Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
June – The 95th Anniversary Month of Becahi Graduations
This month marks an anniversary for over 13,500 Becahi graduates from 95 Class Graduations between 1927-2021. Each month, Tidings attempts to provide an opportunity for multiple “mini-reunions” by publishing a bit about graduates from many classes. Over 1,600 graduate names have been included in this year’s Tidings alone. This month features the Class of 1956 on the 65th Anniversary of their graduation.
Planning is ramping up again for the Class of 1970’s “Gold ‘n One” Reunion, and it is the goal of the committee to have as many classmates as possible attend. If for some reason you missed the survey to gage attendance, but will attend, just contact George Kane (610-421-6444 or [email protected]) so the committee can plan accordingly.
By the way, I listed those who responded to the survey (so far) and 64 indicated they were planning on attending… I put the list at the end of this newsletter. (I dare you to wait until you’ve read the whole newsletter before reading the names.)
Formal invitations along with the cost of the event and hotel information will be sent out in July. If you plan to donate an item (gift card, tickets etc.) or a complete basket, please let Kathy Gaydos Bickert know for planning purposes (434-358-4042 or [email protected]).
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This month I either saw or heard from…
… Mary Moroney Marzec ’51, Lou Schuster ’54, Bill Egan ’58, Dorothy Keating Steltzer ’60, Mary Kramer Fuehrer ’65, Yogi Eddinger ’67, Pat Urello ’67, Nancy Wasil Carr ’67, Connie Spagnola Weiskopf ’68, John Andris ’69, Larry Gasda ’69, Fran McGouldrick ’69, Bobby Halbreiner ‘71, Kathy McCool Ressler ’71, Sharon Bellizzi Friedman ’73, Maria Spagnola ’73, Carmen Spagnola ’74, Donna Guman Foley ’75, Joe DiDonato ’76, Joe Flecksteiner ’76, Susan Lynch Lawrence ’76, Sue Rehrig ’76, Janie Wright Hagmann ’76, Mike Shupp ’77, Nancy Friend Schrader ’81, Steve Shive ’81, Tom Vresics ’81, Kathleen Snyder Adolt-Silva ’83, Patrick Dundon ’85, Anthony Spagnola ’89, Shawn Hopkins ’97, Jimmy Altimare ‘04
… and from our class, I either saw or heard from Bobby A, Tommy Altimare, Jackie Angelucci Ortwein, Jamie Angelucci Kyle, Mike Audet, Tony Bauer, Dan Brady, Celeste, Dave and Jean (Bringenberg) Cech, Jessie Daniels Greenawald, GI Gerry, Bernie Gallagher, Kathy Gaydos Bickert, Mayra Godin Focht, Paul Grube, Bernie Guerra Misero, Mick Halbreiner, Harry, Trish Holly Zechman, Tina Hudak, Jeff and Col, George and Betsy, Pat Lynch, Judy McCoach McFadden, Phil Meguire, Sue Peters Crawford, Eileen Quarry Fehr, Tommy Sculley, Grace Soltis, Josephine, Bob Spirk, Carl, Linda Talbot Keefe
pg. 1 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
65 for 56 – The Class of 1956’s Virtual 65th Year Reunion
There were four hundred ninety-two students enrolled at Becahi in 1956. There were 102 members of the senior class, including 34 boys and 68 girls This was the high school’s 30th Anniversary class.
Father Daniel B. Powell, D.D. was the Rector Father Joseph V. Sangmeister, J.C.D., LL.D. was the Principal Father John J. Nawn, A.B. was the Vice-Principal
The teachers were: Sister M. Agnes Consilii, S.S.J., taught religion, music and dramatics Sister M. Angelica, S.S.J., taught social studies Sister M. Edward Anita, S.S.J., taught science Sister M. Florence Teresa, S.S.J., taught commercial studies Sister Irma Loreto, S.S.J., taught art and math Sister Marie Jeanne, S.S.J., taught social studies Sister Marie St. John, S.S.J., taught Latin Sister M. Mechtilda, S.S.J., taught English Sister M. Michael Cecilia, S.S.J., taught commercial studies Sister M. Rose Eleanor, S.S.J., taught English Sister M. Terese Catharine, S.S.J., taught French and Spanish
The Senior Play was “Seventeen”; “Naughty Marietta” was the operetta, and the Christmas Pageant was performed.
The graduating seniors were…
Edward Albertson* Thomas Gill Catherine Monaghan James Altemus Joseph Goch* Judith Morgan Robert Altemus Meghan Groeger Patricia Morganello Long Thomas Altenbach* Eleanor Handlovic Keeler Bernard Mulligan Catherine Ambrose Lotz* Helen Harvey Capuano Margaret Nemchick Robert Ansbach Ellen Healey McMahon Thomas O’Connor George Baba* Dolores Hoch Riestra Mary Ellen O’Donnell Lewis Catherine Bacso Baran Thomas Holly Thomas O’Donnell MaryAnn Bambu* Andrea Horvath Price* Catherine Olay Arner David Bayer Rose Horvath Muniz Rosemary Oravec Benya Barbara Beck Marguerite Horwath Eleanor Orban* Leon Bianco* Teresa Hrkach McMahon Joseph Perry* John Bilsak Dorothy Huffsmith Kluska Catherine Ritter Georgine Borlodan Kominsky Joanne Kalata Steinhart Mary Ryan Francis Boyle Frances Kapusi Zubia Mary Schmidt Rice Philip Boyle Mary Kazik Marie Shalbert Hollendersky* Dolores Brugger Bauder Bernadine Kelhart Harry Siegfeldt* Elizabeth Bunsa Weaver* Marguerite Kelly Wolfe Marie Simons Warrick
pg. 2 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Richard Burke Janet Knies Druckenmiller Joanne Slabikosky Hess Marie Celec Oravec Lawrence Konrad Mary Slafkosky Mary Cooke Bragg* Charles Kropp Carolyn Smith Bedics Roseanne Culligan Esterly* Robert Labdik Charlotte Snyder Mary Susan Cunningham* Dolores Lavinger Mangan* Kathleen Sopko Donchez John Degnan Kathleen Lipsky Buchanan John Svanda* Michael Demyan Mary Jane Lucas Kacsur Patricia Takacs Kauffman Anne DeNardo McGowan Patrick Maloney* Rose Takacs Jean DeNofa Marx* Joseph Marcin* Richard Turnbach* Mary Donchez Irma Martinez Alvarez* Mary Ann Uhl Schrempp* Mary Jane Fertal Kris James McNamara Ann Ulshafer Shoemaker* Thomas Fodi* James McShane Dorothy Valentin Tulio Neil Foley Alfred Mello* Joanne Vanic Sterlein Elizabeth Ford Dolores Messina Novak Margaret Veno Victor Geld Regina Mitala Burkhardt Geraldine Zelasko Kathleen Gill Boligitz* Suzanne Molitorisz Egan Joan Zelko Guranich
* Deceased Then…
Richard Turnbach was elected president and Richard Burke was elected vice-president of the Student Association. Anne DeNardo and Harry Siegfeldt were co-editors of the Tidings. Joan Zelko was editor and Rose Horvath and Helen Harvey were associate editors of the Sceptre.
Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated in Holy Infancy Church.
Then after…
Sixteen graduates (>15% boys) served in the Military…
James Altemus > U.S. Army Medical Corps Lawrence Konrad > U.S. Navy Thomas Altenbach > U.S. Navy Robert Labdik > U.S. Marines George Baba > U.S. Army (Vietnam) Patrick Maloney > U.S. Army John Bilsak > U.S. Navy Joseph Marcin > U.S. Army Francis Boyle > U.S. Navy Alfred Mello > U.S. Air Force John Degnan > U.S. Air Force Joseph Perry > U.S. Marines Thomas Fodi > U.S. Navy John Svanda > U.S. Army Thomas Gill > U.S. Army Richard Turnbach > U.S. Air Force
Four graduates served as Nurses…
Anne DeNardo McGowan Catherine Olay Arner Mary Jane Fertal Kris Mary Schmidt Rice
One member served the Lord… Barbara Beck (Sr. Frances Charles, OSF)
pg. 3 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
There were seven “campus couples”:
Thomas Altenbach and Anne Marie Galley ’58 Andrea Horvath and Robert Price ‘55 Michael Demyan and Dolores Dougherty ’59 Harry Siegfeldt and Joanne Polaha’ 57 Kathleen Gill and James Boligitz ’55 Joanne Vanic and Joe Sterlein ‘55 Thomas Holly and Jeannette Baur ‘60
Five members had 7 children who graduated from Beca…
George Baba > Jeff ’81, Eric ’85 Thomas Fodi > Kristen ‘94 Francis Boyle > Francis, III ‘83 Mary Jane Lucas Kacsur > Chris ’82, Dave ‘86 Michael Demyan and Dolores Dougherty ’59 > Thomas ‘82
Four members had a parent who graduated from Beca…
Charles Kropp > Eileen Hoffert ‘31 Mary Susan Cunningham > Madeleine Keating ‘40 James McShane > Helen Powell ‘28 Kathleen Sopko Donchez > Isabel Reagan ‘31
--- Alumni Cited this Month
This month’s Tidings includes the names of over 400 graduates from 72 different classes including, 1928, 1931, 1934, 1941, 1942, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1954-61, 1963-65, 1967-2017, 2019
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Our Educators Honor Roll
Some of you wrote to add names to the Becahi Educators Honor Roll that were not included in last month’s announcement. I list them here for inclusion and to thank them for guiding the next generation of scholars.
Lorraine Willey Snyder ’59 Thomas Kuehne ‘88 Leonard Perrett ’67 Jacqui Makaravitz Gordon ‘88 Susan McCandless Pfeil ’69 Bethanne Pardo Doyle ‘88 Gus Evrard ’77 Robert Stem ‘89 Cindy Wiktor Kurtz ‘77 Trisha Stem Brady ‘89 Terri Guman Wignot ’79 Emily Episcopio Hansen ‘94 Kathleen Snyder Adolt-Silva ’83 Erica Stem ‘98 Sandra Fink Chabot ‘84 Kristin Spirk Hastie ‘02 Christopher Gillen ’85 Sarah Egan Reid ‘05 Joseph Bilicic ‘87* * Deceased
pg. 4 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
More Kudos for Becahi Teaching Greats
I received a few more nominations for special recognition and gratitude for our teachers…
Phil Meguire ’70 wrote… “I would like to nominate the fellow who taught calculus to seniors in 1969- 70. George Cocks was the first math teacher I ever had who really knew math. While teaching, he would very occasionally digress about his life story, revealing more about himself than he needed to. He completed a BS in math at Penn State, in under 3 years, [and received a MS in Math from the University of Notre Dame]. Thus, he was the best educated math teacher I ever had before college. Mornings, he taught math to us senior boys. Evenings, he taught at the Northampton County Community College.
I went on to do 2 math classes at Princeton and one at Chicago. These classes were vastly inferior to his teaching.”
Kathy McCool Ressler ’71 wrote… “the teachers who impacted my education most positively are: Ms. Anissa Nassry and Sister Anita David. They were both great science teachers, and guided my path into further study of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in college. I remember being pleased at my scores in the subject SAT tests, and recognizing that I should attribute my aptitude in science to their teaching efforts at Becahi.”
