Widener Magazine Fall 2019

Widener Magazine Volume 29 Number 01 Fall ’19

Food for Thought 8 Robotic s at W idener 12

A Global Purpose

Alumnus leads nonprofit on a mission, page 4

Professor Luke Ayers (far left) and Vasilis Ikonomou '19 compare foods.

Photo by Ian MacGregor '13

ON THE COVER As president of the Guinean Alliance for Education and Development (GAED), Widener alumnus Mamadou Keita '13, '18 leads a global team of more than 30 volunteers, including his longtime Widener mentor and GAED Advisory Board chair Dr. Stephanie Schechner.

Their mission is to help Guineans achieve an education.

A small country in West Africa dealing with widespread disease and poverty, Guinea has an

educational system that is struggling. According to UNICEF, only 25 percent of its adult population can read.

Drawing on the strong educational foundation he received at Widener in public administration, international relations, and French, coupled with the leadership skills and civic engagement values he learned as a student, Keita aims to change that statistic.

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WIDENER UNIVERSITY Widener University One University Place Chester, PA 19013 Phone: 1-888-WIDENER Website: www.widener.edu Published by the Office of University Relations Executive Editor: Terry Travis Editor: Jeannine McKnight Designer: Melanie Franz Class Notes Editor: Patty Votta Contributing Writers: Emily Barrett Jessica Reyes Photographers: Ian MacGregor '13 Dave Jackson Jim Roese Magazine Advisory Board: Mary Allen Kathleen Butler James Gulick Jeannine McKnight Debbie Perreca Gregory Potter Terry Travis Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ wideneruniversity.

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CONTENTS 4

A Global Purpose Widener alumnus leads nonprofit on a mission to support Guinean students

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Food for Thought A professor and his students conduct research into what influences our willpower and food choices

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VEX Competitions and Robotics T he 2019 VEX robotics competition brought more than 500 youth to Widener, and Widener opens a new Robotics Lab

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On Campus T he Chester Community Clinic—A Decade of Service Exemplified in One Case

Small Business Development Center Wins Award

New Football Head Coach

New Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Welcome to Provost Workman and Dean Downey

New Nurse Programs and Nursing Loan Reimbursement Funding

Esports Comes to Widener!

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Class Notes

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Back Page Generous alumni meet grateful students at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT Fall is a time when we reaffirm our commitment to the professional and personal success of every Widener student. It is also when our new undergraduate and graduate students begin to experience that commitment firsthand, as they discover how Widener puts them on the inside track to success.

Beyond the classroom, distinctive opportunities for growth through mentored research projects, civic and global engagement, and deep experiential learning make the Widener experience transformative. These opportunities prepare students to excel in their careers and to make the world a better place.

This transformative impact is demonstrated by the work of alumnus Mamadou Keita ’13, ’18 and Dr. Stephanie Schechner to support education in the small country of Guinea in West Africa. As you’ll see in this issue of Widener Magazine, the pair’s efforts with the Guinean Alliance for Education and Development are expanding literacy and boosting economic development in a nation that holds great promise for lifting its people from poverty.

Like them, Dr. Luke Ayers and his students are doing work that can ultimately impact the quality of peoples’ lives. Their research into the psychology behind our food choices has the potential to educate consumers and influence their choices in a way that could help prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

During their time with us, Widener students not only develop technical skills, they also acquire an appreciation of the social and ethical impacts of their work.

They develop the curiosity to seek answers and the drive to meet challenges.

They develop interpersonal skills that make them leaders who are able to communicate about their work in a compelling way.

They develop an understanding of how interdisciplinary and interprofessional connections will make them better professionals.

Their work – hands-on learning and research that seeks to address vexing global problems – gives our students the knowledge and skills to create a better world as they grow and prepare for jobs of the future.

Our dedication to preparing them well is reflected in Widener graduates’ impressive career successes. Our most recent statistics show that an exceptional 95 percent of graduates achieved their intended career outcomes within six months of graduation. The Widener experience is transformative, indeed.

And our alumni are the most powerful proof.

Widener students not only develop technical skills, they also acquire an appreciation of the social and ethical impacts of their work.

With Pride,

Julie E. Wollman, PhD President 3

A GLOBAL PURPOSE

By Jessica Reyes

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When Mamadou Keita emigrated from his West African home country of Guinea to Darby, Pennsylvania, he had a mission: earn a college degree.

Now, with that mission accomplished twice­­—a bachelor’s degree in international relations and French and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Widener University—he is helping young Guineans pursue their own education.

“I am very fortunate to have come to this country and received one of the best educations,” Keita said.

“My mindset now is ‘how can I give that type of opportunity to others back home in Guinea?’”

At just 29 years old, Keita ’13, ’18 is president of the nonprofit Guinean Alliance for Education and Development (GAED), in addition to working as a software contract administrator for Agilent Technologies. With GAED, he is leading a global team of more than 30 volunteers and achieving impressive results.

Their efforts have led to eight top-ranked students in Guinea getting nearly $21,000 in assistance for college, 40 children receiving bicycles to travel to and from school, and the launch of three learning resource centers with 73 donated computers at universities across the country.

And, the nonprofit—and Keita—are just getting started.

THE MISSION Nestled along the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Guinea is a country rich in both natural resources and a unique culture shaped by dozens of ethnic groups and French influence from colonial times.

The country faces many challenges. Much of the population is poor, with 43 percent living on less than $1.25 per day, especially in rural villages where employment and services are lacking.

Similarly, the country’s educational system is struggling.

While schooling is compulsory to age 13, only 40 percent of boys and 25 percent of girls progress to secondary education—and only 25 percent of the adult population can read, according to UNICEF. Growing up in Guinea, Keita’s family emphasized the importance of education. His father, who has lived in the United States since 1994, and his mother, who lives in Guinea, agreed that Keita and his siblings would study in the United States.

“My mom used to say, ‘don’t come back to Guinea until you have a college degree,’” Keita recalled. “I knew I had a mission coming to the United States, especially being my mom’s oldest son.”

At age 16, after waiting three years for an immigrant visa, Keita moved to his father’s home in Darby and enrolled in Penn Wood High School.

He quickly learned English and became a permanent fixture on his high school honor roll. He never wavered from his family’s goal and saw firsthand that education would be the key to his future.

A MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE With his high school success, Keita started applying to colleges, but he only felt “at home” on one campus— Widener’s.

