Westminster Magazine Fall/Winter 2020

Westminster COLLEGE MAGAZINE

FALL/WINTER 2020 VOLUME XXXIX, ISSUE 1

Finish

STRONG

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Westminster COLLEGE MAGAZINE

FALL/WINTER 2020 Volume XXXIX, Issue 1

EDITORIAL STAFF Elizabeth Fontaine Hildebrand ’92 Editor & Designer OFFICE OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT 724.946.7364 Kara H. Montgomery Nicole Crumbacher Hunter ’12 Linda Wilson ALUMNI COUNCIL Sara Surgenor Arblaster ’02 President (current and past) PRINTER Printing Concepts, Inc., Erie, PA EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Robin Willoughby Gooch ’75 Chair, Board of Trustees Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson President Dr. Jamie G. McMinn Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the College James E. Dafler Director of Athletics Gina M. Vance Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students The Rev. James R. Mohr II College Chaplain Kenneth J. Romig ’85 Vice President for Finance & Management Services Dr. Karen H. Schedin Vice President for Enrollment Management Erin T. Smith Chief Information Officer & Associate Dean for Library and Information Services Photography credits: Brian Bornes, Taylor Carson, Derek Buck, Elizabeth Hildebrand ’92, Nathan LaRiccia, Katie Hilliard Bittner ’08, Erin Smith, Jack Karson ’22, Nemah Saylor ’23, Sydney Roach ’21, Darcie Schoenfeldt-White Mailing address: Westminster College, 319 S. Market St., New Wilmington, PA 16172-0001 ATTN: Westminster Magazine Editor For Admissions inquiries, call: 724-946-7100

UPWARD SALUTE Students were invited to clear their heads and find their centers by joining one of the many yoga sessions held this semester. Nighttime yoga, morning yoga, on the shores of Brittain Lake or on the quad— yoga became a popular and healthy pastime for many.

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, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, age, handicap or disability, marital status, veteran status, genetics or any other protected class as those terms are defined under applicable state or federal law, in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admissions and employment. In its employment practices the College may, however, consider the individual’s support of the philosophy and purposes of Westminster College as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. 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.

Many students preferred to be outdoors this fall semester, and the addition of several Adirondack chairs provided comfortable seating around campus.

contents

FALL/WINTER 2020 | Volume XXXIX, Issue 1

2

Message from the President

3

Forge Ahead, Finish Strong

6

Campus News

16

A Day in the Life

20

Ten Things Titan

22

Kicking Game: Sidelined Student-athlete Discovers New Dreams Off the Soccer Field

24

A Global Perspective: Westminster Education Takes Alumnus to Unexpected Places

26

Virtual Homecoming 2020

27

Message from the Alumni Council

28

Class Notes

32

Networking Symposium Goes Virtual

36

Parting Thoughts: What is Life Expecting From Us?

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

C

ounting the days—until a holiday, a wedding, a vacation. We sometimes celebrate the counting by placing large “X’s” on a posted calendar or by opening windows on an Advent calendar. While my mother always cautioned me against “wishing my life away,” I confess that this semester has been marked by an unusual count. “It’s Week 4, Day 2,” I announced to the Leadership Team. “It’s Week 10, Day 7,” I told the Board of Trustees.

Each day in which our students, faculty and staff have worked together to maintain a safe residential campus with in-person teaching and learning has seemed worthy of celebration. I have been filled with pride and gratitude for the commitment of our campus community to such an important goal—to complete the academic year with students safely on campus.

Our term began two weeks earlier than normal, as was true for many colleges and universities in this region, designed to allow for students to complete final exams before Thanksgiving so they would not have to come back to campus after that break. Spring classes are set to resume on Jan. 19, and the spring term will end one week earlier than usual as no spring break is planned—again, so that students will not have to return to campus following extensive travels. The weeks without a major break are challenging and tiring, but maintaining the safety of the campus so that students can live, study, perform and compete during the term takes high priority.

We’ve also begun counting another important sequence of days: the second “1,000 days” of the College’s strategic plan. The first sequence, 2017-2020, offered opportunities for us to strengthen the ways in which we recruit and retain students and provide an engaging educational experience for them. We focused on ways to improve our campus facilities and technologies and sought to stabilize the College’s budget while engaging alumni and friends in financial support of the College. We’ve made significant progress in each of these areas, as you will discover as you read through this issue.

But we now look ahead, with a new 1,000 day plan for 2020-2023 endorsed by the Board of Trustees at its October meeting. We are building on the success of the new master’s in business administration and in clinical mental health counseling and expansion of our undergraduate recruitment and retention efforts to help advance progress toward an undergraduate and graduate student enrollment of 1,400. The recently awarded federal TRIO grant will provide funds to help support retention among key groups of students, including those who are the first in their families to attend college. Completing the final phase of the Hoyt Center renovation will provide space for new curricular development in our outstanding STEM fields, and renovations of two additional residence halls, Ferguson and Eichenauer, will improve student experiences on campus. The next Titan Corridor project will provide appropriate locker and office facilities for the lacrosse, soccer and tennis teams.

This year, accreditation reviews from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education will demonstrate our compliance with professional standards. Our innovative faculty continue to explore new major programs while working with colleagues in Student Affairs to provide challenging cocurricular and extracurricular experiences for students, which will include expanded travel programs when it is safe for domestic and international travel to resume. Building on the College’s inclusive founding, a faculty, staff and student task force is already at work developing a renewed diversity, equity and inclusion plan that will be implemented in the coming months.

Finally, we continue to focus on replenishing the resources required to fulfill the College’s mission to graduate students with the “competencies, commitments and characteristics that have distinguished human beings at their best.”

Those are qualities that can be counted on to promote lives of meaning, integrity, leadership and service to others, which is the vision of Westminster.

So, another countdown is under way as we mark progress toward the College’s strategic goals. Whether it is the days of the term or the days designated by planning, each day in which Titans work together to promote the wellbeing of our students, our community and the College marks an important day of progress. Even in a most unusual time, every day counts because every Titan counts. Together, we remain Titan Strong.

Gratefully, Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, President

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Forge ahead, FINISH STRONG

By ELIZABETH FONTAINE HILDEBRAND ’92

W

hile some colleges and universities closed before they barely began this fall, Westminster College plugged along week after week this semester, motivated by two words: Finish Strong.

Pandemic fatigued students, fresh off nearly five months of quarantining and video chats, wanted to return to campus to be reunited with their friends and resume in-person learning. First-year students were anxious to start new chapters in their lives and immerse themselves fully in the college experience. Faculty were weary from the spring’s experiment of full remote instruction—and they longed to see their students and colleagues face to face. Getting back to campus was essential to the Westminster community.

If the campus were to reopen, it had to be done safely and responsibly with protocols in place to keep students on campus until the semester’s end.

“We knew that in order to reopen our residential campus, we had to do it the right way—and carefully.

We wanted the campus to move forward and thrive through the end of the semester. Finishing strong became our goal for students, faculty and staff,” said Westminster President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson.

Once enhanced health and safety precautions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus were put in place, Westminster could then get back to business as somewhat usual.

While roughly 34% of the nation’s four-year colleges and universities are primarily online this semester, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Westminster is among the 23% operating primarily in person. Westminster’s employees, Richardson said, have been the driving force at keeping Westminster’s campus open and safe.

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

“We’ve been called to dress differently and act differently, but our faculty and staff have continued to provide the same level of commitment and efficiency they’ve always brought to the workplace,” said Richardson.

How was Westminster able to reopen safely and stay open through the entire fall semester? The answer is simple: Adhering to recommended health and safety precautions such as wearing masks, observing social distancing and conducting daily self-health checks. In July, the 21-page Westminster College Reopening Plan was released, spelling out how faculty, staff and students would return and resume in-person instruction, the physical distancing and hygiene practices that would be expected, and how the health conditions on campus would be monitored throughout the semester.

“Our very detailed preparedness and response plan made it possible for us to reopen safely so that our students could continue to make meaningful progress toward their educational goals,” said Gina Vance, the College’s key COVID response coordinator and vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

It was also important that everyone understood that to have a safe campus would be a shared mission.

“We all needed to do our part, by following policies and providing support,” Vance said. “We needed to rely on the ‘WE in Westminster’ like never before. Community is what we do well and that’s one of the reasons we were able to finish strong this semester.”

Vance said the safety protocols and response plans, coupled with the College’s decision to end the fall

WE NEEDED TO RELY ON THE ‘WE IN WESTMINSTER’ LIKE NEVER BEFORE. COMMUNITY IS WHAT WE DO WELL AND THAT’S ONE OF THE REASONS WE WERE ABLE TO FINISH STRONG THIS SEMESTER. GINA VANCE Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

spring semester will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.

Since studies have shown that the chance of contracting the coronavirus are nearly 20 times higher indoors than outdoors, students were encouraged to be outside as much as possible. Starting the semester two weeks early and the fortunate warm autumn temperatures played to the students’ advantage, and they were quick to made good use of the campus’ outdoor acreage. Numerous Adirondack chairs were sprinkled across the campus landscape, movie nights were held on the quad and fire pits could be rented for late night hangouts and s’mores.

Physical Plant employees upped their cleaning and disinfecting routines, especially in learning and high-traffic spaces, and hand sanitizing stations began popping up everywhere on campus. Floor stickers, room occupancy signs and handwashing posters were constant reminders that even though the campus had reopened, the threat of COVID was still real.

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semester before Thanksgiving, helped keep positive COVID numbers relatively low and slow the spread.

“It has been difficult and we have been strict, but by removing fall break and wrapping up the semester and finals before Thanksgiving, we were able to avoid potential exposures through mass exits and returns,” Vance said. Final examinations concluded Nov. 25. The

Being back in the classroom presented unique circumstances this fall. Classrooms were rearranged—or relocated—to accommodate 6-foot spacing. Masks shielded facial expressions often necessary to gauge reactions. Some lessons and lectures were livestreamed or recorded for virtual learners.

But the end goal—welcoming students back into the classroom—justified any academic inconvenience.

“Seeing the students on campus and their enthusiasm for community really helped all of us move forward in these

unique times,” said Dr. Robert Zullo, associate professor of business and sports management, adding that he looks forward to a COVID-free future with hammocks on the quad and the roar of crowds from the athletic facilities.