Maria Spagnola ’73 wrote…”to tell you about "Willie T", Sr. William Theresa! She taught me math for 3 years and thank God too. In spite of her catching me … to catching me… to catching me …, I still LOVED THAT WOMAN!!!! After graduating from High School, I became a Special Ed teacher and 5 years into my teaching career, I taught "at risk" high school kids in residential treatment centers and the public-school sector for the next 25 years. …thank God for Willie T. I was teaching Algebra I, II and geometry, and even though I had forgotten a lot of the formulas etc., Willie T taught us to methodically solve the problem, follow the process/steps and in the end would calculate the problem and come to an answer. I used this strategy whenever I had to learn/review a new concept to teach to my students the next day. I have thought of her quite often during my lifetime teaching and have spoken about her to my students as well. She taught me … just the way [I taught] my troubled students would not like me for making them "do their work" if you know what I mean.”
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Save the Date(s)… for now…
Annual Golf Classic is scheduled for September 10th at the Whitetail Golf Course. More details to follow in future Tidings. Connie Druckenmiller is the school’s Point of Contact.
Homecoming 2021 will include a football game on Friday, September 24th against Liberty. (The same evening as the Class of 70’s Class Reunion. A lot of celebrities will be in town.) Other Homecoming plans are in process, and will be posted as they become set.
pg. 5 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Reunion News…
The alumni classes for years ending in “1” and “6” are (hopefully) beginning to plan their reunions. Tom Vresics ’81, our Advancement Director and the office staff stand ready to help, and planners can contact him at [email protected]. Tom is looking forward to working with every class, but especially the milestone classes whose celebrations are approaching quickly. Tom will provide you with our most current email list for your class.
Kay Fenerty Lynn ’57, writes that the Class of ’57 have reserved the Prime Steak House for their 64th Reunion luncheon on September 29, 2021.
The Class of ’69 will be celebrating the 52nd Anniversary of their Graduation on Sunday, September 19th 2021, from 4:00 to 9:00 at Pavilion #1 in the Bethlehem Township Municipal Park at 2900 Farmersville Road. The reunion committee decided that an outdoor venue would offer the best chance to hold a reunion with the least amount of risk for everyone involved. More information and updates will be sent going forward. Members of the committee include: Steph Berden Husser, Larry Gasda, Eileen Kacmar Strohl, Dorene Kortvely Darabaris, Jerry Kresge, Sue McCandless Pfeil, Fran McGouldrick, Chuck Ortwein, Mary Ann Seaman Nickles and Donna Soltysiak Kramer.
The Class of ’70 “Gold ‘n One” Reunion is scheduled for the weekend of September 24-26, 2021. Friday evening the 24th, the party at the Steel Club will include a Chance Auction/Basket Raffle at to benefit our Scholarship Fund. Donations of a basket, bottle of wine, restaurant gift certificate, etc. would be appreciated. (Micky Halbreiner has already offered to donate a couple baskets of cheer.) Kathy Gaydos Bickert [email protected] and Betsy Vreeland Lavelle [email protected] are the go-to persons for this. Other events are pending. Stay tuned. BTW…. Becahi’s 2021 Homecoming and the Bethlehem Celtic Festival are also scheduled for this weekend, so plan accordingly.
Class of 1971
Will there be a Golden Reunion for you this year? Let me know and I’ll help spread the word.
Class of 1972’s 50th Reunion
Planning continues. Looks like September, 2022 will be the magical month. A Facebook Group page entitled “Becahi class of 1972” was set up on March 10th, and so far, 26 persons (out of 207 living souls) have signed on. Sue Bartos ‘72, [email protected], is the Group’s Administrator. Sign up on Facebook and get yourself involved…please.
pg. 6 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
The Class of 1976 is planning their 45th Reunion for Sunday, August 15th from 1 PM until 5 PM at the Meadows in Hellertown… back to the scene of their 5th and 10th Reunions! Very nice deck for outdoor space and air-conditioned indoor space for food and bathrooms! BTW - This is the last Sunday of Musikfest so anyone who is interested can try to catch a show or fireworks after the reunion. More details to follow but wanted to get the date on your calendars. https://www.facebook.com/groups/106759279427342/ on (Facebook), or contact Sue Lynch Lawrence [email protected], Sue Rehrig [email protected], or Jeff Sawyer [email protected]
The Class of 1985’s 36th class reunion is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the Clubhouse Grill on Illick's Mill Rd. in Bethlehem. Sherri Hines ’85 is the contact… [email protected]
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I also either saw, heard from, or read about:
Rev. Stephen Maco, who taught theology and coached the girl’s-basketball teams between 1991 and 2003, and who now serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Beca, retires this month, according to the Allentown Diocese, and will assume the title of Pastor Emeritus of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Bangor.
Kathy McCool Ressler ’71, wrote that her late aunt, Sr. Ann Constance, S.S.J., taught at Becahi between 1989 and 1994. Sr. Ann was in charge of records and attendance.
Tom Rheiner ’73, a DeSales University graduate, is an Air/Water Quality Control Engineer with the Riverside County (CA) Flood Control and Water Conservation District. – www.moreno-valley.ca.us
James Weiss ’74, who graduated from Moravian College and received his CPA, is the Principal at James P Weiss and Associates, Accounting Services, in Bethlehem. – dnb.com
I read on the Becahi website, Becahi.org, that 4 grads currently serve on the Becahi Board of Directors, Donna Guman Foley ’75, Joe Uliana ’83, John Connell ’03 and Frank Trovato ’03.
