FALL 2009

THINGS THAT GO BUMP | MIXING MAGIC WITH MEDICINE A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT | TEACHING THE DIGITAL NATIVES president’s letter

Vision for a College VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 3 FALL 09 WILKES MAGAZINE Town Continues With University President Dr. Tim Gilmour Law School Project Vice President for Advancement Michael Wood Executive Editor he Wilkes University Board of Trustees’ approval of the next stage Jack Chielli of our law school planning initiative in June was a critical Managing Editor Kim Bower-Spence milestone on a journey that is likely to lead to the creation of Editor northeast Pennsylvania’s next professional school. The action recalls Vicki Mayk another event in Wilkes history that, at the time, carried both risks Creative Services and rewards. In 1996, the University launched its School of Lisa Reynolds Pharmacy with a vision for what it could mean for the region and for Wilkes. A Web Services T Craig Thomas decade has passed since we graduated the first group of pharmacists in 2000, and Electronic Communications we are marking the program’s 10th anniversary. Christopher Barrows The pharmacy program has been a Graduate Assistant resounding success, surpassing expectations for Rachel Strayer enrollment. The quality of students competing Layout/Design for the 70 seats in each year’s entering class Quest Fore Inc. Printing remains high. Over 95 percent of our doctor of Payne Printery Inc. pharmacy graduates pass the pharmacy boards— EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP the exams required to become registered Anne Batory ’68 pharmacists—on the first try. Our pass rate on Brandie Meng M’08 these exams is higher than the state and national Bill Miller ’81 George Pawlush ’69 MBA’76 averages. Our pharmacy graduates uniformly Donna Sedor ’85 receive multiple job offers at good salaries. ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF Seeing this success makes it easy to forget that Executive Director many concerns were voiced about whether Sandra Sarno Carroll there was a need for another pharmacy school Director when we launched our program. We proceeded Mirko Widenhorn Daniel Breznak takes the pharmacist’s oath as Associate Director part of the annual white coat ceremony for with plans at that time because the only Michelle Diskin ’95 Wilkes pharmacy students. The program pharmacy programs available in Pennsylvania celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS were in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. University PHOTO BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY President leaders believed that starting a school of Laura Cardinale ’72 pharmacy would be a service to northeast Pennsylvania residents, a boon to the First Vice President region’s economy and an asset to Wilkes University. We were right. Fred Demech ’61 Fast forward to 2009 and the recent decision to proceed with plans for a law Second Vice President Rosemary LaFratte ’93 MBA’97 school. Once again, we are in position to establish a professional school in Historian northeast Pennsylvania where none currently exists. Our market research tells us George Pawlush ’69 MS’76 that interest in a law degree, the juris doctor, is high. Secretary Founding a law school at Wilkes is still another important step to revitalize the Bridget Giunta ’05 region, make Wilkes-Barre a major college town, and increase the competitiveness

and diversity of the region’s economy. And we fully believe this will be another Wilkes magazine is published quarterly by the Wilkes University Office of Marketing Communications and Government Relations, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, significant step toward making Wilkes University a premier university in the [email protected], (570) 408-4764. Please send change of address to the Mid-Atlantic region. above address. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to I invite you to read more about plans for the academic and intellectual excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. The university provides its students with the experience and education law school initiative on page 3. As this new necessary for career and intellectual development as well as for personal growth, engenders a sense of values and civic responsibility, and encourages its students to chapter in Wilkes history unfolds, alumni and welcome the opportunities and challenges of a diverse and continually changing world. The university enhances the tradition of strong student-faculty interactions in friends of the University can follow its progress on Dr. Tim Gilmour all its programs, attracts and retains outstanding people in every segment of the university, and fosters a spirit of cooperation, community involvement, and individual the pages of this magazine and on our Web site. Wilkes University President respect within the entire university. contents

FEATURES 8 Things That Go Bump Ghost legends highlight history of Wilkes historic buildings 12 Mixing Magic With Medicine Dr. Michael Anger ’77 brings sleight of hand to his work with diabetic children 14 A River Runs Through It New River Common park brings beauty to the banks of the Susquehanna 16 Teaching the Digital Natives 8 Technology has changed 21st Century classrooms, students and teachers 1144 12

DEPARTMENTS 2 On Campus 16 6 Athletics 18 Alumni News

20 Class Notes Have a story idea to share? Contact us at [email protected] or Wilkes Magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. 9 0 0 2

Kirby Hall, one of Wilkes’ l l a

historic locales, is one of F several University buildings | S

where a ghostly presence E K

is said to be felt. L I

PHOTO EARL & SEDOR PHOTOGRAPHY W

1 on campus

Spring Commencement 2009 Wilkes University held its annual spring commencement on May 16 at Wachovia Arena. It was a day to celebrate for more than 700 undergraduate and graduate students. John Brooks Slaughter, president and CEO of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, delivered the commencement address “Building Your Future.”

A commitment to EXCELLENCE is unquestionably important.You who graduate today, in particular, must recognize that the FUTURE is what you will make it to be. It depends upon what you do today and every day and tomorrow thereafter. Your DESTINATION IN LIFE will be determined

Top right: Commencement is a reason to smile for Caitlin Dukas and Wayland Davis, who graduated by your acts and not by your intentions. with degrees in psychology. – John Brooks Slaughter, Inset: Tricia Stefanick receives her doctor of president and CEO, National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, pharmacy degree from President Tim Gilmour. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL P. TOUEY Spring 2009 Commencement Speaker

Leadership Program for Youth who will participate in a Leadership Day sponsored by the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. Highlights Outstanding Leaders Forum The program, now in its third year, brings students When Elie Wiesel was a teenager, he and his family endured the horrors of from about 10 high schools in the region for a day the Nazi concentration camps Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Years later, Wiesel of leadership training. chronicled his experiences in the memoir Night . His story comes to Wilkes In order to allow as many students and University when Wiesel—now a Nobel Laureate—is the guest speaker for the community members as possible to hear Wiesel annual Outstanding Leaders Forum on Nov. 17. speak, tickets to the public lecture on Nov. 17 Night has been translated into more than 30 languages and has sold millions are $10. The lecture is at 8 p.m. in the F.M. 9 0

0 of copies since its original publication in 1956. It is required reading for many Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. 2 l l a

F of today’s high school and college students. For more information, please contact the | High school students in northeast Pennsylvania will have a special Wilkes University Special Events Office at S E

K opportunity in conjunction with Wiesel’s visit to Wilkes. He will interact in a (570) 408-4306 or 4330. L I

W question-and-answer session with about 120 students from area high schools

2 on campus

Lawrence Reed of the Foundation for BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVES Free Enterprise to Deliver Kirby Lecture NEXT PHASE OF LAW SCHOOL PLANNING INITIATIVE The Foundation for Economic Education is Wilkes University’s Board of Trustees one of the oldest and most approved the proposal for a new law school respected economics institutes in the United on June 5, setting the stage for the next States. Its president, phase of planning for the professional Lawrence Reed, will school. The board’s action clears the way for deliver the Allan P. Kirby the administration to develop a business plan Lecture in Free Enterprise to secure the necessary financial resources, and Entrepreneurship on identify a suitable building for the new Oct. 8, 2009. He will speak school and seek final board approval. The at 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy proposal was approved contingent on the Dickson Darte Center for University being able to raise the necessary the Performing Arts. The funds without taxing the university’s other Kirby Lecture kicks off schools, programs or priorities. Homecoming Weekend Tim Gilmour, Wilkes president, said he activities at Wilkes. hopes to seat the inaugural class of 60 full- The foundation, based in time students and 25 part-time students in Irvington, N.Y., promotes Lawrence Reed of the Foundation for and researches free-market, Free Enterprise will deliver the Kirby 2011. “Creating a law school for Lecture on Oct. 8. classic liberal, and libertarian northeastern Pennsylvania is a once-in-a- ideas. The foundation publishes the journal The Freeman, for which Reed lifetime opportunity that will have a writes the column “Ideas and Consequences.” In 1998, he was elected significant impact on Wilkes University and chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees and re-elected chairman in the surrounding communities by increasing 1999 and 2000. graduate-level educational opportunities, Before assuming this role, Reed served as president of the Mackinac creating jobs, and speeding the region’s Center for Public Policy for its first two decades and remains president economic recovery,” says Gilmour. emeritus of the center. Under his leadership, the Mackinac Center The new law school curriculum will emerged as the largest of over 40 state-based free-market think tanks incorporate Wilkes’ emphasis on building in America. close relationships between students and As a freelance journalist, Reed’s interests in political and economic mentors. It will also stimulate the region’s affairs have taken him to 69 countries on six continents since 1985. From firsthand experience, he has reported on hyperinflation in South America, economy by creating new jobs and bringing voodoo in Haiti, black markets behind the Iron Curtain, reforms and hundreds of students to downtown Wilkes- repression in China and Cambodia, recent developments in Eastern Barre and will supply talented lawyers to Europe, and civil war inside Nicaragua and Mozambique. lead the region’s law firms, businesses and Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Grove City government entities. College and a master’s degree in history from Slippery Rock University, Initial work on the project began in 2004 both in Pennsylvania. with discussions that led to the formation of a preliminary feasibility committee. In May 2008, Loren D. Prescott Jr. was appointed dean of the Wilkes Law School