“Faculty and students were able to forge ahead because of the thankless efforts of our custodial teams, residence and student life staff and the countless employees who work around the clock to provide a welcoming environment at Westminster,” Zullo said.

Students and faculty weren’t the only ones forging ahead this semester.

Construction workers seemingly took up residence on the south end of campus, making good time creating new academic and athletic spaces.

The campus community has watched the three-story, 27,000-square-foot addition of Hoyt Science Center take shape—especially over the summer and fall months. The state-of-the-art facility, expected to be complete in mid-March, will house six teaching laboratories, three research laboratories, 10 faculty offices and plenty of student collaboration spaces. With the exterior work now complete, the focus has shifted inside the building to truly bring the new space to life for the College’s growing number of STEM majors.

Since all fall sports competitions were postponed until spring 2021, construction of the new athletic Titan Corridor continued through the summer and fall months without interruption. Final touches were completed in mid-November.

The UPMC Sports Complex, the new home to the men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse programs, occupies the former softball space and lies adjacent to the South Market Street tennis courts, which were also resurfaced this fall.

Featuring artificial turf with a crushed limestone base, the fence-enclosed complex was also outfitted with lighting, a scoreboard, flagpole and dugouts.

Bleacher seating is situated on the Russell Hall side of the field, providing

future spectators a view of the north side of campus.

Women’s softball may be able to send a few dingers into the Brittain Lake from its new home at the site of the former baseball diamond. In addition to new topsoil and sod, the field has also been outfitted with new dugouts, bleachers, sidewalks and fencing. The new artificial turf baseball field complex—also complete with new fencing, dugouts, bleachers and lighting—brings new energy to the southeast side of campus, located just off Westminster Drive.

Coaches are delighted that the athletic facilities are being centralized in one area—the Titan Corridor— and Westminster College Director of Athletics James Dafler said the completion of the fields this fall is a boon for the College’s athletic programs.

“Our coaches now can have prospective student-athletes see these fields in person, which is only going to enhance their recruitment efforts this year and in the future,” Dafler said.

The College also forged ahead—often virtually, but still making strides—with new initiatives this fall such as joining the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center’s Liberal Arts Colleges

Racial Equity Leadership Alliance and establishing a 3+3 program with Widener University Commonwealth School of Law. The pandemic didn’t halt the annual Professional Networking Symposium or Homecoming this fall; instead event organizers figured out how to work around the virus and the in-person gathering restrictions by going virtual.

As the semester began to wind down and cooler weather began to creep in, the College did see an uptick in COVID positive cases, although the numbers still remained significantly lower than many of the other schools in the region.

Keeping to the response plan, the College enacted a Quiet Phase on Nov. 11. For the final two weeks, in order to limit contact with others, students were asked to remain in their living spaces with the exception of attending classes, picking up food, studying in the library, working, exercising alone outdoors or shopping for essentials.

“The Quiet Phase was necessary to slow the spread of the virus and to help protect the family members, friends and loved ones students would see after the semester ended,” said Vance. “Students may have gone out quietly, but they finished the semester on campus and they finished strong.” S 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

CAMPUS NEWS | Titan news on and beyond campus

Mellon grant provides key funds for reopening “For many local businesses, their neighboring college is like the sun—and if that sun goes dark, there’s no backup generator. We want to do everything we can to keep those colleges running.”

SAM REIMAN Richard King Mellon Foundation Director

A

$210,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation was critical in helping Westminster reopen safely this fall, while enabling the expansion of virtual learning capabilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Westminster was one of 12 regional colleges and universities to receive grant money from the foundation, which allocated $2.5 million for higher education institutions to use specifically for COVID-related expenses such as enhanced virtual learning needs, COVID testing, personal protective equipment or financial aid.

Westminster is using the grant money to support technologies necessary to strengthen its hybrid teaching modalities and to augment health and safety resources needed for this academic year.

“Our regional colleges and universities are essential engines for growth—for the students who learn there, the people who

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

work there, and for the local communities whose economies we know they so powerfully impact,” said Sam Reiman, foundation director. “The foundation has partnered with each of these schools on projects over the years. And we want to be there for them now, at this critical hour, as they navigate the complex logistics of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Reiman said the Richard King Mellon Foundation is focused not just on the essential importance of higher education to students, but also on the powerful economic impact of colleges and universities on local businesses, particularly in more remote communities.

“For many local businesses, their neighboring college is like the sun—and if that sun goes dark, there’s no backup generator,” said Reiman. “We want to do everything we can to keep those colleges running.”

Schedin tapped to guide admissions efforts

F

‌ollowing a nationwide search, Dr. Karen H. Schedin was named vice president for enrollment management, effective Aug. 31.

Schedin, who served as vice president for enrollment management at Rivier University in Nashua, N.H., since 2012, fills the vacancy created by the May departure of Dr. Jeffrey Coker. She will lead the admissions and financial aid teams.

With nearly three decades in higher education, Schedin employs a focused data-driven approach to recruiting students. Schedin saw a 54 percent increase in new student enrollment over three consecutive years at Rivier. She also led the initiative for Rivier’s conversion to a test-optional institution.

“The experience and knowledge of the management, analysis and technologies necessary for success in student recruitment and financial aid Dr. Schedin has will help Westminster continue to strengthen this key function for the College,” said Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson “It is apparent to me that the Westminster College community of faculty, administrators and staff are deeply committed to the success of its students, and the students and alumni

Schedin have a profound and lasting affinity for Westminster,” Schedin said. “Joining such a community is exciting as an enrollment professional as such authenticity is easy conveyed to prospective students considering enrolling at the College.”

Prior to her experience at Rivier University, she held various positions at Becker College in Worcester, Mass.— director of admissions, dean of admissions and interim dean of enrollment. She also spent several years at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, Mass.,

where she had been director of student life and director of admissions. She also served as director of admissions at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, Mass.

Schedin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and English from Fitchburg State University, a Master of Education degree in higher education administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from the University of New England.

CASE recognizes Westminster’s fundraising performance

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‌estminster was one of 101 colleges and universities from across the nation to win a prestigious 2020 Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Westminster earned the award for its overall improvement by demonstrating significant program growth over three years of data. Westminster is one of only five colleges recognized in the category of private liberal arts institutions with endowments under $150 million.

Winners are not selected based solely on total funds raised.

Judges select winners based on many factors, including alumni

participation, patterns of growth in total support, amount raised per student and the impact of the 12 largest gifts on total support.

The award comes on the heels of two recent and successful fundraising initiatives, Bring Back the Titans (BBTT) and Clash of the Titans (COTT), which brought in a combined $2 million during a two-month period. With a matching donation from the May Emma Hoyt Foundation and more than 850 donors, the BBTT campaign raised over $1.8 million to date to aid students financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The one-week COTT campaign to benefit marching band members and Titan athletes raised $218,197 from 1,684 donors.

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

WHY I GIVE

Annual Rankings U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

DARRELL ’53 & SUE brown Yeaney ’51

Westminster is one of the top 125 best national liberal arts colleges in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2021 rankings. Westminster earned the 120 spot from a pool of 1,452 schools, as well as the number 14 slot on the Social Mobility list, which assesses how well schools graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, a form of needbased federal financial aid. In 2020, 55% of Pell recipients graduated in four years.

Philosophy, Psychology

WALL STREET JOURNAL/ TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION Westminster continues to be ranked as one of the best colleges nationwide, according to Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education (WSJ/ THE) College Rankings 2021. Of the four areas examined—resources, engagement, outcomes and environment—Westminster scored strongest in the resources category that measured colleges’ capacity to effectively deliver teaching by examining costs per student, student-tofaculty ratio and the number of academic research papers published by faculty members.

WASHINGTON MONTHLY Westminster continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s best, earning a spot among the “Best Liberal Arts Colleges” list in Washington Monthly’s 2020 College Guide and Rankings. Westminster was also named a “Best Bang for the Buck College” in the Northeast region for helping non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.

Home:

Scotts Valley, California

Professions:

Darrell is a retired Presbyterian pastor who served as a campus minister at various institutions of higher education. Sue, also retired, was the founder and director of I-You Venture in Santa Cruz, California.

Their Giving Accomplishment: Darrell and Sue have been consistent donors to Westminster for 30 years.

Why the Yeaneys Give: “Our four years at Westminster gave us a foundational experience of adult living and learning for the rest of our lives. Westminster provided a near perfect setting for us to grow into mature adulthood—supported, challenged and stimulated by caring faculty scholars, a community of mutually helpful and exciting peers and in a friendly community that welcomed us and made us feel safe. The administration seemed always ready to help with any concerns. But above all, The Spirit of Westminster was palpable. Not only was there a mutual commitment to learning but also a loving Divine Presence seemed to saturate the college community. We could not have asked for more. And we hope subsequent generations will be able to experience the rich learning culture of Westminster.”

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TRIO grant will aid support services

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‌estminster will receive $1.3 million in grant funding over the next five years to develop and maintain a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program to benefit underrepresented students in their academic pursuits.

The competitive federally-funded five-year grant from U.S. Department of Education’s Student Support Services (SSS) Program will provide services and resources to first-generation, income eligible students and students with disabilities to ensure they successfully navigate their college education at Westminster College. The College will receive $261,888 this year to establish the program.

“A significant number of Westminster students are the first in their family to attend college, and navigating higher education can be daunting for them. Many others face financial challenges as they pursue their educational goals, and we want to partner with them to make their

aspirations a reality,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Dr. Jamie G. McMinn. “The TRIO SSS grant will provide academic, financial literacy, cultural and wellness programming to firstgeneration and low-income students so that they achieve the outcomes that mark a successful Westminster graduate.”

Of the currently enrolled Westminster students, 38% are identified as low income, 17% are first-generation college students and 7% have a declared disability.

Westminster’s SSS Program is funded to work with nearly 140 students annually and will support three full-time staff members—a director and two advisers.

Services and resources provided will include academic tutoring; academic success and wellness coaching to promote classroom achievement and personal wellbeing; support for learning and other disabilities; and career and college mentoring.

WHY I GIVE MONEY MAGAZINE Westminster was named to Money magazine’s “2020 Best Colleges for Your Money” list based on quality of education, affordability and alumni financial success. The 2020 rankings gave greater weight to affordability factors due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact. This year, Westminster raised more than $1.8 million through its Bring Back the Titans fundraising campaign, an initiative designed to ensure students would be able to continue their educations at Westminster despite financial hardship created by the economic downturn.

