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S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 MEET Matt Rogers CHART TOPPER Pages 34­35

Mentorship & student success Page 10

Cougars play hardball in MAC Page 22

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University dedicates Mary my and Allen Erwine Hall

isericordia University Erwine said, “and enabled me to formally dedicated Mary contribute to the greater good of and Allen Erwine Hall on the community.’’ MU Friday, June 17 before The couple’s benevolence and Mfamily, friends and members of the dedication to Misericordia is evident campus community. The addition of the by their ongoing support, as their 5,000 square­foot building signifies the time and treasure have benefitted It is easy to stay connected with the growth and demand for the academic countless students. Misericordia University campus and programs in the College of Health As a founding member of the Sciences, and also represents the special Misericordia University Health Care alumni communities through our relationships the University forges with Advisory Board, Mrs. Erwine works in social media channels. Did you get a many of its alumni and friends. collaboration with regional health care new job or welcome a new addition “Mary and Allen Erwine Hall provides educators and providers to address to the family? Share your news and needed, modern space for our faculty policy matters and the state of the and students, but the gift that supports national health care system by pictures on Facebook and Flickr. Pick this building means much more than scheduling nationally recognized one site or several in order to share bricks and mortar,’’ said Thomas J. keynote speakers to address pertinent your news or to simply remain Botzman, Ph.D., president. “The gift issues at the annual Misericordia informed about the latest news at from alumna and Trustee Mary Erwine is University Health Care Lecture Series. a clear indication that the leadership of As a trustee, she has taken an active your MU. Stay connected at this University believes in the institution’s leadership role, serving as the vice chair www.misericordia.edu/social. mission, and generously gives its time, of the Marketing and Development talent and financial resources to improve Committee. Thanks to the couple’s the student experience.’’ generosity, the state­of­the­art Erwine Mary Hudack Erwine ’90, ’92 of Nursing Laboratory in Passan Hall cougarconnect.misericordia.edu Shavertown, Pa., has been an active features eight hospital beds, health care member of the Misericordia community informatics and simulation technology. Facebook.com/MisericordiaAlumni almost from the moment she stepped “There are few alumni who are as onto campus as an undergraduate dedicated to Misericordia as Mary Facebook.com/MisericordiaUniversity student in the Bachelor of Science Erwine,’’ said Sue Helwig, M.S., vice degree program in nursing (BSN). Shortly president of University Advancement. Twitter.com/MisericordiaU after earning her BSN magna cum laude “To say she is a proud alumna is only a in 1990, she enrolled in the Master of small part of her story.” Science degree program in Twitter.com/MisericordiAlum nursing, graduating in 1992. Mrs. Erwine’s scope and Linkedin.com/groups/ involvement with her alma mater Misericordia­Alumni­1416127 continued to evolve through the years. She has been a generous Instagram.com/MisericordiaAlumni benefactor, and member of Council Misericordia and, since YouTube.com/MisericordiaU 2011, the Board of Trustees. “Misericordia gave me confidence and a sense of pride Misericordia.edu/mutodayextended that provided me an opportunity at personal achievement,’’ Mrs. Storify.com/MisericordiaU Misericordia dedicated Mary and Allen Erwine Hall on June Pinterest.com/MisericordiaU 17. Members of the Erwine family, from left, Eric Schwartz, Megan Erwine Schwartz, Abby McLaughlin, Michelle Erwine McLaughlin, Allen Erwine and Mary Erwine ’90, ’92, pose Flickr.com/MisericordiaU for a picture after the ceremony.

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Summer 2016 Volume XX, No. 2

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

ADMINISTRATION Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. President Barbara Samuel Loftus, Ph.D. Vice President, Planning and External Relations 10 Charles J. Brody, Ph.D. Research program illustrates Vice President, Academic Affairs the value of faculty ­student Beatrice Fevry, MBA mentorship. Vice President, Finance and Administration Susan Helwig, M.S. Vice President, University Advancement Jean Messaros, RSM, M.S. Vice President, Mission Integration Kathleen ‘Kit’ Foley, M.S. Vice President, Student Life Glenn Bozinski, M.S. Director, Admissions 15 19 MISERICORDIA TODAY STAFF Biology major taking talents to Communications major suits Paul Krzywicki, Editor veterinary school at Ohio State. up with Harlem Globetrotters. Manager, Public Relations Marianne Tucker Puhalla Staff Writer Kayley LeFaiver Graphic Designer

ONLINE Read this edition and other publications produced by the Office of Planning and External Relations online 22 39 at: www.misericordia.edu/publications. For bonus Baseball team wins 6th straight Lake Street sidewalk project material, please log on to Misericordia Today Extended title, including 4 by Class of 2016. improves safety along corridor. at: www.misericordia.edu/MUTodayExtended.

HONORS Misericordia Today is published in February and August by Misericordia Today received Misericordia University. The magazine is distributed for free recognition at the 2016 CUPRAP to alumni, parents and friends of the University. To request a Conference in Hershey, Pa., in the subscription, please call (570) 674­6764. Postmaster: Send address spring. Staff writer Marianne Tucker changes to Alumni Office, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA Puhalla earned a CUPPIE Award 18612­1090. Copyright Misericordia University 2016. Honorable Mention in the category of Creative Headline writing for “Defining Differences,” a story on ON THE COVER psychology students studying social norms How do you write a No. 1 song? Matt Rogers ’ 04 knows. He is on two continents in the Winter 2015 edition. a member of the team whose song We Went was recorded by country artist Randy Houser and went to No. 1 on Billboard ’s Country Airplay chart. See Rogers ’ story on Pages 34 ­35. Have a story to share? Contact Misericordia Today Photo credit: Julie Moe –Zooby Media. by calling (570) 674­6372 or by e­mailing at [email protected]. Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:15 AM Page 4

The importance of being a mentor

his issue of Misericordia Today features a number of articles and videos about mentors, those who act as advisers or coaches to one who is learning about life, a profession, or T any of a number of activities. The word mentor is unusual, as it was originally the proper noun Mentor in Greek literature. Mentor OFFICE was a friend of Odysseus and was assigned to teach Telemachus while Odysseus was traveling for more than two decades. Later in the story, the goddess Athena tested Telemachus and found that he had been a good student, which reflected well on his teacher and coach, Mentor. Our students have benefitted from a long tradition of mentors. Alumni tell stories about Sisters of Mercy who taught very permanent lessons here by example or in few words. Take Sister Crescentia, chair of the Department of Chemistry some 50 years ago, for example. She reminded students work was more important than social aspects by noting “that in this laboratory, we practice the first five letters, not the last seven. ” Students were often encouraged by the Sisters to take a second major or minor. In this case, Sister Ruth Kelly encouraged English majors to obtain a minor in writing. The extra courses were not

PRESIDENT’S required by the catalog, but they certainly were required of the students. Of course, as students moved through careers and life those extra academic options became a part of their continued success. Today’ s students get their share of fabulous mentoring. As I prepared to write this letter to you, I asked some of our recent alumni about their mentors. I received responses such as, “I was blessed with mentors who continue to advise me from afar. Dr. Melanie Shepherd helped me with my first paper presentation. Today, she continues to support me as I gain more knowledge and experience in the field of bioethics. ” Dr. Chuck Lajeunesse is known for his quiz ­quiz, which requires students to take a quiz independently and in groups. The students then recognize the ability to get quite different answers to the same problem when the group dynamic is introduced. Another graduate noted, “ The close ­knit community provided the ideal opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with professors and administrators. Those I came to recognize as my mentors were individuals who took a genuine interest in my personal and professional development. They were the ones who helped me navigate the overwhelming task of seeking a job, who challenged me intellectually and spiritually, and who encouraged me to eliminate the chains of doubt in order to become the best version of myself. ” In this issue, you will find stories of students who excel in the classroom, the laboratory, clinical placements, and in their service experiences. Our faculty and staff colleagues take classroom theory and teach students to translate it into policy and practice. But it is more than simple instruction, they display a sincere concern for student success in the way Mentor did for Telemachus. Our graduates pass the test. They learn to succeed in their careers and in life thanks, in part, to the mentors prevalent on this campus. My hope is that each student will have many mentors and then become mentors themselves. Mentors work directly with each student at Misericordia for only a few years, but their impact lasts a lifetime.

President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D.

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Graduates receive special stoles STUDY commemorating service and study abroad

t the 90th annual students in the programs for 2015­16, we Commence m ent ceremonies, have far surpassed projections, and I am ABROAD A the University commemorated very proud to say we are at approximately the service and study abroad of 24 140 percent of our goal.” students by presenting them with special More than 50 students will study stoles as part of their regalia in colors abroad or participate in service learning that represent the country they visited. during the summer and fall, including the The recognition is part of a first nursing and speech­language campus­wide effort to expand and pathology majors to attend for a full enhance service and study abroad/away semester. “We are working to expand experiences for students. In November opportunities abroad for students in the 2014, Misericordia joined the Generation medical and health sciences, fields that Study Abroad Initiative, a program of the Students received colorful stoles representing historically were limited in travel because Institute of International Education (IIE) the counties where they participated in study of laboratory and clinical requirements,” to form a coalition of institutions and service abroad opportunities during their Roy added. “By working with them as academic careers. Posing for a picture prior to committed to doubling the number of first­year students, we are able to get Commencement, first row from left, are Kristi American students who study abroad by Cianfichi, Jenna Burgio, Maria Weidemoyer, them the courses they need, so they can the end of the decade. Kathryn Santoro and Nicole Negron; second go abroad their sophomore year.” “When we joined IIE, we had 32 row, Rebecca Santoleri, Alexis Smerlick, Leah The graduates represented a variety students studying or doing service­ Davis, Rachael Alles, Sarah Pulice and Sarah of majors: biology, business, English, Powers; third row, Carl Daubert, Jared Pinter, learning abroad. We promised to education, history, medical imaging, Kayleigh Morein, Amanda Casem, Amber double that number by 2019,” said Swartley, Elena Uribe, and Rebeka Buczeskie; medical science, nursing, occupational Marguerite Roy, J.D., coordinator of fourth row, Caitlin Vitale, Zachery Sabaday, therapy, philosophy, psychology, social study abroad/away programs. “With 87 Kaitlyn Fink, Palmer Steiner and Kerri Ciriello. work and speech­language pathology. Opportunities in study abroad and away programs expand

isericordia University signed Art, Florence, Italy; and the additional affiliation Council on International M agreements with seven Educational Exchange, a study institutions of higher education during abroad service provider based the spring semester to expand its study in Portland, Maine. abroad and away programs for students “I am very pleased that we beginning in the summer. are able to offer our students President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., additional opportunities to approved the agreements with the experience the world and learn University of South Dakota, Vermillion, from the many different South Dakota; American University cultures, religions and ethnicities Paris, France; Centre International that enrich our lives,’’ said Dr. Misericordia approved additional affiliation agreements with seven institutions of higher d/Etudes Francaises (International Botzman. “More than ever, it is education to expand its study abroad/away programs Center for French Studies) at the important that tomorrow’s leaders for students. Participating in the signing, seated, is Catholic University of Angers, France; embrace and understand the Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., president, Misericordia Freie Universität Berlin European diverse world around them. University; standing from left, Charles J. Brody, Ph.D., Studies Program, and Freie Universität This global understanding will vice president, Academic Affairs; Marguerite R. Roy, J.D., visiting professor, Department of History and Berlin International Summer and Winter better prepare them for successful Government; Scott Blanchard, Ph.D., professor of University, both in Berlin, Germany; and rewarding careers in their English, and Peter Fackler, C.F.A., C.P.A., interim vice Santa Reparata International School of fields of study.’’ president, Finance and Administration.

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CAMPUSVIEWS

SLP student receives Inaugural AACN White Coat Ceremony Von Drach scholarship Tia M. Spagnuolo ’16, a recognizes sophomore nursing students speech­language pathology (SLP) graduate student, was awarded the 2016 The Department of Nursing held its friends, as well as faculty and Von Drach Memorial Scholarship by the inaugural Arnold P. Gold Foundation administration watched as Pennsylvania Speech­Language­ Hearing and American Association of Colleges sophomore nursing students took an Association (PSHA) at the 57th annual of Nursing White Coat Ceremony for oath that acknowledged their Convention in Pittsburgh, Pa., in April. Nursing in Lemmond Theater in Walsh essential role as caregivers, with an Misericordia SLP students have Hall by cloaking 52 sophomore emphasis on the Religious Sisters of received eight out of the last nine nursing students who began the Mercy’s charisms of Mercy, Service, scholarship awards. The prestigious professional portion of the nursing Justice and Hospitality. Students also award is given annually to an program in the spring semester. received white coats and lapel pins outstanding student from one of The University received financial that feature the Gold Foundation’s Pennsylvania’s 14 SLP schools in honor support from the Gold Foundation logo to remind them compassion and of Dr. Robert Von Drach. Recipients are and the American Association of empathy must be the hallmark of students who exhibit strong leadership Colleges of Nursing to establish their clinical practice. abilities, outstanding academic the White Coat Ceremony. An The students were cloaked by performance, exceptional clinical skills, international nonprofit, the Gold Cynthia Mailloux, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., and scholarship within the profession. Foundation established the ceremony professor and chair; Vanessa “Misericordia University has provided in 1993 as a way to welcome new Mayorowski, M.S.N., C.R.N.P., me with inexplicably wonderful students into the professions of assistant professor and director of experiences and opportunities,’’ medicine and to underscore the the undergraduate program, and Spagnuolo wrote in her application importance of humanistic and Kathleen Gelso, M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E., letter to PSHA. “I am grateful for the patient­centered health care. assistant professor. unwavering support from my mentor, At the ceremony, family and Dr. Cari Tellis, as well as other faculty members in our department. I have received a quality education that has Misericordia launches ‘It’s On Us’ prepared me well for what is to come in my future career. My determination, campaign to prevent sexual assault motivation and strong work ethic have been enriched by my experiences.’’ Misericordia University held a rally student life; Ewelina Taran, advisor of on campus in the spring to launch the PHREE Peer Educators, and student “It’s On Us” campaign to encourage PHREE peer educators Danielle healthy relationships and prevent Kissane, Bloomingburg, N.Y., and sexual assault. More than 400 Devin Crevani, Milford, N.J. In members of the campus community, addition, Chuck Edkins, director including students, staff and faculty of athletics, and Amy Lahart, dean attended the program that was hosted of students, co­chairs of PHREE, by the Promoting Healthy offered a presentation and concluded Relationships Through Education the program by issuing a Call to and Empowerment (PHREE) peer Action and asking students to sign a educators student organization. pledge poster. The program included remarks by The “It’s On Us” pledge asks Tia M. Spagnuolo ’16, center, poses with President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., students to identify situations in which Drs. Cari Tellis and Glen Tellis. Kathleen Foley, vice president for sexual assault can occur; recognize

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CAMPUSVIEWS

Business student presents paper at national conference Business administration major Christine Zopf ’17 presented her research paper, The Effects of the E­Book: A Financial Ratio Analysis, at the Northeast Regional Honors Council (NRHC) Conference in Cambridge, Mass. An Honors Program student, the Department of Business also recognized Zopf by inducting her into the Sigma Beta Delta International Business Honor Society. Zopf’s research examined electronic book technology and how it has The Department of Nursing held its inaugural Gold­AACN White Coat Ceremony for impacted the sales of physical books and Nursing in the spring semester. Students participating in the program included, first row the financial from left, Caitlin Walsh, Jessica Langone, Kristine Pavlicka, Rachael Taylor, Alyson Clegg, Victoria Avidano, Alexis Savage, Jessica Wood, Olivia Garcia, Kate Varallo and Christopher well­being of Hutter; second row, Emily Power, Jessica Watkins, Amanda Halchak, Shannon Post, Monica brick­and­mortar Murray, Lauren Butruce, Jaime Hannis, Felicia Turner, Melissa Galloway, Mary Stephens, bookseller, Dana Warfel and Philip Fraher; third row, Mikhayla Michigan, Sarah Harder, Elyssa Yanik, Barnes & Noble. Samantha Scalzo, Samantha Harden, Kayla Krishak, Alyssa Schwarz, Julia Spencer, Christina She also Guzinski, Lauren Hause, Emma Federinko, Valerie Pagano, Michael Ryan and Zachary Moody; fourth row, Jacob Wysocki, Gabby Watson, Kylee Hazur, Melanie Piser, Toni Baran, conducted a Rebecca Kunkel, Kallie Miller, Isabella Botak, Miranda Pardoe, Michelle Norton, Thomas financial ratio Hircock and Tyler Arnold. All are members of the Class of 2018. analysis and Business administration benchmarking to major Christine Zopf ’17, compare Barnes left, with her mentor, “Misericordia is dedicated to making & Noble and Thomas Sweetz, M.S., sure our campus is a place where instructor in the Amazon.com, Inc. Department of Business. students are safe, and in an environment “While Barnes free of harassment and any kind of & Noble experienced hardship in 2014, partner violence by providing educational financial analysis reveals that the programming which addresses the role company is in a period of improvement, that everyone can take in creating a allowing for growth and increased violence­free community,” said Lahart. consumer confidence,’’ Zopf wrote in More than 400 members of the campus “Tonight is about standing together; her conclusion. “Barnes & Noble has community participated in the launch of standing as a Mercy institution; managed to stay competitive with the the ‘It’s On Us’ campaign during the standing as a Misericordia community web giant, Amazon.com, which also saw spring semester. to take ownership of our part in our ‘It’s improvement in financial standing On Us’ campaign, and pledge to be a between 2014 and 2015.’’ that non­consensual sex is sexual part of the change.” NRHC, a regional affiliate of the assault; intervene in situations where To see more pictures from the event, National Collegiate Honors Council, is consent has not or cannot be given, please type the address below into your an organization of students, faculty and and create an environment in which web browser, http://bit.ly/itsonus16. administrators who are dedicated to the sexual assault is unacceptable and It will take you to the University’s encouragement and support of survivors are supported. flickr page. undergraduate honors learning.

