West Chester University Magazine, Summer 2013 by West Chester University

ON THE COVER

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President Greg R. Weisenstein

Vice President for Advancement Mark Pavlovich

Editor, Director of Public Relations and Marketing Pam sheridan

Design and Layout

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West Chester University Council of Trustees

The West Chester University Foundation Board of Trustees

Barry C. Dozor ’71 thomas A. Fillippo ’69 (chair) Christopher Franklin ’ 87 Jonathan Ireland ’95, M’03 Christopher A. Lewis J. Adam Matlawski ’80 (vice chair) Marian D. Moskowitz eli silberman Christine Costello ’04 (secretary) Robert M. tomlinson ’70 skye Hisiro ’14

Officers James shinehouse ’80 (president) John n. nickolas ’90 (vice president) May Van ’89 MBA (treasurer) sandra F. Mather ’64, ’68 (secretary) Richard Przywara (executive director)

JoAnne Mottola CORRECTION In the winter/spring 2013 issue, John W. Pawling’51 was erroneously noted in the George Morris Philips society as deceased. our apologies to Mr. Pawling, his family and friends. John M. Fry’79 was mistakenly listed in the Memoriam section of the summer 2012 issue of the magazine in lieu of his father, John B. Fry’56 who died on July 3, 2011. John Fry and his wife, Kim M. (Canepa) Fry’79 of Freehold, n.J., have three children and celebrated 28 years of marriage this year. Both John and Kim have been teaching health and physical education for over 30 years.

Trustees Keith Beale ’77 Matthew Bricketto, ex officio Millie C. Cassidy Kate Cipriano ’00 Christopher J. DiGiuseppe ’89 thomas A. Fillippo ’69 (Council of trustees representative) Jane B. Fontaine ’74 Christopher Franklin ’87 Cheryl Fulginiti ’80 David A. Gansky ’88 Carl Gersback ’70 John A. Gontarz Maury Hoberman

David P. Holveck ’68 Donald e. Leisey ’59 emily Jane Lemole Donald R. McIlvain thomas e. Mills, IV ’81 Mark P. Mixner, ex officio H. Viscount nelson ’61 John R. Panichello ’83 Mark G. Pavlovich, ex officio Paula D. shaffner ’80 John stoddart ’93,’99 MBA samuel C. thompson, Jr. ’65 Brigadier General George H. Walls, Jr. ’64 Greg R. Weisenstein, ex officio

UNIVERSITY NEWS

LARGEST-EVER MAY GRADUATING CLASS IS SPLIT INTO TWO COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES To accommodate 2,288 undergraduates – the largest graduating class ever – West Chester split the spring commencement exercises into two ceremonies for the first time on May 18. In the morning, trent Crable ’79, executive Vice President and Chief operating officer at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, addressed graduates of the colleges of Business and Public Affairs; education; and Health sciences. In the afternoon, Kathy Romano ’00 from WMMR’s Preston and steve show addressed graduates of the colleges of Arts and sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts. the 435 master’s candidates eligible to receive their degrees at the May 20 ceremony listened to Carolyn t. Comitta ’74, the first woman and the first bi-partisan mayor elected in West Chester Borough. trent Crable told graduates that he couldn’t remember who spoke at his commencement so he looked it up online. It was George Gallup, founder of the Gallup organization, Inc., the polling company. “I should have listened because he has had such an impact on so many things.” It proved the point he made by quoting Maya Angelou: “You learn that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” He advised graduates to have the courage to take risks, accept failures, and pursue their passions: “Wherever you go, go with your heart. … start your journey, throw away the store-bought map and draw your own. … Failure is essential for growth and learning. our culture has conditioned us to have the idea of perfection in everything we do. … [the reality is that] even the most gifted person in the world will fail from time to time.” “the road to success isn’t straight,” Kathy Romano told the afternoon graduates. she talked about the difficulty she had making connections early in her career, trying to get in at nBC-10. Her frustrations included multiple missed calls on both sides, but she was determined to get her foot in the door. “I didn’t want to fall off their radar so I learned to be persistent, not annoying,” carefully timing her follow-up calls and always maintaining a professional demeanor. Her persistence

paid off: she landed a position as a production assistant at nBC10, and moved on to report traffic there before joining the Preston and steve show at Y100 in 2003. the show moved to WMMR in 2005. she also be(1) came a roving reporter at Comcast sportsnet in “Roamin’ with Romano,” which aired during eagles Pre- and Post-Game Live. she reported on Monday night Live, and served as the in-arena host for the Philadelphia 76ers for four seasons. Romano used her visibility to nurture her philanthropic side. she established the Fresh smiles Foundation in 2010 to keep underprivileged children active in organized activities. Her philosophy about volunteerism is simple: “those who’ve been lucky enough to go to college and graduate have a responsibility to return the favor,” to pay it forward. she advised the audience to “leave time for giving back,” noting that the rewards are incalculable.

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(1) Graduate commencement speaker, Borough Mayor Carolyn Committee ’74, presenting President Weisenstein a key to the Borough (2) he aternoon undergraduate speaker Kathy Romano ’00 (3) Trent Crable ’79, the speaker at the undergraduate morning ceremony

ALUMNI RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS MATH TEACHERS AWARD

Photo credit: Armando Solares

In her address to the master’s candidates, Carolyn t. Comitta echoed Romano’s philosophy: “… Because we are social creatures, if we add to the happiness and well-being of others, we add to our own happiness.” Her work with World Information transfer, Inc., (WIt) a United nations non-profit, nongovernmental educational organization focused on health and environment, helped her move from “a chronic worrier” to someone for whom “taking action replaced worry with hope.” Referring to this spring’s Borough/University celebration of the Un’s first “International Day of Happiness,” Mayor Comitta summarized “Arisotle’s definition of happiness, which is essentially to ‘live a flourishing life.’ What an uplifting thought!” the mayor, who grew up in West Chester, praised all the WCU constituents who “make WCU and our community better every year. … each year, I am even more proud to say that I am a graduate of ‘our’ University.” she then presented WCU President Greg Weisenstein with a key to the city, saying, “our University is a key to our future!” she gave graduates the “Cliffsnotes version of the same three thoughts I share with incoming freshmen: • take good care of yourself. • Lead with your gifts. • And leave everything a little better than you found it.” the Comittas have been a host family to WCU international students for more than six years. this year, their international student, cellist Attila szasz of transylvania, earned her master of music in May. President Weisenstein commended all the graduates for each of their unique contributions to the campus and community, from visible successes to more subtle contributions. “You have passion, talent and perseverance, and you have made our campus and region better for your having been here at WCU.”