It wasn’t just the fact that Keita’s father was studying in Widener’s Extended Learning program or that the faculty provided the personal mentorship Keita knew he would need.

It was that Widener inspired him.

A youth movement, led by then-Senator Barack Obama, was sweeping the nation in 2008. After Obama drew more than 9,000 people to a rally on Memorial Field behind Old Main one week before the election, Keita knew Widener was the place he wanted to be.

“I realized I wanted to serve others,” he said. “I wanted to change people’s lives.”

And that connected with Widener’s mission—to empower Widener students to be citizens of character who demonstrate professional and civic leadership.

That spirit followed Keita throughout his entire time at Widener.

He exceled both inside and outside the classroom— minoring in African and African American studies and starting a campus French Club. He held leadership positions in several honor societies and clubs and frequently organized service activities, including raising funds to send eyeglasses to people in Haiti. Widener provided the resources, training, and opportunities, and Keita took full advantage—to his and the world’s benefit.

He was featured in marketing materials for the Widener Fund, showcasing to donors the importance of scholarships for students like him. And, this was all while he worked full time. He also enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve his junior year at Widener.

“He was enormously curious as a student and incredibly hard working,” said French Professor Stephanie Schechner, who has mentored Keita and now serves as chair of GAED’s advisory board. “I could see that even at a young age he thought deeply and profoundly about the world around him.”

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Schechner credits Keita’s philanthropy to his strong foundation in international relations and French at Widener coupled with the values Widener instilled in him to solve the world’s vexing problems.

FINDING SYNERGY IN CHICAGO In 2012, the summer before his senior year, Keita’s passion for service guided him on a life-changing trip to Chicago for the First Symposium of the Guinean Youth of the Diaspora. The symposium was an opportunity for Guineans in North America to meet and reflect on solutions to the challenges facing Guinea.

As the youngest conference presenter, Keita drew on what he learned about leadership at Widener and led a discussion on developing leadership skills in Guinean youth.

“I went there with the idea of seeing how we could find synergy between things we do with students here and students back home in Guinea,” Keita said. “I wanted to share ideas on how to develop our own communities.”

It was on this trip that Keita met Mamadou Alpha Barry, the founder of GAED. They realized that they did not just share a first name; they also shared a passion for education in Guinea.

Keita returned to Widener after the conference with a clear role in the future of GAED. The nonprofit decided to support promising Guinean youth who wanted to attend universities abroad but did not have the financial means to do so.

“Our mindset was even if it was just one, two, or three students, we want to make a difference,” Keita said. “In return, we wanted

“I am very fortunate to have come to this country and received one of the best educations,” Keita said.

“My mindset now is ‘how can I give that type of opportunity to others back home in Guinea?’” those students to come back to Guinea and give back with some type of service or teaching.”

But, as the scholarship applications began to roll in, another challenge struck in Guinea.

A two-year-old child died in a village in the southeastern part of the country. A week later his mother, sister, and grandmother also fell ill.

Within months of that first case, the Ebola outbreak spread to other villages and into the capital city of Conakry.

The Ebola outbreak, the most widespread of its kind, killed more than 11,000 people in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and snarled travel from West Africa, as panic spread around the world.

The nonprofit suddenly had to change course. Instead of sending one student abroad, a task that seemed increasingly

Mamadou Keita ’13 ’18 and Professor Stephanie Schechner visit Guinea in December 2018 on behalf of Guinean Alliance for Education and Development (GAED).

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difficult with the virus spreading, the team decided to help students receive the best education possible in Guinea.

They provided scholarships to eight students ranked at the top of their high school class to pay for books, transportation, and other necessary supplies as they enrolled in public or private universities in Guinea.

“I am so proud that all of those students have finished and moved on to study overseas,” Keita said.

GUINEANS LEADING GUINEANS The challenges in Guinea are vast—from the Ebola outbreak and spread of HIV/AIDS to childhood malnutrition and adult illiteracy.

“In Guinea, you have different stages of development overlapping,” Schechner explained. “You have 19th century village life intersecting with 21st century modern conveniences.

It makes it very difficult for anyone outside the country to come up with solutions.”

That’s where GAED has stepped up.

Since that first round of scholarships, the nonprofit has grown under the direction of Keita, who became president in December 2016.

“Progressing through the master of public administration studies at Widener gave me a professional mindset to organize and market the nonprofit and establish relationships with donors,” he said. “For small nonprofits to be successful, you have to think like an entrepreneur, but you are also working with people on a volunteer basis.”

He has focused on fundraising via an annual gala in Washington, D.C. and smaller events, including talent shows at Widener. He used the profits to launch initiatives that empower young Guineans through education. For example, after realizing that transportation could be a barrier to school attendance in rural villages, the nonprofit supplied bicycles.

To date, the nonprofit’s biggest venture started after UNESCO named Conakry a World Book Capital in 2017. GAED realized that youth in Guinea do not need more books—they need computers.

Keita was surprised to see that one of the largest universities in Guinea—University of General Lansana Conte of Sonfonia—had a lab with only eight functional computers for 22,000 students.

Another Guinean university leading Ebola research had none.

So, he went to his employer—Agilent Technologies—with a request.

“I asked if they would donate the computers they no longer needed,” Keita said.

The company agreed, and, in December 2017, GAED opened its first computer lab with 38 computers at University of General Lansana Conte of Sonfonia.

Agilent has continued the donations, helping to support the creation of three labs at three institutions across the country. Most recently, Schechner and Keita traveled to Labé in December 2018, where they celebrated with the university’s rector and the state’s

Top: Mamadou Keita ’13 ’18 (right) and Professor Stephanie Schechner (middle) attend a fundraising gala in Washington, D.C., for the Guinean Alliance for Education and Development.

Bottom: Keita visits Labé in December 2018 to celebrate the opening of a university computer lab.

governor the opening of another computer lab at a university focused on STEM preparation.

During that same trip, they also met with the minister of higher education and other officials to discuss how to mobilize in Guinea and ease the process for donations.

“Being part of those conversations in Guinea was a really transformative experience,” Schechner said. “I definitely feel the pride of a parent watching Mamadou in all that he is doing in Guinea.” Schechner’s continued involvement with Keita exemplifies the powerful connections forged between Widener professors and students.

Keita credits his success to the guidance from Schechner and other professors at Widener. They put him on the inside track and moved him to serve others, both in the United States and Guinea.

