Seton Hill University

Setonian Spirit

Setonian Mission Scholars Walk in Footsteps of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Seton

Setonian

Real

A Message from the President

Last May, I had the extraordinary privilege to meet Pope Francis during a private audience with a small group of Catholic university presidents who were in Rome for a seminar.

During his time with us, Pope Francis emphasized the role of the global Church in ministering to the poor and suffering. He called on leaders of Catholic higher education institutions throughout the world to ensure that we are ministering to those who are less fortunate, providing educational opportunities for all, and educating our students to understand and realize the fullness of their human dignity.

It was a profound reminder that the work we do at Seton Hill to educate all students, regardless of their background and financial circumstances, is deeply rooted in our Catholic faith and in the mission set forth more than 100 years ago by our founders, the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill.

Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday has been deeply mourned by the Seton Hill community, and we joined together in prayer at a special Memorial Mass a few days after his passing.

But just weeks later, the bells of Saint Joseph Chapel rang out - not in mourning but in celebration - as Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected our new Pope. Taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV, he is the first Pope to be born in the United States. His election is particularly meaningful to our Seton Hill community as this year marks the 50th anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization as the first American-born Saint. Indeed, Pope Leo XIV’s birthday is September 14 - the canonization anniversary.

As a Catholic institution of higher learning, we offer our prayers to Pope Leo XIV as he seeks to build dialogue within and outside of the Church. And we will continue our mission to educate in the Catholic tradition and in the legacy of the Sisters of Charity.

“Education is not about knowing things or taking lessons but about being able to use three lingos: those of the head, the heart, and the hands ... learning so that you can think about what you feel and do, can feel what you think and do, and can do what you feel and think. Unity within a person.”

- Pope Francis

Mary C. Finger President

President Mary Finger meets with Pope Francis during a private audience with Catholic college and university leaders in May 2024.

“You do amazing and actually holy work here at the University. I have enormous respect for all (the Sisters have) quietly and steadily done all these years for the world.”

- Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM during the Sister Mary Schmidt Lecture

Honoring Our Founders, Embracing Our Future

Service of Sisters of Charity Celebrated During Founders’ Day

Seton Hill’s second Founders’ Day brought together students, faculty and staff on March 19 to focus on the ways the Sisters of Charity have engaged with those living in poverty and the ways in which the Seton Hill community continues to live out this mission.

The day was celebrated with academic posters, presentations and student activities, with a particular focus on Sister Cyril Aaron, who was moved to give up her career in academia to minister in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1942. She lived among the residents and dedicated her life to serving the area through the 1960s.

Seton Hill was honored to welcome Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, past president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, to celebrate Mass and speak on viewing poverty through the Setonian/ Vincentian charism during the evening’s Sister Mary Schmidt Lecture.

Sister Cyril Aaron

Above: Sister Mary Price greets a student in Cecilian Hall on Founders’ Day. Left: Father Holtschneider celebrates Mass in St. Joseph Chapel.

‘Faith Lifts the Soul’

Devotion to Elizabeth Ann Seton Spurs Alumnae to Support Saint’s Shrine

Michele Moore Ridge ‘69 and Linda Fiorelli ‘74 have called on the intercession of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in their lives multiple times.

For Ridge, the former First Lady of Pennsylvania and former Chair of the Seton Hill Board of Trustees, those prayers were answered when her husband, former Governor Tom Ridge, suffered several health issues in 2017 and was successfully treated at two Seton hospitals.

For current Trustee Fiorelli, whose family was gifted a first-degree relic of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, her devotion to Seton has carried her through the travails of life – both minor and major – including surviving cancer twice.

Ridge and Fiorelli are among several women with Seton Hill connections, including Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, who are serving in various volunteer capacities with The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md. The Shrine welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to learn more about the life and legacy of Elizabeth Ann Seton on the property where she and her early Sisters built their community and school.

Former Trustee Sister Louise Grundish, former Vice President for Mission and Identity Sister Vivien Linkhauer ’67 and Casey Bowser, archivist for the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill and the University, have played vital roles with the Shrine as it underwent a significant renovation of its facility and the addition of a museum ahead of the 50th

anniversary of the canonization of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, which will occur on September 14, 2025.

A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING

As a student, Michele Ridge always had a deep affinity for the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, but her devotion to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton began later.

“I always had the greatest admiration and respect for the Sisters of Charity. They were incredibly gifted and wonderful professors and teachers. I think maybe almost unconsciously I picked up how important their foundress was in inspiring them,” Ridge said. “But when I became Board of Trustees Chair and had the opportunity to be part of a Catholic Setonian institution, not as a student but as someone who had a role and responsibility in helping the Setonian institution do well in today’s world, it really coalesced for me just how important a Saint she is.”

In 2017, when her husband was treated at Seton hospitals in New Mexico and Texas, Ridge said her affinity for Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton grew even more.

Tom spent five weeks recovering from a heart condition at Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin, and Michele passed a portrait of Seton during her daily visits.

She suggested to Seton Hill President Mary Finger that the Board of Trustees be taken to the Shrine in order to really understand the charism of the Sisters. It was during that trip that Ridge began her journey to join the National Leaders Council, a group that assists in raising funds for the Shrine, advocates for the mission and visitation, and promotes the Shrine as a leading national Catholic organization.

The National Leaders Council is currently chaired by Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon Johnson, and Ridge will take over that leadership role in 2026.

Ridge encourages Seton Hill alumni to visit the Shrine and see the results of the major capital campaign the Council led a few years ago.

“Many people may think they know about Elizabeth Ann Seton, but at the Shrine you get a deeper understanding of how significant she is as a Saint and as an American woman who is a leader.”

-Michele Moore Ridge ‘69

“I was prayerfully calling on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton too many times,” she said. “Her intercession, the culture of the hospital, which was really wonderful, and the skill of the doctors and the nurses and everyone who was involved – it’s so much a part of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s legacy.”

A few years later, two close friends took Ridge to the National Shrine for her birthday.

“I fell in love with the place,” she said. “Seeing the house where she lived and died was a formative sort of experience.”

“Many people may think they know about Elizabeth Ann Seton, but at the Shrine you get a deeper understanding of how significant she is as a Saint and as an American woman who is a leader,” she said.

ROCKSTAR SAINT

During Alumni Weekend in 2024, Ridge offered a few words about the Shrine and her role during President Finger’s State of the University address. After watching the address virtually, Fiorelli felt a calling to help and later joined the National Leaders Council.

Fiorelli has a long family history at Seton Hill. Her mother was a student for a time and her sisters, Gloria Fiorelli Pollock ’68 and the late Ada Fiorelli Waddell ’70, are both alumnae.

The family’s friendship with then-Sister Dolores Bailey led to her gifting the Fiorellis one of the three relics that each Sister was given during the canonization of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in 1975.

“Any time anyone in the family was ill, getting married, having babies, in some sort of life-changing situation, we would bring out the relic. And 50 years

later we still do,” Fiorelli said. “It resides with me, but I frequently bring it to the assistance of someone who needs it, but not only for family members now, and not only for Catholics. It has such a universal message of hope.”

Her work on the National Leaders Council of the Shrine, though she just joined, is important to her as she hopes that more people will come to know Elizabeth Ann Seton, who she calls her “rockstar Saint.”

“The more I have learned of the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the more I have come to admire her,” she said. “Her story is one of hope, inspiration, grit and determination – the qualities women still need hundreds of years later. Hazard yet Forward still tells the story of so many women of Seton Hill.”

LIFE-AFFIRMING WORK

Sister Louise Grundish learned facts about Elizabeth Seton when she attended her namesake high school in Brookline, but it wasn’t until later –when she went to the Shrine as part of her work as a vocations director – that she really felt her presence.

“There was a wonderful peace at the Shrine, and I’ve always felt that,” she said. “I do feel like Elizabeth is there.”

As a member of the National Leaders Council, Sister Louise is awed by the increase in popularity of the Shrine in the last few years.

“I’ve found my involvement with the Shrine very life-giving to me,” she said. “Each year the number of pilgrims that come to the Shrine grows substantially.”

Sister Vivien Linkhauer, a longtime member of the Shrine’s Mission and Heritage Committee, has a similar story to Sister Louise. She too attended Elizabeth Seton High School, but didn’t feel the connection to Mother Seton until going to the Shrine.

“When I go to the Shrine, I feel like I’m going home in a sense,” she said. “The Shrine is our roots.”

Four years ago, Sister Vivien recruited Casey Bowser to join the Mission and Heritage Committee

of the Shrine as one of only two committee members who are not Sisters of Charity.

Committee members were heavily involved in the renovations at the Shrine, which included the addition of a new museum, by reviewing designs and plans and helping to select objects for display.

Bowser facilitated the loan of the copy of the devotional The Following of Christ from the Sisters of Charity to the Shrine museum. Elizabeth Seton’s words, handwritten in the book, were a key piece of evidence to prove Seton’s baptism and became incredibly important to the canonization process.

“We’re really happy we can say something that was locked in our archive is now available to thousands of visitors to the Shrine every year,” Bowser said.

Bowser also has been able to help make connections between the Shrine and other Sisters of Charity Federation archivists and has helped advise the new museum’s collections policy.

Bowser draws connections between Emmitsburg and Seton Hill and how both places have had a tremendous impact for generations.

“When you go to Emmitsburg and you’re driving around, it is a pretty normal-looking place,” she said. “For life-changing things to have happened there that have had an effect worldwide on millions of people is really incredible.”

“People will say when they come to Seton Hill that there’s something special about this place. What is it? Is it because simple things have happened here that have reverberated around the world for many people? Is that part of it, and is it the same in Emmitsburg?” Bowser questioned. “I think it is.”

