The Magazine of Point Park University | SPRING 2017

POINTTHE

Announcing the ROWLAND SCHOOL OF BUSINESS at Point Park University School of Business at Point Park University. studio space that enables students and The Rowland School honors the family of faculty to collaborate with media professionals. the late George and Kathleen White, the In another very important milestone, at University’s largest benefactors to date, commencement, we celebrated with the first who were among Point Park’s most devoted class of doctoral students to receive a Ph.D. friends and neighbors. from Point Park.

The Whites’ friendship and advocacy continues And, of course, we continue to watch, with to guide and inspire Point Park. They believed great anticipation, the development of one of 8 that the University’s academic excellence, the University’s most ambitious and innovative OF and close proximity to the many corporations, projects: the new Pittsburgh Playhouse at TABLE CONTENTS sports franchises and cultural organizations in Point Park. This creative crossroads will offer the Downtown neighborhood and surrounding many cultural and interdisciplinary opportunities 2 News and Views 20 Around The Globe region, makes the University well-positioned for students and faculty across the entire Alumni and students gather to lead business education in Pittsburgh. With University, as well as our Downtown neighbors 8 Open Seating on campus to celebrate the many exciting initiatives now underway in the and arts patrons. We’ll continue to share our A look at construction of the main 50th anniversary of Point Park’s 10 Rowland School of Business, including a new Playhouse progress. stage theater in the new Pittsburgh independently run student co-op program, we are committed to building Playhouse, which continues to take newspaper. Dear alumni and friends, and expanding on that vision. On your next visit to Downtown Pittsburgh, shape in Downtown Pittsburgh. 24 Alumni Connection please stop by and say hello. We would 10 Announcing the Rowland Another spring commencement season is We also marked a number of milestones in love to show you what’s happening on our School of Business behind us, and summer is on the horizon. the past year, including the 50th anniversary dynamic, urban campus. 25 Class Notes The newly named Rowland School It’s the time of year when we spend time of Point Park’s independently run student of Business honors the family of 30 Home Court Advantage reflecting on past accomplishments, and look newspaper, The Globe. Last March, the Warm regards, 30 the late George and Kathleen Scholar-athlete Ja’Nia McPhatter, forward with anticipation toward the future. University welcomed alumni and former White, the University’s largest a leader in women’s basketball and student journalists from the past five decades benefactors to date. in the classroom, is aiming for As always, we have a number of initiatives back to campus for a celebration. We’re proud medical school after her graduation. in the works that we are excited to share that the tradition of excellence continues in 14 All Business A conversation with Steve Tanzilli, with you – now and in the months to come. new initiatives such as the Center for Media Dr. Paul Hennigan For example, this spring we were very happy Innovation, which has just completed its first J.D., dean of the Rowland School of President Business at Point Park University. to announce the naming of the Rowland year as an incubator and state-of-the-art The Magazine of Point Park University | SPRING 2017 ON THE COVER: A mosaic of faculty, TALK TO US!

POINTTHE alumni and students 18 Star Explorer The Point wants to hear from you. Send in the newly named Professor Brendan Mullan, Ph.D., your comments and suggestions to: Announcing the ROWLAND SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Rowland School of at Point Park University a National Geographic Emerging Business at Point Park Managing Editor University. Explorer, shares the excitement of Marketing and Communications astrophysics and more with students. Point Park University 201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Phone: 412-392-6108 Fax: 412-392-6185 Email: [email protected]

President Managing Director, Graphic Designer Web Services Manager Photographers Paul Hennigan, Ed.D. Communications and Judy Sporka Stephen Shanahan John Altdorfer The Point is published by the Department of Marketing and Communications, Point Park University, 201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Client Services published information. Please visit our web site at www.pointpark.edu for current information regarding University programs, departments, alumni activities and events. Dean Beattie Vice President of Nancy Commella Manager of Printing Writers Glenn Cook Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Initiatives External Affairs Services Amanda Dabbs This policy affirms Point Park University’s commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and the pursuit of diversity. Point Park University does not discriminate on the basis of: sex, race, ethnicity, religion, Gracey Evans color, national origin, age (40 years and over), ancestry, individuals with disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, caregiver status Mariann Geyer Managing Director, Don Pastorius Linda Fletcher or familial status, in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities or with respect to employment or admission to the University’s educational programs and activities. Sam Reynolds University Marketing and Gina Puppo Managing Editor Public Relations Director of Online Martha Rial This policy is in accord with local, state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 Communications Kevin Taylor of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Pittsburgh Human Relations Act. Inquiries regarding these regulations and policies, or complaints Cheryl Valyo Lou Corsaro Sam Robinson of discrimination, should be referred to the vice president of human resources, phone number 412-392-3952. Inquiries regarding Title IX and the Title IX regulations should also be referred to the Title IX Barbara Vilanova Keith Kuzmovich Christopher Rolinson coordinator or to the deputy Title IX coordinators: the associate provost, the vice president of human resources or the vice president of student affairs.

POINTPARK.EDU 1 NEWS AND VIEWS

COMMENCEMENT 2017

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, Susan Corbett has been a supporter of the arts and the by genocide,” President Hennigan said. “Hearing from Pittsburgh police chief deliver addresses nonprofit community for nearly three decades. She has served someone like Martha, who has been relentless in her at Point Park graduation ceremonies numerous organizations, including the Carnegie Museums of pursuit of excellence, is the best way to send our Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library and the Pennsylvania Council graduates off into the real world.” Rial’s recent endeavors Martha Rial, winner of a Pulitzer Prize for her photographs of the Arts. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the include the Marcellus Shale Documentary Project, a documenting the lives of Burundian and Rwandan survivors of Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. traveling exhibition of photographs chronicling the impact genocide, was the featured Commencement speaker at Point of shale gas drilling in Pennsylvania, and “In Uganda, Park’s main commencement ceremony at PPG Paints Arena 288 students received graduate degrees from across 14 A School to Call Home,” a solo exhibit at Gallery 937 on April 29. Rial also received an honorary degree. Scott E. master’s programs offered at the University. In addition, 17 featuring the empowerment of children in Uganda. Schubert, a Point Park graduate who is chief of the City of students received Doctor of Education degrees in Leader- Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, delivered the keynote address ship and Administration. Darlene Marnich, Ph.D., professor Celebration of student success at the 2017 Hooding and Degree Conferral on the same day. and chair of the Department of Education, served as Grand The Honorable Tom Corbett and Susan Corbett, former Marshal for the Hooding ceremonies. 683 students received bachelor’s degrees in: (School first lady of the Commonwealth, received honorary doctorate of Arts and Sciences) Criminal Justice/Intelligence, degrees at the Hooding ceremony. Dedication and perseverance Education, Humanities, English and Natural Sciences; (School of Business) Accounting, Business/Business Schubert is a 24-year veteran of the Pittsburgh Police. He Martha Rial, who delivered the main commencement address Management, Economics, Human Resources, Information earned a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and master’s to the bachelor’s degree recipients, won the 1998 Pulitzer Technology, Organizational Leadership, Public Admin- degree in Criminal Justice at Point Park, where he serves as Prize for Spot News Photography while at the Pittsburgh istration, and Sports, Arts and Entertainment Manage- a part-time professor. “We take great pride in developing the Post-Gazette. In 1996, the newspaper sent her to Burundi ment; (School of Communication) Broadcast Produc- Pittsburgh region’s future leaders,” said Paul Hennigan, presi- and Rwanda, where civil war left nearly one million people tion, Broadcasting, Journalism/Mass Communication, dent of Point Park. “There is no better example than Scott, who dead over three years. Her work has earned the Scripps Multimedia, Photography, and PR and Advertising; and started as a patrolman and has spent more than two decades Howard Foundation Award for Photojournalism, a National (Conservatory of Performing Arts) Animation, Cinema, steadily rising to the top.” Headliner Award and the Distinguished Visual Award from the Screenwriting, Dance, and Theatre Arts/Production. Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors. She also Tom Corbett has spent much of his adult life serving the state was named Pennsylvania News Photographer of the Year. Helen Fallon, professor of Journalism and director of of Pennsylvania, beginning with 13 years in the Pennsylvania the University Honors Program, served as the Grand Army National Guard. He served as U.S. Attorney for the “Throughout her career, Martha has had the dedication and Marshal for Commencement. Western District of Pennsylvania and as the state’s Attorney perseverance to go wherever the best stories took her, whether General before being elected governor in 2010. it was the mountains of Haiti or African villages devastated

