PULL BACK TO OPEN COVER

Special Edition

“Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.”

– Stephen Hawking for The Campaign for

More than a century ago, the Religious Sisters of next breakthrough, the next achievement. The Frank Mercy invested in 100 acres of land. Ten M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center will embody years later, they dedicated Misericordia. In the fall of Misericordia’s commitment to technology that is 1924, there were just 37 students, but the Sisters advanced and infrastructure that lends itself to knew there would soon be many more. superior teaching, learning and research. From the beginning, Misericordia has been shaped The Now for Tomorrow Campaign’s goals and animated by the absolute conviction that a wide- encompass three essential priorities. Together, for ranging Catholic liberal arts education would prepare Misericordia, the University will: Build upon the students for professional and personal lives of strength in the sciences with a premier facility achievement, service and consequence. Year by year, designed for cross-disciplinary and collaborative student by student, success by success, Misericordia teaching, learning and research; open doors with grew, adding diversity and strength. Academic increased endowed scholarship funding, and through programs were expanded; new and inventive ways the Annual Fund, accelerate the ability to move to teach and learn were developed. quickly on outstanding opportunities to better the Misericordia has grown to almost 3,000 students, University and help shape success for graduates. and so much at the University has changed – but not Now for Tomorrow is the largest and most the institution’s heart and soul – two distinct, timeless ambitious campaign to date. It will usher Misericordia principles. Misericordia believes with engaged into an exciting new era of advanced teaching, mentorship, students are the authors of their own learning and scientific research. The University liberal learning and professional narratives. And the welcomes the devoted family of benefactors – alumni, University believes lives of personal consequence are parents and friends, corporations and foundations – animated by the enduring moral values that as well as new friends to help make history. Misericordia’s students embrace. There are many ways to make a gift. Please go Now, for tomorrow, the University’s opportunities online at Misericordia.edu/henrysciencecenter or and strengths have aligned to take a strategically Misericordia.edu/pabuilding or contact Jeanne clear, focused and purposeful leap forward. Facilities VanDuzer, campaign coordinator, at (570) 674-6333 or must match aspirations, opportunity must match [email protected] to see how what you talent and drive, access and support must equal need. do now can shape, inform and power the future. Now, and always, facilities must match aspirations, MU cannot do it without support from many opportunity must match talent and ambition, access friends. The University invites you to travel forward in and support must equal need. time, to do something important now. Every gift, of The Now for Tomorrow Campaign will power and any size, moves the institution closer to the goal. The accelerate students and faculty to the next stage, the result will be remarkable and meaningful.

NOW is your MOMENT Our campaign encompasses three essential priorities. Together for Misericordia, we will: I Build upon our strength in the sciences with a premier facility designed SCIENCE CENTER for cross-disciplinary and collaborative teaching, learning and research – ENDOWMENT Henry Science Center. ANNUAL I Open doors with increased endowed scholarship funding – Endowment. FUND I Through the Annual Fund, accelerate Misericordia’s ability to move quickly on outstanding opportunities to better the University and help shape success for the University’s graduates – Annual Fund. SUMMER 2018

The Campaign for Misericordia University supports construction of the Henry Science Center, and investment in the endowment and Annual Fund. Coverage begins on Page 21

Campus community rededicates historic archway … Page 5 University recognizes philanthropy, leadership of Frank M. Henry and John C. Metz, Sr. Trustee Associates Gala marks official launch of ‘Now for Tomorrow’ Campaign in support of Henry Science Center, scholarships and program endowment

he Misericordia University Mr. Henry was the chairperson emeritus Mr. Metz, executive chairperson of Board of Trustees honored the of Martz Group in Wilkes-Barre. He had Metz Culinary Management, has been a philanthropy and leadership of guided and grown the business as CEO stalwart member of the Misericordia the late Frank M. Henry and since 1964. He used the same community for many years, serving the TJohn C. Metz, Sr., by presenting them transformative approach with his motor institution since 1988 as a trustee and with the Founders Medal during the coach companies to address the needs of continuing in his new role as trustee annual Trustee Associates Gala at the emeritus. Beaumont Inn. His foray into the restaurant and The Founders Medal is one of the hospitality business began in 1967 when highest honors bestowed by he founded Custom Management Misericordia, as the trustees award it Corp., in Kingston, Pa. Today, the only when merited. Trustee Marjorie family-driven company is headquartered Henry Marquart ’85 accepted the award in Dallas, Pa., and has about 7,000 on behalf of Mr. Henry, who passed employees in 19 states. away in June. Mr. Metz, who retired In 2002, Misericordia recognized from the board in June, accepted the Mr. Henry Mr. Metz Mr. Metz and his wife, Mary, for award with his family by his side. their philanthropy and leadership “Misericordia University is grateful for his community. He invested his time, by awarding them the Trustee Frank’s generosity,’’ President Thomas J. talent and treasure in quality of life Associates Award. Botzman, Ph.D., said, “and for including issues that touched everyone. The family’s impact on the institution us in the eleemosynary spirit of the Trustees honored Mr. Henry and his is obvious campus wide, as they Henry family.’’ wife, Dorothea, in 2014 by presenting supported the remodeling of the John “John has served on our Board of them with the Trustee Associates Award and Mary Metz Dining Hall. More Trustees for 30 years,’’ President Botzman for the their philanthropy, leadership and recently, the University dedicated the added. “During that time, he has had dedication. The Frank and Dorothea John and Mary Metz Field House in many roles, including a term as board Henry Student Lounge bears the couple’s 2012. The fieldhouse was named in chair, and has supported a great number name in recognition of their benevolence. honor of the couple and their three of forward-looking improvements to the Mr. Henry also was the first major children, John Jr., Jeff and Maureen, in physical plant and campus programs.’’ benefactor to commit his support to the recognition of their exceptional Known for a lifetime of benevolence, Now for Tomorrow Campaign. dedication and support.

Misericordia Today earns two CUPPIE Awards

Misericordia Today magazine was the understand communication disorders by recipient of two 2018 CUPPIE Awards studying blood flow in the human brain. for Creative Excellence in Marketing Forty-nine organizations received an and Communications in Education from award from among the 495 entries the College and University Public submitted from colleges, universities, Relations and Associated Professionals and providers of private, specialized, and (CUPRAP). secondary education in seven states. The Office of Public Relations and Judges represented experts in the field Publications received a gold award in of communications and included the print category for the cover of the designers, writers, educators, corporate summer 2017 issue, The Arch AND So category for the cover of the winter executives, and media professionals. Much More, which focused on the 2017 issue, UNRAVELING Mysteries of Institutions receiving CUPPIE Awards restoration of the historic archway the Brain, which highlighted efforts by included, Bucknell, Duquesne, Kutztown, entrance to campus. CUPRAP also researchers in the Department of and Temple universities, and Franklin and awarded a silver award in the print Speech-Language Pathology to better Marshall and Swarthmore colleges. 2 Summer 2018 Volume XXII, No. 2

Misericordia Today is published by the Office of Planning and External Relations. Misericordia University 301 Lake St. Dallas, PA 18612-1090

ADMINISTRATION 20 Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. Summer construction President prepares for science Barbara Samuel, Ph.D. center’s groundbreaking. Vice President, Planning and External Relations

David B. Rehm, Ph.D. Vice President, Academic Affairs

Mark Van Etten, B.S. Vice President, Finance and Administration

Susan Helwig, M.S. Vice President, University Advancement

Jean Messaros, RSM, M.S. Vice President, Mission Integration 05 19 Kathleen ‘Kit’ Foley, M.S. Dedication ceremony honors Take the Pledge to Preserve Vice President, Student Life alumna’s dedication to MU. Human Dignity in Health Care. Glenn Bozinski, M.S. Vice President, Enrollment Management

MISERICORDIA TODAY STAFF Paul Krzywicki, Editor Manager, Public Relations and Publications [email protected]

Marianne Tucker Puhalla Staff Writer 69 74 [email protected] Meet women’s player and Education alumna earns teacher Kayley LeFaiver DPT student Rachel Carmody ’18, ’21 of the year recognition in . Graphic Designer

Misericordia Today is published in February and August by Misericordia University. The magazine is distributed for free to alumni, parents and friends of the University. To request a ONLINE subscription, please call (570) 674-6764. Postmaster: Send address changes to Alumni Office, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA Read this edition and other publications produced 18612-1090. Copyright Misericordia University 2018. by the Office of Planning and External Relations online at: publications.misericordia.edu. ON THE COVER Misericordia University is planning to break ground on the new state-of-the-art Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center in the spring. Construction of the 80,500-square-foot CONTACT building is being supported by the Now for Tomorrow Have a story to share? Contact Misericordia Today Campaign, the largest capital campaign in the institution’s by calling (570) 674-6372 or by e-mailing the editor history. The campaign also will provide significant investment at [email protected]. in the Annual Fund and endowment for scholarships. 3 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

The electromagnetic ‘Now for Tomorrow’ Campaign

PRESIDENT wo years ago, the Board of Trustees approved the formal launch of the quiet phase of the Now for Tomorrow Campaign, which we are using as a vehicle to raise $30 T million in support of the new science center and endowment, particularly scholarships in support of students with financial need. We were hopeful of raising the funds needed for a better and from the more exciting tomorrow because Misericordia University is blessed with friends who support our many academic and student life programs. We are making substantial progress and are now moving into the open phase of the campaign with optimism of achieving and surpassing our goal. The late Frank M. Henry, a longtime friend of many nonprofit agencies and organizations in the , quickly stepped up to make the lead donation on what is to become the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center. We plan to break ground in spring 2019, and spend about two years renovating the current building and building an addition that will house new classrooms, and laboratories. Our dream of having the best natural sciences facility in the area is becoming a reality, thanks largely to Mr. Henry and the Martz Group of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., their family business for more than a century. The science hall was built in 1957. I spent my undergraduate years studying science and engineering in a similar building that had the names of great scientists along its perimeter. Thinking back, I remember the names of the greats in science: Newton, Einstein, Pauling, Bohr, Heisenberg, Curie, Maxwell, and of course, Boltzmann (no relation and not even spelled the same). I also remember that the work of Michael Faraday on electromagnetic induction was important. It turns out that Faraday’s scientific contemporary was the American scientist Joseph Henry, whose work was fundamental to the invention of the electromechanical relay. Most of us refer to the EM relay as a switch, and some of us have seen them in larger equipment, such as pinball machines and motor vehicles. It is a given that there have been many EM relays in the multitude of Martz that have taken each of us from here to there and back again. They even take us to Washington, D.C., to visit the Smithsonian Institution where the same Joseph Henry served as the first secretary of the world’s largest museum. It is only fitting, then, that Mr. Frank M. Henry’s support for our largest-ever campaign is recognized with the name Henry on our new science building. In this issue, you will be reading about our ambitious Now for Tomorrow Campaign, the stories of those who are supporting it, and our efforts to enhance the science learning environment. Thank you to our many friends and benefactors as we move toward our second century of learning and service as envisioned by the Sisters of Mercy.

President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. #MisericordiaProud 4 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU GIVING

University rededicates historic arch Campus clock honors alumna Bettsi Jaeger ’68 for service to Misericordia and graduating class

he Misericordia University community officially Valley, first traveling from Pittsburgh in 1875 before arriving rededicated the historic archway on Lake Street for good in Wilkes-Barre in 1884. “The Sisters had ideals Tduring a ceremony on Alumni Weekend in June that and dreams to help people conquer poverty and hardship featured remarks from the Sisters of Mercy, students, alumni through education,’’ she said. “It was during that period that and administration. a handful of Sisters of Mercy recognized a need to alter the Surrounded by more than 100 members of the alumni and intellectual environment of the area and envisioned an campus communities, President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., academic institution for young women.’’ student Lia Ruggerio ’19, ’20, alumna Sara Ervin Walser, The arch’s importance also has not been lost on today’s Ed.D. ’63, Board of Trustees Chair Christopher L. Borton, generation of students. “To me, the arch is meaningful for and Sister Martha Hanlon, RSM ’60 touched upon the many reasons,’’ said Ruggerio, a junior speech-language meaning of the arch and the pathology major. “Most importantly, it significance of restoring it to its means, ‘welcome.’ It means, ‘you are former grandeur. home.’ It is our mark. Even if you pass “The arch is one way, always the arch to enter at the North Gate, one of entering the university, seeing this landmark makes you say, and symbolically is never ‘We’re here!’ closed,’’ President Botzman “It is the most important thing you said. “Our arch also is located want to be pictured by at graduation. far from Mercy Hall and Why? Because the arch is Misericordia,’’ requires an effort to climb the she added. hill to the university that sits at More than five decades the top. The years spent ago, Dr. Walser graduated earning a Misericordia degree magnum cum laude with a Members of the media and have plenty of uphill climbs, but alumni and friends, above, Bachelor of Arts degree in the view when one gets to the gather at the historic arch English. The storied top is truly amazing.’’ during the rededication “woodland home on Dallas Masonry Preservation Service, ceremony in June. heights’’ that inspired a Inc., of Bloomsburg, completed Misericordia, right, officially career in human resource the six-month restoration project dedicated the Bettsi Clock management services was in late November. The delicate during Alumni Weekend in the furthest she had memory of Bettsi Jaeger ’68 process required the removal of and all the time she gave to the traveled from her childhood bricks, cupola arch sections, terra institution and the impact she home in . The cotta, and bluestone, and an had on the Class of 1968. next four years, though, left interior examination of the an indelible impression embedded steel and backup brick elements that provide the upon her. “We can view this structural integrity for the main arch and piers. beautiful, strong monument as a reminder of our initiation Overall, almost 100 pieces of carved natural bluestone into the life of Misericordia and also as a symbol of were removed and replaced, and more than 150 terra cotta renewal,’’ said Dr. Walser. “We come here to renew our units were removed, replicated and replaced. The company connections – to our classmates and to the merciful heart of also salvaged and replaced nearly 5,000 tan bricks and the University. Perhaps there have been many turning points refurbished the historic copper lanterns that illuminate the in our lives, in addition to our first pass through the arch. entranceway of the arch. Some have been happy transitions, some of sorrow. The The Tudor Gothic-style arch has been an inviting symbol arch remains and is renewed, as we are.’’ of Misericordia’s hospitality since its design by noted The Misericordia community also dedicated Bettsi’s Clock, architect F. Ferdinand Durang of , N.Y., and its named in memory of Bettsi Jaeger ’68, as a reminder of all completion by Andrew J. Sordoni Construction in the 1930s. the time she gave to the institution and the impact she had During Sister Martha’s presentation, she reflected upon on the Class of 1968. The clock is situated between Mercy the Sisters of Mercy establishing a foothold in the Wyoming Hall and the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library. 5 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

Trustees honored by

VIEWS Relay for Life raises more than Junior Achievement Junior Achievement of $34,000 for battle against cancer Northeastern Pennsylvania honored The Misericordia University Colleges and Hearing Association Chapter, three members of the Board Against Cancer Chapter surpassed $1,811. Sponsors included T.J. of Trustees during $230,000 in fundraising during the Cannon, Toyota of Scranton, WOC CAMPUS the annual Business eighth annual Relay for Life by raising Energy, Nativity of Our Lord, and the Hall of Fame more than $34,000 during the campus Coughlin High School Key Club. Dinner and Awards event in April. Participating in the ceremonial check Ceremony in June. The student-run fundraiser for the presentation with the American Cancer Board of Trustees’ American Cancer Society has grown Society, first row from left, are Zach chairperson incrementally since it raised $7,000 Moody ’18, Clarence, Pa.; Elizabeth Christopher L. Borton during its inaugural effort in 2011. Pedro, advisor, Misericordia University Borton, P.E., senior Overall, the annual event has raised Colleges Against Cancer Chapter; advisor and founder of $230,741.45 since its inception. Olivia Sumeriski ’20, Toms River, N.J., Borton-Lawson, and Trustee The 2018 Misericordia University and Kailee Crockett ’20, Smithtown, John C. Metz, Sr., of Metz Culinary Relay for Life in the Anderson Sports N.Y., second row, Elizabeth Mosier ’20, Management, were inducted and Health Center featured 41 teams, Towanda, Pa.; Cassy Silveri ’19, Plains into the Junior Achievement’s including Misericordia University Field Twp., Pa.; Olivia Johnson ’19, Jamison, Hall of Fame. Trustee Hockey, $3,502; Misericordia University Pa.; Michaela Daley ’21, Doylestown, Kristopher B. Jones Women’s Soccer, $2,628; Build the Pa.; Liz Perfetti ’18, Bangor, Pa.; of KBJ Capital was Fun, $2,054; R-Killin’ Cancer, $1,848, Agripina Torres ’20, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., named Entrepreneur and the Misericordia University and Alyssa Acker ’20, Palmerton, Pa.; of the Year. National Student Speech Language third row, Trinity Sprague ’18, Bel Air, Mr. Borton established Borton Engineering Metz Associates, Inc., in 1988 to provide general civil engineering services. Under his leadership, the Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Occupational therapy students firm has grown into a nationally recognized engineering and defend AOTA Knowledge Bowl architectural firm. Mr. Metz has been Misericordia University occupational included Duquesne University, Indiana in the food service therapy students successfully University-Purdue University management industry defended the University’s 2017 title Indianapolis, East Carolina University, since 1967, when he and captured first place in the Medical University of South Carolina, founded Custom American Occupational Therapy Allen College, Adventists University Management Corp. Association/EBS Healthcare Health Sciences, University of Knowledge Bowl at the 2018 Indianapolis, and the University of The small regional Jones provider grew into an American Occupational Therapy Southern California. industry leader and innovator. In Association Annual Conference & The Knowledge Bowl prepares 1994, he launched Metz Culinary Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. students to take the National Board Management in Dallas, Pa., which Entry-level occupational therapy for Certification in Occupational specializes in providing dining students Lauren Apgar ’18, Milford, Therapy exam through a fun game- management solutions in health care, N.J.; Elizabeth Pfisterer ’18, show format that also allows educational and corporate accounts. Wellsboro, Pa.; Jillian Robinson ’18, participants and audience members to Mr. Jones, a best-selling author Quarryville, Pa.; Kaitlin Sauder ’18, display their school spirit. Teams and accomplished entrepreneur, is Leola, Pa., and Kyle Soldevilla ’18, simultaneously answer seven rounds of the founder of Pepperjam, which Swedesboro, N.J., beat eight other questions, featuring five questions per he sold in 2009. He established teams in the annual competition. round during the two-hour KBJ Capital in Wilkes-Barre, an Members of the winning team competition. The questions test early-stage technology investment received their master’s degrees at student knowledge of key information fund that boasts 20 portfolio spring commencement in May. related to OT practice, including companies, including Special Guest Collegiate teams randomly chosen medical conditions, evaluation, and to participate in the competition intervention services. 6 App and LSEO.com. PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU CAMPUS

NEH awards grant to Medical/Health Humanities

The National Endowment for the VIEWS Humanities awarded a $99,985 Humanities Connections Implementation Grant to the Medical and Health Humanities Program. The funding will assist in the revision of the program’s curriculum under the direction of Assistant Professor Amanda Caleb, Ph.D., as it addresses Dr. Caleb urgent global health issues through expanded experiential learning opportunities in a transdisciplinary curriculum.

Nursing professor chosen for AACN’s program Md.; Kaitlyn Burridge ’18, Barton, N.Y.; Postiglione ’19, Washingtonville, N.Y.; Lisa Shustack, Ed.D., M.S.N., Kristen Solowiej ’20, Wyalusing, Pa.; Katrina Giacumbo ’19, Holmdel, N.J., M.S.Ed., R.N., assistant professor of Katie Bowman ’19, Hegins, Pa.; Shayne and Talyor Webb ’19, Clark, N.J. nursing, participated in the inaugural Digital Innovation Bootcamp: From Concept to Action, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and Apple in July. Dr. Shustack, a first-year faculty member Dr. Shustack in the undergraduate nursing program, was one of 30 people chosen for the highly competitive program through a nationwide application process.

Philosophy professor studies ancient Greece Melanie Shepherd, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy, was one of 20 professors nationwide chosen by the Council of Independent Colleges and ’s Center for Hellenic Studies to Students in the Department of Occupational Therapy successfully defended the university’s participate in the Ancient 2017 title and captured first place in the American Occupational Therapy Association/EBS Greece in the Modern Healthcare Knowledge Bowl at the 2018 American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Dr. Shepherd Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. Members of the winning team, from left, are Jillian Classroom seminar, Robinson ’18, Quarryville, Pa.; Lauren Apgar ’18, Milford, N.J.; Kyle Soldevilla ’18, Traveling with Pausanias through Swedesboro, N.J.; Kaitlin Sauder ’18, Leola, Pa., and Elizabeth Pfisterer ’18, Wellsboro, Pa. Greece, from July 17-25. 7 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

NOTES ALUMNI NEWS CLASS For more information about alumni events and news, visit misericordia.edu/alumni NOTES

Stay in touch with friends and CLASS Raising a glass to the Class of 1968 classmates by posting updates It is fitting our alma mater has chosen to announce about your career, family and its most exciting capital campaign ever in 2018 – the other noteworthy accomplishments on cougarconnect.misericordia.edu or same year we celebrate the golden anniversary for Mark Oberstaedt ’89 facebook.com/MisericordiaAlumni. the Class of 1968. If you have ever been involved in Please submit Class Notes to Alumni events here, you know the legend of this Class. Led by the incomparable [email protected]. Bettsi Jaeger ’68, they set the standard for keeping its class together and for supporting progress and advancement. They stuck together better than any graduating Class before or since, and 1959 they financially supported (and continue to support) Misericordia in record Marlyn Strongoski Zlotek ’59 and her husband, Donald, welcomed their numbers. At our recent Alumni Weekend, these classmates came out in full 20th grandchild. Marlyn and Donald force to celebrate their 50th anniversary and to honor Bettsi’s legacy by are now the proud grandparents of dedicating the new campus clock that bears her name. Bettsi’s Clock now 16 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. serves as a tribute to the timelessness of friendship, while simultaneously reminding us that progress is both inevitable and necessary. The first step nurtures lifelong friendships. The University makes it easy to stay 1968 Elaine Serafini Rogan ’68 and her in touch with our classmates. Homecoming Weekend – with a focus on our husband, Dr. Joseph Rogan, celebrated younger Alumni – is a perfect opportunity to return to campus, tailgate before their 50th wedding anniversary on the football game, take the field in an alumni game, or just share laughs with July 27, 2018. friends. My fraternity brothers and sisters in Alpha Delta Kappa (yes, we did have a fraternity!) are planning a reunion this Homecoming and you can as well. For 1969 our older Alumni, Alumni Weekend is a celebration you should not miss. Mary Jenkins Dvoroznak ’69 was honored as Citizen of the Year at the The next step ensures that progress never stops by financially supporting Knights of Columbus Councils’ Annual Misericordia’s present and future. I encourage all of you to learn as much as Award Ceremony on June 20, 2018. you can about the Now for Tomorrow Campaign and to provide as much support as your budget allows. The Science Hall we all know and (perhaps) love 1970 was built in 1957. While she has served us well, modern technology and Dr. Ann Marie Frank Kolanowski ’70 medicine require more than she can give and our programs have grown to the delivered a lecture discussing the difficulties of delirium during the point that the existing space can no longer accommodate. University of Buffalo School of Nursing’s The Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center is exactly what our alma 21st Annual Bonnie Bullough Lecture. mater needs if it is going to continue to prepare students for the challenges of Dr. Ann’s lecture was the keynote event. modern health care and STEM careers. The last step is to express our gratitude to a trailblazing class of amazing 1977 women. The next time you think of Misericordia, raise a glass to Bettsi and her Rosemary Lane O'Dea ’77 received the Carolyn Sebastianelli Award from classmates – the best alumni class we have ever known. the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on May 11, 2018. The Misericordia Proud, award is the highest bestowed on a member and is in recognition of leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the nutritional needs of the community. Rosemary is currently a faculty member at Rowan College at Mark Oberstaedt ’89, Alumni Board President Gloucester County in Sewell, NJ. 88 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU CLASS

Relive the spring commencement ceremonies by looking through the special NOTES photo albums at bit.ly/mugradmay18 and bit.ly/muundergradmay18 1978 1998 2005 Dr. Mary-Pat Torres Maciolek ’78 was Dr. Kevin Poplawski Melissa Martin Lawless ’05 and her recognized by the Academy of Nutrition ’98 released his first husband, Glenn, welcomed their and Dietetics, the world’s largest children’s book, Eli’s daughter, Livia, on June 20, 2018. organization of food and nutrition Magic Moment, which professionals, as a Fellow. The was published on designation recognizes Dr. Mary-Pat’s Nov. 26, 2017. It sold 2006 commitment to the field of dietetics 400 copies in less than two months Theodora Higgins McCoy ’06, and celebrates her professional from its release. Kevin and his wife, D.A.T.S.S., was promoted to specialist accomplishments and pursuit of life-long Elizabeth, reside in Atlanta, Ga., with supervisor in the Drug and Alcohol learning. She is a professor and the their two little girls, Hailey and Emily. Treatment Department for the chairperson of the Hospitality, Culinary Pennsylvania Department of Arts, and Dietetics Department at Corrections at Mahanoy City Middlesex County College in Edison, N.J. 1999 Correctional Institution. She received Donn Hoosack ’99 and his business her bachelor’s degree in psychology. partner, Todd Hunt, recently opened 1989 ManaFirkin Brewing Co. on May 21, Dr. Sharon Hartnett Kurfuerst ’89 was 2017 in Manahawkin, N.J. 2007 appointed chief operating officer of Megan Heibeck Heggland ’07 and her Christiana Care Health Services in husband, John, welcomed a daughter, September 2017. In addition to her role 2003 Harper Elise, on April at Christiana Care, Sharon sits on several Kristen Pizzano Eviston ’03 and her 23, 2018. Harper joins local boards, including Brandywine husband, Eric, welcomed their son on big brother John Counseling, Delaware Military Academy, April 23, 2018. Aleksander, 2. Megan and the HOPE Commission. teaches third grade. The couple resides in 2004 Bethel, Conn. 1994 David Martin ’04 was named a Jennifer Byrnes-Chulick Peiffer ’07 Sarah Dempsey ’94, ’04, ’12 and 2017-18 recipient of the National and her husband, Brian, welcomed their Joseph Desmarteau were united in Association of Collegiate Directors of son on June 22, 2018. marriage on June 30, 2018. Sarah is Athletics (NACDA) Under Armour currently an instructor at The Athletic Director of the Year Award. Continued on next page Pennsylvania State University and will David is one of 28 directors from across pursue a doctorate in the fall. the country to receive the award for 2017-18, including four directors at the NCAA Division III level. 1995 Jennifer Yurkon Hetro ’04 and her Dr. Darlene Kuchinski-Donnelly ’95, ’99 husband, Christopher, welcomed their earned a Ph.D. in nursing from Widener daughter on June 15, 2018. University. During her doctoral studies, she received the National League for Nursing Elizabeth Powell Cain ’04 and her Jonas Scholar Award from 2016-18 where husband, Brendan, bought their first she presented her research in Orlando, home and are expecting their first baby Fla. Dr. Darlene is an assistant professor of in October 2018. nursing at Misericordia and resides in Wapwallopen, Pa., with her husband, Joseph, and three children. Misericordia Proud! Beginning with the 2019 fall semester, 1996 prospective undergraduate students Attorney James Shrimp ’96 was have to indicate on their application that installed as president of the Rotary Club they have been referred by an alumnus of Central Chester County in June 2017. to be eligible for the Misericordia Proud He is the Chapter’s 29th president since Alumni Referral Grant. Upon acceptance, its founding in 1988. Jim is currently a referred students would be eligible to partner at High Swartz law firm. receive $500 a year for up to four years. 9 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