Kathleen Snyder Adolt-Silva ’83, who recently attained her Doctorate in Education, wrote… “I was one of the founding faculty of the former Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the performing Arts, now known as charter Arts in Bethlehem and worked there as the special education director for 9 years. I was on the founding board of the Arts Academy Charter Middle School in Salisbury township and have been the director of educational support services there for 9 years. I have recently accepted a position with Kelly Services to be the national special education manager for the newest Perm Para program, poised to provide quality paraprofessionals to schools and districts throughout the country.”
pg. 7 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Maureen O’Grady ’86, who received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware and a Master’s Degree from Lehigh University, has recently retired as an ESOL Instructor in the Allentown School District where she worked for over 16 years, but still teaches Irish Dance classes at the O’Grady Quinlan Academy in Easton.
Marifel Estrada-Currie ’91, who received a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Temple University, practices at the Center for Psychological Wellness and Change, LLC in Allentown. – psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Karl Kozlowski ‘95, who holds a BS in Administration of Justice from Penn State University, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Allentown Police Department in November 2019, and assigned to the 1st platoon. Lieutenant Kozlowski has received six commendations: two for bravery, three for merit and one for achievement. – allentownpa.gov
Kristin Martin Osipower ’96, a graduate of Lafayette College, is the Campus Interfaith Coordinator at Wilkes University. – wilkes.edu/campus-directory/
Shawn Hopkins ’97, a LaSalle University graduate and a Resource Management Office (RMO) Environment Engineering Manager at Merck in West Point, PA, is running for school board member at the Upper Moreland School District in Montgomery County, PA. You can find the Facebook page at @choicetransparencygrowth for more info or here: http://www.facebook.com/choicetransparencygrowth
Kristin Spirk Hastie ’02, who studied at both West Chester University and Moravian College, is a Sixth-Grade Teacher in the East Penn School District. - eastpennsd.org
Matthew Kuna ’12, was ordained a Transitional Deacon – the final step before Ordination to the Priesthood – on May 15th, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena. Matt earned a BS in Education, with a concentration on Spanish and English as a Second Language, from Kutztown University, before hearing the call to the Priesthood and entering the seminary. – AD Today
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Advancement Newsletter – Keeping You Up to Date on Recent Hawk Happenings
The new Becahi Advancement Newsletter is the perfect complement to the monthly Tidings. This online publication will be published quarterly around the middle of the month. If you did not receive our first two editions, they may be in your SPAM or Junk File between April 16th -18th and then again between May14th-16th. If they are not there then email Tom Vresics at [email protected] with the following information: Name and Becahi Graduation Year.
pg. 8 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Distinguished Graduates
Last month’s Tidings saluted the 2021 Distinguished Graduates. Their stories are…
Greg Adams '72, Mike Shupp '77 Megan Anne Stull '96
They now join the 57 other Distinguished Graduates named since 1999. The complete roll of the 60 honorees, listed by class year, are as follows:
Distinguished Graduate, Class (Year Inducted) Distinguished Graduate, Class (Yr. Inducted)
(Sr.) Mary Kathryn Quinn, S.S.J. ‘42* (2005) Jayne Davis Serino ‘77 (2015) Virginia Tallarico ‘49* (2001) August "Gus" Evrard ‘77 (2012) (Sr. Rose Concetta, S.S.J.) Emil Giordano ‘77 (2005) Michael Shupp ‘77 (2021) Merle Louise Letowt Simon ‘51 (2000) John "Jack" Vresics ‘77 (2017) Jean Pursell Boligitz-Belinski ‘52* (1999) Mary Ellen Zator Estes ‘77 (1999) Thomas Tachovsky ‘54 (2000) David Madison ‘78* (2014) Joseph "Jody" Silvester ‘55 (2001) Andrew "Drew" Karabin ‘79 (2013) James Doddy ‘59 (2007) Diane Begany Brown ‘80 (2006) John McGeehan ‘61 (2010) Pablo Batista ‘81 (2011) Frank Zondlo ‘63 (2010) James Benzing ‘81 (2019) James Darazsdi ‘67* (1999) Bernard "Bernie" Brown ‘81 (2013) James Narlesky ‘67 (2008) Daniel Roebuck ‘81 (2006) Mike Fenton ‘68 (2012) Steven Shive ‘81 (2002) Dave Griffith ‘68 (2007) Maryann Cusimano Love ‘82 (2007) Robert "Bob" Tarola ‘68 (2009) Joseph Uliana ‘83 (2008) Michael Corriere ‘84 (2001) Rosina Bierbaum ’70 (2000) Kristine Tantsits McGinty ‘84 (2009) Jack Eckenrode ‘70 (2006) Patrick Dundon ‘85 (2013) Alice Finn Freeh ‘70 (2010) Lisa Ann Goldfeder Baron ‘85 (2011) Richard "Rick" Jordan ‘70 (2009) Susan Domchek ‘86 (2016) Christopher "Chris" Wright ‘70 (2003) John Pavis ‘86 (2014) Greg Adams ‘72 (2021) Joanna Samuelson Gillies ’86 (2002) Jean Keeler Salabsky ‘72 (2014) Camille Thompson Carlstrom ‘88 (2015) Amelia Mesko Upchurch ’72 (2002) Mary Sinnott ‘72 (2011) Scott Sauer ‘90 (2018) John Spagnola ‘75 (2019) John Bailey ‘91 (2003) Joseph Zator ‘75 (2017) Jennifer Bartos Roeder ‘93 (2017) Susanne Brenner ‘76 (2008) Michael Metzger ‘94 (2016) Kerry Hickey Cheever ‘76 (2012) Megan Stull ‘96 (2021) Eric Kane ‘76 (2005) Michael Thompson ‘97 (2015) Stephen Keppel ‘99 (2016)
William Phillip ‘00 (2018) * Deceased
