Widener Magazine Summer 2023 Class Notes

CLASS. NOTES. Summer 2023

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M A I N CA M P U S C L A S S N OT E S ( O c t o b e r 2 0 2 2 – M a r c h 2 0 2 3 ) Class of 1966 The Class of 1966 recently met at Hutchinson Island Resort in Florida. The group visited the Navy Seal Museum, reminisced about the past, and rang the bell to honor the memory of two deceased classmates. From left to right: Bill Symolon, brigade commander, and his wife Paulette; Harold DeGroat and his wife Rachael; Frank Pellegrini and his wife Maureen; Walt Hempel and his wife Mary Beth; John Repetto and his wife Colleen; Jeff Travers and his wife Lynn.

Class of 1982 Elizabeth “Betsy” Walls ‘82, RN Elizabeth Walls, the retired director of personal health for the Chester County Health Department, helped to establish the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) in Chester County. Walls was honored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as Pennsylvania’s PHEP Trailblazer in celebration of the anniversary of the creation of the program, as well as Walls’ decades-long service to public health. Walls holds degrees in nursing and administration from Widener University.

Karol Wasylyshyn ‘82, PsyD Karol Wasylyshyn was awarded the 2022 Elliott Jacques Publication Award by the editorial review board of Consulting Psychology Journal. The Elliott Jacques Publication Award is given to an author who uses the

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principles of psychology to solve significant issues faced by contemporary organizations.

Wasylyshyn was selected for this award based on her article about using a client’s self-imagery to enhance the effectiveness of executive coaching. This is the third time that Wasylyshyn has received this honor. Wasylyshyn is a licensed psychologist and an expert on executive coaching and leadership development.

Class of 1988 Michael Innocenzo ‘88 Michael Innocenzo, CEO of PECO, was named chair of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia in October 2022. A member of its board since 2018, Innocenzo has made significant contributions to the Chamber’s mission, subsequently being

appointed to its Executive Committee in 2019.

Innocenzo also serves on the boards of the Philadelphia Free Library, the Philadelphia Police Athletic League, and the Southeastern Electric Exchange.

He has also led special projects with the Edison Electric Institute and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Widener University and an MBA from Villanova University.

Susan Larkin ‘88 Susan Larkin has been promoted to executive vice president and president of Core Commercial Markets at Independence Health Group. Larkin joined Independence Health Group 13 years ago. During her tenure, she has held key leadership roles across the sales and marketing organization and has been committed to developing innovative solutions and delivering an excellent experience for members, clients, and other stakeholders. She most recently served as senior vice president of

Health Markets. In that role, Larkin leveraged her deep industry experience to drive results across all segments by optimizing revenue opportunities and driving administrative and medical cost efficiencies. Larkin received a BS in accounting with a concentration in mathematics from Widener University.

Anne Michelini ‘88, PE The Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia announced that Anne Michelini ‘88, PE, was named the Delaware Valley Engineer of the Year. This distinguished award recognizes a standout local engineer who embodies the qualities that define professional excellence, civic duty, society leadership, and community stewardship. With more than 40 years of experience in capital project leadership, Michelini plans and executes projects internationally at Covanta. In addition, her community engagement and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion include serving as a former board member with First State Robotics, helping to found the Multicultural and Diversity Network at Covanta, and serving as an executive sponsor of the Covanta women’s network, RISE. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Bucknell University and an MBA from Widener University.

Leo Percopo ‘88 J. W. Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa appointed Leo Percopo ‘88 to the role of area general manager at the landmark resort in Paradise Valley, AZ. As a well-respected leader with more than 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, Percopo is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the award-winning resort, along with the rest of the full service, managed Marriott hotels in Arizona. Prior to joining the Marriott team, Percopo spent 17 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts where he held key

M A I N CA M P U S C L A S S N OT E S leadership positions such as general manager. Most recently, Percopo served as vice president

of operations and area managing director for Omni Hotels & Resorts, where he oversaw 26 hotels and resorts with revenues exceeding $1 billion. Percopo holds a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Widener University.