PRINCETON REVIEW Westminster is one of the best colleges in the Northeast, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features Westminster among its “Best in the Northeast” recommended schools in its “2021 Best Colleges: Region by Region” website feature. Only 224 colleges in 11 Northeastern states are included in the list. The Princeton Review asked students to rate their college on several issues.

Students said Westminster’s student-to-faculty ratio is an advantage and professors are “extremely accessible and helpful” and devoted to student success.

COLLEGE FACTUAL Westminster College does better than 70 percent of American colleges and universities, according to College Factual’s 2021 Best Colleges list. Ranked in the top 30 percent nationwide for overall quality, Westminster was also named a “Great Price” school, ranking in the top 5% for both the national and Middle Atlantic Best for the Money lists. Westminster also took the #38 spot on the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.

ANTHONY COLWELL ’08

MATHEMATICS & PHILOSOPHY Home:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Profession:

Claims Adjuster, Travelers Insurance

THESE HANDS DON’T HAZE

Phi Mu member Lexi Koslosky ’21 shows her support for “These Hands Don’t Haze,” a hazing prevention and awareness campaign sponsored by Phi Mu and Theta Chi during National Hazing Prevention Week in September. Students from all student organizations were encouraged to stop by the quad, dip their hands in paint and add their prints to a banner to signify their pledge against campus hazing.

Getting Involved:

Anthony attended the Professional Networking Symposium crowdfunding discussion and mentioned that he never really conceptualized that his gifts could make a difference in the lives of students.

But after hearing how gifts of any size directly impact Westminster’s students, he is excited for his future of supporting the College.

Why Anthony Gives:

“The biggest burdens for any new graduate are paying down debt and finding a position they like—and some employers take advantage of new graduates by not paying them what they deserve. By giving to help students get good internships and connect with alumni, I know that they will find good employers who will pay them what they are worth.”

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

WC joins racial equity leadership alliance

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estminster is one of 51 inaugural member institutions of the University of Southern California (USC) Race and Equity Center’s newly established Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance.

“We look forward to working with our colleagues across the nation as we strive to achieve the historic vision of our founders, who in 1852 chartered an institution open not only to men but also to women and people of color without regard to their religious creed—a remarkable vision that still drives us today,” said Westminster President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson.

As an alliance member institution, Westminster will benefit from a variety of resources and educational opportunities for faculty and staff, including monthly virtual professional workshops, workplace climate surveys and an online portal of equity-related tools and resources.

Beginning in January 2021, the Center will host a dozen eConvenings workshops, each on a particular aspect of racial equity. These live, three-hour sessions, each on a different topic, will be delivered by highly-respected leaders of national higher education associations, tenured professors who study race relations and people of color, chief diversity officers and other experienced administrators, and specialists from the Center.

These interactive sessions will use contemporary cases of equity dilemmas and racial crises on liberal arts college campuses. Emphasis will be placed on learning from situations that have recently occurred elsewhere; learning how to get ahead of situations and reducing risk of crisis; and learning actionable equity leadership strategies.

An online repository of resources and tools—including downloadable equityrelated rubrics, readings, case studies,

videos, slide decks and conversation scripts—is being developed by the Center.

Every employee across all levels at each member college will have 24/7 full access to the virtual resource portal.

Alliance member colleges will benefit from this trio of campus climate surveys on a three-year rotational basis: the student survey in year one, the faculty survey in year two, and the staff survey in the third membership year. The Center will manage data collection and analysis Presidents of member colleges will meet quarterly to share strategies, seek advice, and identify ways to leverage the alliance for collective impact on racial equity in higher education.

Asbury joins diversity and inclusion office

K

aileik Asbury has been named assistant director for diversity

and inclusion, effective Oct. 28.

Asbury will work to develop

for student success and inclusive excellence. “She is an incredibly passionate social justice activist and she will contribute greatly to

campus-wide multicultural

the work of creating a more

and social justice programs

equitable and inclusive campus

at Westminster and will

community.”

coordinate educational

Asbury holds a bachelor’s

programming and training

degree in marketing from

on justice, equity, diversity

Chestnut Hill College and a

and inclusion. She also will

master’s in higher education

serve as adviser to student

policy and student affairs from

organizations such as Black

West Chester University.

Student Union, ALLIES and the

“Westminster has greeted

Disability Awareness Club.

me with open arms. The air is

“We are excited to have

clear, the campus is beautiful

Ms. Asbury join our team

and all my interactions have

at Westminster,” said

made me extremely eager to

Candace Okello ’11, associate

dive straight into my position,”

dean of student affairs

said Asbury. “My office is a

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

hub for our underrepresented students on campus, and I want to make sure we continue to provide them with this space, even if it means we do it virtually. I believe that my passion to foster and sustain a socially just, equipped and inclusive campus community, strong commitment that promotes holistic success and development and the ability to empower students to feel confident in their skills, and capabilities to influence change in our society makes this role so much more fulfilling.”

Prior to her appointment to Westminster, Asbury was a programs coordinator for the Bronx Westchester Area Health Education Center of the

Asbury Lehman College of the City of New York. She had also worked as a graduate coordinator at West Chester University, a mentor and student success coordinator at Hostos Lincoln Academy, and coordinator for student engagement at Jefferson University.

Blumenthal

Graham

Hartner

Huffman

Hashemi Joo

Zoulagh

Faculty gains six members

T

he Westminster faculty welcomed six new members this fall, bolstering the institution’s already high-caliber community of educators.

Adam Blumenthal, assistant professor of mathematics.

Blumenthal recently earned his Ph.D. in mathematics with a minor in computer science from Iowa State University, where he served as a teaching assistant. His research interests include extreme graph theory, domination theory and combinatorial algorithms.

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Auburn University.

Rebecca Graham, assistant professor and instructional design and technology librarian. Graham holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the iSchool at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign with a focus in online instruction. Her areas of interest include digital accessibility including creating screen-reader accessible course materials, video captions and designing courses that reduce barriers for students with ADD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, color blindness and low vision. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, where she minored in database design.

Kandice Hartner ’12, lecturer in the School of Communication.

Hartner has served as an adjunct at Westminster since 2016. She earned her M.A. and M.F.A., both in interdisciplinary design, from Chatham University. She earned a B.A. in media arts and public relations from Westminster in 2012.

Loreen Huffman, lecturer of psychology. Most recently, Huffman was professor of psychology at Missouri Southern State University where she had been serving since 1996. She also spent six years teaching at Rutgers University. Her research interests include successful aging and the use of memoir-writing to promote successful aging. Huffman holds a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Rutgers University and a B.S. degree in individual and family studies from Pennsylvania State University.

Mohammad Hashemi Joo, assistant professor of finance and economics. He recently completed his Ph.D. in finance from Florida International University, where he served as an instructor.

His research interests are in the fields of corporate finance, corporate governance, behavioral finance and fintech. He earned his M.S. in finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio, his M.B.A. in finance from Multimedia University in Malaysia and a B.S. in industrial engineering from Isfahan University of Technology in Iran.

Latifa Zoulagh, lecturer of modern languages. Zoulagh comes to Westminster from Salem State University in Salem, Mass., where she was assistant professor of Arabic and French.

Previously she taught at the University of South Carolina, Meredith College and the University of Oklahoma. She also taught high school French in Morocco and worked in the private sector as a translator and interpreter. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, her M.A. from North Carolina State University and her B.A. from the University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah in Morocco.

The CARES Act adds charitable contribution deduction The CARES Act allows for up to $300 in qualified charitable contributions to qualify as an “above-the-line” deduction in 2020, meaning you don’t have to itemize deductions in order to claim the $300 as a deduction. Taxpayers can take this universal deduction no matter whether they itemize or take the standard deduction on their taxes. (Qualifying donations must be made in cash or cash equivalents.) This is a great year to consider supporting Mother Fair!

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

Class of 2024 Profile

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ith staggered move-in times and two socially-distant Opening Convocation ceremonies at Burry Stadium, Westminster officially welcomed the Class of 2024 to campus on Friday, Aug. 14. This crop of students is unique. Most of the 310 incoming new students finished out their high school careers last spring learning remotely—but that doesn’t wholly define who they are. Take a look at their class profile and see who makes up Westminster’s newest Titans.

3.65

average HIGH SCHOOL

GPA

MOST

HAIL FROM

21 STATES REPRESENTED

PENNSYLVANIA OHIO MARYLAND NEW YORK NEW JERSEY VIRGINIA CALIFORNIA

9+91+F 34+66+F 51+49+F 9%

34%

51%

STUDENTS OF COLOR

FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

STUDENT-ATHLETES

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2,600 miles

FARTHEST DISTANCE

TRAVELED (Eugene, Oregon)

TOP MAJORS BIOLOGY NURSING ACCOUNTING BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES

Just Mercy Week explores racial issues

B

efore first-year students set foot on Westminster’s campus for the fall 2020 semester, they were given their first homework assignment: Read the memoir Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson.

Between Sept. 20-29—or Just Mercy Week—students in the First-Year Program’s Inquiry core course participated in a series of events tying back to their required summer reading book. Written

by Stevenson, an attorney and founder/executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Ala., the book depicts Stevenson’s experiences as a young lawyer, who fought to address injustices in the criminal justice system, including the case of Walter McMillian, a Black man from Alabama who, in 1988, was sentenced to die for a murder he didn’t commit.

