Winter 2008

A United Gannon Community

Editor’sInklings

Jennifer A. Mailey ’95 ’05M Director of Public Affairs and Communications mailey001@gannon.edu (814) 871.7470

Volume XXI, Issue 2 • Winter 2008

Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.President

Jennifer A. Mailey ’95 ’05MDirector of Public Affairs and Communications

Audrey E. ScrutonPublications Officer and Editor

advisory committeeKimberly Cavanagh Britt Dyer Daehnke ’98 ’05MCathy FreschFrank GarlandMary Carol Gensheimer Ron KermanCatherine Oakley ’05M Duane Prokop, Ph.D.Rev. Nicholas J. Rouch, STD, ’83Steven Ropski, Ph.D., ’78Richard Sukitsch

contributors John Chacona Paul DeSante, Ph.D. Cathy FreschErin Gaydos ’08 Jana Hunt Mark Jubulis, Ph.D.Jeannie KloeckerNicholas PronkoDan Teliski ’97

photography Ed BernikTim Rohrbach

design Tungsten Creative Group

Gannon magazine is published three times annually (Summer, Winter, and Spring) by the Office of Communications at Gannon University and is mailed free to alumni, friends of the University, graduate students, parents of undergraduate students, and college presidents across the country.

Contributions: Gannon magazine welcomes letters to the editor, class notes information, comments, and suggestions. Please send class notes information to Jana Hunt, Coordinator of Gifts and Records, at hunt001@gannon.edu. All other information should be sent to Audrey Scruton, Editor, at scruton001@gannon.edu or the University’s mailing address as seen below.

Gannon University109 University SquareErie, Pennsylvania 16541(814) 871.7000

Strong feelings come to mind this winter as I walk across campus. And, I am not just talking about feeling cold. Of course Erie winters are still windy and chilly…that hasn’t changed since my undergrad days. But, so many other things have changed on and around campus. Those exciting changes and the University’s growth are truly amazing to watch and to be a part of. Both an undergraduate and graduate Gannon alumna, my pride in this great University only continues to grow.

Each year, Gannon builds upon its past successes and celebrates new achievements. From record enrollments and increased U.S. News & World Report rankings to a successful comprehensive fundraising campaign, Gannon continues to expand, diversify, and beautify our campus with new and renovated buildings, such as the Morosky Academic Center, the Erie Technology Incubator (ETI), and Beyer and Zurn Halls.

Yet, with all of this great change and progress, the true heart of Gannon--our faculty, staff, students and alumni remains constant and true. Over the past year, many of our dynamic faculty have produced scholarly publications, received awards for teaching excellence, or obtained their doctoral degrees (pages 5, 6). The Gannon community is very proud of their accomplishments.

Gannon’s strong Mission continues to serve as the foundation that guides our faculty and shapes our students’ academic, spiritual, and personal pursuits. Mark Jubulis, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, reflects upon the rich curriculum benefits of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition in his commentary, Substantially Catholic (page 10).

A Gannon education has also helped advance the professional and personal lives of many successful and grateful alumni, including Anne Weiser Cooney ’91 and Mark Olszewski ’77, who have used their knowledge and skills to lead a large division of a global corporation, and to assist with highly specialized photography needs for NASA (pages 12, 16).

Another proud alumna at Gannon, associate professor of physical therapy, Kristine Legters ’90M, PT, D.Sc., NCS, is training and mentoring future physical therapists, partly due to the fact that as a small child with a handicap, she was inspired by her own physical therapist (page 17).

As you read through this magazine, may you also note the genuine compassion of the hundreds of Gannon students and faculty who tirelessly volunteered to serve the nearly 1,000 less fortunate Erie residents at the 30th Annual Social Work Club Christmas Dinner (page 8). And, may you feel proud to learn that Gannon’s student-athletes captured their third GLIAC Championship crown last fall (page 14).

As with the progress of campus, it is also important to note the change of staff. At the end of 2007, we said good-bye to Cat Carlson ’05M, former editor of the Gannon magazine. Cat took a job as senior publications editor at Erie Insurance. We wish her all the best.

And, last month, we welcomed a new publications officer and editor to the Gannon family, Audrey Scruton. Audrey earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communications and Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Memphis. Audrey will officially take over as editor of the Gannon magazine in the next publication due out in late spring; however, you will have the opportunity to preview some of her work in this winter edition.

In the meantime, please stay connected to Gannon and keep in touch. Gannon is achieving great things, and that is something in which we should all take pride.

Departments

Jennifer A. Mailey ’95 ’05M Director of Public Affairs and Communications mailey001@gannon.edu (814) 871.7470

8 Feeding the Soul by John Chacona

The Gannon Social Work Club feeds mind, body and soul at their annual Christmas Dinner.

10 Substantially Catholic by Mark Jubulis, Ph.D.

Dr. Mark Jubulis provides commentary on the relationship between the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and the classroom.

12 Foundation for Success by Jennifer Mailey ’95 ’05M

Alumna Anne Weiser Cooney credits the strong Gannon education she received for her current professional success.

14 A Triple Playby Nicholas Pronko

Three of Gannon’s athletic teams—men’s soccer, women’s basketball and softball— each make University history by winning a GLIAC tournament championship.

Features

contents

On the Cover: Gannon students join President Garibaldi for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Memorial March in downtown Erie.

Photo right: A Frederick Franck sculpture in A.J.’s Way is surrounded by fresh snow.

2 NewsNotes 16 AlumniFocus 17 FacultyFocus 18 SportsScan 20 AlumNotes 29 EndNotes

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University Celebrates Catholic IdentityGannon faculty, staff and students participated in a national week-long Catholic Colleges Week Celebration from February 17-23, sponsored by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and the National Catholic College Admission Association. Some of Gannon’s events included: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an evening of recollection with the Bishop of the Diocese of Erie, Most Rev. Donald Trautman, STD, SSL. The Admissions Department invited juniors and seniors from Catholic high schools and Catholic students from public schools to visit campus as part of Archbishop Gannon Day.

Alumnus Addresses Winter GraduatesAttorney Robert F. Ruyak ’71, Managing Partner and CEO of Howrey, LLP, a global law firm that specializes in litigation, addressed 311 graduates at the University’s Winter Commence-ment Ceremony on December 9. Attorney Ruyak graduated from Gannon Col-lege in 1971 with a Bachelor of arts degree in political science and later earned his J.D. from George-town University. A partner at Howrey, LLP since 1981, Mr. Ruyak is one of the firm’s most experienced and respected litigation and jury trial lawyers.

In April of 2007, Attorney Ruyak established an endowed scholarship fund at Gannon and currently serves as the Chair of The Power To Transform Regional Campaign Committee in Washington, D.C.

Attorney Ruyak offered practical insight and advice to Gannon’s future leaders. Of the 311 winter graduates, eight were awarded associate degrees, 97 received bachelor’s degrees, 203 were recog-nized with master’s degrees, and three earned doctoral degrees.

Paying Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.The Gannon Community paid tribute to Dr. King with a day-long commemoration on January 21. Campus events included: non-violence training, special liturgies in honor of Dr. King, a Memorial Prayer Service hosted by Gannon SGA, and a luncheon. Many students, faculty, staff, and alumni also participated in the Memorial March that took place in downtown Erie. This year, Gannon also hosted the city-wide Memorial Service titled “March with America in Erie, Pa.” at the Hammermill Center. President Garibaldi served as Keynote Speaker and offered an inspirational message to nearly 600 Erie residents.

Robert Ruyak ’71 receives an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree and addresses the graduates.

Trustee Earns Top AwardGannon Alumnus and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Joseph T. Messina ’63, received the Robert L. Payton Award for Volunteer Service from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) at its District II

Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 28. Gannon Vice President for University Advancement, Susan Black-Keim, nomi-nated Joe for the award because of his dedication and commit-ment to the University. Joe has served on the Board for more than 30 years and has played an integral part in raising funds for the University’s current The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign.

Shaundra Curtis, vice president of Gannon’s Minority Cultures United student group, offers a reflection during the Memorial Prayer Service.

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Gannon Alumnus and Board of Trustee member Robert H. Morosky ’63 donated a major gift to Gannon this past fall to name the University’s most recent building acquisition located on West Tenth Street in downtown Erie, formerly owned by Verizon Commu-nications. This latest donation is Mr. Morosky’s second major gift to Gannon in the last two years. In 2005, Mr. and Mrs. Dianne Morosky donated $1 million to create the Robert H. and Dianne Morosky En-dowed Scholarship Fund, which is designated for students with financial need who are employees of the City of Erie and for academically and financially deserving students who are graduates of one of Erie’s six city high schools.

Born and raised on Erie’s lower east side, Mr. Morosky graduated from Gannon in 1963 with a Bachelor of science degree in accounting and an MBA with honors from the University of Cincinnati. He worked as a CPA and consultant specializing in the retail industry for the Arthur Andersen Company before he accepted the position of Vice Chairman of The Limited clothing store. From 1972-87, he built The Limited from eight to 4,000 stores with more than $4 billion in sales. After Mr. Morosky retired from The Limited, he served as the Chairman of Allied/Federated Department Stores in New York City. Mr. Morosky has since retired and has formed his own private investment company and resides with his wife, Dianne, in Columbus, Ohio, and Key Largo, Fla. Mr. Morosky has received several professional and religious honors throughout his career, including the Archbishop Gannon Medal of Distinction.

Scholarship CelebrationDalhart Dobbs, Ed.D ’71, Rev. Monsignor Walter Lohse ’33 (posthumously), and James Rutkowski Sr. were also presented the Archbishop Gannon Medal of Distinction at the 20th Annual Scholarship Celebration in October 2007. The award is given to individuals who have been instrumental in promoting the cause of Catholic higher education. From left to right: Dr. Dalhart Dobbs, Vera Betts (accepting on behalf of her late brother, Rev. Monsignor Walter Lohse), James Rutkowski Sr., and President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.

University Announces Restructuring Efforts with the Addition of Third CollegeThe Robert H. Morosky Academic Center will house a third college at Gannon that will take effect at the start of the 2008-09 Academic Year. The Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences has been named in honor of Mr. Morosky “for his time, expertise, and financial contributions to Gannon University and the Catholic Church,” said President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. The other two colleges have been restructured as the following: College of Engineering and Business, and College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences.

Robert H. Morosky

Gannon purchased the Robert H. Morosky Academic Center on West Tenth Street, formerly owned by Verizon Communications.

Alumnus Becomes University’s Largest Donor Ever

NewsNotes

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For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges 2008” has ranked Gannon University as a top-tier university among 174 Master’s I universities in the northern section of the United States. And, for the third consecutive year, Gannon has also been ranked in the top 10 (9th) as a best value university in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category in the Northeast. These honors are a reflection of both the quality education students receive and the financial support Gannon provides.

Additionally, Gannon celebrated its largest total fall enrollment in 15 years with 4,134 students, including a Freshman Class of 613 students, 83 transfer students, and 1,405 graduate students, which is the largest graduate student enrollment ever. This year’s Freshman Class includes a record 36 high school valedictorians. The average high school grade point average for the freshmen is 3.43. During the past six years, the University’s total enrollment has grown by more than 700 students.

Recent Accomplishments and Enrollment Records

Gannon Celebrates Diversity on Campus Diversity among students on Gannon’s campus is increas-ing. During the last three years, Gannon’s first-year en-rollment for students of color has increased by 90 percent from 40 freshmen in the fall of 2005 to 76 freshmen in the fall of 2007. This year’s freshman class hails from 21 states and territories. There was also a record number

(284) of new graduate international students on campus this past fall.