Planning Initiative (proposed). 9 0 0 2 l For more information about the law l a F

school initiative, contact Prescott at | S E

[email protected] or visit www.law.wilkes.edu . K L I W

3 on campus

Wilkes pharmacy students Kevin Brittain, left, and his brother, Alex, work at Triangle Pharmacy, in Mountain Top, Pa., their hometown. PHOTO BY VICKI MAYK

attended the Wilkes School of Pharmacy. Two other families have had three siblings attend Wilkes School of Pharmacy. The Breznak family includes Valarie, Pharm.D. ’08; Daniel, Pharm.D. candidate class of 2010; and Christina, Pharm.D. candidate class of 2013. The Graver family includes Kristen (Graver) Rudelitch, Pharm.D. ’03; Kimberly Graver, Pharm.D. ’07; and David Graver, Pharm.D. candidate class of 2011. In the case of the Brittain brothers, the Wilkes connection extends to their father, attorney Robert R. Brittain Jr. ’70, and Jeff’s wife, Kristy (Hulings) Brittain, Pharm.D. ’05. Jeff says he chose the career after working at Triangle Pharmacy. “I liked the job, saw the relationship that the owners had with their customers and thought I’d give it a whirl,” he says. Kevin followed in his Family Legacies Mark brother’s footsteps working there and soon found himself First Decade of Wilkes choosing the same career path. School of Pharmacy “Seeing the impact that At Triangle Pharmacy in Mountain Top, pharmacists can have on patient Pa., customers know what to expect: care convinced me,” he says. personal service, a friendly staff—and, for Their younger brother Alex the last decade, one of the Brittain brothers says he “looked at pharmacy working behind the counter. schools all over the east coast,” Jeff Brittain, Pharm.D. ’05, and his but found the best choice was brothers Kevin, Pharm.D. candidate class close to home at Wilkes. “I like of 2010, and Alex, Pharm.D. candidate that the classes are not large. Jeff Brittain, Pharm.D. ’05 and wife Kristy (Hulings) Brittain, class of 2012, have all worked at the Pharm.D. ’05 are part of the Brittain family legacy at Wilkes. You can get to know people pharmacy in their hometown. And all PHOTO COURTESY JEFF BRITTAIN and your professors on a more three have gone on to study pharmacy at Wilkes. personal level,” Alex says, echoing a sentiment As the School of Pharmacy prepares to voiced by his siblings. Almost 10 celebrate its 10th anniversary, marking a decade After graduating from Wilkes, Jeff served three since graduating the first class, legacy families years as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. He now PERCENT already abound in the professional school. works as a clinical pharmacist at Medical University According to Bernard Graham, dean of the of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C. His wife, of our graduates are Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing, about Kristy, is teaching at the university. He says attending 25 pairs of siblings have graduated or enrolled in Wilkes—a relatively new School of Pharmacy—had RELATED to the professional program. advantages. “Everything was current and based on each other, not “Almost 10 percent of our graduates are the latest practice in the field.” related to each other, not counting marriages,” counting marriages. Graham states. The statistic is surprising for a program that accepts only 70 students annually. Attend the Pharmacy Reunion during The Brittains are among three legacy families 9 – Bernard Graham, Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 9-11. 0 0 2 in the pharmacy program with a special l dean of the Nesbitt College of

l See page 19 for details! a F Pharmacy and Nursing distinction: three siblings in the same family | S E K L I W

4 s Un un I A u du u u n ni nd ch At As in r e th qu i Vi xpect ec ve e V as g th e ided si r alle spi c s e ant it mer la ty it ed May r y ss it ics s V pr sur . tudents i per vi The From of iew sc as si 1 TV t hol od i student Col sed f H stud ro s ar i shows c by gh schol m lege al hig en h c The t ip sho S ulus h s ts’ h chool Ge e asr were Decision ear like wi scho ever U hi r w Phar i r nings ng nive p i e “Can th in yda Colne r ol ’s e ecogn up niar mac si r A mus Fi senio y and r D tne ty at c di rout ngs hbal ay y ic ’s ized d af s s r i s their Coln n ter-school approached, and . Camer ines T Ce d a Dal , he cept f or Pa., nte a acceptance were l C as, bul el their r olonel the e ” in m Pa., d l a hor a fille nd jobs, to C C scot. pos Wilk a o olon Wilkes nd n MTV’s d n al i yng tive t so t with to he o es Hol el Wilke presen ma ham, rea local acc en y with the “Pun de c te Re ompl he re P s. st t gy Colon a. d d d o m an k’d,” eem m, , p out ishme f er F s ou in a i and t t e r Wilkes el o’ to t r h ’s s nts H - ev i g en h p o c bu n u c J f g S u e e a - o m o li c ro ni f o n k c f h mp “ t t d e l que v w oo h W s r e t o i l m i o C i c d o . n se k l n u e r h I d e l a k y in e t a l i e in ’s t a nd e s n e t i d o r eh r c W l t a e t i l s e s o a a h e s e l , fu t y n e s i e c i l t l e n t c e o Le h k he n a o x e p y t i n e h t r o e p i t ft: o e s- wa s h t c W r n e e n t u Ketch s u Ba a e o m Da i e g t y r it v R il i o n s W t o h t l ya rr k a f o e p y f r a i r B w e e Fi e e h t ne s n c el l i i s u e h t , n hi o d tness S ke R ow h t d n U i co s r t l l i e s e e in le e o re g ni eg e Area a n s e s : w r n e e s f r o . n a or Th c i , h ts pr r g “ ve a a c o t Ce c i p p A me y j t , i t e H ov a l u a at t r a a H r s nte e o i si Co l a s t r vi u t s s gh u c r , i n t i p n o gh t din si a ol i l a m y l i t a r r d at a f u c o m t Sch o y w i o n e n se P Sch m c n in fr n o a H u p e g l e t n om s c r a u om n Conyn u OTO S l a g ol s t h ior W th works s b m ol, kr e t s s h i st t s mu a wa i gn em Th t t a se i m n ud at o d u B kl e re i t o at Y d e g u ni n p W ni gn Hazle ent h ,” 160 ou e r. Col y l w or t n G s am, t n ” ty l i eri t s t over i ot o Mary a t s . on a c kse ,s w h sy cam ton in Pa. ith e e ’n t 90 a ’s l. pus