Seton Hill University is planning events in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization, including an alumni trip to the National Shrine and a Mass at Caritas Christi on Sept. 9. Stay tuned for information via email or alumni social media. Learn more about the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton at setonshrine.org.

ISTORY ELP of A Seton Hill’s Connection with Habitat for Humanity

When six students, along with Associate Professor of Chemistry

Diana Hoover and Director of Sustainability and Outreach Darren Achtzehn, undertook the journey from Greensburg to Hardin County, Kentucky in January, they followed in the footsteps of decades of Setonians making service trips to help those in need of safe, secure housing by working with Habitat for Humanity.

The trip – like other Habitat journeys before –was free of frills and luxury.

They towed their supplies for the week in a trailer and set up their accommodations at a local community center, sleeping on air mattresses or whatever furniture was available.

Throughout the week the students prepared for and installed new flooring, blinds, and shelves. After only three days of work, they completed all the construction they were expected to do for the entire week - so they spent their fourth workday packing 778 boxes of food for seniors at a Feeding America site.

Wrapping up the work week in Pittsboro, N.C., in 2011. Seventeen students scaled the scaffolding throughout the week doing roof line work.

They also had the opportunity to get involved in the local community and get to know each other more by experiencing a home cooked dinner with more than 200 local parishioners and spending their evenings reflecting on what they had learned each day.

For junior nursing major Reilly Gallagher, Kentucky was her second volunteer trip as a Setonian.

“Going on my first service trip last spring to New Orleans made me realize how much I enjoy helping others. When I saw that there was a January service trip going to Kentucky to work with Habitat for Humanity, I jumped on the opportunity,” she said. “We helped build someone’s home for them and, with the extra hands around, we were able to complete the house in less time.”

Completing tasks quickly has been a hallmark of Seton Hill trips – as have the connections that last long after the work is done. After years of experience, Achtzehn and Hoover warn the local Habitat affiliates ahead of time that the Seton Hill students

will likely complete the work more quickly than most other volunteer organizations – and they are usually done days ahead of the schedule that is set. If there isn’t additional on-site work to be done, the Setonians often help at other local organizations that can use some extra hands.

Kirstin Logan ’10 knows this firsthand having been on three undergraduate trips.

“I loved the sense of accomplishment after our week of work. It is still amazing to look back at photos from past trips and see what a work site looked like when we arrived and what it looked like when we left,” Logan said. “On my first trip we were so invested in completing a portion of a project that we asked to stay longer than the work day – almost until the sun went down – because we wanted to see it completed.”

Achtzehn has been traveling alongside students throughout the eastern side of the United States since 2005 when he was first recruited for the trip by a student, Dave Slampak. In his past role as Food

Kirstin Logan ’10 wonders how many balusters to cut for the railing behind her on an alumni Habitat trip in Durham, N.C., in 2015.

Service Director with Aramark, he assisted with food for the trips, and he now hauls the students’ supplies in his trailer – and helps them learn the skills they need in homebuilding to be successful.

The trips have taken students near and far, but the 2010 trip to Americus, Ga., where Habitat for Humanity International is headquartered, stands out.

While in town, the Seton Hill group toured Habitat’s international village to see how the organization builds homes around the world, and almost encountered former president and famed Habitat advocate Jimmy Carter when they ate breakfast at a diner across from the church where Carter was a regular. (Unfortunately, he was out of town that weekend.)

“Watching the simple yet profound impact that these selfless service trips – and the students that go on them – have had throughout the years has had an incredible effect on not just me, but all that they have served,” Achtzehn said.

“You don’t have to know how to build to volunteer. It’s very rewarding to see students grow and gain confidence in their abilities throughout the week,” she said. “By the end of the week you see people working together like they’ve been doing it for years. This is a special part of what I get to do at Seton Hill.”

ALUMNI KEEPING

CONNECTED

Memories like these, working side by side and bonding after a day of work in reflecting on the meaning and value of their service, forge lifelong friendships for some Setonians.

- Kirstin Logan ’ 10

Hoover had a history with Habitat since graduate school in North Carolina and grew up relishing the hands-on experience of fixing things. She became involved at Seton Hill after Cindy Boland, former director of Campus Ministry who started the trips, left for another position in 2010.

Hoover works heavily on the logistics of the trips, a role that is now shared with Director of Service Experience Amanda DeWitt, who coordinates fundraising and recruiting students. Hoover appreciates that these trips allow her to meet students she would never come across in her day-to-day as a science faculty member.

Achtzehn has worked with Habitat trip veterans Logan, Sean Garrity ’08, and Emily Heinicka Fagler ’10, MBA ’12 to organize three alumni service trips over the years where graduates take time away from their careers and families to continue living their legacies of service.

“Watching these Setonian family members reunite on the alumni trips and continue to tell stories about their undergrad experiences has been a blessing to be part of and continues a great tradition,” Achtzehn said.

In addition to her three undergraduate trips, Logan has also been a part of all three alumni trips to date. On the second alumni trip, she connected with a fellow alum she never would have known without Habitat, Kelly Hollis ’15, and the two remain close friends.

“I find it so awesome that two Seton Hill students who never crossed paths on campus or in the

classroom were able to form a lasting friendship through the Habitat trips,” Logan said. “These opportunities have allowed even more Seton Hill alumni to connect spanning many years of past Seton Hill students.”

Sean Garrity and his wife, Nicole Pergar Garrity ‘08, both participated in Habitat trips as undergraduates and alumni and always try to make room in their busy lives to help others. They also maintain their Seton Hill connections with the friends they’ve made on their trips nearly 20 years ago.

“You get hooked on how good it feels to give back to these communities that need it,” Sean Garrity said.

“I’m always surprised by the level of commitment Setonians, even as working professionals, have shown to dedicate time to these trips.”

Although Meredith Harber ’08 hasn’t been able to attend the alumni trip, the three trips she took in her undergraduate years resulted in connections she maintains today, confidence in her home maintenance skills, and a lasting connection to her faith.

“I found the service aspect of Seton Hill to be where I was fed spiritually. Having a bunch of 18 to 22-year-olds build things may not be the most efficient way to build, but I loved working with the local site managers and meeting people who were homeowners because of Habitat,” she said. “When you’ve roadtripped to a new place with a ragamuffin crew of students and staff to sleep in simple housing, cook your meals together, and reflect on the day of putting nails into boards or pulling up old shingles, a part of your souls are forever entwined.”

Service continues to be a key part of how Harber understands her faith. Part of her work as a pastor in Alaska is leading youth on trips that mirror the service trips she took at Seton Hill.

“Show up where it means you have to work for the common good, for the benefit of others, for a project or place that you will walk away from and not ‘reap the benefits of,’” she advises. “While going on trips – whether in college or now as a pastor – is fun and helps us to see the need in another community, the real work begins when we return home. Hopefully, we are changed by the experience and can begin to see ourselves as participants in the larger work of our neighborhoods.”

And for generations of Setonians, what started with Habitat has now traveled with them to their homes off the Hill.

Students carefully paint around the edges of the windows at a house in New Orleans in 2012.

12 STATES

GETTING OFF THE GROUND

10,000+ HOURS

25,000+ MILES

Seton Hill’s more than two decades of service to Habitat for Humanity began with a request from students.

Former Director of Campus Ministry Cindy Boland said Toni DeSalvo Alvano ’04 and Laurel Rosenbaum Koval ’04 came to her asking that Seton Hill begin service trips for Habitat. Boland was new at Seton Hill and getting used to her role, but the students were insistent. With their leadership, the first Seton Hill alternative spring break trip set off to Cleveland, Ohio, during spring break of 2003 with 13 participants - and a new Seton Hill tradition was born.

Though Boland left Seton Hill in 2010 for another position, much of the groundwork she set on those initial trips is still an integral part of the service trip experience for today’s Setonians.

“A significant part of each trip from the very beginning is to integrate an activity or reflection into each evening. It enabled our perspectives to widen and our hearts to be moved, expanded, and deepened by what we learned and how we were touched by the people we served. We often returned home feeling we gained more than we gave – we gained new friendships, new skills, new perspective, lots of stories (that still make us laugh) and renewed joy and hope that we can make a difference in the world. It is delightful to see how these trips continue to be a life-giving experience for Seton Hill students – a SHU legacy of its own.”

- Cindy Boland, Director of Campus Ministry at Seton Hill from 2002-2010

Cindy Boland in the rafters of a home in Pittsboro, N.C., in 2008.

Members of the first cohort of Setonian Mission Scholars have been learning about

through readings,

and other experiences.

Seton Hill’s namesake

travels,

Left to right: Emily Veychek, Jesna Thomas, Nico Morello, Esha Mathew, Richard Ratliff, and Abigail Veychek.

Setonian Spirit

Setonian Mission Scholars Walk in Footsteps of Elizabeth Ann Seton

Wfirst arrived at Seton Hill, she was nervous about the same things as many college freshmen, such as living away from home for the first time and making new friends.

More than anything, though, she was worried about how she would be accepted as a Muslim student at a Catholic university. She soon realized the nervousness was unwarranted.

hen Manar Deggouj

“Although I may be the first Muslim that many have met, I have felt at home and respected at Seton Hill,” said Manar, a Physician Assistant student.

Her experiences led her to be part of the first cohort of the Setonian Mission Scholars, a group of students learning about the history and charism of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Sisters of Charity in order to carry forth the University’s mission to other students and into their lives after graduation.

Since the spring of 2024, the eight students who make up the inaugural cohort of Setonian Mission Scholars have been following the path of Seton Hill’s namesake, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

The scholars come from different states and programs of study. All but two were Catholic at the start of the program - with one of the non-

Formation Program for faculty and staff and provided endowment for Campus Ministry and student programming. These programs are increasing awareness of Seton Hill’s mission and have seen a growth in enthusiasm for the University living its Setonian legacy. The Setonian Mission Scholars program, which began in the spring of 2024, grew out of this support and will be welcoming its second cohort in the fall of 2025.