In Decem-ber, the Admissions Department hosted a Di-versity Day on Campus. Approxi-

mately 20 top students from five local high schools were invited and participated. Diversity Day is intended to help students of color who might not see college as a viable option better determine if it is right for them. The students spent the day meeting with Gannon faculty, staff, and students, attending informational presentations and touring campus.

Hooked on Books! Read-a-thonThe Hooked on Books! program, under the direction of Dolores Sarafinski, Ph.D., retired professor of English, held its first-ever Reading Wonderland at Gannon Univer-sity on November 3. The Read-a-thon took place in the Yehl Alumni Room of the Waldron Campus Center. Readers, who included Gannon faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends, and local Erie leaders, read to the children. Father Nicholas Rouch, STD ’83, Vice President for Mission and Ministry, took time out of his busy schedule to read to the local children. All proceeds from the Read-a-thon, which netted over $3,000, directly benefit Hooked on Books!. For the past 16 years, Hooked on Books! has introduced inner-city children to the joy of reading. More than 5,000 volunteers have read to children in Erie grade schools since the program was founded by Dr. Dolores Sarafinski in 1991.

Father Nick Rouch takes time to read to the children.

Admissions staff sponsors first-ever Diversity Day.

Photograph courtesy of Barbara Klaproth, Captured Moments Photography of Erie.

NewsNotes

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Gannon Wins the 2007 WQLN Collegiate Challenge!Gannon beat out all of the other colleges and universities in northwestern Pennsylvania to claim the first-place trophy in the sixth annual Collegiate Challenge fall fundraising campaign. WQLN (91.3 FM) sponsors a fall pledge drive to raise money to support local public broadcasting. Gannon participates in this event every year. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends called in and renewed their WQLN membership or signed up for the first time to support Gannon and public broadcasting on Gannon’s day of the competition. This year, raising $11,786 for WQLN, a 33 percent increase over last year’s total of $8,856. Gannon won the competition for raising the largest increase of funds compared to the previous year’s total.

Dr. Garibaldi accepts the WQLN Collegiate Challenge trophy from Dwight Miller, the station’s president and general manager.

The progress and excite-ment surrounding Gan-non’s Erie Technology Incubator (ETI) contin-ues to build. Once it is fully operational, the ETI,

which is located in the former Boys and Girls Club on West Eighth Street, will assist high-tech start-up companies and serve as an economic catalyst in downtown Erie and across northwestern Pennsylvania. Asbestos removal, masonry cleaning, and restoration have been completed, while other construction work continues. New entrepreneurs are inquiring about ETI’s resources and four have begun the process to-ward acceptance into the Incubator. During the next few months, the ETI will be seating its new board of directors, completing the administrative processes for full operation, assembling the entrepreneur’s advisory group, and entertaining new client funding opportu-nities. The ETI is expected to open on campus in late summer 2008.

Nearly 70 Gannon faculty and administrators were recognized in November at the sixth annual Faculty Scholarship Recognition Reception for their scholarly publications, which included books, research papers, journal articles, presentations, and performances. Dr. Garibaldi presented the faculty with certificates to thank them for their continued commitment to teaching, research, and scholarship.

Assistant professor of physical therapy Jeannette Lee Ph.D., DPT, co-published and presented the article, Activity and Sleep Characteristics in Recent Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant Patients Participating in Exercise.

Faculty Scholarship Recognition

Emerging Scholar AwardMaria L. Garase, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice and the chair of the Social Services Department, was recently honored with the Emerging Scholar Award from the Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences (NEACJS). Dr. Garase was recognized for her outstanding scholarly contributions to the advancement of criminal justice in the first years of one’s professional career. Dr. Garase was chosen from a pool of eligible candidates from 10 states, six Canadian provinces, and Washington, D.C. Dr. Garase earned

her Bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Edinboro University of

Pennsylvania, a Master of science de-gree in administration of justice from

Mercyhurst College, and a Doctor-ate in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

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NewsNotes

Gannon Faculty Earn Terminal DegreesSeven Gannon faculty recently completed work on their terminal degrees. James Miller, assistant professor and director of the accounting program, earned his Doctor of business administration (DBA). Duane “Rick” Prokop, assistant professor of marketing and co-director of the Master of public administration program, earned his Doc-tor of strategic leadership. Bernadette Hattjar, OTR/L, CWCE, assistant professor and academic fieldwork coor-dinator, occupational therapy, earned her advanced clini-cal Doctorate in occupational therapy (DrOT). Jennifer Gorman, assistant professor of mathematics, earned her Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). Shelly A. Bentley, assis-tant professor, education department earned her Doctor of education in reading education, (Ed.D). Parris J. Baker, assistant professor, and director of social work program, earned his Doctor of philosophy, social work (Ph.D.). And, Lisa Quinn, assistant professor of nursing, earned her Doctor of philosophy in health education (Ph.D.).

2007 Minority AchieverCarlos Mamani, Ph.D., associate professor of foreign languages and cultures, department chair, and former director of the study abroad program, was honored in October with the 2007 Minority Achievers Award. Representatives from Minority Opinion, a Pittsburgh-based publication, selected Dr. Mamani as one of this year’s recipients based on his outstanding contributions to higher education.

Dr. Mamani earned a Bachelor of arts degree in Hispanic studies from Brown University, and both a Master of arts degree in Romance Languages and Literatures and a Doctorate in Latin American Literature from the University of Cincinnati.

Criminal justice professor Maria L. Garase, Ph.D., is the recent recipient of the NEACJS Emerging Scholar Award.

Faculty and Staff News

Carlos Mamani, Ph.D., earns Minority Achiever Award.

Producing Nationally Certified TeachersIn December, Gannon University’s Center for Teaching Excellence received a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help fund operations in its second year. Gannon received a $75,000 grant in October 2006 and was chosen as one of only four colleges or universities statewide to host a Center. By the end of 2007, there were 363 National Board Certified teachers in Pennsylvania, with 342 candidates working toward certification.

Gannon Selected for PLCB GrantGannon was selected for an $11,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) that will allow the University to participate in a Social Norms Marketing Campaign. The campaign, which will begin this spring, will target underage and high-risk drinking among Gannon students. “The goal of the campaign is to popularize posi-tive attitudes among students in order to encourage healthy behavioral changes,” said Julie Srnka, assistant director for Student Organizations and Leadership Development.

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Gannon Publication Wins National Honor

Totem, Gannon University’s student-produced literary art magazine, was chosen for a first-place award in the American Scholastic Press Association’s annual competition (for the 12th year in a row). Students Christina Johnston and Terri Schmitt served as co-editors and Berwyn Moore, associate professor of English, served as advisor

for the publication. Totem includes works of poetry, fiction, short stories, art, photography, and graphic design created by Gannon students and faculty.

Gannon students, faculty, and staff observed International Education Week November 12-16. The week-long event provided an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. Gannon’s events included, an International Student Résumé review; a Global Banquet to teach students about world hunger and poverty; an International Coffee House featuring the culture and cuisine of the Bahamas; and a Cul-ture Night that included a Diwali Celebration complete with international dancing, music, food, and games.

Hunger and Homeless Awareness WeekGannon University students remain committed to community service and social justice. Gannon’s Cen-ter for Social Concerns and the Social Concerns Club sponsored a week-long series of events during the week before Thanksgiving to raise awareness about and to help fight hunger and poverty. Gannon students organized and led a campus-wide fundraising effort to benefit the Erie City Mission, Community of Caring, Community Shelter Services and the Second Harvest Food Bank. Collectively, Gannon students, faculty and staff raised $1,400. The majority of the monies raised came from the Box City, which is a day when students, faculty, and staff volunteer to take up temporary residence in cardboard boxes and collect donations from passersby in A.J.’s Way located in the center of campus.

More than 650 students spent a September day performing volunteer service for nearly 40 local agencies. GIVE (Gannon’s Invitation to Volunteer Everywhere) Day is one of the University’s largest one-day service initiatives. The number of students who participated increased by nearly 24 percent from last year.

Students Perform Nicholas NicklebyThe Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby is adapted by David Edgar from the novel by Charles Dickens. Set in London in the 19th century, the play follows the title character as he tries to make a life for him-self, along with his mother and sister, following the untimely death of his father. The play is so faithful to the novel that it takes two evenings or one whole day to perform. When it debuted in 1982, it was lauded with both Olivier and Tony awards for best play. Gannon’s production of Nicholas Nickleby will be co-directed by Paula Barrett and Father Shawn Clerkin ’86, with designs by Jax Kubiak. It will

feature a cast of more than 20 Gannon students and community performers. For tickets for the April 10-12, 17-19 performances, call the Schuster Theatre Box Office at (814) 871-7494.

Paula Barrett and Kylie Deneen study and test costume styles for Nicholas Nickleby.

International Education Week featured a Global Banquet and Culture Night.

Student News

The cover of the award-winning 2007 Totem magazine.

International Education Celebrated

It is safe to say that when a handful of undergraduates and their professors took over the kitchen at St. Mary’s Church on East Ninth Street in Erie on a winter morning in 1967, they were more concerned with feeding the hungry gathered there than with starting a beloved holiday tradition. After all, compassion was their vocation.

(opposite, from left to right) Freshmen Mary Riedy, Chelsey Klube, and Jill McAninch represent Gannon’s spirit of service while volunteering at the dinner.

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Students Angelica Contreras and Anne Call volunteer as members of the Social Work Club.

But after tons of turkey, thousands of gifts and 40 years of time, the Gannon University Social Work Club Christmas Dinner has become one of the most welcome events on the holiday calendar.

Ask Charles M. “Chuck” Murphy, associate professor of social work. He was among that small, but hardy group of pioneering Gannon faculty who witnessed

not only the early days of the dinner, but of the social work program itself, having come to Gannon in 1964.

The face of poverty in Erie has changed in the three decades that Murphy has been involved with the dinner. “When we started this, the homeless were mostly males, and we bought them clothes at the Army Navy Store,” he remembered. “But, after a few years, the women and children came in, and it turned into a floodgate.”

As the numbers of people in need increased, so did the re-sponse from the Gannon community. “I can’t tell you how many students became involved—the women’s basketball team, fraternities—and we needed more space,” Murphy recalled. “We were at the (National Guard) Armory for a while, then Cauley Auditorium (at St. Patrick’s Church) before the event officially moved to Gannon.”

Moving to the Hammermill Center has given the dinner room to grow to a size unimaginable in 1967. In December 2007, nearly 500 volunteers, including about 300 Gannon students, bought and wrapped gifts, served nearly 1,000 meals, entertained children and cleaned up after the gathering.

Among them was Angelica Contreras, a junior majoring in social work and the president of the Social Work Club. Born in Mexico, Contreras is the first of the nine children in her family to go to college. Had her family come to Erie instead of Los Angeles a decade earlier, she said she might have attended the dinner as a guest.

“My family was low income, so I knew what that was like,” she said. “In L.A., there were 11 of us living in a one-room apartment. I never got a Christmas gift until I came to Erie. I was nine years old.”

Contreras represents a new kind of social work major. Helping people was obviously her motivation, but she

arrived at that destination from an unusual place. “I started in medicine and realized that it was not for me.”

And, she isn’t following the conventional social work career track either; she plans to attend law school. “I want to make a change, so law school seems like a smart option,” said Contreras.