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CAMPUSVIEWS

NE Cancer Institute Seniors Kaitlin Fink ’16 and Allison recognizes C.A.S.U.A.L. team McIntyre ’16 earned first place in the academic competition where students More than 105 members of the compete to answer questions in the campus community, along with state field of medical imaging. Fink and Rep. Karen Boback, were recognized in McIntyre captured the title for the the spring for their participation in the second consecutive year. McIntyre also 13th anniversary of C.A.S.U.A.L. Day won an Image Analysis Competition. (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives), sponsored by Students collaborate to the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. Receiving the books, standing from left, are preserve nursing history In a special on­campus ceremony Asia Thompson ’17, student, and Katherine hosted by the Cancer Institute, Rep. Pohlidal, director, Bourger WWC Program; and Students in the course, American Boback read a State House of Donna Zeyher and Megan McAndrew, Dallas Women’s History, are collaborating Representatives proclamation teachers, and Thompson’s children, seated with the Center for Nursing History from left, Zaire and Kaitlyn­Denaye Kemp. designating March 31, 2016 as of Northeastern Pennsylvania at C.A.S.U.A.L. Day in Pennsylvania. Dallas school donates 500 Misericordia University to preserve the books to Bourger WWC rich history of nursing in the region. Under the guidance of Jennifer M. Fourth grade teachers and students at Black, Ph.D., assistant professor of Dallas Elementary School donated more history and government, students than 500 children’s books to the Ruth Lauren Hayden ’16, Shane Kreller ’17, Matthews Bourger Women with Sierra Krohnemann ’17, Elizabeth Long Children Program. ’17, Anthony Mancini ’16, Lauren Nafus As part of the school’s Read Across ’17, Rebecca Schnable ’17 and Christine America activities held in honor of Dr. Lt. Gov. Stack talks to students, from left, Zopf ’17 assisted in processing, Seuss’s birthday in March, the teachers Abbey McCann ’17, Alexandra Wagner ’17 rehousing and interpreting materials for and Professor Frank DiPino, Ph.D. asked the about 100 students to donate the archival collections and collecting new or gently used children’s books. oral histories about the nursing schools PA Lt. Gov. Stack reviews They selected the Misericordia program of the Wyoming Valley. innovative programs as the recipient because a number of teachers in the school district attend Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mike Stack classes at the University and had heard toured campus, spoke with students about the unique residential program and reviewed several innovative benefitting women and their children. programs after meeting with President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. in late April. Medical imaging majors During his tour, the lieutenant governor spoke with students and capture Technibowl title faculty about their undergraduate A team of medical imaging majors scientific research that examines the defended their title and captured first relationship between the PAK2 gene place for the second consecutive year in and breast and prostate cancers. the annual Pennsylvania Society of Lt. Gov. Stack was joined by state Radiologic Technologists Technibowl Students working to preserve the history of nursing in the region, from left, are Rep. Karen Boback, R­117, Harveys competition that was held during the Elizabeth Long ’17, Christine Zopf ’17, Lake, and state Rep. Eddie Day spring conference and business meeting Shane Kreller ’17, Rebecca Schnable ’17 Pashinski, D­121, Wilkes­Barre. in Coraopolis, Pa. and Sierra Krohnemann ’17.

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Trust supports family-oriented programs in region MU

he Robert Y. Moffat Family it’s the children. I “When he was alive, people would GIVING Charitable Trust has a history of think this support come to his house randomly and ask for Tsupporting initiatives that benefit was something donations – even people he didn’t families, education and the elderly in he would have know,’’ said Wentland. “When Mr. Moffat Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through the wanted: There’s and I would talk, his main concern and years, the trust has provided generous children involved, his whole family’s biggest concern was financial assistance to colleges and there’s education they wanted to help with education. universities, educational programming involved, there’s a They were all educated. They all wanted for women and children, and community need to provide to help others. They knew education was health programs for at­risk people. support to these Aubrey Connolly ’16, a the way to better yourself.’’ Most recently, the Moffat Family deserving student in the program, As a result of the trust’s funding, the Charitable Trust presented a $450,000 women. Though poses for a picture with program will expand to a third home at her daughter, Alison. grant to the Ruth Matthews Bourger some people 111 Lake St., in Dallas Borough. The Women with Children Program at really want to scope and reach of the program will Misericordia University. The award improve themselves, they don’t always grow considerably from a capacity of will enable the institution of have the means.’’ 10 to 16 mothers and from 20 to up higher education to expand the The Moffat family migrated to to 32 children. “Robert Y. Moffat Family two­generation model program that Lackawanna County and earned their Charitable Trust funding and its impact removes barriers to academic and wealth in the dairy farm and coal mining on program growth enables us to professional achievement for single businesses, owning two breakers in Taylor replace despair with hope in the lives of mothers, and introduces their children and Dickson City. Mr. Moffat and his family these deserving women,’’ said Thomas to college. understood the importance of education J. Botzman, president. “The Moffat “It’s breaking that cycle of poverty,’’ and giving people an opportunity to support will leave an impression on Yvette Wentland, trustee of the Moffat improve themselves, according to student­mothers and their families Family Charitable Trust, said about the Wentland, who was Mr. Moffat’s caregiver which will last far beyond the conclusion novel program. “It’s not only the moms, for the last 11 years of his life. of their studies.’’ ‘Blessed’ ­alumna gives back to alma mater

nn Marie Wysocki Hicks ’65, M. Africa, where he worked with the United Ed., simply says, “I am blessed, States Agency for International A God is good,” when asked what Development to end global poverty. inspires her to open her heart as a Within a week, she was recruited as a servant leader in her community and teacher in Accra, Ghana, and is credited stalwart supporter of the Misericordia with being one of 12 founding teachers mission. Having spent more than 18 years of The Lincoln School that was as a dedicated educator in the United developed to educate the children of States and Africa, Hicks believes it is her Americans living in the region. She mission to give back and has tendered returned to the U.S. in 1970, resumed more than 45 years of volunteer service teaching in 1987, and was serving as to the Annandale Christian Community chair of the science department at for Action. She also has taken part in Bishop O’Connell High School, Ann Marie Wysocki Hicks ’65 receives her mission trips to Haiti and Southern India. Arlington, Va., when she retired in 2003. award from President Thomas J. Botzman, Motivated by the science faculty Listed among Misericordia’s most Ph.D., left, and Trustee Christopher Borton. members she met while earning a loyal supporters, she and Norman have Bachelor of Science in biology with a made donations to every fundraising class gift during their 50th Anniversary minor in chemistry and education at campaign since the early 1980s. In 2011, Alumni Weekend in 2015. Misericordia, she began her career as a they established a scholarship to She received The Mother Mary biology teacher, first in Maryland and support the Ruth Matthews Bourger Catharine McGann Achievement Award then in New York. Women with Children Program. As a in 2015 when she shared her inspiring She joined her husband, Norman Class Agent, she helped her class earn story with incoming Misericordia Hicks, Ph.D., on assignment in Ghana, awards for participation and largest students as Convocation speaker.

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Misericordia University student researcher Rachel Bohn ’16 works with her mentor, Frank DiPino, Ph.D., professor of biology, in one of the laboratories in Hafey ­McCormick Science Hall on campus. RESEARCH STUDENT

10 MISERIC ORDIA TODAY Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:16 AM Page 11 STUDENT The VALUE of MENTORSHIP RESEARCH Students work closely alongside professors while searching for new knowledge in their undergraduate research projects

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI AND MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

Tucked immediately outside his office, Frank DiPino, Jr., Ph.D., professor of biology, has what he refers to as a “teaching laboratory.’’ It enables the students he mentors to gain an understanding of research methodologies and protocols while also exploring for the unknown as they conduct undergraduate research projects under his watchful eye. It features a collection of equipment, chemical compounds, supplies and other related materials. “Students that join our research efforts learn current cutting­edge molecular cell biology and genetics methodologies, how to collect data, analyze experimental results, and draw conclusions and communicate their findings,’’ says Dr. DiPino, explaining how mentorship opportunities benefit students at Misericordia University. “Without question, these are valuable experiences that prepare students to go on to jobs, medical school and Ph.D. programs. They also experience the unique thrill of creating new knowledge and discovering something that has never been known before.’’ In a way, the camaraderie in the laboratory mirrors Misericordia University student Rachel Bohn ’16 collaborates with Jun Ling, Ph.D., assistant professor of biochemistry at The Commonwealth Misericordia University’s overall intimate academic Medical College in Scranton, Pa. environment. Students routinely store personal belongings there in convenient drawers as they balance valuable research time with their busy class and study schedules. On mentors, Dr. DiPino and Jun Ling, Ph.D., assistant professor any given day or night, a singular student or a team can be of molecular biology at TCMC. found working on projects, pipetting samples, and Dr. DiPino and Bohn each have their own unique way of operating various centrifuges, high­powered microscopes, describing the complex scientific research that has been a vacufuges, thermal cyclers and more. large part of their lives since they began examining the PAK2 Biology major Rachel Bohn ’16, for example, has been gene and its interconnectedness to breast and colon cancers. working on the “Mutagenesis Approach to Disrupt PAK2: A Dr. DiPino, a molecular cell biologist, compares their work to Protein Involved in Breast Cancer’’ project since it began in “turning a light switch off and on,’’ as they are focused on September 2013 on campus and at The Commonwealth understanding how a “molecular switch’’ activates these Medical College (TCMC) in Scranton, Pa. She has been deadly cancers. Bohn takes it a step further and uses the engrossed in the exciting cancer research project with fellow undergraduate research scientists, as well as faculty Continued on next page

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Undergraduate research students Andrew Phillips ’17, Rachel Bohn ’16, Trinity Sprague ’17 and Palmer Steiner ’16 pose with Dr. Frank DiPino, center, in one of the research laboratories on campus.

discoveries that changed humankind forever. Rudolf Virchow found that diseases are caused by malfunctioning cells; Ronald Fisher was one of the principle founders of population

RESEARCH genetics, and Alexander Fleming is known for discovering penicillin. At Misericordia University, Dr. DiPino is recognized for sharing his time and talent, as he believes the most important aspect of his job is the role Mentorship & Science receive proves invaluable as it prepares he plays as mentor – inside and them to tackle graduate school and from page 11 outside of the classroom. Whether the more complex research opportunities. students are conducting coursework analogy of opening the hood of a car, “Science is slow and there are a lot research on environmental field plants, STUDENT cutting a wire, and later learning the more steps involved than people cell biology, molecular biology or brakes no longer work on the vehicle. realize. When you say you are doing a genetics, the veteran educator knows More precisely, though, Misericordia procedure, like a site­directed how influential and beneficial the and TCMC researchers are engaged mutagenesis, it’s a long, multi­step student­professor relationship can be deeply in research that seeks to fully process,’’ Bohn explains. “It’s science, for the next generation of scientists, understand the autophosphorylation so things do go wrong and you have educators and doctors. sites that regulate PAK2 and may cause to go back and repeat. “The most rewarding part of my it to lose proper regulation if it mutates, “It’s important to keep that goal in career is working with research causing tumors and metastasis. mind – that this is what we are working students,’’ he acknowledges without At Misericordia University and TCMC, toward. When you have so many steps, hesitation. “Some are drawn to Bohn and other students have cloned it is easy to get lost in them, especially research because they want to explore the human PAK2 gene – which plays a when you might have to repeat a and discover new knowledge. Some role in cell behavior such as cell division, procedure more than once. This are naturally curious. Some are migration and survival – and confirmed research is going to go on long after I stubborn people who use that tenacity the gene by DNA sequencing. They am gone and many people already have to commit the time after classes, after now are utilizing bioinformatics graduated from the project,’’ she adds. studying and after working a job to go technology and computer software to to the research lab and put more hours ART OF DISCOVERY plan and outline the alteration of the of work in on the project. And some gene, specifically in regard to designing History is filled with important people are positive, optimistic people who are primers. By mutating specific areas of whose brilliance, curiosity and devotion not discouraged by failed the gene, researchers are working to to explaining the unexplainable led to experiments. They adjust and improve understand which “molecular switch’’ in the protein encoded by the gene Type the shortcut, bit.ly/mumentorship, into your web browser or causes the cell to short circuit and use your QR­code enabled smartphone to watch a video about the eventually become cancerous. importance of mentorship to undergraduate research students at “These sites might also be good Misericordia University. drug targets for cancer therapies,’’ says Bohn, the daughter of Mark W. Bohn, M.D., and Donna Hudick Bohn ’89, Pharm.D., of Mountain Top, Pa., “and this can be foundational research for drugs of the future.’’ Researchers acknowledge their work is arduous and one piece of a much larger puzzle, as so many unknowns remain in understanding cancer. But as they take these baby steps together, Video by: Earl & Sedor Productions the engaged mentorship these students

