Westminster Magazine Spring/Summer 2022

Westminster SPRING/SUMMER 2022 VOLUME XL, ISSUE 2

HOW IT’S GOING The evolution of a Westminster student

COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Westminster COLLEGE MAGAZINE

SPRING/SUMMER 2022 Volume XL, Issue 2

EDITORIAL STAFF Elizabeth Fontaine Hildebrand ’92 Editor & Designer OFFICE OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT 724.946.7364 Kara H. Montgomery Linda Wilson ALUMNI COUNCIL William Eavenson ’73 President PRINTER Printing Concepts, Inc., Erie, PA EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Jeffrey A. McCandless ’80 Chair, Board of Trustees Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson President Dr. Jean M. Hale Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Jamie G. McMinn Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the College Kenneth J. Romig ’85 Vice President for Finance & Management Services Dr. Karen H. Schedin Vice President for Enrollment Management Gina M. Vance Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students Jason A. Lener ’93 Director of Athletics The Rev. James R. Mohr II College Chaplain Erin T. Smith Chief Information Officer Photography credits: Elizabeth Hildebrand ’92, Derek Buck, Nathan LaRiccia, Erin Smith, Taylor Carson, Kendall Graham ’19, Jack Karson ’22, Jason Kapusta, Tanner Mondok, Nathan LaRiccia, d3photography.com, Matthew Lester Mailing address: Westminster College, 319 S. Market St., New Wilmington, PA 16172-0001 ATTN: Westminster Magazine Editor For Admissions inquiries, call: 724-946-7100

COLOR of Love Team One Love, a student organization dedicated to ending relationship violence, sponsored the second annual Color Run 5K race on Westminster’s campus in April. Proceeds from the event benefited Yards for Yeardley, a national initiative to end dating violence on college campuses.

Westminster Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Marketing & Communications. Westminster College does not discriminate, and will not tolerate discrimination, on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran’s status, religion (except for those positions where religious affiliation is a necessary qualification), or any other classification protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admission and employment. Westminster College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and acts in accordance with applicable laws in all of our hiring and employment practices. Inquiries may be directed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA 16172-0001, 724-946-7247. Westminster College is related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through the Synod of the Trinity.

contents

Sing ‘N Swing, a Greek Week tradition, returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus.

SPRING/SUMMER 2022 | Volume XL, Issue 2

2

Message from the President

3

Legal Eagles

10

Campus News

16

Ready for Our Close-up

17

Distinguished Faculty Award Winner: Dr. Deborah Mitchell

18

The Heilmann Legacy

20

Young Alumnus Spotlight: Andrew Henley ’17

21

Moving On to the Next Destination

24

In a League All Her Own: Rudolph Wins National Championship

26

Titan Sword Moments

28

168th Commencement 2022

30

Honorary Degree Recipient William Rankin ‘60

31

Message from the Vice President of Institutional Advancement

32

Class Notes

38

National Connections & Alumni Events

43

From the Archives

STAY CONNECTED

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 1

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

“R

efresh the page” reads the message on my personal email website after I log on these days. I’m not sure what has happened to cause the delay in accessing the site, but it’s clear that, as the page always notes, “something went wrong.” But, gratefully, after refreshing the page, it works, and I can read email as normal.

That message has resonated with me over the past two months. With the change in CDC recommendations and a low transmission level on campus and in our immediate area, we were able to “refresh the page” of the spring term on March 12, just as spring break was beginning. We lifted the COVID-related health policies that had been in place for two years, allowing students to return to campus unmasked and ready for renewed engagement on campus.

Activity blossomed in renewed ways. Our choral and instrumental groups resumed more traditional performances; sorority and fraternity members competed in Greek Week, culminating in the first “Sing and Swing” event since 2019. Spring sports competitions were in full gear as students gathered to cheer on lacrosse, softball, track and field, and baseball. Athletes raised more than $3,000 to donate to the Allegheny County Special Olympics organization and helped host a Special Olympics basketball tournament in Memorial Field House. Our speech and debate team unmasked and articulated its way to a team national championship at the Novice National Tournament, claiming nine individual national championships as well.

We renewed our in-person ceremonies and events. URAC—the Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration—was held on April 27 and involved about a third of the student body in presentations and performances for their fellow students, faculty, staff and guests. Honors Convocation that evening recognized the academic and extracurricular achievements of numerous students. One Commencement (not the four 2020 ceremonies or the two 2021 ceremonies needed to ensure physical distancing) celebrated the resilient Class of 2022. What a delight to be able to have all the graduates together for one united ceremony!

The pause in some of our activities since March 2020 has given us time for analysis and reflection.

While the lessons learned have been numerous, an overwhelming reaffirmation of the value of a student-centered, interactive, close knit learning community echoes in the noisy learning spaces from Old Main to the Field Station. As we look ahead, we will acknowledge the lessons gained from the past two challenging years while identifying the opportunities that lie before us to guide us as we thoughtfully plan for what is to come. The needs of students continue to evolve, and we in turn must be willing to adapt as well. As we look toward the 2022-2023 academic year and beyond, conversations with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and Board leadership will help us renew some traditions and perhaps develop some new ones as well.

The strength of the “We in Westminster” that propelled us safely through the pandemic will sustain and inspire us in this process. We will “refresh the page” with hope and faith as we welcome the incoming Class of 2026 and our returning Titans in August. It’s a great time to be a Titan!

Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson President of Westminster College

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Legal Eagles

Throughout Westminster’s 170-year history, countless graduates have gone on to enjoy careers in the law.

Westminster’s strong liberal arts tradition and its focus on critical and analytical thinking has laid sturdy foundations for success in the legal profession for students from all disciplines.

Many of Westminster’s graduates are also alumni of prestigious law schools—Harvard, Georgetown University, Washington and Lee University, University of Virginia, Boston University, University of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University, just to name a few. But now, through 3+3 partnerships with two Pennsylvania institutions— Duquesne University School of Law and Widener University Commonwealth Law School—today’s prospective law students can achieve their bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees in only six years.

While some of Mother Fair’s legal eagles practice in the courtroom, others ply their trade for a myriad of corporations and businesses, in regulatory agencies and serving the public in federal, state and local government posts. On the following pages, we are proud to showcase the outstanding professional accomplishments of some of our many extraordinary alumni attorneys—all of whom are grateful for their Westminster beginnings.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 3

TOM TUPITZA ’79

“

WESTMINSTER WAS VERY GENEROUS TO ME, SOMETHING FOR WHICH I CONTINUE TO BE GRATEFUL.”

Leadership skills honed at Westminster

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While interning at the Washington, D.C., office of the American Civil Liberties Union during his senior year, Tom Tupitza ’79 was asked to go to the Supreme Court to pick up a copy of a decision just handed down in an important women’s rights case.

“They told me to read it over the phone to the law professor in New York City who had successfully argued the case," he says.

The professor was none other than the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “Obviously I didn’t know who she was then, but I remember a delightful conversation with her. Within a year she had been appointed to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.”

Today, Tupitza serves as president at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., a position he’s held since 2007. An attorney with the firm since 1982, he advises clients in the private, public and nonprofit sectors on finance, real estate and governance matters. An elected member of the American Law Institute and a past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Bond Lawyers, he serves as bond counsel in tax-exempt financing transactions. He is also listed as one of The Best Lawyers in America® in four practice 4 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

areas, including Public Finance Law, for which he was named Lawyer of the Year in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area in 2020 and 2015.

At Westminster, Tupitza earned a B.A. degree with a double major in political science and business administration management. He went on to earn a J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he served as executive editor of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review.

Tupitza decided in high school that he wanted to pursue a legal career. He choose Westminster for his undergraduate degree, because he wanted to attend a small, liberal arts college that was close to home.

Just not too close.

“Westminster’s size, sense of community and values provided the inspiration and opportunity to develop leadership skills, which have been integral to my career and my volunteer service.”

One of Westminster’s consistent strengths, in Tupitza’s opinion, has been its faculty, who are excellent scholars but are also passionate about teaching and mentoring.

“So many of them contributed to my development. The late Wally Scheid, for

example, who I never had as a classroom teacher, but who was my debate coach throughout my four years at Westminster, took a special interest in me and became a major influence,” says Tupitza.

Tupitza, who resides in his hometown of Erie, Pa., has a strong sense of civic responsibility and serves as director of several civic and charitable organizations.

“I think it’s important to give back to the community where I grew up and where I’ve enjoyed a rewarding career and life.

Westminster helped instill that ethos in me,” he says.

A former chair and current member of Westminster’s Board of Trustees, he has also always tried to carve out time for his alma mater.

“Westminster was very generous to me,” he says, “something for which I continue to be grateful. In the years since, I have tried to pay the College back through my service and support.”

—Valentine Brkich ’97

DEBORAH MAJORAS ’85

“

PRACTICING LAW IS ALL ABOUT MAKING JUDGMENTS WITH CONFIDENCE AND ADVOCATING FOR A POINT OF VIEW.”

From the Beltway and beyond

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During the January term of her senior year, Deborah Platt Majoras ’85 took an internship with the Mexican-American Legal Defense Fund. The intercultural studies major, who was planning on going into social work, wanted to see what it would be like to work in Washington, D.C. It was a decision that would change her life.

“That internship really piqued my interest in practicing law,” says Majoras. “It played a big part in where I am today.”

As chief legal officer and secretary for Procter & Gamble, which she joined in 2008, she oversees a legal and government relations department that includes nearly 500 professionals.

Previously, she served in the George W. Bush administration as chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), where she focused on ensuring data security and protecting consumers from emerging digital frauds and served as co-chair of the President’s Identity Theft Task Force.

Prior to the FTC, Majoras worked in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Then newly inaugurated President Bush had appointed one of Majoras’ law partners to head the Antitrust Division at the DOJ, and he asked her to go with him and become a deputy assistant attorney general.

Although she loved government service, she says it wasn’t without its challenges. “The key is to get right to the essence of a problem and then pull in the people who can think about issues in different ways and from different angles, even disagreeing, in order to find a better way.”

Majoras has received several awards and honors, including YWCA Career Woman of Achievement recipient, Corporate Board Member’s “GCs to Watch” honoree and Ohio Women’s Bar

Association Founder’s Award recipient. In 2020 she was named one of the Legends in Law by the Burton Awards.

It’s a long way from where she started out in high school, when just choosing a college could be a challenge.

“It’s fair to say that I got really lucky to have ended up at Westminster,” she says. “The Westminster brochures seemed to describe a genuine focus on people, and my gut feeling told me that I would fit in there. Both of those things turned out to be true.”

After graduating summa cum laude with a degree in intercultural studies that combined sociology, Spanish and Latin American studies, Majoras went on to earn a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Majoras credits her professors at Westminster for challenging her to push herself—Nancy Mandlove (modern languages) and Gene Sharkey (history) in particular.

“They taught me how to think critically,” she says. “They pushed me to be a real problem-solver, someone who could take smart risks and communicate well. Practicing law is all about making judgments with confidence and advocating for a point of view. Developing those skills made an enormous difference.”

Despite her busy schedule, Majoras still makes time for Westminster. She is a past chair and current member of Westminster’s Board of Trustees.

“Westminster had such a big impact on me. Continuing to serve keeps me connected to my roots and gives me the opportunity to have an impact on others.”

