W&J Magazine Winter/Spring 2018 by Washington & Jefferson College

WINTER/SPRING 2018

Washington C O L L E G E

Jefferson M A G A Z I N E

d n e g Le Remembering A

Celebrated W&J quarterback, Dr. Charles West â&#x20AC;&#x2122;24, inducted into Rose Bowl Hall of Fame

Washington & Jefferson College Magazine WINTER/SPRING 2018 Editor SARAH DUDIK

Editorial Assistant TORY IRWIN

Director of Marketing and Communications ERIK K. RUETER

Contributors ERIN FAULK JONES ’08 SEAN KING KERRI DIGIOVANNI LACOCK ’09 KAYLA MADDEN

Designer JEFF VANIK, VANIK DESIGN LLC

Photographers ELLIOTT CRAMER MARTIN SANTEK

Printer FREEPORT PRESS

W&J Magazine, published twice a year by the Office of Communications, showcases alumni and campus news of interest to more than 20,000 alumni and friends of the College.

We want to hear from you Know of a good story we should tell? Need additional copies or back issues? Want to tell us what you thought of this magazine? Email wjmag@washjeff.edu or send a letter to: Editor, W&J Magazine Office of Communications Washington & Jefferson College 60 S. Lincoln Street Washington, PA 15301 If your contact information has changed, please let us know at alumni@washjeff.edu.

ON THE COVER: Charles West’s daughter, Linda West Nickens, poses outside of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with the other members of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame's Class of 2017 (from left).

“This recognition was an honor for Dr. West and the College, and I was proud to accompany his family to the Rose Bowl,” President John C. Knapp said. “He is not only part of W&J’s storied athletic tradition, his life exemplifies our longstanding commitment to academic excellence and community service. His dedication and integrity are still an inspiration to our students.”

Washington C O L L E G E

Jefferson M A G A Z I N E

WINTER/SPRING 2018

W&J IN EVERY ISSUE

1 Presidential Perspectives 3 News Enterprising interns Library renovations moving forward

23 Sports

Football's triumphant fall season

Michael Nickens, West's grandson, Linda West Nickens, West's daughter, and President John C. Knapp, Ph. D., at Cameron Stadium.

W&J FEATURES

13 16 20

27 Alumni

Homecoming 2017

Alumni award winners recognized

32 Class Notes

Giving Back Presidents demonstrate generosity with life-saving donations

Speeding Ahead Zac Talmadge ’10 merges his passions for running and charitable giving

Remembering a Legend Dr. Charles “Pruner” West ’24 inducted into Rose Bowl Hall of Fame

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PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES Dear W&J Alumni and Friends, The three men on the cover of this issue are known by many for their achievements on the football gridiron. But do you recognize the woman standing alongside them? The occasion for this photo was the 2018 Rose Bowl, where the four honorees inducted into the Hall of Fame included the late Dr. Charles “Pruner” West, a W&J alumnus who was represented at the ceremony by his daughter, Linda West Nickens. Charlie West quarterbacked the W&J team in the 1922 Rose Bowl game against the University of California Golden Bears. The game ended in a scoreless tie, and Dr. West made history as the first African-American quarterback to play in a major college bowl game. Though he was a two-sport athlete who qualified for the U.S. Olympic team in track and field, his daughter emphasized that he was most proud of his service to his community throughout a long career as a physician in Alexandria, Va. Dr. West’s remarkable story, which captured the attention of the nation’s news media in January, is emblematic of the time-honored values of our College as a place where students not only excel in preparation for successful careers, but also learn to serve others as responsible citizens. This was the mission given to us by our founders in the closing days of the American Revolutionary War, for they understood that a new, self-governing nation required an educated citizenry capable of nurturing and sustaining the vision set forth in the Declaration of Independence. On a related note, these pages also include highlights of the inaugural Washington & Jefferson College Symposium on Democracy. This event, which will be held every Presidents Day, is an opportunity for W&J to lead an annual exploration of issues critical to the success of democracy in the United States and abroad. This year’s symposium featured internationally known speakers and sessions addressing the effects of technology on elections, the political implications of a declining middle class, and the legacies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, among other topics. We believe W&J’s heritage and founding mission give us a special responsibility to convene these timely conversations, and want to bring these and other important topics to our engagements with alumni. In the months since homecoming, which was attended by a record number of alumni, Kelly and I have been privileged to meet countless W&J grads and parents at gatherings across the country – from Massachusetts to Texas, and from California to Florida. We are inspired by the commitment to high achievement and selfless service that spans generations of loyal Presidents, and are especially thankful that so many continue to support their alma mater. 1

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John and Kelly Knapp started the fall semester by hosting a picnic for faculty and staff on the lawn between the Howard J. Burnett Center and the President's House.

As we look ahead, we will seek the input of all of the College’s constituents – alumni, employees, students (and their families), prospective students, and others – to create a comprehensive strategic plan to set our course for the future. The W&J community has embarked on this planning process at a time when private liberal arts colleges face the challenges of heightened competition, a shrinking pool of traditional college-age students, shifting demographics, and changing societal expectations of higher education. This strategic plan will help us navigate through these times and ensure that W&J remains a superb college that will only grow stronger in the years to come.

With my gratitude,

John C. Knapp, Ph.D. President and Professor

Well Connected! President John C. Knapp, Ph.D., considers community building one of the most important parts of running the College. Dr. Knapp actively seeks ways to encourage and interact with students, staff, and faculty, and has embraced the social media platform Twitter as a way to stay connected. Check out some of his recent tweets and follow Dr. Knapp at Twitter.com/PresKnapp.

Following Dr. Knapp isn’t the only way to stay engaged with the W&J community. Follow these other College Twitter accounts to keep up with campus news and events. W&J COLLEGE @wjcollege The College’s main Twitter account provides frequent updates on everything W&J.

W&J ATHLETICS @wjathletics The official Twitter account of W&J Athletics keeps followers in the know about all 26 sports at the College.

U. GRANT MILLER LIBRARY @wjcUGMLibrary Take a look. It’s in a book. Read all about what’s going on at the library.

W&J STUDENT LIFE @wjstudentlife Want to relive your days at W&J? Get updates about what’s happening on campus.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

NEWS

Senior makes history as first black student government president Kenny Clark ’18 was elected Student Government Association president for the 2017-2018 school year last spring. He is the first African-American student to hold the position. During his time as president, the senior biochemistry major has worked with the College on increasing inclusivity. He helped to draft an Affirmation of Peer-to-Peer Community Values, which discusses the importance of respecting differences between students, among other things. Clark is also a member of the Camerata Singers, a Charles West Scholar, and former president of W&J’s Black Student Union.

Art professor’s work selected for national exhibition A piece by Professor of Art Pat Maloney, M.F.A., was chosen to be featured in the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) exhibition Visual Voice: Truth Narratives, featuring works that tackle issues of global importance. She was one of 37 artists selected for the show, which is currently being hosted at the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh through Aug. 18, 2018. Maloney’s work, entitled “Bring Back Our Girls,” features a little girl’s dress made from clay, torn and twisted, with a belt strip decal depicting the school girls who were kidnapped in the night by Boko Haram from their schools in Chibok, Nigeria, in 2014.

NASA grant funds research at W&J Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Physics Dimitris Vassiliadis, Ph.D., W&J students are participating in RockSat, an annual flight project held by NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. Throughout the year, members of W&J’s RockSat team are building and programming simple experiments for flight and testing them in a lab. The experiments examine electrical currents flowing in the ionosphere and measure the height and thickness of the sodium layer, a thin veneer of dust deposited in our atmosphere by small meteorites constantly bombarding it. Once they are ready, the team will deliver the experiments to the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, where they will be launched into Earth’s ionosphere June 21, 2018. The project is supported by W&J’s Department of Physics and the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, an education and outreach arm of NASA.

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English professor teaches courses at Prague university through Fulbright grant Last spring, Associate Professor of English Jennifer Harding, Ph.D., traveled to Prague, Czech Republic, to teach two literature classes at Charles University through a Fulbright award she won through the U.S. State Department. While there, she gave seven guest lectures at different universities throughout the country and lectured at the American Embassy in Prague. In addition to her work overseas, Harding published her first book, wrote a featured story in a literary magazine, and wrote a chapter for an MLA teaching series.

Student Life introduces inclusivity interns The Office of Inclusive Campus Engagement has enlisted the help of three student interns to ensure that W&J implements events and programs designed to make minoritized students feel more at home. Genea Richardson ’20 (left) has helped with diversity education through Point of View Discussions, Taylor Grinage ’19 (right) is the Cultural Heritage Month event planner, and David Alonso ’19 (center) serves as the Multicultural Student Support intern. In this role, Alonso works closely with the Charles West Scholars, a scholarship program for African American students, and with students from W&J’s partner YES Prep, a school district in Houston, Texas, focused on providing high quality education to low-income communities.

W&J recognized by national publications as high-performing college Over the past year, W&J has been ranked highly by a number of national publications for success in a variety of areas. The Princeton Review again named W&J to their Best 382 Colleges list as well as declaring the school one of the Best Northeastern institutions and a part of their top Green Colleges list. The Wall Street Journal/ Times Higher Education scored the College highly on subjective categories such as ‘inspiring’ and ‘the right choice’ based on alumni feedback, and ranked W&J 142 for outcomes on a list of more than 1,000 colleges, and 172 overall. Also praising the College was The New York Times, which named W&J to its list of Colleges Doing the Most for the American Dream.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

NEWS

Endowment provides support for students and stability for W&J A healthy endowment is the lifeblood of any college or university and it’s no different at W&J. W&J donors came together during the recently completed Uncommon Bond Campaign to reinvigorate the College’s endowment, providing key support for today’s students and a promising future for decades of Presidents to come. Through the generosity of alumni and friends, more than 140 new endowed funds were created to provide scholarships and funding for internships and scientific research, enhance athletic programs, assist students who find themselves facing unexpected financial burdens, and much more. By far, scholarships are the most popular endowment type created by donors and are essential for attracting and enrolling more of our talented prospective students, regardless of their financial status. Increased endowment funds are held in perpetuity and invested to grow over time, and each year, a percentage of the endowment is made available to support a wide variety of needs on campus—needs identified by donors when creating endowments.

Hannah Aloia '15 talks with Ash Yazdanshenas '21 in the Admission House.

“Many of us [Class of 1965 alumni] could relate to the need of a student and family that had unexpectedly fallen on hard times,” Dick Crosbie ’65 said. “Creating the Class of 1965 GIFT Fund in honor of our 50th reunion provided us an opportunity to create a gift that could address these needs.”

Reflecting fondly on their days on campus, classes of alumni joined together to provide assistance to current students, and generations of future students, in areas where they remember needing help. The Class of 1965 GIFT (Gift It Forward Together) Fund was established by classmates celebrating their 50th reunion and is a permanently endowed gift fund that will provide financial support annually to students unable to pay tuition or other related college costs due to an unforeseen financial emergency, ensuring that hard-working, high-achieving students remain at W&J despite temporary financial constraints. Examples of uses for this Fund include natural disasters, illness or death of a parent, or a parent being furloughed or unexpectedly unemployed.

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The Class of 1965 at their 50th reunion.

