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GIVE RISE
THE MOST AMBITIOUS CAMPAIGN IN THE UNIVERSITY’S HISTORY | PAGE 10
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE » DRIVE FOR CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT » PRUDENCE AND PERSISTENCE
Inside
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SUSQUEHANNA GIVES RISE THE MOST AMBITIOUS FUNDRAISING EFFORT IN THE UNIVERSITY’S HISTORY AIMS TO FORTIFY SUPPORT FOR SUSQUEHANNA STUDENTS, ENHANCE THE CAMPUS AND AUGMENT RESOURCES FOR PROGRAMMATIC AND FACULTY DEVELOPMENT.
S E C T ION S DEPARTMENTS
2 First Word 16 People & Places 22 Scoreboard 26 The ’Grove Q&A · Syllabus · Kudos · Bragging Rights
62 End Note
ON THE COVER: Back cover photograph by Marketing & Communications Office
ALUMNI NEWS
32 Message Board 33 Class Notes Message Board · Class Notes · Alumni Profiles · Deaths
VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS AARON MARTIN EDITOR JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOTTS Director of Strategic Communications BECKY BRAMER ’92 TOTH Associate Vice President of Advancement CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
4 D RIVE FOR CONTINUAL
IMPROVEMENT
Learn what makes the Sigmund Weis School of Business one of only 5% of the world’s business schools to earn accreditation by the International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
BRUCE BEANS JAMIE CHAGNON Director of Athletic Communications NAIREM MORAN Former Director of Athletic Communications AMANDA O’ROURKE Communications and Media Specialist JODI SWARTZ Class Notes Coordinator LOGAN SWEET ’15 Associate Director of Advancement Communications DESIGN JOSIE FERTIG Director of Design and Digital Marketing ERICA HOOVER Graphic Designer COPY EDITOR BETSY K. ROBERTSON
6 P RUDENCE AND PERSISTENCE
Efforts to help Susquehanna students persist from year to year are paying off, as the number of students who returned in fall 2020 — amid a global pandemic — was the highest since 2003.
WAYPOINTS SU Among Nation’s Top ‘Green’ Colleges Susquehanna is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review. susqu.edu/top-green-colleges
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS BLUE DOG IMAGING GORDON WENZEL
Fall/Winter 2021, Vol. 89, No. 1 ©2021 All publication rights reserved. Susquehanna Currents is published twice a year in the spring and fall by Susquehanna University, University Marketing & Communications, 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, PA 17870.
Pawpaw Trees To Restore Streambank, Honor Native Land Faculty and students planted a grove of pawpaw trees as part of the university’s continuing efforts in watershed restoration and in acknowledgement of the university’s location on indigenous land. susqu.edu/pawpaw-trees
SU Partners with University in Cyprus on New 4+1 MBA Susquehanna has established a partnership with the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, that offers SU graduates an accelerated path to earn their Master of Business Administration degree. susqu.edu/cyprus-MBA
Printed by Brilliant in Exton, Pennsylvania
First Word A Message from the President
dear fr ien ds, The cover story highlights our Give Rise capital campaign, which entered its public phase at Homecoming. Susquehanna was founded as a gift. Local farmers and business owners in Selinsgrove were inspired by Benjamin Kurtz’s vision to provide an education to young men who felt called to become missionaries, but had previously been unable to heed that call because their families lacked the means necessary to acquire the requisite education. Our first donors provided land and the funds to build Selinsgrove Hall contingent on a classical education being offered to their daughters and sons who were not called to missionary work. Susquehanna University was born of philanthropy to provide access and transformation to talented young people. It is a legacy that flourishes today. The University’s seal features a globe. Perhaps those founders knew SU would become a national liberal arts institution with a truly global reach.
“SUSQUEHANNA IS ITS PEOPLE, AND WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE.” — JONATHAN D. GREEN
Two of the most important measures of quality in higher education are retention and graduation rates. The past two years have had our best retention in 18 years, against the backdrop of the pandemic. This is the story of a campus community in which faculty, staff, and students truly cared for each other. There have been innumerable acts of courage and selflessness as the members of the SU community have looked out for our students and each other. This has been led by our remarkable Board of Trustees who looked out for our people at every turn, including distributing a bonus to faculty and staff when employers across the country were implementing furloughs. Susquehanna is its people, and we are unstoppable. That’s what we do: we step up to challenges; we step up for each other; and we do it for our students. Faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni have pulled together to be sure our students have the best opportunities, the best role models, and the best education possible, and our donors make all of that possible. They continue to build on the foundation set in place in 1858 to continue transforming lives in so many meaningful and important ways. Thank you for the ways your story is part of this inspiring legacy.
yo u r s e v e r ,
Jonathan D. Green President
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MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW to return to Susquehanna's beautiful campus in 2022 for two of our most beloved traditions: Family Weekend and Homecoming–Reunion Weekend!
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Visit sualum.com for travel information, health and safety plans and schedules.
THE SIGMUND WEIS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS HAS BEEN REACCREDITED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO ADVANCE COLLEGIATE SCHOOLS OF BUSINESS — A WORLDWIDE MARKER OF QUALITY IN EDUCATION. Only the top 5% of the world’s 16,000 business schools earn AACSB accreditation. First accredited in 1993, Susquehanna shares that honor with other notable university business schools and is one of just nine private, undergraduate-only business schools that has earned the distinction. “The AACSB accreditation is the yardstick by which all quality business schools are measured,” says Matthew Rousu,
Drive
FOR CONTINUAL
Improvement BUSINESS SCHOOL REACCREDITATION ELEVATES STUDENT EXPERIENCE BY BRUCE BEANS
business school dean. “To achieve it requires a tremendous commitment by our faculty to provide our students with the very best educational opportunities — from innovative classroom teaching methods to valuable real-world experience — and in turn hold our students to the highest standards in business education.” The reaccreditation process is conducted every five years. Susquehanna’s James Pomykalski led the effort through his role as reaccreditation and continuous improvement coordinator. “Anybody who has been to business school knows what AACSB accreditation means and understands that the level of expectation placed on our students is much higher,” he says.
Global Internships
Susquehanna’s business school was specifically commended for its guarantee of an international internship for its students — including opportunities to complete an internship in Australia, England, Italy, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore and Spain. Building upon the school’s long-standing semester abroad London Program, the international internship initiative was
launched. Students had been interning abroad for years, and that number grew to 60 students from the class of 2020 — the same year the business school first guaranteed students an international internship. Two months after that guarantee was announced in January 2020, the pandemic scuttled the in-person international internships scheduled for that summer. However, many of the school’s overseas business partners, from Fortune 500 companies to start-up businesses, soon agreed to remotely take on 44 SU student interns. “I don’t know of any other school that pivoted to virtual international internships so quickly,” says Rousu.
Women’s Leadership
The review committee also commended the business school for its work creating the Women’s Leadership Symposium for business students in 2015. The initiative, which seeks to address societal disparities in terms of pay and leadership positions in the workforce for women, offers female students career treks to major cities, job-shadowing experiences that connect them with Susquehanna alumni, access to professional conferences and opportunities to secure summer research, internships or other experiential learning. The initiative’s yearly symposium has proven so successful that — thanks to the financial support of several alumni, including Signe S. Gates ’71, chair of the SU Board of Trustees, and Dawn G. Mueller ’68, vice chair — it is now open to all female students at Susquehanna, regardless of their major. “It empowers our young women by connecting them with phenomenal alumnae in their intended industry,” says Emma Fleck, associate professor and head of the Department of Management and Marketing. “Networking is so powerful for young women. When they can see it, they can be it.” Sarah Derrick ’18, who majored in luxury brand marketing and management, agrees. “With fewer women than men in my business classes, the symposium was a good way for women to connect with other women and feel empowered to take on leadership positions — not only in the workplace but while still in school, in our classes and other Susquehanna groups,” she says.
Courses and Connections
Since 2017, the percentage of business students who return as sophomores has increased from 81.5% to over 90%. One factor: delaying more challenging math courses, such as statistics, for a semester or two for incoming students whose strengths may not be mathematical. (Read more on page 8.)
AACSB encourages faculty members to continually think about how to improve the student experience. For example, the school assesses what students are learning in their courses to make sure that, following graduation, they have the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. So, during the past five years, in addition to making tweaks to existing courses, the school added a management principles course for sophomores and another on data-driven decision-making. The business school is also launching new, interdisciplinary minors. The professional sales minor, which includes courses from both the business school and the Department of Communications, began in fall 2020. The courses are taught by Michele Welliver, an assistant professor of communications at Susquehanna who has more than a decade of professional sales experience in radio and television, and Darrell Wilson ’78, an adjunct professor of marketing with more than 40 years of sales experience. “Professional selling skills are beneficial for any Susquehanna student because they can be used in business, in the nonprofit sector, government and more,” says Fleck. Started in 2021, a new sustainability management minor combines business and environmental science courses. Fleck and Rousu developed the curriculum with Katherine Straub, interim dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences. Straub notes that a lot of EES majors join consulting firms where they must handle clients, budgets and accounting. “With a growing number of corporations attempting to be part of the solution to climate change, the field is exploding,” she adds. When Rousu meets with prospective students, Only about 5% OF THE he stresses that studying WORLD’S 16,000 BUSINESS SCHOOLS business at Susquehanna ARE AACSB Accredited University is a one-ofa-kind experience that combines a top-flight undergraduate business education with the liberal arts. “Studies have shown that graduates of liberal arts colleges and universities earn more throughout their careers because a liberal arts education helps you learn how to think in all sorts of different ways and approach problems from different angles,” Rousu tells students. “I know accreditation sounds boring, but it assures you that you’re going to be ready to take a top job when you graduate.”
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PRUDENCE AND
PERSISTENCE
STRATEGIES BOOST STUDENT RETENTION DESPITE PANDEMIC CHALLENGES BY AMANDA O’ROURKE During the summer after her first year at Susquehanna, Alaina Uricheck ’24 began to consider transferring to a different college. After being placed in quarantine a few times because of Covid-19 health and safety protocols, she decided to return to her home in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, to study remotely. What she felt was lacking was a strong connection drawing her back to campus. “My first experience on campus felt traumatizing with all the spontaneous quarantines,” Uricheck, a communications major with a minor in biology, admits now. “I just wasn’t sure it was something I wanted to return to.”
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Historically — including prior to the pains of Covid-19 — the retention of first-year students has been a struggle for most colleges and universities. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s 2020 Persistence and Retention Report, the overall rate at which first-year college students persist, or continue to their second year, dropped 2 percentage points to 73.9% for fall 2019, its lowest level since 2012. Students leave for a variety of reasons. A 2006 report to the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative found that “of the 45% of students who start college and fail to complete their
degree, less than one-quarter are dismissed for poor academic performance." Most leave for other reasons — ranging from being cut from a sports team to a change in family finances to personal issues either on campus or at home. At Susquehanna, efforts to help students persist from year to year and graduate have focused on the whole of who students are and what they need, from their academics to their social lives to their experience prior to arriving on campus. Recent data indicates that these efforts are paying off. Fall 2020 retention stood at 88.4%, the highest rate since 2003 when it stood at 89.8%. Rates fluctuated over the coming years, eventually dropping to 82.9% in 2013. Susquehanna’s fall 2021 retention rate is down just slightly at 87.3%, but is still up 4.4 percentage points from the 2013 low and ahead of the university’s three-year retention average of 86.4% — all of which has been achieved with a global pandemic as the backdrop. “For us to be beating our three-year retention average at this time is a pretty phenomenal feat,” says Provost Dave Ramsaran. “This is a collective effort by everyone who has been so focused on student success, not just the faculty but also staff across campus. That has been the real cultural shift, understanding that the most important thing we all do is to make sure our students succeed, and we all have a role to play.” “In recognizing our collective commitment to the success of our students and in supporting them through Commencement Day, we have achieved impressive retention rates despite facing unprecedented challenges,” President Jonathan Green says. “This is the story of a campus community that faced challenges head-on and not only met them but excelled despite them.”
SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT KEY TO SUCCESS Targeted academic and social programming, from expanded mentoring and inclusive teaching techniques to “intrusive advising” and specialized first-year orientations, have been supported by a campuswide commitment to retaining Susquehanna’s students through graduation. At Susquehanna, retention efforts begin before students arrive on campus. After enrolling, students are assigned a faculty mentor to begin early advising, specifically working with incoming students to schedule first semester classes and establishing a link with the faculty, Ramsaran says. “It helps incoming students think through what their first semester will look like,” he says. “In the past when students got their schedule, they couldn’t change or discuss it until they arrived on campus. Now they can engage with their advisor from the beginning of the process.”
“… WE HAVE ACHIEVED IMPRESSIVE RETENTION RATES DESPITE FACING UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES. THIS IS THE STORY OF A CAMPUS COMMUNITY THAT FACED CHALLENGES HEAD-ON AND NOT ONLY MET THEM BUT EXCELLED DESPITE THEM.” –PRESIDENT JONATHAN GREEN
And to help with the social transition to college life, incoming students can participate in a voluntary mentor program that matches them with a junior or senior. They can email, call or text their mentor to ask questions about academic and campus life through the summer and their first semester. “This connects the student with someone who has experience on campus,” says Francy Magee, vice president for student life and dean of students. “It also gives them some social capital because now they know someone who can help them navigate these spaces and become part of the social life at Susquehanna.” The first two weeks of classes are understood to be the most crucial for retention. As such, the call was made to the entire campus community to be especially alert during this time, Ramsaran says, to identify any potential red flags that could adversely affect a student’s success at Susquehanna. Faculty have been asked to report every student absence via EAB (Education Advisory Board) Navigate, an integrated campuswide advising system used by both faculty and students. “We know that if a student struggles within their first two weeks on campus, they are likely to struggle for a long time,” Ramsaran says. “If we see a student missing three classes, we know there is something more going on and we proactively reach out to those students.” Faculty have also been asked to assign a low-stakes assignment within the first two weeks of classes — something students are likely to complete without much difficulty — to give them the boost they may need to realize that they can succeed at college.
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“We believe that every student we enroll at Susquehanna has what it takes to succeed here, but we realize that each has their own strengths and weaknesses,” Ramsaran says. “If we become flexible and work with the student as an individual, we increase the chances of success and give the student the academic efficacy they may need to move forward.”
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Differential scheduling considers what a student’s incoming academic strengths are when selecting their courses. For example, courses in modern languages and mathematics, namely statistics, can be difficult for many students. Previous scheduling models have placed students into these courses early on in their academic careers. But differential scheduling allows for students to “get their feet under them” before taking on those more challenging courses that, if unsuccessful, could lead them to lose confidence and not return. Instead, these courses are delayed as late as a student’s third semester.
RETENTION GAINS IN THE SIGMUND WEIS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Beginning in fall 2018, faculty in the Sigmund Weis School of Business began experimenting with several initiatives to improve retention rates and, with them, four-year graduation rates. To faculty members, nothing is more central to the mission of the university. “If we could only do one thing, you could argue it is to make sure students graduate,” Dean Matthew Rousu says, “because a college degree is crucial to changing the trajectory of a young person’s life.” The Department of Economics took the unique approach of having all faculty collaborate on an inclusive teaching initiative across all sections of an introductory class. Inclusive teaching incorporates practices to support accessible learning for all students. Academic standards remain the same but experimenting with these new methods helps to reach all types of learners at different levels of readiness. “The higher education model assumes that we just pour more onto a high school education foundation, but the unevenness of that experience means students don’t all start at the same place,” Ramsaran says. “The curriculum needs to allow students to start at different places and end up at the same place.”
To implement inclusive teaching, the business school introduced among its first-year economics students: • Mandatory tutoring. Students in introductory economics classes are required to attend tutoring once a week, as research has shown that tutoring not only has the obvious benefit of establishing academic support, but group tutoring also promotes social interaction and builds the confidence of shy students. Students may opt out of the program once they have achieved a B average. • In-class inclusive activities and games. Activities and games in the classroom can help reach learners of different styles. • Consistent feedback and low-stakes assignments. Not all students start at the same place. Feedback sets and maintains expectations for student performance while low-stakes assignments help to establish efficacy. Other initiatives included improving advising and teaching. The business school faculty spent time trying to learn more about today’s students — both in general and about students from diverse backgrounds. This included a reading discussion group of Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do, by Claude M. Steele, which highlighted how students from different backgrounds learn differently and have different approaches to asking for help. The faculty also studied The Years That Matter Most, by Paul Tough, which highlights the challenges faced by students from lower-income households. Their efforts resulted in lower attrition rates among first-year business school students, decreasing from 18.7% in 2018–19 to an impressive 6.8% in 2019–20. “We approached our efforts from a variety of angles, and all seemed to work,” Rousu says. “We’ve seen encouraging growth and look forward to duplicating efforts across the business school.”
“I RETURNED TO SUSQUEHANNA FOR THE SAME REASONS I ENROLLED INITIALLY. SU HAS THE LARGEST STUDENT-RUN RADIO STATION, A FANTASTIC COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT AND A PLETHORA OF STUDY-ABROAD PROGRAMS.” –ALAINA URICHECK ’24
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In 2019, Susquehanna joined the American Talent Initiative, an alliance of more than 100 colleges and universities with the goal of substantially expanding the number of talented students from low- and moderate-income households at America’s undergraduate institutions with the highest graduation rates. The goal set forth at that time was to enroll 50,000 students across the country by 2025. Susquehanna is one of only about a quarter of the colleges in the consortium to meet its commitment. Since fall 2015, the number of students eligible for the federal Pell grant (which is designed to assist students from low-income households) has remained higher than 25%, an above-average share amongst other private, high-graduation rate institutions. Between fall 2019 and fall 2020, the university increased Pell enrollment by 27 students, despite overall enrollment challenges due to Covid-19. “Susquehanna’s history of providing a transformative, worldclass education to meritorious students with modest financial resources is a point of pride for me and remains one of our most important aspirations,” Green says. “We are committed to supporting these students academically, socially and financially, from before they arrive on campus to graduation and beyond.” In addition to maintaining steady growth in its Pell enrollment, Susquehanna has committed to eliminating graduation gaps among its Pell students. To achieve this goal, Susquehanna has joined a new program to expand the suite of resources it provides to students from lower-income backgrounds. A $1.3 million U.S. Department of Education TRiO Student Support Services grant will be implemented through 2025 and will allow the university to expand academic tutoring services for eligible students, plan workshops designed to promote healthy financial behaviors, and implement graduate school counseling and a telementoring program with SU alumni, and the pre-orientation program for first-year students.
“The university felt we were missing an opportunity to gain back students who ‘stopped out,’” says Ryan Redfern ’11, transitions and completions coordinator in the Center for Academic Success. “Project Completion brought several university partners together to smooth reenrollment processes for these students.” In his role, Redfern reaches out to students who plan to leave the university and explains the process. He then stays in touch with them and helps those who want to return to navigate that process. Redfern also collaborates with coaches or academic advisors who may be able to influence the student’s decision to return. As noted earlier, a student’s decision to withdraw is rarely due to academic reasons. Redfern works in collaboration with Student Financial Services, the Registrar, Residence Life and Student Life to address the many reasons a student may choose to leave. When the committee first organized, on average 16–24 students returned on a yearly basis. The pandemic required Redfern to more than double his efforts — with great success. “In my three years at SU, we have seen a 120% increase in returnees, averaging 44 students a year,” Redfern says. “It’s extremely satisfying to help these students work through whatever obstacle might be in their way to bring them back to campus to complete their degrees.” Like the many reasons a student might withdraw, the reasons a student stays are just as varied. Uricheck ultimately decided to return to SU this fall for her second year. “I returned to Susquehanna for the same reasons I enrolled initially. SU has the largest studentrun radio station, a fantastic communications department and a plethora of study-abroad programs,” she says. “These opportunities were a huge draw to me when I was looking at colleges, and no other colleges have comparable options.”
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SUCCESSES WITH STUDENTS FROM LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
Efforts appear to be showing results. First-year retention of Pell recipient students has risen steadily since 2016, from 81% to 87.6% in 2020.
SMOOTHING THE PATH TO RETURN Susquehanna’s commitment to helping a student persist through graduation extends to those who are no longer enrolled. Created in 2018, Project Completion assists students who have chosen to withdraw or take a leave of absence to return to campus to complete their degree.
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SUSQUEHANNA
to MOST AMBITIOUS
CAMPAIGN in university
GIVE. RISE. Two simple words with immense meaning. To give is to cause or allow someone or something to have something tangible or abstract. A rise is an upward movement, an elevation.
By Logan Sweet ’15 Give rise. That’s the call to action that President Jonathan Green made when he introduced the public phase of Give Rise: The Campaign to Elevate Susquehanna University to hundreds of alumni, faculty, staff and supporters who had gathered in the James W. Garrett Sports Complex Field House last October to mark the momentous occasion.
history
“Susquehanna is poised to rise to a new level of leadership in higher education by fortifying support for our students, enhancing our campus and augmenting our resources for programmatic and faculty development,” Green says. “Our graduates are prepared to lead because they have learned how to learn, to listen and to act wisely. For them, and for those who will follow, we must achieve a campaign unprecedented in our history.” The Give Rise campaign — with a goal of raising $160 million for student scholarships, capital improvements and endowment contributions — is the largest such fundraising initiative in Susquehanna’s history of over 160 years.
The campaign’s student-first funding priorities are anchored by the university’s foundation as a private liberal arts institution. Experiential learning has become a more recent focus of contemporary higher education, but Susquehanna has always fostered the power of combining its liberal arts focus with practical application. Our community challenges students to think about the world in ways they’ve possibly never considered — to shift their perspective, question conventions and make connections. It encourages them to realize that perhaps science is related to art, and math has much to say about music, that history informs business, and journalism and social justice can walk hand in hand. Faculty members immerse students in project-based learning, undergraduate research and intercultural experiences that inspire them to connect classroom learning to the real world around them. Support for these extraordinary opportunities gives rise to an even richer university experience for
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99%
of students receive
SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT or FINANCIAL AID Pavithra Vivekanand, associate professor of biology, and Anna Mykytyn ’20
every student. With this foundation, Susquehanna prepares them to become critical thinkers, thoughtful leaders and global citizens. “The liberal arts have always been about giving students the tools they need and instilling in them the confidence to be successful,” Green says. “The generosity and vision of our donors to this campaign will allow us to lift up the next generation of thoughtful innovators and compassionate leaders, a strength that has persisted since our founding.”
