Susquehanna Currents: Spring 2018

spring 2018 · vol 86 · no 1

THE ORANGE AND MAROON GO

UNIVERSITY LEADERS, STUDENTS SEE SUNNY SKIES AHEAD FOR CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY | PAGE 8

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE PROPELLING WOMEN LEADERS TRANSFORMING LIVES

Inside

spring 2018  ·  vol 86  ·  no 1

THE ORANGE AND MAROON GO GREEN U N I V ER SI T Y L E AD E R S, S T U D E N T S SEE SU N N Y SK I E S A H E AD F O R C A M PUS SUS TAIN AB IL I T Y

F E AT U R E S

SECTIONS

4 Propelling Women Into Professional Leadership Positions

DEPARTMENTS

8

The Orange and Maroon Go Green

16 Lives Transformed One by One

2

First Word

22 People & Places 28 Scoreboard 34 The ’Grove

Q&A · Syllabus · Forward Thinking · Kudos

52 End Notes ALUMNI NEWS

38 Class Notes M essage Board · Regional Chapter News · Weddings & Gatherings · Deaths

Director of Digital and Print Communications BETSY K. ROBERTSON Assistant Vice President for Advancement, (Alumni, Parent and Donor Engagement) BECKY BRAMER ’92 DEITRICK Editor VICTORIA KIDD Associate Director, Advancement Communications

4 PROPELLING WOMEN INTO PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS A new initiative to ensure all women students have multiple opportunities to develop their leadership skills.

Class Notes Editor JODI SWARTZ Administrative Assistant, Alumni, Parent and Donor Engagement Contributing Writers EMILY GIBBS ’18 AMANDA O’ROURKE Digital Communications and Media Specialist HOPE MARTIN ’19 KELLY VERGIN Director, Athletics Communications Graphic Design AMANDA LENIG ’07 Creative Director ERICA HOOVER Graphic Designer Contributing Photographer GORDON WENZEL Copy Editor KATHLEEN LARSON FLORIO

16 LIVES TRANSFORMED ONE BY ONE F ive alumni share how access to a Susquehanna education influenced their life path.

SUSQUEHANNA CURRENTS ONLINE: www.susqu.edu/currents

Susquehanna University is a proud member of

THE ANNAPOLIS GROUP

WAYPOINTS Commencement 2018 Check out the coverage and photo gallery of our newest alumni!

www.susqu.edu/Currents-Commencement The Class of 2018 Is Going Places! Numerous jobs and grad school placements were secured before Commencement.

comprising approximately 130 leading national independent liberal arts colleges that have similar interests and concerns centering on the values of liberal arts education that inform their missions. The Annapolis Group provides a forum for member institutions to share best practices, seek higher levels of excellence, and advance the cause of liberal arts education on a national scale.

www.susqu.edu/Currents-Placements Why Susquehanna? Watch this super-cool animated video and then share!

www.susqu.edu/Currents-WhySU

Cert no. SGS-COC-004317

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 1

Wo r king To g e t h e r to Adv an c e Ste w ard s hip G o al s

dear susquehannans During my first year at Susquehanna, I have used four themes to focus our work together: 1) Citizen Leadership, 2) Global Citizenship, 3) Engagement, and 4) Access. These four thematic foci are really facets of the common theme of stewardship. At the laying of the cornerstone of the Missionary Institute, now Selinsgrove Hall, Joseph Casey, Esq. stated, “Education, in its legitimate sense, includes not only the cultivation of the mental powers, but the proper training and development of the moral sentiments and faculties, and its true object is to ‘make us not only wiser but better …’” On that very first day, Susquehanna embraced stewardship in all its forms as the cornerstone of our institutional identity. Like the actual cornerstone of Selinsgrove Hall, our commitment to stewardship remains strong and central, and as a beautiful, diverse, and complex campus has grown around the once singular institutional building, so have the forms and depths of the stewardship that is a fundamental part of being a Susquehannan.

“This issue of Currents is a celebration of our ongoing efforts to be ‘not only wiser, but better.’” —JONATHAN D. GREEN

This issue of Currents is a celebration of our ongoing efforts to be “not only wiser, but better.” The David ’69 and Sharon Johnson Center for Civic Engagement has become a signature initiative that provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to develop as citizen leaders in service to the campus and our broader community. Achieving, leading, and serving are the goals we all share. Our cover story provides an overview of the many efforts Susquehanna is undertaking around sustainability. Global citizenship is built on international cooperation and stewardship of the single planet we call home. As the university continues to reduce its carbon footprint, we are developing more cost-efficient operations and using these efforts as a learning laboratory to prepare our students to be informed and experienced sustainability advocates in their communities.

2 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

IT’S EASIER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK! 1 SERVICE—pledging your community service hours 2 A DVOCACY—writing a welcome note to an incoming student 3 S PIRIT—wearing your SU gear 4 SUCCESS—sending in a business card, and 5 Making a gift. Advocates for our “One SU” day of giving also became champions.

YOU CAN STILL BECOME A CHAMPION!

Go to www.susqu.edu/champions before June 30.

Our Women’s Leadership Initiative is already proving to be an invaluable engagement effort. Guided by the leadership of successful alumnae, this program is providing Susquehanna women an opportunity to engage in critical networking and professional development opportunities that will prepare them to pass through the glass ceiling that still limits women to only 5 percent of corporate CEO positions. We will do better, and SU women will provide the leadership to make that happen. Access was a founding principle of Susquehanna. We were established to provide an education for those who were called,

and we have welcomed generation after generation to one of the nation’s most economically diverse student bodies. Through the generosity of alumni and friends of the university, we have made it possible for deserving young people to have a transformational educational experience. As you read their stories, take pride, as Lynn and I do every day, in the remarkable ways Susquehanna is helping them to be “not only wiser, but better.” Our collective effort to continue making that possible is truly the best stewardship imaginable.

Yo u r s e v e r ,

Jonathan D. Green President

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 3

P ROP ELL ING

W MEN

Into Professional Leadership Positions INSPIRED BY A FINANCIAL CHALLENGE FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY HAS LAUNCHED THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE.

In an effort to raise $3 million, funding is structured as a four-year challenge. Signe S. Gates ’71, chair of the Board of Trustees, and Dawn Grigg ’68 Mueller, board vice chair, have pledged $250,000 each year for the next four years —a $1 million challenge gift. To claim their generous challenge, other donors must contribute a collective total of $500,000 each year for the next four years, for an additional $2 million. All challenge-eligible gifts will support Women’s Leadership Initiative programs.

BY A M A N DA O ’ R O U R K E

“I wanted to get a better sense of what it is like to be a woman in business WHO IS NAVIGATING A PRIMARILY WHITEMALE-DOMINATED DOMAIN.” —Anna McDermott ’20

THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE WILL — •P ROVIDE every female student with up to two university-supported, professional opportunities during her four years at Susquehanna. Many non-business fields do not offer paid internships or positions. Eliminating financial barriers will place Susquehanna women in work-related environments earlier, creating opportunities for them to gain experience, build connections with professionals and position themselves for future success. •S UPPORT a robust, four-year preparation plan for every female student that includes up to two funded opportunities for conference and workshop participation, career treks into

major cities, job-shadowing experiences to connect with alumni, and the chance to gain skills in areas like public speaking, personal financial planning and work/life balance. Building competency in these areas will make Susquehanna women more competitive for highly sought roles and more productive in those roles from the start. • C REATE meaningful connections with at least five alumni, per student, by graduation. Whether by academic program, cocurricular activity, industry or other affiliation, Susquehanna will foster stronger connections between students and alumni that benefit all. Pictured Right: Dawn Grigg ’68 Mueller and Signe S. Gates ’71

The Women’s Leadership Initiative builds upon the university’s ongoing efforts, such as the Sigmund Weis School of Business’ Women’s Leadership Symposium, to address Susquehanna’s role in promoting women into positions of professional leadership. The Women’s Leadership Symposium, now in its fourth year, brings female students together with successful alumnae businesswomen for networking events, roundtable discussions and office tours. Anna McDermott ’20, a psychology major from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with minors in business and diversity studies, attended the symposium for the first time in March. The event took 27 women to Philadelphia. “I wanted to get a better sense of what it is like to be a woman in business who is navigating a primarily white-male-dominated domain,” McDermott says. “This was also a good opportunity for me to network with groups of people I don’t typically get to interact with. Because I am a psychology major looking for a job in the business sector, it is crucial that I have connections to alumni in various companies.” Gates and Mueller credit a 2015 pledge from alumna Janet Fowler ’68 Grey as the inspiration for their challenge. Grey’s pledge created the Grey Women’s Leadership Fund, which supports experiential opportunities for female students in the Sigmund Weis School of Business. “I became very intrigued with it,” Mueller says. “We’re taking Janet’s initial idea with regard to leadership and trying to expand that, so we’re able to have ways for women who are not in the business school to have these same professional experiences.” Gates, retired senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Barnes Group Inc., says she and Mueller, retired physician and faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, have both had the experience of being “the only women in the room who can influence an organization.” “We hope that by supporting the Women’s Leadership Initiative, we, as Susquehanna women graduates who have been in successful leadership positions, inspire current students and offer encouragement to them as to what a Susquehanna woman might achieve,” Gates says, “and we want to put some financial support behind that encouragement.” “For three decades, women have been enrolling in college at higher rates than men and exceeding men in overall educational attainment. Yet across all industries, women represent less than 50 percent of leadership roles and are paid only 74 cents on the dollar compared to men,” says President Jonathan D. Green. “Through this initiative, Susquehanna will address its role in this societal disparity.”

Alumna Afi Ahama attended the symposium as a student and now acts as a mentor for current students.

UNIVERSIT Y LEADERS, STUDENTS SEE SUNNY SKIES AHEAD FOR CAMPUS SUSTAINABILIT Y

E R

E N G O N O A R R A O M E D H T AN

G

8 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

O G

BY

AM

D AN

A

R O’

O

K UR

E

E

N E spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 9

E

VERY SPRING, A WAVING RAINBOW OF CORNFLOWERS, COSMOS, BLACK-EYED SUSANS AND SHASTA DAISIES GREETS DRIVERS ENTERING SELINSGROVE FROM THE SOUTH. THE WILDFLOWER FIELD HAS EVEN BECOME A SOUGHT-AFTER BACKDROP FOR PROM PHOTOS.

His work is emblematic of the university’s commitment to incorporating sustainability into its values, curriculum and operations.

Their beauty is unquestioned, but their gardener has remained happily anonymous—until now.

“We can best help our students to become effective citizens of the world by being one as an institution,” says University President Jonathan D. Green. “This is a major step forward in the university’s commitment to implementing earth-friendly initiatives that are at the heart of responsible living in our interdependent world.”

Mike Coyne, co-chief operating officer and vice president for finance and administration at Susquehanna, has never considered himself a gardener, though he has always enjoyed hard work— masonry and chopping wood. Wildflowers kind of happened by accident. He’d been eyeing the southern entrance to town for some time, thinking that it needed something … pretty. “I’d been thinking about the wildflower thing for a few years,” he said recently. “I had set aside some money from every paycheck, so one year I decided to take that money and do something.” Coyne also planted a strip of wildflowers along the western border of campus—and plans to plant more throughout campus with the help of student volunteers.

“

SOLAR ARRAY TO POWER 30 PERCENT OF ELECTRICITY Perhaps most significantly, construction began in December on the largest university-sponsored solar array in Pennsylvania. When completed this summer, the 3.9 MW DC (3 MW AC) ground-mounted solar array will supply 30 percent of the university’s electricity needs.

The 14,000-panel, 14-acre project—located at the Center for Environmental Education and Research (CEER) along the western border of campus on Sassafras Street—is a joint effort between Susquehanna and WGL Energy Systems (WGL Energy). Its estimated production capacity is more than 5,300 megawatt hours (MWh) per year of electricity—enough to power all of the campus’ residence halls and reduce greenhouse gas emissions—by an amount equivalent to taking approximately 787 cars off the road each year. It has faculty and students alike excited.

I THINK THIS PROJECT DEMONSTRATES REAL COURAGE AND FAITH ON THE PART OF SU’S LEADERSHIP THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO IN SUPPORT OF FUTURE GENERATIONS.   — CHRISTOPHER BA ILEY

10 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

”

JAN. 24, 2018

30%

FEB. 14, 2018

of the university’s electricity needs will be supplied by the solar array

“This is such a cool and unique project, and I think it will really help us to stand out to prospective students, as well as help us to be more eco-friendly,” says Em Osback ’18, an environmental studies major and member of the campus sustainability committee. Susquehanna will purchase electricity generated by the array from WGL Energy Systems, which will own and operate the facility under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA). “The solar array, and our commitment to purchase 100 percent [national] green-certified power from the grid, means that all of the electricity we use will be in support of renewable energy,” says Christopher Bailey, director of facilities management. “I think this project demonstrates real courage and faith on the part of SU’s leadership that this is the right thing to do in support of future generations.”