5 WILKES | Fall 2009 6 WILKES | Fall 2009 athle S tics By con li we ke Ch re se is r teamw ork, emper fo q top Yo uen med r h er u B ces ar h ro ws av on of e nev t he to what er fotba bu qu ild it you’ l ng a re fiel …. team doing. d Those at F Ralston tha . i basic You sta under RE JO FA L Field. E fundame IT n lear A T E IRED RN L HFU KANE ED nds L MARINE things A TO T ntals ’80 W the L E IL IS SS ONS KES COL. 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7 WILKES | Fall 2009 8 WILKES | Fall 2009 HISTORIC AB GHO OU BU ST By ND I LE L L A Y D nd BUILDNGS IN GENDS HAU INGS VIS rew W ILKE ITO Seam NTE AN O RS S’ an D D F i T s h g sai P e h H o th OT d st ir OS to o d f B b P f a Y lor H e OTOG EAR you h au of L n nte RAP & g Doan SEDOR woman d HY by e th Hal . e HE CLASSIFIED AD IN THE VALENTINE’S DAY was completed on his mansion, he died. A decade passed before the edition of The Beacon read: “WANTED: One ghost building was given to Wilkes, then Bucknell University Junior exterminator. References necessary. Contact Pat Hill or College, by the brother of Mrs. Chase. Bonnie Gellas at Sturdevant Hall.” There is evidence that Mr. Chase may still be “living” in his The year was 1969—and Wilkes co-eds claimed old home. that a ghost walked in the residence hall. Al Espada, a former Wilkes admissions counselor, would In March of that year, ghostly happenings were so much the work in the building late at night after coming back from talk of campus that The Beacon ran an editorial about the ghost college fairs in New Jersey. One night around 11 p.m., he was stories, stating, “…students on this campus take these stories playing a CD while he worked when it suddenly stopped seriously—if not the tales behind them, at least the fact that there playing. He heard three distinct steps coming towards his office are strange unexplainable goings-on. Some talk of starting ghost- doorway. No one was there. hunting parties, or holding séances or going back to the good ol’ “I was prepared to work for another hour, but the incident Ouija board. Whether they are serious or not, even the skeptical made me quit for the night,” says Espada. agree that the tales add a bit of flavor and mystery to the old buildings on campus.” University archives, back issues of The Beacon, and conversations The Cold Room with members of theWilkes community all show that ghost stories Sturdevant Hall has been used and haunted happenings have been part of campus lore for many functions since it was throughout its history. It’s part of the collective memory of acquired byWilkes in 1951. These generations of alumni. Today, students, faculty and staff still relish include serving as a women’s stories about unexplained events in the stately mansions used for dorm, the registrar’s office, the classrooms, offices and residence halls. office of residence life, the Most buildings on campus have a story to tell. According to education department and several William Lewis Jr. ’80, a vice president at Merrill Lynch Global other uses. Wealth Management and guide for the Luzerne County Through all of its incarnations, Historical Society annual ghost tours, it’s no surprise that such there’s been one permanent tales abound at Wilkes and in the surrounding community. resident: a ghost. “Why did so many frightening things happen here? Well, if Back in 1969, girls living in Sturdevant were convinced that you walked around any city in the world that had dwellers like their residence was possessed. Often, they would wake to the the Native Americans, who lived in the area for thousands of rapping of a fist on their door, only to discover that there was no years, as well as a modern settlement dating back well over 200 one there. It was that kind of activity that led them to run the ad years you would be sure to find all kinds of amazing stories,” in The Beacon for a “ghost exterminator.” says Lewis. Sturdevant, now a co-ed residence hall, continues to be The histories of the University’s oldest buildings blend with plagued by the elusive apparition. ghostly tales, yielding stories that have become legends with the Elizabeth Roveda ’05, MBA’07, director of residence life, says passing of time. a resident assistant was in the building alone when locked doors started to open. Public safety officers were summoned and Chase-ing conducted hourly checks. a Ghost As the home of the University’s admissions office, Chase Hall is the first building prospective students see at Wilkes. Built in 1917, it was the home of Frederick Merrill Chase and his family. Chase came to Wilkes-Barre at the age of 14 and 9 0 0

worked his way up the coal industry 2 l l a ladder. Four years after construction F | S E K L I The staircase of Chase Hall, where W ghostly footsteps can be heard. 9 NO ONE WAS After that event, Michele Sabol-Jones, a Wilkes public safety According to a 1981 edition officer, remembers hearing that other officers found vacuum of Wilkes College Quarterly, EVER FOUND, cleaners—previously stored away—returned to rooms. And, in a around the turn of the century, hall without air conditioning, one room was freezing cold during while the home was owned by the dog days of summer. Reuben Jay Flick, a colorful character named Poker Pan was allegedly killed in the house Dealing during a gambling dispute. The a Dead murder occurred in what was then the music room. Man’s Poker Pan may not have taken who REFUSED Hand kindly to having his card game suddenly interrupted. TO GO BACK Kirby Hall sits on the Often people hear footsteps “number one” plot of on the stairs. Sabol-Jones says Wilkes-Barre’s original town plan. Stephen Leonard Thurlow, a that public safety officers have coal baron, purchased the lot in 1872, and commissioned claimed they feel a presence on Frederick Clarke Withers to design what is now known as Kirby the third floor. Some even claim to feel a hand on their backs. Hall. The building changed hands twice before Fred Morgan According to The Beacon archives, people have reported seeing Kirby acquired it in 1905. However, along the way the house a strange mist by the windows. One report talks about a professor seems to have picked up an unwanted caretaker. doing late-night research on the second floor. As he exited the building, he saw a white mist in front of him. As he approached it, the mist retreated up the stairs. Ghostly Laughter Conyngham Center was built in 1897 by William Hillard Conyngham. He hoped that this home would serve his family for many years. To cement that hope, Conyngham had family photographs placed in the building’s cornerstone. Today, the Conynghams’ presence may extend beyond those photographs. Lewis has heard of some interesting activity taking place there. “Several years ago, security guards had locked the building up for the night only to hear the sound of a young woman’s laugh echoing near the elevator on the side of the building. One guard headed upstairs and one headed to the basement to find the woman. No one was ever found, nor did anyone leave the locked building—except for the guards, who refused to go back in for a long time,” says Lewis. The Lady in Red Weckesser Hall is one of Wilkes’ most iconic buildings, and one of the most storied when it comes to ghosts. The home was built by Frederick J. Weckesser, a hardworking business man and former director of the F.W.Woolworth Company,

9 between 1914 and 1916. The home still features a working elevator, 0 0 2 l

l surround shower, giant chandelier and indoor rain gutters. The a F

| home may also feature some of its original owners. S

E Lewis says, “People claim to see a shadow descending the stairs K L

I The parlor of

W Kirby Hall, where a poker game 10 turned deadly. The “speakeasy” in the basement of Waller Hall dates back to the original owner.

and turn toward the front of the structure. Maybe it’s Mr. Weckesser’s spirit. He was known for his hard work habits: The Ghosts of Perhaps he is returning to finish his evening work. Or perhaps it Prohibition? is Dr. Eugene Farley, the founding president of Wilkes.” Waller Hall was originally built as Another tale involves a University staff member. As she was the home of Julius Long Stern in setting up for an early morning meeting, she noticed an older 1925. The home is known for being woman in a red dress standing on the stairs. The staff member one of the most elaborate residence smiled and went about her business, but when she went back to halls that Wilkes owns. Waller is also check on the woman, she had disappeared. As the staff member one of the strangest. The building is turned to resume her duties, she noticed a picture of a woman divided into two sides—north and hanging in the entranceway. The picture looked exactly like the south. Wilkes even acquired the woman she had seen on the stairs, and under it was a small plaque building in two parts. with Mrs. Weckesser’s name engraved on it. The staff member An unusual feature of Waller is the mysterious reportedly tendered her resignation later that day. passageways on the second floor. If students wanted, they could circle the entire floor without ever stepping into a hallway. The The Girl second strange feature is the bar—or speakeasy—in the basement. The presence of the speakeasy has become a popular on the piece of Wilkes lore. It’s a place few have seen, adding to its Third Floor mystique. Any self-respecting ghost would certainly want to Doane Hall was Wilkes gather there. University’s only residence hall During prohibition, prominent members of the Wilkes-Barre where quiet hours were observed community could relax in the spacious downstairs bar, sit near a 24/7. But one former resident brick fireplace, and order libations from the bartender. Perhaps broke the rules at the South River some of these partygoers have stayed around waiting for their Street mansion, as sounds from next drink. another world could be heard Andrew Seaman is a Wilkes University senior and served as editor coming from the third floor. of The Beacon in spring 2009. Residents have often complained about the strange occurrences in Doane, but they always know who to blame: the girl on the third 9 0

floor. Campus legend says that a girl hanged herself there decades 0 2 l

More on the web: Share your Wilkes l a

before Wilkes acquired the building in 1973. What adds to the F

ghost stories at The Colonel Connection |

mystery and fuels the stories is the single white, steel door with no S

message boards at community.wilkes.edu. E knob that blocks people from using the staircase to the third floor. K L I W

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13 WILKES | Fall 2009 14 WILKES | Fall 2009 AL can PH Views L OT O b O TH e OF of sen ER the FOUNTAIN P HOTOS fro ne w m BY River the AT M NI IC Wilkes GHT HAEL C o mon BY P. camp ANDREW TOUE u Y s. SE AMN F a c t C n g b 1 c i c f p R locat v nor Dar st cy r p Mo r c re a c n o c r t t s l h our o m i la o o enrat 9 oo i o a o s udent vre b o sit e u iv ov r cling mp mp 7 T rd s ta w l k n e mm s e es t 2— r wo d e t t a e r or b heast s e e e r e d i o ed . r af r e . s o l t i le le r i in o y w v s i N o f ci C w .w ilk A e i i on n t t ,s t , e m. w s io S l a n o g ed ed a s n t por n t near r g o ent n s o rt l and f he boa a — ns l g — o a w s t A e a n p o h ll a from a b a i in t t e p t t er, m a n d ces t ow nd th h e r als he ne i r ti t r a iv h e — o p o t E U f s The S e c o ng e g n w lum 2 b of r he ay Ju e v w Wi u th t i n u t r o h e e h t i h p s. o t i W r o p p 0 t a o n p ng cu he i i w r. e in sq a nt l ne de e 03 Ri e ov iv r t l b t W o le River t d A h l r and r u ni. U h t he ke t e : d vi do se at u e h alumn h ne v n e t r t e T Hu o ilk he l N i n u t h i er n ha s iv/r e g d prox s y h c n u a l me i o f o a a a w ew o re t a e ty ivr erf es C IV ERSI TIE s e i t s Dorothy es n r f fishn r t h g t r r C rp o hi flo ak n a s, i o r re r Co t e v River e h ve a i e m i ed o imty a s e i f m o i, s s campus—invite e ca s r a sp f e e y m od l comn. r c vi R r n p f o ro nw s st uc r o f o mon, y n a an r o i u o ew f mo t o g t n e m n em i i lo e h e nt. ve s the e s u o f e ar d g d n a e . a e wa ws p d t o i a y Comn , r h Ag n n r f u a ye long r nlie p o w o ro Lo o Dickso g e ha t iv o f s. of l f f o l p S p ca — n r f l i W r k l a a o n f m Wi e o ps e a ro s rs oking River t o e h t o le e g CAN along r m st n i a - n h m mo be fr . s di o en j i v ti em l ec F o n p the the ske t th t k ee o n n h en h o u n i g w e ts st t, n n g g e e e r r r s s s t . ,