The Class of 1967 Endowed Uncommon Grants Fund, also established in honor of their 50th reunion, will create a permanent endowment for financial awards associated with providing intellectual experiences to students, including travel to conferences, research costs, and the costs to publish one’s own findings. With an increasing number of students working to find wider audiences for their research, this Fund will help offset

costs that can create barriers in pursuing these opportunities. Even graduates who haven’t been away from campus very long are getting involved, with the Class of 2015 establishing an endowed book fund to offset the cost of textbooks or other miscellaneous education materials for students that demonstrate need. “When I give back as a young alumna, I know how much books cost, I know how important scholarships are to students, and that I and my fellow classmates can relate to current students,” said Hannah Aloia ’15, Assistant Director of Admission for Recruitment Events at W&J. “I know that when I give my donation, it is helping those students to have the same great experiences I had here during my four years as a student that were made possible by alumni donations. I want to make sure that I can do that for our current students and future students.” A reinforced endowment, refreshed by the funds created during the campaign, will continue to live on and strengthen the core of the W&J community – the students of today and tomorrow.

Library renovations moving forward with donation from W&J Board of Trustees Chair Richard Clark When students return to campus this fall, they will find one of the most popular study spaces on campus transformed. Washington & Jefferson College’s U. Grant Miller Library will receive a complete renovation thanks to a generous gift from W&J Board of Trustees Chair Richard T. Clark ’68 and his wife, Angela. The Clarks’ donation is the leadership gift of a $6 million project that makes the upgrades possible and will provide for a comprehensive update of the current library space. In recognition of the Clarks’ commitment to W&J and its students, the library will be renamed in their honor. “We are excited about the library renovations and know that they will provide an improved user experience,” said Director of Library Services Ronalee Ciocco. “The renovated library will provide more collaborative work spaces for students, including study rooms and flexible furniture to accommodate a variety of learning styles and study.” Many of the changes being made in the library are a direct response to student requests made in surveys from 2013 and 2017. Suggestions for more comfortable furniture, improvements in technology, added group study areas, and updated restroom facilities, among others, are being addressed through the overhaul.

The lower level will receive updates to support the library’s collection and expand quiet study areas, along with a new digital classroom and a one-stop User Services Desk that will make asking for help easier. The historic Walker Room will undergo some changes but the original endowed furniture, fireplace, and light fixtures are remaining in the room. The project will also improve the archives to include special shelving for the College’s unique first editions and rare books, as well as space for reading, researching, and processing. “The Learned T. Bulman ’48 Historic Archives and Museum will be expanded to allow more use of our unique historical collections,” Ciocco said. “The renovation will also allow us to improve our services for students, faculty and staff by combining service points on the main floor so a patron can go to one desk for any question that they have and get an answer.”

“A History of Success and Innovation” The U. Grant Miller Library first opened for student use in the spring of 1966, when Clark was a sophomore at W&J. At the time, the new building was state of the art, an upgrade from the library’s previous home in Thompson Hall. The alumni magazine gushed over its many features.

“I think that the renovation will draw more students to the library, making it a more study friendly and resourceful environment. I am excited to come back next year to a new library,” said Claudia Peterman ’19, a student library worker. The upper level of the library will be turned into an Information Commons, a gathering space for patrons to read, socialize, and collaborate. The addition of small conference-style study rooms equipped with technology will allow students to work in groups without disturbing others.

college and university campuses throughout the country,” the Spring 1966 edition of the magazine touted. “Not only has it more than twice the space of its predecessor, but that space is arranged in ways that provides quiet and isolation for study that were not possible before.” This upcoming renovation will be another step forward for the campus, helping provide current W&J students with the latest technology and access to the materials they need. When the new building was completed in the mid-60s, microfilm reader-printers, instant copiers, and inter-library television equipment were the cutting-edge innovations lauded in the alumni magazine. “The history of success and innovation at W&J speaks for itself,” Clark said. “I consider myself fortunate to be in a position where I can give back to the College that taught me so much, and to help provide resources for its outstanding students. I look forward to watching the College continue its tradition of excellence for years to come.” Work on the project is scheduled to begin in mid-May and be completed by the end of August.

“It should be understood that architecturally [the Library] compares favorably with its many recently erected counterparts on WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

NEWS

Enterprising Interns: W&J students gain on-the-job knowledge Many W&J students opt to spend their summers conducting research, gaining work experience, and getting a head start on their careers. Here are some of the experiences they had in the region and across the country in the summer of 2017.

Nick Baker ’18

Northeast Ohio Medical University Funded by the W&J Maxwell Internship award, Nick Baker ’18 headed to Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to research the role collagen proteins play in heart attack recovery. Following his lab work, Baker was invited to present his findings to the NEOMED faculty. Baker plans to attend medical school and become a physician with a focus in cardiology.

Rachel Stingel ’19 Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Garrett French ’18 and Samuel Schaub ’18 NASA Garrett French ’18 and Samuel Schaub ’18 (right) were selected to intern at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., on the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III-International Space Station (SAGE III-ISS), a project designed to help NASA understand and protect Earth’s atmosphere. W&J alumnus Patrick McCormick ’62 connected the two with Hampton University’s CREST Undergraduate Research Experience and encouraged them to apply. Through their internship, the two performed research alongside NASA mentors and W&J alumni Charles Hill ’97 and Kevin Leavor ’07, attended meetings for the SAGE experiment and NASA workshops, and shadowed NASA professionals in various science and engineering positions.

With funding from W&J's Magellan Project, Rachel Stingel ’19 spent the summer researching at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Stingel joined the preliminary phases of a study looking into paralysis and a potential treatment for those who sustained injuries that affected their movement.

Kira Baierl ’18 Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Kira Baierl ’18 got firsthand experience in law enforcement during her summer internship with the Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. During her internship, Baierl helped create the Community Emergency Response Team program, an endeavor to train community members in how to deal with an emergency while waiting for first responders to arrive. She also participated in various trainings and patrolled the city during major events, including the Pittsburgh Penguins Parade celebrating their 2017 Stanley Cup Championship win. 7

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Maya Nilkant ’19 American Chemical Society Maya Nilkant ’19 traveled to Washington, D.C., to intern with the American Chemical Society (ACS). After receiving a tip about the internship from her alumni mentor Mitchell Bassi ’85, Nilkant took the initiative to apply and found herself working as the strategy intern with the web strategy and operations division of ACS. Funding from the W&J Maxwell Internship award helped Nilkant to support herself while living in D.C.

Ingrid Lexova ’18 Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance Ingrid Lexova ’18 spent her summer in Jackson, Wyo., working with the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance (JHCA) to organize wildlife crossings on roadways in Teton County. Lexova’s internship was part of the W&J Environmental Studies (EVS) program’s partnership with JHCA, which gives students work experience at no cost to the student. On site, Lexova helped JHCA manage volunteers, conduct surveys to learn about local attitudes toward the surrounding wildlife, and prevent possible vehicle-wildlife collisions to protect the people and animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Cole Grecco ’18 CBS This Morning Cole Grecco ’18 dove into the world of television production, spending his summer interning with the national news program “CBS This Morning: Saturday.” Grecco traveled to New York City to join the morning show team and aided the show’s production by logging tapes, assisting on shoots, helping cut and edit packages for air, researching and pitching story ideas, and coordinating scripts.

Haley Kulas ’18 Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania Haley Kulas ’18 used her internship opportunity with the Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania to expand her knowledge of herself and help others like her. Kulas, who has been diagnosed with an unnamed and under-researched genetic condition akin to muscular dystrophy that has confined her to a wheelchair, wants to become a genetic counselor. Through her internship, Kulas was able to shadow a professional in her field and learn more about both the scientific and therapeutic aspects of the job.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

FEATURE

In his words Excerpts from the inaugural address of President John C. Knapp, Ph.D.

‘‘’’

I am honored and humbled by the trust you have placed in me. It is a distinct privilege to serve with you at Washington & Jefferson College – a place whose storied past is but the prologue to even brighter and more promising years ahead. I wish to express my personal gratitude to the Board of Trustees and the members of the Presidential Search Committee. At this moment, I feel a bit like our former President James Moffatt, who began his inaugural remarks in the year 1881 by saying, “You took a risk in offering me this position . . . .” Well, in his case anyway, the risk paid off as he went on to serve the College with distinction for 33 years. I am thankful, as well, for the leadership of my predecessor Tori Haring-Smith, and the many contributions of former presidents Brian Mitchell and Howard Burnett, both of whom are with us today. .... One might imagine that this occasion is all about one person. So I feel compelled to stress that today is first and foremost the inauguration of a new season of possibilities for all of us. ....

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I am proud that Washington & Jefferson College remains true to the higher purposes of higher education. This may seem to put us at odds with many of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public policy-makers and media pundits who speak of college education only as a private good â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a means of achieving individual success, often measured solely by future earnings. To be sure, the professional achievements of generations of our graduates attest to the fact that we produce these outcomes exceptionally well. Yet it is equally true that our alumni, past and present, have a long and inspiring record of serving the public good in every walk of life. By cultivating uncommon integrity and responsible citizenship, we are serving society and giving our graduates something infinitely more valuable than a mere ticket to a trade. We will be guided by this timeless mission as we chart our course in an era when private liberal arts colleges face pressures from stiffening competition, changing demographics, and greater demands to contain costs and demonstrate value. I have no doubt that W&J will successfully meet these challenges, but we must be willing to adapt and innovate in order to stay at the forefront. After all, the same is true for our students whose long-term success will depend on their ability to keep learning and adapting as the pace of change accelerates throughout their lifetimes. Soon we will begin a collaborative process to develop a bold, new strategic plan to guide us forward. For now, though, I will simply point to three commitments that should undergird any plans we make. The first is that W&J must always be distinguished as a college whose graduates are known for their personal integrity and social responsibility. In our close-knit learning community, faculty and staff mentors dedicate their lives, inside and outside the classroom, to developing the character, values, knowledge, and competencies of our students. This campus, by intention, is a space where young adults come to realize their unique potential by reflecting deeply on WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

‘‘’’

We can be proud that Washington & Jefferson College proudly occupies a place like no other on the crowded landscape of American higher education. W&J College Presidents Timeline (COMPILED BY CATHERINE MCADOO ’18) Rev. Jonathan Edwards, D.D. (1866-1869)

Rev. George P. Hays, D.D. (1870-1881)

Rev. Fredrick W. Hinitt (1915-1918)

Dr. Simon S. Baker (1922-1931)

First president after union of Washington College and Jefferson College.

First president of united College in one location at the current campus.

Lectured to freshmen one hour every week.

Great-great-grandson of Thaddeus Dod, one of the founders of W&J.

W&J was operating from two different locations throughout his entire term. Salary was $1,500 per year. Resigned the day before the vote to decide between Washington and Canonsburg as the permanent location for the College. Rev. Samuel J. Wilson, D.D. (pro-tem 1869) Rev. James I. Brownson, D.D. (pro-tem 1870)

Increased student body from unstable 75 to a strong 185.

Rev. James D. Moffat, D.D. (1882-1914) Longest tenure of a W&J president, serving over 30 years. Graduated from W&J in 1869. Endowment increased from $186,833 to $1,080,121 during his presidency. Nearly tripled student enrollment.

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Resigned due to strain of promoting financial resources. Rev. William E. Slemmons, D.D. (pro-tem 1918-1919)

Rev. Samuel C. Black, D.D. (1919-1921) Served as morale officer and a major in the army during World War I. Died in office while he was on his honeymoon.

Resigned due to health reasons after student strike which accused him of being autocratic.

Rev. Ralph C. Hutchison, Ph.D. (1931-1945) Oversaw construction of Jesse W. Lazear Chemistry Building. Served in naval aviation during World War I. Director of Civilian Defense for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania throughout World War II.

life’s big questions, engaging in courageous conversations about difficult issues, and valuing others who are different from themselves. This community is also the doorway to a global society, where students are broadened and challenged while tackling complex problems in real-world contexts, navigating other cultures, and practicing responsible civic engagement. .... A second imperative for our future success will be an uncompromising commitment to excellence in everything we do. . . . Insisting on the W&J standard of excellence is more important than ever in today’s highly competitive world of higher education. Third and finally, we must be unwavering in our commitment to a distinctive academic program grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. At some colleges and universities, the liberal arts model has been seen as incompatible with pre-professional education. Some have even argued that a narrower and more careerist curriculum

is necessary to ensure employment for graduates. I am happy to say that W&J has always rejected this idea. Our academic program is led by a superb faculty – teachers and scholars – who understand that while a first job is an essential starting point, it is not a sufficient college outcome. Today’s students can expect to change jobs and even careers with unprecedented frequency during their lifetimes. This is why W&J students study in multiple disciplines and contexts, learning how to acquire new knowledge and skills for opportunities that may not even exist today. ....