MOVING FROM COAL TO MORE EFFICIENT FUELS It’s a remarkable stride, considering that five years ago the university was still using an outdated and inefficient coal-fired, central steam-heating plant.

APRIL 13, 2018

MARCH 13, 2018

Faculty members in business and the natural sciences conducted research into various forms of heat—from coal, to woodchips and corn stover (stalks and leaves left in fields after harvest), to turkey manure. In 2014, the university decided to convert from the centralized coal plant to a decentralized system that put high-efficiency, natural gas boilers into 18 different campus buildings. It was a risky decision, Coyne says, but one that has paid off in terms of enhanced energy efficiency, reduced impact on the environment and cost savings. The campus now uses 21 percent less energy to heat its buildings, resulting in a 45 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Further efficiencies have been achieved through building automation. Smart controls use computers and sensors to adjust lighting, heating, air conditioning and fresh airflow—keeping buildings comfortable for occupants while maximizing energy usage. A retrofitting effort is also increasing the number of low-flow water fixtures and low-flush toilets.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 11

CEER HOME TO EXCITING RESEARCH, ACTIVITIES Some of the most exciting environmental work is happening at the Center for Environmental Education and Research (CEER). The CEER’s 87 acres are home to a conglomeration of environmental activities, from research to gardening to beekeeping.

15,000SQUARE-FOOT campus garden

“The CEER is such a unique asset for Susquehanna,” says Katherine Straub, professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and CEER director. “How many universities have a freshwater ecology lab, a student-run garden, experimental ecology research plots and a solar array within a 10-minute walk from the campus center? The CEER is essential to the university’s sustainability goals, both in terms of operations and student engagement.” Funded by a $2.25 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Susquehanna’s Freshwater Research Initiative and laboratory are at the CEER’s hub. Here, faculty and students work collaboratively with a network of more than 30 nonprofit groups, government agencies and other academic institutions to monitor the ecological health of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds.

CAMPUS GARDEN FEEDS LOCAL COMMUNITY The university’s campus garden continues to grow and provide healthy food for the Selinsgrove Senior Center and other local recipients. Cared for by several paid student workers and dozens of student volunteers, the university’s 15,000-squarefoot garden—which has tripled in size over the past two years—has produced hundreds of pounds of fresh produce in recent years. To increase yields, the university has enlarged the size of the garden and raised many of the planting beds. Rainwater runoff from the adjacent laboratory is used to water the garden. In addition, students make compost by mixing dining hall food scraps with newspaper, cardboard and straw. All of this work has been led through the David ’69 and Sharon Johnson Center for Civic Engagement’s (JCCE)

AmeriCorps*VISTA program. An additional two raised beds were recently added in time for spring planting. (See related content on p. 52.)

BEEHIVES PROMOTE POLLINATION Two nearby beehives, maintained by the Susquehanna Beekeepers Club, support pollination and the local honeybee population, while a plot of wildflowers anchored at the garden’s center gives bees a food source. The first two colonies of honeybees were installed into the hives in 2016, but sadly did not survive the winter. A local beekeeper who mentors the student club repopulated the hives with honeybees saved from a nearby swarm. “These hives will increase plant health in the Selinsgrove community and hopefully inspire people to keep more bees themselves,” says Josh Levesque ’18, an

“The more bees the better!” —JOSH LEVESQUE ’18

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 13

Susquehanna earned a

earth and environmental sciences major. “The more bees the better!”

STARS BRONZE RATING for the university’s sustainability performance

Future plans for the CEER include revitalizing the garden’s fruit trees and constructing a walking trail.

SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR STEERS PROGRESS Another first for the university is the addition of Derek Martin as sustainability coordinator. Martin is tasked with ensuring that the university is doing everything it can to reduce its environmental impact while maximizing student engagement. Martin has already mobilized the university’s greatest natural resource—its students—into groups that meet regularly to discuss and develop action plans around issues like energy, water and food, as well as special events. “I think that students have the capability to really drive sustainability efforts on campus,” says Osback, who also serves as the sustainability service coordinator for the JCCE. “Right now, there is a small number of students who are actively working toward sustainability

“

I THINK EVERYBODY HAS A PART. IT’S NOT HARD TO PLANT FLOWERS OR TO RAISE SOME BEES … WE’RE MAKING GREAT STRIDES AT SUSQUEHANNA, AND I SEE THIS CAMPUS AS A KIND OF LAB WHERE STUDENTS CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT THEIR PART IS.    —M I K E COY N E

14 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

”

Hannah Johnston ’19 in campus garden

on campus, but that number is growing. As more and more students get involved, I have no doubt that things will get done with more enthusiasm than ever before.”

A SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CARD

DEREK MARTIN

sustainability coordinator

Straub and Heather Pearson ’18, an environmental studies major, spearheaded the university’s first effort to be rated according to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

It gives colleges and universities a system for understanding sustainability in all sectors of higher education, and enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements, all of which require broad participation from the campus community.

STARS is a nationally recognized assessment tool for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. Susquehanna earned a STARS Bronze rating.

With the days getting longer and Susquehanna’s solar array on the verge of being operational, Coyne finds himself thinking of sunny skies and more wildflowers.

“This process has showed us how broad the term ‘sustainability’ is and how nearly every department and office on campus can contribute in some way toward our sustainability efforts,” Straub says. With more than 800 participants in 30 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas—academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

“I think everybody has a part. It’s not hard to plant flowers or to raise some bees,” Coyne says. “We’re making great strides at Susquehanna, and I see this campus as a kind of lab where students can figure out what their part is.”

WebExtras: To learn more about Derek Martin, go to www.susqu.edu/derek-martin For a list of sustainability courses, go to www.susqu.edu/Currents-courses

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 15

16 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

B Y E M I LY G I B B S ’ 1 8

LIVES

ONE BY ONE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDES INDIVIDUALS OF MOST ANY AGE WITH THE MEANS AND FUNDAMENTAL TOOLS TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS. TRANSFORMING YOUNG PEOPLE OF MODEST MEANS AND EXPERIENCE INTO CITIZEN LEADERS OF SIGNIFICANCE IS IN

S U S Q U E H A N N A ’ S D N A. Susquehanna has a long history of working closely with students and their families to help finance their education, paving the way for students to find success personally and professionally.

ASHLE Y THOMPSON ’09 • ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HORTICULTURE AT OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

A

Ph.D. in horticulture from Virginia Tech. She recently accepted the position of assistant professor of horticulture at Oregon State University.

In Thompson’s freshman year, her mother was diagnosed with cancer, putting an even greater financial strain on the family. Thompson held several work-study jobs on campus to support herself. She says her mother was motivated in her recovery by the dream of seeing her daughter graduate.

Scholarships Lift Financial Burden

shley Thompson ’09 found Susquehanna to be an invaluable foundation that kickstarted her career in biology research. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent, low-income household, Thompson says that without the financial aid offered by Susquehanna she would not have achieved what she has.

Adjusting to life on campus was difficult, Thompson says. “I had no cultural capital for navigating college.” But she found her way in the biology department, where she was a research student with department head and professor Tammy Tobin for three years, studying microbial communities and soil health. When she graduated, Thompson continued her work in this area, earning a

“Susquehanna gave me an advantage in balancing class work and research, and designing research projects,” Thompson says. “The professors at Susquehanna challenge students to do their best work while supporting their interests.”

Jesse Ramsey ’09 says he probably would not have attended Susquehanna were it not for the financial aid he received. He is one of five children, three of whom attended Susquehanna. Sadly, during his sophomore year, his mother lost her battle with cancer. To combat the financial strain, Ramsey held jobs throughout the school year and during the summer,

“ THE SUPPORT OF FINANCIAL AID ALLOWED ME TO EXPERIENCE MORE, TO BE EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND TO PURSUE A QUALITY EDUCATION.” JESSE RAMSE Y ’09 • DELOITTE CONSULTING

18 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

but he says that the scholarships and financial aid he received lifted some of the burden so he could complete his education in four years. Ramsey was an academic and student leader during his time at Susquehanna, a Presidential Fellow and a Distinguished Service Scholar. After graduation, he accepted a position at Deloitte Consulting, where he has been employed for seven years. “The support of financial aid allowed me to experience more, to be exposed to different people and to pursue a quality education,” Ramsey says. “My study abroad experience in Central America molded me into who I was becoming at that time, and helped to develop my identity.”

A Home Away from Home Many first-generation college students or students from low-income households found in Susquehanna a valuable place to grow and learn. Skyra Blanchard ’05 struggled with the emotional and financial strain of losing her father, her only present parental figure, before she entered college. Despite her loss, she credits Susquehanna for making a college education a possibility. “Without financial aid, being from a large family with no present parent, I would not have been able to attend college without going into extreme debt,” Blanchard says. “At Susquehanna, I found a home away from home, and that made all the difference.” Blanchard earned an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Penn State and taught in the State College Area School District for 11 years. She is now an English teacher in the Montgomery County School District where her goal is to “inspire young people each and every day.”

Alumni Credit Dedicated Professors and Staff For Christy Vogelsang ’65, Susquehanna presented a unique opportunity to pursue an education, despite limited funds and a long commute. Vogelsang began her education at Westminster College and left in her sophomore year to move with her then-husband, a pastor, to Tower City, Pa.

At that time, she says, the Lutheran church would pay tuition for ministers’ family members to attend affiliated colleges or universities, which included Susquehanna. She describes the tuition grant and additional financial aid she received as a miracle. “I was one of four kids,” Vogelsang says. “My parents believed we should all get a college education.” As a commuter student, Vogelsang found her professors flexible and dedicated to helping her succeed, despite not living on campus. “I was given a lot of help to be able to complete projects and research from long distance,” she says. “I credit Susquehanna with nourishing my dreams and goals and providing me with a solid grounding in the humanities and sciences.” Vogelsang went on to earn a degree in secondary education, which she describes as “a degree in everything.” She worked in a variety of fields, including with the anti-poverty program Neighborhood Youth Corps and as a rehabilitation counselor with the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. Michael Hudock ’01, a first-generation college student, says that his

education would not have been possible without the dedication of Susquehanna’s staff. Helen Nunn, director of financial aid at the time, worked closely with Hudock’s family to create a financial aid package that made college a reality. “Despite their best planning, my parents had limited financial means to cover the costs of higher education,” he says. “My father faced a diagnosis of a terminal illness before I graduated from high school and was unable to work, which placed even more financial pressures on my family.” A biochemistry major, Hudock landed a job after graduation in the pharmaceutical industry in the field of chemistry informatics. After graduate school and a biophysics research career, he moved into the business world. He is now vice president of predictive analytics at ADP, a global provider of HR, payroll and tax solutions for businesses. At Susquehanna, he was able to pursue his passion in two very different fields. “It was important to me that I found a school where I wouldn’t feel lost, where I could learn to be not only a scientist, but also a musician,” he says. “Susquehanna changed my life.”

Departments

PEOPLE & PLACES

SCOREBOARD

THE ’GROVE

Olivia Rogers, 12, joined softball team members during spring training in Florida. The team started a GoFundMe campaign for their “adopted” teammate, who has leukemia.

MORE ON OLIVIA ROGERS, PAGE 30

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 21

PEOPLE & PLACES

the who, what and where for all things susquehanna

Junior Interns at European Parliament Every step junior Aminata Diallo has taken is getting her closer to her goal of becoming an immigration attorney, including her latest, which landed her in the halls of the European Parliament.

Aminata Diallo ’19

While in Brussels, Belgium, for her Global Opportunities experience last fall, Diallo interned with the European Parliament, the elected institution of the European Union (EU). She worked in the office of Francis Zammit Dimech, a member from Malta who was elected to parliament just last year. Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea, about 50 miles from Italy’s southern coast. At the parliament, Diallo helped Dimech’s office prepare for delegations first to Lebanon, and then later to Strasbourg, France, the official seat of the European Parliament. “I’m basically creating a study guide about everything he needs to know about Lebanon for this trip,” she said when interviewed last fall. (The guide was delayed, however, when Lebanon’s prime minister abruptly resigned.) “I also keep a log of what I’m doing, who I meet and how I’m feeling, so I can write a reflection at the end of the internship.”

