I will never forget our time or friends here at Saint Vincent.
contents Saint Vincent College quarterly spring 2010 Volume 8, Issue 1
Archabbot and Chancellor Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.
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featu r e Jim Towey Steps Down A legacy of change highlights President Towey’s time at Saint Vincent.
President H. James Towey
The saint vincent quarterly is produced by The Office of Enrollment and Marketing
layout/design Apollo Design Group Inc. George Fetkovich Art Director
printing Laurel Valley Graphics
10 A Conversation on Benedictine Spirituality and Catholic Identity
contributing writers Jim Berger Bridget Leonard
production assistant Carol Riddle
Alumni News Coordinator Mary Ann Dunlap
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13 Student Kerry Tittinger Survives Haitian Earthquake
photographs courtesy of Multimedia and Marketing Public Relations Office Sports Information Office Office of Alumni Relations
Saint Vincent College subscribes to a policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability in any of its programs, admission or employment decisions.
Catastrophe illuminates a life-changing experience for freshman.
16 Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B. Named New College President A familiar face will take the reins as the
Saint Vincent Quarterly (United States Postal Service Publication Number USPS 5144-8000) is published by Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania for alumni, parents and friends. Third class postage paid at Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Alumni Office, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690.
President Towey discusses Benedictine spirituality at Saint Vincent.
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College’s 17th president in July.
20 Courting Success with Coach Kristen Zawacki
500th win highlights a record-setting year.
26 Dr. Bradley Watson Makes a Splash in Publishing World
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Faculty member achieves rare feat in academic publishing.
38 Alumni News
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hen Jim Towey steps down as president of Saint Vincent at the end of this academic year, he will leave behind a dramatically improved campus community and college he grew to love. “I didn’t come to Saint Vincent to stay,” Towey remarked. “I came to make a difference.”
Leaving A Legacy Of Change by b r i d g e t l e o n a r d
During Towey’s tenure, Saint Vincent College achieved record enrollment, added millions to its endowment, and modernized its programs and services despite the challenging economic environment. The College enjoyed national media attention and accolades from those who rate America’s colleges and universities.
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“I came here four years ago to support and enhance the Catholic, Benedictine identity of the College, maintain and grow its financial strength, and build upon the educational values and scholarly work already flourishing here. I benefitted from the initiatives of my predecessors and I am happy to say that again God prospered the work of our fine faculty, dedicated staff and wonderful students.”
Towey came to Saint Vincent from the White House, where he served as President Bush’s Faith-Based Office Director. Here he is pictured aboard Air Force One.
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Those who worked closely with Towey saw the difference he made as a “change agent” at the College. “Jim showed a determined vitality of spirit and creative energy during his time in office and we will miss him,” Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B., Chancellor of Saint Vincent College, said. “His leadership has translated into advances across the board for
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the College. Best of all, his steadfast commitment to our first goal as Benedictines—making Christ known— offers inspiration to all of our students as they go forward to take their places in society.” J. Christopher Donahue, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the College, said one of the reasons the Board tapped Towey, an outsider to academia, for the College’s highest post was because of his record of successfully managing organizations while guided by his faith. “President Towey delivered on what he promised in his inaugural address,” Donahue remarked. “He brought in tens of millions of dollars, launched the most ambitious construction project in College history, and put Saint Vincent College in a more prominent place on the map.” Whether it was through his guest appearances on CBS 60 Minutes, ABC Good Morning America, or Fox News Sunday, or through the campus forums that were broadcast live across the country, President Towey helped establish Saint Vincent College in the public square. His efforts appear to have paid off. For example, the percentage of students enrolling at Saint Vincent from out-of-state has more than doubled— from 11% to 23%. When Towey arrived as the College’s 16th president, he carried with him a reputation as a man who puts his faith into action. From his years of service with Mother Teresa of Calcutta in different parts of the world, to his work with refugees in Southeast Asia, to his
time at the helm of Florida’s health and human services agency, to his work in the White House as Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Towey’s career has been testimony to the difference one person can make. And in Latrobe, he did not labor alone as president. He, his wife, Mary, and their five children have been constant fixtures at Saint Vincent events.
to the time of Saint Benedict,” Towey reflected. “We are so happy we came and our children will never forget our time here.” Neither will the Saint Vincent College community. While alumni returning to the campus have observed that the Fred M. Rogers Center, renovated Headmasters Hall, Chuck Noll football field and adjoining artificial field, and the science
At a campus conference commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Towey presents the President’s Medal to Sister Nirmala, M.C., her successor.
“His leadership has translated into advances across the board for the College. Best of all, his steadfast commitment to our first goal as Benedictines—making Christ known—offers inspiration to all of our students as they go forward to take their places in society.”
— Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B. Chancellor of Saint Vincent College
“Mary and I felt very deeply that God wanted us to bring our family to this gorgeous part of America to be here with the monks and the students as part of a tradition that stretches back
center under construction—all projects started or completed on Towey’s watch—have given the campus a fresh face, the impact of Towey’s presidency is more than a story of bricks and mortar.
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Jim Towey Chronology at Saint Vincent College July 2006 Jim Towey begins work as the 16th president of Saint Vincent College and subsequently is inaugurated on October 2.
Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing will be named after Herbert W. Boyer, member of the class of 1958 and cofounder of Genentech.
November 2006 Towey announces plans for annual College mission trip to Calcutta, India for students to work with Mother Teresa’s nuns.
Towey accompanies 12 students on College’s first mission trip to Calcutta.
January 2007 Saint Vincent begins planning the largest building project in its history—a new $39 million science complex that later is named after Sis and Herman Dupré in recognition of a $7.6 million gift from their family and friends.
September 2007 Saint Vincent receives from donors wishing to remain anonymous the first of three grants that provide a combined $2.5 million for the Dupré Science Pavilion.
February 2007 Towey addresses students at Duke University law school on the faith-based initiative and the First Amendment. April 2007 Thanks to a generous contribution from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Rooney family, Saint Vincent announces the construction of Chuck Noll Field, an athletic facility where the new Bearcat football team will play in September. Because of a record high 1,757 freshman applications – an increase of 37% from the previous year – the College creates its first-ever waiting list. Saint Vincent receives a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania toward construction of the Fred M. Rogers Center.
October 2007 To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, Saint Vincent convenes a gathering of her family and closest friends, including her successor, Sister M. Nirmala of the Missionaries of Charity, and niece, Agi Bojaxhiu (above). Portions of the conference are carried live from the campus on EWTN. November 2007 Towey creates the Service Learning and Outreach Office to provide students more service opportunities with the poor. April 2008 Towey and his wife, Mary, attend the arrival ceremony of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and later are guests of President and Mrs. Bush at a dinner in his honor at the White House. Towey helps dedicate and re-name historic Saint Benedict Hall as “Headmasters Hall and The William C. Ucker Center” after a $1 million renovation and restoration.
May 2007 The Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States, addresses graduates at the 161st annual commencement of Saint Vincent where Towey announces that the College’s School of Natural
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May 2008 The Richard King Mellon Foundation awards a $7 million grant —the largest foundation grant in College history —to Saint Vincent for the Dupré Science Pavilion.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addresses graduates at the College’s 162nd commencement exercises, and a week later, Towey leads 12 Saint Vincent students on a second mission trip to Calcutta. June 2008 Saint Vincent College is notified of its reaccreditation through 2018 by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. July 2008 Towey keynotes the opening session of the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Conference, with a talk entitled “Catholic Schools, Catholic Social Teaching and the Options for the Poor.” August 2008 Forbes magazine lists Saint Vincent College among the top colleges in the nation in its first-ever ranking of “America’s Best Colleges.” Later that month, and for the first time in the College’s history, all incoming freshmen participate in area service projects as part of orientation to campus life. For the first time in its history Saint Vincent enrollment climbs to more than 2,000 students. September 2008 Towey and Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B., visit with Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, to initiate the celebration of the bicentennial of the birth of Saint Vincent College founder Boniface Wimmer. October 2008 The $14.3 million Fred M. Rogers Center opens. Construction is completed on time and debt-free. December 2008 The Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation awards a grant of $2 million to the Dupré Science Pavilion. March 2009 Towey and College officials dedicate newly-installed $1 million artificial turf field for students and athletes.
April 2009 Towey selects Datatel for $1.3 million replacement of the College’s 27-year-old database management system. Towey debates the constitutionality of the faith-based initiative at Harvard Law School. Saint Vincent breaks ground on construction of the Dupré Science Pavilion. May 2009 J. Christopher Donahue, Chairman of the Board of Saint Vincent College and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Federated Investors, Inc., delivers the 163rd commencement address to the largest graduation class in College history. Immediately thereafter Towey leads a group of 12 students on the College’s third mission trip to Calcutta. July 2009 Saint Vincent enters the final year of NCAA Division III provisional membership and is poised for full membership in July 2010. August 2009 Towey appears on Fox News Sunday to discuss end-of-life care for America’s veterans. October 2009 Eden Hall Foundation awards a $1 million grant to Saint Vincent for the Dupré Science Pavilion. Towey announces that he will step down in June 2010 at the conclusion of his fourth year as president of the College . February 2010 Saint Vincent receives a $5 million grant for the Dupré Science Pavilion. April 2010 Towey helps dedicate the newly-renovated Mary, Mother of Wisdom Chapel which adds 100 seats for students for Mass on Sundays.
Highlights of his tenure include: • Record enrollment • Visit by the President of the United States • Record fundraising—a nearly $30 million increase over the previous four years—and consecutive million-dollar budget surpluses • Reaccreditation of the College through 2018 • Record levels of student diversity and study abroad and service learning participation • Successful re-launch of football on campus and the transition of athletics to NCAA Division III “When you look at all that President Towey was able to accomplish, it is amazing that it took only four years,” Donahue commented. “The leadership team he assembled and the faculty and staff he led ought to be very proud,” he said. Even with all of the accomplishments of his administration, President Towey’s tenure was not without its controversy. Some questioned his decision to block access to pornography and gambling internet sites from the residence halls. Others opposed the visit by United States President George W. Bush, who came at Towey’s invitation to address Saint Vincent graduates in 2007. Towey was unfazed by such concerns. “I tried to do what I thought was in the best interests of our students and the future of the College, and not simply what might be the most popular thing to do,” he remarked.