—Valentine Brkich ’97 W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 5

JEFFREY WILEY ’75

“

[WESTMINSTER PROFESSORS] NURTURED IN ME AN INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY THAT HAS STAYED WITH ME TO THIS DAY.”

Intellectual curiosity piqued at Westminster

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Back when Jeff Wiley ’75 was in high school, he had different ideas about what he might do for a career.

In the ninth grade, he had to write a paper for a social studies class on his chosen profession, and he thought he might want to become a lawyer. “Later,” says Wiley, “I thought about returning for a while to the steel mill where I worked summers, or even better, tending bar in Key West. But law school beckoned.”

After obtaining his B.A. from Westminster, Wiley went on to earn a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1978. Today, he serves as the managing director and chief operating officer at the law firm of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote in Pittsburgh, a position he has held since 1997. In this role he oversees the firm’s 20 offices, including its main office in Pittsburgh.

Over the years Wiley’s practice has been in the areas of medical malpractice defense, commercial litigation, white-collar crime, railroad law and insurance defense. But as the firm has grown to its present size with approximately 200 lawyers, more and more of his time has been dedicated to management of the firm.

“I spend at least half of my time traveling to the firm’s regional offices,” he says. “They need to feel a connection to the firm and to be reminded that they are critical to our success.”

Prior to his current position, Wiley served as an assistant district attorney in Allegheny County in various trial units and as a legal adviser to two investigating grand juries. “My time there was invaluable to my development as a trial lawyer and also as a person.”

Wiley chose Westminster because of its excellent reputation as a small liberal arts college that was relatively close to home. “The various times I was on campus just felt right,” he says.

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Two professors in particular had a lasting impact on him: Gary Mullin and Tom Nichols, both in the political science department.

“Each was demanding and challenging in his own way. They gave generously of their time out of the classroom,” says Wiley, “which is a Westminster hallmark. And perhaps most importantly, they nurtured in me an intellectual curiosity that has stayed with me to this day.”

Wiley says the foundation he received by getting a liberal arts education has been invaluable. “That, coupled with the development of the intellectual curiosity I referred to, prepared me well for law school and the practice of law in general.”

Wiley, who serves on several non-profit boards, is a past member of the Westminster Board of Trustees. He is set to return for another term in July.

As for the future, Wiley says he would love to teach, either at a law school or at the undergraduate level, possibly something along the lines of a criminal law or business course. “In the meantime, I’d like to continue staying at this firm as long as my partners let me.”

Of course, his curious nature leaves him open to other options as well. “You never know,” he says. “Perhaps that bartending job in Key West.”

—Valentine Brkich ’97

JOAN LAWSON ’82 EMMA LAWSON ’18

“

TAKE CLASSES THAT HONE YOUR READING, WRITING AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.”

Similar paths, individual successes

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As far back as they can both remember, Joan and Emma Lawson knew they wanted to step foot into the legal world one day.

Fast forward to today where this motherdaughter duo both work in the public service field of law as public defenders.

Joan Ziegler Lawson ’82, who double majored in history and political science at Westminster, entered Vanderbilt University Law School intending to study entertainment law. But after taking a handful of criminal law classes, Joan realized her path was changing.

After earning her juris doctor degree, Joan clerked for Davidson County (Tennessee) Chancery Court before joining the Nashville Public Defender’s Office, where she has served the people of Music City for 37 years.

Growing up going into the office with her mother, Emma Lawson ’18 was drawn early to a career in public service law. The only question: Defense or prosecution?

Emma, who double majored in history and philosophy at Westminster, says internships during her undergraduate years helped her find the answer to that question. In fact, it was interning for a

boutique law firm in Sydney, Australia, when Emma realized civil law was not the path for her.

“It was really cool to be recognized as someone who has expert knowledge in their field,” says Joan.

While at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Emma gained additional experience interning with the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio and the Suffolk (Ohio) County District Attorney’s Office.

Today she is back in her home state of Tennessee serving as a prosecuting attorney for the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office.

As for Emma, her career-defining moment so far was when she was assigned several cases to handle on her own with supervision as needed.

For both mother and daughter, law school­—and their professional successes—may not have been attainable without the generous financial scholarships Westminster offered during their undergraduate years. Both say they have their alma mater institution to thank for paving the way for their successes.

Joan recalls one of her career-defining moments as the time she obtained a not-guilty verdict in a homicide jury trial by asserting a self-defense claim. She was invited to discuss her experience at a Continuing Legal Education conference.

“When I was handed that stack of files, I realized that I can actually do this and was more prepared than I thought,” says Emma.

Even though Joan and Emma have chosen different career paths, they both have the same words of advice for current Westminster students interested in careers in the legal profession: “If you are interested in law school, you don’t need a specific major. Major in what you are interested in, but don’t forget to take classes that hone your reading comprehension, writing and critical thinking skills. The legal field is very diverse and it allows you to combine whatever your interests are into a career that works for you.”

—Mackenzie Basalla ’19 W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 7

RICK DEBLASIO ’11

“

SIMPLY PUT, ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I EVER MADE WAS ATTENDING WESTMINSTER.”

Determination, hard work keys to success

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If you ask Rick DeBlasio ’11 about his college days, he will tell you that he wouldn’t trade his Westminster College experience for anything.

“I really love the day-to-day grind in my profession and knowing that all the work you put in is worth it at the end of the day,” says DeBlasio.

“Simply put, one of the best decisions I ever made was attending Westminster,” says DeBlasio, a New Castle native.

And that hard work is getting recognized. In 2018 he was named one of the “20s of 2018 Pittsburgh” by Whirl Magazine, which celebrates outstanding and successful people in their 20s within the City of Pittsburgh.

The current in-house counsel for the Housing & Redevelopment Insurance Exchange (HARIE) and Excalibur Insurance Management Services in Pittsburgh, DeBlasio says it was his undergraduate studies as a political science major that attracted him to the study of law.

But the former outfielder for the Titan baseball team says one of his true mentors was his college bench coach, Larry Kelly. A practicing attorney for more than 30 years and a partner with the New Castle-based law firm Luxenberg, Garbett, Kelly and George, Kelly was sharing more than ballfield strategy with DeBlasio.

While Westminster paved the way to his law school success, it also led DeBlasio to his lifelong friends.

“I’m getting married in July and most of my groomsmen, including my best man, went to Westminster,” he says.

“Seeing his passion for the legal world, and life in general, was inspirational,” he says.

When asked about the advice he would offer to an undergraduate student interested in pursuing a career in the field of law, DeBlasio admits that it is a demanding line of work that requires a high level of attention to detail and preparation. But, he says, it is ultimately a rewarding career when the necessary time and energy are put into it.

After graduating from Westminster in 2011, DeBlasio went on to earn his juris doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 2014.

“Success in the legal profession could mean changing someone’s life, society or even the world for the better—the opportunities are endless.”

As in-house legal counsel at HAIRE, which specializes in insuring all forms of government entities, DeBlasio defends his clients against general liability and workers’ compensation claims.

He also trains employees and employers on various issues all centered on workplace safety.

—Mackenzie Basalla ’19 8 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

RACHEL SHERMAN ’13

“

[HER WESTMINSTER MENTOR] MESSAGED ME EVERY FEW MONTHS THROUGHOUT LAW SCHOOL TO CHECK IN.”

Networking connections can lead the way

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When Rachel Sherman ‘13 was in high school, she had big dreams of becoming a forensic scientist to help solve criminal cases. When she took a deeper dive into learning more about the profession, she discovered that while she was interested in the idea of analyzing and interpreting evidence in a criminal investigation, she was bothered that she wouldn’t be involved with cases to the end. By the time she stepped onto Westminster’s campus as a first-year student, her mind was made up: she was going to be a lawyer.

While she was a political science major and appreciated her professors in that discipline, it was one criminal justice studies course that had great impact.

Taught by the late Robert Buehner Jr. ’75, an alumnus adjunct professor and former member of the Westminster Board of Trustees, the course required students to engage in mock court exercises by selecting different crimes committed in the movie “Animal House.”

She enjoyed the course content and Buehner’s teaching style, but she also appreciated his mentorship. Buehner,

who served as the Montour County (Pennsylvania) District Attorney for 20 years, offered Sherman insight and support as an undergraduate and then later as a student at Penn State Law. “He messaged me every few months throughout law school just to check in and give me tips on applying for internships.

He even served as a reference for when I applied for a clerkship after law school graduation,” says Sherman.

After earning her law degree in 2017, Sherman spent two years clerking for the Centre County (Pennsylvania) Court of Common Pleas. There she learned how judges think, what they look for and what is not effective.

“I can’t imagine beginning a career as an attorney without that experience,” she says. “It’s surreal to be just out of law school and have a judge want to know your thoughts on cases and issues. I gained so much confidence from that experience.”

District Attorney’s Office. The work is challenging—they handle cases involving child victims and cases of a sexual nature—but rewarding.

Sherman says she feels fortunate to work under experienced supervisors who continuously teach and guide her in handling unique and challenging cases.

And she’s finding successes of her own as well. Just this May, she earned the Outstanding Service-Assistant District Attorney recognition for her work over the past year.

Her biggest piece of advice to someone pursuing a similar field: talk to attorneys.

“Law school is no easy task and not a route I would have taken if I was unsure about a legal career. I think the best preparation is to talk to someone who is currently practicing,” says Sherman. “Most lawyers are eager to help students and young lawyers if you just reach out.”

Today Sherman serves as an assistant district attorney in the Special Victims Unit of the York County (Pennsylvania)

—Mackenzie Basalla ’19 W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 9

CAMPUS NEWS | Titan news on and beyond campus

Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts “The investment in the creation of a Cultural Center is a significant step forward in becoming increasingly deliberate about centering and affirming minoritized identities.”

CANDACE OKELLO Associate Dean of Student Affairs

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estminster’s commitment to building a culturally and racially diverse community continues with plans to develop a new campus Cultural Center and a Teaching Fellows Project aimed to attract educators from diverse backgrounds.

about centering and affirming minoritized

Both projects, included in a total of $1 million in investments approved and funded by the Westminster College Board of Trustees, support the College’s Student Engagement and Support in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Action Plan, which aims to build a campus culture that values and advances DEI efforts.

perspectives and experiences to

The Cultural Center, which will be developed this summer, will be centrally located in the former campus gift shop on the main level of McKelvey Campus Center.

The center will offer programming as well as study and lounge spaces.

“The investment in the creation of a Cultural Center is a significant step forward in becoming increasingly deliberate 10 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

identities,” said Candace Okello ‘11, associate dean of student affairs.

Through the Teaching Fellows Project, Westminster hopes to attract post-doctoral candidates from historically minoritized groups who can bring underrepresented Westminster’s academic programs.

Under the project, two full-time fellows will receive two-year appointments, giving them the opportunity to further develop their teaching skills and continue pursuing research projects in collaboration with students. Fellows will be encouraged to offer guest lectures in different courses or for the community and represent Westminster by presenting at national conferences.

Fellows will be expected to contribute to the College’s First-Year Program and be mentored by faculty members.

Teaching Fellows are expected to be in place for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Accelerated path toward M. Div. degree

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3+3 program partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will offer Westminster students an accelerated path toward earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree.

The 3+3 program will enable students from any discipline to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Divinity degree in just six years. The agreement allows Westminster students to earn the final 30 credits of their bachelor’s degree at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, while simultaneously pursuing their M.Div. degree.