12 MISERIC ORDIA TODAY Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:16 AM Page 13

the experiment, and repeat it and STUDENT repeat it.’’ Summer Fellowship Program Undergraduate students, though, The following students and faculty members are collaborating on the following learn more than scientific procedures, scientific research and scholarly work projects for the 2016 protocols and new knowledge when Student Summer Research Fellowship Program: conducting research with a faculty mentor – they unlock their potential. Angela Asirvatham, Ph.D., associate Students; Karlee Naylon ’18: The Effect of They learn how to work as a cohesive professor, and students, Atasha Rehrig ’18 Fear of Failure, Psychological Distress, and unit in a collaborative team, while also and Michael Blazaskie ’18: Evaluation of Quality of Life on Procrastination and developing interpretation, personal, Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Levels in Perfectionism in Graduate Students. troubleshooting and creative­thinking Mitogen­Stimulated Schwann Cell Cultures. RESEARCH skills along the way. David Perkins, Ph.D., assistant professor, and “It’s taught me to realize how things Jennifer Black, Ph.D., assistant professor, students, Michael Gottstein ’17 and Tara are interconnected,’’ Bohn says. “Our and students, Laura Baut ’19, Mike Koskulitz ’18: KAMI and Collapsing Graphs. results are not necessarily ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Boutanos ’18, Gaetano Buonsante ’19, Charles Saladino, Ph.D., associate professor, We have to interpret and analyze our Stefany Krasson ’19, Briana Scorey ’19 and and student, Shawn Dziepak ’17: A Unique results to see if they are consistent with Michael Shott ’19: Mapping Pittston’s Past. Approach that Utilizes Luminometry to Study what we expected and move onto the Jennifer Black, Ph.D., assistant professor, the Antioxidant Properties of Glutathione. next step. When you are a physician, for and student, Alex Lester ’17: National Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., C.C.C.­S.L.P., example, you are the decision­maker. Federation for the Blind, 3­credit internship. associate professor, and students, Alexandra You are deciding upon a plan of care for Lori Charney, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., assistant Irr ’18 and Andrea Veneziale ’17: that patient. It’ll be helpful to have the professor, and students, Lauren Apgar ’17 Conversation Analysis: Determining the ability to think independently and and Amanda Salak ’17: Social Participation Function of Word Final Disfluencies. consider all options.’’ Improvement via Goal Attainment Scaling in Jessica Kisenwether, Ph.D., C.C.C.­S.L.P., Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. SMALL SCHOOL FEEL assistant professor, and student, Jessica Grace Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor, and Dougherty ’17: What’s the Consensus?: A Even though Bohn’s mother is an students Olivia Katulka ’19 and Bailey Survey of Evaluation Methods Used by alumna, she did not seriously consider Waltman ’19: An Exploration and Application Professionals in the Area of Voice Disorders. attending Misericordia because of its of Digital Game­Based Learning in Biology at intimate size – until she made her first Wilton Remigio, M.S., M.P.T., D.Sc., assistant the College Level. official visit. The Crestwood High professor, and students, Bridget Boyle ’16 School graduate mistakenly believed Larry Corpus, Ph.D., assistant professor, and and Nicole Palanza ’17: A New Thermally she needed to attend a “big’’ school in students, Amara Sikalias ’18: Synanthropic Mediated Cardiac Reflex: Can Thermal order to realize her dream of attending Flies (Diptera) from Selected Sites in Cutaneous Application to Skin Send Instant medical school. Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Alivia Messages to the Heart? “I really loved it,’’ she says, recalling her Womelsdorf ’18: Blackly (Diptera: Jeffrey Stephens, Ph.D., assistant professor, first impression of Misericordia more than Simuliidae) Distribution and Abundance in and students, Grace Emmett ’17 and Andrea four years ago. “I felt at home here, and Trout Brook, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Nale ’17: Biological Applications of an that’s really important to me. After I came Okla Elliott, Ph.D., assistant professor, and Atomic Force Microscope. here, I went to other schools and they did students, Nicole Grassi ’18 and Taylor Rupp Christopher Stevens, Ph.D., assistant professor, not compare. I didn’t know what I was ’16: Holocaust and Comparative Genocide and students, Ray Ellis ’17, Sam Johnson ’17 looking for (when I was looking at Pedagogy. and Michael Podskoch ’17: Image Theory and colleges), but when I came here I saw it.’’ Anna Fedor, Ph.D., assistant professor, and Strategic Relation in the former Soviet Space: In the fall, Bohn will realize her dream students,Victoria Bednar ’18 and Thomas Scott The Cases of Estonia and Latvia. of attending medical school when she ’17: Extraction of Green Tea Polyphenols and participates in the annual White Coat Cari Tellis, Ph.D., C.C.C.­S.L.P., associate the Inhibitory Effects of these Health­Promoting Ceremony and becomes a member of professor, and students, Allison McCallister Molecules on Digestive Enzymes. the TCMC Class of 2020. In her ’17 and Danielle Spagnuolo ’18: Using acceptance letter, the medical school in Beth Haas, Ph.D., assistant professor, and Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Lackawanna County acknowledged the student, Leonard Watson ’19: Modeling Single Assess Cerebral Hemoglobin Changes role her undergraduate research played Protein Diffusion on Bacterial Membranes. Following Voice Training. in her being one of the 108 members Alicia Nordstrom, Ph.D., professor, and Glen Tellis, Ph.D., C.C.C.­S.L.P., professor, of the incoming class. students, David Chacke ’17: You or the and students, Abriel McCann ’17 and “Many factors are considered in the World? The Locus of Control’s Influence on D’manda Price ’18: Optical Measures to admission process,’’ said the letter Academic Achievement in College Students; Determine Hemoglobin Concentration signed by Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., Alec Kellish ’17: Spirituality/Religion, Coping During Delayed Auditory Feedback Use. Strategies and Perceived Stress in Graduate Continued on next page

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Mentorship & Science from page 13

president and dean of TCMC. “The admissions committee was particularly impressed with your outstanding academic performance at Misericordia University, (and) your PAK2 research ...’’ Bohn graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree and RESEARCH a 4.0 grade point average, earning a full medical scholarship to TCMC. She was one of two spring 2016 Class Valedictorians and addressed her fellow classmates and guests at Commencement. Her fellow Valedictorian, Gina Baiamonte, a biochemistry major from Ashley, Pa., will also attend medical school at Inspired by the memory of her grandmother who passed away from cancer, Rachel Bohn ’16, TCMC in the fall. (See story, page 15) examines a cancer cell image through a confocal laser scanning microscope in the laboratory STUDENT of Jun Ling, Ph.D., at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton, Pa. COLLABORATIVE MENTORSHIP to work with them and guide them to (TCMC) stronger,” he adds. Standing nearby in TCMC’s molecular give them a better chance to go to “Watching the students discover biology laboratory as Bohn prepares medical school. Working together, we their potential and talents, and grow in a sample for testing, Dr. Ling offers give them a better chance to succeed. confidence is extremely rewarding to high praise for his mentee and the The educational collaboration we have – me,’’ Dr. DiPino adds. “Our students mentoring process at Misericordia that Dr. DiPino and I – is mutually beneficial. go on to be successful in any forum eventually linked her to the region’s He finds outstanding undergraduate and compete with graduates from any medical college as a sophomore. students and suggests that I train them. institution. Preparing future scientists “Rachel is an exceptionally dedicated It is a system that is good for is the most important contribution I young scientist,” the California native Misericordia and it makes my school make as a biology faculty member.’’ says with the look of a proud father. “From the very beginning, she impressed me with her scientific attitude. Student Researchers: She is very organized and a quick learner Since the PAK2 research began in September 2013, several undergraduate – you only need to show her something students have been engaged in research and mentorship opportunities. The once. Decisions and diagnosis need to following students have participated in the study: be made on the spot – it is critical that one be organized for medical science.” Donna Castelblanco ’14 of Edison, N.J., a professional studies major with minors in ethics Having had the opportunity to work and chemistry, graduated with a Master of Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania’s one­on­one with her in the lab, Dr. Ling Perelman School of Medicine. She served as a bioethics intern with the World Medical calls Bohn a “thoughtful person,” who Association in France. She is pursuing a career in bioethics and public/global health. shows maturity in her ability to analyze Amelia Poplawski ’14 of Plains Twp., Pa., earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, and is and exercise critical thinking. “When attending a Ph.D. program at Duke University, Durham, N.C. She used her computational you put students’ problem­solving chemistry expertise on a separate related PAK2 project. abilities to the test day after day, you can predict their career. Rachel is a Biology graduate Sara M. Sabatino ’14 of Nuangola, Pa., earned a master’s degree in natural leader and will make a forensic medicine at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa. wonderful doctor,” he opines. Rachel Bohn ’16 begins her graduate studies at The Commonwealth Medical College in the fall. Dr. Ling’s belief in the power of Biology major Trinity Sprague ’17 of Bel Air, Md., is in the pre­Doctor of Physical Therapy mentorship may very well be what Program at Misericordia. brought him together in collaboration and friendship with his fellow scientist, Palmer Steiner ’16 of Millville, Pa., graduated in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree Dr. DiPino, after meeting at a in biology. He plans to pursue a career in cancer research. conference. “As faculty, we need to care Alexandra Wagner ’17 of Tamaqua, Pa., is majoring in medical science. about student development. We need

14 MISERICORDIA TODAY Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:16 AM Page 15 CLASS

Misericordia University awarded 392 graduate and undergraduate degrees in May at the 90th annual Commencement ceremony. Two members of the Class of 2016 also will continue their education at medical and veterinary schools in the fall. Read � OF O about their undergraduate experiences in their own words: 2016 Why do you aspire to be Why do you want to be a a veterinarian? medical doctor? “Veterinary medicine is “My interest in the medical challenging. Sure an animal field started at a young age can whimper if something when playing doctor with my hurts, but they cannot tell you siblings. Frequent visits to my specifically what the problem pediatrician strengthened my is. It is like a scientific puzzle interest in the medical field. My that you need to figure out, doctor became one of my and that’s why I want to be a childhood role models because I veterinarian. I want to be able hoped to one day be able to to think on my feet to make help others similarly to the way the correct diagnosis. I not she helped me. As I grew older, only want to be a veterinarian my love for learning and science for difficult cases, but also Gina Baiamonte grew stronger with each class. Lydia Watkins because I will be able to The challenges presented by educate owners about the classes were not only enjoyable wellness of their domestic pets Major/minor: Biochemistry to overcome, but also fueled my (Pre­Professional Major/minor: Biology, and livestock. Having a good desire to work in the dynamic Specialization) with minors in chemistry education about diseases of field of medicine. animals will help prevent Hometown: Ashley, Pa. and mathematics How did your education help zoonotic disease, and Hometown: Dimock, Pa. Parents: Mark and you get one step closer to therefore I will be able to Dawn Baiamonte Parents: Donny and realizing your dream of impact the overall health of Sharon Watkins Graduate school: becoming a physician? humans as well. I cannot think The Commonwealth “One of the many amazing Graduate school: of a better profession than Medical College aspects of Misericordia is that The Ohio State University veterinary medicine where I students are able to form close College of Veterinary can be a positive influence to relationships with their professors, who truly want them to Medicine both animals and humans.” succeed. Throughout my undergraduate education, I How did your education help you get one step closer always knew that if I needed anything at all, I could go to to realizing your dream? any of my professors and they would be happy to help. “I knew I wanted to be a vet before I went to Misericordia, My advisor, Dr. (Anna) Fedor, has gone above and beyond but I chose to attend here because I knew it would help to make sure I had everything I needed to achieve my make my dream come true. Not only was personal attention goal. The personal attention, support, and opportunities and one­on­one interaction highlighted at Misericordia, but that Misericordia offered played a vital role in my success encouraged as well. My undergraduate education is much as a student and acceptance to TCMC.” more than just a degree. The professors and staff members I Pick out one life lesson you learned at Misericordia and have met along the way at Misericordia is why my dream is tell us how you will utilize it in life and your career: coming true. Their encouragement and confidence in me “I’ve learned the importance of being an active member helped me believe that I was capable of coming this far.” of the community and helping those in need. Over the Pick out one life lesson you learned at Misericordia and past four years at MU, I’ve participated in many tell us how you will utilize it in life and your career: community service events. Whether it was volunteering my “I would have to say the one life lesson that I learned is time tutoring peers, raising funds for charities, or providing service. I tend to think of doing extravagant brightening someone’s day at the local nursing home, things, but really service can be something much simpler being involved in the community has instilled within me than that. I believe service can be as effortless as holding a the importance of compassion, an open mind, positive door for someone.” attitude, and willingness to help others.”

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and cross country. A storied athlete in both at Hanover Area High School, he was recruited to run at Misericordia and chose psychology as his major when he enrolled in 2012. His collegiate running career included many trips BY MARIANNE to the medalists’ podium. Daubert was a member TUCKER PUHALLA of the Misericordia men’s 4x400 relay team that won the 2015 MAC Indoor Championships. His team set an Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) qualifying standard in 2015 and went on to set a school record of 3:24.06 at the ECAC Indoor Championships, earning him All­ECAC recognition. He also received Coaches Awards in 2014 and

INTERNSHIPS 2016 for being a teammate who went above and beyond the usual roles of a team member, which included helping his teammates get physically stronger while also preparing them mentally for the MU stress inherent in competition. “I’ve always had a passion for sport, especially running, and I have been interested in psychology ever since I first learned what it was back in high school,” Daubert explains. “When I found out that there was a subset of psychology specifically meant for athletes and those trying to sharpen their mental game, it seemed like a perfect fit for me.” Although sport psychology is not a major offered at Misericordia, faculty in both the psychology and sport management departments collaborated so Daubert could take as many courses as possible in support of his career interest. The study abroad idea was born in his junior year during a meeting with Dr. Nordstrom. “St. Mary’s in Twickenham is known for its sports Carl Daubert ’16 programs and has the School of Sport, Health and Applied Science,” Dr. Nordstrom says. “It was a perfect fit for Carl to complete a practicum in Internship at Endurance Performance and Coaching sports psychology and shadow with sports Centre at St. Mary’s University provides invaluable psychologists and other professionals in their highly respected clinic.” insight into a career in sport psychology St. Mary’s houses the Endurance Performance and Coaching Center (EPACC), an elite training sychology major Carl Daubert ’16 says he laughed facility that attracts top runners from across Great Britain. when his advisor, Professor Alicia Nordstrom, The man in charge, Mick Woods, is world renowned as a top Ph.D., first mentioned that studying abroad at St. endurance running coach. “Coach Mick was an amazing Mary’s University in England might help him mold wealth of information in dealing with athletes on and off the hisP interests in psychology and sports into a career in sport field,” Daubert says. “He taught me that as a coach, athletes psychology. “Study abroad in London? Me? Yeah right,” he look up to you as a mentor and advisor and confide in you on remembers saying. Within months, he was spending his 21st all kinds of issues. He shared some of his best strategies.” birthday on an airplane crossing the Atlantic Ocean and In addition to mentoring with Coach Woods, Daubert being mentored by one of the most respected endurance helped run EPACC practices and had the thrill of running with running coaches in Great Britain. the EPACC runners and members of the running club at St. Daubert says he developed an appreciation early on for Mary’s. “Getting to train with the athletes of that caliber was the influence a good coach can make in the success of an an amazing experience. I worked with them and they confided athlete – helping them tackle the mental challenges as well in me. It gave me great insight into the profession,” he adds. as the physical ones of competitive sports. Under the A May 2016 graduate, Daubert’s success was chronicled in tutelage of his father, Carl (a respected high school running a first­person essay St. Mary’s asked him to write for World coach), and mother, Michelle, Daubert tried a lot of different Student magazine. The full article can be found on Page 58 sports as a youngster, eventually finding his passion in track of the January 2016 issue at www.world­student.com.