pg. 9 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Recent Passings
Alumni Class Passed Away Age
Tom Ortwein 1948 04/27/2021 90 Susan Peters Horwath 1959 04/05/2021 79 Maryann Libricz 1960 05/02/2021
Our Family and Friends Passings
James Coyle, husband of Mary Anne Spinelli Coyle ’60, on 05/02 Edgardo Custodio, father of Maribel ‘87, Melissa ‘90 and Jennifer ‘93, on 04/30 Leonard Del Re, brother of Jo Ann ’69, on 05/11 Richard Dobrowolski, father of Brad ’89 and Craig, on 05/01 Janet Gebec, mother of Frank ’79, Claude ’80, Janet ’82, Carol ’86 and Chrissy ’88, on 04/28 Geraldine Haig, mother of Colleen ’00, on 04/30 Maryann Libricz ’60, sister of Joan ’57 and Joe ’69, on 05/04 Tommy Ortwein ’48, father of Teresa ’71, Tom ’73, Roseann ’76 and Rick, on 04/27 Susan Peters Horwath ’59, mother of Michele ’83, Kirsten ’87 and Michael, daughter of Joseph Peters ’34, and sister of Joanne Peters Knies ‘64, on 04/05 – From Anita Bianco Rothrock ’59 Carmen Rivas, mother of Teresa ‘86, Mariel ‘88, Griselle ‘91, Carmen and Sergio, on 05/02 Jose Simoes, father of Manny ’72, Gloria ’74 and Paul ‘83, on 05/26 Mary Stofanek, mother of John ‘71, David ‘75 and Ken ‘78, on 05/10 Mary Timar, mother of John ’72, Monica ’76 and Brian ’85, on 05/22 Frank Tomko III, son of Stephanie Campanella Tomko ’71 and the late Frank Tomko ’71, on 05/19 Edward Vogel, brother of Marie ’61, on 05/08
Kathleen Wagner, former teacher and guidance counselor at Beca between 1965 and 1970, passed away on 05/05 o She was recently recognized by the Alumni as a teacher who positively influenced their growth and development.
Mary Wellner, mother Teresa ’72, Robert, Maureen and Mary Louise, on 05/02
Please say a special prayer for our classmate Al Calvo, “The Boss”, who passed away during the month of June. (6/30/2011)
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pg. 10 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Sports Update
Baseball Coach Matt Corsi ‘99 is nearing completion of his first season at the helm! The team has a record of 15-8 after a 3-1 District XI 4A semifinal win over North Schuylkill on May 27th. The District XI championship game is scheduled for June 1st.
Softball Coach Rich Mazza’s 19th season included his 300th win on May 4th vs. Pleasant Valley. The team’s record is 12-8, after defeating Blue Mountain in the District XI 4A semifinals. Finals are scheduled for June 1st against Northern Lehigh.
Boys Lacrosse Coach Tom Fekula’s team improved throughout the season. Experience and some victories were the outcomes of this year’s team which closed the season with a record of 3-10.
Girls Lacrosse This was the inaugural season for the girl’s team. Coach Taylor Ondrejca’s goals were to grow the sport at Beca and lay a foundation for future teams. Tons of experience, teamwork and overall individual skill improvement were the takeaways from this season’s results, regardless of the 0-13 record.
Boys Tennis Coach George Harmanos’s completed his 48th season that included his 700th career boys’ match on April 19th vs. East Stroudsburg South. The team finished the season with a record of 9-7 after a 3-2 loss in the District XI Playoffs.
Curtis Gruber (‘22) won the District XI 2A singles title, becoming Becahi’s first-ever boys tennis District XI champion.
Boys Volleyball Coach Tim Sledz’s team posted a record of 3-12 this season, and look forward to next year’s challenge.
Track & Field Championships East Penn Conference District XI PIAA Boys 400: Kensley Joasil (4th) Long Jump: Nicolas Roof (3rd) Nicolas Roof (3rd)
Girls Triple Jump: Cailey Spanitz (2nd) Pole Vault: Cailey Spanitz (1st) Cailey Spanitz (1st) Cailey Spanitz (7th)
pg. 11 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
1955-1956 Sports
Paul Calvo coached the boys’ basketball team and Lou Bratkovics was the trainer. The boys’ basketball team (18 wins – 9 losses) were the 1955-56 Philadelphia Suburban Catholic League Co-Champions, and lost in the 1956 PCIAA Class B Finals to Pittsburgh’s St. Casimir High School.
The members of the boys’ basketball team were…
James Shunk ‘57, Thomas Fodi ‘56, Neil Foley ‘56, Harry Mitchell ‘57, Alfred Mello ‘56, (Mgr.), John Dobrota ‘57, Richard Burke ‘56, Jack Egan ‘57, Richard Fuisz ’57, John Bilsak ‘56, John McGowan ‘57, Patrick Maloney ‘56, Thomas Altenbach ‘56 and Thomas Maloney ‘57, (Mgr.)
Mr. Leo Prendergast coached the girls’ 1955-56 basketball team
Members of the girls’ basketball team that finished with 10 wins and 2 losses, included:
Regina Quinn ‘58, (Mgr.), Joanne Polaha ‘57, Mary Mitchell ‘57, Andrea Horvath ‘56, Mary Cunningham ‘56, Andrea Kalata ‘57, Kathryn Fenerty ‘57, Margaret Nemchick ‘56, Grace Kocsan ‘58 (Mgr.), Maryann Chassar ‘58, Elaine Cullen ‘57, Judith Morgan ‘56, Patricia Burkhardt ‘57, Carolyn Smith ‘56, Catherine Bacso ‘56 and Nancy Schweisgut ‘59
Mr. Ted Martz coached the baseball team.
Alumni and Sports Notables:
Bob Stem, who coached Becahi’s football team between 1983-2001 and posted a record of 173-53-1 with eight District XI championships, six Eastern Pennsylvania Conference titles, an Eastern Gold, and two state championships, will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. - Morning Call, 5/29/21
Tom Ortwein ’48, the seventh of thirteen children of Francis and Bridget (Gallagher) Ortwein, passed away on 04/27. In the early sixties he helped organize the CYO wrestling program in Bethlehem and became the first coach. In 1964 he helped relaunch the wrestling program at Beca’s “new” school on Dewberry Ave. He was the first wrestling coach for many Becahi State Champs. God bless.