University’s Outstanding Alumnus Award in April 2023. She earned a degree in accounting from Widener University and a master’s degree in human organizational development from Villanova University.

Edward Moldaver ’90 Edward Moldaver, an industryleading wealth management advisor, recently authored the book The Wealth Creation Myth—What They Know, and You Don’t. Moldaver explores the wealth creation and preservation landscape in a way that no other

Class of 1990 Marcia Zaruba O’Connor ‘90 The Philadelphia Business Journal named Marcia Zaruba O’Connor ‘90 the Most Admired CEO. O’Connor is the CEO and founder of The O’Connor Group, which provides flexible outsourced human resources and talent acquisition solutions to small and mid-market companies. The O’Connor Group has 75 talented human resources and talent acquisition partners around the country and is based in King of Prussia, PA. In 2021, The O’Connor Group received several awards, including Inc. 5000, Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania, PBJ Healthiest Employers, Quartz Best Small Remote Companies, Soaring 76, and Philadelphia 100. The O’Connor Group is a certified women-owned business. Marcia O’Connor received Widener

Haley most recently served as vice president of sales and purchasing for the Traditional Wholesale Distribution group of Burris Logistics that distributed products to leading grocery, mass, and commissary customers throughout the East Coast. Prior to Burris Logistics, he worked at Pepsi Bottling Group for 20 years in various sales and operations roles. He also served on the board of directors for the National Frozen and Refrigerated Association for a decade. Haley has a BS and MBA from Widener University.

Class of 1996

book has. He provides a roadmap for anyone considering using a wealth manager, as well as explores the three basic pillars of the wealth management industry.

Moldaver is consistently one of the highest ranked wealth advisors in the United States. He is pictured in front of the billboard announcement for his book at the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square, New York City.

Class of 1991 Brian Haley ‘91 F. M. Brown’s Sons, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of pet bird, small animal, and wild bird products, recently announced that Brian Haley ‘91 has joined the company as a national sales lead.

Desiree A. Burke ‘96 Desiree A. Burke was recently promoted to the position of chief financial officer and senior vice president for Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc. She previously held the position of chief accounting officer and vice president of Penn National Gaming, Inc., and executive vice

Presidential Personnel Partner Summit in Washington, DC. Ferguson, the director of Development at Delaware County Community College, represented the Community College Coalition, which is tasked with identifying graduates who have received a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree for positions within the Biden-Harris administration. Ferguson holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, a master’s in public administration, and a doctorate in higher education leadership, all from Widener University.

Class of 2001 Billie Barnes ’01 Billie Barnes, the executive director for the Bucks County Workforce and Economic Development Board, was recently named an honoree of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2022 Women of Distinction list.

Barnes, who began work at the Bucks County Workforce and

president, director of Financial Reporting and Control at MBNA America Bank NA. She received an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Widener University.

Class of 1999 Doug Ferguson ’99, ’02, ’22 Doug Ferguson recently attended the White House Office of

Economic Development Board in 2019, sought to create innovative, cutting-edge workforce services, such as a mobile service operation, to address the needs of 3

M A I N CA M P U S C L A S S N OT E S ( O c t o b e r 2 0 2 2 – M a r c h 2 0 2 3 ) Bucks County residents, as well as to enhance job readiness, training, and placement options.

Previously, Barnes worked at the Philadelphia Workforce Development Board, Bucks and Montgomery County Community Colleges, and the Department of Employment Services in Washington, DC. Barnes holds a degree in education from Widener University.

Jessica Niewodowski ‘01, DO Jessica Niewodowski, who is board-certified in general surgery and surgical critical care, joined Elliot Trauma Surgery at Elliot Hospital’s Level II Trauma Center in Manchester, NH. Niewodowski is a member of the multidisciplinary team, which includes board-certified emergency medicine physicians and surgeons with advanced training in trauma care. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Niewodowski also graduated with honors with a BS in biology and a minor in chemistry from Widener University. She completed her general surgical residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Class of 2003 Marianne Grace ‘03 Marianne Grace has been appointed Merion Mercy Academy’s new head of school.

