W I N T E R 2 0 2 0

heheart of me icine

merican Medical ssociation honors founder of Volunteers in Medicine Clinic ... page 21

Presi ent Botzman assuming presi ency at University of Mount Union … Page MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

AICUP outlines economic impact of private higher education

B Y PA U L K R Z Y W I C K I Mercy Hall

EDUCATION t is an atypical late fall afternoon in higher education in regions Northeastern Pennsylvania, bright across the Commonwealth sunshine glistens off the windshields of Pennsylvania. A Iof passing motorists along state well-educated workforce is Route 415 in Dallas Borough. A the most tangible and

HI HER couple, enjoying the unseasonably expected result of the 90 warm weather, walks their dog before private colleges and taking a short break and sitting on a universities in the Keystone bench in the new community park at state. Also, consider the investment in infrastructure that the intersection of the state influx of cultural events that enrich eliminates urban decay. thoroughfare and Lake Street to the region; the employment of monitor the changing of the seasons. countless neighbors and friends, and See STUDY, page 29 Nowadays, it is a common site to see passers-by and pedestrians alike appreciate the greenery of freshly laid o green with MU Today sod and leaves following seasonal tradition in the newly completed The Office of Planning and or an archived Misericordia University Community Park. External Relations publishes edition on a An institutional initiative almost Misericordia Today in February and mobile device three years in the making eliminated August. The award-winning at your neighborhood blight, and improved publication shares exciting leisure. traffic and pedestrian safety as the developments, such as new Readers University purchased underutilized academic programs, expansion of also can properties and land to create campus and additional title runs for continue to welcoming green space and additional our athletics teams. receive the traditional print version. parking for campus. Nearby, a state Beginning with the August 2020 Subscribers who wish to receive their program cleaned up traffic patterns with edition, subscribers can go green news by U.S. mail require no action. the construction of a round-about at the and secure their copy in an For more information, please call five-ways intersection and eliminated a electronic format. By typing the link Paul Krzywicki, editor, at 570-674- long-abandoned service station. below into your web browser and 6372 or email him at pkrzywicki@ The park and cleaner sightlines are providing information to the e-form, misericordia.edu. a fine example of how town-and-gown readers will receive issues in their Please go to www.misericordia. projects can have a host of beneficiaries, email inbox instead of their mailbox. edu/gogreen to activate your free most notably for host communities. The convenient e-edition can go electronic subscription to There are many ways, though, to with you anywhere. Read the latest Misericordia Today magazine. measure the true impact of private

cougarconnect.misericordia.edu Instagram.com/MisericordiaAlumni

Facebook.com/MisericordiaAlumni my YouTube.com/MisericordiaU Facebook.com/MisericordiaUniversity Storify.com/MisericordiaU MU Twitter.com/MisericordiaU Pinterest.com/MisericordiaU Twitter.com/MisericordiAlum

Linkedin.com/groups/Misericordia-- Alumni 141612 Flickr.com/MisericordiaU

Stay connected at www.misericordia.edu/social 2 W nter 2020 Volume XXIV, No. 1

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

ADMINISTRATION 25 Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. University acknowledges President milestone with Barbara Samuel, Ph.D. Henry Science Vice President, Planning and External Relations Center.

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

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

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

Jean Messaros, RSM, M.S. Vice President, Mission Integration Kathleen ‘Kit’ Foley, M.S. 18 28 Vice President, Student Life Medical community recalls life, legacy Lake Street beautification project lenn Bozinski, M.S. of the ‘father of intravenous feeding.’ receives rave reviews from community. Vice President, Enrollment Management

MISERICORDIA TODAY STAFF

Paul Krzywicki, Editor Manager, Public Relations and Publications

Marianne Tucker Puhalla Staff Writer

Kayley LeFaiver raphic Designer 32 39 eisinger promotes adult learner Meet men’s soccer team member alumna to chief nursing executive. Levi Roberts ’19, ‘22. ONLINE Read this edition and other publications produced by the Office of Planning and External Relations online at: publications.misericordia.edu. ON THE COVER Earning her medical degree at age 50, CONTACT alumna Susan Fort Sordoni ’68, M.D., Have a story to share? Contact Misericordia Today recently garnered accolades from by calling (570) 674-6372 or by e-mailing the editor the American Medical Association at [email protected]. Foundation and Misericordia University for her service to the community as the founder of the Volunteers in Medicine Misericordia Today is published in February clinic in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The clinic and August by Misericordia University. The treats more than 3,200 “working poor” magazine is distributed for free to alumni, in Luzerne County each year. parents and friends of the University. To request a subscription, please call (570) 674-6764. Postmaster: Send address changes to Alumni Office, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA 18612-1090. Copyright Misericordia University 2019. 3 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

President Botzman to assume presidency at Mount Union in July

PRESIDENT President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., announced Jan. 23 his intent to resign from his post at Misericordia effective June 2020. Dr. Botzman, an Ohio native, has accepted the president ’ s position at the

University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. Dr. Botzman previously served for 15 years as a member of the faculty at Mount Union, where he held the posts of associate academic dean during the 2003- 04 from the academic year and director of international studies from 1993 to 1997. He will begin his service as president of Mount Union on July 1, 2020. “It has been my privilege to serve Misericordia University for the last seven years, ” says Dr. Botzman. “ The University is well positioned to prosper and deliver excellent academic programming in a collaborative and caring environment in the spirit of our founders, the Sisters of Mercy. “I cherish the relationships I have made here with students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and the community,” he adds. “ As I return to my home state to be closer to my family, I want to express my deep appreciation to the Misericordia community for the hospitality they have shared with Vanessa, abriela and me. I wish everyone associated with Misericordia University all the best in the years to come. ” Information regarding a search to replace Dr. Botzman will be released at a later time after review by Board of Trustees leadership. Dr. Botzman officially became the 13th president of Misericordia University on July 1, 2013. During his time, the University undertook its largest fundraising campaign in history. The Now for Tomorrow Campaign, which has raised more than $35 million to date, is funding a large portion of the ongoing construction of the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center that is slated to be completed in late spring 2021. It will be the University ’ s largest academic building. Other notable accomplishments during his seven years include increasing the size of the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children program from 10 to 16 families, with a scheduled increase to 20 families in August 2020 thanks to the addition of a fourth dedicated home on campus. Misericordia also purchased and renovated two academic buildings, Mary and Allen Erwine Hall and Trocaire Hall, and acquired the adjacent Payne Printery building for future use by student life and academic programs. In addition, several faculty -led initiatives to add new academic majors were approved during his tenure, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate degree as well as undergraduate degrees in statistics, sonography, medical and health humanities, and patient navigation. His administration also added the popular Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program in which more than 100 students have collaborated on complex scientific and scholarly research with faculty mentors in the three colleges. The number of full -time faculty increased from 111 to 145 while the percentage of courses taught by adjuncts decreased from 40 percent to 30 percent. Athletics added men’ s volleyball, and, in 2019, an intercollegiate esports program began. The campus enjoyed increased visibility of academic excellence, President Thomas J. ranging from a substantially higher number of student research Botzman, presentations to welcoming of scholars, such as the Woodrow Ph.D. Wilson Visiting Fellow Program. 4 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU IVIN IVIN

ala honors Manetta, Soyka, Friedman and Noll

he Board of Trustees honored four people at the established the Soyka Endowed Fund for care of the garden. annual Trustee Associates ala in September, She also established the Soyka Women Endowed whose leadership, generosity, dedication and Scholarship for the Bourger Women with Children Program, Tbenevolence has enabled the institution of higher collaborated on the Soyka/Charlotte Newcombe Endowed education to fully live its Catholic mission and evolve into a Scholarship for Mature Women, and founded the Soyka nationally ranked University. Fund for the Humanities. Trustee emeritus Sherry A. Manetta ‘72 and Barbara A. Mr. Friedman, his late wife, Pauline “Pauly” Friedman, and Soyka received the Trustee Associates Award for their children have been among MU’s most dedicated demonstrating outstanding dedication, service and benefactors. The art gallery and a home for the Bourger generosity in support of Misericordia. Manetta served her Women with Children Program bear the family name. alma mater for 15 years as a respected trustee. Soyka, a The family endowed the Sidney and Pauline Friedman generous benefactor to several initiatives, passed away in Scholarship for students and the Pauly and Sidney Friedman March. Agnes A. Toloczko Cardoni ‘69 accepted the award. Excellence in Service Award for faculty. In 2004, the Sidney Friedman, a local businessperson and philanthropist, University recognized the couple’s generosity and leadership and Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Rienzo Noll ‘47 received the by awarding them the Trustee Associates Award. The family inaugural Mercy Mission Medals for their lifetime has remained engaged with Misericordia, as the couple’s commitment to the University. son, Rob Friedman, served on the Board from 2011-14. Ms. Manetta earned her Bachelor of Science degree in An active alumna, Mrs. Noll is a storyteller who loves mathematics, cum laude. Throughout her career in the returning to campus and speaking with current students insurance and financial services industries, Ms. Manetta has about how her years at Misericordia changed her life. Since given back to her communities through her volunteer work, earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology, cum laude, she advocating for criminal and social justice reform. At has participated in as many as 116 alumni gatherings. A Misericordia, she and her husband endowed the Brian scholarship recipient, she credits MU for positively influencing Harvey and Sherry Manetta ’72 Scholarship for the Ruth her future, and her 10 children and 48 grandchildren. Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program. In Mrs. Noll’s sister Bernadette Rienzo ’59, late daughter addition, they continue to support many other worthwhile Alma Noll ’75 and grandchildren, Lynn Babbitt Urban ’01 programs and initiatives. and Michele Melillo Babbitt ’05 also are alumni. In honor of Misericordia will forever know Ms. Soyka as a great friend her 80th birthday, Mrs. Noll’s family established the Dean and benefactor. A certified master gardener and an expert and Liz Rienzo Noll ’47 Scholarship. on Shakespeare, her love and devotion to MU began when Misericordia previously recognized Mrs. Noll’s dedication she helped design the authentic Sister Regina Kelly by presenting her the Mission and Mother Mary Catharine Shakespeare arden on campus. She subsequently Mc ann Alumni Achievement awards.

The Board of Trustees recognized businessperson and benefactor, The Board of Trustees recognized Sherry A. Manetta ’72, trustee Sidney Friedman, and dedicated alumna Mary Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Rienzo emeritus, and the late Barbara A. Soyka, posthumously, by presenting Noll ’47, seated from left, by awarding them the inaugural Mercy them with the Trustee Associates Award. Participating in the program, Mission Medals. Participants, from left, include Lili lauber, Mr. from left, are Mari Kennelly ’72 presenter; Sherry A. Manetta ’72, Friedman’s granddaughter, presenter; President Thomas J. Botzman, honoree; Agnes A. Toloczko Cardoni ’69, who accepted the award on Ph.D., Vanessa Botzman, Trustee Christopher L. Borton, chairperson, behalf of Ms. Soyka; Rebecca Steinberger, Ph.D., professor of English, and Bernadette Noll, daughter, presenter. presenter; Vanessa Botzman and President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. 5 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

University names three VIEWS to Board of Trustees University recognizes second Misericordia University and the Sister lennon Scholarship Class Conference for Mercy Higher Education elected Linda Misericordia University recognized merit-based scholarship program Thomas-Hemak, M.D., F.A.C.P., the second class of students to awards six competitive scholarships

CAMPUS F.A.A.P., Barbara A. Maculloch ‘94 receive the full-tuition Sister Mary annually to qualified incoming and Mark J. Oberstaedt ‘89, J.D., lennon ’62 Scholarships during an first-year students. Every first-time, to the University’s Board of October reception in the Catherine full-time student who is admitted by Trustees. They began their Evans Mc owan Room of the Mary Jan. 1, 2020 to the private, four-year three-year terms in October. Kintz Bevevino Library. Catholic institution is eligible for the Dr. Thomas-Hemak is a triple The 2019 lennon Scholarships scholarship program that covers four board-certified recipients and academic majors are: years of tuition as long as the students internal medicine, Brooke Chronister ‘24, ardners, Pa., meet established academic criteria. pediatrics and Biglerville High School, philosophy; Students who apply to the University addiction medicine Casey Franzreb ‘25, Staten Island, and meet or exceed eligibility criteria primary care N.Y., Notre Dame Academy High (1250 SAT or 26 ACT and 3.7 PA or physician, and School, speech-language pathology; 1250 SAT or 26 ACT and top 5 percent medical educator Cecelia Heidelberger ‘25, Lincroft, of their graduating class) will be N.J., Communications High School, invited to participate in the who teaches and Thomas-Hemak practices medicine speech-language pathology; Caitlyn competitive selection process. The concurrent with her responsibilities Henry ‘24, Burlington, N.J., Burlington University invites eligible applicants to as an executive. Twp. High School, biology; Peyton participate in a tour of campus, have She currently serves The Wright Kimmel ‘24, Prince Frederick, Md., lunch with faculty and students in their Center for Community Health as Calvert High School, biology, and field of study, and to write an essay. chief executive officer and The Patrick Rother ‘24, Mountain Top, Pa., A five-member committee reviews Wright Center for raduate Medical Crestwood High School, business. the completed essays and narrows the Education as president. Named in honor of the University’s field to about 12 students. Committee Dr. Thomas-Hemak graduated as longest serving academic dean, the members interview finalists and make a Michael DeBakey Scholar from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and completed Harvard’s Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency in Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Maculloch is the president of Pennsylvania Banking for Community Bank, N.A. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in banking from MU. Prior to becoming president, she was the senior vice president and Maculloch Pennsylvania market director for Community Bank Wealth Management. During her notable career, she has held various positions throughout her more than 30 years in the English major Alex Skopic ’ 20 of Springville, Pa., seated, received recognition in October banking industry. Prior to joining for his essay, This Means War: Antisemitism, Fascist Rhetoric, and the Duty of Opposition. The English major received an honorable mention in the 2019 Prize for Ethics from the Community Bank in 2011, she was Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. Skopic, the son of Tim and Linza Skopic, is with Associate Professor Patrick Hamilton, Ph.D., chairperson of the Department of English. Continued on page 7 6 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU CAMPUS

