Westminster Magazine Fall/Winter 2016

Westminster FALL/WINTER 2016 • VOLUME XXXV, ISSUE 1

COLLEGE MAGAZINE

DR. KATHY BRITTAIN RICHARDSON WESTMINSTER COLLEGE’S 15TH PRESIDENT on

PROMOTING THE ‘WE’ IN WESTMINSTER

INSIDE > 2015-2016 HONOR ROLL OF GIVING

Westminster COLLEGE MAGAZINE

FALL/WINTER 2016 Volume XXXV, Issue 1

EDITORIAL STAFF Elizabeth Fontaine Hildebrand ’92 Editor & Designer Rick Sherlock Senior Director of Marketing & Communications ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE Kara H. Montgomery Nicole Crumbacher Hunter ’12 Linda Wilson ALUMNI COUNCIL James A. Giel ’74, President Karen Campman Emmett ’75, Past President PRINTER Printing Concepts, Inc., Erie, PA EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Deborah Platt Majoras ’85 Chair, Board of Trustees Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson President Dr. Neal A. Edman Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students Kenneth J. Romig ’85 Vice President for Finance & Management Services Dr. Thomas H. Stein Vice President for Enrollment & Marketing Matthew P. Stinson Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Susanne Woods Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the College Photography credits: Tiffany Wolfe Shaffer, Elizabeth Hildebrand ’92, Nathan LaRiccia, Brad Weaver, Katie Hilliard Bittner ’08, Nicole Crumbacher Hunter ’12, Terry Clark, Fred Schriner

GREETINGS OF THE

SEASON

Whatever is beautiful.

Whatever is meaningful.

Whatever brings you happiness.

May it be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

Contact us at: WCmagazine@westminster.edu or 724-946-8761 Mailing address: Westminster College 319 S. Market St. New Wilmington, PA 16172-0001 ATTN: Westminster Magazine Editor Westminster Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Marketing and 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 161720001, 724-946-7247. Westminster College is related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through the Synod of the Trinity.

contents

FALL/WINTER 2016 | Volume XXXV, Issue 1

The Westminster Chamber Choir performs during the chapel service prior to the inauguration of Westminster’s 15th President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson

WHAT’S INSIDE 2

President’s Message

4

Message from the Vice President for Institutional Advancement

6

Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson Inauguration: Finding the “We” in Westminster

10

Campus News

20

Alumni Spotlight: Linda Claybourn Jenkins ’80

22

Homecoming 2016

27

Share Your Story: Sara Enos Wentworth ’37

29

Message from the Alumni Director

30

Alumni News & Notes

36

WC Memories: Brittain Lake

On the cover: Students make their way to President Richardson’s inauguration ceremony wearing their “We in Westminster” T-shirts, which echo the theme of the inauguration celebration.

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 G

RATEFUL: So reads the license plate on one of my friend’s cars-—a reminder each day that there is much for which to be thankful. As the new president here at Westminster, I’m deeply aware of that truth. I am grateful for the honor of serving as Westminster’s 15th President, joining a line of great leaders who have guided the institution over the past 164 years. Since moving to campus in late June, my husband Randy and I have been welcomed with graciousness and warmth. We appreciate the many ways in which Dr. and Mrs. Dorman were so gracious in helping us transition to Westminster and that the leadership team, the Board of Trustees, and transition committee have offered advice and support.

Becoming part of an institution with such a rich history of serving students, coming to know the strong faculty and talented staff, and having the opportunity to get to know the bright, engaged students here has prompted deep gratitude. We are thankful for the larger than expected entering class of first-years and transfers—almost 400 strong—and for the progress made on campus academic, residence, and athletics facilities this summer that helped ensure we were ready for new and returning students. This fall, we have celebrated the achievements of faculty and staff and received news of new federal and state grants in support of the sciences. The national recognitions offered the College—high rankings by U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, and Washington Monthly—have confirmed the wonderful experiences that Westminster offers its students and the ways in which they are so well prepared for success as they graduate.

Overwhelmingly, the loyalty, love and support offered to Mother Fair by alumni of all ages has been a delight. Meeting students from classes in the ’40s to the ’10s and hearing stories of how Westminster shaped their lives in such positive ways has been a continuing inspiration. How exhilarating and touching it has been to hear stories of faculty, coaches, staff and other students who challenged and inspired individuals to achieve and excel in ways beyond what they could have imagined as they began those days at Westminster. I’m grateful for those who have supported the College this year with their financial resources, those who are recognized in this issue. Giving back so that the programs and facilities that serve current students can be supported and strengthened is a tangible way of expressing gratitude for the impact Westminster has had and will continue to have for years to come.

Perhaps more than anything else, however, I am grateful for what I’ve come to understand as the essential spirit of Westminster—the strong connections among alumni, faculty, staff and students that creates an enduring community of Titans that care for and with each other and that fosters a deep commitment to the wellbeing of the College. These connections distinguish Westminster as a remarkable place of growth, learning and inspiration and provide the commitment that will call us to work together to meet the needs of our students today and tomorrow.

There is much to do. Building on the foundation of the liberal arts curriculum, we will continue to deepen and enrich the student educational experience so that each may graduate prepared for leadership, citizenship and achievement. As the undergraduate enrollment grows, we must work together to provide the types of facilities for academics, athletics and student life that will match the quality of our faculty, coaches and students. The support of this community will help us expand the personal and professional mentoring available to students and young alumni and to identify more ways for our students to engage meaningfully in helping address the challenges and opportunities that abound locally and globally.

So many of the stories I have heard over the past few months have been punctuated by the line, “I am so thankful for all that Westminster has meant to me.” Indeed, gratitude lies at the heart of the College’s narrative. Our challenge together as we look ahead is to ensure that the challenging education, the caring environment and the distinctive opportunities that characterize the Westminster story will continue to flourish. I am thankful to have become a part of such a wonderful story. Tag me “GRATEFUL.” Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson President 2 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

We’re getting the job done.

With 3,000 applicants last year, it’s clear that students are interested in a Westminster education.

We welcomed 396 new students this fall, roughly an 18% increase over last year’s class. Dr. Thomas Stein, vice president for enrollment and marketing, says curriculum changes, strong engagement with alumni, and targeted marketing efforts all play key roles in our enrollment numbers. And we’re not just looking for numbers. We’re looking for quality students (just like students are in the market for a quality education). This year’s incoming class had a 3.6 high school cumulative GPA and nearly 1065 on the SAT—65 points above the national average.

CLASS OF

2020

52% 48% MALE

FEMALE

5

TOP MAJORS

1. BIOLOGY 2. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 3. MUSIC 4. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 5. ACCOUNTING 5. SPORTS MANAGEMENT

18 STATES REPRESENTED

2 FOREIGN COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

TITAN WELCOME Dr. Dar Huey ’74, professor of education, greets one of Westminster’s 396 new students following Opening Convocation in August.

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 asked, you answered

By MATTHEW STINSON Vice President for Institutional Advancement

T

his time last year, I discussed how you could help our efforts to recruit new Titans, establish professional ties with our students, and help advance the mission of Westminster through your time, talent, and treasure. The response has been overwhelming, and every aspect of our growth and advancement can be traced back to our alumni and friends.

1. Extension of our admissions team This fall, we welcomed almost 400 new students to campus—an 18% increase over last year’s numbers. While there are myriad reasons for the boost in enrollment this year, Dr. Thomas Stein, our vice president for enrollment and marketing, specifically cites new curriculum, targeted marketing efforts, and strong alumni engagement as key factors.

When Dr. Stein polled students about their reasons to consider and ultimately select Westminster, “alumni and friends of the College” was the number one response.

Your personal influence is the best marketing tool we have in terms of introducing potential students to Westminster, and we hope you continue this practice. Educate students and parents alike about the benefits of a liberal arts education and Westminster. Bring a prospective

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

student to campus for a visit or to attend an event. Nominate a high schooler for one of our awards such as the Jerb Miller Scholarship. Keep Westminster College in the dialogue.

2. Extension of our alumni and Career Center teams Our alumni and friends continually step forward when it comes to helping our students accomplish their career objectives. Through mentor programs, networking opportunities and internships, our students have a host of connections at their fingertips.

The Professional Networking Symposium continues Will Armentrout ’12 speaks to students at the to grow and the spring Professional Networking Symposium 2016 event was the largest ever comprised of 166 alumni and 158 students. Our alumni heard the call and returned to campus with the primary intent of helping students make necessary and important connections in their anticipated fields.

Many other opportunities exist throughout the year for alumni wishing to engage with our students through the Career Center.

Examples include serving on topical career panels, teaching basic networking techniques and practices, reviewing resumes, and conducting mock and actual interviews. See page 28 for more on the Career Center’s student and alumni engagement.

3. Extension of the Office of Institutional Advancement Our Office of Institutional Advancement works to cultivate meaningful relationships with our alumni and friends

the best possible education and ensures the future of Westminster College.

Athletic Director Jim Dafler at the weight room dedication that ultimately result in some level of philanthropic investment in Mother Fair.

Did you know that your participation, regardless of size, can assist the College in strengthening our position in some of the national rankings? Did you know that collectively your gifts, regardless of size, have a true impact on our students? Every gift of every size helps provide our students with

Over the course of the past year, your gifts have supported key initiatives through the Westminster Fund and the Student Emergency Fund, offering vital financial support for our students. Other projects that were completed this past year thanks to giving from alumni and friends include the Bill Rankin Golf Center, the TTO weight room renovation, the IM Gym Floor, and updates to the Hoyt Science Center. If you made a contribution to the College, or volunteered your time or talents during the 2015-2016 fiscal year, your support is noted in the enclosed Honor Roll of Giving. We are so grateful to the generosity of each and every person listed.

her first year is noticing a strong attribute of the College that was apparent during my first year as well. There is a spirited desire by our alumni and friends to help advance the mission of Mother Fair. There is an unusually robust connectedness amongst our alumni, students, faculty, coaches, and staff.

During the week of the President’s Inauguration we celebrated the WE in Westminster. President Richardson during

There are countless examples of the WE throughout this magazine and WE could not do what we do without you. Thank you!

PUTTING FACES TO NAMES Representatives of our Office of Institutional Advancement enjoy traveling across the country to meet with our many alumni. If you’d like to schedule a visit with one of Westminster’s officers, see the territory map and reach out to the designated officer for your region.

ANDREW YOUTZ

724-946-7009 youtzaj@westminster.edu

KELLI MCKEE

724-946-7673 mckeekj@westminster.edu

ROB KLAMUT

724-946-7018 klamutrg@westminster.edu

• Pennsylvania & Ohio are shared territories.

