CLASS NOTES Summer 2026
CHESTER CAMPUS
CLASS NOTES
1976
Phil Martelli ’76 visited Widener’s Chester campus to speak with the Pride’s men’s and women’s basketball players and athletic staff. Martelli is passionate about making a difference through community and corporate engagements.
1984
David Zallie ’84, CEO of Zallie Family Markets, announced the grand opening of the new ShopRite at Cherrywood Plaza in Gloucester Township, New Jersey – a state-of-the-art, 85,000-square-foot supermarket designed to deliver a modern shopping experience while also honoring decades of family tradition and commitment to the community.
1988
PECO announced that Mike Innocenzo ’88, chief operating officer for Exelon, will serve as interim president and CEO of PECO.
1985
Darryl “Chip” Wade ’85 was awarded the 2026 Frederick Douglass Award, reflecting his commitment to advancing the rights of generations of underserved African Americans and his work elevating communities. Wade currently serves as CEO at Union Square Hospitality Group.
1990
Provident Bank has appointed Joseph Tammaro ’90 as executive vice president, head of middle market lending.
1991
Widener Trustee Lou Rodriguez ’91 was selected for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Success Award. Rodriguez is the founder of Rodriguez Consulting, a professional engineering and land surveying firm.
1993
Paul Adolf ’93 began a new role at Vanguard as global head of fund accounting and oversight, accountable for the daily valuation of all investment products domiciled in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and Ireland.
Pictured above: Phil Martelli ’76 met with Widener men’s and women’s basketball players and staff.
Pictured right: Mike Felici, director of development (left) and David Zallie ’84 (right).
Pictured above: Widener Trustee Lou Rodriguez ’91 (right) accepts the Entrepreneurial Success Award.
1995
Scott Fairbairn ’95 has been named vice president of club consulting at the McMahon Group, a full-service, private-club consulting firm dedicated to serving clubs in all aspects of their strategic planning, clubhouse, golf and membership needs. Scott lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife, Jessica, and four children.
Matthew Zuino ’95 began his role as president and CEO of Baptist Health based in northeast Florida.
Donita Sturgis ’95 has been honored as a top healthcare professional by the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized for her contributions to the fields of healthcare, real estate and investments.
1998
Patrick Sullivan ’98 has been promoted to serve as chief commercial officer of Harrow, a leading provider of ophthalmic disease management solutions in North America.
2000
Anne Stabb ’98 ’00 published the children’s book, “Sing, Chirp, Explore: A Kid’s Guide to Backyard Birding” with a goal of weaving original bird photography, fun poetry and science-based vocabulary to connect young readers with the birds right outside their window.
Rev. Dexter Davis ’00 delivered the commencement address at Millersville University’s College of Education and Human Services May 2026 ceremony.
2003
Joe Moldover ’03 has published his debut adult mystery, “To the End of Reckoning,” which follows a detective with a traumatic brain injury. Moldover has previously published several young adult novels on topics informed by his professional training as a licensed clinical psychologist.
2004
Sam Kieffer ’04 was recently named CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
2005
Jonathan Busam ’05 has been named director – process engineering at Precis Engineering + Architecture, an award-winning design firm.
Kafayat Abba ’05 has been inducted as a distinguished fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing.
2006
Jessica Isaacs ’06, managing engineer at Exponent, was featured alongside her colleague on a special episode of CBS's Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove that took viewers inside the science behind snow sports helmets.
CLASS NOTES
Started a new job or received a promotion? Engaged, married, or experienced another notable life event? Fuel the Widener pride by keeping us in the loop.
THEM
Via our website at alumni.widener.edu
EMAIL THEM TO: The Office of Alumni Engagement at alumnioffice@widener.edu
MAIL THEM TO:
The Office of Alumni Engagement One University Place Chester, PA 19013
Pictured left: Book by Anne Stabb ’98 ’00
2007
Erica Smith ’07 recently published the book with Bloomsbury Press, “The Purity Culture Recovery Guide: The Shame-Free Sex Education You Deserve.” It is geared toward people who were raised with religious sexual shame and in highcontrol religions that include purity culture.