Continued from page 6 vice president with M&T Bank,

where she was responsible for its VIEWS private banking division in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Attorney Oberstaedt, a partner in the law firm, Archer & reiner in Haddonfield, N.J., graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history, summa cum laude. A shareholder in the firm’s litigation department and assistant chairperson of the business litigation group, his practice covers all Oberstaedt aspects of trial and appellate work relating to commercial litigation and Sister Mary lennon ‘62 Scholarship Heidelberger ‘25 and Brooke Chronister ‘24. business disputes in federal and recipients, from left, are Peyton Kimmel ‘24, Absent from photograph is Casey Franzreb state courts throughout the country. Caitlyn Henry ‘24, Patrick Rother ‘24, Cecelia ‘25. As an undergraduate student, scholarship offers to students who award no more than three scholarships he was the first student to receive plan to major in academic programs to any one college and not less than the prestigious Harry S. Truman available in each of the University’s one each. Scholarship. three colleges – College of Arts and For more information about the Sciences, College of Business and Sister Mary lennon ’62 Scholarships, New dean for College of College of Health Sciences and please visit www.misericordia.edu/ Health Sciences & Education Education. Overall, the program will lennonScholarships. The University named Barbara Schwartz-Bechet, Ed.D., Wiesel Foundation recognizes student’s as dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education. essay about antisemitism and fascism She previously served as the interim dean and professor in the English major Alex Skopic ’20 of and themselves. Overall, the contest College of Education and Springville, Pa., received national works to increase public dialogue on Rehabilitation at Salus recognition in October for his essay, ethical matters of importance. University. She was This Means War: Antisemitism, Fascist In his 19-page essay, Skopic actively engaged in Rhetoric, and the Duty of Opposition, outlines the first time he heard about an interprofessional in a writing contest sponsored by The the mass shooting in 2018 at the Tree education-forward Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh culture that included The son of Tim and Linza Skopic that killed 11 people. The loss of life, programs in low Schwartz-Bechet received an honorable mention in the while tragic, did not surprise him. The vision, occupational 2019 Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay rise of antisemitism, alt-right therapy andspeech-language Contest. The foundation, established movement and modern Nazism pathology, as well as education, by the Nobel Peace Prize recipient, leading up to the 2016 presidential special education and rehabilitation. combats indifference, intolerance and election contributed to the violent She earned her Bachelor of Arts injustice through international dialogue and deadly riots in Charlottesville, Va. in elementary education from and youth-focused programs that in 2017. Brooklyn College, her M.S. in promote acceptance, understanding The national events “jolted” him out education with a specialization in and equality. of “complacency” and inspired him to special education from the College The essay contest is open to college research the very nature of fascism, of Staten Island, and her doctorate juniors and seniors in the United States antisemitism and the Holocaust. with specializations in emotional who wish to articulate an ethical issue Skopic dedicated the essay to Max disturbance and applied behavior they have encountered and analyze Levitas, a veteran antifascist fighter analysis from Columbia University what it has taught them about ethics and activist who died in 2018. Teachers College. 7 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020 Student ellows discover value RESEARCH wenty-eight members of the The SURF program provides fellows understandings using innovative Misericordia University with opportunities to grow by technologies and methodologies. academic community collaborating with other student “This type of intensive research addressed heavy metal researchers, faculty and outside program provides students with the T oxidants, nuclear scholars. Students develop their opportunity to focus intently on their proliferation, super foods, Autism critical thinking and independent work in the laboratory,’’ Anna Fedor, spectrum disorder and more during learning skills further as they explore Ph.D., chairperson of Chemistry and the 2019 Summer Undergraduate and push the boundaries of what they Biochemistry, added. “It also includes Research Fellowship (SURF). know, seeking to develop new professional development opportunities The 10-week SURF program pairs that prove invaluable for fellows student fellows with faculty mentors in applying to graduate school or going the College of Business, College of Arts to work in their fields of study.’’ and Sciences, and College of Health The following student fellows and Sciences and Education in complex faculty mentors collaborated on scientific and scholarly research. research and scholarly work for the “Mentorship demonstrates to 2019 Summer Undergraduate students that we care about them Research Fellowship: individually and we see them • eorge W. Shea, IV., Ph.D., assistant individually versus just as a number,’’ professor, philosophy, and Fellow Nico said Orley A. Templeton, O.T.D., Assistant Professor Steven J. Tedford, Araneta ’21: Machiavellian Tactics and O.T.R./L., assistant professor of Ph.D., chairperson of the Department of It’s Toxic Effect on Contemporary occupational therapy. “With Mathematics, right, mentored student Democracy. mentorship, we are helping students research fellow Lindsay Kane ’20. to enhance their strengths and address • Angela Asirvatham, B.V.Sc., Ph.D., their weaknesses in order to become associate professor, biology, and advocates for everyone. Mentoring Fellow Amanda Bohn ’19: The Effect teaches foundation skills of being, not of Neuronal rowth Factors on Merlin only a professional, but also a and Ezrin Expression in Immortalized community member that investigates Schwann Cells. and advocates for all.’’ • Dr. Asirvatham and Fellow Kyle In October, faculty mentors and Kenney ’21: The Effects of Rolipram, a student fellows presented their findings Selective Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor, to the learning community during the on Immortalized Schwann Cell annual Summer Undergraduate Research Proliferation. Associate Professor Anna Fedor, Ph.D., Fellowship Presentations Program. chairperson of the Department of • John Morgan, Ph.D., assistant “Scholarship and research are Chemistry and Biochemistry, left, professor, chemistry and biochemistry, practices,’’ said eorge W. Shea, IV., collaborated with research fellow Kyra and Fellow Alex Brody ’21: reen rzymski ’20 and on the research poster. Ph.D., assistant professor of Chemistry: The Oxidation of philosophy, outlining why it is Benzaldehyde with using Heavy important for students to seek new Metal Oxidants. knowledge through research. “Ultimately, I think participating in • Christopher Stevens, Ph.D., these practices is paramount if associate professor and chairperson, students are to move beyond the history and government, and Fellow somewhat naïve, if even dangerous, Hunter lidewell ’20: U.S. National view that education is the mere Security: An Examination of rand reception of information and instead to Strategy and Nuclear Proliferation. the more mature view that education • Dr. Stephens and Fellow Ian Silfies involves the active production of Orley Templeton, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., assistant ’20: Smart Policies in an Unclear understanding and knowledge – that professor of occupational therapy, right, World: American Hegemony and to care for the truth is to take collaborated with student research fellow Chinese Intentions. Kelsey Hadsall ’20, ’21 on two scholarly responsibility for its production.’’ research projects. • Anna Fedor, Ph.D., associate 8 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU RESEARCH RESEARCH o research and mentorship

professor and chairperson, chemistry and biochemistry, and Fellow Kyra ryzmski ’20: Investigating the Health Promoting Properties of Super Foods Using Extraction and Characterization Methods. • Orley A. Templeton, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., assistant professor and program director for the Masters of Occupational Therapy program, and Fellow Kelsey Hadsall ’20, ’21, O.T.S.: Integrating Community- Based Clinical Practice into an Academic Curriculum. • Dr. Templeton and Fellow Hadsall: The Effect of a LE O-Based Occupational Therapy Program on Social Skills of Children with The 2019 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program featured 15 students participating in research Autism Spectrum Disorder. with their faculty mentors. Participating in the program, first row from left, are Nico Araneta ’21, Alexis Wyandt • Kriszta Sajber, Ph.D., ’20, Noni Silas ’20, and Lindsay Kane ’20; second row, Sidney Kabinoff ’20, Ian Silfies ’20, Kyra rzymski ’20, ianna Williams ’22, Amanda Bohn ’19, and Kyle Kenney ’21; third row, Beth Haas, Ph.D., Hunter lidewell ’20, visiting assistant professor, Quinn Kelley ’21, Kelsey Hadsall ’20, ’21, Alex Brody ’21, eorge W. Shea, IV, Ph.D., and Rebecca Steinberger, philosophy, and Fellow Ph.D.; fourth row, Christopher Stevens, Ph.D., Anna Fedor, Ph.D., Orley Templeton, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., Charles Sidney Kabinoff ’20: An Saladino, Ph.D., Kriszta Sajber, Ph.D., John Morgan, Ph.D., and Steven J. Tedford, Ph.D. Existential Analysis of Ellen West: A Movement from Implicit Explicit Approach to Voice education and close-knit community,

Heidegger to Binswanger. Training in Children. and the SURF program affords students • Steven J. Tedford, Ph.D., associate • Beth Haas, Ph.D., assistant professor, the truly remarkable and rare professor and chairperson, mathematics, chemistry and biochemistry, and Fellow opportunity to push that experience to and Fellow Lindsay Kane ’20: Expected ianna Williams ’22: It’s the Fizz: its fullest potential by working Pond Size in a ame of o Fish. Investigating Bath Bomb Reaction one-on-one with a faculty member to • len Tellis, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., Rates via pH. practice and develop the scholarship and research skills essential to professor and chairperson, • Charles Saladino, Ph.D., professor, speech-language pathology, and intellectual and scientific inquiry. chemistry and biochemistry, and “The benefits of the SURF program Fellow Quinn Kelley ’21: Fellow Alexis Wyandt ’20: A Psychophysiological and Cortical extend beyond the individual students Comparison of Luminometry vs. who participate to the whole Responses of Listeners Observing Fluorimetry in Assessing the Persons Who Stutter Self Disclose. Misericordia community too since Structural/Functional and Thermal many of the students who participate • Rebecca Steinberger, Ph.D., Properties of Antioxidants. are sophomores and juniors, and they professor, English, and Fellow Noni The SURF program began in 2014. It utilize what they learn over the Silas ’20: There’s Rosemary, That’s for has continued to grow in the depth and summer in their classes during the Remembrance: Remembering Barbara breadth of research, and in the number regular academic year modeling Soyka and the Shakespeare arden. of participants. “A program like SURF academic rigor for their peers. In this • Cari Tellis, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., encapsulates the spirit of a Misericordia way, the SURF program enhances the professor, speech-language pathology, education,’’ Dr. Shea said. “We pride quality of education for everyone at and Fellow Chantal Whiteduck ’20: ourselves on our student-centered Misericordia University,’’ he added. 9 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

atherine McAuley’s courage, foresight and commitment to

MISSION help others serves as the foundation of Misericordia University. A CMore than 200 members of the University community came together on the sunny and brisk day of Nov. 6, good 2019 to honor her memory, and bless a striking, new statue on campus of the woman from Ireland who founded cup the Sisters of Mercy. Installed under the watchful eyes of Sisters Jean Messaros ’73, RSM, and Cynthia March ‘80, RSM, of the Office of Mission Integration, the 350-pound, of te 5-foot, 6-inch bronze sculpture was placed in a circular garden on McAuley Hall’s lawn. Set so her gaze overlooks nearby Mercy Center, the glinting statue / greets visitors as they approach the interior of campus on Misericordia Way. Misericor ia e icates, The swirl of her skirt, crossed hands and demure smile are the handiwork of internationally known artist Sister blesses new statue of Marie Henderson, RSM, a member of the art faculty of the School of Catherine McAuley Architecture at the University of Detroit Religious Sisters of Mercy, Mercy. In addition to teaching, Sister from left, Cynthia March ‘ 80, Marie Marie developed McAuley Images, a Henderson and Jean Messaros ‘ 73 proudly watch the installation business that creates Catherine B Y M A R I A N N E of the statue. McAuley replicas for Mercy education T U C K E R P U H A L L A and medical facilities around the world. The complex casting process took McAuley in a traditional Irish dress of about four months using the lost wax the 1830s. The casting was done at method. Sister Marie started with 30 the Pappas Art Foundry, Ypsilanti, clay sculptures representing different Mich., 30 miles from Sister Marie’s portions of the body, before covering home in Farmington Hills. them with silicon and plaster, and Sister Marie is seemingly nonchalant filling them with layers of wax. Each when asked about the delivery wax mold was covered with a ceramic process, which involves her driving shell to create a new mold that was halfway across the country with the then filled with the molten bronze. The statue wrapped in padding in the back bronze casts were subsequently of her sport utility vehicle. The welded together to create a most installation process was much more realistic replica of a standing Catherine delicate, hinged upon the painstaking

10 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU MISSION MISSION

his assistant, Rick Swire, carried Catherine’s mission, and learn about out the three-hour process. the great works of a woman who made Under the shade of the garden’s it possible to be a proud Misericordia crab apple tree, the dedication Cougar,” Rock told the gathering. began with a welcome by Sister Prior to performing the blessing, Jean, followed by remarks from Sister Cindy read remarks from the President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., artist, Sister Marie. “Having read the and Donna Cerza ‘94, director of book, Catherine McAuley, in her Own admissions and a Mercy Associate. Words, I wanted those who would view Physical therapy student Mitchell this sculpture to see what I saw in Rock ’16, ’19 shared his story of Catherine, a woman who cared for the attending a Mercy leadership poor, sick and uneducated in her world. I conference in Ireland with a group wanted them to see Catherine when she of fellow students. The students began her ministry. I hoped they would visited McAuley’s gravesite, be attracted to a person who inherited set in a rose garden on considerable wealth and chose to share Baggot Street in Dublin. it with others who were in need,” Sister The inspirational Marie wrote. “Two years after sculpting moment moved the my first sculpture of Catherine McAuley, students to examine the I entered the Sisters of Mercy. possibilities of creating a “May you always know that when you similar garden, complete come to this campus, there is a warm, with a sculpture, on affectionate smile waiting for you in the campus. A staff- presence of Catherine McAuley.” leadership- A bench and table will be added in development the spring offering visitors a place to class undertook the “have a good cup of tea,” a signature fundraising campaign and refrain of the Catholic laywoman who helped raise money for opened the First House of Mercy in the project. An anonymous Dublin in 1827. She then assembled a friend donated the majority corps of Catholic social workers to of the funds needed to continue her ministry, officially placement of stainless-steel rods to complete the nearly $40,000 project. establishing the religious order in secure the statue to a pre-poured “We hope that this space will grow 1831. Since then, Sisters of Mercy concrete base. Experienced installers into a place where students can come have been sheltering and educating Brian Regula, owner of Church to escape the stresses of college life, women and girls of need around the Services roup of Freeland, Pa., and reflect on what it means to carry out world. In 1924, they founded Misericordia University with the Bo us materials mission of educating the daughters of / the miners in the region. Please type this bit.ly/mumcauley into your web browser to access the event “May Catherine’s spirit inspire us to program, speeches and a special Catherine McAuley bookmark created be true to our roots and serve those especially for the occasion. most in need with compassion and PHOTO ALLERY: Please log on to bit.ly/McAuleyDedication to see a tender care,” Sister Cindy said, as she complete array of photos from this historic event. raised her hands during the blessing.

