Susquehanna Currents: Spring/Summer 2024

AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY HOW ARE FACULTY ADAPTING? | PAGE 8 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

A TALE OF 2 VISIONARIES

LITERARY LEGACY

4 LITERARY LEGACY

The foundation for the Writers Institute began in 1964; today, it is both a bustling hub and quiet place for creative writing majors to pen their works.

14 TALE OF 2 VISIONARIES

Through visual storytelling in their powerful documentaries, two alumni seek to portray the sides of war that connect us as humans.

WAY POINTS

Class of 2024

See the coverage of Susquehanna’s newest alumni, all in one place. susqu.edu/Currents-Commencement-2024

WQSU Podcast Edition

Hear the podcast spotlighting two emeriti science professors and their interview with students (more on p. 18).

susqu.edu/Currents-WQSU-Science-Podcast

SU Press

Read about the relaunch of Susquehanna University Press, a collaboration between the Department of English & Creative Writing and the Sigmund Weis School of Business. susqu.edu/Currents-SU-Press

VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

AARON MARTIN

EDITOR

JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOTTS Director of Strategic Communications

EDITORIAL ADVISORS

MELISSA KOMORA Vice President for Advancement

LOGAN SWEET ’15 Director of Advancement Communications

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DANIEL GRAHAM Director of Athletic Communications

MADISON CLARK ’15

HALEY DITTBRENNER ’25

AMANDA O’ROURKE Public Relations Manager

JODI SWARTZ Class Notes Coordinator

LOGAN SWEET ’15 Director of Advancement Communications

NICHOLAS D. WILLIAMS ’25

DESIGN

JOSIE FERTIG Director of Brand & Creative Services

ERICA HOOVER Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

BLUE DOG IMAGING

GORDON WENZEL

Spring/Summer 2024, Vol. 92, No. 1 ©2024

All publication rights reserved. Susquehanna Currents is published twice a year by Susquehanna University, University Marketing & Communications, 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, PA 17870.

by Brilliant in Exton, Pennsylvania

“You proved that we learn best in community.”

— JONATHAN D. GREEN

First Word

A Message from the President

dear friends,

We recently celebrated commencement, and one of the recurring themes of that event was using our talents to change the world for the better. This is the altruistic goal of “achievement, leadership, and service”; and that is an underlying theme of this issue of Currents, making our world better through the art of storytelling.

This Spring, we hosted two alumni who screened documentaries they have recently produced.

Alumnus Fernando Ramirez’s film lifts up Ukrainian refugees and reifies the humanitarian components of their crises. When he was on campus, he was joined by our Ukrainian students and faculty whose stories helped to expand our community’s received narrative.

Baktash Ahadi returned to his alma mater to share his new documentary

about the U.S. military exit from Afghanistan. It is a poignant window into the transition and almost immediate dissolution of control in that troubled nation.

You will also read about the dedication of the Erynn E. Reiss LGBTQ+ Resource Center, the wonderful spring production of two little-known one-act operas by our Departments of Music and Theatre, and interviews with Professors Emeritus Tom McGrath and Fred Grosse through WQSU’s new podcast studio, yet another venue for storytelling.

At commencement, I told our students, “You proved that we learn best in community; that by engaging with each other to tackle life’s most challenging questions, we can find common ground; and that allowing ourselves to be intellectually vulnerable opens us up to new levels of wisdom.”

Storytelling makes that possible. It helps us to personalize complex questions, to humanize geopolitical challenges, and to understand and respect difference. These are the tools our students and alumni employ to successfully impact our evermore “diverse, dynamic, and interdependent world” for the better.

yours ever,

Jonathan D. Green President

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Literary Legacy

By Logan Sweet ’15 and Jennifer Yuricich ’00 Spotts

What began in 1964 as an interest, a hobby or a passion among Susquehanna students set the wheels in motion for the creation of a degree program now nationally recognized for its excellence.

Two years before the first creative writing course was approved for the curriculum, seven student editors and three faculty advisors published the university’s first student literary magazine, Focus. Described in the course catalog as “a means of communication for the best creative expressions of literary and artistic nature,” the magazine teetered between making new waves and barely staying afloat. When Gary Fincke became advisor to Focus in 1982, its trajectory was reset. And so was his.

A lecturer in English at the time, Fincke had just completed his first year of teaching the lone creative writing course at Susquehanna, and by 1986, he was leading four creative writing workshops and welcoming six or more visiting authors to campus each year. His entrepreneurial vision and forward

thinking for what should come next is why Fincke’s name has become synonymous with all things writing at Susquehanna University.

Fincke’s proposal to establish a writing community was endorsed by then Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Don Housley, and in 1993, this dream of “what could be” was realized.

“The university and especially Don Housley supported the creation of the Writers Institute and me as director,” Fincke recalls. “My ‘job’ was to find ways to call attention to Susquehanna by creating opportunities in creative writing.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Fincke was on his way to building a program that became more than he imagined.

Grant awards from the President’s Fund for Excellence and the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation fueled rapid

growth. By 1996, the creative writing major was approved and, according to Fincke, it had nine “eager volunteers.” Soon after the first two classes (1999, 2000) graduated, the number of faculty expanded to three and the number of creative writing majors surged.

The ushering in of these new writers was marked by new student literary magazines dedicated to the three genres that comprise the creative writing program: Essay, for creative nonfiction; and RiverCraft, for fiction and poetry. Focus was renamed in 1993 as The Susquehanna Review, and in 2003 it was launched as a national undergraduate magazine.

Its roots established in the Department of English & Creative Writing, formerly located in the English Cottage on University Avenue and then the lower level of Hassinger Hall, the Writers

The walls of the building that houses the Writers Institute are covered with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves containing thousands of student chapbooks, magazines, anthologies, novels, poetry collections, alumni publications, visiting authors’ books and faculty work. Its dedicated space lends itself well to collaboration, peer review and workshops and allows faculty to host a variety of readings, lectures and other events.

Institute moved to its own building on University Avenue in 2010. It has permanence, regardless of its location, because the Writers Institute supports and funds the creative writing endeavors at the university — literary magazines, chapbook publications, workshops, the senior reading series, prize-winning and prize-granting journals, a summer workshop for high school students, and the Seavey Visiting Writers Series.

In terms of physical space, the Writers Institute is to a creative writing major what a laboratory is to a science major, a studio to an art major, and a radio station to a broadcasting major.

“The Writers Institute serves as a nucleus for our community,” says Karla Kelsey, professor of English & creative writing. “The space naturally blends the work creative writing majors do in the classroom with the community that the Writers Institute fosters. It represents the function of the Writers Institute to hold space for creative interaction and growth.”

It is a place that is as much a quiet retreat for a student to be introspective and reflective as it is a boisterous hub for workshops and literary club members to brainstorm and collaborate. It houses inspiration — whether through the critique of peers and faculty or within the covers of the books and publications that line the bookshelves.

“I was here for our move into the building on University Avenue,” recalls Glen Retief, associate professor of English & creative writing. “That created a magical space on campus where writing and creativity were celebrated — where students continue to sit all morning or all afternoon, reading quietly or writing in front of books and chapbooks published by

alumni who came before them, faculty, visitors and even their peers.”

A must-see stop for aspiring writers while on a tour of Susquehanna’s campus, the Writers Institute is a recruitment tool all its own.

“I first visited the Writers Institute the summer before my senior year of high school during the Summer Writers Workshop,” says Nala Washington ’24 , a creative writing major with a minor in women and gender studies from Temple Hills, Maryland. “I fell in love with the building, people and professors, and appreciated how every aspect motivated me to become better, to work harder and to be greater.”

Washington will pursue a Master of Fine Arts in poetry from Texas State University. “The Writers Institute has been home to some of the biggest and bravest voices, and I’m proud that it now includes my own,” she adds.

Throughout the past three decades, hundreds of young writers have been inspired by the Writers Institute to foster creative lives.

“Our writing majors who applied to graduate programs had a nearly 100% acceptance rate, and many received funding to continue their education,” boasts Fincke. “Our alumni began to publish or teach, and several became lawyers, librarians, agents and editors.”

Graduate successes include Devon Taylor ’04, who is a senior editor at The New York Times and part of the Gimlet Media team that has been honored with a Pulitzer Prize and Peabody Award for the podcast Stolen: Surviving St. Michael’s; Nick Martell ’16, who secured a three-book publishing deal with Simon & Schuster for his epic fantasy series Legacy of the Mercenary

King ; and Catherine Pierce ’00, H’23, who was named poet laureate of the state of Mississippi. Pierce, now a professor of English and co-director of the creative writing program at Mississippi State University, was among Fincke’s first cohort of graduates who majored all four years in creative writing.

The connections that writers form at Susquehanna support them in their careers and personal lives. “The Writers Institute is based on energy, connection,

watched the creative writing program help students find their voices on the page and hone the skills they need to be not just great writers but effective communicators as well — attuned to their genre, their audience and their craft.”

Matthew Neill Null, assistant professor of English & creative writing, attributes the success of the institute to its creative programming and the community it fosters.“What makes the Writers Institute unique is the vibrancy of the

“The Writers Institute is based on energy, connection, commitment and vision.”

commitment and vision,” Catherine Zobal Dent, associate professor of English & creative writing and director of the Writers Institute, says. “We train new generations by making space for them to connect to each other as well as to the wider world of creative writing and literature.”

Sarah Gzemski ’13, business coordinator of the University of Arizona Poetry Center and executive director of Neomi Press, says, “The instruction I received at the Writers Institute exposed me and my peers to a large literary world of which we are still a part. When I entered graduate school and the workforce, I realized I had learned so much in my time at Susquehanna, not just about the craft of writing, but also about the publishing world and how to be a contributing member of the community.”

Retief, who in 2015 became Fincke’s first successor as director of the Writers Institute, adds, “Consistently, I have

—CATHERINE ZOBAL DENT, DIRECTOR

writing community at Susquehanna,” he says, “with so many public readings, literary magazines, visiting writers and other opportunities for engagement. It functions more like a graduate program. It’s rare for an undergraduate creative writing program to have such a large, lively writing community. It’s central to life here.”

Fincke retired in 2017 as Emeritus Charles B. Degenstein Professor of English and Creative Writing. The award-winning poet and author continues to write and publish. Reflecting on his 37-year career at Susquehanna, he says, “I couldn’t have been happier coming to work each day. I had a dream job, recruiting and teaching talented students and having excellent writers as colleagues.”

“The creative writing major emphasizes literature and writing courses that will be most valuable in preparing students not only for careers in writing, but also for related careers in law, education, publishing and editing. Courses are organized to offer breadth and depth, practical skills and intensive independent writing, presentation and production experiences.”

— Susquehanna University 2023–24 Course Catalog

Academic Integrity Artificial Intelligence

BY AMANDA O’ROURKE

Higher education has been navigating the complexities of the digital information age for more than 20 years. As artificial intelligence — ai — emerges as a transformative force, faculty specifically are adapting once again.

GENERATIVE AI, WHICH GENERATES TEXT, IMAGES OR OTHER DATA USUALLY IN RESPONSE TO PROMPTS, HAS BEEN VIEWED WITH BOTH CURIOSITY AND TREPIDATION, WITH CONCERNS OVER ACADEMIC INTEGRITY BALANCED BY EXCITEMENT OVER HOW AI CAN ENHANCE CLASSROOM PEDAGOGY.

Over the last decade, AI’s development has been consistently on the rise, leading to increased awareness and usage of AI systems.

“We know everyone is using it,” half-jokes David Imhoof, professor of history at Susquehanna, “not because we’re ‘catching’ them but because we know everyone is using it.”

At Susquehanna’s Break Through career networking conference in 2024, nearly every student at the AI in the Workplace panel raised their hand when asked if they’ve ever used an AI platform.

The Pew Research Center asked U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 about their awareness and use of AI (November 2023). The organization found that 67% are familiar with ChatGPT, arguably the most well-known generative AI platform. Nineteen percent of those teens said they have used ChatGPT to help with their schoolwork.

DAVID IMHOOF

Of the teens who have heard of ChatGPT, most (69%) say it’s acceptable to use the platform to research new things. The perception of acceptability declines when it comes to solving math problems (39%) or writing an essay (20%).

AI’s application in the classroom is fraught with ethical issues more complicated than just saying, “Alexa” or “Hey Siri.”

Susquehanna University’s Center for Teaching and Learning has tackled this topic head-on with a series of professional development sessions aimed at educating faculty on the mechanics of AI and how they can manage the use of it in their classrooms.