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ABOVE: Towey enjoys a laugh with students Garrison Gross and Amanda Jaber. BELOW: At the 2010 March for Life in Washington with students (left to right) Bonnie Pratt, Luke Haywiser, and Alyssa Hennessey.
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Parents and students alike praised Towey for the changes he made at Saint Vincent. “One of the major reasons we enrolled our daughter Emma (Class of 2012) at Saint Vincent was President Towey,” said Kate Leonard of Woodstock, Connecticut. “We drove over for an open house on the campus and were very impressed by what he said that day and the vision he presented for the College.” Recent graduate Bridget Kennis, Class of 2007, spoke similarly of Towey. “The trip with President Towey to Calcutta to work in Mother Teresa’s missions really opened my eyes to exactly what Saint Benedict meant by ‘ora et labora.’ It was great that our College president was willing to go with
“President Towey’s student missions to Calcutta really opened my eyes to exactly what Saint Benedict meant by ‘ora et labora’.”
— Bridget Kennis, Class of 2007
a bunch of students to show us firsthand the joy of touching Jesus in the poorest of the poor,” she said. Emily Fenton, a Saint Vincent sophomore, also sees Towey as a friend of the students. “President Towey is in the cafeteria pretty much every day. He has an open door for any student who wants to talk. He and his wife come to theatre productions and athletic games and have had hundreds of us in their home. I really will miss them,” Fenton stated. As for the future, Towey has made no plans. “I have no idea what is next for
us. I am asking the Lord who brought my family to the foothills of the Laurel Mountain to guide our next steps.” Wherever he goes and whatever he does, you can expect that Jim Towey will be living his Catholic faith and making a difference—just as he did at Saint Vincent College.
ABOVE: Towey and his wife Mary welcome Coach Tomlin and the Steelers back at 2009 training camp. LEFT: 2009 President’s Award winner Lauren Ziegenfus (far left) served in Calcutta at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying.
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A Conversation with President Jim Towey by b r i d g e t l e o n a r d
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s the first Benedictine monastery built in America, Saint Vincent Archabbey holds a special place in the American educational landscape and the lives of generations of students and their families who have passed through Saint Vincent College. Whether you are coming or going from Saint Vincent, the beauty, history, and serenity of the campus imparts a lasting impression. Saint Vincent Quarterly sat down with President Towey and invited him to reflect on his years of service as the second lay president of Saint Vincent College.
SVQ: What was it like working with the Benedictine community? JT: Archabbot Douglas is a wonderful man and he and many of the monks I met here will be lifelong friends. When I was in college in the ‘70s I went on a retreat and was exposed to Trappist monks and the monastic way of life. So having a chance to work with Benedictine monks and being connected to their monastery and tradition has been a very rewarding experience. For centuries monasteries have been places set apart where monks welcomed the inquiry of those beyond their walls and used study to build bridges to the culture, through the interplay between faith and reason. Not many people realize that Benedictine monastic life gave birth to the very concept of colleges and universities. The beauty and practicality of the Benedictine tradition, founded on Saint Benedict’s Rule, have helped it to flourish for more than 1,500 years. Even today, the Rule is still considered one of the most influential documents of Western thought and civilization.
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SVQ: A copy of this Rule is given to each freshman student at orientation. Why? JT: Because the Rule is not just for monks. It is a beacon illuminating the path to Christ for laity as well and has nurtured a vision for generations of young people around the world. When I addressed the Class of 2013 in August, I quoted excerpts from Chapter 4, The tools for good works, such as, “Refrain from too much eating or sleeping, and from laziness. Do not grumble or speak ill of others…You are not to act in anger or nurse a grudge…If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down.” This is pretty practical advice for students who now are on their own and experiencing community life away from home. It has been my observation that the wisdom of Saint Benedict’s Rule is needed by our students, and quite frankly, by all of us. The Rule is a master plan for life. What makes Saint Vincent unique is that our students can spend four years in close contact with an entire monastic community, in an environment built around the Benedictine Rule. SVQ: It is no small thing for a Catholic, Benedictine College to retain its identity in our day. Some say it will be even harder in the future. JT: I think that’s right. But this challenge is something the Benedictines understand. They have weathered the controversies of many culture wars and still have maintained fidelity. The president of Saint Vincent College has to safeguard its sacred identity, which often leads to tough decisions. For example, early on I was faced with the question of whether an outside organization could raise money on campus despite the fact that some of its funding supported embryonic stem cell research, which the Church opposes. It was hard to say no to them because they also did a lot of good. But if you accept the Gospel of Life you understand why such research can not be supported in any way. SVQ: You’ve accompanied students on mission trips to Calcutta and on the March for Life in Washington. Why? JT: I believe Saint Vincent’s leadership needs to lead by example. One of my fondest memories during my time at Saint Vincent has been interacting with the students and watching the education that takes place outside of the classroom. They learn a great deal about faith in action. I remember what His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI said to Catholic educators when we were assembled at Catholic University in 2008. He said that all aspects of the life of a Catholic institution of higher education should be a public witness to the way of Christ as found in the Gospel and upheld by the Magisterium. All aspects. I have kept that quote at my desk and referred to it often to remind myself what our responsibility is. SVQ: You were a friend of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Some questioned in 2007 why Saint Vincent, a Benedictine college, would host an international conference on her life. How would you respond to that? JT: Well, the short answer is we held the conference because we could. I was in a position to be able to get many of her friends to come because they were my friends, too. And I firmly believed that a community of scholars should examine and study the lives of the great leaders in our faith tradition to better understand their lasting contributions.
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Look at Saint Vincent’s founder, Boniface Wimmer, no doubt one of the greatest missionaries of the 19th century. His spiritual vision and commitment to bring the Gospel message to America, and his credo, “Forward, always forward, everywhere forward,” inspired generations of religious, built monasteries and colleges, and carried the Benedictine Rule and tradition across this country. Well, Mother Teresa was perhaps the greatest missionary of the 20th century. I would say she was very much like Abbot Wimmer in her forward focus, her extraordinary drive, and her ability to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and make Christ known. SVQ: So a German monk and an Albanian nun had more in common than one would think. JT: That’s right. Mother Teresa, like Boniface Wimmer, and Saint Benedict for that matter, all shared a commonality of purpose in their prayerful engagement with the culture and the realities of their world. Each of them produced similar contributions in their passion to lift up society and advance the creation of a civilization of love—through work and prayer. Ora et labora. It’s the simple and profound directive behind all great contributions to our faith, and it binds those three greats together. And it is available to all people regardless of their religious traditions. I love the diversity at Saint Vincent. If students are surrounded only by people who think like them, pray like them, look like them, and vote like them, they won’t grow. SVQ: What do you hope happened in the lives of Saint Vincent students while you were president? JT: I hope they received a first-class liberal education from our first-class faculty and that they are equipped for life. The students I have come to know at the College have been outstanding young men and women. During my tenure five men received their diplomas and entered the monastery to become Benedictine monks. Other graduates have found jobs or gone on to graduate school. The great majority one day will become husbands or wives, fathers or mothers, or in some way or another, shepherds of others. Whatever they become or do, I hope Saint Vincent prepared them to engage the culture and change it—just like Saint Benedict did.
Mary and Jim Towey visit with Mother Teresa.
SVQ: And the Catholic students in particular? JT: Well for openers, I hope they made it their career goal to get to heaven, and that while on our campus, they grew intellectually, spiritually, and morally. I hope they encountered Jesus Christ and discovered a way of life grounded in Saint Benedict’s method of work and prayer, and left here ready to make a living for themselves and a difference in our world. 12
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Volunteer Kerry Tittinger, C’13, Survives Haiti Earthquake, Wants To Go Back
The Tittinger family (from left) father James, Kerry, sister Kylie and mother Reneé greet the press.
BY DON ORLANDO
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he life of Kerry Tittinger, C’13, was changed forever on January 12 after she survived a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Haiti where she was serving as a volunteer at an orphanage operated by the Missionary Sisters of Charity. “God put a bubble around us,” Ms. Tittinger said. “It was a miracle that none of the children were harmed. It was just amazing to see the faith the Haitian people had in the face of disaster. That taught me a lot. I know that God wanted me there to hold those babies and get them out safely.”
Ms. Tittinger, a freshman psychology major, was with a volunteer group from her church, Jesus the Divine Word R.C. Parish, in suburban Maryland, when the quake occurred. Her mother, Mrs. Reneé Tittinger, was among the group. “I heard what sounded like rolling thunder,” she said. “Things just started shaking. I grabbed the children and made a huddle. Things were falling off the roof, there was debris and rubble everywhere. But, nothing hit us at all.” “We all breathed a big sigh of relief when we found out that Kerry was safe after the earthquake and that
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The Tittinger story became a focus of the regional media.