Installers, far left, Brian Regula and Rick Swire, top, carefully lower the statue in place; President Botzman, left, and Sister Marie Henderson, RSM, watch as Regula unwraps the statue; Sister Marie explains the fine details of the 5-foot, 6-inch statue to Sisters Cynthia March ‘80, RSM and Jean Messaros ‘73, RSM; Regula and Swire of Church Services cart the statue of Catherine McAuley to its permanent home, and Laurie Finnegan, Sister Cindy and Sister Marie discuss the proper placement of the statue on its foundation. 11 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

‘How do we ensure that Mercy stays real? We need to carry the integrity

MISSION of the institution … and keep their journey of service alive.’ – auren Gorney ’12, ’19

MISSION of MERCY As number of women religious decline, laypeople work together to preserve core values of order

B Y M A R I A N N E T U C K E R P U H A L L A

here are plenty of reasons to be proud of Misericordia orientation process before committing to living these values in University. Students carry out more than 196,000 their everyday lives. hours of service annually, U.S. News and World Their strength in numbers and commitment to goal has TReport, the Princeton Review and Money Magazine never been more important as the Sisters work to shore up consider the campus among the best in the country, and the sharply declining numbers in the religious order founded by athletics teams frequently make headlines as title contenders. Catherine McAuley in Ireland in 1831, and secure plans to There is one statistic Sister Cynthia March ’80, RSM, make sure their mission is carried out well into the future. associate director of Mission Integration, considers just as Statistics from the National Religious Retirement Office important, as Misericordia has the largest contingent of show a 75 percent decline in the number of women religious Mercy Associates at any one employer or at any of the in the United States across all denominations from a peak of Mercy colleges in the country. 181,421 in 1965 to 47,160 in 2016. At the time of the study, Misericordia’s 45 Mercy Associates features men and as many as 77 percent of the women religious were over the women from all walks of life, who believe strongly in the core age of 70. Planning for the future has become a top priority. values of Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality of the Sisters “Within the past year, the leadership of the Sisters of Mercy of Mercy. Upon signing on, they dedicate themselves to made the bold and necessary step to realign, combining the supporting the topics deemed by the Sisters as Critical Mid-Atlantic Region with the other five North America Concerns: Immigration, Racism, Equality of Women, Care for regions and those in South America, Central America and the Earth and Nonviolence. Associates go through an eight-month Caribbean,” says Sister Cindy. “By creating one Sisters of For more information about Mercy ssociates, contact Kathy Schiro at [email protected]. 12 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU MISSION MISSION

Misericordia University has the largest contingent of Mercy Associates at any Mercy college in the country. The group includes, first row, from left, Sister Jean Messaros ’73, RSM; Christine Somers, Sister Pat McCann ‘69 shares Rebecca Steinberger, Thomas J. Botzman, Amy Caruso ’05, ’12 and Sister Cynthia March ’80, RSM; second row, Lauren orney ’12, ’19; Mercy heritage with FYE class Lailani Augustine ’16, Amy Lahart ’95, Maureen Rinehimer, Vanessa Sister Patricia McCann ’69, RSM, Ed.D., associate Botzman, Lindsey Riddell ’06 and Jean Dobinick ’77; third row, Jessica Nelson, Sharon Hudak, David Pasquini, Stephen Broskoske professor emeritus of teacher education, shared ’85, Colleen Newhart ’75, ’09; Loretta Martin, ail Wyberski and what it means to be a Sister of Mercy when she met eorgia Young; fourth row, Donna Cerza ’94, Chuck Edkins, Joseph with students during a First-Year Experience (FYE) Cipriani ’88, Allen Austin, Maureen Cech, Ellen McLaughlin ’86, ’89, class taught by Stephen Broskoske, Ed.D., associate Kit Foley and Brenda Nowalis ’05, ’07. professor of education. During her visit, held in conjunction with Mercy Heritage Days in September, Mercy of the Americas umbrella, we were able to streamline Sister Pat shared the history of her religious order, the organization’s management by bringing all 2,500 Sisters in explained the University’s charisms of Mercy, the Americas under one leadership team.” Service, Justice and Hospitality, and showcased how Helping alleviate some of her concern for the future is the religious order interfaces with the Misericordia knowing that there are more than 3,000 Mercy Associates University community today. She also discussed the helping to carry on their mission in the Americas region. critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, focusing on Seeing a need to embolden and empower the group to the earth for her presentation. make sure the work it has done over the last 40 years carries Sister Pat began her career at Misericordia on into the future, Sister Cindy asked for help. University in 1985. Upon her retirement in 2014, the Staff members and Mercy Associates Donna Cerza ’94 Teacher Education Department established the M.S., director of admissions, Amy Lahart ’95 M.S., dean of Sister Pat McCann Award, which is bestowed students, and Lauren orney ’12, ’19 M.S., associate annually to an education student who embodies and director of alumni and annual giving, agreed to form a embraces the charisms of the Sisters of Mercy. three-member team, known as the Misericordia Mercy Association Council. With pictures of the Sisters who founded Misericordia looking down from the mahogany paneled walls of the adjoining Founder’s Room, the three met recently in Mercy Hall to discuss their mission to work with Sister Cindy and Sister Jean Messaros ’73, RSM, vice president of Mission Integration, to channel the group’s energy and expand its horizons. “We don’t have a blue print on how this should happen, so even as we work to determine an organizational structure to make Mercy Associates an organized group on campus, we each need to examine what Mercy means to us and how we can carry it out in our respective roles,” says Lahart. “As a Mercy Associate, how do we impact the culture of Misericordia every day? It isn’t a component of our job – it is a component of who we are and how we live out life. As dean of students, for me it means that I can be a part of something bigger than myself. It means making sure that the justice I carry out in my role is merciful.” Lahart’s words make Cerza and orney nod in agreement. Participating in the Mercy Heritage Days program, “As director of admissions and a Mercy Associate, I take front row from left, are Zoe Chekan ’24, Syracuse, N.Y., pride in making sure people understand Mercy and what it speech-language pathology; Nicole Joers ‘21, Saugerties, means,” adds Cerza. “I see our role as Mercy Associates N.Y., psychology, pre-Doctor of Physical Therapy, peer making sure we as an institution are following mindfulness in educator; Jordan Bennett ’25, Scranton, Pa., occupational therapy, and Mackenzie Rinehart ’24, Hunterdon County, our mission, and are staying true to ourselves by who we N.J., speech-language pathology; second row, Sarah Badorf enroll. Who we are as an institution will be determined by ’23, Mechanicsburg, Pa., undeclared; Victoria rochowski our next generation of students. We share stories about ’23, New Egypt, N.J., biology, pre-Doctor of Physical Mercy in admissions and because of that, students are Therapy; Steven Broskoske, Ed.D., associate professor, drawn to us – we tug on their callings to help others.” education; Sister Patricia McCann ’69, RSM, Ed.D., associate professor emeritus; Sean Lee ’23, Center Valley, orney explains the process to become a Mercy Associate Pa., business; Bridget Jubon ’24, Clarks Summit, Pa., begins each fall with eight once-a-month orientation sessions speech-language pathology, and Jessica Trindle ’23, Sweet Valley, Pa., undeclared. See MERCY, page 29 13 An exciting

NOTES opportunity CLASSNOTES What an honor it Stay in touch with friends and classmates by posting updates about your career, is to be elected family and other noteworthy accomplishments on cougarconnect.misericordia.edu or Alumni Board facebook.com/MisericordiaAlumni. Please submit Class Notes to [email protected]. CLASS president. I would like to thank Mark 35-piece mural that now fills the back of Oberstaedt ’ 89 for 1965 the Dietrich Theater in downtown his work as the D6r O&6l8 P.89 M89986 73hdu Tunkhannock, Pa. immediate past rzech ’ 13, ’ 17 TUO, was honored as one president and for of the 50 outstanding the guidance he provided to me. alumni from Catholic 1987 Secondly, I cannot do this alone so Theological Union Olcj&89 Fl9l’.AlcD 7ft and his wife, it is my pleasure to introduce College. Sister Noel is the Dawn, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Sept. 8, 2019. Christelle Patrice ’ 13 as director of the Institute for Sacred president- elect. Scripture at Misericordia and also The Alumni Board is here to serve director of Tours with a Difference. 1992 more than 19,000 alumni. As a L&18v Fl j86 V.oc&0&i8 7px , previously group, we are dedicated to 1968 the chief population officer, was preserving and living our charisms, D6r Uy &1 F.6v U.6e.1l 73fd OrDr , was promoted to the role of chief nursing and being innovative as we look to selected as a recipient of the 2019 executive for eisinger Health in Danville, and plan for the future. One of our Excellence in Medicine Awards by the Pa. She has been with eisinger since goals is to increase the number of American Medical Association (AMA) 2014 and most recently helped launch voices on our board to 35. If this Foundation. On June 7, 2019, she was eisinger at Home, a home-based care sounds like you, please nominate or awarded the Jack B. McConnell, MD model for medically complex clients. self- nominate online at misericordia. Award for Excellence in Volunteerism at Janet is also the first eisinger nurse to edu/alumniboard. We also want to the AMA VIP Reception in Chicago, Ill. receive the Pennsylvania Nightingale increase alumni engagement and Dr. Sordoni was also honored with the Award for clinical excellence. increase donor support. second-annual Misericordia University As we begin our New Year, I Excellence in Health Care Award on Oct. 17, 2019. 1994 would like to take this opportunity Ty M88986 7p- won first place in La to recognize everyone, and Festa Italiana’s cannoli eating contest celebrate the impact of their 1970 on Sept. 2, 2019 in Scranton, Pa. He support for the Now for Tomorrow O&6l9C1 Dl99.1 M6&99 was 7tE highlighted retained his La Festa title by finishing Campaign. in a Round Table event at the Pittston 13 ricotta-filled Italian pastries in We have plenty of exciting events Memorial Library in August 2019. At 87, five minutes. scheduled for 2020, including Marilyn said the blessings of her own regional events, iving Day, Arch life motivate her to help those who Madness, Alumni Weekend and are struggling. 1996 more. For more information, email AvvCr B6l&1 Ei&1 7p3was [email protected] or call the recipient of the 36th 570-- 674 6764. 1973 Annual ood Deed Award Vj8 H.1.6&|98 M&681 S& &6899&u from the Boy Scouts of Our accomplishments are only B.|&cn 7twd 7EEand her husband, America, Trailblazer District possible with committed volunteers Bernard, celebrated their 45th wedding of the Suffolk County and support from alumni. I am anniversary on Sept. 7, 2019. Council. He is a partner in the Law Firm excited to serve as president. of Egan & olden, LLP,with offices in Together, we make MU stronger by Patchogue and East Hampton, N.Y. promoting lifelong relationships, 1977 and helping one another to AvvCr LyeC S6lc8 7ttmade the become ambassadors and presentation, Strategies for Effective 1999 advocates for our University. Negotiations, at the reater Scranton V680.6 Z..e6ygg 7pp was named head Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s women's basketball coach at Bucknell Network 2.0 Luncheon on Jan. 15, 2020. University. He spent 11 highly successful seasons as the head men’s basketball Adam J. rzech ’13, ’17 coach at Misericordia and then moved 1985 on as the head women’s basketball Alumni Board President B.| NlDD& 7fhwas the artist behind the coach at the University of Scranton. 14 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU CLASS

Relive the winter commencement ceremony by looking through the special photo NOTES NOTES album at bit.ly/mugraddec19. 2008 Stacey Niemotka ’08 and Ronald Blackledge were married May 11, 2019. Stacey is the director of admissions and marketing at Mountain View Care and Rehab Center in Scranton, Pa. Kara Kuncio Lukachinsky ’08 and her husband, Jason, welcomed their daughter on Sept. 20, 2019. Michele Mazur ’08 and Scott Bonar welcomed their son on July 10, 2019. Eric Rogers ’08 and his wife, Megan, welcomed their son on July 25, 2019. Dr. Michael Evans ’08 was promoted at Penn State Scranton to assistant dean of Alumni and friends served as marshals at the ninth annual winter commencement undergraduate nursing education at the ceremony in December. Participating in the program, first row from left, are MC Yatsko Commonwealth Campuses. ’77; Tabitha Bolinsky; Maureen Rinehimer, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy, and Rachel Oberg ’07, ’10, assistant director of admissions; second row, Heather Fritz ’97, D.P.T., assistant professor of physical therapy; Matthew Hinton, assistant director, Student Success Center; Xiaochuan Song, Ph.D., assistant professor of business; Thomas 2009 Sweetz ’01, and Breanna orski ’19. Dr. Ashley Wolanski Wagner ’09 and her husband, Joseph, welcomed their daughter, Mackenzie Marie, on July 2001 2007 9, 2019. Logan, age 2, loves being a big Loriann Ruddy Hoffman ’01 and her Stephanie Crunkleton brother. The family resides in Dallas, Pa. husband, Keith, welcomed their Isennock ’07 and her daughter on June 5, 2019. husband, Patrick, Stacey Sudul ’01 and Emory Ishley welcomed their second 2010 were married May 4, 2019. son, Jack Ellis Isennock, on Lauren Kurkowski ’10 and Brian April 4, 2019. Williams welcomed their daughter on Jaime Runnels Heintzelman ’07 has June 21, 2019. 2004 been promoted from manager of Continued on next page eorge LoPresto ’04 and his wife, production and operations to director Christina, welcomed their daughter on of production and operations at July 18, 2019. Altitude Marketing in Emmaus, Pa. Jennifer Yurkon Hetro ’04 was Amanda Strish Shipula ’07 and nominated for Northeastern Anthony Shipula ’07 welcomed their Pennsylvania Influencer of the Year at son on Sept. 28, 2019. the 4th Annual Young Professionals Awards, which recognizes amazing young professionals who help move the region forward. She is the executive Misericordia Proud! director of the Back Mountain Chamber. The Misericordia Proud Alumni Referrral rant is a program that 2005 provides accepted students a $500 Andre Little ’05 and annual grant for up to four years. Pamela Metellus Prospective students have to indicate were married Dec. on their application that they were 15, 2018. The couple referred by an alumnus. For more resides in North information, please log on to Lauderdale, Fla. misericordia.edu/MUProud. 15 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

Alumni, students and family participated in Homecoming activities in October. NOTES Please log on to bit.ly/muhomecoming2019 to see the memorable images.