“Elizabeth Seton’s contribution to the ideals of Catholic education, in general, and to the mission of Seton Hill University, in particular, must be sustained,” the Ryans said. “It is essential for the future of Seton Hill that her charism be taught and shared with all students, faculty, and administration.”

Mother Seton, the first American-born saint, founded the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Md. Her original group of Sisters, who were the first

- Msgr. Roger Statnick, University Chaplain and Setonian Mission Coordinator

Catholic students converting this spring. They were selected based on their character and their involvement on campus or in Campus Ministry. While they began the program with curiosity and a desire to learn more, the path they have walked together in this program has created new connections to the past and the present that none of them could have anticipated.

Moving the Mission Forward

Generous leadership support from benefactors Catharine M. Ryan and John T. Ryan III allowed Seton Hill to create the Setonian Mission

religious community of women established in the United States, branched off into other parts of the country and arrived in Greensburg in 1882 to purchase the land where the University now stands and charter the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. The Sisters embraced a Setonian charism in all they do that emphasizes charity, simplicity and humility. Responding to the needs of others has always been at the heart of Setonian values - values that have gone beyond the Sisters to the students, faculty and staff of Seton Hill.

The Scholars program is under the guidance of Vice President for Mission and Identity

Maureen O’Brien, SC, and Msgr. Roger Statnick, University Chaplain and Setonian Mission Coordinator. Additional support from the Ryans has allowed Seton Hill to endow both the Vice President role and the Setonian Mission Coordinator position long-term.

“As we developed the Catholic-Setonian Mission Formation Program among the faculty, staff and administration, we came to realize that students were gaining interest in the charism of the Sisters of Charity and how it is embodied at Seton Hill,” Msgr. Statnick said. “Sr. Maureen and I began to design a scholarship program composed of motivated students who were willing to be engaged on many levels — intellectually, experientially, operationally and relationally.”

Walking in the Footsteps

In addition to Manar, Camille Kuczynski, Esha Mathew, Nico Morello, Richard Ratliff, Jesna Thomas, and Emily and Abigail Veychek have journeyed together up and down the East Coast. Their travels have taken them to Baltimore, Cincinnati, Emmitsburg, Gettysburg, and Pittsburgh as they learn about the impact the Sisters of Charity have had throughout the country.

In their time closer to home, the students have engaged with each other during discussions about books they have read with direction from Msgr. Statnick and the principles of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and Catholic Social Teaching. They have also spent time a little further up the Hill talking with the Sisters of Charity and learning about their work directly from those who have done it. Additionally, the students have participated in various panel discussions over the

Program coordinators Sister Maureen O’Brien and Msgr. Roger Statnick at The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md., where St. Elizabeth Ann Seton began her ministry.

The Scholars toured the garden at St. Joseph House of Hospitality in Pittsburgh after serving lunch to men experiencing homelessness. Manar Deggouj, Sister Kathleen McGrady, Esha Mathew, Sister Maureen O’Brien, Richard Ratliff, Camille Kuczynski, Abby Veycheck, Emily Veycheck, and Darren Achtezhn, left to right .

last year to share their experience in the program with the Seton Hill community.

“These activities have created a community of young persons who will move on to various professional careers with a sense of how what they do can embody an expression of who they are, what they believe, and how this can make a difference for themselves and the world they touch,” he added.

Manar said she enjoyed learning more about the history behind Seton Hill’s beginnings and its mission.

“I want to be able to foster positive growth and promote inclusivity and positivity wherever I am in the future – in my job, in my neighborhood, and in my community as a whole,” she said. “All in all, this (program) has really given me a deeper understanding of the concept of sonder (the

feeling of realizing that everyone else has a life as complex and full as your own), and I am really grateful for being given this opportunity.”

In the fall of 2025, a new cohort will be named and begin their work in deepening their understanding of Seton Hill’s namesake and founders.

“It has been exciting for me to observe the growth of the Setonian Mission Scholars in their knowledge of the Mission of Seton Hill, grounded in the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and her daughters, the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill,” Sister Maureen said. “Their actions and involvement within and beyond the Seton Hill community demonstrate their commitment to live and to spread an understanding of the four pillars of our Catholic Setonian Mission, as a welcoming, learning, serving, and celebrating community.”

Scholars visited the Saint Mary Seminary Chapel in Baltimore, Md., next door to the original house Seton lived in.

Sister Maureen O’Brien, Nico Morello, Esha Matthew, Jesna Thomas, Abby Veycheck, Emily Veycheck, Camille Kuczynski, and Richard Ratliff, left to

Scholars Share Their Stories

Jesna Thomas Health Science

Simi Valley, California

“Coming from California, I knew nothing of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill and their importance in the world, and I wanted to learn about the role they have had through hands-on activities like seminars, pilgrimages, services, and discussions with the Sisters.

When talking to the Sisters of Charity, I felt like I got a directly personal viewpoint as they are living the legacy of Elizabeth Ann Seton and are dedicating their lives towards the mission. I was able to hear how they were able to follow the charisms of their community whether through providing education as teachers, through service to the community, or in other ways. This experience showed me how they are carrying on the mission of Mother Seton and served as a reminder that their mission is not simply historical, but something that is still present and can be carried on by Seton Hill students into the future.”

Nico Morello Graphic & Interactive DesignAnimation Sheffield Lake, Ohio

“I was interested in being part of this program for a few reasons: as a Catholic, I was interested in learning more about an organization that is part of the faith; I wanted to know more about the history of the university and why it is so special; and I knew it would be a good opportunity to travel and experience new things. The trips we've taken, especially the visits to Baltimore, Emmitsburg, and Gettysburg, were incredibly helpful in learning more about the Sisters of Charity and Elizabeth Ann Seton.

The Sisters of Charity, both individually and at an organizational level, have created legacies that have carried on and will carry on for generations. Having seen this firsthand has inspired me to create a legacy of my own by being an example for others, sharing the knowledge I have, and taking meaningful action towards the betterment of others and society as a whole.”

Emily Veychek Biology/LECOM 4+4 Irwin, Pennsylvania

“I am Catholic and deeply rooted in my faith, which has always been a guiding force in my life. I was particularly interested in being a part of this program to deepen my understanding of the mission and values of Seton Hill University, especially the charism and legacy of the Sisters of Charity. Their dedication to service, education, and faith resonates strongly with my own values, and I was eager to learn more about how they live out their mission in today’s world. This program has deepened my awareness of the Holy Spirit’s constant presence in our lives, guiding us through challenges and enriching us during moments of joy.

Additionally, I have gained a greater appreciation for the history of Seton Hill and the positive impact of the Sisters of Charity. I hope to share their legacy of faith, service, and dedication with others, ensuring that their story and mission continues to inspire those around me.”

Success STARTS

HERE X

Scholarships, Support Help Setonians Find Their Way Forward

Seton Hill is more than just a college; it’s a pathway to transforming lives. Students come to campus from down the street, across the state and around the country to find their path and build a future for themselves.

Seton Hill has always adapted to challenging times and faced hazards head on, thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of our founders. The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill –and the legacy they left for generations of leaders – have built a University community that truly cares about each student as a person.

Here are the stories of several of today’s students and how Seton Hill is helping them find their way forward.

SUPPORT IN STEM

Maureen Johnson-Keitt came across the state from Philadelphia to Seton Hill to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Maureen, a first-generation college student, has become involved on campus in a variety of ways over the last two years, participating in the Winterguard and Cheerleading teams and the Pre-Veterinary Club, and the biology major has found a supportive campus environment.

One program that has been formative for Maureen’s college experience is the S-STEM or Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program. The program, in its second year at Seton Hill, provides cohorts of scholars with

“Knowing that I have someone to turn to for support has made a huge difference in my confidence and academic growth so far at Seton Hill.”

- Maureen Johnson-Keitt

Dr. Ashley Bartleson talks with Maureen Johnson-Keitt during her lab class.

financial support, mentoring and extracurricular opportunities while creating a community with fellow STEM students. In year one, the incoming students are mentored by upperclassmen and over the next three years they gradually make the transition from being a mentee to becoming a mentor for younger students.

“Having a mentor has been extremely valuable in easing my transition to college. My mentor has offered guidance, encouragement, and practical advice, helping me navigate academic challenges and find my muse in biology,” Maureen said. “Knowing that I have someone to turn to for support has made a huge difference in my confidence and academic growth so far at Seton Hill.”

Maureen said her mentor has eased her mind as a first-generation student and helped her stay motivated to succeed. Financial support has also been incredibly important in helping her achieve her goals.

“Receiving scholarships, including the S-STEM scholarship, was crucial to my ability to attend Seton Hill. The financial support alleviated the burden of tuition costs and allowed me to focus on my academic journey and finding my way through the college process. Without this assistance, achieving my educational goals would have been significantly more challenging,” she said.

Sophomore Peyton Cercone, another biology major and S-STEM scholar, has also found having a mentor –and community – valuable to his college experience.

“I’ve always been passionate about learning, and to me, biology is the most fascinating and expansive field of science. It’s an ever-evolving field with endless knowledge to uncover, making it the perfect major for me,” Peyton said. “Although I love science and biology, I never had much experience in the field. Having a more experienced student give you information you never would have known genuinely feels like having a ‘cheat code.’”

While he knew when he first set foot on campus that Seton Hill was his dream school, for Peyton, it was a dream that almost didn’t come true.