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David Malaquias ’17 Misericordia and chose sport MU management as a major because I never want to have to give it up – whether it is playing it, or coaching, or INTERNSHIPS working in the business side of the sport – I love soccer and I do not want to ever get away from it.” He says his father, Antonio Malaquias, made contact with the food company, United Biscuits in the United Kingdom, that helped him make the connection with the MCFA. A conference call with Daniel Green, COO of BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA the MCFA, helped secure the position. Malaquias credits Marguerite Roy, J.D., coordinator of the study CAREER GOALS IN FOCUS abroad/away program, for helping him with paperwork and in securing a visa. FOR SOCCER PLAYER Since starting work on May Sport management major spends summer 31, Malaquias attended games at the storied Old Trafford (Manchester United) and Etihad (Manchester City) stadiums. interning with the Manchester County He also enjoyed the rare opportunity to experience nearly Football Association in England every department of the MCFA, which works with professional teams, offers certification courses for all levels of n the United States, we call it soccer. To the rest of the referees, coaches and volunteers, and provides referees that world, it is known as football. In the realm of competitive work from the grassroots leagues to the professional level. sports, there is no comparison. According to Fédération “I started with Football Development, where the task is IInternationale de Football Association (FIFA), there are as to organize different ways to reach out to all people of many as 270 million people – a full 4 percent of the world’s Manchester – whether they love soccer or not – and to population – involved with the game worldwide, and an motivate everyone to exercise,” he says about his 6­credit estimated four billion (yes, billion) followers. internship. “I worked closely with football development Few places are more invested in the sport than the industrial officers for adult players (ages 16 and up), inclusion city of Manchester in the North West region of England. Its (disabilities, women, etc.), youth (ages 6­15), education two hometown teams of Manchester United and Manchester (coaches and players with potential professional skills), and City are ranked in the top 30 in the world, with four others – college students.” Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and London’s Malaquias next spent time in the Marketing and Arsenal – all located within a 200­mile radius. Manchester is, Communications Department, where the staff enriches the without a doubt, a hotbed of world­class football competition. brand of the MCFA and helps discern the organization from Finding himself smack dab in the middle of the action is others that do similar work. He also worked with the Misericordia University rising senior David Malaquias ’17, a Memberships and Discipline Department, where they take care sport management major and 6­foot­3­inch forward on the of the teams joining the leagues hosted by MCFA and handle Cougars’ soccer team. He spent nine weeks this summer issues that happen on and off the field related to the players. living out a player’s dream as an intern with the Manchester County Football Association (MCFA). The MCFA is an arm of The Football Association (The FA), the governing body FIFA FACTS: FOOTBALL AROUND THE WORLD for the sport in all of England. The MCFA oversees professional and amateur football in the city of Manchester, 265 million male and female players where the urban population of 2.5 million people pretty + 5 million referees and officials much live and breathe the sport every day. “I love sports and I have played soccer all my life,” says 270 million people actively involved (about 4 percent Malaquias, who earned All­Freedom conference honors as a of the world’s population) first­year collegiate player. “I was recruited to play soccer for

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BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

TIME BY PAUL KRZYWICKI ENVISIONING TRAVELER THE FUTURE History major educates public on the past while Philosophy major draws inspiration from mother’s preparing for a career as a docent disability in finding his own career path

OSTER TWP., Pa. – In the is cell phone number’s 818­area

INTERNSHIPS mid­ to late­1800s, Eckley code is a subtle reminder of Miners’ Village was a where he has been and also bustlingF mining community servesH as the impetus for where he boasting some 1,500 people wants to go in life. Alexander Lester

MU with a singular goal – fueling the ’17 is not your typical rising senior in industrial revolution by college. He experienced the bright

extracting veins of anthracite Lester lights and glamor of acting in Los coal lying deep underground in Angeles, Calif., as a teenager before Northeastern Pennsylvania. stepping foot on a collegiate campus. Today, it serves as an Happenstance and misfortune eventually brought him to educational resource center for a Misericordia University as a philosophy major with a minor new generation, as scant in ethics after he returned to the East Coast to care for his History major Gina remnants of the industry, town ailing mother, whose overall health was being Coticchio served a and its people serve as an compromised due to complications from diabetes. three­credit internship at instrument to recall when coal “When I was 19, I was living my dream working as an Eckley Miners’ Village. was king in the region. The actor when my mom’s health started to decline,’’ says Lester, Delaware & Lehigh National and State Heritage Corridor 27. “I ended up moving back home to help her out. My site also acts as a training ground for future educators, like sister also moved back home and we ended up relocating to Misericordia University history major Gina Coticchio ’18, Pennsylvania where both my sister and I were able to go who want to preserve the past and share it with others. back to school as well as help out with our mom.’’ A summer intern at Eckley, Coticchio acts as a docent, Diabetic retinopathy eventually claimed the majority of sharing her knowledge of the era and region while guiding Erma Lester’s eyesight – making her legally blind. An tourists in the Visitor Center and through the heart of the “extremely independent” woman, according to her one­street patchtown that contains 23 buildings, many of youngest child, Ms. Lester needed her children more than them in their original condition. ever. “The loss of her sight made her feel like she couldn’t “Gina’s professional goals include pursuing a path in the live a normal life,’’ says her son. museum field, so I aimed to set up a broad internship that It did not take long for Jennifer M. Black, Ph.D., an would introduce her to a variety of departments,’’ says assistant professor of history and government, to know that Jennifer Black, Ph.D., assistant professor of history and an internship at the National Federation of the Blind, was a government. “Gina’s interest in working at Eckley comes from perfect match for Lester, as he was motivated to work with her professional curiosity and desire to serve the public.’’ and serve the visually­impaired community on a larger scale. During her three­credit history internship, Coticchio is At his paid internship, Lester earned three credits while researching historic objects for the curatorial team, working for six weeks from June 6 to July 29. He worked working with the site administrator to improve guided with the archivist to rehouse and process several sub­sets tours, assisting the educational and programming staff in within the organization’s archival collections, transcribed planning educational activities for school­aged children oral histories, and provided general support in the and adults, and also providing guided tours for the historic department. Before finishing his internship, Lester wrote site that attracted 12,200 visitors in 2015. an article for The Braille Monitor, the organization’s “This is something that I am really interested in,’’ says monthly newsletter, that addresses the consequences and Coticchio, who also has a minor in political science. “My ethical issues related to how people who are blind are internship will definitely provide me with the experience represented in film and television. employers will be looking for when I graduate. I’ll have The internship provided the aspiring graduate student in experience giving tours and working with people. culture studies and philosophy with “a better understanding Hopefully, one day that will be me (giving tours at the of the human condition,’’ hands­on experience, and a National Archives) and I’ll be very informative.’’ published article for his pre­professional portfolio.

18 MI SERICO RDIA TODAY M441_Layout 1 8/4/16 12:11 PM Page 19 STUDENT LIFE

Misericordia University sophomore communications major Michael Gombita ’ 18 conducts a media interview prior to donning his uniform and playing for the world ­famous Harlem Globetrotters during their North American tour.

Communications major wins national ‘Globies Draft Contest’ and becomes first fan ever to suit up in a game with the … FOR A DAY world­famous basketball team

Misericordia University communications major Michael amazing opportunity to watch me play with the team. It was Gombita ’18 of Equinunk, Pa., used the skills he learned as probably the biggest and loudest crowd I have ever had in my a collegian in the classroom and the abilities he developed career playing in sports and performing.’’ from being around the game of basketball for years to win Before taking the court, the Globetrotter­for­the­day the world­famous Harlem Globetrotters’ inaugural Globies participated in a media event on campus in the Anderson Draft Contest and suit up for a game in March at the Center that enabled him to show off his basketball talents, Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes­Barre Township, Pa. sense of humor – and media savvy, as he conducted several Gombita’s video entry on Instagram (http://bit.ly/ newspaper and television interviews. The son of Michael and gombitaentry) of him spinning a basketball with one finger Kelly Gombita also showcased his dribbling and shooting skills and doing trick shots was one of more than 300 entries in alongside long­time team member, Wun “The Shot’’ Versher. the national contest. At stake was the winner getting to play On game day, Gombita donned an official uniform and in a game with the team made famous by Meadowlark participated in pre­game activities, signed autographs, posed Lemon and Curly Neal. for pictures and even scored four points during the game with “The team welcomed me with open arms as soon as I the World All­Stars. walked into the arena,’’ said Gombita. “It almost felt like “I cannot express enough gratitude towards everyone walking around the Misericordia campus and how hospitable involved in this opportunity. It could have happened to any everyone is on a daily basis. They treated me like a teammate of the 300­plus participants that decided to enter, but I was who has been playing for more than just one game. The best blessed with the opportunity of wearing those shorts and thing was that a majority of my family and friends had an playing with such an iconic team.’’

H Turn to pages 20­21 to see pictures of Gombita’s experiences with the Globetrotters H

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Misericordia communications major Michael Gombita ’18 participated LIFE in a promotional event with a representative of the world­famous Harlem Globetrotters and media representatives on campus in the Anderson Sports and Health Center, and then suited up with the team for an afternoon game at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

STUDENT Dressed in an official uniform, Gombita helped the Globetrotters entertain the audience by hamming it up on and off the court with his new teammates. He even managed to pitch in with a few assists and a couple of baskets. … And of course, the Globetrotters defeated the World All­Stars.

20 M I S E R I C O R D I A T O D A Y Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:16 AM Page 21 STUDENT LIFE

To watch communications student Michael Gombita ’18 in action with the world­famous Harlem Globetrotters, please type this address into your web browser, http://bit.ly/gombitadebut, or use your QR­code enabled smartphone to scan the code and go directly to the video.

Video by: Earl & Sedor Productions

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Baseball team wins 6 straight MAC titles, including 4 in a row by Class of 2016 ...Page 24 Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:17 AM Page 23 MU ATHLETICS Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:17 AM Page 24

Senior outfielder D.J. Navoczynski ’ 16 takes a swing at PNC Field in Moosic, Pa., during the NCAA Mid ­Atlantic Regionals in May.

Cougars earn sixth straight MAC crown

ATHLETICS TITLE

MU

TOWN BY SCOTT CRISPELL

The Misericordia University baseball of the 20 hitting and fielding From the time they first set foot on team has enjoyed tremendous success categories, including seven school Tambur Field, the group made an over the last half­dozen seasons, records. Kyle Lindsay ’16 ranks first in immediate impact. Lindsay, Boroch winning six Middle Atlantic Conference career games played (187), at bats and Mike Comerford ’16 were (MAC) Freedom championships and (685), hits (243) and runs scored (189), four­year starters, while Dorosh was making six appearances in the NCAA while Chris Boroch ’15, ’18 is tops in immediately inserted into the starting Tournament. While dozens of players walks (98), hit by pitch (50) and assists rotation. Vogeli served as the closer as have been involved in that success, (499). There are seven categories that a first­year player before making the perhaps no group of individuals is more include three members of the class of transition to starter. responsible than the members of the 2016 among the top 10. Al Reda ’16 and Miles Westrich ’16 2016 senior class. Not to be out done, two senior started as sophomores, and D.J. Collectively, the 15 seniors compiled members of the pitching staff are Navoczynski ’16 started for two years a 135­52 record (.722) and won four ranked among the top five, including after transferring to Misericordia. Tim consecutive MAC Freedom titles. the school record­holder in six of the Burek ’17 has been in the starting “From day one, this class bought in to eight pitching categories. Ryan Dorosh rotation for two years after missing the what we’re trying to do as a program,” ’16 holds the school record for starts 2013 season with an injury and has a said head coach Pete Egbert. “They (40), complete games (10), wins (29), season of eligibility remaining. lived it on the field, in the classroom, innings pitched (273.2) and strikeouts Steve Cuccio ’16 started for two and around campus.” (268), while Cory Vogeli ’16 is the seasons before missing most of 2016 Part of the first team to play its home leader in career appearances (60). with an injury, while Ben Ciraolo ’16, games at Tambur Field, the group Brian Eshleman ’16, Jim Tunison ’15, re­wrote the baseball record books ’16, Anthony LoBello ’16 and Dillon while setting nearly half of the school Del Rosso ’16 have made contributions records. “This has truly been a special over four seasons. group of young men,” said Chuck “This class had some extremely Edkins, director of athletics. “They have talented players that went out and set represented Misericordia University and a bunch of school records,” said the baseball program in quality fashion. Egbert. “They were also extremely It has been a pleasure to watch them versatile as several players endured mature as people, students and ball multiple position changes to help the players. We are proud of each of them team. They also showed tremendous and are grateful for their contributions perseverance by overcoming injuries or to Misericordia University.” other obstacles. Each member of this At least one member of the class of Double­play combination Kyle Lindsay ’16 (6) class had a specific role on the team 2016 is ranked among the top 10 in 19 and Chris Boroch ’16 (7) turn two. that led to the team’s success.”

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Viti and Puckett named Wendy’s Athletes of the Year MU

Amy Viti, ’15, ’16 and Jeff Puckett ’16 finish at 800m at the NCAA Outdoor quarterback. He was were named the 2015­16 Misericordia championships. the Misericordia team ATHLETICS University Wendy’s Athletes of the Year. She was the MAC indoor champion MVP for the fourth Viti also was named Middle Atlantic at 400m, 800m and the 4x400m relay. straight season after Conference (MAC) NCAA Women of Viti received the MAC Outdoor Female tying for the MAC lead the Year. Track Athlete of the Year Award after with 22 total A senior member of the cross setting MAC records while winning the touchdowns. He country and track & 400m and 800m at the MAC outdoor finished third in the field teams, Viti was championships. In addition, she was MAC with 974 yards an NCAA indoor part of the MAC championship rushing and was third Puckett runner­up at 800m 4x400m relay. with 2,419 yards in and was the Eastern Viti earned first­team All­MAC status total offense. College Athletic in cross country and was part of MAC He set school single records and Conference champion championship teams in cross country, single­season records for completions in the same event. indoor track & field, and outdoor track (139), passing yards (1,445) and She earned & field. passing touchdowns (12). All­America honors Puckett, a senior football player, The Wendy’s Athlete of the Month with a fourth­place Viti earned first­team All­MAC status at program is in its 17th year.

Women’s track team Viti ended her career with a post­season berths fourth­place finish in the 800m at the takes MAC title Seven of eight Misericordia NCAA Outdoor championships. University winter and spring athletics The Misericordia University women’s Clarke and Wagner again earned All teams eligible for post­season track & field team pulled off its second American honors at 100m and the high competition qualified for the MAC consecutive sweep as the Cougars jump, respectively. Freedom championship play in 2016. captured the 2016 Middle Atlantic Bolton won the MAC indoor title in The baseball team captured its sixth Conference (MAC) Indoor and the mile and Sarah Wigg ’15, ’18 won consecutive MAC Freedom title while Outdoor championships. the weight throw. men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse and Head Coach Chris Wadas ’05 was Clarke won at 60m and Viti, Kelty women’s tennis all advanced to the finals. named MAC Coach of the Year at both Fairchild ’17, Katie Fairchild ’17, ’18 Men’s basketball, softball and men’s championships, while Bianca Bolton and Melanie Fry ’18, ’20 won the tennis also earned post­season berths. ’16 was named the Female Indoor 4x400m relay. Track Athlete of the Year and Amy Viti During the outdoor season, Clarke ’16, ’17 was the Female Outdoor Track won the 100m and long jump, while Vogeli gets Academic Athlete of the Year. Wigg won the discus and hammer All­American honors Viti went on to finish second at 800m throw. Misericordia University baseball at the NCAA Indoor championships Wagner won the 100m hurdles and standout Cory Vogeli ’16 enjoyed and was joined by teammates Oniesha 400m hurdles, and Bolton won at 1500m. tremendous success on the diamond Clarke ’20 (60m) and Reilly Wagner ’20 Katie Fairchild, Fry, Kelsey O’Donnell and in the classroom again in 2016. A (heptathlon) as All­Americans. and Clarke won the 4x100m relay, and senior mathematics major, he Viti was also recognized as the Viti, Fry, Kelty Fairchild and Katie maintained a 3.98 grade point average NCAA’s Elite 90 award winner for Fairchild won the 4x400m relay. and earned CoSIDA Academic the highest cumulative grade point Lauren Hause ’17, Bethany Killmon All­America honors for the second average at the championships. A senior ’17, ’18, Jill Eberly ’17, ’18 and Bolton consecutive year. speech­language pathology major, Viti won the 4x800m relay. He was a first­team All­MAC carries a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Athletic teams earn Freedom selection and helped the Cougars to their sixth straight MAC BASEBALL POSTER Freedom title. Vogeli led the team in wins (7­3) and strikeouts (64). To order a copy of the poster featuring members of the Misericordia University He ended his career as MU's all­time baseball team ’s Class of 2016, please log on to earlandsedor.com and follow the leader with 60 appearances, and ranks Misericordia baseball link. The 12x18 and 16x24 posters are available in two second in wins (20) and strikeouts (202). print and pricing options: Traditional glossy and metallic prints at $40 and $55, He is fourth in career ERA at 2.83. and $65 and $85. Price includes shipping and handling.