“Widener prepared me to be a leader,” he said. “And, that is what I will do.” W 7

Food for Thought

By Emily Barrett

faculty-student research investigates the science behind food choice How many times have you intended to come home and prepare a healthy meal, but by the time you get around to it, you’re starving and grab something tasty but unhealthy instead?

What is it about hunger that causes us to make unhealthy food choices? Is it a lack of self-control, or are there complex underlying psychological factors at play that drive us to make these decisions?

We have a physical response to hunger: When you feel hungry, your body sets off a series of reactions that send signals to the brain triggering that it is time to eat. But what drives our psychological response toward the food we choose to eat when we are notably hungry? Do we make the same choices when we are hungry versus when we are not?

Assistant Professor of Psychology Luke Ayers is investigating this question with the help of four undergraduate psychology student researchers in the College of Arts and Sciences. An expert in behavioral neuroscience, Ayers has focused on understanding how motivational states influence behavior, enabling us to uncover both the how and why behind our behavioral choices.

“You always hear the adage, ‘never go to the grocery store hungry,’ and my research at Widener is aimed at evaluating how accurate that statement actually is,” said Ayers.

Factors such as personal preference, dietary needs, health goals, and habits drive our food choices. How much are these choices altered by states like hunger and stress? Ultimately, Ayers hopes that through empirically understanding how these dynamics work, we can better manage our behavior.

Over the past year, Ayers and his team have conducted research to gather baseline data on how hunger affects food perception. Participants from the Widener undergraduate population—who were randomly assigned to either fast for six hours before the experiment or not—were asked to first share their health

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Professor Luke Ayers (left) and Vasilis Ikonomou '19 compare food options

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behaviors in a survey and then look at a series of food images. After each image, the participants had to give a rating on three qualities: palatability, or “tastiness”; likelihood of eating the food if available in that moment; and perceived healthiness.

Study results offered tremendous insight.

The findings showed that hunger changes how likely we are to want to eat certain foods, without changing how we think about the food in terms of healthiness or tastiness. Hunger also increased the reaction times for only the likelihood ratings, an interesting finding as we normally respond faster to things that actually motivate our behavior. Taken together, these findings suggest that hunger causes us to want certain foods more, even though our feelings toward food have not changed.

Ayers designed his lab as a truly collaborative space to allow the undergraduate research assistants to not only participate, but also lead the research. From developing and executing research protocols, the students gained real-world training in experimental psychology.

Vasilis Ikonomou, one of the student-researchers, has partnered with Ayers since day one of the investigation. He was just a sophomore at the time. Working alongside Ayers has enabled Ikonomou and the other students to conduct important research on a complex topic while being introduced to possible careers in medicine, nutrition, and mental health.

What I’m hoping to find is “this—if we’re hungry, and we have our perceptions and wants and desirability of certain types of foods, can hunger really defeat our control?

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”

At Widener, students have direct access to the resources and connections that lead to a stellar education and a successful and rewarding career.

“I always questioned, ’would I be good in research, or would I be good in the clinical field?’ And so I tried to get experience in both,” Ikonomou explained. “At the time Dr. Ayers came to me, it wasn’t just the opportunity to conduct research, but also the interest of better understanding some of the factors that go into the choices we make. When the topics of food choice and health behaviors were discussed, I knew immediately that this was the field for me.”

Ikonomou presented the group’s findings on a number of occasions, including most recently at a scientific research honor society (Sigma Xi) conference. At Widener, students are

At left, left to right: Vasilis Ikonomou ’19, Brianna D’Ambrosio ’20, Shannon Wheeler ’20, and C.J. McGrogan ’20.

This photo: Professor Ayers and Ikonomou conduct research.

the priority of gifted professors, like Ayers, who invest in their students’ success through close mentoring and continual feedback.

Ikonomou says the experience has prepared him for graduate school, where he plans to pursue a career as a neuropsychologist and conduct clinical research.

“As a student, you hope to gain these kinds of experiences,” Ikonomou said. “After doing this amazing research for three years, I was able to redefine my interests in the field of psychology and apply to grad schools with a better understanding of how important research is in this field.”

Their preliminary data has opened the doors to further investigation. Ayers and his students are at the beginning stages of investigating whether or not there are predetermined factors—such as food bias based on dietary preference—that can affect food selection while hungry.

“We took a really big turn in the research,” Ikonomou explained. “What I’m hoping to find is this—if we’re hungry, and we have our perceptions and wants and desirability of certain types of foods, can hunger really defeat our control?”

Though the study was limited to Widener students, the findings offer widespread health insights, particularly for the more than one-third of adults in the United States who are considered obese. Obesity poses numerous health risks, including heart disease, stroke, Type-II diabetes,

and certain types of cancer. Harnessing the knowledge of how internal processes and external influences relate and lead to overeating could be life changing for many.

Ayers and Ikonomou anticipate their research will provide insight into how to control the underlying motivators that result in poor behaviors toward food and unhealthy lifestyles.

“My background in neuroscience gives me the perspective that our behavior results from a complex interplay between internal, or bodily, processes and external, or environmental, influences,” Ayers said.

“Eating, like a lot of human behavior, is influenced by many things outside of our conscious control.

Yet we are so quick to judge ourselves and each other. My hope is that by understanding these factors we can make everyone happier and healthier.”

Just as Ayers is contributing life-changing knowledge to the neuropsychology field that has the power to alleviate obesity, diabetes, and other health problems related to poor food choices, he is also preparing the next generation of researchers to unlock the mysteries of what drives behavior and make future discoveries related to eating and health. W 11

VEX! VEX!

Robotics Competitions Are a Big Hit at Widener

Less than one year after launching the first robotics undergraduate major in the region, the School of Engineering has become fully immersed in the world of competitive robotics engineering by not just hosting but also participating in VEX Robotics competitions.

The School of Engineering teamed up with VEX to host a regional competition for high school and younger students on February 16, 2019. The action-packed tournament brought together 500+ participants from the greater Philadelphia area.

In total, 96 teams competed in front of a crowd of hundreds of spectators to battle it out in the competitions.

The high school students went head-to-head competing in the VEX challenge Turning Point. Equipped with robots that they diligently built and programmed to compete, the students were tasked with completing a series of obstacles for points.

Delaware County Christian School seniors and teammates Hannah Master and Rebecca Harris enjoyed the competitive nature and tangible problem-solving elements.

“We get to see real-time results for all the work we’ve put in,” Master said. “It’s a very hands-on aggressive sport, but it’s exhilarating.”