Susquehanna does not yet have a generalized, university-wide policy regarding the use of AI. Instead, Nabeel Siddiqui, assistant professor of digital media and director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, has encouraged faculty members to tailor their own policies to their classrooms.

For Amanda Lenig ’07, department chair and associate professor of graphic design, that means nurturing a culture of transparency.

“It’s part of the industry now, so I believe our job as professors is to teach students to be discerning in how they choose to use AI and to be accountable for that choice,” she says.

AI can be an advtange in the field of graphic design. As explained by Lenig, what once could have taken hours or days — let’s say creating a cardboard sword to be used in an advertising campaign for the television series Storage Wars, an example from one of Lenig’s assignments — can now be done in a matter of minutes through the AI tool in Adobe Firefly.

The ethics come into play, Lenig says, at the heart of the assignment.

“If the assignment was to create a custom or hand-done illustration, then using AI to create that illustration would be unethical,” Lenig reasons. “If the assignment was to create an ad campaign concept and execute that concept visually where stock photography could have been a method, then using AI would allow the student to create the perfect image for their campaign in a much quicker turnaround time.”

Lenig’s approach is one that is shared by others across the sciences and humanities. Siddiqui allows his students to use AI — up to a point. If he suspects a student is relying too heavily on AI, he will consult with the student about it.

What Siddiqui, in his position with the Center for Teaching and Learning, does not encourage is the default use of AI

“

I tell students they can use the tool to help them troubleshoot homework problems with the expectation they can still successfully navigate quizzes and exams.”

Mike Ozlanski ’05

DEPARTMENT HEAD AND ALLEN C. TRESSLER ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ACCOUNTING

ANUSHA

detectors, which typically search for the repetition of words as a sign that a text was AI-generated. This is because AI detectors can be problematic, he said.

According to a 2023 article published in the International Journal for Educational Integrity, an evaluation of 14 AI-detection tools found them neither accurate nor reliable (all scored below 80% of accuracy and only five over 70%). Studies have also shown AI detectors to be biased against nonnative English speakers.

“The reasons a student doesn’t cheat isn’t because they didn’t have access; it’s because they found it ethically

problematic,” Siddiqui says. “When a student does make the decision to violate academic integrity policies, there are larger issues that are occurring, in which case it is even more important to be able to talk to that student to determine what is going on.”

Instead of relying on detectors or banning the use of AI altogether, some faculty members are integrating AI into their assignments.

During the pandemic, Mike Ozlanski ’05, department head and Allen C. Tressler associate professor of accounting in the Sigmund Weis School of Business, migrated his tests

67% OF TEENS SURVEYED WERE FAMILIAR WITH CHATGPT

19% OF TEENS FAMILIAR WITH CHATGPT HAVE USED IT TO HELP WITH THEIR SCHOOLWORK.

69% SAY IT’S ACCEPTABLE TO USE THE PLATFORM TO RESEARCH NEW THINGS.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER SURVEY OF U.S. TEENS AGES 13 TO 17 (NOVEMBER 2023).

and quizzes to an online setting out of necessity. He has since moved back to the “old-fashioned” way of doing things — in class with a pencil and paper.

“I did this because ChatGPT (in January 2023) earned, on average, a passing grade on these assessments, so I needed a way to assess how well my students — not AI — know accounting concepts,” he says. ““I’ve also received informal feedback from students that many prefer taking paper-based assessments.”

However, he hasn’t altogether abandoned ChatGPT in his classes.

“I tell students they can use the tool to help them troubleshoot homework problems with the expectation they can still successfully navigate quizzes and exams,” he explains. “I also highlight that ChatGPT can create multiple-choice and true-false questions about course topics. So, they could use ChatGPT to help them prepare for these assessments.”

In another course, Ozlanski shares copies of ChatGPT output related to course projects and asks his students to critique them.

“We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the AI output. Then, it is their job to ensure their analysis is better than the chat,” he says. “ChatGPT could be a starting point for their analysis, but they are ultimately responsible for the quality

“ [AI is] part of the industry now, so I believe our job as professors is to teach students to be discerning in how they choose to use AI and to be accountable for that choice.”

Amanda Lenig ’07

DEPARTMENT CHAIR AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN

of their submissions, including accurate citations from credible sources.”

Ozlanski’s students must also acknowledge in their papers if they used AI as part of their analysis.

Anusha Veluswamy, visiting assistant professor of mathematical science, has had the students in her 400-level artificial intelligence course predict incidences of gestational diabetes by running an AI statistical analysis on provided data sets. She also uses AI-assisted grading.

“I load my answer key into the AI platform and first submit a test exam to confirm accuracy,” Veluswamy says. “The platform links directly to Canvas so students can easily submit their exams through a platform they are already familiar with.”

While not necessarily “AI-proofing” his assignments, Imhoof is and has always designed them in a way that would make them difficult to complete via AI.

“I do a lot of very narrowly focused assignments, so if students follow the assignment, it’s not easy for them to type something into ChatGPT and just get an answer,” Imhoof adds. “For example, I may ask my students to use specific documents to analyze an assigned topic because I’m less interested in their ability to gather information than I am in their ability to provide insight.”

“ With any advancing technology there is a fear to it, yes, and some jobs may go, but these advancements in technology are creating more opportunities for jobs and more skills to be learned.”

Joseph Morante ’21

DATA ANALYST WITH BLOOMBERG

Imhoof has also brough AI into the classroom through his Europe, Money and the World course. In it, students use ChatGPT to help them consider certain parts of a paper, but not write it for them. They also learn how important it is to submit the most appropriate prompt to a generative AI platform to receive the information they seek.

“We explored different ways ChatGPT could explain the process of decolonization — like a graduate student would, like a 15-year-old would, and like a stand-up comic would,” Imhoof explains. “Needless to say, they especially liked that last one.”

At Break Through, Joseph Morante ’21, a data analyst with Bloomberg, and Robert Masters ’20, a solutions analyst with Deloitte, spoke with students about the use of AI in the workplace.

Morante highlighted the various misconceptions surrounding AI, particularly the fear of job displacement. He and Masters pointed to various career pathways that he believes will be created or expand with the growth of AI, from coding to software design to prompt engineering.

“With any advancing technology there is a fear to it, yes, and some jobs may go, but these advancements in technology are creating more opportunities for jobs and more skills to be learned,” Morante says.

As AI platforms multiply and become more sophisticated, higher education will adapt as it had in the past to computers, the internet and smartphones. What educators like Imhoof, Lenig, Siddiqui and Veluswamy are looking forward to is using AI to instill in students what they have always sought — the ability to think creatively and critically to analyze issues and make effective decisions.

“When we teach people to be graphic designers, we’re teaching them to be critical thinkers and decision makers,” Lenig emphasizes. “While AI is certainly another tool in a student’s tool chest, AI doesn’t change what has always been central to our mission as educators.”

“Rather than reacting to generative AI like ChatGPT as a threat, instructors need to realize that our students will be working in a world that will feature AI in most jobs. We should, therefore, teach students how to use this technology effectively to enhance their critical thinking skills,” Imhoof says. “We have a unique opportunity to demonstrate how a liberal arts school like Susquehanna is the perfect place to figure out how to use AI as an extension of our skills, not as a replacement for them.”

JOSEPH MORANTE ’21 AND ROBERT MASTERS ’20 AT BREAK THROUGH 2024

A TALE OF TWO

Visionaries

Documentarians delve into discomfort to drive change.

BY MADISON CLARK ’15

In the realm of visual storytelling, the documentaries of Fernando Ramirez ’82 and Baktash Ahadi ’05 converge, painting a vivid picture of the human experience in times of war and highlighting the transformative power of people and their stories. Both individuals, hailing from immigrant backgrounds and armed with a profound sense of purpose, are driven by a common goal: to effect positive change in the world by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

Ramirez created Beyond the Statistics about displaced Ukrainian refugees to focus the narrative on their courage and resilience rather than the statistics about the horrors of the war. For Ahadi, the focus of Retrograde was personal: to document the aftermath of our nation’s withdrawal from the war in Afghanistan, his native homeland. While the contexts of the wars in Ukraine and Afghanistan may differ, both documentaries shed light on the profound impact of conflict on individuals and communities. In Afghanistan, decades of war have left lasting trauma and displacement among its people. Similarly, the invasion of Ukraine has thrust millions into uncertainty, forcing families to flee their homes and navigate the complexities that brings. Through intimate storytelling and firsthand accounts, both documentaries aim to humanize the experiences of those affected by war — highlighting the universal themes of courage, compassion and unwavering determination amidst adversity — and inspire social change.

Pictured above:

Baktash Ahadi ’05 (left) and Fernando Ramirez ’82 (right)

PURSUIT OF

Social Impact

Fernando Ramirez ’82 spent more than 30 years in the environmental sector, specifically in energy efficiency. He leveraged his business degree to build social impact companies, including numerous entrepreneurial ventures in sustainable energy and water access. In 2021, he founded Bridges 2030, a nonprofit nongovernmental organization dedicated to supporting two groups in particular: forcibly displaced communities and the next generation of changemakers.

“I believe that our passions are shaped by personal experience. My own family has an immigrant journey; we arrived in the U.S. in 1970 from Colombia, so I can relate to the struggles of moving to a foreign land,” he says. “The significant difference is that my family had a choice, but over 110 million forcibly displaced people all over the world do not. Bridges 2030 is my way to support and amplify the voices of people who have been forced to flee.”

The organization’s efforts include creating jobs in the solar industry, bridging the digital divide, and providing direct aid to Ukrainian refugees in Philadelphia; each of these aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, the documentary Beyond the Statistics is Bridge 2030’s first foray into film development — but likely not its last.

Bridging Divides, Building Empathy Ramirez is a lifelong documentary fan, and points to Anthony Bourdain as an inspiration behind his ability to weave together artistic storytelling and cultural engagement. Beyond the Statistics focuses on the human impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine beginning in February 2022, and aims to amplify the voices of Ukrainian families forcibly displaced from their home.

“Mainstream media is focused on providing statistics about every global crisis, so the atrocities of this invasion have been well documented. We felt there was another story that needed to be told: courage, determination, and resiliency by the Ukrainian people, as well as the support of the Polish people who have embraced over 1.7 million Ukrainian citizens arriving in Poland,” he says. “We are sharing the perspective of the human spirit, determination for survival and freedom, and the people supporting and protecting human dignity.”

Ramirez sees younger generations as partners in this mission, which plays a part in his work to empower young people to build lives and careers on a foundation of purpose and compassion.

“To ensure our mission outlives us and our impact multiplies, we must empower

and mobilize the next generation. I know that many young people suffer from compassion fatigue; we’re carrying phones around with us that are constantly updating us with news around the world and there’s always another crisis,” he says. “But I do believe that we have a sense of responsibility in this country. Let’s be clear: we live a privileged life compared to many people in developing countries that struggle every day to meet their basic needs.”

Compassionate Engagement, Cultural Understanding

No matter what purpose someone pursues, Ramirez is emphatic that everyone should develop the skills to sort out inaccurate information online, research the history behind a crisis, and communicate effectively across cultures. He’s hopeful that Susquehanna’s Global Opportunities program can contribute to each of these — especially if students are willing to be a little uncomfortable.

“I encourage students to broaden their cultural horizons by making a point to be a traveler and not a tourist. Do some research before you travel, visit places with significant cultural value, meet students from other countries rather than staying within a U.S.-centric friend group,” he says. “Being out of your element helps you learn so much. It can be easy to shy away from being uncomfortable, but I encourage people to embrace it.”

When Ramirez looks back at the path he’s taken, he feels a deep sense of gratitude for every experience.

“My life has been an internship that brought me to where I am today,” he says. “All of the lessons that I’ve learned, all of the people that I’ve met, all of the travel that I’ve done, and the unconditional support from my family. That’s why I am where I am today.”

A view of the public screening of Beyond the Numbers from the top of Faylor Hall.

A LEGACY OF Storytelling

Within moments of speaking with Baktash Ahadi ’05, it’s abundantly clear that he’s a storyteller. He speaks intentionally, visibly conscious of the weight of each word, and self-corrects as he shares, highlighting both his own lived experiences and those he’s been privileged to hear as a part of his intercultural work. This remarkable presence is hard-earned – and over 30 years in the making.

“When I was a kid, I was deeply shy. I didn’t speak until about the age of 10,” Ahadi says. “I didn’t know that I had a voice, that I had to believe in myself first, before the world would believe in me.”