Only two Lifetime Achievement Medals are awarded each year by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and both were awarded to West Chester University alumni. the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to improving mathematics education for students, nCtM presented Carol Flynn Malloy’65 and Jim Rubillo’63 the prestigious lifetime achievement medals during its annual convention in Denver, Colorado, in April. “the likelihood that two graduates of one university would receive the award in the same year is remote,” says WCU mathematics professor emeritus John Kerrigan. “this is a real tribute to the education received at the University and, in particular, from the mathematics department.” When he heard the news, Kerrigan spoke to the winners and said both credited professor emeritus Frank Milliman for their achievement. “they both told me they believed his teaching, care and mentoring were critical to their careers and successes.” Malloy retired in 2009 from her post as an associate professor of mathematics education at the University of north Carolina at Chapel Hill. she served on the nCtM board of directors and was a member of the nCtM standards 2000 team. Prior to becoming a professor, she was the associate director for programs and director of the pre-college program at the University of north Carolina Mathematics and science education network. now retired, Rubillo was executive director of the nCtM from 2001 until 2009 when he was named director of Desales University’s Center for Mathematics teaching and Learning. Prior to 2001, he worked in public education for 36 years, including as a former Desales faculty member. Prior to Desales, Rubillo served Bucks County Community College in several roles, including professor of mathematics and chair of the department of mathematics and computer science.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

NEW VP POSITION CREATED To accommodate enrollment demands that are reaching near-capacity levels on its 406-acre campus, the University has created a new senior-level position to develop and manage off-campus educational opportunities for students. Christopher Fiorentino, dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, has agreed to serve as the University’s first vice president for external operations with responsibilities for the creation and management of all off-campus educational locations, such as the University’s new center city Philadelphia site at 7th and Market sts., distance education programs and professional development studies. In announcing Fiorentino’s appointment, West Chester President Greg Weisenstein cited the dean’s long and distinguished leadership of the College of Business and Public Affairs. “Under his direction, the College attained AAsCB international accreditation, elevating its status as one of the premier business programs in the mid-Atlantic region,” says Weisenstein. During his 20-year tenure as dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, Fiorentino not only made significant contributions to the University, but worked with public, private and governmental entities to help meet the workforce needs of the region. He led a University research team that played a major role in the revitalization of the West Chester Borough business district and later was appointed a founding member of the West Chester Business Improvement District Authority. As chair of a blue ribbon task force, he recommended changes in the budgeting and financial management of Chester County’s $350

WCU NOW IN PHILLY Beginning in the fall, WCU will be offering graduate and eventually, undergraduate programs in center city Philadelphia at 701 Market st., the Mellon Independence Center. the University will make available courses leading to master’s degrees in special education, reading, criminal justice, and social work and plans to add more programs throughout 2013. the new site is easily accessible to public transportation through septa rail and bus service, and the PAtCo High speed Line. Convenient parking is also located nearby. to learn more, go to wcupa.edu/philly. 4 WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

million budget, which helped support the County’s triple-A bond ratings. the extent of his involvement, commitment and contributions to Chester County and the region are reflected in his former and current service on dozens of business and community boards, including the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry Accreditation task Force, the Chester County Keystone Innovation Zone, the Historical society, the Chester County economic Development Council, the County Library system, the Hospital Corporate Development Committee, the County transportation Management Association, and the County’s Business Practices Committee, among others. through a creative funding strategy, Fiorentino established and successfully managed the University’s off-campus 47,000 sq. ft. graduate business facility, now the University’s graduate center. Fiorentino has been behind the creation and funding of other highly successful University centers, including the Center for social and economic Policy Research, the Business technology Center, the Internet Presentation Group, the Center for Geographic Information systems and spatial Analysis and the Cottrell entrepreneurial Leadership Center. In addition to supporting faculty initiatives, the centers provide research and consulting services for local and regional organizations and businesses. A graduate of temple University where he received his undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in economics, Fiorentino joined West Chester’s department of economics in 1983. three years later, he was voted “outstanding Business Professor of the Year” by the University’s society for the Advancement of Management. In 1993, he was appointed dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, and in 2012, was also named associate provost. Michelle Patrick, professor of marketing and the College of Business and Public Affairs’ associate dean, has been appointed its interim dean.

WCU NAMES NEW DEAN OF HEALTH SCIENCES A former associate vice chancellor and provost of North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, N.C., has been named dean of WCU’s College of Health Sciences. Linda Adams, who holds degrees in public health and nursing, replaces Donald Barr, who retired after 15 years with the University. “Dr. Adams brings years of successful leadership in academia, as well as impressive experience here and abroad teaching and conducting research,” notes Provost Linda Lamwers. “We are delighted that she has accepted the position.” Prior to her tenure at North Carolina A & T State University where she served as provost and as associate vice chancellor for University Outreach, Professional Development and Distance Education, Adams served as dean and professor at Oakland University’s School of Nursing. She also held leadership positions at the University of Maryland, Coppin State University, and Hampton University. A graduate of Wayne State University where she received her undergraduate and a master’s degree in nursing in 1974 and 1978, respectively, Adams went on to earn a master’s and doctorate in public health at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. From 1989 to 1993, Adams served on the cabinet of Mayor Schmoke as the Director of Occupational Medicine and Safety, and from 1995 to 1999 under Governor Glendenning as Special Secretary of Children, Youth & Families for the State of Maryland. As such, she was the governor’s chief policy advisor on all matters related to children and youth, managing an interagency budget of over $100 million. Adams has spent the majority of her career promoting policies and programs to improve the quality of life for children and youth both here and abroad. More than 20 years ago, she was one of the first nurses to assess the characteristics of incarcerated youth, risk factors for delinquent behavior, and the importance of collaborative partnerships to promote healthy behaviors. This research led to the development of a national policy requiring mental health assessments of all detained and adjudicated youth. Adams also has been an integral part of policy development for children and youth through her advisory and consulting roles in China, India, Korea, Brazil and the Caribbean. A member of the National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health and the National Advisory Council of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Nurse Faculty Scholars Program, Adams has served on numerous boards, including the National Initiative on Children’s Healthcare Quality, the Urban League, and the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse. She also has served on the government affairs committee of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Magnet Hospital Recognition Board of the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the American Medical Association’s advisory panel on improving health providers’ cultural competence. S U M M E R 2 013