2 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 3 NEWS AND VIEWS

Professional Advancement connecting donors with high impact giving Susan Stowe, professor of dance, Fulbright Specialist roster for a three- M.Ed. in Athletic Coaching opportunities. A graduate of Chatham served as a judge for the Classical year tenure. Fulbright Specialists conduct Rosemary Martinelli, a part-time professor University (B.A., political science) and the Ballet Competition conducted by the seminars at higher education institu- In today’s competitive world of amateur in the School of Communication, recently University of Pittsburgh (M.Ed. in higher National Society of Arts and Letters, tions and serve as expert consultants sports, coaches play an integral role in authored the chapter “The Final Page education management), she is working to Pittsburgh Chapter, hosted by Pitts- on issues such as curriculum develop- the development of student athletes, of the Small Business Plan: Five Tools complete a Ph.D. in social and comparative burgh Ballet Theatre last March. Twelve ment, assessment, faculty training and starting as young as elementary school to Make Goodwill a Good Strategy,” in analysis in education. dancers between the ages of 16 and instruction in more than 150 countries. and often spanning all the way to col- Recalculating: 97 Experts on Driving Small 21 performed classical ballet variations, Dumova also served as an international lege. However, as most coaches know, Business Growth. Martinelli says: “It is Jeffrey Besong, assistant vice president which were adjudicated for artistry, grant review expert for the Netherlands not all student athletes will play in high all about how small businesses can be of public safety and chief of police, has style, technical skill, and musicality. The Organization for Health Research and school or college, and just a small frac- engaged in the community. In addition to been named as a finalist for Campus first place chapter finalist will compete Development (ZonMw) on issues of qual- tion ever become professional. Being a Fond Farewell my broadcast and communication back- Safety Director of the Year. According in the National Competition for a First ity and integrity in scientific research. good coach to all students, at all levels, ground, I spent many years as the director to Campus Safety magazine, Besong’s Prize award of $12,000. Stowe was is a critical skill that is now the focus of John Kudlac, Ph.D., one of the Univer- of strategic corporate philanthropy and notable achievements include: leadership joined by fellow judges Nola Nolen, Brent Dean Robbins, Ph.D., associate a unique, fully online master’s degree sity’s longest serving faculty members, community engagement programs.” of the creation of Point Park’s Alert, assistant professor of dance, Slippery professor of psychology and chair of program at Point Park set to launch in the retired at the end of the spring semester Lockdown, Inform, Confront and Evacuate Rock University; Rene Polanco, Dance the Department of Humanities and fall of 2017. “Coaching, both good and after 52 years of service to Point Park. Kristin DeLuca has joined the Office of (ALICE) training institute; supervision of Department coordinator, CAPA High Human Sciences, served as co-author bad, can make headlines,” says Darlene During Kudlac’s tenure, he served as Development and Alumni Relations as the upgrade of a University-wide security School; and Lindsay LaFrankie, director, and guest editor of the March 2017 Marnich, Ph.D., professor and chair of associate dean for advising services, director of development and institutional camera system; and the establishment Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh. special issue of the Journal of Hu- the Department of Education. “A lot is executive officer for enrollment man- partnerships. With more than 14 years of of SafeZone, which provides training to manistic Psychology, which focused expected but very little has been offered agement, associate director of admis- experience in the political, nonprofit and faculty, staff and students on becoming Tatyana Dumova, Ph.D., professor of on alternatives to the Diagnostic and in the way of educating and training men sions, chair of the Natural Sciences and higher education sectors, DeLuca is dedi- allies of the LGBTQ community. multimedia in the School of Communi- Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and women who want to be coaches.” Engineering Technology department, cated to sharing student narratives and cation, has been accepted to join the (DSM-5) approach to psychiatric diag- There is, according to Marnich, an “art professor of earth sciences and engi- nosis. For the past six years, Robbins and science” behind coaching and that neering technology, and graduate pro- has taken a leading role in the organiza- approach is what informs the new Master gram director of the MSEM and MSES tion of public commentary on criticisms of Education in athletic coaching, which programs. Under his leadership as chair Point Park University is Whether you volunteer your time or of the DSM-5 through his work with the emphasizes teaching, mentoring and skill of Natural Sciences and Engineering make a financial gift, you are making Society of Humanistic Psychology. building. The Master of Education in ath- Technology, the department received its an impact on students’ lives. letic coaching program is framed by the first ABET Accreditation for the Civil, Angela Isaac, Ph.D., professor of National Standards for Sports Coaches, STRONGER You can also help to secure your Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Nelson future at the same time by making economics and finance, and established by the Society of Health and Technology programs in 1986. The a planned gift. Chipman, M.F.A., executive director Physical Educators. It includes how to University held a retirement celebration BECAUSE OF of Point Park Online, have created a effectively communicate to stakehold- for Kudlac on campus last April. Benefits of a Planned Gift: course called The Money Thing, which ers, safety and emergency response, • Increase the impact of your giving educates and encourages students to ethical decision-making, administering a • YOU. Receive greater tax savings make smart financial decisions during coaching program, and practical appli- Grant Illuminates Playhouse • Preserve wealth for you and and after college. The course, which cations in the development of athletes’ your family fulfills the “Succeed in Business” skills. The program’s fully online format Duquesne Light Company and DQE • Continue helping students for requirement in the University’s core cur- offers flexibility for working professionals. Communications are showing support years to come riculum, is offered both on campus and For Pennsylvania teachers, the graduate for the cultural and educational enhance- QUESTIONS? online. Isaac teaches the business man- program will fulfill the 24 post-baccalau- ment of Downtown Pittsburgh with a Kristin DeLuca agement course, along with School of reate credits needed for an Instructional II $50,000 gift toward the construction of Director of Development and Institutional Partnerships Business Instructors Joseph DeFazio, certificate. Graduates will be prepared for Point Park’s new Pittsburgh Playhouse. 412-392-4777 | [email protected] CRPC, Ph.D., associate financial planner coaching opportunities in such settings The money will go to the exterior illumi- for Pittsburgh Financial Planners, and as K-12 public or private schools, colleges nation of the public space in the project, Learn more: David Diehl, M.B.A., vice president and and universities, travel or club teams and which will highlight the walkways and PlannedGiving.PointPark.edu corporate and institutional banking risk professional sports teams. Learn more: showcase three historic facades that are manager for PNC. PointPark.edu/athleticcoaching. being meticulously restored and reas-