15 WILKES | Fall 2009 16 WILKES | Fall 2009 B h t i w t s n i h c S l i W r p t th r a th e on a o ecogn si nd du a em e “ t, gn e s We ca th a pres ol l , ? n o i t a t n o k me tio e ‘D c ro t c u r r i zed e w subject. n n a o l nt nted s t i ed com you s,” who s d u t k’s l t expr n U ’ p o c u l a n o i s mo ays e to ic wa n e a l l i “We T ha re str t r e v i n p m o w s t r e h d be s Sch i t s t l e on ip , t i y t aut ha o t o n ned rock, using e c n ev a d l r e m n t e l do or c g hor te l i t s i s A T N A E T o d 10 chnol g f a a ed l t . y t a m a o e o i d a vi Flash t r h c S l a wor T echn deo si nat be avh e r e t ’s , a h t i w x e d o m io kshop y askin t a n bo a ol gy vi l E H naly a m bout f kn i e b deo an oks r o ive c o t l l a o d g s l k l ’y a d to H C i V I s e t B T 21 CH CL l t t s , — f o y E n a dem C c a te o f i to i n i r ST t c o n f t Vi ch e h CHNOLOGY sp ASSR OMS mple f f O ’s s a h A d th i d i ang ve ir to nolo ig on som G I D e e h t ck e. NGE j d a s t e n a l p CE y l i r e E 21 tal e e r g e d str s ti ng The i e gy—f ro ng n a g n N I st at o n came e M l a t i g i d s NT how t c n u tude e a g n ce S assi th 21st S r a l o s ayk nt u t s i c n a e g at gnm ra nt ur l p U t m he e d s—a s s t y he ce RY G in m e c a y n en cl r o s s rfe o p T I nt s s t y te ak do e d a m m ra g o r p s t ass t n e ts d u ur know ra . rs e n r a e l t ing roo oo it is c t s y s y a e ti l t n i t l n i ju ve a s s m, c e s r a la LA r t st vid t t he n o he w ssr o a a hyt Ka o b hi t eo te i t pl e ne big iv y m f om te ach ace e m mo r fc a at inst boa s aspe u st ial.er i s ep.” — t wi a ea ni ni ha f rds nd n o ct t d g ll r t adv The mo hig m th tr of MS sc p why sc som h c 21st educat Co sta ma u c o f educat ef St ef e b porat incor a re the en ex r o f s n a r t d th “T i m an bet mu bre And th n o r ips f f h h u f e o e at o d pl d ga Co “C The e e c a t r or e l l “W he ster w h oo oo m at l die lt r w an r r g e l n ct ct a le o y e e e ai s c g i . u s a C wi h ee e g 2 ” ’ ch h th n t r t ta n iv ge o o m a m t ced d l l 7 e ns sch her c he e s it e 1st b s, e s o n ’s on ent t ion. or t mp l n d sk, 8, an el t n in f o d h ll th The o i y t a pu su w k h , i f ng g n i m t sa r h re a t , o ng l a an y , i s el i oo e ” e t of a g 1 re deg h e e n n s e pe ak y ur ys s r ” helpi p y ta ut s n pa d t c 9 y t h t l n lear ide e cen m e ses d e t t e evs e t r is la ea o l th 8 o O he ke S w o t e a sr a i r er co t as tw rk G mo t e h cem e g ro 2 pez n is o e w he w in n a doe t us e T nt y r o t n em w y s y s tu he ra t sfo qu h of on h me th re o a eachi d n er a e o n ynecsar l a r w e t t f o e e re o ay a nd th y l du h ut min ransfo yr , i g ia of r e ea m wi ac how e v nde co w ipm en n m r g t sn’ l k ho a g n i h c a h a de of prram og r t s he e e m l ur : t a v t K is ha cl e a at r h t ave to va o ll t de 2 t i W e each W t t ni t in T ca b o l i r o as ng h m a e h e pa a — n o i a nt 0 te e s re ng t t e w c r s ee ay t . v bo e he ng ho th e 0 of a cho s des ha nt ie ’n t la l h il t t e chn iety var qu . i a Mi bod p tea l or n se a o 0 h s k n s on k and b m ss? em fer oci t n er T rat d n a e . —t l d e se . o ex e y ar s e co ba ld. . ire d do n e s r y C s ch cha s he ol i s . ur t l ol s tu n tu m o s o h t y e t ’ o i plains, ,” a s r e Bu l re Vir No l l ne g la b hi it , prr og , d. f And a P n Lear l e. l m U og ir un de a de t e n U in sc o an n e e tl ss tha e m cl ro b nk. a . t scho n t n he t t use f ni l k a M e pa tu of he hoo roo h y d o h ra o nt e nt as s d ot stan der e e e H , fes wo S r tu e ve i f o i rat t di tea al es ns r o f tr sro t ve y pe s if s m, wo we u “ i ams— a italdig f de ing do st is m si a icu t r T ear o m p l l f r o b r l i s must t de s u t s ,h c u t i s r s h cher z e v or fi o a o r a re m l ls h an th it s h rk nt iv i t a te n i e the t in a ies: k a el n f m al on ei — eh h h l ch y r e ve or t l m sk o e a at e al y , y . is s, s. s. n o n d d g g y y ’s e e e r r s s f , s c t equiv e c k i t e l k stu Oli i W b o w f a “ D L a m u i f t l e e mm nc oc s n o i d n i e he re h c a e s o l oi x New ey nown oard ur sing a ar o s s ac i is as es l pl tec G The i J ak c wa n n a ll r t den l ned n us or . vei ic tr de n ter sher m ex t ai s on pe .g c u i n g n i tude es “ rag nts” hno alent p s i scr n M n ra, er plai h p T t ora mr,for ” t e g. o i t t s, th s . b o K and he a a e ,s n a l p , id nee in F teac y do o a n b a log “ e nts z t o The w r Fo ns, r o te n dle h c re it’s .s e n e proje t of e-le hel teache a Fac too orld e h d t l t y s r e her echnolo young wor t ar he for who ” i a he y T School pi co t a Oli e p x e 0 9 ’ for niar yvitlor ls e d e m i d i a r s ct- s ng econd K wi le set “di T ach in kshe t days in ma a i g e m i t ha r he veira l t o c a e ni ar re ng based to thout have st at chang te l a t c n e i r itg al ve a i S M his z tter o h c S up er for , world gy acsher e e h le t e h t to gur of ts he s been t whic as lang , s heir 2 9 ’ g.” rol n rp s r ay t proje P had who nat s y he e e ivt e a lect e the a ot ar of ni lear lo u studen W a. og s. d nrol ll e , . en’ uage. f in M ive y c a d workshet ra e .m a r in ur oming Int r to ct ,s t ew ar s r o t a t i l i l w have s ng ”— s in c er p hich l u k a M e g re a ” P d “ ne n ar l a h C “ Wil nd Pame they a b re p V is Chalk ne y t i g i ar te ns all the ke and t t t the ing ve mr hc ky he he he la t ey fo l s’ k y for a r wil the d n a c o t st r g th u so f o e b c org int h c “ju Onc H boards echn aren't a l r o o r in ud e e la bi a Th a erac s mped u d v ans e l l r rs m.perfo c t en t u s p es .r e e t a n i d ites s e m o o c i V sy st e ol g la ne th e a n world h c th ti e t i c e p s as in n i g v em ey one si t e. c t a i r o su n. rp a r o y gn m an s g ig r i s U e r ing prepar y l l a d For s d og an s i and d u t st o c ig n s o, vet h bui u o il l g n d B a r en t i c n tal m r o f d o l G many y ar e ex ,s m inst h c r t ld in ran i t p e o h ba n” as t hum ampl e t o mo y t a n a l e i s io .s r r th m a n a c .s a cr e k l i W p uct sc n and e f be p u M ienc Te 9 ’ S M u an e, l at a l a i a l come so o nd or i ce e e t h c n e d e n st body l e a an ’s ar m d a i ude n n i l ,1 mo our teac w n ad by o t tech sy s ’ f i a o m . o l s s a l c 8 advoc t nt e t he y de l e t 4 ch r p her y g t s em l p a o d n d le r og MS di g h c in of l e o mo ro c a t s who he , z log ates i a c on i n e gn i n t ’8 ma it his n se t he m ,g al n 8 y g s s . l G be pict t heig t can im t s n o t e b a c l a C hen echnol g e h c • o Le a T LE • • • e t a h — s m “ “ g n i l d o per n H as dif r i a i n r o f i Som ’t I h h .c w w ures l a ca ht ARN d n A .s E in ttp ttp use r o sro sonal—M s lcuat n j ro p e n n o c e m/ W e S “ cult and e e p et l p x :/ :/ mo g l of .i .k Go g E e r e o ea t s t e y im s M e d u m B a e c s c r o f te.o .s n i a s r e ro d n a re t c g n i t r th c o widt h f ORE is es or n e t c ho of u t ro . e r a V t Pa S th a tech S PH B PH L t M w m i a he ysc i s t n le n r ea a h n fs l n e ch ch a T e r m h t S wa a s or c r f e e o O O .d ” b st ft: in d th m l he lo s o h t g g i h t t i w ’ le st cher l o c Sk e te T T 92 kg o o l “ slope La u o aking m o wit u st a no w: el O O ys o m an h .d y ON .wilkes er tols se A e f I boa ut c dent of e l d n e r et a stu COUR B l l roc ck conept West u d l a r o b a l iscovery n a ’ ucti J Y cl c Di i o s 21st e n h O emo re , o r es.disag ides i chU omp i a gy e r BRUCE n o m r d de f stric . th h t l wa K d i se e k.net v a t io var TE on of s in e N Ko tz he g nt e b co w e as n e ey Mid edu n n and c a F s s SY u r ira, at g to al e p .edu/web20 p strates e n inte c ach te o h th ston in e t ro Wyomin a W e a w entury: JI d me h to r EL s r l n o ’90 e cation p a e u Trail n o i t p o M Wilk le an sta under a t of of ractive is educ r b the in s w L n o , KO d og ro o ke ER d k o o Pa., f ia. Yo pitch n i utline i slope line, r a e es’ TZ for ram h t ,l a ” g .f ” e k r d a , s t more g i tion w We me h they nd,” a h t a can s the i o f t i n h la t t h o d b e r t