- Peyton Cercone

“I always thought the idea of ‘knowing’ your dream school the moment you set foot on campus was a myth – until I visited Seton Hill. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he said. “But without scholarships I doubt I would have decided to come here. Scholarships have made a huge impact on where I ended up and also on my stress levels while in college.”

In fact, Peyton distinctly remembers getting a call from Seton Hill that he had been selected for the S-STEM program and would be receiving a scholarship while sitting in a gas station parking lot.

“I ran around the parking lot with my high school friends cheering and jumping up and down for around 15 minutes,” he said. “It’s a lifelong memory I will never forget.”

And the built-in S-STEM group he came onto campus with was a key part of Peyton finding his footing in his first year at Seton Hill.

“Though I have always been a very outgoing and extroverted person, being in college as a freshman

Peyton Cerone is one of Seton Hill’s Griffin Guides.

was hard for me,” Peyton said. “Through its oneon-one and group meetings, the S-STEM program provided the connections and information I needed to become active on campus. The faculty, mentors, and peers gave me a huge push to start finding that outgoing and extroverted person again.”

Peyton is now helping others make a successful transition to college in his roles as an orientation leader coordinator, secretary of the Griffin Guides, a First Year Seminar Instructor, a resident mentor during Seton Hill’s summer academy program, a work-study for the Office of Disability Services, and as an S-STEM mentor.

THE NEXT STEP

Each student has their own journey to find their path through higher education. For junior Brooke Martin, Seton Hill wasn’t her first step, but she is glad to be here now.

“I would say I’ve had a very nontraditional route to Seton Hill, but thanks to how open and welcoming the school is, I found a fit very quickly. I was able to jump head first into many projects, knowing I have the support of all the professors and students around me.”

- Brooke Martin

Brooke is a first-generation college student from Youngwood and attended high school just 10 minutes away at Hempfield, but her path to the Hill took a few turns. As a high school senior, she committed to Clarion. Brooke then chose Westmoreland County Community College for its affordability and the ability to transfer credits down the road and completed two years at WCCC with plans to pursue an English degree in the future. Two years later, she was ready to continue her pursuits but had rethought her direction.

“I had a friend who attended Seton Hill and I saw how involved she got in her career field with internships and clubs and how quickly she landed a job after graduation,” Brooke said. “I could tell simply by the way she spoke of the University how committed the school was, and I did not get that vibe from any other school.”

The two gap years she took changed Brooke’s perspective and goals. She chose the Communication - Integrated Marketing & Public Relations major because it combined analytics and creativity.

Brooke has found support in her advisor Dr. Catie Clark-Gordon, the faculty in her major, her fellow students and the staff of the Career and Professional Development Center. She and another transfer student in her major, Bara-Serene Mason, connected quickly and went outside of their comfort zone this spring when they took part in a marketing hackathon as part of a collaborative, entrepreneurial clinic in Bellevue called VueFWD. Brooke and Bara-Serene were able to take what they had learned in the first year of their classes on the Hill and – together with a student from Point Park – use their skills to win the competition.

“I would say I’ve had a very non-traditional route to Seton Hill, but thanks to how open and welcoming the school is, I found a fit very quickly. I was able to jump head first into many projects, knowing I have the support of all the professors and students around me,” Brooke said. “There is so much value in the type of education you receive at SHU, and I find it important to really use all the tools the University has for you to find your forward.”

Brooke Martin works on the Admin Building Porch.

Brooke is applying her skills in graphic design and social media marketing as a work-study with the Student Athlete Well-Being program and a freelancer helping companies such as Greensburg’s Beeghly & Company Jewelers craft their content, and is starting a new role as an intern with the Greensburg Business & Professional Association. Additionally, Brooke has also maintained her role as a shift leader for the Greengate Chick-fil-A where she has worked since she was 15.

“My time at Seton Hill has been extraordinarily rewarding as the school is so dedicated to their mission and pillars; it shows in everything the school does,” she said. “I love being involved in my community through service projects at Seton Hill, and I appreciate every student and professor that has welcomed and helped guide me every step of the way.”

Like Brooke, Keith Elliott’s path to the bachelor’s degree he received in May - at age 39 - was not a straight one, but he believes he is now better equipped to take on new roles within his company thanks to his Seton Hill education.

After graduating from Penn-Trafford High School, Keith studied welding and engineering at WCCC. He then joined the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers as an apprentice, becoming a journeyman and working union jobs for about six years.

Once Keith started work as a welder at Ebara Elliott Energy, a worldwide company that designs, manufactures and services turbomachinery equipment, he began taking on higher-level roles.

“I realized I wanted more, and I needed to create more opportunities for myself,” Keith said. “It’s difficult to start progressing without that bachelor’s degree; it was something I needed if I wanted to keep moving up.”

When Keith began looking at his options Seton Hill rose to the top – and it wasn’t just because his company offered a discount on tuition.

“Seton Hill had a business administration major in an adult degree program that was customizable to what I needed, because I wasn’t able to just go to school at

“Seton Hill had a business administration major in an adult degree program that was customizable to what I needed, because I wasn’t able to just go to school at random times of the day.”

- Keith Elliot

Keith Elliot outside his employer’s offices at Ebara Elliott Group.

random times of the day,” he said. “The classes were 100 percent online and that flexibility drew me there.”

Although his classes were online, Keith still felt like he was part of the Seton Hill community.

“Professors had the availability to talk with you or have a discussion if you had a question. The administrators and counselors would get back to you,” he said. “I really liked that ‘small town university thing,’ and it didn’t feel like a student factory.”

Now with Ebara Elliott for 13 years, Keith is a project manager working in global procurement strategies. He said the classes he took at Seton Hill have already helped him in his day-to-day work, and he has implemented the lessons he learned in his job.

He is confident his degree will help him climb even higher.

“A bachelor’s degree is a requirement for most jobs that I would be looking toward,” he said. “Employers just want to see you can complete tasks and do

“Seton Hill has been a place where I can strive to be the best version of myself and many people on campus have helped me in my journey, too many to count.”

- Oceana “Ocean” Felipe-Sirnic

Jennifer Hedden works with Oceana Felipe-Sirnic in the Center for Success.

everything in a specific amount of time and a bachelor’s degree tells your employer you can do that.”

FINDING A HOME ON THE HILL

Oceana “Ocean” Felipe-Sirnic and Elijah “Eli” Bennett came from near and far to study at Seton Hill, but they are finding their place in the world thanks to their time on campus.

Ocean came to the Hill from just down the road in Jeannette. The sophomore got to know Seton Hill through programs in her high school and had the opportunity to get to know campus over time, including taking classes the summer before she started her freshman year as part of a summer bridge program.

Coming from a single parent household, resources were scarce and Ocean wasn’t sure how college would fit into her plans before she got to know Seton Hill and the faculty and staff.

“Committing to Seton Hill felt like a leap of faith. I don’t come from a financially wealthy family, but the

University selected me for the Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship and TRIO/SSS program that have helped me to push through my first years,” she said. “Having the opportunity to get an education is a true blessing for me. I love to learn and want to build a life for myself. College is where all that starts for me. When I came to Seton Hill, I instantly felt like it was a place where I could grow and prosper.”

Ocean didn’t arrive on campus knowing what she wanted to study, but she explored the possibilities and got involved in different activities that sparked her interest to get to know her options. She is now a global studies major with a sociology minor; her career goals are focused on helping with environmental and social issues around the globe, humanitarian aid, and supporting disadvantaged communities and populations.

“Different struggles that I have watched near and dear ones go through – and have dealt with myself –have motivated me to fulfill my own potential in life, and never give up,” she said. “We all go through struggles and sometimes feel alone but I have learned, especially from being at Seton Hill, that our struggles don’t last forever and there are good things coming in time.”

Between her work-study position in Student Involvement, service experiences including workshops with Campus Ministry and participating in the Alternative Break Trip to Cincinnati this spring, and working on the relaunched Setonian magazine, Ocean has become immersed in campus culture and is taking advantage of all the opportunities that come her way.

“Seton Hill has been a place where I can strive to be the best version of myself and many people on campus have helped me in my journey, too many to count,” she said. “Seton Hill has also helped me to become very educated – far more than I expected –and taught me skills to become an upstanding citizen with a strong professional character.”

Eli had reached a crossroads in his life when Seton Hill came calling - quite literally.

He had a tumultuous childhood in Los Angeles and was adopted at a young age due to his biological mother’s struggle with drugs. Eli said he had to grow up fast and learn independence with his adoptive mother’s busy schedule, and he poured everything he had into football.

He headed to junior college to play after high school in hopes of getting an offer at a Division I school. But those calls never came, and Eli eventually found himself working two jobs without a clear direction in life.

“I still wanted to play football, and I was really needing something to happen,” he said. “So I decided that the next school that called with an offer, I was going to accept.”

That call came from Seton Hill, offering Eli an athletic scholarship. Though he knew nothing about Greensburg, a week later he was on a plane to start a new life.

It wasn’t an easy transition at first. In a completely different place with no family and no friends, Eli felt alone. He made mistakes both on the football field and off and - for a time - didn’t have a roster spot on the team.

But he started making friends and getting involved in campus activities like Project H.O.M.E., a select group of students who work as peer mentors and sounding boards for students who are struggling to find their place on campus. Dan Day ’09, who was head football coach at the time, allowed Eli to remain connected to the team and gave him a chance to earn back his roster spot.

The change got him out of his comfort zone and gave him a chance to grow.

“Seton Hill gave me the opportunity to be myself and express my passions,” he said. “Being at a small school, everyone is willing to give you the help if you ask for the help. It was easy to build relationships and be confident in talking with faculty and other people.”