Coming to social work at Gannon from an unusual place is also a familiar and gratifying story for assistant professor and director of the social work department, Parris Baker, Ph.D.

Dr. Baker has been involved with this dinner since his Gannon student days in the early 1990s. “We had the dinner at St. Pat’s, and we did the fundraising and wrapped the presents. Professors Charles Murphy and Tony Rao were in charge, but in name only. The students ran the event,” said Baker.

“Now, we have students volunteer from all disciplines, not just social work. Three hundred volunteers come with the express purpose of finding their place within the broader social fabric and, often, the experience can change the course of a student’s life,” Baker added. “We probably get three to four students a year whose consciousness is awak-ened by the dinner. I just had a student who came into the program say that the dinner made it clear to him that he wanted to be a social worker.”

Dr. Baker believes that students will continue to find reward as long as there are people who must rely on others in a time of need. For better or worse, Dr. Baker does not see the need for compassionate and effective social workers disappearing anytime soon.

“There’s been a lot of conversation about how people must ultimately help them-selves,” he explained. “But the notion of helping yourself could not have worked out in Louisiana after Katrina. We saw an out-pouring of the human spirit from all over the world, but the government, unfortunately, was a little slow. People are still going down there because of a motivation to connect with people in a faraway place that compels them to be there.

“I believe in personal responsibility, but I also believe that sometimes people need the assistance of others.”

The Hammermill Center in December was proof of the continued presence of human need and evidence that Gannon faculty, staff, and students really do care.

by John Chacona

A Catholic university is a community united in the pursuit of truth. We can proceed with confidence, knowing that we are participating in a rich intellectual tradition. As stated in the introduction to Ex Corde Ecclesiae (1990), “Born from the heart of the Church, a Catholic university is located in that course of tradition, which may be traced back to the very origin of the university as an institution.” This tradition emphasizes the integration of all forms of knowledge and the belief that “reason and faith need one another in order to fulfill their true nature and their mission.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi, 2007). As we learn more about the world and appreciate its complexity and beauty, we gain a greater understanding of God who created it.

In terms of curriculum, a Catholic university should maintain a central role for theology and philosophy, two disciplines dedicated to the search for ultimate truth. Since we seek the integration of knowledge, a multidisciplinary approach is most effective.

We fulfill our Catholic Mission by bringing ethical perspectives from theology and philosophy into courses on other subjects. This was the main point of a conference I attended last summer at Marist College in New York called “Substantially Catholic,” organized by Melanie Morey and Father John Piderit, S.J., both of the Catholic Education Institute.

Seminars were conducted by an impressive list of experts, both priests and lay faculty, to help professors of political science and English learn how to incorporate aspects of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition into their classes. In summer 2008, the seminars will be designed for professors of English literature, biology, or psychology. After attending these seminars, I am definitely more aware of ways that a Catholic perspective can enhance my political science curriculum.

A Catholic vision of political science is heavily indebted to the ideas of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. An Augustinian perspective helps us to be on guard against utopian schemes that hold out the promise of a paradise on earth. St. Thomas established the precedent for linking faith and reason through his detailed commentaries on Aristotle and he elaborated on the concepts of natural law and just war. These concepts are based on the belief that there are transcendent moral principles that set the standard for positive law and the formation of national policy.

This view, which assumes that moral reasoning must guide all of our actions, is opposed to the modernist approach

to politics established by Machiavelli, who conceived of politics as a self-contained sphere of human activity with its own set of standards and rules. The Catholic Intellectual Tradition reminds us that the purpose of politics is not simply the acquisition of power for its own sake. Rather, the Thomistic-Aristotelian view holds that politics ought to be concerned about the just ordering of society to enable us to live according to our true nature in solidarity with others in a community dedicated to the common good.

In practice, this vision requires a healthy dose of virtue among citizens and leaders who are endowed with prudence. A democracy is primarily a system of procedures for choosing political leaders, but the quality of democracy rests upon the moral foundations of society. A majority can choose to do good or evil, so we must strive to keep people oriented toward the good. We do this at a Catholic university by preparing students to become engaged citizens who will exercise their freedoms responsibly and base their decisions on moral values consistent with the Church’s teaching.

In the classroom, Alexis de Tocqueville is an excellent guide for the students on the topic of civic responsibility. His Democracy in America emphasizes the important role that intermediary institutions of civil society (i.e., the family, churches, and associations) play in sustaining democracy. He also felt that the religious nature of American society, which he observed in the early 1830s, was crucial for the success of democracy because it provided a sense of moral restraint and prevented the abuse of freedoms. Tocqueville’s approach reminds us that the key to a regime of well-ordered liberty

requires sturdy cultural foundations.

In our current climate of bitter partisanship, in which political success is defined as electoral victory over our opponents, a Catholic approach can restore the noble purpose of politics by focusing on policies that respect the dignity of the human person and seek to promote the common good. We have a duty to be

witnesses to the truth of the Gospel and to challenge the post-modernist trends of moral relativism and radical skepticism. As Pope John Paul II wrote in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, “If need be, a Catholic university must have the courage to speak uncomfortable truths which do not please public opinion, but which are necessary to safeguard the authentic good of society.”

At Gannon, I treasure the freedom to integrate the Catholic Intellectual Tradition while teaching my discipline.

A Commentary on Bringing the Catholic Intellectual Tradition Into the Classroom

by Mark Jubulis, Ph.D.

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Substantially Catholic

For more information please visit www.marist.edu/community/sc/.

“Politics ought to be concerned about the just ordering of society to enable us to live according to our true nature in solidarity with others in a community dedicated to the common good.”

by Mark Jubulis, Ph.D.

Substantially Catholic

“The Catholic Intellectual Tradition is founded upon a vision of reality as purposeful and imbued with meaning. It bases this conviction on the belief-ful seeing of what God has accomplished in Jesus Christ for the well-being of the world. Hence the doctrines of Incarnation and Trinity are constitutive of the Tradition. This faith is not inimical to reason, but calls reason to its most ample exercise, even as it finally recognizes its own limits and need for completion. The Tradition fosters a sacramental consciousness and imagination that has inspired aesthetic masterpieces in prose and poetry, painting and music. Its incarnational and communal sensitivity also underlies its concern for the common good and the promotion of justice in the world.”

Father Robert Imbelli, Boston College

for

Anne Weiser Cooney ’91 is very grateful for the education she received at Gannon, which is why she continues to give back to the University.

FoundationSuccess

by Jennifer Mailey ’95 ’05M

1113

Working full-time as a machinist apprentice at GE-Transportation in Erie, attending Gannon University part-time in the evenings, and raising three young children, Anne Weiser Cooney ’91 was paving the way for her current success.

“Those were long, but very rewarding days, and while it took me eight years to obtain my bachelor’s degree, it was well worth the time, energy and the sacrifices,” explained Cooney.

Anne graduated with honors from Gannon in 1991 with a Bachelor of science degree in industrial management. In 2005, Anne received her MBA from Emory University in Atlanta, also graduating with honors. After leaving General Electric’s Erie facility, Cooney worked for GE at many of its different locations across the United States for a total of 21 years. In 2001, Cooney joined Siemens Energy and Automation as its Vice President of Manufacturing and Operational Excellence in Alpharetta (near Atlanta), Georgia. In February 2004, she was promoted to her current position as Vice President of the Power Conversion Division.

Currently, Anne oversees a billion-dollar business and a staff of approximately 2,000. “My job is very rewarding because I have been able to lead a growing and successful division that has many different products, and customers. With extensive research and development, and a focus on new technology, we develop energy-saving and productivity solutions for our industrial customers,” said Cooney. Siemens is a large global company, headquartered in Munich, Germany, which manufactures electrical solutions and products for a variety of industries and markets.

“I have always enjoyed studying math and science, and my chosen career path has allowed me to apply those skills on a daily basis. While my Gannon professors taught me a lot about engineering and business, they also prepared me to excel

professionally and personally in my graduate work and in executive management,” said Cooney.

While applied statistics and physics were two of Anne’s favorite courses at Gannon, she credits the philosophy and theology courses she took as having a significant impact on her academic and personal successes. Monsignor Richard Sullivan, retired faculty and a current member of the Gannon Board of Trustees, was one of her favorite professors. “Father Sullivan cared about all of his students, especially those of us who came from diverse backgrounds with different types of learning needs, like I had, as a part-time adult student. I am grateful that my professors were great facilitators; there was always open dialogue in the classrooms, and the Catholic

faith component was integrated in a meaningful way,” explained Cooney.

Anne is also thankful for her family’s unconditional support. “My husband, Greg, and my parents, Mary and Richard Weiser, had a major influence on my success and my ability to graduate from college while working full-time and juggling the demands of motherhood,” said Cooney with a smile. Anne’s father is also a proud Gannon Alumnus from the Class of 1959.

Campaign Update

Campaign Update

Monsignor Richard Sullivan (above) helped alumna Anne Cooney (left) realize her potential.

Thus far, Gannon and Villa Maria Alumni have contributed more than $8 million toward the University’s current The Power To Transform Compre-hensive Campaign. To date, the University has raised $28 million or 94 percent of the total $30 million Campaign Goal. Campaign goals include: increasing the Endowment, raising additional scholarship funds for students, and supporting faculty research and professional development opportunities. If you would like to support Gannon and The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign, please contact Susan Black-Keim, vice president for University Advancement, at (814) 871-7464 or via e-mail at blackkei001@gannon.edu.

Campaign Update

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A Triple Play

laying on their home field in the tournament’s second semifinal game, the Knights, thanks to two goals by sophomore Dan Howell, held a 2-1 lead against their

bitter rival, Mercyhurst College. With the seconds ticking away, victory seemed inevitable, and with it Gannon seemed all but assured of playing for the GLIAC title.

The celebration would have to wait, though, as Mercyhurst tied the game 2-2 with only 11 seconds left. Under the cir-cumstances—being forced to play an overtime session after leading the game throughout—a lesser team might have col-lapsed under the disappointment and pressure. But not these Knights, who, as coach Rob van Rheenen likes to say, are an extremely resilient bunch.

“We were concerned after they tied it,” van Rheenen said. “Momentum can change very quickly and decisively. The way they responded says a lot about their toughness.” Gan-non’s Geneo Oberst won the game with a goal seven minutes and 32 seconds into the overtime. Two days later, before more than 800 fans at a raucous Gannon University Field, the Knights beat Northwood 2-0 to win the GLIAC tournament championship and help the team to the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time since the 1993 season.

Mission impossible? More like mission accomplished. “We hadn’t been to the tournament in a while, and we desper-ately wanted to get back,” van Rheenen said. “That was one of our goals at the beginning of the season.”

annon’s win over Mercyhurst in the GLIAC tourna-ment semifinal was significant for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, the win allowed Gannon to eliminate Mercyhurst from the tournament and end the Lakers’ season. It also was a very satisfying win in the teams’ heated rivalry, one that van Rheenen says Mercyhurst has gotten the better of in recent years. Coming into this season, for example, the Knights were only 1-7-1 against Mercyhurst dating to 2000.

And, had Gannon lost to Mercyhurst in the GLIAC semifi-nals on November 1, the Knights probably would not have

been invited to the NCAA tournament. The win also put Gannon in the GLIAC tournament final against Northwood. Because Gannon had won the GLIAC regular season title, with an 8-1-1 record, the Knights earned the right to host the tournament.

van Rheenen admits it would have been a huge disappoint-ment for Gannon to host the tournament but not advance to the championship game. “It was great playing at home, and I have to commend our athletic department and staff for man-aging all of the details that come with putting on a first-class event,” he said. With the 3-2 win over the Lakers, however, the players ensured van Rheenen would attend the final as a coach and not as a spectator. The victory was all the more impressive considering that one of Gannon’s starting defend-ers got hurt during the game, forcing the Knights to make adjustments and rely on younger players.