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ALUMNI CLASSNOTES NEWS Stay in touch with friends and classmates by posting updates about your career, family and other noteworthy accomplishments on cougarconnect.misericordia.edu or facebook.com/ For more information about MisericordiaAlumni. Please submit Class Notes to [email protected]. alumni events and news, visit the MU website: Mary Ellen misericordia.edu/alumni Gulotti ’ 87 1959 1983 Marilyn Strongoski Zlotek ’59 Steven Haluschak ’83 and her Great things are happening on campus. husband, Don, welcomed two and his family made a Another Alumni Weekend is in the books great-grandchildren in 2015, Lana and pilgrimage to attend the and our campus simply looks beautiful with Zander. Marilyn and Don have been Papal Mass celebrated so many flowers and plants abloom to married 56 years. Marilyn is retired from in Ciudad Juarez, complement the vast greenery. As many of the Wyoming Valley West School District. Mexico. During the She served as class president for three Jubilee Year of Mercy, the alumni events require careful planning, years and was student council president the family wanted to our friends in University Advancement are in her senior year, and was selected Miss make a special pilgrimage to strengthen gearing up for 924, the giving day, which will Recordia by the student body. their faith. The Haluschak family lives in El be held on Mercy Day, Sept. 24. Paso, Texas. Steven was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014. 924 is a donor ­ based event where the 1964 amount of money raised is not as important Dr. Mary Raab­McConnell 1989 as the number of participants. Participation ’64 was presented with the Christian J. Carbe, Ph.D., ’89 counts with any size gift. The overall goal is 2015 Citizen of the Year , center, joined The Commonwealth Medical to reach 924 participants. Should we reach Award at the Greenville-Pitt College in Scranton, Pa., as a 924 donors, an endowed $25,000.00 County Chamber of Commerce Golden Gala at post-doctoral fellow. scholarship will be released. the Hilton Greenville, N.C. She earned He earned his This event will bring the entire campus a bachelor’s degree in biology. doctorate in medical Andrea Vojtko ’64 and molecular community – including students, alumni, published the book of genetics from faculty and staff – together for one common short stories, Stories for Birders and Other Indiana University – goal. 924 will also look beyond our campus Observers. It is available on Amazon.com. Purdue University Indianapolis in walls to bring the Back Mountain community Indianapolis, Ind. He earned his bachelor’s to campus that day. 1966 degree in biology cum laude. University Advancement says it best: “Our Ellen Doyle Mondlak ’66 received the 1994 donor participation is a key qualifier in many Distinguished Woman Award by the Kimberly Seward ’94, ’09, ’14 John grant application processes. Increased Greater Pittston Chamber Womens and Berti ’10 alumni connectedness is one of the main Network. She was honored during a , were married Dec. 30, 2015. dinner at the Fox Hill Country Club, Exeter factors that puts us ahead in award Kimberly is a manager in the Application on March 8, 2016. Restoration Department at MetLife, Inc., selections. These grants provide a number of opportunities for current students, and will maintain and expand our University for generations to come. ” Your gift will count towards the Annual Fund for the 2016 ­2017 fiscal year. Please consider extending your legacy with a gift on 924. Thank you in advance for your participation, and thank you for always being Misericordia Proud! H O M E C O M I N G W E E K E N D 2 016 S E P T. 3 0 – O C T. 2

SAVE THE DATE! R e g i st e r onli n e: Co u g a r c onne c t . m i se r ic ord ia. ed u /ho m ec o m i n g 1 6 Mary Ellen Gulotti

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Clarks Summit, Pa. John is the IT and data services, including private lessons, parties processing manager at Wyoming Valley and painting events. For more information, 2009 Andrea Moon Collins ’09 Sanitary Authority, Hanover Twp., Pa. The please log on to www.plhart.com. She and her couple resides in Dallas, Pa. earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. husband, Brandon, welcomed their daughter, Kayleigh, on Dec. 22, 2015. 1999 2007 She joins big brother, Nicholas. Mary Elizabeth Weinschenk ’99 Jillian Durr ’07 Shannon Gleason ’09 and Brian was named Charles County and her husband,

Matthew Zawatsky were married May 24, Teacher of the Year. She is a third-grade Tony Franklin, were married May 30, 2015. Courtney Begani ’09 2014. Mary works at Geisinger Wyoming teacher at Dr. James Craik Elementary and ­ Valley, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The couple School in Pomfret, Md. Eugene Ingalls were married Jennifer Byrnes­Chulick Peiffer ’07 ­ honeymooned in Oahu and Maui. They and May 23, 2015. Courtney is a ­ reside in Exeter, Pa. her husband, Brian, welcomed their son, speech-language pathologist ­ Nolan, on Nov. 29, 2015. for RehabCare at Messiah Kimberly Perlock Chorey ’07 ­ Lifeways, Mechanicsburg, Pa. The couple 2002 and her honeymooned in St. John’s, Antigua and Eric Crahall ’02 husband, Joseph, welcomed their daughter, and his wife, ­ live in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Christina, welcomed their Leah, on Dec. 10, 2015. Alison Ostrum Schappert ’09 Nicole Sandrowicz Hemingway and her daughter, Stella, on Dec. 9, Jude ’08 ’07 ­ husband, , welcomed their son, 2015. She joins big sisters, and her husband, Jude Michael, on Dec. 16, 2015. He joins Abigail and Grace. Christopher, welcomed their son, big sister, Ayla. Maxis Alexander, on May 25, Elizabeth Lee Clements ’09 2015. He joins big brother, Ashur, welcomed a 2003 ­ and big sister, Soteria. son on Dec. 29, 2015. Sarah Kulakowski Williams ’03 Rachel Decker ’09 and her and John Baldino were husband, Craig, welcomed their daughter, 2008 married Oct. 17, 2015. Rachel is the Emma Rachel, on June 2, 2015. She joins community relations manager at United Todd DeSando ’08 big brother, Tyler. and Way of Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Rachel Lord were married The couple resides in Hanover Twp., Pa. Shannon McCann ’09 2004 Aug. 8, 2015. The couple and Edward Grant Mandy Donmoyer Bixler ’04 honeymooned in Costa Rica. were married July 25, 2015. Mark Bixler ’03 Todd is employed as an Alicia Ann Kelley ’09 and welcomed educational technology and Ernest their daughter, Mia Addison consultant with Spotslvania County Public Gustinucci were married August 29, 2015. Bixler, on April 7, 2016. She Schools in Virginia. The couple honeymooned Alicia is a registered nurse in the Intensive joins big brothers, Luke and Evan. in Costa Rica and resides in Richmond, Va. Care Unit at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Jennifer Lee Yurkon ’04 Antionette Chepalonis Jones ’08 Medical Center, Plains Twp. The couple and Christopher and her reside in Wyoming, Pa., with their yellow Anthony Hetro were married Aug. 7, 2015. husband, Joel, welcomed their son, Carson Labrador Retriever, Harley. Jennifer is the director of communications Anthony, on Nov. 3, 2015. at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Daniel Johnson ’08 and Molly O'Neill Education, Scranton, Pa. The 2010 welcomed a daughter on Jan. 26, 2016. couple honeymooned in St. Jessica Wozniak ’10 Kelly Dougherty Feinauer ’08 and Cody Ratliff were Lucia and reside in the Back and her husband, Justin, married Nov. 28, 2012. Mountain with their rescue Tara Mullen ’10 dog, Champ. welcomed their daughter, Sophia and Anthony Urso were Josephine, on March 16, 2016. married June 6, 2015. Tara is an 2005 She joins big brother, Wyatt. occupational therapist at Allied Services Continued on next page Amanda Politz ’05 and Dean Kells were married Aug. 8, 2015 at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Hawaii. Tarig Adwan ’05 and his wife, Reem, welcomed a baby girl in August 2015. Misericordia Proud!

2006 Misericordia Proud! is an alumni referral Jennifer Bitters Fumanti ’06 program that affords the applicant a waiver of and her the standard $25 application fee and a one­time husband, Rob, welcomed their daughter on $1,000 alumni grant that will be applied to Dec. 22, 2015. Pamela Heiser ’06 first­semester tuition. For more information, opened Pamela’s Art please log on to misericordia.edu/MUProud. Galleria in Exeter, Pa. The business offers

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Rachel Schultes Baker ’12 ­ Skilled Nursing Facility, Scranton, Pa. The Alexandra is a physical therapist at and her ­ couple took a wedding trip to St. Lucia. Rehabilitation Today, Olean, N.Y. The husband, Charles, welcomed their son, ­ They reside in Archbald, Pa. couple resides in Bradford, N.Y. Jackson Robert, on Oct. 15, 2015. Abigail Bomboy ’10 Christina Santhouse ’10 Joshua Wargo ’12 and Christopher and Vincent graduated from Wesley

Aughenbaugh were married in Annapolis, Paravecchia were married in 2014. Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Courtney Novajosky ’10 ­ Md., on Aug. 8, 2015. Abigail is employed and Justin with his master of divinity in May 2016. Meghan Franz ’12 ­ by the Baltimore City Public School System. Burridge were married Oct. 18, 2014 and John ­ The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia. Leah Marie Conant ’10 Koziel were married Oct. 31, and They reside in Owings Mills, Md. 2015. The couple’s wedding Shannon Marie Tinkham ’10 Nathan James Tibus were ­ and Andrew took place in Pittsburgh, Pa. married Oct. 3, 2015 at St. Audra Wehner Renner ’12 ­ Kostuk were married Aug. 2, 2014. and her husband, Barbara’s Parish, Exeter, Pa. ­ Shannon is a second grade teacher at Sara Horton ’10 Chad, welcomed their son on Jan. 22, 2016. Hartnett Elementary School, Truxton, N.Y. and her husband, Mike Alicia Bryk Coolbaugh ’12 The couple celebrated with a honeymoon Campa, were married Nov. 21, 2015 at St. and her husband, Howard, trip to Ireland. Mary of the Mount. A reception was held at Christina Saxton ’10 Stroudsmoor Country Inn. The couple welcomed their daughter, and Bret Wetzel celebrated their honeymoon in Maui, Alaina Jane, on Dec. 14, 2015. chose the Stone Barn Winery & Vineyard, Hawaii. Sara is a social worker at Selinsgrove, Pa., as the setting for their Brookmont Healthcare, Effort, Pa. The wedding ceremony. Christina is an 2013 couple resides in Mount Pocono, Pa. Jomar Farrales ’13 occupational therapist at Danville State and Rebecca Cruz Hospital, Danville, Pa. Following a welcomed their daughter on Jan. 16, 2016. honeymoon trip to Moorea and Bora Bora in 2011 Erica Weber Perrin ’13 and her husband, the French Polynesia, they are living in James Taylor Polson ’11 and Rosalyn Blake Donald, welcomed their daughter on Jan. Shamokin Dam, Pa. Wodlinger were married March 14, 2015. Anthony Gennaro ’10 29, 2016. and his wife, Tara James is an X-ray, CT and MRI technologist Amanda Searfoss ’13 and Scott Poplawski Bresnock, were married July 4, 2015. for Inspira Health Network, Kennedy Health were married Aug. 1, 2015. The couple Anthony is employed as the material and Atlantic Medical Imaging. honeymooned at Secrets Maroma Beach, manager at Simona America Inc., Archbald, Adrienne Cebrick Zulkoski ’11 and her Riviera Cancun. Pa. The rehearsal dinner was hosted by the husband, Brian, welcomed their daughter Benjamin Seybert ’13 and Samantha parents of the couple at Pines Eatery and on Jan 7, 2016. Spirits, Hazleton, Pa. The couple reside in Meghan Lee ’11 Elston were married Sept. 5, 2015. married Robert Goldate, III Bruce J. Reddock ’13 Sugarloaf Twp., Pa. was named an Lauren Hayduk ’10 on May 24, 2014. Meghan is an accountant economic development specialist at the and Justin Fornataro for Panini America Inc., Irving, Texas. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, were married Oct. 18, 2014. couple took a wedding trip to the Bahamas Julia Glenn ’10, ’14 Scranton, Pa. He earned his Bachelor of and and reside in Grand Prairie, Texas. Arts degree in Government, Law and Robert Corsi were married Jason Heller ’11 and his wife, Heidi, National Security. May 23, 2015. welcomed their daughter on Dec. 29, 2015. Alexandra Rose Goble ’10 and F. Stefan Fesenmyer were married Oct. 10, 2015. 2014 2012 Kelsey Mae Neumeister ’14 Ashley Mihal ’12 and James Ide were and Andrew Blyler were A Giving Day: 9.24.16 ­ married June 6, 2015. Ashley is employed married in Ashland, Pa., on

by Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton as a Aug. 12, 2015. The couple University Advancement’s Giving Day ­ physical therapist. Following a honeymoon honeymooned in Punta Cana, goal is 924 gifts by 9/24/16. Gifts made to the Bahamas, the couple resides in West Dominican Republic. They ­ to the Misericordia Fund are unrestricted, Pittston, Pa. reside in Jonestown, Pa. which means they provide support Sara Solomon ’12 Aimee Detweiler ’14 ­ and Ronald Woznock, and her husband, tailored to meet the highest priority Jr. were married June 6, 2015. Sara is a Joshua, welcomed their daughter on Nov. needs of students in a given fiscal year. ­ registered nurse for Geisinger Wyoming 21, 2015. For more information please visit Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Jessica Vanchure ’14 welcomed a son on www.MUROAR924.com. Following a honeymoon to Aruba, the Dec. 31, 2015 couple resides in Kingston, Pa. Amanda Sutton ’14 Margaret Young ’12 and Brent Lane were and Jameson Kimball married Aug. 22, 2015. were married Oct. 10, 2015. Tia Miller ’14 Rachel Gronchowski Coffee ’12 and Robert Space welcomed and her a son on Dec. 5, 2015 husband, Michael, welcomed their son, Alyssa Goulstone ’14 Preston Lawrence, on Nov. 27, 2015. He and Arthur Jones, Jr. joins big brother, Michael. welcomed their daughter on Dec. 12, 2015.

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Sr. Anne Elizabeth (Doatsie) McLaughlin, ‘63, RSM, D.Min. IN January 2, 1942 ­ May 23, 2016 MEMORIAM Sister Anne Elizabeth (Doatsie) She was passionate title professor emeritus at Misericordia McLaughlin, ’63, RSM, D.Min., about the integration of University upon her retirement from former associate professor and chair theology and the human full­time teaching in 2005. of the Religious Studies Program at experience into the Dr. McLaughlin recently served Misericordia University, died May 23, curriculum and valued as academic dean and director of 2016 at Mercy Center, following a the inclusion of service the Doctor of Ministry Program brief illness. A member of the learning as well. Dr. at Washington Theological Union, Mid­Atlantic Community of the McLaughlin was on the Washington, D.C. Sisters of Mercy since 1961, Dr. McLaughlin Board of Trustees of the Memorial contributions in Dr. McLaughlin spent a combined 32 years Mercy Association of Higher McLaughlin’s name may be made to at Misericordia, where she earned a Education, Washington, D.C., and was the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Center, bachelor’s degree in elementary a former board member of Mount P.O. Box 370, Dallas, PA, 18612; or education in 1963. She also held a Aloysius College, Cresson, Pa. She to Anna's Purse Emergency Fund Doctor of Ministry and master's in received the Sister of Mercy Award for the Poor, Sisters of Mercy, religious education from the Catholic from Misericordia’s Alumni Association Mid­Atlantic Community, 301 Lake St., University of America, Washington, D.C. in 2003, and was honored with the Dallas, PA 18612.