4 THETHE POINT POINT SPRING SPRING 2015 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 5 NEWS AND VIEWS

paign for the project. “With partners like Stamped, and their film, “Every Two Min- Duquesne Light and DQE Communica- utes.” Assistant Professor and Director of tions, we have made tremendous progress, the M.A. in Clinical-Community Psychology but our work is not done,” Hennigan said. program Sarah Schulz, Ph.D., LSW, “We welcome others in the community to discussed street harassment issues on be a part of a project that will become the college campuses, using the results from heartbeat of Downtown Pittsburgh.” the University’s latest campus climate sur- vey. “Sexual violence on college campuses Combatting Sexual Violence is a problem facing all college students. The great thing about this summit was More than 60 college students throughout that it brought together students and the Pittsburgh region attended the 2017 administrators from a number of universities Student Summit “Looking Forward — to speak about the unique issues facing Combatting Sexual Violence On Campus” their campuses,” Schulz said. hosted at Point Park on March 25. Point Creative Nonfiction Conference Park M.A. in clinical-community psychology graduate students Chelsea Chase and Creative nonfiction — and the art, craft and business behind it — is the subject Kylie Lictenstein organized the event of the 2017 Creative Nonfiction Writers’ Conference, May 26-27, at Point Park’s in collaboration with Pittsburgh Action Center for Media Innovation. Authors, agents, book publishers and editors from Against Rape. “A summit with multiple Behind the Scenes with the Cavs renowned magazines including Esquire, Harper’s, New Yorker, Paris Review, universities seemed like the best way to Creative Nonfiction and The New York Times Magazine are among the present- Alumnus Fred McLeod (COM 1974) – play-by-play announcer for the Cleve- not only provide education on this impor- ers. The annual conference, a collaboration this year with Point Park’s Depart- land Cavaliers – invited Point Park students to Quicken Loans Arena for a tant topic, but also to create a place to gain ment of Literary Arts and Center for Media Innovation, is led by The Creative behind-the-scenes tour before the Feb. 15 game against the Indiana Pacers. tools to be agents of change,” explained Nonfiction Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in Pittsburgh by Ameri- Mark Mazzagatti, group event specialist for the Cavaliers, gave 12 students in Chase, who is from Lake Shore High can writer and literary innovator Lee Gutkind. Gutkind has been recognized Point Park’s Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing a firsthand look School in Angola, N.Y. Chase interns for by Vanity Fair as “the Godfather behind creative nonfiction.” This conference at in-game entertainment production equipment, the Cavaliers’ front office and PAAR and will begin Point Park’s Psy.D. in provides opportunities for writers of all levels to meet individually with literary private suites, as well as introduced them to staff members preparing for the clinical-community psychology program agents, get advice from publishing professionals, hear what different kinds of game. “It was such a cool experience to see how a control room operates for a this fall. Featured speakers at the all-day editors are looking for and learn to hone their skills in inspiring small group basketball game,” said Blaine King, a senior broadcast reporting major. “We’ve summit included students and adminis- sessions. Conference attendees can also network with writers from across the seen how a control room operates in a hockey format, so it was cool to see how trators from Point Park, Carnegie Mellon country who are passionate about the writing process. “We are fortunate to they compare.” After the tour, the students met one-on-one with McLeod. “Even University, University of Pittsburgh, Robert At the Inauguration have this conference on our campus. Creative nonfiction is a vast subject, and though it’s a lot of work, I immerse myself in the work,” said McLeod. “It’s fun and Morris University and Seton Hill University. it has its tentacles firmly established in Point Park’s literary arts, journalism and I never have a bad day at work. No one’s going to outwork me.” Before he left, They addressed topics ranging from social School of Communication majors rep- cinema departments, as well as other areas. This conference helps bring these McLeod had one request for the group. “Can you root for Cleveland just once?” change and consent in sexual relationships resenting The Globe, U-View and WPPJ fields all together,” said Chris Girman, Ph.D., J.D., assistant professor in the asked McLeod. “Just for one night, be a Cavaliers fan.” to bystander interventions and how men reported on the inauguration of President Department of Literary Arts. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/2pIKKw9, can be allies to women in the fight against Donald J. Trump on Jan. 20 in Wash- and follow #cnfwc17 on social media. sexual violence. Additionally, a local artist ington, D.C. The aspiring journalists who presented her advocacy organzation, covered the ceremonies in the nation’s audience in Pittsburgh and I felt like I interviewing and recording skills which capital included Vincent Ferrainola, belonged there as a journalist. The overall were put to the test at the inauguration. I sembled in their original form. “We are donations and support for dozens of Josh Croup, Julianne Griffith, Chloe atmosphere and energy surrounding the want to thank Point Park for making this honored to add Duquesne Light Compa- organizations and educational institu- Looking for a Jakiela, Robert Bertha, Emily Bennett, day was incomparable and I will never trip a reality for students,” said Ferrainola, ny and DQE Communications to the list tions.” Duquesne Light’s gift is part of $42 Sam Morrison, Alexander Popichak, forget this experience,” said Croup, a a senior broadcast production and media of partners who have shown tremendous million in gifts and pledges the Playhouse flexible, convenient Blaine King, Casey Hoolahan, Gracey junior broadcast reporting major. “Overall, management major. Pictured is Morrison, support for this project,” said President project has received to date, the largest online program? Evans and Alexander Grubbs. “We my experience in D.C. was an unforget- a reporter with WPPJ, taking a photo of Paul Hennigan. “Duquesne Light has a and most successful capital campaign were rubbing elbows with reporters from table and exponentially helpful journey Trump supporters as they entered the long, storied history of serving people in in Point Park’s history. The University Online.PointPark.edu around the world. We were right there into the world of journalism. My classes National Mall. Photo by Gracey Evans. the Pittsburgh region through charitable previously announced a $74 million cam- with the professionals reporting for our at Point Park have helped me hone my

6 THETHE POINT POINT SPRING SPRING 2015 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 7 Open Seating

Point Park University’s new Pittsburgh Playhouse continues to take shape on a 1.6 acre parcel in Downtown Pittsburgh. Here’s a view inside the main stage theater, situated along Forbes Avenue across from the Tower at PNC Plaza. The new Playhouse will be a 24/7 operation, with three different academic theatre spaces, a large scene shop, sound stage, prop shop, costume shop and café. The community will be able to watch artistic productions in the making, from large windows on Forbes and Fourth Avenues and from windows and stage doors inside. Photo by Christopher Rolinson.

8 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 9 THE ROWLAND SCHOOL OF BUSINESS The newly named Rowland School of Business honors the family of the late George and Kathleen White, the AT POINT PARK UNIVERSITY University’s largest benefactors to date

oint Park has announced the naming of its School of Rowland was recognized in the family as a role model for Business to the Rowland School of Business, honoring hard work, perseverance and business know-how. Pthe family of the late George and Kathleen White, the University’s largest benefactors to date. His grandfather’s legacy had a lasting impact on George, as he grew up to become a scientist, businessman and urban The formal announcement was made on campus on April 18, visionary. He earned several degrees, including a doctorate, with academic leaders, administrators, faculty, students, and and spent most of his career in industrial engineering. corporate and community partners in attendance. After two decades with Xerox Corp. in product development The naming of the Rowland School of Business at Point Park and engineering, he transitioned to a career in higher educa- University culminates the Whites’ legacy of support and giving, tion, with Harvard University and then the University of Pitts- which was established in 2014 with a more than $15 million burgh Applied Research Center. bequest and the single largest gift in the University’s history. The latter position brought him and his wife Kathleen, a math “George and Kathleen’s dedication and advocacy for Point and science graduate of Purdue University and a talented Park University continues to be an inspiration to all,” said Paul investor, to Pittsburgh. Hennigan, Ed.D., president. “They loved the city’s warm and friendly people and quickly “Their generous gift — the $5 million endowment to the Row- adopted Downtown Pittsburgh as their home,” said Carol land School of Business — will help support our continuing White Shogren, George White’s older sister. Both George efforts to provide innovative, experiential learning opportunities and Kathleen served as Trustees of the University. for our business students. Indeed, we anticipate that the Row- land School of Business will be a national leader in business New vision, new energy education,” Hennigan added. The importance the Whites placed on a business education Rowland White, a role model for his family continues to be a driving force at the Rowland School of Business said its newly appointed dean, Stephen Tanzilli, J.D. George White’s grandfather Rowland grew up in the late “The Whites believed we were well-positioned to be leading 1800s and became the owner of a small hardware store in business educators by leveraging our proximity to corporations, Berea, Ohio. Although George never knew his grandfather, nonprofits and sports franchises, many of which are located in

Kathleen and George White. Photo by Tom Bell.

10 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 11 The Whites’ advocacy for business, “finance and accounting education is a foundation we take very seriously and continue to build on today. — Dean Stephen Tanzilli,” J.D.