W&J is well into its third century, yet the fundamental elements of our educational model are even more relevant in a world requiring greater capacities for agile learning, effective communication, collaborative leadership, and analyzing critical issues from the perspectives of diverse disciplines. We are firmly committed to the principle that the best preparation for professional and human flourishing is rooted in the fertile soil of the liberal arts and sciences. .... We can be proud that Washington & Jefferson College proudly occupies a place like no other on the crowded landscape of American higher education. I close with the words of former President Simon Baker, spoken at his inauguration 95 years ago: “For the nation and the world we maintain this institution. . . Our history bears a halo of excellence, refinement, and eminence, and that is an incentive for us as we face the future.”

James H. Case Jr., M.A. (1946-1950)

Howard J. Burnett, Ph.D. (1970-1998)

Football stadium, previously called College Field, renovated and renamed as Cameron Stadium.

First president to oversee more than 1,000 students.

First president of College after it became coeducational.

Added majors in Biochemistry, Child Development and Education, Information Technology Leadership, International Business, Music, and added Gender and Women’s Studies Program to curriculum.

Boyd C. Patterson, Ph.D. (1950-1970) Board approved co-education during his tenure. U. Grant Miller Library built. Departments of Music and Art established.

Oversaw construction of Dieter-Porter Life Sciences Building, Olin Fine Arts Center, Rossin Campus Center, and acquisition of Alumni House. Launched Entrepreneurial Studies program and Freshman Forum (now called First Year Seminar).

Brian C. Mitchell, Ph.D. (1998-2004) Oversaw construction of Howard J. Burnett Center and the Technology Center.

Andrew Rembert (pro-tem 2004)

Tori Haring-Smith, Ph.D. (2005-2017) First female president. Established The Magellan Project.

Oversaw construction of John A. Swanson Science Center, the Janet Swanson Tennis Center, and the James David Ross Family Recreation Center, as well as renovations to Old Main, Dieter-Porter Hall, and residence halls. Increased endowment from $62 million in 2008 to $137 million in 2016.

John C. Knapp, Ph.D. (2017-) Established Symposium on Democracy. Intiated strategic planning process.

Increased number of study abroad programs from four to 40.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

Giving Back Presidents demonstrate generosity with life-saving donations

Presidents are always looking for ways to give back to their communities. In the past year, stories from current and past students have exemplified that spirit of kindness, with two W&J football players helping facilitate bone marrow transplants for strangers in need and a former player giving his old teammate more time with his family. “We have won a lot of games, captured many championships, and produced numerous All-Americans on the field. I have never been more proud as a coach as I am of these players. What they’ve done far exceeds our wins, championships, and awards,” Football Head Coach Mike Sirianni said.

W&J football player Mike Mazza’s sacrifice helps teen in need A phone call in early June 2017 changed everything for Mike Mazza ’18. Earlier in the year, Mazza, like some 200 current and former W&J football players, had registered as a donor through the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation, an organization that links college athletes with patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, such as leukemia or lymphoma, who are in need of a transplant. That morning in June, a representative from the Andy Talley Foundation told Mazza he was a potential match for an 18-year-old boy in Massachusetts, and that further blood tests would be needed to determine if Mazza could save this anonymous young stranger’s life. 13

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Before he could get the bloodwork done, he had to finish that day’s shift at his part-time job at Home Depot. On his way home from work, his day took a turn for the worse: Mazza was in a three-car accident that totaled his car. Miraculously, he walked away with only a few minor injuries, and a determination to do everything he could to help the boy in Massachusetts. “I felt really blessed to walk away, and I wanted to do whatever I could to help,” Mazza said. “Once I had the goal of helping that kid, I kind of blocked everything else out. You just know this is for a better purpose, and you don’t even let the second thoughts come in.”

Mazza began doing multiple blood tests each month until he was a confirmed match, and he went into surgery for the transplant on Aug. 2, 2017—knowingly sacrificing his ability to play football his senior year. Because of the nature of the operation, Mazza had a long recovery time ahead of him. Initially following the surgery, he could barely walk, and although he was building his strength back up, his recovery process wouldn’t have allowed him to start training with the team until five or six weeks into the season. “I just said, ‘It’s for a better cause,’” Mazza said. “I mean, football is great, but there’s definitely things beyond that, and Coach (Mike Sirianni) always preaches that.”

W&J senior provides life-saving donation through Be The Match If you ask Brendan Reddy ’18 why he chose to become a stem cell donor, the senior football player will tell you it was a no-brainer. “Our football team did a bone marrow drive for the past three years through Be The Match, and I was contacted by [the organization] and told that I was a potential match with a 50-year-old woman with leukemia and that I could help change her life,” Reddy said. “It was an easy choice for me, because it’s…such a small sacrifice to do something that will greatly impact that woman and her family’s future.”

Mike Mazza ’18 gave up his senior football season to donate bone marrow to an 18-year-old boy with cancer in early August. Mazza continued to give back as a student coach for the football team in the fall 2017 season.

And while it would have been easy for Mazza to sulk through the football season about his personal loss, he chose to return to the sidelines as a student coach for up-and-coming players in his former position as defensive back. Mazza spent a large part of the semester helping freshmen adjust to college, both on and off the field.

Be The Match is a global leader in bone marrow transplants, and their registry of donors has saved countless lives over the past 25 years. In mid-January, Reddy donated peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), which are the blood-forming cells found in bone marrow that help facilitate bone marrow transplants. He went through two months of testing to determine if he was a match for the woman in need. Reddy feels fortunate to be able to contribute to his recipient’s fight with cancer. “Just a few hours of my time can add years—or hopefully decades—to this woman’s life,” he said. “If I can personally do something to help her fight her disease, I will do everything I can to get her back to her family and extend her time with them. I think it’s very important for people to donate, because if you or a loved one were in a similar position, wouldn’t you want someone to come forward and donate?” Though the identity of the recipient is kept anonymous during the first year after the transplant for confidentiality reasons, Reddy said he’d love to meet her if she chooses to share her contact information at the end of the year.

He’s also been vocal about his support for his cause, and offered advice for other players who may get the same call he received. “Definitely do it,” Mazza said. “I don’t think you could do anything better in life than to help someone in need, especially someone with cancer. If it’s a young kid like that, we’re at that age where we’ve gotten to experience things they haven’t yet. Seeing that 18-year-old kid about to be where I was four years ago helped my decision.” And what about the teen in Massachusetts? The Andy Talley Foundation keeps recipients anonymous, but gives them the choice to meet their donor within a year of the transfusion. Mazza feels that meeting is likely, and hopes to come face to face with the boy he has helped and learn more about him.

Brendan Reddy ’18 donated peripheral blood stem cells in mid-January 2018 through the organization Be The Match, a global leader in bone marrow transplants. Reddy’s donation went to facilitating a bone marrow transplant for a 50-year-old woman with leukemia.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

Former W&J football teammates ‘pay it forward’ in UAB kidney chain In April 2017, Jay Ernst ’05 and his wife were preparing for the birth of their second child. Unfortunately, this happy news had complications. Their son was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a birth defect of the abdominal wall in which the intestines are found outside of the baby’s body. While dealing with his unborn son’s health concerns, Ernst had to face one of his own: the day before his son was born, he learned that he would need a kidney transplant. After becoming a father again, Ernst chose to focus on his family and didn’t even ask for a donor to come forward until 53 days later, when his son was discharged from the hospital to go home. “Prior to the kidney transplant, I had extreme exhaustion,” Ernst said. “I was sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day, not having any energy to hang out with my son after work, and I couldn’t work full days. I had this weird taste of pennies in my mouth all the time. My body felt like I had a thousand ants on me all the time. In the month of June, there were times I didn’t even know if I was going to wake up.” Wanting to be able to devote more time to his wife and children, Ernst reached out to his friends and family on Facebook and was overwhelmed by the response of his loved ones volunteering to come forward to see if they were a potential match. One of those who volunteered was Ernst’s former W&J football teammate, Zach Taylor, a resident of Oregon. “Twenty people offered, but Zach was adamant. He said he’d come down, get tested and if he wasn’t a match, still wanted to find a way to help,” Ernst said. For Taylor, aiding his friend and former teammate was never a question. The two bonded during Taylor’s freshmen year at W&J and have stayed close since. “Jay was always the guy who would do anything for you. He’d give you the shirt off his back. He might make fun of you 15

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Jay Ernst ’05 (left) and Zach Taylor pose with Ernst’s two sons, Cole Matthew Ernst, 9 months, and Brady Michael Ernst, 3.

and tease you, but at the end of the day he was a great guy,” Taylor said. “Two friends of mine…did a kidney exchange, and that inspired me. I always told myself if I had the opportunity to help a friend I would do it, no questions asked, because there’s so many people out there who need a kidney donor. The opportunity presented itself with Jay. He’s married and has two kids, so I wanted to do this not only for him, but for his family.” Taylor traveled from Oregon to Alabama to undergo physical tests to determine if he could donate to Ernst, but discovered they had different blood types. Though Taylor ultimately was not a match with Ernst, the two were able to participate in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s kidney chain, a chain of transplants that matches those in need of the organ with compatible donors. Taylor agreed to donate a kidney on Ernst’s behalf. His donation went to another patient in need, while Ernst received a kidney from Tyler Williamson, a benevolent stranger on the donor list.

Ernst and Taylor flank Dr. Michael Hanaway, the Surgical Director of Kidney Transplantation at UAB who performed Ernst’s kidney transplant.

“At the end of the day, my goal was to help Jay, and in the process, I was able to help more than just Jay and Jay’s family, which was an amazing experience,” Taylor said. The transplant in mid-October was a success, and Ernst has been doing well since. He’s been able to return to work and be more active again in his family life – and especially in his new role as a father of two. “Before, my wife was having to take care of our two kids and do all the work by herself,” Ernst said. “Now, I’m able to help out more. I was able to go trick or treating with my kids. That means everything to me.”

Speeding AHEAD Zac Talmadge ’10 completed his second Boston Marathon in 2015, where he ran to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). It was the first marathon he completed after his father passed away in 2014.

Zac Talmadge runs toward a cure with LLS fundraising

Zac Talmadge ’10 is no stranger to community service. At W&J, he served as vice president of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and was selected as a Matthew Brown Fellow by First Presbyterian Church, 1793. Talmadge worked with Habitat for Humanity through the church’s service-learning program. Since 2012, he’s spent time training for and running in six marathons in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), with his drive to fight for the cause strengthening when his father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in early 2014. Talmadge’s work earned him the LLS’s Man of the Year award in 2016, given to someone who raises $50,000 for the cause. The honor gave him naming rights to a research grant, which he dedicated to his late father, who passed away on May 15, 2014. Talmadge continues to dedicate his time to raising money for LLS research. His story is one of hardship and triumph, and we got the chance to hear it first-hand.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

You started running marathons before your father was diagnosed, and had already chosen LLS as the charity to support in those races. What was your original motivation for starting on this journey, and what drew you to LLS?