Grace brings an impressive professional background and decades of missiondriven leadership experience to the role. In 4

addition to having served as Merion Mercy Academy’s interim head of school and director of operations, her experience includes nearly 20 years as executive director of Delaware County where she managed a total budget of approximately $600 million, as well as 50-plus departments and 20 direct reports. Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Temple University, a master’s degree in health education from Saint Joseph’s University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Widener University.

Class of 2005 Magen Buterbaugh ‘05 Greene Tweed, a materials production and engineering firm, has announced the appointment of Magen Buterbaugh ‘05 as its president and CEO. Buterbaugh brings two decades of experience in progressive management to the role. Prior to joining Greene Tweed, Buterbaugh spent 17 years with

DuPont and Chemours in a variety of functions, including capital engineering, operations, strategic planning, and commercial and business management. She holds a BS in chemical engineering from Penn State and an MBA from Widener University.

Class of 2006 Mary Rita Weller ‘06 Mary Rita Weller served as a keynote speaker at the Kutztown University Commission on Human Diversity, which focused on

contemporary issues in human diversity and social justice. Weller, who teaches full time at Kutztown University, was selected as the speaker based on her years of clinical experience working with children and adults that have experienced trauma, as well as supporting sexual minorities and individuals with disabilities. Weller holds undergraduate degrees in sociology and Spanish from the State University of New York, Oneonta. She received her MSW from Temple University and her PhD in education with a concentration in human sexuality from Widener University.

Class of 2009 Travis Sky Ingersoll ‘09, ‘12 Travis Sky Ingersoll has been included in Marquis Who’s Who, which is a biographical registry that profiles those with noteworthy accomplishments.

Ingersoll serves as a professor for the undergraduate social work department at West Chester University and focuses on the topics of human sexuality, sexual trauma, and intimacy. In addition, Ingersoll is the founder and owner of Helping Hands Books in Downingtown, PA. He established the organization in 2009 to

contribute funds to the development of youth initiatives in his community. Through this organization, he has raised almost $18,000 for local youth-serving

programs through online sales from his bookstore. Ingersol received both an MSW and MEd in 2009, and a PhD in human sexuality in 2012, all from Widener University.

Vanessa Tabler ‘09 Vanessa Tabler was recently named partner at Faegre Drinker, an international law firm. Tabler advises private equity funds and public and private companies on a full range of mergers and acquisitions and strategic transactions.

Throughout her career, she has served as a tireless advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and in important leadership roles with clients and at Faegre Drinker. Tabler holds a degree in accounting from Widener University and a JD from Howard University School of Law.

Class of 2010 Erika Evans-Weaver ‘10, ‘12, PhD, LMFT Erika Evans-Weaver is an expert in relationship and sexuality-based topics. She has been appointed the vice chair for the State Board of Social Workers, Professional Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Evans-Weaver was elected as a board member for the Marriage and Family Therapists Regulatory Board, which is the organization that manages the licensure exam for marriage and family therapists across the United States. Evans-Weaver received her undergraduate degree from West Chester

M A I N CA M P U S C L A S S N OT E S University in French and Spanish, her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from La Salle University, and her PhD in human sexuality from Widener University.

Class of 2011 Christen Conaway Jones ‘11, MPA Christen Conaway Jones was appointed director of Development at The Pennington School in Pennington, NJ.

Class of 2012 Rita Sterner-Hine ‘12 Rita Sterner-Hine was appointed superintendent at Waynesboro Area School District. Sterner-Hine has worked in the district since 1991, when she began teaching social studies at Waynesboro Area Middle School. Over the years, Sterner-Hine has held numerous leadership roles in the district, including assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Among her accomplishments, Sterner-Hine instituted comprehensive full-day kindergarten, established trauma-informed classrooms, expanded early graduation programs, and implemented virtual education. Sterner-Hine holds degrees in public administration from Shippensburg University and a doctorate in school administration from Widener University.