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later she had been evacuated,” Saint Vincent College President Jim Towey said. “It is good to have her back on campus.” The students, faculty and staff rallied in support of Ms. Tittinger and the thousands of others affected by the quake. On the eve of her return to campus, a Mass was held in the student chapel for her safe return as well as in remembrance of those who did not survive or who faced dire hardship in reassembling their shattered lives. “We are united with them in prayer with this family of prayer for the people of Haiti,” Mr. Towey said. He also announced that Saint Vincent will be sending a mission group of students to Haiti when this semester ends. “I’ve asked Kerry to help us form this delegation and perhaps lead it. We feel as a Catholic, Benedictine college it is our moral responsibility and spiritual imperative to bring people hope and joy to those who suffer.” Funds would be provided by the College to make the service trip possible. Noting that Saint Vincent students this semester traveled to Guatemala and Brazil to do volunteer service during spring break and that others were involved in service projects in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and that he intends to take 12 students to Calcutta, India in May as his last official act as president, Mr. Towey said “that Saint Vincent College believes that this education in the world compliments what is delivered in the classroom and it marries faith and reason, prayer and
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work, love and service. Kerry is living proof of this that she would go and spend some of her Christmas break working with the people of Haiti,” Mr. Towey said. “There are still many unaccounted for in Haiti and I request the prayers of all of us for those who remain missing and are presumed dead. But for the grace of God, Kerry and her mother could have numbered among this group.” Saint Vincent has collected money and supplies which were sent to Catholic Relief Services and the Missionaries of Charity and continues to actively work on behalf of relief efforts to the devastated country. “I was just really excited to go and felt that God wanted me there,” Kerry recalled. “When we arrived there and got off the plane, it was just chaos. As we drove through the unpaved streets to the orphanage, there were pigs and roosters running around, people living on the streets, structures with tin roofs hanging off the edges. To see that kind of poverty really is very sad when you think about how lucky we are. It put a lot of things in perspective for me.” “While we were there, we worked with babies, some who were healthy and others who were not,” she continued. “Our assignment was to simply pick them up and give them love because they don’t get enough of that. It was amazing to see the joy that they had even with the little amount that they possess. It truly teaches you a lot.” “When the earthquake happened, I was outside in a little fenced-in play area about 10 feet square,” she described. “I had the older kids who were age 3 to 8 and they had just been served ice cream as a treat they get about two times a year so they were really excited. After the shaking stopped, we ran inside because that was the only exit. My mother said
there would probably be aftershocks so we had to get all the kids out as quickly as possible. There were about a hundred kids at this facility so I grabbed as many as possible and ran outside to an open area, hard to find since the buildings are really on top of each other. We all huddled together and assured the children that it would be ok.” “I remember one little girl who just sat there waving her arms and talking to God and praising God that she was still alive,” Kerry related. “Things like that are what stick in my mind. They have nothing but they have deep faith. That taught me a lot.” When Kerry returned to campus on January 18, she and her mother, as well
don’t waste paper towels. It’s definitely made me more thankful, more aware, of everything we have, how everything is so easy. We have so much.” And how have her friends helped her? “My classmates have been really good about supporting me,” Kerry noted. “They’ve helped with me getting back into the swing of things. They are in awe when I talk about the miracles I experienced. I think it helped them, too. It helped me to talk about it and made my return a lot easier.” Kerry says that she hopes to return to help the people of Haiti. “I am going to go back,” she predicted. “I don’t know yet when it will be but I am on board to go back.”
“Things were falling off the roof, there was debris and rubble everywhere. But, nothing hit us at all.” as her father, James, and little sister, Kylie, met with the news media at a news conference in the Fred M. Rogers Center where she was able to share her story and answer questions. Now back on campus and getting ready for spring lacrosse season, Kerry said that she has been able to get back into normal student life easier than she expected. “There’s just little triggers that once in a while cause me to think back about an amazing experience I won’t forget. I can’t keep dwelling on the experience but I will use what I have learned in my future,” she said. How has the experience changed her? “I’m way thankful for everything we have,” she said. “We don’t leave the television on anymore when we’re not watching. We make sure we turn off the lights before we leave our room. We
Kerry is a 2009 graduate of Huntingtown High School where she was active in varsity basketball, varsity lacrosse, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, the Academy of Finance, Distributive Education Club of America, and Foreign Language Honorarium. She was an active volunteer with the Calvert County Angel Tree Christmas Charity Program, Parish Vacation Bible School, March of Dimes, Arthritis Foundation Walk, and Relay for Life. She has been honored by being named to the high honors honor roll, basketball coaches’ award and leadership award, lacrosse student/athlete award and team sportsmanship award, and U.S. lacrosse Academic All-American. She is also a Maryland State Distinguished Scholar.
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J. Christopher Donahue, chair of the Board of Directors, with newly appointed Saint Vincent College president Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., and Archabbbot and Chancellor Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.
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Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., Benedictine Monk, Professor and Administrator, Named 17th President BY DON ORLANDO
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r. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., a Benedictine monk, mathematics professor and administrator, has been named the 17th president of Saint Vincent College, effective July 1, according to an announcement January 27 by the Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., archabbot and chancellor, and Mr. J. Christopher Donahue, chair of the board of directors. Br. Norman is currently executive vice president of Saint Vincent College, Dean of the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing, and associate professor of mathematics. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as President of Saint Vincent College and I formally accept this appointment with gratitude and humility,” Br. Norman said at a news conference at the Fred M. Rogers Center. “For more than 160 years, Saint Vincent College has served the region and the nation by offering an education that not only prepares students to make a living but how to live. This philosophy of education combines the basics necessary for success in a profession with the creative, life-affirming values of the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts tradition. We will continue to build on our strong academic programs, as well as our community that makes it possible for us to grow in learning and in love,” Br. Norman continued. “While I have enjoyed my work as Dean of the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing, I am happy to assume this new role and will work with President Towey to ensure a smooth transition that will enable me to provide the kind of leadership that has been the hallmark of Saint Vincent College presidents,” he said. “Jim, you have my deepest appreciation for the leadership you provided the
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College during the past four years. In addition to the accomplishments that Archabbot Douglas and Mr. Donahue have recognized, the many service
to prosper by working together.” “Br. Norman has been a big part of Saint Vincent College’s success and it is fitting that his decades of leadership
“His proven leadership and administrative skills, and his love for Saint Vincent are unparalleled.” — J. Christopher Donahue, chair of the Board of Directors
Assistant Football Coach Eric Thatcher was among the hundreds of students, faculty and staff who attended the congratulatory reception for President-elect Br. Norman Hipps, O.S.B., on January 27.
and mission learning initiatives you have instituted at Saint Vincent are a testimony to your deep faith and we are grateful to you.” “I am thankful for the support of my Benedictine confreres, fellow alumni and benefactors, especially the charitable foundations in Latrobe, Pittsburgh and nationally, as well as governmental agencies,” Br. Norman concluded. “I look forward to working together with our Board of Directors, faculty and staff to offer our students a distinctive Benedictine education. We will continue
on this campus culminate in this appointment,” Mr. Towey said. “I am excited for him and the College.” As Dean, Br. Norman has had a leadership role in the largest construction project in the College’s history with the renovation and construction of the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion, a $39 million project that will provide Saint Vincent students with a state-of-the-art facility for science education. The first phase of construction will be completed with the opening of the core building this fall.
Further renovations will be made over the next two years. “After reviewing the Presidential Prospectus developed by the Ad Hoc Committee on the Presidency, and the nominations which had been submitted, it was determined that a superior candidate was available within the Benedictine Community,” Archabbot Douglas explained. “Br. Norman will fulfill and articulate the mission and vision of the College by representing and promoting the College to all constituencies with emphasis on enhancing the financial resources and academic reputation of the College, leading and reinforcing a culture of student achievement and academic excellence, leading the integration of the Catholic, Benedictine, and liberal arts heritage into all aspects of life at the College, and nurturing a common vision and reinforcing the sense of community—a hallmark of the College.” “Br. Norman meets the College’s academic needs and more,” Mr. Donahue said. “His proven leadership and administrative skills, his love for Saint Vincent and his ability to influence others to lend their support are unparalleled. Furthermore, his endless patience, his wisdom, outstanding educational background and experience, and his demonstrated commitment to community service and to the values and teachings of the Catholic tradition, bring together in one unique individual all of the qualities needed to take Saint Vincent College confidently into the future.” Br. Norman is a 1961 graduate of the former Saint Vincent Preparatory School. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Saint Vincent
College in 1966 and did graduate studies in Theology at Saint Vincent Seminary from 1966 to 1969. He earned a Master of Arts Degree in Mathematics in 1972 and a Ph.D. in Mathematics in 1976, both from Northwestern University. A member of the faculty since 1972, he has also served in many administrative roles at the College including Provost (1987-2002), Academic Dean (1980-1987), Director of the Opportunity Program (1978-1980), Campus Minister (1976-1978), and Director of Project Headway (1972-1974). A member of the Saint Vincent Benedictine Community, he made simple profession of monastic vows on July 2, 1963, and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 1966. A native of Carrolltown (Cambria County), Pennsylvania, he is the son of the late Blanche (Lieb) and George Russell Hipps. He has a brother, George Edward, of Williamsburg, Virginia. With Br. Norman, a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey since 1963, the College returns to having a president who is a member of the Benedictine Order after two lay presidents in Jim Will and Jim Towey.
Students participating in the announcement of Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., as the next College president included SGA leadership members (from left) Matt Collins, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Anna Fiano and Simon Clayton.
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Courting Success By J i m B e r g e r
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istory was made on February 20 in the Robert S. Carey Student Center, as the Lady Bearcat basketball team captured the 500th win in program history—and in the career of head coach Kristen Zawacki—with a 64-56 victory over nationally-ranked Thomas More College. The victory made the program’s all-time record, dating back to the 1983-84 season, a sparkling 500-275, good for a 64.5 winning percentage. The win also clinched the 14th 20+ win season in team history, as it moved the team’s record to 20-5 for the 2009-10 campaign.
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Zawacki diagrams a play during a recent game.
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Members of the womens’ basketball team celebrate Coach Z’s 500th win.