Continued from previous page

NOTES Look for your friends and classmates in this special 2018 Alumni Weekend 2008 photo album at bit.ly/mualumni18 Rebecca Bicking ’08, ’17 and John Woodring were united in marriage on CLASS Nov. 15, 2017 at the Crane Beach in Barbados. Rebecca is a certified registered family nurse practitioner working for the Physician Group in outpatient neurology. The couple resides in the Hazleton area with their son, Gavin, and daughter, Olivia. 2009 Rachel Hasay ’09, ’13 and Wayne Lauer were united in marriage on June 5, 2017. Rachel is employed as a special Alumni and friends served as marshals at the Spring Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Participating in the program, first row from left, are Vanessa Mayorowski ’96, education teacher by New Story in Aubre Mayorowski Snyder ’12, ‘15 Tabitha Bolinsky, Tiffany Wiernusz ’04 and Colleen Berwick, Pa. The couple resides in Newhart ’75, ’09; second row, Elizabeth Murdock ’12, ‘15, Jessica Randall, Jennifer Luksa, Huntington Twp., Pa. Heather Fritz ’97, Jennifer Corey ’13 and Thomas Sweetz ’01. William “Max” Campbell, IV ’09 received “Teacher of the Year” honors Lindsay Smith Stavish ’09 and her at the Milton School District in Milton, husband, John, welcomed their 2010 Pa., where he is a life skills teacher. The daughter on April 25, 2018. Maura Musial school board's speech included how Katrina Emerick ’09 Hopkins ’10 and Max goes above and beyond as a and Jose Berthe were Matthew Hopkins teacher for his students and peers. joined in marriage on ’09 welcomed their Dr. Ashley Wolanski Dec. 24, 2017 with the daughter, Molly Kate Wagner ’09 and her sand beneath their feet Hopkins, on Dec. 11, husband, Dr. Joseph surrounded by family 2017. She joins big brother, Gavin. Wagner, welcomed their and friends. Katrina Danielle Furnari Campbell ’10 was a first child, Logan Joseph, and Jose reside in Fort part of the four-person event team for on Aug. 16, 2017. Lauderdale, Fla. Geisinger Health that pulled off the Geisinger National Symposium: From Crisis to Cure in Danville, Pa. The HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2018 symposium included the greatest minds in health care, business, and innovation. OCTOBER 5-7 The goal was to change the narrative to Register online: cougarconnect.misericordia.edu/homecoming18 focus on what can be done with the health care system. Danielle helped create the production, audio visual, agenda, logistics, and all other duties to make this national event a reality. The symposium gained national and worldwide attention. SAVE THE DATE! SAVE

10 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU CLASS

Tara Helwig ’10 and Danielle Epifano Neishell ’12 and her University of Nevada. While at Andrew Vining were husband, Eric, welcomed a baby boy on Misericordia, Brandon served as the NOTES united in marriage on March 6, 2018. graduate assistant coach for the men’s April 14, 2018. Tara is Rose Ann Scott Murray ’12 and her basketball team. a speech-language husband, Brian, welcomed a baby boy Courtenay Serafini McDonough ’13 pathologist, as well as on May 19, 2018. and her husband, Paul, welcomed a owner and CEO of baby boy on April 5, 2018. TeleVine Therapy. The Jordan Marzani ’12, ’17 and Michael couple met while in Connolly were united in marriage on Michael Impellittiere ’13 was named Williamsport, Pa. The Sept. 30, 2017. Jordan is a registered the head coach of Hood College's couple resides in New nurse at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Baseball Program. While at , Ohio. Medical Center. The couple resides in Misericordia, Michael was a member of Madison Twp., Pa. the baseball team when the Cougars Dr. Ashlee Leonard Berry ’10, ’13 Krystal Burford ’12 and Brett Ford ’11 twice found themselves two wins away and Kelly Berry ’10 welcomed their from going to the NCAA Division III daughter on April 24, 2018. were married in a double-ring ceremony on June 3, 2017. Krystal is a College World Series in 2011 and 2013. Dr. Charles Stevens, III ’10, ’13 started registered nurse in labor and delivery at Nicole Frederick Arnal Mobile Therapy Services LLC—an Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, ’13 and her husband, outpatient house call N.Y. Brett is the assistant director of Andres, welcomed their therapy practice athletic communications and media daughter, Dakota Lee specializing in Geriatrics, relations at SUNY Geneseo. After a Arnal, on Jan. 16, 2018. MS/PD, and other honeymoon to Italy, the couple now neurologic diseases. Lori resides in Geneseo, N.Y. Recek Cardinale ’95 and 2014 Lisa Wasilewski Pecuch ’98 are also a Jeffrey Slanovec ’12, ’14 has been named FDU-Florham's next men's Kasey Williams ’14 part of the team at Mobile Therapy and Thomas Smarr Services LLC. basketball coach. Jeffrey was a four-year starter on the men’s were united in marriage basketball team. He then served as the on Sept. 9, 2017. Kasey 2011 graduate assistant coach for the men’s is a registered nurse at basketball team at MU. Geisinger (PACU) in Kelly Johnson Gensel ’11, ’16 and Danville. The couple Kyle Gensel ’09 welcomed a baby boy resides at Hedge Lane on March 27, 2018. 2013 in Coal Township, Pa. Theodore Giovannini ’11 and Rachel Brandon Chambers ’13 was named the Metzger were united in marriage on director of basketball operations for the Continued on next page Sept. 9, 2017. Theodore is an account executive at Apex Dental Solutions. The couple resides in Buffalo, N.Y., with their dog, Ellie, and parakeet, Perry. 2012 Koryn Gallagher ’12 and Greg Mascioli were united in marriage on Sept. 12, 2017. Jenna Rakowsky ’12 and Matthew Steltzer were united in marriage on Sept. 9, 2017. Jenna is employed by Mountaintop Senior Care as an occupational therapist. The couple resides in Shavertown, Pa. Julia Truax Leighow ’12, ’15 and Matthew Leighow ’11 welcomed a baby boy, Theodore (Theo) Xavier Leighow, on May 17, 2017. Julia Alumni and friends served as marshals at the Spring Graduate Commencement Ceremony. works in residence life at Participating in the program, first row from left, are Matthew Hinton, Tiffany Wiernusz ’04, the , and Matt is an Amy Caruso ’05 ‘12, and Thomas Sweetz ’01; second row, Andrea Payne, Melissa McHale ’12, RIS PACS analyst at Geisinger Community Tabitha Bolinsky and Colleen Newhart ’75, ’09; third row, Catherine Payne ’88, Jennifer Luksa Medical Center in Scranton, Pa. and Melissa Alunni. 11 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

Continued from previous page NOTES Liana Kalish ’14 and Jared Butala ’14 member of the men’s were united in marriage on April 20, 2018. basketball team, and he Chadwick May ’14 and Amanda credited his coach at MU for molding him into the coach

CLASS Touey were united in marriage on June 2, 2018. he is today. Kelsey Neumeister Blyler ’14 and her 2016 husband, Andrew, Lindsey Couturier ’16 has welcomed a baby girl, been named Bridgewater Cora Jane Blyler, on State University’s new head March 21, 2018. coach. Lindsey, who already holds the full-time position of 2015 coordinator for athletic Steve Filipiak ’05, ’15, center, web content coordinator external relations at the and Dave Johndrow ’89, ’14, left, manager, PC Amanda Tomaselli ’15 institution in Massachusetts, services at Misericordia University, presented on the and Elias Tohme had served as the graduate importance of website accessibility at the 2018 celebrated their wedding Finalsite University conference, What is Accessibility assistant softball coach while on Dec. 30, 2016. and Why Does it Matter? in June. Filipiak and at Misericordia. Amanda is employed by Johndrow shared the approach taken at Misericordia the Wyalusing Area to align various web assets with Web Content School District as a Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA Success 2017 Criteria and offered guidance to other attendees speech-language pathologist. The Patrick Dougherty ’17 was seeking to improve website access and usability. couple resides in Trucksville, Pa. promoted to lieutenant and Misericordia University, Finalsite, and AudioEye Heather Rothman Bender ’15 brings assigned as the staff services continue to collaborate in pursuit of conforming with her decade of marketing and product section commander at Troop WCAG 2.0 principles, guidelines and success criteria. Also pictured is Kara Franco, product education and management experience to her current P, Wyoming, by Pennsylvania accessibility specialist at Finalsite. role of strategic marketing manager at State Police Commissioner CornellCookson. In this position, she is Tyree C. Blocker. He most responsible for company growth recently served as the station Philip Kaiser ’17 and Christina Lake through the management of a diverse commander of Troop P, Towanda. were united in marriage on June 23, portfolio of new products in the Megan Wilkinson ’17 and Alex Sirkot 2018. Phillip is a recruiting coordinator research and development stages. were united in marriage on May 25, for Next College Student Athlete Joseph Busacca ’15 was named head 2018. One of Megan’s bridesmaids Athletic Recruiting out of , Ill. men’s basketball coach at Curry College included fellow Misericordia alumna, The couple resides in North Ridgeville in Milton, Mass. Joseph was a four-year Rebecca Johnson ’17. with their dog, Carmella.

Sister Mary Glennon ’62 Scholarships Program Misericordia University awarded the inaugural Sister scholarships annually to qualified incoming first-year Mary Glennon ’62 Scholarships in February after a students. Every first time, full-time student who applies five-member committee comprised of faculty and for acceptance is eligible as long as the student administration reviewed essays and narrowed the field meets established academic criteria. The following to 12 students. Named in honor of the longest serving first-year students are the first recipients of the academic dean, the program awards six merit-based full academic scholarships:

Alyssa Grieco Dana Stroup Alexa Thompson Hometown: Saylorsburg, Pa. Hometown: Shohola, Pa. Hometown: Schenectady, N.Y. High School: Pleasant Valley High School: High School: Guilderland Central Major: Government, Law and Major: Nursing Major: Occupational Therapy National Security

Alexa Monro Tara Sweeney Thomas Weiskircher Hometown: Kinnelon, N.J. Hometown: Jessup, Pa. Hometown: Huntingtown, Md. High School: Kinnelon High School: Valley View High School: Huntingtown Major: Accounting Major: Biology/DPT Major: Business Administration

12 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU IN MEMORIAM

1941 Anne Minerva Chesney Nancy McManaman Lynch Charlene Smith Servey 1979 Marie Wittman Kilgallon June 6, 2018 April 8, 2018 Dec. 8, 2017 Felecia Simanovich Erhardt Jan. 30, 2018 Mary Jane Klein Shea Mary Caritas Kennedy, RSM Regina Scarcella Bossig June 7, 2018 1944 June 15, 2018 May 2, 2018 March 1, 2018 1983 Marguerite Corrigan 1954 Eileen Thomas Bikowicz 1967 Donna Lavelle Zigmund April 20, 2018 Agnes Ryan May 15, 2018 Rosemary O'Sullivan June 13, 2018 Mary Mariella Crowe, RSM Dec. 12, 2017 Grace Powers Monaco Spadaro Maria Proch July 21, 2016 May 18, 2018 Theresa Polachek Shiner May 17, 2018 June 25, 2018 1945 Dec. 24, 2017 Carol Schoeller Bessette Margaret Creamer Bonner May 29, 2018 March 15, 2018 1984 Anna Marie “Nancy” Durkin Joan Bartek Bowling Gail Thompson Gatusky Elizabeth Shannon Resavage Barbara Hardy Carey May 4, 2018 May 9, 2018 May 2, 2018 July 4, 2018 March 18, 2018 1946 1955 1985 1961 1968 Marian McKeown Roski Patricia Langan Joseph Munley Catherine Williamson, RSM Constance Serensits Lally April 14, 2018 Schreitmueller May 10, 2018 May 25, 2017 Jan. 19, 2018 Jan. 19, 2013 Elinor “Ellie” Bakun Lea 1986 June 17, 2018 Suzanne Fletcher Moylan 1962 Claire Fahey Morrow Eileen Lawrence June 24, 2018 Lisa Marshall 1947 May 1, 2018 Dec. 1, 2017 1970 Feb. 9, 2018 Edith Howell Haughwout 1956 Eleanor Kaper Bellanco Kathleen Mongelluzzi 1987 July 18, 2018 Lucille Baron Bodosky Dec. 21, 2017 VanderHeijden Andrea Yorina Vomero Aug. 17, 2016 1948 Ellen O'Connell Wagner Sept. 2, 2017 May 7, 2018 Brewster Faber Irene Buczewski Stadulis April 22, 2018 Paula Scott Feb. 28, 2018 Nov. 29, 2017 1990 Jan. 20, 2018 Kevin Walker Ann DeSanto Morris 1963 1951 Sydney Mark Atkinson 1971 Nov. 16, 2017 Molly Mollahan Lyons Dec. 29, 2017 Dec. 23, 2017 Rosemarie Conrey Millard Robert Coniglio Jan. 29, 2018 Josephine Zachary Elizabeth “Betsy” Lazorick Feb. 17, 2016 July 2, 2018 Castellani Claire Chovanec March 19, 2018 1972 Koronkiewicz March 20, 2018 1991 Ann Antonello Johns Noreen Delaney Kevin Keyser May 13, 2018 1957 Dec. 23, 2017 July 25, 2018 May 13, 2018 Mary Ellen O'Brien Gavinski Marjorie Smith Gacha Judith Falzone Samartzis 1964 Lee Ann Beretski Sapolis June 1, 2018 Dec. 3, 2017 March 13, 2018 Suellen Moore Gilmore May 20, 2018 1952 Eileen Beleski Drislan Jan. 11, 2018 Janet Neiderer Keffer Jan. 28, 2018 1996 Anne Paye, RSM Maryanne Toth Canavesio April 10, 2018 Maureen Sheekey Lucchino Dec. 9, 2017 Jo Anne Sabol Thorpe Jan. 12, 2018 Susan Baron Lazio April 18, 2018 April 16, 2018 Ann Cochran Platt 1965 June 14, 2018 Jan. 30, 2018 1959 Patricia Bronko Humphrey 1973 2002 Rose Marie Zaher Mazer Mary Livezey April 27, 2017 Janice Quarteroni Miller Rebecca Brown Grohowski Feb. 7, 2018 July 9, 2018 March 16, 2018 Mary Ann Verbitsky Jan. 29, 2018 1953 Laetitia Gillis, RSM Cybulski Mary Ellen Dunn Brice Susan Zoke Eckroth Mary Paul Davenport March 18, 2018 Jan. 4, 2018 April 8, 2018 May 11, 2018 Dec. 24, 2017 1960 1966 1975 2006 Theresa Brisk Hensler Maryanne Murphy Prentice Sharon Farrell Raeder Mary Alice Callahan Clifford Adam Hedges June 5, 2018 June 22, 2017 Dec. 4, 2017 June 11, 2018 May 31, 2018

cougarconnect.misericordia.edu Instagram.com/MisericordiaAlumni my Facebook.com/MisericordiaAlumni YouTube.com/MisericordiaU Facebook.com/MisericordiaUniversity Misericordia.edu/mutodayextended MU Twitter.com/MisericordiaU Storify.com/MisericordiaU Twitter.com/MisericordiAlum Pinterest.com/MisericordiaU

Linkedin.com/groups/Misericordia-Alumni-1416127 Flickr.com/MisericordiaU

Stay connected at www.misericordia.edu/social 13 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

‘PARIS EST UNE FÊTE’ Hemingway Conference offers memories as indelible as his books ACADEMICS

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

It is rare in a career when passion, addressing how they look at the novel promote the event worldwide on the family and vocation come together as now – 92 years after it was written. conference’s website. well as they have for Matthew Nickel, Dr. Nickel also presented his research Although the chance to have dinner Ph.D., assistant professor of English, who paper, Of Wastelands & Bullfights, in the Eiffel Tower and take a moonlight has dedicated much of his career to the Pilgrimage & Love: François Mauriac & boat ride along the Seine River was study of Ernest Hemingway. Ernest Hemingway, an examination of enough to entice many participants, the Dr. Nickel joined the ranks the influence French Catholic writer opportunity for students to share of preeminent Hemingway scholars François Mauriac had on Hemingway, a research with scholars from around the when he served as Catholic convert. The paper is an world was life changing. co-director of the XVIII extension of the research Dr. Nickel did English and pre-law major Bailey English International Ernest Waltman ’19 hoped her research paper, Hemingway ‘She started all that’: The Allure of Lady Conference in Paris, Brett Ashley, helped define the “timeless France in July. It developed into the and enigmatically appealing, yet largest conference dedicated to morally flawed character” at the Hemingway, attracting 550 academics center of The Sun Also Rises. from more than 30 countries. He “Presenting to so many scholars co-directed the conference alongside was daunting, but I felt prepared his mentor and friend, H.R. Stoneback, because I presented when Dr. Nickel a poet and author who is the leading held a smaller Hemingway conference authority on Hemingway in the world. at the campus in 2016,” she said. “I A range of University grants and fell in love with Hemingway in Dr. fellowships allowed 16 members of Nickel’s class. He brings out so much the Misericordia academic community about the intricacies of Hemingway – faculty, students and alumni from a that you can only get from someone variety of disciplines – to present so passionate about it. Thanks to the alongside Dr. Nickel at the Paris experience, I now understand conference. how much more there is to learn about With hundreds of members Hemingway’s writing.” worldwide, the Ernest Hemingway Briana Scorey ’19 is double majoring Foundation and Society presents the in history and English in the Honors premier Hemingway conference Misericordia alumna Leah Program. She was thrilled to have the annually. In years past, Venice, Italy; Santucci ’16 designed the logo and opportunity to “have intellectual Key West, Fla.; Madrid, Spain, and poster for the XVIII International Ernest discussion with such great scholars in an Lausanne, Switzerland have hosted the Hemingway Conference held in Paris in July. international context.” Scorey also drew conference – locales that intertwine on experience from the 2016 conference with Hemingway’s works and travels. for his 2014 book, Hemingway’s Dark and confirms her research presentation, Dr. Nickel’s research and publications Night: Catholic Influences and ‘I Have Lasted’: The Intuitive Power of over the last decade afforded him the Intertextualities in the Work of Ernest Pilar in ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls,’ was opportunity to take a lead role in the Hemingway, which features a forward driven by her interest in Hemingway’s 2018 Paris event, overseeing nearly written by Dr. Stoneback. women and their identity. every detail – a process that began Alumna Leah Santucci ’16, a nursing “Pilar stands apart from many of with Dr. Stoneback in 2015. Among his graduate who minored in English, Hemingway’s other female characters, personal highlights was the made her mark on the Paris as she is uncommonly assertive, opportunity to lead a special conference even before it took place. brash, witty, and domineering while roundtable discussion of prominent She melded images of the Eiffel Tower also being emotional, nurturing, Hemingway scholars on the author’s and fireworks to design the forgiving, and vulnerable,” said first major novel, The Sun Also Rises, conference logo and poster used to Scorey, who plans to pursue her Ph.D. 14 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU ACADEMICS

VIII INTERNATIONAL ERNEST HEMINGWAY CONFERENCE Paris, France July 22-28, 2018

MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Scott M. Bargisen, Jr. ’19 Northvale, New Jersey Major: English Minor: Secondary Education Across the Ocean and into the Trenches: Hemingway’s Reverence for the Modern Warrior

Kristen Capitano ’19 Pittston, Pa. Major: English Minors: Philosophy and Professional Writing Order After Chaos: The Motif of Ritual in ‘The Sun Also Rise’s’ and ‘The Time of Man’

Madison Cardinale ’19 Conference presenters, first row, from left, are Jennifer Black, Ph.D., assistant professor of Dupont, Pa. history; Jessica Nickel, M.A., adjunct professor of English; Charlie Nickel; Brenda Hage, Ph.D., Major: English Minor: Writing and History D.N.P., C.R.N.P., professor and director of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program; Bailey Waltman The Mask of Masculinity in Hemingway’s ’19; second row, Karen Reilly ’19; Madison Cardinale ’19; Rebecca Steinberger, Ph.D., professor ‘In Our Time’ of English; Briana Scorey ’19; Matthew Nickel, Ph.D., assistant professor of English; Scott M. Bargisen, Jr., ’19; Rich Hancuff, Ph.D., instructor of English; Brian Carso, Ph.D., professor of Melissa Milbut ’19 history and government, and Kristen Capitano ’19. Missing from photo Matthew Hinton, Dunmore, Pa. Melissa Milbut ’19, and alumnae Emily Halbing ’15 and Leah Santucci ’16. Major: English Inventing Reality: Hemingway’s in British literature. “Her bold Bedfellows by English Professor Memories in Writing sense of self places her among Rebecca Steinberger, Ph.D.; ‘The Spirit Karen Reilly ’19 Hemingway’s more psychologically of Picnic’: Hemingway, Capa and LIFE, Edwardsville, Pa. savvy and developed characters.” 1941 by history Professor Brian F. Major: English In a panel format, Misericordia faculty Carso, Jr., J.D., Ph.D., and Nursing Minors: Psychology and Writing The Psychological and Physical Ramifications members Jennifer Black, Ph.D., assistant Iconography in the Works of Ernest of Jake Barnes’ Wound in ‘The Sun professor of history; Richard Hancuff, Hemingway, by nursing Professor Also Rises’ Ph.D., manager of On-Line Learning and Brenda L. Hage, D.N.P., Ph.D., Briana Scorey ’19 expanded the conference’s academic instructor of English, and Matthew Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Hinton, M.F.A., coordinator of writing parameters and fueled attendance, Majors: English and History and assistant director of the Student according to Dr. Nickel. ‘I Have Lasted’: The Intuitive Power Success Center, lead a discussion on “Americans don't often realize how of Pilar in ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ how to use digital media to bring important Hemingway is in China, for Bailey Waltman ’19 Hemingway to life in the classroom. instance, or Algeria, so we wanted to Berwick, Pa. In addition, Drs. Black and Hancuff make the Paris conference a truly Major: English Minor: Pre-Law worked with various mapping and international and interdisciplinary ‘She started all that’: The Allure of Lady Brett Ashley timeline tools to produce a collaborative event as a matter of inclusivity and to exhibit contextualizing Hemingway’s say simply that Hemingway is still one traverses through Paris and offering of the world's most fascinating MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ways to study how literature, geography writers,” Dr. Nickel said. “And too, Leah Santucci ’16 and culture interact. there is the Paris factor. One cannot Laflin, Pa. “New online technology allows ignore that Parisians chose the title Major: Nursing Minor: English students to map Hemingway’s Paris est une fête (Paris is a feast) as ‘A Moveable Feast’ and the Wonder of vignettes while linking literature to their call of resistance against the Kentuck: Spirit of Place in Ernest Hemingway and Elizabeth Madox Roberts history, creating an interdisciplinary tyranny of terrorism that has plagued conversation that enriches the the city since November 2015. Emily Halbing ’15 students’ overall understandings of “We wanted to stand in solidarity Dallas, Pa. Hemingway, of the historic period and with the French and to echo the Majors: English and Psychology Minor: Writing of Paris,” Dr. Black said. ancient Franco-American amitié ‘The impossible union’: Humanity and Christ Misericordia presentations, (friendship) by saying, "Lafayette, in Hemingway's ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ Shakespeare and Hemingway: Strange we are still here,” he said. and Eliot's ‘Four Quartets’ 15 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

LIGHTS … CAMERA … ACTION Department of Mass Communications & Design

ACADEMICS streams live programming on MCN 87

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

It does not take long to realize Sean Lynch ’18 understands what is at stake. His maturity defies his young age, as the COM’s community partnership 21-year-old understands every decision he has made and talent promotes, preserves history he has developed during his collegiate years at Misericordia During the spring semester, students in COM 332, the University add sophisticated layers to a burgeoning portfolio Video III production class, worked with Eckley Miner’s worthy of him realizing his dream of becoming a director or Village to create a documentary about the history of the on-air talent for professional sports broadcasts. settlement and its impact on the region. Students and On this late-winter evening, the sports director of Munson faculty, under the direction of Dan Kimbrough, M.S., Center Network 87 (MCN 87) and Cougar Radio easily assistant professor in the Department of Mass navigates between the Munson Control Room and field Communications and Design, offered a screening of the production team in the Anderson 22-minute documentary. To watch the documentary, Center, preparing for the second-ever please log on to https://youtu.be/XyhowsXYzxE. Mass live video streaming of a sporting event Communications and Design by students in the Department of Mass Communications and Design. campus. The realization of Kimbrough’s long-range plan The broadcast on MCN 87’s YouTube provides students with an additional layer of experience, channel (http://bit.ly/mcn87) is not as much about the men’s while also engaging alumni, family and friends of the and women’s basketball teams playing Middle Atlantic University on an entirely new level. Conference rival DeSales University, as it is about the overall student production and on-air broadcast teams. Days of pre-production yield a package of sharp graphics with on-screen scoreboard, team logos and current statistics, as well as in-depth player analysis by the announcers for Cougar Radio and MCN 87 viewers – the student-run radio and television stations at Misericordia University. “This is sports communication,’’ says Dan Kimbrough, M.S. assistant professor, while overseeing the initial on-air 1. 2. broadcasts. “It gives them the real-world experience of a remote broadcast set up. This puts us teaching it (live video streaming) and doing it, so when they graduate they understand it. When our students graduate, they will be the one at the TV station who knows how to live stream shows.’’ In association with the Athletics Department and Department of Alumni Relations, the Department of Mass Communications and Design invested considerable capital in the necessary equipment and technology needed to live steam sporting and cultural events on 16 3. 1. Sean Lynch ’18 provides direction

to Collin Zelinsky ‘19 and Samantha ACADEMICS Midkiff ‘18 in his role of sports director for MCN 87. 2. Mass Communications and Design major Samantha Midkiff ‘18 operates a camera during a basketball game. 4. 3. MCN 87 play-by-play announcers, from left, Kevin Brown ‘19, Tony Vega ’18 and Billy Peet ‘18, ‘20 prepare to announce the DeSales vs. Misericordia women’s basketball game in the Anderson Sports and Health Center. 4. Sean Lynch ’18, sports director of MCN 87, directs, from left, Dan Kimbrough, M.S., assistant professor, Parker Abate ’19 and Monica McManus ‘20 as they prepare to broadcast a basketball game. 5. Michael Diakunczak ‘20 operates a roving camera courtside during a basketball game. 6. The broadcast team, from left, of Kevin Brown ‘19, Tony Vega ’18 and Billy Peet ‘18, ‘20 offer their insights into a key basketball game for the Cougars. 5. 6. Cougar sports “It really makes me proud to know point in my education it is more about that I am in some part responsible for teaching the underclassmen and To watch live video streaming of the creation and production of these showing them how to get the most Misericordia University athletics and broadcasts,’’ says Lynch, a native of out of their education here.’’ special events, please log on to the Monroeville, N.J., who was the sports The 2019 spring sports season will Munson Center Network 87’s YouTube director for Cougar Radio during his feature live broadcasts of baseball, channel at http://bit.ly/mcn87. Viewers junior year and oversaw live-stream softball, and men’s and women’s soccer, can watch live action and view archived broadcasts during his senior year. and possibly select cultural events. broadcasts. The broadcasts are under “It is a tremendous feeling. I am The busy production and broadcast the direction of students in the disappointed, though, that I will not be schedule enables students to expand Department of Mass Communications able to see it at its fullest potential.’’ upon their varying skills, according to and Design. For more information MCN 87’s productions offer two Tony Vega ’18, MCN 87’s field about the academic program, please different viewing experiences producer, who has also been a sports log on to www.misericordia.edu/ depending on the location of the writer for The Highlander, the campus’ communications. game or event. Technology upgrades student newspaper. Kimbrough enable the station to live stream directed the initial multi-camera Broadcasting technology programming utilizing a wireless router broadcast on Feb. 3 against The Department of Mass known as MiFi anywhere on campus cross-town rival King’s College, and Communications and Design’s live with one camera. Multi-camera shortly thereafter handed over the streaming on MCN 87 is possible due to broadcasts are available from the reins to his students. the investment in professional-grade Anderson Center, Lemmond Theater in “The confidence comes from Dan’s technology and equipment. The Walsh Hall and Mangelsdorf Field. belief in us,’’ says Vega, a native of following is a list of some of the gear MCN 87 utilizes state-of-the-art NDI Cornwall, N.Y., who interned with the students use to broadcast games and software to stream video and sound Sports Information Department at cultural events on campus: SDI to NDI over the Internet and TriCaster, a Misericordia during the spring semester converter; rack-mount mixer with web multi-camera production system that and the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton control; gigabit Ethernet switch with enables students to direct up to three Penguins for the 2017 fall semester. PoE; audio to SDI converter; intercom IP camera angles at any event. “He would not put us in that situation if interface; two-channel dual listen “When it comes to communications he did not think we were able to beltpack, single-ear lightweight intercom itself, the maturity comes from the handle it. He was there to fix anything headset; GY-HM200SCOREBOT sports experiences I’ve had over my four that went wrong, but it was our show production camcorder with Sportzcast years,’’ adds Lynch, who also from that moment on. That (confidence Scorebot 4100 scoreboard interface unit, completed a 2017 summer internship he has in his students) comes from our seven-inch camera-top SDI monitor, at NBC Sports Philadelphia covering NewTek advanced edition educational the Philadelphia Phillies. “I feel at this Continued on next page software bundle, and more. 17 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