Among her most moving experiences was being a part of a candlelight vigil held in honor of an assassinated Maltese journalist. Diallo, a triple-major in political science, international studies and French, completed her GO experience at the French-speaking Université libre de Bruxelles. Her program is administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), through which she was placed in her Brussels internship. Diallo has always sought out internships that play to her career aspirations. The summer after her freshman year, she interned at Project Vote Smart in Montana, where she conducted research for prospective voters. The following summer she participated in the Discover Law Scholars Program at the University at Buffalo School of Law, a four-week summer residency program that introduces promising students of color to a career in law. Diallo credits her academic advisor, Michele DeMary, professor of political science, with exposing her to unique opportunities off campus and relevant coursework on campus. “I feel very prepared, and it’s all thanks to the many opportunities I’ve had at SU,” Diallo says.

“I FEEL VERY PREPARED, AND IT’S ALL THANKS TO THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES I’VE HAD AT SU.” —AMINATA DIALLO ’19

22 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

Leslie Hanson ’08

At Bombas, Graphic Design Alum Finds His Match Leslie Hanson ’08 is in a good place right now. He’s the art director for Bombas, the social-impact sock company that gives a pair of socks to someone in need with every purchase. The company has been featured on ABC News, and in the Huffington Post and Forbes. Hanson even appeared with the company on Good Morning America. “It’s been a combination of hustle, networking and pure luck,” Hanson says. “This didn’t all happen at once.” Hanson’s graduation from Susquehanna came at a challenging time. It was 2008 and the U.S. economy had taken a downward turn. Jobs for graphic designers were scant. “When I was fresh out of school, I was scraping for any job I could find,” Hanson says. “All designers have probably heard the ‘we can’t pay you but it’ll be great for your portfolio’ line.” He found himself working three jobs at once: waiting tables at a café, working the graveyard shift in the CBS video tape library, and designing at an ad agency as an unpaid intern. In his spare time, he took on freelance work and looked for full-time design work. He eventually found it with Seamless, at the time a New York–based start-up company that had developed

a mobile application for ordering food delivery. The company later merged with Grubhub and it was there that a colleague passed on to Hanson an opportunity for some web work for the then-unknown Bombas.

“IT’S BEEN A COMBINATION OF HUSTLE, NETWORKING AND PURE LUCK … THIS DIDN’T ALL HAPPEN AT ONCE.”—LESLIE HANSON ’08 “I’m extremely grateful for the environment the founders have created, where we not only work hard and play hard together, but also are actively engaged in community service,” Hanson says. “Aside from being able to help shape the company’s visual aesthetic, I’ve been able to grow myself with the company as it grows.” He credits his experience at SU, and in particular Mark Fertig, professor of art, with positioning him for career success. “The education [Mark] gave us was especially focused around speed and technical mastery, which is a unique approach that isn’t done at a lot of other schools,” Hanson says. “He is an incredible mentor who spent some real time getting to know us and still influences me to this day.”

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 23

PEOPLE&PLACES

Politically Themed Lectures Further Civil Discourse Susquehanna University hosted a series of events during the spring 2018 semester meant to further civil and intellectual discourse on campus. The events were in keeping with the university theme for the year—conflict. Two politically themed events brought to campus conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro to discuss the First Amendment on college campuses and former Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell to present A Progressive View of America. The events were organized jointly by the College Republicans and College Democrats. Rendell praised the two groups for working together and announced he would donate $500 to each organization from his honorarium. “That is such an important thing for them to act together, to try to begin to chip away at the polarization that’s ripping not only Washington, but Harrisburg, Springfield and Sacramento,” Rendell said. Shapiro’s lecture sparked controversy and a small-scale student protest on the evening of the event. Security measures were taken to ensure that those who opposed the speaker’s views had a safe space in which to protest. “These events show that a university setting is the perfect place to hear and react to a variety of viewpoints, and that it can be done peaceably,” said Linda McMillin, provost,

dean of the faculty and co-chief operating officer at Susquehanna. “Part of our educational mission is to help students learn how to listen to opposing viewpoints and engage in civil debate and deliberation with each other.” Several events were held to help the campus community prepare for the Shapiro and Rendell lectures. A faculty/staff panel, moderated by speaker of the faculty David Steinau, addressed questions submitted by student organizations. Panelists were Michele DeMary, department head and associate professor of political science; Jeff Mann, associate professor of religious studies; Anna Andes, associate professor of theatre and women’s studies coordinator; teacher-in-residence Harvey Edwards; and university chaplain Scott Kershner. A Let’s Talk luncheon was held in advance of the events to discuss peaceful protest and expressing dissent on campus. Following each speaker’s visit, Let’s Talk luncheons helped students unpack the messages and discuss their reactions and opinions with each other. Additionally, Blough-Weis librarians created an online fact-checking guide to help the campus community to process and respond to the Shapiro and Rendell lectures in an ongoing fashion.

“THESE EVENTS SHOW THAT A UNIVERSITY SETTING IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO HEAR AND REACT TO A VARIETY OF VIEWPOINTS, AND THAT IT CAN BE DONE PEACEABLY.” — LINDA MCMILLIN

Raquel Ramos ’19

Veneranda Bautista ’19

Tina Dy ’19

Alanis Hickman ’19

Morgan MacVaugh ’19

Five Students Named Gilman Scholars Five Susquehanna University students were awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, enabling them to study in Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Scotland and New Zealand during the spring semester. Only about 25 percent of semester program applicants receive an award. Susquehanna University has a dedicated program in place to identify and nurture potential scholarship applicants. Gilman scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. The program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, aims to diversify the students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Scholarship recipients gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies— making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.

Susquehanna’s recipients this spring: • Veneranda Bautista, a junior double-majoring in strategic communications and Spanish, studied at the University of Alicante in Spain, where she immersed herself in the Spanish language and culture. Bautista is from Reading, Pa.

• Tina Dy, also a junior strategic communications major with a minor in Italian, from Philadelphia, Pa., studied at the Council on International Educational Exchange’s Liberal Arts Program in Ferrara, Italy. She pursued intermediate-and advanced-level Italian courses. • Junior neuroscience major Alanis Hickman, of Philadelphia, Pa., studied at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus. She plans to become a nurse practitioner after graduation, and used her time abroad to volunteer in a Cypriot hospital. • Morgan MacVaugh, a junior creative writing major from Mount Joy, Pa., studied at the University of Stirling in Scotland. An aspiring author, MacVaugh immersed herself in the mythology and legends imbedded deep within Scottish culture. • Junior biology major Raquel Ramos, of Reisterstown, Md., attended the University of Otago in New Zealand. She studied the ecosystems and biological life within New Zealand’s waterfalls, glaciers and mountains. She was also interested to learn more about the country’s productive sheep milk industry.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 25

PEOPLE&PLACES

LORE DEGENSTEIN GALLERY MARKS 25TH ANNIVERSARY Susquehanna’s Lore Degenstein Gallery marked its 25th anniversary in April with the exhibition Abstract and Nonrepresentational Painting.

The gallery also hosted a poetry reading by Charles Borkhuis on April 24. One of the exhibition artists created a series of paintings in response to his work.

The exhibition was co-curated by gallery director Dan Olivetti and gallery assistant Quinn Evans, a sophomore studio art major from Wrightsville, Pa.

The Lore Degenstein Gallery was established by a gift from the late Charles Degenstein in honor of his wife. Its mission is to exhibit, interpret, collect and preserve objects of art and material culture through a rich and diverse exhibition program.

The show featured nine artists, many from Pennsylvania, invited by Olivetti and Evans. Neil Anderson, represented by the Bridgette Mayer Gallery in Philadelphia, joined the show along with Valerie Allen, an artist/curator from Ohio. Other artists included Carol Galligan, Claire Giblin, Susan Gottlieb, Jerome Hershey, Mark Mahosky, John McCluskey and John Myers.

26 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

Each year four professional exhibitions and one student exhibition are offered. Since its opening, the gallery has contributed to the cultural life of central Pennsylvania with events that are free and open to the public.

Lore Degenstein and Dede Gronlund

President Green and Ms. Lynn Buck hosted campus community members and friends to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 27

SC OR E B OARD

news from susquehanna athletics

GARRETT INDUCTED INTO MAC SPORTS HALL OF FAME James W. Garrett, former head coach of the Susquehanna University football team and namesake of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex, was inducted posthumously into the Middle Atlantic Conference Sports Hall of Fame in May. He will be recognized for this honor at halftime of the football home opener Sept. 8 vs. Johns Hopkins University. The MAC Hall of Fame honors student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty or staff from the Middle Atlantic Conferences who have demonstrated success in athletics, academics and the community. Susquehanna was a member of the MAC until 2007. Jim Garrett holds a very special place in the proud tradition of Susquehanna athletics. He was athletic director at Susquehanna from 1960–65, coached the football team from 1960–65 and the baseball team from 1962–65 and also led the track and field team in 1961. After his tenure at Susquehanna, he went on to a successful coaching and scouting career in the National Football League (NFL). From 1987 to 2004, Garrett was a scout for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a part of four Dallas Super Bowl teams, including three Super Bowl championships (1992, 1993 and 1995). As a college scout for the club, he wrote the franchise’s take on Tony Romo and the original report on Troy

28 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

Aikman, whom Dallas selected as the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL draft. A native of Rutherford, N.J., Garrett attended Rutherford High School, where he was a member of the first induction group of the school’s Hall of Fame in 1996. He was an all-conference fullback at Utah State University and went on to play for Philadelphia (1954), the British Columbia Lions (1955), N.Y. Giants (1956) and Ottawa Rough Riders (1957). Garrett also loved baseball. Following his rookie season in the NFL, he went to spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In addition to the Cowboys, Garrett also served as an assistant coach with the N.Y. Giants (1969–1973), New Orleans Saints (1976–77) and Cleveland Browns (1978–84). He also coached collegiately at the Coast Guard Academy (1958) and Lehigh University (1959). Through the mid-1970s, he was the head coach at Millburn High School in New Jersey before becoming the head coach at Columbia University (1985). Garrett was inducted into the Crusader Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981. In 2001, Susquehanna named its newly constructed athletics facility the James W. Garrett Sports Complex. His remarkable life was commemorated in the Dallas Cowboys’ documentary Deep Blue: The Jim Garrett Story. News of Garrett’s passing in February was reported nationwide, including by the Cowboys, ESPN and USA Today.

Dr. Michael Cordis ’63

“ He has given his entire career to make the field of athletic training more successful, and has trained and inspired so many to get into the field and to stay in the field.” —MICHAEL KEENEY

HAWK TALK Morgan Lowe ’18 (Dec. ’17) not only achieved All-America status from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), she was also named Academic All-America by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). She is the first volleyball player in school history to earn both awards.

Ryan Traub ’18 became the 37th player in Susquehanna University men’s basketball history to eclipse the 1,000-career-point milestone. He achieved that distinction during the 89–57 win over Penn State–Hazelton on Dec. 9.

Nick Crusco ’18 finished his football career

Former Team Doctor Continues to Inspire Athletic Trainers Head Athletic Trainer Michael Keeney has literally seen it all in the Susquehanna University athletic training room. Over more than 20 years, he has treated nearly every conceivable injury and at the same time has assisted every student-athlete who has worn the Orange and Maroon since his arrival in 1995. When asked about his role here at Susquehanna, Keeney quickly refers to someone who inspired him—and literally hundreds of other athletic trainers—to remain in the career for such a long period of time. That person is Dr. Michael Cordis ’63. “He has given his entire career to make the field of athletic training more successful, and has trained and inspired so many to get into the field and to stay in the field,” Keeney says. “Susquehanna was lucky to have him as a team doctor for such a long time.” Cordis started working with student-athletes at Susquehanna in 1976 and served as medical director and team physician for more than 20 years before retiring from the roles in 1989. He went on to work with several professional organizations and schools across Pennsylvania and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame in 2003. Cordis continues to teach and train those seeking a career in the field and regularly speaks about ongoing research in the areas of concussion management and knee injuries at conventions and conferences across the country.

at Susquehanna with several school records, including 730 career completions, 1,198 passing attempts and 8,318 career passing yards.

Nick Hoover ’06 led the Susquehanna women’s soccer team to the NCAA Tournament in the fall and was named the Landmark Conference Coach of the Year. The team finished with a 14–5–2 record and started the season with a school-record, nine-game unbeaten streak (8–0–1). The team was also recognized for its academic achievement by the United Soccer Coaches of America.