GIVE RISE to SU Students Susquehanna students are successful students. Susquehanna aims not only to ensure that our students are successful once they are on campus, but more so that a Susquehanna education is accessible to every single deserving student who wants to be a member of the community — opening the door for more young minds to be guided by professors and giving rise to their individual potential. “When I came to Susquehanna, I felt an immediate sense of belonging and community,” says Hannah Mackey ’23, a creative writing and publishing and
editing double major. “All my worries about what I would do with my future disappeared.” The university attracts capable young people from all walks of life who recognize the value of the education SU offers. Susquehanna provides scholarship support and financial aid to 99% of them, making it possible to deliver educational opportunities to the best and most talented students regardless of their or their families’ financial circumstances. “I can’t name another institution who made an investment in me the way Susquehanna did,” says Gerohn Lanns ’04, a partner at Ernst & Young and member of the university’s Board of Trustees. Thanks to the Richard Green Memorial Scholarship, a resident advisor position and summer jobs, Gerohn was able to graduate from SU debt-free. His two sisters, Marhja ’03 and Cherysse ’06, also attended and received scholarship support. The source of student support isn’t singular, however. Generous alumni and friends also help students afford learning experiences such as study abroad, internships and research opportunities, and their philanthropy guarantees Susquehanna’s ability to
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enroll students of great potential — who bring with them a wide range of life experiences and social and cultural backgrounds. The New York Times ranked Susquehanna as having the 9th most economically diverse student body in the nation. According to Green, “Susquehanna is not an institution of students born on third base, it is a living and learning community representing the breadth of socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences.” “The message I took from my scholarship was, ‘We believe in you and your abilities,’” says Daniel Yim ’20. “The Jack E. Cisney Scholarship started a domino effect that allowed me to take part in many opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise, and to grow as a student and businessman.” Yim spent a semester in Japan, traveled to Stanford University as an Innovation Fellow and later received assistance from the Sigmund Weis School of Business’s Eric Stein Fund for International Experience to pursue a marketing and operations internship with Doongle, Inc. in Seoul, South Korea. Through Give Rise, alumni and friends can create new scholarships — or contribute to existing ones — that will
$67M+ awarded annually in
President Jonathan Green speaks at the Give Rise kickoff event at Homecoming 2021.
SCHOLARSHIPS SU & GRANTS TOSTUDENTS
provide tuition and expenses for our most deserving students.
GIVE RISE to SU’s Campus Exceptional students thrive on our exceptional campus. Susquehanna’s sweeping lawns and stately buildings reflect the university’s sense of history. At the same time, each new building project we take on gives rise to a better student experience. The university’s Admission House, dedicated in 2017, provided the starting point for a new wave of campus enhancements. Recent improvements to athletics facilities and the library, the addition of the Center for Environmental Education and Research and the Martin Retreat Center, and a renovated Isaacs Auditorium in Seibert Hall have been key advancements, but the work is never finished. (See more SU renovation stories on pages 16–17 and 20–21.) Gifts to brick-and-mortar projects for academics and student life improve Susquehanna’s ability to attract more students, while enriching the offerings for those currently living and learning on SU’s beautiful, broad campus. One of those students was David Huntzberry ’19, an ecology major, who took full advantage of everything
Hannah Mackey ’23 speaks at the Give Rise kickoff event.
the CEER had to offer. As a student assistant with the Freshwater Research Institute, he conducted research to assess the health of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. As co-director of the campus garden, he led efforts to harvest thousands of pounds of produce for donation to local shelters and food banks. “The information and the skills I gained there are far beyond what someone at another university could have done,” says Huntzberry, who is now a restoration ecologist for Tributaries, LLC. “And that’s exactly the point of the CEER,” says Katherine Straub, interim dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences, “to make sustainability tangible for students and help them become tomorrow’s ecologists and environmental scientists.
spaces, sustainable student housing and an event center. Apfelbaum Hall, the Degenstein Campus Center and the Garrett Sports Complex — all signature spaces made possible by philanthropy — now require updates to support today’s living and learning experiences. Support from alumni and friends to these planned and existing areas of campus will foster the beauty of Susquehanna for generations to come, while also strengthening community pride and ongoing stewardship.
GIVE RISE to SU Success To elevate Susquehanna University for generations to come, its endowment must grow.
“They can do something that is real that makes them think, ‘I am helping to solve an environmental problem, even if it’s just one piece of the puzzle.’ That’s powerful,” she adds.
Endowed funds ensure perpetual support for educational priorities and strengthen an unwavering commitment to the institutional mission — to educate students for productive, creative and reflective lives of achievement, leadership and service in a diverse, dynamic and interdependent world.
The Give Rise campaign will make possible our vision of a designated “green” extension of campus, that could include more laboratories, new pathways, outdoor classrooms and learning
Through the Give Rise campaign, Susquehanna’s endowment has increased from $162 million to over $200 million — achieving a key campaign goal. Now, having reached $206 million, the
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university’s endowment allows for more dollars to be spent per student, which will have a positive impact on our national rankings and provide longterm resources that directly benefit future Susquehannans. For students, endowed programs such as the McGrath Scholars and the Signe S. Gates and Dawn G. Mueller Women’s Leadership Fund empower them to take advantage of out-of-classroom experiences they otherwise could not afford on their own. Anna Mykytyn ’20, a biochemistry and French double major, came to Susquehanna with an interest in cancer research, but never expected to work with real cancer cells until at least her senior year or even graduate school. Pavithra Vivekanand, associate professor of biology, encouraged her to apply for the McGrath Scholars Program to fund their summer research project on a plant-based compound called thujone, which has insecticidal properties and is thought to have anti-cancer effects as well. The program exists thanks to an endowment created by alumni, friends and colleagues of Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Tom McGrath. “Because of this scholarship, I was able to gain invaluable lab experience, as well as investigate and solidify my career interests,” says Mykytyn, who also completed a summer undergraduate research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and is pursuing a doctorate in cancer biology. “Our students are collaborators in our [faculty] research and get their names on papers we produce,” says Vivekanand. “This teaches them perseverance and problem-solving because science never works in a linear fashion. These skills set SU students apart from graduates of other universities.”
In addition to creating endowed scholarships, Give Rise seeks gifts of endowment to support faculty positions and student programs. When alumni and friends make endowment gifts, they create or contribute to a permanent pool of funds that can be invested over the long term to support the areas of campus most meaningful to them — forever. For faculty members, endowed positions are incredibly valuable because they allow them to think big and dream big, pursuing their passions without limitation. Simply put, a stronger endowment will give Susquehanna the flexibility to pursue its vision of excellence, and it will create a solid foundation of support to carry out its mission for generations of future Susquehannans.
GIVE RISE to SU’S Future Support for this landmark campaign will give rise to new opportunities at Susquehanna that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. It will elevate every area of the university and ensure that SU is known for the extraordinary education and transformational experience provided to its students. The campaign has been privately gaining momentum since 2012, and to date it has raised 88% of its goal despite challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic that delayed the campaign’s public announcement by a year.
world is more connected yet more complex than ever, and it needs new generations of professionals who know themselves and can think creatively and analytically.” “With your support, we will continue to fulfill Susquehanna’s extraordinary promise to become an even stronger model of thoughtful, relevant and effective education,” Green adds. “Now is the time for all of us to give rise to an even greater Susquehanna University.”
$10M
A $10 MILLION CHALLENGE
To show support for the campaign and to Give Rise to Susquehanna, a group of anonymous current and former trustees issued a $5 million challenge to the SU community to make gifts to Susquehanna’s endowment. If alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends contribute a total of $5 million to the Susquehanna endowment by Oct. 31, 2022, the Trustee group will match that with their own donation of $5 million to the endowment. This would mean a total of $10 million in positive impact to the Susquehanna endowment. To give to the Challenge and support SU students, go to susqu.edu/ endowmentchallenge.
Elevate the future.
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support our donors have shown the Give Rise campaign to this point,” say Dawn Grigg ’68 Mueller and Martin Pinter ’98, members of Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees and co-chairs of the campaign committee. “Through our own experiences, we know very well what Susquehanna does for young people,” they add. “Today’s
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SUSQU.EDU/GIVERISE
During Homecoming–Reunion Weekend, students, alumni and friends of the graphic design program attended an unveiling ceremony of the new graphic design lab. MORE ON NEW PLACES & SPACES, PAGE 20
DEPARTMENTS
PEOPLE & PLACES
SCOREBOARD
THE ’GROVE
PEOPLE & PLACES
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHERE FOR ALL THINGS SUSQUEHANNA
Gift of Property Establishes Retreat Center The Rev. Dr. Lois D. Martin ’90 and Dr. Thomas J. Martin, M.D., Retreat Center, located in Montour County, offers multiple educational opportunities for Susquehanna University Thanks to a donation of property from alumna and trustee the Rev. Dr. Lois D. ’90 and her husband, Dr. Thomas J. Martin, M.D., Susquehanna University created a retreat center named in their honor, expanding SU’s campus footprint. “We are deeply grateful for the Martins’ generous gift to the university and are honored to recognize them for all they have done for Susquehanna and its students,” says University President Jonathan Green. “Philanthropy like this enables us to realize one of our most important aspirations, which is to make the transformative Susquehanna education attainable for students. This retreat center will serve as an inspirational place for students and faculty of varying fields to study and draw inspiration from the natural world.”
Rev. Dr. Lois D. ’90 and Dr. Thomas J. Martin, M.D.
“
WE HOPE THE PROPERTY’S NATURAL BEAUTY … WILL ENCOURAGE THE STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF WHO VISIT THERE TO REFLECT ON AND CONSIDER LIFE’S QUESTIONS AND CHALLENGES FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
”
The Rev. Dr. Lois D. Martin ’90 and Dr. Thomas J. Martin, M.D., Retreat Center, a 55-plus acre property in Cooper Township, Montour County, will be used as retreat space for the university’s academic and extracurricular programs, including for religious and spiritual life student clubs such as Susquehanna’s preministry club, which offers mentorship and community to students who are considering a call to ordained ministry. “The creation of a Retreat Center for Susquehanna is an honor for us and something that we are pleased to see come to fruition,” the Martins say. “We hope the property’s natural beauty, with its pond and surrounding woodlands, will encourage the students, faculty and staff who visit there to reflect on and consider life’s questions and challenges for many years to come.” Susquehanna’s creative writing program will make use of the property for student readings, rehearsals for choreopoem performances and for faculty members for their own writing. The pond and the ecological diversity of the property appeal to students and faculty within the biology and environmental studies departments. “The property, with its natural attributes, gives our students a unique opportunity to conduct field research in a variety of ecological settings,” says Jack Holt, professor of biology at Susquehanna. “We look forward to discovering all it has to offer.” Plans are underway for the property to be used for outdoor opportunities for international students who are unable to return home during semester breaks and as a retreat space for resident assistant training and employee team-building and leadership training.
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Martin Retreat Center property
SENSE OF GRATITUDE, LIVES OF SERVICE Lois has said that she feels “a sense of gratitude” to Susquehanna. She was a nontraditional student and a mother of four children, one daughter still at home, when she began her college education in the 1980s. During her time as a student, her mother died and other family challenges made her education complex. During these challenges, Lois said the faculty and staff at Susquehanna supported her. “Whenever I thought I was coming to a dead end, a way forward was made possible,” she says. A church organist, Lois graduated Susquehanna Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Church Music, concentration in Organ, in 1990. She continued her education at the Colgate Rochester Divinity School and The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, receiving a Master’s Degree in Church Music, and a Master’s Degree in Divinity. She later was Ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She earned her Doctor of Ministry Degree at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, now United Lutheran Seminary. She serves the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America as a specially trained, Intentional Interim Minister, and has qualifications as a Spiritual Director from Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. During this time, Tom, a board-certified physician in Pediatrics and Sports Medicine, founded the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic, and started a Neonatal Retrieval Program at Geisinger Medical Center. As Chairman of pediatrics at Geisinger for 20 years, he was
key in developing the department from five pediatricians to 80, which included the addition of many new subspecialists. He also developed the hospital’s Pediatrics and Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Programs. He was the visionary and developer behind the establishment of the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital at Geisinger, which was the first Children’s Hospital to be established in a rural area in the United States. He was Team Physician for Penn State football and wrestling teams for several years. He was a member of the American Board of Pediatrics and helped write the Primary Care Sports Medicine and General Pediatric Board Examinations. He was the Founding Educational Director and Assistant Chair of Pediatrics at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Tom earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Franklin & Marshall College in 1956 and went on to earn his Medical Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Married for nearly 30 years, the Martins are parents to a blended family of eight children, 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The Martins previously endowed two professorships at Susquehanna, one in Music and one in Religion. The property they gifted to Susquehanna and how it will be used reflects their lives of service and sense of giving back to others. “The retreat center gives us enhanced space for small religious services, while the outdoor area is perfect for meaningful meditation,” says University Chaplain Scott Kershner. “We are grateful to the Martins for this gift and are humbled by the trust they have placed in us as stewards of their beautiful land.”
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PEOPLE & PLACES
Five Generations and Counting …
Research by alumnus uncovers 50+ relatives connected to Susquehanna University In 1961, the campus publication Susquehanna Alumnus published “A Sweetheart of a Story,” which focused on the first three generations of the Phillips family at Susquehanna. But as Larry Hutchison ’80 discovered through his extensive genealogical research, his family’s Susquehanna roots extend far deeper and more broadly than he could have imagined.
Hutchison’s great-great-grandfather, Henry, was a tailor and clothes maker, and was able to send many of his 12 children to Susquehanna by bartering.
“Stories would be told to me over time,” Hutchison recalls. “One of the things I did during Covid was to really track down all four sides of my family. I start with what I know, and I work out from there.”
Between 1896 and 1917, one or more of the Phillips children was enrolled at Susquehanna. Most of them and their spouses left their mark on the university and surrounding community in some significant way, serving in administrative leadership, as a faculty member or athletics coach. Some were awarded honorary degrees in recognition of their service to the university and surrounding community.
Much of Hutchison’s work was done using the tools that most of us would recognize, including Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com and FindAGrave.com, as well as Susquehanna’s own digitized publications like yearbooks and newspapers.
From these very humble roots grew a long and very successful relationship between Susquehanna and the Phillips family, which, in the second generation came to include Hutchison’s grandmother, Aberdeen (Abby) Phillips ’34 Hutchison.
He was motivated, Hutchison says, by the desire to preserve his family’s legacy.
It was at Susquehanna where Abby met her future husband, David Edgar (Ted) Hutchison Jr. ’34.
“Every family has someone who has done some amount of ancestry work,” Hutchison says. “I’ve taken everything I’ve found and saved it in a PDF so it can live from generation to generation.”
While in college, Ted, originally from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, fronted a big band called Ted Hutchison and the Crusaders that played in bandstands throughout central Pennsylvania. Ted’s brother and sister also graduated from Susquehanna.
The Phillips-Hutchison family’s long legacy at Susquehanna began with Henry and Mary Jane (Polly) Phillips, who immigrated with their first six children to Pennsylvania from Carmarthenshire, Wales, during the 1880s and settled in the coal town of Shenandoah. Family lore maintains that Polly soon longed for her native Wales and asked her husband to find “a small, green town that has a college,” as the Phillips were “education-minded people.” It was this charge that led Henry to Selinsgrove, which at the time was home to The Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, later Susquehanna University. “Polly was thrilled with Selinsgrove because it reminded her of Wales,” Hutchison says. “They settled there permanently, and the rest is history!” The Phillips eventually had six more children, one of whom was Hutchison’s great-grandfather, William Phillips, who was married to Lumie Seiler Phillips, and they both attended Susquehanna.
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“Over the years, Ted was on the Susquehanna University Advisory Council and a member of the executive board of the Alumni Association,” Hutchison says. “Abby and Ted were loyal and passionate alumni of Susquehanna and received the Alumni Award for Service to the university in 1972 for their many years of dedicated service and support.” Ted and Abby had two children. One was David Edgar Hutchison III, Hutchison’s father, who graduated from Susquehanna in 1961. Hutchison fondly recalls his early upbringing in Selinsgrove, much of which revolved around SU’s campus. “I was born while my father was attending Susquehanna. My family lived in several houses around Selinsgrove and everyone in town was great to us,” Hutchison recalls. “We had dinner every Sunday night with my father’s Aunt Marjorie Phillips ’30 Mitchell on Broad Street. My grandparents were also in town regularly to see family, attend sporting events and attend meetings on campus.”
From top left: First generation – Henry and Mary Jane (Polly) Phillips and early family; Second and third generations – William Phillips and Lumie Seiler Phillips – Marjorie (first from left), Abby (fourth from left); Aberdeen (Abby) Phillips ’34 Hutchison and David Edgar (Ted) Hutchison Jr. ’34; Four generations of Hutchisons – Ted, David, Larry and Justin (circa 2006); Larry Hutchison and family at the 2011 Alumni Awards
Hutchison and his family eventually left Selinsgrove, but when it came time for Hutchison to choose his college path, he found himself drawn to Susquehanna like the three generations before him.
the Sigmund Weis School of Business Advisory Board and on the Alumni Board. In 2011, Hutchison received the same alumni recognition for service to the university that his grandparents had received in 1972.
“Susquehanna was an obvious choice,” Hutchison says. “I visited and considered other schools but in the end, there really wasn’t a question as to where I would go.”
“This was very special to me,” Hutchison says.
Like many of his relatives before him, Hutchison met his spouse at Susquehanna, Marcia Weaner ’82 Hutchison, who has her own Susquehanna legacy. Her grandfather, Scott C. Rea (of Rea & Derick Drug Stores), was a trustee from 1960–1972 and was presented with an honorary degree in 1963. After graduating from Susquehanna in 1980, Hutchison and his wife moved to the Philadelphia area where he began his career in the investment industry. They have three children, two of whom graduated from Susquehanna — Justin in 2006 and Ian in 2010. Over the years, Hutchison followed in his ancestors’ footprints and became involved with his alma mater. He has served on
To date, approximately 60 members of Hutchison’s extended family have had some confirmed connection with Susquehanna — either as a student, faculty or staff member or trustee. And it’s a legacy that continues today, as Hutchison’s mother’s grandnephews Cooper Duffie ’23 and Teagan Duffie ’24 are current students. Hutchison attributes his family’s allegiance to Susquehanna to various factors, including simple geography. Many of his relatives have lived in the central Susquehanna Valley for years. But he says it’s more than that. “I think the other thing that’s pretty incredible about Susquehanna is, I’ve known five presidents, they all knew me by first name, and everyone there is like that,” Hutchison says. “There is something very, very compelling about that.”
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PEOPLE & PLACES
Places & Spaces ISAACS AUDITORIUM
The university’s oldest auditorium has undergone a major renovation. Isaacs Auditorium, located in Seibert Hall, has been used as a large gathering space and for chapel services and lectures for more than 100 years. And now — with the upgrades to the lighting and sound technology, a renovated stage, new flooring and seating — student, faculty and guest recitals and performances will return to Isaacs. To mark the reopening of Isaacs and to celebrate its rich history, a special recital was performed by members of Susquehanna’s music faculty during a dedication ceremony. Also dedicated that evening was the Bramer Piano, a Steinway piano that will be permanently housed in Isaacs and used for student, faculty and guest recitals. The piano was a gift made by Becky Bramer ’92 Toth, associate vice president of advancement at Susquehanna, in loving memory of her father, James Robert Bramer ’64, and brother, Mark Andrew Bramer.
2 SCHOOLS BECOME 4 Susquehanna, formerly with two schools, has been restructured to have four schools, allowing for smaller, more manageable meetings among department groups that have greater similarity in their pedagogical strategies, which in turn encourages sharing best practices and innovative teaching ideas. Dividing the School of Arts and Sciences into three schools will better serve students. The new structure consists of three deans overseeing four schools: • School of the Arts and School of Humanities, Interim Dean Betsy Verhoeven • School of Natural and Social Sciences, Interim Dean Katherine Straub • The Sigmund Weis School of Business, Dean Matthew Rousu “This decision was made with faculty input to more evenly distribute programs and resources,” Provost Dave Ramsaran says. “It is our belief that the more even distribution of programs will allow for greater flexibility as we move forward with retention efforts.”
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HAWK HUB Over the past year and in consultation with students, Susquehanna has been reimagining what an improved student experience should look like — and the new Hawk Hub is part of that vision. The former location of the Info Desk in Susquehanna’s Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center has been transformed into a space for any student who has a question about — well, anything! This “one-stop shop” serves as a spot where students can meet with someone trained on a variety of topics related to student activities, scheduling, on-campus employment, the GO program and more. The Hawk Hub is a single place where students can turn for information they need to succeed at Susquehanna.
GRAPHIC DESIGN LAB Graphic design students moved into their newly renovated “classroom” space this semester — a brand new graphic design suite designed to mimic the inner workings of an agency. Located in the Cunningham Center for Music and Art, it includes 22 fully equipped iMac computers, two Wacom Cintiq Pros creative pen displays, a dedicated lecture and production
space, flat file storage, design library and presentation walls. During Homecoming–Reunion Weekend, students, alumni and friends of the graphic design program attended an unveiling ceremony, which included remarks by Art and Design Department Chair Amanda Lenig ’07, who paid tribute to Mark Fertig, founding faculty member (see In Memoriam, page 55) of the graphic design major at Susquehanna.
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SCOREBOARD
NEWS FROM SUSQUEHANNA ATHLETICS
The newest members inducted into the Hall are Rodney Bamford ’84, Marcus L. Cheatham ’13, Chris Persing ’97, Christie Savard ’11 and Alycia Woodruff ’11.
ATHLETICS HONORS FIVE NEW MEMBERS OF HALL OF FAME
“We’re thrilled to honor this year’s Hall of Fame inductees,” said SU Director of Athletics Sharief Hashim. “Their hard work on the playing surface and successes in their respective careers are great examples for our current student-athletes.”
The 53rd Susquehanna University Athletics Hall of Fame class was inducted, with five distinguished alumni honored with a banquet in the Degenstein Campus Center. The quintet was honored the following day at halftime of Susquehanna football’s victory over McDaniel College.
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RODNEY BAMFORD ’84, a native of Northampton, Pennsylvania, was a captain, three-year starter at linebacker and MVP of the undefeated 1983 Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship team. He was named to both the Middle Atlantic Conference and Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Division III South All-Star teams in 1983 as well as a Division III Honorable Mention All-American. He was inducted into the Susquehanna Ring of Honor in 2019. He graduated from Susquehanna with a degree in computer science. Bamford remained an active member of the SU Alumni Club, Habitat for Humanity and the Alzheimer’s Association prior to his untimely passing.