1941 Eileen McHugh Brostoski 1964 1972 Mary Margaret Delehanty February 14, 2016 Arlene Lawrence Coughlin JoAnn Bobbin Bierdziewski, Ph.D. February 28, 2016 Sister Ann Hazuda, RSM December 26, 2015 February 20, 2016 1943 April 22, 2016 Valerie Clarke Howard 1974 Mary F. Mulderig Sister Alice Hanks, MMS April 1, 2016 Helen Maher Evans January 20, 2016 May 20, 2016 Sister M. Sponsa Beltran, OSF October 23, 2015 April 6, 2016 1944 1954 1975 Alicia Murphy Dillon Anna Evan Gorski 1965 Ellen Aumiller Wenthen February 1, 2016 March 23, 2016 January 23, 2016 Bernadine Barchik Pierontoni 1945 1955 February 9, 2016 1978 Marion Connors Murphy Phyllis Cunningham Ellen Fritz Stone Josephine M. Lepore Picone March 1, 2016 February 18, 2016 February 4, 2016 July 5, 2015 1948 Janice Eckenrode McNeal 1979 1956 Margaret Lyon Higgins March 23, 2016 JoAnn M. Schultz Margaret DeWitt Willis October 27, 2015 June 2, 2016 February 17, 2016 1966 Mary Gratia Frawley, RSM 1981 Sister Marie Chabanel Erzal, RSM Elaine Levandoski Maslar February 14, 2016 Sue Ann Bernhardt April 3, 2016 August 14, 2015 Alice Rittell Grenell June 11, 2015 Ann Marie Gushanas Waters April 6, 2016 1959 November 19, 2015 1982 1950 Margaret Mary Basler Blaine Norman J. Holzman, Jr. June 9, 2014 Sister Mary Elizabeth Stanziola, DM May 6, 2016 Kathleen Lundy Dunn December 24, 2015 Mary Ann Henry Gobec October 9, 2015 1984 July 16, 2014 Alexandra Soletski

Rita Mulreany Moran December 30, 2015 Donald Radnor February 10, 2016 Margaret B. Maguire Austin May 20, 2016 June 12, 2016 Marion Kosko Peleggi 1951 February 14, 2016 1985 Geraldine Ribaudo DeMarco '51 1961 John Centak Marianne Donahoe Sterle June 3, 2016 Sister Mary Agnese Mikolaj, RSM April 12, 2016 March 24, 2016 March 29, 2016 1952 Ann Marie Mott 1994 Nancy McGrath McFadden 1962 April 14, 2016 Martha Mumma September 21, 2015 Sister Anne Frances Pulling, RSM February 21, 2016 1967 Helen Marie Mack Long May 14, 2016 1995 Eileen McGowan April 22, 2016 Suzie Salter Witherell 1963 January 14, 2016 Sally Lee Schonfeld Sagenkahn Regina Margaret Carey February 29, 2016 May 4, 2016 January 28, 2016 1968 2000 Caroline Strunk Andreas Bernadette Gesumaria Smith Lorraine Pelczar Yourglivch Angela Stoshak Vitale April 16, 2016 May 11, 2016 March 16, 2016 March 30, 2016 1953 Sister Anne Elizabeth ‘Doatsie’ 1970 2001 Marie Kownacki Hopkins McLaughlin, RSM Sister Jolancia Kozlinski, CSB Kimberly A. Jones McGinley October 17, 2015 May 23, 2016 April 6, 2016 January 7, 2016

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2016SPRING May 21 COMMENCEMENT

More Spring Commencement memories can be found at Bit.ly/mugradsmay16 and Bit.ly/muundergradmay16

Maintain your Misericordia friendships for a lifetime by registering on CougarConnect

For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at: [email protected] or visit: cougarconnect.misericordia.edu

Alumni Volunteer Program: Contact Alumni Relations at (570) 674­6764 to be an admissions, alumni/development or career services volunteer.

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2016ALUMNI WEEKEND June 3­5

More Misericordia Alumni Weekend memories can be found at Bit.ly/muaw16

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CHALLENGE ACCEPTED Alumna’s professional devotion leads to creation of occupational therapy residency program PEOPLE BY GEOFF RUSHTON

MU Kristen Coolbaugh Maisano ’05, O.T.D., has spent much from the average OT grad,” she explains. “We’re really of her young occupational therapy (OT) career taking on excited to be the only neuro program. We’re really grateful intense challenges and breaking new ground. And it was the to be able to share the knowledge it’s taken us so long to foundation she built in Misericordia’s OT master’s degree gain and be able to filter it down and say, ‘Here’s what you program that has given her the confidence to open new really need to know and what is going to make your clinical doors in her field and guide the next generation of students. practice grow and be as potent as it can be.’” “I feel very grateful that within the Misericordia community Maisano has been at Trinity since 2014. Prior to that she the professors are always open and available,” says Maisano, had a key role in growing the Department of Defense Mild who earned her undergraduate Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic at Fort Belvoir Community degree in psychology. “It was Hospital near Alexandria, Va. It was a fairly new endeavor always a very evidence­based when she arrived and expected it to be a small clinic. Kristen program. You needed to be able to Mild traumatic brain injury and post­traumatic stress Coolbaugh explain the ‘why’ of what you were disorder, however, are among the signature injuries for military Maisano ’05 doing and not just know the ‘how’ members who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Fort of how you were going to do it. You Belvoir’s location between Marine Corps Base Quantico and always needed to justify what you the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. – where OCCUPATIONAL were doing, how you were doing it Marines would most often go for treatment – meant that many THERAPY and why you were doing what you Marines at Quantico would instead go to Fort Belvoir. were doing. I was more confident in From first pursuing her doctorate to now being involved in my skills because the professors made sure we knew what education, Maisano says the Misericordia faculty’s emphasis we were doing.” on research and lifelong learning has had an enormous Maisano, who earned her doctorate in OT from Boston influence on her. Her first presentation was with department University in 2010, is the OT Assistant program director at chair Grace Fisher, Ed.D., O.T.R./L., at a statewide conference, Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. More recently, she has been collaborating with MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital to develop the OT Neurologic Residency Program, which has been approved for candidacy by the American Occupational Therapy Association, the regulator for residency programs. There are few approved OT residency programs to begin with, and there had been none specifically devoted to neurological impairments. “National Rehabilitation Hospital decided it would be a great learning experience and a great way to increase the profession’s knowledge about neurological impairments and the rehab process,” Maisano says. “We developed a curriculum that includes teaching, clinical work and a didactic curriculum.” During the 12­month program, residents will teach at Amanda Gahlot, M.S., O.T.R./L., B.C.P.R., and Kristen Maisano ’05, Trinity while treating patients at National Rehabilitation O.T.D., O.T.R./L., C.P.A.M., train on Bioness equipment in a therapy Hospital and fellow MedStar Network facility Washington gym at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. Hospital Center. For residents, the result is a significant opportunity to and from there Maisano has presented many more times and distinguish themselves for potential employers in a will have her first book chapter published this year. challenging field. “The point of the residency is to basically “I think the research base and the empowerment of the make yourself more marketable to employers. The amount professors really made me reach for the doctorate and gave of OT students I believe has doubled in the last 10 years. At me the confidence I needed to go into a situation like the some point there is going to be a need to set yourself apart Department of Defense or this residency program,” she says.

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DRISCOLL HELPS MAKE HOOPS MU

HISTORY AT HOLY CROSS PEOPLE Former Cougar basketball player is a Division I assistant coach

BY DAVID DRIVER

Kevin Driscoll ’04 was an assistant Kevin basketball coach at Division III Driscoll ’04 Albright in Reading, Pa., when he began to put a lot of time into networking, realizing that coaching SPORT was what he wanted to do long term. MANAGEMENT The Misericordia University graduate began to contact several Division I head coaches, though Driscoll came to learn that “99 percent of them” do not return calls. But that was not the case with Joe Jones, the former head coach at Columbia, who is now at Boston University. “I really had no clue what was going on (at the Division I ranks),’’ Driscoll recalls. Jones called him back and told Driscoll that if he wanted to be a Division I coach he had to leave the Division III level. So Driscoll got a job in New Jersey with Hoop Group, where he worked as the director of the Elite Eastern Invitational and the Skills/Pocono Invitational for four years. He was in charge of all phases of the largest basketball camps in the country, and worked with more than 3,500 Kevin Driscoll ’04 is an assistant men’s basketball coach at College players in the summer program. That eventually led to an of the Holy Cross. Driscoll, left, discusses in­game strategy with assistant position in 2013 at Division I Holy Cross, a member head coach Bill Carmody. of the prestigious Patriot League. Holy Cross defeated Brown in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com career in the basketball profession. In a short time frame, he tournament in 2014 to give the Crusaders their first has gone from being a high school coach to a Division I coach post­season victory in nine years. playing (against) North Carolina and Kansas,” Moore wrote in Then this season Holy Cross struggled during Patriot an e­mail interview. “Working with Kevin was great because League play, placing ninth out of 10 teams. But the of his daily enthusiasm. You will be hard pressed to meet Crusaders then won three straight games on the road in the someone with more energy. There is no doubt he will be a league tournament and advanced to the title game on Division I head coach and a successful one at that.’’ March 9 against host Lehigh. Holy Cross became the lowest There are only about 1,000 assistant coaching jobs for seed to ever reach the league title game and became the men’s teams at the Division I level and Driscoll feels his forte first team to win three road games in the tourney. The is recruiting. He was hired at Holy Cross by former head Crusaders extended their Cinderella run by beating Lehigh, coach Milan Brown, now an assistant at the College of 59­56, for their fourth straight road win – and more Charleston in South Carolina. Driscoll is on the staff at Holy importantly – the Patriot League title and automatic berth Cross under veteran coach Bill Carmody, a long­time coach into the NCAA tournament. at Princeton and Northwestern. In the play­in game, College of the Holy Cross topped Driscoll began coaching at Hamburg (Pa.) High in 2004 Southern, 59­55, for the college’s first NCAA tournament after he graduated from Misericordia with a bachelor’s victory since 1953. In the West Regional first­round game, degree in sport management. “It is hard to get into Division the Crusaders faced No. 1 seed Oregon from the Pac­12. I,” Driscoll said. “When you start at (age) 23 or 24 as a The Ducks ended Holy Cross’ season, 91­52, on March 18. Division I assistant everyone wants to be a Division I coach. Needless to say, it has been a rapid rise for Driscoll, But everyone takes a different route.” according to Pitt­Bradford head coach Britt Moore – who Driscoll hopes the route he is on also leads to a head worked with Driscoll at Albright. “Kevin has had a remarkable coaching job. And it all started when Jones returned his call.

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Matt Rogers ’04

Songwriter’s talent turns him into a

FEATURE hitmaker for country

MU stars in Nashville

TOPPING THE

BY MARIANNE CHARTS TUCKER PUHALLA

You have to admit, his story would Some people might cringe at the make good lyrics for a song: A rookie idea of having to write as many as eight songwriter moves to Nashville, Tenn., hours a day. But as a professional to pursue his dreams; after 10 years of songwriter, Rogers is employed by ole, hard work, he climbs to the top of the an international rights management Ycharts with a No. 1 hit country single, company in Nashville, to do just that. and meets the love of his life. He most often works in teams of two or Fiction? No, it is reality for three writers and says they spitball Misericordia alumnus Matt Rogers ’04, ideas – throwing out phrases and lyrics whose song We Went, was recorded by – sometimes, but not always, with a country artist Randy Houser and hit No. specific artist in mind. 1 on Billboard’s U.S. Country Air Play He never knows what is going to charts in March. The song is the lead inspire him. One night two years ago, single for Houser’s fourth studio album, he was listening to some Bee Gee’s Fired Up, released by Stony Creek sound tracks. The next day, he and Records on March 11. For Rogers, who co­writers Justin Wilson and John writes about 100 songs a year, hitting King drilled out the lyrics and music No. 1 in the country genre is a dream to We Went. A coincidence? He’ll come true. never know.

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Rogers says they had Houser in mind One of his first claims to fame MU once they got started. The writing was when his song, Send Me on team sent a demo tape to Houser’s My Way, was selected as one of

producer, and he pitched it to the 20 finalists from more than FEATURE popular recording artist. Houser’s team 20,000 songs submitted during crafted what has been described as a the 2007 Jordin Sparks­winning “high octane” video featuring Good season of American Idol. In Deed bandits who steal money from a 2011, he and writing partner, robber and go on a wild ride to give it Chris Weaver, had their song, away to the less fortunate. The music You Gotta Want It, selected for video premiered in August 2015. A the compilation CD, Official YouTube posting of the song, found at Gameday Music of the National http://bit.ly/houserwewent, has been Football League, Volume II. viewed more than 5 million times. It One of his favorite

may surprise some to know that compositions, Hell On A Media. Rogers and Houser have never met. Highway, was co­written with

The song reached the top of the Blake Bollinger and Ben Zooby charts in March 2016 and became Stennis, and recorded by Justin

Houser’s fourth No. 1 hit single and Moore in 2016. It is included on Moe fourth No. 1 video. As a part of the Moore’s latest album, Kinda launch, Houser performed We Went on Don’t Care, due out in August. Julie by ABC’s Good Morning America on March It tells the story of a girl who is – 9. According to Billboard, sales of the fed up with the way a guy song in the U.S. have exceeded 300,000. treats her. “I am very proud of Photos “I am proud of the fact that song that song. It was a colossal Rogers recently had a single doesn’t have any references to alcohol production – I never heard him sound recorded by singer Gary Allen, and the or misogynistic themes,” Rogers says. so good,” Rogers adds. song, World To Me, co­written with “It is just a fun song that makes you Rogers says his Misericordia Ash Bowers and Adam Craig, is feel good.” University background provided him a featured on the most recent album of Matt, whose father Barry Rogers, solid foundation, which he relies upon Dustin Lynch. Another single, Our brother Eric Rogers ’08, nephew everyday. “I have carried with me what I Soundtrack, recorded by Canadian Joseph Rogers ’06, and Joseph’s wife, learned during so many writing singer Wes Mack, recently reached Kari Bratt Rogers ’06 all followed him intensive classes in English and Canadian Top 20 status. Another through Misericordia, earned a philosophy at Misericordia. In particular, Rogers’ single recorded by Mack, bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary I am very picky about grammar and Listen to Me, is climbing the charts in studies in 2004. Aiming for a career as tenses,” he says. “Not everybody, Canada. By all accounts, life is good a music journalist, he went on to especially in the country world, is as for the Kingston, Pa., native. Syracuse University for a master’s concerned with grammar as I am – What might be the best part of degree in journalism. While there, it truthfully, I fear it is a dying art form. Rogers’ story is that he met his fiancée, was an internship with Country Music “I really can’t think of any job better Shellien Kinsey, when they both Today magazine that lead him to than being a staff songwriter,” he says. worked for Better Angels, a company Nashville, and his first job as a “At ole, we have a great circle of taken over by ole three years ago. She reporter for HealthLeaders Magazine. about 12 writers and working with is employed as creative administration A guitar and piano player as well as a them is always very productive. I am manager on the business side of ole. singer, he also performed in the area extremely lucky to be able to make a The happy couple is planning an hoping to find his break into the career out of a hobby.” October wedding in Nashville. recording industry. “When I was 19 and 20, I wrote mainly pop songs. But when I moved Misericordia University alumnus Matt Rogers ’04 co­wrote country singer to Nashville, my focus was on breaking Randy Houser’s hit song, We Went, which hit No. 1 on the charts in into Music Row – the Nashville March. The lead single is part of Houser’s new album, Fire Up, which was companies that form the heart of released on March 11. For more information on Rogers’ recent success, country music,” he explains. type this link, http://bit.ly/1V1lVnl, into your web browser or to read “Although pop is infusing itself into about the country star’s new album go to, http://bit.ly/1Rxn8hy. country more and more, I find myself To watch the music video, insert this link, http://bit.ly/houserwewent, staying close to the country roots of into your browser. the Nashville area.”