Downtown Pittsburgh,” Tanzilli said. “The Whites’ advocacy for 2011, a $1 million bequest by the White family established the cooperative education, or co-op, program emphasizes innovative firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, welcomed the attendees at the business, finance and accounting education is a foundation we George Rowland White Endowed Professor of Accounting and and experiential learning that enables students to gain real-world, announcement event on April 18. “At Point Park, I have strived take very seriously and continue to build on today.” Finance and the Urban Accounting Initiative. full-time, paid work experience while at the same time earning to build my professional [expertise] by utilizing my time in the college credit. classroom and through career development, and by serving in In his role as dean of the Rowland School of Business, Tanzilli Both were catalysts for the University’s annual hosting of an student leadership positions,” said Mole. will have broad oversight of all academic programs, including Accounting Career Awareness Program each summer, in conjunc- “Our co-op program gives students a unique opportunity to informational technology, management and accounting as well tion with the National Association of Black Accountants, where dive into a real-world work environment and at the same time “Taking advantage of these resources early in my college as the sports, arts and entertainment management program minority high school students attend classes on careers in earn credit toward their degree,” Tanzilli said. The University is career has opened the door for networking, internship and which includes such innovative learning efforts as a dedicated accounting and business, personal development and college prepa- working with some 40 corporate partners to date and plans to scholarship opportunities,” including the co-op at Pricewater- classroom at Stage AE on Pittsburgh’s North Shore and the ration as well as meet and learn from mentors in those fields. expand the co-op program are well underway. Tanzilli added: houseCoopers, she added. “I am excited for the co-op oppor- Pioneer Records label. “Reaction to the opportunities the program offers has been tunity, and excited for the Rowland School of Business. Innovative and experiential learning overwhelmingly positive.” Along with these programs, the Rowland School of Business “I am proud to be a Point Park Pioneer.” v will continue to leverage the Whites’ advocacy for accounting, One of the signature programs of the Rowland School of Busi- Business student Amber Mole, a junior who is participating in the particularly with regard to expanding diversity in the field. In ness will be expanding its cooperative education effort. The new co-op program by working at the international accounting

12 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 13 n his role as dean of the Rowland the Rowland School, which is in the heart What are the benefits to such areas as the importance of resumes, School of Business, Stephen Tanzilli, of the city. We are Pittsburgh’s Downtown businesses? cover letters, interviews and more. When J.D. has broad oversight of all aca- business school. we talk with business professionals, ST: Well, we have a terrific group of stu- demic programs, including information they’ve told us that college students, in All Business Tell us more about opportunities dents, very eager and willing to work hard general, need to develop basic skills for technology,I management and accounting for students to gain practical for companies. We also have incredible as well as the Sports, Arts and Entertain- success in the job interview process. So, experience. faculty who are working in [business] and ment Management (SAEM) program, we have been working very hard to help bringing those skills into our classrooms. students develop those skills. Another which includes such innovative learning ST: Practical experience is so impor- Another major factor is the adaptability new class, to be added this fall, is a finan- efforts as a dedicated classroom at Stage tant. We know that students who have of our curriculum, which is continually cial management course that will be AE on Pittsburgh’s North Shore and internships, and gain work experience assessed. I look forward to getting out into required at the sophomore level. It will cover Pioneer Records. Specializing in sports while in college, have an exponentially the marketplace and sharing with [profes- such topics as the importance of savings, management, Tanzilli is the co-founder of greater chance of securing employment sionals] what our curriculum offers, and credit and much more. Many of our stud- the SAEM program, in which he served upon graduation. I want to leverage our in turn making sure that what we are ents will go on to work in such areas as as a professor and chair. He also ran Downtown Pittsburgh location, to go out teaching is what is actually needed in the sales, or serve as a consultant, or start his own sports talent agency, Sports and build bridges between the corporate workplace. I tell students, ‘your curriculum their own business. And understanding Legends Group, a full-service marketing, community and our students, so that the when you walk in the door freshman year how to do that, from a legal and financial finance and law firm for professional ath- curriculum that we provide is offering the may not be exactly the same when you standpoint, is very important. We are lis- letes. He has worked with players from the up-to-date learning that students need. graduate.’ And that’s a good thing, because Pittsburgh Steelers and other high profile tening to students and we are listening to we are always assessing the curriculum, clients. His background includes 12 years What is the new cooperative industry, and as a result have added these with our students and alumni, and we are of experience with 141 Worldwide Sports education program all about? types of classes to our curriculum. constantly engaging with the business and Entertainment, where he worked ST community to make sure what we are Tell us about Pioneer Records. closely with clients such as Coca-Cola, : We are the first in the region to teaching in the classroom provides the skills 84 Lumber, Sunoco, TOPPS, ESPN, and have a cooperative (co-op) program that that students need when they graduate. ST: One example of our innovative Kraft Foods. Tanzilli has also worked with touches all disciplines in the Rowland programs is Pioneer Records. Over the the Pittsburgh Pirates, Johnston Steel School of Business. We have had a very Describe the faculty and staff of years, our students have told us that they Baseball Club, International Sports Mar- robust internship program for a number the Rowland School of Business. would love to have their own record label. keting and Communicator Sports Market- of years. When we went out and talked with business professionals, they said, In our Sports, Arts and Entertainment ing. The Point talked with him about the ST: I’ve been affiliated with Point Park for ‘We love Point Park business students, Management (SAEM) program, we focus Rowland School of Business: more than 13 years, and one of the things but one of the challenges with an intern- on the business side of the industry. Our that I am most proud of is our faculty, who ship is the fact that it’s an inconsistent students said, ‘you talk about labels and What is the vision for the are very industry-focused, as well as our schedule. Is there a way that we can about the importance of representing Rowland School of Business? incredible staff. They are there to support have students work for our company on artists, and we’ve seen some contracts, students, and to make sure that each a much more consistent basis, to provide but it would really be great if we could ST: Our vision is to connect our students student has the support that they need to more substance?’ So, we decided that have our own label.’ They wanted to actually with the marketplace, and connect the get to graduation and into the workplace. now is the time to establish a co-op manage, promote and sell bands. So, three marketplace with our students. We work Having industry-focused faculty really program. In the co-op program, a student years ago, we started Pioneer Records. very hard to provide quality opportunities helps ensure that our curriculum, our works full-time, during which they are We have space at a recording studio, for our students, in the classroom, and students and our staff are all on the same paid a reasonable wage, and they receive right across from PPG Paints Arena. Our through internships and our new coopera- page – that we are student-focused. tive education (co-op) program. We want six academic credits for their work. It is students go out and sign a band, promote to engage the Pittsburgh marketplace – crucial, for a student’s employability, that How has the curriculum been the band, put on a CD release party, and to have industry professionals come into they be able to put on their resume that adapted to serve students? handle all of the intellectual property for our classrooms, interact with students, and they have worked in business [while a that band. It’s been an incredible learning at the end of the day, provide students student]. So, it’s a mutually beneficial ST: One important academic initiative is experience. This is the kind of innovative with the practical skills they need to be program for students and for the Pitts- a career preparation course that all stu- initiative that we plan to spread throughout v Stephen Tanzilli, J.D. leads employable. We want our school to be burgh business community. dents will be required to take. It covers the entire Rowland School of Business. seen as the innovative place for business. academic innovation as dean of That is, anything that is new and emerging POINT EXTRA See a video with more conversation the Rowland School of Business in the world of business [can be found at] with Steve Tanzilli, dean of the Rowland School of Business, at: PointPark.edu/ThePoint. 14 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 15 Head Over Heels

Dance major Kaitlyn Downs, a freshman in the Conservatory of Performing Arts, took time out from a busy class and rehearsal schedule to practice a few dance moves near the fountain in Point State Park, just a short distance from the University’s Downtown campus. A native of North Carolina, Downs says she has fallen in love with her new neighborhood, the city of Pittsburgh. Photo by Glenn Cook. See more of his work, including Point Park dancers and other performing artists photographed in non-traditional settings, at: http://glenncook.virb.com/.