Dr. Shannon Smithey, professor of political science and coordinator of the First-Year Program, said that by choosing Just Mercy as the common reading and holding the fall events, she wanted students to reflect on contemporary injustices and the roles that individuals can play in seeking to address them.

chance of parole after being convicted as an accomplice to murder •

and professor of English •

•

community discussion with Candace Okello, associate dean of student affairs •

•

“The Chemistry of Lethal Injection” lecture by Dr. Patrick Lackey, assistance professor of chemistry

•

“37 Years of Injustice” lecture featuring juvenile lifer Ricky Olds, who, at age 14, was sentenced to life in prison with no

Student Government Association-sponsored Civil Dialogues discussion of the book Just Mercy

•

Discussion of Foster Art Gallery exhibition “We Are Here: Black Identity in White Spaces” led

by Jordyn Kee ’17. Exhibition’s featured artists included alumni Celine Hildack ’20,

“The Cross and Capital Punishment” lecture by activist the Rev. Stacy Rector, executive director of Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty “Defiantly Marching: Ida B. Wells, Black Women and the Women’s Suffrage Movement” lecture by Dr. Angela Lahr, associate professor of history

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Westminster,” a

Events included: •

Television Man book reading by Dr. David Swerdlow, author

Marqus Koranteng ’15 and Macaya Yao ’17 and current students Jasmine Woodings and Amanda Young •

Showing of the 2019 film “Just Mercy” starring Jamie

“HER” by Macaya Yao ’17

Foxx and Michael B. Jordan, as well as “Do the Right Thing,” the 1989 Academy Award-nominated Spike Lee film that explores racial tensions in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood

Ricky Olds speaks to students at Anderson Amphitheater during Just Mercy Week.

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

Students can fast-track their law degree

S

tudents interested in a faster track toward earning a law degree have a new option available to them.

Westminster and Widener University Commonwealth Law School have established a 3+3 program partnership enabling students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor (J.D.) degree in just six years, saving students time and money.

The agreement allows Westminster students to earn the final 30 credits of their bachelor’s degree at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, while simultaneously pursuing their law degree.

Qualifying students must complete their major and general education requirements by the end of their junior year at Westminster College. Students must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) no later than February of their junior year and apply to Widener by April 1 of their junior year.

“Many Westminster graduates have enjoyed a distinguished career in law, and our partnership with Widener University Commonwealth Law School provides new opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Jamie McMinn, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College. “We are particularly pleased that students who want to practice such specialized areas as environmental law will be able to pursue their advanced degree at Widener while also earning their undergraduate degree at Westminster.”

Westminster’s political science faculty have advised pre-law students for many years, and according to McMinn, several students expressed interest in environmental law during the College’s fall Professional Network Symposium.

Westminster alumnus Matthew Kerns ’07, associate dean of admissions at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, helped facilitate the partnership.

Westminster, Crisis Shelter to broaden services

A

Westminster staff on topics such as victim

$300,000 grant from the U.S. Department

advocacy, trauma-informed care and the

of Justice’s Office on Violence Against

of Lawrence County will strengthen the

dynamics of sexual assault, domestic

Women (OVW). The grant helped develop

way the two work together to address

violence, dating violence and/or stalking.

the Coordinated Community Response Team

Additionally, Westminster staff will

(CCRT) aimed at preventing and responding

recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Westminster and the Crisis Shelter

student sexual assault, domestic or dating violence and/or stalking.

The two will develop enhanced

Under the MOU, CSLC will train key

provide training to CSLC advocates on the College’s Title IX grievance process so they

comprehensive victim services for

may inform students of their rights and

students and prevention and awareness

reporting options and offer support during

education for the entire campus community, said Stephanie Holzhauser,

the campus judicial process.

The MOU is a result of Westminster’s

2019, Westminster received a three-year

to sexual and relationship violence incidents.

One of the strategic goals of the CCRT was for the College to enhance its relationship with CSLC to ensure all sexual violence survivors—including male and LGBTQ+ survivors—have access to

health educator for sexual violence

ongoing commitment to addressing sexual

services through a uniform, campus-wide

prevention at Westminster.

and relationship violence on campus. In

referral and response process.

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Experience matters Biochemistry majors study coronavirus in prestigious research program

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wo Westminster College biochemistry majors had a unique experiential learning opportunity this summer as members of a highly selective undergraduate research team studying the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Senior Morgan Shine of Greenville, Pa., and junior Nicole Mackenstein of Ellwood City, Pa., participated in a remote 10-week National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in Duquesne University’s chemistry department where they modeled the surface and potential surface reactions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, otherwise known as the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19.

Researching a virus that has dominated the global public’s daily conversation for months was an exciting opportunity for the students, but both women undertook their responsibilities like they would any other assignment.

“I’m really passionate about research, so I approached the SARS-CoV-2 research the same way I would approach any project,” said Shine. “My usual research at Westminster focuses on histone mRNA degradation, which is a fundamental cellular process that is not directly connected to a disease. Although I approached the SARS-CoV-2 research the same way as my histone mRNA project, it was interesting to consider the broader implications of studying the virus responsible for the current pandemic.”

Mackenstein agreed.

“It helped me realize how important not only the research I was working on was, but how important research is in general,” said Mackenstein, who also has a minor in data science. “But I treated it like any other project. I just focused on my work and what was asked of me.”

While COVID restrictions prevented Shine and Mackenstein from conducting their research on Duquesne’s campus, the nature of their project—using computational chemistry, specifically molecular dynamic simulations, to study the effects of mutations on the secondary structure of conserved regions in the SARS-CoV-2 virus—still allowed them to get hands-on, real world experience through remote research.

“I was able to learn so many new skills and I was given the opportunity to work on something so important,” Mackenstein said. “The support and guidance by my faculty mentor, Dr. Patrick Lackey, allowed me to be able to grow more confident in my place on the team. He helped me understand that research is fundamentally about learning, and if we had all the answers, there would be no need for research.”

Shine said she also was gratefully for the opportunity to build on her strengths and learn a new set of research skills, especially at a time when most summer research programs were canceled due to the pandemic.

Shine

Mackenstein

Both women—and one other undergraduate team member from Duquesne—held daily research meetings with Dr. Lackey, assistant professor of chemistry at Westminster, and weekly group meetings were held with the Duquesne University research advisers and graduate students.

Additionally, Shine and Mackenstein participated in weekly instrumentation workshops on topics such as microscopy and next generation sequencing, as well as an ethics forum with students from other research groups. They also offered biweekly presentations on different phases of their research.

“Westminster students who participate in summer research programs learn valuable research skills because they can dedicate all of their day to research,” said Dr. Peter Smith, professor of chemistry. “Their participation in summer research experiences prepares them for success after graduation.” S

For more about Westminster’s biochemistry major, please visit www.westminster.edu/biochemistry.

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

A Day in the Life Curious about how our students are adjusting to life on campus during the COVID-19 global pandemic, we reached out to senior Sydney Roach ’21, the editor-in-chief of Westminster’s student newspaper, The Holcad. Sydney stepped away from campus reporting to grab some images of campus during COVID and offer a glimpse of what a typical day looks like for her and many of our Westminster students.

By SYDNEY ROACH ’21

S

ome things aren’t so

a little different on some days. Some

sweatpants and fuzzy socks with the

different. You still wake up

days you hike across the quad to class,

cute heart shapes on them.

to the annoying blare of

your tired expression and inside-out

One hidden blessing to come from

the alarm on your phone,

T-shirt visible to everyone you pass.

classes during the Time of Corona is

only to hit that snooze

But this morning’s class is an easy

the class that does not meet at all.

button one more time (it’s never just

commute—it’s only a few feet away

Some professors assign work to do but

one more time.) You still go through the

from your bed. All you have to do is

still keep open office hours to help the

motions of getting dressed, brushing

open up your computer and sign into

struggling student. You never realized

your teeth and making sure you’re

a Zoom meeting. Nobody will know

before how much you love the ability

ready for the day. The motions are just

if you’re still wearing those comfy

to go your own pace and in your own

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controlled environment. It makes you wish you could start

embarrassing call to Public Safety…check. Titan Card so that

college all over again with a fresh perspective. Maybe you

you can get back into your building and swipe at Galbreath

wouldn’t have had such a hard time with that bio class if

Dining five times in a row before it decides to work…check.

you hadn’t had to sit still and listen to that hour-long lecture

Cell phone so that you can track how high the notification

while that boy across

count on Outlook can get in 10 minutes…check. That should

from you constantly

be everything.

tapped his foot on the ground. You wonder

person, you are immediately met with stares, yet no gasps.

how you will you ever

Where are their mouths? Oh, of course. Masks. The “new

go back to normal

normal” still doesn’t feel normal quite yet. One quick jog back

classes again.

to your dorm room to retrieve your mask (and also check your

Eventually, you find a break from the hours of staring at a

Like many students, Roach has a mini-arsenal of sanitizing product to combat coronavirus, thermometers for daily self checks and over-the-counter cold medications if she experiences any mild symptoms.

As soon as you step out of your hallway and see another

temperature…97.8…yep, you’re not internally melting today!) and you’re finally ready to go for some Westminster dining.

There are silver X marks on the sidewalk leading to the

screen and struggling

dining hall to show where you are supposed to stand in line

to unmute yourself

for proper social distancing. But there is always at least one

when the professor

person that will creep up behind you, oblivious to you inching

calls on you. (Aren’t

forward to create space.

we supposed to be the technologically inclined generation?)

You lean back into

your wooden rocking chair to let out a sigh of relief. Before you can get too comfy, a growl demands your attention. It must be feeding time.

Make sure you’re not forgetting anything as you head out: Keys so that you don’t get locked out and have to make an

Soon you reach the next obstacle: the card swiper in the building. You must swipe your own card now so that the employees don’t have to handle hundreds of possible bioweapons per day. It makes sense. You’re given a paper plate or a plastic container instead of a traditional plate—this gives you the option to eat in the dining hall or take your food to go AND it reduces the chance of spreading those virusrelated bioweapons. Probably not the most environmentally conscious choice, but it’s temporary. There is the option

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

Learning spaces, such as the campus broadcasting studio, above, and Mueller Theater and labs, below left, have all been reconfigured to promote social distancing. Spaces in labs, below right, have been outfitted with plexiglass partitions to provide physical barriers. for the green reusable container (one of Westminster’s

many handles did you even touch on your way here? How

sustainability measures) if you ever remember to bring your

many other people have touched those handles? When

$5 deposit.

was the last time those people washed their hands? When

Before you can sit down to finally enjoy your meal, a yellow

was the last time you washed YOUR hands and for at least

container of Lysol wipes catches your eye. Better wipe down

20 seconds? That familiar growl shakes you back into the

the table before you sit down. You wonder if you should

present before you can spiral too deeply. After wiping down

have wiped the door handles too before you came in. How

the table and evading the rope blocking off the one booth

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seat, you set your plate down on top of the “Only 1 person per table” sign. You had a lot of great conversations with friends at this exact table around this time last year. Some of them graduated last semester (without a proper goodbye thanks to COVID-19 closing the

FAMILY PODS

campus) or opted for virtual learning this semester, leaving you alone with your thoughts and mashed potato bowl. Time to dig in.