Considering his professional résumé, this history may be hard to believe. Since studying sociology at Susquehanna, Ahadi’s served two years in the Peace Corps in Mozambique, Africa, and returned to his home country of Afghanistan to dedicate three years to combat interpretation and cultural advising. He created and hosted the Stories of Transformation podcast and founded the Taleem Project, subsequently producing and translating numerous renowned documentaries, including Retrograde, which captured the last nine months of America’s war

in Afghanistan — and earned Ahadi three 2023 Emmy Awards.

Shy Beginnings to Global Impact

This dedication to filmmaking can be traced back to Ahadi’s arrival in the United States in 1986. Not long after he was born in Kabul, his family fled Afghanistan and spent years in Pakistani refugee camps before being granted asylum and moving to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Community members who supported his family’s arrival introduced a young Ahadi to many films.

“Our sponsors would turn on their television and play movies for us: Star Wars, E.T., Indiana Jones. I didn’t know any English, but you don’t have to know English to understand that you are on a safari in a different world,” Ahadi says. “That is why I do this work. Films are a physical, emotional journey to another world. And when films touch us, they stay with us forever.”

While visual storytelling is his primary vehicle of choice to tell the human stories of vulnerable populations, Ahadi sees all forms of storytelling as opportunities to deeply engage with others and, as a result, expand cultural literacy.

“Stories get to the crux of what it means to be human. It does require a radical sense of curiosity about the person in front of you to take off your mask and show who you actually are,” he says. “But I don’t think there’s a better education for a person than going to a far-off land, sitting amongst people who have completely different lived experiences from you, and hearing what they think about family, violence, the nation state, the environment, sports and their relationship to all of these things.”

Fulfillment Through Purpose

Today, Ahadi is busy directing two films, one of which focuses on combat veterans, mental health and equine therapy. Across all of his projects, he continues to rely on the same self-awareness, communication skills and intense sense of gratitude that have contributed to his fulfillment thus far.

“Success is often defined by what society tells you is worthy. But fulfillment, on the other hand, is actually living the life that you were meant for,” he says. “Many of us look externally for answers and we are told that success is a status, salary, house, land, whatever. But I’ve realized that so many of the answers I’ve looked for have actually been inside of me, in my inspirations, flaws, motivations and shame.”

Like so many Susquehanna alumni, Ahadi continues to support others — especially those who are interested in elevating their stories, whether in film, leadership or business. He’s hopeful that his work helps others feel more courageous in pursuing their own fulfillment.

“When I’m speaking with people who have lost so much, they’re not asking for a passport to America. They’re not asking for a million dollars. They’re mostly asking to be heard,” he says.

Scene from Ahadi’s Emmy award–winning film, Retrograde

PEOPLE & PLACES SCOREBOARD THE ’GROVE

Senior music major Nathaniel Hines stars as Pantaloon in the one-act opera Fête Galante composed by Ethel Smyth.

THE WHO, WHAT AND WHERE FOR ALL THINGS SUSQUEHANNA

Bridging Generations in Science PEOPLE & PLACES

It’s not exactly like going back to science class — it’s better.

Two emeriti professors reminisce with current students about teaching “in those days.” Produced entirely by a team of WQSU student staff, this podcast brings to life their shared appreciation for science, research and Susquehanna.

Recalling what the science equipment, research opportunities and grant funding were like decades ago, the professors recounted details so specific that time didn’t seem to be a factor in the equation.

“Well, we had a pH meter and a spec 20. That was our equipment,” Thomas McGrath remembers. “But I went off to work for Gulf Research one summer and brought back a gas chromatograph.”

In addition to physics, Fred Grosse also taught computer courses for 15 years. “The first thing we got was a key punch with a Hollerith code. We didn’t have a printer here at all,” he recalls. “We had five big trays, maybe four feet long of cards” to haul to another university and print the day before Commencement. “They went perfect,” he says as he leads into the joke he played on his colleagues.

The significance of undergraduate research and how it can help Susquehanna students launch their careers in science

with unmatched experience was a resounding theme throughout the interview. McGrath, for whom the McGrath Scholars Program is named, was instrumental in establishing summer science research at Susquehanna. In the podcast studio, he was thanked by a recent recipient.

“I think I speak on behalf of many students like us, on behalf of the many McGrath Scholars,” Samit Barua Chowdhury says. “We’re really thankful for you for this, for what you have done for the students back then, and how that tradition has carried on all these years.”

Pictured above, from left to right: Fred Grosse, Professor Emeritus of Physics, 1960 through 2012; Thomas McGrath, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, 1963 through 1992; Caitlin O’Dea ’24, Physics Major in 3+2 Pre-Engineering Program; Fotoula Kolokas ’25, Biochemistry Major; Samit Barua Chowdhury ’24, Biochemistry Major

Podcast produced by WQSU Student Staff

Listen to the podcast on WQSU’s page at https://wordpress.susqu.edu/wqsu/podcast or scan this QR code.

Spaces & Places

Susquehanna Dedicates Erynn E. Reiss LGBTQ+ Resource Center

The LGBTQ+ Resource Center at Susquehanna University was dedicated in memory of Erynn Reiss and in recognition of the philanthropy of her parents, Jay ’72 and Andrea ’72 Endrusick.

Located in the university’s Scholars House and adjacent to the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center, the Erynn E. Reiss LGBTQ+ Resource Center was established in 2023 to empower, support and give visibility to the university’s growing population of LGBTQ+-identifying students.

“After discussing the feasibility of a resource center for many years, talks really began in earnest when we had nearly a third of a recent incoming class tell us that they identify as queer in some way,” said Dena Salerno, senior director of inclusion and diversity.

The Endrusicks’ philanthropy will immediately support student programming, guest speakers and the center’s capital improvement expenditures. In addition to programming opportunities, the Reiss Resource Center provides specialty housing for LGBTQ+ students, and their gift also will eliminate financial barriers for students seeking those accommodations.

It was the physical location of the resource center that drew special attention from the Endrusicks. When they were students at Susquehanna, Jay and his fraternity brothers lived in the building that now supports LGBTQ+ students. Andrea remarked how it was the “very same place” she and Jay started their lives together 55 years ago.

“Last September, Jay and I spotted a communication from the university that cited the opening of an LGBTQ+ resource

center on campus,” said Andrea. “Jay’s old Lambda Chi Alpha house now had private rooms for students who identify as LGBTQ+ and had been transformed to a place of solace and security for students who are travelling on paths that parallel our daughter’s.”

Inspired by the creation of the new LGBTQ+ Resource Center, the Endrusicks contacted the university to express their interest and support.

“This safe place continues to give meaning to our Erynn’s life, and it brings the connection Jay and I have to Susquehanna full circle,” Andrea added.

A portion of the Endrusicks’ gift will establish the Endrusick LGBTQ+ Resource Center Endowment Fund, which will support the resource center in perpetuity.

“We are deeply grateful for Jay and Andrea’s philanthropy and the ways in which it will benefit our LGBTQ+ community and the university as a whole,” said Susquehanna President Jonathan Green. “We are honored to be a part of Erynn’s legacy.”

Pictured L to R: Ana Endrusick, Nico Endrusick, Jeff Endrusick, President Jonathan Green, Andrea Licciardello ’72 Endrusick, Lucas Endrusick and Jay Endrusick ’72.

2012 Campaign Launch

In 2012, Susquehanna launched the silent phase of Give Rise: The Campaign to Elevate Susquehanna University. The most ambitious campaign in university history — seeking to raise $160 million for scholarships, capital improvements, and the endowment — it began to privately gain momentum for the next five years.

2016 Admission House

In 2016, Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees set the first major milestone of the campaign and today, Susquehanna’s Admission House embodies the power of their philanthropy to move our campus forward.

John Strangfeld ’75 saw the need for a modern building and turned to fellow board member Jeff Roush ’71

“We wanted to create something striking and impressive but not put financial pressure on Susquehanna, which has so many other priorities,” Strangfeld said. “I know the power of first impressions, and this was an obvious thing we needed to do,” Roush agreed.

Together, they made the lead gifts to the project and each of their fellow Trustees followed with gifts of their own. In the end, the entire $7 million project was fully funded by members of the Board of Trustees.

Milestones of Philanthropy

The Give Rise campaign brought together over 15,000 donors — alumni, faculty, staff, family, friends, and community — to raise over $185 million for Susquehanna. We are grateful for all our donors and are especially appreciative of the positive impact their generous gifts will have on our students.

We are pleased to share a timeline of special milestone gifts that did so much to inspire giving rise to Susquehanna students and our beautiful broad campus.

2019 Signe Gates ’71 and Dawn G. Mueller ’68 Women’s Leadership Fund

Then, in 2019, a multi-million-dollar fundraising challenge was met three years ahead of schedule to establish the Signe Gates ’71 and Dawn G. Mueller ’68 Women’s Leadership Fund

Gates, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, and Mueller, vice chair, launched the fundraising campaign in 2017 with a combined pledge and soon thereafter more than $3 million had been contributed.

“We were extremely delighted by the swift support this fundraising challenge received,” Gates and Mueller said. “It speaks to the passion many feel at Susquehanna and beyond in seeing women achieve the ultimate success in their professional and personal lives. We’ve enjoyed seeing the promising young women of Susquehanna benefit from this impactful program, and we look forward to seeing it for many more years to come.”

2019 Doug Arthur Stadium

A third major milestone also occurred in 2019 when Susquehanna received a $10 million gift commitment — the largest in university history — from Lucille Arthur H’13, widow of Doug Arthur ’49 H’96. The gift supported student scholarships and operating expenses and facilities needs for the university’s NCAA teams, and created an endowment to support the university’s athletic director position. In recognition of the gift, Susquehanna named its football stadium the Doug Arthur Stadium.

2021 Public Kickoff

Susquehanna kicked off the public phase of Give Rise during Homecoming–Reunion Weekend 2021 and announced that more than $140 million had been raised. At the same time, current and former members of the Board of Trustees issued a $5 million matching challenge to the SU community to make gifts to Susquehanna’s endowment. After hitting that goal, the trustees announced an additional matching gift of $1 million if Susquehanna raised $1 million more in endowment gifts. The challenge led to a total of $12 million in positive impact to Susquehanna’s endowment.

2022 Robert I. Estill Field House

Another major milestone occurred in 2022 when Susquehanna dedicated the Robert I. Estill Field House in honor of Bob Estill ’65 and his significant philanthropy to the university. Estill’s gift supported capital improvements to athletics facilities and equipment and established the Robert I. Estill Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“One thing that has always struck me, is the sheer amount of unwavering support that our alumni show our athletes. Alumni are just as invested in student success — both in competition and in the classroom — as the students are themselves,” said Athletic Director Sharief Hashim

2022 $160 Million Goal Reached Ahead of Schedule

Later that year, during Homecoming–Reunion Weekend 2022, Susquehanna announced that it had reached its Give Rise goal of $160 million more than a year ahead of schedule. Also during that Homecoming–Reunion Weekend, the university dedicated seven spaces throughout campus. The donor-funded capital improvement projects represented a $3 million investment in current and future students.

2022 The Steven T. ’96 and Amy Meyer Trading Room

One of the dedicated spaces was The Steven T. ’96 and Amy Meyer Trading Room, which was named in honor of The Meyers’ philanthropic support of the Sigmund Weis School of Business.

Along with technology upgrades and an expansion of the trading room, The Meyers endowed a fund to support faculty development and programming in the Department of Finance. Additionally, The Meyers also supported renovations to Seibert Hall’s model classroom — now known as the Diane and Al Meyer Classroom in honor of Mr. Meyer’s parents.

“Susquehanna helped prepare me for a career that has rewarded me tenfold,” Meyer said. “I am so proud to be able to give back to the university, which has given so much to me.”

2023 Richard E. Rowe ’63 and Family Scholarship

In early 2023, Richard E. ’63 and Marjorie Rowe made a milestone contribution to student access and opportunity through their support of the Richard E. Rowe ’63 and Family Scholarship, which was established in appreciation for his education at Susquehanna University and in recognition of the support his parents and others provided that contributed to his personal and professional success. Richard and Marjorie created the scholarship to provide the opportunity of a Susquehanna education to academically exceptional first-year students with limited financial resources.

Richard says his commitment to philanthropy can be best understood when one reads “My Requiem” by Wally McRae. In the poem, McRae writes, “But grant me this final wish when I say that last amen; let my mark be carried lightly in the hearts and minds of men.”

2023 Clark and Lisa Ryan ’78 Burke Hawk Hub

As the campaign neared its end in the summer of 2023, Susquehanna dedicated the Clark and Lisa Ryan ’78 Burke Hawk Hub in recognition of their significant philanthropy to many university designations, including the Department of Communications, Career Development Center, and Women’s Leadership Initiative.