But, overcoming adversity was nothing new for the 2007 Golden Knights. In just the second game of the season, at home against Southern Indiana, Gannon lost two key players to injury: forward/midfielder Rudi Costa and goalkeeper Matthew Ruston. Because of the severity of their injuries, both players missed the rest of the season.

To their credit, the players did not use the injuries as an excuse. After the 3-1 win over Southern Indiana, Gannon won its next five games to improve to 7-0 en route to finishing the regular season 14-2-1.

Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh, a senior defender/midfielder, said the team’s grit often carried it through tough times. “I will remember the character this team showed,” Kolkenbeck-Ruh said. “We seemed to run into many injury problems, and yet when one player got hurt, someone else stepped up and played his heart and soul out.”

“There was something special about this team in that we managed to win games that, on paper, we had no right to win,” he added.

The Knights’ 5-2 loss to Northern Kentucky in the opening game of the NCAA tournament did little to put a damper on what was a tremendous resurgence for the Knights. In addition to advancing to the NCAA tournament, Gannon captured its most wins in a single season since 1993.

n one respect, 2007 will go down in the annals of Gannon sports as arguably one of the greatest in the University’s history. The soccer team’s GLIAC championship capped

an amazing and improbable year in which two of Gannon’s other intercollegiate teams, women’s basketball and softball,

Eleven seconds. That was all that separated the Gannon men’s soccer team from advancing to the GLIAC tournament championship game.

p

by Nicholas Pronko

g

led by Cleve Wright and Beth Pierce, respectively, also won tournament championships in the rugged GLIAC. “Year in and year out, and in all sports, the GLIAC has very strong teams that also have fared extremely well nationally,” said Bill Elias, Gannon director of athletics. “So for our three teams to win championships in the same year reflects very positively on those coaches in terms of both their recruit-ing efforts and how they led their teams during their respective seasons. But most of the credit has to go to those men and women student-athletes.”

“All three of those teams have had a lot of success in the recent past and were on the cusp of greatness,” Elias concluded. “They had great senior leadership and kids who made plays.”

Gannon’s student-athletes also have excelled in the classroom; during the spring 2007 semester they collec-tively earned a 3.26 grade point average with more than 40 percent being named to the Dean’s List. In addition, 66 athletes earned perfect 4.0 GPAs that semester. Starting with the 2008-09 academic year, Gannon University will leave the GLIAC and begin to compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), where it will compete against some local and regional rivals, such as Edinboro, Slippery Rock, Clarion, and IUP.

Three Gannon teams won GLIAC tournament championships in 2007—top to bottom: the women’s basketball team, led by coach Cleve Wright; the softball team, led by coach Beth Pierce; and the men’s soccer team, under coach Rob van Rheenen.

16

AlumniFocusMark Olszewski ’77

Name Mark Olszewski ’77

Professional AffiliationsMember of the Society of

Broadcast Engineers

Community InvolvementActively volunteers for several

local schools and parishes

FamilyWife, Diane Olszewski ’83,

three daughters and two sons

“I’m very proud of what the school has

accomplished... I’m very grateful

that I went to Gannon.”

Mark Olszewski ’77 began to develop an interest in cameras as a teen-ager. Little did he know at the time that he would spend the majority of his adult life working with them.

As a freshman at Cathedral Prep High School in Erie, Olszewski remembers thinking that the photos in the school’s yearbook and newspaper could be better. He was told, half jokingly, that if he could do better, he should find a camera and start shooting.

So, shoot he did, for both the Prep yearbook and newspaper. And he enjoyed it so much that he became president of the school’s photo club. Later, as a student at Gannon, Olszewski also ran the photo club and took many of the photos in The Lance, the Gannon yearbook.

He also remembers taking apart a camera and attempting to put the many parts and pieces back together. The only part he struggled with was reconfiguring the lens. So, he turned to Doug Johnston, at the time the owner of Johnston Cameras in Erie. Olszewski and Johnston quickly formed a bond that eventually would result in the former buy-ing the business from the latter.

During the 23-plus years Olszewski owned Johnston Cameras, his many clients included the Erie Police Department. Olszewski was awarded a contract to maintain the department’s fingerprint identification system. He also worked with GE-Trans-portation, providing photography for the locomotive maker’s annual reports, among numerous other projects.

Olszewski sold Johnston Cameras in 2000 and then lived and worked in Texas and Alabama. Later, after another Erie native working for the John F. Kennedy Space Center informed him of a video and imaging engineering position with the sub-contractor InDyne, Inc. at the Center, it was time to journey to work at the Florida launch center.

Olszewski now lives in Titusville, Fla., and works for Arctic Slope Regional Corp. (ASRC), a NASA subcontractor. Titusville is about 40 miles east of Orlando and about 16 miles west of Merritt Island, Fla., site of the Kennedy Space Center.

The ASRC test team and Olszewski verify the performance and specifications of im-age acquisition equipment like video and still cameras. He also performs engineering and setup work for the cameras, also referred to as imaging systems. Specifically, he makes sure the color depth, image quality, shutter speed, and recording and timing capabilities are accurate. The systems are used to record shuttle launches and also the launches of Air Force rockets.

Once the video or still photos have been captured, imaging staff at Arctic Slope Regional closely study the images and gather the initial data. Later, NASA conducts a more in-depth review and analysis.

Upon further analysis, Olszewski’s affinity for Gannon, where he graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, has remained strong. He fondly re-members former Gannon presidents Monsignor Wilfrid Nash and Joe Scottino as well as faculty and staff like Stan Zagorski, Dr. Ken Andersen, Father Joe Gregorek, Joe Luckey, James Freeman, Father Casimir Lubiak, and Father James McCullough.

“Everyone was great,” he said. “You could always confide in them about anything and they were very accessible. It was a wonderful environment. I’m very proud of how the school has continued to grow and prosper. I’m very grateful I went to Gannon.”

by Nicholas Pronko

17

FacultyFocusKristine S. Legters ’90M, PT, D.Sc., NCS

Name Kristine S. Legters, PT, D.Sc., NCS

Education D.Sc. in Neurology from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (2002)

M.S. in Health Services Administration from Gannon University (1990)

B.S. in Physical Therapy from SUNY/Upstate Medical Center (1983)

B.A. in Biology from Northwestern College (1982)

Professional Certification Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists (1996; Recertified 2005)

Community Activities Achievement Center – Utilization Review/Quality Assurance Committee (1998-present)

Erie Community Health Care Fall Prevention Task Force (2005-present)

Erie Independence House – Human Rights Committee (2006-present)

Drawing on personal experience comes naturally to Dr. Kristine Legters ’90M, PT, D.Sc., NCS, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. Receiving physical therapy for many years as a child helped fuel her love of the field, and now she can be found in both classroom and clinical settings.

“I was disabled as a child and started getting physical therapy as young as two years old, so I developed a very close relationship with my physical therapist as a result,” she said. “When I grew up, I enjoyed and was strong in the sciences, so it was a natural progression.”

Dr. Legters began her professional career as a physical therapist with Lake Erie Institute of Rehabilitation (LEIR), where working with the student program inspired her entry into the academic world.

“I was the coordinator of the clinical education program at LEIR and had assisted in teaching. There were a lot of students coming into the clinic, and I could see myself in the teaching arena,” she said.

Legters currently works two to four hours each week as a consultant for Erie Homes for Children and Adults. While some may see blending both a professional and an academic career as a challenge, Dr. Legters named this combination as a highlight of Gannon’s Physical Therapy program.

“Continuing to practice is one of the strengths of the program; it provides credibility with students when I’m able to talk about the patient I treated yesterday,” she said.

Dr. Legters also cites the relationships students build with faculty as a hall-mark of the program. “I have students who call and ask for advice with their patients, which is something you won’t find elsewhere. I think it’s very important in the long run,” she said.

In turn, students in her department are often praised for their prepared-ness and knowledge. “Our students receive glowing feedback from their clinical supervisors; they are well-pre-pared, professional, and can think on

their feet,” she said. “Our program is also very lab-intensive, more so than other programs. The students practice on one another, and the faculty do role playing as well and give specific feedback.”

With such research and technology constantly changing, Dr. Legters ensures that her department stays on top of the latest findings and sees a promising future ahead.

“Physical therapy as a profession is not stagnant, and there is always a need to stay current. There’s a fair amount of change present, and we want to make sure we have the most current information,” she said. “We want to bolster our already strong community support and how we engage with our professional peers; all of the faculty use the community as their research environment.”

“What sets Gannon’s Health Science programs apart from other

universities is the commitment

faculty give to the program on a

daily basis.”

by Audrey Scruton

18

by Dan Teliski ’97, Director of Athletic Media Relations

A Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) men’s soccer championship highlighted Gan-non’s 2007 fall campaign, but the season was filled with accomplishments by all nine programs competing. Eleven all-conference selections, six all-region honorees and one academic all-district player highlighted the individual ef-forts. The awards and accolades continued Gannon’s fine showing in the classroom and in competition.

FootballThe Gannon football team struggled to an

0-11 season under first-year head coach Jim Kiernan, but the numbers were deceiving. The Golden Knights worked

hard the entire season, trying to implement a new system under a new coaching staff. The never-give-up attitude was evident in a tough 27-23 loss to Northern Michigan

in the home finale.

Four Golden Knights were named to the All-GLIAC honorable- mention team: Jon Richardson, Ronald Keels, Alton Kenner,

and Chris Murphy.

VolleyballThe Gannon volleyball team finished 6-20 overall and 1-16 in conference play during head coach Matt Darling’s first season at the helm. The Lady Knights defeated local rival Mercyhurst College for their conference vic-tory with a come-from-behind 3-2 win. Trailing 2-1, Gannon rallied with consecutive victories in games four (30-21) and five (15-7).

Ashley Tubbs was named to the All-GLIAC honorable-mention team. Tubbs led Gannon and ranked ninth among

GLIAC players in service aces per game. The junior from Meadville, Pa., has had 510 kills, 79 aces, 177 digs, and 183 blocks during her three-year career.

Women’s SoccerThe women’s soccer program got off to an extremely hot start and narrowly missed its first winning season since 1999. The Lady Knights began the season 7-2, but finished 7-8-2 overall and 1-6-1 in GLIAC play. The squad won five con-secutive matches after opening the season with a loss. It was the program’s first five-match winning streak since 2000 and represented its best start in school history.

Laura Piazza and Courtney Rowan were named to the All-GLIAC post-season teams. Piazza was named to the first team, while Rowan landed a spot on the sec-ond team for the third consecutive season. Piazza and Rowan were also named to the Daktronics All-Great Lakes Region second team.

Men’s Water PoloHead coach Don Sherman returned to the deck after a two-year hiatus to focus on duties as associate director of Athlet-ics. The Golden Knights posted a 13-9 record, marking the program’s fourth winning season in its seven-year history.

Gannon finished tied for first place in the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Southern Division-West Region with a 7-1 conference mark. The Golden Knights finished the regular season with eight victories in their last 10 match-es. The squad placed third at the Division II Eastern Cham-pionships. Gannon placed seventh two weeks later at the CWPA Southern Division Championships with a 13-11 vic-tory over Washington & Jefferson College. The 13 victories marked the third-highest single-season total in school history.