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

FINDING THE ‘WE’ IN WESTMINSTER Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson sees strengths in connections

By Elizabeth Fontaine Hildebrand ’92

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

President Kathy Richardson warmly chats with junior Billy Trott at the reception following the inauguration ceremony.

DR. KATHY BRITTAIN RICHARDSON SEES THE “WE” IN WESTMINSTER: THE CONNECTION THAT IS FOSTERED AT THE COLLEGE, REFLECTIVE OF THE VISION AND MISSION OF MOTHER FAIR. Richardson, who was inaugurated as the College’s 15th president on Oct. 28, comes to Westminster from Berry College, Mt. Berry, Ga., where she served as provost and professor of communication. She holds a Ph.D. in mass communication and a master’s in journalism from the University of Georgia and earned her undergraduate degree from Shorter College. An accomplished academic, she is widely recognized as an expert in media ethics.

At Richardson’s inauguration—where faculty, students, alumni, and trustees

offered their welcomes—Westminster’s first female president reflected on the College’s past, hailed its present and outlined a vision for its future, beginning with an observation.

“As a newcomer, it struck me as somewhat obvious that the College’s name was revelatory: We are Westminster,” Richardson said. “It is the ties among these groups—the scholars, the leaders, the members, the teammates, the friends—that comprise the real Westminster College. We are Westminster—and the power of that connection separates and distinguishes Westminster in ways reflective of its founding vision and abiding mission.”

students without discrimination: men, women, persons of color, and those from varying social classes. The founders were also committed to offering students a classical liberal arts education and the opportunity for more defined study in science and education—all while developing moral and ethical thinkers.

“Has there ever been a more important time for us to heed such a calling?” she

“You see, from the very beginning, the ‘we’ in Westminster was radically and profoundly inclusive. And we gather here today not only to celebrate that fact, but to proclaim: May it ever be so,” she said. “I don’t see the ‘we’ in Westminster as just a slogan or cliché . It is both our heritage and our calling.”

The vision of Westminster’s founders was radically broad in terms of access. From its 1852 founding, the College matriculated

President Kathy Richardson and her husband, Dr. Randy Richardson, at the inaugural chapel service 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

A WEEK of CELEBRATION The week leading up to Inauguration truly promoted the WE in Westminster. Each day had a specific focus, celebrating all the aspects of Westminster College.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23: CELEBRATE HISTORY & HERITAGE • Wallace Memorial Chapel & Open House • McGill Library Archives & Open House • Vespers Service

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24: CELEBRATE STUDENTS • Service Cup Award & Celebration: Honoring the great service work done by our students.Thirty-two projects from 25 student organizations entered.

asked. “At a time when critical thinking and civic discourse seem to have become eclipsed by shouting opinions, when information overwhelms knowledge, the type of teaching and learning that provides grounding and connections, caring and challenge, cannot and must not be abandoned.”

To realize a meaningful 21st century liberal arts based education that prepares students for lives of leadership and service, engaging the community in a shared vision will be critical, she said.

“We must seek to reach farther,” she said. “It has become necessary to extend its reach in recruitment efforts, and in providing educational and scholarship experiences.

Westminster must look beyond its boundaries and discover new opportunities that will enrich our students.”

By pursuing new educational partnerships outside of campus—such as Westminster’s recent partnership with UPMC Jameson to establish a nursing program next fall—the College is providing students with “greater opportunities for applied learning in the borough, in the region, and beyond.”

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25: CELEBRATE ATHLETICS • Women’s Volleyball Game • Women’s Soccer Game

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26: CELEBRATE ACADEMICS • Henderson Lecture featuring Dr. Thomas Oberst

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27: CELEBRATE ARTS • School of Music concert featuring various student ensembles • Foster Art Gallery

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

But in today’s interconnected world, an institution of higher learning must also promote a deeper global awareness and cross-cultural understanding and encourage the embrace of different perspectives.

Similarly, Westminster should continue to encourage students to lead lives of service, integrity and value, Richardson said.

“A liberal arts education should proffer the perspectives and wisdom of the ages— perspectives that help us understand our

President Kathy Richardson with Deborah Platt Majoras ’85, Board of Trustees chair connectedness with each other and prompt empathy for those around us,” she said. “My hope is that each Westminster student in his or her time here will be prompted on a deeply personal level to think about the big questions.”

Service projects can greatly impact the lives of students, as will promoting connections with mentors, advisers, and faculty members. Richardson cited a recent Gallup-Purdue poll of college alumni that asserts those measures, when done successfully, contribute greatly to students’ sense of well-being and engagement as they began their careers.

“Such relationships and connections are in the DNA of Westminster College, where faculty, students and staff interactions have been valued and have been valuable for decades. But we can do more,” she said.

That includes building even stronger relationships by connecting students with alumni and professional mentors, creating stronger connections between faculty and first-year students, and mentoring recent alumni, Richardson said.

The College also needs to grow enrollment and increase retention rates and look closely at developing and maintaining facilities— academic buildings, athletic spaces,

WHERE SHE’S BEEN Trustee Robin Willoughby Gooch `75 offers remarks during the inauguration ceremony. residence halls—that are worthy of the students, faculty, coaches and staff here, she said.

This vision for Westminster is achievable, Richardson said, with a strong united effort. The goal is to produce graduates who are empathetic, ethical, educated, empowered—the competencies and characteristics of humankind at its best.

“By working together we will honor our heritage and look ahead to our legacies,” she said. “At day’s end, a Westminster education must be a process rooted in a comprehensive, liberal arts tradition and yet as innovative as the discovery of new elements or new planets—an education that welcomes students from all backgrounds and proffers to them the individual attention and support necessary for well-being and success.”

“This is possible because we are Westminster,” Richardson concluded.

“Together we can support, connect, achieve and inspire. We are Westminster.

It’s the beginning of our name. It was the beginning of the dream here. I believe that we have a future together.”

• • • • • • • •

Washington, D.C. (May 2016) Atlanta, Ga. (May 2016) Erie (July 2016) Pittsburgh-North/Treesdale (August 2016) Pittsburgh-Downtown (August 2016) New Wilmington (September 2016) Cleveland, Ohio (September 2016) Columbus, Ohio (October 2016)

WHERE SHE’S GOING • • • • • • • •

Sarasota, Fla. (Tuesday, Feb. 21) Orlando, Fla. (Thursday, Feb. 23) The Villages, Fla. (Friday, Feb. 24) Charlotte, N.C. (Tuesday, March 28) Raleigh, N.C. (Wednesday, March 29) Harrisburg (Monday, May 15) Philadelphia (Wednesday, May 17) New York City (Thursday, May 18)

“We are Westminster.”

A Student’s Perspective Inauguration speaker Cory Hughes ’17, president of the Student Government Association and member of the senior class, said that as he began to ponder what was unique about President Richardson, he noticed a recurring theme of “genuinely caring.”

“In just the first few weeks of your presidential term, we’ve been able to notice what makes you different.

You took it upon yourself to take the first steps into building genuine relationships with the students of Westminster by taking the time out of your day to sit down with our various groups and organizations and getting to know us,” he said. “We’ve noticed that you care about the students by the way you remember our names and our involvements, even after just meeting us for the first time.”

President Kathy Richardson has enjoyed meeting alumni and friends at her recent President on the Road events. Above, at the event in the Washington, D.C., held at the home of Trustee Ashley Davis ’97. Below, an event held for alumni in the Erie region.

“We see your willingness to try new things. You’ve hosted office hours in the campus center and are planning many more. We’ve seen from your actions that you’re incredibly excited to make Westminster the best it can be. And you’ve shown it with a genuine air that has been unparalleled at Westminster,” he said.

“We appreciate that we know for a fact that students will be the number one priority 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 9

CAMPUS NEWS

WESTMINSTER, UPMC PARTNER TO ESTABLISH SCHOOL OF NURSING IN 2017 The Westminster College School of Nursing will launch in fall 2017 in a collaborative agreement with UPMC Jameson’s School of Nursing in New Castle.

The four-year program will lead to a nursing diploma and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

First-year students will take pre-nursing and liberal arts courses at Westminster and matriculate to UPMC Jameson’s School of Nursing. For years two and three, students will follow the UPMC Jameson program while earning credits at Westminster toward the BSN degree. After completing the UPMC Jameson program, students will test for registered nurse licensure. During the fourth year students will complete higher level nursing courses at Westminster to earn the BSN. “The bachelor’s degree in nursing is now considered the gold standard for entry into nursing practice within healthcare,” said Tricia Ryan, newly appointed School of Nursing director. “With the collaboration between Westminster and UPMC Jameson’s School of Nursing our students will experience the best of both worlds in nursing education with this brilliant combination of nursing and the liberal arts.”

“The healthcare needs of the communities in and surrounding New Wilmington and New Castle are diverse and unique in many ways and provide rich opportunities for these future nurses to develop specialized skills to serve patients in rural areas,” said Linda Kmetz, Ph.D., executive director of UPMC Schools of Nursing and director of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. “During their time at UPMC Jameson School of Nursing, students will have rare opportunities to study and gain practical experience in telemedicine, behavioral health, obstetrics, pediatrics and Amish health customs and practices, in addition to rural medicine.”

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

Speaking about the partnership at a press conference in Pittsburgh were, from left, James Dewar ’82, M.D., of UPMC; David Farner ’85, executive vice president and chief strategic and transformation officer at UPMC; Sandy Rader, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Presbyterian; Linda Kmetz, Ph.D., RN, executive director of UPMC Schools of Nursing and director of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing; and Westminster President Kathy Richardson.

Other highlights of the partnership include opportunities for students to study Spanish medical language; a nursing licensure exam pass rate of current UPMC Jameson students that is consistently above the national average; a strong pipeline to nursing positions in home

care, primary care offices, in case management and in traditional settings at UPMC’s community hospitals including Horizon, Hamot and Jameson; and opportunities to experience global health through Westminster’s mission programs in the Dominican Republic.

School of Nursing director named Tricia Ryan, the newly appointed director of Westminster’s School of Nursing, comes to Westminster from Sharon Regional Health System, where she held various nursing and administrative positions, most recently as the program administrator and director in the School of Nursing.

Ryan earned a nursing diploma from Sharon Regional Health System’s School of Nursing, a bachelor of science degree with Ryan a major in nursing from The Pennsylvania State University, and a master’s degree in nursing education from Robert Morris University, where she is pursuing a doctorate in instructional management and leadership. She is a certified nurse educator; a licensed registered nurse in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York; and holds CPR instructor certification, CPR certification – healthcare provider and advanced cardiac life support certification.