Class of 2015 Leelabati Biswas ‘15 Leelabati Biswas earned the grand prize of $10,000 for her research “Decoding Pregnancy Loss, Validating a Novel Genetic Biomarker of Poor Egg Quality” from the American Medical Association’s National Research Competition. Biswas, who is pursuing a dual doctoral degree in medicine and microbiology and molecular genetics (MD-PhD) from Rutger’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, beat out nearly 1,200 entries in the competition, which the AMA describes as “the largest national, multispecialty research event for medical students, residents, and international medical graduates.”

Biswas’s research seeks to identify a genetic predictor of infertility. Biswas holds a degree in biochemistry from Widener University.

Class of 2017 Hannah Landvater ‘17, PE Hannah Landvater was selected by the Central Pennsylvania Engineers Week Council to receive the 2023 Young Engineer of the Year Award. Landvater is a project engineer with RK&K and focuses primarily on traffic analysis and modeling for various clients, including PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and Maryland DOT. In addition, she currently serves as the Central and Northeast Region coordinator as well as the data analysis and program reporting coordinator for the automated work zone speed enforcement

program in Pennsylvania.

Landvater is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Section of the

Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Widener University.

Class of 2018 Mitchell Phillips ‘18 American Community Journals (ACJ), the parent company of VISTA Today, MONTCO Today, DELCO Today, and BUCKSCO Today, is proud to announce that Mitchell Phillips ‘18 has been promoted to vice president of marketing.

Phillips began his career at American Community Journals in 2018 as a social media marketing manager and quickly expanded upon ACJ’s vision to help build stronger, more cohesive local communities by sharing positive and upbeat news. In his role as vice president, Phillips will create content that aims to celebrate and unite the people, places, and businesses in the counties that ACJ serves.

about combating illiteracy at the World Literacy Summit at the University of Oxford in April 2023.

The summit brought together leaders from 85 countries representing over two-thirds of the world’s population, and all with a single focus—advocating, championing, and educating on the vital importance of improving literacy levels across the globe.

It’s the world’s largest gathering of international literacy specialists, and Slaughter engaged the audience in discussions and activities outlined in her textbooks titled Turning the Page: The Ultimate Guide for Teachers to Multicultural Literature and Turning the Page: A Guide to Securing Multicultural Literature for Schools. Slaughter has worked for more than 30 years as an educator and has previously presented at international conferences in Ireland and Brazil.

She holds a doctorate from Widener University in reading with an emphasis on cognitive studies.

Kayla Nelson ‘19 The Philadelphia Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has named Kayla Nelson ‘19 as a recipient of

Class of 2019 Rachel Slaughter ‘19, EdD Rachel Slaughter, a global speaker and teacher at Penn Wood Middle School, presented her research

its Community Outreach and Service Award for 2023. Nelson is a geostructural senior staff

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M A I N CA M P U S C L A S S N OT E S ( O c t o b e r 2 0 2 2 – M a r c h 2 0 2 3 ) professional with Schnabel Engineering in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Her duties include the design of foundations and micropiles, as well as slope stabilization methods, preparation of geotechnical reports and soil profiles, and field and laboratory testing. She has also served on several committees, including the JEDI and College Contact outreach groups, and is a member of the Society of Women Engineers.

Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Class of 2022 Stephanie Allen ‘22, EdD Montgomery County Community College recently welcomed Stephanie Allen ‘22, EdD, as the new director of Equity, Diversity, and Belonging. Allen will lead several initiatives this academic year, including events such as safe space training sessions, the President’s Symposium on Diversity, and the President’s Advisory Council on Equity and

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

PMC’S BAND OF BROTHERS—CLASS OF 1972

by Hannah Campbell, wife of Mike Campbell ’72 It’s June 1968, and Vietnam’s Tet Offensive rages.

In Annville, Pennsylvania, Mike Campbell, Cliff Trumbo, and Larry Miller l, choose PMC College. Mike and Cliff share aspirations of becoming Army 2nd Lieutenants, while Larry entered Penn Morton College.

These were turbulent times and an uncertain future faced the cadets who may be called to war.

My friends Dora (Di Michael) and Jack Andreas set me up for a blind date with Mike Campbell to attend a Phi Epsilon PI/ZBT fraternity party. There the jukebox blared Motown tunes, and chilled beverages quenched thirsts from all night dancing.