Continued from previous page John Martino ’07, placed second overall in 11:08.

CLASS Dr. Dane Kozlevcar ’10 and Kristine Casarella were married July 28, 2018. Taylor Lawler ’13, ’16 and Dane is an account executive at Young’s Jeremy Williams ’08, ’15 were Medical Equipment. The couple resides married June 22, 2019. in Jessup, Pa. Christelle Patrice ’13 and Frank Katherine Eiden ’10 and Robert Hoffman welcomed their first Spager were married Sept. 8, 2018. child, Luciano Andre Hoffman, on The bridal party included Dr. Siobhan Sept. 18, 2019. Spager Yatko ’11, ’14 as one of the Marisa Wagner ’13 and Dr. bridesmaids and Justen Yatko ’07, ’10 Andrew Tucker ’13, ’16 were as one of the ushers. Katherine is a married June 29, 2019. Mark Johndrow ’93, ’12 and his wife, Paula special-education teacher in the JcggX c-mé–X½ Kmiec Johndrow ’92 received a tour of campus Scranton School District. after traveling from Fort Worth, Texas to visit his R–5.cm4Xg li( and brother, David Johndrow, Jr., ’89, ’14, manager Ann ownley ’10 and Jason Hutira her husband, of PC Services at Misericordia University, and were married Oct. 28, 2017. The couple Matt, welcomed family for the holidays. Family members, from welcomed their son, Jack Robert Hutira, their daughter, left, Mitchell Johndrow, 14, David Johndrow, Jr., on Nov. 21, 2018. Shaina Michele Sean Johndrow, 10, Mark Johndrow and Paula Silverman, on Aug. 16, 2019. Johndrow, gather for a picture outside the Shaina Michele was born at eraldine Ruth Daley Anderson Bell Tower. 2011 Newton Medical Center and L&o8 T8&eC 7‘‘ and his wife, weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz. Amanda, welcomed their daughter on H•X?–•1 Qk?–-Xi B•ib•1 ol$ was June 21, 2019. named strategic marketing manager at CornellCookson. She is responsible Kelly Smith Winkler 2014 Dr. Chelsea Boyer Shade ’14, ’19 and for company growth through the ’11 and her husband, management of a diverse portfolio of Robert, welcomed her husband, Benjamin, welcomed their daughter on July 25, 2019. new products in the research and their daughter, Louisa development stages. Bec Winkler, on Mikayla illette ’14 and Chris Knight June 29, 2019. welcomed their son, Connor, on Maura Pellegrini ’15, ’16 and Matthew McAndrew were married Sept. 7, 2019. Jean Conroy Bantell ’11 was Oct. 31, 2019. highlighted in a Round Table event at Dr. Danica Kuti ’15, ’18 will be leading the Pittston Memorial Library in August the Cawley Physical Therapy clinic in 2019. When Jean retired from a 2015 Carbondale, Pa. full-time position, she stepped into the Brianna Brodt ’15 and Marc Boriosi Continued on page 20 role of substitute school nurse and were married May 10, 2019. began volunteering in several settings, including the Care & Concern Clinic. ALUMNI WEE END 2020 elebrating the lass of 1970, 50th Reunion 2012 M AY 2 - 3 0 Ly9l& V6y&B N8lij.A 7‘xd 7‘h and Re gis t er o n li n e : ww w. m is eri co r d i a .e d u / a w 2 0 Matthew Leighow ’11 welcomed their son on Sept. 19, 2019. He joins brother, Theo. 2013 O&6l1& R66 .1 O&6vl1. 7‘w led a

record field of more than 120 runners in the Wyoming Valley Striders 2-Mile Run at Murphy’s Pub in Swoyersville, Pa., on July 6, 2019. Marina won top female

honors with a third-place overall SAVE THE DATE! finish in 11:36. Marina’s husband, 16 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU II NN MM EE MM

Debor h “Debbie” M. Fries OO May 5, 1950 – May 24, 2019 RR II AA

Debbie FriesR leaves lasting legacy MM Known as a mentor, friend and tireless advocate for adult She also served on committees that developed the students, Misericordia mourns the loss of longtime staff Expressway Accelerated Degree Program, Ruth Matthews member and alumna Deborah “Debbie” M. Fries ’81, ’85 of Bourger Women with Children Program and expansion Wilkes-Barre, Pa., who passed away from cancer on May 24, of Elderhostel. 2019. A member of the staff for 22 years, Mrs. Fries “Debbie was an embodiment of the charisms of is sorely missed by family, friends and colleagues, Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality,” said friend as well as alumni, who have contacted the family to and colleague Tom O’Neill, retired dean of the remark about how instrumental she was in helping Center for Adult and Continuing Education. “She them achieve their goals. was a perfect fit with Misericordia’s mission – The Philadelphia, Pa., native was a single committed to making positive differences in the mother on welfare when she enrolled at lives of others. While we miss her deeply, we are Misericordia. She earned bachelor’s degrees in comforted by sweet memories of her and the history and English, magna cum laude, also receiving wonderful legacy that she left us.” honors in American history and literary achievement. She She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Donald O. subsequently earned a master’s degree in human services Fries, Ph.D., retired professor and chair of the Department administration. She was hired in 1984 by the college’s of History. Dr. Fries is among the most highly honored Alternative Learners Program and in two years was named faculty members. He received five Judge Max and Tillie alumni director, the only person of the Jewish faith to hold Rosenn Excellence in Teaching Awards, along with a Pauly the position. She is credited with instituting Alumni Tea Friedman Excellence in Service Award, during his 37-year and fall Homecoming celebrations. career. The two retired within months of each other in 2006. Mrs. Fries was named assistant director of Adult Mrs. Fries also is survived by her daughter, Jubilee Education and Community Service in 1992, where for 14 Wested Hillman ’98, who holds a bachelor’s degree in years she called upon her own experiences to help adult liberal studies; son, Charly Wested; step-daughters, Kiersten learners balance academic, family and work obligations. Zweibaum and Ingrid Bowers, and 10 grandchildren.

1945 1954 1958 1964 Patricia Whalen Fosko Sheryl Lenz Annette Trzcinski Dorothy Anne Catherine Mack Suzanne Dunbar Oct. 22, 2019 Nov. 14, 2019 Billmeyer McLaughlin, RSM Hoitsma Aug. 15, 2019 1971 1987 July 8, 2019 June 30, 2015 Dec. 28, 2018 1965 Barbara Swartz Kunec Virginia Sweezy Curtis 1946 M. Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Povilaitis Levin Lyndell Wertman Julio June 19, 2019 July 9, 2019 Cronin Moylan May 10, 2019 Oct. 6, 2019 Judith Christian Sarah Breslin Monson Dec. 5, 2019 1992 Nov. 30, 2019 Nov. 19, 2019 Veronica Veljacic 1966 James Sedorovich 1955 Muzic Catherine Devigili 1975 July 18, 2019 1949 Ann Marie Hayko June 18, 2019 Jan. 12, 2019 Richard Peard Shirley Fischer Regan Huntz 1998 June 23, 2019 June 29, 2019 Oct. 31, 2019 1960 Judith Makravitz Donna allagher allagher Brislin Jane Carroll Rymer Ellen radley elnaw Jeanne Toltowicz Margaret “Peggy” Aug. 1, 2019 June 21, 2016 Sept. 5, 2019 Nov. 6, 2019 Capriotti Reinhard Sosnak Aug. 24, 2019 July 28, 2019 1967 2000 1950 1956 Ann Marie De ennaro 1976 Christina Cables, SCC Alfreda Konopinski Marilyn McHale Duke 1961 July 14, 2019 Roche Ann Kostic Dolan Nov. 13, 2019 Sajeski Patricia Ridzon Aug. 16, 2019 Sept. 27, 2019 June 1, 2018 Maria Wrubel, RSM erstle 2002 July 27, 2019 July 18, 2019 Rosemary Haduch 1980 Jeffrey Magda 1952 Kozlowski June 25, 2019 Ann Marie Bender Patricia Flanagan Sheila Kelly McCarthy Alice Doggett, RSM Oct. 8, 2019 June 29, 2019 Shallow June 14, 2019 Sept. 16, 2019 2009 Oct. 27, 2019 1968 1984 Janet McMurray Carmella Santasania 1962 1957 Ann Marie Murphy Laura Reider Kaczmarczyk Cannon Sally Healey Cheta Bortz Malvizzi Koch Novakowski Aug. 2, 2019 July 24, 2019 June 28, 2019 Oct. 10, 2019 Dec. 5, 2019 July 3, 2019 2014 Kathleen uyette Patrice Conahan Ann Patrice Wassel, 1970 1985 Michelle roves Nelson Benjamin RSM Ruth Martin Joyce Volpicelli Zerpa Sept. 15, 2019 Dec. 2, 2019 Aug. 16, 2019 July 12, 2019 Oct. 12, 2019 Aug. 1, 2019 17 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

Medi al and ampus ommunities honor

MEMORIAM world-renowned medi al pioneer’s life and lega y IN Misericordia PA Program’sR founding medical director saved millions of lives by developing intravenous feeding

tanley J. Dudrick, M.D., F.A.C.S., a world-renowned surgery, intestinal failure, surgical metabolism and nutrition, medical pioneer, and the Robert S. Anderson and much more. endowed chairperson and founding medical Many of his medical colleagues from around the world director of the physician assistant program at acknowledged his contributions to medicine and Misericordia University, passed away on Jan. 18 humankind. His development of intravenous Sat his home in New Hampshire after an illness. feeding is recognized as one of the four most He was 84. significant accomplishments in the history of Known as the “father of intravenous the development of modern surgery and feeding,” Dr. Dudrick developed total one of the three most important parenteral nutrition or TPN, while he was advancements in surgery during the serving as a surgical resident at the University past century along with open heart of Pennsylvania Hospital from 1961-66. The surgery and organ transplantation. technique, which allows people who cannot ASPEN, which he established with 34 eat to be fed through a tube that bypasses other health care professionals in 1975 as an Stanley J. their intestines, is credited with saving the Dudrick, interdisciplinary association for the purpose lives of millions of acutely ill people, according M.D., F.A.C.S. of providing optimal nutrition to all people, to the American College of Surgeons. presented him with the organization’s inaugural “Stan Dudrick was internationally known as a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. In 2016, physician who changed the lives of countless Medscape named him one of the 50 most people through his pioneering work,’’ Misericordia influential physicians in history, ranking him 42nd University President Thomas J. Botzman said. “Moreover, among his historical peers in medicine. The American he was a lifelong teacher of others as he sought to share his College of Surgeons named him a “Hero in Surgery” in 2014, excitement and enthusiasm for bettering the lives of others. one of only four people to receive the distinction. He was an incredible friend to all at Misericordia University Many other national and international medical societies and will fondly be remembered as a humble physician from and related affiliations have honored him for his Nanticoke who changed the world to be a better place. We contributions to medicine. Among his many illustrious send our prayers to his wife, Terri, and their family.’’ honors, the ASPEN established the annual Stanley J. Dudrick Dr. Dudrick’s wife, Theresa “Terri” Keen Dudrick ‘55 Research Scholar Award in 1985. St. Mary’s Hospital, a Yale earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary associated teaching hospital, named its Department of education from Misericordia. Surgery after him in 2009. The American Surgical Association “With the passing of Dr. Dudrick, medicine has lost one of bestowed its highest honor in 2009 by awarding him the its most inspirational leaders,’’ American Society for Medallion for Scientific Achievement for Distinguished Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) President Service to Surgery. In 2011, Dr. Dudrick received the Legends Lingtak-Neander Chan, PharmD., B.C.N.S.P., said about the of Neonatology Award and the Nathan Smith, MD first president and founder of ASPEN. “Dr. Dudrick will be Distinguished Service Award from the New England Surgical remembered as a healer and visionary whose kindness has Society for his scientific and clinical contributions. deeply touched many people, and whose achievements have A hospital in Skawina, Poland was named the Stanley J. changed the lives of many.’’ Dudrick Hospital in 2012. The City of Nanticoke and local state During his career, Dr. Dudrick trained tens of thousands of legislators celebrated Dr. Dudrick Day in his hometown on July medical students, thousands of surgeons, established a 19, 2017, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his invention of medical school in Texas, and also became internationally TPN. They presented him with a street sign and historical known as an expert in fistula surgery, complex re-operative marker honoring his accomplishments. 18 Stanley J. Dudrick, M.D., F.A.C.S., a world-renowned IN medical pioneer, and the Robert S. Anderson

endowed chairperson and founding medical director MEMORIAM of the physician assistant program at Misericordia University, is shown in one of his physician assistant classes in 2012.