17 WILKES | Fall 2009 alumni news

Music Alumni in Tune at Spring Concert

Music alumni came back to campus on April 25 and 26 to perform in the annual spring concert and to catch up with each other thanks to the

collaborative efforts of Assistant Professor Philip G. Simon and the Office 2009 Alumni Scholarship honoree Helen of Alumni Relations. Twenty alumni reunited under the direction of guest Ralston ’52 and Wilkes President Tim Gilmour show off the award presented at the annual conductors Ray Nutaitis '62 and Terry Zipay. Photos of the weekend are scholarship dinner held April 25 at the Henry available at: http://community.wilkes.edu/band. Student Center. Alumni gathered to honor Ralston for her contributions and Pictured above, from left, are David Cooper ’74, Philip Herfort ’69, Donald Williams ’76, accomplishments. Recognized for her heart of Ray Nutaitis ’62, Ethel Shannon Sherman ’73, Clark Hamman ’72, and Mark Dubik ’76. blue and gold, she still brings the Wilkes family PHOTO COURTESY OF ETHEL SHANNON SHERMAN ’73 together and regularly leads the alma mater and National Anthem at University functions.

MEET LAURA CARDINALE ’72, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Education I hold a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wilkes Wilkes memory is life at Sturdevant Hall, with fond memories of fabulous University and completed post-graduate work in friendships and camaraderie as well as great parties. economics at Northeastern University in Boston. How did you get involved with Alumni Association? Career Four years ago a friend and former classmate contacted me and asked if My current position is vice president -finance and I would be interested in becoming a member of the Alumni Association business planning at Verizon. I began my career Board. I became aware of the great work that was being done to transform at New England Telephone Company and have the post-graduation relationships between the University and alumni. held positions in marketing, finance and What is your vision for the Alumni Association Board? strategic planning there and at Bell Atlantic My vision is straightforward: to strengthen the bond between alumni and Verizon corporations. and the University. Favorite Wilkes Memory My favorite academic NEW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS memories include multiple walks a day (usually in the The following alumni joined the board in May: cold!) to Parrish Hall, where Jef Bauman ’09 Kristin Hake Klemish ’04 all of the business, finance Cynthia Charnetski ’97 Nick Koch ’12 and economics classes were JJ Fadden ’98 Ruth McDermott-Levy ’82 held at that time. I credit the Roya Fahmy ’83 Anita Mucciolo ’78 9

0 small classes and excellent Jill Kalariya ’10 0 2 l l

a faculty with the high-quality F Newly elected Alumni Association officers, from left: | education I received. From a Fred Demech ’61, first vice president; Laura Cardinale ’72, S

E president; Rosemary LaFratte ’93 MBA’97, second vice president.

K social perspective, my favorite

L PHOTO BY LISA REYNOLDS I W

18 alumni news

Alumni Homecoming Weekend 2009: Oct. 9-11 The Legend Continues… Relive Wilkes memories and make new ones at Homecoming! Last year 1,000 alumni and friends were back on campus to celebrate. Enjoy events all weekend long: • Tailgate Tent and football game • Parade through downtown Wilkes-Barre vs. Lebanon Valley • Gatherings for Doane, Weckesser • 10th Anniversary Celebration of and Gore Hall alumni, field hockey the pharmacy program alumnae and many more • Young alumni Tent Festival on • Ralston Alumni Golf Tournament Saturday evening at Irem Country Club • Running Club-sponsored 5K • Celebrate your reunion!

CELEBRATE YOUR REUNION! If you graduated in 1949, 1959, 1969, 1984, 1999 or 2004, don’t miss out on your class reunion! Find out more and register online today! wilkes.edu/homecoming

QUESTIONS? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (800) WILKES-U Ext. 7787 or at [email protected] .

PHARMACY PROGRAM 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Come back to campus to get together with faculty members, reconnect with friends and meet current students. Planned weekend activities include: • dinner on Saturday night • reception with LKS, Kappa Psi • continuing education opportunity • events throughout Homecoming Weekend For more information on the Pharmacy Program’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, check

out The Colonel Connection, http://community.wilkes.edu/pharmacy or contact the 9 0 0 2 l Office of Alumni Relations at ( 800) WILKES-U Ext. 7787 or e-mail [email protected]. l a F | S E K

Above: Members of the first Pharmacy School graduating class. PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES L I W

19 class notes

1963 education in the Wilkes-Barre 1968 mission that landed the first Philip Siegel has accepted the Area School District. Bill Helen Dugan Worth, spacecraft on an asteroid. She position of Peter S. Knox III retired as principal of director of the Office of lives in Columbia, Md. distinguished chair in Coughlin High School in Communications and Public accounting at Augusta State 2002, and Donna retired in Affairs at Johns Hopkins 1970 University. He was on the 2004. Now they are traveling University Applied Physics Kenneth Gordon recently accounting faculty at Florida as much as they can. They Laboratory, has been named to retired after more than 38 Atlantic University, Boca have spent a month driving the laboratory’s principal years as an analytical chemist Raton, and was to begin his around Alaska, cruised the professional staff. The with the U.S. Food and Drug new position in August 2009. Greek Isles, taken the old appointment recognizes the Administration. He lives in American Orient Express train highest professional stature and Philadelphia with his wife, 1965 from Idaho to New Mexico, is equivalent to achieving a Karen. They just celebrated Bill Schwab and his wife, and driven snowmobiles tenured faculty appointment. their 35th wedding Donna, will be married 30 through northern Quebec. She led media relations for anniversary. The couple have years in December 2009. They such programs as the near- a daughter, Jill, age 29. spent their careers working in earth asteroid rendezvous