LIGHTS … CAMERA … ACTION

Continued from previous page

ACADEMICS Students earn Communicator Awards for campus work classwork because he expects a lot out of us – but it is not too much. We are The Academy of going to struggle, but ultimately we are Interactive and Visual going to succeed in the end.’’ Arts (AIVA) recognized The learning process does not end the Department of with the final buzzer or curtain call. Mass Communications Lynch and Vega consistently review and Design students for game film and listen to excerpts of their work on the broadcasts as they work to fine-tune campus television the team’s craft. Together, they station, MCN 87, by selected Billy Peet ’18, ’20 and Kevin awarding them two Brown ‘19 to be the broadcast team Communicator Awards for Cougar broadcasts, sharing the in the 24th annual roles of play-by-play announcing and competition that honors color commentating. Sean Lynch ‘18 goes on the wrestling mat to get a creative excellence in “I am thankful and honored that I lesson on how to take a fall from Clay Drasher of Grand communications. Slam Wrestling for a feature segment of the show, Hey can represent the University this way,’’ The award-winning You, MU!, on MCN 87. says Peet, a business administration television segments major. “There is definitely a sense of came from Season 10, The team also received a 2018 connection when you do it. It is a Episode 1 of Hey You, MU! that Award of Distinction in the good feeling when you are the voice aired Feb. 24, 2017. The entire show Film/Video – Sports category for of Misericordia. It is something where can be found online at The Zone – Grand Slam, a feature as soon as I started doing it, I fell in https://youtu.be/g6piC7P-Azk. on professional wrestling hosted by love with it.’’ The Hey You, MU! team earned a Sean Lynch ‘18. Watch the segment As the screen fades to dark on the 2018 Award of Distinction in the at You tu.be/ 08-mQ7whx7A. first semester of live streaming, the Film/Video – Student category for In addition to Lynch, the team students are proud of their the inaugural feature segment, members honored included Mike accomplishments and on-air product Cougar Spotlight – Jeff Kelly, a Gombita ‘17, Ron Williams ‘17, as several hundred viewers routinely profile of Kelly, the manager of Destiny Anderson ‘18, Connor watched the games from the comfort cultural and special events and Swagler ‘18, Anthony Vega ‘18, Lena of their homes or on portable devices. theater director at MU. It’s available Williams ‘18, Samantha Allen ‘18, “It’s kind of upsetting, because I am online at Youtu.be/Wi7j39BRpNE. and Collin Zelinsky ‘19. done in May,’’ Vega says, acknowledging his graduation. “We (the department) are growing so much necessary voids that ensure and experience in the pre-production, and I will not be here to see where high-quality broadcasts. production and post-production they take it next year. I am going to “We have so much pride in the aspects of live broadcasts leave little graduate soon and I am going to have program and how far it has come since doubt the station will continue to several career paths to go down. I may we got here and we want to see it expand opportunities for students and want a career as a sports writer, but if I develop even more,’’ says Abate, a viewers, alike. cannot find that, I am well prepared communications major with a “I think it’s interesting how close we for a job doing something else.’’ specialization in sport communication are to our professors,’’ says Abate, who Junior Parker Abate ’19 is the lone and minor in political science. “The completed internships at WCIA-TV 3 in underclassman among the student students under us are going to be here Champaign, Ill., and Fox 32 in Chicago, leaders. On this evening, he works for a couple of years when we are not, so Ill. “We call them by their first names. with the production team in the we are passing it off, almost.’’ Dan and (Melissa) Sgroi have always Munson Control Room conducting This fall, Abate’s leadership role with wanted to take the program to the sound and video-level checks, while MCN 87 will expand. He says he is next level. We have seen flashes of it also double-checking on-air graphics. excited for the opportunity and over the years, but this year we really Although he bills himself as a thankful for the mentorship provided took the next step and now because of production assistant, he is more like a by Lynch and Vega. His overall body of the technology and equipment the Swiss Army knife – filling all the work in print and broadcast journalism, sky’s the limit.’’ 18 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU ACADEMICS

MAKE A DIFFERENCE, SIGN THE PLEDGE! Pledge to Preserve Human Dignity in Health Care gains international support

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

At a time when human rights are Education Center, Indiana, are pledge experiment survivor Eva Mozes Kor, being challenged in countries around co-sponsors. The Aspen Center for founder of the CANDLES Center. Mrs. the world, Misericordia University is Social Values and Polish Association for Kor is an internationally known advocate asking all Alumni – especially those in Spiritual Care in Medicine has endorsed for human justice and says she is proud medical or health it, while the pledge has the support of to wear the pin to show her support. The Center sciences fields – to representatives from Harvard Medical “As our pledge spreads worldwide, for Human sign a pledge and School, Harvard University, New York we are asking health care professionals Dignity join an international University Langone Medical Center, and others to reflect upon what took movement to New York Medical College, The Ohio place during the Holocaust, what has “uphold the values of dignity, equality State University, Virginia Military continued to take place, and use those and justice within health care.” Institute, University of Southern lessons to reaffirm a societal The Pledge to Preserve Human Denmark, University of Queensland, commitment to respect the human Dignity in Health Care was launched by and University of Reading, England. dignity of all people,” said Dr. Gallin. the Center for Human Dignity in Anyone signing the pledge receives “This is an opportunity for Misericordia Bioethics, Medicine and Health at alumni to act upon the charisms of Misericordia University at a ceremony in Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality January. The event was timed to and become an agent of social change commemorate International Holocaust on an issue that transcends Remembrance Day. As of July 1, more geographic borders, age and religion. than 625 students, health care This is a chance to take part in an professionals and concerned citizens international movement to make the have signed the pledge, representing world a better place.” 19 states, Washington, D.C., and 10 Drs. Gallin and Caleb will reach an foreign countries, including Australia, international audience when they Canada, Denmark, Dominican Republic, present the pledge at UNESCO’s 13th Germany, Israel, Ireland, Mexico, World Conference on Bioethics, Poland and the United Kingdom. Medical Ethics and Health Law in Since the movement was launched, Jerusalem in November. Stacy Gallin, D.M.H., director of the Eva Mozes Kor, a Holocaust survivor, center, has taken the pledge on the road signed the pledge. and presented it to a wide variety of audiences. She has presented it at the a pin they can wear to show Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland; their respect for the the University of Colorado Center for dignity of all patients Bioethics and Humanities in Denver, and promote a deeper Colo., and The Fashion Institute of understanding of Technology’s Holocaust Commemoration medical practices Program in , N.Y. and their ethical The Maimonides Institute for ramifications. Those Medicine, Ethics and the Holocaust, the who wish to support the Department of Bioethics and the movement can sign the pledge by Holocaust of the UNESCO Chair of going to http://bit.ly/dignitypledge. Bioethics in Haifa, Israel, and the Among the first 200 signers was CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Holocaust and Mengele twin 19 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

The North Gate parking lot was The crucifix by expanded and a road added to the grotto area expanded lot behind Mercy Hall. next to the softball field was relocated across from the Banks Student Life Center. CONSTRUCTION

Construction realigns roadways on campus

The University completed infrastructure projects in preparation for the groundbreaking of the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center in the spring. Projects included new roadways, parking areas, storm-water management improvements, sidewalks, pathway lighting, tree plantings, and landscapped areas. Contractors Contractors improve To view a map of the projects and realigned expand Mercy the infiltration basin Hall parking lot. on Lake Street. roadways, please type this link into your web browser: bitl.y/mucampus18. The University received $320,870 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s MultiModal Transportation Grant Fund to complete phase II of the Lake Street Sidewalk project. The new sidewalk is 2,142-feet long and required 160 cubic yards of concrete. Phase II connects the archway entrance to the North Gate.

An aerial view A two-way roadway will shows roadway connect North Gate and reconstruction Mercy Hall parking lots. near Mercy Hall. 20 for

The Campaign for Misericordia University supports the Henry Science Center and provides significant investment in the

Annual Fund and endowment for scholarship opportunities

21 for

‘Something Meaningful’ Trustee Emeritus Sandy Insalaco, Sr., co-chairs ‘Now for Tomorrow’ Campaign

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

ITTSTON, Pa. – In the Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan middle of the workweek, approached Mr. Insalaco in the Sandy Sandy Insalaco, Sr., politely mid-1990s after Mass at St. Maria Insalaco, Sr. excuses himself to field an Goretti Church in Laflin, Pa., to ask him if unexpected business call in he was interested in joining a local the co-chairs of the Now for Tomorrow his office at US Hydrations. college’s Board of Trustees. A Campaign, the largest in the PHis early afternoon appointment will Pittston-area native and businessperson, institution’s history. The $30 million have to wait momentarily. Outside, the Mr. Insalaco was not intimately familiar campaign will support construction corporate offices and tractor-trailer with the Catholic college at the time. A of the new $35 million Frank M. and yard are humming with the typical few years before this conversation, Mr. Dorothea Henry Science Center and activity associated with a busy Insalaco and his wife, Marlene, provide significant investment in the beverage bottling facility. purchased a farm in Beaumont – a short Annual Fund and endowment for Behind him, the framed honorary drive from campus – as a summer home additional scholarship opportunities Doctor of Humane Letters degree he and he gradually learned more about for worthy students. received from Misericordia University in Luzerne County’s first four-year college. “Sandy is a long-time friend to 2015 hangs proudly on the wall, In 1998, Mr. Insalaco formally joined everyone in Northeastern occupying the center and most the Board of Trustees and he has Pennsylvania,’’ says Misericordia prominent location in the stately office. remained an active force for the University President Thomas J. Among the various files and day-to-day institution ever since, even as a trustee Botzman, Ph.D. “He often speaks work organized neatly on his desk, lays emeritus today. “People will repeat about how education is the key to a a file for the Now for Tomorrow pleasant experiences and they will not successful future. With his late wife, Campaign for Misericordia University. repeat unpleasant ones,’’ Mr. Insalaco Marlene, he has been a driving force in By any definition, Mr. Insalaco is a says, explaining why he continues to the philanthropic community. He has successful entrepreneur, but he also is be a strong advocate for Misericordia been a tireless contributor to the Now an ardent philanthropist who supports and its mission. “I got more out of for Tomorrow Campaign, working to the arts, higher education and other Misericordia than I ever gave. I made involve others in support of the Henry community-wide initiatives that improve high-quality friends there; the best Science Center and the creation of the lives of countless people. people you can possibly find.’’ additional student aid endowment.’’ Take Misericordia University, for Mr. Insalaco and Mary Hudack example. The late and prominent Erwine ’90, ’92 of Shavertown, Pa., are Continued on page 47 22 for

A lifetime making a difference Alumna and Trustee Mary Hudack Erwine co-chairs ‘Now for Tomorrow’ Campaign

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

t is a simple message, but one she and meet the goal of starting my delivers almost daily to nursing business,’’ says Mrs. Erwine, reflecting professionals and students alike at upon her academic career. “I feel I had Mary Hudack Erwine ‘90, ‘92 Erwine Home Health and Hospice, the confidence and expertise after my and her husband, Allen. Inc.: “Make a difference.’’ The years at Misericordia to do what I advice is subjective, for sure, but it wanted to do.’’ and Sandy Insalaco, Sr., of Wilkes-Barre, Ialso reveals the map Mary Hudack Erwine Home Health and Hospice, Pa., are the co-chairs of the Now for Erwine ’90, ’92 has followed Inc., was established as a small home Tomorrow Campaign, the largest in the successfully for most of her life. health agency in 1993 that catered to institution’s 94-year history. The $30 “It is very rewarding to know that you the personal attention Mrs. Erwine grew million campaign will support have made a difference in someone’s fond of as a student at Misericordia. construction of the new $35 million life,’’ says Mrs. Erwine, reflecting back She added the Private Duty Health Care Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science on the start and growth of her business. Division in 1995, before adding hospice Center, and provide significant “I say that to every staff member still services in 2004. investment in the Annual Fund and today. Any nurse can make a visit to a Today, Mrs. Erwine is the president of endowment for additional scholarship patient, but it is important that you a burgeoning business and a trustee who opportunities for worthy students. make a difference.’’ became the first Misericordia graduate “Both Sandy and I really appreciate That philosophical approach to life has to name a building on campus. Mary & the support of the business leaders in enabled the mother, grandmother, wife, Allen Erwine Hall and Erwine Nursing the area. I think they also understand entrepreneur and benefactor to fulfill her Laboratory in John J. Passan Hall are the importance of the science building,’’ goals in many ways. At Misericordia examples of the couple’s benevolence Mrs. Erwine says. “This campaign is so University, for example, she is an active and enthusiasm for Misericordia’s important, not only to attract good trustee, leader and philanthropist who mission and founding charisms. students, but to continue to keep works to ensure that her alma mater “The Religious Sisters of Mercy tuition low. We knew that we had to meets the needs of tomorrow’s students, founded Misericordia with the ideals of work hard.’’ much as it did when she earned her Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality,” The Erwines have been generous Bachelor of Science and Master of she says. “They are not just words on friends of the institution since 1998, Science degrees in nursing. paper. You can feel it throughout the supporting various capital campaigns “Misericordia gave me the campus community.’’ confidence to move forward in my life Mrs. Erwine of Kingston Twp., Pa., Continued on page 27 23 for

The University completed infrastructure projects during the spring and summer in preparation for the groundbreaking of the Henry Science Center in spring 2019. Turn to page 20 for complete information about campus construction projects. MAKING HISTORY Historic gift to Henry Science Center fuels ‘Now for Tomorrow’ Campaign By Marianne Tucker Puhalla

Scholarship recipient Sarah Sporko ’19 poses for a picture at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum in McDade Park, Scranton, Pa. Turn to page 27 to find out how 24 scholarship opportunities support Misericordia students’ dreams of earning a college degree. for

ith an unprecedented donation, the The needs of the University included more than just a late Frank M. Henry made an indelible mark on the history science center. of Misericordia University. He provided the lead gift to help “You cannot stop working on the endowment, scholarships what began as a small, liberal arts college take on a or Annual Fund because you have to build a science building. WUniversity-sized challenge – Now for Tomorrow – the largest The campaign needed to be all encompassing,” he adds, fundraising campaign in the institution’s 94-year history. while looking out over campus from his office on the first Light years beyond what any of the founding Religious floor of Mercy Hall. “Even though only half of the money Sisters of Mercy may have imagined, his gift is designated being raised is for the science center, it has been exciting for toward construction of what the University will proudly call me to see the alumni of the University get it – they see the the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center. The gift many needs. They know Misericordia is really, really good, has gone a long way to help the University wrap its arms but they want it to be better. around the Now for Tomorrow Campaign and launch it “They have stepped to the plate and over performed, in toward its historic $30 million goal. my opinion, not only for the Now for Tomorrow Campaign, Nearly five years in the making, the Now for but to help rebuild the Arch, and so much more,” Tomorrow Campaign will allow the University to President Botzman adds. address three priorities: $15 million for construction Despite having surpassed the $15 million goal of and equipment for the critically needed Frank M. and the Leading from the Heart Campaign that Dorothea Henry Science Center; $12 million supported construction of Sandy and Marlene dedicated to increase endowed scholarship funding, Insalaco Hall in 2009, Helwig agrees that a and $3 million to support the Misericordia Annual campaign twice the size of any done before is a Fund, providing the administration the daunting challenge. “Once we got ability to move quickly on opportunities to approval from the Board of Trustees, we better the University. dove in head-first, and I am happy to say, With more than $26 million pledged “Being able to name ‘So far, so good.’ The University has many during what is known as the silent phase, generous friends and alumni who are the University kicked-off the community the building in their stepping forward in the most exciting phase of the campaign at the Discover ways,” she says. Tomorrow Today Trustee Associates Gala honor gave us a What has really helped drive the on Sept. 8. campaign is the lead gift from Mr. Henry. The campus transformation is already “Being able to name the building in their taking place. New roads are being built, remarkable start.” honor gave us a remarkable start,’’ Helwig parking lots reconfigured, and acknowledges. “Equally important is the infrastructure set in place, as the dream of Sue Helwig, M.A. 100-percent participation of the Board of a new science center at Misericordia Vice President, Trustees and the science faculty – which University moves closer to a reality. University Advancement sends a message that what we are doing is Each load of dirt hoisted by a pay loader not only good for current and future represents weeks, months and years of students, but it is good for the community work behind the scenes by campaign and the region.” co-chairs, alumna Mary Hudack Erwine, ’90, ’92, president Helwig emphasizes that the next year may be the most of Erwine Home Health and Hospice, Inc., and Trustee critical in the campaign, as she and her team bring the Emeritus Sandy Insalaco, Sr., chairperson of US Hydrations. campaign to goal and beyond. “We need everyone’s help They have been working in tandem with President Thomas to bring this to closure,” says the veteran fundraiser, who J. Botzman, Ph.D., and Vice President Sue Helwig, M.A., was named the 2009 Outstanding Fundraising Professional and her University Advancement team to tackle the by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the monumental fundraising effort. Association of Fundraising Professionals. “At this stage in President Botzman candidly admits that there was a good the campaign, every single dollar counts.” amount of consternation over starting a campaign so close She speaks from experience, as her career accomplishments to the Great Recession of 2008. “When we first started the include raising more than $100 million from both the private behind-the-scenes planning in 2013, we were not anywhere and public sectors. Fresh off a record year for alumni giving, near over the aftereffects of the downturn of 2008-09. To Helwig‘s efforts have exponentially increased alumni giving at be launching a campaign when people were just starting to Misericordia during her tenure and placed the University in the rebuild economic success was going to be extremely top 10 percent nationally for alumni participation every year challenging. Adding to that was the uncertainty about for the past two decades. where the tax laws would go regarding donations,” In addition to traditional solicitations, she and the President Botzman explains. “Yet, there was no doubt in University’s government, corporate and foundation relations any of our minds that a science center was needed – that a campaign had to be done.” Continued on next page 25 for

e Impact of Climate Change on Society Lecture Series 2018 Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences

September 20 misericordia hosted the Impact of Climate Change on Society The Trustee Lecture Series – Rachel Carson’s Environmental Legacy for Associates Gala featured a Today, lecture presented by Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow science theme. Robert K. Musil, Ph.D., M.P.H., president and CEO of the Rachel Carson Council. Dr. Musil discussed how Rachel Carson developed her love of nature, writing, and social responsibility growing up in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, Campaign: MAKING HISTORY and how Carson’s later education in marine biology and her exposure to the wider world of scientists, environmental Continued from previous page leaders, civil rights figures, and more led her to develop an environmental ethic that embraces empathy, feeling, and team, headed by Larry Pelligrini, associate vice president of University Advancement, are working tirelessly to secure respect for all life, in addition to scientific credibility. He also additional gifts and grants to fill the Henry Science Center discussed how the Rachel Carson Council carries on Carson’s labs with state-of-the-art equipment. legacy with work on climate and environmental justice, “More than just a working title, this campaign really including efforts to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to represents giving to Misericordia now for tomorrow,” an economy based on renewable energy. Helwig adds. “In addition to providing a technology savvy science center, and supporting the Annual Fund, it also will Upcoming Events strengthen our endowment – imperative to Misericordia’s OCtOber 22 long-term financial health. If successful, this campaign will e Impact of Climate Change on Society Lecture Series – help raise the endowment to $55 million, up from $6.3 Finding the Good News on Energy, Environment, and the million in 1999.” Economy, a lecture by Richard Alley, Ph.D., Evan Pugh A stronger endowment will allow the University to increase need-based financial aid to well-qualified students Professor of Geosciences at Penn State University. He will who would otherwise be unable to afford a Misericordia discuss the efficient use of energy and the impact it has on the education. “Nearly 99 percent of our students receive some climate, environment and future generations. Misericordia form of financial aid, with the average student receiving University and the Soyka Fund for the Humanities are scholarships and grants of $11,500,” Helwig says. sponsoring the program. 7 p.m., McGowan Room, “Reaching our endowment goal will generate greater Bevevino Library. For information, contact: Rita Molino, annual interest and will allow Misericordia to help hundreds [email protected], (570) 674-8184. of new students every year.” Making note of Misericordia’s 94th anniversary on Sept. 24, NOvember 14 the president says he has called upon the Sisters of Mercy for e Impact of Climate Change on Society Lecture Series – inspiration throughout his first campaign. “During the early As a Society, What Can We Do about Climate Change?, a days, the founding Sisters often found themselves praying lecture by Charlie Cray, political and business strategist for that a donation would come at the right time to keep the Greenpeace U.S.A., based in Washington, D.C. Cray will place running. Luckily, it worked and those days of that kind of worry are behind us,” he says. “As we take a giant stride discuss the solutions to climate change and how to achieve into the future, we have great academic programs, great them at the corporate, university and social level. Misericordia people and a wonderful mission. Best of all, we have great University and the Soyka Fund for the Humanities are friends and supporters willing to help. And thanks to the sponsoring the program. 7 p.m., Huntzinger and Alden Trust Sisters, we know we have the power of prayer on our side.” Rooms 218-219, Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall. For information, contact Scott Blanchard, Ph.D., professor, For information about the campaign, please go to English, [email protected], (570) 674-6424, or nft.misericordia.edu and click on the Give Now for Rita Molino, [email protected], (570) 674-8184. Tomorrow link. 26 for

Scholarship recipient preserves region’s mining history By Marianne Tucker Puhalla

SCRANTON, Pa. – Sarah Sporko ’19 chose Misericordia Sarah Sporko ’19 has University because of the opportunity it afforded her to pair a dual majors in history bachelor’s degree in government, law and national security and government, law and national security. with one in history. e dual major has given her historical perspective on issues of government and law, as she looks ahead to a career in public policy once she graduates in weeklong, collegiate December 2019. leadership program A Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow, she spent 10 weeks in Pittsburgh, Pa., as a digital archives researcher at the Pennsylvania Anthracite encourages college-aged Heritage Museum in McDade Park. Her work to help the museum women to become prepare for an upcoming photography exhibit included research politically active and take and writing about the photos and photographers that will be on on leadership roles in display. Her paid research fellowship was under the direction of politics and government. Jennifer Black, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of A graduate of Holy History at Misericordia University, and Bode Morin, the museum’s Cross High School, site administrator. Sporko says the fact “I come from a mining family. My great-grandfather was a that she receives three miner, so I am particularly excited to be able to work with the endowed scholarships at Anthracite Museum to help preserve this area’s mining history,” Misericordia makes it possible for her to attend the University. Sporko says. Although the fellowship program ended in August, “It is important to me that the University recognized me for she plans to continue working to “see the project through” until my values and the work I did growing up and in high school. the exhibit’s anticipated opening in November. Without the scholarships, I am not sure I would be on a path Sporko also was selected to participate in the New to achieving my goals,” she says. Leadership Pennsylvania Summer Institute in June. Sponsored Sporko is one of more than 180 students who received by the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics, the endowed scholarships in the 2017-18 academic year.

Mary Hudack Erwine presented her with the Benefactor Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., says. “In her Award in 2004. One year later, she spare time – and she has no spare time Continued from page 23 received the Spirit of Business and – Mary is a strong contributor to the Industry Award from the Arthritis community.’’ and other programs. “You want to Foundation in recognition of her work Mrs. Erwine also has served or continue to be a part of the in the fields of health promotion, continues to serve on boards in the area Misericordia community (long after advocacy and community service. that have a civic mission, including Blue graduation),’’ she says. The Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, “I felt that I got so much from Commerce presented Erwine Home F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Misericordia when I was here that I Health and Hospice with the Small Arts, Leadership Wilkes-Barre, didn’t want to leave and I wanted to be Business of the Year Award in 2006, Northeastern Pennsylvania Regional a part of Misericordia and help where I while Mrs. Erwine was named one of Cancer Institute, Osterhout Library, could,’’ Mrs. Erwine adds. “It is like the Great Women of Northeastern PNC Advisory Board, St. Vincent de family – you cannot be away for too Pennsylvania by the Times Leader Paul Kitchen, and the President’s long. It is a place where something newspaper in 2012. For exemplifying Council of Wyoming Seminary. good is always happening.’’ extraordinary spirit of service to others In 2005, Misericordia presented Mrs. In the greater community, the Erwines in the community, the Salvation Army Erwine with the Distinguished Career in take the same approach to helping presented Mr. and Mrs. Erwine with the Nursing Administration Award. others. Mrs. Erwine received the Others Award. “Misericordia is unique,’’ Mrs. Erwine Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of “Mary’s caring nature and states. “Everybody is an individual; Commerce Athena Award in 2002 in thoughtfulness have touched countless everyone gets the attention they recognition of helping women reach families in the Wyoming Valley as they deserve. It is not too big; you have that their full potential. The Greater move through difficult times,’’ one-on-one if you need it, and you do Wilkes-Barre Association of the Blind Misericordia University President not feel as if you are a number.’’ 27 John & Mary Metz Field House for is named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Metz and their children, John Jr., Jeff and Maureen. GIVING

Understanding the keys to success University honors longtime Trustee John C. Metz, Sr., with Founders Medal

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

hose who know John C. very valuable service for the elderly has demonstrated steadfast support Metz, Sr., best use many and homebound of the community,’’ and commitment to the mission, as superlatives when describing he added. “I am confident that her well as unwavering loyalty to the core the person, entrepreneur witness made John truly care about all values of the Sisters of Mercy,’’ she and philanthropist. the other needy causes he and Mary said, elaborating on his service. “I The husband, father, have supported over the years and have always been inspired by his Tgrandfather and armed services veteran continue to support.’’ leadership skills, professional integrity has built a legacy based on service to and welcoming spirit.’’ others. Whether he is ensuring “Go-getter,’’ though, is the way professional opportunities for his “I have always been Trustee Emeritus Sandy Insalaco, Sr., 7,000 employees in 19 states or good would describe his former colleague. dining experiences for his countless inspired by his “John does not only see opportunities, customers, Mr. Metz knows the route leadership skills, but also has the drive to make the to success begins with people. most out of them,’’ said Mr. Insalaco, The word, “caring,’’ quickly comes professional integrity who served on the Board from to mind for Monsignor John Bendik 1998-2014.”Look at his business when describing his colleague on the and welcoming spirit.” career and you will see that he has Misericordia University Board of done this over-and-over again several Trustees. “John cares very much,’’ said – Deborah Smith-Mileski ‘75 times. He is a risk taker, but mitigated the retired pastor of St. John the the risk with hard work.’’ Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in The Metz name, though, also has Pittston, Pa., and a fellow Trustee since been synonymous with good food, 1994. “When I arrived in Pittston in quality service and hospitality since 1996, one of the first people I met was Trustee Deborah Smith-Mileski ’75, the family’s patriarch founded Custom his mother-in-law, Marie Lauck. She D.Ed., the vice chairperson of the Management Corporation in Kingston, was one of the most faithful volunteers Board of Trustees since June 2015, Pa., in 1967. Through the years, and promoters of Meals on Wheels. uses “dedication,’’ to describe Mr. the food service management “John and Mary (Metz) were very Metz. “Throughout his distinguished professional grew the family business supportive of her commitment to this tenure on the Board of Trustees, John from a small regional provider into 28 for GIVING

a national leader and innovator in all the sports programs that have Associates Gala in September at the the hyper-competitive industry. consistently done so well. Beaumont Inn. The Founders Medal is Today, Mr. Metz is executive “Mary and I, along with our sons, one of the highest honors bestowed chairperson of Metz Culinary John and Jeff, and daughter, Maureen, by Misericordia, as trustees award it Management, headquartered in see this as a great way for us to be a only when merited. Dallas, Pa., while his son, Jeff, is part of this historic event and to “John Metz served 30 years on president and CEO and his daughter, continue our steadfast support of our Board of Trustees,’’ Misericordia Maureen, is the executive vice Misericordia and the Religious Sisters University President Thomas J. Botzman, president. The family-driven company of Mercy,’’ he added. Ph.D., said. “During that time, he has had provides food management services to Mr. Metz and his family have many roles, including a term as Board corporate, health care, school district supported numerous other capital Chair, and has supported a number of and higher education clients. In campaigns and programs on campus forward-looking improvements to the addition, Metz Culinary Management throughout the years, including physical plant and campus programs.’’ owns and operates numerous Leading from the Heart, Pursuit of Mr. Metz is also very active in his franchises, including T.G.I. Friday’s, Acclamation and Now for Tomorrow. community and profession. He is a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Wolfgang They also supported dozens of trustee of the National Restaurant Puck Express, Lucky’s Sporthouse University programs and initiatives, Association’s Education Foundation and more. such as the Ruth Matthews Bourger and a member of the state Restaurant The national reputation Mr. Metz and Metz Culinary Management developed began somewhat at Misericordia University, according to Mr. Metz. Oftentimes, the soft-spoken community and business leader has given credit to the Religious Sisters of Mercy for giving him and his fledgling business an opportunity to provide dining services at the Back Mountain college when he began his first business. Misericordia also would not be where it is today without the leadership, vision and generosity of Mr. Metz, as a longtime Trustee and benefactor. Much like Mr. Metz’s business venture, the institution matured from a regional college to a regionally acclaimed and nationally recognized University during his tenure. Mr. Metz retired from the Board of Trustees in June and assumed emeritus status after serving 30 years. The Board of Trustees presented John C. Metz, Sr., with the Founders Medal at the annual His tenure has left an indelible mark Trustee Associates Gala. John and Mary Metz have been ardent supporters of the institution. on the institution in almost all facets of campus and academic life. In Women with Children Program, Association. He previously served as athletics, he and his family supported athletics and endowed scholarships. the board director of the National construction of the 21,750-square-foot Misericordia recognized Mr. and Restaurant Association and member John & Mary Metz Field House Mrs. Metz for their benevolence in of the Board of Overseers for in 2012. The Metz family also 2002 by awarding the couple the Harvard University. spearheaded renovations to John Trustee Associates Award. Friends of In 2013, the Boy Scouts of America and Mary Metz Dining Hall and the the University who have demonstrated presented him with the Distinguished Cougars Den in 2010 and 2012. outstanding dedication, service and Citizens Award and the local “I feel strongly that the new field generous support are eligible to Association for the Blind honored him house is a part of a momentous time in receive the award. with the Distinguished Community Misericordia history,’’ Mr. Metz said at The Board of Trustees honored his Service Award. The Greater the field house’s dedication in philanthropy and leadership by Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce September 2012. “It will provide awarding Mr. Metz the prestigious awarded him the Distinguished Citizen support for the new football team and Founders Medal at the annual Trustee Award in 2014. 29 Students spend time for together in Frank and