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BOB WOODWARD AT WCU, NOV. 1 This fall, the University is inaugurating the President’s Speakers Series with the Nov.1 appearance of Bob Woodward, associate editor of The Washington Post and one of America’s preeminent investigative reporters and non-fiction authors. While a young reporter for The Post, Woodward was teamed up with Carl Bernstein. The two did much, but not all, of the original news reporting on the Watergate scandal that led to numerous government investigations and the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon. Gene Roberts, former managing editor of The New York Times, has called their work “maybe the single greatest reporting effort of all time.” In the last 36 years, Woodward has authored or coauthored 16 national bestsellers in non-fiction, 12 of which have been #1 national non-fiction bestsellers. Woodward’s most recent book, Presidential Leadership and The Price of Politics, will be the subject of his talk. The second talk in the President’s Speakers Series takes place on March 7, with Cokie Roberts, ABC News political commentator and Senior News Analyst for National Public Radio. The recipient of countless awards, including three Emmys, Roberts is a member of the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and was cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting. Both talks are taking place at 8 p.m. on their respective dates in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall.

STUDENTS ATTEND WRITING CONFERENCE This May, several WCU English majors interested in creative writing attended Boldface, a conference for emerging writers under the auspices of the University of Houston’s Honors College. The five-day program had an intense studio focus and included daily workshops, craft talks and readings by visiting artists, off-site events, and a day of panels on professionalism. The students Eva Greenholt, Dan Coyle, Gregory Skutches, Angie Romans, Chloe Montgomery, Evan Schafer and Alex Loutsenko were able to participate in small, threehour workshops over four days of the conference choosing a genre of writing they wished to develop. S U M M ER 2 013

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

SUPERNATURAL FANGIRL! WCU PSYCHOLOGIST EXPLORES THE CURIOUS WORLD OF FANDOM

Lynn Zubernis never missed an episode of the once obscure science fiction fantasy television show, “Supernatural,” which debuted in 2005. now entering its ninth season on cable’s “the CW network,” the wildly popular series, produced in Vancouver, British Columbia, boasts a huge fan base. “I became such a passionate fan of the show in a way that I never experienced in my life,” recalls Zubernis, a clinical psychologist and associate professor in West Chester’s department of counselor education. “I just fell head over heels for it. As a psychologist, I wondered what was happening to me?” Zubernis soon discovered an online world devoted to “supernatural.” Most virtual fans of the series are female who share similar passion and enthusiasm, expressed through fan communities, fan art, fan fiction, “cosplay” or performance art, and gatherings such as conventions and social events. the show dramatically impacted Zubernis’s professional and personal experiences as she pursued cutting edge research into a phenomenon known as “fandom.” “oddly enough, the show was what led me to fandom research. At that time, almost no psychologists were working in 6 WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

this field,” says Zubernis, who co-authored four books on fandom and serves as associate editor of the Journal of Fandom Studies. “I’ve had a lot of success because I jumped into the field early on and fulfilled an unexplored niche from a psychology perspective.” Fandom is broadly defined as a cohort or subculture of fans surrounding a television show, movie, book, sport, celebrity, musical group or entertainer, video game or other media forms. the concept of fandom is not new, however, it has grown immensely with fans of all genres having Internet access, says Zubernis. Modern examples of fandom specific to television, books, movies, sports and entertainers include: “star trek” (“trekkies”), Harry Potter (“Pottermania”), Lord of the Rings (“Ringers”), Green Bay Packers (“Cheeseheads”) and Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band (“Parrotheads.”) A subcomponent of fandom is “fan fiction” in which fans take characters or plots and recreate their own fictional versions. this technique is rooted back to the 19th century with sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. today, the incredibly popular book series by e. L. James’s, 50 Shades of Grey, originated as fan fiction based on the Twilight novels. A Tale of Two Professors and Fangirls Zubernis pursued her research with coauthor Katherine Larsen, who teaches courses on fame, celebrity and fandom in the University Writing Program at George Washington University and serves as principal editor of the Journal of Fandom Studies. the two fully committed researchers, academics and self-professed “supernatural” “fangirls” embarked on a unique investigative journey together specific to the “supernatural” fandom subculture. they conducted qualitative research of thousands of fans by traveling throughout the country, Canada and europe. they attended 25 conventions, asked specific questions online and surveyed existing posts of certain topics.

“In the beginning we struggled with a big research question of whether to remain on the outside looking in and separate from the fan base. But we felt that in order to get a real understanding we needed to be immersed and know all of its workings and how communities develop. so, we made the decision to just study ‘supernatural,’” says Zubernis. the team’s latest book, Fangasm: Supernatural Fangirls, set for release in october 2013, is a memoir “of two responsible college professors who immersed themselves in a crazy road trip as researchers and fangirls to meet “supernatural’s” cast and crew.” the book details the good, the bad (and the ugly!), traveling behind the scenes and meeting colorful characters and encountering zany situations while immersed in the world of fandom. “some of the most important things we found out based on our passion and emotional investment are that there are some parallels and similarities to addiction. Whenever you are passionate about something you are in danger of losing your perspective,” says Zubernis. “But, I think that’s the exception and not the rule. In most cases we found that fandom can be a healthy thing, especially for women because of the relationships and communities formed online and elsewhere. It can be a therapeutic place where people, especially women, discover their genuine selves.” Zubernis and Larsen have another book set for release in 2014 called, Fan Phenomena: Supernatural, that includes book chapters authored by cast members. they have also published two academic books in 2012, Fan Culture: Theory/Practice and Fandom at the Crossroads: Celebration, Shame and Fan/Producer Relationships. In addition to her work in fandom research, Zubernis teaches graduate courses in human development, group dynamics, counseling techniques and theory. other specialty areas include research and counseling for transfer students and GLBt students.