“Susquehanna University provided me with the foundation to achieve my professional aspirations,” Ryan Burke said. “I know that many of the experiences I enjoyed as a student were made possible through the generosity of donors, and it has been my privilege to support my alma mater.”

2023 $185.1 Million Raised

The final campaign milestone occurred during Homecoming–Reunion Weekend 2023, when President Jonathan Green announced that Susquehanna had completed Give Rise with $185.1 million raised for student scholarships, capital projects, and endowment contributions.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Susquehanna is poised to rise to a new level of leadership in higher education. Today’s students, and future generations of Susquehannans, will reap the rewards of what we are celebrating today.”

JONATHAN GREEN

NEWS FROM SUSQUEHANNA ATHLETICS

Conference Championships

and Highlights

Football celebrated their first season in the Landmark Conference by winning the league championship after defeating Lycoming 49–10, earning their second straight NCAA Playoff appearance. Field hockey picked up their second Landmark title in school history after a thrilling shootout to defeat Scranton in front of a capacity crowd at Susquehanna’s Sassafras Field. For the third straight year, the men’s and women’s indoor track & field programs swept the Landmark titles, clinching their latest in February inside Robert I. Estill Field House..

Also making Landmark history this year were the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The men advanced to their third Landmark Championship game in the last four seasons after impressive tournament wins over Goucher at home and Drew on the road. The women achieved their highest season wins total since 1994–95 with 18 wins, while winning their first home playoff game since 1999 with a 75–52 Landmark quarterfinals win over Drew.

Marcinek Adds to Slam Dunk Coaching Career

Frank Marcinek completed his 35th season as Susquehanna men’s basketball head coach with a 17–11 record and the River Hawks reaching the Landmark Conference championship game for the third time in the last four years. Along the way, he reached his 500th career win on Dec. 6 when the River Hawks defeated Catholic 60–58, while making a visit to The Palestra at Penn University, aka “The Cathedral of College Basketball,” where they took down Drew 83–78.

Coach Selected for Olympic Honor

Field hockey head coach Allison Fordyce was one of two coaches selected nationwide by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association to travel to Europe for the XXXIII Olympic Summer Games. She will participate in clinics in the Netherlands with the top coaches in the world before attending Olympic field hockey matches in Paris, France, and engaging in tactical discussions with master coaches.

“The Olympics are the pinnacle of sport,” she says. “I will be surrounded by the highest level of athletes and coaches, yet we are all connected for our love and passion for field hockey. So many of the Olympic players are from Pennsylvania, so I think that seeing our state represented will also be very inspiring.”

Fordyce was selected for the Olympic honor through a competitive application process — one she almost didn’t enter, she said, on the assumption she wouldn’t win. Fordyce said her doubts and ultimate success should be a lesson for up-andcoming athletes.

“Young athletes today often think they must be a D1 athlete to receive a scholarship or play for the best club to be perceived as successful. I had the same thoughts as I debated applying for the scholarship,” Fordyce recalls. “I want to inspire my players to go for it — whatever that is for them.”

In 2023, Fordyce and her staff were named the Landmark Conference Coaching Staff of the Year after the River Hawks won the Landmark Conference championship and a NCAA Tournament berth. She and assistant coaches Kirby Szalkowski, Alyssa Broadt and Ashtin Midkiff guided Susquehanna to a 15–5 overall record and 8–1 in conference play to earn the top seed in the Landmark Field Hockey Tournament. In the championship match, the River Hawks defeated Scranton 2–1 in a penalty shootout to secure the program’s second Landmark title and automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament.

HAWK TALK

Chloe Yoder ’25 qualified for the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in March in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she received her first indoor All-American honor in the 60-meter hurdles. Almost a year separated from earning outdoor All-American honors in the 100-meter hurdles, Yoder set a new school record in the 60H with a preliminary time of 8.53, which at the time was the 13th-fastest time ever in NCAA Division III history. She finished fourth nationally in the finals with a time of 8.63.

Keith Green III ’24 added All-American honors to an incredible football career when he received First Team All-American from the American Football Coaches Association. Serving as the HERO in Susquehanna’s “Wild Dogs” defense, Green’s role was aptly named as he was honored as the Landmark Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Landmark and D3football.com’s First Team All-Region 2.

Kari Schmidt ’25 was named a National Field Hockey Coaches Association Third Team AllAmerican, marking the program’s first All-American selection under head coach Allison Fordyce. Schmidt, a defender, compiled numerous honors during Susquehanna’s Landmark Championship season, including NFHCA All-Region V First Team, All-Landmark Conference First Team and the Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Ryan Prum ’23 was chosen last summer to compete in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Senior All-Star Game. An accomplished faceoff man for the men’s lacrosse program, Prum’s senior season saw him post a career-high .674 win percentage, ranking 12th in all of Division III, on his way to earning Second Team All-Landmark.

HALL OF FAME GAINS 5 SCORE BOARD

Susquehanna University Athletics Hall of Fame was established to formally recognize outstanding contributions to the heritage and tradition of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome our five distinguished individuals to the hall this year,” says Director of Athletics Sharief Hashim “I am also excited that our inductees are recent graduates. I think that’s something our current student-athletes can relate to and have that instant connection with those that dealt with similar adversity and learn to rise above it.”

A total of 270 individuals have been inducted to date, with the newest members highlighted below.

Emily Carson ’13 Wagner, Volleyball : Carson’s senior season in 2012 saw her named as an AVCA All-Region First Team selection and an AVCA All-American Honorable Mention. She was named All-Landmark all four seasons, including a First Team selection her junior and senior seasons. Her career numbers made her third all-time in school history with 1,786 points and 1,484 kills, fourth with 336 totals and 266 block assists, ninth with 1,158 digs, and tenth with 70 solo blocks. Those numbers also have her in the Landmark career record books at third in block assists, fourth in kills, fifth in total blocks, sixth with 496 matches played, and tenth with a .265 attack percentage.

Toni Davis ’04, Swimming: An accomplished butterfly and freestyle letterwinner swimmer despite being born with a below-the-elbow amputee injury, Davis came within three seconds of qualifying for the 2000 Paralympic Games her freshman year. She qualified four years later to become the first African-American female to make the US Paralympic Swim Team, going on to set four butterfly records for national Paralympic competition in the 50 fly, 100 fly, 200 fly, and 400 IM. At the Greece games she finished fourth in the 100-meter butterfly and seventh in the 50-meter freestyle. She was ranked in the top 10 swimmers in the world in the butterfly S8.

Kade MacGregor ’16, Men’s Lacrosse : MacGregor took part in many unprecedented strides for Susquehanna men’s lacrosse from 2013 to 2016, including the program’s first Landmark Conference championship and NCAA National Tournament appearance in 2014, while becoming the first two-time All-American in team history. An accomplished defender,

MacGregor was chosen to play in the Senior North-South National All-Star Game, was named Susquehanna’s Blair Heaton Male Athlete of the Year in 2016 and was named to the Landmark Conference’s All-Decade Team. His 68 career starts puts him second all-time at Susquehanna and 70 games played places third all-time. His academic accolades matched similar resonance, earning USILA Scholar All-American.

Antonio Nash ’03, Football : Nash was an accomplished defensive back and return man, racking up All-American honors his rookie season in 1999 that saw Susquehanna capture the MAC Commonwealth championship. He earned First Team All-MAC Commonwealth on defense in 1999 and 2000, then All-MAC in 2001 and 2002. He ranks fourth all-time in Susquehanna lore with 622 career punt return yards and 1,050 kick return yards, while holding the second-highest single season punt return average with 13.2 yards and fifth-highest with 453 kick return yards.

Steven Weidlich ’17, Men’s Basketball : Weidlich racked up many indelible awards over the course of his Susquehanna basketball career, culminating in All-American selections his senior season from D3hoops and NABC. The 6'1" guard was a national finalist for the 2017 Josten’s Trophy Player of the Year and was a member of the 2017 Allstate NABC Good Works team, an honor bestowed to just five players across Division II, Division III and NAIA for athletic and academic success with an emphasis on philanthropic and community service. Additional accolades include the Middle Atlantic Region and Landmark Conference’s Player of the Year and competing in the Reese’s NABC D3 All-Star Game. A three-time All-Landmark selection, Weidlich finished as the only player in SU history to amass over 1,800 points, 500 rebounds, and 350 assists, ranking second all-time with 1,814 points and 300 3-pointers made. He is fourth all-time with 395 assists and 91 blocks, as well as sixth with 127 steals. A four-year starter and two-time team captain, Weidlich was a member of the winningest class in program history that totaled 83 wins and two NCAA Tournament berths in 2016 and 2017, reaching the Sweet 16 his senior season.

BRIGGS HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Longtime Susquehanna head football coach Steve Briggs received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Coaching by the National Football Foundation Central Pennsylvania Chapter. Susquehanna’s all-time winningest coach with 127 career wins, Briggs coached SU football for 27 years, including 25 as head coach, and spent the last eight years in the Advancement Office. He retired in December and was named coach emeritus by the university.

The Susquehanna University Athletic Department and the Ring of Honor committee inducted six new members and team of distinction to the 2023 Football Ring of Honor class.

JOHN “JACK” ANTHONY ’58

Tight End

HANK DEPERRO ’70

Defensive Lineman

DON MCCLAIN ’71 Offensive Guard

1970 TEAM (7–3 Record)

MATT KELCHNER ’82 Cornerback and Punter

MIKE RICCI ’84

Tight End

CORY MABRY ’91 Cornerback

The legendary 1970 team was led by head coach and athletic director Jim Hazlett that captured the MAC North Championship and went on to beat Georgetown in the Atlantic City Bowl. Several members of that squad are in the Athletics Hall of Fame.

Read more at https://suriverhawks.com/roh2023.

HAWK TALK

Michael Ruisch ’22 has continued his football playing career overseas at Durham University in the United Kingdom. Ruisch completed an illustrious career at Susquehanna as the program’s career record holder in passing yards and all-purpose yards, helping the River Hawks to the 2022 Centennial Conference championship and first NCAA playoff appearance since 2009.

Emily Wertz ’23 will remain with the Susquehanna women’s soccer program in a new role, with head coach Nick Hoover appointing her as assistant coach. Wertz completed a stellar student-athlete career with the River Hawks this fall, earning First Team All-Landmark on defense for the third straight year, as well as USC All-Region V for the second consecutive year. In 2022, she was the Landmark Conference’s Senior Scholar Athlete and CSC Academic All-American selection.

Aaron Ettinger was named Susquehanna women’s golf head coach last fall. Ettinger, who just completed his fourth season as the women’s basketball team’s assistant coach, brings plenty of local golf experience, having been a two-time district champion at Selinsgrove High School.

At the first-ever Landmark Conference Football awards, the River Hawks received Coaching Staff of the Year. Susquehanna’s coaching staff — head coach Tom Perkovich who is assisted by Pat Ruley, Mike Wiand, Cole Dixon ’19, Tom Haughey ’18, Tate Schorr, Dante Waugh, Tim Kologrivov and Todd Tilford, led the River Hawks to a perfect regular season to capture the first-ever Landmark title and a second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

THE ’GROVE

STORIES FROM AROUND CAMPUS AND AROUND TOWN

Two Operas, One Historic Weekend

Susquehanna University’s departments of music and theatre partnered to present two one-act operas for an historic weekend.

“Susquehanna’s performance of Fête Galante constitutes the first-ever, fully staged production of the opera in the United States, while The False Harlequin is staged very rarely,” says Associate Professor of Music David Steinau. “The opportunity to enjoy a fully staged opera — with sets and costumes — is rare for our area, and we were excited to offer our region this unique experience.”

Fête Galante, written in 1923 by British composer Ethel Smyth, and The False Harlequin, written in 1925 by Italian composer Gian Francesco Malipiero, are very different operas unified by the traditional Italian commedia dell’arte acting-troupe characters that appear in both stories. But that’s where the similarities end.

“The operas are so contrasting, the first a tragic drama and the second a comedy,” says Ariana Rodi ’24, a music performance major from Lawrence Township, New Jersey. “You get intertwined in the stories.”

Tariq Cannady ’24, a theatre performance major from Selinsgrove, says, “Fête Galante is a love story that takes a turn from a happy tale to ‘something real is about to happen.’ It’s full of mystery and suspense.”

In The False Harlequin, a woman extends an invitation for the wealthy lords of Italy to win her heart by creating a beautiful melody, explains Maxwell Wigoda ’24 , a theatre performance and communications double major from Minersville, Pennsylvania, who played one of the suitors.

Mistaken identities lead to an unexpected twist and a happy ending in The False Harlequin

“The vocal lines that are written are just beautiful,” Rodi adds. “It’s been great to see the two departments collaborate.”