$3M GRANT FOR SCIENCE EXPANSION The planned expansion of Westminster’s science and technology programs will get a $3 million financial boost in the form of a Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant.

Announced Sept. 30, the funding will significantly support the expansion of science facilities.

State Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47) and state Rep. Parke Wentling (R-17) helped secure the funding.

“We are grateful to Senator Vogel and Representative Wentling for this grant assisting in our efforts to expand our science facilities,” said President Kathy Brittain Richardson. “Westminster

College has a very strong national reputation, particularly as it relates to our STEM programs that are grounded in the liberal arts. This grant will help us continue the progress that is enabling our facilities to reach the caliber of our exceptional faculty and students.”

RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

To view a list of Westminster’s STEM disciplines, please visit www.westminster. edu/academics.

NSF funds enable rural outreach The National Science Foundation has awarded Westminster a grant of $648,670 for its project “Rural Discovery Scholars: Providing Targeted Services and Role Models to Increase STEM Preparedness in Rural Students.”

The award, which spans Sept. 15, 2016, to Aug. 31, 2021, is under the direction of Dr. Peter Smith, professor of chemistry and chair of the Division of Biological, Chemical and Environmental Sciences (BCES); Dr. Erin Wilson, associate professor of chemistry; Dr. Kerri Duerr, assistant professor of biology; and Dr. Patrick Krantz, associate professor of environmental science.

The proposed project will provide scholarships to 20 rural, low-income, academically talented and predominantly firstgeneration college students in the programs housed in BCES, Smith said.

“The goal is to increase the self-efficacy and academic success of these students by providing targeted support services and mentoring programs,” Smith said.

“Each participant will live on the same floor of one of our residence halls in a living-learning community and will have a

peer-tutor/mentor, a faculty mentor and an alumni mentor to serve as a role model for success,” he said.

The first scholarships will be awarded to 10 students for the fall 2017 semester. A second cohort of 10 students will matriculate in fall 2018.

The students will receive financial support for all four years as long as they maintain academic standing and continue as one of the majors in BCES: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, materials science or molecular biology.

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

Woods named interim VP for academic affairs Westminster President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson appointed Dr. Susanne Woods as the interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Woods had been serving as a visiting distinguished scholar in English at the University of Miami since her retirement as provost and professor of English at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. She has also worked as a senior adviser to the Council of Independent Colleges since 2009.

She has a wide range of administrative and teaching experience. Woods served as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at Franklin & Marshall College from 1991-1995. Before that appointment, she held a number of distinguished positions at Brown University, including associate dean of the faculty, director of graduate studies

Badowski

Hiel

Lackey

in the Department of English, founding director and chair of the board of scholars for the Women Writers Project, and professor of English.

The author of four books, including the most recent, Milton and the Poetics of Freedom, Woods was editor of a series of editions of literary books and co-editor of a 15-volume series, Women Writers in English 1350-1850 for Oxford University Press.

Woods

She has published more than 40 refereed journal articles and essays and has lectured widely on literary and information fluency topics.

Rhodes

Richardson

Sarver

Six join Westminster faculty The Westminster faculty welcomed six new members this year.

Dr. Robert Badowski, assistant professor of business, holds an undergraduate degree in business education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned a Master of Business Administration and doctorate in instructional management and leadership from Robert Morris University.

Dr. Gary Hiel, visiting assistant professor of chemistry, earned an undergraduate degree from Manhattan University; master’s degree from Polytechnic University (now Polytechnic Institute at NYU); and master’s and doctorate degrees in organic chemistry at Stony Brook University, N.Y. Dr. Patrick Lackey, visiting assistant professor of chemistry, earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Duquesne University and

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

a doctorate in biochemistry and biophysics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Dr. Jessica Rhodes, assistant professor of psychology, holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from D’Youville College, Buffalo, N.Y. She earned a master’s and doctorate in psychology and clinical psychology from the University of Buffalo.

Dr. R. Randolph Richardson, visiting assistant professor of communication studies, earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and theatre and master’s degree in speech communication from Ball State University. He received a doctorate in communication and rhetoric from Wayne State University.

Dr. Jessica Sarver, assistant professor of chemistry, earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Penn State Behrend and a doctorate in philosophy and chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh.

RANKINGS

Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education includes Westminster in new ranking

Westminster College was included in the inaugural listing of The Wall Street Journal/ Times Higher Education College Ranking 2017, earning the 248th spot out of 1,061 institutions across the nation.

Westminster also ranked 96th out of 305 in the Northeast region. In Pennsylvania, 86 of the Commonwealth’s more than 200 colleges and universities were included, and Westminster was listed 26th among other Pennsylvania schools.

“To be included with higher institutions both private and public, as well as institutions of significant size and research-based focus speaks volumes about the quality of education being offered,” said Dr. Thomas H. Stein, vice president for enrollment and marketing.

“Westminster is recognized in a select group of institutions from across the nation reflecting the academic quality of the institution.”

The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education findings were based on responses from 100,000 college students, gauging their experience with faculty, assessing critical thinking requirements and asking whether they would recommend their school to others. Times Higher Education ranked colleges based on four pillars: resources, engagement, outcomes and environment.

Westminster’s strongest pillar was engagement, based on student engagement, student recommendations, student interaction, and subject breadth.

Westminster scored 202, which is in the top 20% of schools ranked.

U.S NEWS & WORLD REPORT Westminster College placed as the 119 “Best National Liberal Arts College” in the nation, according to the 2017 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings released this fall. Last year, Westminster was ranked at 125. th

U.S. News lists 239 schools in its “national liberal arts colleges” rankings. There are about 500 liberal arts colleges in the country.

Now in its 32nd year, the rankings present data gathered from and about nearly 1,400 colleges and universities across the nation. Schools are categorized as national universities, national liberal arts colleges, regional universities and regional colleges.

Within each category, scores for each of seven key measures of quality— graduation and retention rates; assessment of excellence; faculty resources; student selectivity; financial resources; graduation rate performance; and alumni giving—are weighted to arrive at a final overall score.

WASHINGTON MONTHLY Westminster College was ranked the 47th best liberal arts college in the nation by Washington Monthly.

The publication rates schools based on their contribution to the public good in three categories: social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarship), and service (encouraging students to give something back to their country).

TINY HOUSE PROGRESSES The Westminster College Tiny House Project is moving along. The New Castle School of Trades students finished construction on the trailer. After a fresh coat of paint by the Westminster Tiny House team and passing inspection, construction has begun on the house. Alumni will be invited to participate in some community builds this spring. The team is also in the final stages of the Crowdfunding Campaign. If you’d like to contribute or learn more about the Tiny House Project , please go to www.westminster.edu/tinyhouse.

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

Major created in digital journalism A new major in digital journalism, which launched this fall, aims to prepare students for careers in a new age of storytelling.

“Over the past several years, the landscape of journalism has shifted because of the radical changes in the way news is covered, produced, delivered, and consumed,” said Dr. Deborah C. Mitchell, professor of English and film studies and chair of the Division of Communications, Arts, Languages, and Literature.

Digital journalism majors will complete a blend of courses in digital journalism, broadcast communications, public relations and communications. Students will develop competencies in news delivery, critical

thinking, writing, analytical, research, media literacy, journalism, technology and visual competence skills, preparing students for a wide range of post-graduation opportunities.

adapted for it,” said Mitchell. “This pre-

“A reporter can now shoot, write, and edit a story with an iPhone and a microphone

while introducing students to new modes of

professional program is grounded in solid journalistic practices that reinforce the core traditional skills of newsgathering and writing news reporting and distribution.”

Art mentors were key to Totin’s success

A

Totin

lumnus Steve Totin ‘14, who has been accepted into a nationally prestigious graduate program for art, credits his success to the strong faculty mentoring he received as a student at Westminster.

Summer Zickefoose.

I would not be where I am today without having had those two as professors.”

Totin, accepted into the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), will focus his graduate studies on multidisciplinary art. MICA is one of the top 10 graduate programs in the nation for fine art according to U.S. News & World Report.

“This is quite an honor for him and for us at Westminster,” said Zickefoose, lecturer of Zickefoose Cox art and gallery director.

“It is a pleasure watching students like Steve make such successful strides toward their dreams and become recognized for their hard work.”

He attributes his success to his undergraduate degree at Westminster College, naming his teachers as “powerful” mentors.

“Attending Westminster undoubtedly played a major role in not only my success of getting into MICA, but my art career as a whole,” Totin said. “The fine art program is a powerful program due to the dedication, passion and knowledge flowing through it from the two faculty members, Peggy Cox and

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“I applied to five of the top master’s programs for art in the country and succeeded in getting into two of them,” said Totin. “My advice to Westminster students is to not cut yourself short out of fear because you may miss an opportunity that was destined for you.”

“Hard work pays off every time. The payout may not happen quickly or on a time schedule that you want, but it will pay off eventually,” he said.

Astronomy minor now available An astronomy minor program has been added to the Westminster College curriculum.

Astronomy student travel, research aided by NSF grant Dr. Thomas Oberst, associate professor of physics, and Dr. Phillip Reed of Kutztown University have been awarded a $250,000 collaborative grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for student travel and research in the field of astronomy.

Between 2017 and 2020, 12 students from the two schools will visit universities in Italy, Australia and elsewhere to conduct paid internships with some of the world’s leading experts in exoplanetary science, the study of solar systems other than our own, to learn cutting-edge research techniques and to help discover and study planets.

Students entering or transferring to Westminster or Kutztown in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 are eligible to apply, as are students currently enrolled.

“This is an incredible opportunity for students considering scientific- or engineering-related careers in astronomy or the aerospace industries,” Oberst said.

“Even those who end up in other fields would benefit from the exposure to general research and data reduction techniques.”

Students majoring in science or engineering are often unable to study abroad due to heavier or more structured course loads during the school year and the need to earn incomes during the summer. The grant

resolves both concerns by paying students to travel and conduct research overseas in the summer.

In the first year, students will visit the University of Salerno on Italy’s Amalfi coast, where they will conduct research in gravitational microlensing, the brightening of a background object due to the bending of its light by the gravitational field of a foreground object, or “lens.” In the second year of the grant, students will travel to the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, to study planets using the technique of Doppler spectroscopy. The third year destination is yet to be determined.