Cameron Ott ’18 is a starter for both the baseball and football teams at Susquehanna and has earned recognition on the Landmark Conference (baseball) and Centennial Conference (football) All-Academic teams. He was the leading rusher in the Centennial Conference and an All-Conference selection. In addition, he was recognized for his academic achievement by the National Football Foundation.

Emilie Boman ’18, Olivia Rogers and Leigh Ann Greenwald ’18

ACT OF KINDNESS LEADS TO LIFETIME OF MEMORIES Members of the Susquehanna University softball team had no idea what they were getting into when they started a GoFundMe campaign to take Olivia Rogers—their adopted teammate—with them on the annual spring training trip to Kissimmee, Fla. When seniors Emilie Boman and Leigh Ann Greenwald visited Olivia in the hospital earlier this year, Boman recalls she was in a lot of pain. “The only thing that seemed to distract her from the pain was talking about the upcoming trip to Florida. Her eyes lit up and we both just knew we had to get her there. We would do anything to make her happy.” And that’s how it started. Olivia, who was diagnosed with leukemia a little more than a year ago, had been paired with the Susquehanna softball team through Friends of Jaclyn. The organiza-

30 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

tion helps children battling cancer to be “adopted” by sports teams to help them through the pain and suffering involved in treatments. On that trip home from the hospital, a decision was made to start the fundraising campaign. It didn’t take long to grow exponentially. The campaign raised nearly $4,000 in just a few days, then reached $6,300. More important, it was shared through social media, quickly drawing the attention of the professional softball community from across the country, in particular the Scrap Yard Fast Pitch softball organization formerly known as the Houston Scrap Yard Dawgs, an independent team that features some of the best players in the country. Soon after Scrap Yard Fast Pitch became involved, Matt Lunsford, the agent for several of the softball players and also an agent for some of the Atlanta Braves players, also jumped on board. The fundraising effort was suddenly taken to a new level, and the money raised was more than was needed for the entire trip to Florida. Scrap Yard Fast Pitch donated plane tickets for Olivia and her parents; Spring Break Sports waived its

Charlie Culberson, Olivia Rogers and Donald Duck

commission on the housing provided for the family and also helped with the transportation and tickets to Universal Studios. The Atlanta Braves—including star player Charlie Culberson—invited Olivia and her family to spring training, where she met Culberson, received a personalized Atlanta Braves jersey and threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. “It was fun to watch things happen,” says head coach Brad Posner. “The fundraising effort and the connections made with the people and organizations, especially Scrap Yard Fast Pitch, were amazing. Olivia had a great time, and I’m sure she will not soon forget her trip to Florida.” Olivia visited three different Disney properties including Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, and stopped at Universal Studios with several of her adopted sisters from the Susquehanna team. She also attended the Susquehanna games and joined in the cheers from the dugout. Now that the trip is over, the challenge is to keep on creating memories for Olivia—and at the same time, create more memories for the players whose lives have been changed by this experience.

BILL MUIR ’65 WAS HONORED AT HALFTIME OF THE DICKINSON GAME SEPT. 30. PICTURED ARE BILL’S WIFE, BARBARA, AND BILL. MUIR PLAYED FOR SUSQUEHANNA AND ALSO WAS AN ASSISTANT COACH BEFORE MOVING ON TO AN NFL CAREER AS A LONGTIME ASSISTANT COACH. HE WON A SUPER BOWL WITH THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS IN 2002 AS THE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND OFFENSIVE LINE COACH.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ORANGE AND MAROON CLUB, FORMERLY VARSITY CLUB, AND HELP ENHANCE THE COLLEGIATE EXPERIENCE OF SUSQUEHANNA’S STUDENT-ATHLETES! You are eligible for Orange and Maroon Club membership when you support the unrestricted athletics fund or any of our sports programs. Make a gift today at www.susqu.edu/support/OMClub.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 31

Tyler Hoagland ’19

S C O R E B OA R D

More Funds Raised to Fight Throat Cancer Tyler Hoagland ’19 wanted to take the fundraising effort started by Steven Weidlich ’17 a step or two farther. Frank Marcinek

After head basketball coach Frank Marcinek was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016, Weidlich and his teammates raised funds and awareness for the fight against the disease. The team sold wristbands and donated all of the money raised to the Throat Cancer Association. Hoagland took that effort a step further this season and worked with Director of Athletic Communications Kelly Vergin and Sire Advertising in Selinsgrove to design a tie, with a “Tie Up Throat Cancer” logo, to be sold to basketball coaches and anyone else who wanted to support the cause. The hope was that coaches would purchase the ties and wear them on the same day that they took part in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Suits and Sneakers event in February.

All of the profits from the sales were donated to the American Cancer Society and Coaches vs. Cancer program started by the NABC. Hoagland, a junior point guard for the River Hawks, and the rest of the team were inspired by the courage and determination that Marcinek showed as he endured the treatments in his successful fight against throat cancer. The Tie Up Throat Cancer campaign is ongoing and will continue into next basketball season.

32 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

ATHLETICS PUT ON HOLD FOR HALEY TIMKO Haley Timko ’19 is a member of both the women’s soccer and basketball teams at Susquehanna, and at 6 feet tall, her presence is easily noticed whether on the field or on the court.

Haley Timko ’19

During the soccer season this past fall, she was noticeably absent from her primary position in defense for the River Hawks. Just a few days prior to the studentathletes return to campus for preseason practices, Haley was involved in a car accident, and her severe injuries prevented her from participating in an entire season of competition.

“I was driving home from a soccer practice,” says Timko. “It had rained earlier, the roads were wet, and dusk was drawing near. Regrettably, a car approaching in the opposite direction veered into my lane, and I swerved to miss the van. When I swerved again to remain on the road, I lost control and ended up in the ditch, upside down.” Thankfully, two people who lived nearby heard the loud noise, left their homes, and searched the area. They helped Timko get out of the vehicle by cutting her seatbelt and preventing the car from tipping. “I was scared mostly,” says Timko. “I was able to walk away from the car and call my mother, but when paramedics arrived, they immediately put me in a neck brace and rushed me to the closest emergency room.” Once x-rays were taken, the doctors could see that she had fractured her C6 and C7 vertebrae. She was then transferred by ambulance to Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del., where she stayed while further tests were administered to help determine the extent of her injuries. Thankfully, surgery was not necessary. “I needed to wear a cumbersome, stiff neck brace for three months,” says Timko. “After the bones healed, I was able to remove the brace. Still, my recovery would entail substantial rehab to restrengthen the muscles and regain flexibility and mobility in my neck.” That rehabilitation meant that she would spend a lot of time in the Susquehanna training room. “It was pretty neat because all the other athletes doing rehab with me had the same hope of being able to come back and play,” says Timko. “It was like a second family down there, and we all encouraged each other every day.”

HAWK TALK The women’s swimming and diving team won its unprecedented eighth consecutive Landmark Conference championship in February, and head coach Jerry Foley and his staff, including Katie Robbins ’96, Josh Powell and Margaret Zagrobelny, were named the Coaching Staff of the Year. It was the third consecutive year for the swimming and diving coaching staff to win the award.

Joann Butkus ’18 was one of the top swimmers on the women’s swimming and diving team and was honored as the winner of the Landmark Conference Senior Scholar-Athlete Award. The multiple-time Landmark Conference Champion was recognized for her accomplishments in the pool and in the classroom. Only one athlete from each sport is honored each year with the award.

Bailey Trell ’19 led the women’s basketball team to a fourth-consecutive tipoff tournament title in the first weekend of the season. In the first game of the tournament, Trell handed out a schoolrecord 11 assists as the River Hawks beat Penn State–Berks 68–53.

Dylan Abplanalp ’19 made history for the men’s lacrosse team in March as he eclipsed the career saves record in just his third season. His nine saves against Marymount (Va.) University on March 17 gave him 394 saves for his career as he passed Dan Kotch ’05 for the career record. He also set the school record for career wins with his 23rd career victory in a 7–3 victory over Lebanon Valley on March 8.

Timko did make it back for the second half of the basketball season and saw limited action, but she has every expectation to be back at full strength for next year’s soccer and basketball seasons her senior year. “I just want to thank everyone—my family, my friends, my teammates, my doctors, my teachers, my coaches and trainers—who prayed, encouraged and supported me during my recovery.”

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 33

T H E ’G R O V E

stories from around campus and around town

Q&A

Melissa Komora Vice President of Advancement

SC: You’ve only just joined Susquehanna on Feb. 26. What are your first impressions?

SC: What role does philanthropy play in higher education and at Susquehanna in particular?

MK: The strong team and interconnected atmosphere that I first noticed and experienced during the search process for the position is true to the Susquehanna culture. Sometimes institutions put on their “best” only when recruiting for personnel, but for Susquehanna, the commitment to excellence and support of all parts of the community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and even the town of Selinsgrove— is a regular part of each and every day. That is an amazing foundation for me to start working from. Coming to SU at a time of great initiatives is also exciting for me to be a part of—from the diversity of the speakers’ series, to the arts events, to cutting-edge enterprises like the Freshwater Research Initiative and solar array.

MK: I believe, like many of my advancement colleagues, that philanthropy has incredible power to change the world in ways both big and small, but the key phase is “change the world.” Philanthropy is key to making certain Susquehanna can fulfill its mission—which is ultimately about student access, education and success. Our graduates change the world in many ways, so philanthropy has continuous and far-reaching effects. Susquehanna, like most higher-ed institutions, is a nonprofit, so philanthropy is significant in allowing us to do more for impactful initiatives such as supporting student scholarships, completing capital projects and campus renovations, sustaining an inspiring living and learning environment, and building the endowment for the institution’s long-term support and stability.

SC: What are your goals for helping to move the university forward in the coming year(s)?

“PHILANTHROPY IS KEY TO MAKING CERTAIN SUSQUEHANNA CAN FULFILL ITS MISSION— WHICH IS ULTIMATELY ABOUT STUDENT ACCESS, EDUCATION AND SUCCESS.” —MELISSA KOMORA

MK: There are, of course, the standard fundraising milestones that are always important to forward movement, including increasing participation in giving and the overall dollar amount of gifts. But to make that happen, an important goal for me is building on the overall culture of philanthropy that has been established since the day the college was founded and has seen special attention recently from the Board of Trustees. I look forward to moving forward with each of the Susquehanna community constituencies to inspire engagement, service and ultimately giving back/paying it forward in terms of financial support.

34 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

SC: What do you see as Susquehanna’s immediate and long-range funding priorities? MK: Even being brand new here at SU, it is easy to answer on immediate need. Scholarships for students are always both a current and longterm need as it gives Admissions the opportunity to admit those strong students with need but also provides a bit of a competitive advantage in attracting students with merit-based scholarships. From a long-term perspective, we will be looking at the opportunities of a comprehensive fundraising campaign to complement President Green’s vision for Susquehanna, as well as reinforce the strategic plan for Susquehanna’s future. I am very much looking forward to working with the advancement team as well as faculty, staff and alumni to envision how we can strategically do our philanthropic work to support what Susquehanna will be in 2025 and beyond.

SYLLABUS

FORWARD THINKING

Lesson Gets Their Spidey Senses Tingling

Anthropology Professor Conducts Research in Iceland

Emma Fleck has taken her teaching of entrepreneurship to superior heights. Fleck, associate professor of management in Susquehanna’s Sigmund Weis School of Business, has begun using superheroes to teach creativity to students in her entrepreneurship courses. “There are three components that make up the entrepreneurial mindset—innovation, ability to problem solve and the concept of creativity,” Fleck says. “This elusive creativity is something I think we’re still trying to understand. How do we teach it? Can we teach it?” Inspired by her sons, aged 5 and 6, Fleck is trying to teach creativity by transporting her students back to a time when they were at their most creative—about 5 years old. Her lesson, “Embodying the Superhero Within,” asks students to remember being 5: What inspired them? What were their favorite toys? What did they want to be when they grew up? A pile of costumes, masks and craft supplies gives students the chance to recreate their 5-year-old superhero, design an icon that represents this time in their lives or draw a picture that represents their childhood dreams.

“There are three components that make up the entrepreneurial mindset—innovation, ability to problem solve and the concept of creativity.” —EMMA FLECK A post-lesson period of reflection impresses upon students that, although the lesson is fun, the goal is serious. “Dressing up reminded me of my early childhood. I didn’t have an iPad or a smartphone when I was 6 or 7 years old, so I had to create things with my imagination. I feel like that technological deprivation allowed my mind to explore ideas with more ease,” said Davis Rooke, a senior business administration major from Mount Vernon, N.J. As adults … we must use our inner creativity to better understand the problems that we are faced with.” That mindset is exactly what Fleck was hoping for. “I really hope that they remember how to capture the feelings of creativity when they were younger and to take this feeling of no limitation, of excitement, and apply it to entrepreneurial problemsolving,” she says. “This might include new ways to communicate with your target audience, new product innovations to meet a changing market or keeping up with your competition through innovative relationship-building strategies.”