MARCUS L. CHEATHAM ’13, a native of Reisterstown, Maryland, was a four-year starter for the SU men’s lacrosse team from 2010 to 2013. As a first-year midfielder, he earned All-Landmark First Team and Landmark Rookie of the Year honors as a specialist. In 2011, Cheatham was named to the All-Landmark Second Team as a defensive midfielder. He garnered All-Landmark First Team honors in 2012 and 2013, while leading the River Hawks to their first Landmark Conference Championship in 2013. As a senior, the three-time captain was selected to the USILA/LAXWorld North vs South All-star game, and was named a USILA Honorable Mention All-American, another first in program history.
CHRIS PERSING ’97, a local product of Sunbury,
Pennsylvania, was on the Susquehanna University baseball roster from 1993 to 1997. The four-year letter winner and two-year captain was a right-handed pitcher and infielder for the Susquehanna squad. As a hitter, Persing finished his career 148 hits on 416 at bats, compiling a batting average of .356 over his career. As a pitcher, Persing was 16-8 in his career and had an ERA of 3.09 over his last three years. In 1996, he had an outstanding ERA of 1.98. Over his four-year career, the right hander tallied 112 strikeouts. Persing was a two-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference performer for SU.
CHRISTIE SAVARD ’11, a native of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, was a backstroke and individual medley swimmer from 2007 to 2011. In her first season, Savard won her first conference title in the 200 backstroke with a time of 2:10.96, which was a conference record time. In the 2009–10 season, she was named the Female Swimmer of the Year in the Landmark Conference and was SU’s first multi-winner and repeat conference winner. She won three individual events, the 200 IM, 400 IM and 200 backstroke, in which she set records in all three in her second season. In the 2010–11 season, she helped lead the women’s swimming team to their first conference title. Individually, she broke her previously set conference records in the 200 IM and 200 backstroke. Also, she helped the relay teams to conference championships for the second year in a row. She was named a Scholar All-American and the Connie Harnum Award winner in her final year. Savard was also the first-ever swimmer at Susquehanna University to earn a spot in the NCAA Championships.
ALYCIA WOODRUFF ’11, a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, was a four-year distance runner on the women’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field teams from 2008 to 2011. In 2010, she was named the Landmark Female Cross Country Runner of the Year. In 2011, she qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Nationals and was the first woman from Susquehanna to compete in the event. She also won the 3,000-steeplechase title at the 2011 Landmark Conference Outdoor Championships and was named to the 2011 Spring Landmark All-Academic Team. She was a four-time Spring Academic Honor Roll member at Susquehanna and graduated in 2011 with a degree in history–secondary education.
HAWK TALK Fourth-year head field hockey coach Allison Fordyce was promoted as the department’s senior woman administrator. She will provide support and guidance to student-athletes, staff and administrators. Fordyce will stay current on gender equity and Title IX issues as well as research and implement strategies and support in those areas. She will also coordinate the SU Female Athletes Connection Team (FACT), a group formed to develop a better connection between current SU female athletes and SU female athlete alumnae. Kasey Bost ’20 wrapped up her stellar Susquehanna career with her first CoSIDA Academic All-America selection as a softball player, becoming the 24th SU student-athlete to earn such an honor. Additionally, Ben Burman ’20, Elizabeth Herestofa ’21, Elijah Hoffman ’22, Chris Petraskie ’20, Sydney Portale ’21 and Cole Spencer ‘21 all landed on the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team in their respective sports of baseball, volleyball, football and track & field. Sara Arbogast ’21 of indoor track & field, Kasey Bost ’20 of softball, Bryce Butler ’21 of men’s basketball, Sydney Portale ’21 of volleyball, Erin Reese ’20 of outdoor track & field and Madison Welliver ’21 of women’s soccer were all named Landmark Conference Senior Scholar-Athletes while Portale was named the inaugural Landmark Female Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 2020–21. The Susquehanna volleyball squad was also nationally ranked in 2021, taking the No. 14 spot in the February 24 edition of the AVCA Division III Coaches Top 25. The River Hawks men’s basketball team earned a ranking of 16th in the 2020–21 Division III preseason poll out by Basketball Times.
SCOREBOARD
Softball Shows That Success Comes on and off the Field The Susquehanna University softball team in recent times has been a program that has thrived on the diamond, winning two Landmark Conference titles over the last eight years and posting five 20-win campaigns dating back to 2015. The program has been consistent and steady under the direction of head coach Brad Posner, who took over prior to the 2016 campaign.
The 17 SU student-athletes were among 2,375 Division III softball players who were honored as NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes. To earn this honor, athletes must achieve a 3.5 or better GPA on a 4.0 scale. Since Posner took over the Susquehanna program, the River Hawks have picked up 53 NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete awards.
Posner has won over 100 games as the head coach at Susquehanna, including a 2017 conference championship, but another and maybe less seen side of the program that takes just as much importance is the success the program has had in the classroom.
As a team, Susquehanna earned its third NFCA Academic Team Award during Posner’s tenure. The River Hawks’ 3.814 team GPA for the 2020–21 academic year was the best out of the Landmark Conference institutions as Moravian University was the only other Landmark team, finishing 98th with a GPA of 3.45.
Just recently, The Easton/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Scholar-Athletes and Easton/NFCA Academic Teams were announced, and Susquehanna University posted the fifth-highest grade point average among all 27 Division III teams. Seventeen River Hawk women were also honored for their hard work in the classroom as they were named 2021 Easton/NFCA AllAmerica Scholar Athletes.
“I am so unbelievably proud of this team for achieving such a high GPA,” says Posner. “It is even more impressive that they did this with all the obstacles that had to be overcome due to Covid-19. This honor is a great reflection of the hard work and importance our team puts into their academics. “Not only do they get it done on the field, but they also get it done in the classroom.”
Welcome to the Nest Just like the changing of the seasons, the Susquehanna athletic department welcomes new staff members each year. This year, we had nine new River Hawks join the nest.
Sixth-year head football coach Tom Perkovich added four to his staff with the hiring of Richan Gaskins, Jack Lydic, Jay Terry and Cody Botts.
Evan Fisher joined the men’s basketball coaching staff after a year of playing professionally in Denmark. Fisher’s primary focus is to develop the post players while being heavily involved with recruiting. He played college ball at Division I Siena College, helping the Saints to achieve appearances in the 2016 College Basketball Invitational and the 2017 MAAC Championship game.
Gaskins is a veteran coach who serves as the River Hawks special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach. He arrived at Susquehanna following three seasons at Division III Ferrum College as the defensive backs coach and academic coordinator.
Kirby Szalkowski was hired as an assistant coach for the field hockey program. Szalkowski serves as the recruiting coordinator and works primarily with the midfielders and goalkeepers. She played collegiate field hockey at Division I Lafayette College, leading the Leopards to the Patriot League Championship title and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2012.
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A veteran coach, Lydic coaches the quarterbacks. He came to SU following eight seasons at Division II Bloomsburg University, including the last four seasons as the Huskies’ offensive coordinator. This is Lydic’s second stint on the Susquehanna football coaching staff, having served as an assistant coach for three seasons between 2008 and 2011. Terry oversees the defensive line. He played his collegiate ball at Santa Barbara City College and Division II West Virginia State University. Terry arrived at Susquehanna following three
HAWK TALK CODY BOTTS
EVAN FISHER
JACK LYDIC
BRIANNA BURGER
LUKE FRANKLIN ’19
KIRBY SZALKOWSKI
SCHYLER FENNIMORE
RICHAN GASKINS
JAY TERRY
seasons as the head defensive line coach and digital media coordinator at his alma mater, West Virginia State. Botts serves as the tight ends coach as well as an assistant offensive line coach. He joined the staff after spending the 2020 season as a varsity assistant with the Lewisburg Area High School football program. Botts played at Lycoming College for four years as an offensive lineman playing left tackle. Schyler Fennimore, the newest member of the women’s basketball staff, arrived at SU following two years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Bethany (W.Va.) College women’s basketball team. Fennimore was a four-year letterwinner at Muskingum University as a guard. She contributed to a +5 win turnaround from sophomore to junior year. Brianna Burger was added as an assistant coach for the softball program following a solid career at Alderson Broaddus University. The Grand Prairie, Texas, native was a four-year starter and three-year captain for the Battlers as a pitcher and first baseman. Luke Franklin ’19 returned to the Susquehanna men’s lacrosse sidelines to serve as both the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for the River Hawks following two years as a graduate assistant with the McDaniel College men’s lacrosse team of the Centennial Conference.
Kasey Bost ’20 and Chris Petraskie ’20 were recognized as the top senior student-athletes by the River Hawks athletic department, receiving the Connie Harnum Award and the Blair L. Heaton Award, respectively, for 2019–20, while Sara Arbogast ’21 and Tyler Gross ’21 earned the award for 2020–21. Sara Arbogast ’21 and Chris Petraskie ’20 each garnered USTFCCCA All-America honors — Arbogast in the triple jump and Petraskie in the heptathlon. The SU indoor track & field program has had seven athletes produce eight All-America performances. Jordan Harnum ’20, Zachary Knecht ’20, John Long ’20, John Kozinski ’21 and Joe’l Morris ’20 of the men’s basketball team were all named to the NABC Honors Court. In all, veteran head coach Frank Marcinek has mentored 17 players to 25 appearances on the NABC Honors Court. Coach Marcinek has now had at least three players named to the Honors Court for five consecutive seasons. Torey Brown ’20, Mitch Carsley ’20, Mike Deitrich ’20, Dylan Ott ’20 and Connor Young ’20 all earned membership into the NFF & College Hall of Fame Hampshire Honor Society. To date, the football program has had 14 members inducted into the Hampshire Honor Society. The trio of Chris Petraskie ’20, Kallan Carter ’23 and Sara Arbogast ’21 claimed USTFCCCA All-Academic honors while a program-record 25 River Hawk field hockey players were named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad. Katie Koch ’22, Abbey Reist ’23, Bailey Dean ’23 and Ava Greene ’24 were touted as NFHCA Scholars of Distinction. This was Koch’s third consecutive selection and a repeat appearance for Reist.
THE ’GROVE
STORIES FROM AROUND CAMPUS AND AROUND TOWN
Q&A Just one month before colleges across the U.S. were forced to close at the onset of the global pandemic, DJ Menifee was invited to Susquehanna’s campus as a finalist for the position of vice president for enrollment. He was welcomed as the newest member of the senior leadership team on May 1, 2020 — albeit virtually — and today he oversees 25 professionals in the offices of admission and student financial services while serving as the university’s strategy and policy leader on all matters relating to enrollment. Q: What drew you to Susquehanna and how have your prior experiences prepared you for this role?
DJ Menifee
Vice President for Enrollment
“
I WAS DRAWN TO SUSQUEHANNA’S STRONG FOUNDATION IN LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION, ITS EMPHASIS ON PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A GLOBALLY INTERDEPENDENT WORLD AND SU’S STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
”
A: I was drawn to Susquehanna’s strong foundation in liberal arts education, its emphasis on preparing students for a globally interdependent world and SU’s strong sense of community. I believe my prior experience serving in various admission leadership roles, building recruitment plans that align with the university’s strategic plan and leveraging financial aid helped prepare me for this opportunity. My amazing colleagues in the enrollment division and across the university gave much of their time to support my transition. We continue to learn from one another and build on collaborations and partnerships, and I am grateful for their support. Q: How would you explain your job responsibilities as the university’s vice president for enrollment? A: I am charged with developing and implementing a forward-looking and comprehensive strategic enrollment management plan that not only aligns with the university’s strategic initiatives, but also ensures a strong link between student demand and financial planning. I can’t do that without making data-informed decisions to set and achieve enrollment goals or building collaborative relationships with leadership across the university. Q: What do you think the university has done well over the past year? A: I recall having conversations with colleagues early in my transition about how we will implement health, safety and testing protocols, adopt flexible learning options, retain staff and invest in our faculty to support remote and hybrid pedagogy. Looking back on the 2020–21 academic year, we achieved that while supporting and engaging our students both on campus and remotely. I’d also like to recognize the ongoing work of the university — separate from the pandemic but implemented during the same time — as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion. Q: What are some of the ways Susquehanna alumni can help the university reach its enrollment goals? A: During the 2020–21 recruitment cycle, we have partnered with alumni on an admitted student notecard campaign and the return on investment video project, which we share with admitted students via email and social media. Virtual programming expanded opportunities for prospective students to engage with alumni in new ways — Break Through, the Sigmund Weis School of Business's alumni speaker series and the Women’s Leadership Symposium keynote presentation — in which all alumni are invited to participate.
26 · Susquehanna Currents · fa l l/w i n ter 2021
SYLLABUS
Cold Blooded and Underfoot
Amphibian Research a Collaborative Experience For the past eight years, Tanya Matlaga, assistant professor of biology, has been engaged in research on a tiny woodland creature she hopes will give scientists some insight into the impacts of climate change.
“We’ve found small mites and spring tails, ants, termites,” Matlaga says.
Matlaga is a collaborator on SPARCnet, the Salamander Population and Adaptation Research Collaboration Network. The network began in 2013 as a partnership between researchers at Penn State University and the USGS Northeast Amphibian and Research Monitoring Initiative. SPARCnet’s research seeks to understand climate adaptation and population dynamics of the red-backed salamander.
Biology major Kody Streeter ’21, of Havertown, Pennsylvania, was one of Matlaga’s summer research interns. The two spent last summer setting up long-term sampling plots to study the red-backed salamander in Loyalsock State Forest.
“In general, amphibians are known to be good indicators of environmental change,” Matlaga says. “Red-backed salamanders are very common and have quite a large range or distribution, so they are the perfect species to study for this project.”
The research assistantship gave Streeter the opportunity to work on two publications as well as her senior capstone project in which she examined the effects of herbicide on local salamander populations. Streeter hopes to attend graduate school for environmental sustainability.
Red-backed salamanders are native to the Eastern United States and Canada. Lungless, they live in damp, moist habitats and absorb oxygen from the environment around them. Unlike most other amphibians, red-backed salamanders do not hatch as larva, but as fully formed salamanders.
During their summer research together, Matlaga and Streeter updated the known information on the red-backed salamander, which involved sifting through all new and old literature on the creature, revising what has changed and filling in the gaps with their newly collected data and information.
Matlaga and her students first began studying the red-backed salamander at Camp Karoondinha, also known as Camp K, a 400-acre Boy Scout camp along Penns Creek in Union County. Here, they studied various aspects of the salamander, including its homing behavior and diet, as well as population distribution by scattering cover boards — square planks of wood — across identified plots and checking them for salamanders.
“It’s so interesting how much goes on in nature that we never really take notice to,” Streeter says. “This position was a great experience as it allowed me to gain a greater understanding and knowledge that will prepare me for my future educational and career goals.”
As climates warm, scientists predict decreased snowfall and snow accumulation, Matlaga says. Snow acts as an insulator for the upper level of soil where the salamander spends 95% of its time during the winter and also during the heat of summer. “If we have less snow and colder soil, that will likely have an impact on the species,” Matlaga says, “as well as the invertebrates they eat.” Matlaga has studied the salamander’s diet using gastric lavage, a process that involves pushing a small amount of water into the live salamander’s belly, before it regurgitates the contents of its stomach. The process allows Matlaga and her students to identify the salamander’s diet without having to sacrifice the creature.
SPARCnet is soon approaching its 10-year anniversary, a major milestone for a research collaboration that has grown to include nearly 50 researchers stretching as far north as Canada, east to Indiana and south to Virginia. Given the rich data set that will result from the effort put forth by the network, many additional research questions can be addressed, and this is one of the emergent opportunities that participation in SPARCnet offers, Matlaga says. “We know so little about the species that we have identified and there are so many species that we haven’t even identified yet. That’s exciting and I try to share that with my students,” Matlaga adds. “But we’re still losing knowledge so quickly as these species disappear, and the data we’re gathering now may be useful for us in ways we can’t even anticipate.”
fa l l/w i n ter 2021 · Susquehanna Currents · 27
THE ’GROVE KUDOS
2021 Award Recipients Luke Duceman ’18 of Danville, Pennsylvania, received his second Fulbright U.S. Student Program award for an English Teaching Assistantship in Costa Rica after his first was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to graduating with a degree in music education and a minor in Spanish, in 2016 he traveled to Costa Rica for his Global Opportunities program and worked with the organization Performing Arts Abroad, San José, studying Spanish and teaching music at a local after-school program. Kailah Johnson ’23 of Towson, Maryland, was selected to participate in the Fulbright Summer Institute, one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programs operating worldwide, this past summer. A creative writing major with a minor in publishing and editing, Johnson was selected from a strong applicant pool to explore how movements for social justice around the world have shaped cultures, with a focus on how racial justice and the legacy of slavery have impacted the world.
States. She is a double major in computer science and international business with a minor in German studies. The FAIT Fellowship provides students with tuition assistance, summer internships, mentorship and professional development to launch their careers in the U.S. Foreign Service as information management specialists.
Thirteen Susquehanna University students were awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, giving them the opportunity to conduct some kind of international study or internship in 2021. Only about 25 percent of semester program applicants receive an award, which helps them gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries and economies and prepares them to assume leadership roles.
Adriana Oelberg ’23 of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, was awarded the Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship by the U.S. Department of State — one of only several awarded in the United
28 · Susquehanna Currents · fa l l/w i n ter 2021
• Deven Dancy ’22, a psychology major from New Columbia, Pennsylvania. • Kelly Dimarzio ’23, a psychology major from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. • Gabrielle Fitzgerald ’23, a psychology and theatre double major from Dallas, Pennsylvania. • Hannah Graf ’23, an anthropology major from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. • Samantha Heckler-O’Connor ’23, a triple major in creative writing, publishing and editing and German studies, from Boyertown, Pennsylvania. • Ashley Herring ’22, a biomedical sciences major from Freeland, Pennsylvania.
• Abigail Hogan ’22, a biology major from West Chester, Pennsylvania. • Michael Levine ’22, a finance major from Manahawkin, New Jersey. • Marcellus Martin ’22, a business administration major from Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. • Claire Mulkey ’22, a finance major from Lewistown, Pennsylvania. • John Pelaez ’22, a biomedical sciences major from Hazleton, Pennsylvania. • Natalie Santos ’22, a biomedical sciences and Spanish studies double major from Freeland, Pennsylvania.
Farrukh Nabiyev ’22, a physics major in the engineering program, was named a Newman Civic Fellow. Nabiyev, of Pikesville, Maryland, joins 212 students from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico for the year-long fellowship. Active in Susquehanna’s Student Government Association, he was recognized as a campus leader who demonstrates a commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally and internationally.
Bragging Rights! Help us CELEBRATE THE EXTRAORDINARY by spreading the word about SU’s achievements and successes.
96
94% OF GRADUATING STUDENTS FINISH IN FOUR YEARS OR LESS
OF STUDENTS ARE EMPLOYED OR IN GRAD SCHOOL WITHIN 6 MONTHS
» N O. 80 IN SOCIAL MOBILITY
Continues to excel in social mobility (ability to improve one’s socioeconomic status) — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
»
O. 81 OVERALL AMONG NATIONAL N LIBERAL ARTS UNIVERSITIES In top 30% for social mobility — Washington Monthly, 2021
»
64% HIGHER
PERCENT
N O. 117 ON NATIONAL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES LIST — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
» S U AMONG BEST IN U.S.
For student success and learning, ranked annually since its inception — Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, 2022
» A MONG BEST COLLEGES FOR YOUR MONEY
A quality education at an affordable price that helps students launch promising careers — Money Magazine, 2020
» AMONG 400 BEST COLLEGE VALUES
Defined as a high-quality education at an affordable price — Kiplinger, 2019 (latest report)
» O NE OF AMERICA’S TOP COLLEGES
A Top 25 private university in Pennsylvania — Forbes Business Magazine, 2021
» AMONG NATION’S MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY
EARNINGS THAN NATIONAL MEDIAN FOR 4-YEAR COLLEGE GRADS
(6 years after graduation)
» TOP 10% NATIONALLY FOR GRADUATE EARNINGS
— Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2019 (latest report)
» TOP 14% OF U.S. COLLEGES
The Best 387 Colleges, Best Northeastern Schools, Green Colleges — The Princeton Review, 2022
» B EST BANG FOR THE BUCK —
TOP 30% OF COLLEGES IN THE NORTHEAST For helping lower- and middle-income students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices — Washington Monthly, 2021
» T OP 300+ IN GLOBAL LISTING
For challenging academics, small class sizes, internship and research opportunities, competitive athletic teams and more — Fiske Guide to Colleges, 2021
» N O. 12 IN U.S. AND NO. 1 IN PA FOR STUDY ABROAD
95% of SU students study in another country — Open Doors, 2020
» TOP 10 COLLEGE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Specifically recognized for Global Opportunities program — College Magazine, 2020
» T OP 50 BEST PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS
Recognizing our residential summer programs for high school students — Value Colleges, 2021
RESPONSIBLE COLLEGES
One of 416 colleges in the Guide to Green Colleges based on sustainability-related policies, practices and programs — The Princeton Review, 2021
Susquehanna University is a proud member of The Annapolis Group, comprising approximately 130 leading national independent liberal arts colleges.
The Sigmund Weis School of Business is among the top 5% of business programs worldwide — and one of the few undergraduate-only programs — to have earned AACSB accreditation, a mark of excellence.
2021 HOMECOMING–REUNION WEEKEND MOMENTS
Thank you to all who came out to celebrate. It was a wonderful weekend full of memories, old friends, family and SU spirit!
Graduates’ highly anticipated return to campus was marked by a fireworks celebration. As fireballs shot into the night sky and exploded into a dazzling display of sparks and cascading color, alumni, students and Susquehanna’s neighbors took in the sights of 2021 Homecoming–Reunion Weekend.