Normally you would have to shove dinner down your throat in record time to make it to your part-time job. Now you just have to open your laptop in the comfort of your own room and make the occasional phone or Zoom call. While you do miss the face-toface interaction and the more hands-on work, it is pretty nice to not have to rush your day because of a commute. Another blessing—there are even more internships and conferences that you’ve been able to apply for since they are online. You could never afford the commute or the housing before. You almost feel like a real adult for once—not just a teenager pretending to be one.

The sun is starting to set. You’re pretty sure you’ve eaten at least two full meals and finished most of your homework. It’s time to socialize and (hopefully) feel like a normal

This semester, Westminster’s Residence Life adopted a family pod framework in which students who live in close proximity and share a bathroom are identified as a “family pod.” When in the physical location of the family pod, students can remove their face coverings and relax use of physical distancing.

college student again! There are a few options tonight. Your friends who aren’t on campus invite you to play online games and call. CPC (Campus Programming Council) is holding an event down by Brittain Lake—and it would be nice to get some fresh air and talk to people face-to-face. Your RA also invited you to a get-together with your family pod. You wouldn’t have to wear a mask since it’s your family pod and it’s a way to build rapport with the people who can probably hear your moments of frustration with your math homework. But you’re tired from the long day sitting at the computer—so of course, you decide to sit at the computer for even longer to do a Zoom call with your friends.

You haven’t talked to some of those friends since they graduated and moved far away.

You always say that you want to catch up and do a quick phone call, but it never happens.

Apparently all it took was a worldwide pandemic to bring you all together. Everyone is slowly getting used to working and socializing with virtual formats. You never imagined that your social life would evolve into regular Zoom calls while you’re also working on homework or folding your laundry, but you have to admit, it is nice to reconnect with your friends while still getting some work done.

This isn’t the college experience anyone ever imagined or hoped for, but we’re improvising the only way a broke and lonely college student knows how: stubbornness and creativity. S

Sydney Roach is a senior multimedia journalism major and writing minor from Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania.

Currently the editor-in-chief for The Holcad student newspaper, Sydney also works at Titan Radio, where she is a disc jockey, produces promos, writes PSA scripts and engineers broadcasts. She dreams of one day working as a correspondent for National Public Radio.

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

TEN10THINGS TITAN things making us pretty Titan proud right now TITAN WARRIOR 1.

After losing military friends to suicide, Michael Caimona ’95, a former

Navy intelligence officer, created Warrior Music—a non-profit organization that provides free music therapy and lessons to veterans. Caimona

Getting them to the finish line

3.

While most colleges and universities across the country canceled their 2020 spring commencements, Westminster remained committed to providing a day of celebration for the Class of 2020 when it was finally safe to do so. That day—Saturday, Aug. 1—may have been a rainy one, but it was also a day filled with joy. Four separate, socially-distant ceremonies were held throughout the day, giving graduates a sense of closure and a proper send-off to new beginnings.

and Warrior Music also planned a 2020 Veterans Day 5K for mental health awareness. Yeah. We’re pretty proud of this guy.

Team Alumni

2.

People doubted it could be done­—planning Homecoming during a pandemic. But one thing our Westminster community has learned: leave it to the Office of Alumni Engagement to make the impossible happen. Converting the traditional three-day in-person annual event to a week-long virtual experience was no easy feat, but somehow the alumni team pulled it off. The result was six days of interactive fun that brought together people from all corners of the world.

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Legally Legendary

4.

Deborah Platt Majoras ’85, former chair of the Westminster College Board of Trustees, was recently named one of the 2020 Legends in Law by the Burton Awards. The Legends in Law Awards recognize outstanding reputation in the legal profession and a demonstrated track record of addressing complex matters of national or global significance in a specialist area. The honorees also evidenced leadership, creativity, and uniqueness in approach to resolving challenges confronting their corporate clients.

‘Frontline’ workers

5.

We would be remiss if we didn’t give a shout-out to some very important people on our campus this fall: our pandemic “frontline” workers, so to speak. From our Physical Plant employees keeping our campus sanitized to

our Wellness Center staff working with possible COVID cases, these members of our campus community exemplify what it means to be Titan Strong. We appreciate you!

No audience? No problem.

Titan proud for $1,000

6.

Making it to the “Jeopardy!” stage and meeting Alex Trebek had been an ambition for Kelly Lake ’11 for many years—and this year she finally got her shot at the buzzer. Kelly made Mother Fair proud with her turn competing on the quiz show, which aired in June. We won’t spoil the outcome, but Kelly represented Westminster well!

Rescue Squad

7.

When COVID fatigue got the best of our students, the College Programming Council (CPC) came to the rescue with an abundance of outdoor events where students could spread out and forget about the pandemic for a bit. Whether it was yoga by the lake, movies on the quad or the surprisingly popular bingo night at the amphitheater (Yes! Bingo!), CPC went the extra mile during the fall semester to keep our Titans entertained, happy and connected.

8.

Pandemic restrictions didn’t stop the music at Westminster College. From marching band virtual performances to livestreamed fall concerts from our ensembles and choirs, our student musicians continued making music this fall while practicing safe distancing habits. Visit the Westminster College School of Music YouTube page to view some of the performances and senior recitals.

Sharing the knowledge

9.

As part of this fall’s BIO 467 course, Epidemiology, three lectures from epidemiology and public health professionals on “Disparities (Inequities) in Epidemiology” were opened to the campus community, thanks to Dr. Diana Ortiz. These lectures—billed the Public Health Seminar Series—brought to the forefront important and current issues in public health, especially health inequities. As the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted healthcare inequities throughout the country and around the world, we are grateful to Dr. Ortiz for keeping us informed and encouraging campus conversations on issues of diversity, equity and inclusiveness in healthcare.

Student Strength

10.

This fall has been a test of our students’ strength and perseverance. Masks. Physical distancing. Limited groups. It hasn’t been an easy semester, but our students have risen to the challenges that come with oncampus living and learning during a pandemic. Instead of chaos, they created opportunities. Instead of feeling defeated, they looked for solutions. In a time of uncertainty and disruption, our students have adapted. They’ve shown us their toughness and ingenuity. In short, they’ve shown us what it really means to be a 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 2 1

TITAN

Kicking Game Sidelined student-athlete discovers new dreams off the soccer field

BY NATHAN LARICCIA | SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

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T

his isn’t what she had dreamt of since she was only 4 years old. She had worked too hard for too long for it to come to this. It was preseason practice for the 2019 Westminster women’s soccer team. The Titans were preparing for the highly-anticipated season–a year following a heartbreaking loss to Grove City College in the previous year’s Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship game in penalty kicks and Westminster was so close to bringing the PAC Trophy back to New Wilmington. Forward Kaitlyn Jones was thrilled to be a part of this opportunity— an opportunity to be conference champs and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

The PAC trophy, however, wasn’t the only thought on her mind. Kaitlyn, a native of Bradenton, Florida, transferred to Westminster the fall of her sophomore year from NAIA Webber International.

She let go of an athletic scholarship for a new opportunity and a fresh start. Now, a junior, she was faced with a life-changing decision.

Earlier, in January 2019, Kaitlyn had felt an unfamiliar pain by her ribs as she was going through her standard workout routine. Something wasn’t right.

Something felt off. Kaitlyn had a feeling the discomfort was coming from her heart, but wasn’t certain. Kaitlyn revealed these symptoms to the Westminster athletic training staff who advised her to get it checked out further. She talked to a cardiologist and had various tests run.

Everything came back normal, except her stress test failed. After deliberation, the doctors officially gave Kaitlyn clearance to continue to play the sport she loves, but, cautioned her that the symptoms potentially could worsen if she decided to play again.

Back to the 2019 preseason practice.

Kaitlyn was running through standard drills with her ultimatum looming inside.

To play and try to help Westminster win the PAC Championship and risk worsening her heart condition. Or not play and do… well, she did not know what she would do without soccer. Soccer had been her life

for 17 years. More than 75 percent of her existence. She even played for a semiprofessional team in Florida leading up to her first year in college to get stronger and faster and to tune-up her craft.

Practice that day was harder on her physically than it should have been. She couldn’t give it her all. That very night, she came to a life-changing realization. Kaitlyn made a decision.

“It was not even about me anymore, it was about the team,” Kaitlyn said in reflection. “As much as I would have loved to play, I was not at 100 percent and we were gunning to win a PAC Championship and go to the NCAA Tournament. It was a situation where it was bigger than myself.

Is it fair of me to be out there not at my 100 percent, and probably not going to be able to get to 100 percent, if I did not want to push things knowing they could get worse?”

That was that. Her soccer playing career suddenly ended. Just a couple weeks after turning 21, her dreams of possibly playing in the NCAA Tournament or professionally overseas after graduation were quickly dashed.

“I knew there were going to be obstacles and stepping away from soccer was probably the biggest obstacle I have faced in my life. It was gut-wrenching,” Kaitlyn said. “It took some time to get over it. I saw a sports psychologist just to talk and to get perspective on what my next move was, because it was like the phrase ‘how to learn how to walk all over again.’

Soccer was a huge part of my life. I knew it did not define who I was, but it was what I was used to doing.”

But it wasn’t long before Kaitlyn learned that Westminster offered more than just an opportunity to play NCAA soccer. “(Westminster has) given me a lot of opportunities in life. I already had tools coming into Westminster, but I really learned how to use them. Not only as an athlete, but as a business professional, studying sports management,” she said.

“I have been given the opportunities

to continue to network and grow my connections, but ultimately just become a better business professional and an allaround person in general.”

Kaitlyn recently landed a position with Barca Universal, a media outlet covering the top-level professional soccer (football) team FC Barcelona located in Spain.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting restrictions changed her in-person internship plans (all four were canceled), Kaitlyn made the most of the opportunity and took the extra time to network and broaden her horizons for the next chapter of her life. She has discovered opportunities off the field that still involve the sport she cares deeply for.

“Having to overcome not playing soccer was the biggest challenge,” Kaitlyn said.

“In life, you are always going to have obstacles that are going to be in your way from reaching your destination, and ultimately life is not about reaching a destination, it is about the journey. I have certainly been on a journey. I am excited to see where it takes me now.”