Westminster, Kutztown, Salerno and Southern Queensland are connected through the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) project, an international network of nearly 50 observatories who collaborate to discover and study giant planets orbiting bright stars.

The grant is part of the NSF’s International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program, whose mission is to keep the U.S. at the forefront of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by developing a globally-engaged workforce capable of performing in an international research environment.

The program builds on a strong array of astronomy-related resources at Westminster, including a research observatory on campus; a planetarium theater and classroom; a large collection of teaching telescopes and cameras; a recent $250,000 National Science Foundation grant for student travel and research in astronomy; and two professional astronomers on the faculty, associate professors of physics Dr. Thomas Oberst and Dr. Robert Knop.

Knop was part of a team that won the 2011 Nobel Prize in physics for discovering the acceleration of the expansion of the universe and last year was awarded a portion of the $3 million Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for that work. Oberst has co-discovered 15 exoplanets—planets orbiting stars other than the sun—in the past three years.

Of 350 small colleges within a 300mile radius, Westminster is one of only 11 to offer an astronomy program. The minor is open to students with any major and offers both calculus and calculus-free tracks.

The astronomy minor joins a major in engineering physics as the second new program introduced within the past two years by Westminster’s physics department.

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

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS SAA program joins students with alumni

I

n a world that thrives on community, the Westminster Student Alumni Association (SAA) Mentorship Program invites alumni to initiate a distinct connection between experiencing and growing in community with current learners.

Emily Somerholder, a senior business administration major, and Ashley Carnahan Downey ’09, senior manager of shopper marketing at Giant Eagle, connected through the mentorship program two years ago. Their relationship, which began through an email exchange, quickly grew to regular Somerholder conversations and a budding friendship.

“I have many mentors who I look up to and learn from today—and I had many mentors during my time at Westminster,” said Downey. “When I was approached about being a mentor, I was excited to connect and hoped to give back to a student in a way that so many others helped me.”

Downey

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be mentored by such a successful woman. Without Ashley and the SAA Mentorship Program, I would not have learned so much more about the business world and I would not have had such an amazing internship experience,” said Somerholder, who was a digital marketing intern at Thermo Fisher Scientific over the summer.

“While I hope that I am able to provide some guidance, I’ve learned a great deal from my mentee, as well,” said Downey. “Emily is not afraid to take chances to find the best fit for her that aligns with her passions. That willingness can translate to all of us throughout our lives and our conversations and relationship have reminded me of the importance of always being true to yourself.”

For information about the mentorship program at Westminster, contact the Alumni Office at 724-946-7364.

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New Castle ninth graders will be paired with Westminster students in a new mentoring program. With the students are, in back from left, New Castle High School Principal Richard Litrenta, Westminster President Dr. Kathy Richardson, Westminster Education Professor Dr. Amy Camardese, New Castle School District Superintendent John Sarandrea, Westminster Major Gift Officer Rob Klamut, and New Castle High School Assistant Principal Tabitha Marino.

Mentoring toward college Westminster and the New Castle School District have launched an outreach mentoring program designed to help high school students thrive academically and consider the importance of a college education.

The Lawrence County Mentoring Program, spearheaded by local attorney Dallas W. Hartman, will pair Westminster education students with New Castle High School ninth graders in an effort to support high school students who have strong potential for success in college.

“Dallas Hartman is passionate about finding avenues to support students in discovering the college experience,” said Dr. Amy Camardese, professor of education and coordinator for Westminster’s School of Education.

In partnership with the New Castle School District, Westminster hosted an informational meeting in August for five select students and their families to learn how the program will work.

Under the plan developed by Hartman and New Castle School District Superintendent Dr. John Sarandrea, Westminster College students majoring in early childhood or minoring in secondary education will act as mentors. Five select New Castle ninth graders will be transported to Westminster once a week—15 times per semester—for 90-minute sessions with their assigned mentor. Mentors, who will have appropriate clearances, will assist with homework, provide tutoring in a specific content area, or attend a campus event with his or her mentee.

During the 2017-2018 school year, the five students who were mentored this year will continue to be mentored as 10th graders, and five new ninth graders will be identified to join the program.

“This agreement not only helps these high schoolers to see the importance of a college education, but it also helps Westminster students to develop mentoring relationships,” said Camardese, who will supervise and assess the program.

Oberst is 2016 Henderson Lecturer Dr. Thomas E. Oberst, associate professor of physics and director of the planetarium and observatory, was named the 2016-2017 Henderson Lecturer.

Oberst’s lecture, held in October, explored the science of exoplanets—planets outside the solar system—framed by the question, “Is Earth the only planet with life?” Oberst has codiscovered more than a dozen exoplanets over the past three years.

“Life or no life, each planet is a whole new world—a unique plot of real estate in the Cosmos,” said Oberst. “Studying these planets helps us put the Solar System, the Earth, and humankind in context.”

To discover and characterize exoplanets, Oberst employs Westminster’s campus observatory and a team of undergraduate student researchers.

“The study of exoplanets not only advances the frontiers of our knowledge of the natural world, but also enables students to conduct cutting-edge hands-on research right here in New Wilmington,” said Oberst. “We are training the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Oberst, who has been at Westminster College since 2008, earned his undergraduate degree in physics and mathematics from Duquesne University. He received his master’s degree in physics and his doctorate in astrophysics from Cornell University.

The Henderson Lecture was founded by Dr. Joseph R. Henderson and his wife, Elizabeth, to encourage and recognize original and continuing research and scholarship among Westminster College faculty, and to afford the opportunity for faculty to share their learning with the academic community. Dr. Henderson, professor emeritus of education at Westminster, served as chair of the education department and as director of the Graduate Program.

A FOCUS ON

FACULTY

ACCOMPLISHMENTS While our Westminster College faculty members are dedicated to fostering the intellectual growth of our students, they are also active scholars, researchers, practitioners and leaders in their respective fields.

COLLEGE READY Kyle Youmans, right, a senior at Sebring McKinley High School in Ohio, has the honor of being Westminster College's first committed student in the class of 2021. The early action process is catching fire — applications and deposits are on the rise for this fall season. Kyle is welcomed by Brad Tokar ’91, Westminster's director of admission.

Outside of the classroom, our faculty members are conducting research, writing papers and books, and performing. They share their knowledge, discoveries, and talents with their peers and the greater community as keynote speakers, journal editors, guest musicians, and more.

You can learn more about our faculty and their accomplishments by visiting our Faculty Development page at

www.westminster.edu/faculty 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

TITAN

STRONG

Titan Sports Hall of Fame 2016 Inductees EMILEE ACKERMAN ATKINS ’08, BASKETBALL/GOLF Emilee Ackerman Atkins '08 served as a three-year captain of the Titan women's basketball team and a one-year captain of the women's golf team. A two-time Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) First Team honoree, she helped guide the Westminster women's basketball team to its first-ever PAC Championship. She is the all-time leading scorer in school history with 1,483 points, and holds the single season record of 611 points. She was named the Team MVP of the women’s basketball team during her sophomore and senior years, and the Team MVP of the women’s golf team as a senior.

She earned PAC Golf Second Team honors as a junior and First Team as a senior.

JAMES GRAHAM ’00, FOOTBALL/BASEBALL James Graham '00 was a three-year letterman in football and two-year letterman in baseball. He holds the school record for highest passing yardage for a single season (2,433) and the second highest record for career passing yards (5,826). He also holds the record for most passing yards in a game (364) and is second in completions (218). His 37 career passing touchdowns stands fifth.

CRAIG HANNON ’08, BASKETBALL Craig Hannon '08, a four-time All-PAC selection, is Westminster's all-time leading scorer with 1,717 points. He holds the school records for most three-point field goals made in a single season ( 114) and career (355). He helped the Titans qualify for the 2007 NCAA tournament for the first time in school history.

JENNIFER PANCAKE ’08, SOFTBALL Jennifer Pancake '08 was a four-time All-PAC First Team recipient who earned PAC Player of the Year honors as a senior. She helped guide Westminster softball to its first-ever PAC Championship and two ECAC Tournament appearances. She holds season school records in home runs (9), wins (22), and games pitched (32). Pancake tops the career records in doubles (37), wins (69), and innings pitched (684.1). She was named Team MVP three years. In her first year, she 18 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

This year’s Titan Sports Hall of Fame inductees are, front row from left, Jennifer Pancake ‘08, Emilee Ackerman Atkins ‘08, and Jessica Cooper Smith ‘08. Back row from left are James Graham ‘00, Glenn Smith ‘59, and Craig Hannon ‘08. was named the PAC Freshman of the Year and the PAC Co-Pitcher of the Year. Pancake was also named on the Division III South Region All-Star Second Team.

GLENN SMITH ’59, BASEBALL/FOOTBALL Glenn Smith '59 was a four-year letterman in baseball and a threeyear letter winner in football. He was a team captain for the baseball team and earned First Team West Penn Conference at third base. He hit .397 during his freshman year, while totaling .327 for his career.

Smith also went a perfect 5-0 as a pitcher. On the Titan football team, he started at center on offense and middle linebacker on defense.

JESSICA COOPER SMITH '08, TRACK & FIELD/ VOLLEYBALL Jessica Cooper Smith '08 was a four-year letter winner on the track & field team and a three-year letter winner on the volleyball team. A three-time PAC champion in track & field (twice in high jump and once in triple jump), she was the first Titan ever to earn All-America status at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Nationals with a third-place jump in the high jump (1.67 m). She also qualified twice for Indoor Nationals in the high jump—the first Titan to qualify for Indoor Nationals in any event. Smith owns the school outdoor records for the high jump (1.68 m) and triple jump (11.08 m) and holds the school indoor record for the high (1.65 m) and triple jump (10.49 m).

During her senior year, she led the team in kills with 460 total (3.59 per game) and was tied for first with 109 blocks.

TITAN

STRONG

Football players celebrate after winning the ECAC James Lynah Bowl game against Utica College 33-6.

Football team scores ECAC Bowl victory

The women’s tennis team after securing the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship title.

Women’s tennis team claims conference title

The Westminster football team finished the season strong this year as the Titans defeated Utica College in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) James Lynah Bowl in November at University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

The 33-6 win marked the Titans’ second-straight ECAC Bowl victory. Last year they won 42-21 over St. John Fisher College.

Westminster (8-3) out-gained Utica (7-4) 350 yards (235 rushing, 115 passing) to 213 (65 rushing, 148 passing).

Junior quarterback Paul Columbo was named the Bowl’s Most Valuable Player. He went 9 of 23 for 105 yards and had 17 carries for a game-high 121 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

Westminster, under head coach Scott Benzel, finished the season 8-3, posting back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1996–1997.