It was just the latest major accomplishment for a team that has known nothing but success throughout its history. From 1983 through 2003, the team never had a losing season, winning 16 conference championships and appearing in seven NAIA National Tournaments. Individually, the team has had 13 All-America selections and over a hundred all-conference picks, while they have done just as well in the classroom, boasting a graduation rate of over 95 percent. After joining the NCAA Division-III Presidents’ Athletic Conference, the team had a pair of down years, but over the last two seasons, it has accumulated a record of 37-13, reestablishing itself as a small-college basketball powerhouse. While earning 500 coaching wins is a tremendous achievement for any coach, Zawacki had not given the milestone much thought throughout the season. “I know people always bring up
numbers,” she said, “and 500 is a huge milestone, but it wasn’t until before this year that I really knew the number of wins we’ve had. I knew the program had been successful, with the conference titles, the national tournaments, and the national rankings, but again, I hadn’t really thought about the actual number.” When asked about her nearly threedecade long run of success behind the bench, Zawacki was quick to deflect praise to her players, past and present. “I think it takes a lot of factors to achieve a milestone like this,” she said. “It takes a lot of factors to sustain a program, period. This is our 23rd winning season, 14th 20-win season, the graduation rate is exceptional, and all of that really starts with the studentathletes in your program. “Players have to know and understand what their goals are, and they have to fit in at Saint Vincent
first. If they’re not happy being at Saint Vincent, they’re not going to be happy on the basketball court. Saint Vincent is a great place, and our players have wanted first to come to school here, with the basketball element coming second.” Zawacki has also been quite impressed with the drive of her players during her tenure at SVC. “The players we’ve had all wanted to play basketball for a quality program, and not just maintain the image of the program, but to enhance it and take it one or two steps farther,” she said. “They’d set out to get a preseason ranking, or get an academic ranking, or top the number of wins from the previous year.” In addition to her current and former players, Zawacki says credit also lies with a number of others around the Saint Vincent community. “The support of the College has just been tremendous,” she said. “The administration, the faculty, the student body, and the great assistant coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with during my years all have made a difference.” One of those assistants, Jimmy Petruska, is in his fourth year on the women’s basketball staff, and said that working with Zawacki at Saint Vincent has been an invaluable experience. “Coach Zawacki has taught me so much about basketball,” Petruska said. “It’s been a fun experience learning the ins and outs of college basketball from her.” A 2004 graduate of Saint Vincent, Petruska feels flattered being a part of the historic achievement. “It has been a pleasure helping the program achieve this milestone,” he
said. “There has been a lot of hard work and dedication by so many for so long that goes into achieving something of this nature. It has been an honor being a part of it.” Entering the season with 480 career wins, Zawacki said her biggest goal for her young team early on was helping with its chemistry, as seven freshmen and two sophomores dot the roster, compared to three juniors and just one senior. Those expectations were clearly exceeded, as the Lady Bearcats put together one of the finest seasons in its storied history. “I thought we could have a nice year,” she said, “if the chemistry was right, because before the season, you never know how that will work out. We were concerned with getting such a young team acclimated to college basketball. The players’ performance throughout the year has been so unselfish. We’ve had so many different leading scorers from game to game. We don’t have anyone averaging 25 points a game, but we have almost an entire roster of players capable of scoring 25 points in a game.” In fact, five players averaged at least nine points per game during the regular season, and seven different players enjoyed game high-scoring honors. The youthful Lady Bearcats quickly transformed into the deep Lady Bearcats, as Zawacki regularly played a rotation of 10 players per game, with eight averaging at least 15 minutes. For junior Maria Baroffio, the team’s leading scorer with an average of 13.8 points per game, being a part of a history-making team will be something she never forgets.
Assistant coach Mark Hozak discusses game strategy with the coach.
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“We all know about Coach Zawacki’s legacy,” Baroffio said, “and how she’s had such success for such a long time. It feels great to be a part of the team that gave her the 500th win. We will always be remembered as that team, and it’s an amazing feeling.” The Lady Bearcats captured the monumental victory in fine fashion, knocking off Thomas More, the backto-back Presidents’ Athletic Conference champion. The Saints entered the regular season finale on a 12-game winning streak, and ranked 12th nationally. It was the first ever win by Saint Vincent over Thomas More. “Defeating a nationally-ranked team to seal a 20-win season was a huge accomplishment for our players,” Zawacki said. “I have tremendous respect for the Thomas More program. They’ve been ranked as high as fourth over the past couple years. To beat them when we’re not even playing for a conference championship says something.” The Lady Bearcats are in their final season as a provisional member of NCAA Division-III after making the move from the NAIA in 2006, meaning the team was ineligible for the PAC postseason. Next season will be the first in which the Lady Bearcats can compete for the conference title, and Zawacki feels that her program is in prime position to do so. “We wanted to bring in seven freshmen this year,” she said, “so that they can get acclimated to the PAC. Next year, when we’re full-fledged members, the hopes were we’d have a competitive basketball team ready to compete for another title. It looks like we’ve been able to do that.” 24
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The longest tenured coach in the PAC, Zawacki has been through a lot over the past 26 years in such a demanding position. “It’s not an easy job,” she said. “It’s stressful, time consuming, you’re on the road a lot, your family life suffers, and your personal life suffers. In the past 26 years, there hasn’t been a Saturday night from November through March that I’ve been free to do a whole lot.” Despite the rigors of the profession, however, she is not ready just yet to hang up the whistle. “I always promised myself that if I ever walked on the court and it was no longer fun,” she said, “and I didn’t have the energy and enthusiasm to give these kids everything I’ve got, then it’s time. “I expect 100 percent from my players,” she continued, “and if all I can give is 45 percent, then I know the time has come. You read all the time about coaches taking leaves of absences for health matters or family matters, and luckily with the blessing of God, I’ve been healthy enough to sustain such a long career.” While she is not sure how much longer she has behind the bench, Zawacki is sure of one thing. “I really do still love it,” she said. “I love the interaction with my players and my assistant coaches, the entire athletic staff at Saint Vincent, the faculty, the students, the administration. With all of that support, it’s made it so much easier. “I can’t put a timeline on it,” she said, “but I think it’s safe to say you can put me down for a couple more years, at least.” And certainly a few more victories, too.
Lady Bearcats Capture ECAC Championship
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ith a pair of late free throws from sophomore Emily Fenton, the Lady Bearcats capped off a magical 2009-10 season with a 60-58 win over Juniata College to win the 2010 ECAC South region championship. Fenton’s two free throws, with 5.8 seconds left, broke a 58-all tie, and teammate Brittany Sedlock
intercepted Juniata’s in-bounds pass as time expired to clinch the championship for the Lady Bearcats. “I’m not going to lie, my heart was pounding,” Fenton said of her late-game heroics. “But my teammates were there, confident in me, and that made me feel a lot better under the pressure.” Unlike their previous two ECAC playoff games—wins over Pitt-Greensburg and Alvernia, where they trailed into the second half—the Lady Bearcats looked primed to take control from the start, jumping out to leads of 11-5 and 19-7. Juniata, recovered, however, and battled SVC blow for blow over the final 25 minutes, as the game featured four ties and six lead changes over the second half alone. Juniata led by as many as four—56-52—with three minutes left in the second half, but the Lady Bearcats kept their composure, and ended the game on an 8-2 run for the victory.
Junior Maria Baroffio led all scorers with 18 points, while Sedlock turned in her ninth double-double of the season, with 10 points and 12 rebounds, en route to being named the ECAC tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Playing against a much experienced team, the youthful Lady Bearcats kept their composure throughout the game, much to the delight of head coach Kristen Zawacki. “Everyone contributed in a different manner,” said Zawacki. “Point guard Kathy Bianco controlled the basketball. Emily was her usual self, knocking down shots and controlling the tempo. Baroffio got us off to such a strong start. Sedlock just had a terrific game, and tournament. She was certainly deserving of the MVP.” As had been the case throughout the season, the Lady Bearcats boasted a balanced scoring attack. Six players scored at least seven points in the championship tilt, including Baroffio (18), Sedlock (10), Fenton (9), Melissa Mansur (8), Megan DePrimio (8), and Devin McGrath (7). The victory ended the Lady Bearcats’ season with a 23-5 overall record, the highest amount of wins for the team in over a decade. “We’re no secret to anyone anymore,” she said. This tournament experience should prepare our kids for what they’ll see in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play throughout the year next season. I’m pleased with the whole experience, and that we were able to have such a year. We’re definitely more prepared to head into the schedule next season.”
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Dr. Bradley Watson Makes A Ripple In Publishing World BY DON ORLANDO
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f there were a Triple Crown in political thought and public affairs publishing, Dr. Bradley C.S. Watson would certainly have achieved it with scholarly cover articles recently published in three well-respected national journals—National Review, the Intercollegiate Review and the Claremont Review of Books. Dr. Watson was invited during the past year to write for all three publications and was surprised when the articles were published nearly simultaneously late last year with recognition on the cover of each publication—a rare achievement in the world of academic publishing. “I keep dropping my pebbles into the ocean and hope to see some ripples,” Dr. Watson said modestly in explaining the notable achievement. “It wasn’t any plan of mine to be on three covers—it just worked out that way.” “I was on the cover of National Review with a commissioned article about Oliver Wendell Holmes that was part of a special feature they did on “The Four Horsemen of Progressivism: The Men Who Created Our World,” Dr. Watson said. “Some people at National Review were familiar with my work on
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the influence of Progressivism and its enduring importance for American political thought and practice. I had written about him in my most recent book, Living Constitution, Dying Faith, which National Review had reviewed in both their print and online editions.” “I also wrote a review essay at the invitation of the Claremont Review of Books, which is a prominent quarterly. My piece was entitled “The Old Race of Judges,” and was about Robert Bork’s latest book, A Time to Speak: Selected
Dr. Watson shows the journals where he was recently published.
Writings and Arguments, Dr. Watson continued. Finally, Watson was asked to write for the Intercollegiate Review, a national journal of scholarship and opinion published by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. “For them I wrote another review essay, entitled “Intellectual Countermobilization,” about Steven Teles’ book, The Rise of the Conservative Legal Movement,” Dr. Watson explained. “I happened to appear on the cover of that journal as well.” The visibility that has accompanied his trio of recent achievements, along with his Living Constitution book, has led to numerous invitations to speak and write. “I was invited to speak at the Constitutional Coalition on the influence of Social Darwinism in contemporary politics, ” Dr. Watson related. “I was also invited to speak at Hillsdale College’s Center for Constructive Alternatives about the intellectual roots of the New Deal in the Progressive thought of the early 20th century. I will be attending a colloquium at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. in June, and I’m giving a lecture in Dallas this spring on Progressive Jurisprudence. I expect to be giving more talks all over the country.” Dr. Watson thinks it is an enormous benefit for any educational institution to have faculty members who are in the public eye. “I aspire to move beyond the strictly scholarly world and become something of a public intellectual in this little corner of the universe,” Dr. Watson explained, “to get Saint Vincent College’s name out there, along with our Center for Political and Economic Thought, and the McKenna School. I want to pursue
my scholarly ambitions while also bringing recognition to the College as a whole. I have been very blessed to make the leap to a wider audience, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I have also made national radio and television appearances during the past year.” The publicity Dr. Watson has enjoyed has led to spectacular sales of one of his recent books, Living Constitution, Dying Faith. “The first printing sold out completely and a second printing has just become available,” Dr. Watson reported. “I want to note that Saint Vincent has supported me at every turn in my scholarly development,” Watson added. “In addition to my classroom teaching and academic advising of students, I serve on college committees and also have this scholarly career that enables me to write and speak. I’m also a parttime administrator, coordinating many Center programs, and doing some fundraising. I keep very busy here, but it’s all rewarding work. I have been very fortunate to have these opportunities at the McKenna School.” Dr. Watson thinks that his external activities make him a better teacher in his Saint Vincent classroom. “To be a fully-engaged professor in the classroom, you have to be fully engaged in your field,” he explained. “We all have a tendency to think in conventional ways—the ways we have always thought about things—unless we force ourselves onto a scholarly or public stage where we get questioned and are
Dr. Watson (left) is interviewed by CNN during the presidential election.