With this growth, Eli earned back his spot on the football team – and is now a captain. He has also

“Seton Hill gave me the opportunity to be myself and express my passions. Being at a small school, everyone is willing to give you the help if you ask for the help. It was easy to build relationships and be confident in talking with faculty and other people.”

- Eli Bennett

found a leadership role in the community, joining other captains for frequent service opportunities which have included volunteering weekly with a Special Olympics basketball team and at a soup kitchen during the semester.

And his general studies major – heavy on classes in psychology and theatre – hints at both his own interests and a future that includes playing football at the highest level before turning to coaching and opening training facilities to help youth athletes.

“I wish I had a ‘me’ when I was a kid,” he said. “I want to create that type of atmosphere after my time at Seton Hill. I know younger me would look up to me now.”

Eli Bennett assists at a Special Olympics basketball practice.

STUDENTS Supporting

Scholarship donors and recipients gathered together in April for the annual Scholarship Luncheon, giving students an opportunity to directly thank the donors who have helped support them. A panel of students shared their personal stories of what scholarship support means to them.

“I'm very grateful, very thankful for receiving these scholarships. It takes that worry, that stress off our shoulders of thinking about how we're going to afford college. If I'm blessed enough to be able to afford to give back to people (someday) then I'll definitely do it.”

- D’Kairi Boone, Computer Science and Cybersecurity

President Mary Finger (center) with donors and members of the Class of 1969 (left to right) Marissa Huttinger, Sandra Bobick, Mary Susan Bradley, Katie Moloney and Joanna Pietropaoli Stillwagon.

WHY I’M GRATEFUL...

“The Tracy S. Eberhardt ’08 Annual Scholarship has greatly impacted me because the funds gave me the opportunity to attend college after my father died in 2020. My family and I didn’t know if I would be able to go to college because of our financial situation. With this assistance, I am able to attain a great education and have a future career as a teacher.”

- Lynsey Breth

WHY WE GIVE...

WHY I’M GRATEFUL...

"Through Seton Hill, I have had many great opportunities to gain unique experiences and would not have been able to attend this university without the help of scholarships."

- Brianna Kline

"The hope and goal of this scholarship is to help a student who shares the same passion that Tracy had so that her spirit will live on in that field as a new teacher sets out on their own path to touch the lives of special needs students.”

- The Eberhardt Family

WHY I’M GRATEFUL...

“After graduation, my plans are to follow in the footsteps of Seton Hill’s generous donors and create a scholarship so that I can help students achieve their goals, like donors have helped me achieve mine.”

- Brian Benko

Tracy S. Eberhardt ‘08 Scholarship recipient Lynsey Breth (left) with Jonathan Eberhardt and daughters Danika and Taylor.

Donors Carole and Glenn Johnson with Brianna Kline (center), recipient of the Beth Ann Johnson Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

Scholarship recipient Brian Benko (center) with donors Aaron Pollock, Emily Shedlock, Gloria Pollock and Arthur Pollock.

Real World,

Real Stakes

Business Students Gain Valuable Experience On and Off the Hill

Students in Seton Hill’s School of Business and Technology learn important lessons from their professors in the classroom. But their curriculum also includes valuable real-world experiences. Classes often travel across campus, into town, and around the country to gain valuable hands-on learning experiences that lead to their success far beyond their time on the Hill.

“Our faculty are engaging students in meaningful opportunities in the business community that are helping them transform from eager learners to successful professionals. Our programs - coupled with the university’s liberal arts core - truly are ensuring graduates are well-equipped to lead and innovate in the business and technology industries,” said Dean of the School of Business and Technology

around Pittsburgh, or traveling to conferences around the United States, Seton Hill students are able to put the lessons learned in the classroom into practice, gaining valuable experience in their fields well before they graduate.

On Campus

“Our faculty are engaging students in meaningful opportunities in the business community that are helping them transform from eager learners to successful professionals.”

- Jared “Jay” Burns, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business and Technology

Jared “Jay” Burns, Ph.D., who was recently recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as one of the “20 People to Know in Higher Education.” Burns, who was promoted to Dean last August after more than a decade as a professor at Seton Hill, manages the academic programs within the School, supports faculty development and drives strategic initiatives to help students studying business and technology find their best path forward.

Whether hosting an experience on campus, working on projects in downtown Greensburg, networking at events

This spring, students in the Event Planning class taught by Assistant Professor Of Communication Catie Clark-Gordon, Ph.D., worked to plan two campus experiences. Early in the semester, the class collaborated with the Career & Professional Development Center to help market and provide day-of support for their Life Skills 101 workshop, where participants had a chance to learn about different soft skills – such as budgeting, car care, and social event etiquette – as they prepare for life off-campus.

Later in the semester, the class separated into four teams to take on the planning for the campus-wide Celebration of Scholarship, which showcases student research and presentations. The marketing team designed and distributed materials to promote the event on campus; the website and communications team built the day’s schedule and site online and sent out emails; the logistics team worked on organizing events and scheduling rooms; and a student activity team worked on verifying student participation in the day with two activities – a Seton Hill-themed Jeopardy game and a

bingo card scavenger hunt. The students also were on site the day of the event providing any last minute support and answering questions.

“Event management is a field where theory must meet practice, and this course gives students the chance to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios,” Clark-Gordon said. “These hands-on experiences are essential for developing the critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration skills that define successful event professionals. It’s been rewarding to watch the students grow more confident, collaborative, and creative as the semester progressed.”

The Marketing Strategy and Marketing Principles classes of Associate Professor of Marketing and Business Rachel Kaplan, Ph.D., hosted a “Shark Tank” style event this spring where students from Uniontown High School and Seton Hill had a chance to pitch their business and products to the audience of their classmates and three judges from Fayette County. In addition to developing business plans, the Seton Hill students were able to live the experience of creating and implementing a marketing event.

“Entrepreneurship encompasses a sense of freedom and responsibility many students dream of,” Kaplan said. “This competition encouraged students to consider ways to turn this dream into reality, introduce key marketing and business principles to inspire and engage both high school students and college students. ”

Beyond classwork, MBA student and Graduate Assistant for Student Leadership & Involvement AJ Bove worked with campus partners and members of the Greensburg community to feature student entrepreneurial work in a three-part series this spring. Students had the opportunity to participate in a student business market in Cecilian Hall, host pop-up shops in Lowe Dining Hall during lunch, and showcase their ideas for campus and beyond in the Griffin Impact Challenge pitch competition.

Growing Greensburg

Students have been collaborating with the Greensburg Business and Professional Association (GBPA) through the 2024-25 academic year. In the fall, professors and students worked with the organization to develop social media strategies for the local businesses as part of the

Sophomore Amarr Barrie, a business management major, hosted a pop-up shop for his clothing line in Lowe Dining Hall this spring.

Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) grant project. Most recently 30 students in the Organizational Leadership class taught by Professor of Communication Jen Jones, Ph.D., helped plan and host a Mother’s Day Blooms & Sips event in downtown Greensburg to encourage foot traffic and shopping local.

“We’re thrilled to see Seton Hill come off the Hill. The students are a joy to work with,” said Amy Beeghly, president of GBPA. “Anything we do to get people to come downtown benefits all the business owners.”

That wasn’t the only shopping event Seton Hill students worked on this spring. As part of the annual ArtsWalk in downtown Greensburg in April, Dr. Jones’ Corporate Ethics and Social Responsibility class hosted a fair trade market for the community. The class regularly partners with the nonprofit Ten Thousand Villages to empower communities around the globe with ethically-sourced handcrafted wares and hosts the fair trade market on campus in the fall.

“We’ve had this partnership for over 10 years, and the sale has become a tradition on campus that everyone looks forward to ahead of the winter holidays,” said Jones. “I’m glad we’re able to offer it off campus during

“We’re thrilled to see Seton Hill come off the Hill. The students are a joy to work with. Anything we do to get people to come downtown benefits all the business owners.”

- Amy Beeghly, President of the Greensburg Business & Professional Association

the spring semester where it was a big hit with the Greensburg community at the Arts Walk.”

Seton Hill also has an ongoing connection with the Downtown Greensburg Project, especially around its popular Night Market. The project’s founder, Jessica Hickey, has hosted several interns from Seton Hill and students frequently volunteer at the market through the school year.

Seeing Success

Setonians aren’t just gaining experience close to home. They regularly participate in business competitions and networking opportunities in Pittsburgh where they have a chance to connect with other professionals, professors, and the region’s large population of college students. Professors also connect students to internship opportunities through events like the Steelers Public Relations Summit and the Career in Sports Night hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Taking these trips and making connections in person builds on the foundations created in the classroom. Professionals from the Pittsburgh area – and successful alumni – are frequent guest speakers in classes throughout the semester, giving students valuable perspectives into their industries and what they are looking for in interns and future employees.

Students wrap up flowers as part of the Blooms & Sips event in Greensburg.

This year, the Steelers Internship Coordinator spoke in Professor Kaplan’s Principles of Marketing and Marketing Strategy class about what is necessary for a successful internship experience. Anna Kalkowski, Taylor Schmitt, and Colton Cramer will be first-year interns with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and May graduate and MBA student Zoey Sussan returning for her second year as a stadium assistant lead helping with events and with the first-year interns.

Zoey has participated in many of the experiences available to students in the School of Business and Technology including the MarComm club, the Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honors Society, traveling to Pittsburgh for various networking opportunities, and presenting at the Career Readiness Summit and the pitch competition with Uniontown High School about how to get involved on campus. (She was also cheerleading captain, a student ambassador and involved in intramural volleyball among other activities.)

Sophomore Bridget Joyce will be graduating in just three years as part of Seton Hill’s Fast Forward program and

starts her MBA classes this fall, but she is making the most of her time on the Hill.