G Dorothea Henry Student Lounge. N I V I G

A lifetime of benevolence Trustees honor the late Frank M. Henry with the Founders Medal

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

ILKES-BARRE, Pa. – services in Florida, , New Center has helped countless cancer Outside the executive Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia patients and their loved ones since it offices of the Martz and Washington, D.C., via the Gold opened in 1992 and expanded in 2009. Group in the city, Line, National Coach Works, First Class The Misericordia University Board of subtle reminders Coach and Martz Trailways companies. Trustees honored Frank and Dorothea decorate the hallways, Mr. Henry used the same Henry in 2014 by presenting them with Woffering a glimpse into the historic past transformative approach with his motor the Trustee Associates Award for the of the transportation company and its coach companies to address the needs their philanthropy, leadership and civic-minded approach to the of his community. He invested his time, overall dedication to maintaining and communities it serves. strengthening the Catholic Models of classic buses and institution’s mission of fostering black-and-white photographs in a intellectual curiosity, critical glass display case show where the thinking, and respect for people in company has been, while framed an environment where all are citations from the Wilkes-Barre welcome. The Frank and Dorothea Family YMCA, Salvation Army, Henry Student Lounge bears the Geisinger Medical Center and couple’s name in recognition of others acknowledge the corporate their benevolence. and family commitment to The family’s affinity with Luzerne Northeastern Pennsylvania. Henry Student Lounge County’s first four-year college, At the heart of the family-owned though, began in 1980 with the late company and philanthropic spirit was talent and treasure in quality of life Dorothea Henry’s appointment to the Frank M. Henry, chairperson emeritus, issues that touched everyone. The Board of Trustees, where she served who guided and grew the business as Council for Advancement and Support until 1986. The couple’s daughter, CEO since 1964. Founded in 1908 by of Education, for example, presented Marjorie Henry Marquart ’85, has been his grandfather, Frank Martz, Sr., in Mr. Henry with the Seymour Preston serving her alma mater as a trustee Plymouth, Pa., the Martz Group is a fifth Award in 2000. The Frank M. & since 2013. generation, family-operated business Dorothea Henry Cancer Center at The relationship they forged with that provides a variety of transportation Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Misericordia and its vital role in the 30 for GIVING

region’s success made it an easy the finest natural sciences facility in the The Founders Medal is one of decision to invest in the college’s future. region to our students for general the highest honors bestowed by In an interview with Mr. Henry shortly education, science majors, and health Misericordia, as the trustees award before his death in June, he shared his sciences courses.’’ it only when merited. rationale for providing the lead gift to Misericordia University and the Board “We like doing things in a quiet way,’’ the capital campaign. “I live here, my of Trustees posthumously recognized Mr. Mr. Henry added, responding to his family was raised here, and I feel you Henry’s generosity and commitment to feelings of having the family name adorn should always give back to the the institution by awarding him the the future state-of-the-art academic community you belong to,’’ Mr. Henry Founders Medal at the Trustee building. “When you are born and raised said. “Misericordia is a great place and Associates Gala at the Beaumont Inn in here – and the community has been very it makes sense for us to help the Dallas, Pa., on Sept. 8. Trustee Marjorie good to us – if there is anything we can University continue to grow.’’ Henry Marquart ’85 and her brother, do to help the community we want to do Mr. Henry was the first major Scott E. Henry, gratefully accepted the it – and supporting Misericordia is benefactor to commit his support to the award on behalf of their father and family. another way of doing it.’’ Now for Tomorrow Campaign, the largest campaign in Misericordia’s rich 94-year history. The campaign will support construction of the new $35 Frank M. Henry, at left, million Frank M. and Dorothea Henry with his late wife, Science Center, and provide significant Dorothea, was honored posthumously at the investment in the Annual Fund and Trustee Associates Gala endowment for additional scholarship with the Founders opportunities for worthy students. Medal. Presenting and “Misericordia serves an important accepting the award, purpose for young men and women. It below from left, are President Botzman, gives them something they can afford in Scott E. Henry, Trustee our area, while also giving them a very Marjorie Henry well respected education,’’ said Mr. Marquart ’85, Trustee Henry. “It’s another major part of the Harold E. Flack, II and education you can receive locally that Trustee Christopher L. Borton, chairperson, otherwise you would have to travel to Board of Trustees. attain. Financially, you can do it here. “It produces another feather in the hat (of the area) by providing an opportunity for young people to advance themselves,’’ added the Wilkes-Barre native and graduate of Wyoming Seminary and Yale University. Misericordia University plans to break ground on the new 52,000-square-foot Henry Science Center in spring 2019 and complete it in summer 2020. Refurbishing the existing 28,500-square-foot wing is FOUNDERS MEDAL planned to begin in June 2020 with The Misericordia University Board of Trustees established work expected to last into summer the Founders Medal in 2002 in order to recognize 2021. Together, the two structures will philanthropic gifts that significantly transform Misericordia’s form the new state-of-the-art Frank M. ability to serve its students and advance the mission of its and Dorothea Henry Science Center. founders, the Religious Sisters of Mercy. A selection “It is fitting that our newest committee chooses the recipients based on merit. The Founders Medal has been awarded to the following: academic building will be named the 1. Dr. Robert Anderson – 2002 Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science 2. Frank Bevevino – 2003 Center,’’ said Misericordia University 3. Sandy and Marlene Insalaco – 2006 President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. 4. The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund – 2008 “The Henry family has long been a 5. Brenda Blythe Trust – 2014 prominent supporter of services to 6. Frank M. Henry – 2018 others. The science center will provide 7. John C. Metz, Sr. – 2018 31 for

BUILDING for the FUTURE The Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center will provide endless possibilities for learning and discovery in the sciences

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

he question was simple, but one that resonates As Misericordia examined the future of learning and with faculty members in the natural sciences discovery in the sciences, it became overwhelmingly clear to this day, according to Assistant Professor the University must advance its science facilities to meet the Anna Fedor, Ph.D., chairperson of the demands of the 21st-century model of learner-based and Misericordia University Department of Chemistry discovery-based teaching, which requires a mix of modern and Biochemistry. laboratories, technologies and learning spaces. T“What can we do to improve the information on the research To accomplish this essential goal, the University publicly posters in the science building?” Dr. Fedor says, recalling the launched the Now for Tomorrow Campaign on Sept. 8 question Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., asked early in his during the annual Trustee Associates Gala at the Beaumont presidency while touring the science hall in 2013. Inn. The largest campaign in the institution’s history will This inquiry, though, was different, she says. Shortly support construction of the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry after making note of their research efforts, faculty and Science Center and provide significant investment in the administration began discussions about growing exploration Annual Fund and endowment for additional scholarship opportunities for students and faculty, alike. Those talks opportunities for worthy students. yielded the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship “As Dr. Botzman began his tenure as the 13th president (SURF) Program, which began in 2014. It marked the point of Misericordia, he was given the charge to lead the crusade where the University began investing significant time, talent to enhance the science facilities,’’ Christopher L. Borton, and resources in scientific research, scholarly work and chairperson of the Board of Trustees, says. “With the full additional one-on-one mentoring. support of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Botzman, administration, “I really saw that he (Dr. Botzman) was focused on faculty, and staff have come together to make the Henry improving faculty-student research projects,’’ says Dr. Fedor, Science Center a reality.’’ who began teaching at Misericordia in 2008. Throughout the spring and summer, preparations for the While SURF has been a success overall – 118 students groundbreaking in 2019 transformed the campus’ landscape, and 68 faculty members have collaborated on 79 unique gradually unveiling the overall impact the largest construction projects since its inception – it also illuminated the project in the school’s history will have on the campus. limitations of the science facilities. Built in 1957 and “It is exciting to see something of this scope taking hold,’’ renovated in 1988, the existing building was designed SaraPresident Sabatino Botzman‘14 acknowledges, referring to infrastructure to accommodate 800 students on a campus now serving and site preparations for the new Henry Science Center. “It close to 3,000 students. is getting to the point where we can make this happen. 32 for

“The new building is going to open up a whole range of Building Design+Construction, a trade publication for the possibilities for us in interdisciplinary majors for different industry, recognized SLAM as one of the top collegiate kinds of academic programs and will show the world how architecture firms in the country. Most recently, SLAM has fantastic our students and faculty really are,’’ says President completed science facilities for Iowa State, University of Iowa, Botzman, who has been involved in the building and design SUNY Binghamton, University of Tennessee, Providence of four science facilities during his career in academia. “That College, Stonehill College and the University of Notre Dame. is cool. That feels good.’’ Principals at the firm have been working with key stakeholders on campus since 2014 to develop a science COLLABORATIVE APPROACH center that encourages collaboration among students and Once the Board of Trustees committed to the multi-year faculty within an interdisciplinary environment. Beginning project in June 2016, President Botzman’s administration used with a Programming and Planning Study, the architects a collaborative approach to assessing needs and designing a worked with the administration and faculty to assess the state-of-the-art facility that embodies the University’s existing facility and future space needs, which culminated commitment to advanced teaching technology and in a conceptual building design and target project budget. infrastructure, and lends itself to superior The design phase began in earnest in teaching, learning and research. 2016, yielding plans for state-of-the-art Faculty members in the Departments teaching laboratories, research of Biology, Chemistry-Biochemistry and laboratories, classrooms, flexible lecture Physics actively participated in the halls, faculty offices, seminar rooms, and selection of the architectural firm, the group study rooms. SLAM Collaborative, and project manager, The heart of the facility will be the Sordoni Construction, and helped to drive Science Center Commons, a generous the building design with deans, faculty, two-story space that forms the connection administrators and Trustees. between the new teaching wing and the “I would give the majority of the credit renovated research wing. The Commons to the faculty, easily and deservedly so,’’ will be a unique place on campus that President Botzman says, lauding their provides social space for the entire efforts in the design phase of the project. University in addition to collaborative space “They really did things smartly and for the users of the Henry Science Center. thought about ‘what is it we really want The University will realign Misericordia to do and what the long-term vision is.’ Way to pull the Henry Science Center into “The design is more functional for what the heart of campus by redirecting the is going to come – what we have not Dr. Botzman roadway behind the science center and thought of yet,’’ he adds. “I believe we creating green space between the got it about right. There are so many moving parts to doing existing wing and Mercy Hall to the west. Additionally, the something like this. The faculty worked with the architects new Henry Science Center addition will help complete the and there were things we thought we needed in there. The quadrangle formed by Alumnae Hall, Henry Student Lounge, faculty were both pragmatic and able to maintain the vision McGowan Hall, Banks Student Life Center, and Insalaco Hall. in good balance. The challenge was always to communicate “We do much more research than we used to do,’’ the and make sure we were on the same page.’’ president says. “The amount of student-faculty research Communication, collaboration – and compromise – played on this campus has gone from very limited support and an integral role in designing a premier facility that also is production to a solid amount. The faculty were ready to do affordable for a modern University that focuses on personal that: they needed facilities, they needed faculty, and they attention. When talk turned to research space versus needed resources to do it. teaching space, for example, the sides worked to achieve “Now there are enough faculty members and there is common ground. going to be a facility – all we have to do is finish raising the “All faculty have been participating in the process. That is resources and let them go at it,’’ he adds. the one common theme,’’ Dr. Fedor says. “We really came together and found compromise in balancing research and TEACHING, LEARNING & RESEARCH classroom space in the new building.’’ Misericordia University plans to break ground on the new Established in 1976, the SLAM Collaborative is a full-service three-story 52,000-square-foot wing in spring 2019 and architectural firm with offices in Atlanta, Ga.; Boston, Mass.; begin renovating the existing 28,500-square-foot wing in Glastonbury, Conn., and Syracuse, N.Y. The firm provides June 2020. Together, the structures will form the new Henry architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture, structural engineering, and construction services. In 2016, Continued on next page

Turn to page 20 for an update on construction projects. 33 for

Continued from previous page “As a researcher gets a grant or is pursuing a research project, they will use research bench space as it is available,’’ Science Center – the largest academic building on campus – explains Kemp A. Morhardt, A.I.A., principal at the SLAM and accelerate students and faculty to explore and achieve Collaborative. “Once the research project is completed that the next breakthrough. space becomes available – no researcher owns a space.’’ New construction, off the north side of the science Rich in technology, the Henry Science Center design will building, will take about 18 months and be complete in the provide a number of dedicated laboratories for specific areas summer of 2020. Completion of the renovations to the of study. An organic chemistry lab will be adjacent to the existing three-story wing is set for March 2021. The overall learning center dedicated to the nuclear magnetic resonance project is $35 million, with the new science center addition instrument, better known as an NMR. In addition, it will at $26.9 million, the renovation of the existing wing at $6.2 feature advanced chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, ecology, million, and site preparation work at $1.9 million. general biology, gross anatomy, microbiology, molecular The design of the Henry Science biology, physics and student-project Center puts science on display. A research laboratories, as well as a two-story tall glass curtain-wall on the 4,000-square-foot outdoor rain garden. north façade will permit views from the “This building is for the community,’’ quad into the teaching labs, as well as Dr. Fedor adds. “It is going to be a provide sweeping views out to campus building for the campus. Everybody is from within the labs. Generous amounts going to have a better experience – the of glass in the Commons provides entire campus benefits from it. It really abundant daylight and views through the just opens up the possibilities.’’ building from the main second floor level Various size classrooms, seminar entry, through to the science courtyard rooms and a teaching laboratory wing to the south. The use of brick, similar in add to the flexibility of the entire color to existing campus buildings, building’s design. Two large lecture-style provides an overall building composition classrooms seat 50 each and the existing that blends existing and new, and tiered lecture hall in the existing building complements the existing campus fabric. will be renovated to accommodate an The site design on the west completes “I always knew we would audience of 75. Three classrooms can the campus green space between accommodate up to 30 students each, a adjacent buildings and on the north get it done because our seminar room is available for up to 24 forms a generous front lawn adjacent to guests, and two seminar study rooms the quadrangle. The science courtyard students and faculty are available for up to 20 students. A on the south side includes features such large common area is located at the as an outdoor classroom, rain-garden for deserve the best.” intersection of the building’s two wings. managing storm water runoff and a new In addition, many of the laboratory greenhouse. – President Botzman workstations include computer monitors The theme of the new modern science tied to the main presentation wall. center, according to Heidi Manning, “Contemporary classrooms are Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and designed to be more flexible to allow for Sciences, is simple, but on point: ‘’You more contemporary pedagogy,’’ Dr. learn science by doing science and that informs the Manning says. “The building’s design will allow faculty to students,’’ she says. “They will be doing science in the guide students in learning and not simply pontificate from classrooms, in the formal laboratories and more the front of the classroom. It allows students to do more and independent research. sit less. They will be more engaged in their education.’’ The separate classroom and laboratory spaces will enable The design of the building incorporates sustainable research to continue throughout the year, and allow students best practices of the green building certification system. and faculty to engage in deeper investigations and permit Green aspects include daylighting into the laboratories, more students to experience scientific research firsthand. as the north-facing quad will capture daylight to save on “Instead of doing research off to the side in a teaching artificial lighting; LED lighting, and efficient boilers and laboratory, there will be dedicated space for students and mechanical systems. faculty research,’’ Dr. Manning says. “The dedicated “Next summer, we are just going to have this wave of ‘oh research space will contain the equipment and gosh, what are you doing?’’’ President Botzman adds. “This instrumentation necessary to conduct the research and allow is going to be something of great pride when it is done, but it to continue throughout the academic year.’’ it is going to be a long period of work to get there. I always A lot of the flexibility built into the Henry Science Center knew we would get it done because our students and is thanks to the modern concept of affinity-based research. faculty deserve the best.’’ 34 for A window of opportunity Dow Chemical Company donates nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy instrument for the new Henry Science Center

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

cientists use a nuclear The state-of-the-art instrument Researchers examining a pharmaceutical magnetic resonance (NMR) will enhance hands-on research drug’s impact on DNA or protein, for instrument to obtain opportunities for students and faculty. example, can watch the interaction in complex chemical Architects for the Frank M. and real time by doing experiments inside information about Dorothea Henry Science Center have the NMR. molecules. To Assistant dedicated a lab for the NMR, next to Although the donated NMR is not SProfessor of Chemistry John Morgan, the teaching organic chemistry new, the University can upgrade it as Ph.D., though, it is also an laboratory so students will have direct technology advances, unlike the current “indispensable’’ window into future access to it while making compounds. teaching NMR instrument. With regular opportunities for students and faculty. Most importantly, though, the maintenance, the donated NMR will “We are giving students direct Bruker Avance NMR is going to be a benefit generations of students. experience with this instrument that game changer for the natural sciences. “It’s really hard to overstate what this they are going to see in graduate Most recently, researchers who made instrument can do,’’ says Dr. Morgan, school or industry,’’ Dr. Morgan says, new molecules in organic and adding how NMR data is utilized by explaining the inorganic chemistry had to wait days the chemical industry, academia and importance of the or even weeks to confirm success government agencies. “Everything from University acquiring because they utilized an NMR off identifying substances at a crime scene the Bruker Avance campus. Once the NMR goes online to developing next-generation fuels has 300 MHz UltraShield at Misericordia, it can almost NMR technology at its core. Even MRI NMR. “Experience is instantaneously confirm if researchers imaging is NMR applied to visualizing invaluable to an prepared the right molecules. the human body. New applications for employer, as they “It gives us the chemical fingerprint NMR are developed every day. It is an want new hires to of what we’re working with,’’ he says. ever-improving chemical tool going Dr. Morgan walk into a lab and “Having a modern instrument is going forward into the future.’’ quickly come up to speed. Our hands- to allow us to get that data, suitable In the meantime, the architects, on training with this NMR is a big part for publishing in top research journals engineers and faculty designing the of that essential preparation.’’ with Misericordia student co-authors.’’ Henry Science Center are making Dow Chemical Company donated While the entire field of chemical sure this ultramodern instrument the more than $200,000 instrument to synthesis at MU will be cutting-edge, it will be the centerpiece of the new Misericordia after Dr. Morgan also will provide student researchers academic building. A window in the contacted a former colleague at the with real-time or near-instantaneous hallway will provide campus visitors company. Decommissioned in results for various biochemical or and students a glimpse into the world September 2018, the instrument will medicinal chemistry experiments. of high-tech analysis. be carefully stored until the first phase of the science center opens. Dr. Morgan says he cannot Get to Know: overestimate the importance of the John Morgan, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, holds a doctorate NMR to the entire curriculum, as in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology. The advisor for his chemistry and biochemistry students in thesis, Professor Robert H. Grubbs, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in every chemistry course are going to 2005, and Dr. Morgan’s graduate work contributed in part to the award. utilize the instrument and be able to He received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry with high honors from do their own analyses. Haverford College in 1997. Dr. Morgan also completed industrial and “Here is a ‘window’ to what we have academic postdoctoral appointments with British Petroleum in London been telling you in lectures,’’ says Dr. in 2003 and at the University of Maryland with Professor Michael P. Doyle Morgan. “Here you can see chemistry from 2003-05. happen right before your eyes.’’ 35 “This campaign and science building keep Misericordia’s focus on its students by creating a better education and new avenues for innovation.”

– Trustee Jonathan A. Brassington ’95 Frank M. and Dorothea Henry 1ST FLOOR 2ND FLOOR 3RD FLOOR New Wing New Wing Room key SCIENCE CENTER Room key 01 Vivarium 15 Group Room New Wing Fast Facts 02 Field Prep 16 Catering 39 Lab Meeting 46 Histology Lab 03 Aquarium 17 Mechanical 40 Organic Chemistry Lab 47 Advanced Chemistry Lab The 80,500-square-foot Frank M. 04 Ecology Lab 18 Build Lab 41 Nuclear Magnetic 48 Write Up/Break Out Room for and Dorothea Henry Science Center Existing Wing Resonance Room 49 Cold Room contains the following: 05 Microscopy Suite 19 Storage 06 Gross Anatomy Suite 20 Flex Lab 42 General Chemistry 50 Ecology Microscopy I Laboratories: 16 teaching labs Teaching Lab Research Lab The $35 million Frank M. and Dorothea 07 Autoclave 21 Flex Lab and 9 research labs 43 Molecular Biology 51 Instrumentation Lab Henry Science Center meets the demands of 08 Electrical 22 Lab Prep Teaching Lab I Classrooms: 7 3-D RENDERING 52 Growth Chambers the 21st-century model of learner-based and 09 Loading 23 Research Lab 44 Tissue Culture Lab 53 Advanced Cell and I 10 Green House 24 Atomic Force discovery-based teaching with a mix of modern Group study rooms: 2, plus 45 Biochem Lab Molecular Protein Lab 11 Green House Support Microscope Lab laboratories, technologies and learning spaces. 9 break out areas including large commons on 1st floor 12 Conference Room 25 Meeting Room The University will break ground on the 13 Vending Area 26 Classroom new three-story 52,000-square-foot wing in I Faculty offices: 23, plus 14 Commons Room key spring 2019 and begin renovating the existing 1 administrative office and faculty workroom 27 Office Existing Wing 28,500-square-foot wing in 2020. Together, 28 Micro-Biology Teaching Lab the structures will form the largest academic I Conference Rooms: 3 Existing Wing 29 General Biology Teaching Lab building on campus – and accelerate students 30 Anatomy & Physiology Teaching Lab and faculty to explore and achieve the next 31 Break Out Room New Wing breakthrough in science. About the architect 32 Administrative Office The SLAM Collaborative designed the Frank M. 33 Mailroom and Dorothea Henry Science Center. Established 34 Lecture Hall Classroom in 1976, the SLAM Collaborative is a full-service 35 Student Project Research Lab architectural firm with offices in Atlanta, Ga.; Boston, Mass.; Glastonbury, Conn., and Syracuse, 36 Computational Break Out Room N.Y. The firm provides architecture, interior 37 Seminar/Computer Lab New Wing design, planning, landscape architecture, 38 Projector Room structural engineering, and construction services. New Wing In 2016, Building Design+Construction, a Existing Wing trade publication for the industry, recognized SLAM as one of the top collegiate architecture Existing Wing firms in the country. Most recently, SLAM completed science facilities for Iowa State, University of Iowa, SUNY Binghamton, University of Tennessee, Providence College, Stonehill College and the University 3-D RENDERING 3-D RENDERING of Notre Dame. Existing Wing 37 40 for

LOOKING FORWARD Science faculty unanimously supports ‘Now for Tomorrow’ Campaign and heralds benefits of new Henry Science Center

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

ith 160 years of teaching at Misericordia Heidi Manning, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and University between them, it is no surprise that Sciences, believes the new science center will open up the 16 members of the sciences faculty and additional opportunities for students and faculty, alike. their dean are the most eager to see work “Our faculty are beyond excited for the new building and commence on the new Frank M. and for what it will do for our students, particularly how we can Dorothea Henry Science Center. Not only better educate them,” says Dr. Manning. “Seeing new Whave they been vocal advocates of the critical need for roads being constructed and infrastructure put in place for expansion and repurposing of the existing wing of the science the new building makes it all very real. It has been a long hall, they have been integral in the planning and design of the time coming.” new facility. They also are championing the fundraising efforts The science hall was built in 1957 for an enrollment less by participating in the Now for Tomorrow Campaign. than one third of what it is today. “Years ago, undergraduate “The philanthropic support from the science faculty has been students were not doing the kinds of one-on-one research fabulous,” says Susan Helwig, M.S., vice president of University that our students and faculty are doing today,” says Dr. Advancement. “We went to them first since they Manning. “Research at the undergraduate level is now the are the ones who will most benefit from the new building, and norm, and labs are more sophisticated. This building is their financial support was unanimous and beyond what we something we need for all our students, including those in expected. It has made my team’s job (of asking others for the health and medical sciences that have foundational support) easier knowing they are all onboard.” classes in the natural sciences. 41 Looking ahead to construction of the new Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center are science faculty members, first row, from left, Nicola Edwards, Ph.D., assistant professor, chemistry; Grace Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor, biology; Charles Saladino, Ph.D., professor, chemistry; Cosima Wiese, Ph.D., associate professor, biology, and Beth Haas, Ph.D., assistant professor, chemistry; second row, Heidi Manning, Ph.D., dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Frank DiPino, Jr., Ph.D., professor, biology; Anthony Serino, Ph.D., associate professor, biology; Barbara McCraith, Ph.D., associate professor, biology; Larry Corpus, Ph.D., assistant professor, biology, and Colby Tanner, Ph.D., assistant professor, biology; third row, Francis P. Kelly, Ph.D., assistant professor, physics; Jeffrey Stephens, Ph.D., assistant professor, physics; John Morgan Ph.D., assistant professor, chemistry; Anna Fedor, Ph.D., assistant professor and chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Michael Orleski, Ph.D., associate professor and chair, Department of Physics. Absent from photo is Angela Asirvatham, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., associate professor and chair, Department of Biology.

project shepherd for the new science center. As such, he serves as liaison between science faculty and students and the planning and design team. “We began this process surveying the students, faculty and alumni to assess what they would like to see in the building, and that outline was given to the architects to use for development of the master plan,” says Dr. Serino. “I see my role as project shepherd making sure that those critical concepts are not lost and faculty and students are represented as the plans evolve. “I am incredibly proud of how all the science faculty have worked together as a group, listened to the architects, and been willing to compromise when needed to move this project forward. I do believe the current design, tightened somewhat to meet budgetary concerns, is better than our original concept. Everyone has been very cooperative; I am pleased at how well it has gone,” Dr. Serino added. “We have a mission statement in biology to incorporate more research into our curriculum and the Henry Science Center will allow us to do that,” says Dr. McCraith, who is looking forward to “We have great faculty and they do having dedicated research space outside great teaching despite the structure they the confines of a teaching classroom. “The have been working in. The new facility conditions we have been working in are will reflect and improve upon that high nothing short of challenging. Our students quality of teaching already found in our are fantastic and they are already doing classrooms and allow them to introduce fantastic things. But the ability to expand new pedagogy and ways of mentoring student-faculty research means even more and research,” she adds. opportunities for them to experience Of the eight science faculty members science, and share their findings at with 10 or more years of service to regional and national scientific meetings.” Misericordia, Frank DiPino, Jr., Ph.D., Dr. Manning With a new educational emphasis professor of biology, logs in with the worldwide on developing a Science, most seniority, having been a member of the faculty since Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) 1992. Barbara McCraith, Ph.D., associate professor of workforce, Dr. Manning explains the new and improved biology, joined the University in 1999, and Cosima Wiese, Henry Science Center will help Misericordia support that Ph.D., associate professor of biology, has been teaching on national need of more science graduates. “Simply stated, campus since 2001. Anthony Serino, Ph.D., associate we all agree that this new building is good for the University, professor of biology, is in his 16th year on the faculty and is the region and the nation.” for