The 2007 season represented the final year for five seniors. Paul Musille ended his career fifth all-time in scoring with 106 goals. Zach Dusckas ranks ninth all-time with 70 career

Jon Richardson

Ashley Tubbs

Courtney Rowan

19

AthleteFocus

“Every so often, a coach works with someone who stands out in their mind and, therefore, will always be remembered. Shayna is one of those athletes; I’m going to miss her,” said John Carrig, head coach for women’s cross country, of Shayna Weir, a senior enrolled in the five-year master of science in occupational therapy and also captain of the cross country team. “Whatever good attributes there are in a person, she has them,” Carrig said.

Shayna chose Gannon for its athletics, academics, and the distance from her hometown of Chambers-burg, Pa. She held many cross country records in high school, and her accomplishments have increased since then. “I could always count on her to be first or in the top two of every race,” Carrig said. She came in 47th at the regional competition this year, placing her in the top third.

Shayna is a prime example of a student-athlete. She was named an Academic All-American this year and

has been on the Dean’s List every semester thus far, with a GPA of 3.967. As a runner, Shayna learned how to manage her time well by studying on bus rides, getting enough sleep, and never

skipping breakfast.

Shayna is also involved in many other extracurricular activities. She is a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), Pi Theta Epsilon, and the Honors Program. She also works two jobs at the Nash Library and for Hertel and Brown Physical and Aquatic Therapy.

Shayna has benefited from traveling around the country for various races and enjoys seeing new cities and running on different courses, citing the trips as good bonding opportunities for the team.

The biggest challenge Shayna faced as a student-athlete was not having her parents at every race to support her. “You have

to race because you love it and want to do well. College sports may not be for everyone

because it takes continuous dedication, but it was a great decision for me,” she said.

Upon receiving her degree in May 2009, Shayna plans to work with the pediatric or

adolescent population in a school setting.

scores. Brandon Thomas finished his career second all-time in saves (448).

Men’s GolfThe men’s golf team started and ended the fall season with great finishes. Gannon opened the campaign by winning the Penn State Erie Invitational. The Golden Knights then concluded the campaign by winning the Mercyhurst Invitational and placing second at the Gannon Invitational. Freshman Matt Barnes won the individual title at the Penn State Behrend Invitational while senior Pat Kloecker earned the individual title at the Mercy-hurst Invitational.

Gannon finished eighth at the 2007 GLIAC Champi-onships with a three-round score of 919. The Golden Knights were tied for eighth after the first two rounds, posting a pair of 306 scores. The squad completed the championships with a 307 during the final round. Drew Deimel was Gannon’s top golfer, tying for 22nd place with a three-round total of 227. The true freshman shot rounds of 76, 77, and 74.

Women & Men’s Cross CountryThe Gannon cross country teams had the honor of hosting the 2007 GLIAC Championships for the first time in school history. The two programs recorded a pair of 12th place finishes while host-ing the event at Pleasant Ridge Park in Girard, Pa. Senior Shayna Weir was Gannon’s top female run-ner, placing 32nd with a time of 24 minutes and 4.07 seconds.

The women’s season was highlighted by the appear-ance of two Gannon runners at the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional. Weir finished 47th with a time of 23 minutes and 20.39 seconds. Sophomore Brittany Zaborowski placed 75th with a time of 23 minutes and 54.23 seconds. Dan Shephard was Gannon’s top male runner, placing 97th with a time of 29 minutes and 10.7 seconds.

by Erin Gaydos ’08

Men’s Water Polo Team

20

1951REV. MSGR WILLIAM C. “MAX” KARGcelebrated his 50th year as a priest on May 31, 2007. Monsignor Karg is the senior associate at St. Stephen Church in Oil City.

1959ROBERT J. HEIBELhas been elected to a one-year term as chairman of the International Association for Intelligence Education. Robert is the executive director of Mercyhurst College’s Institute for Intelligence Studies in Erie.

1962DAVID C. SHIELis the executive director of adult services for Palmetto Behavioral Health in Florence, S.C.

1964SISTER MARY ELLEN DWYER, SSJ (VMC) SISTER MOIRA SULLIVAN, SSJ (VMC)have been installed as members of the new Leadership Team for The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

1965PHILIP C. NASCA, PH.D.has been appointed Dean of the School of Public Health at the State University of New York, Albany.

1967ELAINE (ABATA) WAGNER (VMC)has been named as chief executive officer for the YWCA of Green Bay-De Pere, Wis.

1969BRUCE M. WRIGHT ‘00Mrecently received the 25 Years of Service Award from Gannon University.

1970DETMAR W. STRAUB JR., PH.D. ‘70Mhas been named to a three-year term as editor-in-chief of MIS Quarterly. Detmar is a Professor of Information Systems at Georgia State University.

FRANK J. BOGACKIrecently received the 25 Years of Service Award from Gannon University.

THOMAS A. CAPPELLO, FACHEhas been named the new director of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System.

1971MARCYANN (SARGENT) BENCIVENGAco-authored an article published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship. Marcyann is the lead field coordinator for the Northern Appalachia Cancer Network.

HAROLD H. SMITHhas been inducted into the Brocton Central School Hall of Fame. Harold graduated from Brocton Central High School where he also taught math, calculus and physics, before he retired in 2005.

1972EDWARD M. GABRIELhas joined the Board of Directors of Tri-Valley Corporation. Edward is president and CEO of The Gabriel Company, LLC, in Washington, D.C.

PATRICIA (GERVASE) MYERS (VMC)is working in Kuwait City as an organizational consultant and executive coach. She recently received her Master’s in clinical organizational psychology from France’s INSEAD University.

1973ROBERT J. FERRARO, M.D.was among five Hamot Medical Center cardiologists who published a case report in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

SISTER JOYCE LOWREY, SSJ (VMC)has been installed as a member of the new Leadership Team for The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

1974PATRICIA (PRISCHAK) TOGIOKAhas been hired as director of the Oregon School for the Deaf.

1975DAVID A. SEYBOLDThas been appointed assistant district director of Score, a national nonprofit association that offers free business counseling.

1976CRAIG T. JOHNSTON, D.O.was recently designated a specialist in clinical hypertension by the American Society of Hypertension. He is one of only 72 physicians in Pennsylvania with this designation.

1977JANE (BAUER) FISHER (VMC)received the WJET-TV/Edinboro University Golden Apple Award in February 2007 and was one of four finalists for the Teacher of the Year award. Jane is a chemistry teacher at Mercyhurst Preparatory School.

GARY C. LONCKIhas been named communications director for the Sisters of Mercy for the Americas.

1979JOHN (JACK) W. MAHONEYis an engineer and has been promoted to aluminum team leader with SECO/Warwick Corporation in Meadville, Pa.

1980JEFF A. JAGEMAN, D.M.D.was recently elected as the financial secretary for the

March 14-16Alex Clemente Fundraiser Jane Austen’s Love and Friendship

March 27Lunch-N-Learn with Berwyn Moore, professor of English, who will present her poetry readings.

April 17Lunch-N-Learn with Dr. James A. Scozzie `65, Senior vice president of BioEnterprise Corporation (Cleveland, Ohio). He will speak on the topic “So you want to be an Entrepreneur?”

May 17Villa Alumni at Asbury Woods

May 18 Gannon Alumni at Asbury Woods

May 19Pittsburgh Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing

May 21Erie Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing

The Campaign Is Coming To YouApril 13, 2008California

April 27, 2008 Rochester, N.Y.

For more information or to register for any events, contact Tracy Stolz at stolz005@gannon.edu or 1-877-GU-Alums, ext. 1. You can also visit the Online Alumni Community at gannonalumni.org for additional events and updates.

alumcal 2008

21

Sportsmen’s Athletic Club Board of Directors.

SUSAN M. NEZDA LASTRES, M.D., MBAreceived an Administrator’s Achievement Award for 2007 at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Award Ceremony.

KARL L. WILLIAMS ‘87Mhas been appointed as the vice president, Commercial/ SBA Lender with Marine Bank & Trust Co.

1981CYNTHIA (RENO) BALKSTRA (VMC)recently became president of the Georgia Nurses Association.

KEVIN M. BENSONis the meteorologist and co-anchor for WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, Pa.

KATHLEEN (MCCREARY) FREEMAN, CRNP (VMC)was a recipient of the 2007 North American Menopause Society’s Certified Nurse Practitioner Excellence Award.

CHRISTOPHER B. SNYDERis the chief executive officer and co-founder of Spectrum

Direct, an online life insurance company.

DEBRA (SKURCENSKI) THOMPSON (VMC) ‘90Mpresented a workshop, “Asking the Right Questions in the Right Way: A Recipe for Success,” at the Alliance For Nonprofit Management’s annual conference in Atlanta.

GARY J. WINSCHELwas recently appointed to the advisory board of McDonald’s Charities Investment Program, which supports Ronald McDonald House Charities. Gary is the vice president and regional sales manager for PNC Investments in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

1982RICHARD L. DECKER, M.D.has joined the Hamot Physician Network and will be practicing at Your Family Physicians in Erie.

RUSSELL J. JOHNSTONis senior vice president of marketing and product planning for Pioneer Electronics, Inc. in Long Beach, Calif.

The Online Community: A Way to Stay ConnectedIt is important for many of us as alums to find ways to stay connected to friends and former classmates from our days at Gannon and Villa Maria, and to be able to link back to the University. In looking for effective ways to do this in today’s world of electronic communication, the Alumni Services Office implemented an Online Community almost five years ago. In response to feedback from our alumni, an initiative was recently put into place to enhance the program.

On July 18, 2007, the Gannon University Alumni Services Office launched a new online community at gannonalumni.org. If you have not already visited the updated site, I encourage you to do so. You will find an easier login process to access the alumni directory, along with the ability to post messages, class notes, and personal photos. The promotion of alumni activities and University happenings has also improved, and will continue to grow because of this new technology.

Remember, the Gannon University Alumni Online Community is for all of us. It allows us to correspond with one another and with others working at the University. I encourage you to take full advantage of this enhanced technology. During a recent National Alumni Board meeting, there was discussion about creating a Gannon University Facebook or MySpace site. At this time, we have decided to put our efforts into our gannonalumni.org site instead of creating other Web pages. However, I would encourage all who have a MySpace or Facebook site to post and/or link the Gannon alumni Web page onto your personal site. This would identify you as a Gannon or Villa Maria alumnus and will provide you with immediate access to the Gannon and Villa Maria Alumni Directory to locate those you have lost track of.

Your feedback on the site and ideas for further enhancement are always welcome. Contact Cathy Fresch, director of Alumni Services, at fresch001@gannon.edu with your thoughts.

Camp Gannon in IraqROTC and Gannon Alumnus Lieuten- ant General James Dubik ’71 (far right) and Captain Stacey Strus Welch ’00 pose with the Iraqi Minister of the Interior (left). James Dubik is the Com-mander of the Multi-National Security Transition Command in Iraq. Captain Welch was commissioned at Gannon in 2000 and is in the Quartermaster Corps and Aide-de-Camp for a Civilian Assis-tance Training Team.