2008
Kimberly Chestnut ’08, ’10 has been named vice president for student life at Washburn University.
2012
Actor Bill Duke ’12H received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Widener presented Duke with an honorary doctorate of public service in 2012.
2013
Chris May ’13 retired following 29 years of service to Widener University. University staff and May’s friends and family, many of whom are alumni, celebrated on campus.
2014
Erica Dercole ’14 has been named a 2026 VISTA NextGen superstar, a list that recognizes industry leaders in Chester County.
2018
Melvin Campbell ’18 ran for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania 5th District and also authored a children’s book entitled “You Can Be Who You Want To Be!”
Darren Lipscomb ’18 has started a new role at Tri-County Technical College as chief student services officer and vice president of student affairs.
Lisa Johnson ’07 ’15 was featured in a Philadelphia Inquirer article spotlighting the Community College of Philadelphia’s new Healthcare Simulation Lab.
ALUMNI AT WALL STREET
Pat O’Connell ’91 ’92, executive vice president, Ameriprise Advisor Group, Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group, rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange in October 2025.
Shea’lyn Hubbs ’23 ’24, senior market competition analyst for Wawa, rang the closing bell for the New York Stock Exchange.
Nick Perdoncin ’25, financial and data analyst for WSFS Bank, rang the closing bell for the NASDAQ.
Pictured above: Erica Smith ’07 and her new book.
Pictured above: (L to R) Danielle May ’10, Heather May Brock ’07, Chris May ’13, Nicole May Armbruster ’03, Tiffany May Bracken ’04, Ricky Petlikowski (Child Development Center alumnus ’06), Aiden Tiffany (Child Development Center alumnus ’11).
Pictured above: Pat O’Connell ’91 ’92
Pictured above: Nick Perdoncin ’25
MEN’S BASKETBALL ALUMNI DAY
Widener men’s basketball hosted an alumni celebration in January. Alumni of the team met with current coaches and players at a pre-game reception in Schwartz Athletic Center before watching the Pride take victory over Stevenson University at that evening’s game.
Alumni in attendance included Larry Aron ’72, Bill Brandenberger ’73, Widener Trustee Jim Hargadon ’75, Jim Fitzpatrick ’77, Vince Shervin ’78, Jim Rowe ’85, Bill Corcoran ’85, Dan Fitzpatrick ’86, Joe Barr ’87 and Widener Athletics Hall of Fame member Lou Stevens ’88 ’95.
ALUMNI COUNCIL ON CAMPUS
In early May, members of the Widener University Alumni Council came together on the Chester campus for two days of connection, collaboration and fellowship. They shared an engaging evening dinner together with President Stacey Robertson, followed by their spring meeting on campus the next day. The meeting featured university updates, conversations with students, strategic planning discussions and a campus tour as council members continued exploring ways to strengthen alumni engagement, student success and support the university's continued growth and priorities.
Pictured above: Widener Men’s Basketball Alumni Day
Pictured above: Members of the Alumni Council visited the Chester campus in early May.
DELAWARE LAW
CLASS NOTES
1987
Regina Iorii ’87 has been confirmed as one of five members of the Delaware Public Service Commission, formally establishing a new leadership team at a pivotal moment for utility regulation and energy policy in Delaware.
Duane Morris LLP partner Sharon Caffrey ’87 was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, joining an elite group recognized for exceptional trial advocacy and dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession.
1991
Carl Heckert ’91, Wilmington-area family law, probate and real estate attorney and partner at Gawthrop Greenwood PC, has been named to the firm’s management committee.
1992
Kathleen Duffy Smith ’92 ’95 has been honored with the 2026 Monsignor Paul J. Taggart St. Thomas More Award by the St. Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Wilmington.
Jeffrey O’Hara ’92 joined Tanenbaum Keale LLP as a partner.
1994
Gina Rubel ’94, CEO and general counsel for Furia Rubel Communications Inc., has been named to the Corporate Counsel Business Journal’s 50 Women to Watch list in 2025.