Students must indicate their intent to participate in the program during their first year at Westminster. Qualifying students must complete their major and general education requirements by the end of their junior year and formally apply to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary no later than Feb. 1 of their junior year.

“With this new agreement, both institutions clear the way for Westminster students to enter a high-quality graduate program that further prepares them for a life of discernment, service and leadership as they explore what it means to enter the ministry in a period marked by medical and sociocultural complexities,” said Dr. Jamie McMinn, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College.

Westminster and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS) officials gather for the articulation agreement signing. Seated are the Rev. Dr. Leanna Fuller, PTS interim dean of faculty and vice president for academic affairs, left, and Westminster’s Dr. Jamie McMinn, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College. Standing are PTS President the Rev. Dr. Asa Lee and Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson.

Three new members elected to Board of Trustees

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he Westminster College Board of Trustees added five members, including three first-time trustees.

Jennifer Bertetto, Chris Frye Jr. and Kristin Mezmar Kaiser ’86 will join the Board, effective July 1.

Bertetto, president and chief executive officer at Trib Total Media in Pittsburgh, is a 30-year veteran of the newspaper industry. She also serves as president of 535media, an affiliate of Trib Total Media which focuses on digital products, services and innovation, and is vice president of InvenGlobal, an e-gaming and video game-based website.

Frye made history in 2019 by becoming the first Black mayor of New Castle, Pa. He earned an undergraduate degree from Gannon University and a master’s in social work with a concentration in community organizing and social administration from the University of Pittsburgh. While in Pittsburgh, he examined neighborhood development, focusing his research on distressed areas that underwent successful revitalization.

Kaiser recently concluded her tenure as director of planned giving at Orchard Hill Church in Wexford, Pa., where she previously served as director of ministry team development. A

Bertetto

Frye

Kaiser

former teacher in Lexington, Ky., and Pasadena, Calif., she also served as mentor and coordinator for Teach for America, the California Reading and Literature Project, and Project SEED with The National Science Foundation and California Institute of Technology.

Doreen McCall, chief counsel for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and Jeffrey T. Wiley ’75, managing director and chief operating officer of the law firm of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC in Pittsburgh, are both are returning to the Board for a fifth term.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 11

WHY I GIVE

Westminster recognized for affordability

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oday’s prospective college students are savvy consumers— they want a college that will offer a robust, quality education with an affordable price tag. And Westminster College, according to Money magazine, is a college that fits that bill.

Westminster College was again been named to Money magazine’s annual “Best Colleges for Your Money” report, confirming that Westminster continues to be one of the best value colleges in the nation. The report,

which features nearly 700 colleges and universities from across the U.S., ranks schools on quality of education, affordability and alumni financial success.

Money editors considered 24 factors when selecting colleges and universities for the rankings, centered around three measures: quality of education, affordability during college and student debt payoff rates after graduation, and alumni outcomes—all of which are critical conditions students evaluate before selecting a college.

GRAYSON BLYTHE ’20

MASTER OF EDUCATION Home:

Granville, Ohio

Professions:

Community coordinator at Denison University

Why Grayson Gives:

I give to Westminster College through the new Coffee Club initiative. I knew that this was a fun and easily manageable way to make sure I was giving back to the school where I received my M.Ed. and launched my career in Student Affairs.

By supporting Mother Fair through this recurring gift, I can be sure that I’m doing my part to help current and future Titans succeed. I am proud to be a member of the Coffee Club!

the gift of music For more than 35 years, Dr. Fritz Horn, professor of English emeritus and 2002 retiree, offered the gift of education to Westminster students. His connection to the College has continued in his retirement, and he and his wife, Gretchen, recently gifted 11 recorders to the School of Music. The donation of bass, tenor, alto, soprano and sopranino recorders—as well as a collection of solo and ensemble scores—has inspired the creation of a new 27-member Recorder Ensemble. Led by music education major Madison Mueller-Howell ’24, pictured above at left, the ensemble held their debut performance during this spring’s woodwind studio recital. Also pictured from left are music performance major Shawn Redmond ’25, music major Hunter Hoag ’24, adviser and member of the School of Music faculty Kim Winfield and Madolyn George ’24. The Horns also donated a crumhorn, a rare Renaissance period wind instrument.

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WHY I GIVE

David King ’91, right, with School of Business Chair Dr. Robert Badowski.

Celebrating grad’s entrepreneurial spirit

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self-defined “serial entrepreneur,” David King ’91 was named the Westminster College Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year at the annual Westminster Entrepreneur Center Symposium and School of Business Award Ceremony in March.

With a passion for the intersection of technology and business, King founded several companies including infiNET Solutions, Inc, where he built and managed an automated tuition billing and commerce system for major universities and helped the company process more than $16 billion annually.

Currently King is chief technology officer of Flywire, a Chicago-based high-growth

vertical payments company, where he oversees global technology and solutions.

King joined the company as its vice president of engineering in 2018, following Flywire’s acquisition of OnPlan Holdings, where King was a co-founder and leveraged his background in payments, analytics and billing to develop innovative payment plan solutions for the healthcare and education sectors.

At the ceremony, King spoke to students about his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting his experiences, challenges and achievements. He holds a B.S. in mathematics and physics and an M.S. in physics from Miami University.

PDC office under new leadership

C

had Serfass was tapped in the fall to serve as the new director of Westminster’s Professional Development Center (PDC).

Serfass most recently served as director of DeSales University’s Experience in Character and Leadership, a four-year program helping students develop traits that lead to personal and professional success.

At the PDC, Serfass is working with Westminster students to discern their vocational and graduate/professional school aspirations and to polish their networking skills.

Serfass earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from DeSales.

Serfass

DAVID ’76 & GAIL CLELLAND

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Home:

Richmond, Virginia (formerly of Greenville and Slippery Rock, respectively)

Profession:

Dave is a retired banking executive from Atlantic Union Bank; Gail is a retired nurse from Bon Secours Health System

In Dave’s Words:

Having played football for the Titans, most of our WC giving has been primarily for the football team or other athletic related projects. Now with UPMC Jameson School of Nursing partnership with Westminster’s BSN program—my wife is a 1976 graduate of the then-Jameson School of Nursing who also took courses at Westminster—I felt funding something for the nursing program in honor of Gail would be appropriate. My wife was proud of her pinning ceremony and believed it was an important part of the graduation process, so we felt that providing funding that would give current nursing students the same opportunity would be a great idea. We are proud to be able to make a gift to Westminster and UPMC Jameson that will honor Gail, help show her love of nursing and provide ongoing support for the Westminster and UPMC Jameson School of Nursing program.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 13

honorable mentions Stephen Adametz, left, is one of many Westminster College students recognized for academic achievements at the annual Honors Convocation ceremony on April 27. Fall Dean’s List honorees, scholarship recipients, service and leadership award winners, student-athlete awardees, and members of the honor societies Lambda Sigma, Mortar Board and Pi Sigma Pi were recognized.

Also honored were those seniors who completed the All-College Honors Program, pictured at bottom left. Honors Program students, in front from left, are Emma Bradley (Psychology), Anna Grimenstein (Biology), Hannah Wilson (International Studies), Molly Frank (English), Magen Polczynski (Neuroscience), Mackenzie Hupp (Psychology), Sara Small (Interdisciplinary) and Abby Steinbeck (Neuroscience). In back from left are James Gilbert (Biology), Constantine Kallaur (Interdisciplinary), Noah Luzader (Accounting/Business Administration), Owen Meilander (Physics/ Mathematics), Sam Accordino (Neuroscience), Nevan Schwab (Molecular Biology) and Noah Pollio (Biology). Not pictured is Seth Schrader (Chemistry).

Faculty appointments and promotions

T DO YOU MATCH? Did you know that you can double or triple your year-end giving with a matching gift?

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees or members of their boards.

CHECK WITH YOUR EMPLOYER TODAY.

he College welcomed two new faculty members this spring and also granted promotions and tenure.

Dr. Ryan Keeling joined the School of Music as assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, roles he held at West Liberty University in West Virginia since 2017. He currently holds positions in three premiere choral ensembles: artistic director of the chamber choir Voces Solis, conductor of the professional women’s choir Virago, and assistant conductor of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.

Jennifer Waldo, who previously served as an adjunct in the School of Business and the Graduate School, has been appointed to the full-time position of lecturer in finance.

Waldo has more than 26 years of expertise in all facets of human resources including team building, educational advancement, and employee retention.

Promotions and tenure were awarded to: •

Dr. Jamie Chapman, promoted to associate professor of sociology.

•

Dr. Jessica Sarver, promoted to associate professor of chemistry.

•

Summer Zickefoose, promoted to associate professor of fine arts.

Tenure was granted to Dr. René Picó, associate professor of education.

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Speech & Debate are national champs

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fter three days of competition in parliamentary debate, public speech and oral interpretation, the Westminster Speech & Debate Team walked away as the Novice National Forensic Association’s National Champions.

Competing against 10 other teams during the March tournament at Butler University, Westminster also brought home nine individual championships.

Individual national first-place winners include: Parliamentary Team Debate: Juniors Iris Davis Hall and Claire Mock Parliamentary Debate Top Speaker: Senior Mackenzie Hupp Individual Sweeps Top Speaker (Pentathlon): Junior Kent Dunn Slam Poetry: Junior Kent Dunn Impromptu Speaking: First-year Ellis Moore Impromptu Sales: First-year Ellis Moore Duo Interpretation: First-year Ellis Moore and sophomore Makyla Wheeler Westminster also placed first in the dramatic interpretation and public narrative competitions and claimed second, third, fourth and fifth place finishes in various categories.

Dr. Randy Richardson, School of Communication faculty member, is the team’s adviser.

Early College summer class open for high schoolers

H

igh school students can gain college credits through an Early College STEM program this summer.

Open to 9th through 12th graders, the program— coordinated by Westminster’s Center for the Environment— will focus on hands-on science with real world implications for conservation.

The Early College course Introduction to Environmental Inquiry will take place at Westminster July 5-9.

Activities will include mammal studies using camera traps, lake ecology investigations, a trip to the apiary and pollinator garden ending with a field study at a passive treatment site for abandoned mine drainage.

pinning ceremony Graduating nursing students, from left, Madison Sieczkowski, Joy Snow, Juliana Sienkiewicz, Brianna Powell and Jocelyn Behr, gather with Gail and Dave Clelland ’76 at the nursing pinning ceremony on May 13. Clelland, in honor of his wife, a retired nurse, provided the funding for the Department of Nursing to purchase the pins, a symbol of the students’ hard work and commitment to the health care field.

Westminster’s Early College is a dual enrollment program designed for academically prepared high school students.

For more information and details on how to apply, visit westminster.edu/environment.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 15

READY FOR OUR

CLOSE-UP Mother Fair transforms into Hollywood movie set

E

ach December, the Westminster atmosphere is charged with a special energy: students are pulling together their end-of-semester projects and prepping for finals and everyone is filled with a festive holiday spirit and looking forward to some winter break down time. But this December was unique, and the catalyst for this special buzz? Westminster’s featured role in an upcoming star-studded movie.

Westminster’s center quad—surrounded by Old Main, McGill Library and the Browne and Ferguson residence halls—was handpicked for the upcoming Netflix Feature Films and Cross Creek Pictures movie, “The Pale Blue Eye,” starring Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson and Robert Duvall.