John Bodinger de Uriarte, associate professor of anthropology, spent the fall semester doing research in Iceland on a prestigious Fulbright fellowship. A Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Scholar, Bodinger de Uriarte worked in Reykjavík through the University of Iceland while on sabbatical from Susquehanna, teaching two classes at the university and conducting research at the nearby National Museum of Iceland. “I had an ongoing collegial relationship with the head of museum studies at the University of Iceland, so that helped to secure a letter of invitation, and I was well supported by Dean [Valerie] Martin and Provost [Linda] McMillin, and by colleagues in my department,” Bodinger de Uriarte says. Though he started out with the intention to research the museum’s institutional history, after his arrival he decided to focus instead on how photographic representation and a national sense of self intersected in the museum. His research background in sovereignty and self-representation in Native museums in the United States provided a solid baseline. “I took some of that background, especially questions about national belonging and identity, and applied them to the Icelandic context. As a settler nation without an indigenous population, Iceland has some distinct differences in how it portrays its history(ies),” he says. The museum has a gallery devoted to 20th-century Iceland that features objects like a recreated photo studio and a photo booth. These led to Bodinger de Uriarte preparing a paper and presentation for the University of Iceland that focused on transitions in photographic practice in the 20th century, from studio portraits to self-portraits taken via the Photomaton (a photo booth), and how photographic imagery became increasingly enmeshed in the nation-state. Based on this research, Bodinger de Uriarte wrote an article titled “Selfies, Sovereignty, and the Nation-State: ‘Into the Modern World’ at the National Museum of Iceland,” which is currently under peer review for the journal Museum Anthropology. During his sabbatical, he also began conducting research at the Museum of Sundry Objects in northern Iceland, which is ongoing.

Harpa concert hall and convention center

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 35

T H E ’G R O V E

KUDOS SU Again Among Top Schools Nationwide for Study Abroad The Open Doors 2017 annual report on student mobility, released by the Institute for International Education, ranks Susquehanna No. 2 in the state among baccalaureate universities and No. 13 nationwide for the number of students at baccalaureate schools studying abroad. Susquehanna is one of only a handful of schools in the nation that requires a studyaway experience for all students. Aside from their academic learning, students who study abroad benefit from personal growth, enhanced leadership skills and a global awareness that employers value. In national surveys, most college-bound students say they plan to study abroad, but often they don’t once they’re in college. “The cost of studying abroad can present a challenge for many students. Our flexible structure and financial aid packages ensure that every student can and does GO,” says Scott Manning, dean of global programs, referring to SU’s Global Opportunities

(GO) program. “Students taking a traditional semester abroad continue to pay at-home tuition and receive all aid. More than half of all students on our shorter, faculty-led or self-designed programs can offset part of the expense through institutional grants—some up to 75 percent of the total cost.”

Kudos from the Wall Street Journal Susquehanna University is listed among the top 16 percent of colleges and universities in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ)/Times Higher Education (THE) 2018 college rankings. The guide primarily measures student success and learning. Susquehanna moved to No. 172 out of more than 1,000 schools in the ranking, up from No. 180 last year. The ranking includes clear performance indicators designed to answer the questions that matter most to students and their families when making one of the most important decisions of their lives—whom to trust with their education. Factored into the ranking are the results of the THE U.S. Student Survey, which is based on 200,000 current student voices and asks students about career preparation

Students in England

and whether they think their school was worth the cost. Students are also asked about their engagement with their studies, their interaction with teachers and their satisfaction with their experience. Colleges are evaluated across four core competencies: credibility in terms of producing good outcomes for students (40 percent); capacity for teaching (30 percent); capability for engaging students (20 percent); and community (10 percent).

Susquehanna Marketing Major Is Among State’s Top 10 Susquehanna is ranked No. 9 among the best colleges in Pennsylvania to pursue a marketing degree, according to Zippia Inc., which operates a website with career information for professionals across industries. Zippia analyzed data from the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and College Scorecard data from ED.gov to understand which university marketing departments gave their graduates the best shot at career success. Last spring Zippia ranked Susquehanna No. 9 among colleges in the U.S. for getting a job, and No. 1 in Pennsylvania.

Minjung Park, assistant professor of marketing

Contributing writers to the departments are Emily Gibbs ’18, a creative writing major from Hanover, Pa.; Hope Martin ’19, a creative writing and psychology major from Coplay, Pa.; Amanda O’Rourke, digital communications and media specialist; and Kelly Vergin, director of athletics communications.

36 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

More than 100 alumni and 322 students participated in Break Through ... to life after graduation.

Alumni News MESSAGE BOARD

CLASS NOTES

REGIONAL CHAPTER NEWS

DEATHS

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 37

CLASSNOTES Message Board

m a k i n g a n i m pac t to g et h e r

What an amazing day March 1 was for the Susquehanna community. On our first annual “One SU” day of giving, more than 2,200 donors made gifts in support of Susquehanna students, which was more than double our goal. We are incredibly proud and grateful for everyone’s support. All gifts benefit SU students, and together we raised more than $175,000 in 24 hours. Almost 1,000 alumni made gifts on March 1, and every ONE of those helped add to our alumni participation rate, which is important for strengthening our ranking and reputation, both of which have a positive effect on enrollment. The impact of “one” did change lives on March 1. Because the SU community came together, we unlocked each and every challenge gift. The future of Susquehanna is stronger because of philanthropy from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends. We are Susquehannans, and together, we are one.

“The impact of ‘one’ did change lives on March 1.” —Becky Bramer ’92 Deitrick

Thanks for being ONE!

s i n c e r e ly, Becky Bramer ’92 Deitrick Assistant Vice President for Advancement (alumni, parent and donor engagement)

M I S S E D YO U R C H A N C E TO PA R T I C I PAT E I N O N E S U ? YOU CAN STILL MAKE AN IMPACT ON SU’S ANNUAL FUND WITH A GIFT OF ANY SIZE TODAY. Gifts benefit current and future students. In addition, alumni support sends a strong statement to foundations, corporations and college ranking publications that you believe in Susquehanna’s mission. Your vote of confidence through an annual fund gift makes a direct and immediate impact. MAKE YOURS TODAY AT WWW.SUSQU.EDU/MAKEAGIFT.

all d onors who make gifts prior to june 30, 2018, will be f e at u r e d i n o u r h o n o r r o l l o f d o n o r s t h i s fa l l .

38 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

Class reunions in 2018 noted below.

1965 Nancy Corson ’65 Carter retired from a career as professor of humanities at Eckerd College. She continues in her interdisciplinary vocation as writer, photographer, workshop and retreat leader, and environmental activist. Her new book, The Never Quite Ending War: A WWII GI Daughter’s Stories, was recently published. Other published books include the nonfiction Martha, Mary, and Jesus: Weaving Action and Contemplation in Daily Life and two books of poetry, Dragon Poems and The Sourdough Dream Kit. She also published three chapbooks: Patchword Quilt, Near the End of the Rainy Season: Poems from Japan, and Sunday Dinner at the Farm. She and her husband, Howard (also a retired Eckerd professor), live in Chapel Hill, N.C.

1967 John ’67 and Andrea Schumann ’67 Keim celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 3 by taking a cruise. They met during their freshman year at Susquehanna. John spent most of his career with Lexington-based Medical Services of America and retired in 2014 as chief financial officer. He also retired from the U.S. Navy Reserves as a commander. Andrea was a special education teacher for Richland District 1 before moving into the South Carolina Department of Education. She completed her Doctor of Education degree from the University of South Carolina.

1968

50TH REUNION

Rev. Dr. Fred Lehr ’68 released a book titled Becoming a 21st-Century Church: A Transformational Manual. His book dives deeply into the failure to adapt to the cultural changes of our day.

1972 Rebecca Schumacher ’72 was named by the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco and San Francisco magazine, in partnership with the Real Trends organization, to the 2017 Leading 100 list for the second year in a row. This list recognizes

the top performers in Bay-area residential real estate sales based on exceptional results and personal performance.

1973 1978 1979

45TH REUNION 40TH REUNION

Dr. Samuel B. Hoff ’79 has been awarded a four-year ENACT Faculty Fellowship from the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life at Brandeis University. Faculty in the network receive an honorarium and resources for teaching courses at their affiliated institutions, which bring together students, interest groups and state legislative personnel with the goal of initiating or changing public policy. He is part of the second cohort of faculty selected to participate in the program.

1981 Rhonda Bowen ’81 is a national representative with Soroptimism, a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Through that membership, she has a new position with World Speech Day (www.worldspeechday.com), “celebrating speeches and speech making across the world: with live events that bring to light the power of speeches to share ideas.” There are ambassadors from around the world; Rhonda represents Germany.

1983 1988 1992

1993

25TH REUNION

Robert Ferris ’93 is the vice president of corporate affairs and chief communications officer at Axalta Coating Systems. As chief company spokesperson, he is responsible for developing and executing internal and external communications strategy and also oversees the company’s global corporate social responsibility initiatives. Kristi Gipe ’96 Ondo and Marc Lubbers ’93 were involved in Theater Harrisburg’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in November. Kristi directed the production, and Marc played the role of Pseudolus. Kristi is the production manager at Theater Harrisburg, and Marc is the director of music at Bindnagle Lutheran Church as well as the director of medical student admissions at Penn State Hershey. Ron Miller ’93 is the head football coach at Dallastown, Pa., Area School District and a teacher at STRIVE Academy.

1996 Brian Knepp ’96 was promoted to president of Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc., Williamsport, Pa.

1997 Robert James Hawkins ’97 is presently a standup comedian, stage name Jay the Derelict.

1998

20TH REUNION

35TH REUNION

Robert Joppa ’98 married Milosz Banbor on Oct. 7, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C.

30TH REUNION

Marty Pinter ’98 was elected as a supervisor for Upper Mount Bethel Township in Northampton County, Pa.

In November, Stacy Koppenhaver ’92 was promoted to assistant bank secrecy act officer at Members 1st Federal Credit Union. She also celebrated her 25th anniversary with the company in 2017.

2000 Jason Mammen ’00 received a PROMAX Award as the creative director on Showtime’s trailer for their documentary film Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall, directed by Spike Lee.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 39

CLASSNOTES Brian Patton ’00, aka The Sexy Vegan, was featured on the Hallmark Channel USA’s Home & Family show, sharing vegan holiday cooking recipes and tips with hosts Mark Steines and Debbie Matenopoulos. Brian is a vegan cook, author and YouTube blogger. The series offers viewers advice in the areas of home improvement, parenting, health and fitness. Steines and Matenopoulos participate in roundtable discussions with experts from various fields, with celebrities occasionally participating to provide answers to viewers.

2001 Ryan Cidzik ’01 has accepted a position with the United States government as the THOR3 (Tactical

Human Optimization Rapid Rehabilitation Reconditioning) human performance program coordinator of 1st Special Forces Group (Army). He manages the human performance program, which includes oversight of strength and conditioning, physical therapy, athletic training, mental performance, performance nutrition and data analysis for 1SFG (A) active duty soldiers. He is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Born to Allyson Ringgold ’01 and Christopher Sneed, a son, Christopher (CJ) on Aug. 26.

2002 Born to Kelly Bugden ’02 and Sean Breckenridge, a son, William Bugden, Nov. 9.

UPCOMING EVENTS HOMECOMING–REUNION WEEKEND

OCT. 5–7, 2018 FAMILY WEEKEND

OCT. 26–28, 2018 SAVE THE DATES FAMILY WEEKEND

OCT. 4–6, 2019 HOMECOMING–REUNION WEEKEND

OCT. 25–27, 2019

As if chapter events aren’t sweet enough, two very special guests, President Jonathan Green and his wife, Ms. Lynn Buck, have been popping up to show their support and to meet you and your families! We knew the first weekend of February would be filled with hype for Super Bowl Sunday. Not wanting Saturday to be left out in the cold, we planned a Susquehanna alumni event to round out the weekend of fun! President Green, Ms. Buck and about 50 alumni headed to the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., for dinner and an ice hockey matchup of the Hershey Bears and the Charlotte Checkers.

Devin Pond ’12 married Dan Radley ’14, Sept. 23, at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, Pa.