Alumni Come Back to CampusApproximately 475 Gannon and Villa Maria Alumni returned to campus last fall for the 7th Annual Alumni Homecoming/Reunion Weekend, October 19-21, 2007. Highlights of the celebration included: SGA Alumni Open House, Joe Luckey’s campus tour, Homecoming parade, Homecoming football game, and an Alumni brunch with President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. Gannon University and Villa Maria College classes of 1957, 1967, 1982, and 1997 celebrated landmark reunions as well. Affinity groups joining the celebration included: African-American Alumni, Villa Maria Alumnae, Honors, SGA, Theatre/Communication Arts, Commuters/Non-Traditional, and Gannon Women of the ’60s.

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AlumNotes

23

birthsa daughter, Chloe Elaine (born on October 26, 2007) to Melissa Palmer Chadwick ’98.

a son, William Dean (born August 1, 2007) to Tiffany Pryor Collins, R.N.P. ’99 and Bradley J. Collins, M.D. ’99.

a daughter, Evelyn Ruth (born on May 22, 2007) to Jane Murphy Dorler ’98 and Mark R. Dorler ’97.

a daughter, Evelyn Jane (born on April 20, 2007) to Kimberly Brown Dorman ’01 and Jesse A. Dorman ’01.

a son, Jonah Daniel (born on July 15, 2007) to Kristen Wiant Glass ’00 and her husband, Dan.

a daughter, Brooke M. (born on May 1, 2007) to Coleen Walker Golab ’99M and her husband, Randy.

a daughter, Briana Maria (born on May 29, 2007) to Lisa Mozur Grassi ’96 and Ted Grassi III ’97.

a son, Samuel (Sammy) Paul (born April 7, 2007) to Jennifer M. Hein-Jaglowski ’02 and Paul D. Jaglowski ’02.

a son, Ryan Carter (born on September 10, 2007) to Lindsay Kunselman Hepler ’99 and her husband, David. Ryan joins older sister, Brooklyn Noel (01/21/02).

a daughter, Erin Christine (born March 9, 2007) to Kelly Sterling Hrach ’95 and her husband, Chris. Erin joins older brother, Nathan, who is 4.

a son, Ethan (born on December 21, 2006) to Aimee Myers Jakubik ’99 and Michael J. Jakubik ‘99. Ethan joins older sister, Sydney.

a daughter, Caelyn Camille (born on January 18, 2007) to Danielle Jones Little ’99 and her husband, William. Caelyn joins older sister, Ansley Noelle (4/23/04).

a daughter, Kaitlynn Mackenzie (born on August 1, 2007) to Christopher J. Masson ’00 and his wife, Brandi.

a daughter, Maria (born on July 7, 2007) to Elena Murray Radkowski ’95 and her husband, Lou. Maria joins older brother Sean (7/10/04) and big sister, Sophia (01/25/06).

a son, Orlin Aurelius (born on November 18, 2007) to Amber Schiele Simecek ’03 ’05M DPT ’06 and her husband, Brian.

a son, Christopher (born on July 23, 2007) to Laurie Gwin Staph ’00 ’01M.

a son, Vincent Frederick (born March 9, 2007) to Jill L. Stefanucci-Uberti ’00 and her husband, Anthony.

a daughter, Meredyth Rian (born on August 31, 2007) to Kristen Ballant Stimmell ’99 ’03M and her husband, Christopher.

a son, Ian James (born on April 16, 2007) to Susan Miller Vandervort, M.A. ’04 and Roger F. Vandervort ’02.

a son, Aidan James (born on June 27, 2007) to Jessica Kramarik Vaughn ’03 ’05M and her husband, James.

a son, Trevor Christopher (born on June 26, 2007) to Corry Walter Wierzbowski ’00 and her husband, Christopher. Trevor joins older sister, Leah Grace (11/11/04).

a son, Zane Allen (born on June 9, 2007) to Keri Komlos Zipay ’98 and Matthew W. Zipay ’98.

a son, Joseph Oscar (born on October 12, 2007) to Megan Hallock Sarkis ’01 and Lee Sarkis ’02 ’04.

AlumNotes

LISA (DISALVO) SPILLER, PH.D. ‘84Mwas recognized as the first-ever recipient of the Christopher Newport University (CNU) Alumni Society Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring. Dr. Spiller is a professor of marketing at CNU.

1983NANCY (LATIMER) CLARKearned a teaching certification at Drexel University. She is a computer teacher at St. Alphonsus School in the Wexford area.

JAMES R. FRYLING, ESQ.has been named associate general counsel and senior litigation manager for the Redwoods Group, a Morrisville, N.C. commercial specialty insurance company.

HOLLY (LANDER) JODON, PA-Cwas honored at Gannon University’s Faculty Convocation, receiving the Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award.

LINDA (RAMSDEN) SEKHONhas been named president of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants. Linda is an assistant professor at Duquesne University.

1984PENELOPE L. SMITH, PH.D. ‘84Mrecently received Gannon’s 25 Years of Service Award.

JEFFREY J. KAVENEYhas been promoted to manager of product marketing for Eriez Magnetics.

Distinguished Alumni

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, BUSINESS, AND EDUCATIONDeborah A. Dubik ’76 Davenport, Iowa Retired partner with the law firm of Betty, Neuman & McMahon.

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARDKiran K. Rajasenan, M.D. ’93 and Rosemarie (Mankosky) Rajasenan, CPA ’93 Wexford, Pa. Kiran is a medical oncologist at West Penn Allegheny Health System in Pittsburgh, and Rosemarie, his wife, is the accounting manager for Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh.

MONSIGNOR WILFRID J. NASH PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT AWARDDavid R. ’76 and Mary Kay Kalivoda ’76 Erie, Pa. David is a product developer in the mechanical products division of Lord Corp., while Mary Kay, his wife, is a community organizer and volunteer.

Six graduates were recognized as Distinguished Alumni dur-ing the annual Alumni Homecoming/Reunion Weekend.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND HEALTH SCIENCESWilliam M. Zeitler ’69 New Canaan, Conn. Senior vice president and group executive of IBM Systems and Technology Group.

William M. ZeitlerDeborah A. Dubik

24

AlumNotes

1986ANTHONY J. MICELI ‘86Mwas honored at Gannon University’s Faculty Convocation, receiving the Distinguished Faculty Award.

KIM (KOLLATZ) DOCTER (VMC)is the office manager for KDL Industries in Cambridge Springs, Pa.

TIMOTHY J. MAINEShas joined MedIummune, Inc. as vice president, corporate quality assurance.

MARK G. ROSENTHALhas been named as one of the recipients of the 2007 James V. Kinnane Criminal Justice Award sponsored by Mercyhurst College.

1987GLYNN M. CHASE ‘87Mhas been appointed chairperson for the Pennsylvanian Community Providers Association Children’s Committee. Glynn is director of Business Development at the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute.

REV. JON J. PLAVCANwas appointed as administrative assistant to Bishop Dale J. Melzcek for the Diocese of Gary, Ind., in 2000. He was appointed rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Angels.

1988THERESA (SOCASH) KISIEL, R.N. ‘96M ‘99Mattended the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Cardiology

ELISA M. KONIECZKO, PH.D.was honored at Gannon University’s Faculty Convocation, receiving the Undergraduate Research Award.

DENISE (CAIRNS) LAPLACA, RNC, MSN, NNP (VMC)received her Master of science in nursing degree with a dual Neonatal NP/CNS concentration from Emory University in Atlanta. She is currently the founder/co-owner of Newborn Physicals, LLC, a nurse practitioner-owner practice in Dallas, Texas.

DAVID R. LOKERhas been appointed as the new program chair for the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Program at Penn State Erie. David is an associate professor of engineering at Behrend.

LISA (MCINTYRE) MCCHESNEY, R.N. (VMC)recently participated in an article published in the Hospital and Health Networks Magazine. Lisa is the director of nursing and clinical systems at Hamot Medical Center.

1985BRIAN P. MCLAUGHLIN, MS ‘87Mwas recently named director of advocacy and recovery for Erie County Care Management.

MARK G. TROMBETTA, M.D.was selected to serve a three-year term as cancer liaison physician at the hospital for the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. Mark is director of surgical brachytherapy at Allegheny General Hospital.

marriagesGregory B. Badders ’05 married Rebecca J. Dombrowski on August 12, 2006.

Georgia A. Baggs ’02 ’04M married Matthew P. Brickman ’04 on June 9, 2007.

Rachel E. Baillie ’05 married William G. Pituch ’05 on July 14, 2007.

Susan M. Bonnar ’06 ’07M married David S. Patronik ’06 on October 27, 2007.

Kelly Kae Brougham ’98 married Kevin Charles Bidwell on October 21, 2006.

Kristen M. Buhl ’04 ’05M married Peter B. Grippe Jr. ’00 on July 14, 2006.

Robert L. Cafaro ’99 married Maria Caputo on June 25, 2006.

Catherine Elizabeth Carlson ’05M married Brian Tobias Amick on July 27, 2007.

Valerie M. Drabina ’05 married Adam E. Dombrowski ’05 on August 5, 2006.

James Michael Gartner ’97 married Bridget Elizabeth Palas on December 30, 2006.

Jodi M. Geisler ’05 married Joseph T. Kondzer ’05 on August 11, 2007.

Adam Richardson Griffith, D.O. ’01 married Amy Florence Karlein on October 7, 2006.

Anna M. Hartle ’96 married Christian M. Loll on June 12, 1999.

Kimberly E. Hawkins, PA-C ’03 ’04M married Matthew D. Silver PT ’01 ’04M on June 30, 2007.

Brenda R. Hazen ’99 married Dan Martincic on May 12, 2007.

Jessica Herbold ’06 married Thomas J. Cieslak ’05 on May 20, 2005.

Megan Jean Hogan ’05 married Keith James Alchowiak on July 21, 2007.

Susan Jakubowski, R.N. (VMC) ’79 married Charles Smith on May 24, 2007.

Joseph Daniel Hudson ’01 ’04M married Jessica Elizabeth Jolls ’02 on August 28, 2006.

Kelly L. Kennedy ’02 married Timothy Coyle on July 22, 2007.

Lauren L. Kropp ’02 married Michael Foley on July 14, 2007.

Bobby Lee Letzo, MPT ’03 ’05M ’06M married Troy Patrick Rainey ’04 on September 15, 2007.

Judy Lynn McLanahan R.N. ’87 ’96 married Robert William Crissman on June 9, 2007.

Tomee Jo Mirabito ’04 married Ryan Patrick Brougham on June 23, 2007.

Carla Marie Osborn ’04 married Adam Donald Huck on June 17, 2006.

Steven James Peters ’05 married Margaret Sarah Myers on July 8, 2006.

Laura Catherine Rogers ’98 married Sean Daniel Kiermaier on July 8, 2006.

Tara L. Skasik ’05 married Kevin L. Quinn ’04 on August 11, 2007.

Kerri L. Sokolowski ’99 married Jason R. Dytche ’99 on June 9, 2007.

Krista Renee Tice, RTR ’04 married Cory Ryan King on July 20, 2007.

Jennifer S. Tisevich ’07M married Kody Gonzalez on August 11, 2007.

Michael A. Valente, D.O. ’01 married Stephanie A. Sieg, D.O. on October 21, 2006.

Brittany E. Weber ’04 married Michael J. Gray, O.D. on July 21, 2007.

Mary C. Wiley Lashway, R.N. ’81 married Bruce Woodburn on July 20, 2007.

April Dawn Wolfe ’02 married David James Rizzo USA ’02 on February 8, 2006.

Kristen D. Wright, CPA ’98 married Matthew Best on June 10, 2006.