Disguised to recapture the look of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the 19th century, the transformed campus quad was one of several Western Pennsylvania locations used in the film. Produced by John Lesher and directed by Scott Cooper, the thriller revolves around a veteran New York detective (Bale) investigating a series of West Point murders with the help of a young military cadet (Melling), who will later become a famed author—Edgar Allan Poe. While a handful of Westminster students and staff were chosen to suit up as cadets to serve as film extras, other students had the opportunity to work with crew members to gain behind-

TANNER MONDOK| NEW CASTLE NEWS

Above, a line of cannons at the ready sitting adjacent to Weisel Senior Terrace. // Center, actors take a moment before cameras start rolling. // Bottom, extras posing as West Point cadets march across the quad before filming. the-scenes experience. For the rest of the campus community, most just hoped to catch a glimpse—or a chance encounter—with one of the film’s stars.

The film is expected to be released by the end of 2022.

TANNER MONDOK | NEW CASTLE NEWS

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Distinguished Faculty Award

DEBORAH MITCHELL

Professor of English & Film Studies

D

“Dr. Mitchell reminds us of the value of critical thinking, close reading, engaging discourse and intellectual courage, which are all at the core of what we do at a liberal arts college.”

The sentiment of these words, written by colleague Dr. Russell Martin, professor of history, are echoed throughout the letters submitted recommending Dr. Deborah Mitchell for the 2022 Distinguished Faculty Award.

Award nominations were submitted by colleagues, students and alumni, who noted Mitchell—professor of English and film studies—as an accomplished scholar, a generous colleague and a compassionate and highly engaging educator.

“Her students enter and leave the classroom as different people and they go on to pursue dreams that they may have not realized were possible,” said Dr. Jamie McMinn, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the College.

Mitchell, who retired at the conclusion of the 2022 academic year and was granted professor emerita status, joined the Westminster faculty in 1992 and served as department chair and division chair during her tenure. She was a member of numerous campus committees and helped establish the digital journalism

and sports management majors, as well as the film studies minor.

She led groups of students to England, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy. In June 2017, Mitchell completed a faculty fellowship in Rome sponsored by Richmond the American International University.

She is the author of the books Diane Keaton: Artist and Icon (2001) and The Makeover in Movies: Before and After in Hollywood Films, 1941-2002 (2004), both written with Dr. Elizabeth Ford, professor of English emerita, as well as Royal Portraits in Hollywood: Filming the Lives of Queens (2009) and Apocalyptic Visions in 21st Century Film (2018).

She earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Youngstown State University and a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University.

The Distinguished Faculty Award is presented to a tenured faculty member who has, over a sustained period of time, demonstrated characteristics of the most outstanding faculty: intellectual vitality, effective communication skills, the ability to motivate or inspire compassion and concern for student success, collegiality, and leadership.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 17

18 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

HEILMANN LEGACY

the

I When Cheryl and I decided to make a gift to the renovation and expansion of Hoyt Science Center, we chose the ‘family’ designation as a way to exemplify our combined family values.

n the newest phase of the Hoyt Science Center, raised silver lettering against a blue-gray wall proclaims to all that they have entered The Heilmann Family Corridor. It’s a distinctive claim in a very visible area in close proximity to the chemistry labs. An observer might logically conclude that the Heilmanns must be a family of scientists, when in fact, the inspiration for the corridor is from the parents of a scientist.

Christian G. ’72 and Cheryl Reed ’72 Heilmann, both English majors while at Westminster, were inspired to support the renovation and expansion of the Hoyt Science Center with a naming gift opportunity in part because of their son’s career as a Ph.D. and senior research scientist at a global pharmaceutical firm.

“As parents, we strived to set an example of the importance of education, and we are proud that our son is now working to make the world a better and healthier place by contributing to the research and development of pharmaceutical advancements in the areas of diabetes and oncology,” said Christian. “When Cheryl and I decided to make a gift to the renovation and expansion of Hoyt Science Center, we chose the ‘family’ designation as a way to exemplify our combined family values.”

While philanthropic engagement was likely the furthest thing from their minds when Chris and Cheryl met at Westminster in 1969, they both credit their liberal arts education and time spent at Westminster as instrumental in their future endeavors.

After graduating from Westminster, Chris embarked on a distinguished career in investments and private banking that included being recognized as Private Banker of the Year in New York City in 2004. During his 46-year banking career, he served as chairman and chief executive officer of Merrill Lynch Trust Company and recently retired as vice chairman of U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Cheryl found her work in preschool and grade school education specializing in reading development to be both fulfilling and rewarding.

“From New Wilmington to spending decades on Wall Street, my experiences at Westminster were foundational to my success and now being in a position to help support future students prepare for fulfilling careers is a meaningful part of our family’s legacy,” Heilmann said.

~ Dr. Jean M. Hale

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 19

YOUNG ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT

Andrew Henley B.A., History

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ndrew Henley ’17 was one of those students who did it all.

From campus clubs to general class work for his major, Henley knew the importance of diversifying his resumé— especially when it came to internships. Now as an alumnus, he wants to make sure current students at Mother Fair understand that, too.

During his undergraduate career, Henley—who also holds an M.L.I.S. degree from Pitt—created as many opportunities for himself as he could. With internships ranging from volunteering at the U.S. National Archives to working in digital marketing at Sparq Designs, his goal was less about discovering what he wanted to be, but more about learning as much as he could in various areas to become the best at what he knew he wanted to be.

Chasing his passion for history and love for his great-greatgrandfather’s Lawrence County, Pa., farmstead Pleasant Hill Farm, Henley created the Pleasant Hill Historians (PHH) group in 2018 with the intent to connect individuals with their families through genealogy and preservation. As PHH grew, Henley sought out a few Westminster undergraduates to help him with special projects— giving them a chance to build their resumés as well.

“I really wanted to show students that being a history major doesn’t always mean your path after school is teaching,” said Henley.

Henley's opportunities weren’t just for history majors, though. Ethan Brady ’22, an environmental science major, mapped out the trees of Cascade Park in New Castle, Pa., as PHH's historic architecture landscape intern.

“Working alongside Henley was great because I learned how to work on my own and make executive decisions for a project larger than what I was used to,” said Brady.

The same went for Sara Small ’22, an environmental science and project management double major. As PHH’s marketing specialist intern, Small created an open source website (northhillhd.live) to provide free marketing services to residents of New Castle's North Hill Historic District.

“My internship provided great opportunities and interview talking points that scored me my current post-grad position,” said Small. “Without his help and commitment to my professional and personal development, I would not be where I am at today.”

Today, in addition to his work with PHH, Henley also serves as the director of the New Castle Public Library—and he sees that as another potential opportunity to help Westminster students find success­­—just like his alma mater did for him. ~ Mackenzie Basalla ’19 2 0 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

Giving back through internships

MOVING ON to the next destination MICH

AP S O INNA L N | 2018 CAR

AEL BELL | 2018

HOLZSCHUH | 2 ILLE 018 M A C

LYN BEHR | 2018 JOCE

MA R

ISSA BOWERS | 2018

JUST FOUR SHORT YEARS AGO, THESE FIVE STUDENTS WERE BEGINNING THEIR FRESHMAN YEAR, READY TO DISCOVER NEW HORIZONS, EMBRACE THE UNKNOWN AND WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE WOULD OFFER THEM. When they took those first steps onto campus in 2018, Jocelyn Behr, Carinna Lapson, Michael Bell, Camille Holzschuh and Marissa Bowers weren't sure what their Westminster journeys would look like. But each was optimistic—albeit a little nervous—for the paths ahead of them. They flourished in their majors, joined student organizations, excelled athletically and even weathered a global pandemic. We caught up with them as they were readying to bid farewell to Westminster to take on new adventures and we learned that they held true to their first-year dreams and goals. And we also found that they—armed with skills and confidence gained through a Westminster education—are prepared and ready to take on whatever life has in store for them.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 2 1

JOCELYN BEHR

Nursing Murrysville, Pennsylvania Next Stop: UPMC Presbyterian/Cardiology Unit

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f Jocelyn Behr has any pearls of wisdom for incoming students, it’s to take each day one at a time, embrace the challenges and opportunities and enjoy the journey.

“Remember that college is a marathon, not a sprint. Think of every day as an opportunity to push yourself and those around you. These four years are a time to find yourself before real life hits you and it is something to take seriously while finding a balance,” she says.

That’s the ethos Behr lived by during her four years at Westminster. Like most nursing majors, Behr had a unique schedule. She graduated last spring from the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing and has been working as a nurse in the cardiology unit at UPMC Presbyterian for nearly a year. Yet, between working and completing her Westminster coursework toward her B.S.N. degree, she still made time for the women’s golf team, serving as an Orientation Leader and a Titan Guide and being an active member—and vice president of membership experience—for her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta.

“Looking back on my four years here, I cannot imagine where I would be if I hadn’t chosen Westminster. It has given me so many opportunities and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.”

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CARINNA LAPSON

Engineering Physics Aliquippa, Pennsylvania Next Stop: Seeking a federal engineering position

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ne of the keys to college success, says Carinna Lapson, is to find the people who truly wish to see you grow and help you on your path to success.

At Westminster, those people were often her academic mentors: Dr. Craig Caylor (physics), Dr. Natacha Fontes Merz (mathematics) and Dr. Peter Smith (chemistry).

“Our professors are not only knowledgeable in their subjects, but they also really care about their students.

Dr. Caylor never doubted once that I could succeed in my major, even with my heavy extracurricular load,” says Lapson, a magna cum laude graduate who majored in engineering physics with minors in mathematics and chemistry.

When she wasn’t busy in a classroom or lab, Lapson was taking full advantage of other opportunities available at Westminster. A four-year swim team letter winner, she was also an Orientation Leader, a member of the StudentAthlete Advisory Committee, sang with the women’s chorus, served on Student Government Association, was a member of the Phi Mu sorority—just to name a few. She excelled academically, as well, and belonged to various honor societies including Kappa Mu Epsilon (mathematics), Sigma Pi Sigma (physics) and Mortar Board (senior honor society). In short: She embraced it all.

To new students just beginning their journeys at Westminster, Lapson offers this advice.

“Time is short. Find things that challenge you to grow, surround yourself with others who wish to see you grow, and never be afraid to break out of your comfort zone.

Oftentimes, it is that which makes you uncomfortable that will in the end be the key to your future success.”

MICHAEL BELL

Business Adminstration McMurray, Pennsylvania Next Stop: Financial Advisor, C

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hen Michael Bell arrived years ago, he was determ his college career. From campus activities, he quickly le opportunities, he would be able adventure he had envisioned. “C it,” he says.

Although the business admi stresses the importance of buck on academics, he says students social nature of the college exp

“You can make college as fun it to be. Go out to the party, go go to the sporting event on cam that the opportunities to get inv endless.

By joining the men’s golf tea becoming a standout on the co network of friends within his te establish the Orthodox Christia campus his freshman year and with the Westminster Entrepre building relationships along the

“Westminster has impacted friendships I’ve made, networks lessons I’ve learned,” says Bell. am today if it weren’t for Westm

Continuum Capital Advisors

d at Westminster four mined to make the most of academics to athletics to earned that by being open to e to create the Westminster College is what you make of

inistration graduate kling down and focusing s should not discount the perience.

n or as boring as you want see the movie on the quad, mpus,” he says, adding volved at Westminster are

am his first semester—and ourse—he discovered a eammates. He helped to an Fellowship group on was quick to become active eneur Center, all the while e way.

d my life through the s I’ve acquired and the “I wouldn’t be the person I minster.”