16 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 17 Professor Brendan Mullan, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, STAR EXPLORER shares the excitement of astrophysics and more with students by Barbara Vilanova s an internationally respected astrophysicist, astrobiologist storage capacity, computers still need people to tell them Aand science educator, assistant professor of physics Bren- what to do, so I like to think I prepare my students to think dan Mullan, Ph.D., didn’t come to Point Park with the idea that and not be replaced by machines someday.” he’d turn every student into a fan of physics, but rather that he might incorporate scientific thinking into their daily lives. Entrepreneurial spirit

“In this rapidly changing world, the most important skills in your As a scientific entrepreneur himself, Mullan found Point professional life are to know how to ask questions, troubleshoot Park’s entrepreneurial spirit a big plus when it came to the problems, and argue with quantifiable evidence and conviction. opportunity to teach here. “As a smaller institution, we’re My task is not to teach physics for future physicists, but key able to be more nimble and flexible than many larger schools. physics-related skills for everyone,” he says. Unlike other universities that have to cater to specific disciplines, we cater to our students and what they need Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Mullan’s science role models for their careers,” he explains. included Bill Nye and Carl Sagan, prominent science commu- nicators he saw on TV. “They taught me that science was for From a teaching perspective, Mullan says, “I can try out new everyone, that it was in essence a keen curiosity about the world techniques and different approaches that I might not have around us and how we fit in and interact with it.” the opportunity to at other schools,” he says. In fact, Mullan spent last summer designing a new 21st century physical Inquiry-based education science lab based on education theory, where physics and some other NSET courses will be taught. “I recently received Mullan received his bachelor of arts in astronomy-physics at word that we’re going to build it. This time next year, we’ll Colgate University and both his M.S. and Ph.D. in astronomy and have a completely new approach to our labs and classroom, astrophysics from Penn State. He settled in Pittsburgh three years a hands-on, collaborative learning experience not many ago to direct the Buhl Planetarium over at Carnegie Science students have seen before.” Center and went on to co-found The Wrinkled Brain Project, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that develops teaching tools to Looking ahead, Mullan sees the future of scientific teaching promote inquiry-based education worldwide, where he is also at Point Park to be a hybrid learning environment. He points director of science. In addition, Mullan won the 2012 nationwide out that since Point Park’s student body includes those “FameLab” science communication competition and was named straight from high school, others working full-time, some an “Emerging Explorer” by National Geographic in 2013. living on campus and others commuting from long distances, so he believes, “The best approach to teaching physics will In spite of the national recognition and exciting start-up opportu- be a mix of an online learning and a uniquely on-campus nity, Mullan found he missed teaching and academia. experience. With the right kind of individual guidance, much of the content side of physics (knowledge) can be experienced “When the position opened up at Point Park, it was perfect timing,” out of the classroom while the classroom can be more he explains. “I’ve got an unusual situation in that the courses I reserved for the experimental and rigorous application of teach are not for physics majors in particular, but all are requisite physical concepts (skills).” courses for other disciplines like biology or engineering. Similarly, the general science ‘core’ courses I teach are not meant for any According to Mullan, stitching all these pieces together is science-specific training, but to round out students’ educations more representative of how science actually works and helps while they’re here. In that sense, my job is not like other physics develop more sophisticated thinking skills. Five to 10 years professors at other universities.” from now, he predicts, “I wouldn’t be surprised if our curricu- lum consisted of a personalized, guided online component, A big believer in learning to think rather than just memorizing, and an in-person integrated experimenting/skills workshop. Professor Brendan Mullan Mullan often tells his students, “You just can’t get by these days at the Allegheny Observatory by just memorizing information and spitting it back out. We have “It seems to be the best of both worlds.” v in Pittsburgh. computers for that. However, for all their processing speed and Photo by John Altdorfer.

18 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 19 Around The Globe Alumni celebrate the 50th anniversary of Point Park’s independently run student newspaper

Alumni and students joined together on campus to celebrate The Globe on March 18. Photos by Dean Beattie.

ozens of former student journalists joined together on like to write for it. The support of the student council was very Back then nothing was archived electronically - everything had newspaper’s 50th anniversary package at: http://ppuglobe.com/ campus on March 18 to celebrate the 50th anniversary much appreciated.” to be pulled manually.” catagory/globe50. Dof The Globe, Point Park’s independently run student newspaper. They shared memories and took a look back through Camaraderie endures Friends, teachers, family Support the next generation the years at five decades of student newsgathering, opinion pieces, photography and more in The Globe. Attendee and former reporter and assistant editor Taitia Shelow Many former Globe staffers who were unable to attend the The support of the Point Park community is needed to establish (Hager) (COM 1989) said, “[I remember] the camaraderie and celebration also shared memories, including Brooke Keane a lasting legacy of The Globe’s milestone. Together, the extended Susan Trulove (COM 1968), who served as the first editor of late nights spent cutting and pasting and trying to come up (COM ’06), who served as copy editor, features editor, news Globe family and generations of appreciative readers can create The Globe and was among those who returned to campus for with headlines of the right length, since this was back before editor, and editor-in-chief. “The members of The Globe staff The Globe Legacy Scholarship, an endowed fund that will the celebration, introduced the inaugural issue with the following the days when everything was digital. We’d be so punch-drunk were my friends, my teachers, my family. I was, and remain, annually support the education of a deserving sophomore, junior words when it rolled off the presses in February 1967: “Our stage tired by then, we’d be laughing the whole time.” immensely proud of the work I did on The Globe. [It] was the or senior working at The Globe. Join Point Park in celebrating will be as large as our title, Globe, implies and as intimate as its best part of my time at Point Park and I’m so happy to help the last 50 years while building a legacy for the next 50, by namesake.” Attendee Melissa Mezgec (Holovanisin) (COM 1997), who celebrate 50 years of quality journalism on Point Park’s campus.” contacting Kristin Deluca, director of development & institutional served as chief copy editor, lifestyles editor, advertising partnerships, at [email protected] or 412-392-4777. Gifts According to Trulove, who went on to spend three decades as assistant, and writer, recalled, “Working in The Globe office in The Globe at 50 of all sizes, from $10 to $1,000+, will help to establish a legacy a science writer at Virginia Tech and is now retired and living in the evenings after classes; ordering pizza at night and eating it for future generations of Globe staff. v Virginia, her fondest memories included “sitting around in the in The Globe newsroom while cramming to get the publication The 2016-2017 staff of The Globe, including current editor-in-chief basement (there was only one building), talking about the stories out the next day; riding to the South Side with the editor-in- Alexander Popichak and editor emeritus Joshua Croup, saluted and doing the layout. [It was] a wonderful experience. We never chief to drop off the final edition on CD for printing; and sifting the 50th anniversary with a collection of features, including POINT EXTRA For more comments had a problem with having enough to fill it. People seemed to through (hardcopy) newspapers of past years in ‘the morgue.’ interviews with former editors and journalism faculty. Read the and memories shared by the journalists of The Globe, past and present, visit PointPark.edu/ThePoint. 20 THE POINT SPRING 20142017 POINTPARK.EDUPOINTPARK.EDU 21 FACES OF IMPACT GIFTS AT WORK A campus celebration honors the contributions of faculty, staff, alumni and friends who provide scholarship support for students

oint Park students joined together with faculty, staff, Positive impact King has benefitted from such opportunities as the Margy Snyder After the video, and remarks by President Hennigan and alumni, friends and donors for the University’s Faces Scholarship and the Myron Cope Scholarship in the School of University Provost John Pearson, King closed the program by Pof Impact celebration on March 21. Blaine King, a School of Communication senior who graduates Communication. He has served as president of the United Student saying, “It’s an honor for me to speak on behalf of the student in spring 2017 with a degree in broadcast reporting, introduced Government, as news and sports director of U-View (Point Park’s body and to be able to thank you for your commitment to the President Paul Hennigan and his wife Colleen hosted the himself and welcomed the guests saying, “I am just one of many television station), and as a leader in many other student activities. Point Park community. As you can see, there are many ways evening reception and program, which was designed to Point Park students who has been impacted by your contributions to make an impact. Collectively, the people in this room are express appreciation to Point Park’s many volunteers and Success stories to the University.” making a lasting, positive contribution to our community. donors and connect them with the students who directly benefit from their support. “This evening is a great way to celebrate the impact that you have King then introduced a video that featured other student scholarship “Your involvement helps not just the students in this room, but on the growing Point Park community,” he told those gathered for the recipients, many of whom would have been unable to attend will have a ripple effect on future generations of students. [I Provost John Pearson spoke to attendees and said that the program. “On behalf of all of Point Park students, I wish to thank all Point Park without scholarship support. The video also featured encourage] other students to get involved also, because we will important academic initiatives and programs being imple- of the donors and volunteers in the room who have had an impact commentary from faculty such as Andrew Conte, an investigative all become alumni like the great people in this room. Then we mented would not be possible without the ongoing support on students like me – we continue to succeed because of you, and journalist and director of the new Center for Media Innovation. [ourselves] will be able to make an impact on the Point Park of alumni and friends. we hope to pay it forward to the students who come after us.” community, and those future generations of students.” v

22 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 23 ALUMNI CONNECTION CLASS NOTES