MESSAGE BOARD
ALUMNI NEWS CLASS NOTES
ALUMNI PROFILES
DEATHS
CLASS NOTES
MESSAGE BOARD
Fellow alumni, In an era that has become dominated by Zoom meetings and conference calls, it feels nice to sit down and write you this letter. My name is Matt Curran ’92, and I serve on Susquehanna’s Alumni Board. I reach out to you today in an effort to communicate the board’s purpose within our Susquehanna community. Let me begin with who we are. Our board leadership is comprised of Kyle Robertson ’11, president, Jamie Malachowski ’09 Hindman, first vice president, and Valerie Bastek ’06, second vice president. The collective experience of our membership spans more than 40 years, with members having graduated in class years ranging from 1974 to 2017. These members provide invaluable input and perspective, and participate on two key taskforce groups: Alumni Engagement, chaired by Jacob Trevino ’02, and Student-Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy, chaired by myself. For the full list of alumni board members, please go to sualum.com. Whether you are a Crusader or River Hawk, were an athlete or “NARP,” participated in Greek life or remained independent, majored in business or music, or so on and so forth, we are all Susquehanna alumni. The board functions to bring our alumni community together, supporting both individual and collective needs through shared experiences, while providing you a platform for communication and information sharing among other alumni members and university leadership. Additionally, the Alumni Board is a conduit between the alumni community and current and prospective students. One of our main priorities is to ensure that students are able to enjoy the same academic experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth that we enjoyed during our own time on campus. Successful students become successful graduates and, in turn, make our alumni community strong, diverse and vibrant. We can all contribute to student success by donating our time, talent and expertise during Break Through, offering internship and research opportunities, and supporting the university through our philanthropic efforts. Thank you to those who already support both our and Susquehanna’s missions, and also to those of you who will do so soon. We appreciate your efforts in providing students with profound experiences and helping to cultivate memories that will last a lifetime. I hope to see you out and about soon, proudly wearing your Orange and Maroon. Take care, friends!
best wishes, Matt Curran ’92
32 · Susquehanna Currents · fa l l/w i n ter 2021
1950
Harry Bobonich ’50 published his 10th book, Bloody Business: Missing People and Unsolved Murders. He’s been living on the Stanford campus for several years and recently celebrated his 96th birthday.
1952
70TH REUNION
Share your life news with us. Submit your class note to sualum.com/classnotes.
1957
65TH REUNION
Share your life news with us. Submit your class note to sualum.com/classnotes.
1962
60TH REUNION
Share your life news with us. Submit your class note to sualum.com/classnotes.
1963
Judge Joseph Perfilio ’63 retired on April 30, 2021, at age 80. While at Susquehanna, he played football until a knee injury sidelined him his senior year. SU provided him with athletic and intellectual opportunities, and it is where he met his wife, Marilyn Vekassy ’63 Perfilio. His dream was to become a writer; however, his English teacher wisely advised him that he needed a fallback position, so he took the LSATs and attended Fordham Law School, where he excelled. In 1970, he began his own law firm, a general practice, and practiced there until his appointment to the bench in 2001. He was one of Union County’s “go-to guys,” and will be missed for his readiness to tackle any assignment, whether it be criminal, civil or matrimonial.
1964
Jay Snyder ’64 was selected for 2020 induction into the U.S. Army Infantry OCS (Officer Candidate School)
Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Ga. The ceremony, which was to take place in May 2020, has been postponed until April 2022. He was a member of OCS Class 6-65, which suffered the most casualties of any during the Vietnam War; 17 of his classmates were killed in action. It was also one of the most highly decorated classes — two of his classmates received the Medal of Honor posthumously. Most of the class had gone straight to Vietnam shortly after graduation. Jay enlisted in the Army two months after graduation from Susquehanna, but did not remain in the service.
1965
James App ’65 was honored as an entrepreneur member of Sigma Nu Tau. Nancy Corson ’65 Carter published her third full-length book of poetry, A Green Bough: Poems for Renewal, available at amazon.com. Her poetic quest is to hold in tension the opposites of a celebration of the natural world and, in a time of great destruction, a call for its repair. She intends to evoke a saving love for the body, mind and spirit of this amazing planet that is our home. See her website, nancycorsoncarter.com.
1967
55TH REUNION
Share your life news with us. Submit your class note to sualum.com/classnotes.
of dynamic people and businesses in the legal sector. The awards celebrate the leaders, innovators and rising stars within law, and the achievements and successes of the best and brightest. Bruce is a recognized authority in representing clients in construction and commercial litigation, as well as managing risk in construction projects. As lead counsel, he has successfully conducted more than 60 major trials in the U.S. and in international arbitrations. He has also helped numerous owners and developers with contract documentation, contract and project administration, and dispute avoidance and resolution. Bruce is an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association; as a mediator, he has successfully helped resolve major construction disputes.
1971
Dr. Bruce Svare ’71, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the State University of New York at Albany, recently received an Association for Southeast Asian Nations Fulbright Research Award. In 2022, Bruce will travel to a number of ASEAN countries to spread the discipline of contemporary psychology, assist faculty with curriculum development and scholarly publishing, research psychology infrastructure in higher education, and assess mental health care systems and ASEAN’s critical need to train more professional psychologists. His work will culminate in a presentation of his findings at ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. This represents Bruce’s third Fulbright award; previous awards allowed him to teach behavioral neuroscience to faculty and students in a number of Asia’s best universities and medical
1968
Fred Lehr ’68 has published his third book with powerful, life-changing strategies, titled Power Currency. 1974
1970
Bruce Ficken ’70, chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Construction Law Group, was selected by Lawyer Monthly as Lawyer of the Year 2020 for Construction Law–USA. Now in its 11th year, the Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards identify and celebrate the achievements
Class of 1974 gather via Zoom. L to R: JoAnne Thomas McCard Grannick, Jeanne Kauffman Krieser, Nancy Wright Pinksaw, Ellen Doran Reilly, Vicki Freeman Bomberger, Susan Zierdt Kirshenbaum, Meg Shaw Ellacott, Susan Lang Martin, Marilynn Blend Carstensen, Chere Wise McDermott and Christine Smith Schmidt.
cl ass note s · Susquehanna Currents · 33
schools. Bruce also was recently named as the first editor-in-chief of Fulbright’s new scholarly journal Fulbright Chronicles, which will publish the research and teaching work of former Fulbrighters.
1972
50TH REUNION
Share your life news with us. Submit your class note to sualum.com/classnotes.
1974
Classmates decided NOT to get together this year because of the virus. Instead, they chose to learn how to Zoom and have been “gathering” every other week since March 2020. (Photo on previous page.)
1976
On June 27, Lowell Leitzel ’76 and Kim Markowski were married at Sharon Lutheran Church in Selinsgrove. The Rev. Robert Doll ’88 officiated at the ceremony. Lowell is the son of the late Rev. Celo V. ’45 and Doris M. Leitzel and the uncle of Amanda Moser ’09. He served as an adjunct instructor in French at SU during the 2016–17 academic year. Lowell and Kim reside in Selinsgrove. (Photo below, left.) Dave Rohrer ’76 was inducted into the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Hall of Fame.
1977
45TH REUNION
Share your life news with us. Submit your class note to sualum.com/classnotes.
1979
Doug Hooker ’79 lost his wife, Kathy, two years ago after almost 23 years of marriage. She was a registered nurse and is survived by Doug and her five children from a previous marriage. He misses her very much, and they had many good times together. After graduating from SU, Doug worked in the data processing field in various areas. He has been working for a dental insurance company for 26 years — in accounts payable in the accounting department since 2001, and previously was entering and processing claims. He says that Susquehanna provided him a good, well-rounded education.
1980
Mike ’80 and Laura Hines ’82 Kling both retired — Mike from Roche Diagnostics and the fire department and Laura from teaching at Monroe-Woodbury Central School District as a chorus/vocal teacher.
1981
Brenda Lynne Leach ’81 visited St. Petersburg, Russia, in March 2020, where she presented a master
1976
34 · Susquehanna Currents · fa l l/w i n ter 2021
class in orchestral conducting to students at the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music. The focus was on repertoire by American composers Beach, Barber, Bernstein and Gershwin.
1982
40TH REUNION
Rick Alcantara ’82, executive communications director at Princeton Strategic Communications, was named president-elect of the Philadelphia Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. He served on its leadership team 10 years ago. Earlier in his career, he was a twotime national committee co-chair for the Public Relations Society of America and president of its Philadelphia Chapter. He was also vice president of the Professional Communicators of Southern New Jersey and a board member of the Gloucester County Business Association. He is currently a member of PRSA’s esteemed Counselor’s Academy. Prior to joining Princeton Strategic Communications, Rick managed media relations for the Project Management Institute, directed social media for USI Affinity and led Tara Communications LLC, a digital public relations and marketing company he founded. He also served as an adjunct instructor for seven years at Rowan University, where he earned a master’s degree in public relations.
1984
Andy Reilly ’84, a leading member of Delaware County’s legal, business and political community,
1985
has joined Saxton & Stump. Andy is an experienced litigator with a focus in municipal law, representing clients in real estate and business transactions. He is also a member of the firm’s Regulatory and Government Affairs team, which now includes registered Pennsylvania lobbyists and government relations professionals who work for clients across the commonwealth.
1985
Football alumni from the early ’80s met on Oct. 17, to kick off the Ring of Honor voting. Gary Pontecorvo ’85 opened up his home and invited former players to come. They ate, drank and told many stories. Not only were former players and their spouses in attendance, but other SU grads came, too. As Jeff Miller ’85 was driving home from the event, he told his wife that this is what the Ring of Honor is all about — to bring teammates and their families together. Pictured page 34, right, is Gary kneeling, L to R: Bill Murray ’95, Ray Daugherty ’85, Steve Colaiezzi ’85, Mike Matta ’83, Mike Ricci ’84, Jeff, Tom Bunting ’86, Jeff Bulick ’85, Steve Euler ’86, Mario Ferraro ’85 and Kevin Walker ’85. In attendance, not pictured: Andy Ajello ’86 and Ken Pizzico ’87. In 2006, Rich and Kristen Schreiber ’85 Gillette lost their 9-year-old daughter, Kortney Rose Gillette, to a brain tumor. Since then they’ve worked tirelessly through The Kortney Rose Foundation (KRF) in Oceanport, N.J., to raise desperately needed research funding for pediatric brain tumors, the No. 1 cause of death by disease in children. Recently Peter McQuaid ’85 joined the KRF Board of Trustees and was appointed president. KRF is responsible for over $2.6 million in donations to pediatric brain tumor research since inception. It was a founding partner of the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), a collaboration of over 26 worldwide hospitals sharing data to accelerate the pace of discovery. Dr. Cassie Kline was recently named as the Kortney Rose Foundation clinical researcher in neuro-oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
JOANN POCHEKAILO ’77 SUZICH 1986
Kaitlin Paciullo ’18, Tyler Crotty ’17, Rachel, Jade Wilcox ’22 and Kim Jacks ’19. (Pictured above)
1987
35TH REUNION
Share your life news with us. Submit your class note to sualum.com/classnotes.
1992
30TH REUNION
John Coviello ’92 published a novella called One Last Breath: A Look Back at 200 Years of Global Warming, which is a fascinating view regarding how global warming affects humans from a future perspective. The novella features Professor Emanuel Goodspeed, who takes his last name from the late Robert Goodspeed, professor of geology and environmental sciences and John’s advisor during his senior year at SU. Linda M. Forrest ’92 (below) obtained her doctorate in educational leadership from American College of Education in December 2019 and participated in a virtual graduation in July 2020. She presented
1986
Celebrating Rachel Lambert’s ’20 graduation from Susquehanna are Laura Rapp ’13 Wait, Janet Wyllie ’86 Lambert, Peggy Brady ’56 Wyllie,
1992
JoAnn Pochekailo ’77 Suzich was appointed to the Sabin Vaccine Institute Board of Trustees to help strengthen the organization’s leadership in global immunization and vaccine research and development, especially among diseases that impact populations in low- and middleincome settings. Considered one of the world’s leading infectious disease experts, JoAnn is an influential biotechnology leader with real-world experience translating science into global solutions for patient care with a focus on developing vaccines and antibodies against many deadly and debilitating pathogens. JoAnn dedicated 30 years of her career to vaccine research and infectious diseases at MedImmune/AstraZeneca. Her work has played a key role in the advancement and treatment of health issues affecting women and children, including critical studies that led to the development of the human papilloma virus vaccine (which prevents cervical cancer). During her tenure as vice president for research & development at MedImmune, she was responsible for researching novel vaccines and overseeing the company’s development of antibodies and antibody-like molecules for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, such as RSV, influenza, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. She was also involved in the development of the first FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for preventing a viral disease. After she retired in 2019, JoAnn joined Immunocore in April 2020 as head of research. She is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research at the University of Maryland, is on the Scientific Steering Committee for the Human Vaccines Project and serves as an advisor for the Global Women’s Health Institute at Purdue University. JoAnn earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Susquehanna University, where she now serves on the Board of Trustees. She earned her doctorate in biochemistry from Purdue University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in biochemistry at the University of Minnesota. She is widely published and holds four patents.
ALUMNI PROFILE
LIBERAL ARTS HELPED BUSINESS ALUMNA CLIMB THE CORPORATE LADDER From her teenage years, Meghan Quinn ’97 Dorr knew that pursuing a business degree was the right choice for her. She enrolled in the Sigmund Weis School of Business’s business administration program in 1993 and, over the next four years, took advantage of many extracurricular opportunities. Those, combined with the tutelage of passionate professors, gave her a strong foundation for a rewarding career in financial services. “Susquehanna provided me with the basic building blocks to be successful. Initiatives like Global Business Perspectives, the Women’s Mentor Program and spending a semester in London really helped prepare me for my first job after graduation. I was also so fortunate to land a summer internship, with the help of SU, which really paved the way for my career,” Dorr says.
Meghan Quinn ’97 Dorr
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After graduating, she joined Fidelity Investments as a client service representative. There, she discovered a passion for interacting with clients and spent the next decade working in client-facing roles, including as a retirement counselor, managing director of partner and client relationships, and director of advice and guidance. In 2009, Dorr became vice president of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Retirement Link’s management team, which focuses on retirement plan solutions for small to midsize companies. Now, as executive director, she works directly with a book of clients, sits on the company’s management team and coaches a team of relationship managers.
SUSQUEHANNA PROVIDED ME WITH THE BASIC BUILDING BLOCKS TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
”
Throughout her career, words from the late William Ward, professor emeritus of management in organizational behavior, have stuck with her. “I will never forget him saying that people need to feel valued and appreciated if you want to retain them long term in your organization,” Dorr recalls. “I think of his comments often.” Along with the foundation that her business courses provided, Dorr also credits Susquehanna’s liberal arts education as a major contributor to the success she has enjoyed throughout her professional life. “Having a liberal arts education makes you a more well-rounded individual,” Dorr says. “When I take a step back and think about things like the Women’s Mentor Program or the London program, I realize how ahead of the times Susquehanna was back in the 1990s. So many schools are just now trying to implement programs that Susquehanna has had in place for over 20 years,” Dorr adds. “I am so excited for the students who are attending Susquehanna today.” Meghan joined the Susquehanna University Board of Trustees in June 2021.
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her doctoral research at the Southwest Educational Research Association Conference in February 2020 in Arlington, Texas. She graduated from SU with a B.S. in elementary education and received her master’s in reading from Bowie State University and administration certificate from McDaniel College. She is a reading specialist and online teacher for Charles County Public Schools in Maryland, where she has taught for 28 years. Linda also teaches graduatelevel courses in reading and online teaching. Her research developed out of a passion for professional development and teaching with technology. She believes, and her research confirms, that teachers need high-quality professional development experiences. By incorporating blended learning techniques, school systems have opportunities to provide flexible, convenient and supportive methods that impact teaching and learning.
1996
Anita Gnan ’96 (below) is thrilled to announce that Kibble: The Monarch Caterpillar Afraid to Get Wings storybook with audio is available for her fellow SU alumni. It is an environmental story about kindness, friendship and community. Proceeds from the sale of the book help restore habitat and preserve wildlife. Ideal for ages K–2nd grade. Visit WestCreekMedia. com/shop for more. Be sure to add free wildflower seeds and use code Freeship to help Kibble and his pollinator friends. No purchase necessary to receive free wildflowers.
1997
25TH REUNION
Kevin L. Barley ’97 has joined Steptoe & Johnson’s
Litigation Department as Of Counsel, where he will focus his practice on energy and business litigation. Kevin represents clients involved in complex commercial litigation, including state and federal claims and administrative proceedings. His extensive experience includes representing construction, energy, manufacturing and service industry clients in a variety of matters in and out of the courtroom. In addition to his litigation practice, Kevin assists clients with a wide range of transactional matters, including contract counseling, due diligence, risk mitigation, lease negotiation and real estate conveyancing. He delivered oral arguments to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in a landmark case, ultimately decided by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, involving the interpretation of the Environmental Rights Amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution. He earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University.
1998
Michael Zisa ’98, a partner with the national construction law firm Peckar & Abramson, P.C., was named a fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He assists construction clients on public and private projects ranging from prosecution and defense of breach of contract and request for equitable adjustment claims to payment bond, performance bond and mechanic’s lien claims. His work for surety clients includes analysis and defense of payment bond and performance bond claims, negotiation and administration of takeover arrangements, and prosecution of subrogation and indemnity actions. Mike has been named to the Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers list since 2014 and is a member of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers Attorney Advisory Council. He received his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and his B.A. from Susquehanna. Mike and his wife, Christine Foster ’01, are the proud parents of three wonderful children, and he spends his free time coaching youth sports.
1999 1996
Julie Danho’s ’99 first full-length book of poems, Those Who Keep Arriving, won the Gerald Cable Book Award and was published by Silverfish Review Press in
September 2020. It features a blurb from SU professor emeritus Gary Fincke. She received fellowships from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the MacColl Johnson Fund, and four of her poems were read by Garrison Keillor on The Writer’s Almanac last year, including I Want to Eat Bugs With You Underground and It’s Terrible What’s Happening There. Danho’s poems have appeared in New Ohio Review, Pleiades and Bennington Review, and have been featured on Poetry Daily and Verse Daily.
2000
Jason Mammen ’00 “attended” the virtual 2020 Sports Emmy Awards, where he was nominated for Outstanding Promotional Announcement. It was his eighth overall Emmy nomination. He was honored with several TV industry awards in 2020 and 2021, including a Sports Emmy nomination (8th overall). Additionally, he took home two Promax Golds for outstanding television promotion, two Silvers and a Bronze, along with a Cynopsis Media winner for best national campaign spot.
2001
Aaron Kramer ’01 was confirmed as president and CEO of Adirondack Health, after serving as acting CEO. He joined Adirondack Health as assistant vice president of information systems in September 2015. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is a certified health care CIO with the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.
2002
20TH REUNION
Laurie Smith ’02 Zaring successfully defended her dissertation, To what degree do nonacademic factors impact collegiate academic success?, on Sept. 28. She graduated with her doctorate in education from Immaculata University in December.
2004
Adriana Sassano ’04 DiNenno has self-published her first novel on Amazon, Unprepared: Getting a job
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ALUMNI PROFILE
SCIENCE ALUMNUS SEEKS TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL OF IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY As an international student from Palestine, Ahmed Alkhateeb ’07 says his undergraduate experience at SU was not without its challenges. He was a top high school student in his home country and received a generous scholarship to study in the United States when, like most international students, he experienced severe culture shock. “This shock was amplified by several factors,” Alkhateeb says. “In 2003, my home town of Hebron was in the middle of a violent crackdown by the Israeli occupation. I moved from that reality to a reality where many did not know the difference between Palestine and Pakistan, or had uninformed opinions about the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. The Iraq War was also at its peak, which brought with it a multitude of misconceptions about Arabs and Muslims. I had to adapt quickly.”
Ahmed Alkhateeb ’07
While overcoming social and cultural challenges, Alkhateeb excelled in the classroom as he pursued biology and biochemistry. Susquehanna’s small class sizes allowed for more personalized attention, and his professors, like Professor of Chemistry Wade Johnson, pushed him professionally. During his senior year, Alkhateeb’s research mentor, Professor of Biology Tammy Tobin, encouraged him to apply for a competitive fellowship, which provided him with support to perform his own research. “My doctoral research at Penn State started with asking basic questions about cancer metabolism. This line of research ended up generating observations about immune cells in tumors, and my interest in immuno-oncology started there,” Alkhateeb adds.
“
FUNDAMENTALLY, SCIENCE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT THREE THINGS: EMPIRICISM, SKEPTICISM AND CREATIVITY. IN EVERY STEP I TOOK, I MADE SURE THAT I WAS ABLE TO EMBODY THOSE QUALITIES AND PRACTICE THEM FREELY.
”
After finishing his doctorate, Alkhateeb moved to Boston — the global epicenter of the biotechnology industry — for postdoctoral training at Harvard University. He then joined Flagship Pioneering Ventures as an entrepreneurial fellow and worked at a biotech before being named the director of oncology external innovation for Sanofi, where he is responsible for the search and evaluation of emerging technologies to treat and potentially cure cancer. Alkhateeb states that one of the most important lessons he’s learned throughout his career — and one that he would share with aspiring scientists — is that it was vital not to compromise on what he enjoyed doing. “For me, my goal has always been to be a scientist. Fundamentally, science has always been about three things: empiricism, skepticism and creativity. In every step I took, I made sure that I was able to embody those qualities and practice them freely. That turned out to be a good compass.”
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should not be this hard. It’s a story about a recent college graduate who struggles to find a job after college, while enduring many comical interviews and other mishaps along the way.
Emily Grabenstein ’12 Wheaton started a new job in January 2020 as the assistant planner for the Village of Weston in Weston, Wisc.
Elizabeth Palmer ’04 has been selected for the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Future of Music Faculty Fellowship, which is a career development initiative that will engage 35 Black and Latinx music professionals who are pursuing or considering academic careers, preparing them with the skills, insights and networks to flourish professionally and influence generations of musicians. She also has been appointed director of diversity and inclusion for Sigma Alpha Iota international music fraternity. This position is a new addition to the organization, and Liz will originate the role. She will introduce diversity and inclusion initiatives for the organization and support both collegiate and alumna chapters. Liz was initiated in the Sigma Omega chapter at Susquehanna.
2013
2005
Adam Orlacchio ’05 was reappointed to the Executive Committee of the Delaware State Bar Association for the 2020–21 term. In this role, he works with other executive committee members to provide strategic direction and planning for the association. He is a partner at Blank Rome LLP in the Wilmington office.
2007
15TH REUNION
Ahmed Alkhateeb ’07 joined Sanofi, one of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, as a director in oncology innovation.
2012
10TH REUNION
Sarah Kirk ’12 married Bryce Grant on Sept. 7, 2019, at Normandy Farms in Blue Bell, Pa. Pictured right, top, L to R: Devin Pond ’12 Radley, Dan Radley ’14, Anna Bosnic ’12 Llewellyn, Amanda Robinson ’12, Galen Blanzaco ’12, Jamie Weist ’12, Lauren Mulholland ’12, Shelby Smith ’12, Destiny Arturet ’12, Aaron Abel ’11, Laura Harshberger ’12, Shaylyn Berlew ’12 and Josh Milhouse ’13.