Kaitlyn’s new goal is to move to Spain following graduation. It turns out her dreams are just beginning and her Westminster journey has prepared her to achieve them. S 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

TITAN SPOTLIGHT

A Global Perspective

Westminster education takes alumnus to unexpected places

By VALENTINE BRKICH ’97

W

hen you’re talking about scuba diving, wintertime in Siberia probably doesn’t come to mind. Unless, that is, you’re Dr. William “Bill” Reay ’78.

Back in 2014-15, Reay was a visiting professor at the Baikal School of International Business-University of Irkutsk, Russia, when he had the opportunity to go cold-water diving in Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake.

“I’ve always loved scuba,” says Reay, who has also gone wreck diving and cave diving in places like Cenote Dos Ojos in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. “So when I had the opportunity to dive under the ice in Baikal, with its freshwater seals and a type of shrimp that exists nowhere else in the world, I jumped at the opportunity.”

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Certainly not your typical diving experience. But, then again, nothing about Reay or his career path has been typical.

For over a quarter of a century now, Reay has been a national leader in mental health services and behavioral health services research. He was one of the original developers of the Child and Adolescent Service System Program, which came about in the early 1980s to provide a mental health system of care for children, adolescents, and their families. He was also a founding member of the National Federation for Children’s Mental Health, which organizes parents across the United States to improve mental health care for children. In addition, he served as a professional research member of the US Department of Education’s Evaluation Team for their research and training centers.

Currently Reay is president and chief executive of OMNI Inventive Care, in Omaha, Neb., which helps individuals with significant behavior or mental-health impairment, serving approximately 650 patients daily. In this role he plans, directs, and manages an operational budget of $12 million.

A large part of Reay’s work involves coordinating applied research across several universities to help practitioners provide the best care possible. As president of The Coalition for Behavioral Health Research to Practice, he facilitates a multi-university research initiative to improve both the behavioral healthcare and the quality of life for individuals and families suffering from behavioral health problems. He also served as a professor of psychology at Northcentral University in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he designed and developed international graduate programs. In addition, Reay consults with businesses and academic institutions in the European Union and at the Caribbean research and training center.

Alan G. Gittis provided him and the other students were invaluable.

For example, during Reay’s junior year, Dr. Gittis brought in Julian Jaynes, noted author and researcher in psychology.

“Here I am, a young student,” says Reay, “sitting in a cafe in New Wilmington, chatting with one of the real icons in the field as he’s sipping on tea. That just doesn’t happen at other places.”

He also remembers how Gray helped him continue his education. “I was playing foosball in the old TUB one day, when Dr. Gray walks in and says, ‘Hey, Bill, we need to chat.’ Turns out he’d been working on helping me get into grad school, and he wanted to talk about it. Again, this kind of stuff just doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

After graduating, Reay went on to earn a master’s in quantitative psychology from the University of Nebraska. During that time there was a nationwide experiment being conducted by the National Institutes of Health combining the study of law with a Ph.D. in psychology. Consequently, Reay was invited into the university’s prestigious law-psychology program.

“Lawyers and psychologists are professionally socialized in different ways,” says Reay. “Being a part of that program really made me think a whole lot differently about law, how it affects people, and how people in turn affect law.”

In 2010, as treasurer of the American Orthopsychiatric Association, Reay led a delegation of social scientists to the University of Havana, Cuba. This resulted in a professional research relationship with the Cuban Center for Sociological and Psychological Research and the university, where he set up various student exchanges and was one of only a few American professors invited to teach there.

Over the next five years, Reay traveled to Cuba 39 times, teaching a number of classes including Cuban Constitutional Law. More recently, through a collaborative relationship between multiple universities and The Coalition, Reay is developing international programs aimed at improving student training in psychology, business, and education.

Reay preparing for a January dive in Lake Baikal, located in southern Siberia, Russia. The master diver pictured did not speak English and Reay didn’t speak Russian, so all universal diving hand signals were used to communicate.

“Applied behavioral research has a great deal to offer those with serious mental illness,” says Reay. “Implementing the best available treatment, and then feeding those results back to academic researchers, is the best practice standard.”

Reay grew up in Dubois, Pa., about 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. When it came time to choose a college, he wanted something that was far enough away from home, but not too far. “I also knew I wanted a place that offered small class sizes.

So Westminster seemed like a good fit.”

Studying psychology, while minoring in philosophy and religion, Reay says the opportunities that now retired psychology professors emeriti Dr. David B. Gray ’56 and Dr.

It was during his work in Cuba when Reay was first contacted by the Baikal International Business School about possible academic coordination between themselves and Northcentral University. “They invited me to teach there,” says Reay, “and I ended up meeting some folks who’d been stationed in Cuba during the Cold War. It really helped me understand how academic programs are developed internationally.”

Although his work has taken him around the globe, Reay has always had a fondness for his days at Westminster. Now the father of a 15-year-old, he often thinks his son would do well to follow in his footsteps.

“Being a young person and having the opportunity to be around such influential individuals…you really can’t underestimate the power that has. Westminster provides an environment that creates amazing opportunities for those who are hungry.” S 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

V

I

R T

U A

L

HOMECOMING 2020 H

omecoming & Reunion Weekend is our time to gather and reconnect with classmates and friends. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented that from happening this year—and since you couldn’t come to us, we brought Homecoming to you with several virtual activities between Sept. 28-Oct. 3.

In addition to an exclusive Titan Marching Band online performance (above), some other highlights from the week included, clockwise from top left: a live Homecoming Week virtual kickoff on Facebook with Haley Bedalota, a junior broadcast and media production major; the 2020 Homecoming Queen and King crowning of juniors Makayla Guntrum and Logan Minch; beekeeping basics with Dr. Patrick Krantz at the College’s new apiary; the presentation of the Rising Titan Award to senior nursing major Megan Parker from Alumni Council President Sara Surgenor Arblaster ’02 and College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson for her outstanding leadership and potential to be an engaged alumna; and “Canoe Ride with Karson,” a Westminster Q&A session with junior film major Jack Karson answering alumni queries while canoeing around Brittain Lake.

Stay connected by checking out the Alumni Association Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WCAlumniAssociation.

1970 FLASHBACK 2 6 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

MESSAGE FROM THE ALUMNI COUNCIL Greetings my fellow Titans!

Some of our major alumni engagement events this year have been Virtual Homecoming Week and the Virtual Professional Networking Symposium, and as such, I am continuously amazed at the resiliency of our Titan community. I have seen resilience in the students wanting to be back on campus and doing everything in their power to stay here safely. I have seen resilience in our alumni, whether directly impacted by the pandemic and having to adjust course or by continuing to support Westminster and the students as they navigate through these uncharted waters. And I have seen resilience in the faculty and staff as they work feverishly to continue to provide the quality Westminster education through different teaching avenues and alternative activities for the students in order to keep everyone safe. They are continuously striving to provide a sense of normalcy.

I continue to be blown away by the pliability of our Alumni Council to adapt to the changing environment and enthusiastically learn new skills like peer-to-peer advocacy and how to serve as virtual hosts and greeters for our numerous virtual events. The efforts of our council members have also allowed last year’s Giving Tuesday, Bring Back the Titans and Clash of the Titans campaigns to be resounding successes. As we look ahead to this year’s Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1, Council will look forward to focusing on some existing areas of support and identifying new areas that will need some additional funding. My fellow Council members have also gone above and beyond in thanking and stewarding their fellow alumni. I am humbled and grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our members and I am confident that the passion of Council will continue to permeate throughout the greater alumni community.

I encourage all alumni to stay connected on the Westminster and Alumni Association social media pages to see all of the wonderful things happening on campus and virtually. One of the easiest ways to support Westminster is to recommend current high school students who you feel might be a good fit as future Titans. There is an easy form to submit these recommendations at: www.westminster.edu/alumni/recommend-student.cfm. And don’t forget the College offers a sizeable Legacy Scholarship!

This year has affirmed that we have a dedicated alumni base that loves Westminster dearly, whether near to or far from campus. And these connections have been rekindled by the hard work of our Alumni Council and the Institutional Advancement office. I cannot put into words how thankful I am for every one of our alumni supporters, so I will simply say “Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

Sara Surgenor Arblaster ’02 Alumni Council President 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

1960

SHARE

YOUR

TITAN

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 westminster.edu/classnotes

EMAIL alumni@westminster.edu

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

2 8 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

PAUL BOYCE of Federal Way, Wash., has published his eighth fulllength book. A Place in the Woods is a novel that follows the lives of three couples as they navigate the apocalyptic events of Matthew 24.

1968

Ten Phi Tau brothers from the original pledge class of 36 held a Zoom reunion in May. Tech master PRESTON KOSTER scheduled the hour-long get-together with JACK BARKLEY, DAVE FERRY, SANDY FRANCIS, DAVE LEITH, ART LINDGREN, SCOTT MITCHELL, WILLETT “BILL” SELTENHEIM, HOWIE SNYDER and GEORGE ZEPERNICK.

1969

JUDY BROWN BARKLEY received the Soroptimist International (SI) of Butler County’s 2020 Ruby Award for her service to the community. Judy has

worked with the Butler County Humane Society for more than 35 years and is an honorary society board member. She helped initiate Hill United Presbyterian Church’s neighborhood outreach drop-in program for children, now called Wednesdays on the Hill. She also has served on the boards of Lifesteps, the Butler County Symphony, Butler County Association for the Blind, and the Butler Health System Foundation. She and her husband, Jack ’68, reside in Butler.

DR. JIM JOHNSON is professor emeritus of organizational leadership and supervision at Purdue University. He and his wife, Pamela, are retired and live in Crown Point, Ind., and Bradenton, Fla.

1974

STEPHEN VALLILLO retired after 22 years teaching theatre, speech and English at Montclair (N.J.) High School. He previously taught at St. John’s University, was theatrical stage manager and at the Billy Rose Theatre Collection, New York Library for the Performing Arts. He and his wife, Maryann Chach, live in Bloomfield, N. J.

1975

FRED KRIESS accepted the position as regional director of utility acquisitions for

WHO REMEMBERS WES CRAVEN? Before Wes Craven became the master of horror with films such as “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Scream,” he spent a year (1965-1966) teaching at Westminster College. California-based writer Joe Maddrey is crafting a biography on Craven’s life and is seeking alumni input. If you were a student of Craven, please reach out to Maddrey at joemaddrey@gmail.com.