When Mike and I kissed goodnight, he ran his fingers through the blonde wig I wore, and I had to twist and turn to keep it in place.

At PMC, I met some of the greatest men— Greg Haugens, Artie Hafner, Joe Edwards, among many—who during the week studied, attended classes, and performed military drills while answering to Colonel Frey’s commands. Dating was usually a football game, where Mike played the trombone with Headquarters Company.

Pershing Rifles drills were a showstopper.

We would gaze over at the Alumni, or “old people,” tent. Now we’re the old people.

Graduation 1972 was bittersweet when the colors were retired—a death in the family for all of us as we said goodbye to our pals, our youth onto uncertain futures, yet still connected by PMC love and loyalty.

Social Justice. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a master’s degree in counseling education from West Chester University. She received a doctorate from Widener University in higher education administration and leadership.

She has worked in higher education for more than 15 years in both public and private settings, including several four-year institutions.

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At our 50th reunion, Mike, Ed Rogers, Cliff Trumbo, Greg Haugens, and others did the “broom drill,” and I proudly wore Mike’s fraternity pin while sitting alongside Betty Rogers, Missy Trumbo, Val Haugens, and Chris Edwards.

For Christmas 2021, we gifted our son, Patrick Michael Campbell, with a tie tac and cufflinks made from Mike’s blue wool PMC uniform buttons.

This 71-year-old grandmother still smiles at the memories of the Spring Formal and Ring Formal, when we girls felt like Cinderella dancing with our forever handsome Princes.

Happy 50th reunion to the Class of 1972!

M A I N CA M P U S C L A S S N OT E S Phi Delta Theta Spotlight Pictured (L–R): J. David Almacy ’92, general council treasurer, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity; Ethan Hammond ’25, president, Pennsylvania Mu Chapter, Widener University; Sean Wagner ’02, executive vice president and CEO, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

Almacy ’92, Hammond ’25, and Wagner ’02 attended Phi Delta Theta Fraternity’s annual McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference (PLC) in St. Louis, MO, on January 6, 2023. The success of Phi Delta Theta is due to strong leadership. Therefore, the fraternity and the Phi Delta Theta Foundation created the PLC to develop leadership skills and train each chapter’s newly elected president. PLC participants learn the fundamentals of being a chapter leader, emphasizing leadership, ethics, managing chapter operations, and external relations, risk management, and character. In addition, the conference features presentations by leaders in the Phi Delta Theta community and breakout team meetings facilitated by volunteer alumni.

In Memoriam Robert T. Buck ‘50 George L. Andersen ‘51 Robert B. Mulhern ‘51 William Bell ‘52 Charles L. Glick ‘52 Richard Lenz ‘52 Elliott C. Shull ‘52 Charles W. Collins ‘53 Robert L. Ewing ‘54 Dennis Springer ‘54 Aurelio A. Greco ‘55 Frank H. Duke ‘59 Solomon Buzgon ‘60 John L. Byer ‘60 Sheldon A. Schwartz ‘60 George R. Taylor ‘60 Edmond J. Carreras ‘61 William M. Easter ‘61 Harry C. Forrest ‘62 Chester A. Greco ‘62 Jon O. Gruber ‘62 George J. Zizmont ‘62 Christopher D. Hubbuch ‘63 William G. Miller ‘63 John H. Dabback ‘64 Peter W. Melera ‘64 Herbert B. Boulden ‘65 Francis A. Conner ‘66 Chilton G. Goebel ‘66 Michael C. Siegfried ‘66 John P. Little ‘67 Kenneth Regester ‘67 James J. Rowan ‘67 Thomas F. Valent ‘67