Both operas were performed with a company of 20 music and theatre students and a full orchestra. The plays were directed and choreographed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Kevin Crowe, and the music was directed by Steinau and conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Zachary Levi.

The performances were underwritten by Marian Shatto ’67, who previously donated her collection of Smyth’s works to the Jane Conrad Apple Rare Books Room in Susquehanna’s Blough-Weis Library.

L to R: Andrew Lisk, Ariana Rodi and Luke Rider in Fête Galante

Autumn Decosmo in The False Harlequin

SYLLABUS

Family & Kinship

By Haley Dittbrenner ’25

Syllabus is an ongoing series of stories that gives readers an inside look at some of Susquehanna’s most interesting classes.

The definition of family is constantly evolving. John Bodinger de Uriarte’s anthropology course Family and Kinship explores family from the first instances of humans all the way to our contemporary times.

“Theories of kinship are fundamental to the historical trajectory of anthropology,” says Bodinger de Uriarte, professor of anthropology. “While earlier studies of kinship may have approached its framework as applicable to all cultural sites, later understandings have allowed for a wider perspective on how people reckon who is kin and what might determine their respective rights and responsibilities.”

The coursework in this class delves into the intricate structures and functionalities of family and kinship across various cultures. It underscores the shifts over time, both historical and contemporary, in understanding and practices related to family dynamics, marriage, procreation and kinship within the United States. Special attention is paid to the cultural shaping of kinship, the establishment of identity and distinctions, and the intricate politics surrounding reproduction.

Bodinger de Uriarte, who has taught the class for over 20 years, updates the material in each iteration of the class to reflect current events. As government policies change concerning issues such as parental rights, genetic testing and assisted reproductive technology, so do the class reading assignments, which Bodinger described as in-depth, thoughtful and often provocative. By reading up on hot-button issues from multiple perspectives, Bodinger de Uriarte hopes students will define for themselves what family means in the modern United States.

“I have learned a wide variety of concepts pertaining to family patterns, kinship, how an individual’s demographics can shape their experience, and how social, cultural, state, global and political forces shape and transform family and kinship,” says Abbey Mooney ’25, a psychology major from Warrior Run, Pennsylvania.

She also said the course has improved her critical thinking skills and that the concepts discussed in class has helped

her form and articulate more knowledgeable opinions and understand the societal issues and cultural implications that are tied to them.

Mooney plans to pursue clinical psychology after graduating, and she believes the Family and Kinship course prepared her well for that path.

“From what I have learned and the skills I have developed from this class, I will be able to better understand the sociocultural forces that influence people’s lives,” Mooney says, “and how these forces may impact my future clients’ lives, which will allow me to be better able to help them.”

KUDOS

National Board Appointment

President Jonathan Green has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Founded in 1976, NAICU serves as the unified voice on public policy issues for the nation’s 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. He currently serves on NAICU’s Tax Policy Committee.

Green has also just been named chair of the Annapolis Group and is chair emeritus of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania.

Prestigious Government Fellowship

KaMeron Hopkins ’26, a computer science major from Odenton, Maryland, has been awarded the prestigious and highly competitive Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship by the U.S. Department of State — one of only 15 awarded annually in the United States.

Hopkins’ interest in the fellowship opportunity stems from his work as an intern with the U.S. Department of Defense, a position he has held since he was in high school that has generally centered around data engineering and analysis.

“Being chosen for the FAIT Fellowship reflects an intense competition, and seeing KaMeron’s dedication acknowledged with this remarkable opportunity fills me with pride,” says Karol Weaver, professor of history and coordinator for fellowship advising. “The journey ahead through the FAIT Fellowship promises transformative

In 2022, then-Gov. Tom Wolf appointed Green to the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, of which he is a member of the executive committee and chairs the nominating committee.

experiences that will shape KaMeron’s career path for years to come.”

The FAIT Fellowship provides undergraduate and graduate students in IT-related fields with summer internships at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., and at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, tuition assistance, mentorship and professional development to launch their careers in the U.S. Foreign Service as information management specialists.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and the State Department’s entry requirements, Hopkins will receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as a diplomatic technology officer. He will support and maintain secure and reliable IT tools and resources, ensuring that the State Department, other federal agencies, nongovernment partners and Americans overseas can effectively communicate at over 275 overseas posts in nearly 200 countries.

Bragging Rights

The Susquehanna degree is more than just a badge of honor — it’s a symbol of academic excellence, guaranteed opportunities and a solid foundation for life.

► NO. 106 IN SOCIAL MOBILITY

Continues to excel in social mobility (ability to improve one’s socioeconomic status) — U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT, 2024

► NO. 107 ON NATIONAL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES LIST — U S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT, 2024

► NO. 134 OVERALL AMONG NATIONAL LIBERAL ARTS UNIVERSITIES

In top 30% for social mobility — WASHINGTON MONTHLY, 2023

► A TOP 400 COLLEGE IN U.S.

For student success and learning, ranked annually since its inception — WALL STREET JOURNAL/TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION, 2022

► BEST COLLEGES IN AMERICA — 4 OUT OF 5 STARS

Recognized for quality of education, graduate outcomes and affordability — MONEY MAGAZINE, 2023

► AMONG NATION’S MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE COLLEGES

One of 455 colleges based on sustainability-related policies, practices and programs — GUIDE TO GREEN COLLEGES, THE PRINCETON REVIEW, 2024

Susquehanna University is a proud member of The Annapolis Group, comprising approximately 130 leading national independent liberal arts colleges.

► A TOP 400 COLLEGE IN U.S. — FORBES, 2023

► TOP 11% NATIONALLY FOR GRADUATE EARNINGS — GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY CENTER ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE, 2022

► AMONG THE BEST 390 COLLEGES — THE PRINCETON REVIEW, 2024

► BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK — AMONG TOP COLLEGES IN THE NORTHEAST

For helping lower- and middle-income students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices — WASHINGTON MONTHLY, 2023

► TOP 300+ IN GLOBAL LISTING

For challenging academics, small class sizes, internship and research opportunities, competitive athletic teams and more — FISKE GUIDE TO COLLEGES, 2024

► TOP 50 COLLEGES WITH BEST STUDY ABROAD

95% of SU students study in another country — INTELLIGENT.COM, 2023

The Sigmund Weis School of Business is among the top 5% of business programs worldwide — and one of the few undergraduate-only programs — to have earned AACSB accreditation, a mark of excellence.

You’ve entrusted us with your student, now it’s your turn to pack your bags and come to campus as our honored guests! Family Weekend, September 27-28, 2024

Join hundreds of alumni and their families as they return to Susquehanna for Homecoming–Reunion Weekend, Oct. 18-19, 2024. We will also celebrate reunions for classes with class years ending in 4 and 9.

MESSAGE BOARD

The following conversation between Melissa Salazar, Susquehanna University’s new associate vice president for advancement, and the executive officers of the Alumni Association’s Executive Board is the first in a future series featuring alumni initiatives.

Kyle Robertson ’11, President

Melissa: Given that your presidency ends this June, what are you most proud of and do you have any wisdom to share?

Kyle: Having served for the last 13 years, it is difficult to select a singular experience! I am proud of how our members step up to strategize, innovate and learn about the university’s most pressing matters.

We engage with alumni, students, faculty and staff providing insights ranging from alumni engagement and stewardship strategies to how alumni can support student outcomes and champion diversity and inclusion. One of my many joys is learning how our alumni positively impact the trajectory of the university and students. Whether you write a note to incoming students, share your experiences at Break Through or give during OneSU, you are providing a tangible benefit to the community that we all call home.

Regarding “wisdom,” I believe all Susquehanna alumni should understand the value and purpose of our collective engagement. I’m often asked why I give so much of myself to SU, and the answer is, “because it makes a difference.”

Jamie Malachowski ’09 Hindman, First Vice President

Melissa: What do you hope to accomplish as the incoming president?

Jamie: It’s an honor to be the incoming president and represent the Alumni Association. Kyle — and the presidents before him — has done an exceptional job of leading and engaging the community. I will strive to continue their great work in representing all alumni voices.

Building on an exceptional foundation, I’d like to specifically continue efforts on:

• Stewardship: Ensuring alumni know they are appreciated by the university.

• Alumni Interactions: Increasing alumni engagement with the entire Susquehanna community.

• Service and Leadership: Strengthening alumni-ambassador relationships and ensuring we are directly supporting the university’s short and long-term goals.

We have an impressive group of leaders and advocates on the executive leadership team, the Alumni Board and within the Advancement Office. I look forward to outlining specific and measurable goals and hosting my first Alumni Board meeting as president this Fall.

Go Susquehanna!

Valarie Bastek ’06, Second Vice President

Melissa: What should alumni know about the board and its work?

Valarie: I was initially intimidated to join the Alumni Board because none of my friends were members. The beauty of participating, however, is the different perspectives each member brings from the alumni community. This sense of community is nurtured and supported within this group.

The board has championed key initiatives like Break Through, the annual student-alumni networking conference, and is growing a relationship with the Student Alumni Association, which fosters relationships that continue as students graduate and become part of our alumni community.

I joined because I wanted current students to hear different perspectives about career paths, but I stay because I value the relationships that Susquehanna has allowed me to develop and enjoy working with others who care so much about SU.

Craig Housenick ’98, Incoming Second Vice President

Melissa: How has your involvement been meaningful to you?

Craig: My involvement with the Alumni Executive Board has been a pleasure and incredibly satisfying. Susquehanna invested in me at a time when college would have been unattainable. I hope to show through my service that this investment was worthwhile and warranted, and that the collective investment of the alumni community in current and future students is a worthy one.

By making myself available as a resource to the current students and administration, I can aid in creating a university we can all be even more proud of.

D ID YOU KNOW that you can nominate a fellow Susquehannan to be considered for Alumni Executive Board membership? Learn more about board selection and submit your nomination by scanning the QR code. »»

GET “NOTED”!

We love hearing about what our alumni are up to! Class Notes are a great way to share your accomplishments, activities and updates with your Susquehanna family. Submit your news and updates however is easiest for you.

Online: susqu.edu/classnotes

Mail: Susquehanna University, Office of Alumni, Parent & Donor Engagement, Attn: Class Notes, 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, PA 17870

Fall 2024 issue submission deadline: July 31

Susquehanna Currents reserves the right to edit Class Notes for space and clarity and to select the alumni-submitted photos that appear in each issue. Preference will be given to print-quality photos of weddings and other gatherings that include the most alumni.

1967

A group of Susquehannans got together Dec. 1, 2023, at a restaurant in Hershey, Pa. Pictured (below left) are, left to right: Sue Welty ’67 Ferrari, Janet Brian ’67 Mills, Linda Houdeshel ’67 Howard, Brenda Gerhart ’66 Hayasaka, Timi Schalles ’66 Cains, Sue Evans ’65 Beard and Donna Ake ’67 Burkholder

1968

Vietnam veteran Rick McAllister ’68 (pictured below, center) led five other Vietnam veterans on a 500-mile, 44-day journey across northern Spain on the ancient pilgrimage route Camino de Santiago in September 2023. Their mission, which was referred to as The Last Patrol: A Pilgrimage of Brotherhood, was to combine the spirituality and beauty of the sacred venue with the unique bond of brotherhood experienced by veterans. None of the six veterans had met prior to their journey. A resident of St. Augustine, Fla., Rick has made this challenging walk three times in the past and has talked about the special healing experience many have witnessed while on the journey.

1969

55TH REUNION

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CLASS NOTES

1974 50TH REUNION

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1975

Kenneth MacRitchie ’75 received his Master of Laws at American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., with a concentration in law and government.

1976

Timothy Blair ’76 (pictured below, right) was appointed president of the board of directors of Kennett Symphony. Throughout his more than 30 years in higher education and the arts, he has garnered experience in strategic planning, fundraising, international initiatives, community outreach, personnel management and budgeting.

1978

William L. Boulden ’78 retired after 31 years on the bench (21 years as Chief Judge) for the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. His venue included the Northeastern U.S., with courtrooms in Philadelphia

and Manhattan. Holding the highest level of security clearance, he also heard classified appeals from across the country. In a June 2023 ceremony held in Washington, D.C., he was presented with the Theodore Roosevelt Award, the MSPB’s highest honor. William is also a retired Naval Reserve JAG Corps Commander. His highly decorated service of nearly nine active-duty years included postings in Maine, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Scotland.