The women’s tennis team clinched the 2016 Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Women’s Tennis Championship Tournament in October at the Pennbriar Athletic Club in Erie. The Titans compiled 56 team points to secure the win.

Westminster won two of the three doubles flights and four of the six singles flights. Westminster second-year head coach Dave Hayden was voted the league's Coach of the Year, while senior Mariah Turiano earned her fourth-straight individual flight championship.

Westminster has now shared or won outright PAC team titles in four of the last five years.

Westminster has claimed the PAC's automatic qualifying bid to the NCAA Division III Women's Tennis Championships. Preliminary rounds are scheduled for May 2017.

Women’s lacrosse head coach named Kim Eldridge has been named the head coach of the new women's lacrosse team that will debut in the 2017 season.

coach. She also coached at Robert Morris University, Randolph Macon College, and James Madison University.

TO KEEP UP WITH ALL

Eldridge was previously the head girls' lacrosse coach at Chartiers Valley High School. From 1997-2005, she was Duquesne University's first-ever head women’s lacrosse

Eldridge earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from the College of William and Mary and a master's degree in athletic administration from James Madison.

www.westminster.edu/

THE TITAN ATHLETIC PROGRAMS, GO TO athletics

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

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

A dash of

HOPE

By Elizabeth Fontaine Hildebrand ’92

A

FTER SEMI-RETIRING FROM THE MEDIA AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY IN 2003, LINDA CLAYBOURN JENKINS ’80 FOUND HERSELF LOOKING FOR SOMETHING MORE SUBSTANTIAL,

MORE MEANINGFUL, TO DO WITH HER TIME. SHE WAS SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO GIVE BACK.

2 0 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

And now, the former finance executive has found a way to fulfill that philanthropic desire through Trades of Hope, a fair trade organization dedicated to empowering women out of poverty. As a “compassionate entrepreneur,” Jenkins, who is a member of Westminster’s Board of Trustees, serves as a spokesperson and sales representative, selling products crafted by impoverished women from all over the globe.

“This has truly become my passion,” Jenkins said. “This is life-changing work.”

It was Jenkins’ mother who introduced her to Trades of Hope more than five years ago when the business, based in her mother’s town of Palm Coast, Fla., was just getting off the ground. Jenkins was moved by the company’s mission—to help women across the world build better lives for themselves through sustainable work—and became Trades of Hope’s 20th independent sales representative. Today, there are more than 2,000.

Trades of Hope follows the home party and online business model: with the help of sales representatives, clients host catalog parties—either at home or online—and sell goods such as jewelry, scarves and artwork that have been handcrafted by artisans from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Uganda, Kenya, Jordan, Haiti, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Guatemala.

In a world where poverty affects 1.3 billion people—70 percent of whom are women—

Linda Claybourn Jenkins ’80, left, discusses the Trades of Hope products at the Purchase with a Purpose kiosk during Homecoming.

Trades of Hope aims to create sustainable work for these women.

“They don’t want charity. They want opportunities,” said Jenkins. The real way to establish long-term change, to promote dignified change, is to develop long-term opportunities, she said. “Hand-outs only perpetuate that gap between the haves and the have-nots.”

And following Fair Trade Federation principles helps create those opportunities.

By being paid fair trade wages, Jenkins said, these women are able to escape desperate situations such as living in slums and extreme poverty, working in sweatshops, and being exploited through sex trafficking and slavery. Artisans are paid nearly six times more for their products than they would earn locally.

By creating sustainable employment opportunities, the artisans they work with are able to provide food, shelter, medicine, and education for themselves and their families.

Jenkins in Haiti in 2013.

In her five years with Trades of Hope, Jenkins has had the opportunity to travel with the company’s founders to Haiti, Costa Rica and Guatemala to meet artisans, hear their stories, and learn how Trades of Hope is making a difference in their lives.

Jenkins in Guatemala in 2015.

“These have been enduring and humbling experiences,” said Jenkins. “They fill me with the passion I now have for helping women around the world.”

Jenkins admits that going from serving as a New York City-based CFO to being on the ground selling jewelry at home parties was a “different process,” but it has been a completely fulfilling one.

“It all goes back to Westminster,” she said. “When you have had a well-rounded education like the one I was given at Westminster, you can evolve.”

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

w HOMECOMING 2016 x october 7 • 8 • 9

HOMECOMING 2016 WAS A TIME OF RECOGNITION, RECONNECTION, AND REJOICING. FROM PRESIDENT RICHARDSON’S FIRST WESTMINSTER PARADE RIDE TO THE CLASS OF 1966 50TH REUNION CELEBRATION, IT WAS A GREAT President Richardson and her husband, Dr. Randy Richardson, are all smiles during the couple’s first Titan Homecoming parade.

MORE PHOTOS FROM HOMECOMING ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE! 2 2 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

www.westminster.edu/alumni

HOMECOMING

SNAPSHOTS The annual Homecoming celebration is a series of Titan traditions— Dorothy Pollock ’46 representing Shenango on the Green

the festive parade along Market Street, reminiscing with old friends on the quad, and taking in the football game down at Burry Stadium.

Volunteers from the Class of 1966 judge the floats in the Homecoming parade.

Abigail Arrigo, Sigma Kappa, and Carl Carpenter, Sigma Phi Epsilon, were crowned Queen and King.

Save the Date!

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend October 13-15, 2017 William White ’57, center, receives a certificate of appreciation from the Diversity Alumni Committee during Homecoming Weekend. Also pictured, from left, are the Rev. Jeannette Hubbard, director of diversity services; Dr. Dava James ’74; Candace Okello ’11; and the Rev. Jim Mohr, campus chaplain.

Alumnus and guest carillonneur Doug Gefvert ’71 sounds the bells. The 42-bell carillon was featured during Homecoming, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the last addition of bells given by the Class of 1956.

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

A moment in time W

estminster’s 2016 graduation day found my husband, Ron, and me once again parked in our RV in the gravel lot next to Brittain Lake, close to the dock. We like that area of campus, as it is usually quiet at night but alive with students during sunny spring and autumn days.

damp wood, and faced down the lake. The other girls took their seated classmate’s picture, cell phones at the ready.

However, on this particular morning, the weather was cold and a light mist of a rain was falling, off and on. Ron walked up the hill to attend baccalaureate service while I opted to stay in the warmth of our traveling motel.

I wondered, as I watched, what each of those young people was thinking as she looked into her future, soon to leave the structure and security of Westminster and the daily closeness of friends. What were her thoughts?

Could she—should she—at only 22 years of age have any real idea of what her life would become? She surely could not—should not—see, down across the lake, the joys and sorrows, the successes and failures that all lives bring.

I sat on the couch, having my hot morning tea, reading a John Grisham novel, and occasionally looking out the window across the water. It was very quiet—until I heard loud, female voices and laughter. As I looked up from my book, I saw a group of eight senior women who had just come from the morning service, still wearing their commencement gowns and mortarboards, walking in the grass from the south end of the football field track to the dock. There they stopped, still talking loudly. And then it became quiet.

When their self-composed ceremony was over, oblivious to my witness, the chatter and laughter resumed, and they walked back toward the stadium stands and out of my sight and into their own futures.

I felt both excited and anxious for each one of them.

I wondered if they would return in 50 years to Westminster, to the dock, and perhaps ponder where the futures they had peered into so long ago had led. I wish I could see them.

It was then that I experienced what I describe as a moment, something so unexpected and out of the ordinary that it makes a deep and lasting impression.

Obviously planned in advanced, one at a time, each young woman walked to the end of the dock, sat on the

I thought back to the day, June 6, 1966, that my classmates and I sat on Senior Terrace looking at Dr. Orr—and perhaps past him into our own futures that were about to begin. Like those eight young women, the unknown lay ahead and all we could do was walk toward it.

~ Excerpts from a speech made by Barb Johnson Hustwit at the Class of 1966 50th reunion dinner in October

The Class of 1966 processes to Senior Terrace at Westminster’s 112th Commencement on June 6, 1966.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY GIFT — The Class of 1966, represented by Graham Johnstone and Barbara Johnson Hustwit present their gift of $170,859.50 to Westminster College during Homecoming Weekend in October. A portion of the funds will benefit the Class of 1966 Scholarship.

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CLASSREUNIONS

View m ore HOME COMIN G photos Westm on ins Flickr p ter’s age!

EACH YEAR, ANNIVERSARY CLASSES AND CLUSTERS ARE INVITED TO GATHER FOR A REUNION PHOTO ON SENIOR TERRACE. IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS, SHARE STORIES AND REMINISCE BEFORE HEADING TO LUNCH OR THE FOOTBALL GAME. IF YOUR REUNION YEAR IS NEXT YEAR, MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND!

60th REUNION | CLASS OF 1956

50th REUNION | CLASS OF 1966

25th REUNION | CLASS OF 1991

55th REUNION | CLASS OF 1961

35th CLUSTER REUNION CLASSES OF 1980-82

15th CLUSTER REUNION CLASSES OF 2000-2002

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

ALUMNI AWARDS

The Westminster College Alumni Citations are presented each year during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, recognizing alumni who have achieved significant accomplishments in their professions or made meaningful contributions to the community or Westminster. The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes alumni of 15 years or less who are making significant contributions as they build career and serve their communities or Westminster. The Rising Titan Award is presented to a current student who shows extraordinary promise to serving the community.

Alumni Citations LAUREL A. PHYTHYON ’74 Laurel A. Phythyon is a 1974 graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1974 and a master of education degree in 1981. Phythyon spent 41 years teaching a variety of grade levels in the Warren Area School District, as well as other local and regional institutions. An outstanding educator, she has been identified for numerous recognitions and awards, including the Jennings Scholar award from Kent State University. She has been an active volunteer on her Westminster reunion committee and is an avid supporter of the Jerb Miller Scholarship Program.

JANICE TWADDLE ’74 Janice Twaddle received a bachelor’s degree in English and elementary education in 1974. For the past 22 years, she has served as the corporate relations manager for the United Way of Allegheny County and has spent many decades logging volunteer hours for the partner agencies that United Way supports. As a result of her very strong volunteerism, Twaddle was named Outstanding Vector of the Year. In addition, she is a member of The Diamond Club for her role in ticket sales for the Pittsburgh Pirates. She has been a very passionate volunteer for Westminster College, serving on the Alumni Council as both a general member and president. She serves on the Pittsburgh Regional Alumni Committee and assists during Homecoming.