Chester J. Madzelan ‘69 George P. Semerjian ‘69 Robert G. Townsley ‘72 Ronald E. Schupner ‘73 David T. Shergalis ‘73 Donald J. Carroll ‘74 Raymond Humphrey ‘74 Mark J. Lesko ‘74 William W. Carroll ‘75 Gary J. Loughran ‘75 Albert J. Romanosky ‘75 William R. Hurst ‘77 John B. Witmer ‘77 Charles F. Crampton ‘78 Joseph E. Gornik ‘78 Charles W. Taylor ‘80 William C. Fulton ‘81 Robert C. Gibson ‘82 Harriet K. Kuberski ‘82 Linda J. Smith ‘83 Edward T. Fuller ‘84 Jonathan R. Kinsley ‘85 Elizabeth S. Simpson ‘85 Mary R. Driscoll ‘86

Elaine E. Motyka-Welsh ‘86 Mary A. Row ‘86 Steven J. Wilson ‘86, ‘90 Robert L. Fox ‘87 Patricia J. Karibjanian ‘88 Lois O. Deeble ‘89 Karen L. Faust ‘89 Bruce D. Justus ‘90 Pamela M. Zueger ‘91 Suzanne A. Morgan ‘92 Brian T. Swift ‘92 Margaret Proch ‘94 Matthew P. O’Brien ‘95 Jason D. Troutman ‘95 Joyce E. Hubert-Theriot ‘96 Paul R. Kleschick ‘96 Travis Martin ‘96 Edward J. DePhillipo ‘97 Amy E. George ‘97 Michele H. Smith ‘98 Kari L. Fletcher ‘99 Jean A. Gool ‘00 Michael W. Lynch ‘01

Brian S. Carlson ‘02 Richard K. Urey ‘02 Andrea Van Horn ‘04, ‘05, ‘09 Paul J. Rastatter ‘05 Travis A. Miller ‘06 Christine Severino ‘07 Colin C. Tornetta ‘16 Friends, Faculty, and Staff Gregory P. Cermignano Jean T. Fava Jeanne Gelman Louis T. Hayes Charles C. Heid Gordon P. Henderson Arthur W. Jones Peter Kise Nelly K. Lincoln Bryen E. Lorenz William D. McHenry Nancy Olivieri Dennis C. Sheedy Loretta W. Smith

SEND YOUR NEWS FOR CLASS NOTES Have you started a new job, received a promotion, gotten engaged or married, or have some other notable life event? If so, let us know!

How to submit your class notes and photos: Submit them online at alumni.widener.edu. Click on Share Your News.

Mail them to: The Office of Alumni Engagement, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013

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D E L AWA R E L AW C L A S S N OT E S ( O c t o b e r 2 0 2 2 – M a r c h 2 0 2 3 ) Class of 1986 W. R. Berkley Corporation announced the appointment of Lynn Neville, Esq., ’86 as senior

vice president for claims in December 2022. Neville joined Berkley from an internationally recognized insurer, where she most recently served as the executive vice president of Global Head of Insurance Claims. Neville has more than 30 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry. She holds a bachelor of science in business administration from Villanova University, and a juris doctor from Widener University Delaware Law School.

Neville has been admitted to the bar associations of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.

Class of 1992 Lisa A. Shearman, Esq., ’92 has advanced to the position of president-elect of the Montgomery Bar Association. Shearman, a fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, is an accomplished trust and estates

and business lawyer. She has more than 30 years of experience advising and implementing simple to sophisticated estate plans for 8

clients with a special focus on business continuity, succession, reduction of estate taxes, and preservation of wealth. Her practice also includes estate administration and post-mortem planning along with trust administration and the preparation of inheritance tax.

Shearman assists clients with the formation and operation of taxexempt organizations, including private foundations. Shearman received her law degree from Widener University in 1992 and her LLM in taxation from Villanova University School of Law in 1994.

Class of 1996 Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP, announced that M. Blake Cleary, Esq., ’96, a Delaware bankruptcy

attorney with more than 20 years of experience, has joined the firm as a partner and serves as co-head of the firm’s bankruptcy practice.

Cleary represents clients in all aspects of corporate restructuring, including debtors, creditors, and purchasers in the Chapter 11 reorganization process. Cleary is a member of several local and national professional associations, including the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association, the Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors, the Delaware Bankruptcy American Inn of Court, the American Bar Association, and the Delaware State Bar Association. Cleary received his JD from Widener University Delaware Law School and his BA from the University of Virginia.