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forced to change or refine our views, to recognize criticism and alternative views or begin the constant iterative process of perfecting our own arguments. That translates directly into the classroom since I think that students get a different take on whatever they are studying if someone is very engaged in the scholarly world. It can’t help but rub off. I feel that I am that much sharper. I always feel refreshed in the classroom when I have been challenged to present my arguments in public to informed audiences who can challenge me on my premises and conclusions. As bright as many of our students are, you have to get out in front of your peers and be challenged at a different level. It really benefits students to have professors who are at the top of their game intellectually.” Students also have opportunities to work with Dr. Watson as members of the George Washington Fellows program, or as research assistants, and through many projects in and out of the classroom. Dr. Watson was recently invited to be a Visiting Scholar this summer at the Social Philosophy and Policy Center in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he will be working on his next book project. That will be another examination of the influence of Progressive thinking: In particular the rapid acceptance of Progressive history by scholars in
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the early and middle part of the 20th century. Dr. Watson has held The Philip M. McKenna Chair in American and Western Political Thought in the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government at Saint Vincent since being named the first professor of that chair in 2005. The Chair is dedicated to promoting a sympathetic understanding of Western political and social thought and the American founding and civic institutions. A member of the Saint Vincent faculty since 1999, Dr. Watson has won a variety of academic fellowships over the course of his career. In addition to institutional awards, he has received awards from national and international organizations, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Heritage Foundation, the John M. Olin Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation. He has also held visiting faculty appointments at Princeton University and Claremont McKenna College. Dr. Watson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, a Juris Doctor degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, a Master of Arts degree from the Claremont Graduate University, a Master of Philosophy degree from the Institute of Philosophy of the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, and a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University. A native of Canada, Dr. Watson and his wife, Barbara, reside in Latrobe with their three children, Victoria, Charles and James.
Workmen raised the final pieces of steel into position in a traditional toppingoff ceremony at the construction site of the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion.
‘Topping-Off’ Ceremony Celebrates Science Pavilion Progress BY DON ORLANDO
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aint Vincent College students, faculty and staff held a “toppingoff” ceremony at the construction site of its Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion on March 16. “Topping-off of a building during the construction phase is a long-standing tradition which not only celebrates the completion of the steel structure but also recognizes the accomplishments
of the construction workers,” explained Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., dean of the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing, and president-elect. “We invited the campus community to watch as these skilled workmen raised the final steel beams into place on phase one of this multi-year project,” Br. Norman said. “In accordance with
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tradition, both an American flag and an evergreen Christmas tree were attached to the beam as it was lifted aloft.” The tree (to symbolize good fortune to the building’s occupants) and the flag (in recognition of the hard work of America’s workmen) were placed at the highest point in the construction site. In addition to the ceremonial installation of the final beams, the event featured remarks by President Jim Towey, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki,
President Towey, incoming President Br. Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., SGA President Stephanie Fitzgerald, and Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. watch the topping beam being raised.
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O.S.B., Br. Norman Hipps, O.S.B. and Student Government Association President Stephanie Fitzgerald. For the past several weeks, the campus community had an opportunity to have their names preserved forever in the roof. “The topping-off was symbolic of the completion of the first major step in our vision for the future growth and development of Saint Vincent College—a strategic plan that is
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designed to place Saint Vincent among the national leaders in science education,” Br. Norman added. General contractor for the project is Jendoco Corp. General architect for the project is MacLachlan, Cornelius and Filoni of Pittsburgh. The laboratories were designed by Research Facilities Design Laboratory Consultants of San Diego. Saint Vincent College officials broke ground on April 22, 2009 for construction of the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion, a 102,000 square feet educational facility that will provide new or renovated classrooms, laboratories and offices for the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing. The new facility is part of a $39 million renovation and expansion initiative. The first phase of construction and renovation, expected to be completed by August 2010, is fully-funded. More than $32 million has been raised toward construction costs thus far. “We are proud that Saint Vincent College is able to construct this stateof-the-art complex. It is the largest and most ambitious project in the College’s history,” President Jim Towey said. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors we have moved forward at a time when other colleges and universities are pulling back. These new facilities will help us continue to attract the best and brightest students from the region
and maintain the high standards and tradition of the Boyer School.” The initial phase of the science center project consists of nearly 45,000 square feet of new construction that replaces the former amphitheatre and commons building with an ultramodern
involve the expansion and renovation of more than 57,000 square feet in the existing chemistry, biology and physics buildings, and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2012. In May 2007 Saint Vincent named its School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics
The tree symbolizes good fortune to the building’s occupants and the flag recognizes the hard work of America’s workmen. educational center featuring laboratories, classroom and support facilities. A three-story, all-glass atrium will serve as a window to the natural world and a welcoming gateway into the building, reflecting the Benedictine tradition of hospitality. Special features include an 80-seat lecture hall with a 3-D digital projector, a planetarium and a digital imaging laboratory. A geothermal heating and cooling system will provide efficient and environmentally comfortable interior space that will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification for its green building design. The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion is named in recognition of a $7.6 million gift from the family and friends of Sis and Herman. Mr. Dupré is a graduate of the Class of 1953 and is renowned for his patents in artificial snow-making and for his legendary ownership of Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The next phase of construction will
The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion under construction.
and Computing after Herbert W. Boyer, a 1958 graduate who became the cofounder of Genentech, Incorporated, considered the world’s pioneer in the biotechnology industry. The Boyer School offers undergraduate programs in biochemistry, bioinformatics, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, computing and information science, environmental chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, mathematics/engineering (3/2), and physics. A Master of Science degree in Health Science for Nurse Anesthetists is offered in collaboration with Excela Health.
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News Briefs
SPRING BREAK SERVICE IN GUATEMALA
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group from Saint Vincent traveled to Guatemala to perform volunteer service over spring break. Seen here with appreciative local children are Kelly King, director of the Office of Service Learning and Community Outreach, Dr. Chris McMahon, assistant professor of theology, Claire Alessi, Becca Raraigh, Jessica McKetta, Stephanie Tate, Lauren Cross, Olivia Sharkey, and Michael Hauser.
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DR. FRANK LUPARELLO, C’49 “One of the giants in medical education” is the tribute a former student of Dr. Frank Luparello, C’49, gave to the physician and educator who was responsible for the training and development of thousands of doctors during an illustrious career spanning more than 50 years. “I will be forever indebted to him for making it possible for me to enter a residency in internal medicine and enjoy a wonderful career,” said Dr. Angelo DeMezza, C’69, about his former professor. “I am anxious to participate in honoring him by contributing to the lecture hall which will be named for him in the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion now under construction—and encouraging others who had similar experiences to do so as well.” Dr. Luparello died on January 5 at the age of 85.
Left to right: Dr. Angelo DeMezza, C’69 with Patricia and Frank Luparello.
bavarian prince visits campus Vincent Archabbey His Royal Dr. Frank Lup Dr.Saint Angelo DeMezza, Mrs.welcomed Patricia Luparello, Highness Prince Ludwig in November to the celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Boniface Wimmer, the founder of Saint Vincent Archabbey and the Benedictine Order in North America. Prince Ludwig represented His Royal Highness Franz, The Duke of Bavaria, and the Royal House of Wittelsbach.
Eight Summer Sessions Planned
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aint Vincent College will offer undergraduate and graduate credit courses in all major academic disciplines during eight summer sessions beginning May 17. The schedule includes two six-week options (May 17 to June 24 and June 28 to Aug. 5), three three-week options (May 18 to June 3, June 7 to 24 and June 28 to July 15), and two seven-week options (May 17 to July 1 and July 5 to
August 19). Some courses are scheduled consecutively so that students can enroll in both parts of two-semester courses, thus completing the equivalent of a year’s study of a course in six to 12 weeks. Currently enrolled students may register via the Web Information System for summer courses. Registration may be done by mail (Office of the Registrar, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 156502690), by FAX 724 805-2063, or in person at the Office of the Registrar, first floor, Alfred
Hall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. A complete summer sessions schedule and registration form are available online at www.stvincent.edu/ academics/summer. For questions, phone 724 8052720 or e-mail summersessions@ stvincent.edu.
Summ Sessio er ns
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SVC Students Participate in March For Life
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ighty-two Saint Vincent College students participated in the 37th annual March for Life on January 22 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Under the direction of students Gabe Jakubisin, Jillian Krupey and Michael Barkowski, the students traveled by bus and van accompanied by Fr. Fred Byrne, O.S.B., Fr. Jean-Luc Zadroga, O.S.B., and Fr. Vincent Zidek, O.S.B. Saint Vincent College President Jim Towey joined the group in Washington. The March for Life, which has been held every year on the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that overturned all state laws against abortion, began with a noon rally and was followed by a march down the Mall to the Capitol and Supreme Court. The Saint Vincent group joined with tens of thousands of abortion protestors including about 6,000 marchers from southwestern Pennsylvania, who demonstrated on a chilly, rainy day.
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E d i tor ’ s N ote The article “Great Minds Think Alike” which was featured in the Fall 2009 Saint Vincent Quarterly magazine neglected to mention Meredith R. McGuire, who was the Valedictorian of her high school, Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio. Meredith, who chose Saint Vincent “because of its strong Catholic, Benedictine identity, the evident expertise of its faculty, and the genuine friendliness of all members of the Saint Vincent community,” plans to be a biomedical research scientist.