In a 2012 interview, Dr. Dudrick Department of Surgery at the new reflected on his remarkable career University of Texas Medical School, and and the work that remains to chief of surgical services at Hermann improve medical care and training Hospital/The University Hospital. of future health care professionals. He has also served as chair of the “I am humbled by how much more Dr. Dudrick unveils a plaque that names a Department of Surgery at Pennsylvania needs to be done,’’ he said for an hospital in Skawina, Poland in his honor. Stanley Hospital, and surgeon to the hospital, J. Dudrick Hospital was dedicated in May, 2012 article that appeared in the director of the Residency Training Program for the breadth of his medical research and Misericordia University Research contributions to humanity, the Polish Surgical in eneral Surgery at the University of Brochure, 2011-12. “I get frustrated Society and Polish Society for Parenteral and Pennsylvania. Dr. Dudrick later was at times by the attitude among Enteral Nutrition. appointed surgeon-in-chief of the Center many of my fellow human beings for Cardiovascular Disease and director of who question why I am still pushing. What you did was the Hermann Nutrition and Human Performance Center, the great; wasn’t that enough? Nutritional Support Service and the Nutritional Science “They have a hard time understanding that I am not happy Center at Hermann Hospital. enough with the way things are. I would like to see health Dr. Dudrick began serving as associate chair of the care and education continue to progress and advance. What Department of Surgery and director of the Program in drives me is the philosophy of Benjamin Franklin, which is to Surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital, and as a professor of surgery work every day to discover and produce new, useful at Yale University School of Medicine in 1994. One year later, knowledge. I’m addicted to the basic concept of producing he became director of raduate Medical Education at Saint new knowledge overall, but especially if we can make it useful Mary’s Hospital. Dr. Dudrick also served two years as chair of and relevant to maximally improve the human condition. the Department of Surgery and director of Surgical Education “That is the fundamental reason that I am here at for the newly integrated Bridgeport Hospital/Yale New Haven Misericordia – investing in educating and training our future Health System. leaders who will take us to the next level of excellence in In addition, he was professor of surgery at eisinger serving humanity,” Dr. Dudrick concluded. Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton; chairman Dr. Dudrick graduated cum laude with his Bachelor of emeritus in the Department of Surgery and director emeritus Science degree in biology with honors from Franklin and of Program in Surgery at Saint Mary’s Hospital, and professor Marshall College in Lancaster. His medical degree was emeritus of surgery at Yale University School of Medicine. conferred by the University of Pennsylvania School of Dr. Dudrick also authored or co-authored more than 2,500 Medicine. After his residency training, he joined the faculty scientific reference citations in Current Contents; served on at Penn and ascended in rank from instructor to professor of more than 15 editorial boards of scientific journals and surgery in five years. In 1972, he was recruited to Houston as professional publications; received more than 120 honors and the first professor and founding chairperson of the awards, and produced several books. 19 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

Continued from page 16 Nicole O’Connor Doty ’17 and her Jennifer Sobolewski Alu ’18 and her husband, Travis, welcomed their husband, Anthony, had their marriage NOTES daughter on Aug. 26, 2019. blessed on Nov. 18, 2018 during the 2016 Jeffrey Krisiak ’17 enrolled in the U.S. baptism of their daughter, Amelia. N8&j D&0l 7‘3 and Dr. Navy’s Officer Candidate School to Louise Keller ’18 spoke at the Scranton Thomas Machi ’14, ’17 become a commissioned officer shortly Chamber’s Women’s Network Luncheon CLASS were married May 25, 2019. after graduating. He earned his 2.0 on Sept. 18, 2019. Louise’s promotion to ensign after completing presentation was on the Reboot of XZZ“ H-5f- lio was named head Officer Candidate School in April 2018. yourself and ways to get ready and stay coach of the women’s basketball He proudly secured his Wings of old positive through the fall and winter program at Susquehanna University. and first military assignment in August seasons. She currently serves as the Katherine Strahosky Martin ’16 and 2019 after graduating from the U.S. service-learning specialist at her husband, Ralph, welcomed their Navy’s Aviation Training School. Misericordia University. daughter, Camden Elyse Martin, in Emily urtizen ’18, ’19 January 2019. and Bailee Hymers ’18, Victoria Bast ’16 and John Ameen ’16 ’19 were commissioned were married June 14, 2019. 2018 on Aug. 10, 2019 to Z81eC S.’8cn Hl1v.1 7‘f was begin serving in the appointed director of advancement Mercy Volunteer Corps. 2017 communications at King’s College in Emily is serving in eorgetown, uyana O&6C B.C98 Sj8& &1vu Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Wendy is a member of and Bailee is serving at Pittsburgh Mercy. 7‘t and Michael Sigma Beta Delta, the International Honor C8m–np–gc Rc–b–pX opened liç a yarn Pheasant ’16 welcomed Society in Business, Management and store at 826 Main St., Avoca, Pa. on Nov. their son, James Michael, Administration, and is a 2013 graduate of 30, 2019. She will be selling yarn, and in on June 14, 2019. the Leadership Lackawanna program. 2020, she will be adding crochet and Alexa Kerecman ’17 and Mark Active in local arts organizations, she has other classes as she finds instructors. Siderowicz were married June 17, 2019. served on the board of directors for the Alexa is a certified registered nurse aslight Theatre Company. practitioner at eisinger Community Sarah Rybitski ’18 and Scott 2019 Medical Center in Scranton, Pa. The Kotula welcomed their daughter on Cj6l vl1& U.9.o.1 7‘p and Brady Butler couple resides in Archbald, Pa. March 16, 2019. welcomed their daughter on May 1, 2019.

THEO BERAMMERGAUP ASSIONP LAY AND BEYOND STRESA ■ ZERMATT AND THE MATTERHORN ■ LUCERNE ■ BERN ■ NEUCHATEL LICHTENSTEIN ■ THEP ASSION PLAY IN OBERAMMERGAU ■ VERONA ■ VENICE

SEPTEMBER 16–26, 2020 A $4,195 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY H JFK- MILANAIR PORT ROUND - TRIP TOURS WIT EXPERIENCE

■■ Picturesque Stresa and a boat tour of Lake Maggiore’s Borromeo Islands

■■ Zermatt, the mountain resort just below the Matterhorn peak ■■ A performance of the Passion Play in FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT ■■ Oberammergau with dinner DR.M ARIEN OËL KELLER, RSM Lucerne’s moving Lion Monument ■■ MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY ■■ AS wiss fondue dinner during stops in Cohee in Trento and lunch in Verona CENTER FORADULT&CON TINUING EDUCATION Neuchatel, Bern and Interlaken ■■ ,e glass blowing shops in Murano and (570) 674-6776 ■■ Visits to Vaduz,L ichtenstein, plus the lace shops of Burano OR Innsbruck and Matrei am Brenner ■■ A tour and farewell dinner in Venice TRANSW ORLDT RAVEL,L TD CLARKS SUMMIT, PA HOSTED BY DR. MARIE NOËL KELLER, RSM, EDUCATIONAL GUIDE OF OVER 150 OVERSEAS TRIPS. CHARLES J. THARP, PRESIDENT (570) 344-9784 Patient Juana Vergara -Sosa shows her appreciation for

the care offered by Susan COVER Fort Sordoni ’ 68, M.D., at the Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Wilkes- Barre. STORY STORY

‘Life is short – Be goo , o goo ,have fun’

lumna who earned her medical There are few awards that exemplify selflessness and valor more than being honored for outstanding volunteerism by the 200,000 -member American Medical degree at age 50 honored by Association (AMA). However, alumna Susan Fort Sordoni ’68, M.D., says the Jack B. McConnell, MD Award for the M for volunteerism Excellence in Volunteerism she received in June 2019 was extra special given that the late Dr. McConnell was the pioneer of the Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) movement in B Y M A R I A N N E T U C K E R P U H A L L A the United States and helped inspire her to establish a VIM clinic in her hometown of Wilkes -Barre, Pa. in 2008. Dr. Sordoni insists that the credit for the AMA award belongs to the original group of community notables, the Continued on next page 21 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

Dr. Sordoni emphasizes that the 8,000-square-foot clinic is STORY for the “working poor,” low-income residents too old for the Heartof Me icine state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program and too young for Medicare. Patients must provide income statements as part of Continued from page 21 a comprehensive application process. There is no charge for any of the clinic’s services. COVER talented professional staff and most importantly, the team of “At a national conference, we learned that of the 100-plus more than 150 volunteer health care professionals – including VIMs in the country, we are one of a few that are open five doctors, dentists, nurses, social workers, college students and days-a-week, and most importantly, we have the fourth largest citizens – who have provided free medical, dental and clinic in the country operating on one-fourth of the budget of behavioral health services to about 25,000 uninsured and others our size,” Dr. Sordoni says, revealing the clinic receives underinsured patients since the clinic opened. no federal funding and occasionally receives contributions from patients’ employers who do not offer health insurance. Other funding comes through grants and donations. “How do we do it? Our volunteers and donors make it happen.” She is quick to give credit to paid VIM staff members Ranieli, Frances Feudale, D.O.; Kathleen Hirthler, D.N.P; Kimmy Nguyen, Pharm.D.; dental hygienist Shelby oss, R.D.H.; dental clinic manager Darcie Schaffer; nursing director Chris aughan, R.N., and fellow Misericordia alumna April Lennon ‘17, M.S.W., social care manager, for operating the clinic in a manner that is responsive to the needs of the community while also being fiscally responsible. The space is purposefully warm and welcoming. Sunshine streams through the vertical blinds of large front windows into the waiting room, where a table offers bags of food and canned goods for the taking. Patient services cover all things medical, dental and behavioral, ranging from urology, orthopedics and dermatology to cancer care, psychiatric Alumna Susan Fort Sordoni ’68, M.D., left, says the heartbeat of the evaluations and counselling, teeth cleanings and free glasses. Volunteers in Medicine clinic at 190 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, Some patients are so ill, they need more services than the is Executive Director Kelly L. Ranielli, who has been at her side managing the facility since 2008. volunteers can provide. “In those cases, we work very closely with medical service providers to get X-rays, surgery and tests “Susan had a vision that there was a need for affordable as needed,” Dr. Sordoni says. “For example, diagnostic health care in the community for the underinsured,” says Kelly medical sonography Professor Sheryl oss at Misericordia L. Ranielli, VIM executive director. “She did a feasibility study in provides echocardiograms, and hospitals provide inpatient 2005 and determined that 35,000 people in Luzerne County services when necessary – for which we are eternally grateful.” who were employed did not have health insurance. Along with The clinic served more than 3,200 patients during about a few community minded colleagues, she invited 70 local 8,000 office visits last year, earning Dr. Sordoni and her team leaders to a meeting to talk about establishing a VIM in additional accolades for service to those members of society Wilkes-Barre and 69 invitees showed up. most in need. In October, she received the 2nd annual “That says a lot about the respect they had for her and her Misericordia University Excellence in Health Care Award at the idea. It also says a lot about the need for relief from the 2019 Health Care Symposium. The award honors an exemplary increasingly exorbitant cost of health care, which many alumnus who has advanced the field through medical research, businesses were no longer able to provide, and concern for executive leadership, the healing arts or scientific discovery. people who worked more than one part-time job and did not Presenter Alfred Casale, M.D., associate chief medical have heath care benefits through their employer,” Ranielli adds. officer for eisinger, and a member of the Misericordia 22 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU COVER

“It was not me – it was the timing and the need. It was the hearts and souls STORY STORY of so many people who loved and supported my idea. I have them all to thank for making this happen.’’ – Susan Fort Sordoni ’68, M.D.