Then in March, Jonathan and Lynn journeyed to Kennett Square from Pine Lawn just to meet with alumni and their families. We thought, there’s no better way to think spring after the long winter than at Longwood Gardens, surrounded by gorgeous flowers and your SU friends! About 65 alumni came for lunch and stayed for the Orchid Extravaganza, where we joyously lost ourselves among the blooms! You never know where our presidential couple might turn up next!

Pictured at Carol Scherb ’70 Ray’s house in the Poconos are Cookie Grodem ’69 Davidsen, Carol Harris (all the way from Spain!), Karen Kister Corveleyn and Carol. Linda Metzel Manifold joined on SKYPE.

Alumni chapter events throughout the year include happy hours, brunches, baseball games, tours of museums, wineries and breweries, and so much more!

CLASSNOTES

2003 2004

15TH REUNION

Born to Kelly Doerr ’04 and James DiGirolamo, a daughter, Olivia Gail, Aug. 22.

2005 Marissa Gaulton ’05 and Andrew Sheaf ’05 were married on April 29, 2017, at The Farm at Eagle’s Ridge in Lancaster, Pa. Marissa is the director of health professions advising at Franklin & Marshall College. Andrew is employed with the Department of Community and Economic Development as a local government policy specialist. Born to Rebecca Brown ’05 and Scott Dougherty, a son, Ryder James, May 20, 2017. Born to Lindsay Nevins ’05 and Nathan Gaines, a daughter, Riley Kay, Oct. 29.

2006 Jenna Fredericks ’06 Antoniewicz was elected first female mayor of Royersford, Pa. Lucy Evans ’06 (associate degree) is a certified addictions counselor 3, senior staff at Gaudenzia’s Sunbury outpatient location. Last year, she won the prestigious Clinical Excellence award, given to a clinician who demonstrates excellent clinical abilities. She is also on the local United Way board of addictions and recovery board and provides direct treatment within the Selinsgrove school district.

2007 Ahmed Alkhateeb ’07 joined Palleon Pharmaceuticals as an associate director of business development after completing his postdoctoral training in molecular cancer biology at Harvard Medical School.

42 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

Sarah Richards ’07 married Hugh Sprague, Oct. 22, in Williamsport, Pa. In attendance were Jordan Cook ’08, Emily Olsavsky ’07, Elisabeth Dyott ’07 Russell, Jessica Mangus ’07, Pamela Weeks ’07 Hennings, Meghan Quinn ’07 Lomangino, Kathy Freeman ’78 Richards and Kerry McWilliams ’07 Nanni. Megan Steese ’07 married David Grimme, Sept. 16, in Sunbury, Pa. Born to Alaina Prall ’07 and Jonathan Swartz ’07, a son, Owen Conrad, Oct. 26.

2008

10TH REUNION

Amanda K. Hawk ’08 was recently named head of public and research services at Louisiana State University’s Hill Memorial Library. Prior to this position, she spent seven years working in the University of Maryland Archives and two years at Princeton’s Mudd Manuscript Library. Amanda received a master’s degree in history in addition to a master’s in library science in 2013.

2009 Lindsay Super ’09 and Anthony Graziano celebrated their marriage on July 2, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem, Pa. Matron of honor was Rachel Weir ’09 Ulsh.

2010 Sarah Hawk ’10, an eighth-grade math teacher in Laureldale, Pa., earned her Master of Secondary Education in middle-level education from Kutztown University.

2011 Elizabeth Beatty ’11 and Collin Clark ’11 were married June 25, 2017, in Lenox, Mass., at The Mount. Melissa Goodrich ’11 was the officiant for the ceremony.

Chantal Gadoury’s first novel with a contemporary setting, The Songs in Our Hearts, was released by 48Fourteen Publishing, a few weeks after another novel, Allerleriauh, appeared from Parliament House Press. Chantal also has two fantasy novels under contract. Samantha Harclerode ’11 is the associate director of young alumni programs with The Penn Fund at the University of Pennsylvania. Nora Olsewski ’11 received an M.S. in homeland security management from Drexel University in 2013. In May 2017, she received a J.D. from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in October. Emily Strittmatter ’11 married James Hendershot ’10 on Aug. 26, in Blue Bell Pa. The two did not meet while at SU, but in 2011 when their paths crossed in Philadelphia. The Hendershots live in Cheltenham, Pa. Emily is a practicing physician assistant and James is an attorney.

2012 Sarah Bryski ’12 married Vic Frederick ’12 in Pottstown, Pa., on October 14. Celebrating with them were Louie Land ’12 (an adjunct English professor), Michael Fiorilla ’12, Vic Frederick ’12, Sarah Bryski ’12 and Ian Doherty ’12. Sarah was recently offered a position as a school counselor/ English teacher at Gillingham Charter School, and Vic was recently offered a position as an English teacher for the Reading School District. Kevin Collins ’12 and Alyssa Kraus ’12 were married Nov. 11. Sarah Gordon ’12 married George Brown on Oct. 8, in Chester Springs, Pa. In attendance were Matron of Honor Kahla DeSmith ’12, Raymond DeSmith ’12, Ashlee Dillon ’12 and bridesmaid Kelsey Miller ’13.

2013

5TH REUNION

Lindsey Derstine ’13 and Matthew Hardner ’13 were married on Oct. 28.

Pictured are some of the nearly 50 Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) and Susquehanna friends of TKE alumni from 1980–87 who attended the “TKE and Friends Gathering” on Sept. 24, 2016, in Red Bank, N.J. These gatherings have been held nearly every five years beginning in 1998.

Robert M. Joppa ’98 married Milosz Banbor Oct. 7 in Washington, D.C. Pictured are Ming Freer, Emérito Amaro, David Pinwinski, Benjamin Pfleger, Milosz, Cordelia & Matilda Ramont (Jen McGonigle’s ’95 daughters), Robert, Amanda Slater, John O’Reilly ’98, David Joppa and Elizabeth Buten.

Emily Strittmatter ’11 married James Hendershot ’10 on Aug. 26.

Jessie Carter ’06 and Jonathan Thomas were married in Hermon, Maine, on June 23, 2017. Jennifer Carignan ’06, Laura Dunne ’06 Montemarano and Elizabeth Shaffer ’05 Velluto were bridesmaids. Kelli Whitman ’06 officiated the ceremony, and Bryan Pringle ’05, Chris Velluto ’06 and Glen Montemarano attended.

Rebecca Brown ’05, Scott Dougherty and son, Ryder James.

Emily Sentz ’13 and Michael Svrcek ’13 were married Aug. 12, at Ironstone Ranch.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 43

CLASSNOTES Katherine Ford ’13 was promoted to the position of director of international programs at Charles University, Faculty of Arts in Prague, Czech Republic. She is responsible for all incoming international students participating in an English-taught program at the Faculty of Arts, East and Central European Studies (ECES), as well as several customized faculty-led programs from universities around the world. Susquehanna is a partner through the SU in Prague program, so Katherine is excited to be welcoming SU students to Prague! Anthony Palazzolo ’13 has joined Saving Hallowed Ground as its program coordinator. Saving Hallowed

Ground is a nonprofit that works to generate a deep link between communities and local history by involving individuals in the work of historic preservation and commemoration. Saving Hallowed Ground restores monuments and markers, plants memorial trees, and unveils our nation’s flag. Tony is also the historian of Doylestown Historical Society in Doylestown, Pa. He is also finishing his M.A at La Salle University with a focus on American imperialism in the Congo Free State. Kailey Roberts ’13 and Chadd Lee ’13 were married on May 13, 2017, in Hershey, Pa. The reception was held at the Harvest View Barn at Hershey Farms,

where family and friends, including many SU alumni, gathered to celebrate. Amy Shanahan ’13 earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Moravian College and is a labor and delivery nurse with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

2014 Mindy Danowski ’14 completed her Orff-Schulwerk certification from the University of the Arts in July 2017.

Jessica Mikulski ’03 married Kevin Smith on May 6, 2017, in New Hope, Pa. SU alumni in attendance were Carmine D’Avino ’94, Michele Smith ’94 D’Avino, Tom Reichart ’03, Emily Schmitt ’03 Reichart, Angela Albertini ’03 Kernan, Caroline Jackson ’03 Cuddahy, Jenny Anderson ’02, Courtney Murphy ’03, Kristin Slayback ’03 Klein, Courtney Slack ’03 Mullen, Leslie Derderian ’03, Bill Laible ’03, Brianna Gianti ’03, Allison Schropp ’03 Loosli, Jackie Sears ’03 Campbell, Windy Williams ’03 Alonso, Meagan Reynolds ’03, Elaina Bafaro ’03 Cueves, Marie Maradeo ’03 Garelick and Kat Geiger ’03 Perry.

Heather McDonough ’13 and Ethan Sentz ’13 married on July 15, 2017, in Spring Grove, Pa. Pictured are Logan Sweet ’15, Louie Land ’12, Hannah Kronenwetter ’14, Mike Coakley ’12, David Joseph ’13, Rory Emery ’82, Teague Emery ’13, Blake Morris ’13, Ethan and Heather, Ebony Bradley ’13 Ocasio, Katie Kostyak ’14, Janelle Geist ’14 Hauserman, Alex Hauserman ’13, Brigid Cunningham ’14, Lindsay Anderson ’14, Phil Winger, Jackie Lewis ’13, Caitlin Byington ’13, Chris Hooker ’13 and Chris Emery ’13.

44 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

Krystal Duke ’14 married Gannon Keller ’15 on Oct. 7, in Pittsburgh, Pa., surrounded by family and friends, including Susquehanna alumni Chuck Keller ’87, Jadrien Deiber ’06, Jentre Deibler ’08, Tiffany Myers ’13, Michelle Bayman ’14, Clayton Pollard ’14 and professor Mark Fertig.

Fall is the time of year when Susquehanna University loads up a group of students and travels to area cities for a day of career development and networking. These trips are immensely popular, in large part due to our alumni who take time out of their days to share advice and experiences with students.

On Oct. 14, eleven friends from the Class of 1974 gathered for their annual reunion. They visited the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, N.J., and had photos taken to commemorate their 47-year friendship. Pictured are Chere Wise McDermott, Susan Zierdt Kirshenbaum, Susan Lang Martin, Marilynn Blend Carstensen, Christine Schmidt Smith, Nancy Wright Pinksaw, Joanne Thomas McCard Grannick, Vicki Freeman Bomberger, Ellen Doran Reilly, Jeanne Kauffman Kreiser and Meg Shaw Ellacott.

From the nation’s capital to the Big Apple, Susquehanna students connected with alumni and the companies that employ them. They had lunch with alumni hosts, met with their colleagues, participated in information sessions and company tours, and received invaluable advice, support and guidance regarding life lessons, jobs and internships. The groups then reunited for evening networking receptions with members of the regional alumni chapters in each city. Thank you to all of the regional chapter alumni for making these events such a success!

In March, we thought, paint the town red? Nah, we painted the brewery orange and maroon instead! Back by popular demand, we went back to Triumph Brewing Co. in Princeton, N.J., for a complimentary brewery tour and tasting (of seven beers!) with the head brewer. Food, beverages and great company rounded out the evening’s offerings.

Brian Stern ’14 and Amy Polderman ’14 were married June 17, 2017, at St. Clements Castle in Portland, Conn. Pictured are Molly Brown ’14, Kathleen Nelson ’14, Christine Mazari ’14, Arlo Ehly ’14, Brian, Amy, Andrea McDermott ’16, Joshua Heaney ’15, McKenzie Hengler ’15, Jackson Fiore ’14 and Jessica Fiore ’14.

Please send your alumni news and class updates to the Office of Alumni, Parent and Donor Engagement: SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY 514 University Ave. • Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1025 • Phone: 570-372-4115 • Email: swartzj@susqu.edu

OR SUBMIT YOUR NOTES ONLINE AT WWW.SUSQU.EDU/CLASS-NOTES. Material received on campus by July 31 will be included in the fall issue.

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.

Also in March, we said, move over, Syracuse! Susquehanna is taking its show on the road to an area very familiar with another SU and the color orange. We had a happy hour at Empire Brewing Co., and partied like it was 1858! We are the older of the two institutions, after all. Great company, laughter, beverages and food were the key ingredients to our special time.

To stay connected to Susquehanna University, please consider joining an alumni regional chapter. Chapters are volunteer-based organizations that build ties between alumni, students, parents and the university through professional networking, social networking, events and mentoring. There are so many ways to be involved—SU SERVE, admission events, networking trips and Break Through—just to name a few. Alumni regional chapters help keep alive those connections that made you part of the SU family in the first place.