CAMILLE HOLZSCHUH

MARISSA BOWERS

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S

Sports Management/Business Administration Boardman, Ohio Next Stop: STAR Recruiter for DNA, Pittsburgh amille Holzschuh made a list of goals as a first-year student: break an athletic record, make new friends, stay involved, maintain a good GPA, earn a degree and get a job. Whether fueled by natural ambition or just caffeine, over the past four years, she has ticked off each of her goals one by one.

The sports management and business administration major has made a name for herself as the women’s soccer goalkeeper. She’s earned several accolades and holds the Titan career record for shutouts. She became active with the Westminster Entrepreneurial Center, Emerging Leaders, Broadcast Club and the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Academically, she singles out School of Business faculty Brian Petrus and Eric Gaber as mentors who guided, engaged, challenged and prepared her.

“Westminster has truly given me unforgettable memories,” says Holzschuh. “It is my home away from home. Everything I hoped to gain out of my college experience, I did right here.”

To new Westminster students arriving in the fall, Holzschuh encourages them to live boldly.

“Go out of your comfort zone and take chances. There is so much to see and do out in the world and you only have a few years to do it, so don’t wait,” she says. “Be bold, work hard, study and have fun!”

Education Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Next Stop: Teaching Position in a K-4 Setting ometimes students arrive at college not quite knowing what path they want to take. Marissa Bowers thought she knew, but as time wore on, she found that her mathematics major was bringing her little joy.

“I had always wanted to be a teacher, and my professors helped me realize math was not the best fit for me,” says Bowers. “I changed my major to early childhood/special education and I really developed my professional development skills, flexibility and communication skills.”

Bowers says former School of Education professor Dr. Alison DuBois had the greatest impact on her.

A true mentor, DuBois worked closely with her on developing leadership skills using mindfulness techniques—tools useful as captain of the swim team and in academics. “I learned how to communicate effectively and helped lead our team through the pandemic using mindful techniques that motivated the players,” says Bowers.

Bowers, who graduated cum laude, was also an active member of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, to which she was the vice president for new member experience. She also served as vice president of recruitment on Panhellenic Council.

Bowers recommends that students new to Westminster should not be afraid to get involved on campus. “Keep an open mind and join in anything you can. Your time will go very quickly, so make the most of it!”

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 2 3

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In a league all her own EMMA RUDOLPH WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Beard named an Elite 90 student-athlete

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estminster women’s outdoor track and field junior Emma Rudolph was crowned the national champion in the pole vault at the 2022 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Rudolph cleared a personal-best height of 12’11½” (3.95 meters) on her first attempt at that height. All of Rudolph’s clears occurred on the first try.

“I was just really excited, really pumped,” Rudolph said. “I was really trying to make every single jump on the first attempt.

After I did that, I felt really good and it pumped me up more.

It feels really good. I’ve gotten eighth the past two NCAA Championships, so I’ve really wanted this championship for a long time. I finally got it and it makes me really happy and I’m really excited.”

The All-America honor is Rudolph’s second for Outdoor Nationals; she is also a two-time Indoor All-American.

The Titans now have 17 All-America citations in women’s pole vault school history.

Rudolph is just the second Track and Field National Champion in school history, joining women’s pole vaulter Marissa Kalsey (2017).

“I am absolutely ecstatic about the performance of Emma Rudolph,” said head coach Tim McNeil ‘96. “She transformed into a superhero and fended off all challenges. Blessed to have pole vault coach Bradi Rhoades on our staff.”

estminster men’s track and field senior Ryan Beard won the NCAA Division III Men’s Track and Field Elite 90 award, becoming the first Titan ever in any sport to receive this prestigious honor.

The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.

The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s 90 championships.

Beard is also only the second Presidents’ Athletic Conference student-athlete to receive this award. Beard, a 4.0 GPA accounting major, is a member of the 4x100meter relay team that earned All-American at the 2022 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The quartet was the first NCAA All-American relay team in school history and first men’s relay to ever advance to Nationals.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 2 5

TITAN

STRONG

ALL-AMERICAN ATHLETES

Eight Titan student-athletes represented Westminster on the national stage by earning All-American laurels in their respective sports/events.

In addition to junior Emma Rudolph’s (pole vault) National Champion and All-American performance at 2022 NCAA Outdoors (see page 24), she earned her second All-American at the 2022 NCAA Indoors.

Graduate student Megan Parker (shot put) Parker became the Titans’ first-ever female All-American thrower as she placed fourth at the 2022 NCAA Indoors and third at the 2022 NCAA Outdoors—the highest for a female thrower in program history. Senior defensive lineman Brayden Thimons (football) was named on both the D3football.com All-America and the Associated Press (AP) Division III All-America Football Teams, as well the AFCA Division III Coaches’ All-America Second Team and The College Football Network Division III All-America Third Team (see more about Clockwise from top left: Patton, Thimons on the next page). Senior Patrick Beard, Sams, Love Holton (diving) earned All-America honors Holton at the 2022 NCAAs. The men’s 4x100-meter relay team became the first NCAA All-American relay team in school history as they finished seventh at the 2022 NCAA Outdoors. The All-American quartet were (in order of relay) senior Amon Sams, senior Ryan Beard, senior Jacob Patton, and junior Shamar Love. The outdoor track and field team had three events earning All-American honors, breaking a school-record for the most NCAA All-America citations in multiple events at Nationals.

2021-22

SWORD MOMENTS #EARNYOURSWORD

Lady Linksters The women’s golf team, under head coach Matt Torrence ’93, won its unprecedented fourth-straight PAC Championship, advancing to NCAA tournament for the program’s third-ever trip to Nationals. Junior Erika Hoover was named the PAC Player of the Year.

Torrence also earned his fourthstraight PAC Coach of the Year honor.

2 6 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

Hoover

Winning Habit The volleyball team won its third-straight PAC title—the most consecutive PAC Championships in team history. Westminster advanced to the NCAA tournament, the program’s fifth overall national appearance. Senior middle hitter Becky Adelman earned PAC Player of the Year honors, while head coach Tammy Swearingen was named the PAC Coach of the Year for the seventh time.

Adelman

TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE TITAN ATHLETIC PROGRAMS, GO TO www.westminster.edu/athletics

Spectacular Seasons The softball and women’s soccer teams were regular season PAC champions, earning the No. 1 seed in their respective

Horvath

PAC Championship Tournament. Softball finished the season

Gridiron Gang For the first time in program history, the Titan football team won its second-consecutive Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) title. Senior Brayden Thimons was named the PAC Defensive Player of the Year, to go along with three Division III All-American honors, a program record (see opposite page).

with back-to-back 30-win seasons for the first time in program history.

Women’s soccer had a perfect PAC record during the regular season for first time in team history. First-year soccer forward Brooke Horvath claimed the Holton

PAC Newcomer of the Year title.

FROM THE FIELD Under third-year head coach Patrick Riley, the baseball team set a program record for PAC wins in a season (17-10). The Titans were runners-up in the PAC Championship game against Washington & Jefferson, their first conference championship appearance since 2012.

Champs for Both Seasons The men’s track and field team won both the Indoor and Outdoor PAC Championships, marking the first time the Titans have won both contests in the same season.

PAC CHAMPS AGAIN

Bell The men’s golf team was crowned back-to-back PAC Champions, earning its second-straight trip to the 2022 NCAA Division Championship. Senior Michael Bell was the runner-up at the PACs.

ON THE COURT The women’s basketball team advanced to the PAC Championship game for the first time in 12 years. Junior guard Natalie Murrio was named the PAC Player of the Year, the program’s second ever, and earned a spot on the D3hoops. com All-Region Team.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 2 7

COMMENCEMENT

P

2022

erhaps it was the joyous occasion celebrating the milestone achievements of this year’s graduates or maybe it was the College’s return to one full ceremony since 2019, but either way, smiles abounded at Westminster’s 168th Commencement ceremony on May 14.

“We are blessed to be able to gather together for one ceremony this year to celebrate the Class of 2022,” said Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson. “This class faced unprecedented challenges during their years at Westminster. And their perseverance and commitment made it possible for them to achieve the worthy goal of graduating. I’m deeply proud of their achievements—and even more proud of the ways they supported each other and the Westminster community during the long two years of the pandemic. Class of 2022, you truly make me Titan proud.”

William Rankin ’60, trustee emeritus of the Westminster College Board of Trustees, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony (see more on page 26). Rankin offered words of advice to the Class of 2022, encouraging them to set goals, maintain a positive attitude, work hard, be kind and love what you do.

CHECK OUT OUR SERIES OF COMMENCEMENT PHOTOS ONLINE AT bit.ly/3PGX2yz 2 8 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

COMMENCEMENT

2022

“Believe in yourself,” Rankin said. “You have a great Westminster education. Believe in yourself and travel the road to success.”

Senior class speaker John “Jack” Karson ’22, an individual interdisciplinary major, said that although the future is not known, he and his fellow classmates should embrace their tabula rasa—clean slate.

“It’s easy to fear the future after college, especially with the daily news of oppression around the globe and injustice in our own communities. But when so many must navigate life under evil’s thumb, embrace the gift of choice,” Karson said. “We are Westminster Titans. We run toward possibility. We face the unknown and we help each other along the way.”

Two hundred and sixty-four bachelor’s degrees were conferred, including 99 Bachelor of Arts, 139 Bachelor of Science, seven Bachelor of Music and 19 Bachelor of Nursing degrees.

An additional 42 master’s degrees were conferred, including 25 Master of Education, 10 Master of Business Administration and seven Master of Arts degrees.

The day’s festivities began with a morning Baccalaureate service with the Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston ’90, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Ben Avon, Pa., offering the address “Who Are You?” Graduating baseball players were absent from Saturday’s festivities in order to compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Tournament Championship game at Washington & Jefferson. The College hosted a separate ceremony for the players and their families on Monday, May 16, in Wallace Memorial Chapel.

From top: Shaemour Young with Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Dr. Jamie McMinn // Bill Rankin '60, center, with Board Chair Jeffrey McCandless '80 and President Richardson // Tyree Reader offers the opening prayer at the Baccalaureate service // The Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston ’90 provides the keynote address at Baccalaureate.

Senior class speaker Jack Karson

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 2 9

2022 HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT

WILLIAM RANKIN ’60

W

estminster College recognized the outstanding achievements and leadership of William W. Rankin ’60 by awarding him with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Commencement on Saturday, May 14.

Titan team that went undefeated in the West Penn Conference. Rankin is only the fifth men’s tennis player inducted into the Westminster College Sports Hall of Fame.

In his junior year, Rankin set a school record for singles wins in a season (13), which held for 24 years.

Rankin, who holds a B.A. in economics and business administration from Westminster and an M.B.A. from Pace University, had a 33-year career in human resources management with Pfizer Inc., working in the New York City headquarters and the European management headquarters in Brussels.

He retired as vice president-employee resources for Pfizer Inc. Consumer Health Care Group.

Rankin’s commitment to community service and volunteerism can be witnessed in his steadfast dedication to Westminster.

Currently a trustee emeritus, Rankin was a three-term member of the Westminster College Board of Trustees. In 2016, in recognition of his commitment and service to Westminster, Rankin was honored with the Alumni Citation Award.