Michael Tran—FilmMagic/Getty Images

i

CLASS NOTES | Titans doing incredible things.

Central States Water Resources. He and his wife, Sandra, live in Glendale, Ariz., where he remains active with his music business, AZRxMusic.

1986

1980

RANDALL CURTIS retired after 35 years of service with Florida Power & Light Company.

He and his wife, Diane, now live in Greenville, where Randall accepted the position of director of music ministries and organist at First Presbyterian Church.

1981

BILL DZURICSKO was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame. He coached many levels of boys and girls basketball, track and soccer for 35 years in the Hermitage School District. A longtime high school math teacher and math department liaison, Bill retired after 38 years of teaching. He now serves as a PIAA official for cross country, track and field and basketball.

1984

DR. ROBERT CAIN, a specialist in pulmonary medicine, was chosen president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. He is associate dean for clinical education at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and is chief academic officer for the Ohio Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education, a statewide medical education consortium.

JOE BURNS received a 2020 Communicator Award of Excellence, one of the top national honors from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, for his weekly radio show, “Rock School.”

The show, produced at KLSU-FM in Hammond, La., and syndicated across 27 markets, is hosted by Joe and his wife, Tammy, with a new weekly topic and theme related to rock and roll. Of the more than 600 shows Joe has done, he has never missed a week or resorted to a rerun.

1991

ADAM BRADY, a logistics analyst at Walt Disney World, is a certified yoga and meditation instructor. He recently published his second book, The Path to Stillness, A Meditator’s Guide, the result of several years of teaching meditation at the private and corporate levels. He lives in Orlando, Fla., with his wife and co-teacher, Dana.

DAVID KING, chief technical officer of Flywire, a high-growth vertical payments company, was named one of the Top 25 Financial Technology CTOs in 2020 by The Financial Technology Report. He lives in Libertyville, Ill.

1993

CHRISTINA DEFILLIP TRAYNOR of Gibsonia has started her own company, Environmental Risk Solutions. ERS conducts risk assessments to determine the potential for adverse effects to human health or the environment.

1999

BETH TRIMBLE DAVIS, founder of The Llewellin Group, LLC, was one of two Americans invited to contribute a chapter to the international publication of Agile People Principles: Your Call to Action for the Future of Work. Her chapter focuses on the principle of self-organization, in which she shares practical examples and personal reflections on how her own servant leadership journey has allowed her to bring the principle to life, inspiring others to do the same.

2001

AMY MELISSA YOUNG of Sicklerville, N.J., has been a deputy attorney general since 2017 and was recently promoted to the

DCF Appellate Unit.

2002

DR. ANNA GODDARD of Old Saybrook, Conn., was named PNCB’s 2020 Kelly Reed Advanced Practice Community Impact Award recipient. An assistant professor at Sacred Heart University, she has been a board-certified nurse practitioner for more than 15 years.

.

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

2008

KAYLYNN COATES of Greenville earned her Ph.D. in biology from West Virginia University. Her research was published in the Journal of Neuroscience. She is now a postdoctoral scholar at Case Western Reserve University.

2011

two-year term as secretary. She is active as a member of the Junior League of Jacksonville, a mentor with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and a presenter for Ending the Silence program, where she has reached many community youth with her story of recovery.

2012

LEIGHA KRIVACEK TIPLEY, a supervisor-talent acquisition with a focus on human resources project management for The Haskell Company, was selected to the board of directors for the National Alliance of Mental Illness – Jacksonville, Fla., affiliate and will serve a

JAMES “JAMIE” GROSS was named vice president of finance for Bryan College. He and his wife, Abigail, and two sons have relocated to the Dayton, Tenn., area.

REFER

A STUDENT TO WESTMINSTER COLLEGE Alumni have a unique perspective on what it means to be a Westminster College student.

Westminster College is more than just a place on the map. It is a community where you lived, learned and evolved. You built relationships, studied hard, collaborated with professors and peers and designed your own future.

Because you have experienced the Titan lifestyle first hand, we invite you to recommend a high school student to Westminster.

If you know someone ready to take the next step in their educational journey, let us know. Our trained admissions counselors will reach out and help them explore their options at Westminster College.

To refer a student, simply go online to www.westminster.edu/alumni/recommend-student.cfm 3 0 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

2014

NICK HOLIDAY, a U.S. Navy pilot with an electronic attack squadron, recently returned from a nine-month deployment in the Middle East. He and his wife, Kristine Haggerty Holiday ’15, live on Whidbey Island, Wash., where Kristine is a family medicine physician assistant.

2017

MARISSA PURSEL earned her juris doctor from the University of Akron School of Law and was published in the Akron Law Review.

She has accepted an associate attorney position with Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff in Cleveland.

WEDDINGS | Love always.

1996

2013

2017

NATALEE SCHMOLLY and DAVID PRESTOPINE ’98, Jan. 3, 2020, at Bakers Ranch in Parrish, Fla. Alumnae in the wedding party included bridesmaids Beth Ann Grebenz Stefano and Susan Prestopine Wellman. Alumni in attendance were John Brown ’93, Julie Zadroga Jendrysik ’98, Andrea Schmidt Confer ’98, Michele Abbott Lockley, Jill Vukich Rosengren, Rose Ann Fulena ’92, Jody Lamb Boehm and Dannielle Cieslica Brown. The couple lives in Union Township, where Natalee is a fifth grade teacher in the Union Township School District and David is chief deputy county controller for the Lawrence County Courthouse.

JORDYN WILLIAMS and CAMERON PARK ’14, Jan. 25, 2020, at Westminster College. Jordyn is a school psychologist at West Muskingum Local Schools and Cameron is a senior lab technician at Owens Corning. They live in Zanesville, Ohio.

ARIANA O’DONNELL and JOSHUA THOMAS, Aug. 28, 2020, in the groom’s childhood home in New Castle.

Westminster alumni in the wedding party included best man Zach Woessner, groomsman Dr. Samuel Mellon ’15 and bridesmaid Olivia Withers Miller ’19. The couple is residing in Kent, Ohio.

NEW ADDITIONS | Welcome, Tiny Titans.

2006

MEGAN MCCONNELL HOFFMAN M’16 and her husband, Steven: a son, Finnegan Paul, on March 24, 2020. He joins brother, Declan, at home in North Fayette.

2015

RACHEL HILTZ GIRATA and her husband, MIKE GIRATA: a son, Miles Edwin, on May 25, 2020.

The family lives in Columbus, Ohio.

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

Networking symposium goes virtual

W

estminster’s Professional Networking Symposium—the successful annual networking event for alumni and students—may have gone virtual this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, but that didn’t diminish its impact. In fact, it meant more enhanced offerings for students and opportunities for alumni from across the globe to participate.

The two-day virtual Zoom event in September featured a career fair, breakout panels and networking opportunities for students on the first day, while the second day’s events were specifically geared for alumni looking to network with industry professionals from around the world.

“The digital approach allowed us to involve alumni from across the world as panelists and attendees without the traditional barriers of distance and travel costs,” said Westminster’s Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Kara Montgomery.

Even with a five-hour time difference, Bryan Greig ’16, an alumnus from Northern Ireland, was excited to be one of those far-reaching participating alumni.

“I wanted to take part in the symposium because of how useful and inspiring I found the event while I was a student,” said Greig. “I am a very proud alum of WC. I view the College as a place that took a chance on me and I want to give back however I can.” (See Greig’s profile at right.)

The symposium was founded by Dr. Daniel Fischmar, professor of economics emeritus, and alumni Dr. Christie Nelson ’06, assistant research professor for the Professional Science Master’s Program along with a Department of Homeland Security Research Center (CCICADA. org) at Rutgers University, and Benjamin Nelson ’06, vice president and senior credit officer at Moody’s Investor Services.

3 2 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

Bryan Greig ’16

B.S., Business Administration Belfast, Northern Ireland

Alumni Q&A When Bryan Greig ’16 was seeking his undergraduate degree at Westminster, he could often be seen somersaulting his way across campus, usually with a GoPro camera attached to his body. Not afraid to take risks, Greig’s energy and passion have guided him in his entrepreneurial pursuits, through the air as a skydiver and even now as he seeks new career opportunities. Greig—one of this year’s alumni participants in the annual Professional Networking Symposium—talks about his student experience with the Symposium.

What impact did the Professional Networking Symposium have on you?

The Professional Networking Symposium was the first time I had seen the power of alumni. In Northern Ireland and the U.K. in general we don’t really connect with our university beyond graduation. At Westminster I saw all these wonderful alumni giving their time and energy to help those coming after them.

I realized that people actually cared. Then you add on the personal growth that naturally comes from meeting and talking to new people, some who may be in industries you are interested in—the Professional Networking Symposium just should not be missed!

What were some of the symposium’s highlights for you?

I was able to get personalized feedback on my résumé from people working in industries I was interested in. I loved attending the different seminars and listening to the clearly very knowledgeable and intelligent people there. I ended up leaving the symposium with a job offer for the summer.

What are you doing with your life now?

After graduating from Westminster, I attempted to start my own tech company and somehow ended up being nominated for “U.K. Young Entrepreneur of the Year.” I pitched for and won some funding from venture capitalists and set up a company called Guzzl, a smartphone-based food and drink ordering service.

Ultimately, the business was not a success, unfortunately. Then I got into the weird world of indoor skydiving/bodyflight where I helped set up and run commercial vertical wind tunnels in the U.K. and the United States. I recently started my post-grad in software engineering and data science at Ulster University.

What advice do you have for students getting ready to go into the job market?

Don’t be afraid of failure. The fastest and best way to learn is to fail. Be proud of it. Figure out who you look up to and read their biography. I promise you they will have failed, too.

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean we can’t be together.

Plan your own

Virtual Titan Get-Together!

Your Westminster friends are miles away and we know you are missing them. We haven’t had the chance to gather for College events on campus or our annual happy hours, but we can help you create your OWN Titan gatherings. Complete our online event proposal form and get to planning your very own virtual event for you and your alumni peers. The Office of Alumni Engagement is happy to help promote and serve as your partner in making the connections happen—even from afar!