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AlumNotes

T. Nick Mitchell ’92 Nick Mitchell ’92 is currently the Business Development Manager at Phenomenex, a chemistry company headquartered in Torrance, Calif., focusing on a variety of separation science technology platforms and techniques. Specifically, Nick is responsible for a global sales team developing

the large scale preparative and process chromatography business employed in the manufacturing of a variety of small molecule and biopharmaceutical new drug entities.

Nick began his career at Phenomenex in 1999 as an outside technical consultant on the east coast. After achiev-ing the “Rookie of the Year” sales award, he was promoted to National Accounts Manager in 2000.

Nick holds a bachelor of science in chemistry from Gannon and an executive master in business administration from Pepperdine University (Malibu, Calif.). Nick visited Gannon on September 28, 2007, and spoke with technical sales, bio-informatics and chemistry students.

Education Program in Hershey, Pa. Theresa is the director of cardiac research at Hamot Medical Center.

1989GREGORY J. CZARNECKIhas been named executive director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wild Resource Conservation Program.

THERESA (BRICKER) HIMESis a first-grade teacher at the Wattsburg Area Elementary Center. Theresa recently obtained her master of education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

1990KENNETH M. OGOREKhas joined the Archdiocese of Indianapolis as the director of catechesis.

SHERRI (GORNALL) SIEGEL, R.N.has joined The Regional Cancer Center as a palliative care nurse.

1991DIANA L. ZENEWICZ, R.N. ‘91Mhas been named the director of operations at Community Health Net in Erie.

SHAWN F. RYCHCIKwas named the America East Coach of the Year for 2007. Shawn is the head softball coach at Boston University.

1992STEPHEN L. CANFIELDis starting his own company called Robotic Technologies of Tennessee (RTT). Steve is also a mechanical engineering faculty member at Tennessee Technological University.

JUDITH F. COLEMAN, R.N.is the registered nurse case manager at Rolling Fields Inc. in Conneautville, Pa.

1993BRIAN T. FULLER, CAAis the new associate athletic director and director of school advancement for McDowell High School in Erie.

MICHELLE K. LINDENparticipated in a professional boxing match against Michelle Garland at the Iceoplex in Southpointe in Canonsburg, Pa. Michelle has a professional record of six wins and four losses.

DENISE C. MACKENZIEhas been named as treasurer for the Erie Advertising Club’s board of directors. Denise is accounting manager at the Erie Times-News.

DEBRA (COLEMAN) STEINER ‘00Mwas named regional Financial Services Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in Pittsburgh. Debra is director of the Gannon University Small Business Development Center.

1994DANIEL V. MENNOW ‘96Mwas named assistant principal at General McLane High School.

1995KEITH A. BOECKENHAUER ‘95Mhas been promoted to chief operations officer for SECO/Warwick Corporation in Meadville, Pa.

BARBARA H. HORNERhas been promoted to human resources manager at Morris Coupling Company in Erie.

JENNIFER (JACKULA) RZODKIEWICZis a team leader with Tastefully Simple, Inc., a seller of gourmet foods, where she previously served as a local independent consultant.

HOLLY E. SCHLOSSERis a projects manager at Country Insurance and Financial Services.

MELANIE (WILLS) WHALEYhas joined Scott Enterprises as the director of marketing.

ANTOINETTE (TONI) C. HARRISONwas promoted to senior engineer of Power Distribution Projects for the Potomac Electric Power Company (PHI) in Washington, D.C.

DR. RANDY J. KULESZAis an assistant professor of anatomy at LECOM.

ANNA (HARTLE) LOLLis the human resources staffing assistant with Blair, LLC.

RYAN J. LYNCH, D.O. ‘98M ‘99Mhas joined HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Erie as a neurorehabilitation fellow.

TALLEY L. SJOBERGis a cultural studies teacher at the International School of Tbilisi, Georgia in Eastern Europe.

1997JAMES M. GARTNERis vice president of sales with Weber Electric Supply.

HARRY P. IZBICKI JR.is currently a physician at Peninsula Family Medicine. He graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Family Medicine Residency at Saint Vincent Health Center in Erie.

1998DEBRA (BENTZE) BALOShas joined the Hamot Physician Network and will be practicing at Your Family Physicians in Erie. She recently completed her residency at Saint Vincent Health Center.

BRETT M. FADGENhas been chosen as Paramedic of the Year for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Service Council. Brett is a Paramedic Rescue Technician with Ross/West View EMS.

LAURA (ROGERS) KIERMAIERis a retirement plan administrator at The Vargo Company.

DOMINIC M. SCIAMANDA, D.O.has opened a medical practice at Ridgeway Medical Center in Erie.

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AlumNotesLAUREN (KROPP) FOLEYis a teacher at Sewanhaka High School in New York.

APRIL (WOLFE) RIZZODAVID J. RIZZO, USAApril is a third-grade teacher at Shenandoah Elementary School in Miami, Fla. David is currently an officer in the U.S. Army, stationed at U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Fla.

MATTHEW R. SCHRAEDER ‘03received his Master’s degree in mathematics from West Virginia University in May 2006.

2003LORREE HOUK ‘03Mhas been appointed as the principal for the Mohawk Area School District’s junior-senior high school.

ERIN (HESLIN) SLATTENGREN, MPA ‘03Mis a policy analyst for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

JEREMY D. MCCULLOUGHis attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

APRIL M. MENIN, D.O.was awarded the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree

from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in June. She is currently in residency in obstetrics/gynecology at Western Pennsylvania Hospital.

MAXIMILIAN K. PAWLOWSKIwas ordained a transitional deacon in April 2006.

VINCENT B. PROY, M.D.received his Doctor of medicine degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in June and is currently in residency in family medicine at the Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura, Calif.

BOBBY (LETZO) RAINEY, MPT ‘05M ‘06MTROY P. RAINEY ‘04Bobby Lee is a physical therapist at Healthsouth in Erie, Pa. Troy is a quality outcome programmer at Hamot Medical Center.

ADAM C. RATHFON, D.C.is the owner of Rathfon Family Chiropractic in Cranberry Township.

KIMBERLY (HAWKINS) SILVER, PA-C ‘04Mis a physician assistant at The Dermatology Center in Fredericksburg, Va.

Gannon Electrical Engineers ‘Meet Up’ in NYC

Three Gannon Electrical Engi-neering gradu-ates met in New York City for the Institute of Electri-cal and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Traction Power Standards Subcom-mittee meeting, held at Long Island Railroad on Oc-tober 25-26, 2007. Paul Forquer

P.E. ’74, is Vice President, Traction Group, Powell Electri-cal Systems in North Canton, Ohio. James Pepitone ’84 is Deputy Director, Power Systems for Metro North Railroad. Ray Strittmatter ’91 is Traction Power Design Engineer for Parsons Transportation Group in Denver, Colo.

The subcommittee is writing standards for traction power systems for use by the electrified railways and transit systems in the United States. These three graduates work in different areas of the same field—making electric trains operate.

Left to right: James Pepitone ’84, Paul Forquer P.E. ’74 and Ray Strittmatter ’91.

1999REBECCA L. MARTIN ‘99Mhas been hired as the new president/CEO of the Ludington/Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce in Michigan.

ROBERT L. CAFAROcompleted his Master’s degree in health care policy and management at Stony Brook University and is a senior pediatric occupational therapist at New York University Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in New York City.

BRADLEY J. COLLINS, M.D.was named assistant professor of medicine at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University and is also an internal medicine hospitalist for the Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I.

JASON R. DYTCHEgraduated with his MBA from Penn State University and accepted an executive position with M&T Bank in Buffalo, N.Y.

KERRI (SOKOLOWSKI) DYTCHEis a middle school teacher with the Williamsport Area School District, and completed her Master’s of education in May.

BRENDA (HAZEN) MARTINCICis a physician assistant in cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic.

JOHN J. RUMCIKhas started a real estate business in Northern Virginia.

2000MICHAEL R. BROWN ‘03MAARON W. HERTEL ‘01 ‘03Mhave opened Hertel and Brown Physical and Aquatic Therapy.

DAVID M. FIOREhas been hired as the head wrestling coach for his alma mater, Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia, Pa.

PETER B. GRIPPE JR.is a senior engineer at Lord Corporation.

NICKOLAUS J. MIEHL, M.S.N.is a lecturer in nursing at Penn State Erie and will coordinate the college’s new Nursing Technology Laboratory and Nursing Simulation Center.

JASON T. MILK, D.O.graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in June and he is completing a residency in emergency medicine at Hamot Medical Center.

2001MATTHEW P. MADURSKIAMANDA (GROVER) MADURSKI, D.O. ‘03Matthew is a communications assistant at LECOM; Amanda is an optometrist with Visual FX. She graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2007.

JASON S. MAKAYis a photojournalist with WTVH-TV, a CBS affiliate in Syracuse, N.Y.

MATTHEW D. SILVER, PT ‘04Mis a traveling physical therapist with CompHealth in Fredericksburg, Va.

MICHAEL A. VALENTE, D.O.is currently completing his General Surgery Residency training at Akron City Hospital in Akron, Ohio.

JENNIFER R. WILSON ‘06Mis a special education teacher at Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit in Edinboro.

2002ROBERT P. MEISTER ‘02Mhas been selected to participate in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program. Robert is a geometry teacher at Varino High School in Virginia.

JEANETTE (PENQUITE) BENNETTreceived her Master of Science in biobehavioral health at Penn State University in May 2007 and will continue as a graduate research assistant to earn her doctorate.

KELLY (KENNEDY) COYLEwas recently promoted to manager of investigations for the Nashville, Tenn., office of GlobalOptions - Fraud & SIU.

WILLIAM T. ELIAS IIIhas been named an account executive with McCarty Printing Corporation.

27

AlumNotes2004KEITH A. MILLER ‘04Mis the assistant principal at Seneca High School.

EUGENIE M. POIGNARD, PT, DPT ‘06Mhas been named clinical director for Chautauqua PT, OT, SLP Professionals in New York.

HEATHER M. FORDhas been hired as head softball coach for Union University in Jackson, Tenn.

KRISTEN (BUHL) GRIPPE ‘05Mis a physician assistant at Dermatology Associates of Erie.

BROOK E. KRAMER, PA-C ‘05Mhas joined the practice of Stephanie M. Galey, M.D., Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon as a physician assistant.