STUDENTS PRESENT CENTURY-OLD TORAH TO WCU A group of West Chester University students, faculty and alumni travelled for two weeks last summer across Central and eastern europe as part of the University’s Holocaust and Genocide studies program. When they returned to the states, they brought with them more than lasting memories of their visits to various Holocaust sites, but an actual relic that had been saved from nazi destruction. As part of the University’s Holocaust Remembrance Day program in April, WCU graduate student Hadassah DeJack and alumna Hilary Bentman presented the century-old torah to the University to be housed in the Frances Harvey Green Library. DeJack and Bentman discovered the partial scroll in an antique shop while exploring Warsaw’s old town. the shop owner, who claimed that a man had found the torah hidden in a wall, wanted more for the scroll than any of the students could afford on their own. the group wasn’t willing to leave Poland without it, however, so they pooled their money and collectively brought the torah to campus. “It was my first trip to the concentration camps, former ghettos and museums related to the Holocaust,” says DeJack. “this was really part of my last course in the program, but no amount of reading could prepare me for the emotional impact of walking those paths. “I think seeing the torah when we were there made it even more

(Left to right: ) Hilary Bentman, M’11 and graduate student Hadassah DeJack with the encased Torah

emotional, and we just couldn’t leave it behind.” Consisting of five panels from the Book of Genesis, the eastern european style scroll had sustained heavy water and mold damage, and the parchment was heavily cockled. Following their return to West Chester, DeJack and Bentman established the “Warsaw torah Project” to raise awareness and funds for restoring the scroll and securing it in a temperature and lightcontrolled case to prevent further damage. Initial donations from students, alumni, friends, the students’ families and the University, made it possible for the students to hire experts at the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia to conduct the restoration. the torah is now housed in the Francis Harvey Green Library.

CELEBRATING A CHAMPION OF FREEDOM This fall, final arrangements will be made to install a life-size bronze statue of Frederick Douglass, the former slave, distinguished orator, author and statesman who delivered his last public lecture on West Chester’s campus in 1895. on october 1, a dedication ceremony honoring the African American abolitionist will be held on the Clifford e. and Inez e. DeBaptiste Plaza, a granite and cast stone circular meditation area on the Richard Blake in his quad. studio with the Frederick the statue and plaza were Douglass statue made possible by an initial $50,000 donation from former West Chester Borough Mayor Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste, kicking off a successful campaign spearheaded by the University’s Frederick Douglass Institute to raise funds for the memorial statue. the first African American major of West Chester Borough, the Honorable Clifford DeBaptiste has been active in West Chester and the Chester County community for more than 40 years. Founder, owner, and Ceo of DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc., he continues to direct the business with his daughter, Lillian DeBaptiste Lambert.

A member of numerous local, county, state and national funeral director associations, he was appointed by the governor to the Pennsylvania state Board of Funeral Directors which he chaired for 13 years. DeBaptiste also has served the University, as a member of the Council of trustees from 1968 to 1972 and as a board member of the West Chester University Fund. In 1991, he was awarded the President’s Medallion for service, and in 1999, he received an honorary doctor of public service. “the importance of this event is that it celebrates WCU’s continuing recognition of Frederick Douglass as a critical thinker and role model,” notes the Institute’s founding director and retired english professor James trotman. “A statue of the younger Douglass aims to stimulate and encourage students to do more with their lives and to be more than they are,” says trotman. “It is not an end in our study of the great abolitionist; it is part of the process of using a national and global icon.” Richard Blake, a member of the University’s art department since 1975, was commissioned to create the lifelike figure. often designed with an evocative presence, Blake’s work has been exhibited throughout the U.s. and abroad. His commissioned work is on display at the Milton and Catherine Hershey Memorial sculpture in Hershey, Pa., and with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument at the Peace Gardens of the University of California, Fresno, Cal. West Chester was the first university among the 14 Pennsylvania state system of Higher education universities to establish a Frederick Douglass Institute. S U M M ER 2 013

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ABSTRACT MURAL INSTALLED ON E.O. BULL CENTER Except for students and faculty heading for classes on the University’s east campus, few passersby probably noticed the ten-foot scaffolding tucked alongside the e.o. Bull Center for the Arts on south High st. in March and April. over the course of the spring semester, the 85’ x 15’ concrete surface was transformed into an elaborate mixed - media mural – the creation of a local, award-winning artist, University students, and other members of the campus and borough communities. overseeing the design and installation was ceramic artist Rhoda Kahler, who also mentored dozens of art (and non-art) University students throughout the enormous project. entitled, “transition Cycle,” the mural’s design includes tiles made by the artist, pieces of glass, mirrors, thousands of tile shards, and tiny sockets and screws, reflecting the artist’s preference for abstraction and textural collages. “In the plans for renovating and expanding the e.o. Bull Center, we purposely set aside an exterior wall where one day we might install a mural,” explains John Baker, chair of the University’s art department. Baker also believed former West Chester student Kahler would be the ideal person to oversee the project. “Given her success as an artist and the fact she’s an alum of the University, I felt Rhoda was the perfect match for this project. I knew she would work very well with the students and create a beautiful work of art,” says Baker. A resident of West Chester, Kahler has done a number of public and private installations, including a 12-foot hypertufa concrete tree sculpture at Yellow springs Farm; mosaic murals in the historical Kearsley building in Philadelphia and at 10th and south sts. with Isaiah Zager; and handmade tile murals for the Chester County Rhoda Kahler ’95 Chamber of Business and Industry and the Hillsdale elementary school. Kahler’s handsculpted tiles and sculpture also have been exhibited in dozens of select group and solo exhibitions throughout Chester County and the Philadelphia area. she also was commissioned by the Delaware Art Museum to create its centennial tiles, and the tile series on which WCU’s mural project is based are on exhibit at the 2013 Invitational Handmade tile exhibition in the san Angelo Museum of Fine Arts in texas. A 1995 West Chester University graduate in fine arts, Kahler has been a guest artist instructor in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Form and Art program and a resident artist at the Inglis House in Philadelphia.

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CLASS NOTES

A MESSAGE FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR

1940s Jack Murphy ’43 is featured on the cover of the 2013 edition of the Longport (nJ) Directory. A retired U.s. navy captain, Murphy has helped compile the directory since it was created 42 years ago. Ruth Servais Weir ’45, a tandem instructor parachuted nearly 14,000 feet out of a plane in June, making her the oldest woman to parachute in skydive Pennsylvania’s 20-year history out of Grove City Airport.

1950s Can you believe summer is just about over? Since you last heard from me, we celebrated Alumni Weekend, when hundreds of alumni came back to campus for fun family events and activities. More than 2,000 students walked across the stage in May and became the newest members of the Alumni Association. The Board of Directors welcomed six new members. We hosted alumni events at the beach and in ballparks. Students returned to campus to begin the new academic year. Time flies when you’re having fun! And now that summer is almost over, fall is just around the corner…and you know what that means - HOMECOMING! Come home to WCU for Homecoming from October 11-13! The complete schedule of events is featured in this issue of the magazine as well as online: www.wcualumni.org. We’re looking for alumni to join committees, speak to students in the classroom, host interns, and much more. Interested in volunteering for your alma mater? Find out about all of the ways you can get involved by emailing us at: alumni@wcupa.edu. Have you liked us on facebook? Connected with us via LinkedIn? Are you following us on Instagram? Be sure to check out all of the Alumni Association’s social media sites, where you’ll find cool contests, photos old and new, a place to reconnect with fellow alumni, and lots of campus updates. Last, but not least, take a look at the back cover of this magazine – it’s where you’ll find information on upcoming alumni events scheduled throughout the rest of the year. Even more event info is listed online: www.wcualumni.org. Hope to see you soon! GO RAMS!