SUPPORTING TOMORROW Trustees know successful capital campaign begins by setting an example for others

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

is official supervisory education they received,’’ says “I made a commitment to continue relationship with Monsignor Bendik, who served as to serve for one very important Misericordia did not begin chaplain from 1981-86. “It was because reason: Misericordia has always been until he became a Trustee in of the example of the truly dedicated faithful to its mission,’’ Monsignor 1994, but he had been and delightful Sisters of Mercy that I fell Bendik says. “The impact we have keenly aware of its mission in love with Misericordia. The Sisters made on our students and the people Hand academic reputation since he was embody the Heart of Mercy. They, they have served over the years is a young adult growing up in the along with our entire staff, instilled in astounding. It is for this reason I “Valley with a Heart.’’ our students a love for learning and a Today, Monsignor John J. Bendik is commitment to their future service as the larger-than-life retired pastor of St. health care professionals, educators, “I believe that as John the Evangelist business executives and many other Trustees, we have an Roman Catholic worthwhile careers. Church in Pittston, “Our graduates live the lessons they obligation and duty to Pa. Through the learned,” he adds. support the institution years, he has been More than two decades later, a popular guest Monsignor Bendik continues to guide as significantly as our speaker at the institution he admires so. That situations allow.” community events small regional college he fondly recalls and special programs, known as much is now a regionally acclaimed – Harold E. Flack, II for his sense of humor and booming University with national recognition belly laugh as his dedication to former that once again is aiming for more. parishioners and the institution of In September, the University launched higher education he has been the largest campaign in the institution’s associated with since 1981. 94-year history. The late Frank M. Henry encourage support for the Henry Monsignor Bendik became an provided the lead gift for the $30 Science Center as we continue to integral member of the campus million Now for Tomorrow Campaign, educate outstanding professionals to community when he served as campus which will support construction of the serve our community and nation.’’ chaplain. At the time, Misericordia was new $30 million Frank M. and Dorothea Over the years, Monsignor Bendik a small regional college in the early Henry Science Center, endowment for and his past and present colleagues on 1980s with grander aspirations. additional scholarship opportunities for the Board of Trustees have dedicated “Many of my high school classmates worthy students, and continued went to Misericordia and loved the investment in the Annual Fund. Continued on next page 43 for

Continued from previous page Harry Flack ’12, holds a bachelor’s mother, Margaret (Lukasavage) Borton degree in business administration from ’48 earned a Bachelor of Science in themselves to carefully guiding the Misericordia. His late brother, Charles home economics from MU. “While Catholic institution and ensuring they “Rusty” Flack, Jr., was an active member forces outside of the institution spawn do not miss an opportunity to position of the Board of Trustees from 1988-93 these challenges, the Board of Trustees the University for future success. The and 2000-09, while his wife, Kathi Flack, must address these issues and keep an leadership and generosity of the was an active member of the Ruth eye on the future direction, past 36-member Board has Misericordia Matthews Bourger Women with poised to address the future of Children Program’s Advisory Board. learning and discovery in the sciences “It is an honor for me to serve on “As an alumna, I am for generations to come in the form of the Board of Trustees,’’ says Mr. Flack, extremely proud – the Henry Science Center. who also established the Charles Flack Scholarship in his father’s memory. “I and quite honestly – MAKING A DIFFERENCE believe that as Trustees, we have an truly excited to witness ONE TRUSTEE AT A TIME obligation and duty to support the Trustee Harold E. Flack, II has known institution as significantly as our the ongoing growth about the Misericordia Way for more situations allow. It is important the of our campus ...” than 45 years. The philanthropist and University remain a high priority in successful businessperson, though, every Trustee’s philanthropic – Deborah Smith-Mileski ’75 initially observed it endeavors. It is our duty to lead by under less than example. Leading by example is ideal circumstances. something I learned from Frank Henry In 1972, the many years ago.’’ Wyoming Valley In recent years, Misericordia has traditions, and charisms of Mercy, and surrounding been fortunate to have continuity at Service, Justice and Hospitality. communities its highest level of leadership, as 17 “In this regard, I have been fortunate suffered billions of members of the Board of Trustees had to be a member of a Board of Trustees dollars in damages when Hurricane given a decade or more of service to that truly understands their role in Agnes caused the Susquehanna the institution as of the annual Board influencing the direction of the River to flood Northeastern meeting in June. University,’’ he adds. Pennsylvania communities. Trustees Deborah Smith-Mileski ’75, A retired educator from the An impressionable teenager in June D.Ed., and Christopher L. Borton have Wilkes-Barre Area School District, 1972, Mr. Flack still recalls his father, been working side-by-side as vice Dr. Smith-Mileski served countless Charlie, managing communications for chairperson and chairperson of the students as a certified school the Civil Defense, as evacuees and Board of Trustees since June 2015. psychologist and director of pupil medical patients arrived to the Under their services. Her intimate understanding emergency shelter and temporary leadership, the of what students need to grow hospital on campus. More than 1,000 alumna and personally and academically, and what people sought shelter on campus and entrepreneur knew her alma mater required to prepare Alumnae Hall became an auxiliary what was at stake these young adults for the next phase location for the former Nesbitt when talk turned to in their lives coalesced perfectly. Memorial Hospital. Fifty-two babies meeting the “Fully aware of the University’s were born on campus. demands of the educational mission, I believe the Board “Through that experience, he 21st-century model views the state-of-the-art facility as a (Charlie) gained an immense amount of of learner-based vitally important capstone campus respect for the Sisters of Mercy, their and discovery-based project that will afford our students many charisms and mission,’’ says Mr. Flack, teaching in the form opportunities to engage in challenging the former president of Diamond of modern research as well as benefit from Manufacturing and co-owner of laboratories, numerous and significant science-related Diamond Consolidated industries for technologies and experiences,’’ says Dr. Smith-Mileski, more than 30 years. “That is where our learning spaces. who holds a Bachelor of Science in connection with the institution began.’’ “Over the past decade, college and elementary education from Misericordia. That relationship has grown university boards across the nation have “As an alumna, I am extremely proud – exponentially since then. Mr. Flack’s been challenged with a myriad of issues and quite honestly – truly excited to wife, Jean (Payne) Flack ’81, ’82, has that have impacted institutions of higher witness the ongoing growth of our undergraduate degrees in nursing and education and ultimately generations of campus, inspired by the generosity of psychology, and the couple’s son, future leaders,’’ says Mr. Borton, whose Mr. Henry and countless donors. 44 for

“Most importantly, I am always education, language grateful that this University continues arts and social BOARD OF TRUSTEES to meaningfully impact the lives of studies at regional Michael Amory ’85 (2007-present) students, while remaining committed to colleges and Monsignor John J. Bendik (1994-present) our educational mission and the Mercy universities. The Christopher L. Borton, Chair (2009-present) values,’’ the vice chairperson adds. broader educational Jonathan Brassington ’95 (2006-present) In the early 1970s, Misericordia was community also Rev. Michael Bryant (2018-present) a small liberal arts women’s college tapped into her with an even more intimate academic expertise, as she served as vice Alfred Casale, M.D. (2015-present) setting. Just like today, students chairperson of the Middle States Cornelio Catena (2015-present) received a rigorous education and the Association Board, Title 1 coordinator R. Gregory Collins ’82 (2012-present) tools to think critically and gain of Pennsylvania for public and Ruth Connolly, Ed.D. (1999-present) self-confidence in order to pursue non-public schools, and as an Jody Cordaro (2016-present) rewarding careers and maintain a educational consultant with AdvancEd. Harris Cutler (2016-present) strong sense of family and community, “My years of service to Misericordia Mary Erwine ’90, ’92 (2011-present) according to Trustee Patricia have been so rewarding. It has been my Finan-Castellano ’73. honor, as a Trustee to advocate for Patricia Finan-Castellano ’73 (2003-present) “Misericordia is very special to me,’’ students, faculty and staff – to dream Harold Flack, II (2009-present) says Ms. Finan-Castellano, who earned with them,’’ says Dr. Connolly, who has Sister Mary Ellen Fuhrman, RSM ’74 a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. been a Trustee since 1999. “A financial (2018-present) “As an alumna and Trustee, I have had gift affords me the opportunity to ensure Sister Carol Ann Gallagher, RSM ’66 the privilege of that this dream becomes a reality. (2015-present) seeing this regionally “The gifts of many have brought us The Honorable Tina Polachek Gartley ’88 recognized College to this final phase of the campaign. My (2014-present) transform to a financial gift ‘Now’ will help to ensure Roger Howell (2010-present) nationally recognized that our students and teachers have Philip Johnson (2014-present) University. The access to 21st century teaching and Kristopher Jones (2008-present) campus has grown, learning technologies ‘Tomorrow,’” but the foundational she adds. Marjorie Henry Marquart ’85 (2013-present) core values remain. That is critical Trustee Jody G. Cordaro has built a Sister Catherine McGroarty, RSM to the success of Misericordia.’’ career at SCE Environmental Group, (2007-present) The campus’ footprint has changed Inc., responding to natural and Daniel Meuser (2007-present) dramatically since her collegiate years, manmade disasters. Whether it was Maureen Metz (2018-present) she acknowledges, as new residence anthrax decontamination at the Hart Dr. Mary Helen Nugent, RSM (2013-present) halls, athletic facilities and academic Mark J. Oberstaedt, Esq. ’89 space support growing enrollment, Dr. Carol Rittner, RSM ’67 (1994-present) and academic programs. “We must build the Paul “Chip” Siegel (1996-present) “The new Henry Science Center is critically needed,’’ says Ms. new science center Deborah Smith-Mileski ’75, D.Ed., Finan-Castellano, who received the if we are to maintain vice chair (1993-present) Mother Mary Catharine McGann Sister Mayon Sylvain, RSM ’84 Award from her alma mater in 1998. our commitment to (2002-present) “We must build the new science center our students.” Mark Van Loon, Esq. (2014-present) if we are to maintain our commitment Paul Woelkers ’81 (2012-present) to our students, while also attracting – Patricia Finan-Castellano ’73 Thomas Zesk, C.P.A. (2018-present) the very best educators. Once complete, the University will be well TRUSTEE EMERITI prepared to support the education of Dr. Martha Hanlon, RSM ’60 students in all fields of study.’’ As a leader in education, Trustee Senate Office Building or asbestos Sandy Insalaco, Sr. Ruth A. Connolly, Ed.D., knows the abatement after the 9/11 World Trade Sherry A. Manetta ’72 importance of having the proper tools Center terror attacks or cleaning up the John C. Metz, Sr. for instructional success. After all, she Gulf of Mexico after an oil spill following Harold Rosenn, Esq. was the Superintendent of Schools for the Deepwater Horizon accident, the Rosemary Sigmond the Diocese of Scranton for 10 years, Moscow, Pa., resident knows how to Mary Beth McNamara Sullivan ’71 while sharing her knowledge in the Murray Ufberg, Esq. classroom as an adjunct professor of Continued on next page 45 for

Continued from previous page prestige. He understands what this Community, but “while our numbers campaign means to the future. have significantly decreased over the analyze situations “This is probably the most years, our commitment to Misericordia and respond transformational of all our projects over is undiminished,’’ says Sister Carol, appropriately. He the years,’’ acknowledges Mr. Siegel, comparing the importance of the science uses that same formerly of Eastern hall from yesteryear to the soon-to-be analytical approach Insurance Group and modern Henry Science Center. in helping now associated with The Sisters of Mercy on the Board Misericordia reach Assured Partners. of Trustees and the Sisters of Mercy its full potential. “We owe so much Mid-Atlantic Community pledge “Perhaps the new Henry Science to Mr. Henry their support to the capital campaign Center is just the extra enticement for for spearheading individually and collectively. “It is this an accomplished professor to join our this effort. fidelity to mission that brings us to this faculty,’’ says Mr. Cordaro, a great “Our Board members have embraced moment in time – the campaign for believer in the Butterfly Effect. “Perhaps this campaign and recognize the true the new Henry Science Center,’’ says it is the deciding factor in a brilliant value of it,’’ adds Mr. Siegel, who Sister Carol. “Through our prayer and student’s choice of Misericordia, or served as Board chair from 2006-11. perhaps this facility tips the balance in “I feel fortunate to have been witness “Perhaps the new favor of a private or public grant, or a and a small part of so much progress gift from an alumnus or benefactor. over the last 20 years. Both Mike Henry Science Center These are the benefits that defy hard (MacDowell) and Tom (Botzman) are calculation, but are, nevertheless, of visionaries and have brought us to is just the extra profound value. where we are. It has truly been a enticement for an “Without reinvestment, growth pleasure to work with them both.’’ withers and hope fades. Reinvestment accomplished professor is our affirmation to the world that SISTERS OF MERCY: to join our faculty.” Misericordia is a rising star,’’ he adds. ‘UNDIMINISHED COMMITMENT’ Trustee R. Gregory Collins ’82 took Times were simpler and more modest in – Jody G. Cordaro an untraditional route to academic 1959. Misericordia had recently built the success, earning his Bachelor of Science science hall to accommodate a growing in business administration as a young enrollment on the still young college adult. He returned to his alma mater campus and more than 100 Sisters of in 2012, offering his considerable Mercy lived and ministered in Villa St. our donations, we are contributing to expertise in the banking business. Theresa – now Mercy Hall. Overall, the a vision of the future, a future of “It is our mission to Province of Scranton featured 800 quality education, growth, and – most provide our students Sisters of Mercy tending to the needs of importantly – mission advancement. with cutting-edge the faithful in the region. “As we stand poised on this new resources that will The relatively new science hall was a threshold, we reflect with gratitude on enhance their sign of “prosperity’’ and an “investment our rich past, and are fully confident education and give in the future,’’ according to Trustee that our vibrant Mercy charism and them the tools to Carol Gallagher ’66, RSM. “For heritage will endure into the future.’’ meet the demands many of the Sisters who aspired to Trustee Jonathan A. Brassington of the profession they chose to target become nurses, there was finally a ’95 holds a special affinity for the in their careers,’’ says Mr. Collins, who state-of-the-art facility for academics Religious Sisters of Mercy. After all, it retired from Wells Fargo as the and clinical training,’’ was his late aunt, Sister Lucia community bank area president for says Sister Carol, who Brassington ’57, RSM, who Northeastern Pennsylvania. joined the Board in recommended he matriculate to “We want our students to be proud 2015. “Because of Misericordia in order to pursue his of Misericordia and the education they the quality of the dreams. His academic success – received, and be emboldened by the other programs, Bachelor of Science Mercy charisms of Mercy, Service, Sisters sought the degrees in Justice and Hospitality,’’ he adds. challenge of studying mathematics (summa Trustee Paul “Chip” Siegel has for degrees in mathematics, biology cum laude) and been an able steward of the University and chemistry, which prepared them for computer science since 1996, witnessing and teaching in Catholic secondary schools.’’ (magna cum laude) – participating in the growth of its Today, about 130 Sisters of Mercy also translated well enrollment, academic programs and remain from the former Dallas in the corporate 46 for

world. He is the co-founder of transformation is inspirational.’’ until 2021. Together, the two structures LiquidHub, a global customer Misericordia University will break will form the new state-of-the-art engagement company which was ground on the new 52,000-square-foot Henry Science Center and the largest recently acquired by Capgemini. Henry Science Center in spring 2019 academic building on campus. He also recognizes the importance “The Henry Science Center is the of remaining current on the latest “I am excited to largest project in the history of the cutting-edge technology to ensure institution. Frank and Dottie relevance. “I believe that along with witness the continued understood the importance and value its core values, continued innovation of an excellent education and fully and transformation are keys to advancement of both understood that the only way for an Misericordia’s growth and our students’ the students and the institution to stay ahead of the curve is success,’’ says Mr. Brassington. “This to keep investing in facilities and campaign and science building keep University with this technology,’’ Mr. Flack adds. “Mr. Misericordia’s focus on its students by new science center.” Henry stepped up to lead the way in creating a better education and new making what was once a dream of a avenues for innovation. – Jonathan A. Brassington ’95 cutting-edge, first-class science “I am excited to witness the building, a reality. Institutions like continued advancement of both the Misericordia thrive on the generosity students and the University with this of donors. new science center,’’ adds Mr. “Supporting the Now for Tomorrow Brassington, who was awarded the and complete it in summer Campaign is not only our obligation, it Young Alumni Award by Misericordia 2020. Refurbishing the existing is critical to the long-term future of the in 2004. “Misericordia is a special 28,500-square-foot wing begins in institution,’’ he concludes. place to me and watching its June 2020, with work expected to last

Sandy Insalaco Development, John J. Passan Hall, Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall and others. Continued from page 22 “All of the campaigns were important, Mr. Insalaco was a vital member of but none of them will have a greater the Board during his tenure from impact than the science building,’’ he 1998-2014 as he played an active role says. “I particularly mean that from a as chairperson or significant committee competitive standpoint. I do not think member for four major campaigns from anybody realizes the positive impact it is 2000 to 2012. “I had a good time when going to have. Some may look at it as Infrastructure projects were completed I did the other campaigns; a feeling of just another building, but that is not during the spring and summer in accomplishment, of hitting goals,’’ adds the case. preparation for breaking ground on the Henry Science Hall in 2019. Mr. Insalaco, who is the chairperson of “Is there any doubt in your mind the US Hydrations and Landmark kind of impact it is going to have?” Mr. Founders Medal in 2006. The medal is Community Bank, and principal in Insalaco asks. one of the highest honors bestowed by Insalaco Development Group, which Mr. Insalaco acknowledges that the Misericordia, as the trustees award it develops, owns and operates Now for Tomorrow Campaign will be his only when merited. The community commercial real estate in three states. last as an active participant, as US at-large also has acknowledged him. He His substantial involvement with Hydrations continues to grow (more than shared the Outstanding Philanthropist Misericordia, though, did illicit a simple, 500,000-square feet and 170 employees) Award from the Association of albeit, appropriate question from his and his next philanthropic endeavor Fundraising Professionals with his supportive wife: Why? “I do it for selfish takes him to the Hazleton area. brother, Michael, in 2002. In 2010, he reasons,” he said was his response to “It’s fun because people are received the Cornerstone Award from Marlene, who passed away in 2017. “It recognizing the leadership and the the Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan makes me feel good – and it does.’’ school. That is how you win their support Cornerstone Committee. Those campaigns, though, pale in – you earn it,’’ he says. “They talk about “I just hope when I’m out of there importance, according to Mr. Insalaco. At the successes and they see it. It makes it (Misericordia) that I contributed the time, the campaigns paved the way easy (to raise money and friends).’’ something to moving it forward from for capital improvements, and additional Misericordia University also where it was in 1998 – something academic and residence life space, recognized Mr. and Mrs. Insalaco’s meaningful,’’ he reiterated. “I hope others including the Insalaco Center for Career support by awarding them the perceive it, (because) results count.’’ 47 More than 300 friends of for Misericordia University attended the Trustee Associates Gala at the Beaumont Inn.

A ‘good steward’ Trustee and Gala chair embraces role in ‘Now for Tomorrow’ campaign

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

he Howell family name is Valley and disrupted countless lives. overall economic stability of countless synonymous with Dallas Those images remain vivid to this day businesses and families. His innovation Township and benevolence. for the lifelong Dallas Township resident and experience in his industry has For more than 50 years, and Dallas High School graduate, who resulted in groundbreaking digital Glenn Howell served his established his health and welfare advancement for a number of national community as an elected benefits company, Howell Benefit carriers and large consulting houses, Ttownship supervisor, secretary Services, Inc., in 1983. Today, his group such as The Hartford, Cigna, treasurer and local banker at PNC insurance technology platforms and Highmark, United Concordia, Bank. It is no coincidence his son, benefits companies contribute to the Geisinger Health Plan, Aetna, UPMC Roger, continues to serve his Health Plan, BB&T Insurance, hometown as a philanthropist, Expresslink and Digital Insurance. business leader and college trustee. Trustee Emeritus Murray Ufberg, Esq., “I have made much of my living in our of Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald regional community,’’ says Misericordia Attorneys at Law in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., University Trustee Roger G. Howell, recruited Mr. Howell to the Misericordia CEO of RATECentric and president of University Board of Trustees in 2010. An Howell Benefit Services, Inc. “I believe if active trustee, Mr. Howell is a member you are going to give why not give to of the Academic Affairs and Student Life the place you live and help your own Committee, chaired by Trustee Ruth neighbors.’’ Connolly, Ed.D. He also chaired the Mr. Howell’s initial exposure to 32nd annual Trustee Associates Gala, Misericordia, though, came at perhaps Discover Tomorrow Today, at the the region’s worst moment – the Beaumont Inn in September that Agnes flood in 1972. Unloading celebrated the public launch of the Now helicopters as they arrived on campus for Tomorrow capital campaign and with evacuees, the teen-aged Howell raised money for campaign priorities. was one of many volunteers who “Misericordia is in my backyard,’’ Mr. Trustee Roger pitched in to help others as G. Howell Howell says, explaining his reason for floodwaters inundated the Wyoming joining the board. “I have become 48 for familiar with the University in my “Roger advises the University on “I believe the result of position as a trustee and want it to best human resource and employee continue to move forward benefit practices, and is an energetic our efforts will put academically and financially.’’ voice for engaged philanthropy,’’ Misericordia in a very Sue Helwig, M.S., vice president of President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., University Advancement, asked Mr. says. “He volunteered to serve on appealing position Howell to chair the inaugural dinner the Now for Tomorrow Campaign versus other peer under the new fundraising format. “I Committee and is a leader in am used to organizing events for my successfully soliciting support for group colleges and own company and other charitable both facilities and scholarships.’’ universities.” events,’’ says Mr. Howell, who is also Mr. Howell, though, also active with the United Way of acknowledges the overall importance – Roger G. Howell Wyoming Valley, Big Brothers/Big of the campaign for Misericordia as Sisters, Meals on Wheels, American “all of the universities are fighting for Heart Association, Children’s Service attention, specifically new students,’’ Center, Step By Step and more. “So it he says. That is one of the main didn’t frighten me to get involved with reasons he has been particularly active this one. We all, as trustees, give time, seeking campaign contributions from talent, expertise and money. Why not friends, colleagues and business have one day to celebrate what we associates. have accomplished.’’ “We have a number of very good The $30 million Now for Tomorrow stewards,’’ Mr. Howell says. “As far as campaign is the largest in Misericordia’s boards go, this is not a passive board. I rich 94-year history. The campaign will believe the result of our efforts (the support construction of the new $35 campaign) will put Misericordia in a very The Misericordia University million Frank M. and Dorothea Henry appealing position versus other peer community came together at the Science Center, and provide significant group colleges and universities. It is annual Trustee Associates Gala to honor John C. Metz, Sr., and the investment in the Annual Fund and critical we stay relevant and progressive late Frank M. Henry with Founders endowment for additional scholarship since we are in the most competitive era Medals and to publicly launch the opportunities for worthy students. in the history of higher education.’’ new capital campaign.

49 for

Irene E. Belarski ‘50 poses for a Science alumna recognizes need picture in GIVING for educational advancements Switzerland.

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

Misericordia has been fortunate to be able to count on the support, love and generosity of alumna Irene E. Belarski ’50 since she crossed the stage as a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. A strong and purposeful woman entering what was then a male-dominated career field, she excelled in a profession that took her around the world teaching science. Inspired by the support and encouragement she received at Awards from the Belarski Scholarship are made to a female Misericordia, she has given time and again to see that student who majors in the sciences, with preference given to today’s students continue to have the opportunity to pre-med majors. The scholarship will follow the student to pursue interests in the sciences. graduation, assuming satisfactory academic progress is made. Although settling 1,672 miles away in Lakewood, Colo., Ms. Helping Misericordia make more scientific dreams come Belarski has kept Misericordia close to her heart and has been true, Ms. Belarski has made an initial donation of $70,000 to a generous benefactor to many campus campaigns, including the Now for Tomorrow Campaign in support of the Frank M. Leading From the Heart, Advancing the Vision, the Pursuit of and Dorothea Henry Science Center. She also plans to Acclamation and many Annual Fund and endowment efforts, designate a gift to the Henry Science Center and the Irene with gifts that represent her interest in the sciences. Belarski ’50 Scholarship endowment in her will. She has designated gifts to science building equipment, Few alumni understand better than she does the need for the Department of Nursing, and the DuPont Academic the $30 million contemporary facility, which will allow the Chemistry & Biochemistry Scholarship, prior to establishing faculty and staff to mentor and engage students in amazing and endowing the Irene Belarski ’50 Scholarship in 2010. new levels of scientific learning and research.

ESSA Bank and Trust Foundation Making an impact on the community, one project at a time

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

ESSA Bank and Trust is more than just a financial housing, parks and recreation, education, community health institution based in Stroudsburg, Pa. It is an economic and the arts – and is credited with distributing between keystone with a long history of supporting the communities $700,000-$900,000 annually to worthy capital projects. it serves. Answering a call for support, the ESSA Foundation’s Founded in 1916, ESSA – standing for East Stroudsburg $45,000 contribution to Misericordia’s Now for Tomorrow Savings Association – has grown over the last 100 years into Campaign for building, equipment and supplies will help the one of the largest community banks in Pennsylvania, with University create a “population health” clinic in the newly 300 employees and 22 renovated Trocaire Building on campus. The clinic will be branches across Monroe, open to the community and focus on providing health care Lehigh, Luzerne and to those who are un/under insured. Lackawanna counties, as “ESSA Bank and Trust Foundation is focused on fulfilling well as the Philadelphia region. Based in Stroudsburg, new community needs and we believe that building and corporate offices were recently added in Bethlehem and reconstruction projects at Misericordia University will open Plymouth Meeting. doors for new clinical services for the public and advanced Established soon after the bank went public in 2007, the clinical education for its students, and will have a large ESSA Bank and Trust Foundation was created to help impact on the region,” says Stephanie Lefferson, corporate improve the quality of life in the geographic areas the bank secretary, ESSA Bank and Trust. “We are proud to support serves. The Foundation has identified five areas of interest – Misericordia in such a community-centered project.” 50 for GIVING

Community Commitment M&T Charitable Foundation helps advance science education

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

With more than 750 branches, 1,800 ATMs and $115 billion communities. Their efforts have earned the bank the highest in assets, M&T Bank Corporation is a well-known and highly possible Community Reinvestment Act rating on every respected name in banking and financial services throughout compliance exam since 1982. The foundation proudly reports the mid-Atlantic region. Founded in 1856 in Buffalo, N.Y., the the people who know their own communities best make community-focused bank serves the philanthropic decisions locally. customers in , Delaware, A recent $50,000 gift to the Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Misericordia University Now for Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Tomorrow Campaign is a shining D.C., and West Virginia, with a full range of banking, example of the M&T Foundation’s belief in and support insurance, investments, mortgage and commercial financial of advancements in science education, according to Phil services, delivered in person and through a variety of online Johnson, president of M&T Bank’s Northern Pennsylvania and mobile services. region. A member of the Misericordia Board of Trustees, Over those 160 years, M&T has been true to its mission Johnson has witnessed the campus advance over the past statement: “When our communities succeed, we all four years. succeed.” It has done so by taking an active role in the “M&T is pleased to support Misericordia’s campaign to communities it serves; building long-lasting relationships create a premier science facility for teaching and research with customers, and making sure employees know they are and to increase scholarship funds,” says Johnson. “We valued. Conservative management consistently generates believe that investing in quality education is an investment positive earnings for shareholders. in the future. And this campaign will help the University’s M&T Bank Charitable Foundation has donated more the students and faculty reach the next stage, the next $182 million to a wide range of community organizations since breakthrough, the next achievement.” M&T Bank established it in 2005 as the philanthropic arm of A longtime supporter of Misericordia, M&T Charitable the bank. The foundation selectively dedicates its giving to Foundation also has made contributions to arts events, arts and culture, civic affairs, health care, human services and athletics, capital campaigns and the Annual Fund throughout educational organizations with financial grants and in-kind the years, and has provided direct support to specific services. In addition, employees spend thousands of hours in University educational programs via the Pennsylvania volunteer service to support what is most important in local Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.