Prior to graduating magna cum laude from Westminster, he was a campus leader who excelled academically and athletically. While a student he served two terms as class president, was vice president of Student Council and the InterFraternity Council and president of Sigma Nu fraternity. A three-year letterman for tennis, Rankin was co-captain of the 1960

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to inductees. He has frequently traveled to Hilton Head, S.C., to support the tennis teams during their spring break training matches, and he has donated Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship rings to the women’s tennis and golf teams, as well as men’s golf. He was the lead donor and major fundraiser for the campus’ indoor Bill Rankin Golf Center, built in 2016. Most recently he donated men’s tennis and women’s golf trophy cases for the Huey Heritage Center in Memorial Field House.

He established two endowed scholarships for Westminster students— one for students interested in pursuing a career in human resources and the other for those who are members of Valencia (Pa.) Presbyterian Church or other churches in the Beaver-Butler (Pa.) Presbytery.

Outside of Westminster, he is active with his church and many civic organizations, including the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, It’s About the Warrior Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed American Veterans, United Service Organization, Veterans for Foreign Wars, Honduras Hope Mission, Light of Life Rescue Mission and The Lighthouse Foundation.

A proud supporter of Titan athletics, Rankin is recognized for initiating the design of the Hall of Fame ring available

Rankin resides in Gibsonia, Pa., with his wife, Carla, and they have two grown sons, Mark and Matt, and four grandchildren.

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

R

ecently, my colleague, Judy Boggs, senior director of advancement operations, concluded several months of work in compiling donor impact reports for more than 300 endowed scholarship funds at Westminster College.

Judy ensured that every donor received a personal thank-you note from the student or students who have benefitted from the donor’s generosity. As Judy shared her progress with me over the past several months, I was reminded that expressing gratitude is an essential and perpetual element in my work and that of my team in the Office of Institutional Advancement.

We thank our faculty and staff colleagues for collaborating with us to connect with alumni and friends. We thank our volunteers for giving of their time. We thank our donors for their gifts. We write notes, send letters and make phone calls, and write features in this magazine and on our website to show appreciation. Gratitude pervades every aspect of our work— and it is our donors and friends who provide us with so many reasons to be thankful.

Your gift has had a tremendous impact on my life and it has forever changed me as a person.”

But what is gratitude and why is expressing it important?

According to one researcher, people feel grateful when they have benefitted from someone’s costly, intentional, voluntary effort on their behalf, and experiencing gratitude motivates beneficiaries to extend generosity to third parties. Gratitude is a motivator of “reciprocal altruism,” returning benefits to one’s benefactors, and of “upstream reciprocity,” passing benefits on to third parties, a pay-it-forward mindset. Gratitude is a “benefit detector and a reinforcer and motivator of prosocial behavior.”

It is indeed all those things, but in its most basic form, gratitude is a good mindset for all of us. And of the hundreds of students who wrote thank-you notes to donors, grateful minds and hearts are on full display:

U “I am sincerely honored to have been selected to receive this scholarship. Thank you for your generosity, which has allowed me to be able to proceed with my Westminster degree with the ease of knowing that there are people like you who are willing and able to assist students like me.”

U “Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to receive this scholarship…this will have a great impact on my future, and I am grateful.”

U “Thank you so much for the support this scholarship has given me.

Being at Westminster has opened my eyes to so many things and has taught me to work hard to be successful in everything I do. Thank you for making this possible.”

U “Being a student at Westminster College has given me certainty that I will be successful in life, as well as giving me so many friends and connections. Thank you for investing in my future. I am so grateful.”

U “Thank you so much for your support, which has kept me focused and working hard. I am excited to keep learning.”

U “I am grateful for the life experiences that have been part of my time at Westminster and I thank you for your support.”

U “Thank you for your generous contribution to my education. You’ve lightened the financial burden of attending college and that is something for which I am very grateful.”

U “I am so thankful for this scholarship; it allows me to have fewer student loans and to obtain my education at a reasonable and affordable rate, which is incredibly important for financial success after graduation; my education at Westminster would not be possible without your support.”

U Our students say it best, and I will repeat it: thank you to each and every one of our alumni, friends, volunteers and donors for sharing your time, treasure and talent with Westminster College.

Sincerely, Jean M. Hale, Ed.D. Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Thank you to Judy Boggs and the entire Institutional Advancement team—Jami Darlington, Nicole Hunter, Rob Klamut, Merrianne McGill, Kara Montgomery, Jamie Offutt, Brad Tokar, Linda Wilson, Andy Winner—for all you do for me, each other and the entire Westminster College community.

U “Thank you so much for your support. I cannot describe how meaningful it is to receive financial support as a college student.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 3 1

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CLASS NOTES | Titans doing incredible things.

1959

SHARE

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STORY Everyone has a story—and we want to hear yours!

We want to know all about you—your career, your family and your many adventures.

Westminster Magazine’s Class Notes section is a wonderful way to share your story and keep up with old friends and classmates.

Send us your news today!

ONLINE FORM

1966

1979

PEGGY FUNKHOUSER KING and her husband, JERRY KING ’60, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2021 at a surprise party at their farm in Virginia.

1991

DR. DARREN GUIDO was recently named the 2021 Mel Miller Outstanding Social Studies Leader by the National Social Studies Supervisors Association.

Darren is the supervisor of instruction for the Caesar Rodney School District in Wyoming, Del.

1992

GEORGE WALKER published a novel, Then You Dance. The book was inspired by real events and places, one being Westminster College, although highly fictionalized as “Wexford Chapel College” in the book.

CAROL STOVES ZIMMERMAN received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Conference of Consulting Actuaries in October 2021 for contributions made to the actuarial profession during her career.

Carol lives in Harmony, Pa.

DR. BRIAN CROSS, director of orthopedic trauma services for Broward Health, was promoted to clinical professor of the Department of Surgery at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

1993

LISA MCKERNAN ALOI has joined the Toledo, Ohio-based law firm RCO Law Robison, Curphey & O’Connell as a paralegal. She resides in Sylvania, Ohio.

westminster.edu/classnotes

EMAIL alumni@westminster.edu

MAIL Westminster College Office of Alumni Engagement 319 S. Market St. New Wilmington, PA 16172

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ON THE AIR | Jeff Kellam ’66, right, co-host of the program “Encounter” on Binghamton, N.Y.’s WBNG-TV, recently interviewed fellow Titan Roger Neel ’73.

Neel retired last June from Binghamton’s 1290 WNBF Radio, where he was the morning host and brand manager. The pair discussed Westminster, the radio station, the communication program and Titan athletics. Kellam, also a retired Presbyterian minister, is currently shooting and editing video for the newest Presbybop jazz CD, “The Dancing Calvinist.” Neel still does play-by-play for Binghamton University sports.

1995

the government relations firm West Front Strategies LLC and currently serves as the vice chair of the Westminster College Board of Trustees.

1999

AMY CROSS EVANS was named vice president of strategic accounts for Survey Healthcare Global in August 2021.

Amy offers consultative services on healthcare market research design, survey development and data collection support.

Amy resides in Santa Fe, N.M.

DIANE LYNN BELL recently authored two children’s books—Chelsie Chicken’s Choice and Wally Waits—that offer life lessons and repetitive sounds for speech practice. All proceeds from her book sales go towards a giving fund established in memory of her daughter who passed away in September 2021 and will be used to spread acts of kindness. Bell is a retired elementary teacher from the Wilmington Area School District. She lives in Pulaski, Pa.

ROBB DIETRICH has been appointed assistant vice president for major and planned gifts at Lycoming College in Williamsport. Robb also earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) professional designation from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College of Financial Services. He and his wife, EMILY BOYLE DIETRICH ’99, reside in Montoursville, Pa., with their two sons.

1997

2001

ASHLEY DAVIS has joined the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business Board of Advisors. Ashley is a founding partner of

GABRIELLE BUCKLEY DEAN was named the director of academic technology at Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. She had her daughter reside in Pittsburgh.

ANDREW WORMSLEY was inducted into the Pittsburgh Basketball Club Hall of Fame.

A high school and college basketball standout, Andrew also belongs to the Quaker Valley Hall of Fame and the Titan Hall of Fame. He resides in Riverside, Calif., with his wife and two children.

2004

MICHAEL ZEMBOWER was elected to serve a four-year term on the Poland (Ohio) Village Council.

2006 NATALIE BELL WILLIAMS recently celebrated a decade owning and operating her business, Sweet Art Photography. Natalie lives in Pulaski, Pa.

CYNDI MANCINI performed in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year’s Day with The Band Directors Marching Band. The marching band is comprised of 270 band directors from all 50 states and Mexico. Mancini is the band director for the Montour School District in McKees Rocks, Pa.

TUNING IN | Westminster WKPS alumni tuned in for the second annual virtual reunion on Dec. 10, 2021, to catch up and share broadcasting memories. Logging on were, top row from left, Charlie Weisel ’77, station mascot Phred the Wunderhorse, Kevin Boyd ’77, Ann Alexander Shansky ’78; second row from left, Bob Braunlich ’74, Jan Morrow Dawson ’78, Jeannette Ford Peters ’79, Bill McWreath ’80; third row from left, Bruce Robertson ’78, Marty Travis Rogers ’77, Jim Adams ’79, Bill Van Slyke ’78; bottom row from left, Linda Drumm ’81, Jeff Tobin ’78, Dan Wolfe ’78, Bruce Weber ’80.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 3 3

2007

COLIN DEAN, lead AI engineer for Target and managing director of Code & Supply, was named to Technical.ly’s RealLIST Engineers 2021, which calls out the most promising startups, influential technologists and connective community members in the Pittsburgh market.

ASHLEY KRESS CUNNINGHAM was named director of marketing and public relations for Ivy Tech Community CollegeMadison (Ind.) campus. She resides in Madison.

MATT PERESLUCHA is as a quality assurance specialist for Duolingo.

2008

ALEX SCULL is the director of principal gifts and gift planning for Arts, Culture and Collections at the University of Texas at Austin.

JELENA GERGA was recognized as a Westchester County (N.Y.) Women of Impact nominee. Jelena is a community engagement specialist for Empire City Casino.

KATIE GRAY KELLEY started a new position as high school guidance counselor at Wilmington Area High School. She and her husband, Nathan, reside in Pulaski, Pa.

2012

DR. HAYLEY EBERSBACHER IOSUE, a podiatric surgeon, has joined the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Ohio. She and her husband, Vincent, reside in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

KATIE TOMKO WILLIAMS earned her doctorate in education from Slippery Rock University in December 2021. She was also selected to serve as the Graduate School’s grand marshal at the commencement ceremony.

2013

THE REV. EVAN WILDHACK was named pastor of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church in Corfu, N.Y., on Oct. 1, 2021.

2014

BAILEY LOHR earned a Master of Education degree from the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education at Ohio University. Bailey is an intervention specialist with The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio and is currently placed in Jackson Middle School in the South-Western City School District. She resides in Hilliard, Ohio.

2016

LAUREN GEZO has been promoted to supervisor of organ recovery at Lifeline of Ohio, a non-profit organization that coordinates the donation of human organs and tissue for transplantation.