Tracey Dukert ’06 Director of Alumni Relations

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Robert Zellner ’54 was presented with the Ambassador of Goodwill Award by the Lions Club International. Leonard Miller ’56 was recently recognized as being one of the top Five Pioneers in African-American Auto History. Miller founded the Black American Racers Association, the Miller Racing Group, helped form Vanguard Racing, and was inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame in 1976. semiannually, members of the Class of 1959 meet with their classmate Dr. Don Leisey during his attendance at the West Chester University trustee Meeting. this lunch gathering brings classmates, former teammates, and friends together to reminisce and catch up on the latest news. Front row (seated): Bruce Shenk, Bill Gerstemeier, Ken Leister, Bob Warner, Sonny Skiles. Second row: Jack Beeson, Ed Green, Dick Cosgrave, Don Leisey, John Rocco. Third row: Bob Miller, Jack Kuchinsky, Chuck Kane, Dick Yoder, Andy Kelly.

1960s The Class of 1963’s 50th class reunion will be held september 2729! Reunion committee members include (front row, L to R): Iris Morton Barcaro, M. Louise Fanelli Milewski, Carole Sue Felice Remley, Margie Graves Ealer, and Bruce Lindeman. (Back row, L to R): John Kerrigan, Tom Reed, Addison Davidson, Bob Berardelli. Not pictured: Mary Louise Vogt Graham, Diane

Wagner Cannon, John Clayton, Camille Moyer Olinick, Marilyn Telford Schnaars, Gene Levin. Ira Gibel ’64 is in his 15th year of retirement after teaching for 32 years. He was elected president of his local “take Pride Project” in Pine and strawberry, and is involved in his 14th year as safety officer in his local search and Rescue squad. M.L. “Candi” Corbin Sicoli ’66 presented her research on the founders of animal welfare/rights organizations at the annual meeting of the southern sociological society in April. sicoli is the first person to have researched these founders, who, as a group, have made great strides in improving the lives of animals. Dennis Kellon ’66 was inducted into the national Wrestling Hall of Fame in April. He is the founder of Methacton outlaws and coached wrestling for 27 years. Tom Fillippo ’69, president and Ceo of Devault Foods, was presented with the Chester County Hall of Fame award on April 4 by the Chester County economic Development Council for his work in the community over the past several decades. Tom Mack ’69 was presented with the Media Award for the Central savannah River Area by the Greater Augusta Arts Council for his weekly column on the arts in the Aiken Standard Newspaper.

1970s Kim Holston ’70 authored Movie Roadshows: An Illustrated History and Filmography of Reserved-Seat Limited Showings, 1911-1973. Bill Krouse ’70 was inducted into the York Area sports Hall of Fame. He coached in both the Red Lion Area school District and the community, guiding the Red Lion softball program to four Pennsylvania AsA championships. Marybeth Cheri Gregg ’71 launched a new company, the International Center for Women, which supports women who are looking to design their next chapter and find more fulfillment in their work or retirement. Reggie Jones, Jr. ’74 was inducted into the national Wrestling Hall of Fame. As assistant coach at John F. Kennedy High

school, he guided the team to 17 titles and two state championships. He became one of the top wrestling officials and was selected to officiate the new York state Championships eight times, among other accomplishments.

Deb Dreisbach ’86 retired on June 28, after 25 years in federal law enforcement. Dreisbach obtained a special Agent position within the new Jersey state Commission of Investigation (sCI) in trenton, nJ.

Steven Powell ’76 was inducted in the national Wrestling Hall of Fame. He completed his 38th year of coaching at easton High school, coached 18 PIAA state Champions, and was twice named national High school Coach of the Year, among other accomplishments.

Peter Rohr ’87, a Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Advisor in Philadelphia, was recently recognized as one of America’s top 100 Financial Advisors in 2013 by Barron’s Magazine. He was also named to the list in 2012 and 2011. Ed Monroe ’89 is an officer in Lower Merion and escorted progolfer Justin Rose during the final round of the 2013 Us open.

1980s Glenn F. Motson ’80 was selected to conduct the Gold Band in the 36th Annual All south Jersey Junior High school Honors Band Festival. He also served as the Association’s string Coordinator, and is completing his 32nd year of teaching music in the Gloucester City Public schools. Christine Byrd Allen ’82 recently retired from the Miami Dade County Public school system after 30 years of teaching math and science. she’s relocating to st. Lucie County to teach religious education at Indian River state College. Kevin Hand ’84 recently served as a legal educator for the PA state Police lecturing on the preparation and presentation of criminal cases in municipal court. Hand is a partner at Williams & Hand and former Falls township Police officer and Deputy solicitor for the Pennsylvania state Police. Michael Kelly ’84 was recently named superintendent of the Radnor township school District. Gary M. Samms ’84, an obermayer partner, was named a 2013 Pennsylvania super Lawyer, a top 100 Pennsylvania super Lawyer 2013, and a top 100 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania super Lawyer 2013. Laura Chirico Kasper ’86 was presented with the excellence in Leadership Award by the Friends of Delaware County Women’s Commission on May 9. Kasper is president and Ceo of Monarch staffing.

1990s Sandra Partchey Litvin ’90 received the 2013 Pennsylvania outstanding Biology teacher Award, given annually by the national Association of Biology teachers, in conjunction with Prentice Hall and the Duquesne University Bayer school of natural and environmental sciences. Joseph Yeager ’90, M’96 was recently appointed to the editorial board of the social Media Club, a worldwide organization with over 300 chapters, focusing on key issues related to technology, social media, and how people interact with each other. Todd Richman ’92 was recently honored with the Don Axinn Community service Award by the Cradle of Aviation Museum for his service as the former chairman of the board of the museum and for his volunteerism to other organizations. Kim Engstrom ’95, a partner in the Renewal sustainable environments firm, was named Female Business Leader of the Year by the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry. Jada Pierce ’97 is the assistant women’s basketball coach at st. Joseph’s University. she has coached at nine colleges over the past 16 years, including stops at Marist and Army. Jeffrey McGeary ’99 was recently promoted to the rank of Major in the Army Reserves. McGeary is assigned to Headquarters, Us european Command, Army Reserve element, in stuttgart, Germany. He is a pharmaceutical sales representative and president of McGeary Associates LLC, based in Philadelphia: jeff@mcgearyassociates.com.