Voda Turns Past into Prose In her book From Shoebox to Saltbox, Voda described “a When Mary Beth Kennedy Voda ’66 retired from young family’s love affair with an old saltbox house.” The teaching English at Wyalusing Valley Area High School, it family is her own. She wrote about her struggle as a city was her husband who suggested she rediscover her girl adjusting to country life and the challenges of home passion for writing. A mother of two grown children with renovation. “With two kids at home and my husband an English degree from Wilkes, Voda had been waiting working, we tore that house apart and put it back for an opportunity to write about “interesting people together,” she says. Why take on such a challenge? “It who have done interesting things with their lives.” For needed us as much as we needed it,” she explains. Voda, those interesting people look a lot like family. Another success for Voda was an American History magazine article titled “A War in Letters.” It recounted the experience of Voda’s father, World War II Marine Corps Pvt. Tom Kennedy, during the battle of Iwo Jima. The article has led to multiple speaking engagements for the author throughout the Northeast. Voda has published several other articles, including one written for Pennsylvania Heritage magazine on political activist Cornelia Bryce Pinchot, wife of Pennsylvania’s 1922 governor, Gifford Pinchot. She also wrote and performed a 22-part radio series on Pennsylvania women for local Public Broadcasting affiliate station WVIA. Her inspiration, she says, comes from family, particularly her father and grandmother. “I come from a family of storytellers,” she says. Voda continues her love affair with words and is currently working on a children’s book, Dixie Smiles. She makes her 9

0 home in Wyalusing, Pa., with her husband, John. 0 2 l l a F By Rachel Strayer | — S E

K Mary Beth Kennedy Voda ’66 poses with an edition of From Shoebox L I to Saltbox at an author’s event. PHOTO COURTESY TONY MUSSARI W

20 class notes

Nicholas Inducted Into National Teachers Hall of Fame

Les Nicholas ’81, a teacher at Wyoming Valley West Middle School, was prepared to watch an Earth Day program with his class on April 22, Les Nicholas ’81 2009, in the school’s auditorium. When he stands outside the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kan. arrived he found the entire school waiting —as PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL TEACHERS HALL OF FAME well as his family and a representative from the National Teachers Hall of Fame. to seep into the habits of his students. Because one of Nicholas was selected as one of the best teachers in Mr. Nick’s many catch phrases is ‘Make it first class or America and was one of five teachers inducted to the third, but never second,’ students quickly realize they Hall of Fame this year. The awards ceremony took place cannot cut corners because if something is worth doing, in June at Emporia, Kan. This is not the first award it is worth making excellent.” bestowed upon Nicholas. His other honors include Nicholas says that he emphasizes involving students in being named a 2005 Disney Teacher, the 2004 the learning process. Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, 2005 University of “Often we educators are imposing too many restrictions Pennsylvania Educator of the Year, and a 2008 First on them. I find that if the kids make decisions, then things Freedom Award winner. like discipline become non-issues. You’ve got to be a little Nicholas graduated from Wilkes College with a triple clever in how you do that,” he says. major in English, German and education. He went on to Nicholas will be permanently honored with a plaque earn his master’s degree in educational leadership from at the Wyoming Valley West Middle School and with a the University of Pennsylvania in 1985. He has worked in display at the National Teachers Hall of Fame Museum, the Wyoming Valley West School District teaching in Emporia. journalism, advanced journalism, broadcast journalism — By Andrew Seaman, Wilkes University senior and English for the last 28 years. Lindsey O’Brien, a former student, describes the Les Nicholas will deliver the first lecture in the 2009-2010 teaching style that has made Nicholas an award- “Issues in Education” speakers series on Sept. 17 at 4:45 p.m. winner: “Mr. Nick’s industrious work ethic never fails at Wilkes University. His topic will be “Becoming a Teacher.”

1972 1980 1984 1985 Karen (Baldoni) Bernardi Shepard Willner completed all Timothy Williams joined the real estate firm of the requirements for the Dr. Daniel J. Glunk received successfully defended his Prudential Poggi & Jones. She Toastmasters International the Susquehanna Council of doctoral dissertation in had a successful 33-year career Distinguished Toastmasters Boy Scouts of America 2009 educational leadership at in education as an elementary Award. This distinction, Distinguished Citizen Award. Immaculata University. He is teacher before graduating from presented in the form of a The award honored his the director of instruction for the Pennsylvania Real Estate medallion, was given at the May achievements, which include the Manheim Township Academy and obtaining her 2, 2009, District 27 Spring being the first Pennsylvania School District. He resides in real estate license. She lives in Conference at George Mason Medical Society president Lancaster County, Pa., with his 9

West Pittston, Pa., with her University. The award is from Lycoming County in three children. 0 0 2 l l

husband, Raymond, and has achieved by only 2 percent of more than 100 years. a F three sons. all members. | S E K L I W

21 class notes

1989 Ambulatory Surgery Center and MidWest Pain Clinics in LOOKING FOR Robert Faille graduated from Omaha, Neb. Keith, wife CAREER ADVICE? the University of Pennsylvania Nancy, and their two children, Are you thinking of changing careers with a master’s degree in Ashley and Christopher, have or facing a transition due to the current technology management. The lived happily in Omaha for economic situation? Wilkes is here to help. program is co-sponsored by the last eight years. There are a number of resources available the University of Pennsylvania to alumni, including the services of the and Penn Engineering. 1991 Wilkes Career Services Office. Victor James Mosca married Ronald E. McHale Jr. of Denise Diane Gilbert on May Find out what’s available to you at Mountain Top, Pa., recently 10, 2008. He is self-employed. http://community.wilkes.edu/career_resources. joined First National The couple reside in Community Bank as a senior Kingston Township, Pa. financial consultant. He has 20 1997 the head cross country coach. years experience in the bank 1996 Meredith (Cabrey) They reside in Dallas, Pa. brokerage industry. He resides Karen (Bednarczyk) Cowan Nascimento and her husband, in Mountain Top with his wife, and her husband, Scott, Christian, welcomed their 2002 Donna, and their son, Tyler. announce the birth of their second son, S. Christian Jr., on Ronald Metcho is an second daughter, Eden March 27, 2008. associate attorney with the law 1990 Elizabeth, born on March 4. firm of Marshall, Dennehey, John Paul Corcoran Jr. has Eden is welcomed by her big 1999 Warner, Goggin and Coleman. been appointed an adjunct sister, Grace Evelyn. The family He resides in Philadelphia. professor of law at Duquesne resides in Winter Garden, Fla. William John Weidner University School of Law married Terri Ann Gallagher 2003 in Pittsburgh. John Decker and his wife, on Sept. 6, 2008. He is Kyla Campbell-Bubb is a Mandy, announce the birth of employed as a certified public reporter and weekend Keith Silligman has been their first child, Luke Charles, accountant by Decker morning anchor for WBRE in appointed to the newly on April 24, 2009. The couple Accounting LLC, Wilkes- the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton created role of executive reside in Orlando, Fla. Barre. They reside in Hanover television market. She married director with the Omaha Township, Pa. Nathan Bubb on Oct. 13, 2007. The couple reside in 2000 Drums, Pa. STRIKE UP THE BAND Laura Burns married Daniel DiMarzo on Nov. 1, 2008, in 2004 Westport, Conn. The couple resides in East Norriton, Pa., Emily Bly graduated from the where Laura works as a University of North Texas in marketing director for a December 2008 with a master telecommunications company. of music degree in musicology. She is the daughter of Robert While at the University of Burns Jr. ’82 and Wilkes North Texas, Bly was a Any member of the Wilkes community, student or employee Anita Burns. member of Pi Kappa Lambda alumnus, is invited to play with the Wilkes Pep Band at honor society in music. home games, Homecoming and other fall activities Jennifer Kennedy and around campus. Rehearsals are Monday afternoons, Nicholas Wadas were married 2005 9 0 0

2 4 to 5:30 p.m., and home game Saturdays, 9:30 to on Aug. 23, 2008. The groom Stephanie Dickert and l l a F 11 a.m. Pep Band shirts and jackets are provided, as is employed by Allied Services Joshua Hall were married on |

S well as brunch after rehearsal on home game days. as an occupational therapist June 6, 2009. Joshua is an E K L

I Call Philip Simon, ( 570) 408-4437 , for more details. and by Wilkes University as officer in the U.S. Air Force W

22 class notes

Butchko Influences Community Revitalization

Through May 31, 2009, more than 405,000 homeowners have received foreclosure counseling through the program. According to Butchko, in many of the communities impacted by NeighborWorks support, the local organizations started to see foreclosures rise in their communities before anyone else. Butchko graduated from Wilkes with a degree in political science. He went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Rochester in public policy analysis. He says Wilkes and the mentoring he received from faculty like political science professor Thomas Baldino prepared him well for a career that has given him a front-row seat in the political arena.