Contact the Westminster College Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@westminster.edu for assistance or access our online event form at https://www.westminster.edu/create-event We’ll even help publicize your event for you!

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

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 HENRY HERCHENROETHER JR. ’42 of Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community, formerly of Ben Avon, Dec. 17, 2019.

HENRY MILLER JR. M’64 of Youngstown, Ohio, July 18, 2020.

RAY PEACOE ’64 of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Sept. 9, 2020.

RUTH DEHAVEN ’47 of Cranberry Township, Sept. 9, 2017.

DAVID SCHRECENGOST ’64 of Moorpark, Calif., June 7, 2020.

THE REV. JAMES GEORGE ’49 of Neshannock Township, Jan. 14,

WILLIAM “BILL” WANATOSKY M’64 of New Market, Md., June

2020.

17, 2020.

LEONARD HARDING ’49 of Quincy, Mass., Oct. 8, 2020.

MABEL WIMER ’64 of Delray Beach, Fla., July 10, 2020.

LOIS “KAY” SCOTT BARNES ’49 of Helena, Mont., Sept. 1, 2020.

THOMAS GOETTMAN JR. M’65 of Rochester Township, Oct. 11,

EMMY LOU SCHULTHEIS DRYLIE ’49 of Hilton Head, S.C., Feb. 15, 2020.

ELLEN GILLILAND BALL ’50 of New Wilmington, June 8, 2020.

THE REV. FREDERICK “FRED” MCKNIGHT ’50 of Plain City, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2017.

THE REV. JAMES “JIM” CLINEFELTER ’52 of St. Petersburg, Fla., June 27, 2020.

THE REV. THOMAS “THOM” PROSSER ’52 of Emlenton, May 27, 2020.

ELEANOR SLOAN COATES ’52 of Neshannock Township, Aug. 27, 2020.

2020.

JAMES GOLUBICH ’65 of Farrell, July 4, 2020.

MARY JANE SCHEIDHAUER CARPENTER ’65 of Edgartown, Mass., Aug. 19, 2020.

LOIS BALPH M’67 of New Wilmington, March 18, 2019.

HAROLD “DUANE” LUCAS M’67 of Union Township, Aug. 7, 2020.

DR. DONALD HALL ’67 of Wadsworth, Ohio, June 28, 2020.

ELIZABETH “BETH” MYERS LINS ’67 of Springfield, Va., June 19, 2020.

THOMAS GREGORY III ’69 of Flowery Branch, Ga., Aug. 18, 2020.

GEORGE “KEN” GORDON ’53 of St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 26, 2019.

GREGORY GELETKA ’70 of Palm City, Fla., Feb. 27, 2018.

NANCY ZANGRILLI LYON ’53 of Strasburg, June 6, 2019.

J. TIMOTHY “TIM” CARR ’72 of Pittsburgh, Oct. 2, 2020.

JOHN LIKO ’54 of Cary, Ill., June 17, 2020.

STELLA SAVA RUMMEL ’74 of Sharpsville, Sept. 10, 2020.

RICHARD HUMMEL M’55 of Ross Township, Feb. 4, 2020.

LEATRICE BARR WRIGHT M’76 of Poland, Ohio, July 24, 2020.

THE REV. LAURENCE MCCULLOCH ’55 of Duarte, Calif., March

JAMES COSENTINO ’76 of Metuchen, N.J., Dec. 13, 2019.

1, 2020.

SAMUEL SHANE JR. ’55 of Springfield, Delaware County, May 15, 2020.

MARYANN MELCER GALIANO M’80 of New Castle, June 29, 2020.

STEPHEN PETRARCA ’81 of Plano, Texas, Aug. 5, 2020.

NANCY PETSINGER OLIPHANT ’56 of Ashburn, Va., Jan. 12, 2020.

JAYNE GREENWOOD-HINZE ’82 of Lilburn, Ga., Aug. 12, 2020.

ALICE WAGNER SCHMIDT ’56 of Elgin, Ill., June 20, 2020.

DOUGLAS “DOUG” WILLIAMS ’85 of East Grand Rapids, Mich.,

CLAIRE SODE ’58 of Rogers, Ariz., Aug. 28, 2020.

SARA PORTNER TREINEN ’59 of Des Moines, May 17, 2019.

JOHN NELSON ’60 of Ludington, Mich., Aug. 22, 2020.

JANET “JAN” MCGRATH CARR ’61 of Wylie, Texas, formerly of Grove City, Aug. 26, 2020.

Aug. 20, 2020.

RICHARD “SCOTT” KIRSCHLER JR. ’88 of Pittsburgh, Oct. 9, 2020.

MARGARET “MARGIE” BARNHART ’91 of Perry Township, June 27, 2020.

DAVID KOVACK ’61 of Nokomis, Fla., Sept. 1, 2019.

KIMBERLY KERR MCCORMICK M’93 of New Castle, July 25, 2020.

SUE BEVERIDGE ’62 of Kersey, Nov. 16, 2019.

ANDREA WRENN ELLIS M’95 of Canfield, Ohio, Sept. 3, 2016.

JOHN “RUSTY” COLES II ’62 of Brentwood, June 4, 2020.

GEORGE AUSTIN ’06 of New Castle, Sept. 30, 2020.

JAMES “JIM” DEAL ’62 of New Wilmington, Aug. 22, 2020.

SEAN ROSS M’08 of Lexington, Ky., formerly of Bentleyville, Aug.

WILLIAM HENNON ’64 of Orchard Park, N.Y., July 27, 2020.

MICHAEL MANIOS ’64 of Warren, Ohio, June 26, 2020.

3 4 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

4, 2020.

FRIENDS & CAMPUS FAMILY

RODERICK “ROD” DORMAN

JOSEPH “JOE” STEIGHNER

DR. JAMES SEWALL ’49

SANDRA “SANDY” SHEARER

MAY 5, 2020

AUG. 11, 2020

SEPT. 28, 2020

OCT. 6, 2020

Brother of former Westminster College President Dr. Richard Dorman, ROD DORMAN earned his law degree from the University of Miami and went on to a celebrated career in private practice and was recognized as one of the nation’s leading intellectual property litigators by numerous legal publications.

A member of Westminster’s Board of Trustees from 19931994, JOSEPH STEIGHNER was elected to the House of Representatives 11th Legislative District, where he spent 16 years representing Butler County. He founded and was president of Joseph A. Steighner and Associates, a consulting and lobbying firm in Harrisburg.

Campus Storee Stor Order online at bookstore.westminster.edu

Originally from New Wilmington, DR. JAMES SEWALL spent several years teaching Spanish and French across many cities. He returned to New Wilmington and Westminster—where he had studied for two years— to become a member of the Department of Foreign Languages. In 1987 after 25 years with the College, Señor Sewall was named associate professor of Spanish emeritus.

• Sweatshirts • T-shirts • Masks • Hats • Jewelry • Mugs • License Plates • Gift Cards • Tote Bags • Cowbells!

A familiar face on campus, SANDY SHEARER began her career at Westminster in 1980 and retired in 2012 as manager of the College Bookstore.

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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

PARTING THOUGHTS WC MEMORIES

What is life expecting from us?

By THE REV. DR. STEPHEN McCONNELL ’80

I

n Victor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning , through which he recounts his horrifying journey surviving Hitler’s concentration camps, he also explains how the experience helped him to arrive at a new philosophy on how to approach even the worst circumstances of life. Wrote Frankl: “We had to learn ourselves and, furthermore, we had to teach the despairing men, that it did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life—daily and hourly.”

Each of us would and should arrive at a different answer to that question and yet maybe it’s a time to draw inspiration from the Biblical passage that resides at the center of the Westminster College seal: Isaiah 8:16—“Bind up the testimony, seal the law.”

I’ve never found what inspired our founders to—of all Biblical verses—put this one front and center to our life at Westminster College, but it’s made me wonder if it doesn’t serve as a good touchstone for our mission especially in this unexpected time. The law according to Jesus is to love one another—love God, love

3 6 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

neighbor. What does life expect from us—Jesus would say— but to love one another.

Or as the prophet Micah would say, “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.” We seal the law in our love for one another. We seal the law when we raise more than $1.8 million to Bring Back the Titans, when we encourage our students to live the Westminster Way, and when we pound nails into a Habitat for Humanity house. We seal the law when we take our nursing degree into the hollers of Appalachia, when we parlay our business degree into starting a non-profit that feeds the hungry, and when we volunteer at a hospice center.

This is what distinguishes human beings at their best, as it says in Westminster College’s mission. And if there is any testimony that we would wish to bind up in the history of Westminster—perhaps it would be the stories of Westminster people displaying the courage and the creativity to love and help our world and our neighbor especially through a time like this. That while our students learn organic chemistry formulas and macro-economics and 19th century British literature—and from that learning dream of trails to blaze—that maybe our greatest legacy will come not from what we expect from life but in learning what life expects from us—to live out the law of love and to share the testimony of love’s power to conquer all things. That the invisible evils of any virus, microbiological or behavioral, can be dismantled by the visible contagion of compassion and kindness. S

The Rev. Dr. Stephen McConnell ’80 is the senior pastor of Church of the Palms in Sarasota, Florida. He recently completed his second term on Westminster College’s Board of Trustees.

Thank you

Bring Back the Titans

Donors

Bring Back the Titans made it

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched almost all of us in some way or another, and our

possible for me to come to school for

students and their families are no exception. Many reported financial hardships due to

my senior year and get my degree.

If it wasn’t for this financial aid, I would’ve had to drop out and most likely wouldn’t have come back to finish. It’s because of the donors that my life is still on track! ~ Current Student

reduction of income, loss of employment, illness and, in some extreme cases, death. But the response to the Bring Back the Titans campaign helped alleviate some of those financial difficulties, enabling students from all class years and academic areas to return to campus this fall—and it positioned us to continue helping students. Because of your generosity, no student was turned away because of the inability to pay tuition. Your gift helped inch our students one step closer to Commencement and realizing their academic dreams.

After I lost my job this spring, they awarded our daughter financial aid through “Bring back the Titans.” It was a godsend!

THE SUCCESS OF THE BRING BACK THE TITANS CAMPAIGN ENABLED AN AVERAGE GIFT AMOUNT OF

$8,994.31.

~ Parent of Current Student

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