WILLIAM W. RANKIN ’60 William “Bill” W. Rankin graduated magna cum laude in 1960 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics and business administration. He also earned an MBA from Pace University in New York. Rankin is the former vice president of employee resources for Pfizer’s Consumer Health Care Group and was instrumental in establishing its worldwide consumer organization. Additionally, Rankin was an active member of the College’s Board of Trustees. He has endowed two scholarships and served as the lead donor for the newly-established Bill Rankin Golf Center. He is a member of the Towering Titan Sports Hall of Fame, as well as an active member of his church.

Young Alumni Award JACKLYN GATES ’04 Jacklyn M. Gates received her bachelor of science degree in chemistry under the direction of Dr. Peter M. Smith, professor and program coordinator for chemistry. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2008. Following a postdoctoral

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

President Richardson, standing second from left, congratulates the 2016 Alumni Award recipients. In front from left are Chloe Knappenberger ’17, recipient of the Rising Titan Award, and Jacklyn Gates ’04, Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner. William Rankin ’60, Laurel Phythyon ’74, and Janice Twaddle ’74, back row from left, earned Alumni Citations. fellow position in Germany at the Technical University of Munich, she returned in 2010 to work at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She was recently awarded the 2016 DOE Early Career Grant, designed to support the development of individual research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers. Gates makes an effort to serve as a campus speaker when in the area and strives to connect with Westminster students while at national conferences.

Rising Star Award CHLOE KNAPPENBERGER ’17 Chloe Knappenberger is a senior early childhood and special education major. She is an active volunteer dedicating time to Westminster College’s Preschool Lab and New Castle’s Walker House, as well as serving as a peer mentor. She is the recipient of the Farmerie Elementary Education Scholarship, the Clara E. Cocherille Scholarship, and the McQuiston Outstanding Service Award. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Sigma Pi, Mortar Board, SPARK, and Council for Exceptional Children. She is president of Westminster College’s Dance Theatre and Sigma Kappa sorority, and serves as service chair for the Student Government Association (SGA). She is involved with Westminster Concert Choir, Sweet Trebles a capella group, and her home church choir.

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How Westminster Shaped My Life

STORY

W

YOUR

hen I enrolled in Westminster College in 1933, I was 16 years old, the second youngest in my class, and I arrived three weeks late due to an emergency appendectomy. I had planned to become a Latin and French teacher, but I discovered that a new program of study was going to be offered: a bachelor’s degree in Public School Music. I immediately changed my major.

This program of study expanded my horizons incredibly. In addition to my classes, I had to learn to play new instruments: the violin, trombone and clarinet. I performed with a cappella choir, mixed chorus and Triple Trio. I had to play the piano solo, definitely outside my comfort zone. We were required to go into different schools each year to assist the music teachers in their classrooms.

Through these experiences I gained an enhanced appreciation for all kinds of music. I increased my self-confidence, and I developed a commitment to spread the joy of music through teaching and performing. While my life, like many of my generation, has centered on my family and my home, I seized every opportunity to share the joy that music brings: teaching piano privately for 35 years; serving as church organist/pianist for 49 years; and performing in the community in countless musical events.

Westminster nurtured community involvement, a lifestyle that carried over after college as I held leadership positions in local school, charity and fundraising organizations. The College also fostered a “Never Stop Learning” attitude that I carried forward the rest of my life.

AT 100 YEARS YOUNG, SARA ENOS WENTWORTH ’37 RECALLS HER COLLEGE DAYS AND THE LASTING IMPACT WESTMINSTER LEFT ON HER AND HER LIFE.

While I don’t teach or perform today, I still hum along and tap my feet at the occasional concert I attend. PBS brings memorable concerts into my living room, and my newspaper’s daily puzzle page provides a challenge for me to see how quickly I can solve the puzzles. There’s always something new to discover, even at age 100!

As I reflect on my life, my years at Westminster (1933-1937) were extremely formative years that helped me define my values and started me securely along a most meaningful path in my life.

Thank you, Westminster!

— Sara Eos Wentworth ’37

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

CAREER CENTER

2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT

BY NUMTHE BERS

STUDENT & ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

754 STUDENTS ATTENDED 18 PROGRAMS/WORKSHOPS

389

one-on-one

STUDENT

appointments

222 268 reached in 21

classroom visits

57

employers presented or recruited on campus

267

students participated in internship/ career fairs

of seniors completed 1 or more internships

12%

of senior class completed 2 or more internships

21%

of all undergraduates obtained an internship this year

or attended events

Westminster graduates were employed 79% ofwithin 1 year

(66% of which are consistent with career goals)

11% 8% 2%

the internships were paid with 36% ofmedian wage of $12.50/hour

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

participated in

(278 graduates with 56% knowledge rate)

INTERNSHIPS

61%

WERE REVIEWED

2015 GRADUATE “SNAPSHOT”

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING 565

employers were present for 7 on-campus and off-campus career fairs

re s ume s

382 ALUMNI

of graduates are attending graduate school full-time are working while furthering their education are seeking employment

SPOTLIGHT INTERNSHIPS:

Nissan, Pittsburgh CLO, BKD, JFS Wealth Advisors, Phipps Conservatory, Consol Energy, Baylor University, University of Pittsburgh, and as far away as Peru and Costa Rica.

EMPLOYED:

IBM, Alcoa, University of South Florida, University of Pittsburgh, PPG, FBI, GE, Cleveland Clinic, PNC, UPMC, BNY Mellon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Pearson Education.

MESSAGE FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR Dear Alumni and Friends, As this school year gets under way, our office is celebrating much more than just a new academic season. So many new and wonderful things are happening that we are excited to share with our alumni.

First and foremost, we have spent much of the summer and fall season welcoming our new College President, Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson. With alumni receptions in many areas of the country, we are embracing our new leader with open arms and warm Titan wishes. We are so thrilled to provide opportunities for Dr. Richardson to meet with a variety of our alumni constituency across the country. We know that these events, interactions and experiences will help her build a strong foundation for her presidency and aid in her understanding of the passion our alumni hold for Mother Fair. If you have had the opportunity to attend one of these events, thank you! Your participation has made an impact.

In addition to Dr. Richardson’s arrival, the Office of Alumni Relations is welcoming another new leader: Nicole Crumbacher Hunter ’07, our new assistant director of alumni relations. Nicole has assumed the role previously held

by Cindy Dafler ’03, who retired in August. Nicole’s genuine passion for relationship building makes her an ideal fit within the alumni family. Our plans for the upcoming year include an increased focus on mentoring and Nicole will be leading this charge. Please join us in welcoming her.

Our office is certainly thrilled about the upcoming year and we look forward to continuing to engage and serve you with a variety of volunteer opportunities, social events and programs. We hope to see you soon!

Kara Montgomery Director of Alumni Relations

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

CLASS NOTES i PASS YOUR NOTES ALONG! Keep your fellow Titans posted on what’s happening.

ONLINE westminster.edu/alumni EMAIL alumni@westminster.edu SNAIL MAIL Westminster College Office of Alumni Relations 319 S. Market St. New Wilmington, PA 16172 OR EVEN BY FAX! 724-946-7366

1959

Paul Boyce recently published The Call, a historical account of his uncle’s experiences aboard the USS Langley during the Pacific “Island Hopping” campaign of World War II. Paul is also the author of The Hooks Files, a three-volume mystery series that he continues to write. He and his wife, Jane Miller Boyce ’54, live near Seattle.

1961

Suzanne Styers Boundy won second place overall in the yearlong Horticultural Tournament of the 150-member Bethlehem Garden Club. Her yard is certified as a monarch butterfly waystation by the University of Kansas and as a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation since 2005.

1964

Robert Sprague was recently honored as “cofounder, leader, motivator and preservationist” by the Brandywine Valley Civil War Round Table of West Chester for his 30 years of devoted service to the organization.

1968

Preston Pierce is museum educator at the Ontario County Historical Society in Canandaigua, N.Y., where he produces and coordinates programming that relates to western New York and annual museum themes. A primary responsibility is coordinating the regional National History Day competition for teachers and students throughout the Finger Lakes region. He continues to serve as a state judge for History Day.

PHI TAU OUTING In May 2016, 14 Phi Kappa Tau brothers from the classes of 1970-72 gathered for a three-day golf outing in Myrtle Beach, S.C. In front from left are Ron Wigand ’70, Dave Acheson ’70, and Bill Kennedy ’70.

Standing from left are Bob Boyd ’70, Craig Dimon ’72, Tom Jackson ’72, Keith Kitterman ’70, Bob Watson ’70, Joe Urciuoli ’70, Patrick Lydon ’70, Brent Long ’72, Bill Cole ’71, and Darrell Davies ’70.

3 0 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

1971

Daniel Semick was elected to the board of directors of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Maryland Chapter, which has more than 500 members. As a senior analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C., Dan has been responsible for reports to Congress on various federal environment, food safety, nuclear, and science programs. He and his wife, Margaret, and their two sons live in Annapolis, Md.

1972

Bruce Johnston retired after 25 years as vice president for student life and dean of students at Lyon College in Batesville, Ark. Lyon’s board of trustees voted him emeritus status, making him the first non-faculty member to receive the distinction since the college’s founding in 1872.

1979

Jim Adams has retired after 27 years as NASA deputy chief technologist in Washington, D.C. His career involved space probes to Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, the moon, asteroids and comets, as well as many earth- and sun-orbiting satellites. Jim and his wife, Peggy, and son make their home in Crofton, Md.

Thomas Tupitza was selected through an exhaustive peerreview evaluation for inclusion in the 2017 Best Lawyers in America list. He is president of Knox Law in Erie and is active on many boards, including past chair of Westminster’s Board of Trustees.

1984

Lynn Stevenson Edgar was awarded research fellowship by Winterthur Museum.

She and husband and two children live in Glenmont, N.Y.

1988

Dianna Clemens-Heim earned a master’s degree in humanities from Wilson College in Chambersburg, where she is the college’s prospect researcher in institutional advancement.

1994

Tamera Evans Ziter of South Jordan, Utah, was named Utah Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Person of the Year 2016 by the Phi Beta Lambda Utah Chapter.

The award recognizes outstanding business leaders who have contributed to the success FBLA-Phi Beta Lambda on the local, state or national level.

1995

was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal from the Linn Inn Alliance. He is a soughtafter speaker on topics related to the U.S. International Trade Commission and is an instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.