“I really like being able to see the output of our hard work,” Harris added.

In addition to teaching technical skills, the competition offers students a creative outlet through designing and building their own robots. “[The robots] are created in your own image,” said Todd Picard, a Norristown High School freshman who participated in one of the 12 teams representing Norristown. “There’s no one who can tell you it’s wrong if that’s the way you build it.”

Robotics Engineering Laboratory Opens Thanks to Alumnus Alan Criswell '82 The Alan J. Criswell Robotics Engineering Laboratory features state-of-the-art equipment and technology that will advance student learning, promote research, and enhance career readiness. From a program logistics control training system and industrial automation robot, to a 3-D printer and smart machine vision camera, the lab facility introduces students to the advanced technology used by professionals in the field.

The lab was equipped through the generous support of Widener alumnus Alan J. Criswell ’82. Criswell received a BS in engineering and credits his Widener education for laying the foundation for his successful career.

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Following the Widener VEX event, engineering students in the popular Widener Robotics Club quickly shifted gears from competition hosts to players. Seven of the club members packed up equipment, tool boxes, and two robots and made the 13-hour trek to Indiana to compete in the VEX U Competition at Purdue University on February 23.

Competing at the collegiate level gives students the opportunity to hone their robotics skills outside of the classroom and apply their knowledge in a real-world situation.

“Being able to learn specific skills in the competition and being able to learn how to program and apply that in the competition versus just programming and seeing words on a screen is completely different,” said Nick Lubeck, a freshman robotics engineering major.

This event was the first collegiate competition for the freshman robotics majors. The Widener Robotics team went head to head against 16 other teams representing universities from across the country.

“I attribute much of my success as the founding president & CEO of ACI Technologies to the preparation and technical knowledge that I received at Widener as an engineering student in the 1980s,” Criswell said. “It gives me great pleasure to support the school’s innovative leap into robotics with this state-of-the-art lab to prepare the students of Widener for the demanding engineering and technology challenges of tomorrow,” Criswell added.

The tournament was centered around the VEX game Turning Point but required an advanced level of technical knowledge and speed.

“They expect college students to be able to program at a significantly higher level, so they make it a bit more challenging by introducing a lot more timing and programming,” said Ethan Matlack, a robotics engineering freshman.

Widener placed 9th out of the 16 teams. For next year, the club plans to develop more teams and offer training workshops ahead of the upcoming competition season. W

Following his time at Widener, Criswell went on to serve in a variety of technical and management positions for the U.S. Navy, specializing in electronics manufacturing technology. His work earned him the prestigious Reliability, Maintainability, and Quality Assurance award from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1989. As leader of ACI Technologies for more than 25 years, Criswell built a renowned research and engineering services

company that employs the nation’s leading engineers and scientists.

Widener is proud of Criswell and proud to have launched the region’s first robotics engineering undergraduate major. Led by expert faculty, the program matches rigorous academics with experiential co-op and internship opportunities to put students on the inside track to success in the growing field of robotics engineering.

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ON CAMPUS

The Chester Community Clinic— A Decade of Service Exemplified in One Case

Since opening in 2009, the Chester Community Clinic has been a point of pride for the Institute for Physical Therapy Education. The student-run clinic fulfills its mission by offering hands-on learning for students and meeting the rehabilitation needs of clients in the community.

For Jaclyn Krempasky ’19, the clinic not only prepared her for clinical practice, but also ignited a passion that she’ll carry with her into the profession.

In November 2017, Krempasky, then a second-year doctor of physical therapy (DPT) student, was assigned to work with William Beachem, a Chester native who came to the clinic after a devastating motorcycle accident two months earlier

in Maryland. The crash rendered Beachem to a wheelchair with a number of injuries, the worst stemming from fractures in both legs.

“William was a very intimidatinglooking patient,” Krempasky explained.

“I was a little nervous to work with him.

He looked very fragile.”

Beachem’s condition presented a complex case for Krempasky and her classmates in the clinic. The crash required Beachem to undergo multiple surgeries and a two-month hospitalization, so Krempasky needed to pay careful attention to his recovery while ensuring that he progressed to meet rehabilitation goals.

One night while working with Krempasky during an ordinary session after only two months in the clinic, Beachem did something extraordinary: He took his first steps since the accident.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Beachem recounted while holding back tears.

“That was the start of my way back.”

This past year, Krempasky entered clinical rotations as part of her final year in the DPT program and drew from that powerful moment with Beachem.

“My experience with William helped shape where I want to end up,” Krempasky said. “I didn’t know at all what I wanted to do throughout school, but having that experience with him and then bringing that along with me out on my clinical has made me have a really big interest in helping older adults and helping people to walk and balance.”

Physical therapy graduates can use their degrees in a variety of medical areas.

Krempasky says her time on the neurology floor at Abington Jefferson Hospital coupled with her experience with Beachem has led her to find her calling.

“I found that I have more of a heart for people who need assistance getting up and walking,” said Krempasky.

Krempasky had a memorable walking moment of her own in May at this year’s commencement ceremony. Now equipped with a DPT degree, Krempasky will enter the field with the goal of helping people like Beachem, who says he’ll never forget the life changing care he received at Widener.

“I am deeply indebted and very thankful for Widener and its staff,” Beachem said. “Widener has been there every step of the way.”

Small Business Development Center Wins Award Widener University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) received the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“We are pleased to have the U.S. Small Business Administration recognize the extraordinary work of Widener’s Small Business Development Center,” President Julie E. Wollman said. “Widener’s SBDC has a demonstrated record of success in connecting university students with local entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their businesses. I look forward to seeing the SBDC continue to create these valuable connections and offer transformative learning experiences for our students.”

Ernie Post, director of the Pennsylvania SBDC Network, nominated Widener for the award.

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“The Widener University SBDC accomplishes its proven record of success and innovation because of the strong leadership of the center director, Lenin Agudo, and his dedicated staff who power the engines of excellence and innovation throughout the year,” Post said.

“It’s a great honor for the SBDC team to win this award,” Agudo said. “I am very proud of the work we accomplish for our community. Being able to see the entrepreneurs we help achieve the dream of starting their own business is incredibly rewarding.”

Are you interested in entrepreneurship and live in the region? If so, check out the many services that the SBDC has to offer. Visit www.widenersbdc.org or call 610-499-4109.