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LIGHTS … Student journalists win 2 Keystone CAMERA … ACTION Press Awards

Communications alumnus works The Pennsylvania NewsMedia PEOPLE on the sets of blockbuster movies Association presented the staff of The Highlander student newspaper at Misericordia University two 2016 BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

MU Keystone Press Awards in the spring. Web editor and columnist Jennifer Mathiesen ’16 won a first place award for her photo story, Jim Thorpe, that Matthew Grant ’12 appeared in the Nov. 11, 2015 issue of the biweekly publication. Colleen Garrison ’15 received honorable COMMUNICATIONS mention in the Personality Profile category for the story, The Life of a Student Mom: Exhaustion and Joy, Merriam­Webster’s College which was published Feb. 25, 2015. Dictionary defines starstruck as simply Garrison’s entry was a day­in­the­life being “particularly taken with profile of fellow adult student Sandra celebrities (as in movie stars).” By Pace that focused on how Pace anyone’s definition, Sylvester Stallone, balances the challenges of life as a Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and mother, student and employee. Keanu Reeves are movie stars in the Garrison was a member of the Ruth truest sense of the word. Matthew Grant ’12 has worked on the sets Matthews Bourger Women with Misericordia University of Creed, Sully and John Wick 2. Children Program at Misericordia. She communications alumnus Matthew earned her bachelor’s degree in Grant ’12 has been working on the critical scenes prematurely. communications in 2015. She was same sets as some of Hollywood’s “It’s very hard to get a chance to talk the recipient of the University’s 2015 biggest stars as they filmed with celebrities as a production assistant Communications Department blockbuster movies, such as Bridge of because it is behind­the­scenes work,’’ Academic Achievement Award. Spies, Creed, Sully and John Wick 2. In Grant says. “You are always doing Misericordia competes in Division between, he also has been something whether it is consulting with II of the Keystone Press Awards, transitioning into production work for background, locking up during a scene, which recognizes four­year colleges hit television shows on the sets of or helping to set up a scene. The and universities with enrollment Dancing with the Stars and The chances are very slim to get a lot of under 10,000. The Highlander Amazing Race. “I learned early on that time to have serious interaction with can be accessed online at you have to be very professional,’’ says people like that.’’ www.highlandernews.net. For more Grant, while working on location in the That is unless you are working with information about the Misericordia northeastern United States. “You Stallone as he reprises his famous role University Communications Program, cannot be starstruck. You have work as Rocky Balboa, alongside actor please call (570) 674­6400 or log on very hard and treat them like any Michael B. Jordan. Grant and his to www.misericordia.edu/com. person – not just a celebrity.’’ colleagues worked feverishly on the Grant acknowledges work as a set of Creed so paparazzi could not production assistant for a major get images of Stallone and Jordan motion picture is as exciting as it is performing a scene on the “Rocky’’ demanding. Depending on the movie steps at the Franklin Institute in and the scene being filmed, he can be Philadelphia, Pa. assigned to escort the background “One by one all the production talent for makeup and then to the assistants stood with Stallone, talked a holding area to wait for their scene, or little bit and got their picture taken be assigned as a “lockup” doing with Rocky Balboa himself,’’ Grant Student journalists, from left, Jennifer crowd control and making sure says. “It was very generous for him to Mathiesen ’16 and Colleen Garrison ’15, paparazzi do not sneak pictures of do that with everybody.” won Keystone Press Awards.

36 MISERICORDIA TODAY M441_Layout 1 8/4/16 12:11 PM Page 37 Home run STUDENT MBA student wins $10,000 entrepreneur contest sponsored by ‘’s’ Jon Taffer LIFE BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

What started out as a typical Sunday video took some doing. He spent an night watching Bar Rescue on Spike TV hour recording it on a computer at his ended up being anything but ordinary dining room table – not very high tech, for Misericordia University graduate he admits. Once it was posted to the student Jim Tunison ’15 ’16. A decision contest website, alongside other that night to enter an entrepreneurial hopefuls, he was off and running to contest sponsored by Bar Rescue’s Jon generate votes across the country. Taffer, made the Misericordia Cougar’s The 21­year­old had plenty of newly baseball team member $10,000 richer, minted business knowledge to rely helped kick­start his business plan, and upon. He was mid­way through classes landed him with as many as for an MBA with a 225,000 fans on Facebook. specialization in management For Tunison, the concept at Misericordia, and had of entering the Taffer Virtual recently earned a bachelor’s Teaching (TVT) contest was degree in business a long shot he could not administration with a pass up. The winner of the specialization in marketing online contest would get a with the MU Class of 2015. round­trip ticket to Las The marketing acumen came Vegas, Nevada, and meet in handy. Taffer, the millionaire A senior and right­handed Jon Taffer, left, restaurant and bar congratulates Jim reliever for a highly successful consultant known for Tunison ’15, ’16. Cougars baseball team (See turning around struggling related article on pages businesses. The winner also would 22­24), he first turned to his receive $10,000 to launch a business. teammates and the MU Athletics All Tunison needed was a video and a Department for support, along with worthy business idea. family and Haverling High School The Bath, New York native already friends. Within days, he had the had what he thought was a good campus and much of northeastern concept – “Face To Face,” a company Pennsylvania behind him – thanks to to make instructional videos where radio, television and newspaper viewers can learn to play instruments interviews, and a rock­solid social from the artists themselves whose media campaign, that resulted in songs they want to emulate. “I know about 400 Twitter followers and plenty of people, myself included, who 225,000 likes on Facebook. have gone to YouTube to learn to play “I just cannot believe how everyone an instrument – but how exciting stepped up – the 40 guys on my Watch TV personality Jon Taffer, would it be to learn from a famous baseball team and Coach Pete Egbert host of the Spike TV reality series artist?” he asks rhetorically. “Can you were amazing, MU’s Marketing and Bar Rescue, announce Misericordia imagine learning to play the piano Athletics Departments really helped, University student Jim Tunison ’15, from Billy Joel, or having John Mayer and my friends and family went crazy,” ’16 as the grand­prize winner of the teach you the guitar?” he says with his enthusiastic grin. “I entrepreneurial contest, Taffer Packing the description of his plan Virtual Teaching Contest, by logging into a vote­generating, 60­second Continued on page 43 on to http://bit.ly/tvtcontestwinner.

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president of mission integration and founder of the program. Fellow members of the Bourger WWC program participated in the ceremony with their children, and presented gifts to the Negron family. Program alumna Colleen Garrison ’15 of Wyoming, Pa., presented a lavender cord to Negron to wear at Commencement as part of her

PROGRAM regalia. Lavender was the favorite color of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, the religious order that established Misericordia in 1924.

MU “Nicole has been an exceptional role model and student leader within our program,” said Katherine Pohlidal, director, Bourger WWC program. “Her commitment to academic excellence, coupled with her extraordinary work Mulier Fortis Ceremony ethic as a full­time student and mother are to be admired. We are very proud of her accomplishments.” recognizes 2016 graduate The program provides housing and support for academically qualified, The Ruth Matthews Bourger Women Historical Society. The project was single mothers and their children at three with Children Program (WWC) at conducted under the direction of homes owned by Misericordia University. Misericordia University held a Mulier Jennifer Black, Ph.D., assistant The program, one of only seven of its Fortis Ceremony in May to honor professor of government and history. kind in the country, has seen program graduate Nicole Negron of Negron aspires to work in museum baccalaureate degree graduates Dallas, Pa. outreach following graduate school. continuing in careers in nursing, Negron received a Bachelor of Arts She also participated in a fine arts education, communications, occupational degree in English at the University’s study abroad program to Ireland in therapy, social work, medical imaging, Commencement ceremony on May 21. She has been awarded a full scholarship to continue her Sister Jean Messaros, R.S.M., education at Illinois State University, vice president of mission Normal, Ill., in a graduate program integration at Misericordia University, above, presents a for visual culture. Also honored was Misericordia University ring her son, Justice, 6, who has lived to Nicole Negron ’16, graduate with her on campus. of the Bourger Women with Negron is the 21st woman to Children Program, during graduate from the Bourger WWC a Mulier Fortis Ceremony on campus. program since its inception in 2000. A native of Jersey City, N.J., she At left, Nicole Negron ’16, left, and Colleen Garrison ’15 lived in Wilkes­Barre, Pa., prior to display the Misericordia enrolling at Misericordia. University rings that President Thomas J. Botzman, recognize their completion Ph.D., commended Negron for her of the program. academic accomplishments during the ceremony. As a participant in the Misericordia University Summer March 2016 under the direction of Ryan psychology, business administration Research Fellowship Program in 2015, Weber, Ph.D., assistant professor of and speech­language pathology. she was a member of a research team musicology and associate director of the For more information about the Ruth that completed an online public Misericordia University Honors Program. Matthews Bourger Women with history exhibit and catalogued and The Mulier Fortis ceremony included Children Program at Misericordia preserved more than 6,000 photos the presentation of a Misericordia ring University, please call (570) 674­6728 or and scans for the Greater Pittston by Sister Jean Messaros, RSM, vice log on to www.misericordia.edu/wwc.

38 MISERICORDIA TODAY Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:17 AM Page 39

Ribbon­cutting ceremony marks completion CAMPUS of Lake Street sidewalk project

Misericordia University held a “I am thrilled to see this project The University also received ribbon­cutting ceremony with students, come to fruition,’’ said state Rep. Karen $150,000 through the Luzerne administrators, and state and local Boback, R­117, Harveys Lake. “The County Local Share Account in support of the project. Misericordia officials on May 12 to mark the construction of these sidewalks is an LIFE completion and official opening contributed $15,000, and will of the 1,000­foot long Lake provide maintenance of the Street sidewalk project. The sidewalks during inclement University worked with the weather and future repairs that Pennsylvania Department of may be necessary. Community and Economic The collaborative project Development’s (DCED) Northeast begins in Dallas Township at the office to secure funding through historic archway, which serves as the Keystone Communities the main entrance to the Program (KCP) and the Luzerne University. The five­foot wide County Local Share Account to sidewalk connects to a small undertake the project to improve bridge that was erected over a safety along Lake Street. Misericordia University held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark stream before continuing south “The completion of this the completion of the Lake Street sidewalk project on May 12. to the intersection of Center Hill streetscape brings considerable Road and eventually connecting benefits in terms of pedestrian safety,’’ investment in public safety, and both to the existing sidewalk that extends said state Sen. Lisa Baker, R­20, Lehman students and local residents will benefit to the borough’s downtown. Township. “The new sidewalks connect from this infrastructure update.’’ The sidewalk creates a safe the area’s residents, and students from KCP awarded $165,000 to pedestrian path from Misericordia’s Misericordia to our downtown, and that Misericordia, in partnership with Dallas campus to the many university­owned should help boost business. The look of Township, to complete the funding buildings and houses along Lake the area is also improved. It shows what component of the $330,000 project. Street, and also connects the can be accomplished when everyone Administered by DCED, the KCP University community to the comes together to work toward a program assists revitalization efforts by Main Street business district of common goal.’’ communities in the Commonwealth. Dallas Borough.

Gladys Brooks Foundation grant supports purchase of interactive walls for library study rooms

The Gladys Brooks Foundation individually by linking to a single screen Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. “The grant awarded Misericordia a $100,000 from a laptop, smartphone from the Gladys Brooks Foundation grant that was used for the purchase or tablet. The large HD screens also will have a profound impact on the and installation of eight, 55­inch T1 feature patented software that is Vision System Interactive screens for designed for multi­touch, multi­user Students Mariah Ebert, seated, study rooms in the Mary Kintz and multi­application interface use in and Annie Bevevino Library. order to engage more people across Stewart work The upgraded library technology the platform. with one of will enable individuals or groups of “Thanks to generous benefactors, the T1 Vision students to connect, share and learn such as the Gladys Brooks Foundation, System Interactive via the use of an intuitive, multi­touch Misericordia students are able to access screens. user interface. The state­of­the­art and use the most current technologies technology features touchscreen available in higher education to learning environment in the library, capabilities that can be split into enhance their learning experiences and and touch countless students who multiple active areas, allowing students better prepare themselves to be are working toward a rewarding and faculty to interact collectively or tomorrow’s leaders,’’ said President professional career.’’

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COLLEGES REORGANIZE TO ENHANCE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

The Misericordia University Board of Trustees affirmed the restructuring plan by the Office of Academic Affairs ACADEMICS at its June meeting to reorganize and rename the three colleges that have been in place since the institution achieved university status in 2007. MU Beginning Aug. 15, the University Mercy Hall will feature the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Health Sciences and Ed.D., chair, Department of Mass and government department and Education, and Business. The College Communications and Design. “The programs; honors program; mathematics of Business was previously known as media curriculum inherently aligns with and computer science department and the College of Professional Studies business, and we will have the programs; medical and health and Social Sciences, while the College opportunity to create interdisciplinary humanities; philosophy department and of Health Sciences and Education was programs and classes that will provide programs; physics department; formerly called the College of Health students with a holistic view of the psychology department and programs; Sciences. The College of Arts and media industry and an understanding religious studies department, and Sciences retains its original name. of the diverse applications of their sociology programming. “Reorganizing the academic colleges knowledge and skills.” creates a more recognizable structure The departments of Social Work, and provides better opportunities for College of Business Teacher Education and Physician curricular partnerships and initiatives,’’ The following academic departments Assistant Studies will join the College of said Russ Pottle, Ph.D., dean of the and programs are included: Health Sciences and Education. Social College of Arts and Sciences. “New work and teacher education were Business department and programs; curricular partnerships and initiatives are housed previously in the College of information technology; mass always under discussion, of course, but Professional Studies, while physician communications and design the college reorganization will allow us assistant studies was in the College of department; professional studies to consider new ways to helps students Arts and Sciences. The Autism Center program, and Center for Adult and seek to fulfill their intellectual potentials.’’ will be under the direction of the College Continuing Education. Several academic programs also have of Health Sciences and Education. been affected by the reorganization and The deans of the three colleges and College of Health Sciences placed into new colleges. While the department chairs initially began the & Education traditional arts and sciences disciplines thoughtful process of analyzing the will remain in the College of Arts and The following academic departments needs of students and faculty in the Sciences, it will also gain the Department and programs are included: academic programs and determining of Psychology and sociology courses Diagnostic medical sonography the appropriate steps for the that were taught previously in the department and programs; gerontology reorganization. Faculty senate Department of Social Work. and geriatric care management; health approved the plan during the spring The Department of Communications care informatics; medical imaging semester and the Board of Trustees has been renamed the Department of department and programs; nursing formally approved it June 17. Mass Communications and Design, and department and programs; occupational moved under the College of Business, therapy department and programs; College of Arts & Sciences which will retain its traditional business physical therapy department and programs and also the Center for Adult The following academic departments programs; physician assistant studies and Continuing Education. and programs are included: department and programs; social “Our move to the College of Biology department and programs; work department and programs; Business situates the department and chemistry and biochemistry departments speech­language pathology department other academic programs within the and programs; English department and and programs, and teacher education college for growth,’’ said Melissa Sgroi, programs; fine arts department; history department and programs.