Q: A:

He was great! He always wanted to make people happy and make them laugh. He worked at a retirement home, and he was always doing things to brighten the guests’ days. This one time during the holidays he dressed up as Santa Claus and had guests tell him what they wanted for Christmas. He didn’t have to do that; that’s just who he was.

I moved to Boston in May of 2012 and a colleague of mine suggested that I run a marathon. I was intrigued, so I started looking around for charities to run for. I found LLS in September of 2012, and it struck a chord; one of my sister’s classmates from high school had leukemia at 14 and struggled with it, beating it once and seeing it come back again. She passed away in August of 2012 so I felt drawn to LLS because of her. I reached out to her family, who fully supported me running in memory of her. My first marathon, the 2013 Boston Marathon, was dedicated to her.

Q: A:

Tell me about the 2013 Boston Marathon. How has that day affected you and your family?

That day started out perfectly. The weather was beautiful. It was a great day to run. I got to about Mile 24, where I saw people on the sides from LLS. I was very excited and everyone was so energetic. I couldn’t wait to finish. About a mile later, my dad ran out on to the course, stopped me and said, “The race is over.” I looked at him like he was nuts, and basically told him, “No way, I have a mile left.” That’s when he told me that there were bombs at the finish line. After that, there was chaos everywhere. I knew that someone was there from W&J, a woman I had been dating, and all I remember was that I was desperately trying to find her. Luckily, I found her quickly and she was okay. We went back to my place, and that’s when the emotions set in. There was just so much confusion and sadness as we were trying to wrap our heads around the situation, wondering how this could have possibly happened.

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That’s an incredible perspective. I’d like to switch gears now and talk about your father. What was he like?

He and my mom were very supportive of me and my fundraising, although they were a little nervous about the $4,000 I had to raise for my first marathon. (I had to pay the rest of what I didn’t make.) But, they both told me how proud they were that I was giving back to the community.

Talmadge and his sister, Meghan, pose for a photo after Talmadge completed the 2014 Pittsburgh Marathon. He completed his first Boston Marathon the same year, but his mother and sister stayed in Pittsburgh to be with his father while he was receiving treatment.

Q: A:

Your first marathon experience was this incredibly infamous and harrowing event. What made you decide to continue running them?

Emotionally, it was really challenging to go back. You lose all sense of logic and reason in the wake of a tragedy like this one. I was wrapped up in that emotional state for a while. But, those are the times where you have to make logic and reason prevail. I remember telling myself that the likelihood of something like that happening again was very small and I didn’t want to let the event change me. I felt like if I didn’t keep running, then the terrorists would have impacted me more than they should have, and they would have won. I was fighting for a cause, and I had a responsibility to say that I wasn’t going to stop.

He was such an inspiration. At one point, my dad was getting treatments at UPMC Shadyside, and the course of the Pittsburgh Marathon I was running looped around the hospital. I was there with him the entire weekend. I had to get up early on that Sunday to run the race. I finished that race and went immediately back to the hospital to share the moment with my dad. It was incredibly emotional. I knew that I could keep pushing through these marathons because I could see the fight in him. I figured it was easy for me to run 26 miles when I see the struggle he faced every day.

Q: A:

When did you decide to take on LLS Man of the Year, and how did you go about raising the $50,000 in your father’s honor?

I came back to the Pittsburgh area and attended graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). I ran the Boston marathon one more time while living in Pittsburgh, and I realized that I was getting a little burned out from it. I decided that if I kept running, I wasn’t utilizing my time to the full extent I could be with fundraising.

I took a break from running and decided to do the Man of the Year campaign in 2016. I called in every favor I had. I started with [my contacts from] W&J, and I was so happy to see how supportive they all still were. All of my friends and fraternity brothers donated and showed up to events. They would all bring more people they knew to help out and volunteer their time. I also reached out to my high school and CMU friends, and any family friend or neighbor I could find. It felt great to see I was making a difference. I couldn’t do anything more for my dad, but I could do it for the next dad, neighbor, son, or anyone who doesn’t want to lose the ones they care about.

Q: A:

What does it mean to you to be named the 2016 LLS Man of the Year and to have your father’s name attached to a research grant?

Well, obviously winning anything is pretty cool, but it wasn’t about me. I wanted this more for the people that helped me because it was not an individual effort. The research grant was the best part. I got to pick a project that LLS was working on to attach my father’s name to, and I was able to find one that worked with the exact cancer he had. After all of this, I had a choice. I could have chosen to mourn for the rest of my life, or I could take action and do what I can to make sure this doesn’t happen to another family. This accomplishment is a testament to all of us, to show that we weren’t giving up on this fight.

As part of his MBA program, Talmadge studied in Hong Kong for four weeks before taking some time to travel through Asia recreationally. Along the way he stopped in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he befriended an elephant.

I am a pretty driven and motivated person, and I have set for myself a mission of raising $1 million for LLS in my lifetime. Right now, we are at about $125,000. It’s awesome for me to have my goals set. We spend our lives looking for that one thing to care about, and I found mine at 26.

Q: A:

What’s next for you?

I’ve officially registered to run the 2018 Chicago Marathon as a fundraiser for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training! Several of my former Boston Marathon teammates have signed up to run, so we’ll be training together in Boston. At the time of the race in October, it will be almost three and half years that I haven’t done a marathon, so I am very excited to toe that starting line again. Most importantly, I’ll once again be fundraising for the LLS on my quest to raise $1 million over the course of my lifetime! (Find Zac’s fundraising page at pages.teamintraining.org/ma/ chicago18/ZTalmadge)

In the past year, Talmadge has taken personal trips through east Asia and India, graduated from CMU with a Masters of Business Administration, and moved back to Boston, working for Microsoft as a salesperson in the healthcare and life sciences industries. He’s also focused on mentoring his little brother, Zomba, through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program in Boston and being an uncle to his niece, whom his sister welcomed in December. Talmadge remains connected with his W&J roots. He’s still in touch with former professors, fraternity brothers and friends, and has volunteered at Admission events. He also stays involved with the Boston alumni chapter.

(This interview has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.)

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

W&J hosts inaugural Symposium on Democracy President John C. Knapp, Ph.D., brought valuable conversations to the forefront of campus attention as he introduced W&J’s inaugural Symposium on Democracy, held Feb. 12-15, 2018. During the four-day-long event, students, faculty, and renowned speakers addressed different topics relating to international democracy. Faculty panels educated audience members about how technology affects elections and about the legacy of the founding fathers for which the College is named, while students discussed their Magellan travels and how those experiences have contributed to their understanding of the world. Global Executive Director of the Caux Round Table for Moral Capitalism Stephen B. Young lectured on the importance of a thriving middle class to American democracy, while the event’s keynote speaker, Richard Carwadine, Professor of American History and former President of the Corpus Christi College, Oxford, spoke on the foundations of American democracy and received an honorary doctorate of letters from W&J. Both Young and Carwardine were also interviewed as part of the ongoing “Perspectives on Democracy” series Dr. Knapp hosts with visiting scholars on campus. Full stories about the events, as well as photos and videos, can be found online at washjeff.edu/democracy.

Stephen B. Young addresses the audience in the ballroom of the Rossin Campus Center.

Richard Carwardine receives an honorary doctorate of letters from W&J.

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SPORTS

d n e g Le Remembering A

Dr. Charles “Pruner” West ’24 inducted into Rose Bowl Hall of Fame

Dr. Charles “Pruner” West ’24, the first African-American quarterback to play in the Rose Bowl, was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Dec. 30, 2017, in a ceremony held in Pasadena, Calif., and attended by West’s daughter, Linda West Nickens, as well as President John C. Knapp, Ph.D., and his wife, Kelly. WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

FEATURE

Michael Nickens, West's grandson, Linda West Nickens, West's daughter, and President John C. Knapp, Ph. D., during the halftime trophy platter presentation at Cameron Stadium Nov. 11, 2017.

The Tournament of Roses presented a decorative trophy platter to Washington & Jefferson College, which made its only Rose Bowl appearance in the 1922 tournament, to commemorate this honor. Nickens accepted the award on behalf of her father, who passed away in 1979. “This recognition was an honor for Dr. West and the College, and I was proud to accompany his family to the Rose Bowl,” Dr. Knapp said. “He is not only part of W&J’s storied athletic tradition, his life exemplifies our longstanding commitment to academic excellence and community service. His dedication and integrity are still an inspiration to our students.” The W&J Athletics Department also honored West this year, recognizing him during halftime of the Nov. 11, 2017, football game. Nickens spoke at the ceremony, as did 2017 Tournament of Roses President Brad Ratliff, and Dr. Knapp. Other participants in that ceremony included: Michael Nickens, Dr. West's grandson; Leo Cablayan, Tournament of Roses Executive Committee member; and the Charles West Scholars. The Charles West Scholars initiative strives to educate, engage, and empower black-identifying 21

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students at W&J who have been selected to participate in the program. The story of the 1922 Rose Bowl has reached legendary status: the improbable tale of a small school from western Pennsylvania that overcame obstacles, made it to Pasadena, and made history in the process. The game remains the only scoreless tie in Rose Bowl game history. It was also the final Rose Bowl game at Tournament Park in Pasadena before the event was moved to Rose Bowl Stadium, where it is held today. W&J had the best college football team on the east coast, coming off an undefeated 1921 season, when the Tournament of Roses Association unanimously voted to invite the school to play in the 1922 Rose Bowl. The Bowl game posed a significant challenge: W&J’s opponent, the University of California Golden Bears, was arguably the best college football team on the west coast and was still riding the high after topping Ohio State University in the 1921 Rose Bowl. Coached by Earle “Greasy” Neale, an athlete in his own right— he was an outfielder for the Cincinnati Redlegs when they played in

the 1919 World Series—and led on the field by West, W&J fought the Golden Bears to a historic tie. West was a phenomenal athlete who normally played halfback for W&J but stepped in as quarterback for the Rose Bowl due to team injuries and illnesses. His athletic endeavors didn’t stop at the Rose Bowl and weren’t limited to football. He was also an accomplished track and field competitor who won the National Collegiate Pentathlon at the Penn Relays in 1922 and 1923, and was named to the 1924 U.S. Olympic team, although he did not participate due to injury. He went on to sign with the Akron Pros professional football team after graduating from W&J in 1924, but then chose to retire from athletics and attend Howard University Medical School in Washington, D.C. For the next 50 years, West maintained a general medical practice in Alexandria, Va., and his community service outshined his work on the athletic field. Despite encountering numerous instances of racism in the pre-Civil Rights era in both his athletic and medical career, West was respected and highly regarded by his teammates and those who knew him on and

off the field. The Alexandria Urban League recognized him for his community service in 1973, and in 1978 he received a Howard University Medical Alumni Association citation for his years of practice. West also received the W&J Distinguished Service Award in 1978. West was one of four men inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame this year, along with former University of Texas head coach Mack Brown, UCLA quarterback Cade McNown and University of Michigan Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson. He joins teammate Russ Stein, Class of 1921, in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. Stein, the Most Outstanding Player in the 1922 Rose Bowl, was part of the third class of inductees in 1991.

IN T HE N EWS

Rose Bowl Hall of Fame

The 2018 Tournament of Roses, held Jan. 1, saw the induction of four new members of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, including W&J’s own Dr. Charles “Pruner” West ’24, the first African-American quarterback ever to play in the Rose Bowl. West’s story, as well as the tale of the historic 1922 Rose Bowl – the only one W&J has played in, and the only one ever to end in a tie – was told by more than two dozen news outlets, from local Washington, Pa., newspapers to national outlets, including National Public Radio.