1998

Nancy Gillespie Love completed the requirements to become a certified postblast investigator through the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, making her only the second woman internationally to do so. She has worked in the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office for 17 years. She and her husband, Mike Love ’97, live in Monroeville.

2000

Benn Webber of Weatogue, Conn., won a National Sports Emmy Award (his eighth) for his work on College GameDay and the Edward R. Murrow Award in the feature reporting category for “The Courage Game,” a story about a gay 12-year-old lacrosse player. See also New Additions.

Lori ZimmermanRosensteel of Vanderbilt earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Liberty University and is pursuing a doctorate in curriculum and instruction.

Richard Sterba, a principal in the law firm Fish & Richardson’s Washington, D.C., office,

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY FOR THETA CHI Westminster’s chapter of Theta Chi celebrated its 50th anniversary at a banquet in Cranberry on July 30. The banquet’s program, Westminster’s Resolute Men: 50 Years of Theta Chi, celebrated the successes of the Zeta Lambda chapter. Sixty-three brothers attended the event, including those representing the chapter’s first few years on campus:

1983

Dana Cann’s debut novel, Ghosts of Bergen County, was recently published and received great reviews from NPR, Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. He and his family live in Bethesda, Md., where Dana teaches fiction workshops at The Writer’s Center.

2001

Melissa Williams Wagner is an associate financial adviser with Hamilton Capital Management, an investment management and financial advisory firm in Columbus, Ohio.

2002

Anna Tielsch Goddard successfully defended her dissertation, “Adolescent Transition to Adulthood and the Role of Coping and Influencing Factors,” to earn her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She and her husband and twins reside in Old Saybrook, Conn.

2004

Evan Williams was promoted to partner with Hunton & Williams LLP in Richmond, Va.

David Dudgeon ’66, James Wertz ’67, David McCormick ’67, Michael O’Hea ’67, George Kingsbury ’67, Jim Warnock ’67, John Du ’69 and William Lynn ’69. The event was coordinated by Steve Klebacha ’02, Craig Carlin ’04 and Marqus Koranteng ’15.

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

2005

Elizabeth King played the role of T-Bone in Ingrid Jungermann’s mystery comedy Women Who Kill. The film was awarded Best Screenplay – U.S. Narrative Competition at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.

2008

Nicole Panza earned her Ph.D. in applied mathematics from North Carolina State University and is an assistant professor of mathematics at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C.

2012

Ashley Kress earned her master’s degree in communication technology from Point Park University. She is the member services specialist with the Madison (Ind.) Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kaitlyn Schmidt earned a master’s degree in education and an educational specialist certificate in school psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is a school psychologist in Madison, Va.

2010

Ian Turner formed a choral group in the central Pennsylvania/ Greater Harrisburg area that is affiliated with The Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center, a local nonprofit Christian ministry. In addition to Ian, six of the 23 members in the group are Westminster graduates and three are from the same family: Scott Braden ’13, Ellen Carnahan ’80, Jo Johnston ’07, David Timm ’08, Rosie Turner ’09, and Leah Wolgemuth Timm ’10.

2013

Kara Matsey earned a master’s degree in social work and mental health certification from the University of Pittsburgh. She is pursuing a career in substance abuse and addiction counseling.

Jordyn Williams earned her license in school psychology and is working as a psychologist in Zanesville, Ohio.

GIRLS’ WEEKEND Several 1998 classmates gathered in Deep Creek, Md., recently to catch up, reminisce and celebrate turning 40. Pictured in front from left are Amy Shallenberger Lauten, Jennifer Campbell Lucchino and Christy Fairman. In back from left are Christine Paolini Lazzara, Molly Harbst, Lucianna Ascanio Momose, Jackie Lagana Conti, Stacey Mack Cassida, Leanne Onorato, Becky Rickard, Paige Dearth Miller and Jessica Naples Francchi.

WEDDINGS 2001

u Heather Hupp and Tym Cogan, Oct. 30, 2015. The couple lives in Pittsburgh.

2002

Melissa Cooper and Pete Turner, Sept.

19, 2015, at Succop Nature Park in Butler.

Jonathan Harnish ’99 was best man and Nicole Ryan was a bridesmaid. Other Westminster alumni who participated in the ceremony were Kaitlin Ehrhardt Remesky, 3 2 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

David Remesky ’00, William Weniger, Leslie Sheridan and Thomas Texter Bennett ’81. The couple lives in Evans City.

soloist Amy Schroeder Winner and reader Nicole Kress Dericks. The couple resides in Pittsburgh.

2006

2008

u Katie Clark and Craig Fisher, April 2, 2016, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Alumni in the wedding party included maid of honor Megan Clark Young ’03, Melanie Shuluga Gaebel ’02, Courtney Lytle Guido ’04, Leann Deem Davis, Justin Young ’02,

u Katie Frantz and Cody Buzard, Oct. 12, 2013. Alumni in the wedding party included Richard King ’03, Matthew Buzard ’05, Christopher Morgenstern ’05 and Melissa Hennen ’07. The couple and their son live in Twinsburg, Ohio. See also New Additions

u WEDDING ALBUM

2009

u Jacob Martinez and Dr. Caitlin Thompson, May 29, 2016.

Alumni in the wedding party were Joseph Gizoni, Jack Seifert and Neil Falco.

2011

u Debra King and Brandon Hess, Oct. 17, 2015, at Heinz Chapel in Pittsburgh. Alumni in the wedding party were matron of honor Betsy Gillum Sisler, maid of honor Casey Schmidt ’12 and bridesmaid Emily Kompare ’12.

Hupp-Cogan

Clark-Fisher

Frantz-Buzard

Martinez-Thompson

King-Hess

Erceg-Ziegler

2013

u Christina Erceg and Andrew Ziegler ’14, July 2, 2016, at Wallace Memorial Chapel. Christina is a secondary math teacher at Reynolds High School and Andrew is a customer service manager at PNC Bank. The couple resides in Hermitage.

2015

u Laura Mink and Kyle Grabigel, June 15, 2016, at Wallace Memorial Chapel. Alumni in the wedding party included maid of honor Danielle Aurandt, Emily Burns ’14, Cody Ortz, AJ Craig ’14 and Scotty Webler ’16. Laura Harris officiated; Joey Bandi ’17, Rachel Read ’17, Macaya Yao ’18, Maria McTighe and Abby Miles ’16 provided music for the ceremony; Matt Wilson ’11 was DJ for the reception; and Megan Salinetro ’12 was photographer. The Grabigels live in Athens, Ga.

Mink-Grabigel

SHARE YOUR NEWS We encourage you to submit your latest news to be published in the Class News & Notes section of Westminster Magazine. See instructions below for submitting news and photographs.

@

EMAIL us at alumni@westminster.edu

E SNAIL MAIL us a letter at: Westminster College Office of Alumni Relations 319 S. Market St. New Wilmington, PA 16172-0001

p FAX us at 724-946-7366 I PHOTOS: We love to publish photos of alumni and future Titans! Please follow these guidelines when submitting photos:

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTS: We accept all sizes of photographs, but prefer them to be at least 4x6 inches in size. Both color and black and white prints are acceptable.

DIGITAL PHOTOS: To submit a digital photo, attach it to an email message addressed to alumni@westminster.edu. We require highresolution files (a minimum of 300 pixels per inch or 300 dpi when sized to about 3 inches wide). Photos that have a lower resolution are usually not acceptable and may not be published. Digital photos should be saved in JPEG or TIFF format.

DEADLINES: Because Westminster Magazine is published only twice a year, significant lead time is required. The deadline for the next issue is March 10, 2017.

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

NEW ADDITIONS 2000

u Ben Webber and his wife, Elizabeth: a daughter, Sydney Rose, on Jan. 19, 2016. She joins big sister Mattingly at home in Weatogue, Conn. (See also Class Notes.)

2002

u Linda Sestric McCrady and her husband, Mark: a son, Jackson Richard, on July 14, 2013. The family lives in Glenshaw. u Danielle Perfetti Schwessinger and her husband, Andrew: a son, Reid Anderson, on March 9, 2016. He joins big sister Piper Lily.

2004

u Lauren Gacesa Klacic and her husband, David: a daughter, Addison Kay, on Feb. 4, 2016. She is welcomed by big brother Cameron at the family’s home in Hopewell Township.

2007

u Ashley Johnson Simpson and her husband, Greg: a son, Holden William, on June 22, 2016. The family resides in Franklin Park.

2008

u Katie Frantz Buzard and her husband, Cody: a son, Colin Richard, on April 23, 2015. The family lives in Twinsburg, Ohio. (See also Weddings.)

2009

u Jenna Cunningham Flaim and her husband, Jordan Flaim: a son, Easton, on Sept. 9, 2015.

2012

u Chelsea Gallo Fredrickson and her husband, Derek Fredrickson: a daughter, Vivian Lynn, on May 1, 2016. The family lives in Baldwin.

u TITAN TOTS

STAY CONNECTED Sydney Webber

Jackson McCrady

Reid Schwessinger

Addison Klacic

Holden Simpson

Colin Buzard

Easton Flaim

Vivian Fredrickson

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

SHARE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! We want you to be on our invitation and e-newsletter distribution list, so don’t miss out!

Email alumni@westminster.edu to notify us of your updated email.

Legacy

This year nearly 30 students were welcomed into the Legacy Family, entering into a long-standing and proud tradition at Westminster. Those who were able attended a Legacy reception in McGill Library on Move-in Day.

Alexandra Turner with father Douglas Turner ’71

Caitlin DeSantis with parents Chuck ’11 and Jennifer DeSantis ’08

Mason Grimes with parents Jonathan ’89 and Karen Ruhl Grimes ’88

Abigail Jones with parents James ’92 and Correne Wadding Jones ’91

Celine Hildack with mother Rebecca Hildack ’97

Brianna Pilch with mother Cheryl Schilling Pilch ’94

Victoria Zabo with mother Noellene Welsh Zabo ’88

Kenneth Rall with mother Kyra Lewis Rall ’88

Amber Burrows with mother Dani Frazer Cantrell ’94, grandmother Virginia Holland Frazer ’64, and great-aunt Shirley Frazer Covert ‘70

Emma Pollock with parents Gregory ’88 and Lori Neumann Pollock ’87

Matthew Stainbrook with mother Tuesdae Rodgers Stainbrook ’91

WC Legacies 2016

Meg McCarthy with parents Brian ’90 and Ronda Robinson McCarthy ’86

Thomas Somora with grandparents Tom ’64 and Betsy Allshouse Nesbit ’64 and siblings Molly Somora ’19 and John-Scott Somora ’17

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

REGIONAL CONNECTIONS Regional events are open to all alumni and friends of Westminster College.