Lauren Elsasser ’13 Smith was honored as an entrepreneur member of Sigma Nu Tau. 2012
2014
Colby Brindle ’14 and Bilyana Panayotova ’14 (pictured right, center) were married on July 17, 2020. Cory Edward ’14 officiated their wedding. The Susquehanna crew should have been much larger, but unfortunately Covid-19 canceled the large celebration. Tom Daley ’14, an associate in DLA Piper’s Government Contracts practice, has been named the first-place winner in Division II of the American Bar Association’s 2020 Public Contract Law Journal Writing Competition.
2014
Kathleen Nelson ’14 graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine and began the first stage of her career as a physician. For the next three years, she will be a resident physician with the Brown University Family Medicine Residency Program. She’s excited to learn more about how to serve underserved populations, improve health care systems and promote health equity. She’s thankful for the amazing education she received at Susquehanna and for all the ways SU helped her prepare to be a doctor. Scott Rodd ’14’s reporting on unofficial California ballot collection boxes ran nationally on NPR’s Up First program on Oct. 13.
2015
Haley Cheetham ’15 and George Pachucy ’15 (pictured right, bottom) were married on July 11, 2020, in a small, intimate ceremony in upstate New York. Todd Nentwig ’15 is the recipient of The Enoch Gordis Research Recognition award, which he received during the 44th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism. The award selects three graduate students and post-doctoral fellow finalists from either preclinical or clinical research areas. The
2015
finalists present a poster and talk on their research, and judges select one winner from each category. Todd’s research focused on understanding the effects of chronic alcohol use on brain structure and function. Specifically, he investigated how chronic alcohol use alters interactions between neuron and astrocyte cells in the brain, with the goal of understanding brain adaptations underlying excessive alcohol misuse. He is a doctoral candidate in the study of neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. He earned his B.A. at Susquehanna University and his M.S. at Bucknell University.
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ALUMNI PROFILE
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ALUMNUS USES CURIOSITY TO BUILD SUCCESSFUL CONSULTING CAREER Bijan Nekoie ’12 is certain that growing up in a multicultural household was one of the central forces in his pursuit of international studies. “As the son of Persian and Irish parents, my siblings and I were fortunate enough to experience the many sides of our shared identity,” Nekoie says. “With that experience and discovery came a sense of curiosity and desire to both connect with others and understand the context in which they perceive and navigate the world.” Nekoie’s curiosity led him to Susquehanna, where he earned a degree in international relations and affairs with an emphasis in diplomacy and a minor in public relations. He studied at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, through the GO program and later earned a master’s degree in international business at the Hult International Business School in Shanghai, China.
Bijan Nekoie ’12
“
HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT OF DISCOVERY AND CHALLENGE CREATED ON SU’S CAMPUS, MY PASSION MIGHT HAVE BEEN LEFT UNEXPLORED.
”
Following his master’s degree, Nekoie briefly stayed in Shanghai and worked as both an innovation and strategy management consultant and fund manager. He then returned to the U.S. and became a management consultant for Liberty Mutual Insurance and eventually started his own wine importing business. Though he was excelling in the business world, public service had always been Nekoie’s true passion. He was a legislative aide before he transitioned to a consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked with senior Air Force officials, and then Deloitte, where he advised clients in the defense, nonprofit, energy and consumer product sectors. Today, Nekoie is an advisor for the United States Department of Defense. “Consulting broadens the focus of your work,” Nekoie says, “to be less about a job description and specific responsibilities, but rather to service and support the needs of your customer or person of interest.” Nekoie credits Susquehanna for fostering his ability to embrace challenges, build relationships, find commonalities amongst opposing ideas and provide excellent support to his clients and constituents. “Had it not been for the environment of discovery and challenge created on SU’s campus, my passion might have been left unexplored,” Nekoie says. “I came to SU knowing that I wanted to learn about the world and myself, and what I left with was a greater sense of understanding and the ability to see two sides of an issue with good faith.”
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KATHY BOUSHIE ’77 2015
Danielle Reber ’15 and Austin Iovoli ’15 (pictured above, left) were married Oct. 24, 2020, in a private ceremony in Lewisburg, Pa. The ceremony was officiated by former SU President Jay Lemons. A vow renewal and one-year anniversary celebration was held in 2021, so friends and family could gather and celebrate safely. KristaLyn Vetovich ’11 has published her book, Shifted: Book One of the Shifted Series.
2016
2019
Aris Concepcion ’19 became Showtime’s most recent incoming production assistant. Her passion for TV and its creative processes makes this career advancement a journey she can’t wait to make!
2020
Lydia Gilliam ’20 was accepted into Creative Writing MFA programs in fiction at the University of Alabama and Texas State University.
Brooke Greak ’16 and David Aurand ’17 were married on Feb. 29, 2020, at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club, Selinsgrove, Pa. Pictured above, right, L to R: Parker Graham ’17, Emily Tobin ’18, Harrison Graham ’17, Tyler Crotty ’17, Hannah Aurand ’16, Rachel Lambert ’20, Matthew Wolfe ’17, Matthew Buckey ’17, Claire Polcrack-Smith ’09, Josh Smith ’07, Patrick Charvet ’17, Ethan Kupp ’17, David, Brooke, Kyle Prpich ’18, Katie Bell ’02, Katy Hunt ’18, Landon Kline ’17, Chris Bergenstock ’96 Greak, Steve Deckard ’86, Aidan Greak ’18 and Rachel Daku ’19.
2017
2016
5TH REUNION
Samantha Spishock ’17 and Derek Klahre ’17 were married on June 19, 2021. Derek is one of eight in his family who have attended Susquehanna University.
Steven Christopher McKnight ’20 and Carling Ramsdell ’20, along with current Susquehanna student Jena Lui ’23, created a literary magazine, The Lit Mug, which released its first issue on March 1, 2021. Hannah Phillips ’20 was accepted into Ohio State University’s Creative Writing MFA program. Deon Robinson ’20 was accepted into Creative Writing MFA programs in poetry at the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt University, Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois and Notre Dame University.
2021
Jason Ferris ’21 was accepted into Creative Writing MFA programs in fiction at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
The last two seasons have been excellent for the Susquehanna University volleyball squad, with both seasons featuring NCAA appearances. All great things have humble beginnings, and the beginnings of the Susquehanna volleyball program center around Kathy Boushie ’77. Spearheaded by Kathy, SU’s volleyball program successfully began as a club sport in 1976 and became approved for varsity status in 1977 — but not until after she sent surveys to the student body, sought approval by Student Government Association and garnered training facilities, equipment and transportation. Kathy credits Susquehanna, saying, “Getting a club sport started was possible in a small college environment … I had the chance to develop organizational and planning skills outside a traditional classroom setting.” With a passion for the sport, Kathy explains what inspired her. “I believe playing any team sport is a wonderful enhancement to the overall student experience. Working together as a team, supporting and encouraging each other, especially when it’s something you are passionate about, it just makes college that much more fulfilling.” Fast forward to this year, when Kathy relocated back to the Selinsgrove area and was able to see the team in action once again. In awe of the progress made from the rag-tag beginnings over 40 years ago, she was amazed by the talent, enthusiasm and team spirit featured. “I was overwhelmed. They were amazing,” Boushie says. “Coach Tom [Kuuipo] introduced me to the team after the game, which was really special.” A prime example of what passion and determination can accomplish, Kathy will forever be connected with the Susquehanna volleyball program.
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ALUMNI OF ISTINCTION Each year, Susquehanna University honors alumni of distinction at an awards banquet during Homecoming– Reunion Weekend, a tradition that dates to 1956. We proudly present the 2019 and 2021 alumni award recipients. For information about the 2019 recipients, visit susqu.edu/ alumni-awards-2019 or scan the below QR Code:
TIM MURRAY ’93
HEIDI HEIKENFELD ’00
Achievement Award
Leadership Award
2019
2021 Read about the 2021 Alumni of Distinction at susqu.edu/ alumni-awards-2021 or scan the below QR code:
Due to the worldwide pandemic, there were no honors bestowed in 2020.
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W. JAY BOSANKO ’92 Achievement Award
ANNETTE “TONI” TOMARAZZO ’84 Leadership Award
KARA DICAMILLO ’99 Service Award
PATRICK McELROY ’07
SABIN MULEPATI ’08
Service to Susquehanna Award
Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award
LUKE EDDINGER ’00
BRYAN MAJORS ’10
Service to Susquehanna Award
Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award
ALUMNI AWAR D R ECIPIENTS
ALUMNI AWAR D R ECIPIENTS KEVIN FITZPATRICK, PH.D. ’78 Service Award
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DEATHS
1939
Eleanor Croft ’39 Leam, Chambersburg, Pa., June 28, 2021. She continued with her graduate work at Temple University. She was a member of St. John’s U.C.C. Church in Chambersburg, the VFW Post 1599 in Chambersburg and the American Legion in Waynesboro. Early in life, she helped in the family store, Croft’s Cut Rate Drug Store, in Greencastle and participated in Greencastle’s “Old Home Week.”
1942
Janet Shockey Einstein ’42, Harrisonburg, Va., May 14, 2021. After graduating from Susquehanna University with a degree in music in 1942, she settled in Washington, D.C., where she worked at Walter Reed General Hospital and where she met her future late husband, Robert Acree Einstein. Janet and Robert were married at Grace Lutheran Church in Stoystown on December 26, 1948, and shared a loving marriage for 54 years. They settled in Alexandria, Va., where they raised their family and where Janet worked as a church organist and piano teacher. They helped organize and establish Fairlington Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, where she was actively involved in many of the church activities. When they retired to Woodstock, Va., in 1975, she continued teaching piano and playing the organ for many years. Janet is survived by her three children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Blanche Forney ’42 Rogers, formerly of Selinsgrove, Pa., June 18, 2021. Blanche was a member of Guilford United Methodist Church and lived at Friends Home at Guilford. She was a graduate of Susquehanna University with a degree in music education and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity for over 50 years. She
held the lead in many college theatre productions, taught music in Beaver High School and conducted the choirs at the United Methodist Church in Trenton, N.J. Her favorite role was as supporting actress for her husband, Edward S. Rogers, who preceded her in death, and in raising their two daughters, Edith Rogers ’68 Mearns and Margaret Rogers.
1943
Jessie Walton ’43 Schmitthenner, Dushore, Pa., June 14, 2021. Jessie was a music educator, having taught in Orbisonia, Sayre and Camp Hill public schools. A lifelong Lutheran, her vocation was as a church musician, directing choirs, playing the organ, and lending her voice to choirs in Zion, Tamaqua; St. John’s, Sayre; Trinity, Camp Hill; and most recently, the three parishes of Shepherd of the Hills in Dushore, Mildred and Wilmot. Until her retirement from civic activities, she was a member of the Dushore Music Club, serving both state and national Federation of Music Clubs in the areas of sacred and chamber music. She was also active in her honorary music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota, serving several offices in Pennsylvania and mentoring college chapters. Ferne Arentz ’43 Stonesifer, Hanover, Pa., March 12, 2021. She was a teacher at Littlestown High School before she began her family. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles and loved the beach. A lifelong member of Grace United Church of Christ in Hanover, she played piano, was a Sunday School teacher and sang in the choir. Over the years, Ferne also taught herself how to play the church organ.
1944
Olive Atherton ’44 Reigle, Reedsville, Pa., Nov. 13. She taught business education in Mifflin County schools for
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42 years, including Reedsville High School, Armagh-Brown High School and Kishacoquillas High School, retiring in 1986. Olive was a member of the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church. During her retirement years, she helped with the Reedsville Area Meals on Wheels.
1947
Jean Kelly ’47, Harrison, N.Y., May 21, 2020. Jean received her teaching degree from Susquehanna University. She moved to Harrison, where she was a longtime elementary teacher and librarian with the Harrison Central School District. She also served for many years as the historian for the Westchester Historical Society. Nancy Myers ’47 Landis, Vero Beach, Fla., April 30, 2021. Ongkar Narayan ’47, Port Coquitlam, Canada, Dec. 15, 2020. Born in Essequibo, Guyana, he was a lifelong teacher and educator. He earned a B.A. from Susquehanna University, an M.A. in English from North East Missouri State, an M.A. in secondary school administration in 1956 and a doctorate from Penn State University in 1972. Ongkar was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed playing cricket as a young man and made lifelong friendships during that time. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and visited many countries. Perhaps his most defining characteristic was his willingness to help. Whether it be family, student or stranger, he provided support in whatever capacity he could, and his kindness will live on.
1948
Margaret Miner ’48 Straw, Millersburg, Pa., Sept. 27, 2020. Margaret was the former owner of Bashoar’s in Millersburg. She was a member of the Red Hats, Millersburg
Senior Center, Eastern Star and St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Millersburg.
1949
Mildred Reaver ’49 Day, Mount Joy, Pa., June 21, 2021. She was a business education teacher in the Donegal School District and last employed by the former Kuntz, Lesher CPA Firm of Lancaster. She was also a 60-plus-year member and past matron and secretary of the Elizabethtown Chapter #407, Order of the Eastern Star. An avid reader, she also served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and other charity organizations for whom she would knit blankets and other items for those in need. Frances Leisenring ’49 Gaugler, Elysburg, Pa., June 16, 2021. Frances graduated from Ralpho Township High School and Susquehanna University, where she earned her degree in music, teaching music to her students for many years until retirement. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Elysburg. She loved God, playing the piano and her dogs. Alumna survivor is her daughter, Monna Gaugler ’84 Tomtishen. Maude Jones ’49 Koch, Langhorne, Pa., Sept. 26, 2020. She taught music for over 33 years, first at the former Watsontown School District, then at Cecelia Snyder Jr. High School in Bensalem, Pa., Shamokin School District and at Neshaminy Jr. High School in Langhorne, Pa., from its opening until her retirement from teaching in 1983. During that time, she was the choral director and her “Varsity Voices” were top finishers yearly in county and state competitions. She also served as the choir director at the former St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Levittown. After teaching, she was a travel agent for over 25 years. She travelled the
DEATHS world, including Russia, China and all through Europe. She was particularly fond of Jerusalem and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. Alumnus survivor is her son, Richard Koch ’78. John Harvey Wright ’49, Newport News, Va., Nov. 6, 2020. Born in Hazleton, Pa., he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After Susquehanna, he worked at his family’s automobile dealership for more than 40 years until his retirement in 1995. He became president of Wright Motor Sales Company in 1967. John was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Conyngham, Pa., and was active in numerous fraternal, civic and professional organizations, including Phi Mu Delta fraternity at Susquehanna, Rotary International, the United Way of Greater Hazleton and the Pennsylvania Automotive Dealers Association (past president). He was appointed to the Advisory Council on Small Business and Agriculture of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers Dealers & Salespersons. In 1991, Time magazine named him as a recipient of the Time Quality Dealer Award. In 1999, he was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Northeast Pennsylvania Business Hall of Fame. Alumna survivor is daughter Nancy Wright Greenshields ’82.
1950
Gertrude Kohlweiss ’50 Flanagan, St. Helena Island, S.C., April 27, 2021. In 1965, Trudy and a friend utilized their sewing and design skills and started a sewing business, The Needle Loft. From sewing custom sheets, Trudy grew The Needle Loft into a nationally recognized custom canvas and interior shop for yachts throughout the Northeast. She was a member and past president of the Connecticut Marine Trades Association and the Industrial Fabrics Association.
She was the first woman IFAI certified as a Mastercraftsman in the Marine Division. After selling her business in 1989, she and her husband retired to St. Helena Island, S.C. Trudy was an active member and past president of Sea Island Quilters, member of the Quilters of South Carolina and a volunteer with the Sea Turtle Conservation Project at Hunting Island State Park. She bowled on a weekly senior league and was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. John Reitz ’50, West Lawn, Pa., June 5, 2020. He served his country in the Navy from July 1945 through August 1946. He was an avid golfer and tennis player for many years. Together with his wife they traveled to five different continents. John was a retired teacher, coach and school administrator at Hamburg High School, Wyomissing Area High School, Owen J Roberts School District, Wilson School District and at Alvernia University. Fred W. Schultz ’50, Washington Crossing, Pa., Jan. 10, 2021. Fred was a veteran of the Navy, serving during World War II, and a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church and the Lake Underwood Nimrod Club. He was a retired manager of the Pennsylvania National Insurance Co. Franklin Ulman ’50, Williamsport, Pa., May 27, 2020. He was a loving father, WWII veteran, local businessman and train enthusiast. After graduating from Susquehanna, Frank went to work for Ulman’s Men’s Clothing Store, a family-owned, fine menswear business, which closed in 1980. He then found his dream job making and selling model trains for Bowser Manufacturing/ English’s Model Railroad. He formed many lasting relationships there with others who shared his love of trains. He was a volunteer at the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad Company, a 2-foot gauge railroad in St. Marys, Pa., where he loved family and community days,
and working on the railroad. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, a life member of the American Legion Post 1 and a life member of the Thomas T. Taber Museum, where he was on the train committee. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Live Steamers. Alumni survivors are daughter Diane Ulman ’81 Bryson, son-in-law William Bryson ’81 and Emily Bryson ’17. Vernon J. Miller ’50, DuBois, Pa., Feb. 18, 2021. After serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, he attended Susquehanna University and graduated from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary. He served as a Lutheran minister in Cleveland, Duncansville, Johnstown and Clearfield, and after 37 years, retired from fulltime ministry at Christ Lutheran Church, DuBois, Pa. Richard Westervelt ’50, Melbourne, Fla., Jan. 21, 2021.
1951
Jack Gearinger ’51, Beaumont, Texas, Aug. 13, 2020. He graduated from Bloomsburg High School in 1945 and was immediately drafted into the Army during World War II. He was a surgical technician with the 571st Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion in Germany until his honorable discharge in November 1946. After his discharge from the Army, Jack returned home to Bloomsburg, Pa. He graduated from Susquehanna with a chemical engineering degree in August 1951 and was immediately hired by the DuPont Company in Gibbstown, N.J. Alumna survivor is his wife, Grace Magaro ’54 Gearinger. Gardiner Marek ’51, Myrtle Beach and Atlantic Highlands, N.J., Feb. 6, 2021. Gardiner was a U.S. Navy veteran, earning the rank of lieutenant. He later owned Gardiner Marek Insurance Agency in Atlantic Highlands for 30
years. He officiated high school football for 30 years and was well known for always wearing his black high-top shoes. In retirement, Gardiner enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. He was quite active and past president of the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club. Alumnus survivor is his son, Gardiner Marek Jr. ’81.
1952
Vincent Boyer ’52, McAlisterville, Pa., May 6, 2021. He was employed 42 years in the garment industry, in progression, as an office worker, payroll clerk, office manager, plant manager, owner and executive president of L. Shellenberger & Sons, Inc., East Salem Shirt Manufacturing Company, and Richfield Shirt Manufacturing Company, retiring in 1993. He was a member and president of East Juniata School District, member and president of the combined Juniata School District, an initial member of the Mifflin-Juniata Vocational Technical School and the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit. Vincent was a member, officer and longtime Sunday school teacher at the Trinity Lutheran Church of McAlisterville. Alumna survivor is his daughter, Susan Boyer ’76. Kay LaRue ’52 Lauver, Chapel Hill, N.C., June 14, 2021. Kay attended Susquehanna University, where she met fellow student, Raymond C. Lauver of Richfield, Pa. After Kay and Ray married on March 29, 1952, they lived in Fayetteville, N.C., Bloomfield, N.J., and later in Chatham, N.J., where they reared their daughters and lived for nearly three decades. Later, the couple lived in New Canaan, Conn. and Chapel Hill, N.C. While a member of the Chatham United Methodist Church, Kay planned and implemented monthly senior citizens’ luncheons for nearly a decade. For over 40 years, she was active in P.E.O., a women’s philanthropic educational
cl ass note s · Susquehanna Currents · 45
DEATHS organization, serving as president of her local chapter in Chapel Hill. Kay also enjoyed researching her family genealogy, spirited bridge games, various types of needlework and collecting antique glassware. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Lauver ’50. James Morris ’52, Harrisburg, Pa., June 3, 2020. He attended Lancaster Theological Seminary where he received his doctorate in ministry education and was ordained in 1950. His devout career and leadership led to him becoming interim associate conference minister for the United Church of Christ Penn Central Conference. Before his ministry, he taught high school and wrote sports columns for local newspapers. An avid sports fan, he followed and supported many sports programs, ran marathons, belonged to the National Campers & Hikers Association, organized youth group camping/canoe trips, and led treks traversing Mt. Washington & the Great Smokey Mountains. His other passion was supporting human and civil rights; he marched in 1963, at the Washington, D.C., National Mall rally and was present for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. He is a 50-year member of the Freemasonry fraternity and served as past master, West Chester Masonic Lodge #322. Betty A. Shafer ’52, Millville, Pa., Nov. 4, 2020. For most of her life, Betty was employed in retail sales in Philadelphia, Newark and New York City. For over 40 years, she owned and operated Shafer’s Village Store in Millville until her retirement in 2000. Lois Gordon ’52 Steiger, Wilton, Conn., Jan. 19, 2021.
1953
Harmon Andrews ’53, Southbury, Conn., June 26, 2021. He received an
MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1961. He retired as a captain after serving 30 years in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and with the New Jersey National Guard and the Army Reserves in Connecticut. Harmon worked for Uniroyal, Inc., for 25 years as an administrator in the industrial products division. He worked in the Passaic, N.J., and Philadelphia, Pa., manufacturing plants before being transferred to the company’s headquarters in New York, N.Y., and in Oxford, Conn. He also worked as business administrator for the Orange, Conn., school system for 14 years. Nancy Bogar ’53 Hollifield, Butler, Pa., May 28, 2020. Nancy worked most of her career as a school secretary, both at Winfield and Jefferson Elementary schools, until her retirement in 2000. After her retirement, Nancy moved to Danbury Farms in Cranberry, where she was very active in her local homeowners’ association, planning trips and tours for the neighborhood residents.