‘‘’’

Teapot Is A Reminder Of The Remarkable 1922 Rose Bowl Game. Reporter Richard Harris of NPR interviewed Tina Gunsalus, a professor at the University of Illinois and the owner of an artifact with a unique connection to W&J: a teapot that was gifted to her grandparents on their wedding day by Earle “Greasy” Neale, the coach of W&J’s 1922 Rose Bowl team. Her grandfather was a history professor at W&J at the time, and also helped with the football team. Learning the story of the teapot and the man who gave it to her family led Gunsalus to the story of W&J’s unlikely Rose Bowl appearance.

‘‘’’

Her dad was the Rose Bowl’s first black QB in 1922. This year, he’ll join the Hall of Fame. The Washington Post spoke with West’s daughter, Linda West Nickens. Nickens told the Post her father is her hero, and described West’s kindness toward others and his lifelong service to both his profession and his community, as well as the challenges and racial insensitivity he faced from those outside of W&J as he rose through the ranks as a star athlete. Nickens represented her father at both the Hall of Fame induction ceremony held Dec. 30, 2017, and during the Rose Bowl game, where inductees were honored at halftime.

Other notable publications that covered the story include the Washington Observer-Reporter, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and papers in Pasadena, Calif., and Dr. West’s adopted hometown of Alexandria, Va., where he built his medical career. See more media coverage of the Rose Bowl at wjmagazine.org.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

SPORTS

W&J football posts impressive achievements in 2017 season The record-breaking 2017 football season was filled with honors and accolades for Washington & Jefferson College. It began before the season even started with the Presidents ranked in the preseason national polls and wide receiver Jesse Zubik ’18 named a Preseason All-American. W&J was named the Best College Football Team—regardless of Division—in Pennsylvania, the state with the most college football teams in the nation. The Presidents marched through their regular season, finishing undefeated for the 13th time in program history. With that undefeated season came a Presidents’ Athletic Conference title, W&J’s record 25th PAC title. They also made their 25th appearance in the NCAA Division III Football Championships playoff, the second-most championship appearances all-time by a Division III school. For the first time since 2004, W&J hosted a pair of playoff games at Cameron Stadium. The 31-28 win over No. 19 Johns Hopkins in the first round on Nov. 18, 2017, saw kicker Mauricio Garibay ’21 boot a 46-yard field goal with less than one minute to play as W&J prevailed. It gave W&J 11 wins on the season for just the seventh time in the storied history of the program. 23

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Following the season, individual honors poured in for the team. Zubik was a unanimous First Team All-American and both the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III and D3football.com South Region Offensive Player of the Year. Cornerback O’Shea Anderson ’18 joined Zubik on the Associated Press and D3football.com All-America teams. Five Presidents claimed All-ECAC honors and six were recognized by D3football on the all-region squad after 15 made the All-PAC teams.

Head Coach Mike Sirianni was a finalist for the Division III Coach of the Year award after helping the Presidents to an 11-1 mark and becoming the program’s career wins leader.

O’Shea Anderson '18 earned a pair of Division III All-America awards as a senior thanks to his nation-leading nine interceptions.

Head Coach Mike Sirianni received recognition as well, earning PAC and ECAC Division III Coach of the Year honors. He was also named a finalist for the American Football Coaches Association National Coach of the Year after being the organization’s Region 2 winner. Sirianni, now in his 15th year of leading the

Presidents, passed legendary W&J Head Coach John Luckhardt atop the career wins list in the regular season finale when W&J routed Waynesburg, 44-0.

W&J’s captains received the program’s 25th PAC Championship trophy after shutting out Waynesburg, 42-0, on Nov. 11, 2017.

Tom Marra '20 reacts to recording his second-straight sack on Johns Hopkins’ final drive to clinch the Presidents 31-28 win in the NCAA First Round.

Even after the conclusion of a memorable 2017 season, one final award was bestowed upon the team as W&J was picked as the ECAC’s Division III Team of the Year.

W&J Athletics to partner with Nike through BSN SPORTS agreement Washington & Jefferson College Athletics has announced a new department-wide apparel and sporting goods partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS effective July 1, 2018, ahead of the 2018-19 academic year.

Jesse Zubik '18 rewrote the W&J and PAC wide receiving record books and finished his career with the third most receiving yards in Division III history.

Under the agreement, Nike and BSN SPORTS will provide apparel, footwear, equipment, and uniforms for W&J's varsity athletics programs. Team uniforms will be cycled into the Nike brand through the life of the contract. “We are excited to team with Nike and BSN SPORTS to outfit our student-athletes, coaches, and fans with a world class athletic apparel and shoe company,” said Director of Athletics Scott McGuinness. “Our goal is to create a championship-level academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes and we believe this partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS is another step in unifying our 26 varsity programs.”

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

SPORTS

Fall Sports Roundup WOMEN’S TENNIS Hanna Kuhlkamp ’20 (bottom left with coach Chris Faulk ’10) won a Fifth Singles title at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championships, giving W&J a singles champion for a third-straight year.

Tatiana Ruzzini ’18

WOMEN’S SOCCER Jordan Toohey ’18 set a new program record for most career goals (66), which propelled her to the All-PAC and All-Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) First teams in addition to being named an All-Great Lakes Region Second Team. Tatiana Ruzzini ’18 (top left) became the fifth player in program history to surpass 100 career points, concluding her W&J career with 117 points.

Harley Moyer ’19

Coach Chris Faulk ’10 with Hanna Kuhlkamp ’20

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WOMEN’S GOLF Kaitlyn Vogel ’18 was selected to attend the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., from Nov. 16-19, 2017. On the course, she earned medalist honors at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Fall Championships for the second year in a row, holding a six-stroke lead heading into the 18-hole Spring Championships.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The W&J women’s cross country team finished a season-best third place out of nine teams at the W&J Invitational Sept. 29, 2017. FIELD HOCKEY The Presidents clinched their second Empire 8 Conference Championship in program history and the first since 2011. Karlie Baran ’18 was named to the All-E8 and All-ECAC First Teams as well as the All-North Atlantic Region Second Team as the W&J goalkeeper. Rachel Buyan ’19 was selected to the All-E8, All-ECAC, and All-North Atlantic Region First Teams. Head Coach Jo Coghlan earned the Empire 8 Coach/Staff of the Year Award for the third time in her career (2007, 2010). VOLLEYBALL Four Presidents were named to All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference teams, led by Madison Lydic ’19 on the First Team; Makenzie Coughlin ’20 and Abbey Eich ’19

garnered Second Team recognition from the conference while Mallory O’Brien ’20 earned an Honorable Mention. The 2017 season marked the fourth straight year that the Presidents appeared in the PAC Tournament. MEN’S SOCCER Jason Yobbi ’18 was named an Eastern College Athletic Conference All-Star and earned All-Great Lakes Region Second Team and All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference First Team accolades.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Harley Moyer ’19 (middle left) finished first individually at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Fall Championships, followed by a fourth-place effort at the 2017 NCAA Mideast Regionals, the highest finish by an individual in program history at the event and best by a PAC runner since 1987. Moyer missed All-America honors at the NCAA National Championships by one place and 0.29 seconds.

The Presidents finished with an 11-7 overall record, the most wins since 2010 (12). They also tied the longest single season winning streak since 2010 at seven wins.

MEN’S GOLF Daniel Velasco ’20 tied for medalist honors at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Fall Championships with a score of 150 (six-over par). Velasco led the Presidents to a team victory at the Peter C. Rossin Memorial Invitational Oct. 9, 2017, firing a two-day score of 149 to pace the field.

Athletics at W&J

MEN’S WATER POLO Nikola Malezanov completed his first year as the head coach of the men’s water polo team after previously serving as the women’s head coach.

26 sports

13 MEN’S / 13 WOMEN’S

Tyler Francis ’21 was named to the College Water Polo Association Division III Eastern Championship All-Tournament team.

E GPA:

G AVERA

3.17

500 athletes

ARE ENROLLED AT W&J IN 2017-2018

36%

OF W&J STUDENTS ARE STUDENT ATHLETES

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

ALUMNI

homecoming 2017 The sun was shining when more than 850 Washington & Jefferson College alumni and friends arrived on campus to celebrate Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Oct. 20 & 21, 2017.

Saturday’s festivities featured traditional highlights like the legal and medical lectures, various W&J sporting events, and celebrations under the tent. A special addition to the day was a meet and greet with the newest members of the College family, President John C. Knapp, Ph.D., and his wife, Kelly.

While the weekend’s festivities officially began Friday evening with the Welcome Reception and Homecoming Dinner, many alumni came together in the afternoon for campus tours and the Taste of Washington event. This new addition to the Homecoming & Reunion Weekend schedule featured food, beverages, and a bit of nostalgia from some of Washington’s favorite local businesses.

On Saturday afternoon, the stands at Cameron Stadium were full of red and black to cheer on the football team in a suspenseful game as they snagged a victory in overtime against Westminster College with a final score of 34-33. The weekend concluded with a spirited victory celebration during the popular Fifth Quarter under the tent on Olin Lawn.

The excitement from the day spilled into the evening as alumni and friends joined together in Rossin Campus Center to celebrate milestone reunions, and recognize this year’s alumni award winners for their professional achievements and contributions to the College and their communities.

“With perfect weather, a nail-biting football game, and a record-breaking number of alumni returning to campus, Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2017 was incredible,” said Director of Alumni Relations Kerri DiGiovanni Lacock ’09. “Seeing alumni from the class of 1950 to the class of 2017 (and even future Presidents) celebrating together at the high-energy Fifth Quarter was a big highlight of the weekend.”

Save the date to join us for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, October 12 & 13, 2018!

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1 Members of the 1987 Presidents football team celebrated a special reunion during the weekend in recognition of the team’s accomplishments in the history of the College. As part of the celebration, returning members and coaches were introduced on the 50-yard line during the Homecoming game’s halftime presentation. 2 Members of the Class of 1957, George Moffat ’57, Jay Keefer ’57, John Mollenauer ’57, and Will “Lefty” McAloon ’57, kick off the weekend’s festivities together at the Welcome Back Reception. 3 Faculty member Buba Misawa poses for a photo with Vasilli Alafogiannis, Shannon Morrissey ’04, and Areti Alafogiannis ’04. 4 Kenny Clark ’18 and Erica Ankney ’18 smile for a photo after being crowned the 2017 Homecoming King and Queen. 5 Fans cheer on the Presidents to a nail-biting victory over Westminster. 6 Addison Swank, daughter of Justin Swank ’09, decorates a pumpkin during the Tailgate Lunch alongside her mom, Jennifer. 7 Carley ’09 and Eric Taslov ’07 head to the Homecoming football game accompanied by their future President, Aubrey, who came ready to celebrate a victory in her W&J letterman jacket. 8 W&J Soccer alumni reunite at the soccer tailgate luncheon before heading to the Homecoming football game. 9 Members of the Class of 1972 came forward to accept this year’s Class Cup for their fundraising efforts on behalf of their 45th reunion. The class took home the coveted cup with an impressive 28 percent class participation. 10 Alumni meet up in the Salvitti Quad for a tour of the campus arboretum, led by faculty member Jason Kilgore, Ph.D. 11 Gil Floyd ’92, Arnold Tarpley ’89, and Buzz Scott celebrate together at Fifth Quarter.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