40 MISERICORDIA TODAY Mxxx_Layout 1 8/1/16 11:17 AM Page 41 MU wellness, and community health UNIVERSITY EXPANDS collaborate with patients and clinicians. They steer patients

successfully through the complex ACADEMICS ACADEMIC OFFERINGS health care system and any subsequent treatment plans, while also Autism certificate program interdisciplinary approach for students possessing the skills necessary to for health care providers who are interested in the humanities safely and effectively follow patients fields, as well as health care and across the care continuum. The College of Health Sciences has medicine. The new program is the first Overall, the undergraduate degree introduced a post­graduate and of its kind in Pennsylvania, as it offers for traditional students and the post­credentialed online certification Bachelor of Arts degree­level tracks in 18­credit certificate program for adult program in Autism Spectrum Disorders Medical and Health Humanities, Pre­Law learners will prepare professionals to be for health care providers. The academic Medical and Health Humanities, and effective communicators for patients program in the Department of Health Pre­Doctor of Physical Therapy Medical and practitioners. Sciences will prepare health care and Health Humanities, as well as a The new academic program features professionals in the fields of nursing, minor that complements an array of three specialization areas: occupational occupational therapy, physical therapy, academic programs. therapy, speech­language pathology physician assistant, speech­language The program also provides students and patient navigator. Patient pathology and more to work with with strategic real­world experiences navigator is a four­year degree clients who have been diagnosed with through fieldwork placements and resulting in a Bachelor of Health autism spectrum disorder. observational rounds at nonprofit Science. Students in the OT and SLP The need for specialized autism organizations and/or medical and health specialization tracks available in the spectrum disorder training is evident care facilities. During the internship, five­year, entry­level master’s degree across many settings, as outpatient, students will apply their academic programs will receive their Bachelor in community­based and knowledge to work experience, while Health Science Specialization in OT or public sector students in an observational rotation will SLP degrees at the conclusion of their professionals have attend clinical meetings and participate fourth year of study. received minimal in on­site observations. The 18­credit certificate program education in the The undergraduate degree offers offers online delivery with fieldwork evaluation and students the flexibility to pursue a coursework. treatment of the number of career paths, including For more information, please log on to Kahanov disorder, according to medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, www.misericordia.edu/patientnavigator. Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., L.A.T., A.T.C., medical anthropology, physical therapy, dean of the College of Health Sciences. health care ethics, public health, public BS in sonography “Our Autism Certificate Program policy, health care administration, Misericordia introduced the region’s provides an environment for students health education, patient care only entry­level Bachelor of Science and post­credentialed professionals to coordination, health care lobbying, degree in Diagnostic Medical augment their knowledge and skills for pharmaceutical sales representative, Sonography in order to prepare an underrepresented and, in some medical history, and more. graduates to become leaders in the field circumstances, underserved The 15­credit minor will enhance of ultrasound and to complement the community,’’ said Dr. Kahanov. “By students’ educational experience, 18­month certificate and online BS helping health care professionals particularly those who are majoring degree programs that are geared toward provide optimal care for people on in the humanities, and health and adult learners. Classes begin this the fall. the autism spectrum, the program social sciences. The bachelor’s degree program in accomplishes its mission of enhancing For more information, please sonography was developed in response the quality of services provided to log on to www.misericordia.edu/ to inquiries from students who sought a people with autism and their families medicalhumanities. throughout their lifespan.’’ four­year degree and a traditional For more information, please log on Patient Navigator program collegiate experience; the career to www.misericordia.edu/autismcert. mobility it provides compared to The University introduced a Bachelor associate­ or certificate­credentialed Medical and Health of Health Science with a Specialization professionals in the field; the advantages in Patient Navigator degree and a a liberal arts education provides Humanities program certificate program in patient navigator graduates, and an academic program The Medical and Health Humanities beginning with the fall semester. geared toward traditional students. academic program will launch with the Professionals in the emergent field For more information, please log on fall 2017 semester. It offers an in patient advocacy, health education, to www.misericordia.edu/sonography.

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Exhibit, lectures focus on Hemingway’s life Valerie Hemingway delivering lecture in Lemmond Theater in Walsh Hall LIFE

The College of Arts and recount the two years she Veneto, the northeastern region of Sciences, Pauly Friedman Art worked as his secretary and Italy that surrounds Venice. Gallery and the Soyka Fund traveled with him and his wife, The schedule for the program includes for the Humanities are Mary, to Cuba, New York, MU student paper presentations from bringing together a photo Florida and Spain, as part of 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Dudrick and Muth exhibit, experts and students the opening of the photo Rooms 216­217 of Sandy and Marlene for a series of events in the exhibition, Hemingway in Insalaco Hall. Nationally known fall to recount the life, talent Venice and the Veneto in the Hemingway scholars will participate in a CAMPUS and tragedy of American Ernest Hemingway Friedman Art Gallery. The roundtable discussion from 3­4:30 p.m. writer Ernest Hemingway. exhibition runs through Dec. 10. in the Friedman Art Gallery. Panelists His writing style is considered “Valerie’s unique perspective on include the editor of the Hemingway among the most influential prose of Hemingway, his life and writing offers Review Susanne de Giozzo, Ph.D., the 20th century, as Hemingway Misericordia’s students and the Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pa.; penned such classics as The Sun Also community a rare opportunity,” said the lead editor on the Cambridge Rises, A Farewell to Arms, The Old Matthew Nickel, Ph.D., assistant University Hemingway Letters Project Man and the Sea, From Whom the Bell professor of English. “She worked with Sandra Spanier, Ph.D., Penn State Tolls, and more. Fans of the late Nobel Hemingway during a crucial time in his University, State College, Pa.; leading Prize­winning novelist, short­story life, when he was writing his memoirs Hemingway scholar and Hemingway writer and journalist will be able to of living in Paris as a young man, later Board member Linda Miller, Ph.D., hear first­hand accounts of his life from published as A Moveable Feast. She Penn State Abington, Abington, Pa., his former secretary, Valerie can provide us with insights that no and president of the Hemingway Hemingway, when the exhibit and biographer can offer.’’ Foundation and Society H.R. programs begin Saturday, Oct. 22 in The exhibition showcases Stoneback, Ph.D., State University of the Friedman Art Gallery and photographs taken by Hemingway and New York, New Paltz, N.Y. Hemingway Lemmond Theater in Walsh Hall. others of the people, places and will deliver her keynote presentation Valerie Hemingway will discuss her things that were dearest to him during at 5 p.m. in Lemmond Theater. 2004 book, Running with the Bulls: My two important eras of his life: World For more information, please log Years with the Hemingways, and also War I and his time in Venice and on to www.misericordia.edu/art.

Changes to bookstore Chick­fil­A, Starbucks and a plus for customers more coming to campus

Earlier this year, Misericordia partnered with Follett Chick­fil­A is coming to Misericordia this fall, along with Higher Education Group, an Illinois­based company that Proudly Brewed By Starbucks and a Chopping Block salad operates more than 1,200 campus stores and 1,600 virtual bar. The three new food and beverage outlets are being stores across the United States and Canada, to manage the brought to campus by Metz Culinary Management, the dining campus store. The change opens significant additional management services company for the campus community. services to University students and visitors, with more Chick­fil­A will be located in the Cougar’s Den, changes on the way. side­by­side with Chopping Block, a design­your­own salad New merchandise arrived quickly after Follett took over station offering dozens of toppings, operated by Metz. management in February. National brands, such as Under A patio will be added to the front of the Banks Center, Armour and Columbia, have helped store sales increase providing tables with umbrellas and outdoor seating for 50. nearly 50 percent over the same period last year. The Proudly Brewed by Starbucks will be in the lounge on Extensive renovations for the store in the Banks Student the opposite end of the Banks Center. Life Center began in July and should be complete by the In addition to the food service renovations, the townhouse beginning of the fall semester. complex is undergoing extensive interior renovations – Alumni and friends can visit the new online store complete with new furniture and appliances. at www.misericordiastore.com to see some of the Students moving into McHale, Alumnae, McGowan and offerings online. Gildea halls will have rooms outfitted with microfridge units.

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Sister Noel’s MU

TRIPS WITH A DIFFERENCE NEWS

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

Dr. Marie Noël Keller ’65, RSM, For more trips, knows the best place from which to turn to back cover. view the Acropolis in Greece, and can make her way around the iconic sites Portugal and the Imperial of Italy, as well as the space and places Capitals of Central Europe Jim and Nancy Wilson, above, pose of Catherine McAuley, foundress of are being planned. for a picture in the Canary Islands, while, at left, guests prepare to the Sisters of Mercy, in Dublin, Ireland. At just over 5­feet tall, enter the Jacobethan­style Highclere It is the insider’s knowledge and Dr. Keller tackles her duties Castle in Hampshire, England. educational focus that make her “Trips with the aplomb of a with a Difference” just that – a step diplomat, the knowledge of a history theology, and a master’s and above a typical travel tour. professor, and the precision of a heart doctorate in New Testament and Dr. Keller has been involved with travel surgeon to make sure every guest has Early Christian Origins. She serves as since 1975, and began offering her the best possible experience. Guests are executive director of the Institute on services at MU in the early 1980s when provided copious notes to help them Sacred Scripture at Misericordia. she was named director of Campus prepare before they go, and reflect upon Alumna Anna Mae Lacey ’54 and her Ministry. She has been overseas more when they return. husband, Nick Hudak, of Hershey, Pa., than 100 times. Now working through “I am an educator, and I prepare are “frequent fliers,” having traveled the Center for Adult and Continuing materials that supplement the tours so with Dr. Keller on trips to Greece, Education, she has orchestrated trips for you come away with more than just a Turkey, Poland, Australia and New more than 300 travelers to Poland, geographic overview,” she says. “There Zealand. “Sister Noel is very well Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Scotland, and is a big world out there that needs to be informed and conveys often more in the past three years alone. seen and these experiences are meant overlooked facts and background to A September trip to Italy is sold out. to broaden travelers’ perspectives.” expand our understanding of each Her next Christmas Markets trip is A member of the Sisters of Mercy region,” Lacey says. “One of our most scheduled for Nov. 29, and will include Mid­Atlantic since 1961, Dr. Keller memorable moments was attending a 10 magical days in select cities of earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass at Ephesus, Turkey. Sister Noel Germany, Austria and Italy. Adventures elementary education at Misericordia gave the homily. The experience will to Scandinavia, Russia, Ireland, in 1965. She also holds a master’s in remain with me forever.”

Home run Tunison and his mother, Suzette, flew Moosic, Pa. He has since had to to Las Vegas, Nev., in March to meet balance a summer­intensive new job from page 37 with Taffer, whose TVT tag line is “Give while pushing forward on his business knew as soon as Jon Taffer favored me two minutes, and I will change your plan. Tunison continues to meet with some of my tweets that I had a shot.” life!” Tunison says Taffer was congenial faculty members, including David Tunison was one of 10 finalists and enthusiastic, and spent 90 minutes Gargone, Ed.D., associate professor of selected, and after a second round of with him “throwing around” ideas. business, as well as former executives, voting, admits he was shaking when Taffer suggested the videos include a business founders and entrepreneurs. Taffer announced his name during a live segment where the musician talks “Everyone has a unique perspective on video stream on Periscope in February. about the challenges they faced when things, so I'm trying to take a little bit “Jim, you promoted your butt off – and they learned how to play their of advice from each and mold it into a if you don’t promote a business you’re instrument. He also suggested a model that I can follow,” he adds. never going to get the word out,” feature allowing the viewer to virtually So far, he has used only a portion of Taffer announced then. “It (Face To play along with the musician, so to give the $10,000 to cover costs for making Face) is a great concept, and with Jim’s them a “rock star” moment. his business name official. His to­do list promotional mind, I think that he is In late spring, Tunison took a full­time includes researching music licensing and going to knock this out of the park.” position as a corporate sale executive studio fees, and contacting artists. His Go to http://bit.ly/tvtcontestwinner to with the Scranton/Wilkes­Barre Rail dream list includes Billy Joel, Bruce see the entire announcement. Riders minor league baseball team in Springsteen and the Zac Brown Band.

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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

2016 Sept. 30­Oct. 2 Dec. 3 Jan. 27 Commemoration of International Sept. 7 Homecoming Weekend 18th Annual Santa Brunch Holocaust Remembrance Day Life in a Coal Mining Town For details and to pre-register, go to To register: (570) 674-6764 r Program with Dr. Stacy Gallin, director, Friends of the Bevevino Library present cougarconnect.misericordia.edu/ cougarconnect.misericordia.edu/santa Maimonides Institute for Medicine, Ethics, and Martin Hula, author of The Coal Nicker, homecoming16. the Holocaust, also celebrates 70th anniversary Soul of a Fool, and My Natch of Bitter 2017 of the Nuremberg Doctors' Trials. McGowan Earth. Noon, McGowan Room, Sept. 30 Room, Bevevino Library. Time: TBA. For Bevevino Library. For information: Athletics Hall of Fame Induction information, (570) 674-8113. (570) 674-6225. Public ceremony, 7 p.m., Anderson Sports Center. Hall of Fame reception, $25, 8 .m. McGowan Room, Bevevino MAKE NEW FRIENDS – SEE NEW PLACES Sept. 19 Library. Reservations required: Call The Clearest Way into the (570) 674-6764 Dr. Noël Keller’s Trips Universe: Nature's Meaning in the Photographs of Ansel Adams with a Difference Lectures by Brian F. Carso, J.D., Ph.D., Oct. 22 associate professor, history and Ernest Hemingway – Nov. 29 – Dec. 8 government, Misericordia University, The Symposium Best of Christmas Markets in support of the exhibit Ansel Adams: Daylong symposium on novelist, Jan. 18­March 12 Experience the magic in Germany, Masterworks on display through Sept. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Includes numerous Deadly Medicine: Austria and Italy. 30 in the Friedman Art Gallery. presentations; lecture by Valerie Creating the Master Race Lectures: 2-3 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., Hemingway, 5-6 p.m., Lemmond e U.S. Holocaust Memorial 2017 Lemmond eater. eatre; and opening reception for Museum’s traveling exhibition May 27­June 9 Hemingway, an exhibit of photographs examines how Nazi leadership used Scandinavia and Russia of the author and other artifacts, on science to help legitimize genocide. Sept. 22 display through Dec.10. Reception: Friedman Art Gallery. Opening July 11­22, 2017 Deni Béchard Book Reading 6-8 p.m., Friedman Art Gallery. For Reception: TBA. Ireland and Scotland Author Deni Béchard reads from Into information, www.misericordia.edu/art. the Sun, McGowan Room, Bevevino Sept. 22­Oct. 5 Library. 7 p.m. Jan. 26 Imperial Capitals and Poland Oct. 27­29 Deadly Medicine Webinar/Lecture Wit Co-sponsored by the Maimonides Nov. 30­Dec. 9 Sept. 24 Misericordia Players eater presents Institute for Medicine, Ethics, and the Best of the Christmas Markets MU Roar 924 the one-act play by Margaret Edson. Holocaust, Dr. Matthew Wynia and Dr. Day of Giving in honor of founding of Lemmond eater, 8 p.m. $5 g eneral Patricia Heberer-Rice discuss exhibit. Dr. Marie Noël Keller, RSM, Th.D., is a veteran of Misericordia University on Sept. 24, admissio; $3 s tudents, senior citizens Lemmond eater (le cture) and more than 100 overseas trips. Center for Adult 1924. For more information please visit and alumni. For information: Friedman Art Gallery (exhi bit). Time: and Continuing Education (570) 674­6776, (570) www.MUROAR924.com. www.misericordia.edu/theartsandmore. 7 p.m. For information, (570) 674-8113. 674­6924 or [email protected].