Kevin McGeehan ’99 was named the men’s basketball coach at Campbell University.

2000s Matt Jesson ’00, president and owner of Green Lawn Fertilizing, was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2013 list of “40 Under 40.” this award spotlights 40 dynamic up-and-coming leaders under the age of 40 for professional accomplishments and community involvement. Steven Michael Jones ’04 joined Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP. He will represent clients in civil and criminal litigation matters. notably, steven has significant experience in the area of litigation, handling serious and high profile cases including jury and bench trials. Alison Latta ’04 is a partner in the toggery clothing line, which has been featured in InStyle and Us Weekly, and worn by actresses that include Rachel Bilson, eva Mendes, and Alicia silverstone. Kerry Acker ’05, an account executive with UsIs transUnion, was presented with the 2012 President’s Circle silver Award, which is given annually to the company’s top three performers. Kenneth Crockett, Jr. ’07 has a new athleticwear business, Radiate Athletics, which was featured as one of the top innovative products of 2013 at the Billboard Music Awards. Lawrence Davidson’11 was presented with the West Chester Public Library’s Uniformed service Literacy Hero Award on April 19. Allison Foley DiRenzo M’08 was recently hired by French Creek Veterinary Hospital/Country Companion Animal Hospital. Jonathan Gordon ’11 has been named assistant tennis coach at Allegheny College. Gordon was previously the national Junior tennis & Learning site Manager and head Instructor at the Legacy tennis Youth tennis Camp in Philadelphia. Kelsey Rees ’11, of Gunnip & Company LLP in Wilmington, has earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant from the Delaware state Board of Accountancy.

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ALUMNI CHAPTER NEWS Kehinde Roberts ’11 is the founder of LogicPad, a free social academic network for universities to help strengthen relationships between students and professors. Visit his website: www.logicpad.com Amanda Moffa ’12 was selected to be a member of the Philadelphia eagles cheerleading squad. Bridget Marowski ’12 is a fashion stylist and blogger. Visit her online: bridgetmarowski.blogspot.com. John Connor ’12 spent six years in the active duty Air Force until separating in 2010 at the rank of staff sergeant. He served as a member of the Air Force security Forces with the 377th security Forces squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, new Mexico, the 732nd expeditionary security Forces squadron in Iraq, and the 39th security Forces squadron at Incirlik Air Base, turkey. In April 2012, John created a web series titled “From WCU to Griffin Avenue,” detailing his trip back to Albuquerque, nM, to honor his fallen friend, staff sergeant travis Griffin. Watch it here: www.JohnConnor.net. Matt Whittall ’12, a first-year audit associate in KPMG’s Philadelphia office, was among the top ten scorers on the 2012 Pennsylvania CPA exam. Blake Crowther ’13 was recently commissioned as a second Lieutenant of the U.s. Army.

ABBÉ SOCIETY ALUMNAE CHAPTER Abbé Alumnae, visit our website http:// abbesocietyalumnae.wordpress.com to find out when meetings are and join us for volunteer events. Keep up to date with other sisters on our Facebook page by searching Abbe society Alumnae and make connections on LinkedIn by searching “Abbe society Alumni West Chester.” We hope to see you at an event this fall!

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ALUMNI DANCE CHAPTER the Alumni Dance Chapter is in the process of producing its sixth Winter Dance Festival. the 2013-14 Chapter Board Members have chosen DAnCe to tHe BeAt oF YoUR HeARt as the theme. newly elected to the board this year are Rachel Lewis, President; Cynthia Chmelewski, Vice-President for Programming; and emily Lucas, secretary. Returning board members include Chris Perez, Vice-President of Advancement and sara Pyfer, treasurer. the Winter Dance Festival will be held in Asplundh Concert Hall on Jan 25 at 8 p.m. and Jan 26 at 2 p.m. Proceeds from the concert will support the Barbara J. Lappano Dance scholarship. If you are interested in joining the chapter, participating in the concert, or supporting the scholarship, please contact sara Pyfer at sarapyfer. adc@gmail.com. support our chapter and enjoy dance at its best!!!

BALTIMORE-METRO ALUMNI CHAPTER the Baltimore Metro Alumni Chapter (BMAC) is planning a Bowie Baysox Beer Dinner and Game on August 29 with its sister Chapter, Capital Area. We will also meet and hold an election of officers and continue planning 2013’s events/projects. officers: President, nancy Metzger; Vice President, tommye Grant; treasurer, Peter Frey.

BAND ALUMNI CHAPTER the Homecoming football game is october 12. Please join us in the Alumni Marching Band. More information will be sent out via email and Facebook. If you have not joined our email list, please contact Rachael smolinsky at rlsmolinsky@att.net or find us on Facebook, “WCU Bands Alumni Association.”

BLACK ALUMNI CHAPTER In 1965, the Black Alumni Chapter (BAC) was established to keep black alumni connected with West Chester University. the chapter continues to do so by extending reconnection opportunities to current black students and alum by providing a variety of networking events. save-the-Date: Home-

coming 2013 october 11-13. Do you have news you want to share with fellow alum? submit your news to bacwcupa@yahoo. com or on Facebook: WCU BAC.

CAPITAL-AREA CHAPTER the WCUCAPAReA (Washington, D.C.) Alumni Association is in the process of planning our events for 2013-2014 and we need your help. We are asking members to please let us know what types of activities you would like to see the chapter do in the coming year. Please tweet (@ WCUAA_CAP) us your suggestions, post to our Facebook page—West Chester University Capital Area Alumni Association, or send us an email via our yahoo listserv WCUCAPAREA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Finally, we ask that you spread the word to other alumni you may know in the CAP area about our chapter and encourage them to join the chapter.