ALUMNI

Alumni Awardees Homecoming & Reunion Weekend festivities kicked off Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, with the President’s Homecoming Dinner to honor three W&J alumni for their exceptional contributions to their communities and professions. the Board in 2006 and has completed two additional terms as of 2017. Louise also served as the assistant director of admission at W&J for five years. In 2010, Louise played a significant role in W&J’s celebration of 40 years of co-education. Believing that such a remarkable time in the College’s history should be showcased somewhere on campus, Louise led an effort to gift the College with its first piece of public art, titled “1970.” At their 40th reunion in 2014, Pete, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, served as the keynote speaker at the annual Veterans Memorial Service. Their daughter, Abbey, is a 2004 graduate of W&J.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Peter J. Ross ’74, D.M.D., Pediatric Dentist, Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, PC Louise Kirkpatrick Ross ’74, former W&J trustee Peter J. Ross, D.M.D., and Louise Kirkpatrick Ross have been a part of the Washington & Jefferson College family for forty-seven years. They both began their involvement during their time on campus. While pursuing a degree in biology, Pete was editor of The Red & Black student newspaper and a brother of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity. He was a member of the 1970 W&J football team that won the first Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship. Pete was in ROTC at W&J and commissioned into the U.S. Army upon graduation. Louise earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and was a member of the first class of women to complete a four-year undergraduate degree at W&J. Although 29

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The Rosses make themselves available as mentors to today’s students and are Lifetime John McMillan Society members.

there were no sororities at that time, Louise was one of the first ATO “Little Sisters.” With encouragement from fellow alumni Tom Ladley ’73 and Joanne Burnley Ladley ’74 to locate Pete’s practice in Lancaster, Pa., the couple opened Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in 1985. The Rosses have always remained close to their alma mater, serving on their class’s reunion committee and organizing regional events. Along with Joanne, they began hosting events in the 1980s and have helped build the Lancaster alumni chapter. In 1986, Louise was the first alumna elected to the W&J Board of Trustees and served her first term from 1986-1991. She rejoined

‘‘’’

We grew up at W&J academically, socially, culturally—in ways that have affected our lives, both personally and professionally every day. We didn’t discover that influence until after we graduated and got out into the world. There are many influences all of us encounter during our lives: family, spouses, and special people. We both count our W&J experience near the top of that list. — PETER J. ROSS, D.M.D., AND LOUISE KIRKPATRICK ROSS

ALUMNI AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

Barbara H. Lange ’88, Executive Director, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and the Hollywood Professional Association

Timothy M. Wagner ’07, Ed.D., Associate High School Principal for Program Planning & Innovation, Upper St. Clair School District

After graduating from W&J with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and German, Barbara embarked on a career in scholarly publishing, first working for the prestigious German scientific publisher, Springer-Verlag, and then as director of product development in publishing at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world’s largest non-profit technology professional association and one of the industry’s largest scholarly publishers. She was among the pioneers who managed the scholarly publishing industry’s transition from print to digital platforms in the 1990s. In 2010, she became executive director for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), an organization that sets industry standards for motion pictures. Barbara’s mandate was to reinvigorate a struggling association. Under her leadership, the Society expanded its global presence and increased membership by more than 40 percent; built a digital library and, with it, an ongoing revenue stream; supported the development of significant industry standards; acquired a Hollywood post-production trade association; and established a fundraising campaign with support from media industry leaders. Barbara is once again participating in an industry transition, as media and entertainment technology migrates to an Internet-based ecosystem. She is also helping to emphasize increasing diversity within the technology sector.

‘‘’’

W&J set me up for critical thinking. Because I studied chemistry, I became attuned to the scientific method. And while I no longer use chemistry in my daily work, the skills that I developed in the lab still work for me today in association management. Equally important, W&J provided a safe environment where a woman can excel. I never felt disadvantaged while on campus. In fact, W&J fostered a level playing field where everyone could do their best. Unfortunately, work life was not always so kind. While I don’t visit W&J as much anymore, I have very dear friends who remain in my life to this day—those friendships made in calculus class in Old Main, on the floor in the Alex dormitory, in Kappa Kappa Gamma, or on an intersession trip to the Soviet Union. Friends forever and great memories! — BARBARA H. LANGE

Timothy M. Wagner, Ed.D., is a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in child development and education from W&J. In addition, he holds two degrees from the University of Pittsburgh: a master’s degree in applied developmental psychology and a doctorate in education in administrative & policy studies. His dissertation research focused on the public school experience of child refugees. Timothy serves as a public educator in the Upper St. Clair School District where he has spent time as an elementary and middle school teacher, a secondary gifted education coordinator, and the middle school English language arts curriculum leader. Currently, he is the associate high school principal for program planning & innovation. Additionally, he holds an appointment as an adjunct faculty member in the education department at W&J. Timothy’s civic engagement includes service as the vice chair of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, vice president of Beverly’s Birthdays Board of Directors, and education director for the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair. His past recognition includes the University of Pittsburgh School of Education’s Doctoral Book Scholarship Award (2010), PASCD Outstanding Young Educator Award (2014), and membership in the PASCD Emerging Leader Cohort (2016).

‘‘’’

My journey at Washington & Jefferson College revealed to me that the answers to today’s most complex problems are often found in the treasure of a liberal arts education. Considering life from a multi-disciplinary perspective, and holding oneself accountable to both knowledge and community, are hallmark features of a W&J education. Because of what W&J offers, my service in schools has been marked by a desire to understand fully the nexus of educational theory, policy, and practice. Most importantly, however, my work at W&J instilled in me a belief that the best learning happens when instructors use both “head and heart” as they consider the needs of children and families. — TIMOTHY M. WAGNER

For complete biographies on the 2017 alumni award winners and to submit a nomination for future awards, go to jayconnected.com/alumniawards WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

ALUMNI

Young Alumni Committee With the goal of engaging our most recent graduates, alumni have come together to form Young Alumni Committee chapters in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The groups plan to develop programs and communications tailored to W&J’s newest alumni, including events where Presidents of all ages can meet up and opportunities to speak with current students interested in your career field. “Having a strong W&J community can help take a bit of the stress away of moving to a new area,” said John Buffalini ’11, a member of the Washington, D.C., committee. “By becoming involved in a Young Alumni Committee chapter, you guarantee that you’ll always have someone to talk to or provide you with advice – whether professionally or personally.”

Members of the Washington, D.C. Young Alumni Committee (left to right) Dan Martin ’10, John Buffalini ’11, Jeffrey Germak ’14, Cait Quicksell ’12, and Natalie Gill ’16.

Be on the lookout for upcoming events sponsored by both chapters of the Young Alumni Committee! Interested in getting involved with either of the existing chapters or starting one in your area? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@washjeff.edu.

Coming to a City Near You We invite alumni from the east to the west coast to join John and Kelly Knapp to celebrate the W&J community, learn about today’s campus, and reconnect with fellow graduates!

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

New York City, New York

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Boonton Township, New Jersey

Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

To learn more details and register, visit jayconnected.com/events. Don’t see your city on the list? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@washjeff.edu to learn about Alumni Events in a Box. John and Kelly Knapp at a gathering of alumni in Dallas, Texas

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CLASS NOTES

33 Alumni News 37 Weddings 39 Junior Presidents 40 In Memoriam

Photo by Jakob Locante â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19 WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

CLASS NOTES

1918 John Ellis, son of W&J alumnus Harold Ellis, shared an article he wrote about his father’s service as an Army medical assistant in France with Youngstown Base Hospital No. 31 during World War I. The article features snippets from Harold Ellis’s journal describing his experience during the war. In May 1917, he wrote, “Big day’s work. Some patients evacuated in haste, town shelled and bombed all night. We watch from chateau window. See Boche plane shot down. Hundreds of blessés [wounded] arrive. Prepare to evacuate.” The article is available to read by contacting the College Library.

1947

Michael Scolieri celebrated his 96th birthday during homecoming weekend, and still sports his W&J letter sweater from his college days. His time at W&J was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Navy and advanced to the rank of a Lieutenant Commander. After returning from the war, Scolieri finished his education at W&J and attended law school before starting a commercial office supply company which he and a partner ran for more than 40 years.

1950

an alumnus, he is the father of Larry Parker ’77 and the grandfather of Kaleb Yandrick ’13.

1962

M. Patrick McCormick was inducted into the 2017 Langley Research Center National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Hall of Honor class in June. He was recognized for pioneering the development of remote sensing capabilities (both space-based and ground-based), and research analyses that have significantly contributed to scientific understanding of the Earth’s atmospheric processes.

1963

Bruce Janoff and Carole Amendola organized a reunion for Pi Lambda Phi in Las Vegas in August 2017. The fraternity brothers and their wives took a trip to Red Rock Canyon National Preservation Area and watched a DVD with highlights from their time at W&J. In attendance were Ron Grossman ’61, a former director of the national Pi Lambda Phi organization and president of the local chapter, and his wife, Parker; Mike Spiegelman ’64 and his wife, Marty; Dick Weinberg and Dick Singer ’61.

Warner Schlaupitz has been traveling to various community groups to share his experiences in World War II.

1952

John Parker was selected as the Grand Marshal of the 4th of July Parade in Latrobe, Pa., in 2017. In addition to being

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1965 Woody Wollesen’s latest book, “The Ultimate Financing Guide: The Complete

Array of all Available Options—The Way It Works in the Real World,” was selected for nationwide distribution in digital format. Wollesen is recognized as one of the nation’s foremost small business financing/entrepreneurship experts and is the founder and CEO of American Empowerment, a veteran created and operated nonprofit dedicated to knowledge empowerment in support of small business and entrepreneurship.

1969

Robert G. Walker continues to spend his retirement in Florida, writing and traveling. In addition to regular skiing and scuba diving trips, he takes one “big” trip a year. Last year, he and his friends spent 11 days in safari camps in southern Africa. This year, he and his friends (including George Kennedy and his wife, Marcy) plan to cruise to Winward Islands in a 48-foot sailboat. He writes mainly about 18th century English literature and modern literature, and he has published two essays, four notes, and four book reviews in the past three years. He also enjoys making three trips a year back to the College.

1973

Kurt Blaugher, associate professor of theatre at Mount Saint Mary’s University, along with colleague David Matzko McCarthy, has published “Saving the World and Healing the Soul: Heroism and Romance in Film” with Cascade Books in Eugene, Ore. James L. Goldsmith has joined the law firm of Mett, Evans & Woodside as shareholder. He has been practicing law continuously since 1978. Goldsmith focuses his practice

on representing professionals charged with negligence or defending their licenses and providing legal advice to professional trade organizations. Robert Burke McLemore, partner in the firm Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP, and chair of its Workers’ Compensation Selection, was elected treasurer of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Board of Directors. McLemore has been listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” as well as being a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2004.

1975

Philip B. Friedman began a three-year term on the Pennsylvania Bar Association Board of Governors in May 2017. One of 12 zone governors, Friedman will represent Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Venango, and Warren County lawyers. Friedman also recently repeated as a gold medalist for the International Triathlon Union Grand Final in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where he finished first in the men’s age 60-64 sprint division with a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes, 28 seconds. Thomas Shoup’s book, “Premarket Risk Management for New Medical Device Companies,” was published by The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. The book is aimed at both startup and established companies developing their first medical devices.

1976

Andrew Aloe, Dr. Steve Conner ’75, and Jack Soodik completed a two-day bike trip along the Potomac River in October 2017. The final destination was Harpers Ferry,

W.V., where they met George Alter ’75, Jeff Reinhard and Anthony Solomita ’75.

1980

John Massella was recognized by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) with the 2017 NAADAC Addiction Educator of the Year Award. The award is presented to an educator who has made an outstanding contribution to addiction education through the mentoring of students, colleagues, or addiction professionals and/or provided ongoing research or other contributions that grow, enhance, advocate, and educate for the addiction profession.

1981

Frank C. Botta has been elected the President of the Transportation Lawyers Association, an international association of attorneys serving the transportation industry since 1937. He also recently joined The Lynch Law Group to lead its new Transportation Practice Group and will have a significant role in expanding the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice.

1982

Kent Manno, a 35-year member of the faculty and coaching staff at Delbarton School in Morristown, N.J., has been named Swimming Coach of the Year three times by the Daily Record. Manno has led the team to 11 Morris County Swimming Championships and NHC, State Prep School, and NJSIAA Sectional championships.