PSO Music Director Manfred Honeck Commencement Speaker May 8
a cappella performance, since he will appear at SVC without instrumental
the 2008-2009 season. In 2007, he assumed the post of music director of
accompaniment. Appointed the ninth music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in January 2007, Maestro Honeck began his tenure at the start of
the Stuttgart State Opera, and in September 2008, he became the principal guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in Prague.
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aestro Manfred Honeck, the music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, will be the principal speaker at the 164th annual commencement of Saint Vincent College at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8 in the Robert S. Carey Student Center. For Maestro Honeck who typically is seen standing with baton in hand in front of the orchestra, this will be a rare
GAMEROOM RIBBONCUTTERS President Towey was joined by SGA officers and the Bearcat in cutting the ribbon at the newlyrenovated game room in the Robert S. Carey Student Center on February 15.
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Rogers Center Holds National Conference
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red Forward 2010, the first in a series of national conferences of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College, was held in Pittsburgh and Latrobe March 20 to 23. The Center hosted this first-of-a-kind event
to advance the philosophy, passion and values of Fred Rogers in applying technology and leading edge media to improve the effectiveness of early learning in children. The event was also designed to highlight the Pittsburgh region as an emerging national leader in the design, creation and application of technology to early learning. The thematic title for the conference was
“Creative Curiosity, New Media, and Learning.” The conference included innovation showcases that presented Pittsburgh as a national center for 21st century learning using cutting-edge technology, art and media. The national conference brought together leading regional, national and international researchers and practitioners in the fields of education, technology, media and policy.
Members of the planning committee, seated, left to right, were Rita Catalano and Maxwell King, co-directors of the Fred Rogers Center; David Kleeman, president of the American Center on Children and Media; and Melanie Alexander of Graphitti Design. Standing, from left, are Chris Siefert of the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum; Peggy Fayfich of Strategic Retreats; Robert Fayfich of Operativ; Justin Driscoll of the Pittsburgh Technology Council; Alan Friedman of Family Communications, Inc.; and Cindy Scarpo of the Rogers Center.
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Pennsylvania Teacher of Year Rebecca Snyder Speaks at December Commencement
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early 100 undergraduate and graduate students who completed requirements in August or December received their degrees at the fifth annual December Commencement ceremony of Saint Vincent College on December 19 in the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. Rebecca Snyder, a 1996 Saint Vincent College graduate who chairs the language arts program at Greater Latrobe Senior High School and who was recognized as Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in 2009, was the principal speaker. As the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in 2009, she represented the state’s 187,000 public educators as a speaker for various civic groups, as a participant in national educational initiatives, and as an honoree at a White House Rose Garden ceremony in April.
SAINT VINCENT SUMMER THEATRE GALA CHAIRS NAMED
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he 21st annual Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 16 in the Robert S. Carey Student Center at Saint Vincent College. The Gala, which celebrates the 42nd season of professional theatre at Saint Vincent, will feature an evening of gourmet food, entertainment and the Theatre’s production of Mark Twain’s comedy, “Is He Dead?” Joanna Stillwagon (center) and Richard Stillwagon (second from right) will serve as the volunteer Gala Co-Chairpersons. They are shown with, from left, Saint Vincent Theatre Director Colleen Reilly, Patricia Reilly, and Gala Coordinator Lisa Poole. R & L Development Company and First Commonwealth Bank will be Presenting Co-Sponsors for the 2010 Gala. Tickets are available for $100 per person. All proceeds benefit the Saint Vincent Summer Theatre. Further details are available by contacting the Saint Vincent Archabbey Events Office, 724 805-2901.
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Alumni News 1940s
region. Everyone agreed that it has been a pleasure representing their alma mater at local high school college fairs.
John J. Petrelli, P’43, celebrated his 85th birthday this past year and 62 years in the construction business.
Thomas E. Skoloda, Ph.D., P’60, C’64, has recently retired from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He and Alice are planning a bicycle trip across the United States next summer, so they are busy making preparations. They are healthy, happy and looking forward to this part of their lives.
Rev. Msgr. Paul A. Lenz, D.D., C’46, S’49, D’95, is celebrating his 60th anniversary of priesthood for the Diocese of AltoonaJohnstown. Sebastian “Sibby” LoNigro, C 48, was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at California University of Pennsylvania.
Dennis P. Slevin, Ph.D., C’64, was named the inaugural holder of the Tom W. Olofson Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.
1950s
Joseph W. Deagan, C’53, writes that his son, Ltc. William Deagan recently took command of the 58th Sig. Battalion, Fort Bucker, Okinawa, Japan. Michael J. “Mickey” Mucci, Jr., C’54, was honored by Frazier School district as this year’s Frazier Hall of Fame recipient. Rev. Peter R. Pilarski, C’55, S’59, of St. Januarius Church in Plum is celebrating 50 years in the priesthood. Rev. Msgr. Arnold L. Gaus, C 56, S’59, recently celebrated his 50th anniversary as an AltoonaJohnstown Diocesan Catholic priest. Rev. Edward S. Litavec, C’56, S’60, retired after serving 49 years in the priestly ministry. Gervase S. Gumbita, P’55, C 59, and his wife, Ann, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 28.
1960s
The late Andrew M. Tometsko, Ph.D., C’60, was posthumously named distinguished alumnus at Plum High School. Dr. Tometsko pursued a graduate degree in biochemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and earned his Ph.D. while he was part of a team that synthesized the first protein insulin in a lab. One of Dr. Tometsko’s most important accomplishments was developing a method of assessing the induction of genetic damage, now considered to be essential in determining the safety of new products and therapeutics. A testament to the legacy of Dr. Tometsko, Litron Laboratories, has remained in the family and continues to grow.
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John G. Arch, Sr., Esq., C’61, and son Jason, C’98, are pictured here enjoying a moment at the bottom of the Grand Canyon catching up on SVC news. Their trip was 260 miles down the Colorado River in dories, braving the challenges of 95 major rapids and dozens of smaller rapids. Mr. Arch took each of his sons on a similar trip as each of them graduated from college, and this was a reunion trip with Jason and his three brothers joining their Dad. William J. Switala, Ph.D., C’63, is the proud father of this year’s Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Michelle Switala will represent Pennsylvania at the National Teacher of the Year forum at the White House. Along with acting as a spokeswoman for teachers across the state, Switala will attend the International Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama and write articles for educational journals. J. Patrick Conroy, C’64, and his wife, Mary Ann, announce the marriage of their daughter, Melissa C. Conroy, to Isaiah S. Brown, III on December 12. The wedding party included Pat and Mary Ann’s daughters, Kelly Conroy, C’95, and Cara (Conroy) Garcia, C’97. William A. Ramos, C’64, is currently recruiting for Saint Vincent in Suffolk County on Long Island, New York. Mr. Ramos was originally recruiting in Nassau County also but because of the extensive travel, he asked Fred Hamble, C’64, to cover Nassau County. Mr. Hamble, in turn, asked his roommate, Frank Whitson, C’64, to recruit in the Boston, Massachusetts
John A. Molinari, Ph.D., C’65, received the Golden Apple Award at the University of DetroitMercy School of Dentistry. John C. Pranaitis, C’67, has elected to retire after 39 years of service with Transtar, Inc., a subsidiary of United States Steel Corporation. William H. “Bill” Isler, C’68, was awarded the United Cerebral Palsy / Community Living and Support Services (UCP/CLASS) Gertrude Labowitz Lifetime Achievement Award. Timothy M. Petty, C’68, was awarded the Educators’ Recognition Award from Elizabeth Forward High School by its Alumni and Friends Association. Joseph A. Yochim, C’69, and his wife, Dianne, are proud grandparents of five grandchildren, two of whom were born in 2009 – Ann Ferraro, to daughter, Julie, and spouse on April 22 and Mary Elizabeth Yochim, to son, Joe, Jr., and spouse on May 13.
1970s
Thomas D. Lavorini, C’73, was hired by a unanimous council vote to serve up to one year as Sharon’s first City Manager. Bruce A. Antkowiak, C’74, was the featured Law Day speaker at the Mercer County Bar Association’s Law Day celebration. Lawrence J. Dumm, P 71, C’75, has retired and has exchanged his PC keyboard for ivory piano keys and a fishing rod. Larry is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
as chief resident at WVU prior to beginning his fellowship. Amelia received her J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis in 2004. After spending five years as a litigator and law clerk to a judge, Amelia is presently spending time with the couple’s new daughter, Estella Rose. Heather (Ellwood) DalleTezze, C’02, and her husband, Jeremy DalleTezze, C’02, currently live in Grove City, Pennsylvania with their young son, Vincent William, dog, Sophie, and cat, Julius. Heather is editor-in-chief of a research firm in Boston, Massachusetts.
John M. Lally, C’77, and a few members of the SVC Class of 1977 met in Key West, Florida for a fishing trip. Pictured are Greg “Felix” Fajt, Bob “Ringo” Rinaldi, John “Lal” Lally, John “Muff” McMahon, and Jerry “Beck” Becker. Not shown: Frank “Fez” Zadylak and John “PooBa” Snyder.
Mark S. Kiselica, Ph.D., C’79, professor of counseling education, has been appointed vice provost of the College of New Jersey, effective September 1.
Jeffrey W. Miller, C’88, practices law in the areas of criminal and civil litigation with the Johnstown law firm of Leventry, Haschak and Rodkey.
Michael J. Ziemianski, C’79, is in his 11th year as head coach of the SVC Ice Hockey Team.
1990s
1980s
Brian K. Silowash, C’80, recently published a book called, “Piping Systems Manual,” -McGraw Hill. Frank M. Moses, C’84, was recently honored with the Jack Butz Humanitarian Award for giving of his time to various business and civic organizations, but most significant are his contributions to Habitat for Humanity. Roberta L. “Bobbi” Mutinelli, C’85, accepted the position of assistant dean of students and director of residence life at Thiel College. Bruce D. Jamison, C’87, was named the new Oakmont Borough Manager. Kim Grewe, C’88, was honored by The Virginia Community Colleges Association as a 2009 Showcase Award recipient at the 27th Annual VCCA Conference held October 1-3 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke. Gregory A. Jasper, C’88, married Camille Corio July 29, 2005. Daughter, Mary Elizabeth, was born September 23, 2006 and twins Kathleen Grace and James Anthony born March 8, 2008. All are doing well.