1954
James Curry ’54, Hershey, Pa., June 12, 2021. After graduating, he joined the Navy and served until 1957. During his time in the military, he served as a Navy supply officer. He was a certified public accountant and certified internal auditor. He spent most of his career with the Government Accountability Office and Department of Defense. This included tours in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Germany. He retired in 1989 from the Department of Defense as the assistant inspector general. After returning to the area, Jim spent many hours volunteering at the HersheyDerry Township Historical Society. He was also a member of the Hershey Presbyterian Church. Shirley Thompson ’54 Khalouf, Marion, Indiana, June 6, 2021. She graduated from Susquehanna with a
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double major in chemistry and biology. She received her medical degree in 1958 from Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Shirley married Herbert C. Khalouf, M.D., and together they went to the Cleveland Clinic, where she completed her residency/fellowship and earned her medical specialty degree in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Her medical career spanned 50 years; she practiced medicine in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. In 1967, Shirley and Herb moved to Marion, Indiana, where she began a private practice within Marion General Hospital. She later worked as an associate director at the Kokomo Indiana Rehabilitation Hospital and also worked part time at the Marion VA Medical Center. One of her passions was medical politics, and she enjoyed many years of being very active in organized medicine from the local to the national level, having served on many councils. Harold Vogler ’54, Hawley, Pa., July 10, 2020. A self-employed merchant, he owned E. Vogler and Son, a feed, lawn and pet supply business in Hawley. Alumna survivor is his wife of 65 years, Melva Schmeltz ’55 Vogler, who retired from teaching at Wallenpaupack Area High School.
1955
Kenneth Erdley ’55, Lancaster, Pa., July 19, 2020. At Susquehanna, he played football for coaches Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr. and Jr. and was a member of Phi Mu Delta. Upon graduation he served in the U.S. Navy and later obtained a master’s degree from Temple University. Ken was a science teacher and football coach at Woodbury High School in New Jersey, and later worked as head master of Mullica Hill Friends School and for the NJ State Department of Education. For most of his career, he was director of special student services
for schools in New Jersey. He served as director of the United Cerebral Palsy Center and past president of The United Way in southern New Jersey. As an avid reader and history buff, Ken shared his knowledge of English history and Gothic cathedrals. His other interests included writing poetry, carpentry, painting and playing tennis. Ken was a gentleman who treated everyone with kindness. Alumna survivor is his wife, Charlotte Sandt ’56 Erdley. Donald E. Heilman ’55, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Dec. 6, 2020. He worked for American Can Company (Rexam/Ball) for 35 years and for the Commonwealth of PA’s treasury department for six years. He served in the U.S. Navy. W. Deen Lauver ’55, McAlisterville, Pa., Aug. 30, 2021. He retired after serving over 35 years as the McAlisterville postmaster. He honorably served our country in the U.S. Army after his graduation from Susquehanna University.
1956
Donald Hartman ’56, Edisto Island, S.C., June 20, 2021. With a sciencedriven mind and God-given artistic talents, he was a great man who brought endless stories, laughter, music and artistic gifts to his friends and family. He worked for Oak Ridge National Laboratories in Oak Ridge, Tenn., before starting Temple University Medical School. Following an internship at University of Tennessee Hospital and a year as a general practitioner in Middlesboro, Ky., he entered a dermatology residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa. Don became a board-certified dermatologist and began his dermatology career at Trover Clinic in Madisonville, Ky. In 1968, he spent two years in the U.S. Army as chief dermatologist at Martin Army Hospital in Fort Benning, Ga.
DEATHS Patricia Sipe ’56 Seasholtz, York, Pa., Aug. 4, 2020. She met her husband, James ’58, at Susquehanna University and became a talented homemaker, seamstress, crafter and gardener.
1957
Barbara Boob Shaffer-Braucht ’57, Shamokin Dam, Pa., April 6, 2021. Possessing a lifelong passion for music, Barbara started piano lessons at a very early age and taught her last private piano student not long before she died. Barbara also taught music in local public schools and was involved in several adult bands in the region. She remained active in the local Sigma Alpha Iota international music sorority chapter for six decades, welcoming female freshman with music interests into the sorority and university community. In her semi-retirement, she volunteered at a local Pre-K academy. She was very active in her church, community and various civic organizations, many of which involved her children. Barbara traveled to many countries across Europe, Canada and much of the United States, including Alaska. She loved nature, enjoyed vigorous outdoor activities and continued to work out regularly at the local fitness club until the COVID-19 pandemic, as did her husband, Paul. Mary Rosendale ’57 Bucolo, Shillington, Pa., April 16, 2020. She was employed as a medical technologist at Reading Hospital. She was a member of the Park Road Presbyterian Church of Reading since 1955, where she loved singing in the choir. Mary enjoyed reading, baking and playing the piano, and was truly a people person.
1958
Nancy Bumbarger ’58 Peterson, Uniontown, Ohio, Jan. 9, 2020. Nancy
taught German at Jackson High School, Jackson Township, Ohio, for many years and maintained a lifelong appreciation for the German language and culture. After retirement, she was fortunate to pursue her passion of quilting full time for several decades, producing a treasure trove of artistic creations, nearly all of which she gave to friends, relatives and charitable causes. Nancy also traveled extensively, including an adventurous expedition to Churchill, Manitoba, to see polar bears. She was active in her quilt guild and visiting friends and family. She served faithfully for many years at Advent Lutheran Church amidst close friends who shared and supported her interests. Nancy Ridinger ’58 Leonard, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Dec. 27, 2020. Nancy was a lab technician employed by Community General Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, Pa., for several years until her retirement. She was a member of the Hubbardston Senior Center. Nancy enjoyed water aerobics and traveling, especially to Hawaii and Jackson Hole, Wyo. She loved her dog, Freyja. But the time that she truly cherished was spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
1959
Babetta Hewitt ’59 Bernstein, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Feb. 16, 2021. Known as Bobbie to her friends, she met her husband, Gerald, at Susquehanna, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology. She excelled in all women’s sports and was president of the Women’s Athletic Association. She held memberships in Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Tau Kappa and the Biemic Society. Bobbie moved gracefully into motherhood and was a classroom parent, sewing costumes and providing treats. She also was a Brownie leader and Little League coach. She actively
participated in Lake-Lehman Band Sponsors for years, chairing multiple spaghetti dinners to buy uniforms, and proudly attended many competitions, concerts, musicals, plays and sporting events to encourage her children and grandchildren. She loved gardening, planting and reading, particularly about horticulture and birds. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Bernstein ’60. James Hollister ’59, Kulpmont, Pa., Nov. 16, 2020. He worked as an accountant for Schroyer’s Dress Factory. Jim was a serious, though friendly man with a dry sense of humor, who was very devoted to and supportive of his family. He enjoyed spending time with them fishing and hunting at their cabin in the mountains. He often spent mornings having coffee and reminiscing with old friends at a local mechanic’s garage. An avid Penn State football fan, he watched most games, especially when his daughter was enrolled there. Jim was meticulous in his bookkeeping, estate planning, and caring for his properties, tools and cars. Harry Leonard ’59, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Dec. 23, 2020. Harry was a professional employed by General Public Utilities in New Jersey for 27 years until his retirement. He was previously employed by Burroughs Corporation (Sperry Corporation) in Detroit. He was a member of the Lions Club of Hampton Township, Pa. Harry enjoyed baseball and watching his Philadelphia Phillies. He loved to travel the world and see all it had to offer, but the time he loved the most was spent with his family.
1960
Richard Albright ’60, Shamokin, Pa., Aug. 18, 2021. After Susquehanna, he graduated from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1962. He returned to Shamokin, where he established his
podiatry practice, retiring in 2020. He proudly served as a colonel in the Army Reserves. Alumnus survivor is his brother, John Albright ’62. Gary Hackenberg ’60, Lewisburg, Pa., March 24, 2020. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from the Lancaster Theological Seminary. He served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956 as a B36 Radar Tail Gunner. Gwenllian Park Klus ’60, Laporte, Pa., Feb. 25, 2021, and her husband, John R. Klus ’60, Dec. 24, 2020. John and Gwenllian, who was from Eagles Mere, Pa., met at Susquehanna University. Graduating with a B.A. in music education, she was a lifelong educator, teaching music at several elementary schools in the Watsontown, Pa., area before teaching full time at Warrior Run Middle School. After completing her master’s degree in education, she taught language and computer skills to Warrior Run AP students. She continued her passion by becoming a substitute teacher for Sullivan County schools well into her 70s, after retiring to Laporte in 2002. John was a registered surveyor in the field of civil engineering for 50 years before retiring in 2002. Alumni survivors are Gwen’s sister-in-law, D’Arlene Klus Berensmann ’63, daughter-in-law Cindy Falck Klus ’91 and future alum grandson Tyler Klus ’25 of Gainesville, Va.
1961
Anne Wilson ’61 Andel, Mullica Hill, N.J., Sept. 21, 2019. Anne attended Moore College of Art. She was an avid birder late in life. Alumnus survivor is her husband, William Andel ’64. David Campbell ’61, Sunbury, Pa., Dec. 3, 2020. He began working in his family’s business, Campbell Brothers’ Paper Company, where he worked for 35 years. In 1992, David opened Heirloom Touch Custom Framing,
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DEATHS developing his passion for woodworking into a second career. Charles Hackenberg ’61, Duncansville, Va., May 6, 2021. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and had worked as a pharmaceutical rep for GlaxoSmithKline. Ray was an avid Penn State football fan but loved cheering on his family the most. Alumna survivor is his wife Lucy North ’62 Hackenberg. Annamae Hockenbrock ’61 Horwhat, Harrisburg, Pa., May 24, 2021. Ann graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and music from Susquehanna University, and a master’s degree in music education from Marywood College. Ann was Susquehanna’s May Day Queen her junior year. Her career as a music teacher and specialist followed the family’s moves, teaching at Bellwood Antis High School, Tunkhannock High School and Holy Name of Jesus. She also frequently substituted at many grade levels and subjects. Ann enjoyed participating in many social activities with church women’s groups and other social clubs. William Kissinger ’61, Chambersburg, Pa., April 28, 2021. He graduated from Susquehanna University and The University of Pennsylvania. He was the director of the Franklin County Mental Health Center for 26 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved to cook, he loved the beach and the outdoors, camping, playing chess and cards, and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He played basketball in high school and loved to ride his motorcycle. Gene Mowrer ’61, Greenbackville, Va., August 18, 2019. Gene worked in management for Sears, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. He was an active volunteer for Boy Scouts of America throughout his son’s childhood and served as commodore of the Crystal
Manor Boat Club for a decade. Over the years, Gene and his wife, Marcie, traveled extensively, having visited every state with the exception of Hawaii. In 2007, they relocated to the Eastern Shore to be closer to family and enjoyed every opportunity to “overly love” their granddaughters.
his love of science by pursuing careers in medicine, pharmacy and chemistry. He was a lifelong active member of Salem Lutheran Church, Selinsgrove. Bill was an obsessed fisherman and especially enjoyed being with his equally fishingobsessed grandson, Eli, during the opening days of trout season.
Janice Stahl ’61 Snyder, Mazeppa, Pa., Nov. 30, 2020. Janice taught music for 10 years in the Warrior Run School District. She was the organist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Milton and organist and junior choir director at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Lewisburg for more than 50 years. She shared her love of music with countless piano students. Janice was a lifelong member of the international music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Selinsgrove Alumnae Chapter. Her dedication and service to the organization earned her the Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication, Rose of Constancy and 50 Year Member Award. Janice was a founding member of the Susquehanna Valley Chorale and a member of Mazeppa Union Church.
Alice Taylor ’62 Lawson, The Woodlands, Texas, Oct. 17, 2020.
1962
William L. Fausey ’62, Selinsgrove, Pa., Aug. 22, 2020. He earned his master’s degree from Syracuse University in 1964 and did postgraduate work at Colgate University, University of Wisconsin and Penn State University. He was a longtime science and chemistry teacher for the Selinsgrove School District and was very active in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. He could often be found teaching science programs to Cub Scouts and his grandson’s classes. After his retirement, he traveled to area school districts with a mobile science lab for the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit teaching science to elementary students. He was especially proud of his former students who shared
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Grace Johnson ’62 Murphy, Exton, Pa., April 26, 2020. Grace continued her education, graduating from University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy followed by earning her master’s degree at Susquehanna University. She worked mainly with disabled children and their families throughout her OT career. Grace worked for over 30 years at Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania. She was passionate about providing support and education, as well as being a mentor to many before retiring in 2013 at the age of 72. She enjoyed visiting Long Beach Island, N.J., where she spent over 40 years of summer vacations with her best friends and children. She loved reading, arts and crafts, sewing, hair coloring, cooking, The Phillies and frequenting garage sales. Gerald Porter ’62, West Chester, Pa., Jan. 2, 2021. Jerry is a graduate of Wesley College and Susquehanna University. He was a member of Rotary International and, while a member, visited high schools and spoke about the importance of the organization’s Four-Way Test, a moral code. He worked at Porter and Painter Realtors and also the assessment office of Chester County. His free time was spent on home improvement, one of his favorite things to do, along with antiquing with his wife. Alumna survivor is his wife, Geraldine Webster ’63 Porter.
1963
James C. Black ’63, Selinsgrove, Pa., Sept. 22, 2020. He was a founding member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Susquehanna. After graduation, he spent a year working at the General Accounting Office in Washington D.C., before returning to the area. For more than 35 years he worked for several local banks that through mergers eventually became Keystone Financial and later M&T Bank. Jim enjoyed frequent visits to Stone Harbor, N.J., with his wife, family and friends. He was a long-time active member at Sharon Lutheran Church in Selinsgrove, a former board member of the Snyder County Library and was actively involved with the formation of the Rudy Gelnett ’37 Memorial Library. He also served terms as president of the Kiwanis Club, frequently serving as an election clerk and supporting the Selinsgrove Seals. Alumna survivor is his wife of 56 years, Carol Gresh ’63 Black. Sandra Eyster ’63 Cotner, Herndon, Pa., Sept. 12, 2020. She was employed as a teacher, first teaching high school and then, for most of her career, teaching kindergarten and first grade at the Line Mountain School District. She was a member of St. Paul’s U.C.C of Urban and the Idella Rebekah Lodge No. 58 of Dornsife. Sandy loved spending time with her grandchildren, Maddy and Jax. Outside of work and other activities, she enjoyed spending time at the beach, swimming, sewing, shopping, gardening, listening to music and traveling. John Graham ’63, Feb. 26, 2021. “Jack” was an eternal optimist who possessed a quiet confidence and charm. He played basketball, tennis and soccer for Susquehanna, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and earned a B.A. in business administration.
DEATHS Sales was a natural fit because of his ability to connect with people. He spent his career working as a vice president in the steel industry in Philadelphia. While Jack enjoyed his professional life, his true joy came from his family.
his wife of 52 years, Carole Summer ’66 Ward, and cousin Joanne Drake ’66 Morris.
Glen Hostetter ’63, Wernersville, Pa., April 27, 2020.
Larry Brenneman ’64, Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 9, 2020. He worked as vice president of human resources for Yorktowne Paper Mills for 24 years, Graham Engineering and Graham Packaging, and Yurchak Printing in Lancaster, retiring in 2019. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Starview. Larry enjoyed traveling and learning about American history, especially the Civil War. Alumni survivors are Cheryl Snyder ’70 Huber and Robert Snyder ’76.
John Edward Pignatore ’63, Horseheads, N.Y., Oct. 17, 2020. John was predeceased by the love of his life, Ann Louise Corson ’63 Pignatore. They met as freshmen at Susquehanna. As a younger man John was a summer stock Shakespearean actor. Later in life he enjoyed an occasional trip to a casino. He was a charismatic person and enjoyed dining out and spending time with his family and many friends. He served for 14 years as president and CEO of Corning Hospital, retiring in 2000. He was involved in many community organizations and activities. He never wanted to meet anyone without learning their name and something of their story. H. Nathan Ward ’63, Mechanicsburg, Pa., July 11, 2020. At Susquehanna, he served as class president and was a member of the Student Council, the Singing Crusaders, marching and symphonic bands, orchestra and Theta Chi fraternity. Nathan received his master’s of music education from the Pennsylvania State University and began his teaching career at Lemoyne Middle School in 1966, later teaching at Cedar Cliff and East Pennsboro high schools before retiring in 2003. Many of his former students attribute their success as music educators and performers to his passion for teaching and music. Nathan worked at the Horn Hospital for several years, which put him in contact with colleagues and former students who became band directors. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill and an avid golfer. Alumna survivors are
1964
Antony W. Colombet ’64, Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 27, 2021. At SU, Tony was president of the Iota Beta chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon and was elected to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. After earning his B.A., he went on to receive an M.A. at Bucknell University. He retired after a distinguished career teaching math in the New Hope– Solebury School District, the William Penn Charter School and the Philadelphia School District. His hobbies in retirement included playing bridge, attending concerts and plays, and reading. Terry Kissinger ’64, Selinsgrove, Pa., April 1, 2020. He played Crusader football, was a brother in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, and was later inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. He served as director of the Snyder County Board of Assistance for more than 30 years. Terry was an avid hunter and fisherman and belonged to both the Mid-Penn Sportsmens Club in Kratzerville and the Beech Ridge Hunting Club in Liberty. He was an active member of Sharon Lutheran Church, Selinsgrove. Alumnus survivor is his cousin, William Kissinger ’61.
Paul Peyakovich ’64, Mechanicsburg, Pa., May 1, 2021. Paul received a degree in biology and chemistry from Susquehanna and was a member of Phi Mu Delta fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army before his 35 years of service in international sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical industry. As an international product manager with Merck & Co., Paul had worldwide responsibility for marketing antibiotics, and AIDS and cancer products. He also managed Merck’s Mectizan donation program and worked closely with the World Health Organization, a panel of world-renowned tropical disease experts and the Ministers of Health of various African countries to eradicate onchocerciasis. Paul was an avid hunter and fisherman, excellent marksman and a member of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. He also enjoyed traveling and the wilderness of Alaska. In his retirement, Paul designed and made furniture. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Alumna survivor is his niece, Danielle McNichol ’90. James Rodgers ’64, McConnellsburg, Pa., March 5, 2020. He attained a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in English. He then attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., where he became an ordained Lutheran minister. Jim later attended Temple University in hopes of receiving his doctorate in theology. Upon graduating from Susquehanna, he taught English at Shanksville High School. He most recently was employed as the director of the alcohol and drug abuse program in Fulton/Franklin counties, retiring in 2007. His musical talents included playing the piano and clarinet, and singing. Jim enjoyed nature, feeding the birds and spending time in the outdoors. He treated everyone with
kindness and patience, always giving of himself, serving his fellow man. He was spiritually moved to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1994. His last pastoral duties were performed at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hershey, Pa.
1965
Robert Cairns ’65, Boiling Springs, Pa., Dec. 2, 2020. He graduated with a B.S. in accounting from Susquehanna, where he met his future wife of 53 years, Timi Schalles ’66. For most of his life, Bob worked as an accountant/ controller in the manufacturing industry, but in 1994 was elected tax collector of South Middleton Township, serving there for many years. It was the job he truly loved. Bob served the people of the township proudly and with great respect for his responsibility to them. He was a recipient of the Bubbler Foundation “Wall of Acclaim” award in 2013. He was a member of New Life Community Church, Carlisle. Bob came from a family of railroaders and had a lifelong love of trains. He enjoyed hiking and hunting in the old apple orchard of Shamokin Dam, fly-fishing at Slate Run, volunteering at church and civic events, and watching his daughters and grandchildren grow and perform in their various music and athletic events. Richard Hafer ’65, Hughesville, Pa., Dec. 28, 2020. Richard was a teacher in the East Lycoming School District, retiring in 2003 after teaching for 38 years. He taught mathematics and computers at Hughesville High School. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the Antique Automobile Club of America and the North Central Corvette Club of PA. He was an avid collector of license plates and antiques and thoroughly enjoyed antique automobiles and
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DEATHS cooking for others. He especially enjoyed making peanut brittle for friends and family during the holiday season. Wayne W. Miller ’65, Alexandria, Va., July 20, 2019. Wayne was a member of the National and Active Retired Federal Employee Association. He was a member of the Virginia State Bar Association and the Alexandria Bar Association. He graduated from law school at University of Pennsylvania, graduating summa cum laude. He moved to Washington, D.C., in 1969, and after passing the Virginia Bar exam, he got a job with the Interstate Regulatory Commission for 19 years. He then worked for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for 12 years and retired as a practicing attorney for the federal government after 30 years of service. Thomas Peischl ’65, Ellensburg, Wash., Dec. 17, 2020. His graduate degrees included an M.A. in special education, an M.A. in librarianship and a D.Ed. in higher education administration. Tom’s chosen occupation was in library and academic administration and computer services. He finished his career as dean of library services at Central Washington University and retired in Ellensburg in 2009. In 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he studied the Arabic language in the Security Service. One of Tom’s passions was playing golf. Another joy was the training and companionship of the family dogs. Along with Trudy, his wife of 54 years, who co-founded Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc., he helped with fostering, transporting and loving many rescue dogs. Tom was also involved in the community as a volunteer, especially as an IRS tax aide and a Kittitas County medicare specialist. His wit and ready smile were part of his personality that people loved. Alumna survivor is his wife, Trudy Walton ’66 Peischl.
1966
Thomas J. Young ’66, Media, Pa., Aug. 7, 2020. He earned a degree in economics from Susquehanna and later attended the Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management at Williams College. He earned additional professional accreditations at the Wharton School of Business. Tom was a successful banking executive for over 50 years, specializing in lending and credit solutions for both large, multi-bank companies and small, family-owned businesses. He was well respected in his community, selflessly offering his time and knowledge as a member of the board of directors for several local organizations. He was also an active member of the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church. An avid sportsman, Tom cherished his family’s hunting tradition, enjoyed golf and paddle tennis, and had a passion for reading and travel. He was a connoisseur of single-malt scotch and fine wines, and was always the consummate host. Alumni survivors are his wife, Jane Hunter ’66 Young, and his son, Thomas J. Young ’94.
1967
Frederick Dudley ’67, Bolivar, Ohio, Feb. 20, 2021. He worked for Republic Steel and Ametek, Inc. He retired as an owner of Marlite in Dover. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia, where he sang in the church choir, and the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons. He was also an avid amateur photographer with a special interest in birds. William J. Fry ’67, Mt. Gretna, Pa., May 5, 2020. In 1968, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served three years in army intelligence, an experience that led to a career as an investigator. After being discharged in 1971, he accepted a position with the newly formed
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Pennsylvania Crime Commission and spent the next 18 years investigating organized-crime figures. In the Casey administration he was appointed inspector general for the Department of General Services. Jeff also served as executive director of the Lancaster Crime Commission from 2000 to 2002. In retirement he had a private investigative business. When not on the farm, Jeff enjoyed fly-fishing and hiking. For many years he went deer hunting with friends at a camp in Eagles Mere, Pa. Always most important to him was spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Karen Smith ’66 Fry.