Butchko appears at a property dedication for a senior housing development Butchko has had the opportunity to see the constructed by NeighborWorks of the Blackstone River Valley, a region complete political process in action. In the past, he encompassing parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. was charged with making his organization’s case in Michael Butchko ‘96 has a hand in rejuvenating front of Congress in order to continue receiving funds. distressed communities across the United States through He says working with members of Congress was a dream his work with NeighborWorks America. He serves as come true for a political science major. deputy director of field operations for the Washington, “Working with Congress was always exhilarating. It’s akin D.C.-based organization. As a nonprofit organization to being a sports fan: You know the players, and you’re just created by Congress, NeighborWorks distributes funds to thrilled to be in that action,” says Butchko. create opportunities for people to live in affordable He also says that it is great to work for an organization homes. NeighborWorks also provides technical assistance like NeighborWorks. and training for community-based revitalization efforts. ”NeighborWorks America has a commitment to nonprofits Butchko began working in the public policy office of across the U.S. that assist America’s most underserved the organization in 2000. Recently, his job has given communities,” he says. “I’m proud to have spent the last him first-hand experience with the foreclosure crisis nine years of my professional career working for such a impacting the housing industry. NeighborWorks terrific organization.” administers the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling program authorized by Congress. — By Andrew Seaman, Wilkes University senior and will be transferring to Bridget McHale MBA’07 2006 2008 Wright-Patterson Air Force married Josh Turel Pharm.D. Jami Lynn Shuleski and Joseph Magyar married Nina Base in Dayton, Ohio, in July ’07 on May 9, 2009. Bridget is Matthew John Koch ’02 were Marie Dumas on Aug. 30, of this year. Stephanie is employed by Wilkes University married Sept. 27, 2008. 2008. He is employed at the

currently working on a as a coordinator in the Sidhu She is employed as a software State Correctional Institution 9 0 0 2

developer by Keystone at Mahonoy, Frackville, Pa. l

master’s in counseling with School of Business. Josh is l a Automotive Operations, They reside in Wyoming, Pa. F the expectation of completion employed by PharMerica | S in fall 2009. pharmacy as a staff pharmacist. Exeter, Pa. The couple reside E K L They reside in Dallas, Pa. in Forty Fort, Pa. I W

23 class notes

Graduate Students Shanna Lee (Henninger) Kevin Michael Polifko, Harrisburg, Pa. He is employed 2001 Dawson, Pharm.D., and her Pharm.D., married Susan as a pharmacy supervisor for Raymond Bernardi, husband, James, would like to Elizabeth Pellock ’05, CVS, Harrisburg, Pa. They Pharm.D., joined the real announce the births of their Pharm.D., on Aug. 16, 2008. reside in Harrisburg. estate firm Prudential Poggi & two children. Kevin Francis She is employed as a lieutenant Jones. He is a licensed Dawson was born Oct. 31, in the U.S. Public Health 2006 pharmacist and a realtor. He 2006, and Mallory Jean Service Commissioned Corps Jennifer Lee Bernick, MS, lives in Duryea, Pa., with his Dawson was born Feb. 8, 2009. with the U.S. Food and Drug married Jeffrie Edward Welby wife, Jessica, and son, Dominic. They reside in Nazareth, Pa. Administration, Office on June 28, 2008. Jennifer is in of Regulatory Affairs, her final year of coursework

From Accounting to the FBI

From a young age, Karen Bednarczyk Cowan ’96 always dreamed of working in law enforcement. So when it came time to pursue a major at Wilkes University she chose … accounting? “As a high school student I researched the type of people the FBI would hire, and their top candidates at the time were people with accounting degrees,” explains Cowan, an intelligence analyst on the Joint Terrorism Task Force in the FBI’s Tampa, Fla., division. With her accounting degree and minors in finance and management in hand, Cowan went on to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech. “The FBI rarely hires young adults fresh out of college,” Cowan says. “I remember being told on my first day at the FBI Academy that one in 12,000 people who apply to the FBI are offered a position.” On the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Cowan became a member of the FBI’s Evidence Response Team. She identifies documents, collects and preserves evidence supporting FBI cases. “The ERT provides assistance in Karen Cowan’s accounting degree was a stepping stone to an FBI career. PHOTO BY SCOTT COWAN any area of evidence collection management from traditional search warrants to complex crime scenes. The best part of her career, she says, is the uncertainty As a member of this team, I received a high level of of the tasks each day will bring. She often has to training to ensure evidence is collected in such a reprioritize her workload quickly. That’s also the most manner that it can be introduced in courts throughout challenging aspect. the United States and the world. Over the years, I Cowan lives in Winter Garden, Fla., with husband Scott have had the opportunity to work a number of and daughters Grace and Eden.

9 warrants and crime scenes, including those involving 0 0 2 l

l missing children.” By Shannon Curtin ’07 MBA’09

a — F | S E K L I W

24 class notes

for her doctorate in Mischinski; sons, Richard N.J., for 45 years, retiring as a 1952 educational leadership. She Mischinski, Austin, Texas, senior mechanical engineer. Adeline ‘Addie’ Stein of teaches fourth grade in Lake Paul Mischinski, Winston- He is survived by his wife Yuma, Ariz., died May 15, Lehman School District. They Salem, N.C., Mark of 52 years, Florence Kozik 2009. She attended Wilkes live in Dallas, Pa., with their Mischinski, Telford, Pa., Washko; his daughter Susan, College from 1950 through black lab, Marley. and Carl Mischinski, Indian Charlottesville, Va.; son John, 1952. She is survived by her Trail, N.C.; sister, Loretta Canton, Conn.; daughter Judy; husband of 56 years, Carroll 2007 Dunn, State College, Pa.; and a granddaughter. “Bert” Stein Jr., Yuma, Ariz.; Craig Czury, MA, is the eleven granddaughters and a daughter, Linda Fallert, Pine author of “Kitchen of one grandson. 1949 Valley, Calif.; a son, Jeffery Conflict Resolution,” a The Rev. Michael Mokris of Stein, Yuma, Ariz.; sisters, collection of poetry published 1948 Kingston, Pa., died April 22, Christine Stankevicz, Luzerne, by FootHills Publishing. William J. Rule of Exeter, 2009. He graduated from Pa. and Betty Kazokas, Pa., died May 25, 2009. He Bucknell University Junior Courtdale, Pa. 2009 attended Temple University, College and received a master’s Kerrie Stephanik, MS, and Wilkes College, and Legion degree from the University of 1953 Seaton Angley were married College at Indiantown Gap. Pennsylvania. He was a World Robert “Barry” Jordan of on June 21, 2008. She is an He enlisted in the Army War II veteran, serving in the Oceanside, Calif., died April English teacher at Hazleton Signal Corps in December U.S. Army. Mokris graduated 17, 2009. He attended Wilkes Area High School. The couple 1942 and was honorably from Saints Cyril and College, Elizabethtown reside in Conyngham, Pa. discharged in 1946. He has Methodius Theological College and Lincoln been a legionnaire for over 60 Seminary, Pittsburgh, Pa. He Chiropractic College, where years and was employed at was ordained into the holy he received his doctor of In Memoriam Foster Wheeler Corporation priesthood in 1961, serving in chiropractic degree in 1954. 1945 for 25 years. eastern Ohio and western He interned at Spears Dr. Matthew M. Mischinski He is survived by his Pennsylvania. He retired from Chiropractic Hospital in of Pinehurst, Pa., died May 9, daughters, Linda T. Cook, SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Denver, Colo.; spent two years 2009. He was a physician and Alamo, Calif.; and Sherry L. Catholic Church, Lopez, Pa. in the medical corps of the a diplomate of the American Emerhaw, Dallas, Pa.; a Surviving is his sister U.S. Army; and entered private Orthopedic Society and the grandson and several nieces Margaret Jankik, Miami, Fla. practice in Wilkes-Barre. He American Society of and nephews. later began a career in sales. Emergency Physicians. He was Cyprian Rapczynski of Toms After moving to California, he a graduate of Wyoming John Francis Washko of River, N.J., died on April 29, owned a roofing business until Seminary in Kingston, Pa., Morrisville, Pa., died June 5, 2009. He was a graduate of his retirement. Bucknell University Junior 2009. He was a veteran of Bucknell University Junior He is survived by his College and Temple World War II, having served in College and was employed as brothers, Wayne Jordan, University School of Medicine both the Army and Army Air the vice president of exports Binghamton, N.Y.; Donald in Philadelphia. He served his Corps. He saw active duty in at Associated Metals and Jordan, New Castle, Del.; sister country during World War II the European theater and was Minerals Corp., New York Joyce Jordan, Hummels Wharf, as a first lieutenant in the awarded the Purple Heart. He City. He was a Navy veteran Pa.; children Kimberly Kenyon Army Air Corps. He was a B- graduated from Bucknell of World War II. Surviving are of Maryland, Brenda Jordan of 17 pilot and completed 35 University Junior College his wife, the former Romaine California, Susan LaNunziata missions over Europe. with a bachelor’s degree in Smar, and son Allen. of Exeter, Pa., Scott Jordan of He is survived by his wife mechanical engineering. Thornhurst, Pa., Brett Jordan of 58 years, Eleanor Washko was employed at of California, Gregg Jordan of General Motors in Ewing, Florida and 10 grandchildren. 9 0 0 2 l l a F | S E K L I W