Fredda Maddox, Esq., ‘96 was honored by The Fund for Women

and Girls at its Champions of Change event for her ability to break barriers in the law enforcement field while supporting and uplifting women and girls.

Maddox received The Fund’s Gladys Black ‘Woman of Distinction’ Award, named in memory of The Fund’s late friend and committed Board member, Gladys Black.

Maddox earned a law degree at Widener University Delaware Law School. She combined her legal skills and desire to protect abused women and children by working as an attorney with the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County.

Maddox was the first African American to be elected as Chester County Sheriff, and the first African American woman sworn in as a sheriff in Pennsylvania. Maddox is also an inspiring leader, speaker, and mentor to other young women in the legal and law enforcement professions.

Class of 2011 Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced that A. J. Roop, Esq., ’11 became chief of staff for the Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ). A seven-year veteran of the DOJ, Roop has served as state prosecutor throughout Jennings’s term, leading the

DOJ’s largest division, maintaining the department’s high conviction rate in gun cases, and guiding the criminal division through a litany of high-profile cases, including several major gang indictments. Prior to his work as state prosecutor, Roop served as unit head of the Crime Strategies Unit, which was the DOJ’s first proactive crime prevention unit. Roop has also worked in private practice as a criminal defense attorney. He is a graduate of Salesianum School, University of Delaware (BA), and a cum laude graduate of Widener University Delaware Law School (JD).

Class of 2012 Barley Snyder is pleased to announce that Benjamin A. Leisawitz, Esq., ’12 has been appointed to the board of directors of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GRCCI).

Leisawitz serves a three-year term as board member, assisting the organization in continuing the initiatives set forth by the board. Leisawitz is a member of Barley Snyder’s Trusts & Estates

and Business Practice groups. He received his law degree, magna cum laude, from Widener University Delaware Law School.

Shakia Williams, Esq., ’12 is a Widener Law business alumna, wine maker, wine enthusiast, and owner of Cyrenity Sips Winery in Hatboro, PA. As the first African American woman-owned limited winery in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Cyrenity Sips is committed to educating BIPOC and underserved communities

about wine while maintaining a positive and vibrant atmosphere.

Williams saw that there was a lack

of small-batch urban wineries and was determined to create a winery near her hometown of Philadelphia, PA. Cyrenity Sips is the first and only winery in Hatboro, and all the wine is manufactured, bottled, and labeled on the premises.

Class of 2013 Blank Rome, LLP, is pleased to announce that Peter I. Tsoflias, Esq., ‘13 was elected partner, effective January 1, 2023, in the firm’s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, offices. Tsoflias represents clients in connection with corporate and commercial affairs; major transactions such as divestitures, joint venture formations, and project financings, as well as the licensing of pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies, and medical device products. His clients include healthcare and life science companies, professional athletes, small startups, and larger private equity and venture capital

funds. He also advises on state and federal regulatory compliance issues, real estate ventures, and creditor’s rights concerns, as well as Delaware business entity law issues. Tsoflias received his JD, magna cum laude, from Widener University Delaware Law School, and his BS, with honors, from West Chester University.

In Memoriam Robert Bridgeman ‘75 Dennis M. Janssen ‘75 Henry J. O’Hara ‘81 William J. Dietrich ‘83 Anthony J. Gryk ‘86 Christopher R. Curtis ‘88 Christina Q. Lentz ‘88 Robert C. Gibson ‘89 Brian T. Swift ‘91 Ronald A. Carter ‘02 Friends, Faculty, and Staff Nancy Seibert

C O M M O N W E A LT H L AW C L A S S N OT E S ( O c t o b e r 2 0 2 2 – M a r c h 2 0 2 3 ) Class of 2009 Zach Haupt ’09 has been promoted to special counsel at Morris, Nichols, Arsht and Tunnell, LLP,

York, PA. As part of the practice’s school law group, he will assist clients with general solicitor, labor and employment issues, school business, construction, contracts, and pupil services. Walker has a decade of experience representing public school entities, intermediate units, and career and technology centers.