University Board of Trustees and Health Care Advisory Board, Misericordia. It meant the tap-dance loving teenager had to offered high praise for Dr. Sordoni’s work in the community turn down a temporary placement on the high-kicking dance and in the field of medicine. “We consider Susan a member line of New York City’s Rockettes. Her father, a career medic of the pantheon of medical professionals,” he said. “She is a in the U.S. Army, thought her time would be better spent perfect example of a Misericordia family member who has accepting the scholarship she was offered at Misericordia and exemplified the best characteristics of compassion and care in earning the family’s first college degree. medicine. She defines what this award represents.” Exhibiting a talent for math, she followed the suggestion of Dr. Sordoni credits Misericordia with providing her with Sister Jane de Chantal, RSM, to put music and arts to the side good mentors, as well as a compass and a sense of Mercy and major in the sciences. “Unsure in my first class, chemistry and community that guides her to this day, even though the Professor Irma Ressa, a true Misericordia mentor, was the one path that took her from Misericordia into the AMA history who told me, ‘You can do this,’” Dr. Sordoni recalls. Inspired books is decidedly unconventional. by her dad’s ability to help people, she switched to biology Winding her way past boxes of supplies being organized and remained connected to the arts as president of both the for one of the VIM’s mission-critical fundraisers, Dr. Sordoni Biology and the lee clubs. “Sister Regina Kelly in English takes a break from seeing patients to candidly admit she was and Sister Miriam Theresa O’Donnell, president, were role not entirely happy when she decided to enroll at College models who taught me I could do anything I wanted. They really made a difference in who I have become.” Alumna Susan Fort Sordoni ’68, M.D., center, received the Unsure of a career path when she earned her bachelor’s Misericordia University Excellence in Health Care Award in the fall. degree in biology in 1968, she held two jobs in public relations She is flanked, from left, by Joseph J. rilli, M.P.A., D.P.A., director, before returning to Misericordia as director of admissions from Corporate and Institutional Recruitment, and President Thomas J. 1970-71. Parenting took center stage over the next 20 years Botzman, Ph.D., Misericordia University; Alfred Casale, M.D., associate chief medical officer, eisinger, and David B. Rehm, Ph.D., following her 1971 wedding to Andrew J. Sordoni, III, vice president, Academic Affairs, Misericordia University, during the award presentation in the Pauly Friedman Art allery. Continued on next page

23 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

STORY Heartof Me icine Continued from page 23 COVER president of the Sordoni Construction Co., and the birth of their five children, Claire, Patricia, Andrew J., Laura and Maria. Throughout the time, she was active with numerous organizations, including the Pennsylvania Ballet and Commonwealth Medical College, and honored by First Lady Barbara Bush for her efforts in support of the Osterhout Free Library and the Pennsylvania Library Association. She also served as chairperson on the Misericordia Board of Trustees and Leading from the Heart capital campaign chair, among various appointments, from 1974-82. Dr. Sordoni admits most people thought she was crazy when, with Andy’s encouragement, she decided to take the MCATs – the first step to medical school – on her 20th wedding anniversary. After taking a series of refresher biology courses, and experiencing what she calls “a brutal interview process due to my age,” she was accepted at the Medical College of Pennsylvania at age 45. Dr. Sordoni discusses a treatment plan with fellow alumna April With her family by her side, she earned her medical degree at Lennon ’17, M.S.W., a graduate of the Ruth Matthews Bourger age 50, completing her residency at the Hahnemann Family Women with Children Program, who has been the social care manager at the Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Wilkes-Barre since Practice Program in 2000. She returned to Wilkes-Barre where earning her master’s degree in social work in May 2019. she established a private practice, yet weekly trips to volunteer at a VIM clinic outside Philadelphia planted the seed for a similar facility in her hometown. “Dr. McConnell called me back five minutes later, stating, Ironically, it was her love of tap dancing that came into play ‘So, I hear you tap dance.” on her introduction to VIM’s founder Dr. McConnell. “I had After visiting with him at the VIM in Hilton Head, S.C., she read about him in a magazine article, and it said his son, was inspired by “this incredibly talented, driven, funny and devoted physician.” With his encouragement and some guidance from the national VIM office in Vermont, Dr. Sordoni “Sheisaperfe texampleofa began the journey of the of establishing a clinic just blocks from where she grew up. Miseri ordiafamilymemberwhohas “With all the inspiration from this wonderful man and many colleagues in the community, and the foundation of giving exemplifiedthebest hara teristi sof back which came from my family and College Misericordia, it all came together,’’ Dr. Sordoni says. “It was not me – it was ompassionand areinmedi ine.She the timing and the need. It was the hearts and souls of so defineswhatthisawardrepresents.’’ many people who loved and supported my idea. I have them all to thank for making all of this happen.” – Alfred Casale, M.D. Her mantra of “life is short – be good, do good and have Associate Chief Medical fficer, fun,” which she admits came about spontaneously during a Geisinger newspaper interview, continues to ring true. There is no slowing down for the 73-year-old motivator. She spends 10 hours a week at the clinic, travels weekly to Philadelphia to Paige, was in the band Phish and that Dr. McConnell had tap ballroom dance – frequently competing at the national level – danced on stage during one of their concerts,” she recalls. and says she is not done with her medical mission. She hopes “So, I asked a mutual acquaintance to tell Dr. McConnell that to transform the vacant space on the second floor of the VIM I was a family practice physician, that I graduated from clinic to a wellness center, providing exercise, nutrition and College Misericordia, that I wanted to start a voluntary mindfulness classes for the community. medicine clinic and that I tap dance. As always, volunteers are welcome. 24 for HENRY C I E N C E CENTER

Ceremony marks last A student, at right, places his signature on the beam. steel beam being Misericordia University Trustee Marjorie Henry Marquart, below, put into place explains to the media the importance of the Henry Science Center for the University and region. B Y PA U L K R Z Y W I C K I

The Misericordia University community celebrated an important milestone in the construction of the $45 million Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center by holding a beam signing ceremony on Aug. 25 to commemorate the last beam being ready to be put in place for the 57,400-square-foot academic building. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the Mercy institution of higher education signed the steel story and message about how Science Center – a 21st century facility beam throughout the day in front of transformational this campaign can that will embody superior teaching, the construction site, with the and must be,’’ Mr. Insalaco added. learning and research.’’ highlight being a late morning “But the narrative isn’t completely Students and faculty will begin to ceremony featuring special remarks written just yet. We still have work to use the new wing of the Henry Science from President Thomas J. Botzman, do and other fundraising thresholds to Center during the 2020 fall semester, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic achieve. Nonetheless, special thanks with the renovation of the existing Affairs David B. Rehm, Ph.D., Trustee must be offered to all those whose 28,500-square-foot Science Hall emeritus Sandy Insalaco, Sr., Trustees remarkable commitments of time and wing to commence shortly thereafter. Mary Erwine, Chris Borton and talent are bringing to life the Henry The overall 85,900-square-foot Marjorie Marquart, chemistry major construction and renovation Ricky Averill of Harrisburg, and more. project will be the largest “When I was first approached to academic building on campus co-chair the ‘Now for Tomorrow’ when it is completed for the campaign, along with Sandy Insalaco, 2021 fall semester. my immediate reaction wasn’t why, but “What an exciting day,’’ rather, why not?’’ Trustee Erwine said. “I President Botzman said, really hadn’t given much thought to the following remarks from fact that we had recently undertaken Trustee Erwine. “It was just a and successfully completed two major few short weeks ago that the campaigns within the last 10 years. Nor did I give any consideration to the Continued on next page reality that this campaign, with an unprecedented fundraising goal of $30 million, will be our most ambitious – ever.’’ To monitor progress on the construction of the Henry Science Center, “As a trustee emeritus, I am please go to www.misericordia.edu/henryscience to watch a live stream honored to share the Misericordia of the construction site. 25 for

H nry Sci nc C nt r Mil ston Continued from previous page

first steel beam arrived on campus, The late Frank M. and today, we are already installing Henry provided the the last one. The Frank M. and lead gift for Now for Dorothea Henry Science Center is no Tomorrow: The Campaign longer just a dream. If you have not for Misericordia signed the beam, be sure to do so and University, which supports be part of history in the making. construction of the “For each and every person who has comprehensive Henry made this building possible, we are Science Center, and thankful. It has been years in the provides significant investment in the Misericordia Fund and endowment for Misericordia University Trustee Mary Hudack Erwine, co-chair of the ‘Now for Tomorrow’ additional scholarship opportunities for campaign, offers remarks at the beam signing worthy students. ceremony for the Henry Science Center. “Our community friend, Frank Henry came forward at the start of the laboratories, technologies and campaign with a leadership gift unlike learning spaces. A two-story glass any other Misericordia had seen, along curtain-wall on the north façade of the with a challenge,’’ President Botzman new wing will permit views from the added, quoting the late Mr. Henry as center of campus into the new saying ‘this is a big one (project) for teaching labs. Misericordia. I know you need my help. Rich in technology, the Henry Science Misericordia University students sign the

beam before the official ceremony to Please use my gift to challenge others.’ Center’s design will provide a number commemorate the last steel girder being “And we promised Frank we would do of dedicated laboratories and placed in the Henry Science Center. that, and I know all of us here are workspaces for specific areas of inquiry, doing our best every day to be sure including a small mammal vivarium, planning, and many faculty and staff we are meeting his expectation.’’ aquatic/invertebrate vivarium, computer have been beyond patient. I am The Henry Science Center puts building lab and 10 new teaching labs in confident your patience is going to pay science clearly on display while off, as the new Henry Science Center meeting the demands of the Members of the Misericordia University Board of Trustees and leadership team promises opportunity to students and 21st-century model of learner-based show off the celebrated beam during the faculty beyond what we can even and discovery-based teaching, which ceremony at the Henry Science Center on imagine,’’ President Botzman added. requires a deliberate mix of modern Wednesday, Sept. 25.

26 for

‘NFT’ campaign turns attention to endowment

Having secured the funds necessary to break ground on the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center, Misericordia is focusing its fundraising attention on the second of three Now for Misericordia science faculty and staff pose by Tomorrow campaign priorities: the historic beam. growing the University’s endowment. In the public sector, taxes subsidize ‘What an exciting day! It was just a few short weeks ago that the educational institutions whereas the first steel beam arrived on campus, and today, we are already endowment supports private universities, such as Misericordia installing the last one. The Frank M. and orothea Henry Science University. With invested endowment Center is no longer just a dream. If you have not signed the principal providing ongoing financial security, and a percentage of interest beam, be sure to do so and be part of history in the making.’ spent to supplement key University priorities, a thriving endowment – Thomas J. Botzman, h.D. resident, Misericordia University generates resources that enrich the education of today’s students while accruing the financial security for a promising future. biology, chemistry and physics. An approval was validation of the Misericordia’s endowment, though organic chemistry lab will be adjacent to exceptional teaching and learning that steadily growing, is smaller than the learning center dedicated to the occurs within our classrooms, clinics, competitor colleges, which forces it nuclear magnetic resonance instrument, laboratories and other settings. It was to rely on tuition revenue to a better known as an NMR. A new cold confirmation of our belief that when – greater degree than is desirable. room will enable advanced molecular not if – we build it, students will come Compensating by raising tuition and experiments, while a cadaver suite – and excel.” balancing the budget with tuition complete with an integrated control increases is not an option, as the room, Anatomage room, and laboratory For more information about the Now University remains committed to its and preparatory space – will expand for Tomorrow: The Campaign for mission of maintaining affordability learning opportunities for students Misericordia University, please log for families at a wide range of in the health and medical sciences, on to nft.misericordia.edu. income levels. which comprise about Ultimately, endowment is about 54% of the study body. people and is an investment in “It seems like only yesterday that my fellow students and faculty. Accordingly, trustees and I approved Misericordia is raising endowment the most ambitious funds to support student and consequential scholarships, University programs construction project ever and both endowed chairperson and to occur on our campus,’’ professorship faculty positions. For Trustee Chairperson more information about the Now for Borton said. “Our Tomorrow campaign, please log on to nft.misericordia.edu. To contribute Members of the campus to the Now for Tomorrow community sign the beam. endowment campaign, please contact the campaign coordinator at To watch the beam signing ceremony, please type this URL into your 570-674-6333. web browser: bit.ly/mubeamsi nin . 27 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020 CAMPUS

Aerial view shows demolition work in 2017. Then & Now Rave reviews for The completed park is a Lake Street park welcoming gateway to campus.

town-and-gown project The project incorporates almost three years in the the University-owned A making has transformed the Old House Café into the busy intersection of state Route 415 design, as the parking lot and Lake Street in Dallas Borough into extends past the Autism Construction crews an inviting gateway by replacing Center and Sandra work on the park. blighted commercial properties with Dzczewski Maffei Painting green space, sidewalks and parking. & Drawing Studio at 50 From the wrecking ball of the former Lake St., up to John J. Himmler Theater and neighboring Passan Hall at 100 Lake St., structures sprung a Misericordia-branded to create 35 additional area replete with matching benches, parking spaces for the light standards and sidewalks. In place campus community. The The park benefits of the buildings, the University planted project was completed the community fresh sod, trees and shrubs to Aug. 31, 2019. and campus. compliment new sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and paved parking. The additional lighting and safety Ribbon cutting marks completion of Lake St. project features also tie Machell Avenue, where the University owns a student residence hall at 10 Machell Ave., to Lake Street and the downtown business district and campus community. The reater Wilkes-Barre Chamber recognized the project by awarding Misericordia University a Pride of Place Award at its annual dinner in November. The award recognizes new construction, renovation or environmental enhancement projects in the local community. The vision for the beautification project began in August 2016 with the purchase of 24, 30 and 32 Lake Misericordia University officials and special guests officially dedicated the Lake Street sidewalk project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the North ate of campus. The more Street, as well as ancillary structures than $1 million project resulted in more than 3,000-feet of sidewalk along the busy state and land. The nearly one-acre, roadway to improve safety for pedestrians. Participating in the ribbon cutting, first row pie-shaped park is adjacent to the from left, are Thomas Caffrey, Northeast Regional director, ov. Tom Wolf’s Office; new PennDOT roundabout, a safety Mayor Tim Carroll, Dallas Borough; state Rep. Karen Boback ‘73, ‘00; Thomas J. Botzman, measure incorporated at the five-way Ph.D., president, Misericordia University; state Sen. Lisa Baker, and Atty. Thomas Mosca, solicitor, Dallas Twp.; second row, Atty. Tom Brennan, former solicitor, Dallas Twp.; Bill intersection downtown that also rid rant, supervisor, Dallas Twp., and Carol Warholak Sweeney, Office of Rep. Karen Boback. the area of an abandoned gas station. 28 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU

Study economy is $130.9 million, which recognition in the 2020 edition of supports 1,268 jobs in the state through Best Colleges report, moving from a Continued from page 2 direct and indirect employment created regionally recognized institution of The Association of Independent by supply and equipment vendors, higher learning to one that tied Ball Colleges & Universities of contractors, and jobs created in the State, Oklahoma State, Louisville Pennsylvania (AICUP) took it a step community, according to the report. and Seattle Pacific universities for further when it commissioned a study The activity also generates about $6.1 192nd place out of the 399 colleges by Parker Phillips, Inc., to examine the million in tax revenues for state and and universities that received overall economic impact of the private local governments. national ranking. institutions of higher education based “Unlike many businesses, higher Chronicle of igher Education: MU on 2018 data. education is not only for the benefit of has a Top 10 national ranking for one These same institutions may award our students, but also for the of the best four-year graduation rates more than 75,000 academic degrees, advancement of our local, regional (71.2%) in the “primarily residential” certificates and diplomas annually, but and state communities in an ongoing category among four-year private, they also generate $24 billion in perpetual fashion,’’ Misericordia nonprofit colleges and universities. economic impact, support 195,525 University President Thomas J. Money Magazine: Misericordia is jobs, produce $1.1 billion in state and Botzman, Ph.D., said. “Misericordia is the second highest ranked college in local tax revenue, spark $3.4 billion in pleased to grant traditional degrees the region based on quality and spending by 290,000 students, and while being agile enough to innovate affordability. donate $58.9 million to charities, and serve those who need an The Princeton Review: The national according to the 2019 report. opportunity to learn a skill, get a job, college admission services company Northeastern Pennsylvania is and be a part of our growing and recommends Misericordia, based on fortunate to have 10 private prosperous regional economy.’’ a student survey that addresses institutions that offer diverse academics, administration and educational opportunities. The Collegiate rankings student body. regional impact approaches $1.3 and recognition Wall Street Journal and Times billion annually, while employing more Media that examine the effectiveness igher Education: The first four-year than 11,500 neighbors, friends and and quality of colleges and universities college in Luzerne County is among family members. Those jobs result in in the United States also recognized the Top U.S. Colleges, according to $60 million in state and local tax Misericordia University. The following is this ranking. revenue, the report states. a summary for 2019-20: College Consensus: Misericordia is In the Back Mountain, Misericordia’s U.S. News & World Report: 17th in the northeastern United States economic impact on the Pennsylvania Misericordia achieved national and 245th nationally in the report.