Bridget found a role as a peer career advisor in the Career and Professional Development Center at the beginning of her first semester and has been with the Center ever since. She has worked closely with the Center’s staff to introduce and grow their social media presence, which helped her focus her career goals. She also worked with the staff, her fellow peer career advisor Julie Fekete and her event planning class on the Life Skills 101 workshop.

Additionally, Bridget has had internships with both Seton Hill’s marketing department and the Downtown Greensburg Project, where she continues to work events –and she has been able to take her on-campus experiences and translate them into off-campus opportunities. She was recently hired for a part-time remote position as the communication coordinator for Jefferson United Methodist Church in Jefferson Hills, Pa., and will be interning with Piada Italian Street Food this summer.

“The

opportunities I’ve had both in and out of the classroom at Seton Hill have really shaped my skill set and made me more marketable when applying for off-campus roles. I’m especially grateful for the incredible support from the faculty and staff.”

- Sophomore Bridget Joyce

Bringing Finland Back to the Steel City

Art Education Alum Holly Adams ’94 Explores Nordic Culture Through the Fulbright-Hays Program

Holly Adams has worked with students at St. Edmund’s Academy in Pittsburgh for nearly 20 years, helping them create art and learn more about the world around them.

In the summer of 2024, Adams expanded her global footprint by traveling to Finland for a month as part of the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program with 15 other K-8 teachers.

“We got to meet a lot of educators from all over Finland and travel to pretty much every region of the country,” Adams said. “It was an incredible experience that I’m going to continue to unpack for a long time.”

Her previous professional development experience had focused around teaching tools and classroom management, but she was led to apply for the FulbrightHays program by her own interests. When she read the description for the Finland program and its emphasis on education, nature and sustainability, she felt an instant connection.

“Seton Hill helped me become a serious student and to take my learning seriously. My choice to do the Fulbright had more to do with my love of learning as an individual,” Adams said.

As part of the application process, Adams submitted an updated curriculum for the fourth graders in her current class, “Global Arts & Sustainable Development Goals.” After her trip she has been expanding the curriculum for her other three grade levels with a focus on the school’s year end symposium.

Adams has the opportunity to work with her students in each grade level three days a week thanks to St. Edmund’s emphasis on the arts.

“Just being able to go somewhere that was so intellectually stimulating was a treat and then to be able to come back and share it with my students it’s been a thrill for all of us,” Adams said.

“Seton Hill helped me become a serious student and to take my learning seriously. My choice to do the Fulbright had more to do with my love of learning as an individual.”

- Holly Adams ’94

CALLING & THE COMMON GOOD

Young

Alums

Connect with Students in Campus Workshop

What is my purpose? It’s a common query –especially among students trying to determine what comes after college.

During a February weekend, nine undergraduates explored that question in a workshop titled “Calling & The Common Good.”

Staff from the Office of Mission & Identity planned thought exercises, sessions with the Sisters of Charity, and service opportunities where students worked to determine the intersection of their passions and talents with what the world needs. The workshop was funded through a Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education grant.

Lance Edwards ’22, Bri Leith ’22, Ellen Davis ’23 and Marcus Weakland ’17, MBA ’19 took time to talk about their paths towards making a life, not just a living.

30 30 UNDER

Two Alumnae Honored by Pittsburgh Business TImes

Crystal Joyce ‘18, MBA ‘20, and Bre Bianco ‘20 have vastly different jobs, but both are working in their own way to improve their communities. The senior project manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers and director of school age child care for the Greensburg YMCA were honored for their work by the Pittsburgh Business Times and Leadership Pittsburgh as part of this year’s 30 Under 30 class.

Joyce works with the strategy and community relations arm of the Steelers – looking to see what opportunities for partnerships exist in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Since joining the team in 2023, Joyce has been focused on bringing the 2026 NFL Draft to Pittsburgh. She worked with Visit Pittsburgh and other organizations and government

entities across the region and state to develop the bid submission to the NFL. Since Pittsburgh was awarded the draft, she has served as the Steelers liaison to “make sure this is the best event Pittsburgh will ever see.” Joyce said she was nominated for this honor by her Steelers coworkers.

“It was really special to see that someone sees your potential,” she said. “It was not only a testament to my work but to my parents, my mentors, my professors at Seton Hill who helped me to get where I am. I am so grateful for everyone who helped get me here.”

Though she never played sports, Joyce has always enjoyed watching from the sidelines, working as a game day manager while she was a Seton Hill student.

“I always had that tie with sports,” she said. “Looking back now, I can see the path clearly.”

Bianco, who was featured in the Fall/Winter 2024-25 issue of Forward in a story about the resilience of the Class of 2020, took over the School

“It was not only a testament to my work but to my parents, my mentors, my professors at Seton Hill who helped me to get where I am. I am so grateful for everyone who helped get me here.”

- Crystal Joyce ’18, MBA ’20

Age Child Care program for the Greensburg YMCA when it was on the brink of closure. She has since turned the program around, increasing enrollment and bringing in new revenue streams.

“Being named a 30 Under 30 honoree is more than just an award—it’s a reflection of the heart, hustle, and hope I’ve poured into serving my community,” Bianco said.

“It’s a humbling reminder that impact isn’t measured by age, but by the lives we touch and the passion we lead with.

I’m honored to stand alongside so many inspiring leaders who are shaping the future with purpose.”

Crystal Joyce is working on behalf of the Steelers to bring the NFL Draft to Pittsburgh in 2026.

Bre Bianco ‘20

"As we look ahead to what's next, I'll be real with you - there is no syllabus for life, no course outline for the next chapter. And for some of us, that's exciting. For others, it's terrifying. But the good news is we don't need to have all the answers. We just need to keep moving forward."

- John Giansante, Class of 2025 Student Speaker

Congratulations CLASS OF 2025

Seton Hill celebrated its 107th Commencement on May 19 with more than 400 members of the Class of 2025 receiving bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The graduates celebrated their accomplishments with their families, friends, faculty and staff.

Brooke Lassinger processes in with the graduating class.

1 2

Austin Choi waves to the crowd.

Teammates Grace Agnello and Skylar Orlowski are all smiles.

Graduates line up in the stairwell of Sullivan Hall.

Jaden Lambert greets his family.

Graduates get excited in Sullivan Gym.

3 4 5

Women’s

Notes of Thanks

Retired University Organist, Professor Honored at December Commencement

Seton Hill University honored retired Associate Professor of Music

Edgar B. Highberger with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at December Commencement on December 16, 2024. Highberger joined the Seton Hill faculty in 1979 and taught courses in music history and in sacred music and organ. He also served as University Organist.

During his tenure at Seton Hill, he developed the degree and certificate programs in sacred music. In 1987, he founded the Seton Hill University Chapter of the American Guild of Organists – now known as the Greensburg Chapter. In recognition of his efforts, he was named

The Class of 2025 gift will go towards beautifying campus and maintaining other class gifts, such as the swings around campus and the

Professor of the Year in 2005, and he received the faculty award for Excellence in Liberal Arts Teaching in 2009. He retired in 2016.

In addition to the Honorary Degree, Seton Hill University Organist and Director of Sacred Music Michael Long donated a Steinway grand piano to St. Joseph Chapel in honor of Highberger, Long’s former teacher.

Ed Highberger is presented with an honorary degree during the December Commencement ceremony.

gazebo.

Soccer celebrates together on Sullivan Lawn.

Roots Run Deep

Maureen O’Brien, SC Honored at Class of 2026 Tree Blessing

When Sister Maureen O’Brien ‘67 was seven years old, she visited Seton Hill with her mother and aunt - and her life was changed forever. She told her mother she was going to go to college there one day, and they began saving right then for tuition.

Sister Maureen, who serves as Vice President for Mission and Identity at Seton Hill and is affectionately known as Sister Mo, was honored by the Class of 2026 as they blessed and dedicated a tree in her honor during the Junior Class Tree ceremony in May.

“It would be very hard for me to sum up all the life and impact of someone whose spirit is so deeply felt on this campus, but today with the planting of this tree, we offer a living symbol of that impact - of her strength, her joy, her faith and her unwavering devotion to Seton Hill,” Ryan Appleby ‘26 said during the ceremony.

Sister Maureen said she shared the recognition with all the Sisters of Charity, past and present.

“I am being honored for doing what I love to do and that’s to come to Seton Hill every day and interact with my colleagues, but more especially interact with our wonderful students. And so to be recognized by the students is a very humbling surprise for me,” she said.

“Let us continue to root ourselves in empathy, compassion, love and acceptance as we extend gracious welcome to allcertainly something that Sister Maureen … (has) done for many, many years.”

- President Mary Finger

Sister Francesca Brownlee, the first dean of Seton Hill, at the tree planting for the Class of 1925.

Class of 2026 members Dustin McMullen, Ryan Appleby, Hannah Proud, Julie Fekete and Rylee Reed with Sister Maureen O’Brien and President Mary Finger during the Tree Blessing Ceremony.

Seton Hill Welcomes New Trustees

William M. “Bill” Thalman

“One can feel the sense of ‘good work’ being done when on the Seton Hill campus. The university administrators are passionate about their roles in guiding the organization and providing a nurturing educational environment. I hope to use my financial and business experience to advance their efforts forward.”

Work Experience

Successful career in finance and operating positions. Joined L.B. Foster in 2021 and is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Previously Vice President of Advanced Material Solutions and Vice President of the Transformation Office at Kennametal, Inc. Prior work experience includes responsibilities in treasury, investor relations, and financial reporting. Bachelor’s degree in accounting from West Virginia University, MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Community Involvement

Bill and his wife, Diane, are the parents of four adult children and are members of Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Murrysville. He previously served on the Finance Council for Mother of Sorrows and the Diocese of Greensburg; Campaign Chair for United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania at Kennametal; and Campaign Chair for the Tocqueville Program.