1968
Russell Schantz Jr. ’68, Jan. 8, 2021. He entered the U.S. Army, graduating from Officer Candidate School, and served his country honorably for four years. He then worked with Tennant Co. in various capacities for 38 years before retiring in 2012. Russell was a faithful and loyal servant to the Lutheran Church all his life — particularly to his home church, Our Savior Lutheran Church & Academy in Nashville, Tenn. Linda Wales ’68 Sentz, York, Pa., Dec. 6, 2020. Linda was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, cousin and friend. Her kind heart, generous spirit and welcoming smile will be missed by many.
1969
Richard Grey ’69, Brevard, North Carolina, Oct. 28, 2021. It was at Susquehanna where Richard met and proposed to Janet Fowler ’68, who went on to become his loving wife of 52 years. His positions in corporate business led him and his family to New York, New Jersey and Illinois, but perhaps his most rewarding move was
to the mountains of North Carolina, where he and Janet purchased a small manufacturing business. They sought to serve the needs of customers and reward the work and dedication of employees, and operating the business became one of the most fulfilling experiences of Richard and Janet’s journey together. Richard also served as a volunteer firefighter for 15 years, and was honored to attain the position of chief. His two main hobbies were model railroading and golf, with his most memorable golf experience playing several of the most revered courses in Scotland. He died peacefully after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Richard and Janet have two beloved daughters and three cherished grandchildren.
1970
Kent Hoffman ’70, Millsboro, Del., May 26, 2020. Kent spent his childhood days as a camper and counselor at Shaw-Mi-Del-Eca in West Virginia. He ran the camp radio station and loved to hike and tube down the Greenbriar River. He was an avid physicist, was the chairman of the Medical Technology Policy Committee in Washington D.C., and served as the executive vice president of research, development and regulatory affairs for BioniCare Medical Technologies, Inc. Kent had eight patents and was in the process of working on a new project that would identify disease within the eye. After Kent’s retirement from BioniCare, he and Nancy moved to Delaware in 2010. They spent their last 10 years traveling, exploring trails, and visiting with family and friends. Kent took extreme pride in his seven grandchildren, whom he would take on bike rides and nature walks. Linda Berruti ’70 Lust, Chincoteague Island, Va., Sept. 9, 2020. She was a very devoted member of Saint Andrew
DEATHS the Apostle Catholic Church and participated in Lenten Soup Suppers. She supported the annual Freedom Fighters Hunting Activity by preparing food for the veterans. She was one of the founding members of Hearts and Friends Foundation, whose mission was to assist local people with extraordinary medical expenses. She was an active member of Chincoteague Kiwanis Club. She was a very dedicated social worker who dedicated her whole life to helping troubled youth and their families. She will always be remembered for her love of cooking and feeding her family, friends and community. Linda had a magical ability to see the good in people and loved everyone. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Lust ’74. Kenne Alma Miller ’70, Annapolis, Md., Dec. 13, 2019. Charles Reidell ’70, Mifflinburg, Pa., Oct. 23, 2019. He played pro baseball for the New York Yankees for six years. “Skeet” was employed as a teacher at Mifflinburg High School for many years, where he coached football, baseball and basketball, and was yearbook advisor for 20 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, art and especially spending time with family. He was a member of the Lewisburg Alliance Church, where he served on the Board of Elders, Governing Board, was a Sunday school teacher, and played harmonica on the praise and worship team. He was a proud founder of the Mifflinburg Area Community Scholarship Trust.
1971
Albin Blom ’71, Westfield, N.J., Nov. 4, 2019. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. While he was there, his mission was to train the South Vietnamese Army officers, for which he earned a Bronze Star. After
returning from the war, Al finished up his bachelor’s degree in business at Susquehanna University. He started working for Dun and Bradstreet as a salesman, which is where he met his future wife, Marilyn Mannino. They spent 44 years together and enjoyed going to the Jersey Shore, particularly Avalon, in their free time. Linda Mauk ’71 Hoover, Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 18, 2020. She retired from the Harrisburg School District, where she was a music teacher. Linda enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, teaching piano, playing bingo and shopping for sales. She loved all animals. Alumna survivor is her son, Daniel Hoover ’07. Gregory Reppa ’71, Norristown, Pa., Feb. 3, 2020. He served in the Army National Guard from 1971 to 1977. For most of his career, he worked for Synthane-Taylor in Oaks, Pa., as a salesman, then as product manager. He also worked as a salesman for General Technical Plastics and Custom Materials. Greg was a horse-racing enthusiast, avid golfer and former board member of Phoenixville Country Club. Alumnus survivor is his nephew, Theodore Maack ’91.
1972
Robert Harris ’72, Danville, Pa., Oct. 16, 2020. At Central Columbia High School, where he enjoyed basketball and baseball, one of his most rewarding accomplishments was pitching a perfect game his senior year. He was a successful “leftie” pitcher throughout his younger years, including the time spent with the Baltimore Orioles farm club. After Susquehanna University, he pursued seminary training at Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, and received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from University of Chicago. His professional
career began as a teacher at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, S.C. He then served as campus chaplain at Thiel University and also pastored several Lutheran churches in western Pennsylvania. He was a professor for 15 years at Mercyhurst University in the town of North East, Pa. Bob’s vocation might have been preaching and teaching, but his passion was fly-fishing. He was an instructor in Trout Unlimited and Federation of Fly Fishers, an avid artificial fly-tyer, and amassed an extensive fly-fishing library. Bradley Lord ’72, Hummelstown, Pa., Aug. 1, 2020. He had worked as an insurance risk control consultant. Wade D. Sayer ’72, East Sandwich, Mass., June 22, 2020. He joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War from 1968–69. After graduating from Susquehanna, he received a master’s degree in political science from Case Western Reserve University. He met his future wife, Anne Mackenzie, in Washington, D.C., in 1969, and that August they attended the Woodstock Festival of Peace and Love. They appeared on the Today Show’s 50th anniversary of that event. Wade was director of the Hartford Private Industry Council and a vice president of the National Alliance of Business, where he worked on job training issues. In the 1980s, he became convinced that public schools should be using technology as a teaching tool. He became director of the School Technology Council in Washington, D.C., and provided consulting to many public school systems.
1973
Donald Jacke ’73, Roxbury, N.J., April 5, 2019. He worked as a computer programmer in the telecom industry and became an accomplished pianist.
David Sieklicki ’73, Mountain Top, Pa., March 25, 2021. Dave enrolled at Hobart Welding School in Ohio and then followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a member of the Boilermakers Local 13. He was employed as a union welder for more than 40 years, where he was nicknamed “The Big Kahuna.” Dave was a big man with an even bigger heart. He will always be remembered for his sweet smile, big hugs and joyful laugh. Dave loved music, playing the guitar, fishing and most of all golfing with his father. He was very handy, could fix almost anything, and enjoyed tinkering around in his garage. By far, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife, children and especially his grandson. Thomas Sliker ’73, Sandy Hook, Conn., Oct. 25, 2020. He received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He later served as executive vice president at the former Pechiney World Trade, now CellMark USA, LLC for many years before his retirement in March 2017, where he built many lasting friendships. He was a true fan and supporter of both the N.Y. Yankees and the N.Y. Giants sports teams and also found great enjoyment golfing with his friends and family. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend of many, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Stephen Stupp ’73, Leesport, Pa., Sept. 30, 2020. He was a chemist and owned and operated APT Labs, Wyomissing, Pa.
1974
Robert C. Kessler ’74, Verona, N.J., March 7, 2020. A career human resources professional, he was a voice of reason to those around him and embodied his company’s commitment to protecting the dignity of its employees. He served
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DEATHS as president of the America East News Summit and ran its annual conference for several years. Later in his career, he was the director of human resources with Flexi-Van Leasing in Kenilworth, N.J. He was an avid reader of history and business. His hobbies included skiing, amateur photography and professional grandparenting. Throughout his life, he never missed an opportunity to help those around him, caring for his parents and in-laws, and volunteering with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, St. Ann’s Elementary School and other organizations. His storytelling was unrivaled. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Giuliano ’76 Kessler.
1975
Dirk Dana ’75, Owings Mills, Md., July 16, 2020. Dirk worked at the Social Security Administration for 32 years, until his early retirement in 2012. He excelled at his job, receiving many recurring awards and commendations from work supervisors for efficiently dealing with all the regular issues, as well as tactfully handling more difficult circumstances. Kathleen Kiley ’75, Ennice, N.C., Jan. 18, 2021.
1976
Gill Redpath ’76, Evans, Ga., Aug. 27, 2020. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna, he received two master’s degrees from Augusta State University — one in counselor education and the other in educational leadership. Gill arrived in Augusta, Ga., in 1990 after accepting a job at Augusta Prep, where he worked in development, marketing and admissions. He had previously taught at St. Edward’s School in Vero Beach,
Fla. From Augusta Prep, he joined the faculty at Westminster School, where he taught English. Underpinning every aspect of his life was a deep and abiding faith. He was an active member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church.
1977
Shirley Swartz ’77, Lewisburg, Pa., Jan. 11, 2021. She earned an associate degree in business management at Susquehanna and a bachelor’s degree in business from Bloomsburg University in 1971. She worked for Moore’s Business Forms in Lewisburg for 27 years in the accounting department, then for West Milton Bank for 14 years. She later worked for Tressler Lutheran Services for six years and finally for Boscov’s, Hummels Wharf, for four years before retiring. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Lewisburg, where she was a member of the board of directors and served as the treasurer. Shirley enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques and walking and riding her bicycle with her father.
1978
James Bailoni ’78, Mount Carmel, Pa., July 2, 2020. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and later worked for the Department of Taxation in Sunbury and as a school auditor for the State of Pennsylvania. Judith Rile ’78, Pottsville, Pa., July 12, 2020. Judith was the associate director of financial aid and professor at Penn State Berks. She also served as the advisor of the Bowling Team, taught FYS courses, taught in the O-LEAD Program and was the lead Veterans Certifying Official for the campus. Most recently, she proudly accepted a position as an adjunct professor at Susquehanna University. She received her bachelor’s
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degree in political science from SU, master’s degree in business administration from West Chester University and her doctorate in leadership in higher education from Widener University. She was an advisor for Sigma Kappa at Susquehanna. She also was a PIAA swimming official and coached swim programs in her early adulthood in Schuylkill County. Judith was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville. She served on church council, taught educational courses, sang in the choir and was on several committees. Alumnus survivor is Peter Rile ’81.
accomplished artist, working with oil paint and other various mediums. Some of his work can be found on phillipcompton.com. He also worked as a piano teacher and organist, teaching music and touching the lives of his many students. In addition to teaching piano, he was also an accomplished musician. He was an organist at the Episcopal Church of Bangor in Caernarvon. Phillip was invited on three separate occasions to conduct Christmas choral music in the East Room of the White House for the president’s specially invited guests.
1979
1982
David Thomas ’79, Houma, La., Feb. 27, 2021. Upon graduating from Susquehanna University, he joined the U.S. Navy and was an air traffic controller for four years on Coronado Island in California, earning the National Defense Service Medal. He enjoyed his job as an accountant later in life. Growing up, he was a member of Dreisbach Church in Lewisburg. David was an avid reader and had an encyclopedic memory. He was a quick source of information — better than Google or Alexa! His knowledge of the world was extensive. He enjoyed the Philadelphia Phillies and he believed in Big Foot, always generating a good conversation. David will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity and kindness to everyone.
1980
Gary Benkert ’80, Great Neck, N.Y., Feb. 29, 2020. Phillip Compton ’80, Reading, Pa., Nov. 9, 2020. Phillip received his bachelor’s degree in music history from Susquehanna and his master’s degree from Temple University. He was an
William H. Weiser ’82, Robesonia, Pa., Feb. 18, 2021. He was a graduate of Susquehanna University and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Pastor Bill’s first call was to Christ’s United Lutheran Church in Millmont, Pa. Since 1995 he faithfully and joyfully served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia. He dedicated his life to serving God through the church, the community and his family. Alumni survivors are his wife, Gwen Hammaker ’83 Weiser, daughter, Sarah Weiser ’10 McGrory and son-in-law, Colin McGrory ’10.
1983
Karen Janeski ’83 Sauer, Bayville, N.J., Oct. 4, 2020. Karen was born in Bloomfield, N.J., and raised her family in Long Valley, N.J., before finally settling to her beach house. Her interests were cooking, real estate, changing careers and, most of all, spending time with family. She had an incredible zest for life, was always up for an adventure, and made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She is survived by her husband of 34 years,
DEATHS Eric ’82, and her two daughters, Rachel ’14 and Ashley.
1985
Deirdre Monroe ’85 Lempert, Auburn, Wash., Feb. 23, 2021. Alumnus survivor is her husband, Thomas Lempert ’84. Christopher Thorsheim ’85, Manalapan N.J., March 31, 2021. After receiving a B.S. in management and finance from Susquehanna, Chris earned his MBA in finance from NYU Stern School of Business. He was an accomplished investor relations professional, managing large institutional client relationships his entire career. Chris was an accomplished college soccer player who transferred that skill into coaching and inspiring countless kids, including his own. He brought a balance of competitiveness and pure joy to youth coaching and, in recognition of those contributions, he was awarded New Jersey’s Youth Soccer Coach of the Year. Grounded from business travel by the pandemic, he made the most of the freedom to ride bike or hike every day, including cross country trips. The absolute centerpiece of his world was his wife, Lori, and their children. His loved ones are seeking peace from this enormous loss by knowing that Chris truly lived life to the fullest. Alumna survivor is his daughter Jennifer Thorsheim ’18.
1990
Tracey Glessner ’90, Enola, Pa., Aug. 26, 2020. She last worked at Delta Dental in Mechanicsburg as a customer service representative and previously held the same position at Novitas Solutions in Mechanicsburg. Tracey spent her leisure time traveling, doing puzzles and playing games. She was a fan of scary
movies and stories, the Grateful Dead and an even more enthusiastic fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. She was smart and enjoyed reading. While she liked dining out, Tracey was known to be a great lasagna cook, and her deviled eggs were a staple at every get-together. She loved animals, particularly cats. She was outgoing and a friend to everyone she met. She found great joy in time spent with her friends and beloved family, who will miss her dearly.
1993
William Rice ’93, Catawissa, Pa., March 4, 2021. William was a member of Elysburg Masonic Lodge 349, Williamsport Consistory and Berwick Bloomsburg R.A.C. His hobbies were doing research on trains, mainly steam trains, and Civil War History. Alumni survivors are his sister Roberta Rice ’90 Pickering and brother-in-law Robert Pickering ’91. Craig Znotens ’93, Landenberg, Pa., April 9, 2020. Craig was an accountant at BNY Mellon Bank in Wilmington, Del. He was an avid Philadelphia sports team fan, especially the Phillies and Eagles. He enjoyed brewing his own beer and eating German food; he was an excellent cook. He also enjoyed collecting train sets and going to the beach.
1994
Andrea Hughey ’94, Williamsport, Pa., March 5, 2021. An attendee of Williamsport Area School District, she broadcasted her musical talents in the Williamsport High School Strolling strings and graduated in 1990. Ande graduated from Susquehanna in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in business with a finance concentration. She was an accomplished youth bowler, qualifying for and bowling in a WNEP-TV
youth tournament. Andrea was very involved in Little League, starting at about age 9 in the Old Lycoming softball divisions. Along the way, she developed scores of lifetime friends, highlighted by being a part of the 1987 team that qualified for the Little League World Series. Always grateful for her Little League experience, she was a volunteer board member of the Williamsport Area Little League.
1997
Frank Demarco ’97, Wyckoff, N.J., Jan. 21, 2020. He was a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City. He was executive chef, food quality and production, with Babeth’s Feast Company in New York, which was a retail and online preparer of healthy gourmet foods. Alumna survivor is his cousin Deborah McAllister ’89 O’Donovan.
2005
Alan John Burleson ’05, Camp Hill, Pa., July 14, 2019. He enjoyed his jobs at Super Pets and Amazon as well as the several banks he worked for, including Metro Bank, FNB and Members First. Alan was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Camp Hill, Yellow Breeches Anglers and Conservation Association and the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association. He was an avid collector of watches, hats and shoes, and had many of each. He loved the water, whether swimming or fishing. Alan had an extraordinary talent, often catching fish when no one else was. He was always concerned about the environment when out on the creeks and streams. Jessica Fogas ’05 Diehl, Mechanicsburg, Pa., March 9, 2020. Jessica was a self-employed marketing specialist and had previously held marketing positions
with several companies. She was blessed with a wide group of loving friends and family. Jessica will be missed by all who knew and loved her for her kindness, humor and love of life. Her spirit will now live in both worlds.
2006
Jonathan Dillon ’06, Wellsboro, Pa., March 12, 2021. Jon grew up in the PA Grand Canyon, working for his family’s business, Pine Creek Outfitters, Inc., which he took ownership of after graduating from Susquehanna University with a degree in history. He fell in love and married his wife Amanda (Tuttle) and had two daughters, Eliana, age 9, and Lylah, age 7. An avid outdoorsman, Jon spent much of his time exploring — hiking, boating, mountain biking and teaching his daughters to appreciate the outdoors. Jon loved reading and was a gifted musician, mastering the guitar, banjo, mandolin, kick drum, harmonica and the digeridoo. Often you could find him playing several instruments at the same time. Jon was known for his warm smile, funny shenanigans, big hugs and deep conversations. His kind spirit will forever bless the waters and trails of Pine Creek. Alumna survivor is his sister Alison Dillon ’04 Diehl.
2008
Angelo Peter Meloni ’08, Beavertown, Pa., Dec. 17, 2020. At the time of his death, he was employed by Weis Markets in the transportation department. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid gun enthusiast and NRA member, and enjoyed Civil War and WWII reenacting. He was a gentle giant and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him.
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DEATHS
2014
Jamie Sciandra ’14 Sauer, Coatesville, Pa., Jan. 3, 2021. Jamie’s love and gift of writing was most wholeheartedly known in the affirmations that she expressed to her family, friends and especially her students. She possessed amazing qualities and embodied the beauty that she wanted others to see in themselves: a radiating spirit, a contagious smile, inspiring ambitions, fearlessness and bravery in all her endeavors, and poise in times of reflection. Jamie was entirely giving of herself to support and care for others. She graduated from Susquehanna with a B.A. in creative writing and secondary education. She was working toward
her master’s degree. Jamie previously taught in the Coatesville Area School District, from which she graduated in 2010, and was teaching most recently in the Marple Newtown School District at Paxon Hollow Middle School.
2019
Keith Gehman ’19, Elverson, Pa., Jan. 28, 2021. Keith devoted the last several years of his life to serving local communities. After attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, he went on to become a volunteer firefighter in his hometown and with the Dauntless Hook & Ladder Co. near SU’s campus. After college, he pursued further training as a first responder. In June 2020, he was
selected from a pool of over 400 applicants to attend the Loudoun County Fire & Rescue Academy. He successfully completed six months of rigorous training and graduated from the program as a firefighter/EMT on Jan. 4, 2021. Keith loved the outdoors and was always looking forward to his next opportunity to hike, camp and explore. He enjoyed learning about history, natural science and politics.
FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY Ethel Foor, Elizabethtown, Pa., Feb. 20, 2021. Many alumni will remember that Ethel worked in the alumni relations office for 26 years from 1974 to 2001,
when she retired. She enjoyed getting to know so many Susquehanna alumni, whether at Homecoming and other campus events or by being a friendly voice answering calls to the alumni office. She was an accomplished artist in many media, including oil, watercolor and encaustic painting; printmaking; and fiber art. Her artwork won awards in local competitions. Notably, she was accepted into a juried competition for “Artists of Pennsylvania” at Bucknell University for an encaustic landscape that was judged by Clement Greenburg, New York City artist and critic. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history with minors in art and French from Gettysburg College in 1958.
IN MEMORIAM STUDENT PATRICK JOSEPH LATSHA ’22 1999–2021 Patrick Joseph Latsha, 22, of 443 Elm Rd., Shamokin, passed away Oct. 2, 2021, while attending a fundraising event for the benefit of Transitions of PA, a nonprofit organization that hopes to provide resources for domestic abuse survivors. He passed surrounded by his friends, family and his fraternity brothers.
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2019, Patrick fought the good fight, stating that “cancer started this fight, but I will finish it.” He honored his word and leaped into remission, noted by friends and family as being too stubborn to be stopped by the disease.
Patrick was born at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on March 24, 1999, a son of Joe and Kathy Latsha and brother of Stephen Latsha of Irish Valley. He was a 2018 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, where he spent his time playing football for the Shamokin Indians alongside his coaches and teammates whom he loved. Every person Patrick met, he influenced with his bright smile and kind words.
According to Patrick, the toughest part of fighting cancer was seeing the pain in the faces of his family and friends, as he always worried about everyone else. Patrick was always a positive individual with a smile on his face, and a tough kid who would never let anything beat him — a true fighter in every sense of the word. Patrick showed this time and time again, whether it be for family, friends, brothers or teammates.
After graduation, Patrick enrolled in Penn State University Harrisburg and later transferred to Susquehanna University where he found his home. He was working to complete his education with a major in communications and had aspirations to be a sportscaster on professional networks and for professional teams. While at Susquehanna University, Patrick spent his time working his radio broadcast for WQSU, where he played his favorite songs and discussed sports in great detail, and served as chaplain for Phi Mu Delta Fraternity, where he focused on the betterment of his brotherhood.
Patrick is survived by his parents, Joseph and Kathy Latsha, his brothers Stephen and Joey, his grandmothers Ann Latsha and Carole Oxenrider, his Aunt Pat Lawler, his cousins Michelle and her husband, Harvey; Nicholas and his wife, Rita; Michael and his wife, Shanelle; Robert; and Daniel. He is also survived by his Aunt Patti and her husband, Ron, his Aunt Cathy and his Uncle Steve, his countless friends, his fraternity brothers, his girlfriend, Kayla Borrelli, and his two cats, Marley and Lucky (aka “Mash”). He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, Robert Latsha and Lawrence Quinn, and his aunt Helen Marciniek.
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IN MEMORIAM PROFESSORS ROBERT “BOB” L. BRADFORD 1935–2020 Robert “Bob” Bradford, professor emeritus of political science, died Dec. 25, 2020. He was 85. Bob was born Jan. 30, 1935. After graduating high school in Burlington, N.J., in 1953, he received his undergraduate degree from Colgate University in 1957 and earned his doctoral degree in political science– international relations from Yale Graduate School in 1965. Bob joined the faculty at Susquehanna in 1963 as chair of the Department of Political Science. He served in this capacity for 30 years, during which time he also organized and administered the Oxford University and adult continuing education travel programs in England for many years. After a sabbatical year teaching at Cuttington University in Liberia in 1969–70, he administered undergraduate travel abroad semesters there during the 1980s. Our condolences are sent to Bob’s wife, Carol; son Geoffrey and his wife, Kathryn; son Richard and his wife, Kristin; and grandsons Benjamin and Ian.