M rcy for Mercy Associates every semester, are cleared for entry into the country. the Leadership Council is working to A highlight of the fall semester, the Continued from page 13 create more opportunities to engage Mercy Associates worked closely with at Mercy Center. The discerning current associates and involve new Sisters Jean and Cindy to organize a process ends with a simple welcoming members. They held a special formal dedication of the new statue of ceremony, during which the new commissioning service for four student Catherine McAuley on campus. The associates sign a formal covenant Mercy Associates before they left successful Nov. 6 event attracted more declaring their intention to work as campus at the end of the 2019 spring than 200 participants including more partners of the Sisters of Mercy to semester. They also hosted a half-day than two dozen Sisters of Mercy. In make a difference in the world. It is retreat for the entire team of Mercy addition, they also conducted a important to note that no religious Associates in the summer, where they collection of personal care gifts for the affiliation is needed. Participants of all discussed the critical concerns of the Sisters for the 2019 Christmas holiday. faiths, or no faith, are welcome. Sisters and the work that they do. “Catherine McAuley was a lay “The facts are that the Sisters of Continuing a plan to host a service person in Ireland in the 1830s who Mercy are at a transitional point, and project every semester, the group wanted nothing more than to help moving forward we need to make sure collected more than 1,000 shoelaces in people,” Cerza adds in summary. someone will be there to pick up the the spring for immigrants at the “People were attracted to that, so they torch,” orney offers. “How do we U.S.-Mexico border. The reason: offered to work with her. That is how ensure that Mercy stays real? We need Border agents take away immigrants’ the Sisters of Mercy came about. Our to carry the integrity of the institution … shoelaces when they enter the country job and mission as Mercy Associates is and keep their journey of service alive.” as a purported safety precaution, and to make sure we never lose sight of In addition to holding a gathering the new laces are needed once they Catherine or her vision.” 29 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

PEOPLE THE NEED FOR SPEED Alumnus receives his ‘Wings of old’ after graduating from the United States Navy’s Aviation Training School

B Y PA U L K R Z Y W I C K I

school in Pensacola, Fla. “A large majority of the teamwork aspect of football plays a role in my career,’’ says, Krisiak, who was named to the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom Sportsmanship Team and MAC Academic Honor Roll in 2016. “I think that is why I love what I do. Aviation takes a lot of preparation and communication. You plan and prepare for every imaginable scenario in the sky, and then when you go out and execute the mission – there is a lot of communication required to be successful. “There are so many moving parts that play a role in a mission. It takes a lot of input from many different sources for a mission to go right. Just like football, one player does not make a team. In order to be successful on the field, you have to work together as a team. The same applies to the Navy.’’ A member of the winging squadron VT-4 Warbucks as an SNFO, Ensign Jeffrey Krisiak ’ 17 Krisiak’s first assignment has taken him to Strategic Communications Wing One at Tinker Air Force Base in Jeffrey Krisiak ’17 knows the value of commissioned officer shortly after Oklahoma City, Okla., where he chose speed, whether he is on a collegiate receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree his platform training for the E-6B gridiron tossing 50-yard go routes to a in overnment, Law and National Mercury – a nuclear deterrence aircraft wide receiver or working to get his Security in the spring of 2017. that has been dubbed the “doomsday wings as a Student Naval Flight Officer Eleven months later, SNFO Krisiak plane’’ by the website, The Aviationist. (SNFO) in the United States Navy. earned his promotion to ensign after A four-year letterman on the completing Officer Candidate School The aircraft features 22 Misericordia in April 2018. He proudly secured his crewmembers and, according to University “Wings of old” and first military Business Insider, enables the president football team, assignment in August 2018 after and defense secretary to communicate Jeffrey the Long Pond, graduating from the U.S. Navy’s with submarines, bombers and missile Krisiak ’17 Pa., native Aviation Training School. Many of the silos during a nuclear war. During his enrolled in the less tangible lessons he learned in the 18 months of training aboard the U.S. Navy’s classroom and on the field of play – E-6B Mercury, he received training as a OVERNMENT, Officer teamwork and perseverance – he navigator before graduating to mission LAW AND Candidate applied successfully at the “Cradle of commander. NATIONAL School to Naval Aviation,’’ otherwise known as In the interim, Ensign Krisiak SECURITY become a Naval Air Station Pensacola’s flight compares his role in the aircraft to that 3300 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE PEOPLE

of fictional character, Lt. (Junior rade) Nick “ oose’’ Bradshaw, from 1986’s Top Gun. He directs the pilot, while also being responsible for the overall completion of the mission, including the safety of the aircraft and crew, and navigation and sensor utilization. His quick reference to the Hollywood blockbuster, aside, the “wild blue yonder’’ has fascinated Ensign Krisiak since childhood. With his father, Jeff Krisiak, Sr., working at Newark Liberty International Airport and his uncle, Joseph Krisiak, also enjoying a career as a Naval Flight Officer, reaching for the sky seemed natural. “I have been around planes all my life,’’ says Ensign Krisiak, who tossed the game-winning touchdown pass on Senior Day in 2016. “So when I learned I had the opportunity to fly in the Navy Jeffrey Krisiak ’17 led the Cougars to a dramatic victory over FDU-Florham – I jumped at it.’’ in his career finale in 2016. He says the skills he utilized on the field and in That opportunity has propelled the the classroom enabled him to become a United States Naval Flight Officer Pocono Mountain West High School and achieve the rank of ensign. He earned MAC Player of the Week honors graduate to speeds of up to 316 knots or for his overall performance. 0.67 Mach in naval training aircraft during his 38 hours of training in the cockpit. back on one of the chief staples of a case, the team’s needs, before his own “I love flying,’’ he says. “There is Misericordia education. “ oing from desires,’’ says head coach Mark Ross. nothing like it being cloudy on the high school to college was a big “I think that is one of the secrets to ground, and taking off and climbing adjustment for me in the sense of how being a leader. I also think he uplifts through the clouds and finally much more demanding the academics those around him. He may not have breaking out on top of them and the became. The personal attention I the stats of other people who have sun is shining. No matter how dull it is received allowed me to develop the played for us, but because of his on the ground, in the sky above the habits and skills necessary to succeed ability to connect with teammates, and clouds, the sun is always shining.’’ in the classroom.’’ the example he set for them, he has He parlayed his hard work and It also enabled him to handle made as significant contribution to this naturally positive disposition into setbacks on the playing field after he program as anyone who has been a consequential minutes on the became the back-up quarterback part of it to date. gridiron and meaningful academic during his four years on the Cougar “Jeff will be a significant leader of accomplishments in the classroom football team. Losing the head-to-head this nation before all is said and done,’’ despite acknowledging several setbacks competitions to be the top signal Coach Ross adds. along the way – many of which the caller, though, did not sour him on his The way those bumps in the collegiate University’s standards alleviated. team-first approach to the sport. His road were assuaged also reinforced why “If it was not for the personal teammates rewarded his attitude and Ensign Krisiak chose his alma mater in attention professors showed me, I do leadership qualities by naming him a the first place. “I picked Misericordia not think I would have done well team captain for his senior year. because of the community and the (academically),’’ he says, reflecting “He always placed others, in this people. When you walk on campus, it feels like home,’’ he says. “Just the little signs of hospitality made it feel like home. I also picked About Ensign Krisiak Misericordia because of the athletic A four-year letterman from 2013-16, he started four games at quarterback as a department. Between the success of senior in 2016, including the dramatic 40-36 win over FDU-Florham in the season other sports and the support teams finale. He threw the game-winning touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining in the receive from the community, game. Overall, he was 26-36 for 284 yards and 2 TDs, and added 91 yards rushing Misericordia is the place you want to and a TD in the Senior Day win. play a sport at.’’ On the season, he was 78-144 (54.2%) with 7 touchdowns as a senior. And also reach for the sky. 31 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

PEOPLE CARIN FOR FAMILY Adult learner becomes chief nursing executive for eisinger Health System

B Y PA U L K R Z Y W I C K I

DANVILLE, Pa. – Family is important to Janet F. Tomcavage ’92, M.S.N., R.N. It partly explains the career she envisioned for herself by her mid- teens and the dedication she has exhibited for the health and well -being of the communities served by eisinger Health as an adult. For most of the last 38 years, Tomcavage has been instrumental in developing health care programs and personalized insurance plans for one of the nation’s most innovative health services organizations. Novel Janet F. ideas like eisinger at Tomcavage ’92, Home, Proven Health M.S.N. Navigator, community health assistants and others reflect the NURSIN growing influence of eisinger’s new chief nursing executive. “Nurses make a huge difference every day in the lives of our patients, and this new position reflects our ongoing commitment to nurses and to their professional growth,’’ says Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., president and chief executive officer of eisinger. “Janet brings outstanding experience in the full scope of nursing and all aspects of inpatient and outpatient care, and I’m excited for her and for all our nurses as she transitions into her new leadership role.’’ That successful path to assisting eisinger achieve high quality, affordable services for more than 1.5 million patients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey has a simple beginning: Diabetes. More than 30 million people in the United States had the debilitating disease in 2015, according to the National Institutes of Health, including Tomcavage’s late mother, Janet F. Tomcavage ’ 92, June Fisher, late grandmother, Marguarite Derr, M.S.N., R.N. and her first nursing patient. 32 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE PEOPLE

“The very first patient that I took not just a medical perspective. It serve in many different capacities,” care of in nursing school was a dear allowed me to look more broadly at she says. “This experience brings an woman with Type 2 diabetes who had community health,” says Tomcavage, important foundation for what I want pretty significant complications,’’ who earned her degree while working to do in my new position.’’ recalls Tomcavage, whose mother full time. “It also provided a strong Tomcavage now is expanding her also dreamed of becoming a nurse, foundation for leadership-skill reach as eisinger’s new chief nursing but instead raised seven children. “It development. I did not walk out of the executive, adding responsibilities for left a definite mark to this day – I graduate program with everything that key clinical strategies, and advancing know her name and I know where she I needed, but it laid the groundwork nursing practice and roles. Most was and how long I treated her in the clinical rotation. “It definitely left an imprint, and Misericordia gave me an opportunity to tackle community- then because of my family history of based clinical programs from a nursing perspective, not just a diabetes, it was a natural progression.’’ Shortly after earning her “medical perspective. It allowed me to look more broadly at undergraduate degree, Tomcavage community health. joined eisinger Health in Danville as — Janet F. Tomcavage '92, M.S.N., .N. a diabetes nurse educator. The role Geisinger, Chief Nursing Executive ultimately tested her ability to develop the type of pioneering for my interest in developing” more of recently, those innovative ideas programs eisinger has built its a leadership role. created the home-based delivery care national reputation on, such as a “That allowed me to develop model for seniors known as eisinger High-Risk Obstetrical Clinic for several clinical programs within the at Home and an advancing-illness pregnant patients with diabetes and diabetes arena where I worked, while strategy to “help make patients be an Insulin Pump Program. it gave me an opportunity to hone better prepared for the journey of Tomcavage acknowledges she was those leadership skills,’’ she adds. their disease and chronic conditions.” happy professionally, knowing her The advanced degree amplified Almost four decades later, ideas truly were having an impact. The Tomcavage’s voice, enabling her to Tomcavage’s passion for tackling the time had come, though, to advance join the leadership teams that challenges associated with the national her career – and she needed a spearheaded the type of population health care system and improving the master’s degree to achieve her next health programs she has long lives of everyday people remains goal. Her next stop was Misericordia envisioned. Through the years, she vibrant, if not omnipresent. After all, and its Master of Science in nursing has served as the manager of care her notepad remains prominently degree program. coordination, director of medical situated on her bedroom table so she “The faculty was very helpful and home, vice president of health services can spring out of bed at all hours of willing to work with the students, and and chief administrative officer for the the night to jot down the next because there were small classes you eisinger Health Plan. Most recently, transformative idea in health care. got to know your colleagues,” she she functioned in a system role as “I think it started with my family, but says. “That environment was very chief population health officer. I’ve grown up in this area and now my effective in allowing students to learn In each instance, she focused on whole career has been at eisinger in beyond the coursework. From a driving the transformation of how serving the communities,’’ Tomcavage professional perspective, whether it be eisinger delivers value-based care to says. “To me, it really is about helping leadership approaches or styles, many its 13 hospital campuses and nearly to improve the health of friends and of us were in middle management 600,000-member health plan. “I’ve neighbors, and ultimately the roles. It allowed us to look at the stayed at eisinger for 38 years and I community. And, if eisinger, as a opportunities we had in nursing and have had the opportunity to grow in result can influence the care others think through some of the challenges.” nursing in many different ways and across the nation give, that is grand.” For 2½ years, she carpooled one to two times a week from Danville to Dallas with two classmates who quickly became lifelong friends. They studied Awards and Memberships and passed the time together during Janet F. Tomcavage ’92, M.S.N., R.N., the chief nursing executive at eisinger their long rides to opening up the Health, was the first nurse in the system to receive the Pennsylvania Nightingale door to new opportunities. Award for clinical excellence in an advanced nursing role. She is an active member “Misericordia gave me an opportunity in several professional societies and has served in various leadership roles in the to tackle community-based clinical American Nurse Association, the American College of Healthcare Executives and programs from a nursing perspective, the Alliance of Community Health Plans. 33 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