Michael W. Rozell, C’91, Belle Vernon Area High School music teacher and theater director, has been named the new vice president on the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 1 Board. Gretchen E. Gabos, Esq., C’92, has joined the firm of O’Brien, Rulis and Bochicchio, LLC in the firm’s worker’s compensation and civil litigation practice groups in the Pittsburgh Office. Lt. Cmdr. John R. Drotar, C’95, graduated from the Naval War College in October and will be in England for three years. Rev. Thomas J. Lewandowski, S’99, was named pastor of St. Camillus Church.
2000s
Christopher D. Russell, C’01, and his wife, Amelia M. (DeAngelis), C’01, relocated in June 2009 from Morgantown, West Virginia to Columbus, Ohio where Christopher is presently completing a fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care medicine at Ohio State University. After graduation from Saint Vincent College, Chris received his M.D. from West Virginia University and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at WVU. He spent one year
Matthew J. Karnell, C’02, was appointed on April 6, 2009 for a term of 6 years to the State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists which regulates the practice, licensure and registration of engineers, land surveyors and geologists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in order to safeguard life, health and property and promote the general welfare. Also, the Department of Community and Economic Development, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has named Mr. Karnell the director of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. He was previously the manager of Grasso Holdings LLC, a Philadelphia-based real estate development firm. Paul J. Noroski, C’02, is finishing his dissertation in economics and is teaching parttime at Duquesne University. CPT Michael Allen, D.O., C’03, recently returned from a 12-month deployment in Iraq with the United States Army. He is a flight surgeon with the 10th Mountain Division and was based in northern Iraq near the city of Kirkuk. He provided primary care medicine to the soldiers of the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment and performed flight duties with A FSMT, C3-10 MEDEVAC. He is stationed out of Fort Drum, New York. Heidi A. Lyons, C’03, graduated in December, 2009 with a Ph.D. in Sociology from Bowling Green State University. Janice (Sheffler) Citeroni, C’05, accepted a job as marketing specialist with CENTRIA Services Group in Moon Township. Brittany Ingham, C’06, graduated from Chatham University with a doctor of physical therapy degree in December. Julie M. Gulling, C’07, is teaching French and is the yearbook co-advisor at a large Catholic school in Reading, Pennsylvania. Aleah M. Gyure, C’07, earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from
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Chatham University, Pittsburgh in August. She also passed the national boards to become a certified physician assistant. Avyn Bartrug, C’07, is employed at Management Science Associates, Pittsburgh as a client analyst. Kimberly H. Kiser, C’07, was recently named the winner of the 2nd Annual Randy Pausch Scholarship by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. Ms. Kiser is working on her Master of Entertainment Technology at Carnegie Mellon University. Laura A. Klimchock, C’08, has joined the coaching staff of the University of Akron Men’s Basketball Team as graduate assistant coach.
Engagements
Aliesha Pocratsky C’07, to Andy Walz C’06. An October wedding will be held at Saint Vincent Basilica with Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., presiding.
Gina R. Rocco, C’97, to Robert Lawry.
Joseph D. Giacobbi, C’08, to Amanda Mroz.
Ruth A. Early, C’98, to Dave Weiland. A May 29 wedding is planned.
Jason R. Jones, C’08, to Christina Lingafelt. The couple is building a home in the Hempfield area and are planning a May wedding.
Gennaro Marsico, J.D., C.F.P., C’99, to Beth Troy, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.S., C’01. A fall wedding at Saint Vincent Basilica is planned.
John Poole, C’09, to Jessica Seiler. The couple is planning a May 2012 wedding.
David Safin, C’00, to Katherine Bennett. Charles J. Kiss, C’02, to Jill Markowski. The wedding will be held at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, Plum in June. Ann E. Smith, C’02, to Mark A. Roda. They are planning a 2010 wedding in Negril, Jamaica.
Stacy Tokar, C’09, to Michael Palcsey, C’08. The couple is planning to profess their sacred vows at a May 2011 wedding in the Saint Vincent Basilica. Christina M. Empfield, G’05, to Larry Mumford. The couple is planning a summer wedding.
Amy L. Westover, C’01, G’03, to Paul Engel on June 15 on the beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The wedding party included: maid of honor Lauren Sanker, C’08; matron of honor, Jessica Westover, best man Steve Engel; and groomsmen Jim Westover and Ben Allison.
Marriages Brandy Jo Curci, C’02, to Eric M. Newill on August 9, 2008 at Saint Vincent Basilica. Joanna M. Thompson, C 03, to Justin E. Bular on August 16, 2008 at Saint Vincent Basilica with Fr. Thomas Curry, O.S.B., S’02, as celebrant. Ashley E. Steiner, C’04, to Jeffrey W. Braum,
Charles R. Alsdurf, C’03, G’04, to Abigail Hudson. Nicole Franczyk, C’03, to Matthew Webb. A wedding is planned for July 31 at Heinz Chapel, Oakland. Amanda M. Thomas, C’03, to Chad E. Evans. The couple will be married on July 31 at St. James the Apostle Church, New Bedford. Thomas J. Altieri, C’04, to Autumn A. Toplak, C’05. A 2010 wedding is planned. Nicholas M. Sarneso, C’05, to Emily Ecoff, C’07. An August 2010 wedding is planned at Saint Vincent Basilica. Judd M. Trostle, C’05, to Kristina Verdon. Nicholas B. Errett, C’06, to Katrina L. Greco. Alicia L. Fritz, C’07, to Zachary Dixon.
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Maureen A. Terza, C’98, was wed to Robert Campbell on August 22. Pictured here front row (left to right) Rebecca (Ball) Nugent, C’98, with son, Thomas, Jennifer (Sudol) Terza, C’96, Maureen (Terza) Campbell, C’98 (bride), Vivian Bugica, SHU, Janet Purdy, C 97, Meghan (Daley) Child, C’97. Back row (left to right) Jeanine Terza, Jason E. Farabaugh, C’97, Richard J. Terza, C’95, John Terza, C 01, Bob Campbell (groom), S. Richard Terza, C’54, Joseph V. Terza, C’74, Steven Marbach, C’98, Fr. Bill Terza, and Fr. Carl Kerkemeyer, S’01. Not pictured but concelebrating the wedding was Fr. Nathan Munsch, O.S.B.
C’04, on October 4, 2008 at Saint Vincent Basilica. T. Matthew “Matt” Grand, C’04, to Annamarie Wetzel on October 17 at Saint Vincent Basilica. Laurie J. Logan, C 04, to Brian Honan on August 10, 2008. Bruno J. Pino, C’04, to Megan Elizabeth Holleran on September 13, 2008 at Saint Vincent Basilica with Fr. Paul-Alexander Shutt,
Melissa A. Mock, C’06, and Jesse R. Beck on November 7 at Saint Vincent Basilica. Lauren E. Wingate, C’06, and Timothy W. Horner, Jr., C’05, on May 2, 2009 at Bethany Beach. Lindsay B. Harkleroad, C’06, to Samuel E. O’Donnell, C’06, on July 18 at Saint Vincent Basilica. Marie E. Billy, C’06, to Edwin S. Peters, C’05, at Saint Vincent Basilica on September 25.
They honeymooned in San Diego, California. Laura McDermott, C’07, to Peter Mullican, C’07, on September 26 at Saint Vincent Basilica. Brandon M. Wolfe, C 07, and Amanda Colaianne on October 10. Following a honeymoon at Walt Disney World, Florida, the newlyweds are residing in Unity Township. Sara J. Irvin, C’09, and Nathan R. Sylvester, C’07, on October 3 at Saint Vincent Basilica. The newlyweds are making their home in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Births Teresa Anne to Walter J. Nalducci, C’90, and wife, Meighan, on January 12. She joins big
Tara Nolan, C’06, to Joseph K. Finau, C’06, on August 8 at Saint Vincent Basilica with Rev. Brian D. Boosel, O.S.B., C’96, S’02, as celebrant. SVC alumni in the wedding party included Camille Cobrando, C’06, as matron of honor and Andrew Walz, C’06, as best man.
O.S.B., S’97, as celebrant. Sarah R. Denne, C’05, to James G. Breisinger on October 24 at Saint Vincent Basilica. Joseph McBroom, C’05, and Rachael Lynn
Jamie L. MacConnell, C’06, to Michael Skena on July 17 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Plum. The couple honeymooned on a Central American cruise.
Rebecca Anne to Sara Carlson, C’95, and her husband, Pete Carlson, on January 16.
Avyn A. Bartrug, C’07, to Scott Israel on April 4, 2009 at Hartwood Mansion, Indiana Township. brother, Walt, 2. Reagan Elizabeth Badman to Kimberly A.
Noah Daniel to Susie (Robb) Skoloda, C’96, and her husband, Dan, on June 19. Brittany Ingham, C’06, married Steven Shannon on August 29 at Zion Lutheran Church in Indiana, Pennsylvania with a reception at Indiana Country Club. They reside in Saltsburg.
Smith on November 21 at Saint Vincent Basilica.
Kristen M. Bernot, C’07, to M. Ryan Growden, C’07, at Saint Vincent Basilica on July 25, 2009. SVC Alumnae in the wedding party included Janice M. Byrne, C’07, Lindsay A. Reddington, C’07, and Vanessa L. Saxton, C’07.
(Foerster) Badman, C’92, and her husband, Luke, on October 20. Haley Elizabeth to Melanie R. (Medvick) Hurd, C’96, and her husband, Jeff, on September 26. Andrew Vincent to Chad J. Schweitzer, C’98, G’04, and his wife, Mary Ann (Pasquale), C’04,
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Shea Theresa to Margaret E. (Zylka) House, C’99, and her husband, Max, on December 27. She joins big brothers, Max and Isaac.
Catrambone, C’03, and her husband, Dan, on August 13. Henry Elliot to Emily (Killian) Molina, C’03, and her husband, Lorenzo, on October 27.
Audrey Grace to Elizabeth (Anderson)
Deaths Rev. Flavian G. Yelinko, O.S.B., P’24; C’29, S’33, on February 18. Oscar Henry Mihm, P’32, on November 21. Rev. Hugh A. Kennedy, SJ, P’35, on September 6.