A legacy of ‘healthy’ investing Moses Taylor Foundation supports purchase of simulation equipment for 3 academic programs

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

For 120 years, countless people in Lackawanna County recently approved a grant request from Misericordia and regional communities benefitted from the initial University for $100,000 to invest in state-of-the-art $250,000 gift a local merchant and banker made in the simulation equipment for the medical imaging, diagnostic 19th century to invest in their health and build a hospital in medical sonography and physician assistant programs. Scranton, Pa. That philanthropic legacy endures today as “It is really important to stay focused on the health care the Moses Taylor Foundation continues to support healthy aspect of fulfilling grant requests,’’ said Jeff Smith, Program initiatives in his name. Officer at the Moses Taylor Foundation. “This is community In 1892, Moses Taylor Hospital opened its doors on money that came from the sale of the (Moses Taylor) Quincy Avenue, dedicated initially to treating injured miners hospital. It is important to carry on that legacy of investing and railroad workers before expanding its mission to serve the broader community. The former hospital’s spinoff Continued on next page 51 for

Changing the world one investment at a time GIVING PNC Foundation commits $100,000 to ‘Now for Tomorrow’ Campaign

BY GEOFF RUSHTON

For PNC Foundation, a gift to Misericordia University’s Now vice president and director of client and community for Tomorrow Campaign is an investment in opportunities. relations for PNC Financial Services in Scranton serves as Those opportunities are, of course, for the students and administrator for the foundation’s local committee in the faculty who will learn and explore in the state-of-the art Frank M. Northeastern Pennsylvania market. and Dorothea Henry Science Center. They are for the learners That impact is why, in October 2017, PNC Foundation made who will see doors to education open through increased an early commitment of $100,000 to the campaign. The scholarships and greater funding for new academic programs. foundation has been a longtime supporter of the University, But they are also opportunities for the larger local community giving more than $240,000 over the past three decades. and beyond. PNC has been there to support past campaigns Leading from “When you think of Misericordia, you think of what they the Heart and Advancing the Vision. The foundation also has are doing for their learning community, but really also how it impacts the community at large,” said Lauren Allen, who as Continued on next page

Moses Taylor – Continued from previous page learning tools – the Female Pelvic Ultrasound Phantom and Scrotal Ultrasound Phantom – are compatible with any in health care. We also look at the impact these grants will ultrasound system and provide imaging scenarios of both have on the community once your students have graduated normal and abnormal sonographic appearances. and are employed in our local hospitals.’’ “They are very important for learning how to perform True to its motto of “advancing our legacy of health,’’ the female gynecology and male pelvis ultrasounds,’’ Goss said. foundation’s investment in simulation-based education will “Our students will learn the proper techniques on this provide Misericordia students with unprecedented new state-of-the-art equipment and will be able to transition training opportunities to test clinical procedures and smoothly into their clinical education settings.’’ improve their individual and team skills until true learning The Physician Assistant Program acquired a plethora of and understanding are achieved. The approach improves simulation learning tools, including an Advanced training outcomes and contributes to the formation of Venipuncture Arm, AirSim Advance X, Chest Drain & Needle quality learning that will transfer to the professional Decompression Trainer, Ear Examination Simulator II, environment in the form of highly competent patient care. Examination & Diagnostic Breast Trainer, Eye Examination “The development of the health care workforce is one of Simulator, Knee Aspiration & Examination with Ultrasound our founding priorities, so we like to see that the regional Capabilities and more. schools are offering the best education and best research “It (the investment) is important to the foundation’s board possible, particularly when many of these students are for a few reasons,’’ Smith said. “We have a few board members remaining in the area and finding employment after who have worked at the hospital or were on the hospital graduation,’’ Smith said. “By approving this grant, we are board. Along with an interest in improving the community’s not only investing in the students, but also in the community health, they take a personal interest as well. Some of your once they graduate and are out there working.” students are already working beside them and will continue to The Medical Imaging Program purchased a Whole Body in the coming years. The Foundation Board has a strong Phantom manikin from the grant proceeds to enhance interest in investing and improving the health workforce here. laboratory education. The model features a synthetic “We are excited to make this investment and be able to skeleton, organs embedded in a soft-tissue substitute, and continue to focus on community health in a different way.’’ movable joints that allow for basic positioning for plain X-ray The Moses Taylor Foundation is a private foundation and training applications. dedicated to building healthy communities and providing The male and female pelvis simulators “facilitate opportunities for people in Northeast Pennsylvania, interprofessional education’’ among the multiple health especially the most vulnerable, to lead healthier lives. The science academic disciplines, according to Sheryl E. Goss, Foundation was endowed in 2012 with the net proceeds M.S. RT(R) (S), RDMS, RDCS, RVS, RVT, FSDMS, chair of the from the sale of the Moses Taylor Health Care System to Department of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The two Community Health Systems of Franklin, Tenn. 52 for GIVING

A ‘firm’ commitment to core values Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald’s relationship with institution spans decades

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

The connection between Misericordia University and Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald (RJG) LLP runs very deep. For more than 75 combined years, a partner from Northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest law firm has been associated with the Board of Trustees, providing guidance, leadership and treasure along the way. At the very start of that relationship, though, is Sallyanne Rosenn ’44, an alumnus of Luzerne County’s first four-year college and wife of Trustee Emeritus Harold Rosenn, Esq., who served as a Trustee from 1976-85, before gaining emeritus status upon his retirement. RJG Partner and Trustee Emeritus Murray Ufberg, Esq., Trustee Emeritus succeeded Mr. Rosenn as a Trustee and served from 1985 Harold Rosenn, to 2015, receiving emeritus status in 2015. RJG Partner and Esq., and Sallyanne Rosenn ‘44 stand by ‘Emerging.’ Continued on next page

PNC – Continued from previous page Allen said. Misericordia is already preparing skilled graduates in numerous fields, especially supported Misericordia through numerous in the health and medical sciences, where the grants over the years. University is graduating more students than Grants from PNC have had a significant any other local institution. So for the students impact on projects including the Autism and faculty who will have the opportunity for Center and the Assistive Technology Research cutting-edge experiences, the new center is a Institute (ATRI). A $10,000 gift to ATRI game-changer. supported an alternative communication “It will be transformative for the hands-on device program. In 2011, a grant from PNC experience students will have,” Allen said. “A helped fund a sound isolation room for the facility can really open up opportunities for Speech-Language Hearing Center. superior teaching, research and lab work – all “We had a chance to tour that and I was those things that are so important in what is amazed at how much of a community was really Misericordia’s wheelhouse.” there, seeing people there with their children PNC Foundation’s local committee has felt for assessments,” Allen said. “That’s just one a sense of partnership with Misericordia, and example of the impact Misericordia has on its through consistent excellence in programs students and the community.” across the board, the University has been a PNC’s giving to Misericordia has been good steward of the foundation’s support. So reflective of the foundation’s two main areas of when it came time to make a gift to the Now focus. One is early-childhood education, for Tomorrow campaign, the committee did manifested in the PNC Grow Up Great initiative. its due diligence, and the decision was easy, The other is economic development, for which Allen said. The Department of colleges and universities are a key component. Speech-Language Pathology “We’re proud of the opportunity to be able “Supporting our colleges and universities purchased and installed a Wenger to help Misericordia fulfill its mission and touch is important because that has a direct tie to Soundlok Sound – Isolation Room a lot of people in the community,” Allen said. economic development in the areas where with financial support from the “An investment in education is a smart we live and work,” Allen said. “It’s really a PNC Foundation. SLP Student investment. It is really a no-brainer. It is the only Riley McKee of Southampton, Pa., workforce development issue.” conducts a hearing screening with way we will be able to sustain what we have and That’s part of the reason why a new science a client of the Speech-Language continue to move the needle forward. That’s center is so critical, and a valuable investment, and Hearing Center. how we will change the world.” 53 for

A relationship fueled by service GIVING UGI Utilities supports ‘Now for Tomorrow’ Campaign

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

The long-standing relationship forged between UGI Utilities and UGI an ardent benefactor during fundraising efforts. and Misericordia University is based upon a shared vision for Through the years, the Reading, Pa.-based company has the greater community. For more than 135 years, the utility routinely supported the higher educational institution’s company has provided safe and reliable energy, while capital campaigns and Annual Fund. Most recently, UGI reinvesting in the well-being of the communities it serves. pledged $50,000 to the Now for Tomorrow Campaign, the For more than 94 years, Misericordia University has been largest campaign in Misericordia’s history. The $30 million providing collegians the personal attention and rigorous campaign will support construction of the Frank M. and academic programs they need to succeed in life and in their Dorothea Henry Science Center, and provide significant professional careers, while concurrently imbuing in each a investment in the Annual Fund and endowment for sense of service to those most in need. additional scholarship opportunities for worthy students. Sharing similar core values and missions, Misericordia “UGI proudly supports organizations whose goal is to make University (196,420) and UGI (60,105) combined to provide the community stronger,’’ said Don Brominski, director of more than 256,000 volunteer service hours in 2017, while business development for UGI Utilities. “The success of also assisting regional social service agencies in many ways. Misericordia and its students is critical to the area. Misericordia Those deep roots in the community are also directly connected, as Misericordia has been a loyal utility customer Continued on next page

RJG – Continued from previous page The transformative Leading from the Heart, Pursuit of Acclamation, and Now for Tomorrow campaigns also Trustee Mark A. Van Loon continued the firm’s tradition by received significant support from RJG, as did other joining Misericordia University’s Board of Trustees in 2014. worthwhile initiatives and programs. “Higher education is “Together with my partner James Valentine, I have been the key to success for our community and Misericordia doing legal work for Misericordia for the last 35 years and I fulfills that mission, not only with the educational initiatives got to know Misericordia in a much more they offer, but also the fact that they teach our young personal way than some of my other people how to live a life that reflects the Sisters of Mercy’s partners,’’ said Mr. Van Loon, whose sister, charisms (of Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality). Ann Grimes ’73 received her Bachelor of Arts “That is important to us all in the community, so we are degree in French from Misericordia. “I was pleased to support them in this mission,’’ added Van Loon, a honored to be asked to sit on the Board. I resident of Dallas Township. have followed the growth of Misericordia for The $30 million Now for Tomorrow campaign, launched many years and I really, really like the people publicly in September during the annual Trustee Associates Mr. Ufberg here – and the good Sisters of Mercy have Gala, is the largest campaign in Misericordia’s rich 94-year set a fine example for all of us.’’ history. It will support construction of the new $35 million Emeriti Trustees are former members of Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center, and provide the Board of Trustees who have provided significant investment in the Annual Fund and endowment for distinguished service and leadership to the additional scholarship opportunities for worthy students. University over a period of years. In their “One of our core values is giving back to the community,’’ new capacity, they serve as mentors and said Van Loon, referring to the community-minded law firm consultants to the Board, drawing on their that was established in 1954. “We support institutions in the Mr. Van Loon institutional knowledge to the benefit of the Valley that are key to our community. If you go through the Board and new Trustees. key organizations in our community, you will find that our The Wilkes-Barre, Pa., firm also has supported Misericordia law firm has supported many of them at a significant level in many other ways. Rosenn Plaza, oftentimes referred to as over a period of time. the “heart’’ of the more than 124-acre campus, features the “We share our treasure and talents. Many of our partners 26-ton sculpture, Emerging – a symbol depicting the have assumed prominent leadership roles in the community. intellectual and personal development of students from It is not just the work of a few partners, but it is what is unsure freshmen to more assured, self-reliant seniors. Mr. and expected of all our partners and is what is appropriate for an Mrs. Rosenn and their friends supported its development. institution of our size and presence,’’ he added. 54 for GIVING

Parents celebrate caring culture at Misericordia with generous support

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

Like most parents of high school seniors, Tom and Lorrie Zesk for 25 years at Deloitte T LLP, an international accounting, tax simply wanted the best for their son, Andrew, when he enrolled and consulting firm based in New York City. Mrs. Zesk was at Misericordia University, a well-respected liberal arts institution also in the accounting field and has worked for many years as located two hours from their home in Morristown, N.J. a volunteer at Andrew’s elementary and high schools. Andrew’s case, though, was a bit more complicated than The couple eagerly served as valued members of the most. Having a son with special learning needs, they could Misericordia University Parents’ Advisory Council. Mr. Zesk only hope that he would thrive in what they were told was a was named to the Board of Trustees in June. He is happy to nurturing environment in the Alternative Learners Project offer his financial expertise, and even more willing to share (ALP) – a specially designed program that provides services to their son’s success story so others recognize the intrinsic help students with special needs navigate life as a collegian. benefits of a Misericordia education. To hear them tell it, Andrew not only thrived in his four To that end, the family recently made a generous gift to years at Misericordia, but he excelled in and out of the the Now for Tomorrow Campaign for the Frank M. and classroom. During his senior year at Misericordia, he had an Dorothea Henry Science Center – one that is being matched internship at the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library and got his by Deloitte. The matching corporate gift doubles the impact first experience in archiving. He graduated with a bachelor’s and ability for Misericordia to improve critical science and degree in history in 2013. research facilities for all students. Upon receiving his undergraduate degree, Andrew enrolled “Since my early days on the Parents’ Council, I’ve been at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, earning a master’s impressed by how forward thinking Misericordia is and that degree in history. Today, he is in the final stages of completing the University would make a strategic effort to ask for parents’ an advanced degree certificate in archival science from New input on projects, such as the addition of a football team and York University. His parents credit the charisms of the founding expanded athletics fields – and more recently, the need for a Religious Sisters of Mercy and the inclusive culture at new science center,” Mr. Zesk says. “It is obvious that the Misericordia for the support and motivation that helped him plans are well thought out and that faculty and administration excel in education and pursue a career in digital archiving. are working together with the board to provide advancements To show their appreciation, the Zesk’s made their first gift in cutting-edge education for the students. They know what to Misericordia in 2009, and have since given generously to they need and are working together to get it done. the Pursuit of Acclamation Campaign, and numerous “Andrew looked at a good number of schools coming out endowment and Annual Fund campaigns. of high school and there was just something about Sparked by a desire to see others enjoy the same Misericordia – the students, the friendliness, the atmosphere beneficial ALP experience, the family established the Zesk – that drew him to campus. As a parent, I was amazed that Family Endowed Scholarship in recognition of Andrew’s he could leave his mountain bike on a rack in front of the graduation in 2013. The scholarship, which was first awarded Banks Student Life Center, with the helmet hanging on the in the 2016-17 academic year, is to be awarded to a student handlebars, without a care that they would be stolen. That for all four years of their time in the ALP program. tells you something about the culture at the campus. It is A C.P.A., Mr. Zesk retired in 2014 after serving as a partner one that we are happy to support,” he adds.

UGI – Continued from previous page delivering meals to homebound people, engaging in reading activities with children, and more. Since 1991, UGI has been a loyal customer of UGI electricity and natural gas for has supported early childhood literacy with its commitment many years. Their dedication to the community coincides very to Reading Is Fundamental. nicely with UGI’s commitment to the community.’’ In addition, UGI provides critical financial support to 29 UGI Utilities provides natural gas distribution services to United Way Chapters in the state, and supports the American more than 635,000 customers in 44 eastern and central Red Cross Home Fire Campaign and numerous STEM Pennsylvania counties. It also delivers electrical service to initiatives. “Education is one of our top priorities,’’ Brominski about 62,000 customers in portions of Luzerne and said. “We have given more than 1.4 million books to Reading Wyoming Counties. Is Fundamental to support first graders. United Way is UGI’s The company is equally proud of its volunteer efforts in main charitable organization and here in the Wyoming Valley, cleaning and repairing community parks and facilities, the mission of UGI is to attack childhood poverty.” 55 for The A, Bee and Cs of Biology

RESEARCH Researchers attempt to stem decline of wild bee population

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

s a key pollinator in the amazed,” Bieber says. “Being part of “My team spent time observing wild universal ecosystem, bees do such an extraordinary research team bees that we collected in the Ithaca more than make honey. has been a dream come true.” region to see how parasites are They are responsible for Bieber was quickly imbedded in transmitted,” Bieber explains. “We billions of dollars worth of the Cornell team, which received were looking to understand the pollination that impacts a five-year, $2.2 million National transmission of Crithidia, Nosema and Aglobal agriculture and the environment. Institutes of Health grant to study how Apicystis – all of which are parasites in Over the past few years, scientists have pathogens are passed back and forth the bees. The next step was inoculating taken notice of a drastic decline in the between New York State’s 416 bee some of the bees that were sampled bee population around the world. In species, and what can be done to from several field sites to observe the U.S., beekeepers are reporting stem diseases responsible for their whether or not an infection occurred losses as high as 50 percent of their declining numbers. She worked in the with each different species.” colonies year-to-year due in Bieber made an oral part to disease. presentation about her A team of researchers at research at the Boyce Cornell University in Ithaca, Thompson Institute N.Y., is conducting a five-year student symposium in study on bees and other August. “The connections pollinators to help determine I made with the people in how they are impacted by the McArt Lab and peers stressors, such as pesticides in the Cornell program and pathogens, and what are reminiscent of the can be done to stem relationships I have built population decline. at Misericordia,” she says. Misericordia University “The internship afforded senior Blyssalyn Bieber ’18, me the opportunity to was selected from hundreds grow into myself as a of applicants to join the science student. I have Boyce Thompson Institute’s taken what I learned from Plant Genome Research Blyssalyn Bieber ‘18 poses for a picture at Cornell University. the experience and Program – one that is brought it back with me partnered with Cornell University – for a McArt Lab under the direction of Scott to Misericordia, and I know it will 10-week internship during the summer McArt, Ph.D., a research scientist in impact my future in the sciences.” to work on the bee study. The biology Cornell’s Department of Entomology and Bieber credits the professor-student major, with a minor in chemistry, will the principal investigator of the Ecology relationships at Misericordia for earn her bachelor’s degree from and Evolution of Infectious Diseases helping to prepare her for the intense Misericordia in December. project, along with Peter Graystock, Cornell experience, especially the Bieber admits being more than a bit Ph.D., a postdoctoral associate in dedication of Misericordia Biology surprised when offered placement in bee-microbe interactions, and Paige Professor Cosima Wiese, Ph.D, who the highly competitive National Science Muniz, a bee systematics technician. holds a doctorate in plant pathology. Foundation’s Research Experience for Bieber also met with researchers at the “Dr. Wiese has been the biggest Undergraduates (REU) at Boyce University of California Riverside, North influence on my academic career. I Thompson Institute without so much as Carolina State University and University cannot thank her enough for a personal interview. “They selected me of Massachusetts when the Cornell team encouraging me to pursue this on my application, recommendations was Skyping with other teams working on opportunity at Cornell,’’ she says. “I and personal statement. I am still different aspects of the same research. did not think I would enjoy working 56 for RESEARCH

Blyssalyn Bieber ‘18, above, pulls a bee specimen from a collection in the McArt Lab at Cornell University, and, below, examines the bee pathogen, Crithidia bombi.

with insects so much, but this REU for children and adults with disabilities experience has widened my field of just 15 miles from her home in study to perhaps look at plant-insect Turbotville, Pa. She also interned on a interactions – something I had not community supported agricultural considered before. farm in Stillwater, Pa., an experience “I now can see myself in any number she says made her aware of the benefits of careers within the science field, all of sustainable growing practices. of which excite me. For now, I plan to An active student, Bieber is a work as a research assistant after I member of the Biology Club and Tri have completed my bachelor’s degree Beta Biology Honor Society. She also to grow my experience. I anticipate served as a resident assistant and entering a master’s program and student liaison for the campus-wide “The internship afforded continuing on to earn a Ph.D. As I Environmental Sustainability look forward, I want to implement Committee, which provided her the me the opportunity to biodiversity to support conservation opportunity to work with administration by studying how complex ecological on changing behavior on campus. grow into myself as a systems allow for a healthy With the same commitment and environment,” Bieber adds. foresight that helped land her the science student.” The bee project was a perfect fit for Cornell internship, she sums up her the undergraduate who developed an goals with one determined line: “My – Blyssalyn Bieber ‘18 interest in the natural sciences while ideal career path will combine spending summers as an intern at the education, conservation and overall nature center of Camp Victory, a camp health for the planet,” she says. 57 for H C R A E S E R

Proud and prepared Misericordia sophomore uses laboratory experience to excel in summer internship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

hen your dream is to year, she came to me looking for help 10-weeks in the laboratory of Vsevolod attend medical school, in finding an internship. You do not Polotsky, M.D., Ph.D., in the division of there may be few find many first-year students so eager Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine entries on your to excel. As a sophomore, she aimed at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical undergraduate resume high and was well prepared for the Center, where research focuses on better than spending Johns Hopkins experience.” sleep apnea and the correlation of the Wtime studying pulmonary and critical Cabassa, a biology major with a disorder with obesity. care medicine at Johns Hopkins chemistry minor, set her sights on the “There is a hormone, leptin, which University School of Medicine in Johns Hopkins program because of its can control breathing and appetite, Baltimore, Md. Misericordia University physician-oriented design. She spent but is often lacking or cannot be biology major Meaghan Cabassa ’20 detected by receptors in patients with pooled her tenacity, experience and “These are just small obesity,” Cabassa explains. “This intellect to make it happen – surprising dysfunction has been associated with few that she earned acceptance into examples of the obese patients having sleep apnea. I the prestigious summer research worked on trying to locate where the program as a sophomore. scientific preparation I leptin receptors are in the brain, in the Misericordia University Biology hopes that leptin can be used as a Professor Cosima Wiese raves about have had from my treatment for sleep apnea someday.” her mentee, saying she was not The research team worked with surprised the National Institute of faculty at Misericordia.” mice – which were obese and Health-sponsored research program leptin-deficient – and gave them accepted Cabassa. “Meaghan is very – Meaghan Cabassa ‘20 injections of leptin into the breathing mature, driven and a go-getter in a sensory regions of the brain. They then quiet and humble way,’’ Dr. Wiese observed their breathing patterns in a says. “Midway through her freshman sleep study, and used a cryostat 58 RESEARCH for “Meaghan goes above and beyond raise funds and plan a medical careers and plan a medical raise funds spring. for students in the conference Beta Tri a member of the She is also Society. Biology Honor what is She expected is always of her. looking for feedback and wants to Wiese adds.improve,” “Meaghan Dr. is on board with me this fall to conduct genetic analysis as part of my continuing research on the duckweed plant. She is working on plant biochemistry and the changes that occur in genetic structure during responsethe to plant’s stress. I am looking forward to seeing what her Johns Hopkins’ experience has added to her expertise.” During a National Institute of Health summer research internship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, University Misericordia Meaghan sophomore Cabassa ’20 uses a cryostat machine to examine the brains of mice to determine if the hormone leptin can be for used as a treatment sleep apnea. The student-faculty research in her second Back on campus and that bubble and effervesce when and effervesce that bubble bathwater. added to team presented their findings at the 256th Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society in Boston in August. looked “We at the kinetics and acid-based reactions while testing bath bombs in varying temperatures and created anof water, experiment that can be used in the classroom to teach chemical principles,” Cabassa says. of the Misericordia year as president University chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Cabassa continues to help the group Cabassa says her feelings of Cabassa says is small, it has “While Misericordia experience, research the of part As “While some of the other students A laboratory veteran, the native of machine to examine their brains to examine their brains machine to within are the receptors analyze where the brain. of working alongside intimidation universities much larger interns from labs quickly with graduate research how much abated when she realized experience hands-on research more in her first two years she had garnered “While analyzing at Misericordia. (NMR) nuclear magnetic resonance favorite part of spectra was not my Chemistry at MU, the other Organic shocked to hear that I interns were myself, as had used the spectrometer not even allowed most of them were she says. with it,’’ in the room definitely given me the chance to learn types on my own and work in different of labs, learning new techniques and constantly working hands-on to make discoveries myself. It made for an easy transition once I arrived at Hopkins,” Cabassa adds. 30-minute a make to had Cabassa and group research her to presentation a preparing also while mentors, their presentation. poster formal were worried about the size of these projects, I was not concerned at all. During the I springhad semester, prepared and presented a poster on my research for Student Poster Day at Misericordia, and I had given an even longer presentation for my Biological Interactions Cabassa recalls.course,’’ “These are just small examples of the scientific preparation I have had from my faculty at Misericordia, and I am excited to return with all the additional knowledge I have taken from my internship.” Mountain Lakes, N.J., conducted year at during her sophomore research with Beth Haas, Ph.D., Misericordia in the Department assistant professor They of Chemistry and Biochemistry. the chemical reactions researched popular involved with the increasingly known as bath bombs – guilty pleasure balls of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid mixed with essential oils and color for Fueling interest in science

RESEARCH Biology major conducts biophysics research in Bordeaux, France after being named an Iacocca International Scholar

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

he names John Gage and overseas from June 3 to July 25 for the techniques I learned in the lab are Roy Desoto do not resonate research experience. highly valuable skills that will hopefully with most people nowadays In France, Ash worked alongside Dr. give me an edge when graduate as their fame has faded Jean-Pierre Delville in the LOMA school applications roll around.’’ slowly into television history. Laboratory (a French acronym that Part of the application process for To Michelle Ash ’19 and her stands for Laboratoire Ondes et Matière the Iacocca International Scholar Tfather, John R. Ash, M.H.A., Ph.D., d’Aquitaine or Laboratory of Waves and Program involved securing two letters F.A.C.H.E., though, the character actors’ Matter of Aquitaine) at the University of of reference from collegiate professors. exploits from the long-running television Bordeaux using lasers to study the John Morgan, Ph.D., assistant series, Emergency!, are the gateway into microrheology of natural gels. By using professor, and Dr. Stephens did not biomedical research for the senior lasers, the Misericordia researcher was hesitate to fulfill the requirement. “She biology major at Misericordia University. able to acquire the measurements on a has the three pillars (book, laboratory Before reaching her teenage years, micro-scale of surface tension, viscosity, and people skills) that are needed in an Ash had mastered the fine art of academic environment – and suturing, albeit on an orange, that is rare,’’ Dr. Stephens says and heard her father’s stories Michelle Ash ’19 about his mentee. “I feel very about intentionally jump-starting lucky to come across her path a frog’s heart with a 9-volt during her journey.’’ battery, while also partaking in Dr. Stephens has collaborated reruns of Fire Station 51 and its with Ash on numerous projects two most famous paramedics. in the science laboratories on Those foundational campus, from building and experiences developed a setting up equipment to naturally inquisitive quality that researching Candida albicans, has fueled Ash’s undergraduate the scientific name for a studies and career aspirations in common yeast strain and one of the sciences. “I love that you are the leading causes of death for trying to find the answer to a blood-borne yeast infections. question that nobody has found Yeast, is a “fantastically rich yet,’’ the Sweet Valley, Pa., native says and storage, and loss moduli of gels field” to study, Dr. Stephens says about about her love for scientific research. used to culture cells without introducing the Summer Undergraduate Research “The way you can use knowledge that is them to another particle. Fellowship study he initiated with Ash in already established to find the answers The technique enables scientists to July 2017 and continues to this day to to your questions is fascinating to me.’’ determine the properties of the gels combat Candida albicans’ pathogenicity. One year after participating in the that cells grow on, so researchers can Utilizing an atomic force microscope Misericordia University Summer measure different biophysical aspects of and magnetic tweezers, the Misericordia Undergraduate Research Fellowship a cell without harming it, and thereby student-faculty research team studied Program with Jeff Stephens, Ph.D., enabling them to collect data from a the three distinct morphologies of yeast assistant professor of physics, Lehigh nearly uninterrupted biological system. and the differences in cell stiffness. University named the 22-year-old an “This research gives me experience “Understanding that morphology allows Iacocca International Scholar to conduct in an experimental setup that is not us to look at the mechanisms of it and biophysics research in Bordeaux, typically used in a biophysics lab, as it gain insights into the disease,’’ Dr. France. Funded by the National Science requires a wide range of knowledge in Stephens says. Foundation’s Research Experiences for terms of optics and interference,’’ Ash The atomic force microscopy enables Undergraduates Program, Ash was said about her summer research. “The them to study cell stiffness as Candida 60 for RESEARCH