1980s

But I am just as grateful for the plans that never came to fruition Taitia Hager Shelow (COM 1989) writes at iHeart Media. She earned her degree in last March. Her son, Vinnie Veitz, com- because a new, unexpected plan came in place. I had my heart that she “is happy to be back in the ‘Burgh journalism at Point Park in 1988. pleted his freshman year in Point Park’s set on moving to Washington, D.C., but then met my husband after a brief move to Michigan.” Shelow Cinema Arts program as a cinema pro- after a Point Park event. I was convinced that I’d be an investiga- accepted a position as a marketing specialist Todd Tomasic (BUS 1983) writes to duction major. Hess earned her degree tive reporter, but my writing prowess is now in the form of crafting for Central Blood Bank in Greentree, Pa. last share some good health news: “On April 7, in journalism at Point Park in 1989. individualized plans for teenagers with disabilities. February. She earned her degree in journalism I celebrated the 20 year anniversary of my and communications at Point Park in 1989. liver transplant!” Tomasic graduated from 1990s My greatest wish for the class of 2017 – doctoral, graduate, and Point Park’s School of Business in 1983. undergraduate students alike –is that you embrace the peaceful Lisa McIntyre (Klassen) (COM 1988) has Phillip W. Brath, P.E. (A&S 1992), has understanding that life isn’t necessarily a series of well-calculated joined Barton & Loguidice (B&L), a sus- moves on a chessboard. It is paying attention, it is engaging your- been promoted to vice president of automo- Wendy Hess (COM 1989) marked 10 tainable planning and design group, as self, it is having the wisdom to determine when it is time speak up tive for the Pittsburgh-West Virginia region years’ employment with The Salvation Army or time to simply listen. a senior managing engineer in the firm’s Camp Hill, Pa. office. Brath previously As I write this final letter as president of the Alumni Association IN MEMORIAM was a senior engineer/project manager Board of Directors, I realize that the person I am today could not with another Mid-Atlantic firm where he have been if it wasn’t for the faculty, staff and opportunities I Rev. Jean Mairs McLean (A&S 1983) Mickens. She is also survived by her loving was involved with wastewater treatment had at Point Park. While my degree is in journalism and mass of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Naples, Fla., passed grandchildren, Ian, Collin, Matthew and his and land development as well as storm- Dear alumni and friends, communications, my mastery is in problem solving, working away on March 9 at the age of 86. She wife Dianna, Danielle, Christopher, Ashley water and erosion control projects. With amongst a team, listening for the sake of listening, and valuing was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Albert Shock, Amy Shock, and her great grandchil- over 25 years of planning, engineering I have always thought that one of the most difficult virtues to the chaos. Because it is from chaos that important decisions are McLean, an academic dean of Point dren, Dominic Shock and Vivianna McLean. and management experience, Brath will appreciate is “patience.” made for the future, all skills I gained at Point Park. I know the Park College, who passed away in 2014. manage public and private sector plan- president-elect of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, In addition to other church postings, Rev. Troy D. Allen, Ph.D. (A&S 1990), a profes- ning and design projects for the Camp “Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a Jamie Inferrera ’10 feels similarly, and I look forward to seeing sor of African-American studies at Southern Hill office. His background includes different order than the one you have in mind,” wrote science the Board of Directors thrive under her leadership for the next McLean served as an assistant pastor at water and wastewater plant and equip- fiction author David G. Allen. three years. Jamie’s term begins on September 1, 2017. Hiland Presbyterian Church where she was University-Baton Rouge, died on March 17. ordained by Pittsburgh Presbytery in 1985. He was 57. According to SouthernDigest. ment design, municipal consulting and Patience is something everyone always seemed to have in stride My journey after graduation took me far from the path I thought She also worked within the Presbytery in com, Allen “taught thousands of students engineering, land development reviews when I graduated in May 2009, and I was always in a rush to I’d follow as a freshman. Where has your Point Park journey taken various roles for the Committee on Aging. World Civilization, African-American History, and planning, as well as experience in create order and structure for myself. you since your commencement? Share your story with us by In Naples, she served as an associate Race Relations, and History of Ancient design, sales, and costing, manufacturing, commenting on the Point Park Alumni Facebook page, down- chaplain for Hospice of Naples. She was a Egypt courses over a span of 20 years. He installation, and service of manufactured In the months following my own graduation from Point Park, I loading the Point Park Alumni App on your smart device, or graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Semi- was also an adjunct instructor of African- equipment, controls, instrumentation decided to change my career path and seek an entirely different attending a local or regional event. nary (Masters of Divinity, 1983), Point Park American studies at LSU. Born in McK- and systems, including profit/loss and life than the one I had imagined for myself in all of those years College (bachelor of arts in psychology) eesport, Pa., Allen earned his bachelor of budgeting responsibility at project and making plans from dreams staring at the plasterwork in my room May you recall your time at Point Park as fondly as I do, and and Mt. Holyoke College (bachelor of arts arts in political science from Point Park in operational levels. He is a leading in Lawrence Hall. continue to build new memories as alumni. in religion). In the 1960s, Jean and her 1990. He went on to receive his [master’s regulatory specialist for NPDES and family were charter members of All Souls degree] in Black studies and Black com- Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems Long story short, nothing went as planned. Best, (MS4). Brath is a licensed Professional Presbyterian Church, the first integrated munity development from the Ohio State church in Lexington, Ky. She and Dr. University and a Ph.D. in African-American Engineer in the State of Pennsylvania. McLean also participated in Dr. Martin studies from Temple University. In 2008 Brath is a member of the Pennsylvania Luther King’s March on Frankfort. In Allen’s book, The Ancient Egyptian Family: Department of Environmental Protection Carrie Potter-Murray (COM ’09) Lexington and Pittsburgh, she was active Kinship and Social Structure was published Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implemen- President, Point Park Alumni Association in the League of Women Voters. Jean was by Routledge Press. His contributions to tation Plan Management Team. He is also a devoted mother to her three children, Dr. academia include scholarly articles on race on the Board of Directors of the Yellow Stuart McLean (A&S 1983) and his wife and African-American studies published in Breeches Watershed Association. He is Diane McLean (A&S 1986), Cameron the Journal of Black Studies and the Atlanta a graduate of Thiel College, with a B.A. McLean and his wife Kathy, and Janet Journal Constitution. Read the entire in physics, and earned his B.S. in civil obituary at: http://bit.ly/2qAYs0X. engineering technology at Point Park.