Dean Reiman ’84, resigned as head girls’ basketball coach at Freedom in order to spend more time on his club basketball program in the Lehigh Valley which has grown to over 20 teams. Dean is the winningest coach (95-50) in Freedom’s program history.
pg. 12 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Nate Lackman '19 joined Tom Sculley '70, Pat Santoro '85, Ziad Haddad '08, and Darian Cruz '13 as the fifth Becahi graduate to win a National Wrestling Championship. Nate won his national title at 152 pounds wrestling for Rhode Island College which competes at the Division III level.
Julia Zambo ’19’s Valedictorian, competing as a sophomore for Johns Hopkins University at the Centennial Conference Outdoor Track Championships in early May, finished first in the hammer throw and third in the shot put. - Morning Call, 5/29/21
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“BLinkedIn” Profiles (Over 350 Grads profiled in 2021, to date)
LinkedIn is an online platform that people use to build social networks with other people who share similar personal or career interests, activities, backgrounds or real-life connections. Many of our classmates have profiles on LinkedIn that are viewed by and shared with the public. In future newsletters, some of those profiles of Becahi grads will be posted so we can continue to share our stories and connections with each other. It’s a great way to market our school and its alumni. (…and because they are Becahi Grads, I call it “BLinkedIn”). I found the following grads on LinkedIn last month:
Susan McCandless Pfeil ’69, who received a BA in English from DeSales University and an MA in Education from Lehigh University, is an Adjunct Professor at Elizabethtown College.
Janice Cawley Kupiszewski ’70, is now a Retired Business Continuity Professional living in the greater Phoenix, AZ area. Nice.
Mark Bacak ’71, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government from Lehigh University and a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh, is District Manager for the Social Security Administration in Bethlehem.
Manny Simoes ’72, who received a BS in Business and Economics from Lehigh University, is General Manager at MSource Group, LLC, in Sanford, FL.
Lou Phillip ’73, who received a BS in Applied Management from Kaplan University and an Associate’s Degree in Network Services from Lehigh Carbon Community College, is an IT Consultant at Consulting and Contract Services in Allentown.
Gloria Shields Sprankle ’74, who received a BS in Business from King’s College, is a Web Architect for the Altoona Area School District in Altoona, PA.
Luke Cunningham ’75, who received a BBA in Business Administration from Keystone College and studied Electrical Construction Management at the University of Hartford, is President of West Side Hammer Electric Inc. in Bethlehem.
pg. 13 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Susan Lynch Lawrence ’76, who received a BS in Health Information Management from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in Health Care Administration from the University of Scranton, is Senior Vice President, Ambulatory and Post-Acute Services at Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Gus Evrard ’77’s Valedictorian and a Becahi Distinguished Graduate, who received a BS in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Physics from Stony Brook University, is Professor of Physics and Astronomy, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.
Susan Karb Walewski ’78, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bloomsburg University and an MS in Health Care Administration from the University of Scranton, is Self-Employed in the Lebanon, PA area.
Paul Uliana ’79, who studied Electrical Engineering at Penn State University and received a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University, is Tech Manager at Broadcom, Inc., A global technology leader in semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions, in Bethlehem.
Toni Campanella Erceg ’80, is a Facilities Specialist at The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, in Allentown.
Bob Seidenberger ’80, who received a BS in Finance/Accounting from Penn State University, is Vice President at Bay View Funding in Bethlehem.
Nancy Friend Schrader ’81, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Moravian College, is a Loan Processing Manager at ESSA Bank & Trust of Stroudsburg.
Tim Fradeneck ’82, who received a BS in Chemistry/Business Administration from the University of Scranton, is a Senior Solutions Consultant at *Convergent*, a 45-year-old innovative Voice, Data, Video & Managed Services Provider in Bethlehem.
Kathleen Snyder Adolt-Silva ’83, who received a BS in Special Education for Hearing Impaired from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, an MA in Special Education from Kaplan University, and an EdD in Special Education from Walden University, is currently Director of Educational Support Services at Arts Academy Charter Middle School in Salisbury Township.
Steve Glueck ’84, who received a BA in Economics from Ursinus College, is Partner of Not-for-Profit Services at BBD, LLP, a nationally recognized, PCAOB-registered firm of Certified Public Accountants located in Philadelphia. (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board)
pg. 14 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Christopher Gillen ’85, who received a BS in Biology from Lafayette College and a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Yale University, is a Professor of Biology at Kenyon College in Gambier, OH.
Jeff Ortwein ’86, who received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Lehigh University, is the IT Manager - Business Applications at St Luke's University Health Network.
Michael Gentilcore ’87, who received a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University, is a Senior Project manager at Bosch Rexroth in Bethlehem.
Bethanne Pardo Doyle ’88, who received a BS in Hospitality Administration from Purdue University, is now Tuition Manager at Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis, IN.
Kevin Dugan ’89, who received a BS in Business and Management at the University of Delaware, is a Postal Support Employee at the United State Postal Service in the Lehigh Valley.
Ronita Lawrence ’90, who received an AS in Animal Health Technology from Harcum College, is Inventory Manager at Ardmore Animal Hospital, LLC in the greater Philadelphia area.
Tara Perruso ’91, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management from Philadelphia University, is a Licensed Real Estate Professional at Weichert, Realtors in Bethlehem.
Clare Heekin Lynch ’92, who received a BS in Graphic Design from La Roche University and an MA in Corporate Communications from Duquesne University, is Vice President, Global Cash Management Proposal Write at Citi Financial Services in the greater Houston area.