Biology major Michelle Ash ’19 adjusts a laser’s optical mirrors in order to get the highest resolution possible in the LOMA Lab at the University of Bordeaux during her research as an Iacocca International Scholar in Bordeaux, France.

albicans has three distinct morphologies the beads, using magnetic fields to try Ash quickly admits how she was “over or ways it can appear in nature: wild to understand cell stiffness and joyed’’ and “could hardly speak’’ upon type, pseudohyphal and hyphal – the structure. The pliability of the cell is learning about her summer research yeast form responsible for blood borne important because “the stiffer cell adventure in France. That opportunity yeast infections. Dr. Stephens and Ash means there is less membrane fluidity and her own academic success have are trying to determine whether the cell and is less stable overall,’’ Ash says. been fueled by Misericordia because membrane is compromised or not when “We want to determine if the hyphal “they let you find yourself,’’ she says. it transforms from its natural form into morphology of the yeast is a less stable “(At MU) I can just waltz into one of the pathogenic state in order to gain form of the cell membrane,’’ says Ash. my professor’s offices and talk to them. insights into how to better treat “(If it is unstable it) means there is data It makes me feel good that I have a Candidiasis-yeast infections. to target certain aspects of the network of people to fall back on, and “Understanding that morphology membrane to stop the infection.’’ the collaboration between the allows us to look at the mechanisms of The work to understand Candida professors is what really strikes me it and gain insights into the disease,’’ albicans better will continue through because it blurs the lines we once had in Dr. Stephens explains. “The structure the 2018-19 academic year. “We science,’’ says Ash, who envisions herself and mechanisms of the cell play the collaborate a lot with the students in entering an M.D.-Ph.D. program after role of the pathogen.’’ all of the sciences here,’’ Dr. Stephens graduating from Misericordia in May In addition, the scientists also are acknowledges. “Students like Michelle 2019. “The professors really push you working to determine the stiffness or are rare. We know they are engaged in the right direction here with that strength of yeast cells by utilizing and thinking about (their work) personal interaction because they’ve magnetic tweezers. The scientific because they come to us with ideas known you and developed a relationship instrument attaches paramagnetic and plans for where to take the with you over the course of semesters microbeads to cells and manipulates project next.” and classes.’’ 61 for Water Woes

RESEARCH Research will help identify contaminants in water

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

etecting potentially harmful are trying to ascertain whether a substances in water is a particular substance is there or not, research area that almost and do so in the shortest possible everyone can relate to. The time. It is a timely and tremendously ongoing issues in Flint, important research area because it Mich. and Dempsey, Pa., saves researchers time and money by Dregarding contaminated drinking water eliminating the need for trained supplies, are excellent examples of the personnel and instruments.” importance of this type of research. “In particular, we are working to In reality, potentially harmful develop a powder to test for trace substances are found in water metals and other substances that works supplies around the world. Students on fluorescence,’’ student researcher of Assistant Professor of Chemistry David Schnable ’18 explains, while Nicola Edwards, Ph.D., are working simultaneously displaying a green in the Misericordia University glowing test sample. “One that laboratories to develop easy-to-use dissolves in water, and when you shine and, more importantly, easy-to-read a black light on it either it glows or it test kits for a variety of substances, doesn’t based on whether that trace similar in design to test kits used for metal is present or not. pool water and urine samples. “Trace metals can be very bad for “These test kits are important you. This method will be very good for globally because samples can be “Test kits of this sort will be most places, such as developing countries, tested ‘on the spot.’ A researcher applicable for researchers who may where testing instruments are in does not have to carry them back to have millions of samples and would relatively short supply,” Schnable adds. the laboratory and use sophisticated like to screen samples quickly for the A chemistry major from Dallas, Pa., instruments,” Dr. Edwards explains. presence of substance. In short, we Schnable, Abby Garber ’19, a

The green florescent powder in solution, far left, and in the presence of a potentially harmful substance, far right, shows how the color change and dimming of the glow are indicative of the presence of a harmful substance. 62 for RESEARCH

David Schnable ’18, left, demonstrates how a sample glows green under black light. Abby Garber ’19, above, prepares solutions necessary for analyzing copper ions in solution.

biochemistry major from Hanover Ph.D. in chemistry. as one of the most rewarding aspects Twp., Pa., and Dr. Edwards responded Garber’s research efforts are of her job. “Seeing students grow and to a call for abstracts and presented focused on developing a sensor that mature is amazing and I am honored their latest research findings at the will detect iron and copper in water. “I that I have played a small role in their 255th American Chemical Society had never presented in an academic development. Both David and Abby (ACS) National Meeting and setting before, so going to New are sound scholars and talented Exposition in New Orleans in March. Orleans was really overwhelming, but researchers,” she says. Garber and Schnable gave poster in the end such a great learning Although he will have already presentations in the Chemical experience,” she says. “I was most graduated by the time construction is Education Division, and Dr. Edwards amazed in meeting people from completed, Schnable says he is delivered an oral presentation in the around the world who were so looking forward to the new Frank M. Organic Division of the conference. interested in what we were doing.” and Dorothea Henry Science Center. The five-day event annually attracts as Both students express the deepest “There is so much more research many as 13,000 chemists, chemical regard for Dr. Edwards and the students here could do if they had engineers and academicians to discuss one-on-one mentoring she provides. dedicated research space,” Schnable new research and developments in “Working with her has been adds. “As it is, we have the their respective fields. fantastic,” says Garber, who plans to instrumentation we need. There are Schnable is building an impressive continue her education in optometry classes in the labs we work in, so we resume. In 2017, he won a competitive school after graduating in 2019. “I have to clean up and put away our National Science Foundation Research have learned so much about work after every research session. It for Undergraduates Fellowship that chemistry and how it works by doing would increase student and faculty enabled him to conduct research at this research. It is more than I could research productivity if we didn’t have the University of Connecticut on ever learn just in the classroom.” to spend so much time setting up and compounds that have the potential to Dr. Edwards, in turn, enjoys breaking down.” treat cancer. Scheduled to graduate in mentoring students, describing the Groundbreaking on the building is December, Schnable plans to pursue a collaboration with student researchers scheduled for spring. 63 for

Biology majors make scholarly

RESEARCH presentations at PA Academy of Science

even biology majors made presentations at the 94th Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science at Indiana SUniversity of Pennsylvania in March. Michelle Ash ’19 collaborated with faculty mentor, Jeff Stephens, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics, to conduct research on common yeast that resides within the human body in its wild-type form during the 2017 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program at Misericordia University. The student-faculty research team developed their poster presentation, “Exploring the Dimorphic Nature of Candida Seven biology majors at Misericordia University made poster and oral presentations at the 94th albicans through Atomic Force Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Microscopy,’’ from their ongoing March. Participating in the annual event, from left, are Jody Teel ’18, Springville, Pa.; Rebecca Zaneski ’18, Edwardsville, Pa.; Olivia McCorkel ’18, Stillwater, Pa.; Michelle Ash ’19, Sweet Valley, scientific work. Pa.; Larry Corpus, Ph.D., assistant professor, biology; David Kunkel ’19, Tamaqua, Pa., and Ashley Cassandra DiPippa ’18 made the Williams ’18, Shickshinny, Pa. Absent from photo is Cassandra DiPippa, Shavertown, Pa. poster presentation, A Survey of Caddisfly Larve (Order Trichoptera) in based upon their completed research. project, A Comparison of Different Two Northeastern Pennsylvania Student research Fellow Jody Teel Measuring Techniques for Detecting Streams. She collaborated with faculty ’18 presented the research poster, Zinc Effects on Lemna minor. The mentor, Barbara McCraith, Ph.D., “A Survey of Container-Breeding student-faculty research team associate professor of biology. Mosquitoes (Insecta: Culicidae) From participated in the 2017 Summer David Kunkel ’19 made the oral Selected Northeastern Pennsylvania Undergraduate Research Fellowship presentation, Effects of Periodic Sites,’’ during the Summer Program and presented their findings Drought on Delayed Seed Germination Undergraduate Research Fellowship in the form of a poster presentation. in Neotropical Costus Species. He Program in 2017. She collaborated The Pennsylvania Academy of developed the scholarly presentation with faculty mentor, Larry Corpus, Science has been educating and based upon research he conducted Ph.D., assistant profess of biology, supporting scientists in the Keystone with Grace F. Chen, Ph.D., assistant on the research project that was state since 1924 by striving to professor of biology, during the completed in 2017. promote science, technology, research program on campus. Ashley Williams ’18 delivered the oral education and the diverse interests Olivia McCorkel ’18 collaborated presentation, Dose Response Effects of of members. The Academy seeks to with faculty mentor, Larry Corpus, Forskolin on Immortalized Schwann advance the pursuit and application Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, Cell Growth. She collaborated with of science, enhance the professional to conduct research as part of the mentor, Angela Asirvatham, B.V.Sc., development of its members, create fellowship program at Misericordia Ph.D., associate professor and chair of forums for professional dialogue, University. She delivered the research the Department of Biology, during the promote scientific research, poster, Survey of Macroinvertebrates research program. presentation and discussion, and in Container Habitats and Rebecca Zaneski ’18 collaborated support educational initiatives Phytotelmata from Select with Cosima B. Wiese, Ph.D., associate devoted to the development of Northeastern Pennsylvania Sites, professor of biology, on the research scientific skills and knowledge. 64 for RESEARCH

Student-faculty research team places 2nd at Undergraduate Research at the Capitol

A faculty-student research team maintaining function in people with placed second in the STEM category at Parkinson’s disease,’’ they wrote. Their the 16th Annual Undergraduate work found that people with the Research at the Capitol Pennsylvania disease who exercise regularly have Poster Conference in April. gait and reaction time similar to the Student research fellows Brandon subjects in the control group, who do Dean ’20 and Tristan Snyder ’17 not have Parkinson’s disease. collaborated with Associate Professor The findings are instrumental in Maureen Romanow Pascal, P.T., D.P.T., developing and modifying exercise N.C.S. on the abstract, Gait and programs for people with Parkinson’s Reaction Time in Individuals With and disease, and adds evidence that Without Parkinson’s Disease. high-intensity interval training can The Department of Physical Therapy Research fellows Brandon Dean ’20, left, and reduce progression and possibly Tristan Snyder ’17 placed 2nd at a poster research team’s work was part of the improve symptoms. conference in Harrisburg, Pa. Summer Undergraduate Research The conference is an educational Fellowship Program in 2017. The The research team studied 27 event that allows undergraduate fellows’ studied the differences in gait people of various ages without students enrolled in the Keystone (walking) and reaction time in people Parkinson’s disease, and 17 people state’s colleges and universities to with and without Parkinson’s disease, of various ages with the disease highlight their research talents to the and the effects of regular, intensive who participated in a controlled Commonwealth’s key decision-makers. exercise on the progression of the exercise program. Sixty-two institutions participated in the disease – especially in improving gait The research concluded that event in the East Wing Rotunda of the and reaction time. “exercise plays an important role in Capitol Complex in Harrisburg.

Groundbreaking research subject of presentation in Rome

Three speech-language pathology Arjun Yodh, Ph.D., and fellow student The students also collaborated with majors presented their scholarly work researcher D’manda Price ’19, on the their mentors to make the oral on groundbreaking research at the poster presentations, What Type of presentation, Do Emotionally Arousing third annual International Conference Dysfluency is Least Preferred by Personal Experiences Affect How a on Stuttering in Rome, Italy. The Listeners? Data from Neurological and Person Who Stutters is Perceived? international forum held June 14-16 Psychophysical Responses, and Should Data from Neurological and highlights research and clinical findings Clinicians Encourage Fluency Clients to Psychophysical Responses. in the fields of stuttering etiology, Maintain Eye-Contact During The groundbreaking studies by assessment and treatment, offering Conversation? Data from Neurological Misericordia are the first of their kind to innovative stuttering treatments. and Psychophysical Responses. use functional near-infrared Student researchers Elizabeth spectroscopy, autonomic Heinmiller ’19, Cara Imbalzano ’20 and nervous system software and Jordan Seprosky ’19 made two hardware, and a survey research poster presentations and an simultaneously to determine oral presentation at the leading typically fluent speakers’ international event for researchers and reactions to stuttering. By using professionals in the field of assessment both systems and a survey, the and treatment of stuttering. researchers were able to They collaborated with Professor determine the cortical, Glen Tellis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCF-S, psychophysical and survey Speech-language pathology student researchers, from chair, Department of Speech-Language left, Elizabeth Heinmiller ’19, Cara Imbalzano ’20 and responses of participants as they Pathology at Misericordia; Rickson Jordan Seprosky ’19 made presentations at the third observed videos of different Mesquita, Ph.D., Sergio L. Novi Jr., and International Conference on Stuttering in Rome, Italy. aspects of stuttering. 65 for

SLP students present

RESEARCH student-faculty research in Japan

hree Misericordia University listeners who rated the speech of adults and development at the Assistive student researchers made who clutter when compared to adults Technology Research Institute, poster presentations at the who do not. The speakers were rated on on the scholarly research. One World, Many Voices: conciseness, organization and flow of The student-faculty research team Science and Community message. The results indicated that measured the variability of rate of Joint World Congress of listeners judged those who clutter less speech, rather than the traditional FlTuency Disorders Conference in favorably than controls in terms of ability average rate of speech, in an effort Hiroshima, Japan. to understand their main point, ability to to identify an objective measure to Emily Gurtizen ’19, B.S., and Katrina get right to the point, smooth flow of diagnose the fluency disorder, cluttering. Giacumbo ’19, B.S., fifth-year graduate speech, and organization of message. The Japan Society of Stuttering and students in the speech-language The study’s findings have implications Other Fluency Disorders and the pathology (SLP) program, made the for establishing priorities in treatment Japanese Stuttering Genyukai scholarly presentation, A Perceptual of cluttering. Organization hosted the Joint World Study of Communication Effectiveness Shea Williams ’19, B.S., a fifth-year Congress at the International in Cluttering. graduate student in SLP, made the Conference Center from July 13-16. Giacumbo and Gurtizen collaborated poster presentation, An Alternative The groundbreaking initiative brought with faculty members Kathleen Scaler Rate of Speech Measure for Individuals together historically diverse groups Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, associate Who Clutter. Williams collaborated from the International Cluttering professor, and Jessica Kisenwether, with fellow students, Rachel Moon ’19, Association, International Fluency Ph.D., CCC-SLP, assistant professor, on B.S., and Shayne Postiglione ’19, B.S., Association and International Stuttering the scholarly research. and faculty members, Dr. Kisenwether, Association to explore experiences of The student-faculty research team Dr. Scaler Scott and Denis Anson, M.S. living with, treating, and researching, explored the perceptions of 144 adult O.T.R./L., director of research stuttering and cluttering.

Misericordia University student researchers Emily Gurtizen ’19, B.S., of Holmdel, N.J., right, and Katrina Giacumbo ’19, B.S., of West Chester, Pa., left, fifth-year graduate students in the speech-language pathology program, made the poster presentation, A Perceptual Study of Communication Effectiveness in Cluttering, at the Joint World Congress of Fluency Disorders Conference in Hiroshima, Japan.

66 for RESEARCH

Speech-language pathology faculty-student research team receives national acclaim

A faculty-student research team in Meritorious Poster Submission by the Department of Speech-Language ASHA. Meritorious Poster Submission Pathology received special recognition recognition is for proposals judged by from the American Speech-Language- the Convention Program Committee Hearing Association (ASHA) for a to show “extraordinary, exceptional, research poster that addresses the and innovative work.’’ The poster communication disorder, cluttering. was one of 51 selected out of The student-faculty research team is 2,122 submissions. comprised of students Emily Gurtizen The honor is noted in the convention ’19, Katrina Giacumbo ’19, Bailey program booklet with a ribbon icon Hartung ’19, Taylor Header ’19, Jenna and identified in the Poster Hall with a Reed ’20, Lisa Giuffre ’21 and Kayla ribbon displayed on the poster. Faculty-student research team members, Thorpe ’21, and Kathleen Scaler Scott, The study presented in the research from left, are Kayla Thorpe ’21, Jenna Reed ’20, Lisa Giuffre ’21, Associate Professor Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, associate poster analyzed the speech patterns of Kathleen Scaler Scott, Bailey Hartung ’19 professor. They submitted the research seven adults who clutter and seven and Taylor Header ’19. poster to ASHA to be considered for who do not have speech disorders. presentation at the 2018 ASHA The study is attempting to find new premier annual professional Convention: “Revolutionary Learning. ways to help people who clutter plan education event for speech-language Evolutionary Practice” in November. their messages and communicate pathologists, audiologists, and The research poster, Discourse more efficiently. speech, language and hearing Analysis in Adults with Cluttering: More than 15,000 people will attend scientists. The Misericordia University Implications for Language vs. Executive the ASHA Convention in Boston, Mass. research team will present their Functioning, has been designated a from Nov. 15-17. The convention is the findings during the event.

University collaborates with Lehman Sanctuary on state-of-the-art water quality monitoring system

Misericordia and Lehman Sanctuary probes positioned in the wetland remotely via computer cloud storage. representatives unveiled the stream measure pH, temperature, The collected data, sent in raw, collaborative environmental program, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and binary form, also is suitable for use The Language of Water: A turbidity – all of which help characterize by students in computer programming Forest-to-Classroom First, in September. the overall health of the stream. classes as they learn how to Misericordia purchased and installed Geostationary satellites collect data convert the binary data into telemetry equipment in the wetlands from the probes and make it available actual measurements. of the 17-acre site, which also contains The installed equipment old forest, natural meadows and prime allows the University and wildlife habitat. Environmental and participants in the program educational grants from Pennsylvania to monitor environmental American Water and the Pennsylvania conditions and aspects of Department of Environmental Protection biodiversity at the sanctuary. made the project possible. The probes provide constant The water quality testing equipment data for scientific assessment enables student and faculty researchers, of water quality and more as well as elementary, middle and high opportunities to protect natural school classrooms participating in the resources, while advancing Participating in the program, from left, are Mark Cross, program, to monitor the health of the senior operations manager, PAW; Chris Miller, president, the understanding of and stream in real time by collecting Lehman Sanctuary; President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., commitment to environmental important data. Several individual Dr. Cosima Wiese and Dr. Angela Asirvatham. protection in the region. 67 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018 ATHLETICS

The men’s baseball team poses at Neuroscience Group Field in Appleton, Wis., the site of the Division III College World Series in May. Kneeling from left, are Ryan Cahill ’21, Mike Blazaskie ’18, Billy Kerwien ’20, Dalton Emerich ’21, Sean Lyons ’20, Steve Weisensee ’19, Tyler Holzapfel ’20, Conor Smith ’19, Sean Boylan ’21, Kyle Rogalski ’18, Scott Carton ’18, Austin Miles ’21; standing: Kyle Lindsay, ’16, assistant coach; Chuck Edkins, director of athletics; Pete Egbert, head coach; Branden Falco ’21, Joe DeSanctis ’21 Kyle Lennon ‘21, Zach Mason ’19, Ian McCole ‘21, Joe Liscio ‘21, Cole Bixler ‘18, Alec Iurato ‘18, Tom Jacob ‘21, Parker Abate ‘19, Dan Zurowski ‘18, Chad Bell ’18, Kyle Melahn ’19, Kenny Jarema ’19, Elliot Forde ’18, Shane Hughes ’21, James Magaldi ’20, Taylor Price ’21, Drake Koch ’19, Santo Guinta ’19, Ryan Gilgallon ’21, John Pudder ’21, David Gargone, assistant coach; Mike Comerford ’16, assistant coach, and Cory Vogeli ’16, assistant coach.

Baseball team advances to College World Series

The baseball team completed its greatest season ranked over second-ranked Rowan, before falling into the loser’s seventh in the nation after advancing to the NCAA D-III bracket. Once again, the team rattled off three straight wins College World Series for the first time. The Cougars finished to win the regional title and advance to the World Series. 37-15 and had eight players earn second-team All-Middle Junior pitcher Drake Koch was named the Most Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom honors. Outstanding Player of the regional tournament. The After finishing second in the MAC Freedom during the regular all-tournament team also included by Tyler Holzapfel ‘20, season, the Cougars rallied to win three straight elimination Alec Iurato ‘18, Dan Zurowski ‘18, Parker Abate ‘19 and Kyle games to claim their eighth consecutive MAC Freedom title. Melahn ‘19. Misericordia opened the World Series with a win The Cougars won their first two games at the NCAA over fifth-ranked Randolph-Macon before dropping two Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament, including a 6-5 victory straight games to end the season.

The Athletics Women’s track captures Department is holdings its sixth annual MAC indoor championship Tournament on Monday, The women’s track & field team won its third MAC Sept. 24 at the Huntsville Indoor championship in four years. The Cougars went on Golf Club. Please call to finish third at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (570) 674-6374 to make your reservations. Indoor Championships and fourth at the MAC Outdoor Participating in last Championships. year’s tournament, from Clare Schoen ‘19, ‘20 was named the MAC Indoor Track left are, Paul Zaengle, Athlete of the Year, while Reilly Wagner ‘19 and Juwan ’97, Chuck Edkins, Petties-Jackson ‘18 earned All-America honors at the NCAA director of athletics; Dennis Connell, and Indoor Championships. Wagner finished third in the nation in Scott Hein ’95. the indoor pentathlon and Petties-Jackson was fourth at 200m. 68 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU ATHLETICS

Rachel Carmody ’18, ’21

Rachel Carmody ’18, ’21 is entering her senior season with the Misericordia University women’s basketball team. A starter in each of her first three seasons, she has fueled a turn-around that has led the team to 37 wins in the last two seasons and back-to-back post-season appearances. The daughter of William and Colleen Carmody of Waymart, Pa., she is a graduate of Western Wayne High School where she played for former Misericordia standout Colleen (Corrigan) Kloss ’04. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in sport management in December and is progressing toward her doctoral degree in physical therapy. Her twin sister Rebecca is a member of the women’s basketball team at Binghamton University. Entering her senior season, Rachel has 859 career points and 657 career rebounds. She ranks fifth in school history in rebounds per game, eighth in career blocks and 10th in career rebounds. She shares the school single-season record with 29 games played.

69 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018 SERVICE LEARNING

1

2

3 4

Collegians use music and creativity to Reichold ’20 and Amanda Rackliff ’20, the students in Mrs. Mary Anne make elementary mathematics fun Crofchick’s second grade class did a math and music word search, and had a lesson in the values that musical BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA notes represent. Ashley Gebhardt ’19 led her charges in a game of musical WRIGHT TWP. – Many said their mathematics with Math Day, a chairs, where they had to solve a math favorite activity was making music on community service project for Math Club problem each time the music stopped. cardboard instruments by counting members, and the service-learning Mixing in dance, fellow Misericordia rubber band strings. Others thought component of the Intro to Early students instructed their third graders dancing around in a math-themed Childhood Education and Math Methods to “Put the triangle in ... take the Hokey Pokey was “cool.” In all, the 200 I education courses. Not only do the triangle out” and so on during a giggly students at the St. Jude School in youngsters benefit, but Misericordia’s round of Hokey Pokey designed to Mountain Top, Pa., were seemingly future teachers gain experience teaching help them differentiate between unaware they were learning yet in pre-K through 8th grades and learn triangles, squares and rectangles. The declared it “the most fun ever” when a how to stimulate comprehension in St. Jude principal was impressed with team of 40 Misericordia University math what can be a challenging and, to the collegiate creativity. and education students took to their some, a potentially boring subject. “This is such a great opportunity for classrooms for Math Day in March. Under the tutelage of early our students, especially as we work to It was the fifth year that the two childhood and special education increase interest in STEM areas,” said schools collaborated to celebrate majors Rebecca Kaschak ’20, Sara Sister Ellen Fischer, SCC, principal of 70 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SERVICE LEARNING SERVICE

1. St. Jude School students, from left, Ethan 5 Brenner, Margaret Mary Ganter, Francesca Basalyga, and Kyle Kocon, right, match the value of musical notes under the guidance of Misericordia sophomore Brook Moyle ’20. 2. Luke Newman ’21 watches as Jack Novelli and classmates play musical note dominoes. 3. Nina Owen ‘20 helps students Sydney Kozden and Cadin Sparich prepare for a math and music project. 4. Ashley Gebhardt ’19 reviews answers to a 6 math project with student Kaitlyn Ziomek. 5. Maryjo Dickinson ’21, seated left, and Devin Oyola ’20, standing, watch as students Cadin Sparich, Michael Tomczyk 7 and Josh Van Pelt play a song on jars filled with varying amounts of colored water 6. Caitlin Henneforth ‘21, right, helps 8 Ahyaan Sayed match the values of musical notes. 7. Kelly Brogan ’19 helps a student count the strings on a musical instrument he created. 8. Misericordia University student Rebecca Kaschak ’20, center, is flanked by St. Jude School second grade students, as they work on a math project involving the values of musical notes during a Math Day event at the school in Mountain Top, Pa.

St. Jude School. “It is definitely a St. Jude eighth grader Daryl Boich liked using cups filled with water benefit to our students to see math sported a wide grin as he talked about to make music. It was really cool,” as a fun thing and experience ways it his fifth Math Day. “My favorite part he said. applies to their everyday lives. We was playing songs on glasses filled Misericordia education major Jesse are grateful for the Tedfords who with different amounts of water – it McDonough ’21 learned a lesson of his coordinate this program each year.” helped us learn fractions and about own about the need for creative Steven Tedford, Ph.D., associate hertz and frequencies. And we had a attention grabbers. “When we got to professor of mathematics, and his wife, classroom challenge to see who could one class, they were just finishing lunch and were naturally distracted. It took a bit of creativity to get their “I definitely learned how different a real classroom can be attention. I definitely learned how from what you learn in textbooks.’’ different a real classroom can be from – Jesse McDonough ‘21 what you learn in textbooks,” he said. “I can’t wait to be a teacher,” added sophomore Caitlin Prebish ’20, Veronica Tedford, M.A., a former perform the Star Wars theme the who recently declared education as a mathematics professor, have a daughter, best,” he said. major. “This was one of my first times Grace, who attends St. Jude. They Fellow eighth grader Chris Papciak as an instructor and it really helped developed the program with Michele dreams of being an engineer or an reinforce that teaching is what I want Brague, Ed.D., assistant professor of architect in a big city some day, and to do. I am excited to major in early education, and Kevin Feifer, director of knows he needs math to make it childhood and special education – and the Office of Service Learning, in 2014. happen. “I love Math Day. I really someday have my own classroom.” 71 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

SERVICE A commitment to SERVICE Nursing student inspires others by continuing to volunteer in Haiti

BY GEOFF RUSHTON

ohn Giangrieco ’21 has seen a lot on his service trips to Haiti. Extreme poverty, people who have lost limbs and dying children have become a regular presence in the life of the 19-year-old over the course of the past Jtwo years. But Giangrieco, who recently completed his freshman year at Misericordia as a nursing major, keeps going back, for the same simple, selfless desire that inspired him to go in the first place. “I just want to help people,” he says. “When we’re taking the to the medical clinics, we are seeing people on the street who obviously have not had food or water in a week or two weeks. You look at yourself and think, ‘When I go home I have fresh water, I have food in the refrigerator, I have clothes to wear.’ These people have literally nothing. “It humbles you to see that,” he adds. A native of Montrose, Giangrieco attended Seton Central Catholic in Binghamton, N.Y., where he met and was inspired by faculty member, Sister Brigid O’Mahoney. After an earthquake devastated the impoverished nation in 2010 – a disaster Haiti still has not recovered from eight years later – Sister Brigid began organizing regular service trips, as well as supporting medical care and services for orphaned children, through the Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus.