John Stevens

“I have had the privilege to work with both the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill and with the University in various capacities over the past 10 years. I have seen the quality of Seton Hill’s education as my wife Leslie and son Michael went through the academic challenges required to achieve their degrees. I hope to contribute, in some small way, to furthering the Mission of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.”

Work Experience

More than 20 years with SunTrust Robinson Humphrey in Pittsburgh, retired as Director of Sales, Trading and Investment Banking. Previously worked at Equibank, Mellon Bank and Bank of America. John also served as the Interim Director of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Greensburg.

Community Involvement

A 1973 mathematics graduate of Saint Vincent College, John is a former member of their Board of Trustees. He is also a Trustee and a member of the Finance Council for the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, a Trustee for St. Vincent Archabbey, a former member of the Finance Council of the Diocese of Greensburg and a past President of the Board of the Catholic Institute of the Diocese of Greensburg.

Seton Hill Connection

John and his late wife, Leslie Uphoff Stevens, a 2010 graduate of Seton Hill, are the parents of two and grandparents of seven; son Michael is a 2014 graduate of Seton Hill’s MBA program. John supports the Leslie Stevens Scholarship for Adult Students at Seton Hill.

CRISIS CARE

Social Work Major Earns National Recognition for Research

Marissa Urbanic ’25 earned two honors at the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) Conference this year: she was selected as one of four inaugural fellows and she was recognized for her research.

At the BPD conference in Las Vegas this March, Marissa attended a special session for Student Fellows and presented her research at the student conference, titled “Crisis Intervention Training: Does CIT Encourage the Use of County Crisis Resources?”

Marissa’s research, which complemented her internship with Westmoreland Community Action in the fall of 2024, earned first place for best empirical research poster. She continues to work at the organization as a crisis worker traveling in a mobile unit responding to mental health crises throughout the county, conducting mini mental health assessments with their consumers and

helping them find the resources they need within their community. She hopes to expand her research on crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers in Westmoreland County.

Marissa graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work in May with a specialization in Behavioral Health and Addictions and a minor in Psychology. She plans to pursue a Master of Social Work and become a licensed social worker in the future.

NEW DOCTORAL PROGRAM ADDED TO HEALTHCARE EDUCATION OPTIONS

Students looking for a career in healthcare will have yet another option on the Hill. The university will add its second doctoral program, Occupational Therapy, in the 2026-27 academic year. More information about the program and application process can be found at www.setonhill.edu.

Marissa Urbanic talks about her research during Celebration of Scholarship.

Advocating for Education

“Without the grants and scholarships I’ve received from the state and my small university, continuing my passion for medicine at a top independent institution would not be possible.”

- Dustin McMullen in a speech at AICUP Advocacy Day

Director of Student Leadership and Involvement Evan Ditty and students Benjamin Sanner, Ayannah Elliott, Maria Poff, Dustin McMullen, Nora Ozimek, Collin Hearn, Georgia Williams, and Gloria "Gee" Mabiala traveled to Harrisburg to speak to legislators about the importance of state grants and scholarships as part of an advocacy day sponsored by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). McMullen was one of three students from across the state selected by AICUP to give a speech during the press conference at the Rotunda.

Celebrating

Scholarship

De’Mario Manning, who won the People’s Choice Award, explains his research to Ben Myers during the Celebration of Writing on the second floor of Admin. The tradition started in 2011 to celebrate first-year writing students, providing them with the chance to talk about their research with the campus community as the semester winds down.

The annual Celebration of Scholarship on April 29 brought campus together to showcase the impressive academic work, creativity, and innovation of students. Events were held throughout the day, including the Celebration of Writing, the University Research Conference, the Honors Symposium Prelude, and artistic performances and exhibitions. Tom James ‘07 offered the keynote address.

Arianna Shernisky presents her research on the oxidation of alcohol integrating green chemistry principles.

Breaking Ground in Biology

Three Seton Hill students had the chance to share their research with thousands of people from across the country at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center during this year’s National Conference on Undergraduate Research in April.

Elaina Ciecierski, Sophia Marcelli, and Molly Voit worked with Assistant Professors of Biology Brett Aiello, Ph.D., and Nicole McAllister, Ph.D., to submit their work and present their findings.

Elaina’s project dealt with the flexural stiffness of moth wings and how it impacts flight behavior; Sophia studied the anatomical variations and their frequency in cats; and Molly explored the role a fungus, Beauveria bassiana, could have as a biofertilizer and bioinsecticide for controlling the spotted lanternfly population.

OPEN FOR THE ARTSWALK

Seton Hill’s downtown Greensburg buildings, the Performing Arts Center and the Visual Arts Center, opened to the public for the annual ArtsWalk in April. The PAC hosted musical performances by students in the lower lobby, while the Visual Arts Center showcased student work and art sales in addition to family-friendly art making and demonstrations of painting, 3D printing, raku firing, foundry pouring, and laser engraving and cutting.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Director of Choral and Vocal Activities and Associate Professor of Music Mark Boyle was recognized for his volunteerism by the American Choral Directors Association this March. Boyle paired his background in technology as an electronics technician in the Navy with his dedication to choral directing to implement an app that has help the association’s conferences go paperless. Over the last 10 years, Boyle has continued his work on the app and now has a team of volunteers who support the app for all conferences throughout the organization.

SET IN INK

Gina Pivirotto ‘25 took her senior art exhibition - “Set in Ink” - beyond traditional artistic methods. Gina designed and programmed a video game for the show - and she built a fullsize arcade machine on which the game can be played. Gina, who graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in May, described the solo exhibition in the Jodee Harris Gallery at the Seton Hill Arts Center as “a celebration of storytelling through the art of ink, showcasing powerful moments frozen in time.”

REACHING FOR THE STARS

Associate Professor of Musical Theatre Joseph Domencic’s musical, “The Next Galileo,” returned to stage at Seton Hill’s Performing Arts Center April 3. Domencic wrote “The Next Galileo” for the Pittsburgh CLO’s Gallery of Heroes series, and it debuted in 2015. T”he Next Galileo” tells the story of 13-year-old Gabriella, who is full of questions but short on confidence as the quietest kid in the school’s astronomy club. That all changes when she takes an amazing journey back in time to meet the legendary astronomer, Galileo Galilei, and assist him as he races to finish his first telescope. Among the show’s cast was Malcom McGraw ’20, who had the chance to return to his roots on the Seton Hill stage.

A LIFETIME PERFORMANCE

Senior Kate McCarty showcased her dancing and acting skills in the new Lifetime movie “Killing the Competition,” which debuted in March. In the movie, Kate plays Jeanie, a friend of the lead character, Grace, whose mother is played by Melissa Joan Hart (below)

SETONIAN RETURNS

Seton Hill’s student publication, the Setonian, came back this spring after a brief hiatus. The 16-page magazine featured student stories, photos and design work under the guidance of advisor Wilda Kaylor ‘71.

STUDENT PIECE TAKES CENTER STAGE AT GALA

Abby Breznak, a dual major in dance - performance and business management, had a piece she choreographed, “i’m innocent,” selected for the gala event at the American College Dance Association’s Northeast Conference. Four of her classmates – Colby Miller, Elaina Ciecierski, Cammy Beglin, and Alexis Treese – performed the work. Two other student choreographers, Tori Mostoller and Grace Moore, also presented selections at the conference at Rutgers University during spring break.

Malcolm McGraw ‘20, Meredith Kocur, and Ben Nadler of Pittsburgh CLO's “The Next Galileo,” written by Joseph Domencic. Photo Credit: Archie Carpenter

SPORTS SHORTS

WRESTLING

Redshirt junior Mike Zacur won a regional title by going 4-0 in the 157 pound weight class at the 2025 NCAA Super Regionals in Fairmont, W.Va., in March. He qualified for the national NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Indianapolis and won one of his three matches before being eliminated from the tournament, finishing the season with a 10-3 record.

Kane Kettering earned sixth place in Super Regionals in the 174 pound weight class.

Graduate student Ethan Cain , sophomore Collin Hearn and freshman Jacob Braun were named NWCA Division II Scholar All Americans.

SOFTBALL

Pitcher Shelby Telegdy was awarded PSAC West Freshman of the Year.

EQUESTRIAN

Karlie Dennis earned two first places at the Zones horse show in West Virginia where she also qualified for the IHSA National Championships. The team traveled to North Carolina to cheer her on to a sixth place finish in her event.

Senior Haley Brenny represented the women’s track and field team at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Colorado in May. Brenny qualified in the 400m hurdles with the 17th fastest time of 59.81 seconds. That time earned Haley a school record and won her the PSAC title in the Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Slippery Rock earlier in the month.

New Griffin record holders from this spring’s outdoor season include Koschinya Jefferson, discus; Nemani Moon, 400m dash; Brenny, Layla Robertson, Gianna Sturdivant, Moon, 4x4 relay; Angelo Allen, discus, hammer throw; Jacy Willis, 200m dash, 400m dash; Cody Willis, 3000m steeplechase; and Kaden Crump, mile.

In March, Willis won the men’s 400 meter dash at the PSAC Championships for Indoor Track and Field with a time of 49.46 seconds. New Griffin record holders for the indoor season include Allen, shot put, weight throw; Malwandla Baloyi, heptathlon; and Moon, 400m dash.

Thank you to the 616 DONORS who gave more than $239,176 on Athletics Day of Giving!

Haley Brenny runs the 400 hurdles during the PSAC Championship at Slippery Rock University.