For more regional chapter information, please visit www.susqu.edu/alumni today! spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 45

A L U M N I AWA R D S

m e e t o u r 2 0 1 7 awa r d w i n n e r s

1. ACHIEVEMENT

2. LEADERSHIP

THOMAS DODD ’92

SAMUEL B. HOFF ’72

In 2005, when Thomas Dodd ’92, Ph.D., became the principal of Lesher Middle School in Ft. Collins, Colo., the school was losing so many students it was in danger of closing. For the past 10 years, however, the school has had a waiting list and now receives more school choice applications than any other neighborhood secondary school in its district.

Last year when Delaware Gov. Jack Martell signed a resolution apologizing for the state’s role in slavery, it marked the end of a nine-year campaign spearheaded by Samuel B. Hoff ’79, Ph.D., George Washington distinguished professor of history and political science at Delaware State University.

each year, Susquehanna University honors alumni of distinction at an awards banquet during Homecoming– Reunion Weekend, a tradition that dates to 1956. University President Jonathan Green and Devin Rhoads, director of alumni relations, addressed attendees during the luncheon and ceremony, while Luke Eddinger ’00, alumni association president, presented the 2017 awards.The award winners’ accomplishments are summarized here. Read their complete profiles at www.susqu.edu/currents.

Dodd’s dogged transformation of both the internal culture and external perception of the International Baccalaureate school was so impressive that his teachers successfully nominated him for the 2016 Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals’ Middle Level and Secondary Principal of the Year award. That led to his being named the 2017 National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Principal of the Year. His keys to success: “access to vigorous whole-child learning opportunities, high expectations with high support, and celebrations—academically, artistically, athletically and socially.” Among Dodd’s greatest influences at SU were 25-year wrestling coach Charlie Kunes and Roy Shifflet Jr., his supervisor at Mifflinburg Area High School during his studentteaching semester.

46 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

A political science major from Williamsport, Pa., Hoff ’s most impactful influences at Susquehanna were his football career and his political science and history professors. Regarding his championing of the slavery-apology resolution, commemoration of the Underground Railroad, and same-sex marriage, (which was legalized in Delaware in 2013), the former chairman of the Dover Human Relations Commission says: “If you believe in the principle of equality, then you have to be willing to go to the mat for it, even though you may be castigated, criticized or even intimidated. As one of our Susquehanna football coaches used to say, ‘You have to sell out and sacrifice yourself ’ for that goal.”

1

2

3

3. SERVICE

4. SERVICE TO SUSQUEHANNA

J. THOMAS UHLER ’70

KEITH COSTELLO ’73

J. Thomas Uhler ’70 firmly believes in embracing life to the fullest and giving back more than you have received. Since moving to Sanibel Island off Florida’s Gulf Coast 40 years ago, the biological sciences major has assisted numerous nonprofits.

The concept of serving others was ingrained in Keith Costello ’73 long ago by his parents, friends and Susquehanna University. At Susquehanna, Costello spent several hours a week bonding with mentally challenged residents of the Selinsgrove State School and Hospital, now the Selinsgrove Center.

As past board chair of the United Way of Lee County, Uhler chaired its 2011–12 fundraising campaign and co-chaired the most recent campaign. The two campaigns raised over $17 million. After surviving Hurricane Irma relatively unscathed, he began raising funds for the Southwest Florida Hurricane Relief fund. The Harrisburg native is also board president of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, and he and his wife, Linda, have raised significant funds for both Fort Myers’ Gulfshore Ballet Co. and the Sanibel– Captiva Conservation Foundation. Uhler was named the Sanibel–Captiva Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2011; the Fort Myers News-Press Hero of the Year and the American Red Cross Legacy Award winner, both in 2013; and last year he and Linda were named the Committee of the Islands Citizens of the Year.

Since then, his three terms on the Alumni Association’s board of directors included two terms as president. The former free safety, who supports the university’s Football Alumni Association, also met his wife, Louise Hower ’72, at Susquehanna. Their two children, Sarah ’00 and Mark ’04, and one of his sisters, Karen Costello ’83, are also graduates, and a nephew and niece currently attend. Among his SU influences was his father’s best friend, the late Robert Pittello, an assistant football coach at Susquehanna for five decades. As alumni association president, Costello, who now lives in Havre de Grace, Md., emceed several SU alumni award ceremonies.

4

5

5. OUTSTANDING RECENT ALUMNA

LAURA WIRPSZA ’06 Inspired by her mother, a fourth grade teacher, Laura Wirpsza ’06, Ph.D., came to Susquehanna intending to become a biology teacher, but she quickly discovered her love of chemistry. As an undergraduate, she became comfortable working with cutting-edge laboratory equipment that may not have been available to her at a larger university. Wirpsza earned her master’s degree in computational chemistry and completed her dissertation in physical organic chemistry from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. As a graduate student, she developed a patent-pending technique involving near-infrared dyes that instantaneously identified fungal and tuberculosis infections. In addition, she completed a patent for luminescent lanthanide ion probes, which immediately identified the presence of biological targets in living cells. Returning to her hometown of Princeton, N.J., she now works for Labster Inc., where she is responsible for managing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) collaborations with universities across the globe, enabling students to master scientific principles using virtual instrumentation.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 47

DE AT H S Margretta Thomas ’53 Bailey, Williamsport, Pa., Jan. 26, 2017. Mary Snyder ’50 Barber, New Cumberland, Pa., Feb. 9. She was a longtime Cub Scout leader, and she and her husband shared an avid interest in genealogy, spending many of their retirement years pursuing that. She also enjoyed knitting, and many friends and family treasure the handmade Christmas stockings that she made for them over the years. Sandra Forse ’62 Barnett, Maplewood, N.J., July 23. She was a social worker at Brookwood Childcare in Brooklyn, N.Y., retiring in 2000. Mary Jeannette LippertColeman, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Sept. 9. She joined Susquehanna in 2001 as a teacher in the Music Preparatory Program, and served as its director from 2008 until her retirement in 2016. Mary led a creative life that filled the world around her with music. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Lebanon Valley College, with primary training in piano and violin. She began her public school teaching career in Lewistown, and for most of her career she taught in the Williamsport School District. She was instrumental in the

development of the middle school music curriculum in the Williamsport schools. She also earned a master’s degree in education at Pennsylvania State University. She is a past president of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. She had taught privately since 1984 and had a piano studio in Lewisburg. In 2002, she began her training as a certified Suzuki piano teacher. Helen Harding ’60 Ferraro, Port Saint Lucie, Fla., Nov. 9. Amy Fischer ’83 died unexpectedly at her home in Sarasota, Fla., on Jan. 27. She worked for Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota as associate director of admissions for more than 30 years. Amy enjoyed traveling all over the world, partly because of her job and partly for personal enjoyment. She was an avid supporter of Vintage Paws Sanctuary, a home for senior dogs, serving on their board and also as their volunteer coordinator. She met and adopted her beloved Chester there. She will be greatly missed by friends and fellow SU alums Larry Turns ’82, Jim Henrichs ’83, and Tim Rupe ’83 and Caroline Lee Lewis. Grace Lau ’49 Hawk, York, Pa., June 26, 2016. After graduating from Spring Grove

48 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

in 1945 and Susquehanna University in 1949, Grace was busy working and raising her family. She was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York. Grace spent many hours volunteering and loved to travel. Her favorite trips were to Hawaii for her second honeymoon, Egypt to see the pyramids, and flying over the Himalayas into Tibet. She enjoyed gardening and being in several antique co-ops throughout the years, and she especially enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. Mary Ann Getsinger ’49 Homan passed away on Jan. 10, just four days short of her 90th birthday. Mary Ann was born and raised in Wildwood, N.J., where she still loved spending her summers playing hostess to her many faithful guests in her childhood home. Mary Ann studied music education at Susquehanna University. Graduating in 1949, she found her first job at Swedesboro High School as the new music teacher. She organized the band and fundraised for band uniforms. A year later, friends introduced her to a handsome local, Mike. They soon started dating and were married in June 1951. She left teaching there to start her family, but she returned to teaching music a few years later, at

first part time, but later full time when the school added a band in East Greenwich, where she taught until 1989. Mary Ann was very active in local and church organizations. She was a founding member of the Shade Tree Commission in 1960, heading it until recently. She founded the Bell Choir at Bethesda United Methodist Church many years ago and was still leading it when she passed. She was also active at Gloucester County College and Underwood Memorial Auxiliary. Gene D. Lane, Belleville, Pa., Sept. 19, 2016. She retired in 1981 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as an employment interviewer. She was a member of the Heritage Club of Susquehanna University. She enjoyed traveling the world and had visited a number of countries and islands. Alumni survivors include Lisa Deamer ’71 Earle. Lucian Smith ’54 Leach, Shillington, Pa., Jan. 1. She was the wife of the late Clayton E. Leach ’56, who died in October 2009. Lucian spent her early career as a librarian before raising her family. She was a member of Advent Lutheran Church for 55 years, where she sang in the choir and served on the

congregation council and the worship and music committee. She loved reading, playing pinochle and caring for her pets. Alumni survivors are her son, Clayton E. Leach III ’82; her daughter, Suzanne Leach ’84 Wagner; and two grandsons, including Benjamin P. Magrowski ’17. Meredith May Wright ’65 Martin, West Trenton, N.J., July 3, 2017. She started her business career with the American Cyanamid Company Agricultural Research facility in Princeton, N.J. in October 1965. She was hired as a clerk because she was told that the company did not recognize college degrees in business administration for women. This was the “real glass ceiling” that women faced in the mid-60s in corporate America. A few years later she was appointed to a professional position as a technical writer. She earned her MBA from Rider College in 1982. Her last promotion was to the position of director of information technology a few years later. She traveled extensively for Cyanamid in Great Britain, Germany, France and Italy. William Nivison ’83, Hillsborough, N.J., Jan. 21, 2017. Bill died at home in the arms of his loving wife, Lisa Hammarstrom Nivison ’82. Following his cancer diagnosis 17 months earlier, Bill continued to live his life with grace, gratitude and strength. He drew tremendous support from

family, friends and many dear SU classmates. Bill grew up in Millstone Borough, N.J., and graduated from Hillsborough High School and later the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. After SU, Bill worked with the NJ Department of Agriculture, where he helped implement the Jersey Fresh Marketing Program. Inspired by the caregivers of his infant son with disabilities, Bill returned to college to become a pediatric physical therapist. He provided PT services to children with developmental disabilities until he reluctantly retired in 2017. He had a profound impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families, and they enriched his. A gentle, patient man, Bill was a dedicated caregiver and mentor to many. He loved time spent with his sons, Eric and Karl, cooking, conversations around the table, jogging and any time spent outside. History, politics and current events whetted his intellectual appetite. His sister-in-law Tura Hammarstrom ’78 Dickert is also an alumni survivor. Sidney Richard ’59, Center Valley, Pa., Oct. 17. He was employed at PPL for 33 years, retiring in 1982 as manager of information systems. He represented PPL on the Edison Electric Institute Information Systems Committee and was past

chairman of the PA Electric Association Data Processing Committee. For a number of years, Sid was chairman of the PPL Information Services Department United Way Campaign. He served 34 years at the PPL GOLD Credit Union on the board of directors and as president and treasurer. Sid served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was an avid Eagles and Flyers fan. Alumni-survivors include Sandra Brandt ’61 Richard. Janet Rohrbach ’46 Robinson, Valdosta, Ga., Jan. 28, 2017. Janet completed graduate studies at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. She was the public school music supervisor in Mt. Caramel, Pa., and the executive secretary to the president of Susquehanna University. She was the organist at Lee Street Baptist Church from 1960–1962, and at Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta from 1969–1988. As a faithful member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, she served as organist from 1988–2014, and she became a deacon in 2006. For decades, she taught private piano and organ lessons to area students. She was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) international music fraternity, initiated in 1943, and served as Tau C province governor from 1984–1993. She was also a member of the Hymn Society, Music Teachers National (both state and local associations); was senior warden of the Mission

Council for St. Barnabas Episcopal Church; an officer in the local Episcopal Church Women’s group; state president of Georgia Music Teachers Association from 1980–1982; served as an officer for the SAI South Georgia Alumni Association; and founded and served as an advisor to the college chapter. She received honors from SAI fraternity, including the Sword of Honor, the Rose of Honor and the Rose of Dedication from the national chapter for 25 years of faithful service. In 2016, she was awarded the Wreath of Achievement. Her 50-Year Membership Certificate was awarded by the college chapter of SAI in Statesboro, Ga. Sandra Walters Saxman, Concord, N.C., Dec. 5. She worked for 15 years as the academic assistant to the departments of communications and theatre at Susquehanna University. She retired in 2010, when she and her husband, Ed, moved to North Carolina. Sandy was actively involved in her boys’ sporting activities and helped to run the concessions for Northumberland’s Pineknotter Little League for several years. She also was very active in the Selinsgrove Relay for Life at Susquehanna for many years. Shirley Yarnell ’49 Shenk, Kreamer, Pa., Sept. 29. She lived a long and full life and enjoyed her last week visiting with family, doing crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, watching Penn State beat Iowa, going to

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 49

IN MEMORIAM BRUCE S. WAGENSELLER 1927–2018

B

ruce S. Wagenseller, 90, associate professor emeritus of physical education and health at Susquehanna University, died Nov. 2, 2017. He was a resident of San Diego, Calif.