24 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 25 CLASS NOTES

Betty L. Sarafin (COM 1990) is serving as 2000s Black, and Green March set the stage for Jasmine Goldband (COM’03) has joined an advisor to the student staff of Berea Col- the occasion, which had all the pomp and The Incline as a visual producer. According to lege’s collegiate newspaper, The Pinnacle. IN MEMORIAM ceremony due any true “Warrior Type,” as The Incline, “Her photos and videos will tell She also continues to advance her writing Delores (Nazura Asaseyeduru) Hay- she was referred to by spoken-word artist, their own stories, help elevate The Incline‘s career in the genre of poetry. Her latest mon (A&S ’05), who earned her degree Leslie Ezra Smith, in a poem he wrote in other original narratives and bring our social poem was included in an anthology titled in behavioral sciences, died suddenly on her memory. The central theme of the day media accounts to life. ‘Joining a digital- Where I’m From, compiled by George Ella March 19. She was 38. According to the centered around her character; a “Warrior only newsroom as a visual producer is a Lyons, poet laureate of Kentucky. Betty has New Pittsburgh Courier, “more than 100 Woman,” a committed community activist natural fit for me,’ Jasmine said. ‘I’m looking lived, worked and played in the Bluegrass people gathered at the Community Em- whose determined spirit and commitment forward to providing dynamic visuals of the (Central Kentucky) since 2005. She earned powerment Association in Homewood [on to her people was unrelenting and serious. city, its neighborhoods and residents that her bachelor’s degree in journalism and her April 8] for a memorial ceremony celebrat- Mistress of Ceremonies was local author I love so much.’ She comes to The Incline M.B.A. at Point Park. ing the brief, but impactful life of Nazura and poet, Dessie Bey. “Nazura went to D.C. from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, where Asaseyeduru. Born Delores Haymon, [she] in May of 2005 for the celebration of Afri- she started working as a photojournalist in May 2003 after graduating from Point Park was a community activist in Pittsburgh can Liberation Day. It was during this time Pioneers with the President whose life ended suddenly on March 19 that she entered her Afrocentric conscious- University. Of note at the Trib, Jasmine cov- Know someone while attending a conference in Washing- ness, and she went from being Delores ered the fatal shooting of three Pittsburgh President Paul Hennigan (center) visited with alumni and friends of Point Park in sev- who can benefit ton, D.C. Before the ceremony, a commu- Haymon to Nazura Eshe Asaseyeduru, and police officers in 2009 and Hillary Clinton’s eral Florida cities last winter. He joined (from left) Paul Meese (A&S 1965) and Carol nity processional with everyone in white, began the fight for her people and to live primary run against Barack Obama in 2008. Meese, along with Joann Stein and Steve Stein (BUS 1970, HON ’11) in the Sunshine from a Point Park and the women wearing red, green and out her life purpose, focusing on commu- She also worked on a project documenting State to share stories and bring news from the University’s Pittsburgh campus. education? black head wraps, marched, danced and nity organization—which she did until her disparities faced by black women who have drummed from the Pittsburgh Coliseum on last day,” Bey said. Read the entire article: breast cancer and provided video coverage PointPark.edu/ReferAStudent Frankstown Avenue to the CEA. The Red, http://bit.ly/2qB3omu. of the Steelers. She is a member of the 2010s Women’s Press Club of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh chapter of Women in Film and Michele Tabaka (COM ’13) is a senior Media, the National Press Photographers advertising coordinator at The Washington Coming into Point Park University, dance Association and the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Post in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, she was the priority. The double major of dance National Academy of Television Arts & Sci- served as marketing manager at John V. and business allowed me to find happiness ences.” Read more: http://bit.ly/2qvCehJ. Heineman Co. She earned her bachelor’s in other careers and interests I wouldn’t degree in public relations and advertising, have been able to pursue. Point Park has 2017 Tony Awards with a minor in business management, at prepared me well to blend my passions in Point Park in 2013. several areas into the ideal path for me.” Several Point Park alumni are performing LEAH CAIN in Broadway productions that have been Heart of Point Park Angela Citrola (COPA ’15) writes, “Just B.A. in Dance; B.S. in Sports, Arts nominated for the 2017 Tony Awards. They wanted to update on the project I have been and Entertainment Management, ’17 are: Jordan Grubb (COPA ’08), a native of Kevin Moran (COM ’09) and Jessica working on for the last year! I am currently the Easton, Pa. who earned his degree in the- LaDow (Moran) (COM ’09) were married extras casting associate for the new Netflix Giving Back atre arts, is a swing in the cast of the Tony on Oct. 8, 2016. They are members of the series Mindhunter, executive produced by Award-nominated new musical Groundhog David Fincher and Charlize Theron. It is set Leah gives to pass on the tradition Class of 2009 in the School of Communica- Day. Rachel Stevens (COPA ’09), a native to premiere on Netflix in spring 2017.” Citrola of turning passions into reality for tion. A former editor-in-chief of The Globe of Astoria, N.Y. who earned her degree in studied acting at Point Park’s Conservatory all students. student newspaper, Jessica is a partner theatre arts in 2009, is an assistant director operations manager at Google in Pittsburgh. of Performing Arts. Whatever your reason for giving, your gift for the Tony Award-nominated Natasha, A photojournalism graduate, Kevin is mar- will provide opportunity. Please give to the Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. Court- keting coordinator at FEIN Power Tools in POINT PARK UNIVERSITY ANNUAL FUND. ney Bassett, a native of Sterling, Va. who Pittsburgh. Photo by friend and classmate DROP US received her degree in theatre arts in 2011, David Kelly (COM ’11), who earned his Leah Cain (left) pictured with friend and PointPark.edu/Give A NOTE! fellow dance graduate Annette Elphinstone is part of the same show’s ensemble cast. B.F.A. in photography at Point Park. Visit PointPark.edu/classnote to share your news.

2612 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 27 CLASS NOTES

Emily (Harnett) Bezak (BUS ’10) com- Rachel Shrensky (A&S ’12) writes, “Last degrees in early childhood education and pleted her M.B.A. degree at the University of August, I moved to Charlotte, N.C. and have elementary education at Point Park. Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School been working at a charter school as an inclu- of Business in April 2016. She married Jeffrey sion specialist. I work to support teachers and Bezak on September 30, 2016 in Harmony, seventh grade students in the classrooms, Pa. In her new job as senior marketing coordinate and write IEPs, provide modifica- specialist at PNC, she is responsible for tions and accommodations, as well as create marketing campaigns and communications meaningful relationships in my community. that support the commercial banking segment I would not have been prepared for this within the Corporate & Institutional Banking opportunity if it weren’t for all the amazing division. Bezak earned her degree in business and dedicated teachers from the Education management at Point Park. Department!” Shrensky earned her bachelor’s

Stoycho Stoychev (BUS ’14) is a credit management report and analysis manager and 14-Q corporate and CRE loan reporting analyst at The Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon. He earned his M.B.A. with a concentration in Pioneer Toasts Pittsburgh Drinks international business at Point Park in 2014 Cody McDevitt (COM ’13) is the co-author of Pittsburgh Drinks, A History of Cocktails, and his B.A. in criminology with a business Nightlife and Bartending Tradition, published by American Palate and available on Amazon. Prince of Broadway Castmates administration minor at Indiana University of According to the book’s description, “Pittsburgh’s drinking culture is a story of its people: Pennsylvania in 2010. As a student, he was vibrant, hardworking and innovative. During Prohibition, the Hill District became a center Tony Yazbeck active in Point Park’s Graduate Student Broadway performers (HON of jazz, speakeasies and creative cocktails. In the following decades, a group of Cuban Kaley Ann Voorhees Association and International Student Services ’16) and , both former bartenders brought the nightlife of Havana to a robust café culture along Diamond Street. and Enrollment. “I’m intrigued by quantitative students in Point Park’s Conservatory of Disco clubs gripped the city in the 1970s, and a music-centered nightlife began to grow analysis and behavioral finance, so I am always Performing Arts, have been cast in the in Oakland with such clubs as the Electric Banana. Today, pioneering mixologists are looking to expand my knowledge in those fields. premiere of Prince of Broadway, a musical forging a new and exciting bar revival in the South Side and throughout the city. Pull up My curiosity and desire for understanding how celebration that highlights the six-decade a stool and join Cody McDevitt and Sean Enright as they trace the history of Steel City things work is what truly motivated me to get career of legendary director and producer drinking, along with a host an M.B.A. and keeps me motivated to continue Harold Prince. Yazbeck, who trained at Point of delicious cocktail recipes.” advancing my education.” Pioneer in Italy’s Piedmont Park from 1997 to 1999, earned a Tony McDevitt is a reporter at the nomination as Best Leading Actor in a Musical Daily American in Somerset, Paul Lally (COM ’03) read the article on this year’s 10th anniversary of the International Heather Olcott (COPA ’13) writes, “I recently for the critically acclaimed revival of On the Pa. He earned his master’s Media Class trips abroad (The Point, Winter 2017) and writes to say, “Happy to see Helen worked as the assistant stage manager for Town. He also performed the lead role of degree in journalism and Fallon (School of Communication professor and Honors Program director) in The Point the 2016 national tour of Dr. Seuss’ How The J.M. Barrie in the Broadway musical Finding communications at Point magazine, and the good results of the John Fallon Travel Scholarship Fund. Lucky kids and Grinch Stole Christmas. I am currently working Neverland. Yazbeck, who recently released Park in 2013. lucky world. Nothing like travel to humble and exalt at the same time. As for me, I’m still being his debut album The Floor Above Me, was the on the national tour of 42nd Street as assistant the ‘Energizer Bunny’ [as executive producer of] Ciao Italia!, about to begin our 28th year of 2016 Commencement speaker at Point Park, wardrobe [manager]. Olcott earned her B.A. in production. And I am also happy to say that, after a zillion years of writing … and getting which presented him with an honorary degree. dance, with a minor in stage management, at nowhere, my fiction writing took off a few years back and continues to gain readers. Five Shortly after completing her sophomore year Point Park in 2013. novels [published], now writing my sixth. It’s a testament to not giving up, that’s for sure. And as a musical theatre major in 2014, Voorhees so is my Point Park M.A. diploma, which hangs on the wall next to my computer. I see it every was cast in the leading role of Christine in The Barbara Arroyo (A&S ’11) was recently a day, and it’s a reminder that, thanks to [Helen Fallon] and a zillion years of trying, I finally DID Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. She has finalist for the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership it! Sending a gigantic hug from New Hampshire.” Lally, who lives in Dover, N.H., presents the also appeared in Candide. Prince of Broadway Awards. Coro Pittsburgh recognizes leaders in earned her M.S in criminal justice administra- ist with Fi360 in Robinson Township, Pa. tastes and sights of Italy in his work leading the long-running cooking show Ciao Italia! (He starts previews on Aug. 3 and opens on Aug. the community who take an inclusive approach tion at Point Park. Fi360 empowers financial intermediaries to is pictured on the right of the show’s on-location crew in Valcasotto, Italy, in the country’s 24 at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 to model Dr. King’s legacy and values. Arroyo profitably implement prudent fiduciary prac- Piedmont region near the Swiss Alps.) Visit: www.ciaoitalia.com. Read more about Lally’s West 47th Street). Read the story at Broadway also was recently honored as part of Whirl Joseph Buckel (BUS ’15) writes, “I’ve accepted tices.” Buckel earned his degree in business novels at: www.paul-lally.com. World: http://bit.ly/2pUADVK. Magazine’s “13 under 30” 2017 class. She a new position as a client engagement special- management at Point Park in 2015. v