THEODORE “TED” CHAPPEN 1956–2020 Theodore “Ted” Chappen, who taught in the Department of Philosophy at Susquehanna for more than 20 years, died Sept. 17, 2020. He was 64. Ted was born April 2, 1956, in Scranton. He was a 1974 graduate of Scranton Central High School where he served as senior class president. He graduated from Bucknell University in 1978 and received his master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago. Ted joined the faculty at Susquehanna as an adjunct member in 1994. He served as a full-time visiting lecturer for one year in 2008, and then returned to adjunct teaching through 2016. He also taught at The University of Chicago, Lycoming College and Penn College. Ted is survived by his wife, Dr. Margaret Chappen, of New Berlin; daughter Eleni Chappen and her husband, David Cordero, of Illinois; son Jack Chappen and partner, Michelle Merica, of Maine; mother, Juana Chappen, of Florida; and sister Pamela Oren and her husband, Dr. Jess Oren, of Catawissa.
MARK FERTIG 1972–2021 Mark Fertig, department chair and professor of art and design, died in April 2021 after battling a prolonged illness like the fighter he was. He was 48. Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in fine art from Shepherd University in 1994, and his master’s in fine art from East Tennessee State University in
1997. In 1999, he married Josie, director of design and digital marketing at Susquehanna. When Mark joined the faculty at SU as an assistant professor in 2002, he was charged with a “simple” task: create a new major. Mark was named chair of the Department of Art and Design in 2005, promoted to associate professor in 2008 and earned full professor status in 2018. Also in 2018, Mark was instrumental in adding the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design to the department’s offerings. Mark was an award-winning designer in his own right. His designs received honors from countless magazines and organizations. His clients included National Geographic, TLC, National Public Radio, The World Wildlife Fund, The Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, the AARP and countless airlines. Mark also authored three books within six years: Film Noir 101: The 101 Best Film Noir Posters; Take That Adolf! The Fighting Comic Books of the Second World War; and recently released Hang ‘Em High: 110 Years of Western Movie Posters, 1911-2020. Mark is the only faculty member to date to receive all three of Susquehanna’s faculty awards. In 2015, he was honored with the Susquehanna University Teaching Award, and in 2017, he was awarded the John C. Horn Distinguished Service Lectureship, in recognition for his leadership, his skill as a teacher, his rich record of institutional service and his impressive professional résumé as both a practitioner and a scholar. In 2021, he was posthumously awarded the Lawrence A. Lemons Distinguished Advising Award in recognition of his skill as an advisor and mentor to his student advisees. Mark’s sense of community, his ability to inspire excellence and his service to the university are the ideals on which Susquehanna was founded. He will be dearly missed among the faculty who respected him and the students and alumni who were inspired by him. Mark is survived by his wife, Josie, and their daughters, Madeleine (Maddy) and Berkeley. A competitive award has been established in Mark’s name for second-year graphic design students. The prize is intended to aid design students with the core expenses often incurred as they “launch themselves” and establish their careers. Contributions can be made at susqu.edu/FertigMemorialGift.
ROBERT “BOB” NYLUND 1937–2021 Robert “Bob” Nylund, emeritus professor of chemistry, died Aug. 14, 2021. He was 84. Bob was born May 12, 1937, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 1960 and his doctoral degree from the State University of Iowa in 1964.
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IN MEMORIAM Bob joined the faculty at Susquehanna in 1964 and taught for 35 years, during which time he was awarded multiple research grants from the National Science Foundation. Bob retired from Susquehanna in 1999, though he and his wife, Helen, were often seen attending events on campus over the years. Bob is survived by his wife, Helen; his children, David Nylund and wife, Christine; Christine Kolz and husband, Peter; and Jim Nylund; and several grandchildren.
CYRIL M. STRETANSKY 1935–2021 Cyril M. Stretansky, emeritus director of choral activities at Susquehanna University and distinguished namesake of Stretansky Concert Hall, died on Sunday, June 13, 2021. He was 86. A native of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Cy was born June 4, 1935. He graduated from Mansfield University in 1957, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education and was later named a member of the music department’s honor roll of distinguished graduates. Cy went on to earn his Master of Music Education from Temple University. He also studied at the Meadowbrook School of Oakland University and at Cambridge University in England. In 1999, he studied the interpretation of the Gregorian chant at the Benedictine Monastery of the St. Pierre in Solesmes, France. Cy came to Susquehanna in 1972 and retired as professor of music and director of choral activities in 2008. During his tenure at Susquehanna, his choirs recorded 18 volumes of choral literature. In 1987, Cy was awarded the John C. Horn Award for distinguished scholarship and service to the university. Cy’s legacy and dedication to his students and the university are memorialized with The Cyril M. Stretansky Distinguished Professorship in Choral Music, endowed in 2001, and the Stretansky Concert Hall, dedicated in 2003. Cy served as a guest conductor, choral clinician, adjudicator and baritone soloist in 14 states, Canada, Mexico, France and Italy. He served several years as artistic director and principal conductor of the International Music Festival in Italy, conducting massed festival choirs at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Cathedral of Florence, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and the Cathedral of Milan. In this capacity he conducted a Radio Free Europe broadcast from the Vatican. Cy also conducted massed choral performances at the ancient cathedral of Mexico City and the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. In 2000, he was invited to join the faculty of the Assisi Music Festival, where he also served as baritone soloist and church cantor. Cy also served as guest conductor for the Performing Arts Institute of Wyoming Seminary in 2003-07.
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TRIBUTE CONCERT CELEBRATING THE LIFE & LEGACY OF CYRIL STRETANSKY Saturday, May 7, 2022 7:30 p.m. Weber Chapel Auditorium Fauré Requiem and other pieces Rehearsal at 1:30 p.m. (for all alumni who wish to sing) Performance at 7:30 p.m. RSVP your intent to participate at susqu.edu/stretansky
Cy served for 24 years as music director and conductor of the Susquehanna Valley Chorale and the Orchestra of the Susquehanna Valley Chorale. During this time, he conducted more than 70 major choral works scored for soloists and chorus with orchestra. Among his many honors, Cy was recognized by the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania as the ninth recipient of the prestigious Elaine Brown Award for distinguished artistic leadership and choral conducting excellence, was a national arts associate of the national professional music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, and held a citation of excellence from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association for excellence in higher education teaching. Susquehanna extends heartfelt sympathy to Cy’s wife, Lee, who survives.
IN MEMORIAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOHN A. CARPENTER 1933–2021
ROBERT L. “BOB” GRONLUND 1942–2021
John A. Carpenter, emeritus member of Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees, died Feb. 17, 2021. He was 87.
Robert L. “Bob” Gronlund, former member of Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees, died March 25, 2021. He was 79.
Born in 1933, John graduated from Sunbury High School in 1951, and went on to attend Pennsylvania State University. His active involvement in campus life led to him being named “Mr. Penn State” by the student body, an award that was never before and never again given. After graduating in 1955, he entered the University of Pennsylvania Law School. His legal studies were interrupted by service in the U.S. Army, after which he returned to law school and graduated in 1958.
Bob joined Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees in 2004 and served faithfully until his retirement in 2019. Over the years, Bob and his wife, DeOnne “DeDe,” supported Susquehanna via gifts for the Natural Sciences Center and the university’s admission building. In addition to Susquehanna, Bob served other organizations in the central Susquehanna Valley, including Evangelical Community Hospital, Capital Blue Cross, SUN Home Health Services and Evangelical Ambulatory Surgical Center.
The Carpenter family’s legacy at Susquehanna dates back three generations and more than 100 years. John’s grandfather and father both graduated from Susquehanna and went on to serve on its governing board. In 1974, John was elected to Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees. Working alongside five university presidents, John’s time as solicitor was diverse and complicated. The university grew in size and complexity, building dormitories and academic buildings on grounds it acquired. The university also faced some unusual legal challenges during John’s tenure that required not only his expert, but wise counsel. The Carpenter family’s legacy endures at Susquehanna through the students they support through their endowed Carpenter Scholarship, established in 1987. In 2018, John’s tireless commitments to Susquehanna were recognized with the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. We extend our sincere condolences to John’s family. He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 63 years, his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Jeffrey P. and Dr. Judith T. Carpenter; daughter Elizabeth Carpenter, and her husband, Christopher Gallego, and daughter Susan, and her husband, Thomas Hunter; and several grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
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IN MEMORIAM FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY LUCILLE M. GROFF ARTHUR 1933–2021 Lucille M. Groff Arthur, philanthropist and longtime devoted friend and supporter of Susquehanna University, passed away June 5, 2021, in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Mabel Groff, and her husband, Douglas E. Arthur, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2006. Lucille was born and raised in the Harrisburg area and graduated from John Harris High School. She worked at Nationwide Insurance, where she met Doug and supported him throughout his career with moves that took them to Western Pennsylvania before returning to the Harrisburg area. Lucille and Doug were civic-minded persons who were deeply committed to service to others. They lived modestly, invested well and gave generously throughout their lives. Lucille continued this legacy and built upon it powerfully through gifts to Susquehanna University, which was Doug’s alma mater. In 1987, Lucille and Doug endowed the Douglas ’49 and Lucille Arthur Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund was an expression of their shared commitment and belief that a Susquehanna education is the best way to prepare students for lives of leadership, achievement and service. Lucille and Doug both found deep meaning in becoming acquainted with the Arthur Scholarship recipients, and these students came to understand that Lucille and Doug took a genuine interest in their lives, in supporting them as students and by following their careers after they graduated. Lucille conscientiously clipped newspaper articles about the Arthur Scholars and other members of the Susquehanna University community and sent them along with thoughtful notes of recognition and encouragement. Lucille strongly supported Doug’s devotion to Susquehanna University and they both became beloved and valued members of the Susquehanna family. They were major donors over the past 30 years through gifts that improved facilities, strengthened programs, helped students and brought recognition to others. In 2004, Doug wanted to buy Lucille a new Cadillac for her birthday. She declined his kindness, saying she didn’t need a new car. Instead, as a continuation of Doug’s steadfast commitment to the university, she proposed that they make a gift to create a permanent addition to the Susquehanna campus — one designed to recognize and encourage fellow graduates to further support their alma mater. Lucille’s generous suggestion gave life in 2006 to the Douglas E. Arthur Plaza, located at the front of the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center, which recognizes members of the Susquehanna Society — those whose lifetime contributions to the university exceed $1 million.
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In 2013, Lucille received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters conferred in recognition of her commitment to making a difference in the lives of Susquehanna students. Lucille continued to live and teach by example. In 2018, she made a $10 million gift commitment to Susquehanna. As a tribute for the Arthurs’ cumulative gifts, the university named its athletic stadium the Doug Arthur Stadium. A former Susquehanna football player, Doug played for the legendary father-son coaching team of Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr. and Jr. The legacies of Lucille Arthur and her late husband, Doug, will work in perpetuity to ensure a high-quality educational experience for Susquehanna students. Lucille went far beyond providing financial gifts; she shared her heart with a place that is much stronger and better for having the Arthurs as part of the Susquehanna family. A celebration and remembrance of Lucille were held during Homecoming at Susquehanna in October 2021. Susquehanna wishes to thank the staff of Nottingham Village and particularly Heather Court for their excellent care of Lucille. In addition, the university would like to recognize the efforts of Sara Kirkland, former executive vice president, and Mary Muolo, former director of donor relations and stewardship, in easing Lucille’s path in her later years. Contributions may be made to the Douglas E. and Lucille Arthur Scholarship Fund, Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1025.
JOHN KIRKLAND 1939–2020 John Kirkland died at his home in Columbia, South Carolina, on Aug. 11, 2020. John was the husband of Sara Kirkland, who served as Susquehanna’s vice president for university relations before serving as interim president in 2000–01. Sara retired from Susquehanna in 2014 as executive vice president. John was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He earned his undergraduate degree from King College, followed by his master’s and doctorate in history from Duke University. In 1965, he joined the faculty at Bucknell University, where he served as chair of the Department of History and was on the editorial board of Bucknell University Press and the Human Studies Journal before retiring in 2007. When he wasn’t teaching, he loved reading, writing poetry, classical and contemporary music, tennis, golf and European travel, especially to his beloved Paris.
IN MEMORIAM At his core was his love for his wife and children. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sara; daughter Kimberly Kirkland and her husband, Randolph Reis; grandsons Evan and Liam Kirkland Grennon; and other family members. John’s son, Erik Kirkland, died on active duty in a Marine helicopter crash in 1996. We extend our sincere sympathy to Sara and her family during this time of loss. Gifts in John’s memory may be made to the Erik Kirkland Memorial Scholarship at Susquehanna University, c/o Development Office, 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, PA 17870.
FLORENCE PUTTERMAN 1927–2021
Her paintings and prints are displayed in many museums and corporate collections around the country, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Brooklyn Museum, New York; Chicago Art Institute, Chicago; and Jacksonville Museum, Polk Museum and Gulf Coast Museum in Florida. Her work is also included in the U.S. State Department Art in Embassies Program, which has placed her work in U.S. embassies around the world. Florence exhibited extensively throughout the U.S. with hundreds of solo and group exhibitions. The Florence and Saul Putterman Fund for the Visual Arts was established in 1986 by Florence and her husband, who was a member of Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees, to promote education and professional development opportunities for artists.
Florence Putterman, who along with her husband established the Florence and Saul Putterman Fund for the Visual Arts at Susquehanna, died Aug. 5, 2021, in Sarasota, Florida. She was 94.
In 2017, Florence donated 1,630 pieces of her artwork to be held in Susquehanna’s Cunningham Center for Music and Art. Some of Florence’s pieces are permanently displayed in Weber Chapel, Selinsgrove Hall and the Cunningham Center for Music and Art.
Florence was born April 14, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. A leading woman artist with groundbreaking explorations of abstract art, she had a career spanning more than 50 years.
Florence taught in Susquehanna’s Department of Art for many years as an adjunct and in her later years invited students to her home to tour her studio and provide sound advice to budding artists.
Florence earned her bachelor’s degree from New York University in 1947 and began her art career at midlife. She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Pennsylvania State University in 1973 and went on to receive the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award. She later received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
We extend our sincere sympathies to Florence’s family. She is survived by her sons, Lawrence and Joel, and their spouses, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Saul.
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SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY FUND
You can continue this good work by making a gift today at
SUSQU.EDU/ MAKEAGIFT
Gifts made to the Susquehanna University Fund, also known as the annual fund, are eligible for immediate use and have a direct, tangible impact on the student experience. Everything — from student scholarships, academic departments and athletics teams to internship, research and study-away opportunities — benefits from our Susquehanna community’s support of the annual fund. This generosity has been vitally important throughout the pandemic, as it has allowed Susquehanna to be responsive to the world crisis and remain proactive in its mission of preparing students to become thoughtful leaders, critical thinkers and global citizens. Covid-19 has affected all of us, but your support of the annual fund throughout the pandemic ensured that our students were able to enjoy the full Susquehanna experience.
Thanks to annual fund support, Susquehanna students were able to: » Choose the method of study best for themselves —either at home or in-person — with enhanced hybrid teaching and learning tools » Reside on campus safely and comfortably thanks to improved health and safety measures » Complete remote internship, research and study-away opportunities
» Participate in time-honored SU traditions like Thanksgiving Dinner and SU SERVE » Return to athletic competition with healthy minds and strong bodies » Enjoy in-person commencement ceremonies for the Classes of 2020 and 2021
The generosity of our Susquehanna community made all of the above possible. Gifts made to the Susquehanna University Fund made a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and for that we are so grateful.
THANK YOU!
BRING BENNY HOME
plush
Bennys BennyS now available
GET YOURS TODAY FROM THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE — BEFORE THEY FLY OFF THE SHELVES.
NOW STREAMING … THE SU ALUMNI
SPEAKER SERIES …
SUSQUEHANNA ALUMNI ARE THOUGHTFUL LEADERS, CRITICAL THINKERS AND GLOBAL CITIZENS, AND THEIR EXPERTISE SPANS COUNTLESS INDUSTRIES. Explore the vast range of knowledge and skills of our SU community by watching our alumni speaker series. The webinars include topics such as immuno-oncology, various learning styles and the U.S.-Afghanistan relationship, as well as how to research your ancestry, find the perfect food and wine pairings, create seasonal recipes and more!
SEE THE FULL SERIES AT
SUSQU.EDU/ALUMNISERIES
by monica prince
End Note BETTER
The tsunami of COVID-19 swept us all away. We locked our classrooms, sent everyone home, moved our instruction online. In the waves of fearful confusion, rampant misinformation, and yes, actual death—panic was easy. To abandon all hope of success under the guise
of TRADITION and PEDAGOGICAL TRAINING and I DON’T KNOW—that was easy. But the worshippers at the altar of liberal arts education bellowed, NO. FEAR NOT. We did not absorb hopelessness, did not wallow in a bed of unrelenting despair, did not walk wide-eyed into the ocean, our pockets full of stones stamped we tried. No. We pivoted. We redesigned. We changed. We did not shatter. This virus stretched its greedy limbs across every continent. In one hand, it crushed our loved ones; in the other, it shook our stability and time.
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But through it all, our students, chests clad in maroon and gold, chiseled a line in the concrete, bellowed:
love was no longer on the menu.
to achieve, lead, and serve.
They asked for fair. They asked for more. They asked for better.
But their resilience, their passion, their magic—
We will handle this.
no one taught them that. Why?
Our students are impressive. Grounded.
Our students are strength made flesh— Because they are. They are better.
not because they belong to anyone but themselves,
Sometimes, as their faculty and staff,
but because they return.
Bold. Better.
They persist.
we couldn’t honor every request— One who previously used she/her pronouns
They survive.
so pandemic taught them authority is inherently human. But being better means
They prosper.
grace—being better means forgiveness.
Liberal arts offers perspective on a world
A high achieving burnt out student who claimed he’d accepted
Maybe liberal arts education elevates us
one believes they already know, and here’s what we know now:
not sleeping if it meant a 4.0 last year
clean up the planet, save someone, even if it’s just ourselves.
Amidst all this hurt, this loss, this trembling uncertainty,
But this education is only as strong as its participants—
one thing remains constant— our students are better.
the staff that keep everything running, the faculty that teach
Not because they have to be—
now declares they/them in their email signature—that’s honest.
started asking for help this year, asked for accommodations he needed and deserved, all without shame—that’s brave. Pandemic exacerbated inequity. We watched our students attend class on smartphones and tablets, from closets and backseats, with broken cameras and iffy Wi-Fi. We cobbled together a difficult semester from the ashes of disparity—and that’s resilience. But how do we know our students are better? Pandemic taught them boundaries. So many summoned the courage to identify who truly supported them and who was simply
into believing we can change the world,
and mentor, and the students that absorb, synthesize, and apply their brilliance beyond our campus walls.
If we follow their example, we won’t either.
vibrating in our bone marrow.
We can’t forget abandonment, suffering, or broken trust.
Spontaneous bouts of raging tears, touch hunger turned starvation—
But we must practice forgiveness
it all still keeps us up at night.
by demanding justice, equity, and access.
Pandemic stole our health, our safety,
We must choose to be like our students— to be better.
our faith in certainty and tomorrow.
All of us.
But it didn’t take everything.
They left unfitting majors, toxic friendships,
Susquehanna provides our students
and abusive homes all because a virus proved
they won’t accept what used to work.
The anxiety, stress, and exhaustion
It cannot take everything.
A year gone, and they still choose better. When this is all over,
Yes, we know it’s not over.
distracting from their excellence.
but because they want to be.
Together.
with skills and language and tools
Monica Prince is assistant professor of English & creative writing.
to work, create, and succeed—excuse us,
See the video at susqu.edu/better.
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LOREEN WIMMER ’70 STOUT SHERMAN Though Susquehanna University had not been on her initial list of potential colleges, Loreen Wimmer ’70 Stout Sherman knew the afternoon that she first stepped foot on campus that she wanted to attend SU. Her student tour guide “was very enthusiastic about the university and quite friendly,” and Loreen recalls that everyone they passed on the tour stopped and said hello — a hallmark of campus culture that persists today. Loreen — known by friends and family as Lorie — counts the friendships she made at SU as one of the most important parts of her experience. Her relationships were shaped by both special and everyday occurrences: dinners in Seibert; the Christmas Candlelight Service; taking snacks to her sorority sister, who spent hours each night in the biology lab; and staying up all night to finish a Homecoming float. (Though that last one is a fond memory, Lorie says that she “will never again wish to make tissue paper flowers.”) Lorie was a history major and also took several courses in political science. It was the combination of history and politics that sparked a desire “to know and do more.” This led Lorie to Lehigh University, where she earned a master’s degree in government and a doctorate in educational administration. At SU, we are grateful that Lorie has chosen to create an endowed scholarship as part of her estate planning. The Loreen Wimmer ’70 Stout Scholarship Endowment will support students studying history or political science and who come to the university with limited financial resources. “I think it’s important to give back,” Lorie says. “If an educational institution, a specific organization, a charity, or an individual has impacted your life and has been transformative, one way to express appreciation and thanks is by giving back. If Susquehanna impacted your life and made a difference for you, consider giving back. Help the university make a difference in the lives of others. Help it be transformative.”
Visit SULEGACY.ORG for additional stories and free planning resources. If you have designated a planned gift to the university and would like your generosity to inspire others, contact us at CURTISJ@SUSQU.EDU or 570-372-4426.
SUMMER 2022
PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS for High School Students
LEARN. MAKE FRIENDS. SAMPLE COLLEGE LIFE. ALL AT SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY!
Do you know students who are curious and want to jump-start their college experience? Introduce them to SU through our immersive summer programs. They will enjoy a week on campus in rigorous and exciting workshops, making friends with students and mentors, plus they’ll build their college application résumés and experience campus life.
2022 SUMMER PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Ů PUBLISHING & EDITING Ů ACTOR’S INSTITUTE INSTITUTE Ů #GOMEDIA Ů STREAM ECOLOGY INSTITUTE Ů I-ENGINEER: CALLING Ů SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE ALL FUTURE ENGINEERS Ů LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Ů SUMMER WRITERS FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
WORKSHOP
Ů LEAP: LEADERSHIP 101
SEE MORE AT
susqu.edu/summer-programs 570-372-4451 | SUMMERPROGRAMS@SUSQU.EDU
514 University Ave. Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1164
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY