JOUROURNENEYYSS S The Bow Tie Guys Connect!...year—on April Fool’s Day. For Bill, learn-ing to...

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Connect! Connect! “Individual commitment to a group effort— that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” —Vince Lombardi, American football coach 5 Staff Member Recognition A frustrated and irritated client who called Client Service Representative Tom Clow was so impressed with the level of service he provided that she called to tell us. “In response to my negative attitude and comments, Tom said, ‘Let’s see what I can do to change your mind.’ His personality and demeanor were wonderful!” Thanks to Tom’s good service and people skills, the client ended her conversation with him satisfied and in better spirits. Debra Elam went the extra mile for a grateful client we contacted regarding possible fraudulent activity on her ATM/ debit card. The client was so pleased with our level of service that she called us to say, “Debra went to extraordinary lengths to have my card replaced overnight, despite it being over a holiday, so I could take it with me on an upcoming business trip. Thank you for your outstanding assistance!” Kiondra Kroger, Mike Parkell, Susan Hazel, Shayleen Morales, Linda Miller, and Jesse Priester were recognized by Kevin Fretz who says, “Thank you for your prompt and courteous service. You’re a great group of individuals and without your help, we couldn’t efficiently serve our clients as we do.” Outstanding service, such as that provided by Jeanna Vied, is the reason that one client says, “I love banking with Wilmington Trust and have for so many years.” Another grateful client credits Jenna’s knowledgable service for helping him to maintain his longstanding Wilmington Trust account while working in Germany. Branmar Plaza Branch Office staff member Bernadette Cleary was praised by a client who first met her 12 years ago. The client shared, “I needed help with personal financial matters. Bernadette was extremely helpful, professional, knowledgeable, and most of all, kind, during a difficult time for me.” A decade later, when her financial situ- ation changed and she needed assistance, the client remembered Bernadette’s help and contacted her again. “Not only did she meet with me at my convenience, she remem- bered me and extended the same kindness as before!” In the two years since, the client says, “She’s always willing to listen and of- fers solutions that match my investment risk tolerance. She’s responsive and courteous and I’m lucky to have found her.” IT staff members Pat Bonner and Jeff Noznisky were recognized by Bill Moore for their support on the branch office renovation program. “Jeff is an invaluable resource and key person for coordinating the larger IT team. Pat is unfailingly cheerful and willing to accommodate almost any inconvenience to support our branch office staff members. Both have been life savers on many occasions.” College Fraternity Beginnings We almost missed the opportunity to chat with Len about his bowtie. He deleted our email with a “Bow Tie Guys” “RE” line, thinking it was a solicitation from his favor- ite bow tie retailer, Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont. When we finally tracked him down, he was wearing a jellybean print, butterfly-style (larger and fuller than a straight-style, but less full than an exagger- ated butterfly-style) bow tie. Of course, it made us smile. During his first fraternity formal in college, which required tuxedo attire, Len rejected the clip-on bow tie that his fraternity broth- ers were donning and learned to tie a real bow tie. In the many years since, the bow tie has served him well. “Women always comment on my ties and want to straighten them!” he jokes. He also appreciates the splashes of color that the ties add to his ensemble, but, to keep things interesting, wears traditional ties, too. While they’re not easy to find, he’s amassed a collection of over 50 bow ties that he selects, much as he would if wearing a traditional straight tie, based on the outfit he’s wearing. The look keeps his outfits and life interesting. He’s been asked by strangers how to tie a bow tie and once gave an impromptu lesson to a fellow train passenger. “No mirror needed!” he boasts. The Evolution of a Joke You’ll find no traditional straight ties in Bill’s closet; well, just one. This well-known bow tie man wears a traditional tie once a year—on April Fool’s Day. For Bill, learn- ing to tie a bow tie about 12 years ago was an item on his “things-to-do-before-I-die- someday” list. It unexpectedly, and quickly, became his signature look. After ordering a bow tie and spending an entire evening learning how to tie it, Bill decided to wear the neckwear to work the following day. “I was harassed!” he recalls, “And called names like Peewee Herman and Orville Redenbacher.” That was all it took. “I decided then that I would wear one every day just to stick it to them. I got rid of all my ties that day!” In the years following, the nicknames for Bill evolved to just one— Bow tie Bill. Today, people are surprised when they see Bill outside of work without a bow tie, even if he’s exercising or running errands on the weekend—“I didn’t recognize you!” they always exclaim. As with Len, Bill finds that the bow tie garners attention. People regularly ask if he really ties the bow or if it clips on to his shirt (it ties—Bill is not a fan of the clip-on). “Everyone wants to learn how to tie one. I’ve taught many a man at my local gym how to do it. It’s certainly not the typical scene you’d expect to see in a men’s locker room!” APRIL 2010 ISSUE 14 JOURNEYS J J O O O O U U U U R R R R N N N N E E Y Y Y Y S S Y Y Y Y S Y Y Y In This Issue Collective Accomplishments Teambuilding Outside the Box In it Together Helping Humanity Journeying Down Memory Lane Cheer a Peer Girl Power Fundraising Follies West Coast Pilgrim Red Ribbon Board Member Team Compassion Achievements, Anniversaries, In Memoriam, New Staff, Retirements The Bow Tie Guys Staff Member Recognition Connect With Other WT Staff Members Cake is King on Mardi Gras Snowmageddon ExperienceXchange Protégé Relay Team More Than a Big Sister Wilmington Recycles Annual Health Fair Next Month Where Wilmington Trust Staff Members Connect APRIL 2010 ISSUE 14 Teambuilding Outside the Box Investment Management Application Sup- port staff members in Wilmington, DE, can typically be found writing code, managing investment projects, creating and modifying Mainframe jobs, trouble-shooting production issues, and attending meetings. However, recently, in an effort to recharge their batter- ies and increase productivity, they’ve been spotted partaking in some serious fun. By introducing competitive events such as a beard-growing contest, a baking contest, a field goal kicking competition, and a stock picking competition, staff members in the group are strengthening their bonds and engaging in creative competition. Male staff members participated in the beard-growing contest and were judged by their female coworkers on the following criteria: length, fullness, overall appearance, and how well the beard matched the participant’s shoes! Dave Kinnerman took the title. And the winner of the bake-off competition, with a melt-in-your-mouth apple tort, was Tom Bogush. Eight group staff members participated in the field goal kicking competition and were joined by two staff members from a neigh- boring department—teamwork out of the box seems to be contagious! In bitter cold temperatures, the trash-talking competitors took turns kicking a football over a field goal line that was moved further back after each successful kick. Bob Wolk was the favorite in the competition. In a still gloomy economy, these are inex- pensive ways to have fun and band together. As the teambuilding continues, so do the out-of-the-box ideas for events—bowling, go-cart racing, a softball game, dodge ball competition, and the third-annual field goal kicking competition are on the table for this year. Stay tuned! Contributions from Michele Spink and Bob Wolk ACCOMPLISHMENTS Many people are familiar with Len Togman, Wilming- ton, DE, Bill Farrell, Wilmington, DE, Sean Murray, Princeton, NJ, and Kemp Stickney, (who splits his time between offices in North Palm Beach, FL and Wilm- ington, DE) because of their unconventional neckwear choice—the bow tie. It takes confidence and a little quirkiness to stray from the mainstream and make such a bold fashion statement. What inspired this choice for these gentlemen? We asked the hard questions. “Snowmageddon!” In early February, staff members in the northeastern US experienced two blizzards just weeks apart from each other. Joseph Rapanotti, Wilmington, DE, ventured out to his front yard (which happens to be near our headquarters building) during storm number one and checked out the scene. T he Bow Tie Guys What you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask 6 Annual Health Fair Next Month Delaware staff members can look forward to the annual WILTRAC-sponsored Health Fair on May 25 and 26. Be sure to mark the dates and stop by to enjoy a mini-massage, vision screening, and offerings from a variety of other providers including healthy food vendors and local chiropractors. For additional information, including times and locations, click the WILTRAC link on WTnet. Contributions from April Benton ExperienceXchange Protégé Relay Team For many years, Tara Mathena, Wilmington, DE has been involved with Relay for Life ® , the American Cancer Society’s signature annual fundraising event. The Relay brings people from communities across the US together for an over- night team walk that raises money for the fight against cancer. Team members seek sponsorships for the miles they walk and, on the evening of the Relay, work together to keep one team member on a track at all times. Last year, Tara was also a participant in our ExperienceXchange mentoring program and collaborated with the program’s manager, Megan Gilason, Wilmington, DE, to secure company sponsorship of a Relay team. With company support, Tara and Megan now needed to form a team to participate! ExperienceXchange participants led the way. Tiffany Whittle, Wilmington, DE, stepped up as the team captain, and recruited fellow Wilmington, DE staff members Pam Stephens, Alisha Clendaniel, Stacey Moreno, and Jean Choi. This core team recruited about 25 additional Wilmington Trust staff members to participate in the Relay. On the evening of the event, members of Team Wilmington Trust set up camp at a local school and took turns walking or running around a track from dusk until dawn the next morning. “The experience was incredible. As a result of losing my sister in-law to stomach cancer in March, the event was very emotional for me, but was also healing,” recalls Alisha. Team Wilmington Trust’s efforts raised over $5,000. This year, on May 21, the team hopes to beat that number. Interested in joining the effort? Please email Tara at tmathena@ wilmingtontrust.com to learn how you can help. Contributions from Megan Gilason Have you considered joining a Staff Networking Group? These unique groups are chartered by the Diversity Council, recognized by Wilmington Trust, and structured to bring together like-minded individuals from similar social and/or cultural groups. All staff members who have an interest in a group, regardless of whether you share the same social identity, are welcome to join. We currently have six Staff Networking Groups. Here’s an overview of each to help you determine which might be a great fit for you! with Other WT Staff Members Collective This March, Sandi Shelton educated fellow North Palm Beach, FL staff members about the origins of Mardi Gras, secret carnival societies, mythical floats, and King Cakes. The King Cake is similar to a coffee-cake topped with icing and decorated in colors of gold,green, and purple, representing power, faith, and jus- tice, respectively. It also contains a tiny plastic baby. When the cake is sliced and served, the person who finds the baby in his or her piece is crowned king or queen for the year and must host the Mardi Gras party the following year. Looks like “King” Chris Woythaler will be springing for the 2011 Mardi Gras King Cake! Contributions from Lisa Webb I n American football and on sports teams around the world, there are players who are better known than their teammates. We know their names and follow them, paying closer attention to their game-time perfor- mance than that of their teammates. These stars garner the attention. Despite this, following a big, yard-gaining or point- scoring play, I’m consistently struck by the fact that it takes the efforts of several unknown players to get the ball into the hands of the star who makes the big play. If the unnamed offen- sive lineman had not blocked the defense, if the quarterback had not been protected by the unknown line- man, if the place- kicker’s holder had not positioned the ball correctly, the big play may not have hap- pened. We celebrate the end result and the individual who appears to have attained the achievement, but it’s the collective, group effort that makes it possible. A lone star achiever cannot make his way up the football field to score without teammates— it’s simply impossible. We achieve our personal accomplishments often only with the support of others who neither seek, nor receive, the glory that comes as a result of our undertakings. In my own life, I think of my family—the first “team” of which I was a member. My fam- ily’s love, support, and guidance fortified me and helped me dream big and achieve my goals. They were in my corner and, no matter our physical distance, rooting for me. In college and law school, I routinely took a small picture of my parents with me to class exams in my backpack—a physical manifestation of what I already knew— to remind me that they were cheering me on, encouraging me to the finish line, and confident in my abilities, even when I was unsure. In the years since joining my first team, I have been a member of many: on the soccer field, in classes with group projects, as a staff member of law firms and corpora- tions, in the community, and as a spouse. While group dynamics have differed in each of these situations, I’ve always realized that my success benefits the others with whom I am playing, and so, too, does theirs benefit me. As a result, it’s easier to push each other further and each do our best. In team situations, I’m always struck by the equanimity of a coach, group leader, partner, or coworker who, when recognized individually for the team’s accomplishment, acknowledges the efforts of the whole. I admire the person who shares the fame, the glory, the accolades of accomplishment, as she is the embodi- ment of what it means to be a team player. She knows that the spotlight would not be shining upon her were it not for the hard work of others. Teamwork is that way—inspiring and motivating. When you know you’re a part of something bigger than yourself, your confidence grows and you push harder, strive for more. As a result, the team can often accomplish something greater than the individual can alone. Like winning the game, creating a healthier planet, increasing shareholder value, or creating a happy home life…we’re in it together. When you know you’re part of something bigger than yourself, your confidence grows and you push harder, strive for more. North Palm Beach, FL staff members (l to r) Odetta Howard, Nancy Kissel, Debra Boyson, and Sandi celebrate Mardi Gras with a festive and traditional King Cake Juntos (“Together” in Spanish) Hispanic Heritage Mission To act as pioneers and leaders, to develop a networking group within Wilmington Trust’s Hispanic Community that contributes to the growth of the company. Interested in joining? Contact Luis Colon, chair, or Cynthia Corliss, executive sponsor WIL-Pride Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Mission To foster a positive and safe environment, whereby the collaboration of the community at large, the corporation, and the group itself assures Wilmington Trust leads in acknowledg- ment and support of its diverse workforce. We will continue to build and sustain a wel- coming workplace for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, through education, networking, and collabora- tion. As a result, Wilmington Trust retains and attracts the highest qualified staff mem- bers, meets the needs of clients, and develops additional business opportunities. Interested in joining? Contact Walt Toledo, co-chair, Natasha Ortega, co-chair, or Gail Howard, executive sponsor WIN Women In Networking Mission To enhance growth opportunities for Wilm- ington Trust by creating an internal dialogue to advance the understanding of the business opportunity, and unique needs and communi- cation preferences of women as a key market segment. WIN will champion the company’s efforts to recruit, retain, and advance women into positions of influence and leadership to better reflect internally the composition of the external opportunity. Interested in joining? Contact Judy McKendrick, chair, or Chick Pinto, executive sponsor GenerationNow (GenNow) Supporting staff members new to the workforce or to Wilmington Trust Mission To provide opportunities and activities to help transfer and retain key business knowledge at Wilmington Trust and to promote Wilming- ton Trust as an employer of choice for staff members new to the workforce. Interested in joining? Contact Brenda Talley, chair, or Jim Combs, executive sponsor WWW Wilmington WorldWide Mission To welcome, connect, and appreciate all Wilmington Trust staff members who have an international interest, background, or experience and to facilitate opportunities for professional and business development. Interested in joining? Contact Julien Perret, chair, or Jack Beeson, executive sponsor BEACON Blacks Empowered And Committed through Opportunity and Networking Mission To share information that will help enhance business acumen, provide coaching, encourage community involvement, and offer networking for Black/African American members. Interested in joining? Contact Dawna Bunton, chair, or Don MacKelcan, executive sponsor For more information about Staff Networking Groups generally, visit WTnet, click on “Company Portals,” and then click on “Diversity.” Or call Lisa Thomas at 302.651.8902. Contributions from Angie Miller, Chick Pinto, and Lisa Thomas Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras! Cake is Wilmington Recycles! In February, General Services, Marketing, and GenerationNow collaborated to kick-off an official recycling program for Wilmington Trust offices in downtown Wilmington, DE. Two recycling bins are now located on every floor of the Plaza and Center buildings, and one bin is in the cafeteria of each building. Please remember to empty your contain- ers before tossing them into the combined recycling (all materials in one bin) bin. And continue to shred any confidential materials you’re disposing of; only non- confidential materials should be tossed into the recycling bins. Make every day Earth Day—recycle! Contributions from Jeff Dunn, Chris Haak, and Angie Miller More than a Big Sister Four years ago, with a new home, new job, and recent marriage, Susan Vendetti, Wilmington, DE, was feeling lucky and searching for a way to give back as thanks to the universe for her good fortune. She didn’t have to search long— on her way to the cafeteria, she was approached by someone working at a table for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, a national organization that works to foster relationships that improve the lives of children. “Perfect!” she says. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware volunteers visit children they’ve been matched with, their “Little Brothers” or “Little Sisters,” at their schools during lunch hour and spend time together talking, playing games, or reading together in available classrooms. Susan’s Little Sister, Jordyn, a seven-year-old girl suffering from low self-esteem was, with three siblings, feeling lost in the shuffle. “For the first few months, I tried desperately to find a way to get her to talk. We didn’t sit in silence, because I’m physically unable, but the conversation was one-sided. I’d talk, talk, talk and she’d smile, but barely spoke,” Susan recalls. One day while in the book store, thinking of Jordyn, Susan purchased a copy of A Light in the Attic, Shel Silverstein’s collection of fun and silly poems for children. When she presented the book to her, Jordyn flipped through the pages and smiled. Her smile gave way to laughter and soon she and Susan were giggling together! “When we got up to leave for the day, she threw her arms around me and thanked me for her gift!” The following week, Jordyn shared that she had taken the book home to show her family and then brought it back to school to read to her class as part of “Show and Tell.” Susan thought, “This is going to take some doing, but it will be a great match!” It was—and still is. Having now grown up and outgrown both her self-esteem issues and the structure of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jordyn enjoys dinner dates and trips to the movies with Susan. She’s blossomed into a well-adjusted youngster who was recently honored to be chosen as a peer tutor for kindergarteners and first-graders who need a little help with basic math and reading. “As cliché as it sounds, I’ve taken so much more from knowing her than she ever could from me,” says Susan. “All she needed was someone to show up and tell her now and again how great she is—not hard for a kid so bright and lovely.” Contributions from Angie Miller and Susan Vendetti Above, left: Bill, Len, and Kemp sporting bows Above, right: Sean in stripes Kingon Brag a Little! Did a staff member on your team recently receive recognition by a fellow staff member or client for his or her great work or extra effort? Share the news. Let us know and you may just see his or her name appear in our Staff Member Recognition column! Inspired by a Mentor For Kemp, the genesis of his bow tie style is more personal. A high school art history teacher who, as Kemp recalls, “pushed me when I needed to be pushed academically and became a mentor and friend” was the impetus behind his bow. “Mr. Davis always wore a bow tie and I looked up to him,” Kemp recalls. “When he said ‘I see myself in you,’ I decided to emulate his style.” In the time since, “It’s become part of my persona.” On the rare occa- sion when he is bow tie-less, people often ask him, “What’s wrong?” Always on the lookout for a quality bow, Kemp has over 100 in his collection in patterns and colors that range from conservative to whimsical. He has a variety of black bow ties for formal occasions (straight, à la James Bond; grosgrain; and butterfly-style), a few custom-designed ties, and ties that match the seasons of the year. As with Len, people regularly approach Kemp desiring to straighten his tie and often do so spontaneously! He’s approached frequently by people who want to know if he ties them and who ask, “How do you tie a bow tie?” He’s also asked if he’s a lawyer (he is, actually, but not practicing). Kemp doesn’t mind—he’s used to the attention and understands that there’s just something about the bow tie that intrigues people. It Runs in the Family It was Sean’s father who inspired Sean to wear a bow tie (and showed him how to tie the bow). He, in turn, had been inspired by his father, Sean’s grandfather. Although Sean used to wear bow ties regularly when he was younger, now, he says, “I wear a bow tie only a couple of times a week, as a change of pace. The whiter my shirt, the more likely I am to wear one.” He favors striped bow ties, but has a patterned tie or two. “My favorite patterned tie is black with red skull and cross-bones on it.” Wearing the occasional bow tie has been Sean’s practice for years and has served him well. “I was offered my first job because I wore a bow tie to the interview. Well, at least that’s what my boss told me!” Contributions from Bill Farrell, Sean Murray, Andrea Spahr, Kemp Stickney, and Len Togman For those wondering how it’s done…

Transcript of JOUROURNENEYYSS S The Bow Tie Guys Connect!...year—on April Fool’s Day. For Bill, learn-ing to...

Page 1: JOUROURNENEYYSS S The Bow Tie Guys Connect!...year—on April Fool’s Day. For Bill, learn-ing to tie a bow tie about 12 years ago was an item on his “things-to-do-before-I-die-someday”

Connect!Connect!

“Individual commitment to a group effort— that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” —Vince Lombardi, American football coach

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Staff Member Recognition

A frustrated and irritated client who called Client Service Representative Tom Clow was so impressed with the level of service he provided that she called to tell us. “In response to my negative attitude and comments, Tom said, ‘Let’s see what I can do to change your mind.’ His personality and demeanor were wonderful!” Thanks to Tom’s good service and people skills, the client ended her conversation with him satisfied and in better spirits.

Debra Elam went the extra mile for a grateful client we contacted regarding possible fraudulent activity on her ATM/ debit card. The client was so pleased with our level of service that she called us to say, “Debra went to extraordinary lengths to have my card replaced overnight, despite it being over a holiday, so I could take it with me on an upcoming business trip. Thank you for your outstanding assistance!”

Kiondra Kroger, Mike Parkell, Susan Hazel, Shayleen Morales, Linda Miller, and Jesse Priester were recognized by Kevin Fretz who says, “Thank you for your prompt and courteous service. You’re a great group of individuals and without your help, we couldn’t efficiently serve our clients as we do.”

Outstanding service, such as that provided by Jeanna Vied, is the reason that one client says, “I love banking with Wilmington Trust and have for so many years.” Another grateful client credits Jenna’s knowledgable service for helping him to maintain his longstanding Wilmington Trust account while working in Germany.

Branmar Plaza Branch Office staff member Bernadette Cleary was praised by a client who first met her 12 years ago. The client shared, “I needed help with personal financial matters. Bernadette was extremely helpful, professional, knowledgeable, and most of all, kind, during a difficult time for me.” A decade later, when her financial situ-ation changed and she needed assistance, the client remembered Bernadette’s help and contacted her again. “Not only did she meet with me at my convenience, she remem-bered me and extended the same kindness as before!” In the two years since, the client says, “She’s always willing to listen and of-fers solutions that match my investment risk tolerance. She’s responsive and courteous and I’m lucky to have found her.”

IT staff members Pat Bonner and Jeff Noznisky were recognized by Bill Moore for their support on the branch office renovation program. “Jeff is an invaluable resource and key person for coordinating the larger IT team. Pat is unfailingly cheerful and willing to accommodate almost any inconvenience to support our branch office staff members. Both have been life savers on many occasions.”

College Fraternity BeginningsWe almost missed the opportunity to chat with Len about his bowtie. He deleted our email with a “Bow Tie Guys” “RE” line, thinking it was a solicitation from his favor-ite bow tie retailer, Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont. When we finally tracked him down, he was wearing a jellybean print, butterfly-style (larger and fuller than a straight-style, but less full than an exagger-ated butterfly-style) bow tie. Of course, it made us smile.

During his first fraternity formal in college, which required tuxedo attire, Len rejected the clip-on bow tie that his fraternity broth-ers were donning and learned to tie a real bow tie. In the many years since, the bow tie has served him well. “Women always comment on my ties and want to straighten them!” he jokes. He also appreciates the splashes of color that the ties add to his ensemble, but, to keep things interesting, wears traditional ties, too.

While they’re not easy to find, he’s amassed a collection of over 50 bow ties that he selects, much as he would if wearing a traditional straight tie, based on the outfit he’s wearing. The look keeps his outfits and life interesting. He’s been asked by strangers how to tie a bow tie and once gave an impromptu lesson to a fellow train passenger. “No mirror needed!” he boasts.

The Evolution of a JokeYou’ll find no traditional straight ties in Bill’s closet; well, just one. This well-known bow tie man wears a traditional tie once a year—on April Fool’s Day. For Bill, learn-ing to tie a bow tie about 12 years ago was an item on his “things-to-do-before-I-die-someday” list. It unexpectedly, and quickly, became his signature look.

After ordering a bow tie and spending an entire evening learning how to tie it, Bill decided to wear the neckwear to work the following day. “I was harassed!” he recalls, “And called names like Peewee Herman and Orville Redenbacher.” That was all it took. “I decided then that I would wear one every day just to stick it to them. I got rid of all my ties that day!” In the years following, the nicknames for Bill evolved to just one— Bow tie Bill. Today, people are surprised when they see Bill outside of work without a bow tie, even if he’s exercising or running errands on the weekend—“I didn’t recognize you!” they always exclaim.

As with Len, Bill finds that the bow tie garners attention. People regularly ask if he really ties the bow or if it clips on to his shirt (it ties—Bill is not a fan of the clip-on). “Everyone wants to learn how to tie one. I’ve taught many a man at my local gym how to do it. It’s certainly not the typical scene you’d expect to see in a men’s locker room!”

A P R I L 2 0 1 0 I S S U E 14

JOURNEYS JJOOOOUUUURRRRNNNNEEYYYYS SYYYYSYYY

In This Issue

Collective Accomplishments

Teambuilding Outside the Box

In it Together

Helping Humanity

Journeying Down Memory Lane

Cheer a Peer

Girl Power

Fundraising Follies

West Coast Pilgrim

Red Ribbon Board Member

Team Compassion

Achievements, Anniversaries, In Memoriam, New Staff, Retirements

The Bow Tie Guys

Staff Member Recognition

Connect With Other WT Staff Members

Cake is King on Mardi Gras

Snowmageddon

ExperienceXchange Protégé Relay Team

More Than a Big Sister

Wilmington Recycles

Annual Health Fair Next Month

Where Wilmington Trust Staff Members Connect

A P R I L 2 0 1 0 I S S U E 1 4

Teambuilding Outside the Box Investment Management Application Sup-port staff members in Wilmington, DE, can typically be found writing code, managing investment projects, creating and modifying Mainframe jobs, trouble-shooting production issues, and attending meetings. However, recently, in an effort to recharge their batter-ies and increase productivity, they’ve been spotted partaking in some serious fun.

By introducing competitive events such as a beard-growing contest, a baking contest, a field goal kicking competition, and a stock picking competition, staff members in the group are strengthening their bonds and engaging in creative competition.

Male staff members participated in the beard-growing contest and were judged by their female coworkers on the following criteria: length, fullness, overall appearance, and how well the beard matched the participant’s shoes! Dave Kinnerman took the title. And the winner of the bake-off competition, with a melt-in-your-mouth apple tort, was Tom Bogush.

Eight group staff members participated in the field goal kicking competition and were joined by two staff members from a neigh-boring department—teamwork out of the box seems to be contagious! In bitter cold temperatures, the trash-talking competitors took turns kicking a football over a field goal line that was moved further back after each successful kick. Bob Wolk was the favorite in the competition.

In a still gloomy economy, these are inex-pensive ways to have fun and band together. As the teambuilding continues, so do the out-of-the-box ideas for events—bowling, go-cart racing, a softball game, dodge ball competition, and the third-annual field goal kicking competition are on the table for this year. Stay tuned!

Contributions from Michele Spink and Bob Wolk

A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S

Many people are familiar with Len Togman, Wilming-ton, DE, Bill Farrell, Wilmington, DE, Sean Murray, Princeton, NJ, and Kemp Stickney, (who splits his time between offices in North Palm Beach, FL and Wilm-ington, DE) because of their unconventional neckwear choice—the bow tie. It takes confidence and a little quirkiness to stray from the mainstream and make such a bold fashion statement. What inspired this choice for these gentlemen? We asked the hard questions.

“Snowmageddon!” In early February, staff members in the northeastern US experienced two blizzards just weeks apart from each other. Joseph Rapanotti, Wilmington, DE, ventured out to his front yard (which happens to be near our headquarters building) during storm number one and checked out the scene.

The Bow Tie GuysWhat you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask

6

Annual Health Fair Next Month Delaware staff members can look forward to the annual WILTRAC-sponsored Health Fair on May 25 and 26. Be sure to mark the dates and stop by to enjoy a mini-massage, vision screening, and offerings from a variety of other providers including healthy food vendors and local chiropractors.

For additional information, including times and locations, click the WILTRAC link on WTnet.

Contributions from April Benton

ExperienceXchange Protégé Relay Team For many years, Tara Mathena, Wilmington, DE has been involved with Relay for Life®, the American Cancer Society’s signature annual fundraising event. The Relay brings people from communities across the US together for an over-night team walk that raises money for the fight against cancer. Team members seek sponsorships for the miles they walk and, on the evening of the Relay, work together to keep one team member on a track at all times. Last year, Tara was also a participant in our ExperienceXchange mentoring program and collaborated with the program’s manager, Megan Gilason, Wilmington, DE, to secure company sponsorship of a Relay team. With company support, Tara and Megan now needed to form a team to participate!

ExperienceXchange participants led the way. Tiffany Whittle, Wilmington, DE, stepped up as the team captain, and recruited fellow Wilmington, DE staff members Pam Stephens, Alisha Clendaniel, Stacey Moreno, and Jean Choi. This core team recruited about 25 additional Wilmington Trust staff members to participate in the Relay.

On the evening of the event, members of Team Wilmington Trust set up camp at a local school and took turns walking or running around a track from dusk until dawn the next morning. “The experience was incredible. As a result of losing my sister in-law to stomach cancer in March, the event was very emotional for me, but was also healing,” recalls Alisha.

Team Wilmington Trust’s efforts raised over $5,000. This year, on May 21, the team hopes to beat that number. Interested in joining the effort? Please email Tara at [email protected] to learn how you can help.

Contributions from Megan Gilason

Have you considered joining a Staff Networking Group?These unique groups are chartered by the Diversity Council, recognized by Wilmington Trust, and structured to bring together like-minded individuals from similar social and/or cultural groups. All staff members who have an interest in a group, regardless of whether you share the same social identity, are welcome to join.

We currently have six Staff Networking Groups. Here’s an overview of each to help you determine which might be a great fit for you!

with Other WT Staff Members

Collective

This March, Sandi Shelton educated fellow North Palm Beach, FL staff members about the origins of Mardi Gras, secret carnival societies, mythical floats, and King Cakes.

The King Cake is similar to a coffee-cake topped with icing and decorated in colors of gold,green, and purple, representing power, faith, and jus-tice, respectively. It also contains a tiny plastic baby. When the cake is sliced and served, the person who finds the baby in his or her piece is crowned king or queen for the year and must host the Mardi Gras party the following year. Looks like “King” Chris Woythaler will be springing for the 2011 Mardi Gras King Cake!

Contributions from Lisa Webb

In American football and on sports teams around the world, there are players who are better known than their teammates. We know their names and follow them, paying closer attention to their game-time perfor-

mance than that of their teammates. These stars garner the attention. Despite this, following a big, yard-gaining or point- scoring play, I’m consistently struck by the fact that it takes the efforts of several unknown players to get the ball into the hands of the star who makes the big play.

If the unnamed offen-sive lineman had not blocked the defense, if the quarterback had not been protected by the unknown line-man, if the place-kicker’s holder had not positioned the ball correctly, the big play may not have hap-pened. We celebrate the end result and the individual who appears to have attained the achievement, but it’s the collective, group effort that makes it possible. A lone star achiever cannot make his way up the football field to score without teammates—it’s simply impossible.

We achieve our personal accomplishments often only with the support of others who neither seek, nor receive, the glory that comes as a result of our undertakings. In my own life, I think of my family—the first “team” of which I was a member. My fam-ily’s love, support, and guidance fortified me and helped me dream big and achieve my goals. They were in my corner and, no matter our physical distance, rooting for me. In college and law school, I routinely took a small picture of my parents with me to class exams in my backpack—a physical manifestation of what I already knew—

to remind me that they were cheering me on, encouraging me to the finish line, and confident in my abilities, even when I was unsure.

In the years since joining my first team, I have been a member of many: on the soccer field, in classes with group projects, as a staff member of law firms and corpora-tions, in the community, and as a spouse. While group dynamics have differed in each of these situations, I’ve always realized that

my success benefits the others with whom I am playing, and so, too, does theirs benefit me. As a result, it’s easier to push each other further and each do our best.

In team situations, I’m always struck by the equanimity of a

coach, group leader, partner, or coworker who, when recognized individually for the team’s accomplishment, acknowledges the efforts of the whole. I admire the person who shares the fame, the glory, the acco lades of accomplishment, as she is the embodi-ment of what it means to be a team player. She knows that the spotlight would not be shining upon her were it not for the hard work of others.

Teamwork is that way—inspiring and motivating. When you know you’re a part of something bigger than yourself, your confidence grows and you push harder, strive for more. As a result, the team can often accomplish something greater than the individual can alone. Like winning the game, creating a healthier planet, increasing shareholder value, or creating a happy home life…we’re in it together.

When you know you’re part of something bigger

than yourself, your confidence grows and you push harder,

strive for more.

North Palm Beach, FL staff members (l to r) Odetta Howard, Nancy Kissel, Debra Boyson, and Sandi celebrate Mardi Gras with a festive and traditional King Cake

Juntos(“Together” in Spanish) Hispanic Heritage

Mission To act as pioneers and leaders, to develop a networking group within Wilmington Trust’s Hispanic Community that contributes to the growth of the company.

Interested in joining? Contact Luis Colon, chair, or Cynthia Corliss, executive sponsor

WIL-PrideGay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community

Mission To foster a positive and safe environment, whereby the collaboration of the community at large, the corporation, and the group itself assures Wilmington Trust leads in acknowledg-ment and support of its diverse workforce. We will continue to build and sustain a wel-coming workplace for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, through education, networking, and collabora-tion. As a result, Wilmington Trust retains and attracts the highest qualified staff mem-bers, meets the needs of clients, and develops additional business opportunities.

Interested in joining? Contact Walt Toledo, co-chair, Natasha Ortega, co-chair, or Gail Howard, executive sponsor

WINWomen In Networking

Mission To enhance growth opportunities for Wilm-ington Trust by creating an internal dialogue to advance the understanding of the business opportunity, and unique needs and communi-cation preferences of women as a key market segment. WIN will champion the company’s efforts to recruit, retain, and advance women into positions of influence and leadership to better reflect internally the composition of the external opportunity.

Interested in joining? Contact Judy McKendrick, chair, or Chick Pinto, executive sponsor

GenerationNow (GenNow)Supporting staff members new to the workforce or to Wilmington Trust

Mission To provide opportunities and activities to help transfer and retain key business knowledge at Wilmington Trust and to promote Wilming-ton Trust as an employer of choice for staff members new to the workforce.

Interested in joining? Contact Brenda Talley, chair,or Jim Combs, executive sponsor

WWWWilmington WorldWide

Mission To welcome, connect, and appreciate all Wilmington Trust staff members who have an international interest, background, or experience and to facilitate opportunities for professional and business development.

Interested in joining? Contact Julien Perret, chair, or Jack Beeson, executive sponsor

BEACONBlacks Empowered And Committed through Opportunity and Networking

Mission To share information that will help enhance business acumen, provide coaching, encourage community involvement, and offer networking for Black/African American members.

Interested in joining? Contact Dawna Bunton, chair, or Don MacKelcan, executive sponsor

For more information about Staff Networking Groups generally, visit WTnet, click on “Company Portals,” and then click on “Diversity.” Or call Lisa Thomas at 302.651.8902.

Contributions from Angie Miller, Chick Pinto, and Lisa Thomas

Mardi Gras!Mardi Gras!Cake is

Wilmington Recycles! In February, General Services, Marketing, and GenerationNow collaborated to kick-off an official recycling program for Wilmington Trust offices in downtown Wilmington, DE. Two recycling bins are now located on every floor of the Plaza and Center buildings, and one bin is in the cafeteria of each building.

Please remember to empty your contain-ers before tossing them into the combined recycling (all materials in one bin) bin. And continue to shred any confidential ma ter ials you’re disposing of; only non-confidential materials should be tossed into the recycling bins.

Make every day Earth Day—recycle!

Contributions from Jeff Dunn, Chris Haak, and Angie Miller

More than a Big Sister Four years ago, with a new home, new job, and recent marriage, Susan Vendetti, Wilmington, DE, was feeling lucky and searching for a way to give back as thanks to the universe for her good fortune. She didn’t have to search long— on her way to the cafeteria, she was approached by someone working at a table for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, a national organization that works to foster relationships that improve the lives of children. “Perfect!” she says.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware volunteers visit children they’ve been matched with, their “Little Brothers” or “Little Sisters,” at their schools during lunch hour and spend time together talking, playing games, or reading together in available classrooms. Susan’s Little Sister, Jordyn, a seven-year-old girl suffering from low self-esteem was, with three siblings, feeling lost in the shuffle. “For the first few months, I tried desperately to find a way to get her to talk. We didn’t sit in silence, because I’m physically unable, but the conversation was one-sided. I’d talk, talk, talk and she’d smile, but barely spoke,” Susan recalls.

One day while in the book store, thinking of Jordyn, Susan purchased a copy of A Light in the Attic, Shel Silverstein’s collection of fun and silly poems for children. When she presented the book to her, Jordyn flipped through the pages and smiled. Her smile gave way to laughter and soon she and Susan were giggling together! “When we got up to leave for the day, she threw her arms around me and thanked me for her gift!” The following week, Jordyn shared that she had taken the book home to show her family and then brought it back to school to read to her class as part of “Show and Tell.” Susan thought, “This is going to take some doing, but it will be a great match!”

It was—and still is. Having now grown up and outgrown both her self-esteem issues and the structure of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jordyn enjoys dinner dates and trips to the movies with Susan. She’s blossomed into a well-adjusted youngster who was recently honored to be chosen as a peer tutor for kindergarteners and first-graders who need a little help with basic math and reading.

“As cliché as it sounds, I’ve taken so much more from knowing her than she ever could from me,” says Susan. “All she needed was someone to show up and tell her now and again how great she is —not hard for a kid so bright and lovely.”

Contributions from Angie Miller and Susan Vendetti

Above, left: Bill, Len, and Kemp sporting bowsAbove, right: Sean in stripes

Kingon

Brag a Little! Did a staff member on your team recently receive recognition by a

fellow staff member or client for his or her great work or extra effort?

Share the news. Let us know and you may just see

his or her name appear in our Staff Member Recognition column!

Inspired by a Mentor For Kemp, the genesis of his bow tie style is more personal. A high school art history teacher who, as Kemp recalls, “pushed me when I needed to be pushed academically and became a mentor and friend” was the impetus behind his bow. “Mr. Davis always

wore a bow tie and I looked up to him,” Kemp recalls. “When he said ‘I see myself in you,’ I decided to emulate his style.” In the time since, “It’s become part of my persona.” On the rare occa-sion when he is bow tie-less, people often ask him, “What’s wrong?”

Always on the lookout for a quality bow, Kemp has over 100 in his collection in patterns and colors that range from conservative to whimsical. He has a variety of black bow ties

for formal occasions (straight, à la James Bond; grosgrain; and butterfly-style), a few custom-designed ties, and ties that match the seasons of the year.

As with Len, people regularly approach Kemp desiring to straighten his tie and often do so spontaneously! He’s approached frequently by people who want to know if he ties them and who ask, “How do you tie a bow tie?” He’s also asked if he’s a lawyer (he is, actually, but not practicing). Kemp doesn’t mind—he’s used to the attention and understands that there’s just something about the bow tie that intrigues people.

It Runs in the Family It was Sean’s father who inspired Sean to wear a bow tie (and showed him how to tie the bow). He, in turn, had been inspired by his father, Sean’s grandfather. Although Sean used to wear bow ties regularly when he was younger, now, he says, “I wear a bow tie only a couple of times a week, as a change of pace. The whiter my shirt, the more likely I am to wear one.” He favors striped bow ties, but has a patterned tie or two. “My favorite patterned tie is black with red skull and cross-bones on it.”

Wearing the occasional bow tie has been Sean’s practice for years and has served him well. “I was offered my first job because I wore a bow tie to the interview. Well, at least that’s what my boss told me!”

Contributions from Bill Farrell, Sean Murray, Andrea Spahr, Kemp Stickney, and Len Togman

For those wondering how it’s done…

Page 2: JOUROURNENEYYSS S The Bow Tie Guys Connect!...year—on April Fool’s Day. For Bill, learn-ing to tie a bow tie about 12 years ago was an item on his “things-to-do-before-I-die-someday”

The list of nonprofit organizations with which our staff members are involved is long. Of these organizations, two caught our eye because of their unique focus on girls. Here, staff members involved with these girl-centric organizations share their stories.

Girl TalkThree years ago, Laura T. Pitsikoulis, Atlanta, GA, was introduced to Girl Talk through her friendship with the group’s founder, Haley Kilpatrick. At the time, Laura recalls, “Haley was working her way through college while trying to get this nonprofit

off the ground.” Girl Talk is a no-fee, student-to-student mentoring program that pairs middle school girls with high school girls who serve as mentors. At weekly meetings, held before or after school, the high school mentor conducts valuable lessons addressing issues common to middle school-aged girls.

The mother of two sons, Laura initially “stayed on the fringes” of involvement with Girl Talk: many of the organization’s volunteers have daughters and are involved for their betterment. The gender of her children no longer mattered when, “after being involved in several of Girl Talk’s community events and getting to know members, I realized how great it would have been if I’d had a program like Girl Talk when I was in middle school.”

Laura immediately began volunteering and working to further Girl Talk’s efforts to help shape the next generation into confident, successful, compassionate women. Recently, Laura saw first-hand the reach of Girl Talk. On a fateful plane ride from Atlanta to Phila-delphia, she sat by a woman serving on the Delaware State Mentoring Board who had just attended a conference in Atlanta where the keynote speaker was the founder of Girl Talk. “This board member just happened to sit next to me. And she wants to bring Girl Talk to Delaware. It blew me away!”

Now a dedicated Girl Talk board member, Laura is determined to expand the organization’s presence and, buoyed by her recent chance encounter, she has her eye on Delaware. As she says, “Girl Talk feels like the place

for me to be.” To learn more, and to find out if Girl Talk might be the place for your volunteer efforts, too, please email Laura at [email protected].

GirlPOWER!Girls Inc.Pat Ponzo’s (Wilmington, DE) business connections and long-held interest in female-focused organizations (she’s been a Wilmington Women in Business member and a board mem-ber of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization that awards scholar-ships to women returning to school to better their financial opportunities), led to her involve-ment with the board of directors for Girls Inc.®, a non profit organization that strives to inspire girls, provide them with the tools to be strong, smart, and bold, and help them achieve success in their lives. Through programming provided by Girls Inc., young women from all economic backgrounds are able to build their confidence, learn new skills, set and reach goals that help them grow, and develop positive relationships.

After touring the Girls Inc. facility in WIlm-ington, DE and meeting several of the young Ambassadors for the group, Pat was impressed by the success of the mission. “Those girls (the Ambassadors) promptly introduced themselves, maintained eye contact, and gave me a firm handshake. I was hooked. The girls’ confidence was impressive!” While Pat believes that both girls and boys are equally equipped to succeed, she says girls are often more susceptible to neg ative societal messages, which can, in turn, cause them to be less likely to live up to their full potential.

Today, Pat, an active member of the Girls Inc. personnel committee, is, “profoundly affected by the girls’ achievements. As someone who often has jitters before presentations, I watch in awe as eleven-year-olds speak in front of large audiences with all the self-confidence in the world.”

Contributions from Laura Pitsikoulis, Pat Ponzo, and Joe Yacyshyn

A P R I L 2 0 1 0 I S S U E 14

JOURNEYS JJOOOOUUUURRRRNNNNEEYYYYS SYYYYSYYY

In it TogetherWe’re all members of teams—the membership lists are as varied as our diverse staff members. But we’re also all part of something bigger than our individual team memberships and connec-tions. As Wilmington Trust staff members, and as members of the human race, we’re in it together. What one does affects the others— at our company and on our planet (Earth Day is this month!). So let’s play well together, cheer each other on, and push each other to do our best.

Our April edition is brimming with stories of staff members’ team efforts, adventures, and follies. From learning about a staff member who teamed up with a child in need of a little encouragement, women working to provide young girls with skills needed to thrive and succeed in school and life, to a staff member who traveled with his family to Scotland to reconnect with his familial clan, we’re sure you’ll enjoy these first-hand accounts of how our staff members spend time outside the office.

There’s a lot going on with staff at the office, too. A recap of the offerings of our Staff Networking Groups and the staff member activities described in Teambuilding Outside the Box may inspire you to do a little team building in your corner of Wilm-ington Trust. Want to join the team that helps put Journeys together? Team Journeys tells you how. Why not encourage or congratulate a fellow office teammate? Cheer a Peer! will help you find the right way (it just takes a couple of mouse clicks!).

Enjoy and remember, in all you do, we’re in it together. You’re always a part of something bigger than yourself.

Robyn Ray, Editor [email protected]

P.S. Like our lively new look? It’s the great work of our in-house designer, Jennifer Long, Wilmington, DE. Let us know what you think of it by emailing us at [email protected].

Team Journeys Interested in contributing to

the success of Journeys? You’re welcome to attend our

quarterly Advisory Board Meetings to help us brainstorm theme and

story ideas for upcoming editions. Just email the editor of Journeys at

[email protected].

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ANNIVERSARIES 12.1.09–2.28.10

CCS International Sajada Afzal

Corporate Capital Market ServicesHallie E. Field

Credit Policy Joseph M. Hardy

Delaware Market Charles B. Meagher Michael E. Rist Christopher A. Willett

Family Wealth Marc A. Glick Laura J. Rodin Jacqueline A. Summers

Fiduciary Services Barbara Ann McGrellis

Maryland Market John F. Miller

Audit ServicesWilliam T. Gula

Client ServicesG J. Goodman Florence E. MacLaren Helen E. McFarland William J. McVey Marjorie D. Newton D E. Wright

A P R I L 2 0 1 0 I S S U E 14

JOURNEYS JJOOOOUUUURRRRNNNNEEYYYYS SYYYYSYYY

Journeying Down Memory Lane Last year, Gloria Leach, Wilmington, DE, and her family planned a unique, simple, and mean-ingful celebration of her parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. It wasn’t a big party or extravagant dinner celebration. Gloria and her siblings took her parents back in time, down small and narrow country roads, for a journey down memory lane and a chance to see the West Virginia dairy farms that had shaped their lives.

In 1958, without a mortgage and on only a 30-day loan, Gloria’s father purchased a 170 acre West Virginia dairy farm for $21,000. He paid interest due and whatever principal he could every 30 days, renewing the loan and repeating the process until it was paid in full in 1970. While on the farm, Gloria’s father entered into a dairy partnership with his brother and, to help support his growing family, purchased two milk delivery routes which required that he pick up milk from local farms and transport it to processing plants.

Gloria has fond memories of summers spent as a child helping on her parents’ farm—the highlight of this was working alongside her dad. It was a special time filled with rides with him in his dairy trucks, exciting adventures together, and shared moments that live on in Gloria’s memory. She vividly remembers doing housework at the farm, cooking, and babysitting her brothers. “As I grew, my summers also included working in the garden, helping with vegetable canning, bringing cows in from pasture, helping to put up hay, and helping in the barn.”

As part of this anniversary adventure, Gloria and her family spent three busy days visiting their former farm and 57 neighboring farms, and recall-ing the time spent on the farm and road together. “It was a wonderful time of nostalgia—made even easier to relive by the fact that many of the roads we traveled together on Dad’s routes were in the same, or worse, condition today than they were years ago! Some things never change. It was amazing to see things through my adult eyes, instead of those of a child.” While much remained unchanged, the group was saddened to learn that of the 60 farms on her dad’s routes, only one still produces and ships milk, and many of the farmers they knew have since passed away.

“The trip was meaningful to each of us in differ-ent ways. For me,” Gloria shares, “our family’s story and history is one small example of the dedication, perseverance, strength of will, and love of the land that is embodied and exhibited by members of farming communities worldwide.” With a wonderful “I’m home” feeling in her heart after the celebratory trip, Gloria savored sweetly the “small taste of many summers past. Seeing those days in retrospect, I realize they were an unusual privilege.”

Contributions from Gloria Leach

Hopeful Beginnings This past New Year’s Eve, Michela Rossi, Wilmington, DE, was not sipping cham-pagne or attending a party. She was lavish-ing abandonded infants with love and attention at a church-based organization, the Door of Hope, during a 17-day stay in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Founded in 1999, as a place where people can anonymously leave unwanted chil-dren for care, and in response to growing concerns about increasing numbers of abandoned infants in the city, the Door of Hope has a metal box built into a wall with doors on both sides —one opening to the outside, one to the inside—in which a baby can be surrendered at anytime, day or night. Unfortunately, many children are left in this bin.

It’s a humane alternative to what is all too common in Johannesburg—children found abandoned and in public places. As a result of high rates of poverty, home-lessness, unemployment, and overcrowd-ing, at least one baby is abandoned every day in the city. Since its founding, over 800 babies have been surrendered to the Door of Hope.

The moment the baby is placed in the bin, an electronic signal alerts workers who retrieve him or her, assess the child’s needs, and care for him or her until he or she is adopted. While at the Door of Hope, Michela helped the “Aunties” and “Uncles” (the full-time staff) and volunteers bathe, feed, and treat sick babies, many of whom are HIV-positive, which presents chal-lenges in their care. “Sometimes we had to guess their dates of birth and give them names for birth certificates,” says Michela.

Recalling her unique holiday, Michela says, “I never imagined it would be such a demanding and rewarding experience. I have a new perspective and appreciate what I have so much more. In the United States, most of us take for granted all we have—our safety and our access to the best health care. Those precious little babies had such an impact on my life.” We bet, if they could, the babies would say the same about Michela.

Contributions from Michela Rossi

Helping Humanity, One Person at a Time

patients and their families playing games, coloring, and showering them with affec-tion. They also conducted a World Health Organization hand-washing program and worked alongside an herbalist who taught the local people about backyard treatments for minor ailments. Afternoons were spent visiting homes built by those from previous mission trips.

During her second week in Rwanda, Kristin spent mornings visiting clinics and with members of World Vision, a world-wide child sponsorship organization, forming relationships and assessing needs. She visited and documented a program for runaway children, a women’s artisan association for HIV-positive women, and an association for the blind. She was also able to meet with several of the children who receive care through her church’s sponsorship program, in partner-ship with World Vision. She met, played, and ate with children she and her friends have sponsored, and saw first-hand the difference that sponsorship was making in their lives.

While Kristin experi-enced many moments that affected her deeply, none was as poignant as the kindness that she witnessed between mem-bers of previously warring tribes. Following the civil war and genocide of the 1990s, decades of hatred and persecution are now giving way to forgiveness, healing, friendship, and remarkable teamwork. “It was absolutely mind-boggling and a reason that I wanted to go to Rwanda—I wanted to

see this for myself,” Kristin shares. What she saw was astonishing. “A man who had cut off a female neighbor’s arms during the genocide asked his victim and the townspeople for forgiveness after being released from prison for his crime. Forgiveness was granted and he moved in next door to the woman that he had maimed, doing all of the housework that she cannot now do because of his crimes against her.” It was an amazing lesson in forgiveness and reconciliation.

Partnership for GoodA recent avid traveler, Kristin Healy, New York, NY, experienced partnership firsthand when she journeyed to Rwanda last year as part of a church-sponsored 17-person medical mission trip.

As part of a conference that Kristin’s pastor attended in Africa in 2004, he traveled to Rwanda to learn more about the country, the people, and their needs. As Kristin recalls, “By the end of his time there, he was blown away by the people and what was happening in the country; so much so that when he returned to New York, he established a church committee focused exclusively on helping Rwandans.”

In the years that followed, the church sponsored homebuilding mission trips to the country for Rwandans in two geographic areas. Over the years, mission group members have developed relation-ships with the locals, and a dialogue has evolved with governments at town, district, and national levels. “It’s been an amaz-ing partnership with awesome results,” enthuses Kristin.

On her trip to the area, after flying and driving for nearly 48 hours, Kristin arrived in Butare, Rwanda where she spent most of her time. The first week there, she accompanied doctors and nurses in her group as they visited a nearby hospital, as-sessing needs. During this time, Kristin and her fellow travelers spent time with local

Below: Michela by the baby bin where infants can be left for careRight: Michela and a friend with just a few of the many abandoned infants

Top: Kristin with a grateful Rwandan childAbove: A hospital courtyard becomes a playground for young Rwandans.

Cheer a Peer! Have you cheered a peer this year? It’s a simple and free way to make a fellow staff member’s day! Recognize or congratulate a teammate or coworker for superior efforts, milestone anniver-saries, and birthdays—and many more occasions or no occasion at all—with a personalized e-card.

Simply visit wtcelebratingsuccess.com, choose from 14 card designs, include a personalized message, and send it in seconds. Send as many e-cards as you like, as often as you wish. It doesn’t cost anything, but will pay dividends in the smiles you generate.

Contributions from Chris Haak

3 4

The last truck Gloria’s dad used in his job as a hauler

Laura (left) passes the Girl Talk spirit stick to

Haley Kilpatrick, organization founder

West Coast Pilgrim Late last year, Jay Allen Richardson, Los Angeles, CA, his wife, Miyuki, and young son, Jameson, embarked on a Knights Templar pilgrimage, tracing portions of the routes traveled by religious pil-grims in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries from Britain to Jerusalem. They visited several Templar and historical sites across the United Kingdom, including London, Canterbury, Dover, Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, and Edinburgh.

In Edinburgh, Jay and his family attended The Gathering 2009—an annual weekend of celebration that unites over 47,000 Scots from around the world, as well as those with Scottish ancestry, and those with a love of Scotland. “The high point of the event was marching up the Royal Mile of Edinburgh in a Scottish Clan Parade (“clans” are groups of people of shared Scottish descent) with my Clan Buchanan and our own bagpiper, while wearing a kilt and holding Jameson on my shoulders,” says Jay.

Contributions from Megan Jennings and Jay Richardson

Team Compassion In a group effort that still moves Jill Kadtke, Bear, DE, over two years after she experienced it, her friends and extended family rallied together to help her say so long to her father.

After the overwhelming medical bills that came with a 12-year illness, Jill and her mother found themselves unable to pay the burial expenses for Jill’s father. “We were really upset and didn’t know what would happen. That’s when my husband’s family stepped in and took care of everything,” Jill recalls.

The group, which included Jill’s in-laws, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and friends, offered emo-tional support, made a memorial video of Jill’s father, purchased a beautiful urn for his ashes, and organized a viewing and food for guests. “The biggest help came from my brother- and sister-in-law and best friends, Tim and Shannon Kadtke, who gave us the gift of cremation.”

As Jill recalls, “They came together as a mercy team for us at the hardest time in our lives. Without them, we don’t know how we could have made it. They are the most amazing people!”

Contributions from Jill Kadtke

Fundraising Follies It was Easter Seals board member Susan Stinson, Wilmington, DE, who persuaded Carrie Hagan, Wilmington, DE, to participate in the organization’s annual Volleyball Chal-lenge fundraiser. Joined by many Wilmington Trust teammates, including Wilmington, DE team captains Mary Anderson, Christine Cardona, Ed Cardona, Margie DeBoda, Greg Golden, Mike Ingraham, Allison Kerwin, Adrienne Latina, John Matarese, Allison DeBoda Smith, Heather Stover, Brian Tucker, and Jody Yeatman, last month Carrie spiked and hustled on the court to help raise funds for this charitable cause.

Additional funds were raised off the court with a guest bartending event at a popular local Wilmington, DE restaurant. There, Wilmington Trust executives showcased their (messy!) bartending skills and donated their overly gener-ous tips to our overall corporate Easter Seals fundraising goal.

Contributions from Carrie Hagan

Dick and (l to r) Eileen, Tammis, and Glenda, as they appear in the calendar

15 yearsClient ServicesPatricia A. Harrison Faith M. Hyland Christopher M. Kaye Tara E. Mathena

ControllersPatrick D. Mangan

Corporate Capital Market ServicesErik L. Saville

Credit PolicyKathleen J. Courtney Christine M. Verbanas

Delaware MarketSarah L. Brown Shannan E. Cowan Larry A. Page Gregory J. Smith Joseph P. Terranova

Fiduciary ServicesTammis M. Dowling Moira E. Walker

Human ResourcesThomas J. D’Alessandro Shirl A. Giribaldi

Information TechnologyWilliam J. Burke III Jean M. Choi Kimberly L. Harris Lydia R. Hazeltine Karen B. Kotula Catherine A. Schneese Ken J. Taylor

LegalJohn L. Olsen

Personal Financial Services Lisa Damon Janice E. Karl Stephen R. Price Janet I. Udinski

Retirement ServicesVirginia E. Machamer

Risk Management AdministrationKristin L. Moore

Trust and Custody ServicesMichelle A. Altoe Francis J. Krohmer Jr.

25+ yearsClient ServicesJanet C. Hammond Barbara A. Marvel Brenda J. Penhollow Frances Slater

Human ResourcesNancy S. Kimmey

Information TechnologyBertha P. Roberts

Personal Financial Services Joanne Dougherty Kimberly A. Kirshner Barbara E. Littleton Lora M. Schuler

Trust and Custody ServicesBarbara A. Burgess Elizabeth A. Cutrona Amy L. Stephenson

35+ yearsClient ServicesMary L. Brown Cheryl A. Ferrante Diane Johnson Sheila V. Johnson Holly M. McGonigle Rita C. Turner Richard K. Wilhide Cynthia M. Winchester Linda S. Witz

ControllersBonnie J. Jackson Patricia Moran Donald P. Snyder

Corporate Capital Market ServicesLawrence M. Netta

Credit PolicyAnne E. Gilson Thomas E. Rust

Delaware MarketRobert M. Collins William C. Hutchison Jr.

ExecutiveRobert V A Harra Jr. Patrice J. Smith Joseph L. Yacyshyn

Family WealthMarie M. Byrne Dora A. Lilly Jane M. Tani

FinanceJohn W. Stansbury Jr.

Human ResourcesAlice A. Palmer

Information TechnologyRobert L. Brooks Kevin T. Hamilton Linda G. Hibbits Michael J. Kelly Anne S. Reese

Mid-Atlantic RegionRichard L. Conway

Personal Financial ServicesStephen J. Ammerman Patricia D. Carmean Patricia B. Dean Diane P. Franchetti Delores M. Gue Shirley E. Hawks Patsy A. Henderson Rosalyn E. Jarmon Nancy K. Kennedy Rosemarie T. Lillquist Patricia L. Morley Marsha L. Phillips Frances P. Robbins Maryellen Weishapl Karen M. Young

Retirement ServicesArlene P. Black Diane C. Gibellino

Risk ManagementMary E. Saienni

Treasurer’s DivisionJohn A. Sitek

Trust and Custody ServicesMargaret E. DeBoda Kevin D. Dennis Beverly V. Evans Deborah R. Hayes Marlene E. Jackson Dinubhai T. Jadavia Mary L. Riley Catherine A. Stewart Barbara A. Young Nancy T. Zaborowski

Wealth Advisory ServicesMary E. Trzcinski

40+ yearsClient Development ServicesRichard A. Dobbs

Client ServicesMarie G. D’Antonio Barbara J. Johnson Peggy A. Montgomery Mary L. Perry Joan M. Pokoiski Gloria C. Sieber

ControllersThomas F. Ryan Janet De Salvatore

Corporate Capital Market ServicesMargaret Pulgini Mary C. St Amand

Corporate Planning & Risk ManagementKenneth W. Pierce

Family WealthNancy L. Craig

Human ResourcesDorothy A. Hilliard

Information TechnologyBeverly I. Matthews Kenneth W. Shannon Joyce L. Zwickert

Marketing Judith A. Smith

Personal Financial ServicesEugene A. Cutrona P G. Dickerson Cheryl J. D’Onofrio Louis J. D’Onofrio Jr. Linda D. Feist Mary A. Fisher Diane L. Gooding Portia O. Johnson Susan S. Kowalski Gail W. Lewis Ellen B. Lynch Ann M. Noble Kathleen M. Policastro Mabel I. Powell David G. Tarburton Lois A. Wood

Risk Management AdministrationRachel M. Bryant

Treasurer’s DivisionDarlene P. Morgan

Trust and Custody ServicesMarie B. Forrest Louise E. King Carolyn M. Nelson M V. Rollo Sandra M. Shaw Thomas C. Wilson

Wealth Advisory ServicesPeter M. Cella Monica L. Hudson Diane G. Poplos Ronald F. Sobieski

50+ yearsClient ServicesFlorence E. Ring

ControllersShirley A. Sleva

Trust and Custody ServicesEleanor H. Groh

Pennsylvania Market Kevin M. Donnelly

Retirement Services Rose M. Lang Eleanor D. Kress Ryan D. Soto

Trust and Custody Services Christopher E. Dagen Donna M. Hogate

WAS Southeast Region Donna G. Barwick Donald J. Demba Cheryl L. Fairbanks Robert W. Fell III Daniel J. Gardner Benjamin S. Harris Jeremy W. Lennep Jeffrey D. Ritchie William B. Schwartz III Karen S. Touchstone

Human ResourcesRobert J. Walther

Information Technology Douglas C. Hastings

Personal Financial ServicesLois E. Davis Jequetta Seymour

Wealth Advisory ServicesMichael L. Adamson

WTIM AdministrationRobert E. Reiser

NEW STAFF MEMBERS 12.1.09–2.28.10

Graduations Anita J. Salas, Bachelor of Business Administration, Florida Atlantic University, December 2009.

NotablesDick Nenno and his team, Eileen Allen, Tammis Dowling, and Glenda Lewis, are pictured in the Bureau of National Affairs (BNA) Tax & Accounting 2010 calendar.

BNA Tax & Accounting is a preeminent source of tax and accounting research, news, practice tools, and guidance for tax attorneys, CPAs, corporate tax managers, estate planners, and financial accountants.

Dick agreed to appear in the calendar on the condition that he appear with his Wilmington Trust teammates. “I couldn’t do what I do without them,” he says. Dick and his coworkers are the only team featured in the calendar—all other photos are of individuals.

Frank Rundatz successfully passed Level I of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification Exam. Why is this notable? Frank is a 15-year IT veteran, certainly not the type of financial services individual who typically takes this exam. Frank has two more exams to pass before he earns CFA designation and he’s eagerly studying!

ACHIEVEMENTS

RETIREMENTS 12.1.09–2.28.10

Nancy KimmeyRose Taylor

IN MEMORIAM

3

Red Ribbon Board Member It was through his involvement with the WIL-Pride Staff Networking Group, and meeting Walt Toledo, Wilmington, DE, that Joseph Rapanotti, Wilmington, DE, became involved with and joined the board of directors of AIDS Delaware, a nonprofit organization located in Wilmington, dedicated to AIDS testing, treatment, prevention, education, and support.

As a recent transplant from New York City, Joseph was interested in getting involved in his new community. Walt knew that AIDS Delaware had an opening on the board of directors and thought of Joseph as a potential candidate. He talked with Joseph about the organization and opportunity, and the two informally “interviewed” each other. “I wanted the opportunity to be an active par-ticipant and contributor if I was going to formally apply for the position,” Joseph recalls. After a formal interview with existing board members, Joseph thought the match was a great fit and was officially asked to join the board. He readily accepted.

As a board member, Joseph does much more than attend meetings. His dynamic approach to board membership benefits AIDS Delaware and him. “The experience is educational for me. While using my previous experience, I’m learning, thinking differently, and becoming more adaptable. Working to envision and implement solutions to challenges that exist within the organization has been a mental exercise in creativity!” And AIDS Delaware benefits from Joseph’s Human Resources expertise as its members work to create a more defined strategic direction.

While the role of nonprofit board member requires much work, Joseph feels good about helping AIDS Delaware and knowing that he’s collaborating with others to provide better services to those in need with limited resources. “It’s been humbling and eye-opening for me,” he says “to be part of a larger movement with a humanitarian purpose.”

Contributions from Chris Haak and Joseph Rapanotti

The New WL is Coming! We can’t divulge the format yet,

but we’re sure you’re going to enjoy the new Wilmington Trust business-focused magazine. It’s shorter, more digestible,

and relevant to you. Stay tuned!