Giangrieco made his first trip as a high school junior in 2016 Misericordia nursing major and has returned three times since then, most recently in May. John Giangrieco ’21 poses “The first time I went it was very eye-opening because I’ve with a child during one of never seen so much poverty in one area,” he says. his service trips to Haiti. While providing support to clinics and services staffed by Haitians year-round, Sister Brigid leads weeklong “I always try to go to the section where kids have Zika and service trips three times a year. The first stop upon arrival, malaria because these kids, you never know when their last Giangrieco explained, is Mother Teresa’s Home for the day is,” Giangrieco says. Sick and Dying. That horrible experience is one that he has had too often. One section of the facility houses children with diseases On one trip, he held a baby and the next day learned the and illnesses that in the United States would be easily baby had died overnight. treatable, but which are still challenging in Haiti because of “That happened to me three days in a row. I’d hold a the lack of basic medical care. baby and the next day they’d passed away,” he recalls. A second section, where Giangrieco spends the most “That was pretty tough. But it happens and there are still time, has children who are suffering from life-threatening kids there who need your love and attention. It’s sad, but diseases, such as malaria and Zika virus. you have to push forward.” 72 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SERVICE

The group travels to four medical clinics supported by the Missionaries. One is in a mountainous region near Jacmel, where people walk for miles overnight just to receive some water, Advil and Neosporin. Two others are in what are known as “deaf villages,” where the deaf, amputees and widows are segregated. Fluent in American Sign Language, Giangrieco is a translator for his team. The locals use French Sign Language, but many of the signs are the same. “If I’m signing to someone and they’re signing back I can make out what they’re trying to say,” he says. “It can be difficult, but we can get what they want.” In addition to medical care, the group also works to place orphaned and abandoned children in homes. If a relative cannot be found, they are Representatives of Commonwealth Health Systems and Misericordia University placed in a volunteer family home. One family, pose with John Giangrieco ’21 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after donating Giangrieco says, houses 15 to 20 children. medical supplies for his service trip to Haiti. Working with orphaned children led to a harrowing experience on his most recent trip. The group to get his fellow Misericordia health sciences students involved. learned of three children, ages 4, 6 and 7, whose parents He chose Misericordia not only for its reputation in health had either abandoned them or were dead. They were going sciences, but also because of the value placed on service. to sell the children into sex slavery. Early on, he envisioned combining the two. The team found where they were being hidden and were “My personal goal is to get occupational therapy, nursing able to sneak food and water to them. Then, with Haitian and physical therapy students to come down with me,” officials taking the lead, the children were rescued and Giangrieco says. “These people need fourth-year, fifth-year, placed in the care of a volunteer family, with coordination sixth-year medical students. This will be hands-on stuff for from Sister Brigid’s group. them. It would be my goal to have health sciences students “That was tough to imagine if we didn’t get them what come down to see all these people who are starving, who would happen,” he says. “We would never see them again. They’re doing great now.” Locals leading the effort is key to all the work the ‘My personal goal is to get occupational therapy, Missionaries do in Haiti. “Our work in Haiti operates from nursing and physical therapy students to come the perspective that aid must be consistent, sustained and down (to Haiti) with me. These people need provided by the local people,” Sister Brigid wrote in a letter fourth-year, fifth-year, sixth-year medical students.’ to the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader newspaper. “Our medical clinics are staffed entirely by Haitian doctors – John Giangrieco ’21 and nurses. Our entire staff, for all our work in Haiti, is Haitian. And, they are the ones who coordinate services, hire have broken bones, infections, and for them to be treated by and manage staff, propose new or expanded services, assist students who are going to be professionals in a few years.” the children, etc. In other words, the Haitians are in charge. One person he has already inspired is his mother, who has When we are in Haiti, the people served have no idea who made the last two trips with him and who arranged to pay we are. And we intend to keep it that way.” for 23 Haitian students to go to college next year. The group has seen an increase in support for its work For Giangrieco, the trips will continue, with plans to head from Northeastern Pennsylvania since Giangrieco started at back again next year to offer his services. He intends to Misericordia. The University has been helpful in promoting the pursue a master’s degree in nursing and eventually become efforts, Giangrieco says, and Community Health Systems, owner a nurse practitioner. Then, he said, he wants to take that of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, made a donation after knowledge and skill and go to Haiti for an extended period learning about Giangrieco in a story in the local media. of time, helping as many people as he can. Community Health Systems shipped a skid full of boxes That dedication seems to be just what Sister Brigid has in with supplies to Haiti, which allowed staff and volunteers mind for the students she leads in service. “Hopefully, we greater ability to treat more ailments. are communicating our philosophy of service to the students “Anything I asked for they doubled it,” Giangrieco says. we take to Haiti,” she wrote. “Hopefully, they are learning “They saved a lot of lives.” to accompany the nationals, not dominate them. Hopefully, Giangrieco said the group also has received a number of our kids come to recognize that service to others is a monetary donations for trips and supplies. Now he would like commitment and not just an experience.” 73 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

PEOPLE TEACHER OF THE YEAR Education alumna’s success in the classroom earns her Florida Blue Duval County honors

BY GEOFF RUSHTON

For most teachers, a new school year means a new group of Her students again finished the year above projections, and students, starting over and addressing the unique challenges as her Teach for America commitment came to an end, she each class brings before they move onto the next grade. considered returning to Pennsylvania. Her principal, Mychelle For reading teacher Stephanie Bellino ’12, though, things Grover, talked with her about the progress the students had have been different for the past three years. She stayed with made and it convinced Bellino she wanted to see them the same class she taught in third grade at Jacksonville (Fla.) through fifth grade. Garden City Elementary as they progressed to fourth and By the end of 2017-18 school year, 63 percent were at or fifth grades. above grade level for reading, surpassing the projected 54 By “looping” with her students, she helped them make percent. The students’ success, Bellino said, was due to not dramatic progress in their reading skills and her success led only her approach of adapting lessons to individual needs, but Bellino to be named the Florida also her ability to build relationships over time. Blue Duval County Teacher of the “Even the struggling learners and my most reluctant Year for 2018. learners, this year in fifth grade really were invested,” she said. Stephanie “I’m invested in these kids and I And Bellino has been invested in them, building those Bellino ’12 think, particularly in this community, relationships by going beyond reading lessons. She quickly that was very important, because came to realize that many students had little or no experience they knew I was going to be there beyond their own neighborhoods, so she would show them EDUCATION every day,” Bellino says. “They knew pictures of places she has traveled or her hometown. She I cared about them. So to have that would learn about their interests and what they wanted to do consistency in this community was key.” in the future, and find ways to help them explore. After graduating from Misericordia with a Bachelor of Science Improvements came not only in reading. degree in elementary and special education, Bellino worked as “One of our goals was to become responsible, accountable a special education aid at nearby Dallas High School. She felt scholars, and that is not only academically but also she had a calling to work in a community that was most in personally,” she says. “This year a lot of them reflected on need of dedicated teachers, so she made a two-year commitment to Teach for America, which places recent college graduates at schools in low-income communities. Bellino accepted a position at Garden City, a turnaround school that had a D grade when she arrived. That grade has since climbed to a B, she says. At the start of her first year in 2015, her third-grade class was projected to have just 29 percent of its students reading on grade level by the end of the school year. By the time the year ended, however, the actual number was 44 percent. A few days prior to the start of the following school year, Bellino was informed she would be teaching fourth grade reading. Looking forward to working with new students, she was disappointed at first, but she quickly came to realize how important building an ongoing relationship with her class would be. “Once we got into it in fourth grade and we were a few months in I realized it really was the best thing,” she says. Stephanie Bellino ‘12, the 2018 Duval County “We picked up right where we left off and the kids already Teacher of the Year, poses for a picture with knew their expectations. We saw a huge increase in data her fifth grade class at Garden City Elementary School in Jacksonville, Fla. and we attribute that to the relationship component.” 74 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE

their behavior or even test scores. Sometimes they would say, year also felt like an honor not just for her, but for her students ‘Ms. Bellino, can I speak to you?’ and we would go out into as well – three of whom were on hand for the announcement. the hallway. They would bring up that they received a D for “To see them crying and run up onto the stage, it wasn’t just behavior yesterday, and this is why and here is how they are that I was teacher of the year. We were the class of the year,” going to correct it. They began to do that on their own, which Bellino says, proudly. “It was just an incredible moment for was really amazing to see.” them that swelled my heart because I knew it meant equally as Bellino’s impact has not only been on students, but parents much to them as it did to me.” as well. In a letter of support for Bellino’s teacher of the year In July, Bellino traveled to Orlando with 74 other educators nomination, Leroy Harrison III wrote that other schools in for the Florida Teacher of the Year awards, then to Las Vegas Florida and Texas had “given up” on his son, Leron. for the National Teacher Leadership Conference, where she When Leron arrived at Garden City, Leroy began to see was excited to learn from other teachers around the country. improvements in his son’s behavior and grades. Still, when he When she returns to Garden City for the 2018-19 school got a phone call from Bellino, he was expecting bad news. “I year, her role will be a little different. She will be a reading was completely shocked. I had never heard of such a thing in my whole life. She called me to give my son praise,” he wrote, as reported by Jacksonville.com. “She talked better about my son than I could and I was completely amazed.” Leroy wrote that Bellino didn’t spoil his son and was honest about the good and the bad. Now Leron is happy, earning good grades and a member of the school’s honor society. For Bellino, Leron and Leroy Harrison’s story is the reason she wanted to be a teacher. “To hear and read what he said, it makes those long days worth it,” she says. “Teachers work way more than 8 to 3 and sometimes it is hard to believe, ‘OK, this is why I’m doing it.’ But to have a parent feel that way about you, it makes getting up and doing my daily routine worth it. I love it. I cannot imagine not doing it. “ Since she was in elementary school herself, Bellino knew she wanted to be a teacher. Impressed with what she heard about Stephanie Bellino ‘12 works with students in her fifth grade class at the University’s education program and having an aunt, Garden City Elementary School in Jacksonville, Fla. Jennifer Walsh ‘95, ‘01 who is an alumna, Bellino’s career aspirations led her to Misericordia. She said she has been influenced in her work by the values To see them crying and run up onto the of the University and the Sisters of Mercy. “When I think of what I do as a teacher, you are serving, but in the community stage, it wasn’t just that I was teacher of the year. I’m in you are invested in it. You have to be, because if you’re We were the class of the year. It was just an not, that’s where we see teacher turnover and we see students “ not meeting their full potential,” she says. “I was able to really incredible moment for them that swelled my see those values when I was at Misericordia and really heart because I knew it meant equally as much internalize them. So when I do the work I do now, I attribute to them as it did to me. that to what I learned and saw and the opportunities that were at Misericordia.” Bellino also credits the education program faculty with — Stephanie Bellino ’12 helping her develop as a well-rounded educator. Professor Joseph Rogan, Ed.D., with whom she continued to ” communicate after graduation, was particularly influential. coach, working with teachers throughout the school to “I was challenged there, but at the same time I knew I had a develop lessons that are meeting student needs. community I could count on,” she says. “I knew I could go to Bellino now plans to stay at Garden City, and as she Dr. Rogan about anything and he was going to give it to me transitions to the next phase, the students who she helped real whether I liked that or not. His classes developed me into succeed over the past three years will hold a special place in the educator I am and I think about him so often.” her heart. Those students are off to middle school now, but The educator she became is an award-winning one. Duval she wanted them to know she is always there for them. County has more than 8,000 teachers, and when she was “We’ve been together for three years, but that’s not it,” named one of five finalists for teacher of the year she already Bellino says. “I signed my end-of-the-year letter to each of felt like a winner to be considered among a group so them, ‘your forever teacher.’ So next year, or in five years or 10 dedicated to their students and community. years if they need anything, we’ve developed this relationship Being a finalist and ultimately being named teacher of the and I will be there.” 75 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PATH PEOPLE Weekend OT graduate earns doctorate while participating in an AOTA fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

BY GEOFF RUSHTON After graduating from the Weekend Disabilities (LEND) fellowship, a nine-month Entry-Level Master’s Degree Program in interdisciplinary program that covers a wide Occupational Therapy at Misericordia array of subjects such as public policy, trends University, Maria Baldino ’15, ’18 was working and issues, impacts of disabilities on families’ in private practice in Boston, Mass., when lives, and Medicare and Medicaid. Maria Baldino she realized she wanted something more. Long before she got to this point, Baldino ’15, ’18 Working with children as an occupational was an undergraduate at Shippensburg therapist was what she knew she wanted to University, struggling to decide what she do since she was an undergraduate in college wanted to do. She considered teaching, OCCUPATIONAL and she was doing just that. Baldino knew, physical therapy and psychology but could THERAPY however, she had something else to offer. not find the right fit. She just knew she “I wanted to do more for the profession,” wanted to help people. she says. “I jokingly say I want to save the Her mother, a special education teacher, world one baby at a time, but I needed the invited her to observe occupational therapy people around me that were going to help in her classroom. “I was just like, ‘This is what me get there and help me grow the way that I want to do. I know it.’ And I never looked I wanted to.” back,” she says. That determination led her down the A native of Hampton, N.J., Baldino has rigorous path of not only returning to family in Pittston, Pa., a short drive from her Misericordia University to pursue her doctorate alma mater’s campus, and spent a lot of time in occupational therapy, which she completed there growing up. As she looked for a in August, but also applying for and landing a master’s degree program close to home, she competitive American Occupational Therapy found the perfect fit in Misericordia’s Association (AOTA) fellowship at Nationwide weekend program, which allowed her to Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. work during the week as an infant room Through that fellowship, she carried a teacher at a daycare and as a personal trainer caseload, working with children every day. It while pursuing her master’s degree. gave her the opportunity to work in many Baldino said that while students in the areas with clinical mentors who helped her weekend program are often “adult learners” grow her abilities exponentially. They trained who have been working for a few or even her in outpatient developmental therapy, many years, it was perfect for her as a then inpatient rehab, acute care and complex 22-year-old who was working and studying. feeding practices, and in clinics for spina “The way they were able to still give us so bifida, cerebral palsy and early development. much information and teach us everything “Before that I was really only competent in we needed to know in the weekend format, the outpatient world and they have taken me in we built such good relationships,” she says. nine months to be able to be competent in “The faculty are so supportive. They inpatient, outpatient and specialty clinics, which challenge you in a good way and push you to is more than I could have hoped for,” Baldino where you need to be. For a faculty that can says. “They advanced my clinical practice with do that when they only see you every other the ultimate goal of becoming board-certified weekend, it says a lot about who they are. in pediatrics by January (2019).” They build relationships with students that The fellowship also came with an academic make them want to come back.” appointment at Ohio State University, where That’s why when she decided she wanted she was a teaching assistant in occupational to get her doctorate, she knew she wanted it therapy for children and adolescents. At Ohio to be at Misericordia. State, she also was able to complete the Baldino credits the support of Ellen Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment McLaughlin, Ed.D., O.T.R./L., associate 76 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE

professor and doctoral program director, have both of them. It is a lot of work The rewards, she said, come from and Lori Charney, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., taking my doctorate and the fellowship seeing a child throw a ball through a department chair and assistant at the same time. But it’s incredible how basketball hoop for the first time, or a professor, with helping her have the much they have helped,” Baldino adds. parent who can finally feed their baby confidence to apply for the fellowship In the fall, Baldino will split her time without stress after helping them at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. evenly between teaching at Ohio State figure out the best bottle and way to From her time in the master’s program University and doing clinical rounds at hold the child. through today, the faculty have been Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The That help changes the world of both “extremely influential” in Baldino’s life. ambitious clinician, though, already has the child and the parents. “As a “It’s much more than just teaching. identified the next career opportunity. professional I see what I’m doing for They mentor you,” she says. “It’s much She wants to apply for the AOTA the children and seeing them meet more than just lecturing, telling you this Emerging Leaders Development their potential, but then I’m also is how you do certain things. They create a relationship with you to mentor you and help you reach those goals.” They have also instilled a strong work ethic, Baldino said, both for achieving her goals and in her work with children and their families. “They really taught me to work hard, to work for what I want and go after what I want,” she says. “They have instilled that kind of work ethic and advocacy for your patients and families that I think generalizes to a lot of areas of life, whether that’s me being crazy and pursuing my doctorate while doing my fellowship or when I know this family needs something and I’m going to get it for them.” Baldino’s love for working with children goes back to when she Maria Baldino ‘15, ‘18 poses for a picture was a child herself. With a big outside Nationwide Children’s Hospital. extended family of about 20 cousins, there seemed to always be a baby around, and she loved being around them. She started babysitting It’s much more than just teaching. They mentor you. It’s much when she was 13 and as a busy more than just lecturing, telling you this is how you do certain professional and student at the age of 28, she still does it. “things. They create a relationship with you to mentor you and help That care and drive to help children you reach those goals. ultimately guided her to the challenge of pursuing her doctorate at the same time she undertook the fellowship. — Maria Baldino ’15, ’18 “The work I was able to do with my ” doctorate and the level of work I did is helping me try to implement programs Program to have a leadership and seeing what it is doing for parents and at the hospital and take initiative to do service role in the profession. She also caregivers,” Baldino says. “When your certain things here,” she says. would like to work in academia to help child cannot do something or is having “The experiences I had during the guide students. trouble doing something, it really fellowship are giving me much more At the same time though, with her impacts the family… When you see creative ideas for projects for my abiding love of helping children and that look on the parents’ face, that doctorate. While they are not connected families, she knows she will continue says ‘thank you,’ it makes every hard in any way, they are beneficial for me to clinical work. day worth it.” 77 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2018

‘TOUCHING THE FUTURE’ PEOPLE Immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago leaves lasting impact as teacher, volunteer and cancer survivor

BY GEOFF RUSHTON

Dr. Elise Bourne-Busby’s ‘67 life and hired her to serve as the government’s career have been far-ranging, but they metric specialist of educaton, as the have always centered on selflessness and country’s school and other industries were service to others. converting to the metric system. For five It began before she immigrated to the years, she traveled all over the country United States from Trinidad and Tobago in visiting schools and holding workshops for 1963 to pursue her education. The second teachers and principals to introduce the of six children born to Ivy and Reginald metric system. Bourne always performed well in school, As a small country, Trinidad would often so when a Catholic organization offered hire people from larger countries, and at scholarships to attend college in the that time, they would most often be men. United States, she accepted the Dr. Bourne-Busby said it was a privilege opportutity. and honor as a native of the country and a “I wanted to assist my parents to woman to be brought back to help make a provide a college education, for all their significant change in the area of education. children,” says the 1967 alumna, “so if I Dr. Bourne-Busby also has co-authored received a scholarship, they could take a math book used in Trinidad and a care of the other five.” Caricom CD which gives the reader a Dr. Bourne-Busby arrived in Pennsylvania Dr. Elise cursory view of some Caribbean nations. first to attend Mount Aloysius, then a junior Bourne-Busby The Caribbean Community (Caricom) is a college and a Sisters of Mercy institution. grouping of 20 countries, 15 member After two years, she took her scholarship to Misericordia, where states and five associate members located in and around the she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies. Caribbean Sea. When she arrived at Mount Aloysius in Cresson, Pa., she When she returned to the United States, she began was the only student of color. At Misericordia, she was one working as a kindergarten teacher at St. Anthony’s Catholic of two. In both places she was treated no differently than School in Passaic, N.J. After becoming a citizen, she taught any other student. “I was invited to students’ homes and in New York City public schools and then returned to St. accepted into the community. Racism was not a part of Anthony’s, as principal. the college culture. I was a part of After six years at St. Anthony’s, she entered the Teaneck that milieu just like anybody else,” (N.J.) Public School system where she spent the next 22 years. she says. Dr. Bourne-Busby spent the last five years as principal at Dr. Elise Bourne- Dr. Bourne-Busby went on to earn Bryant Elementary, which is dedicated to early childhood Busby ’67 a master’s in education from Howard education. When she retired in 2013, the school renamed the University in Washington, D.C., in library, the Dr. Elise Bourney-Busby Library, in her honor. 1974 and a doctorate in educational As a principal, Dr. Bourne-Busby developed the disciplinary SOCIAL STUDIES leadership from Nova Southeastern form, “Becoming Self Smart.” The idea came to her after University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in reading Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences. 1997. Throughout her career, she has made an impact – as a Gardner believed the idea of traditional intelligence as teacher and principal, in her efforts to support fellow cancer measured by IQ was too limited and that there are eight survivors, and as a mother of three daughters. different measures of intelligence. She honed in on the idea of She was a teacher in New York and a principal in New the intrapersonal intelligence – being “self-smart” – and how Jersey, before retiring in 2013, having been recognized for her that could apply to childhood development. work and innovation to develop and educate children. Her form, “Becoming Self-Smart,” was used when a child During the 1970s, Dr. Bourne-Busby was employed as a GED was sent to the principal’s office for inappropriate behavior. teacher with the the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and was The form provided prompts for the child to describe the required to be fluent in the metric system. Trinidad and Tobago incident by writing and drawing his/her version, and the 78 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE

opportunity to select alternate suggestions for handling the and internship opportunities, and many other resources for situation. The form was sent home to be signed by the parent, single mothers pursuing an undergraduate education. “This so it could stimulate a parent-child conversation. The form was program provides the ladder for a single parent to climb to usually returned signed and sometimes she was called for the next socio-economic level,’’ she says. “Since I was a clarification about the issue. With increased use of the strategy, single parent with three children, my heart opened to the data revealed inappropriate behavior decreased by 40 percent. women at Misericordia. I know what they are going through In 2004, Dr. Bourne-Busby was invited to present as single parents and this is where I want to help.’’ “Becoming Self-Smart” at the International Women’s She decided to add to the program’s library an initial set of Leadership Conference at Oxford University in England. books with accompanying stuffed animals to be used by the Her professional work, though, is not the only actionable parents and children in order to develop early childhood item that has earned her praise. Her own experience with reading habits. She continues to make annual contributions to cancer led to the creation of a service organization, one that the library. “Dr. Elise Bourne-Busby is a champion of the has been recognized by many. Women with Children Program and its mission,’’ Katherine In 1999, Dr. Bourne-Busby was diagnosed with breast Pohlidal, director of the program, says. cancer. Through three lumpectomies, a mastectomy and “As an educator, her expertise directly reflects upon her chemotherapy, her husband, family and friends were by her contributions to our program that center on childhood literacy. side every step of the way with unconditional support. Her generous donations have made shared reading and While in recovery, a volunteer with the American Cancer learning fun and engaging for our children. Even more Society’s Reach to Recovery program came to visit her. The importantly, she is an inspirational role model to our women as program brings survivors to patients to offer support and a compassionate leader and a proud alumna that continues to courage. Inspired, Dr. Bourne-Busby became a volunteer, but give back to her University community.’’ she wanted to do more. She and her group of supporters Dr. Bourne-Busby has had a successful career and rightly founded, More Than Friends. They added the component of earned much praise for her professional and volunteer work. delivering baskets to patients filled with inspirational literature, Misericordia presented her with the Mother Mary Catherine movies, towels, socks, bath and body works. McGann Alumni Achievement Award for distinguished and “We walk for the cure, we honor the fallen, we service the sustained career accomplishments, and she received a struggling, and celebrate the survivors,” is the mission statement humanitarian award from Mount Aloysius College. for More Than Friends. It also has inspired survivors to create Raising her daughters was God’s purpose for her, she says. satellite groups in Tennessee and Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Nakeisha, her oldest, recently retired after 26 years in the U.S. Bourne-Busby and the organization have been recognized Coast Guard. Trinay, her second child, is an instructor and

Dr. Elise Bourne-Busby’s ’67 service to others has been recognized by local, state and national organizations. with a proclamation from the Passaic County Board of Chosen associate director at , and Charisse, her Freeholders, received a New Jersey Senate and General youngest child, is a learning consultant, pediatric occupational Assembly citation, and a certificate of special recognition from therapist and inventor/entrepreneur. St. Joseph’s Health and U.S. Congress honoring Dr. Bourne- “I have seen my daughters grow to become successful Busby with the 2017 Community Health Award. and responsible adults who give back to the community,” she Childhood reading is important to Dr. Bourne-Busby – and adds. “Christa McAuliffe, the teacher/astronaut’s motto was, ‘I that, combined with her own experiences as a single mother touch the future, I teach.’ In 2017, I celebrated 50 years as a has guided how she chose to directly support Misericordia’s graduate of Misericordia University. The impact of education Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program. It is indeed multi-generational, and certainly influences the provides housing, financial and counseling resources, career trajectory of one’s life.” 79 301 Lake St., Dallas, PA 18612 Founded by the Sisters of Mercy

Alumni Box Office (570) 674-6768 | Misericordia University Box Office (570) 674-6719 THEARTS&MORE www.misericordia.edu/theartsandmore

Through Dec. 2 Sept. 21 Nov. 8-10 SEE NEW PLACES! MEET NEW PEOPLE! Contemplating Annual Health Care Symposium Misericordia Players – The Life and Character Patient-Centered Care: A Vision to Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Tours with a Difference Pauly Friedman Art Create Well-Being with keynote speaker 8 p.m. Lemmond eater in Walsh Dr. Marie Noël Keller, RSM, host, Gallery exhibition David Leonhardt, a Pulitzer Prize- Hall. Tickets are $3 students/seniors veteran of more than 100 overseas trips explores evolution winning New York Times columnist. and $5. University Box Office (570) of portraiture from 8 a.m., Lemmond eater in Walsh 674-6719. For information, go to Misericordia.edu/tourswithadifference end of the 18th Hall. To register, email Patti Ross at www.misericordia.edu/theartsandmore century to present. [email protected]. Nov. 29 – Dec. 9, 2018 Features 152 rare Nov. 11 Christmas Magic at the Markets portrait drawings Oct. 22 Misericordia Players – Featuring Rothenberg, Salzburg, Linderhof and oil sketches. The Impact of Climate Change Nicholas Nickleby Palace, Oberammergau, Innsbruck and Munich Opening reception: Lorentz is one on Society Lecture Series 2 p.m. Lemmond eater in Walsh $2,945 Sept. 22, 4-6 p.m. Finding the Good News on Energy, of 150 works Hall. Tickets: $3 students/seniors Environment, and the Economy with March 14–25, 2019 of art featured. and $5. Sept. 13 Richard Alley, Ph.D., Evan Pugh Spanish Splendors Ensemble Professor of Geosciences at Penn Dec. 5 $3,095 Chaconne: ‘Measure State University. 7 p.m., Catherine Emily Asher Holiday Concert June 19–30, 2019 by Measure,’ the Music Evans McGown Room, Mary Kintz 7:30 p.m. Lemmond eater in of Shakespeare’s Plays Bevevino Library. Paris, Brittany, Guernsey Island, Normandy Walsh Hall. Information: landing beaches and Amsterdam Quartet featuring Peter H. Bloom, (570) 674-6719. renaissance flute; Carol Lewis, viola da Oct. 24 $3,895 gamba; Olav Chris Henriksen, renais- A Checkerboard of Nights Sept. 12–23, 2019 sance lute, and mezzo-soprano Burcu and Days: A Memoir of My Cul- Dec. 6 Community Choir Holiday Concert Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Berlin Gulec. Tickets: $15, premium; $10, gen- tural Journey $3,395 eral admission, and free, Misericordia Author Irandukht Fahmy presents 7:30 p.m., Lemmond eater in Walsh students, staff and faculty. Tickets: mis- firsthand account of growing up in Iran Hall. Information: (570) 674-3021. Nov. 29 – Dec 9, 2019 ericordia.edu/chaconne or University with memoir. Book signing and lecture Christmas Magic at the Markets: Box Office at (570) 674-6719. presented by Friends of the Bevevino Dec. 8 Austria and Germany Library, 5-7 p.m. McGowan Room, 20th Annual Santa Brunch. $2,995 Sept. 20 Bevevino Library. Hosted by the Center for Adult and The Impact of Climate Change Continuing Education, children and (All rates are based on double occupancy) on Society Lecture Series Nov. 14 their families meet with Santa and have Rachel Carson’s Environmental Legacy The Impact of Climate Change photos taken. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Contact: Dr. Noël Keller, RSM for Today with Woodrow Wilson on Society Lecture Series Insalaco Hall. Tickets: $15, adults; $8, (570) 674-6776 or 674-6924 Visiting Fellow Robert K. Musil, Ph.D., As a Society, What Can We Do about children, 5-12, and free for children [email protected] M.P.H., president and CEO, Rachel Climate Change? with Charlie Cray, under 5. Reservations: (570) 674-3021 Misericordia University Carson Council. 7 p.m., Lemmond Greenpeace U.S.A. 7 p.m., 218-219, or email Johnna Evans at Center for Adult and Continuing Education eater in Walsh Hall. Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall. [email protected]. 301 Lake Street, Dallas, Pa 18612