The Office of Alumni Relations works with volunteers to plan events in cities and regions across the country. Get connected with alumni in your area! t WELCOME WAGON — More than 400 first year students and Fresh Start orientation leaders picnicked together at Wiley Alumni House on Aug. 28. President Kathy Brittain Richardson, members of Student Alumni Association (SAA), Sara Surgenor Arblaster ’02, David Dean ’09, Karen Campman Emmett ’75, James Giel ’74, and alumni relations staff warmly welcomed new Titans to the Westminster College family.

FOXBURG GATHERING — Hosted by our Lawrence-MercerClarion-Youngstown Regional Alumni Committee, alumni from the area came together on a pontoon boat for a tour down the Clarion River. After their sight-seeing adventure, they dined at the Allegheny Grille at the Foxburg Inn.

p OPEN HOUSE — Parents and incoming first year students from Lawrence and Mercer counties and areas of eastern Ohio were welcomed into the home of Pete Slonaker ’84 and Marjorie Fechtmann Slonaker ’85 on Aug. 14. In celebration of the start of a new chapter in the lives of many, in addition to the Slonakers and current Westminster College students, new students and parents were greeted by Todd Cole ’83, Jesse Ligo ’82, professor of accounting, and Amy Klipa Ligo ’84.

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

p COLORADO CONNECTION — Dennis Leonetti ‘65 opened his Colorado home for a potluck style dinner with fellow alumni from the classes of 1964, 1965 and 1966. Co-host Betty Weller ‘65, Leonetti, and the group shared stories, memories, and laughter as they reminisced about Westminster College in the 1960s.

7TH ANNUAL ALUMNI & FRIENDS

DINNER DANCE C•R•U•I•S•E TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017

Boarding: 5:30 p.m.

Departing: 6 p.m. from St. Petersburg Beach FREE PARKING ADJACENT TO DOCK p FUN ON THE FOURTH — More than 35 alumni, family and friends gathered for a backyard barbeque at the home of Sara Surgenor Arblaster ‘02 and Mark Arblaster prior to New Wilmington’s Annual Third of July Celebration. The group celebrated Independence Day and accompanied one another to the annual concert and fireworks display at Westminster College’s Brittain Lake afterwards.

JOIN ALUMNUS HOST AND TRUSTEE KEITH MCCAULEY ‘68 AND WESTMINSTER ALUMNI AND GUESTS FOR A TAMPA BAY CRUISE EXPERIENCE. ABOARD THE SHIP WILL BE DR. KATHY BRITTAIN RICHARDSON, WESTMINSTER COLLEGE’S 15TH PRESIDENT. EVENING INCLUDES DINING, DANCING AND A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET OVER TAMPA BAY.

p TITAN TAILGATE —The Office of Faith & Spirituality, the Alumni Office, and the Student Government Association joined forces to provide students, alumni, and parents with a pre-game tailgate party during the Titan football season kickoff on Sept. 3. The night game crowd was decked out in Titan blue and white as they shared in celebration of community, football, and Westminster College.

• • • • • •

p MISSIONARY MEET-UP — During the week of July 26, Westminster College greeted more than 1,000 missionaries and their families for the 111th Annual New Wilmington Mission Conference. Among that group were many Westminster College alumni, 22 of whom gathered in fellowship at the alumni reception, catching up on stories of travel, experiences, and Westminster College memories.

RSVP BY APRIL 6, 2017 TO KEITH MCCAULEY 727-733-6075 | keithmccauley@msn.com

DEC. 10: Kraynak’s Event, Hermitage DEC. 11: Christmas Vespers JAN. 23: Wear Westminster Day APRIL 7: SAA Friday Dinners with Alumni APRIL 23: Florida Dinner Cruise, hosted by Keith McCauley ’68, Tampa Bay, Fla. MAY 13: Commencement

Check out our events page often for upcoming national and regional events! www.westminster.edu/alumni/news-and-events.cfm W e s t m i n s t e r C o ll e g e M a g a z i n e 3 7

IN MEMORIAM 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 Relations.

ALUMNI Athelston “A.G.” Bartholomew Jr. ’43 of Montgomery, Ala., June 15, 2016.

Louise Gayle Gibson ’44 of Stony Brook, N.Y., Aug. 6, 2016.

Donald R. Weisenstein ’47 of Moscow, Idaho, Dec. 28, 2015.

Louis C. Eadie ’49 of North Fort Myers, Fla., Sept. 10, 2015.

Robert C. Hofer ’49 of Butler, Aug. 15, 2016.

Robert W. Skagenberg ’49 of Painesville, Ohio, July 3, 2015.

William W. Erb ’50 of Sylvania, Ohio, April 21, 2016.

Donna Shumaker Curtis Samuels ’51 of Middleton, Wis., July 23, 2016.

Mildred Henderson Hinkle ’51 of Marion, Ind., July 11, 2016.

Dr. William G. Pettibon ’51 of West Chester, Jan. 10, 2016.

A. Andrew Tignanelli ’51 of New Cumberland, April 26, 2016.

David K. Johnstone ’52 of Munhall, Dec. 3, 2011.

Kathleen Tidd Pride ’52 of Latrobe, Aug. 10, 2016.

Ilona “Peg” Baird Hazen ’53 of Holland, June 16, 2016.

Nancy Iffert McMullan ’53 of Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 11, 2016.

Alan D. Yeo ’53 of Columbia, Md., Sept. 4, 2016.

William H. Keim III ’56 of Trussville, Ala., Feb. 10, 2016.

Carolyn Fisher McFarland ’57 of New Castle, May 12, 2016.

Nancy Nickel Smith ’58 of Crafton, March 27, 2016.

Vincent J. DeSantis ’59 of Plymouth, Mich., May 3, 2016.

Claire Humes Ernsberger ’61 of Newport, R.I., June 30, 2016.

Susan Pinkerton Price Kirschler ’63 of Glenshaw, June 30, 2016.

Dr. Stanley J. Douglas ’64 of Columbia, S.C., June 3, 2016.

Alyce Donaldson Parrish ’66 of Hermitage, Oct. 13, 2014.

Kenneth E. Frazer ’66 of Dublin, Ohio, Jan. 5, 2015.

Judith S. Richardson ’68 of Fayetteville, N.Y., July 17, 2016.

The Rev. Dr. Eric “Rick” Perrin ’69 of Strasburg, April 13, 2016.

Francine Todd Gedeon ’74 of Jeffersonville, Ind., April 26, 2016.

John E. Mahoney Jr. ’74 of Canfield, Ohio, Dec. 24, 2014.

Ann E. Laird ’75 of Tampa, Fla., March 3, 2016.

John E. Wilson ’78 of Hollidaysburg, Aug. 15, 2016.

Dow E. C 1- ' - ’82 of Latrobe, April 29, 2016.

Jane H. McKee ’85 of Pittsburgh, Dec. 22, 2015.

Kelly J. Craycraft ’92 of Sumter, S.C., Feb. 21, 2016.

Kristen M. Humphrey ’92 of Pittsburgh, May 2, 2016.

Elizabeth “Biz” Adams ’03 of Portersville, Aug. 2, 2016.

3 8 w w w.w e s t m i n s t e r. e d u

WESTMINSTER STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND Established in January 2016, the Student Emergency Fund provides relief toward expenses relevant to a student’s ability to fulfill his or her responsibility at Westminster College. This relief helps at a time when all other avenues of financial assistance have been exhausted. More than 10 students have already been helped since the program’s inception.

Join the Westminster community and help us raise

$50,000

this academic year!

The Student Emergency Fund has already made a significant impact on the lives of students in need. More than once, a student has come into my office and talked about the financial crisis they are in and how they are going to need to take a year off. The gifts made to the Student Emergency Fund have the ability to make an immediate impact upon the lives of these students. The word ‘hope’ comes to mind.

This fund provides hope for a student who is ready to give up. A special word of gratitude goes out to the Westminster College Community.

Together we can make a difference. ~ The Rev. James Mohr II Campus Chaplain

For more information about the Westminster Student Emergency Fund, please contact Roxann Williams, senior director of development, at williare@westminster.edu.

WC MEMORIES

BRITTAIN LAKE 1951

D

uring the summer of 1951, fives acres of land south of the new football field was dammed and graded to accommodate the latest addition to campus: BRITTAIN LAKE. The lake was enlarged to 15 acres

two years later. Built during the presidency of Dr. Will Orr, the lake was named for trustee J. Frank

Brittain whose gifts financed the project. In 1958, the New Wilmington Missionary Conference built the Anderson Amphitheater, an open-sided assembly hall, for their annual conference. Situated on the west shore of the lake and constructed for $70,000 on land leased from the College, the amphitheater was available for College use during the rest of the year.

Those with an aerial view of Brittain Lake may notice that it bears a likeness to the Yellowhammer State. This was not coincidence, but rather by design. The lake was built in the shape of the state of Alabama, the home state of Brittain’s wife.

Rumors have circulated over the years that the lake contains a couch, a Volkswagon Beetle car, 1,000 golf balls and a golf cart. There is doubt about some items since the lake is only 10 feet deep. Dr. Clarence Harms, professor of biology emeritus, has offered his assurance that only fish and scuba gear are in the lake. It is also teeming with much life and plant growth due to the high phosphate content. And, it is safe for dogs to drink.

~ Compiled by Dorothy Pollock ’46

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Karen Campman Emmett ’75 and Westminster Fund Phonathon Ambassadors

“

As a graduate of Westminster, I am always encouraged when I return to campus and have the opportunity to visit with students, faculty, staff and alumni and witness their excitement. It is important that the College’s tradition of providing an excellent undergraduate experience for its students

”

continues. Join with me as together we open doors to endless possibilities.

The quality of their experiences will help define our future.

~ Karen Campman Emmett ’75

WHY DO YOU GIVE?

There can be no better way to preserve the future of Westminster College than through giving.

Every gift of every size contributes to student success.

YOUR GIFT. MORE THAN YOU IMAGINE. For information on ways to give in support of Westminster students through both current and future gifts, please contact Roxann Williams, senior director of development, at 724-946-6995 or williare@westminster.edu.

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EXPERIENCING ALASKA Westminster students erect a net to capture brown bats while on a recent Experience Alaska trip. Funded in part by a Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Chaplaincy Implementation grant, the trip provided opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, leadership development, and conversations and reflections about vocational discernment, along with environmental sciences and conservation experiences.