LANCE CPL MATTHEW A. PALERMO, USMCcompleted Amphibious Assault Battalion School at Camp Pendleton in California. He deployed for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Alumni James D. Ainsworth ’60 John M. Andrews ’59 Robert A. Bailey ’69 Bruce E. Bauer ’74 Joseph M. Bauer, Esq. ’67 Walter E. Benoit ’71 Harry S. Bovee Sr. ’49 John J. Boyle ’59 Joseph R. Buzanowski, Ed.D. ’66 Sister M. Eunice Carlos, SSJ ’38 Brian J. Carnicelli ’88 Joseph L. Cavanaugh ’58 Camille D. Chalupczynski ’85 ’94M Mattie Taylor Clanton ’84

Margaret Bauer Clemens ’43 Constance Stevens Corbitt ’84 Sister Nora Curran, OSB ’52 Richard J. DeCarlo ’55 Sally Wurst DiSantis, RRT ’94 Edward A. Dick ’92 Kenneth E. Dochat ’69 Alex H. Dukes Bradley A. Ebach ’85 Richard A. Edkin ’65 Richard M. Edkin ’84 Virginia Stoliker Evans, Ph.D. ’43 William M. Feehley Jr. ’59 Carl S. Filipowski ’53 Daniel J. Flanagan Jr. ’48 John J. Freidhoff ’86 Francis N. Fuller ’48 Brother Denis G. Gianissis ’76

in memoriamMary Hanna Graham ’91 Carl E. Harrison ’76 Jean Ballard Hoffman ’36 Doris Trask Holden ’70 Michael E. Holmstrom ’65 Leonard B. Jankowski, USA ’51 G. Allen Johnson ’75 Audrey M. Jurcak ’68 Jerry Mack ’71 Jon R. Mancuso ’67 Charles E. Marthinsen ’53 Dorothy Kupniewski Marucci ’56 Sister Aloysia Michel, SSJ ’66 Eileen Murphy Miller ’35 Rev. Stephen J. Minkiel, Ph.D. ’61 Stephen R. Moore ’77 E. Eugene Munson ’48 Paula Nason ’82 Robert J. Nodes ’60 James P. Pellegrino, Ph.D. ’62 Frank E. Pennock ’89 Clara Sullivan Petrini ’38 Raymond A. Phillips ’48 Frank M. Pinna ’49 Ronald J. Potocki ’59 ’75M Joan Saglimbene Prisco ’57 Eugene J. Raimondi ’71 Virginia A. Ritson ’74 ’79M Donald A. Rodenbaugh Sr. ’57 Patricia Brickell Roth ’88 Elaine Tanner Rozen ’64 Gerald Sandelstein ’58 Elizabeth Stamm Sanderell ’62 Jan E. Sandgren ’76 John A. Sapper ’51 Virginia S. Sheriff ’71 Erin E. Silvis ’06 Randy L. Stroup ’05 Paul K. Tavana, C.F.P. ’88

Sister Rose Walter ’41 Andrew M. Warchol ’96 Stephen H. Witowich Jr. ’88 Albert N. Yacobozzi ’66 ’71M Leonard J. Zyck ’52

Parents and FriendsFrancis W. Bacon Pat J. Barbato Michael J. Bergquist John J. DeMarco, M.D. Helen A. DeStefano James B. Dwyer John C. Dwyer Rev. Robert G. Fin Louise M. Forquer Robert E. Galbraith Anthony J. Gehrlein Emily O’Brien Gent Dorothy Giermak Herbert Goldberg Harold B. Hamilton F. William Hirt Dorothy Smith Koller Richard C. Lyons, M.D. Stephen J. Mahoney Mary Ann Nash McCormick Catherine Matson Messina Laurel Legler Mifkovic Rita Lynch Monahan Thomas A. Monahan, CPA Jacqueline Franke Okicki Mary Strenio Pohl Anthony A. Repasky William J. Schilling Irene Warner C. John Weber III Rev. James H. Weber Phyllis M. Williamson Sharon L. Wilson

TIMOTHY A. PARKER, J.D.received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron School of Law.

SONYA M. PYLEset the women’s record for swimming from Long Point, Ontario, Canada, to Freeport Beach in Pennsylvania, covering a distance of 23.8 miles in 14 hours, nine minutes.

KEVIN L. QUINNTARA (SKASIK) QUINN ‘05Kevin is employed at Hamot Medical Center; Tara is currently

working for the Erie General Electric Federal Credit Union.

JENNIFER K. ROBINSONis employed by GE Transportation in Erie in the Commercial Leadership Program.

2005LORI LEARN ‘05Chas been promoted to director of human resources for Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services.

Alumnus Kevin Quinn ’58 was a loyal and long-time supporter of Gannon, having served the University for 36 years. Quinn was hired in 1961 as an accountant and was promoted to controller, later served as Vice President of Busi-ness Affairs from 1974 to 1990, and then became the Vice President of Finance. Kevin retired in 1997; however, once retired, Kevin served as a financial consultant to Gannon until 2000.

Quinn was born in DuBois, Pa., and later moved to Erie. He was a graduate of East High School and attended the Uni-versity of Wisconsin on a football scholarship. After an injury ended his football career, Kevin transferred to and graduated from Gannon College. Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and served at a Nike Missile site before working at Gannon. Kevin is survived by his wife of 51 years, Olga Lasko Quinn, of Fairview, four children and nine grandchildren.

Kevin Quinn died on December 22, 2007, at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

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CARRIE L. BEIER ‘05Mhas been promoted to the position of controller for Meadville Forging Company.

DANIEL A. CLARA ‘05Mis the new junior high principal in the Southmoreland School District.

MEGAN (HOGAN) ALCHOWIAKis a marketing communications specialist with ABVI-Goodwill in Rochester, N.Y.

LT THOMAS J. CIESLAKis currently deployed with the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

ADAM E. DOMBROWSKIVALERIE (DRABINA) DOMBROWSKIAdam is a project manager for Sterling Dula Company, Architectural Products. Valerie is currently a medical student at LECOM.

LISA M. FAIRMAN ‘06Mis attending the Penn State University School of Medicine.

SARAH E. HAGERTYis attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

MICHAEL J. MCGRAVEYis a religion teacher at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, while also finishing his master’s degree at Villanova University.

STEVEN J. PETERSis an assistant engineer at Penelec.

DAVID P. TWOMEY IIIreceived his Masters in Organizational & Political Communication from Emerson College. He received a presidential political appointment to serve on the public relations team for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

DARMEL WHITFIELDhas been signed by the Erie RiverRats of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA).

2006LORA H. ZILL ‘06Mis an author, poet, teacher and Conneaut School Board member. She recently completed her Master of arts in English from Gannon.

AMBER L. ALESSEis attending the University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, Tenn.

KEVIN R. CAFFREYbiked more than 1,800 miles during a three-week bike ride from Erie to Key West, Fla. to raise money for cancer research.

CHAD A. HUNTwill be traveling to London as part of Team USA Select, a group of former college basketball standouts who will pay 20 games in 21 days in England, Scotland, Wales, Finland and Ireland, hoping to land a professional contract with a European team. Have you recently married, changed careers, published

a book, or had a child? If so, let us know! You can post your information and see what your friends are up to in the online alumni community at www.gannonalumni.org, or you can send your information to Jana Hunt at hunt001@gannon.edu or call (814) 871-7469.

International Sister City Conference in Zibo, ChinaErie Mayor Joe Sinnott led a 15-member delega-tion that participated in an International Sister City Conference in Zibo, China—Erie’s sister city for the past 23 years. The delegation was focused on business development opportuni-ties for Erie in Zibo and Beijing. Pictured, from left to right, are Jake Rouch ’89, Erie Mayor Joseph Sinnott ’88, Jim Rutkowski Jr. ’83, Trustee Monica Brower ’87 ’90, and Erie City Council member Jim Thompson.

TIMOTHY J. TEEDhas joined Corry Publishing as an account executive.

2007EMILY L. KUCHTA ‘07Mhas joined The Regional Cancer Center as a certified physician assistant.

ALEXANDER M. BULESANEESHA GHAIYMICHAEL Q. HUYNHALANNA M. MARTINIare attending the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).

CHARLES J. CARLINRYAN S. VALENCICare attending Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.

JOHN W. EVANKOVICH IIIis attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

MARKUS L. FISHJAMES A. KISTLERCARLA J. POPLOWSKIwere commissioned as second lieutenants.

STEPHEN B. IORFIDOANNA C. IRWINare attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

JENNIFER M. KULICKis playing softball for the Frameries Athletics, a semi-pro softball team in Belgium.

IAN S. MCGINNITYROBERT J. RODGERSwere honored at the May 2007 Gannon University Founder’s Day Awards Convocation. Ian received the English Award; Robert, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Award.

ROBERT E. MEDEKSZAis the founder of Zabaware, whose Ultra Hal software won the “most human” computer of the year in the 17th annual Loebner Prize Competition for Artificial Intelligence.

HILARY B. PETERSENcompleted the 31st annual Johnnycake Jog 5-Mile race, despite suffering with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), an auto-immune disease similar to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

CASSANDRA A. STACHEis attending the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia.

EndNotes

Strategic Planning and Collaboration Leads to Academic Excellence and GrowthThis is a very exciting time for Gannon University. From new and renovated campus buildings spurred by record enrollment, to the creation of a third College and a very successful The Power to Transform Comprehensive Campaign, Gannon is meeting and exceeding many of the goals outlined in the University’s 2002-08 Strategic Plan.

With a deliberate focus on academic excellence over the past six years, the University has consistently attained Tier One status by U.S. News & World Report (ranking 45th out of 174 Master’s I universities in the northern region of the country), as well as a top-tier ranking (ninth) as a best value university in the “Great Schools, Great Prices Category,” for the third consecutive year. Gannon’s dynamic faculty are also excelling. Over the past year, seven of them earned terminal degrees, and nearly 70 produced scholarly work.

Our Fall 2007 enrollment of 4,134 students was the largest total enrollment in 15 years and included 613 first-year students, 83 transfer students, and 1,405 graduate students, which was the highest total ever. And 284 of those graduate students were international students, which was also the largest ever. Over the past three years, the diversity of our Freshman Class has increased by 90 percent—from 40 first-year students of color in the Fall of 2004 to 76 students in the Fall of 2007. Also noteworthy, this year’s Freshman Class included a record number (36) of high school valedictorians; and, the average high school grade point average of the freshmen was 3.43. Thus, the academic quality and the diversity of our students continue to increase.

Because Gannon’s enrollment has grown over the last few years, one of the major recommendations that we discussed during the development of the second five-year Strategic Plan last year was the creation of a three-College structure. After considerable input from faculty, staff, students, members of the Board of Trustees, and a College Organization Task Force, I announced in January that we would have the following new organizational structure in Fall 2008: The Robert H. Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences; the College of Engineering and Business; and the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences.

Expanding from a two- to a three-College structure will not only strengthen our already strong academic programs, but it will also help us to focus more sharply on the talents of students, faculty, and staff. The new three-College structure will: support Gannon’s Catholic Mission and Vision and the goals and objectives of the new Strategic Plan II: 2008-13; support the growth of the University and specific academic and co-curricular programs for students; create an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship that will facilitate collaborations and partnerships among the Colleges and the external community; and enable each College to have a unique identity and market niche that will be promoted both internally and externally.

The Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences will be housed in the new Morosky Academic Center, which is located in downtown Erie on West Tenth Street in the building formerly owned by Verizon Communications. As you read in the NewsNotes section (page 3) of this magazine, the new College and the building were named after Mr. Robert H. Morosky ’63.

Mr. Morosky and many other members of the Gannon Board of Trustees, as well as Gannon and Villa Maria Alumni, and friends of Gannon have given generously to The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign. Trustees have donated $11.6 million and Alumni have donated $8 million. Incidentally, the majority of our Trustees are Gannon or Villa Maria Alumni; thus, the combined total giving among Trustees and Alumni to the Campaign is $19.6 million. As of February 2008, the University has raised $28 million, or 94 percent of a total $30 million Campaign goal. And that amount does not include an additional $7 million from federal and state support. Funds raised in this important Campaign will enable the University to: increase the Endowment and Annual Fund; provide additional scholarship support to our students; and, increase support for our faculty research and professional development funds. The generous contributions of alumni, and friends like you over the last seven years have given us the momentum we needed to continue to educate our students to achieve excellence in their academic disciplines.

Our success thus far is the result of an aggressive strategic planning effort and the collaboration of faculty, staff and students. And we thank you for your commitment to and belief in this great University. At Gannon, we strongly believe that the possibilities for students’ academic, professional, and personal success are boundless and attainable.

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