28 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 29 HOME COURT ADVANTAGE by Kevin Taylor Point Park women’s basketball is the perfect fit for scholar-athlete Ja’Nia McPhatter

o say that Ja’Nia McPhatter stellar basketball career, and an overall Overcoming adversity has accomplished a lot at outstanding experience. “It has been a TPoint Park University would really great experience at Point Park,” She came back strong the next year and be an understatement. she said. “There were so many people again was named all-conference, but she who welcomed me and have been very suffered a knee injury late in the season. It On the court and in the classroom, supportive. It’s a place where I was able to was a costly injury as it forced her to miss McPhatter has made her mark. And the achieve highly in academics and athletics.” the entire next season of 2015-16 during University has made an impression on her year-long rehab. her as well. I love it here at “Looking back, I don’t know how I “I love it here at Point Park,” she said. did it with the rehabbing,” she said. Point Park.The best “The best decision I have ever made.” “It was about making up your mind “ McPhatter just finished up her playing that you are going to come back career with Pioneers women’s from this no matter what. It took a decision I have basketball after the 2016-17 season. lot of perseverance.” During that time, she was a star ever made. player and an outstanding student. While she was rehabbing her second And she did so while overcoming injury, she was an assistant coach two different season-ending injuries on head coach Tony Grenek’s staff. along the way. Already done with her undergraduate degree and still many months away ” A native of New Castle, Pa., from being healthy enough to play McPhatter was named all-conference again, the thought was that she had first team during her senior season probably played her last basketball of 2016-17. It was the third time in for Point Park. her career she earned that honor. Also a top student, she compiled a But still with another year of playing 3.87 grade-point average as a pre-med McPhatter came to campus as a sopho- eligibility left, McPhatter decided to give major during her undergraduate studies. more in 2012-13 after transferring from it another go for a final season. In order La Roche College. McPhatter proceeded to do so, it was another year of recovery, Stellar experience to put up 1,119 career points for the something she would be faced with doing Pioneers, which ranks 11th in team history. for a second time. McPhatter is currently working on her She did all of that in just three seasons, al- M.B.A. with a concentration in health though it took her five years of perseverance. She made it back on the court for her systems management. She will finish up senior year of 2016-17, and McPhatter led that program later this year, and plans to After leading the Pioneers to the NAIA the Pioneers with 12.6 points per game. pursue medical school. Division II national tournament as a She provided a lot of leadership for a sophomore, she was injured in the next team that experienced a lot of injuries to Ja’Nia McPhatter poses in Point Park’s Student Center Gym, with a When all is said and done, McPhatter will preseason and missed the entire 2013- key players. The Pioneers still managed a backdrop of championship banners won through the years, including be leaving Point Park with two degrees, a 14 year. strong year of 18-12 overall. women’s basketball. Photos of McPhatter by Sam Reynolds.

30 THE POINT SPRING 2017 POINTPARK.EDU 31 The competitive cheer team poses before its first competition in Point Park’s individual qualifiers for the NAIA Indoor Track & Field team history on Feb. 20 at the Missouri Baptist Spartan Show- National Championship March 2-4 in Johnson City, Tenn., from left: case. The competitive dance team also had its first-ever competi- Jryi Davis, Taylor Celich, Olukemi Olugbakinro, Katie Guarnaccia, tion there as well. Submitted photo courtesy of the cheer team. Anna Shields and Tyler Carter. Photo courtesy of NAIA.

Anna Shields competes at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Jryi Davis competes at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Gavin Rajahpillay led the Point Park National Championship March 2-4 in Johnson City, Tenn. She National Championship March 2-4 in Johnson City, Tenn. men’s basketball team this year earned NAIA All-American honors finishing second in the mile He placed sixth in the triple jump to earn NAIA All-American averaging 16.2 points per game and SPORTS and 1,000 meters. Photo courtesy of NAIA. honors. Photo courtesy of NAIA. earning all-conference honors. Photo by Sam Robinson. ROUNDUP

 Academically, sticking around another even won the conference title twice during “It has made me feel independent. MEN’S BASKETBALL game short of qualifying for the medley relay team to the national playoffs. Senior Ja’Nia McPhatter meet, and the group of Shields, Katie year allowed her to pursue the M.B.A. in that period of time, although she had to Majoring in pre-med, and now [com- Point Park was within playoff was named all-conference first Guarnaccia, Olukemi Olugbakinro health systems management at Point Park miss the second of those due to injury. pleting] my M.B.A., I am surrounded contention until the final weekend team for the third time in her career. and Taylor Celich placed 10th in the to advance her education even further. A by hospitals where I have volunteered of the season but came up short in a very challenging River States McPhatter and fellow senior Carly country at nationals. 4.0 GPA in graduate school continued her “NAIA is a good, quality level of basketball, at, shadowed at, and worked at. Forse both surpassed 1,000 career strong grades. I’d say. I will never forget going to the Being Downtown is such a different Conference East Division. The Pioneers were 8-20 overall, 5-12 points at Point Park, the first set of  COMPETITIVE CHEER national tournament. We were a really experience than the usual campus. conference. Newcomer Gavin Point Park teammates both over that & DANCE “Point Park has taught me so much both strong team that won our conference. milestone in over 20 years. Celina Rajahpillay, a junior guard, led the Point Park’s competitive cheer and in basketball and school,” said McPhatter. And there were so many good players and “Downtown life, the atmosphere – you team at 16.2 points per game and DiPietro and Devon Larkin were “To work hard in all I do, about teamwork teams at nationals that it was impressive.” have a feeling of being free and have also in the senior class. dance teams participated in their made the all-conference second first season during the winter of and dedication. The basketball team is a access to so many different things team. Art Christian, Jaylen Mann 2016-17. The Pioneers competed definitely a family atmosphere as well.” Add in the academic offerings and the going on. Athletically, in every sport, not and Lassana Konate were the  INDOOR TRACK & FIELD in five events in states such as city environment, and Point Park was just basketball, we strive to win and be senior class. The Pioneers once again made a Michigan, Missouri and Illinois. The At the top the perfect fit for McPhatter in the end. the best we can be.” v lot of noise in indoor track and field. NAIA regional qualifier was on “As far as the school goes, being in the  WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Sophomore Anna Shields earned Feb. 25 at Siena Heights, and the The Pioneers have always been at the top middle of the city has given me such a Kevin Taylor is director of athletic The Pioneers had a record of 18-12 NAIA All-American honors, placing Pioneers came within a couple of of the conference during the five years great experience and [the opportunity] to communications at Point Park. overall in a season that had them second in the nation in both the mile placements of advancing to the McPhatter has played for Point Park. They be in the real world, so to speak,” she said. battle many injuries to key players. (4:51) and 1,000 meters (2:51). The NAIA national finals. Point Park ended up coming one Pioneers qualified their distance-

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