1979 45TH REUNION

Donald Mann ’79 (pictured p. 35, top) retired from his career in the wine and spirits industry in 2018 to start a film production company. Rose & Mann LLC and Third Sphere Productions had a slow start due to Covid, but they are in development for their fourth feature film in 2025. In their film debut, Van Gogh’s Eyes, Donald acts in the lead role as a delusional artist who believes he embodies the transmigrated soul of Vincent Van Gogh. Shot in Argentina and co-written by Donald, it is streaming on Amazon Prime. Juneteenth, an emancipation western set in Texas in 1865, and Purple America are planned to shoot in 2024. Donald has also authored and self-published the historical fiction novel, Hang John Brown, a story centered on abolitionist John Brown and a fictional proslavery character on the hunt for the firebrand leader of the movement to end slavery.

1980

The American Association of Community Colleges named Reading Area Community College Professor Alayne Hunter ’80 Fessler (pictured right, second) one of its 2023 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award winners. Named in honor of the former AACC president and CEO, this award recognizes individuals making a difference in the classroom. Alayne (Lanie) has served as professor and program director of the Medical Laboratory Technician and Histotechnician Programs. She recently retired from RACC as professor emeritus. Lanie resides in Reading, Pa., with her husband, Bob ’80. They have three sons: Dan ’08, Matthew and Neal.

James Moyer ’80 (pictured right, third) had his arrangement of the Red Rose Rag for marimba/ xylophone quartet released by C. Alan Publications in November 2023. In December, he was the guest conductor for the Region 14 Concert Band festival. He was also invited, as a percussion clinician, to present at the New Mexico All-State Music Convention in January 2024.

1982

Rick Alcantara ’82 (pictured right, bottom) was appointed president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. His two-year term began on Jan. 1. He previously served as the organization’s presidentelect and vice president of communications. Earlier in his career, Rick was a two-time national committee co-chair for the Public Relations Society of America and president of the Philadelphia Chapter of PRSA. He was also vice president of the Professional Communicators of Southern New Jersey and a board member of the Gloucester County Business Association. He’s currently a member of PRSA’s esteemed Counselor’s Academy. Rick earned a master’s degree in public relations from Rowan University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Susquehanna University.

1983

Susquehanna ’80s-era grads got together at The Englewood in Hershey, Pa., owned by Jeff Sharp ’83 It was “a great time sharing many fun SU stories.” There were other alumni that were not photographed. (Pictured p. 36, left, top)

1984 40TH REUNION

An annual girls’ weekend at the beach was held in Cape May, N.J., where there were lots of great laughs, fun times and cherished memories among lifelong SU friendships! Pictured (p. 36, left, bottom) are Barb Schmunk-Burdick ’84, Trish BartholomewMiele ’84, Jen Olson-Smith ’84, Toni Pall-Olson ’84, Sacha van Riemsdyk-Altadonna ’84, Lynn AllenEndahl ’84, Carol Bartholomew ’83 and Ginia Kiselica-Apostalocus ’84

1985

The Class of 1985 had its annual beach reunion in Red Bank, N.J., with its biggest turnout yet. A mystery guest disguised in a River Hawk costume (Bryan “Ryno” Rynearson ’82), along with his co-conspirator (Eric Sauer ’82), added a whole new element of fun to the event. Pictured (p. 36, right) from bottom left: Sally Amick, Stephanie Riggs, Andrea Carol, Elissa Carol, Kathy Welliver, Colleen Sullivan, Pam DeVito, Amy Junger, Pete McQuaid, Janet Richardson, Kristen von Horn, Glenda Rennie, Cindy Luer, Daryl Merenich, Shelly LaForce, Lori Ciarrocca, Ann Hubley, Suzanne Dudley, Deb Darrah, Sally Murphy, Shereen Bowes, Carolyn Oberholtzer, Brigitte Richter, Carin Oberg and Beth Mallison

1988

Wendy Goodspeed ’88 Witt is pleased to announce the formation of the Pittsburgh Probate Law Firm. Inspired by Ram Dass’ observation, “We’re all just walking each other home,” she designed the firm to make the legal logistics of a loved one’s death easier

so families can focus on healing. Motivated by her own touches with death, Wendy also has created guidance for those experiencing the loss of health and facing death, We Carry the Stars Within.

1989 35TH REUNION

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1994 30TH REUNION

Heidi Peterson ’94 was named 2023 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association. She has served at Webster Middle School for the past three years. Prior to serving as principal, Heidi was an assistant principal for 13 years. She has taught various grades and coached cross-country and track and field teams. Heidi graduated from Susquehanna University with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and earned her master’s degree in elementary education from Worcester State University and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from Simmons College, Boston. Additionally, Heidi is a yoga and SEL-trained instructor from the Breathe for Change Program. She lives in Warren, Mass., and enjoys spending time with her family. She especially loves

spending time outdoors, whether it’s running, cross-country skiing, sitting by a campfire or reading on the beach.

1997

Paul T. Rushton ’97 was elected managing partner of the law firm Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald LLP. After joining the firm in 2002, he became partner in 2009 and is only the fifth managing partner in the firm’s 70-year history. Paul practices exclusively in the areas of corporate law, commercial transactions, business formation, owner disputes, and mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. He is just as committed to serving his community as he is to professional organizations. He is active on several local nonprofit boards and in the Business Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association through his work on the Section’s Council and executive and other committees. He was also appointed and commissioned as a member of the Pennsylvania Corporation Bureau Advisory Committee. Paul earned his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University in 2000. He resides in Nuangola, Pa., with his wife, Tesha.

1999 25TH REUNION

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2000

Torrance Cleveland ’00 is the director of the Joint Deployment Training Center on the Joint Staff J7 at Ft. Eustis, Va. He was promoted to colonel on March 24, 2023. Pictured below are, left to right: Jermaine Edwards ’03, Ramon Monroe ’02, Monique Monroe, daughter Savanna Cleveland, Torrance, Lisa Sangster ’01 Cleveland, son Kyle, Antonio Nash ’02, Andrea McCauley ’02 Nash and their daughter,

‘Transformative and Impactful’ Career Inspired by Service Overseas

Supervisory Special Agent Julie Stansfield ’95 Cabus says it was her two-year Peace Corps experience in Gabon, Central Africa, that inspired her to continue working overseas. Working as a health educator and aiding in the fight against disease in the area, Cabus says her time there was transformative, and that the view of emerging nations — rich in natural resources but poor in basic essentials — was impactful.

Since then, her 25-year career with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), which has the largest global reach of any U.S. law enforcement agency, has led her to serve in Afghanistan, Algeria, Australia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger and Pakistan. Her most recent high-threat assignment was as the senior regional security officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

Acknowledging there were times in her service where the situation was dire, she says she drew upon her time at Susquehanna. “Even if things seem hard, you will persevere.”

As deputy assistant secretary and assistant director for the DSS training directorate, Cabus oversees implementation of all security and law enforcement training programs and policies for the State Department, including those conducted at the DSS Foreign Affairs Security Training Center — the nation’s largest training facility dedicated to preparing the Foreign Service community to work safely overseas. Her directorate also includes the Office of Antiterrorism Assistance, the Office of Mobile Security Deployments, and the Office of Technical Security Engineering.

Day-to-day, Cabus is responsible for budgeting roughly $500 million and supervising about 900 people, both stateside and internationally. Along with this, she oversees the training of roughly 10,000 students annually. Ranging from inside the State Department to several foreign affairs agencies, she is responsible for shaping those who will lead us in the future.

In 2007, Cabus graduated from Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia, with her master’s degree in military studies. At Susquehanna, Cabus majored in political science, and says her professors Gene Urey, James Blessing and Bruce Evans were “nothing short of amazing.” She credits much of her success to them.

— By Nicholas D. Williams ’25

EVEN IF THINGS SEEM HARD, YOU WILL PERSEVERE. “ ”

Julie Stansfield ’95 Cabus

Desiree, Charles Barley Jr. ’99 and Kamil Rustin ’00 Barley. Not pictured, but in attendance, was Rodney Moorhead Jr. ’00

Jonathan O’Harrow ’00 (below, top left) earned a Master of Professional Studies in strategic communications from Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario School of Communications in December 2023.

2001

Alexis Adamovich ’01 Thornton, a world language teacher in New York, was elected to serve as first vice president of the New York State Association for Language Teachers. In her role, she organized a virtual conference last summer for 100+ educators titled “Sailing With Ease Into the Revised Standards” with presenters from across the country. In January, she ascended to president-elect of the organization.

2002

Rodeen Lechleitner ’02 was promoted to board chair of Official Institutional Review at Pennsylvania Department of Health. Rodeen is published and recently presented her research study, “Mastering a Social Challenge by creating a Social Partnership: Building Patient-Provider Trust through Communication,” at the 2023 American Public Health Association Conference in Atlanta. She holds a doctorate in human development with an emphasis on health promotion and a master’s degree in health communication. Rodeen is married to Brent Andrew, and they share a daughter, Mautileen Grateful, and reside in Lake Hauto, Pa. It is Rodeen’s belief that consistent self-care and constant communication with oneself and others allow people to live as their healthiest selves.

2003

Matthew Detar ’03 (below, bottom right) joined SEK, CPAs & Advisors as a commercial audit partner for clients in the central and southcentral Pennsylvania region.

2004 20TH REUNION

Josh Fuller ’04 married Mary Kate Gowdy at One Barn Farm in Mifflinburg, Pa., on June 17, 2023. Many SU alumni attended the wedding, including groomsmen Bart Hartman ’04 and Mark Costello ’04. Other SU alumni can be found in the picture (below, top right).

2006

Jonathan Hendrix ’06 married Tarah Caruso on Feb. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. Pictured (below, bottom left)

are, left to right, back row: Jon Cates ’06, Michael Bowling ’05, Terri Peiffer ’05 Massey, Erik Blades ’06, Mark Armstrong ’06, Paul Ettari ’06, Jordan Grater ’06, Tom Wright ’06 and Matt Hubbard ’05; front row: Megan Goeller ’06 Blades, Adam Orlacchio ’05, Tarah, Drew Massey ’05, Jonathan, Mike Fulginiti ’05 and Allison Karpy ’05 Hubbard.

2009 15TH REUNION

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2011

Ashlie Crosson ’11, an English teacher at Mifflin County High School, was named the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. As Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year, Ashlie will travel the state, meet and collaborate with other educators, and

will represent the commonwealth in next year’s National Teacher of the Year competition. In addition to English, Ashlie also teaches advanced placement language and journalism in the Mifflin County School District, Lewistown. After graduating from Susquehanna University with a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education, she went on to earn her master’s degree in educational leadership from Pennsylvania State University and a gifted education endorsement from Millersville University.

Amy Tritle ’11 and Kyle Robertson ’11 were married on Sept. 17, 2022, at Ludlow Farms in Perkasie, Pa. Pictured (below, top) are, from left to right: Erika Polcrack ’11 Smith, Lucas Kauffman ’09, Heather Buckholtz ’14, Steve Wilkerson (former lecturer in management), James Pomykalski (department head and associate professor of finance & analytics), Kyle, Amy, Ján Michalko ’11, Fiona Wilkes ’11, Bill Yocum ’76, Jonathan Witcoski ’25 and Joe Strode ’77.

2012

Trevor Hain ’12 and Morgan Schroll were married on July 29, 2023. Pictured (below, bottom left) are, left to right: Bob Hain ’82, Jim Cavanaugh ’12, Ryno (Bryan) Rynearson ’82, Marc Gutleber ’82, Dylan Hain ’16, Kim Bailey Hain ’83, Trevor, Morgan, Lisa Metzger ’84 (behind Morgan), Eric Sauer ’82 (behind Lisa), Rachel Sauer ’14, Chris Feuer ’12, Mike Kelso ’12, Joanne Beck ’14 and Chris Beck ’12.

Sarah Myers ’12 and Chad Hallinan ’12 were married at St. Bartholomew’s United Church ELCA in Hanover, Pa., on June 24, 2023. Pictured (below, bottom right) are: Whitney Chappell ’12 Robenolt, Megan Zingaretti ’12 Land, Louie Land ’12, Sean Hallinan ’13, Chad and Sarah, Matt Pahl ’12, Emily Grabenstien ’12 Wheaton, Nicholas DeCarlo ’12 and Kaitlyn Tanis ’15.

2013

Sara Saltzman ’13 and Jake Cohen were married on Nov. 19, 2023, at Temple Emanu-El in Closter, N.J. (Pictured p. 40, top)

2014 10TH REUNION

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2016

Erin McGinty ‘16 and Rob Stearns ‘16 were married July 14, 2023. (Pictured p. 40, center)

Saltzman wedding — Pictured left to right, back row: Emily Davidson ’13, Amanda Simensky ’13 Huchla, Miranda Quarticelli ’13 Getz, Matthew Getz ’12, Teague Emery ’13, Caitlin Byington ’13 Emery, Jennifer Rovet ’13, Janelle Van Siclen ’13, and front row: Lauren Seamon ’13 Kutney, Sara and Jake, and Maura Olsewski ’13.