Greg LaPlant ’93, who studied at Lehigh University, is Internal Communications Leader at Averitt Express, a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management with international reach to more than 100 countries, in Cookeville, TN
Stacey Haas Brandes ’94, who received a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education from Moravian College, is a Technical Support Engineer at PowerSchool Group LLC in Bethlehem.
pg. 15 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Kaycee Cleveland Palko ’95, who received a BA in Political Science from Susquehanna University and an MS in College Student Development and Counseling from Northeastern University, is Senior Coordinator of Student Activities at Carnegie Mellon University.
George Vasiliadis ’96, who received a BA in Political Science from Penn State University and a JD from Widener University’s School of Law, is Co-Managing Member at Vasiliadis Pappas Associates LLC in Bethlehem.
Jonathan Gerber ’97, who studied at Moravian College and Lehigh University, is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones.
Chuck Lang ’98, who studied Accounting at King’s College, is the Controller at Tube Methods, Inc in Bridgeport, PA.
Sean Gorman ’99, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Wilkes University, is a Mental Health Technician at St. Luke’s Hospital and a Community Support Coordinator at LVCIL (Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living) in Bethlehem.
Richard Valois ’99, who received an Associate’s Degree in Management from Allentown Business School, a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from DeSales University and an MBA in Management/Leadership from Capella University, is a Production Supervisor at Catalent Pharma Solutions in the greater Philadelphia area.
Matthew Vollman ’00, is Fulfillment Center Team Member at Qurate Retail Group, a select group of like-minded businesses that provide customers with curated collections of unique products, made personal and relevant by the power of storytelling, in Whitehall.
Sabrina Walters ’00, who received a BA in Psychology from Penn State University and an MEd in Special Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, is the Owner of the Lehigh Valley's Leading Interior Plantscaper l Interior Plant Design l Installation l Routine Plant Care, in Bethlehem.
Michael Altimare ’01, who received a BSBA in Economics from Shippensburg University and an MBA from Moravian College, is a Senior Financial Planning Analyst at PPL Services Corporation in Allentown.
Katie Lehman-Connor ’01, an Ursinus College graduate, is the Owner/Operator of HomeBody Personal Training LLC, an at home personal training service, where the trainer comes to you in the privacy of your own home. No gym, no equipment required!, in Schwenksville, PA.
pg. 16 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Kate Glagola ’02, who received a BA in Business Administration from Moravian College and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Dublin City University, is a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Jorge Otero ’02, who received a BA in Film and Media Arts from Temple University, is a results-oriented technical director with eight years’ experience in audio visual and information technology system integration, in Allentown.
John Santanasto ’03, who received a BBA in Accounting from Fordham University, is Finance Manager at Prudential Financial in New York, NY.
Neil Schwab ’03, who majored in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of the Sciences, is a Staff Quality Engineer at Ethicon Inc., advancing surgical care worldwide to enhance patients’ lives, in Athens, GA.
Dana Cantelmi ’04, who received a BA in Human Services from the University of Delaware and a MSS in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College, is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Keri Davis Duda ’04, who studied at Moravian College, is an Account Specialist, offering exciting opportunities to bring the businesses of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont to millions of air travelers through innovative airport marketing, for Clear Channel Airports in Allentown.
Theresa Bova Long ’05, who received a BS in Hospitality Management from Widener University, is a Customer Service Representative for Guardian Life in Bethlehem.
Jerilyn Vernotica ’05, who received an AAS in Radiologic Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from DeSales University, is Picture Archiving and Communication System Analyst at the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Mary Jebran ’06, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Wagner College, is a Paraplanner at Zynergy Retirement Planning in the New York City Metropolitan Area.
Michael LaBarre ’06, who attended Fork Union Military Academy and studied Business and Commerce at Temple University, is a Sales Consultant at TriNet, that provides small and medium size businesses (SMBs) with full-service HR solutions tailored by industry, in the Bradenton, FL area.
pg. 17 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Ariana Finelli Nielsen ’07, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Lock Haven University, is VP, Group Account Supervisor at Biolumina, a full-service, omnichannel global healthcare agency focused on bringing high-science brands to life, in the metropolitan New York area.
Matt Keppel ’07, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Rhetoric from the University of Pittsburgh, is Product Manager Triage at Comcast in the greater Philadelphia area.
Alexander Brown ’08, who received a BASc in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from DeSales University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Dominican College of Blauvelt, is a Physical Therapist at St. Luke’s University Health Network.
Tony Celin ’08, who received a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State University, is Recruiting Manager at HSI Division of Oasis Systems, LLC in the Washington DC- Baltimore Area.
Vanessa Bernadine ’09, who received a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Criminology, Law from Kingston University, is a Senior Associate at Goldman Sachs - Global Markets Division in Washington, DC.
Michael Ferry ’09, who received a BA in International Relations and Affairs from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree in International Commerce & Trade Policy from George Mason University, is Project Operations Associate at Tetra Tech, a leading, global provider of consulting and engineering services, in the Washington DC-Baltimore Area.
Ericka Blair ’10, who received a BA in Marketing/Management from Moravian College, is Marketing Associate at Your Part-Time Controller, LLC in Philadelphia.
Steven Chakif ’10, who received a BS in Computer Science from Moravian College, is a Software Engineer at Quicken Loans in Bethlehem.
Allison Hutterer ’11, who received a BA in Criminology from Penn State University, is a Sales Professional at RCN Telecommunications in the Lehigh Valley, and is seeking new opportunities.
Liz Pulanco ’11, who received a BFA in Digital Art and Animation from the DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond WA., is a Freelance 2D Artist and Animator in San Francisco.
pg. 18 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Cali Baskin Smith ’12, who studied at Old Dominion University and received a BS in Marketing from Drexel University, is a Wedding & Event Sales Manager at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton.