ON CAMPUS

New Football Head Coach The Widener University Athletic Department is excited to announce Mike Barainyak as the new head coach of the football program.

Barainyak spent the past two years as an assistant coach with Widener, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator in 2018. Last season, the Blue and Gold averaged 29.9 points per game, better than a touchdown improvement from the previous year. In 2017, Barainyak was Widener’s offensive line coach and led a group that allowed the fewest quarterback sacks in five seasons.

Prior to his arrival in Chester, Barainyak spent two seasons on the coaching staff at the University of MaryHardin Baylor as the tight ends and assistant offensive line coach, winning a national championship in 2016 and advancing to the national quarterfinals in 2015. While with the Cru, he was responsible for the development of two All-Americans, two All-South Region honorees, and six All-American Southwest Conference selections.

Barainyak makes academics a priority for his teams. Since he has been at Widener, the Pride has seen nine student-athletes named Academic All-MAC, tied for the most of any team in the Middle Atlantic Conference.

Additionally, two received the MAC Football Senior Scholar-Athlete Award and two have been named Academic All-Americans. At Mary-Hardin Baylor, he coached the Division III football recipient of the Elite 90 Award, given to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA that is competing at the site of each of the NCAA’s 90 championships.

New Occupational Therapy Doctorate Widener University is proud to announce the launch of the new doctor of occupational therapy program within the School of Human Service Professions.

The three-year doctoral program includes hands-on experiential learning, clinical research, personal faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Occupational therapy is an expanding profession within the health care field that is expected to grow 24 percent by 2026. Therapists in this field help to improve clients’ abilities to perform tasks associated with daily living.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Doctor of Occupational Therapy within the School of Human Service Professions,” said Robin Dole, dean of the School of Human Service Professions. “Graduate students will be able to take the next step in their careers with a client-centered and evidence-based curriculum in an interdisciplinary and supportive learning environment. This program will not only allow students to advance their careers but also emerge as leaders in the profession.”

Students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to work across health care disciplines within the university. The program’s inter-professional learning model will foster collaboration with other departments such as physical therapy, social work, human sexuality, nursing, and clinical psychology to deepen the students’ understanding of the course work and enable them to provide the best quality care for diverse client populations. Hands-on experiential learning opportunities will be available through doctoral and fieldwork experiences in clinical and community settings, including the Widener student-run, pro bono Chester Community Clinic.

Widener was named a "best value college" in Greater Philadelphia by Niche.com, and LendEDU.com ranked Widener as one of the most affordable schools for incoming freshmen who have financial need.

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ON CAMPUS

Welcome to Provost Workman and Dean Downey Dr. Andrew A. Workman joins Widener as its next provost

Dr. John P. Downey is Widener's new dean of students

Workman will play a significant role in advancing Widener as a thriving, nationally ranked university that offers innovative programs taught by faculty who are leaders in their fields and puts students on an inside track to success.

Workman will oversee the full student experience, including student affairs and academic affairs.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Workman to Widener,” said President Julie E. Wollman. “He is the ideal person to fill this important role. As an experienced leader in higher education, he brings to Widener a deep understanding of what it takes to pursue excellence, build on innovation, and move a university forward with programs and people devoted to student success.”

Workman said he believes the strength of American universities lies in their ability to change in ways that are authentic to their mission—something Widener has done as it evolved from its early years as Pennsylvania Military College to the modern university of today, while always remaining student centered.

“My academic and administrative experience has prepared me to help lead a dynamic university like Widener,” Workman said. “Its history of growth and change demonstrates the university’s willingness to make the strategic moves that strengthen its core programs, embrace new opportunities, and move it toward an even stronger national profile. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute my talents at such a vibrant place.”

Workman holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and social theory from New College of Florida, and a master’s degree and PhD in history, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“I am truly delighted to welcome Dr. Downey to Widener University,” said President Julie E. Wollman. “With deep experience in student affairs, academic affairs, and enrollment management, he is an outstanding choice to lead student affairs at Widener. He is a caring and trusted student advocate with a long track record of collaboration, and I look forward to the positive impact his work will have on our students’ success.”

“I am delighted to join Widener as dean of students,” Downey said. “I am impressed by the faculty, staff, and student dedication to collaboration, and to making valuable connections between student life and academics. I look forward to working with Widener’s excellent student affairs team to continue helping students transform their lives.”

Downey will lead a team at Widener focused on ensuring the university’s core values of academic excellence, career preparation, and civic engagement are reflected in students’ experiences in the classroom, residence halls, co-curricular programs, and interpersonal relationships. Driven by a mission to help students achieve their greatest potential, the Student Affairs team helps to cultivate the well-being and success of every Widener student.

Downey received his PhD in educational leadership and policy studies from Indiana University. He received his master’s in business administration from the College of New Jersey, and his bachelor of science in commerce from Rider University.

Widener was named to TheKnowledgeReview.com’s list of the 10 best colleges in America for engineering.

In assembling the list, the outlet sought colleges and universities with strong reputations, an excellent engineering curriculum, quality facilities, expert faculty, and exceptional placement services.

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ON CAMPUS

New Nurse Programs and Nursing Loan Reimbursement Funding According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, the nursing profession is expected to grow 15 percent through 2026, a rate much faster than other professions.

To meet this expectation, Widener’s School of Nursing has added new programs, including an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing at the Harrisburg Campus. The accelerated program, which is also available on Main Campus, is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree but are not licensed registered nurses and want to earn a BSN to embark on a nursing career.

“There is a growing demand in the health care field for highly skilled nursing professionals,” said Anne Krouse, dean of the School of Nursing. “This program meets that demand by providing second degree students in the greater Harrisburg area with the education and skills to earn a BSN in just five semesters.”

The School of Nursing now also offers two post-doctoral graduate certificates in nursing research and nursing education, the first of their kind in the United States. The certificates offer an opportunity to expand the roles and capabilities of individuals who hold a nursing doctorate or related degree.

The certificates better equip nurses to conduct meritorious research and to teach in academic settings.

Esports Comes to Widener!

Esports comes to Widener as its 24th varsity sport and its first co-ed team.

Widener is the fourth school in the Middle Atlantic Conference to offer Esports at the varsity level.

“Widener University looks forward to expanding our Esports Coach programming into Esports this fall and Devin Hartnett all it has to offer our students as a new team within the athletic department,” said Widener Director of Athletics Jack Shafer. “This group will be a part of our athletic teams—they will train and compete as a team, have a dedicated on-campus space, and be led by a quality coaching staff to compete in head-to-head multiplayer games that will be broadcast for a live audience.”