SIGMA NU GOLFERS | Before the 2021 Homecoming cluster

TITAN TEAMMATES | Former Titan football standouts reunited

reunion dinner for the Classes of 1974, 1975 and 1976, a few Sigma Nu brothers and friends headed to the golf course to get in a few swings and catch up. Kneeling left to right are David Hassen ‘67, Jeff Renz ‘76, Dave Gooch ‘75, Curt Parks ‘76 and Terry Sentz ‘75. Standing left to right are Vince Tutino ‘76, Fred Lang ‘75, Mark Wilson ‘76, Steve Smith ‘75, Barry Hackett ‘76, Bob Gill ‘75, Rusty Everett ‘74, Tom Howell ‘75, Mike Cotter ‘75 and John Whitehead ‘74.

during Homecoming 2021 to visit the Gene Nicholson Showcase of Champions inside the Dar Huey Heritage Center at the Memorial Field House, which includes their 1976 and 1977 NAIA Division II National Championship trophies. Pictured from left to right are Dave Nobs ’80, Don Brougher ’81, Gary Devlin ’80 and Tom Hennessy ’80. Don and Gary are members of the Titan Sports Hall of Fame and Dave is an Alumni Award recipient.

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2017

JENNIFER ARMEN LUKE earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from Duquesne University and is working as a biochemist on novel gene therapies at Code Biotherapeutics. She resides in Lansdale, Pa. ANDREW HENLEY has been named the director of the New Castle Public Library.

He is also the president of the Lawrence County Historical Society and founder of Pleasant Hill Historians. He resides in Edinburg, Pa.

2018

JUSTIN WILSON was elected to serve a four-year term on the Monaca Borough Council.

LINDY YOUNG was named STAR division director at Dedicated Nursing Associates Inc. Lindy resides in Irwin, Pa.

During basic training, he received the Honor Graduate Award for being in the top 10% of the graduating class.

2019

2021

2020

CAITLIN DESANTIS was recently promoted to assistant director of admissions at Westminster College.

EMILIO RIVERA graduated from U.S. Air Force technical training to become a geospatial analyst in Ramstein, Germany.

He received the Academic Achievement Award for having the highest academic scores throughout training.

KAITLYN JONES joined Xavier University’s women’s soccer coaching staff as director of player analysis/operations in August 2021.

She is also the head coach for Cincinnati United’s girls club soccer. Kaitlyn is also pursuing a Master of Education degree in coaching education and athlete development at Xavier.

Have news to share? Send it our way! Simply shoot us an email at alumni@westminster.edu or go to www.westminster.edu/classnotes and use the online form.

Are you receiving the Office of Alumni Engagement's Wake Up with Wiley e-newsletter? It’s an encapsulation of what’s happening in the Westminster and alumni communities—delivered straight to your inbox!

POLAR PLUNGE | LeighAnn Jordan Tomaswick ‘09, left, and Mandarin Dague Ross ‘01 participated in the 18th Annual Polar Bear Jump in Akron, Ohio, in February. Their team, Let It Snow, helped raise funds for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

Email alumni@westminster.edu with your most up-to-date email address to keep up with all things Titan!

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 3 5

WEDDING | Love always.

1977 | Douglas Blythe and Mary Jean Gomez, March 7, 2021. The couple resides in Sugar Land, Texas.

2013 | Alexandra Cochran and Ryan Courneen, June 6, 2020. The couple held a vow renewal ceremony with friends and family on June 26, 2021. They live in Pittsburgh.

2001 | Stephen Hierro and Marlène Beguin, Nov. 9, 2021, at the Chapelle du Paradis in the Paris Hotel-Las Vegas. Stephen is a chemist with FirstEnergy in Mayfield Village, Ohio. The couple lives in Brook Park, Ohio.

We love a wedding! Be sure to send us your

wedding announcement and a photo. Got a big Westminster group photo? Send it along!

We love to show those Titan connections!

Email your high-resolution (300 dpi) picture to alumni@westminster.edu or use the online form at westminster.edu/classnotes.

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2013 | Kylie Tray and Dr. Ryan Nicklas, Sept. 24, 2021, at Longue Vue Club in Verona, Pa. In attendance were 22 alumni including, front row from left, Samantha Garrity ’13, Kimberly Palastro ’14, the bride, the groom, Brittany Heydon Hudson ’14 and Alexandra Bailey Edwards ’13; second row from left, Kathryn Becherer Paulini ’16, Julianna Murphy Black ’14, Michael Disotell ’11, Paul Robert Woods Jr. ’14, Nicholas Dalessio ’13, Christine Arick Pollice ’13, Ashley Moon Farrington ’14, Alissa Johnston ’12, Toby Bonitz ’13 and Alexandra Elliott ’12; third row from left, Andrew Anthony ’11, Cody Donaldson ’11, Miltiadis Constantine ’12, Marqus Koranteng ’15, Derek Pollice ’14, Brian Farrington ’14 and Benjamin Black ’13; and back row, Andrew Edwards ’13. The couple resides in North Huntingdon, Pa.

NEW ADDITIONS | Welcome, Tiny Titans.

2002 | Linda Sestric McCrady and her husband, Mark: a son, Jameson, on Nov. 1, 2015. He has an older brother, Jackson. The family lives in Ross Township, Pa.

2010 | Heather Merry Leister and her husband, Timothy: a daughter, Emma Grace, on Jan. 6, 2022. The family lives in Pittsburgh.

2007 | Emily Wall Byce and her husband, David: a daughter, Bronwyn Vincentina, on Nov. 1, 2021. The family lives in Pittsburgh.

2012 | Abby Bishop Donolo and

2009 | Katelyn Kushner Neal

2012 | Lindsay Speidel Nedley and

and her husband, Damon Neal: a son, Bryce Andrew, on March 14, 2021. He joins big brother, Maxwell. The family resides in Pittsburgh.

her husband, Nathan Donolo ’11: a daughter, Leona Nadine, on Jan. 23, 2021. She joins big brother, Wyatt. The family lives in Peters Township, Pa.

her husband, Alan Nedley ’13: a son, Camden Robert, on Aug. 3, 2021. The family lives in Rockledge, Fla.

Welcome to the world, Tiny Titans!

Westminster Magazine is happy to include the news of your latest arrival. Birth announcements and photos can be emailed to alumni@westminster.edu or submitted through the online form at westminster.edu/classnotes. Digital photos must be high resolution and 300 dpi. If emailing, please do not embed photos in the body of your email, but instead attach your high-resolution image.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 3 7

&

NATIONAL CONNECTIONS ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni events are open to all alumni and friends of Westminster College. The Office of Alumni Engagement works with volunteers to plan events in cities and regions across the country— or virtual online events.

Get connected with alumni in your area!

DECEMBER 4, 2021 Christmas Cheer Courtesy of alumni host and Pittsburgh Regional Alumni Committee member Alyssa Hanna Falarski ’12, alumni, friends, and little Titans enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy a private screening of the holiday favorite, “Elf.” The event took place at The Tull Family Theater in Sewickley, Pa., where guests enjoyed a hot cocoa bar and holiday cookie decorating prior to the show.

DECEMBER 11, 2021 Holiday VIPs The tradition of early access for Westminster alumni to the highly popular Kraynak’s Christmas Lane returned this year on Dec. 11, welcoming more than 100 alumni and friends through the doors of the Hermitage store. Penny Rice Kraynak ’75 and George Kraynak, owners of the popular allseason establishment, partnered with alumni volunteer, Karen Campman Emmett ’75, to showcase the cheerful displays without the hassle of waiting in line.

APRIL 11, 2022 Book Talk After positive feedback from last year’s program, the Office of Alumni Engagement was thrilled to offer a second virtual book discussion to alumni. This year’s selection, The Vanishing Half, gave alumni the opportunity to deliberate the themes in the novel with a purposeful, thought-invoking discussion led by Dr. Sherri Pataki, professor of psychology, and Dr. Trisha Cowen, assistant professor of English. Alumni Council President Bill Eavenson ’73 served as alumni host.

APRIL 20 & 21, 2022 National Networking Days The Office of Alumni Engagement coordinated with alumni around the country to host 19 different networking sessions.

Developed in the interest of building and creating alumni connections through industry and geographic-specific affiliations, in-person and virtual sessions were held. Alumni hosts included Don Goughler ‘68, Alex Taylor Schroder ‘14, Molly Somora ‘18, Ben Nelson ‘06, Colin Dean ‘07, Jessalyn Smith ‘04, Madison Ordonez Abbs ‘18, Justin Abbs ‘17, Jacob Pletz ‘15, Cyndi Mancini ‘06, Steve Totin ‘14, Tim Brennan ‘91, Danny Owoc ‘17, Bill Burig ‘80, Bill Eavenson ‘73, Blake Tyger ‘16, Harry Bittle ‘14, Alissa Bookwalter ‘07, Alexis Shellow ‘15, Kelly Lake ‘11, Melissa Batulis Fullerton ‘03, Leigha Krivacek Tipley ‘11, Lisa Wargofchik ‘84, Skip Winter ‘73, Judy Engwer Winter ‘73 and Christie Grewe Nelson ‘06.

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5 VESPERS VOCALISTS | An intimate and talented group of alumni choral members joined current student choir members to perform at this year’s Christmas Vespers service on Dec. 12 in Orr Auditorium. Pictured front from left are Alexis Mazur ’21, Meghan Kowalski ‘20, Katie Dreyer ‘21 and Karen Hogue Latta ’67. Back from left are Abigale Senatore ’20, Kirk Hofmeister ’75, James Maloney ’02, Ashley Cesaratto ‘09, Dan Forsberg ‘75 and Karen Campman Emmett ‘75.

5 CRUISING ALONG | After a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, alumni returned to Tampa Bay for the Florida Dinner Dance Cruise on April 3. Led and organized by Keith McCauley ’68, the event featured remarks from President Kathy Richardson and welcomed nearly 45 alumni and friends for an enchanted evening on the water.

5 ROOFTOP REUNION | Andy Winner ’04, Mariah Turiano ’17, host Lindsey Braem ’02, Brad Tokar ’91, Kimu Kim ’18 and Colin Dean ‘07 reconnect at one of the alumni happy hour events in the Pittsburgh area.

Other happy hour hosts this year included Jan Twaddle ‘74, Alyssa Hanna Falarski ‘12, Molly Harbst ‘98 and Becky Rickard ‘98.

170th Birthday Bash Westminster celebrated a milestone birthday this year, 170 years young! In recognition of the monumental occasion, the institution launched its 1 Week to 170 crowdfunding campaign, which generated over $120,000 in support of student-impact projects and scholarships. The week culminated on Wear Westminster Day on Jan. 21, with a hybrid birthday party live from the TUB. Students and alumni from around the country joined together in song to celebrate Mother Fair and, for those in person, feast on cake!

Upcoming Events July 3 Westminster Independence Day Celebration at Brittain Lake July 30 Casual Alumni Happy Hour, Narcisi Winery, Gibsonia, Pa.

Winning Smiles Thanks to all who participated in this year’s Wear Westminster Day on Jan. 21! Titans from across the country celebrated Westminster’s 170th birthday by sporting their blue and white.

Earning the Best Dressed Pet Award was Tim Brennan ’91 and his bulldog Rocco, a 3-year-old rescue dog (left). Tim and Rocco live in Crete, Ill. The Most Spirited Award went to the family of Doug ’06 and Katherine Menhorn Spiri ’07. Congratulations to our winners and be sure to mark Jan. 21, 2023, on your calendar for the next Wear Westminster Day contest!

y

Visit bookstore.westminster.edu to stock up on Titan gear for Wear Westminster Day 2023!