GRIFFINS TAKE G-MAC TITLE, SOAR INTO NCAA

The Griffins scored some playoff victories at home this season, winning their fourth G-MAC men’s lacrosse title by defeating Walsh University 20-5. After earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament – their sixth appearance – the third-seeded men brought out large home crowds for victories over Wheeling (29-4) and Wilmington (15-7) before being defeated by St. Anselm in the quarterfinals by a single point (8-9).

In addition to winning the G-MAC regular season title, the Griffins earned five out of six of the league’s major awards – and had nine players earn first team All G-MAC honors.

Seniors Braedan Lockyer, Charlie Hudson and Mark Strunk were named the G-MAC’s Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Specialist of the Year. Junior Will Cody was named Goalie of the Year for the second straight season and Brian Novotny earned his fourth Coach of the Year award. Novotny celebrated his 200th win during the season, which also featured a No. 3 ranking in the USILA Division II Coaches Poll.

Gavin Erickson battles against Wilmington University during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at home.

PITCHING KEY IN POSTSEASON ADVANCES

The Griffins made the NCAA Division II Baseball Tournament for the fifth consecutive season and the 14th time in school history before ending their season in the Atlantic Super Regional with a pair of losses to East Stroudsburg University.

The team earned an at-large bid to the tourney and entered as the fifth seed in the Atlantic Region, defeating fourth seed California (PA) University 14-2 to enter a best of three series with number one seed and PSAC Champion Millersville. After an initial loss, Seton Hill rallied with wins of 7-4 and 8-2 to advance to the Atlantic Super Regional.

Redshirt junior starter Ian Korn brought home national and regional awards in Division II for his pitching prowess. Titles include the Ron Lenz Pitcher of the Year and Atlantic Region Pitcher of the Year from D2CCA; ABCA/Rawlings Atlantic Region Pitcher of the Year and All-America First Team; National Pitcher of the Year by the NCBWA and PSAC West Pitcher of the Year. Korn held the top ERA in Division II through Atlantic Super Regional competition.

Freshman Brady McGuire was named the PSAC West Freshman of the Year for his ability to score runs.

Ian Korn won multiple National Pitcher of the Year Awards for Divison II.

SWEET SUCCESS

Nationally-ranked Griffins return to NCAA Tournament

After 15 seasons without an appearance, the women’s basketball team earned an atlarge bid in this year’s NCAA Division II Tournament.

The Griffins finished the season with a record of 24-7 and set a single-season program record for wins since the team joined the NCAA in 2013.

The Griffins ranked in both national polls throughout the season with second-year head coach Maeve Gallagher being named PSAC Coach of the Year. In addition to earning PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year, sophomore forward Mia Kalich was named one of the PSAC Winter Top 10 athletes for ranking third in Division II with 121 stealsall while maintaining a GPA of 4.0 in Engineering + Mathematics.

The third-seeded Griffins eased through the first round of the tournament at Edinboro, defeating sixth-seed Kutztown before a loss to second-seed Gannon in the Atlantic Regional semifinal.

Christiane Frye goes up against Shepherd University in Salvitti Gymnasium.

SPORTS SHORTS

WOMEN’S LACROSSE

Junior Mila Udovicic was named the PSAC West Athlete of the Year and senior Kara Gosnell earned a Women’s Lacrosse Champion Scholar Award at the PSAC semifinal. Gosnell maintained a 4.0 GPA while earning 133 credits towards her dual degree in psychology and criminal justice. The Griffins ended their season with a loss to undefeated West Chester in the PSAC semifinal game.

ESPORTS

After winning their conference in the fall, Rocket League repeated as conference champs in the spring, wrapping the year with a top 8 finish in nationals. The Overwatch team competed in the conference finals and made the first round of the national tournament, a great showing under secondyear director and head coach Christopher Sanders.

CROSS COUNTRY

Both the women’s and men’s cross country programs earned USTFCCCA 2024 Division II Cross Country All-Academic Team honors. Additionally, juniors Kaden Crump and Cody Achilles and senior Kate Pipilo earned USTFCCCA All Academic honors.

INTRAMURAL FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM LAUNCHES

Quarterback Paula Llovich throws to Sydney Caldwell during Flag Fest.

This spring Seton Hill’s new women’s flag football team kicked off their season as part of the Steelers Girls Flag Football League.

Intramural competition for the club team started with a kickoff at the end of the March bringing together students from Allegheny, Bethany, Chatham, Franciscan, Pitt, and Saint Vincent. Regular season games took place weekly and Flag Fest on the Hill was hosted on campus at the ProGrass (football practice) Field on campus, where the Griffins defeated teams from both Pitt and Franciscan.

Seton Hill began looking into Women’s Flag Football in the spring of 2024. Meetings were held with the Steelers throughout the year, and a women’s flag football tournament was held on campus in the fall with 30 participants. This spring, 25 women came out to join the team.

“Being part of the inaugural team at Seton Hill has been an incredible experience. It's special knowing we are laying a foundation for future players and creating a new tradition on campus.”

- Camryn Beglin

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2025–2026

Bishop Larry J. Kulick, J.C.L. Honorary Chair

Rebecca Cost Snyder Chair

Mary Norbert Long, SC ‘67 Vice Chair

Robin Heffernan Beck ‘64 Chair Elect

Grace Hartzog, SC ‘71 Secretary

Carmen Rivera Bauza ‘83

Rachel Blais, SC

Robert J. Brooks

Christian Carter ‘16

Robert A. DeMichiei

Melanie DiPietro, SC ‘69

Margaret DiVirgilio ‘80

Barbara Einloth, SC ‘71

Mary C. Finger, ex officio

Linda Fiorelli ‘74

Matthew J. Galando ‘04

Eileen Johnston, SC ‘70

Donna Marie Leiden, SC ‘66

Elizabeth Boyle McDonald

Tanya Moximchalk ‘95

Miriam Arroyo Murray ‘84

Patricia O’Donoghue

E. Ronald Salvitti II

Kathleen Sarniak-Tanzola ‘78

Joyce Serratore, SC ‘67

John Stevens

William M. Thalman

Bridget Widdowson ‘82

Jessica Ybanez-Morano ‘84

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Jean Augustine, SC ‘63

James Breisinger

Laurie Ann Carroll ‘81

Sara Gill Cutting ‘62

Rosemary Donley, SC

John R. Echement

Richard Hendricks

Mary Ellen Lawrie Cooney Higgins ‘64

Patrice Hughes, SC ‘62

A. Richard Kacin

Arthur H. Meehan

Donald I. Moritz

Barbara Nakles ‘76

Maureen O’Brien, SC ‘67

Maureen Sheedy O’Brien

M. Ellenita O’Connor, SC ‘58

Paul M. Pohl

Michele Moore Ridge ‘69

Marc B. Robertshaw

Arthur J. Rooney, Jr.

Ralph A. Scalise

Daniel J. Wukich

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

Mary C. Finger, Ed.D. President

Melissa Alsing, M.B.A. Chief Information Officer

Rosalie Carpenter, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs, Planning and Athletics

Imogene L. Cathey, J.D. Vice President and General Counsel

Brett Freshour Vice President for Enrollment Management

Maureen O’Brien, SC, M.A. Vice President for Mission and Identity

Brent Jackson Vice President for Finance and Administration, CFO

Molly Robb Shimko, M.B.A. Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Susan Yochum, SC, Ph.D. Provost

The Forward magazine is published by Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA 15601, setonhill.edu, (724-830-1005), for the alumni and friends of the University. Postage paid at Greensburg, PA. Seton Hill University, as a matter of tradition and principle does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, age disability, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other university-administered programs. Seton Hill University adheres to the non-discrimination legislation of both the federal government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, but not necessarily limited to, the Civil Rights Act or 1964, Title VI, Title IX, 1972 Handicap Provision, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Molly Robb Shimko Vice President for Institutional Advancement 724.830.4620 shimko@setonhill.edu

Lisa Carino

Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement 724.838.2409 carino@setonhill.edu

Mira Gornick

Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director for the Campaign 724.830.1993 mgornick@setonhill.edu

Erica Adams Advancement Services Manager 724.830.1137 eadams@setonhill.edu

Alicia Barnes Major Gifts Officer

724.838.4244 abarnes@setonhill.edu

Aubrey Cintron Major Gifts Officer 724.552.4336 acintron@setonhill.edu

Jessica Delio

Development and Communications Associate 724.552.4329 jdelio@setonhill.edu

Sarah Dudik Senior Writer for Advancement 724.838.4200 sdudik@setonhill.edu

Cynthia Ferrari Director of Special Grant Projects 724.830.4639 ferrari@setonhill.edu

Shana Holzer

Associate Director of Engagement and Special Projects 724.552.1310 sholzer@setonhill.edu

Cecilia Hughes Director of Gift Planning 724.830.4636 cahughes@setonhill.edu

Amy Lankey Donor Stewardship Manager 724.552.4303 alankey@setonhill.edu

Linda Morlacci Director of Foundation, Government and Corporate Relations 724.838.4232 lmorlacci@setonhill.edu

Jennifer Reeger Director of Communications and Media Relations 724.830.1069 jreeger@setonhill.edu

Jensen Scamardi

Graphic Designer 724.552.4397 jmscamardi@setonhill.edu

Wyatt Schussler Development and Alumni Relations Associate Extern 724.552.4371 wschussler@setonhill.edu

Lisa Seremet Development and Events Manager 724.552.4366 lseremet@setonhill.edu

Ashley Zwierzelewski Director of Alumni Relations 724.830.1005 akunkle@setonhill.edu

FORWARD & CLASS NEWS DESIGNS: Jensen Scamardi

WRITING: Sarah Dudik and Jennifer Reeger

PHOTOGRAPHY: Barry Reeger, Jensen Scamardi, Sarah Dudik, and SHU staff and students

PRINTER: Freeport Press