1987

Frank King retired from the Army Oct. 1, 2017, after 26 years of active duty service in the Judge Advocates Generals Corps. King’s culminating assignment was in the

Pentagon as the executive officer to The Judge Advocate General of the Army, who presided at his retirement ceremony. The Judge Advocate General of the Army also presented his wife, Cindy King ’88, with the Commander’s Award for Public Service, recognizing her outstanding contributions to soldiers and military families. Frank, Cindy, and sons Scott ’18 and Matthew, now live in Aberdeen, Maryland.

1991

Alicia M. Passerin joined Leech Tishman IP Practice as partner in April 2017. Passerin holds a doctorate in neurobiology and counsels clients in the life sciences, as well as biomedical, mechanical, chemical, and software engineering fields.

1993

Debbie Kepple-Mamros received the Social Responsibility Award for Excellence from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities in May 2017. She has been working in higher education since 1998.

1994

Jennifer Pintar was named associate provost for Academic Administration at Youngstown State University. She was previously the chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Sports Science at YSU.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

CLASS NOTES

1995 Matthew C. Sweger, a partner with Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP, was honored as a Lawyer of the Year for the Tucson region in The Best Lawyers in America, a list compiled annually by conducting peer-review surveys.

executive. This is the fifth time Jampedro has received the 40 Under 40 Award as a mortgage banking and real estate industry executive with GSF Mortgage Corporation.

2002

1999

Rocco Cozza took part in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 8th annual Man & Woman of the Year campaign, a philanthropy and leadership program where candidates compete to raise the most money for LLS blood cancer research. Angie Goss Zuhl, along with her husband, Eric, and daughters, Jackie and Lilian, celebrated the Pittsburgh Penguins back to back Stanley Cup Championships by posing for a photo with the Stanley Cup.

2001

Chad Jampedro, was recognized in two separate trade publications, National Mortgage Professional and Mortgage Executive magazines, as a Top 40 Under 40 35

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Mauri Peyton, Esq., of PeytonBolin, PL, was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2017. In addition, his title company, Giannell Title, LLC, was named to The Fund’s President’s Circle after a stellar 2016.

2005

1997

William Brandstetter published his first novel, “Heartly God?,” under the pen name Wil 3 in April 2017. Brandstetter and T. Scott Frank ’71 reunited at a Wil 3 “Heartly God?” book signing and author talk at the Oakmont Library Oct. 28, 2017.

May 2017. Andy has taught history at the Winchester Thurston School since 2011.

Michael Fuga was named the Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year for 2018. Fuga serves as the Neal Middle School principal. Brian Johnson, M.D., has been appointed the chief medical officer of West Penn Hospital. Johnson has been a staff physician at West Penn since 2009, and has served on numerous hospital committees. Presently, he serves as treasurer-secretary for the Hospital’s Medical Executive Committee. In his new role, he will work closely with physician leaders, hospital staff, and department directors to ensure that West Penn maintains the highest standards of clinical quality and patient service.

2003

James Zerfoss summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in September 2017. Tanzania is the 45th country Zerfoss has visited.

2004

Joshua Andy, Ph.D., received the Educator of the Year Award from the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh in

Eli Miller was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the acting United States director of the Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He was the chief of staff at the US Department of the Treasury and prior to that, served as Chief Operating Officer for finance of Trump’s presidential campaign.

2006

Stacy Herrick, communication specialist for West Virginia State University poses with the University’s athletic director, Nate Burton ’09. Stacy is dressed as WVSU’s mascot, "Stinger." Samantha Malone Rubright, DrPH, manager of communications and partnerships at Fractracker Alliance, was named one of the 20 Pioneers Under 40 in Environmental Public Health by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment. Ashley Diehl Stremme was selected to represent the USA in the 2017 Mrs. Universe Pageant after previously winning Mrs. United States. The pageant features married women from 84 countries who are working to uplift and enhance their local communities through charity work, business development, and global trade opportunities. Stremme, along with other delegates, engaged in various initiatives to raise funds for Verulam,

KwaZulu-Natal-based LIV Village for orphaned and vulnerable children, facilities that support abused women and the Cancer Association of South Africa. Delegates also visited local schools to engage with young women and girls about the importance of education and self-development.

2007

J.J. Lendl made his IDW Comics debut as cover artist for the new "The X-Files: JFK Disclosure" miniseries in October 2017. Nadia Mills opened Luus Muus (Loose Moose), a preschool and family center in Zurich, Switzerland. Mills graduated from W&J with a degree in child development and education and has spent the last 10 years teaching at Inter-Community School – one of Switzerland’s top international schools. Learn more about Luus Muus at www.luusmuus.ch.

2008

Maximilian T. Schuster earned his doctorate in administrative and policy studies at the University of Pittsburgh in April 2017. His dissertation, “Compartmentalized cultures, integrated transitions: Exploring first-year student transition at a middle Atlantic university,” earned the 2017 Outstanding Research Award from the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education. Currently, Schuster serves as a visiting assistant professor of higher education management at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education.

2009

Maxwell Briskman Stanfield has joined the Meyer, Unkovic, & Scott law firm as an associate in its Real Estate & Lending and Corporate & Business Law practice groups. He will be representing clients in different corporate, real estate, and financial transactions. Stanfield also was selected to serve on the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s New Leadership Council.

Devin O’Malley started as a spokesman for the Department of Justice and the Attorney General in May 2017.

2011

Jessica Kurtz Mitchell, Esq., is an associate attorney at Schmidt Kramer PC in Harrisburg, Pa. Mitchell specializes in social security disability insurance and supplemental security income claims and also assists those injured on the job with their Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims.

Christopher Cappellini earned his master’s degree in biomedical sciences with a concentration in Alzheimer’s disease research at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He presented his thesis work at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. He is currently a fourth-year medical student at PCOM and was recently matched into their General Surgery residency program. His fellowship specialty interests after residency include colorectal surgery, plastic surgery, or minimally invasive surgery.

Continued my education Started a new job Switched careers Became a published author Traveled the world Got married Had a baby Reunited with fellow alumni Began retirement

WHATEVER YOU’VE BEEN UP TO, WE’D LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT IT! jayconnected.com/classnotes

Or, send us an email at alumni@washjeff.edu

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

CLASS NOTES Joshua Kohler graduated from La Salle University with his master’s degree in business administration. He received the Graduate Academic Award and an award from the William Penn Foundation during his induction to Beta Gamma Sigma, the honorary society for business students. Maxx Mock, D.M.D., opened his dental practice last summer in Springdale, Pa. He is a third generation dentist and is practicing with his father, H. S. David Mock ’74, D.M.D. He is serving as the alumni director of Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity at the University of Pittsburgh and is a member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association and ADA.

2012

2016

Jonathan McCloskey has been hired by Edgar Snyder & Associates as a personal injury attorney. He is also a presenter for the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Attorney Division’s Stepping Out program and serves as the mock trial attorney adviser at Peters Township High School, his alma mater.

Lauren Truskey is working towards a doctorate of psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She recently earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania in counseling and mental health services.

John Frazier was named to Pittsburgh Business Times “30 Under 30” list for his work as the CEO of uTranslated.

2015

Nathaniel Rattner moved to Shadyside (Pittsburgh) after living in Texas for two years. He is a CPA at Maher Duessel.

Natalie Gill, former student body president and current law student at George Washington University, celebrated alongside (then) President Tori Haring-Smith at the Washington, D.C., regional alumni gathering hosted by Dr. Patrick Correnty ’87.

2017

Sonnieboy Blanco joined the coaching staff at Muhlenberg College as assistant wrestling coach.

WEDDINGS

Christopher Olsen ’11 and Hannah Shaner ’13 were married May 26, 2017. Chris is the grandson of Jack Olsen ’60. The bridal party included best man Christian Larson ’11, maid of honor Katlin Dagg ’13, and bridesmaids Hannah Thibodeau ’13, Emily Contini ’13, and Claire Pilarski ’13. The couple now resides in Baldwin, Pa., with their Labrador, Captain, and English Bulldog, Puddin’.

Jesse Mullen ’05 and Misty Heppler were married July 23, 2016, at Montour Heights Country Club in Moon Township, Pa. They currently live in Pittsburgh and have a pit-bull son named Baxter.

Winona Shearer ’05 and Dan Lipner were married Sept. 24, 2016, at Greendance Winery in Mt. Pleasant, Pa.

Edward Simon ’06 and Meaghen Finan were married Oct. 7, 2017, at the Heinz Memorial Chapel in Pittsburgh. A reception followed the ceremony at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. 37

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John Todd ’10 and Lindsay Gentry were married Dec. 20, 2016, at The Mansion at Valley Country Club in Towson, Md.

Keith Pisarcik ’07 and Ashleigh Kazmeraski ’10 were married Sept. 23, 2017, at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. The bridal party included Adam Deal ’07, Jen Czekaj Donley ’10, and Dan Mancuso ’09. Other W&J alumni in attendance were Ben Brown ’08, Erica Harpur Brown ’10, Bill Caruthers ’10, Sam Knapek ’10, Zach Nigrelli ’10, Kent Peterson ’05, Amy Callipare Rose ’99, Ryan Sayers ’09, Justin Schmotzer ’10, Molly Macioce Schmotzer ’10, Jordan Sokoloski ’10, Dr. Dan Springer ’10, Amanda Hagenbunch Springer ’10, John Todd ’10, Dr. Christopher Vaglia ’94, Dr. Amanda Callipare Vaglia ’97 and Sewell Wallace ’71. Keith is the grandson of Richard Pisarcik ’54.

Jackie Sipe ’13 and Andrew Cappucci ’13 were married June 17, 2017. Colin Kracinovsky ’13, Stef Mogel ’13, and Tessa Kracinovsky ’12 served in the bridal party.

Donovan DeLuca ’09 and Victoria Miller ’10 were married Nov. 4, 2017, at St. Thomas More Church in Pittsburgh. A reception was held at the Crown Plaza Suites in Upper St. Clair. Katie Betler Bonatesta ’10 was a bridesmaid. The couple now reside in Cleveland.

B.J. Monacelli ’14 and Genevieve Beichner were married Aug. 15, 2015. Andrew Pingitore ’14 served as a groomsman and Danny Lucas ’14, Craig Popp ’14, Zach Wildey ’14, Matt Yanda ’14, Zach Marsh ’14, Evan Fuentes ’14, and Ty Wildey ’15 served as ushers for the wedding.

Miriam Beavers ’15 and Gadwin Stewart ’15 were married March 24, 2017. The couple met during their freshman year at W&J. Nathan Harmotto ’11 and Alyssa Vukson ’12 were married May 24, 2015, at the White Barn in Prospect, Pa.

Katie Summers ’13 and Dan Kessler were married May 27, 2017. Danielle Weaver, Lindsay Flavion Burns ’12, and Ashley Burk ’13 were in the bridal party.

Bethany Haver ’12 and Kyle Sirl were married July 22, 2017.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

CLASS NOTES

JUNIOR PRESIDENTS

Winona Shearer Lipner ’05 and her husband, Dan, welcomed their first child, Carson Daniel, Nov. 30, 2016.

Hollis Zemany-McLachlan ’06 and her husband, Liam, welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth Anne Christine, July 4, 2017.

Jonathan Ross ’06 and Susanne Seward Ross ’09 welcomed their first baby, Brooks McKay, April 4, 2017.

Eric Taslov ’07 and Carley Riggin Taslov ’09 welcomed their daughter, Aubrey Rae, July 31, 2017.

Angela Goss Zuhl ’99 and her husband, Eric, welcomed their baby girl, Liliana, June 5, 2017.