In addition, the School of Nursing has been awarded approximately $150,000 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Nurse Faculty Loan Program. This program enables Widener’s School of Nursing to offer significant loan reimbursements to graduates who become nurse faculty members. At a time when nursing schools across the nation are experiencing a shortage of qualified nursing faculty, the funding aims to address the shortage by providing a financial incentive to future nurse educators.

“We are very excited to bring in Devin Hartnett as the first head coach of Widener Esports,” said Shafer. “He brings a strong background in both playing and coaching at a high level and is a good leader to represent us as we move forward into this rapidly growing arena.”

The Esports industry has grown rapidly over the past few years. Short for electronic sports, Esports involves teams competing in multiplayer games in front of a live audience or online through gaming broadcasters such as Twitch and YouTube.

The Pride will compete in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the country’s most prominent organization dedicated to competitive collegiate video gaming.

Widener will battle in Hearthstone and League of Legends.

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1968 Rick Clark, BA, government and politics, and his wife recently visited South Africa and were disappointed to have to miss the 50th reunion for the class of 1968. The Clarks have recently retired to Delaware in a 55-plus community. They look forward to seeing many of his classmates on campus in the future.

Class of 1977 Robert McLaughlin, BS, management, published his second book, Witness to Treason: How the GOP,

from Widener University, and that Chester, Pa., was his foundation from birth through elementary, secondary, and college education. His oldest son, Robert, received his MBA in finance from Widener, and his daughter, Laura, completed her EdD and also received her diploma from Widener. Robert’s wife attended Widener Way for Women. Widener (Pennsylvania Military College when he began his first semester) has been a beacon of light upon a hill for the city of Chester and for Delaware County for more than 50 years.

Widener through difficult and sometimes desperate years has provided hope and dignity for the city’s social well-being and stature, for the city’s youth, and its community. Widener has kept the light of hope shining within the city of Chester, and Robert is hopeful its good, noble works will continue into the distant future.

PMC CADETS IN THE SPRING OF 1963 The members of the renowned PMC Marching Band were known as Headquarters Company (HQ). Dave McNulty was the executive officer, Bill Nelson was the top trumpet player, and Roger Shenke was the drum major. These leaders of the band formed their own quartet and enjoyed bursting into song anytime, anywhere in their dorm and on campus. There is an old song by Kenny Vance that captures the essence of this photo as the PMC Doo Wop quartet searched the rooms and corridors of the band dorm for that elusive, perfect echo in their harmony. Kenny Vance and the Planotones, “Looking for an Echo”. From L to R: David McNulty, Roger Shenke, Bill Nelson, and William (Buzzy) Miller.

Class of 1980

Trump, and Greed Betrayed America, at the end of October.

Robert’s first book, Danny and Mickey, Ordinary Heroes, was published in 2016. Robert is proud to acknowledge his undergraduate degree 18

Carol Haight, BS, social work, ’85L was recently honored with the Who's Who Lifetime Achievement Award. Much thanks to Widener University, as it was her undergrad professors who nominated her and presented her with her first Who's Who plaque at the awards ceremony just before graduation. Carol earned a BSW and BA in psychology summa cum laude in 1980 and went on to what is now the Delaware Law School. She is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and Florida federal courts and was admitted to practice

L to R: Jonathan Michel ’86 (Widener), Jim Jette ’71 (PMC), and Paul Kurlander ’86 (Widener) collaborating on a recent project at USA Industries, Inc., an oil and gas manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. before the U.S. Supreme Court, along with other Widener graduates, in November 2010.

Class of 1982

Michael Kernicky, BS, management—Janney

Montgomery Scott, LLC ("Janney"), a leading fullservice wealth management, financial services, and investment banking firm headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., is pleased to announce that the Kernicky Group has

CLASS NOTES

ONE SPOOKY REUNION Several alumni gather at a fun Halloween lunch, from left to right: Ev Hawley, Jack Martins '60, Bob Hawley '62, Duke Snyder '60, Judy Martins, Barb Snyder, Maryrose Schwartz, Shelly Schwartz '60

Daniel Astolfi '86 of Citizens Bank recently served as the keynote speaker at the Philadelphia Outward Bound School’s Business Breakfast. The event, called Stronger Together: Corporate-Nonprofit Partnerships, offered insights for developing high-impact and mutually beneficial partnerships. Pictured are (L-R): Daniel Astolfi, Citizens Bank executive vice president of Middle Market Banking, Mid-Atlantic Region, and Meg Wise, executive director of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School.

joined the firm in Media, Pa. The four-person team was previously affiliated with Merrill Lynch. The advisors of the Kernicky Group have more than 50 years combined financial services industry experience. They include Michael Kernicky, executive vice president of wealth management and his two sons, Michael J. Kernicky, vice president of wealth management, and John Kernicky, financial advisor.

The team is supported by Lois Bolgunas, private client associate. Janney’s office is located at 1400 N. Providence Road, Rose Tree Corp. Center 1, Suite 400, Media, PA 19063.

Class of 1988

Edward Seglias, JD, law— Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, PC, a law firm representing corporate clients, midsized privately held businesses, and construction related

companies, has announced that partner and shareholder Edward Seglias has been named secretary and general counsel for the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). For more than 25 years, Seglias has concentrated his practice in construction law and commercial litigation. He has

successfully tried dozens of construction cases in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and more widely in California and Florida. Seglias has been ranked on the Pennsylvania Construction List by Chambers USA since 2015. In addition, he is recognized on the Best Lawyers® in America List for Construction Law and Litigation–Construction, and on the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for Construction Litigation, and is MartindaleHubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated. Seglias divides his time between the firm’s Philadelphia, Delaware, and Washington, DC, offices.

He is vice president of the firm, as well as a shareholder and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. In addition, Seglias is a partner in the firm’s Construction Law Group.

Class of 1991

Diane Ferrie, BS, accounting—has been promoted to vice president at Pennsylvania Trust. With more than 23 years of experience in the financial services industry, Ferrie has been a member of the firm’s Tax Services department since 2010. She handles individual and fiduciary income tax returns, 1099 reporting, and serves as the liaison with operational providers on tax reporting issues.

Class of 1994

Dr. William Lane, EdD, higher education, published Stop Being Invisible: Overcoming Communication Barriers.