Matthew Hoenig ’12, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College, is a Process Engineer at Merck in Elkton, VA.
Austin Biege ’13, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Bloomsburg University, is a Senior Recovery Manager at ADP in Charleston, SC.
Scott Effting ’13, who received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Northampton Community College, is Store Manager at Action Wheels Bike Shop in Bethlehem.
Taylor Bennett ’14, who received a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration at the University of Delaware, and is working on a Master’s degree in Health care Administration from St Joseph’s University, is Network Director, Sterile Processing at St. Luke's University Health Network in Bethlehem.
Emily Brandstetter ’14, who studied at the University of Pittsburgh, is Client District Manager at ADP in the greater Pittsburgh region.
Adam Hager ’15, who received a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Penn State University, is Inside Sales Manager: HCM Solutions Specialist at ADP.com in Allentown.
Morgan Keim ’15, who received a BA in Graphic Design from West Chester University, is a Graphic Designer at Quaker City Mercantile (Formerly GYRO Worldwide) in the greater Philadelphia area.
Zoe Tauriello ’16, who received a BS in Finance from West Chester University, is a Client Relationship Coordinator at Broad Street Financial, LLC, in the greater Philadelphia area.
Elek Zamolyi ’16, who received a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, materials and Supply Chain Management from Bloomsburg University, is Supply Chain and Manufacturing Support Specialist at Gemini Bakery Equipment Co/KB Systems in Bangor, PA.
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pg. 19 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
From the Advancement Office Tom Vresics ’81, Director
2020-2021 Annual Appeal Fund - 30 Day Sprint to the Finish This year Bethlehem Catholic has been faced with so many challenges and together we have weathered them well. Thanks to all our Alumni who have generously donated to our Annual Fund this year. If you haven't been able to donate yet, please think about joining our 30 Day Sprint to the Finish with a gift of any amount during the month of June. Your gift combined with everyone else's gift makes a significant impact on our current and future Golden Hawks. Thank you for your consideration. If you did not receive the 2020-2021 Annual Fund letter, please email [email protected].
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Reflection
I heard this song over the Christmas holidays, and I thought it might also be appropriate for this month as we celebrate the graduation, our graduation, from one stage of our lives to another…another “New Year.”
New Year, by John Rutter, with The Cambridge Singers and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, from the album, A Christmas Festival
♫ Turn your eyes to the light; ♫ Cast away the works of darkness, let them go: ♫ Turn your eyes to the light. ♫ Turn your face to the sun:
♫ Feel the warmth, the hope of new beginnings ♫ With each new year. ♫ The light was always there if we could but see it; ♫ And warmth was in the air if we’d known how to feel.
♫ Turn your eyes to the light, ♫ Turn your face to the sun: ♫ New light, new hope, new year.
♫ Turn your ears to the sound; ♫ Somewhere near, a voice is calling: ♫ Hear the news, ♫ Turn your ears to the sound. ♫ Turn your heart to the love;
♫ Christ is come to bring the world new life. ♫ The voice is always there, if the world will hear it; ♫ And love is always there, if you search in your heart.
♫ Turn your ears to the sound, ♫ Turn your heart to the love: ♫ New life, new love, new year. ♫ New life and love, and light and hope, ♫ This good New Year.
pg. 20 Tidings Bethlehem Catholic High School & The Class of 1970 Alumni Newsletter June 2021 Circulation 3,000 plus
Class of 1970 Reunion Survey Results (to date)
Planning or thinking on attending…
Bobby Alpago Jessie Daniels Greenawald John O’Boyle Tommy Altimare Lisa DeAngelis Hummell Greg Ortwein Denny Andrew Karpy Tom Demshock Jim Perkins Jackie Angelucci Ortwein Pat Dunn Andrews Sue Peters Crawford Jamie Angelucci Kyle Jack Eckenrode Eileen Quarry Fehr Marlene Anthony Howard Eileen Evans Colahan Karen Raykos Fatzinger Tom Ardizzone Jerry Evans Anne Redding Regar Joe Armatruda Sue Fischer Dever Jeanie Redding Cunningham Mike Audet Kathy Gaydos Bickert Kathy Ripper Grasso Mary Jane Bartos Sickonic Bernie Gallagher Tim Sabota Tony Bauer Dan Gallagher Tommy Sculley Dan Brady Anne Gerber Kathleen Shanahan Baur Kathy Brady Haugh Mayra Godin Focht Grace Soltis Jim Brennan Paul Grube Josephine Spagnola Ciocco Jeanne Bringenberg Cech Mick Halbreiner Gerry Sullivan Celeste Casciano Silvonek Betsy Horvath Kane Linda Talbot Keefe Rick Cassidy George Kane Carolyn Volpinari DeMasi Dave Cech Corliss Kuzmin Reed Betsy Vreeland Lavelle Ann Collins Leffner Rick Lund Kara Weinhofer Pike Anne Conahan Pat Lynch Chris(t) Wright Jim Connell Audrey Moser Muthard Mike Cunningham Diane Mroshinskie Repasch
--- And now…
Despite every effort to prevent errors, sometimes they occur. If I inadvertently misinterpreted a story or fact, or if your name has been omitted or misspelled, please notify me and/or the Advancement Office and accept my sincerest apologies. And…
If you have any stories, comments, concerns, opinions, etc., that you’d like to share, please let us know.
Sincerely, JohnnieO (John O’Boyle ‘70) [email protected]
Key Points of Contact at the school: Ms. Connie Druckenmiller, Events Manager, 610 866-0791, ext. 323 [email protected] Ms. Tina Giordano, Advancement Assistant, 610 866-0791, ext. 321 [email protected] Tom Vresics '81, Director of Advancement, 610 866-0791, ext. 331 [email protected]
pg. 21