CHESTER COUNTY CHAPTER the Chester County Chapter is changing to meet the needs of this ever-changing world and of our alumni. It is a work in progress: we will be holding less general meetings and having more events in conjunction with the Alumni Association, giving our members more opportunities to socialize and network. What will continue is our commitment to giving scholarships to three deserving Chester County residents. As members of the scholarship Committee, Carmen Culp, Vice-president, and toril Johannessen, President, met with that Committee on June 15th and chose the three winners. Please stop by the WCUAA table at both the West Chester Restaurant Festival on sept. 22 and the Chili Cook-off in West Chester on oct. 13 – the Chester County Chapter will be raffling off a Kindle Fire! Also, consider joining us for dinner and the “Masters of Motown” show at WCU on november 9 – check the alumni website for registration information. We will also continue with our annual Winter Concert and Dinner, this year being held on December 7th. stay tuned for more details to come. And thank you to all those who continue to support our fund-raising for our scholarships.

COMMUNICATION ALUMNI NETWORK the Communication Alumni network (CAn) wants YoU to get involved! Check us out on LinkedIn - connect to WCU Communication Alumni network (CAn) to get the latest on events and to get in touch with fellow alumni. For further information, and to find out how you can become a part of this group, please email WCUComAlumNet@gmail.com.

DELAWARE COUNTY CHAPTER the Delaware County Chapter is having a fun family event at Linvilla orchards on sat. sept. 29th from 2 to 4 pm. the cost will be $10 a person and will include hayride, food and cider, coloring books, face painting, and a pumpkin for everyone! Hope many alums can attend. A Media theatre show is also in the works. there will be a sept. meeting and if you are interested in attending please contact Pres. nancy Baulis at nbaulis@verizon.net.

FLORIDA GULF COAST RAMS AND SNOWBIRDS CLUB Interested in getting together with other alumni living in Florida? send an email to alumni@wcupa.edu. Friars society Alumni Chapter the FsAA is happy to announce that we will be gathering on Friday, August 23, 2013 to watch the Phillies take on the Diamondbacks. tickets will be $15 each. Please contact our Director of Finance,

John o’Brien, to make payment arrangements. He can be contacted via email: ob22688@gmail.com..

FRIARS SOCIETY ALUMNI CHAPTER our 3rd Annual Friars society Golf outing will be held April 26 at the Broad Run Golf Club starting at 8 a.m. this event is open to everyone and costs $100 per player, which includes golf and lunch. Hole sponsorships are available for $125. For more information, please contact Kerry Acker: kerryacker@gmail.com.

INTERNATIONAL MILITARY ALUMNI CHAPTER (IMAC) the International Military Alumni Chapter is raising funds for WCU RotC scholarships. As of mid-July, IMAC has raised a total of $21,000 in scholarship money for both RotC students and veterans, some of which will be placed in an endowment with the WCU Foundation. An American Legion $500 scholarship was presented in May to a WCU student by member Richard Merion. the VFW of West Chester has issued a check for $8,000 for future scholarships. Dick Merion has received a $4,000 scholarship pledge from the Vietnam Veterans of America and is meeting with other veterans groups in Chester County seeking additional funding. Members are urged to continue asking for financial support from their own military organizations. It was business as usual at the

April IMAC Meeting. Len Bieberbach was elected President for a second term and Dick Merion was elected Vice President and secretary. Jim Williams declined the nomination to serve as an IMAC officer. However, Jim did agree to remain as an Advisor to the IMAC Board and continue to support IMAC activities. Become an IMAC Chapter member by emailing: alumni@wcupa.edu.

LAW ALUMNI CHAPTER the Law Alumni chapter last met in February to work on planning and this year’s upcoming elections. In March the chapter hosted its first happy hour at the social Lounge in West Chester. We had a nice mix of practicing attorneys and paralegals as well as current law students who were interested in getting more involved and meeting other members of the chapter. We are in the process of scheduling our next meeting and should be holding officer elections in August. the Chapter is planning an “exploring Careers in Law” event with the staff of the alumni and career offices. the event will include information about careers in various fields of law to give current WCU students a brief introduction into the various fields and then give them plenty of opportunity to interact and network with WCU alums practicing in all of those fields. the event is scheduled to be held november 6. If you would like to participate, please email the Law Alumni Chapter: wcu.law. alumni@gmail.com.

2013 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients (shown with WCU President Greg Weisenstein, left to right), were Linda Hill-MacDonald’70, M’84, retired nCAA Division I and WnBA head women’s basketball coach; timothy Witmer’75, pastor, professor, department coordinator and director of Mentored Ministry & Master of Divinity program; and Rachel Whitcomb’94, an assistant professor of music education at Duquesne University. each spring during a special Alumni Weekend luncheon, these awards are presented to WCU graduates and friends of the Alumni Association who have provided great service to society, have received outstanding acknowledgements in their professions, and have positively affected large numbers of people. S U M M E R 2 013

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ALUMNI CHAPTER NEWS

LGBTQA ALUMNI CHAPTER the LGBtQA Alumni Chapter completed successful elections for our new board of directors in March. our officers are spencer Pyle (President), Jeff Pagliei (Vice-President), Phil Fuchs (treasurer), Chris Keller (exec), Mike Robinson (exec), Chris Kazmierczak (exec), and nick Polcini (exec). We have decided to move our 3rd Annual september Picnic to coincide with the Homecoming Weekend festivities, so please watch our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/groups/ wculgbtqaalumni/) for updates on that and the plans we have for more social events in the 2013-2014 calendar. You can also email us anytime at contact@ wculgbtqaalumni.com.

M ARRIAGES

Kelli Abendschoen ’09 to Donald Loehr

Nicole Campbell ’10 to Ben Ford ’10 Megan Fix ’07 to Rahul Asher Kyle Mullins ’07 to Lauren Cobb John Rozance ’03 to Mariam ogle

POLITICAL & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ALUMNI CHAPTER the Political & Government Affairs Chapter invites you to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the WCU Political science Department on saturday, october 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Philips Autograph Library. We will honor alumni contributions to the fields of political and government affairs at this reception for alumni, faculty, and friends. $10/person. All are welcome to celebrate with us! Please RsVP to Rick Loughery, President of the Political & Government Affairs Alumni Chapter, at wcualumni. pga@gmail.com.

YORK COUNTY CHAPTER the York County Chapter held their 93rd Annual Dinner/Meeting on April 17th at the home of current presidents Gerry and Karen Kucherich. the chapter awarded scholarships to incoming WCU freshmen tim Foust and Colby Webb. An enjoyable evening was had by all who attended. Please email dlfan@mail.com for further chapter information.