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CLASS NOTES The book provides ideas, strategies, and techniques on initiating and maintaining conversations, becoming more engaged listeners, and, finally, beginning to fit in. Upon its release in September 2018, it became an Amazon Best Seller. Dr. Lane is also an international speaker on helping individuals with autism.

Class of 1998

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has announced that Tina Woodruff, EdD, senior advisor to the provost, is the recipient of the PCOM Alumni Association’s Certificate of Honor—the highest award given by the association in recognition of distinguished services rendered and loyal devotion to the welfare and strengthening of PCOM. Dr. Woodruff has served the college for more than 15 years, the majority of those as chief student affairs officer. In that role, she was charged with designing and implementing academic support programs, career planning services, professional development opportunities, and mental health support resources for students in all academic programs on both the Philadelphia and Georgia campuses. As a result of Dr. Woodruff’s leadership, PCOM students have access to academic, personal, and career support services designed to help them reach their professional goals.

Under her direction, PCOM’s Office of Student Affairs has 20

grown to include 13 staff members between the Philadelphia and Georgia campuses, and a model is also in place to provide student affairs support services to students at PCOM South Georgia. In 2018, Dr. Woodruff transitioned to her current role as senior advisor to the provost for DO residency planning services. In this role, Dr. Woodruff is responsible for creating and overseeing a suite of residency planning, residency application, and match support services for the college’s DO students on all campuses.

Class of 2008

Luke Weber, BA, government and politics, is a trial litigator who devotes the majority of his practice to representing doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals against medical malpractice claims. During his career, Weber has been involved in defending more than 100 cases. He has litigated cases in more than a dozen counties and in federal court. In addition to medical malpractice litigation, Weber has also been involved in products liability cases and various personal injury matters. As a member of the Appellate and Post-Trial Advocacy Group, Weber has experience defending clients as an appellate advocate. He also has been involved in obtaining favorable outcomes in numerous confidential mediations and arbitrations.

Before joining Saxton & Stump, Weber was an associate in the Healthcare Litigation group at Stevens & Lee. Prior to private practice, Weber served as a law clerk to the Hon. Robert “Robin”

Simpson Jr. (Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court).

Weber also served in the chambers of Hon. Christopher C. Conner (U.S.D.C. Middle District of Pennsylvania) and Hon. J. Michael Eakin (Pennsylvania Supreme Court) during law school. At the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, Weber was a member of the National Trial Advocacy Team and was a senior editor on the Penn State Law Review.

He also participated as an advocate in the school’s medical-legal colloquium with the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Class of 2012

Erica Waller-Hill, BA, liberal studies; ME, educational foundations—On January 31, 2019, African American Alumni Association president Erica Waller-Hill was featured on the Steve Harvey show. Waller-Hill is the owner and founder of Destined for a Dream Foundation and SpeakLife, LLC, where she has helped thousands of youth and young adults find courage, purpose, and the tools to thrive in society. Waller-Hill is a Bucks

Class of 2009

Nyere Miller, BS, sports management, was named coordinator of Athletics and Student Leadership and head men’s basketball coach at Montgomery County Community College.

Before coming to MCCC, Miller served as coordinator of Athletics and Student Leadership at Salem Community College in New Jersey. He also served as an assistant men's basketball coach at Widener University and Delaware Valley University. Miller played collegiate basketball at Widener where he won three Commonwealth Conference titles and competed in the NCAA tournament all four years from 2006 to 2009.

County, Pa., native where she received her formal education.

Erica furthered her studies at Widener University in Chester, Pa. During her time at Widener, she studied early childhood education and liberal studies with a concentration in applied supervision. She achieved her master’s degree in administrative education.

She has appeared in Ebony Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Bucks County Courier Times, and on many television and radio shows. Waller-Hill has received countless awards for her leadership and continued service to our nation's youth. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pa., with her husband, Curtis, and two daughters, Capri and Nylah.

CLASS NOTES Class of 2013

Christopher Cicalese, MS, taxation and financial planning—Alloy Silverstein Accountants and Advisors, a leading accounting and advisory firm in Southern New Jersey, is pleased to announce that Manager Christopher Cicalese, CPA, has been recognized as a “20 Under 40” by South Jersey Biz. A Medford, NJ, resident, Cicalese was also recognized as a “30 Under 30” by the New Jersey Society of CPAs in 2015 for his notable contributions to the accounting profession and has been named to Forbes’s Top 100 Must-Follow Tax Twitter Accounts for 2017, 2018, and 2019 (@ AthleteCPA).

Class of 2015

Rachel Keller, MSW, MEd, human sexuality studies, has recently co-authored the book Advancing Sexual Health for the Christian Client: Data and Dogma. Keller’s book seeks to act as an essential toolkit for sexual health professionals who work with Christian clients who are seeking sexual wellness.

Pulitzer Prize Winner Widener University is proud to congratulate alumnus Brent Staples '73 for winning a 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Editorial Writing. Staples earned this prestigious award for his distinguished editorials "written with extraordinary moral clarity that charted the racial fault lines in the United States at a polarizing moment in the nation's history," according to the Pulitzer Prize Board.

"On behalf of Widener University, I extend sincere congratulations to Brent Staples on his remarkable accomplishment," said Widener President Julie E. Wollman. "We are very proud to have contributed to the foundation for Mr. Staples' exceptional career in journalism. Mr. Staples' dedication to composing morally and ethically rich and challenging work serves as an example for every student at Widener as we focus on developing habits of civic engagement and a commitment to social justice."

Alumni Cul-de-sac

A small cul-de-sac in Plymouth Meeting has had a long history with Widener University.

Recently, their newest future alum, Stephen Longo, moved into Kapelski Hall. When he graduates, he will be the seventh neighbor to have earned a degree from Widener.

Lauren Parkin '09, Andrew Parkin '10, and Erica Rose '09 all earned their undergrad degrees from Widener. Dennis Iaccarino '09, '12 and his brother Phillip Iaccarino '15, '18 earned their undergraduate and doctorate degrees in physical therapy from Widener.

Lastly, Stephen’s mother, Adonna Venezia Longo, was the first one to attend Widener, and she received her master's in 1996.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION Timothy Hekierski '13, vice president for DHH Construction, and his fellow graduate James McFadden '13, a project manager for Hekierski, were friends through the football team at Widener and are now running projects together at various pharmaceutical facilities. Hekierkski says, "Widener leadership works!"