McGinty/Stearns wedding — Pictured are, front row, left to right: Tim Wade ’16, AJ Willard ’18, Rob and Erin, Abigail Siegel ’16, Kayla Chamberlain ’16 Keller, Zoe Lycett ’16 DePaola, Alexis Drake ’16; back row: Bob Hain ’82, Kim Bailey ’83 Hain, Ron Vilardi ’15, Macklin Cosgrove ’16, Kevin McLaughlin ’16, Connor Kerrigan ’16, Dylan Hain ’16, Derek Herr ’16, Robert Keller ’15, Anthony Balboa ’16, Phil Pecora ’16, Brynne Logan ’16 Balboa, Abigail Cohn ’16, Amanda Turturro ’16, Anthony DePaola ’16, Tom McLoughlin ’16 and Colin Buckley ’17.

Peter Snarski ’16 was selected as a finalist for Pi Kappa Phi’s national 30 Under 30 Award, which he received in Philadelphia on July 29, 2023. As an undergraduate member of Pi Kappa Phi, he served as warden and organized fundraisers for The Ability Experience, coordinated volunteer efforts with a high school special needs program and rallied brothers to facilitate their annual 5K fundraiser. These responsibilities helped cultivate his interpersonal skills and passion for serving others and taught him the essential instructional skills needed to manage a classroom. Peter began his career as an English teacher at Archbishop Curley High School, specifically the St. Anthony Pathway Program, which provides an individualized college preparatory course of study to students who have a diagnosed learning difference or an individual education program. He was named director in fall 2023. While teaching, he simultaneously earned a master’s degree in secondary education from Towson University.

2019 5TH REUNION

Adriana Vollono ’19 and Noah Carles ’19 were married on June 29, 2023 on Long Island, N.Y. They had many SU alumni at their wedding, including Adriana’s siblings Danielle Vollono ’17 and Zachary Vollono ’21 (Pictured left, bottom) 2023

Liam Nyce ’23 is currently serving as the interim choral director at Annville-Cleona Secondary School in Annville, Pa.; Nikki Gergel ’00 Rowe is a music teacher and choral director at Annville-Cleona Elementary School; and Sara Sohlman ’01 Weand is an active member of the Annville-Cleona Music Boosters. Both Nyce and Rowe have taught Weand’s daughter, a passionate and dedicated member of the high school vocal ensembles.

Welcome to our newest alumni! Share your life news and updates with us. Submit your class note using the form at susqu.edu/classnotes.

ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS 2023

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTED ITS ANNUAL AWARDS TO THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI OF DISTINCTION.

L to R: Taiisha Swinton-Buck ’08, Alysha Melnyk ’14, Fernando Ramirez ’82, Jennifer Rojeck ’98 Barton and President Jonathan Green.

FERNANDO RAMIREZ ’82 | Achievement Award

Fernando has an entrepreneurial spirit rooted in a desire to improve life on earth for all. He has founded several consulting firms that focus on energy and water, aiming to advance the awareness and understanding of sustainability and climate change in the United States and abroad.

Early in his career, Fernando held several executive positions in the energy sector at Azavea, EnerNOC, Phoenix Energy Technologies, Silicon Energy and Energy Concepts. In 2010, Fernando became vice president of international business development for SCIenergy Inc., overseeing international business development and expansion throughout Europe and Asia. In 2020, Fernando joined Netherlandsbased Hydraloop as its managing director, leading the company’s North American expansion of innovative decentralized water recycling products.

In 2021, Fernando founded Bridges 2030 International, a developing global nonprofit with a mission to support disadvantaged and forcibly displaced citizens. Additionally, Bridges 2030 aims to educate and empower university students — the next generation of changemakers — about global challenges and the ways in which they can make an impact. The organization’s current projects include the support of the crisis in Ukraine and assisting relocated Ukrainian citizens in Philadelphia. Read more about this project on p. 14.

Fernando graduated from Susquehanna with a degree in business with a concentration in management.

TAIISHA SWINTON-BUCK ’08 | Leadership Award

Taiisha is the executive director of instructional leadership for Baltimore City Public Schools, and formerly served as principal of the district’s Digital Harbor High School. She was recognized in 2021 when she was named Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals for her success in bonding with students, leading by example on campus and making record-setting impacts in attendance, grade averages and graduation rates. Those results also inspired The TODAY Show’s Al Roker to feature her story on a television segment. She became NBC’s Once in a Lifetime Principal and National Principal of the Year nominee.

The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter held a service event at Cradles to Crayons on April 9, 2024.

Pictured are, left to right, front row: Alison Caulfield ’16, Lauren Berkel ’19, Bria Parker ’17, Leah Klein, Sarah Klein ’03; second row: Stephanie Vermillion ’97, Stephen Porter ’97, MaryChristina Ryan ’83, Jeremy Kozich ’19, Margaret Doherty ’18, Bob Campbell ’79, Jennifer Rojek ’98 Barton and Haley Murphy ’12. Not pictured is Erick Duncan ’13.

ALUMNI EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Visit events.susqu.edu to see a full list of regional alumni and university events.

ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS 2023

During Taiisha’s time at Susquehanna, she was a strong advocate in advancing the university’s efforts in inclusion, equity and justice. She was the founding president of the Rho Theta chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, a historically African American sorority and the first Black Greek letter organization at Susquehanna. She was also president of the Class of 2008 and of the Black Student Union. Taiisha graduated from Susquehanna with a degree in English – secondary education. She went on to earn a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and administration, both from Drexel University.

WILLIAM “BILL” SORDONI ’97 | Service Award

For nearly 20 years, Bill has focused much of his community involvement on the economic and business development of northeastern Pennsylvania. He served four years as board member for Penn’s Northeast, a nonprofit economic development organization. At the same time, he joined the board of directors of The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, a data analysis, research and consulting organization that serves the Wilkes-Barre area. Most recently, he served as board member — including time as chairman — for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of the Greater Scranton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bill also has served as board member for Geisinger, the United Way of Wyoming Valley and Susquehanna University. In 2022, he joined the Commonwealth Foundation board and is chair of the board of trustees for the Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School. An avid outdoorsman, Bill currently serves as chair of the board of directors for Hunters Sharing the Harvest, a statewide venison donation program.

In addition to his community roles, Bill is chair of a fourthgeneration family business, Sordoni Construction, the largest construction firm in Northeast Pennsylvania. He formerly served as its chief executive officer from 2010 to 2023. Bill graduated from Susquehanna with a degree in business administration.

JENNIFER ROJECK ’98 BARTON Service to Susquehanna Award

Upon graduating, Jennifer immediately became an active alumna, serving as a longtime member of the university’s alumni board from 1999 to 2012. Her service on the board included a term as president. Currently she serves as secretary for the university’s Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, a role she’s held since 2012.

Jennifer often returns to campus as a panelist for Break Through, the university’s annual student-alumni networking conference, and volunteers her time with résumé review, mock interviews, job shadowing and other career preparation services.

She is a frequent participant in the university’s Signe S. Gates and Dawn G. Mueller Women’s Leadership Symposium and has hosted several female students during networking treks organized by the Women’s Leadership Initiative. She also guides students as part of the Sigmund Weis School of Business Mentorship Program. Jennifer is passionate about engaging with other alumni who work in business and technology and is eager to help expand the visibility of Susquehanna’s programs in those fields.

Outside of her time spent volunteering with the university, Jennifer is an associate director for Ernst & Young. She graduated from Susquehanna with a degree in business administration & information systems and received an MBA in the same emphasis from the University of Scranton.

ALYSHA MELNYK ’14 | Outstanding Recent Alumna Alysha is manager of client implementations and onboarding at ECRI, an independent medical nonprofit committed to improving the safety, quality and cost-effectiveness of patient care across all healthcare settings worldwide.

At ECRI, Alysha is actively involved with the organization’s culture committee, serving on its steering committee, overseeing employee resource groups and being a mentor for colleagues through their Odyssey Mentoring Program. She has received three ECRI awards, and in 2023, she was the recipient of the Sandra Parker Leadership Scholarship from Professional Women in Healthcare.

As an active and engaged alumna, Alysha often participates in Break Through, the university’s annual student-alumni networking conference, and connects with students in classes and during career fairs. In 2022, she returned to campus for the university’s Signe S. Gates ’71 and Dawn G. Mueller ’68 Women’s Leadership Symposium and provided valued networking and career advice to student participants. Alysha has taken the time to actively coach and mentor Susquehanna students, serving as an S-STEM Student Mentor. She also serves as the volunteer vice president of scholarship for Susquehanna’s chapter of the Sigma Kappa sorority, and recently accepted a position on Susquehanna’s Alumni Association Executive Board.

Alysha graduated from Susquehanna with a degree in biology and completed the honors program. She earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health at Drexel University.

Susquehanna University extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the following alumni who have passed away. To view obituaries, go to susqu.edu/alumni/obits.

Mary Basehoar ’45 Ebaugh

Nov. 26, 2023

Jean Kinzer ’46 Brinser Sept. 20, 2022

Marie Klick ’46 Hodick July 28, 2023

Carolyn Pfahler ’47 Haman Jun 27, 2022

Lenore Garman ’47 Horner Nov. 14, 2023

Hilda Markey ’47 Kocsis April 26, 2023

Elaine Williams ’49 Barner May 14, 2023

Donald Fosselman ’49 March 25, 2023

Juanita Keller ’49 Hartle

Sept. 30, 2022

Joyce Bottorf ’49 Sheaffer Sept. 4, 2023

JoAnn Hort ’50 Moyer

Sept. 4, 2023

John Eccker ’51 Jan. 5, 2023

W. Donald Fisher ’51 Jan. 9, 2024

Audrey Macneil ’51 Shaffer Oct. 10, 2022

Ray Tyler ’51 July 18, 2023

Ethel McGrath ’52 Meola Feb. 9, 2024

John Momrow ’52 Jan. 25, 2023

Anthony Dikovicky ’53

Dec. 20, 2022

Charles Mason ’53 Nov. 23, 2022

Joyce Wagner ’53 Torok

Jan. 15, 2023

Clement Nardell ’54

Dec. 31, 2021

J. Edward Barrett ‘55

April 26, 2023

Edward Danyluk ’55

Oct. 19, 2023

Carol Cornelius ’55 Lamb

Nov. 20, 2023

Henry Cook ’56

April 23, 2023

Patricia Honsberger ’56 Harris

July 18, 2023

Genevieve Thomas ’56 Mack

Jan. 15, 2024

James Koones ’57

Dec. 11, 2023

Robert Lewis ’58

August 2, 2023

Gail Weikel ’58

Jan. 29, 2023

Susan Lehman ’59 Murray

July 27, 2022

Cecile Yeakley ’59 Ohl

August 1, 2023

Gerald Bernstein ’60

Jan. 11, 2024

Mary Crawford ’60

Dec. 1, 2023

Amos Kunkle ’60

August 5, 2023

Sandra Schell ’61 Deen

Feb. 10, 2023

Carol McCloy ’61 Gilchrist

Jan. 28, 2023

W. Frank Rieger ’61

Oct. 31, 2023

William Squires ’61

Feb. 9, 2023

Judith Blee ’62 Nov. 19, 2023

Jean Ewald ’62 Middleswarth Nov. 10, 2023

Francis Nace ’62 March 2, 2023

James Parker ’62 May 22, 2023

Janet Rettinger ’63 Dewald March 18, 2023

Thomas Donlan ’63

Aug. 21, 2023

James Perot ’63 Sept. 11, 2023

Carol Shesler ’63 Rowe June 12, 2023

Kenneth Wiest ’63 April 22, 2023

F. William Brandt ’64 Jan. 20, 2023

Lawrence Cooper ’64 March 20, 2023

Lloyd Hettenbach ’64 Dec. 8, 2022

Robert Suloman ’64 May 10, 2023

Richard Meserole ’65 Nov. 15, 2023

Shirley Greco ’65 Mychak Feb. 11, 2023

Donald Smith ’65 Sept. 21, 2023

Carol Wentzel ’66 Felix Aug. 26, 2023

Raymond Klinger ’66 Oct. 15, 2023

Margaret Gregory ’67 Jenkins

July 14, 2023

Evelyn Smith ’68 Caranchini

June 24, 2023

Sally Feitig ’68 Caruso

Jan. 22, 2024

Donald Fasold ’68 Feb. 25, 2023

Henry Herrington ’68 Feb. 17, 2024

Stephen Herrold ’69 Feb. 26, 2023

Linda Doebler ’70 Baker

July 21, 2023

Lloyd Ross ’70 Nov. 6, 2023

Terry Swope ’71

April 2, 2022

Douglas Hauser ’73 July 29, 2023

Judith Yohn ’75 Adams Feb. 18, 2023

Christopher Anglin ’75 Sept. 23, 2022

Gayle Boynton ’75 Dively April 29, 2023

Jeffrey LaRose ’76 May 17, 2023

John White ’76 Dec. 14, 2021

Karl Dusman ’77

Sept. 3, 2023

J Christian Kuhn ’77 Oct. 13, 2023

Jan MacLatchie ’80

Sept. 18, 2023

Debra Weaver ’81 Khateeb Aug. 28, 2022

DEATHS

David Curran ’84

March 1, 2023

Randall Lieberman ’84

Dec. 26, 2023

Thomas Lagerman ’85

June 30, 2023

Arthur Richer ’85

Jan. 27, 2023

Mark Fuller ’86

Sept. 21, 2023

Ellen Nofer ’86 Sinclair

March 13, 2023

Cynthia Cooke ’87

Dec. 10, 2023

David Cawthorne ’88

April 21, 2023

Arthur Abrom ’90

Sept. 24, 2023

Peggy Barbarito ’90

August 7, 2023

Roberta Rice ’90 Pickering

Oct. 5, 2023

Russell Wynn ’90

Jan. 3, 2024

IN MEMORIAMS

SALLY FEITIG ’68 CARUSO , wife of the late Richard E. Caruso ’65, emeritus member of the Board of Trustees, passed away on Jan. 22. She was 77.