F UTURE A LUMNI Frank ’07 and Kate Kalogris Cipriano ’00 welcomed Hope Frances on June 6, 2013 Chip Junker ’01 and wife Paula welcomed Garin William on February 14, 2013 Judd ’04 and Shannon Gaffney Strauss ’04 welcomed Connor Jude on August 12, 2012 24 WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

Robert Becker ’11 to Dina Konetski ’09

Nicholas Maraini ’08 to Shara Hill ’04

Janelle Werst ’10 to Brandon Roda Holly Wielebinski ’05 to Gary Panagiotakis

E NGAGEMENTS Christopher Bagnato ’05 to Veronica Gonzalez Joseph Carr ’05 to stephanie Lane Steve Haemmerle ’08 to Kim McGrath ’08 Jenifer McKernan ’10 to Nathan Mohler ’09 Erika Ackley ‘11 to Alan Day ‘11

I N M EMORIAM 1933 1935 1940 1941 1941 1942 1948 1949 1951 1951 1951 1952 1953 1954 1954 1956 1956

Rose Englander Chartock Margaret Newhard Ziegenfuss Harold Domchick Dorothy Thomas Kirk Margaret Esbenshade Tate Lefever Elinor Smethurst Crompton Marion Huebner McConnell Elizabeth Eichenberg Edwards Janice Morgan Gilmore Walter Lamont Nancy Gensler Edmanson Christine Molly Kimes Bowen Gene Wenner Ronald Slavecki Richard D. Miller Raymond Kanter Marie Curcio McMaster

1957 1958 1959 1961 1965 1966 1966 1968 1969 1971 1972 1993 2002

Joan Lennox Belczyk Thomas Taglang Robert Blair Dirk Ballendorf Joanne Yochum Horvath Helene Hetrick Snyder Allen Schutt Susan Weikert Howell Lucille Thomas Porter David W. Thomas Shirley Hess Penelope Addison Beckers Lisa Sarbello

Faculty/Faculty Emeriti Robert E. Carlson Ruth McCoach

DEATH NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE to notify West Chester University of the death of an alumnus, please contact the Alumni Relations office via email: alumni@wcupa.edu or via Us Mail: 806 s. Church street, West Chester, PA 19383. the notification must include a copy of the decedent’s obituary from a newspaper or the internet, or, a copy of a letter or email from a family member of the deceased. Please note: death notifications will not be accepted via telephone.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED

FOR THE WCUAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS tHe noMInAtInG CoMMIttee oF tHe West CHesteR UnIVeRsItY ALUMnI AssoCIAtIon (WCUAA) is accepting nominations for candidates who wish to serve on the Association’s Board of Directors for the 2014-2017 term. Please review the following information prior to submitting your nomination: • nomination forms must be completed and submitted by September 27, 2013. the form below will also be available online

at www.wcualumni.org. • there are six elected seats on the WCUAA Board of Directors each year. • Board members are expected to serve a three-year term. • the terms of the newly elected members will begin on July 1, 2014. • there will be a minimum of six (6) and a maximum of twelve (12) candidates on the election ballot. • Board elections will begin in early 2014 on www.wcualumni.org and ballots will be available in the next issue of the WCU

Alumni Magazine. • You may nominate yourself to run for the Board of Directors. • After all nominations are received, nominees will receive a biographical form to complete and a detailed description of du-

ties associated with being a board member. this must be completed in its entirety to finalize the nomination. • nominations will be accepted until September 27, 2013.

2014 WCUAA Board of Directors Nomination Form nominee__________________________________________________________Class Year ________ street Address ______________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________state__________________Zip _____________ Phone_______________________________________email _________________________________ Please mail this form to: WCUAA nominating Committee c/o Alumni Relations office Veterans Memorial Alumni House West Chester, PA 19383 to submit this form electronically, visit: www.wcualumni.org. nominations will be accepted until September 27, 2013.

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V OLUNTEER F OR Y OUR A LMA M ATER ! throughout the year. there are also a number of alumni committees that help to plan Homecoming and Alumni Weekend, events at the beach and at the ballpark, coordinate the Distinguished Alumni Awards, and even develop new alumni chapters! Become a Regional Event Host Are you interested in getting a group of WCU alumni and friends together in your local area? Are you already hosting a WCU alumni and friends gathering? Let the Alumni office know so we can help with everything from mailing invitations to providing you with nametags and giveaways.

Nothing speaks more highly for a university than successful alumni who enthusiastically serve and support its mission. Whether you speak on an alumni career panel, join a committee, or serve on the Board of Directors, you’ll walk away from the experience with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and confidence that you truly made a difference within the campus community. As an alumni volunteer, you can give of your time and talents how and when you choose. Your knowledge and expertise are tremendous assets that can and will benefit the University, and every alumnus who volunteers in any capacity helps to strengthen our growing community. Join alumni who are already volunteering their time and talents to WCU, and start experiencing the meaningful, rewarding, and fun opportunities that are available to you as a West Chester University alumnus. the following are just a few of the ways you can get involved today to help build a better tomorrow: Nominate Yourself for the Board of Directors As a member of the Board of Directors, you’ll work with alumni and University staff to progress and promote the strategic direction of the Alumni Association, as well as develop programs that help accomplish the association’s goals and objectives. six alumni are elected on an annual basis to serve on the board for three-year terms. Join Alumni Committees and Chapters there are more than a dozen regional and affinity-based chapters that exist to provide alumni with opportunities to network, get involved on campus, plan alumni events, and much more

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Check Out the Oice of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs there are several ways to get involved with WCU’s office of service-Learning and Volunteer Programs. You can start by attending the Volunteer Fair in september, the perfect way to learn more about or even share your own volunteer and service opportunities. the Annual Bear Fair is held each november to collect stuffed animals that are then sorted and given to children in hospitals and shelters. Know someone who has had or who currently has cancer? Join your Ram Family at Hollinger Field House next February for the Annual Play4Kay Women’s Basketball Game to remember loved ones who have been affected by cancer, and to help raise awareness and fight cancer. Connect with the Twardowski Career Development Center Are you an alumnus that works for an organization that is currently hiring students for internship or full-time opportunities? Are you interested in participating on an alumni career panel and speaking to the campus community? We encourage you to use your life and work experiences to assist current students and alumni with career exploration and networking.

Are you ready to begin volunteering for your alma mater? Let the WCU Alumni office know when and how you would like to get started! Call us: 610-436-2813 or send an email to: alumni@wcupa.edu. We look forward to hearing from and working with you! Above Left: Students and alumni joined forces and sorted stuffed animal donations made to the 16th Annual Bear Fair. Above: Abbe Society alumnae made dozens of dog toys and donated them to Thrift for Tails in Philadelphia as part of a regional service project.