Jessica Kurtz Mitchell ’08 and her husband, Rob, welcomed their son, William Thomas, June 15, 2017.

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Lauren Parcells Pierce ’08 and Jason Pierce ’08 welcomed their second daughter, Sadie Grace, Nov. 10, 2016. She joins big sister, Taylor Olivia.

Cristi Knopsnider Work ’08 and her husband, Ryan, welcomed their second baby girl, Macy Kay, May 7, 2017.

B.J. Monacelli ’14 and his wife, Genevieve, welcomed their first child, Theo Bradley, March 15, 2017.

Ryan P. Sayers ’09 and his fiancée, Ashley J. Kesner, welcomed their daughter, Reagan Mae, May 20, 2017.

Matthew Polinski ’10 and his wife, Lauren, welcomed their first child, Liam Garrett, July 14, 2017.

In Memoriam

1930s Frank E. “Bud” Gordon ’36, Washington, Pa., died Aug. 17, 2017, at age 102.

1940s

Dr. R. Alan Fawcett ’40, Wheeling, W. Va., died Sept. 7, 2017, at age 97. Wallace G. McCune ’40, Fort Washington, Pa., died April 28, 2017, at age 98. John Cyrus Smith ’42, Grand Junction, Colo., died March 14, 2017, at age 96. Warren K. Martin, ’43, Honey Brook, Pa., died April 3, 2017, at age 98. Gene S. Weimer ’43, Hollywood, Md., died March 26, 2012, at age 90.

Nathan Harmotto ’11 and Alyssa Harmotto ’12 welcomed their son, Micah Nathan, June 14, 2017.

Janet S. Abernathy, Washington, Pa., died Dec. 9, 2017, at age 91. Abernathy was an active member of the community and volunteered with many agencies affiliated with the Washington County United Way, where she had served on the Board of Directors. She was deeply involved with the Washington County Community Foundation, which had honored her as Humanitarian of the Year. She was a 50-year active member of First Presbyterian Church in Washington, where she had been a Deacon, an Elder and a longtime Sunday School teacher. Through the generosity of Abernathy and her husband, Dr. Ernest L. Abernathy, W&J students have access to the Abernathy Field Station, a 57-acre parcel of land used as an outdoor classroom located just five miles from campus. Faculty and students are able to study the structure and function of the ecosystems of AFS through both coursework and independent research projects. “I always enjoyed my time with Janet. She had unlimited energy and was quick to laugh,” Associate Professor of Biology Jamie March said. “Janet’s curiosity and love of nature was infectious. She is missed.” Abernathy was preceded in death by her husband. Surviving are a son, James, and his wife Camille; a daughter Barbara Bradshaw, and her husband, Thomas, and two grandchildren.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

CLASS NOTES Frank Raynak ’44, Phoenix, Ariz., died June 14, 2017, at age 94.

David L. Shroads Sr. ’55, Murrysville, Pa., died Sept. 25, 2017, at age 85.

John E. Murphey ’60, Wyckoff, N.J., died Oct. 11, 2017, at age 79.

Russell A. MacCachran Jr. ’45, Boulder, Colo., died Oct. 27, 2017, at age 94.

James F. Rittenhouse ’56, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, died June 21, 2017, at age 87.

James “Richie” Richards, ’60, Westerville, Ohio, died May 15, 2017, at age 78.

Nicholas Maropis ’49, Kissimmee, Fla., died Aug. 31, 2017, at age 94.

Carl S. Falcione Jr. ’58, Canonsburg, Pa., died June 12, 2017, at age 80.

John Buchko ’61, Somerset, Pa., died April 16, 2017, at age 78.

Alfred Karl Pfister ’58, Charleston, W. Va., died July 13, 2017, at age 80.

Joseph O’Donnell ’61, Pittsburgh, Pa., died March 18, 2017, at age 85.

H. Richard Ward ’58, Mifflinburg, Pa., died Aug. 27, 2017, at age 86.

John. M. Allardice ’62, Wexford, Pa., died June 8, 2017, at age 77.

James W. Bibb Jr. ’59, Oxford, Conn., died July 19, 2017, at age 79.

Robert K. Fell ’62, Port Saint Lucie, Fla., died May 19, 2017, at age 76.

1950s

Edgar L. Shriver, ’50, Aventura, Fla., died April 28, 2017, at age 90. William D. Watson ’50, Yonkers, N.Y., died April 15, 2017, at age 88. James A. Stuart ’52, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., died Aug. 16, 2017, at age 87.

1960s

Joseph G. Thomas ’52, Somerset, Pa., died July 31, 2017, at age 87.

Rev. Douglas Carroll ’60, Cohocton, N.Y., died Aug. 6, 2017, at age 84.

Richard R. Massey ’54, Annandale, Va., died July 19, 2016, at age 84.

William S. Decker ’60, Los Altos and Carmel, Calif., died Jan. 16, 2017, at age 79.

Donald J. Barley, Esq. ’55, Ridgewood, N.J., died May 17, 2017, at age 83.

Richard Kropp ’60, Crystal Lake, Ill., died Aug. 19, 2017, at age 79.

Andrew Goletz ’62, Wheeling, W.Va., died July 20, 2017, at age 77. Louis DiBello ’63, Bloomingdale, Ill., died March 7, 2017, at age 75. Sanford Tolchin ’63, Bonita Springs, Fla., died July 24, 2017, at age 75. John A. Barton ’64, The Villages, Fla., died June 20, 2017, at age 74. John B. Gilmore ’64, Mount Pleasant, S.C., died Nov. 2, 2017, at age 75.

Danna L. Hughley, Naperville, Ill., died Nov. 1, 2017, at age 66. She and her husband, W&J Trustee Coleman Hughley ’71, were mainstays in the West Suburban African American community. Hughley served as the Black History Month Program Coordinator at St. John AME, and every February, she visited her children’s schools to instruct and guide Black History Month education and learning programs. She was proud of her heritage and wanted to make sure that diversity and inclusion became staples in the minds of young people in the area.

William Robert “Bob” Kennedy ’64, Brookville, Pa., died Sept. 25, 2017, at age 75. Brent Weinman ’64, Longwood, Fla., died Nov. 3, 2017, at age 75. Jan W. Maratta ’65, Coraopolis, Pa., died May 17, 2017, at age 73. P. Jules Patt ’65, Hollidaysburg, Pa., died Nov. 26, 2017, at age 74. Joseph Dasch ’66, Austin Lake, Ohio, died May 17, 2017, at age 77.

In 2008, Coleman and Danna incorporated Coleman and Danna Enterprises (CDENT), a Shell retail gasoline operator that operated 18 gas stations in the Chicagoland area. Danna served as Vice President of CDENT and worked hand-in-hand with Coleman.

Earl S. Opdyke III ’66, Marshfield, Mass., died Nov. 14, 2017, at age 73.

Hughley is survived by her husband, daughter Tyra, son Jonathan and his wife Amanda, and grandson Elijah.

Allen Goorin ’68, Jamaica Plain, Mass., died April 14, 2017, at age 70.

WINTER/SPRING 2018 MAGAZINE

Thomas Y. King ’67, York, Pa., died June 27, 2017, at age 71.

1970s J. Wesley Fox III ’73, Raleigh, N.C., died Oct. 31, 2017, at age 66. Mario Dipietrantonio ’76, New Orleans, La., died Oct. 20, 2017, at age 63. Dr. Nancy McNicholas Troast ’79, Fort Myers, Fla., died July 4, 2017, at age 60.

1980s

Mark David Lomeo ’86, Dublin, Ohio, died April 8, 2017, at age 52.

1990s

Kathleen Segedy Amendola ’91, Washington, Pa., died Aug. 27, 2017, at age 74. JoEllen “Jodi” Tordy ’92, Washington, Pa., died Nov. 26, 2017, at age 60.

Friends Ruth Ann Donaldson, Houston, Pa., died May 25, 2017, at age 80. William R. Haynes, Washington, Pa., died Oct. 9, 2017, at age 68. Howard C. Long, Syracuse, N.Y., died July 16, 2017, at age 98. Frank R. Merrill, Richfield, Ohio, died Oct. 2, 2017, at age 85. Kathryn Murray, Willoughby, Ohio, died Feb. 24, 2017, at age 92. Pamela Norris, Washington, Pa., died Aug. 26, 2017, at age 72.

Jonathan D. Flickinger ’05, Bridgeville, Pa., died Dec. 28, 2017, at age 34, after a car accident. Following his time at W&J, Jonathan obtained a Juris Doctor of Law Degree from Duquesne University’s School of Law in 2011. After graduating, he followed his passion for the mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship and worked with the UFC public relations firm, Star PR Las Vegas LLC, in 2012. Flickinger then shifted career paths and started working at Centria as a human resources specialist in 2013. He advanced quickly in his career and became director of human resources at Swanson Industries in 2015 and went on to accept a position as the chief human capital officer at Quality Life Services in 2017. He is survived by his wife, Jenna; their children, Lydia and Isaiah; his parents, Tom ’77 and Debra; and by his brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Annissa.

Summer 2017 Corrections The late Robert S. Sprague ’44 was the father of W&J graduates Thomas H. Sprague ’66 and Robert S. Sprague Jr. ’66. The obituary printed in a previous edition of the magazine unintentionally omitted Robert S. Sprague Jr. The obituary for Anne Beatty incorrectly stated that her husband, Richard F. Beatty, is a 1953 graduate of W&J. Richard Beatty graduated in 1974. The obituary for Louis V. DiBello ’63 incorrectly identified his home as Park Ridge, Ill.. DiBello was a resident of Bloomingdale, Ill.. Clarification: In 2006, DiBello returned to academia where he concluded his career at the University of Illinois at Chicago, rather than returned to a teaching career as stated in the magazine.

Sally H. Rock, San Antonio, Texas, died June 2, 2017, at age 70. Sylvester Saula, Johnston, Pa., died June 26, 2017, at age 95.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

Washington & Jefferson College

Day of Giving By the Numbers

#RedBlackGiveBack

A sincere thank you to all our alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends from around the world who came together on Presidents Day and made our fourth annual Day of Giving a phenomenal success!

225,408

771

Dollars Raised

to support students, faculty, and campus programs

Total Donors

$80,000

in Challenge Gifts Unlocked

Graduating Classes

participated in Day of Giving, including at least one person from class years 1948-2018

6,909

Miles from W&J to Busan, South Korea

(gift made from the farthest distance)

63 Different Areas of W&J

received at least one gift on Day of Giving 43

WINTER/SPRING 2018 MAGAZINE

Number of States

plus Washington, D.C. and South Korea that made gifts

Save the Date Homecoming & Reunion Weekend

October 12 & 13, 2018

Celebrating the classes of 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, & 1998 Return to your alma mater and rediscover the magic of your college years during Washington & Jefferson College’s main event: Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, October 12 & 13. See old classmates, make new friends, visit favorite professors, and experience the campus as it is today. A weekend of friends, family, and good times awaits, and it wouldn’t be the same without you. Enjoy activities for all ages as you toast the 2018 Alumni Award Winners, cheer on the Red & Black student athletes, and wrap up the weekend during the popular Fifth Quarter celebration. It’s sure to be a weekend of events filled with all the unique spirit that makes W&J one spectacular place to be. Come one, come all! For more information about the weekend, visit

JAYCONNECTED.COM/HOMECOMING WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

Washington &â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Jefferson College 60 South Lincoln Street Washington, Pennsylvania 15301-4801

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Bolingbrook IL Permit No. 1963

VICTORY! W&J football players celebrate their homecoming victory over Westminster with Head Coach Mike Sirianni and President John C. Knapp. The Presidents won 34-33 in overtime. For more on the football season, see page 23-24.