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B . y y cha d te ion 1 les so gy mb a i h p l e d a t i 9 e H o e g l u nt y w n a r , n o a e n g A k c u B me . l a y r o o d e o s g n i in e D ts 87 e h ry l Bur s a f th in o C a s p e , l de d te a uri ers N. fo d r f o to n i r o C tep n the nd hi D te n i la l , w es in e h t er fr a k l i W de t y St e g e l l a n i m e S r o rs f e f e J Wilk t e m a pa n o i s i v i s s a e v i n U ng he ns yed h t i Burns t l l e n sa m o h T s ie ea his th me at s fre eele wa s p ra g gre h Wi stu , tme r e n r bering u Q nd h t n i b B on a w rch bio es e a Pa r a B s- e t es Wilkes y q lk d contribu y a ro s i h e h , as t a e n U b u d lon d h t e l g i u s. or ic , a c es. d p tyi rs , , . . sig no i l a t t a l . ents . e z n F Un e myr A Sr nd o s s a l nt ur in y r en A , e 28 a en He t a e v i ht 4 0 1 e H t a a l c ntly f e i w g g n as ., e y, nif His su s t t a B y ive sch e d at ner me re, an c , d e M up M M t i rs an an s s ra t S was eav d s s a l swa .N . R eh wh we ing fo fo ica .D rsit , tion inv tme epar yrc e Wilkes, d ol er p nt or d d fo e l ch y ., l ositv o d Char ors,” nt arsh a c i b wil hi olvi care a y istin of o a air s wor fo ment s s role f dear n l a to Kin ame res ng p n ip be of e ers St gu re ked d rese both nt influence is e at g res el profess o gu or d ished fr les d a . ston, ur in eply als with ie rc nt Wilkes lary ea e the t o me students nd facul h i o says. rch ng many on medical giv Pa N campus ion d him of miss sharing him ic biol ty ., pros was . en Unive t in al “In he die Burns fo a of e ed.” lead ershi ogy, anuly with nd a low ed or tate biolgy fe fact, us n c rsit y bel lt d April his a rer , in an in the a in p. 21, s in Th an is Br T Sr ., ow e d p eis eth ictu late fr er ien n r u a j b i D t c r a elo G r fin al p g o n ed Ch am e e h M d an ff a r n hy r r u at i se . c ol e e I L “ He n si C to d d il t ar n of q w aled ed Bu I at in e c ier sica th i le o in .D. c r ar at u i le me e s er 1 g d th n a gy 95 d e v en r is in us en g r s g e r ch es el h a n p 1 fo e r N . r d 98 k a h t eratio i su s 0 c an n r a es e an z. s I G . h h r e is .” n D e a m ’3 , , o cu B Sr 7 ar er er u u r t a n h h d a “ r u d f Sh 19 er a v t n . d . on r I ar d e c ch r , e ier nd ro j a m ed ived n e Bu sh n cl 7 i f e 8 h sh Oh W n s irst s e o th b d ch at e ildr i 1 r for i c o ar Sr r ec of , 2 . lke s r a , contin b e atio f e i n n hi . 0 P ., o. r r t r y z, p st a by s e h me tin m o en ight 0 e M. s p . c me p u d e n R Pr rese arch t in 6 r assi t ant an s d er D.’37 , r os . e h of . wit on tmendept ar ent a es ident tu h t is 205 Pr u c c ch pers ta P. the er ti es, , s r h e son i D te ce ni ie or g left , M and h r A r Burns th f n . a wit “ d ona im c , t Chris top g Ch , o Dr . yo er rou an o my fac an wa to five f p t h r c th o u a rofes c g s an u e d Bu B k, impres sed gh rl r e B lty et t m W n i e ol el r i I es u d gran r of M. entor rn . h il stil be o e a her rns basic H , 6 94 1 ke er remarkable g me t sor N. D s e bio lief y Wi . s- was , un dchilren as rembr B at n i Ba logy.” lke n of t, u ti and and rn Cr a r te f a t r l h he biolgy s a me re t e coleague s il h Un hig-caliber e wa Jr ., passion e transltio i pra n at V iv ret i t t a mentor 19 s A and e c be fir inv rs ti 53, how Ho a re at c c st ,” it gn i n i a e ol m two s y. Wilkes, me h in cl in pi of ve en e his says ta for d as t l of i n notes

27 WILKES | Fall 2009 class notes

1980 1986 Friends of Wilkes Bette Lynn Gardner of John Michael Phillips of Constance Kline Umphred Tunkhannock, Pa., died June 2, Berwick, Pa., died May 17, of Naples, Fla., passed away 2009. She was employed as a 2009. He graduated from King’s April 7, 2009. She graduated social worker at St. Michael’s College, Wilkes-Barre, with an from Moravian Seminary in School until retirement. She associate’s degree and a 1951 and Wheaton College in was a member of the bachelor’s degree in business 1955. Upon graduation from Tunkhannock United administration. He continued college, she taught at Dedham Methodist Church, the his education at Wilkes Country Day School in Tunkhannock Borough University, graduating with a Massachusetts. She served on Council, and the Tunkhannock master’s degree in business the Union Terrace Parent Community Ambulance administration. He was the Teacher Association as Association, serving as an owner and operator of Phillips president and on the board of emergency medical technician Financial Services, Berwick. trustees of Moravian Academy. and board secretary. She was Surviving are his brother, She later served on the boards also an EMT and CPR Peter Phillips, Fort Meyers, of Muhlenberg College, instructor for the American Fla.; and sister Carolyn Wilkes University, Sordoni Art Red Cross and Emergency Williams, Aurora, Ohio. Museum, Allentown Art Medical Services. Museum, Allentown She is survived by her 1989 Community Concerts, United husband of 45 years, Bruce Amanda J. Picketts of Way of Lehigh County, and Gardner; sons David Gardner, Wilkes-Barre passed away the Wilkes-BarreYMCA. She Manchester, N.H.; Stephen March 25, 2009. She was was a founding member of Gardner, Tunkhannock; Paul employed by Sallie Mae in Wilkes-Barre’s Luzerne Gardner, Courtdale, Pa.; Wilkes-Barre. Surviving are Foundation and president of daughter TerriVelez, Colorado her mother, Irene Solonski, the McCole Foundation. Springs, Colo.; sister Heidi Wilkes-Barre; husband David She is survived by her May King, Cheyenne, Wyo.; J. Picketts; daughter Avery husband, William ’52, Naples; eight grandchildren and two Picketts; and sister Amy sons David W. Leh, Stroudsburg, great-granddaughters. O’Hara, Charlotte, N.C. Pa., and Edward K. Leh, Short Hills, N.J.; daughter, Lorraine Pearson, Basking Ridge, N.J.; and eight grandchildren.

Submitting Class Notes

Share personal or career news in any of three ways: • E-mail it to [email protected] . • Post it at The Colonel Connection Web site at community.wilkes.edu.

• Or mail it to: Class Notes 9 0 0

2 Wilkes Magazine l l a F 84 W. South St. | S

E Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766 K L I W

28 then & now

Past generations of Wilkes engineering students toiled over their work under the watchful eye of their professor. See anyone you recognize in this photo?

Share names or reminisce at The Colonel Connection message boards, found at community.wilkes.edu. Or send responses to Wilkes magazine, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766. You can also e-mail [email protected]. PHOTO FROM WILKES ARCHIVES

Today’s Wilkes engineers study cutting-edge technology like robotics— but the mentoring relationship with professors is still central to the learning experience.

PHOTO BY BRUCE WELLER WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766

events

September 10 John Wilkes Society Annual Dinner, Westmoreland Club, honoring Eugene Roth, Esq.

October 1-4 Theatre Production, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 8 p.m.; Oct. 4, 2 p.m. 8 Allen P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Lawrence Reed, president, Foundation for Economic Education 9-11 Homecoming 19 Faculty Exhibition 2009, Sordoni Art Gallery. Opening reception, Oct. 25. Through Dec. 13.

November 13-15 Musical Theatre Production, Darte Center. Also Nov. 20-22 17 Outstanding Leaders Forum, humanitarian Elie Wiesel, 8 p.m., F. M. Kirby Center

December 5 Flute Ensemble Concert, Darte Center 7 String Ensemble Concert, 7 p.m., Darte Center 10 Jazz Orchestra Concert, 8:15 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center 11 Choral Ensembles Christmas Concert at St. Stephen’s Church, Wilkes-Barre, 7:30 p.m. 13 Civic Band Concert, 3 p.m., Darte Center

For details on times and locations, check www.wilkes.edu and Wilkes student Ashley Deemie works out on the balcony of her The Colonel Connection! University Towers apartment. PHOTO BY BRUCE WELLER Or phone (800) WILKES-U.