Eli Rob Keeler to Adam R. Keeler, C’06, and his wife, Missy (Wichryk), C’06, on August 4. Patrick Joseph to Joseph E. Ditch, C’99, and Rita R. (Schnabel) Ditch, C’00, on August 11. He joins big brothers Edward Henry, 5, and John Albert, 2.
Rt. Rev. Leonard G. Cassell, O.S.B., C 37, on November 30. Rev. Paul M. Ruff, C’39, on November 6. Rev. Joseph A. Kopecky, C’41, S’45, on October 29. John W. Rodenhaver, P’41, on November 21.
on January 20.
Theodore A’Hearn, P’42, on September 13. Rev. Msgr. Patrick V. Fleming, C 42, on October 26. Thomas L. Gallo, C’43, on September 29. Edwin E. Hodgess, Jr., P’44, on March 4, 2007. Rev. Valentine Sedlak, S’44, on November 5. Stephen B. Hudak, C 45, on December 6.
Estella Rose to Christopher D. Russell, C’01, and his wife, Amelia M. (DeAngelis), C’01, on February 15, 2009.
Paul J. McGuire, Jr., P 45, on January 5. Timothy Salvati, P’46, on November 24, 2007. George M. Krempasky, C’47, on September 4. Caden Anthony to Vanessa L. (Shepherd) Saxton, C’07, and her husband, Christopher, on August 6.
Joseph G. Hurley, Esq., LLD, P’44, C 47, D’84, on November 18. Donald Jordan, P’48, on December 28. Walter R. Wieloh, C 48, in November. Thomas A. Gigliotti, C’49, on January 15. Frank J. Luparello, M.D., Sc.D., C’49, D’87, on January 5. August Manna, P’49, on October 25.
Mia Rose to Keith Biskup, C’02, and Cara (Gigliotti) Biskup, C’00, on August 12. Mia joins big brother, Dominick, who is 2½.
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Samuel to James Aaron Kiger, C’07, and his wife, Jill (Bridge) Kiger, C’04, on September 3.
D. Frederick Cullen, Ed.D., P’46, C’50, on October 6. John F. “Jack” Kasunic, P’50, on November 30.
Simon C. O’Barto, Sr., C’50, on January 15.
Br. Lambert G. Berens, O.S.B., on October 29.
Thomas J. Bizup, M.D., C’51, on September 24.
Frank J. Vanek, H 77, on April 5, 2009.
Anthony P. Belli, C’53, on November 21.
Robert R. Mendler, L.H.D., D’00, on December 10.
C. Robert Jackson, C’53, on January 16. Rev. Stephen A. Sheetz, C’53, S’57, on October 17.
Condolences
Joseph L. Politoske, D.D.S., C’54, on January 24.
John E. Gallo, C 46, on the death of his brother, Thomas L. Gallo, C’43, on September 29.
J. Wray Connolly, Jr., P’51, C’55, on August 19.
Roman J. Verostko, Ph.D., C’55, S’59, on the loss of his wife, Dr. Alice Wagstaff, on December 7.
Thomas E. Demoise, C 55, on August 10. Joseph B. Hill, P’55, on March 26, 2009. Anthony B. Trambley, C’55, on June 13. Richard T. Mulcahy, P’57, on February 16. Leonard E. Demalon, C’58, on September 29. Walter H. Spellman, Jr., C’58, on November 2. George F. Wagman, Jr., C’58, on September 22. William K. Burgun, C’59, on December 3. James T. Devenney, C’59, on October 17. Rev. George R. Pierce, S’59, on November 17. Rt. Rev. Robert D. Rowley, Jr., P’59, on January 18. Richard J. Shiben, C’59, on December 4.
Robert M. Friday, C’57, S 61, on the death of his brother, Gilbert A. Friday, M.D., on October 22. Rev. John J. Keane, C’58. S’62, on the death of his sister, Anne Keiser, on February 14. Rev. John R. Sasway, C’58, S’62, and Richard J. Shea, C’90, on the death of their mother and grandmother, respectively, Anna Sasway on October 9. Joseph E. Stas, C’58, Kenneth D. Stas, C’86, and Daniel Vasinko, C 13, on the death of their brother-in-law and uncle, respectively, Thomas J. Bizup, M.D., C’51, on September 24. Louis Zylka, C 58, the late J. Michael Zylka, Ph.D., M.D., F.A.C.P, C’67, and Margaret Zylka House, C’99, on the death of their mother and grandmother, respectively, Anna E. Zylka on October 24.
James B. Long, P’58, C 62, on November 12.
James F. Suda, C’60, on the death of his sister, Carolyn “Carol” Klimchock, on December 1.
Charles J. McGeever, Ph.D., C’65, who died suddenly Sunday, May 10 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Thomas M. McNally, C’61, on the death of his wife in September.
Rev. Richard E. Mackiewicz, S’69, on February 3.
Clark J. LaMendola, P’58, C’62, on the death of his father, Frank J. LaMendola, on June 6.
Duane E. McCusker, C’74, on November 8.
John H. Rowley, P’63, James R. Rowley, P’64, and Dora M. McFadden, C’99, on the death of their brother and uncle, respectively, Rt. Rev. Robert D. Rowley, Jr. P’59, on January 18.
Jeffrey J. Fondl, C’75, on September 19. Richard G. Sprung, C 77, on January 17. Robert S. Kuhta, S’79, on October 17. Donald R. Kane, C’83, on November 3. Ryan P. Stokes, C’97, on October 7. Allan J. Wertz, C’97, on September 9. Evan C. Chateauneuf, C 09, on September 17.
Michael J. Wade, C’66, on the loss of his mother on October 13. Paul J. Hirt, C’67, on the loss of his mother in September. Norman R. Mihm, P’65, C’69, on the death of his father, Oscar H. Mihm, on November 21. Frank R. Nelson, Jr., C’70, on the death of his mother, Frances Nelson, on January 17.
Francis E. “Frank” Pipak, Jr., C’71, John P. “Jack” Owens, P’68, C’73, Richard E. Pipak, P’50, C’56, Rebecca Fahy, C’98, Abbey Pipak, C’03, Mark Owens, C’01, Robert M. Patula, C’09, and John F. Patula, C 12, on the death of their father, father-in-law, brother, and grandfather, respectively, Francis E. Pipak, Sr., on September 25. Stephen J. Stas, Jr., C 71, Nicholas J. Stas, C 70, Joseph E. Stas, C’58, Kenneth D. Stas, C’86, Jamie E. Dunlap, DPT, C’06, Sherrie E. Dunlap, C’09, Daniel R. Vasinko, C 13, and Patrick A. Mendus, C 13, on the loss of their daughter, niece, and cousin, respectively, Cecilia Ann (Stas) Kissel, 27 years old and mother of two young daughters on January 2. Thomas J. Rennie, C’72, and Paul Rennie, C’78, on the loss of their mother, Margaret “Marnie” Rennie, on February 10. John J. Lapina, C’72, Larry J. Lapina, P 64, Jason D. Lapina, C’99, Valerie D. Lapina, C’01, and Michael J. Allen, D.O., C’03, on the death of their mother and grandmother, respectively, Katherine M. Lapina on December 22. Thomas M. Matviya, Ph.D., C’73, and John C. Benyo, C’66, on the death of their father and father-in-law, respectively, Nicholas Matviya on November 7. William H. Byrnes, Jr., C’75, on the loss of his wife, Diane, after a long illness. Rev. Damian J. Warnock, O.S.B., C’75, S’79, on the death of his brother, John, on February 17. Robert P. Bonar, C’77, and James F. Bonar, C’83, on the death of their father, Frank M. Bonar, on November 29. David J. Federline, C’83, on the loss of his sister and brother-in-law, respectively, Jeannette and Conrad Brinkos, who both died on October 13. Christopher A. Irvin, C’86, and Amanda Bush, C’04, on the loss of their parents and grandparents, respectively, Robert Irvin on January 18, 2009 and Anna M. Irvin on August 27. John A. Kornides, C’86, on the death of his father, John A. Kornides, on December 4. Michael J. Mealy, C’86, on the loss of his sister, Alice Mealy-Morrin, 43, on June 28. Rev. James R. Gretz, S’94, on the death of his mother, Mary Margaret “Marge” Gretz, on January 25.
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Rev. Ralph M. Tajak, O.S.B., S’94, on the death of his father, Ralph Tajak, Sr., on December 5. Rev. Michael P. Sikon, S’95, on the death of his mother, Nancy L. Sikon, on August 18. Kathy O. Monticue, C’96, Angela M. Klapchar, C’94, Suzette M. Weinell, C’95, and Richard E. Pipak, P’50, C’56, on the death of their father, grandfather, and brother-in-law, respectively, Simon C. O’Barto, Sr., C’50, on January 15. Scott E. Avolio, C’97, and Kim Doverspike Avolio, D.O., C’95, on the loss of their father and father-in-law, respectively, Joseph S. Avolio, on September 26. Rev. Matthew R. McClain, S’01, Thomas W. McCreary, M.D., P’47, and Rev. Robert L. McCreary, O.F.M. Cap., P’51, on the death of Nancy (McCreary) McClain, mother and sister, respectively, on January 3. Rev. John F. Naugle, C’03, on the death of his mother, Rose Marie Volgen, on September 18. Jolene L. Wertz, C’06, on the loss of her brother, Alan J. Wertz, on September 8.
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The Saint Vincent College Quarterly Magazine can be viewed online at www.issuu.com/saintvincentcollege Kristin A. Cullen, C’07, on the loss of her
grandfather, D. Frederick Cullen, Ed.D., P’46,
The Symmetry Of A Job done well. Workers on the new Sis and Herman DuprĂŠ Science Pavilion (below) break for a group photo, much like their counterparts who built the Basilica (above) more than 100 years ago.
Mailed from Zip Code 15650 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 110
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save these 2010 dates! Homecoming & Fall Family Weekend
Alumni & Friends Golf Outing
Bearcat Open June 4
September 23
September 24-26
Any questions? Please contact the Alumni Office at 724-805-2568.