1995
Aram Megerian ’95, attorney and managing partner with Cole, Scott & Kissane (CSK), hosted members of the Widener Moe Levine trial team during a recent visit to the firm’s West Palm Beach offices. The multi-day experience combined mentorship, skills development and real-world exposure to litigation practice. From welcoming students to facilitating meaningful connections with attorneys across the firm, Aram ensured each moment was both instructive and inspiring.
Pictured above: (Front L to R) Naomi Knight ’27, Catarina Alverez, Sophie Burkel ’26, Alisandra Weaver ’26, Kayla Lopez ’27. (Back L to R) Aram Megerian ’95, Casey Esch and Joshua Heath.
Rose Lowther ’95 joined Hinshaw & Culbertson as director of risk management in the firm’s New Jersey office.
2000
Karen Vincent ’00 completed the 2026 Boston Marathon while raising over $11,000 for the American Liver Foundation, marking her fifth world marathon major and underscoring her dedication both in and outside the legal profession.
2004
Christopher Iacono ’04 has been named to the 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list for his work in Criminal Defense: White Collar.
2012
James Doyle ’12, partner at Gawthrop Greenwood PC, has been elected president of the Chester County Bar Foundation for 2026.
Ian Baxter ’12 has joined Weber Gallagher as a partner in the firm’s general liability practice.
Andrea Sasso ’12 was named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer from 2024-2026, an honor placing her in the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania, as voted upon by her peers.
above: (L to R)
2013
Josephine Lee Wolf ’13 has joined Becker as a shareholder in the Condo, Co-Op & HOA Practice to open the firm’s newest Doylestown, Pennsylvania office.
2019
Gordon Prince ’19, commercial real estate and business attorney at Gawthrop Greenwood PC, has been promoted to partner.
2020
Jillian Tyson ’20, an associate at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP, was featured in the May 2026 issue of the Delaware Bar Journal sharing her experience balancing work and family life.
2023
Chrystiane Spencer ’23 joined Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania as a staff attorney.
KYLE BOWSER EVENT
Delaware Law School welcomed alumnus Kyle Bowser ‘91 back to campus in February for an immersive evening that blended film, constitutional analysis, and community dialogue.
Bowser is an entertainment executive, producer, and creator of the Trial by Jury series, which blends legal analysis with narrative storytelling to spark civic dialogue. Over his career, he has worked across film, television, and public engagement initiatives, using media as a tool to explore complex social and constitutional issues.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to return to Delaware Law School to offer an innovative approach toward analyzing the precepts and consequences of social policy. What remains unresolved is the means by which we identify those with fully vested entitlement to the promise of America. Trial by Jury endeavors to probe that question,” Bowser said.
2024
Rachel Sorokin ’24, a community association lawyer, has joined Gawthrop Greenwood PC as an associate, representing the needs of homeowners and condominium associations in what has become the fastest growing form of housing in Pennsylvania.
2026
Daniela de León ’26 has been selected as one of the Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division’s 2025 diversity scholarship recipients.
MAVEN LAW
Maven Law, founded by Delaware Law School alumni Marta Dybowski ’17, Alfred Cave III ’16 and Vernon Vassallo ’21 , celebrated their grand opening in April 2026. The firm, which is believed to be the first multi-partner minority and women-owned law firm in Delaware, also includes Delaware Law alumni on staff including Lauren Giardina ’25 as an associate and Renee Duval ’02 as of counsel.
Pictured
Joseph Farris, Kyle Bowser, and Dean Todd Clark
COMMONWEALTH LAW
CLASS NOTES
1992
Stephen Hladik ’92, a partner at Hladik, Onorato & Federman LLP, was quoted in the Mortgage Point discussing a federal class action lawsuit that the firm is bringing against the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York on behalf of mortgage holders and servicers across the state.
1993
Marc Levin ’93 has joined Salzmann Hughes, P.C. as a principal, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a civil litigator handling complex defense matters across Pennsylvania.
1994
Joseph DiPasquale ’94 has been named managing partner of Fox Rothschild’s Morristown, New Jersey office.