A native of Selinsgrove, he graduated from Selinsgrove High School in 1945. After graduation, Bruce served his country in the U.S. Air Force, and in 1951, he graduated from Lock Haven University, where he majored in physical education and biology. At Lock Haven, Bruce was a member of the gymnastic and swimming teams and was a champion diver. Bruce earned his master’s degree in physical education at Florida State University in 1958 and joined Susquehanna in 1966 as head of the academic Department of Physical Education and Health. During his tenure at Susquehanna, Bruce served as an advisor of the O.W. Houts Gymnasium and swimming pool and initiated summer and Saturday morning community swim programs. Bruce loved scuba diving and created a scuba-marine seminar that involved taking Susquehanna students to the Bahamas for training during semester breaks. He earned dive master certification and enjoyed deep diving, wreck diving and low-visibility diving. In 1971, he was featured in a television program on sharks. Bruce also coached the SU cross-country team. A jogging enthusiast and physical fitness buff, as a younger man Bruce jogged several miles daily and up to 3,000 miles annually. In 1975, he assisted Pennsylvania Blue Shield in the creation of an exercise journal to encourage physical fitness. Bruce was active in the summer recreation program for Selinsgrove schools for 20 years. He was also manager of the Rolling Green Park swimming pool for many years and was instrumental in establishing a community pool in Selinsgrove. Throughout his career, he was an instructor trainer for the American Red Cross, teaching life-saving water safety courses and CPR. Following Bruce’s retirement from Susquehanna in 1988, he and his wife, Helen, relocated to Jensen Beach, Fla., and later to San Diego, Calif. In 2006, they endowed the Bruce and Helen Wagenseller Swim Team Fund, which has been used to support men’s and women’s swim teams at Susquehanna. Bruce’s positive influence on the many students he taught and coached during his 22 years here will not be forgotten. Nor will his selfless, caring nature and dedication to providing physical fitness opportunities to university and community members alike.

50 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

DE AT H S a yoga class and a historical society presentation, and sitting on the front porch enjoying the changing foliage in New England. Fred L. Shilling ’55, Hanover, Pa., Sept. 24. Fred was an ordained Lutheran pastor, serving churches in Hummelstown, Pa., Dallas, Tex., and Albany, N.Y. He served most of his career as a hospital chaplain at RHD medical center in Dallas, and Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y. Fred was on the former Texas Louisiana Synod staff as well as the former Central Pennsylvania Synod staff. He also served on the national church staff. One of his favorite jobs was serving as the trainer of military chaplains, both in San Antonio, Tex., and at Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C. This parttime labor of love permeated about 30 years of his life and took him to Germany and Korea several times. He was adventuresome and forward-thinking in all he did, and after retirement in 2000, he spent many years as an interim pastor and church consultant, working to make healthy churches and building bridges, not walls. Alumni survivors include a sister, Barbara Shilling ’60 Klepper, and brother, Stanley Shilling ’57. Ronald Smith ’60, Gaithersburg, Md., Sept. 11. He received his master’s

degree in computer science from American University in 1970. He was employed by IBM in June 1960 and worked for IBM mainly in the Washington, D.C., area until 1994. He later worked for Lockheed Martin for five years, retiring in June 2000. Marilyn Moltu ’66 Weinberg, Mill Valley, Calif., Aug. 14. Not only was she a beautiful woman, she was a beautiful soul. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Marilyn grew up in Griggstown, N.J. She was fluent in Spanish and flew for a number of years as a flight attendant with Pan Am, then taught exercise for upward of 30 years through her own nonprofit, Gentle Power Aerobics, offering insight into all aspects of health and fitness at Fort Mason in San Francisco. She connected deeply to her students, many of whom maintained relationships with her and each other throughout their lives, branching out into book clubs and other organizations from class. She was a loyal and giving friend to many in Mill Valley, including those in her book club who hiked Mt. Tamalpais and Tennessee Valley with her regularly. Carl Yingling ’72, Duncansville, Pa., Nov. 18. He received a B.S. in accounting from Susquehanna University in 1972, and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Alaska

Anchorage in 1979. He was a CPA who retired from ARCo Alaska Transportation as financial controller. Arthur Zimmerman ’57, Bethlehem, Pa., Feb. 20. He served in the United States Air Force in Korea and Japan. Upon discharge, he attended The Pennsylvania State University. He graduated in 1957 from Susquehanna University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He started his career with Price Waterhouse & Co in New York City. From 1963 to 1968 he served Bethlehem Steel in Liberia, in West Africa, with the LAMCO Joint Venture. In 1967 he was awarded by the then-president of Liberia, President Tubman, the Star of Africa, Rank of Grand Commander. After returning to Bethlehem, he enjoyed a long and successful career with Bethlehem Steel and traveled the world. Art was known for his firm negotiating skills, his knowledge of mining and raw materials transportation, and his business ethics and personal integrity. Alumni survivors are his wife, Peggy Dalby ’59 Zimmerman, cousin Benjamin Swope ’66 and sister Susan Zimmerman ’65 Wentzel.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 51

End Notes

Teaching Students to Become Sustainability Advocates

b y pa m f r o n t i n o ’ 0 7 Through its approximately 1,000 student volunteers, the Johnson Center for Civic Engagement aims to make a difference in our community and around the world. Students are learning to address social issues and understand community needs, which fits perfectly with the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social equity. This past February, Susquehanna and the JCCE hosted 80 guests from around the region, including university faculty, staff and students; nonprofit organization leaders; and community gardeners. The event was the second annual Sowing Change conference. This ongoing initiative, co-organized with Bucknell University’s Office of Civic Engagement and sponsored by Pennsylvania Campus Compact, aims to develop a network of community and campus gardens that seek to:

• s hare and expand knowledge of sustainable growing practices and nutritious food; “Our garden now donates 100 percent of its produce to the community.”

• strengthen food access in the region, and • create opportunities for connecting people through food.

— Pam Frontino ’07

Sowing Change is one example of the many ways that the JCCE is working to build understanding and awareness about food security and promote sustainable food systems for better access in Central Pennsylvania and beyond. I’m happy to report that this initiative originated from a strong student-led interest in these topics that has gained speed over the years. From 2014–2016, the JCCE’s AmeriCorps VISTA project focused on creating lasting partnerships between Susquehanna’s then-developing campus garden and community organizations that support low-income individuals. Thanks to this initiative, our garden now donates 100 percent of its produce to the community. With its recent doubling in size, we’re excited to expand our partnerships and reach throughout the community.

52 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

Thank You

TO ALL OF OUR 2017–18 SUSQUEHANNA CHAMPIONS

WHO HAVE GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SUPPORT SU. • SARA ADAMS ’02 • VALERIE ALLISON

• AILEEN CARLSON ’06 DREIBELBIS

• SCOTT HELLER ’82

• AMY MARTIN

• KYLE ROBERTSON ’11

• JAMIE MALACHOWSKI ’09 HINDMAN

• THOMAS MARTIN

• AINSLEY ROSSITTO ’13

• LARRY HUTCHISON ’80

• MELINDA MUELLER ’02 MARZOLF

• MATTHEW ROUSU

• SARAH JOHNSON ’12

• PATRICK MCELROY ’07

• LINDA SODT ’92 KADAR

• JEN MCGONIGLE ’95

• EMMA KIRBIS ’18

• LINDA MCMILLIN

• CAROL SENSENIG ’72 KLEIN

• MARY MUOLO ’03

• KEVIN BARLEY ’97

• MEG LEBRETON ’02 DRESSER

• VALARIE BASTEK ’06

• SARAH FARBO ’00

• SHAWN BERKEBILE ’05

• JIM FINDLAY

• JAMES BLACK

• SHILEEL FOREMAN ’16

• KELLY BUGDEN ’02 BRECKENRIDGE

• LINDA SHULTZ ’92 FORREST

• WILLIAM BUCHER ’94

• MARGARET PIERCE ’96 FRANTZ

• M.L. KLOTZ

• KATHERINE FURLONG

• ERIC KNEPP ’99

• ERIN GOEDEGEBUURE ’06

• STACY KOPPENHAVER ’92

• JONATHAN GREEN

• SUSAN KREISHER

• JERRY HABEGGER

• JANET WYLLIE ’86 LAMBERT

• LYNN BUCK • JULIE BUCKINGHAM ’09 • LYNN BURKE ’03 • CAITLIN BYINGTON ’13 • MOLLY CROUSER ’13 • NICOLE DAILEY • BECKY BRAMER ’92 DEITRICK • MICHELE DEMARY • MALCOLM DERK ’05 • ELIZABETH DOLLHOPF-BROWN ’00

• DARCY JONES ’72 HAMLIN • DONALD HAMLIN ’70 • SAMANTHA HARCLERODE ’11 • SHELLY LAFORCE ’85 HARTMAN • KATE HASTINGS

• STEPHEN LAMBERT • RACHEL KRAFFT ’09 LECLERE

• KRISTEN GIPE ’96 ONDO

• MICHAEL SMITH ’16 • ABIGAIL STEINLY ’19 • KIMBERLY STENMAN ’07 • ERICA WEAVER ’00 STEPHENSON

• BENJAMIN PLUM ’05

• BILLIE TADROS ’10

• SARAH PORELL ’15

• CAITLIN NEWMAN ’09 THISTLE

• CHRISTINE PULICE ’08 • LAUREN LACHOCKI ’11 REDFERN • BONNIE BUCKS ’65 REECE • ALEXANDRA RESSING ’11 • DEVIN RHOADS

• SCOTT MANNING

• MADELEINE RHYNEER

• CHRIS MARKLE ’84

• KRISTEN CLARK ’97 RITZMAN

After consulting with the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, Josh began to piece together what he saw as the main challenges that keep people from accessing nutritious, fresh food. These challenges include transportation issues, as well as overall awareness of where food is available to those in need. Since then, Josh has been hard at work creating a

• MICHAELINE SHUMAN

• DIANE PAUL ’92

• EMILY LION ’10

Through his position as the JCCE’s Sustainability Service Scholar, Joshua Levesque ’18, an ecology major from Westminster, Md., asked how students can be more involved in helping hungry people in our area gain more access to food. He paired this inquiry with his desire to eradicate food waste.

• CYNTHIA SHEESLEY

• DAWNE FRITZ ’86 VEET • KRISTEN EVANS ’92 WAUGHEN • LYNN WHITTLESEY ’72 WILSON

website that will eventually be made available to the public to help them navigate and connect with community resources. Because environmental factors influence many social issues, the JCCE strives to incorporate sustainable solutions to all of our projects and initiatives. I’m hopeful that the momentum generated through student curiosity and community need will help advance the center and our capacity to create positive change. Pam Frontino is assistant director of leadership and engagement, David ’69 and Sharon Johnson Center for Civic Engagement.

spri n g 2 01 8  · Susquehanna Currents · 53

514 University Ave. Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1164

HOMECOMING–REUNION WEEKEND 2018

FAMILY WEEKEND 2018

OCT. 5–7

OCT. 26–28

Enjoy campus in all its fall splendor! Celebrating reunions for the classes of 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018!

Fall is in the air, and so might be jack-o-lanterns and candy corn. Spend the weekend with your SU student and get a taste of campus life, Selinsgrove and the beautiful surrounding area!

The weekend will be filled with these tried-and-true fun events: golf outing, Celebrating Milestones, reunion lunches in the field house, Homecoming football game, Susquehanna Champions VIP tent, kids carnival, all-alumni dinner, music, yard games and so much more!

The weekend will be filled with athletic events, family fun, student activities, music and all things that go bump in the night!

54 · Susquehanna Currents · spri n g 2 0 1 8

Come for the fun, stay for the memories!