August Community Service Day at the Labyrinth, Westminster College Field Station September 23 Professional Networking Symposium October 14-16 Homecoming Weekend Stay connected with your classmates and other Titan alumni through in-person or virtual events. We’re frequently updating our events calendar, so please check back often! www.westminster.edu/events

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 3 9

IN MEMORIAM | Titans we will miss.

Word has reached us of the passing of the following alumni and friends of Westminster College.

To submit information for the In Memoriam section, please provide a complete obituary notice (if available) to the Office of Alumni Engagement.

ALUMNI LUCILLE PURDY SHORT ’40 of Jamestown, N.Y., Dec. 5, 2021.

ROBERT CURTIS II M’68 of Sebring, Ohio, Oct. 5, 2021.

C. NORMAN COCHRAN ’45 of New Wilmington, Jan. 18, 2022.

JANIS BODNAR HALL ’68 of Ashtabula, Ohio, Nov. 21, 2021.

DORIS MASSE BOWER ’49 of Naples, Fla., Jan. 13, 2022.

CHRIST HODGES M’68 of Sharpsville, Pa., Nov. 21, 2021.

MARGARET “PEG” MCGILL ALDUK ’49 of New Wilmington,

KAY SNYDER HARGER M’69 of Crown Point, Ind., Sept. 18, 2021.

Dec. 14, 2021.

ERIC WILKENS ’71 of Quaker City, Ohio, Nov. 6, 2021.

SHIRLEY RUSSELL WRIGHT ’49 of Fairport, N.Y., Dec. 23, 2020.

EDWARD KANE M’73 of Youngstown, Ohio, Sept. 20, 2021.

DOROTHY “DOT” ALEXANDER ESTEP ’53 of Murrysville, Pa.,

LESTER MALIZIA ’74 of New Castle, Pa., Sept. 26, 2021.

Oct. 20, 2021.

PAUL THOMPSON ’80 of Zanesville, Ohio, Aug. 24, 2021.

JACK LAYMAN ’55 of Columbia, S.C., Dec. 4, 2021.

MARK CAMPBELL ’82 of Pleasant Hills, Pa., Oct. 15, 2019.

BEATRICE “BEA” MARTSOLF LAMMERS ’55 of New York, N.Y.,

STACEY MENDRZYCKI SMERDELL ’95 of Rock Hill, S.C., June

Feb. 6, 2022.

THE REV. ROBERT MORGAN ’55 of Thurmont, Md., Jan. 9, 2022.

JANET DUMBAUGH LUTZ ’56 of New Wilmington, Oct. 26, 2021.

A. DAVID MARSICO ’58 of Trinity, Fla., Jan. 21, 2022.

JAMES VOGT ’59 of Warren, Ohio, March 19, 2022.

BENTON “BENNY” WEIMER ’59 of Leechburg, Pa., Oct. 28, 2021.

JOANNE BRETSNYDER POLACOK ’60 of Avon Lake, Ohio, Jan. 6, 2022.

DAVID COLEMAN ’61 of Scottsdale, Ariz., Feb. 15, 2022.

ALICE EVANS HOLDS ’61 of Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 27, 2022.

THE REV. DR. ALLEN FOSTER JR. ’61 of Kalispell, Mont., Jan. 11, 2022.

STANLEY MARSZALEK JR. ’61 of Lakewood, N.J., Aug. 18, 2021.

PATRICIA SNYDER CRUICKSHANK ’61 of Kenmore, N.Y., Dec. 21, 2021.

DR. ROBERT COLES ’64 of Simpsonville, S.C., Aug. 31, 2021.

HAROLD “BUD” WRIGHT III ’64 of Kiawah Island, S.C., and Beaver Creek, Colo., Oct. 18, 2021.

JACKSON PETERSON M’66 of Drayton, S.C., Nov. 12, 2021.

DAVID DUDGEON III ’66 of Herkimer, N.Y., Jan. 3, 2022.

MARY ELLEN DURRAST ’68 of Pittsburgh, formerly of New Wilmington, March 18, 2022.

KATHRYN “KAY” HENDERSON ANDERSON ’68 of St. Augustine, Fla., Oct. 11, 2021.

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13, 2021.

FRIENDS & CAMPUS FAMILY

NANCY MERCER BURIG ’49 SEPT. 14, 2021 NANCY MERCER BURIG ’49 of New Wilmington, Sept. 14, 2021. After graduating from Westminster College in 1949 with a degree in English, Nancy married ROBERT BURIG ’56.

In 1953 she began a 35-year career at Westminster College, retiring in 1986 as executive secretary to the vice president and dean. She was a member of the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church and had served the community as a Girl Scout leader. She is survived by three sons, including GREGORY BURIG ’75 and WILLIAM BURIG ’80 and his wife, BARBARA DAVIS BURIG ’79.

JOHN DECARO

JOHN PINKERTON ’02

PAUL SANDERS ’61

OCT. 23, 2021

JAN. 6, 2022

JAN. 19, 2022

JOHN DeCARO of Ellwood City, Pa., Oct. 23, 2021.

John served as a school administrator in the Freedom, Beaver and Girard school districts before serving as superintendent of the Ellwood City Area School District from 1971 until his retirement in 1992. Following his retirement, John joined the Westminster College Graduate School faculty, a position he held until 2013. He, along with Professor of Education Emeritus DR. SAMUEL FARMERIE, helped establish the Westminster College Center to Improve Formative Assessment in 2008.

JOHN “PINKY” PINKERTON ’02 spent more than 20 years as an assistant coach for the Westminster College softball team. Pinkerton, the father of former Titan standout pitcher/outfielder BETHANY PINKERTON MITCHELTREE ’01, was active in all aspects of the softball program and served as first base coach and the team’s pitching coach. He also conducted pitching clinics throughout the Pittsburgh area. He was a former production manager and network administrator for Armstrong World Industries and a computer science instructor at DCI Career Institute in Monaca. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westminster and also held an associate’s degree in fire science from Community College of Beaver County.

PAUL SANDERS ’61— an assistant coach for Westminster’s cross country and track and field teams for more than 20 years—was a track standout in his own right. A state champion in cross country in 1956 at New Castle High School, Paul was also a national top 10 finisher twice at Westminster College. He spent 41 years as an educator, 36 of which was spent teaching at Hickory Middle School, retiring in 2001.

During his tenure at Hickory, he coached cross country, track and field, and middle school boys’ basketball. Returning to his alma mater, he helped the Titans win a combined seven Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Track and Field Championships. Paul was a 1994 Titan Sports Hall of Fame inductee. Earlier in January 2022 he was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame. In 1990, he was named to the Lawrence County Hall of Fame.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 41

Campus bids farewell to Jim Perkins

D

R. JAMES A. PERKINS, professor emeritus of English, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 27, in his home in New Wilmington.

Perkins, who joined the Westminster College faculty in 1973 as an assistant professor, rose to the rank of full professor in 1987. He is credited with pioneering Westminster’s public relations major, and over the course of his tenure he served as the chair of the Department of English and Public Relations. In 2005, he led the first group of Westminster students in the Westminster in Oxford Program, a semester-long study abroad experience.

Perkins was a National Endowment for the Humanities Scholar at Yale University, New York University and Princeton University. In 1998 he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to lecture on American literature at Seoul National University in Korea. He was the recipient of Westminster’s Henderson Lectureship, a McCandless Fellowship and a Watto Award. In 2006, he was presented with the College’s Distinguished Faculty Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to Westminster and its students. Following his 2008 retirement, he served as curator of the Westminster authors collection in McGill Library.

A prolific writer, poet and scholar, Perkins authored numerous books, articles for journals and magazines and countless poems. A leading scholar of Robert Penn Warren, Perkins wrote extensively about the “All the King’s Men” author. In 2005, his study of Warren led to an effort to see the late U.S. poet laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner commemorated on a U.S. postage stamp. When he succeeded, Perkins was named by the Kentucky governor as an honorary Kentucky Colonel. In 2021, he published his 20th book, “Black Jack Burden? — Night Thoughts on the Genetics of Race in Robert Penn Warren’s ‘All the King’s Men.’” A Kentucky native, Perkins earned his undergraduate degree from Centre College in 1963, his master’s from Miami (Ohio) University in 1965 and his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in 1972. He held teaching stints at Miami, Memphis State University, and Tennessee.

A memorial service was held on campus on March 12.

Internment took place in his family’s lot at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, Tenn.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES | A trip down memory lane.

The Nineteen Thirties W

estminster College students peruse copies of The Sharon Herald in a journalism class in the mid-1930s in this vintage photo from the archives. Media literacy was as important a part of a liberal arts eduction then as it is today, but the media landscape sure has changed.

During those Depression years—and for most of Mother Fair’s history—newspapers were the leading source of news and information for most citizens. It’s a good bet that some of the co-eds pictured were contributors to the College’s student newspaper, The Holcad. The campus paper was first published in 1884 and thrived in print until 2019, when it moved online.

We’re curious.

Do you recognize anyone in this photo? Are any of our Westminster alumni descendents of these early Titans? Let us know and we’ll share details in the next Westminster Magazine. Email: wcmagazine@westminster.edu.

W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 4 3

7:30 PM SUNDAY , JULY 3

Independence Day

Celebration

Bring your family to a Westminster tradition and create lasting memories!

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets (although food vendors will be on site) to picnic on the lawn overlooking Brittain Lake. Enjoy the sounds of the world-class RIVER CITY BRASS BAND before FIREWORKS BY PYROTECNICO sets off their spectacular display over the lake. Food vendors will also be on site.

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ENSURING FUTURE SUCCESS Hear it from our alumni.

My wife Jennifer and I choose to give to Westminster because we want others to be prepared for future opportunities like we were. We know excellent teaching in a small class environment set us up for future success— in my case as a physician and in hers as a Christian educator. We also made lifelong friends and enjoyed campus activities during those years. We truly could not imagine our lives today without those formative years.

In supporting Westminster financially we know we are helping others to benefit in the same way.

Dr. Patrick ’90 & Jennifer Carrier ’90 Shannon

GRATEFUL UNDERGRADUATE Hear it from our students.

I am continually amazed by the generosity of our alumni. I am thankful for their engagement here on campus at job fairs and panels. Their willingness to make connections with undergrad students like me means a potential job after graduation, leading to (hopefully) financial security in my future.

Lily Hefner ’25 Molecular Biology and Criminal Justice Studies double major

Your gift makes a difference in the lives of our students.

The support from our alumni and friends makes it possible for us to provide students from a variety of backgrounds with a quality and transformative Westminster College education. Nearly 95% of Westminster students receive some form of scholarship.

All unrestricted gifts to the Westminster Fund are now used for annual scholarships. Annual funding secured through the Westminster Fund is vital in order to bridge the gap between what students and their families pay and the actual cost of their education. We hope you’ll consider a gift. Simply visit us online at www.westminster.edu/give.

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THREE-PEAT

Titan volleyball seniors show off their newest ornamental hardware, picked up this year after winning their third consecutive Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship in November. From left are Sam Kelly, Annalynn Lalama, Becky Adelman and Maya Steward. Westminster now owns six PAC titles since becoming eligible for the conference championship in 2002.

Read more about Titan athletics on page 24.