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!

You can submit your class notes and photos three ways: 1. J oin or log on to the Widener Pride Network at alumni.widener.edu 2. E -mail to Patty Votta at pavotta@widener.edu 3. M ail to the Office of Alumni Engagement, One University Place, Chester, PA 19013

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CLASS NOTES

Widener University has been awarded a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-

Marriages

focused publication in

Emily Weisgerber ’14 and Nick Fuentes were married on October 13, 2018.

higher education.

New Arrivals

Kevin ’09 & Regina ’09 Muldoon welcomed their second child, Finnegan Byron, to the family on May 22, 2018.

In Memoriam

Oliver (Ollie) Armitage '49 Donald Klein '50 Norman Udovich '50 Frank Kuserk '51 Mortimer Bauer '52 Anthony Dammicci '53 David Finley '53 Charles Lazio '53 Ransom Shoup '55 Gordon Beauchamp '57 Stephen Sheftz '57 Norman Morphet '58 Angelo Candelori '60 Herbert Rosenblatt ’60 George Rudy '60 Paul Zizza '60 Melvin Colvin '61 Edward Kautz '61 Vincent Porrazzo '61 Stanton VonGrabill '61 Donn Zang '61

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John McMahon '62 Fred Kryka '64 Martin Mortimer '64 John Thress '64 David Hall '66 Eugene Stahl '67 Ronald Contrisciane '68 Richard Parsels '68 Danyon Braymes '69 Ronald Kendig '69 Grace Sevier-Lincoln '69 Alfred Tribble '69 Jose Alvarez '70 Irwin Chinsky '71 John Zyla '71 Nelson Ayoub '72 Joseph Granger '72 Daniel McGarrigan '72 Nicholas Nayko '72 Thomas Viotti '73 William Feathers '75 Dale Nupp '75 John Pinchin '76

Marie Bifferato '77 William Hecht '77 Vernon Morris '80 Janet Partika '81 Richard Grzywinski '81 Thomas Haines '82 Scott Parlow '83 Helene Krikelis '84 Charles McCardell '84 Yvonne Spencer '84 Lynnore Compton '86 Thomas Donaher '86 Ronald Inverso '86 Millicent Ramno '86 Thomas Short '86 Benedict Gallagher '87 Robert Bean '88 Peter Garrigus '88 Gail Schneck '88 Robert Reeder '94 Kathleen Pagliei '95 Marie DeFinis-Wilson '95 Joseph Platt '95

Damon Preziuso '97 Rosalie Shaw '03 Mark Mustin '04 Gary German '06 Susan Mills '12 Amy Eskuchen '17 FRIENDS, FACULTY, AND STAFF John Bogle Rita Buchy Linda Clifton Angel Clybourn Nickander Damaskos Charles Evans John Flaherty Walter Garrison James Lammendola Joyce Phillips Ann Platt Anand Prabhaker Robert Young

2019 Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend October 11–12, 2019 We welcome all WidenerPMC alumni!

For more information, please visit alumni.widener. edu/netcommunity

Save the Date for HOMECOMING!

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THE BACK PAGE

Generous Alumni Meet Grateful Students at the Scholarship Luncheon No matter the plans, goals, or dreams of Widener welcomed the audience, thanking the donors for the students, their journey is often made smoother by tremendous impact they have on our students’ lives receiving a scholarship. The annual Scholarship and for enriching the fabric of the entire Widener Luncheon held this past April was a celebration community. Wollman then yielded her time to of the generosity of scholarship donors and the student president Gabrielle Gehron ’19, who impact they have on the lives of recipients. graduated with both her bachelor’s and master’s Ken '92 and Nancy ’88, ‘92L Miller are degrees in biomedical engineering in May. Gehron among Widener’s most steadfast supporters. was the recipient of a four-year scholarship to They addressed the room of 150 donors, Widener. recipients, and university administrators, “At Widener, I found a university where my President for a Day Gabrielle Gehron ‘19 sharing that they were both first generation, professors and advisors care as much about my non-traditional students when they attended education as I do,” Gehron said. “Like so many of Widener. At Widener, they received the support and the outstanding students in this room, without your help, I may encouragement they needed to graduate and launch successful not have been able to attend this exceptional university.” careers. The Millers sponsor an endowed scholarship every year.

To learn how you can contribute to or sponsor a By coincidence, the Scholarship Luncheon fell on the same scholarship, contact Associate Vice President for Development day that Widener’s president traded places with a student, and Alumni Engagement Jim Gulick at jkgulick@widener.edu or known as “President for a Day.” President Julie E. Wollman 610-499-4486.

Clockwise from left: Nancy '88 & '92L and Ken Miller '92 with scholarship recipient Sophia Corbo '19; Jonathan ’08 and Robert Moll, representing the Clarence and Ruth Moll Endowed Scholarship, with recipients Austin Rivera ‘21 and Arvind Bussetty ‘19; Jane Laffend ’70, representing the Lenore and Howard Klein Endowed Scholarship, and recipient Cordelia Amachi '19; Widener trustee and scholarship sponsor Barbara Chamberlain ’07 with nursing student Mackenzie Jarvis ’21

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“I’ve had life-changing experiences at Widener thanks to the financial support of alumni. I am beyond grateful for your generosity!”

Jessica Feoli ’21 International Business Major, Spanish Minor

Alumni Impact When you give, Jessica succeeds!

90%

of Widener students receive financial aid.

The generosity of alumni and friends puts Widener students on the inside track to success.

You can choose to give to the Widener Fund or any program or initiative that’s important to you. Wherever you choose to give, your gift empowers Jessica and all Widener students to excel at school and in life.

Your gift to the Widener Fund brings a Widener education within financial reach for deserving and motivated students like Jessica.

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a big difference!

Jessica is counting on you!

Return the envelope enclosed in this magazine or visit give.widener.edu to make your gift today!

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Gain the competitive edge you need to advance in your career with a Widener graduate degree.

Today, leadership is at a premium.

That is why it’s more important than ever to give yourself an edge that can take your career to the next level. With more than 60 graduate degrees, Widener University offers a robust selection of graduate programs in these fields:

• Business Administration • Clinical Psychology • Criminal Justice • Education • Engineering • Human Sexuality Studies • Law • Nursing • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Public Administration • Social Work With full- and part-time programs available in evening, weekend, and accelerated and online formats, Widener can help you advance in your career.

Visit widener.edu/graduate.

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