Class of 2012 based in Wilmington, DE. Haupt is a trusts and estates attorney, advising individuals, institutional fiduciaries, private wealth managers, and their counsel on matters involving Delaware trusts and estates.

Gabriela Raful ’12 is a senior partner at Galfand Berger and has been elected to serve as

Class of 2011 David Walker ’11 has joined the law firm of Stock and Leader in

president of the Berks County Bar Association. Raful, a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is the first Latinx to become president of the association. She is also the first racial minority, first naturalized

U.S. citizen, and youngest to hold this position in the association’s history.

Aaron Stulman ’12 has been elected partner in the bankruptcy practice of Potter Anderson and Corroon, LLP, in Wilmington, DE. Stulman focuses his practice on all aspects of corporate restructuring before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. He has been recognized by the Best Lawyers in America for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law and has been named a Delaware Rising Star by Super Lawyers. Before joining private practice, he served as a law clerk for the Honorable Brendan Linehan Shannon, U.S. bankruptcy judge for the District of Delaware.

Class of 2014 Christopher Naylor ’14 has been selected as a partner with Barley Snyder, serving central Pennsylvania and northern

Maryland. He is a member of the firm’s real estate and business practice groups. As a real estate attorney, he handles a variety of real estate matters including counseling residential and commercial landlords and tenants, drafting leases and contracts, resolving disputes, and representing clients in disputes.

In Memoriam Holly B. Conway-Burchartz ‘92 Carol W. Baltimore ‘95 Kevin E. Harchar ‘08 Brent D. Brummert ‘18 9

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Far & Widener explores the far-reaching world of Widener University and the many ways Widener strives to create a better future while shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

At Far & Widener, you’ll find engaging interviews on diverse topics with fascinating educators, researchers, and industry professionals. Here are some recent episodes:

Artificial Intelligence with Marketing Expert Domenic Colasante An interview with Domenic Colasante, CEO and a founding member of 2X— a pioneering offshore B2B (business-to-business) marketing firm. Before founding 2X, Colasante held several marketing leadership positions with SAP, Siemens, and WGroup. He is also a Widener Board of Trustees member and an alumnus.

Domenic discusses artificial intelligence (AI), especially how it benefits the marketing industry, ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated works, AI’s possible impacts on jobs, and how Widener is integrating AI into its curricula.

An Interview with John Vanore—Trumpeter, Composer, Record Producer, Educator, and Big Band Leader

The Lone Brick Theatre Company’s Robert Reutter and Luis Aguilar Discuss Immersive Theater

An interview with John Vanore, an alumnus, director of Widener’s Jazz Ensemble, Widener Artist in Residence, and the head of Abstract Truth, an award-winning band. As an early alum, Vanore joined the legendary Woody Herman band and later became a mainstay in the trumpet sections for performers visiting Philadelphia, including Tony Bennett, Michel LeGrand, Mel Torme, Louis Bellson, Peggy Lee, and many others.

During this time, Vanore also became the director of music at Widener.

An interview with Professor Robert Reutter, director of Widener’s Lone Brick Theatre Company, and Luis Aguilar, a Widener biomedical engineering alumnus and longtime member of Lone Brick.

They discuss Lone Brick’s 10th anniversary and growth over the years, immersive theater and audience participation, and how theatrical productions have had to adapt and change during and after the pandemic. Pictured L to R: Reutter and Aguilar, who is covered in stage blood, work together on set.

Anthony Wheeler and Jill Alspach Discuss the Future of Work and the 4th Industrial Revolution, Including Impacts of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Automation An interview with Anthony Wheeler, dean of Widener’s School of Business Administration, and Jill Alspach, a Widener MBA alumna, adjunct professor, and managing partner of Spock Logistics. They discuss the 4th industrial revolution and the future of work, including how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation will impact industry and workers nationally and globally.

Far & Widener is produced by Widener’s University Advancement staff. To learn more, share feedback, or suggest an idea for a future podcast, visit widener.edu/news/far-widener-podcast.