1995
John Feichtel ’95 has joined Saxton & Stump as an equity shareholder in the firm’s suburban Harrisburg office, bringing 30 years of experience advising healthcare providers and closely held businesses across Pennsylvania.
1996
Senior Counsel at Saxton & Stump, Laura Bailey Gallagher ’96 has been named a 2026 leader in law by the Central Penn Business Journal, recognizing more than 25 years of impact advising businesses on workplace strategy, leadership in the legal community and deep commitment to the Lancaster region.
Craig Wolfson ’96, founding partner of Wolfson and Klein-Wolfson, PLLC, has been named best employment attorney on Long Island in the 2026 Best of Long Island awards.
1999
Andrew Norfleet ’99 has joined Marshall Dennehey as a shareholder in the firm’s Harrisburg office, bringing more than 20 years of experience in professional liability and complex municipal litigation.
2003
Tara Eberly ’03 recently completed the American Association for Justice Leadership Academy. Eberly currently serves as partner at Janet, Janet & Suggs LLC.
2005
Bunmi Emenanjo ’05 has released a new children’s book, “Our World: Nigeria”, as part of the Barefoot Books Our World Series.
2012
Alex Langan ’12 has published a new book, “401(k) Exposed: What Your Provider Hopes You’ll Never Tell Your Employees,” offering a practical guide to the legal and fiduciary responsibilities employers carry when managing workplace retirement plans.
2020
Sarah Moreland ’20 has been promoted to senior counsel at Saxton & Stump, recognizing her expanding responsibilities, subject-matter depth and sustained contributions to client service.
2021
Alexis Nash ’21 has been appointed by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers as district attorney for Price County, where she will serve the remainder of the term through January 2029.
2022
Katie Housman ’22 has been promoted to partner at Purcell, Krug & Haller in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
2025
Kaylie O’Donnell ’25 has joined Thomas, Thomas & Hafer as an associate in the firm’s Harrisburg office.
Zoe Wilson ’25 has joined Thomas, Thomas & Hafer as an associate in the firm’s Harrisburg office.
Keith Gregory ’25 has joined Lindsay Law, PLLC as an attorney after previously working with the firm as a paralegal intern before attending Widener University Commonwealth Law School.
Angie Kanavy ’25 has joined Coughlin & Gerhart LLP as an associate, practicing primarily in the areas of trusts and estates and real estate.
Grace Mills ’25 has joined Schmidt Kramer as an attorney, where she represents clients in personal injury matters after previously gaining experience with the firm as a law clerk.
Kendyl Swank ’25 has joined Marzacco Injury Law as an associate attorney, where she represents clients in personal injury and employment law matters after previously gaining experience with the firm as a law clerk.
OCTOBER 9-10
IN MEMORIAM
CHESTER ALUMNI
John Harris '55
William Ritner '55
Pierre Hansot '57
Frederick Kuss '57
Robert Rider '57
Philip Metzler '58
Dominic Cantalamessa '60
John Emmi '60
Philip Phillips '60
John Slemko '61
Bruce Overton '63
Kenneth Whilden '63
David Brightbill '64
Wesley Clevenger '64
James Conte '64
John Stevens '64
John Wilson '64
Edward Zgleszewski '64
Roger Nicholls '65
George Kobryn '66
William Mattis '66
Robert Klecko '68
Theodore Ziegler '68
William Alfano '69
Robert Messina '69
Harlan Thal '69
James Howard '70
Thomas Savage '70
James Boulanger '71
John Gross '71
Joseph Miller '71
Douglas Roger '71
Thomas Kane '72 '77
Paschal DeJohn '73
Bernard Gershen '73
Joan Lennon '73
William Walters '73
Gary Brazell '74
Edward Kuhar '74
Mark Massa '75
William Schwindt '75
George Rippel '77
Jay Schatz '77
Daniel Brown '79
Gerald Crompton '79
Earl Stover '79
Mary Dwyer '80
Donald Genson '81
Mark Salierno '81
Robert "Bobby" Cole ’82
Thomas Fluck '82
Linda Leggieri '83
Edward Powell '83
Avis Russell-Francis '85
James Schwegel '86
Frederick Rawski '88
David Bannan '89 '98
Kenneth Stock '89
David McCarthy '90
Eileen Roche '90