The Carusos were engaged and committed alumni who generously supported Susquehanna over the years. In 2018, they founded the Dr. Richard E. and Sally F. Caruso Mentoring and Innovation Center in Susquehanna’s BloughWeis Library. Funded through the Uncommon Individual Foundation Event Series and Innovation Program Endowment created by the Carusos, the mentoring and innovation center is the hub of entrepreneurship education at Susquehanna. The Carusos’ endowment also supports activities and events that help students exercise their entrepreneurial skill set — through alumni mentorship and open mic nights for

Cynthia Connell ’92 Storer

Feb. 4, 2023

Lisa Anderson ’98

August 4, 2023

Amy Ely ’01 Bush

March 10, 2023

Scott Paris ’03

July 21, 2023

Edward Hendricks ’05

Sept. 20, 2023

Tyler Morton ’12

Feb. 14, 2024

entrepreneurial pitches or problem-solving sessions with local business owners.

PETER “PETE” DADALT , assistant professor of finance, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 12 at the age of 65.

Since joining the university in 2016, Pete had become a familiar and respected figure on campus. He played a key role in the recent advancements of Susquehanna’s finance program. He was instrumental in establishing the CFA Affiliation at the university and mentored students preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam. Additionally, he led the university’s River Hawk Fund, where students manage an actual investment portfolio exceeding $200,000. Pete served on several committees during his time at

Justin Eckes ’14

June 22, 2023

Shannon Alan ’17

June 6, 2024

Susquehanna University and was faculty recording secretary for the 2022–23 academic year.

Pete is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their children Alyssa ’24 and Ben. He was predeceased by his son Jonathan, who passed away in 2009 after a six-year battle with cancer.

O. “RICK” DAVIS , professor emeritus of accounting, passed away April 18. He was 74.

Rick joined the faculty at Susquehanna in 1992. He led the Sigmund Weis School of Business’ semester-long London Program on five occasions and led GO Short programs to the United Kingdom and Ireland. He was awarded the John C. Horn Award for Distinguished Scholarship and Creative

RICHARD

Activity in 2001. Rick also was faculty advisor for the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program and Beta Gamma Sigma, the business school honor society. He retired in 2021.

Rick earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1971, his Juris Doctor from Fordham University in 1975 and his Master of Laws from Georgetown University in 1993.

Rick is survived by his wife, Wendy, who served the university as an administrative assistant from 1995 until her retirement in 2019, and their children Kelly and her husband, Jason, and Ricky and his wife, Chelsey, and five granddaughters.

DONALD “DON” FISHER ’51 , emeritus member of Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees and longtime supporter of the university, passed away on Jan. 9. He was 95.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Don graduated from Susquehanna with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from New York University Graduate School of Business Administration, specializing in accounting and corporate finance.

Don served on Susquehanna’s board from 1972 to 2005. In 1992, he and his wife, Marilyn ’52, established the W. Donald ‘51 and Marilyn Kretz ‘52 Fisher Scholarship Fund for Women of Snyder County, which has supported approximately 60 students since its inception. They were also contributors to various capital improvement projects, as well as the Artist Series and the Shaheen Ministry Fund.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, and their daughters Donna Lyn Tamaroff (Michael Shingleton), Karen Shaeffer (Ted Shaeffer) and Cynthia Fisher (Jim Koch); nine grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; and 14 greatgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren.

HARRY RICHARD

“DICK”

HESS passed away Nov. 30, 2023. He was 88.

Dick served in the United States Air Force as an active-duty personnel officer before retiring in 1979 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was the Air Force track and field coach and trained athletes for the 1960 Olympic Games.

At Susquehanna, he was the associate director and director of Career Development and Placement Services from 1989 to 1997 and women’s track and field team coach and cross-country team mentor throughout the 1990s. At his induction into the Hall of Fame at the age of 83, he described his time as coach as “pure fun.”

Dick is survived by his children Barby Mackes (Ed), Dorothy Nanto (Jon) and Larry Hess (Lola); stepchildren Susan Gross, Christopher Reiland, Richard Reiland and Brett Reiland; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

SCOTT

DAVID HOLLENBACH, longtime staff member in event management, passed away Oct. 6, 2023. He was 63.

Scott graduated from Selinsgrove High School in 1978 and attended Susquehanna. He came to work at the university in 1995 and retired in August 2023 after 28 years as associate director of event management. Scott was often the first smiling face guests of the university would see, and he made everyone feel welcomed.

JAMES B. STEFFY , former professor and head of the Department of Music, passed away Oct. 28, 2023. He was 89.

During his 26 years at Susquehanna, Jim served as conductor of the university marching and symphonic bands. He spent summers at the New England Music Camp and Northeast Music Camp, where he served as band director. He also ran Campde Musique International in Switzerland.

Jim attended the Curtis Institute of Music as a trombonist and held a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and a Master of Education from Pennsylvania State University.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

by catherine zobal dent

End Notes

The Structure of the Shared Universe

“The universe is full of echoes, quotations, and reprises.”

— CATHERINE ZOBAL DENT

My daughter was an infant when I arrived at Susquehanna University. This May, she turned 15. Her older brother, then a toddler, is now preparing to leave for college. In our early years of raising children, my partner, Professor Silas Dent Zobal, and I found a supportive environment in the Writers Institute — encouraged by colleagues, we published books and mentored young writers, some of whom would go on to publish their own books and teach students. The universe, while unknowable, is full of repetitions and parallel structures.

My first office in the Department of English & Creative Writing was in a former bicycle storage closet in Hassinger Hall. Silas and I spent one year in this windowless space, home away from home! When the Writers Institute relocated, we experienced growth and renewal. In our two-story brick structure on University Avenue, there is room for workshops, conferences, meetings, celebrations. And room for us to share a central office, and now, a corner of the building.

All the books in our office, and in the Writers Institute, are available for loan. I’ll see something in a student’s story and recommend a book for a different angle or technique. When I am reminded of former students’ stories published in RiverCraft or another literary magazine, I hunt down copies and give those away. As the new director, I’m studying the past while working toward renewal. I’m emulating my predecessors: poet and editor Karla Kelsey; memoirist and essayist Glen Retief; prolific author and esteemed mentor Gary Fincke.

The Writers Institute inherits a tradition of innovation and possibility. We’ll continue preparing writers through what we’ve always done. Small workshops and one-on-one instruction remain central, with a curriculum featuring a sequence of classes in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Meanwhile, we’re looking at new collaborations with our department’s editing & publishing program, including the rebirth of SU Press; leaning into interdisciplinary affiliations with theatre, studio arts, and music; exploring connections with the Sigmund Weis School of Business, Global Opportunities Program, Center for Diversity & Inclusion, the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures.

One recent innovation is a creative writing course for students outside the creative writing major. Students write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

I teach books by visiting authors and Writers Institute faculty. I’ve connected with curious biology, business, and political science scholars. Worked with tennis, basketball, track, and soccer student-athletes. One of my proudest moments came when Cameron Noble ’23, a communications major and defensive lineman whose mom couldn’t make it to his game on Senior Day, invited me to stand by his side. Cam’s favorite book is Silas’s The People of the Broken Neck.

The universe is full of echoes, quotations, and reprises. Some students follow in our footsteps — writing and teaching — and we feel equally connected to students working in other fields. Crafting text for nonprofits and corporations. Working for libraries, theaters, parks, museums. Writing for television, music, or film. Living nearby in central Pennsylvania, or eight states away, or abroad.

I borrowed my title from Cody-Rose Clevidence, an author who visited this spring as part of our Seavey Visiting Writers Series. It felt electric to be in this poet’s presence, and electric to read their text, “This Household of Earthly Nature; An Essay.” Clevidence riffs on the Indigo Girls and Walt Whitman and countless scientists to tell us about time and music and power and domesticity and technology and prayer. The reading made me grateful for the Writers Institute, how it houses creators and dreamers. How it’s a place for inspiration and for taking risks. How, at least for a brief period in our ever-expanding universe, we find space to share.

Associate Professor of English & Creative Writing Catherine Zobal Dent is the director of the Writers Institute and former director of the Summer Writers Workshop. A fiction writer and translator of French to English, she is currently working on a new collection of short stories. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Duke University and both her master’s and doctoral degrees in English Language and Literature from Binghamton University, New York, and joined Susquehanna’s faculty in 2009.

ALUMNA USES BLENDED GIFT TO PROVIDE STUDENT AID

In 2020, Valarie Bastek ’06 established The Bastek Award Fund, which supports students who are entering their senior year and ensures that they can complete their time at Susquehanna without additional financial stress. Making this gift to the university had special meaning for Valarie, as she wished to honor her own experience at SU.

“Prior to the last semester of my senior year, my mom let me know that we likely could not afford for me to return due to financial hardship that we were experiencing,” says Mrs. Bastek. “When we spoke to the financial aid office, they generously offered me a scholarship from an endowment.

“I will never forget receiving that message or the generosity that Susquehanna was able to show me thanks to alumni donors,” she adds. “I am forever grateful that the funds were available to allow me to experience senior year with my class.”

Mrs. Bastek says that she has always wanted to find a way to acknowledge her appreciation for that assistance.

“The endowment seemed like the best way to do it, as I could tailor it specifically to others in the same situation. When I told my mom about establishing my own award fund to help current and future SU students, she burst into tears. It means a lot to both of us to be able to give back, considering how much Susquehanna did for me!”

As the Bastek Fund continues to grow, an annual gift provided by Mrs. Bastek makes an immediate impact on a student recipient. Once fully endowed, income generated from the endowment will award student recipients year after year. Mrs. Bastek has also planned a legacy gift to SU, which, when added to the original endowment, will provide even more support for deserving Susquehanna students in perpetuity.

“I never would have known that an option like this — one that allows me to make an immediate and future impact — existed without the support of Susquehanna’s Advancement Office,” Mrs. Bastek adds. “I encourage anyone interested in supporting students this way to start that conversation with them.”

Visit SULEGACY.ORG for additional stories and free planning resources. If you have designated a planned gift to the university and would like your generosity to inspire others, contact Logan Sweet, director of advancement communications, at SWEETL@SUSQU.EDU.

Summer Pre-College Programs

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Explore interests & passions. Make lasting friends. Sample college life. All at Susquehanna University.

High school students can jump-start their college experience by living on campus and participating in an exciting and engaging weeklong workshop. They’ll learn from faculty and college student mentors and strengthen skills that will boost their college résumé.

► #GOMedia

► Actor’s Institute

► Choral Institute

►►►

► Entrepreneurship Institute

► i-Engineer

► Music Production

See more at susqu.edu/SPCP 570-372-4451

► Orchestra Summit

► Photography Institute

► Publishing & Editing Institute

► Stream Ecology Institute

► Wind Ensemble Institute

► Writers Workshop

514 University Ave. Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1164