Rosemarie Banes '91
Michael Livingston '91
Michael Fenza '94
David Burke '95
Margherita Amplo '96
Billie Lee Orenbuch '96
Timothy Edmonds '99
Ruth Munson '99
Carole Diorisio '01 '07
Janice Huggins '01
Eric Taylor '01
David Contarino '03
Moya Dittmeier '03
Eleanor Fuhs '04
Andrew Kremenik '13
Heather Panichelli '14
James Sinnott '23
CHESTER FRIENDS
Joseph DeMarco
Pauline Frieze
Mark Gravinese
Penelope Greenberg
Mathias Kirchmer
Kenneth Lynch
Elizabeth Masurat
John Meli
Virginia Schwinge
Charles Shuman
Horace Sparrow
Carolyn Walter
Joan Zohlman
DELAWARE LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI
Edward McGlinchey '77
Louis Wildstein '77
James Conway '80
David Moneymaker '81
Frances West '82
David Stanton '86
Andrea Carb '89
Margaret Rekstis '89
Joseph Stark '89
Gregory Quigley '95
Joyce Sanyour '95
Deborah Darpino '02
Kearline McKellar-Jones '02 '05
Christopher Osborn '05
Joy Patrick-Wright '08
Michael Purzycki ‘79
DELAWARE LAW SCHOOL FRIENDS
Agnes McLane
Judge John Dorsey
Judith Melman
Susan Goldberg
Victor Zack
COMMONWEALTH LAW SCHOOL FRIENDS
Donald Brown
Sandra Schultz Newman
SUSAN GOLDBERG
Emerita Professor of Law Susan Goldberg, who taught at Delaware Law School, passed away June 1. She joined the faculty in 1986 and taught both core first-year courses and seminars in areas of health law, biomedical ethics and the law, informed consent and related issues in our ever-changing times. Much of her tenure was also spent serving as the school’s dean of students for academic affairs, in which she counseled students daily on all areas of their academic – and often nonacademic – lives.
She held a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a master’s in legal education from Temple University School of Law. Goldberg was an avid traveler, and a wonderful cook and baker who loved gathering friends and family at her family vacation home in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts.
DON BROWN
Former Scholar in Residence Don Brown, who taught at Commonwealth Law School, passed away Dec. 15. Brown joined the law school faculty in 2012. He also lectured widely on climate ethics in 38 countries. He managed the website Ethics and Climate, which was recognized by CNN and Time Magazine as one of the top 15 websites in the United States on environmental issues.
CHARLES SHUMAN
Brown was the first American to be awarded the prestigious Avicenna Prize for excellence in climate change ethics by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO. The prize is awarded every two years to an individual or group for outstanding achievements in the field of ethics in science. The award ceremony took place as part of the 40th session of UNESCO’s general conference, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Professor Charles Shuman was a dedicated career adjunct faculty member who taught mathematics and statistics in the College of Arts & Sciences. He was widely known for his generosity and kindness, always willing to support his colleagues by volunteering to cover classes when needed, and bringing in treats to share with the community. Shuman was dedicated to his students and was known for going above and beyond to help students make sure they understood the material and were set up for success. Shuman took four buses from north Philadelphia to reach the Chester campus, where he taught at 8 a.m. He was often the last to leave at night.
MATHIAS KIRCHMER
Professor Mathias Kirchmer was affiliated with the Widener faculty for more than 15 years and most recently served as an adjunct professor in the School of Business Administration. A respected thought leader in the field of business process management and digital transformation, Kirchmer led numerous transformation and process-improvement initiatives for clients around the world. He was instrumental in positively contributing to and shaping Widener's graduate program, the master of science in digital transformation. Kirchmer is remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for his warmth, intelligence, and love of jazz music.