A CHAMPION FOR SOCIAL CHAN E PEOPLE Alumna builds allies for people with developmental disabilities

B Y E O F F R U S H T O N Andrea Brognano ’11, L.M.H.C., those people based on what their L.P.C., N.C.C., says supporting and individual needs are. We can offer a being inclusive of people with variety of different supports to a disabilities does not necessarily take a variety of different people.” “big heart.” It requires understanding PCCS also provides trainings to Andrea Brognano and recognizing the value of every community members and organizations ’11, L.M.H.C., person – and treating people as for how they can support those with L.P.C., N.C.C. people first. disabilities. Brognano has worked in Fostering that understanding and several different roles for PCCS. In her building allies for people with current position, she builds both PROFESSIONAL developmental disabilities is part of employee and community engagement. STUDIES the work Brognano does now with the Brognano works with staff and nonprofit Person Centered Care community members on a range of Service (PCCS), based in Staten Island, PCCS initiatives and provides N.Y. A 2011 Misericordia University trainings, such as Mental Health First graduate, Brognano is division director Aid. A unique training that PCCS of Development and Community offers is the Disability Ally Initiative, Relations for PCCS, where she has which Brognano has the opportunity worked since receiving her bachelor’s to provide not only in New York, but degree in professional studies. also around the country. “I think in society we see people “That training is pretty much exactly with disabilities as people that are this what it sounds like,” she says. “It is a charitable thing,” she offers. “But we training of how to be an ally to people need to recognize people are people with disabilities and better engage with first and recognize a person as who those that identify as disabled. I have they are.” been given the opportunity to travel for PCCS provides services and that training to national conferences.” supports for nearly 1,000 people of all Brognano also developed the Andrea Brognano ’11, L.M.H.C., L.P.C., ages, primarily in Staten Island but Disability Ally Advisory Committee, N.C.C., left, and Alexa Donnelly, L.M.S.W., also throughout New York’s five which brings together PCCS staff and deputy executive director of Person Centered Care Service, show their awards boroughs and Long Island. Those can a diverse group of community from 2019’s top ’20 Under 40’ program include direct care and support, members to find the best ways to for the Staten Island Economic counseling, helping clients be involved deliver trainings and build support for Development Center. in their community, finding a job or a individuals with disabilities. place to live, and more. “We realized that we really do not “It varies and that’s why we are so want to be doing this alone,” she says. true to our name, because any two “We want to have the input of those in people that have the same diagnosis, the community. We see things in the they are still two different people,” local newspaper or on the news about Brognano says. “So it is going to look how people with disabilities are being different how we provide services to treated and we really want the

Business venture Andrea Brognano ’11, L.M.H.C., L.P.C., N.C.C., recently launched the online group therapy practice, Therapy Connection, at www.therapyconnectiononline.com to help people find peace and happiness through compassionate psychotherapy. The online resource is for busy people who have been seeking support with anxiety, personal problems, regaining control of their lives, and much more. For additional information, please email her at [email protected]. 34 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE PEOPLE

community to come together and help “When her mom told me she had also helped me grow as a person and us out with the way in which we should this opportunity for me to work with connect with other people,” she says. be implementing this training and who her I was like, ‘You know, this kind of Her career has taken a different path should be getting it. Every social fell into my lap and it’s something I than the one she envisioned when she network has different people they should just explore a little bit,’” she started as an undergraduate at connect with, so having the help from says, recalling the offer she received Misericordia. She was looking to pursue the community helps us connect in after returning to Staten Island in a career in occupational therapy, and areas that maybe we would not 2011. “I’ve known her since she was 3 coming from a small, private high otherwise be able to connect with.” and she’s now 18, so it’s really cool to school, Misericordia was the perfect fit. While Brognano was glad to be at Misericordia, she discovered that occupational therapy was not a good fit for her. A service trip to Jamaica during her senior year proved to be a life-changing experience. “One of the sites we went to was for people with disabilities and it is so interesting to me ... I knew I wanted to do something to help other people, because I just find people so interesting,” she says. “After that trip, I started to explore other options. I’ve always wanted to connect with people and understand people, to get into their minds.” Brognano redirected her degree to professional studies, and the psychology courses she took helped her to refine her career path and develop as a person, she says. In addition, when it came to changing direction, Misericordia Andrea Brognano ’11, L.M.H.C., L.P.C., N.C.C., follows up on outreach items and networking connections as the division director of Development and Community Relations for Person faculty and staff helped her feel at Centered Care Service in Staten Island, N.Y. ease. “Misericordia allowed me to be comfortable with who I was as a Among the most enthusiastic and see her grow and how the supports person,” she says. “There was never a consistent participants, she says, is the she’s received have impacted her life.” time I felt like I did not have anyone to chief financial officer of the minor From providing one-on-one support, turn to, including administration-wise, league baseball Staten Island Yankees, Brognano moved on to new roles whether it be a teacher or the Jay Nazzaro. “He is adamant about including Medicaid service coordinator, counseling center. Wherever I turned, I coming. That has been helpful for us director of community habilitation and always knew I would have someone.” because some of the people we director of education and discovery Misericordia’s charisms of Mercy, support go there for volunteer and job before starting her current position. Service, Justice and Hospitality remain opportunities,” Brognano says. “He In 2015, Brognano also earned her with her because of her work and desire really understands the value and that master’s degree in clinical mental health to help others, Brognano says. As she the community needs to come counseling from Walden University. completed her undergraduate degree, together and recognize all people.” Outside of PCCS, she has done learning more and beginning to work in Brognano, a licensed mental health counseling in private practices and is the mental health field, she came to counselor, has held a variety of currently a licensed clinician for the understand herself better and the positions at PCCS over the past eight online therapy service, Talkspace, which importance of being compassionate to years. She began as a direct support gives her the opportunity to work with other people. professional, first working with a people of different backgrounds and “‘People will say, ‘Oh, you have young girl, Taylor, whom she had with different diagnoses. to have such a big heart to do what babysat earlier in life. She worked with “For me, having my master’s and you do.’ You really do not. It is not Taylor in her home providing support license in mental health counseling has necessarily that I have a big heart,” for things such as daily living skills provided the opportunity to continue she says. “It’s just the path that and schoolwork. to grow in my role within (PCCS), but I chose.” 35 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

PEOPLE THRICE AS NICE Medical imaging alumnae establish careers as radiation therapists at Duke Cancer Center

B Y PA U L K R Z Y W I C K I

Odds are Kaitlin B. Fink ’16, B.S., R.T., (R)(T), does not Misericordia University alumnae, from left, Shelby Rinaldi ’17, B.S., consider herself a trendsetter in the truest sense of the R.T., (R)(T); Kaitlyn B. Fink ’16, B.S., R.T., (R)(T), and Jaclyn Hajec ’18, B.S., R.T., (R)(T), show the linear accelerator at Duke Cancer Center. word. Nevertheless, when it comes to establishing a tendency at one of the top medical centers in the country few people have her beat. similar,” adds Fink. “Coming from Misericordia, we did not The daughter of Joel and Deborah Fink is a radiation plan to work together, it just happened that way.’’ therapist at Duke University Hospital’s Cancer Center in A radiation therapist works with radiation oncologists, Durham, N.C. – and the linchpin to establishing a pipeline dosimetrists, nutritionists, oncology nurses, social workers for graduates of Misericordia University’s medical imaging and other professionals to deliver precise radiation treatment program into the University of North Carolina (UNC) Cancer programs, using both high-energy photons and electrons on Hospitals’ certificate program and Duke Cancer Center. a linear accelerator to patients of all ages, who have Today, Jaclyn Hajec ’18, B.S., R.T., (R)(T), Shelby cancerous and non-cancerous diagnoses – a scenario they Rinaldi ’17, B.S., R.T., (R)(T), and Fink work together in became intimately familiar with when their own loved ones interprofessional teams at the battled cancer. Durham, N.C., facility as radiation “Because I was unable to help her, I want to help others like therapists, after completing the her,’’ says Fink, whose aunt lost her cancer fight. “Every day at Kaitlin B. Fink ’16, 12-month postgraduate program work, I say to myself, ‘if this was my aunt, I would want her to B.S., R.T., (R)(T) in radiation therapy at UNC. be treated this way.’” “Honestly, the odds of three These life experiences also explain the career path each of Shelby Rinaldi ’17, Misericordia graduates getting them chose eventually, as the Misericordia academic program B.S., R.T., (R)(T) hired at Duke, in my opinion, are affords students an opportunity to observe three different Jaclyn Hajec ’18, very high,’’ says Fink, who met her modalities during their junior year. Hajec, for example, wanted B.S., R.T., (R)(T) classmates while volunteering as a to know more about interventional radiology, cardiac student mentor in the X-ray lab at catheterization and radiation therapy. In her senior year, she Misericordia. “The radiologic gained an additional 30 weeks of clinical experience in MEDICAL technologist program students radiation therapy at eisinger Wyoming Valley Medical can also have additional clinical IMA IN Center’s Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center – which rotations in radiation therapy or proved invaluable in the postgraduate program. other modalities during their “My mother is a cancer survivor, so I think that initially senior year. With this advantage coming into an actual sparked my interest in the medical field and then more program, we already know the basics of clinical with setting specifically medical imaging,’’ says Hajec, who had the pleasure patients up and the basics of how radiation therapy works.” of meeting and talking with patients during her day of Although each alumnae shared a mutual interest in observation in radiation therapy, adding, “I think that was my radiation therapy, Fink forged ahead first, documenting and ‘aha’ moment, when I knew this was my calling. This was what I sharing every step she took in the academic, clinical and wanted to do and I have never second-guessed that decision.’’ professional processes with Rinaldi. A year later, Hajec The radiation therapist’s role also attracted them to the leaned on Rinaldi and Fink when she was ready to specialty field, as they forge meaningful relationships with their matriculate to the Tar Heel State. patients throughout the six-week treatment process. “Cancer is “I’m very humbled that I was able to help them get to very scary when it is first diagnosed, but by being empathetic where they are today and see how their paths are also and kind to every patient you can help them on the road to a 36 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE PEOPLE

cure or at least pain relief,” says Fink, who also earned a minor “I cannot stress enough how prepared I felt for UNC’s in mathematics. “By being a helping hand to patients and program based on my education at Misericordia,’’ says the making their atmosphere feel comfortable, it helps them to daughter of Steve and Joanne Hajec. “The medical imaging open up and make this unenjoyable experience tolerable.’’ program fosters success both in the classroom and in the The daughter of Willy and Nicole Rinaldi agrees, saying, clinic, and I was able to bring that mentality to Chapel Hill. The “I love getting to see and help my patients on a daily basis. countless hours I spent studying, in the lab, writing lab reports, It is so exciting when they come back for a follow-up rotating through clinic, and juggling extracurricular activities appointment and stop in to see us and tell us good news. really set me apart from my classmates.’’ They are such an inspiration.’’ “You are able to form relationships with your patients and walk them through their journey,’’ adds Hajec, a dual-sport student-athlete in golf and basketball at MU. “I think most The graduates of the Bachelor of Science degree people think radiation therapy is a depressing career. I learned program in medical imaging recently had scholarly very quickly that it is the complete opposite. I have discovered research papers published in national journals. They are: so much about myself based on the interactions I have each Kaitlin B. Fink ’16, B.S., R.T., (R)(T): American Society of day with my patients. This is a very rewarding, compassionate Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist journal; and humbling career.” Shortfall of Dementia Education in Radiation Therapy, Fall,

One that began with an undergraduate program that has 2017, Vol. 26, Number 2 issue. routinely experienced higher pass rates than the national average for more than 30 years on the American Registry of Jaclyn Hajec ’18, B.S., R.T., (R)(T): American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist journal; examination. Since October 1988, 559 graduates have taken Preventing Secondary Breast Cancer in Survivors of Pediatric the radiography examination and 545 have passed on their Hodgkin Lymphoma, Fall 2019, Vol. 28, Number 2 issue. first attempt, resulting in an overall pass rate of 97.5%. Over Shelby Rinaldi ’17, B.S., R.T., (R)(T): American Society of the past five years, first-time test takers hold a 96.3% pass Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist journal; rate. The national average for the examination is 89.4%, Tailoring Cancer Treatment to Patient enetics, Spring according to 2018 ARRT data. 2019, Vol. 28, Number 1 issue.

Misericordia University medical imaging alumnae, from left, Kaitlyn B. Fink ’16, B.S., R.T., (R)(T); Shelby Rinaldi ’ 17, B.S., R.T., (R)(T) and Jaclyn Hajec ’ 18, B.S., R.T., (R)(T), work at Duke University Hospital Cancer Center. 37 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

Athletics Hall of Fame welcomes 17th class of inductees

Misericordia inducted its 17th starter in baseball.

ATHLETICS Athletics Hall of Fame class, Murphy was a two-time honoring Max Campbell ’09 baseball team MVP and (soccer), Kristi (Devens) LaVorgna two-time first-team all- ’06 (softball), Cody Hack ’09 conference selection. He was (soccer/track & field/baseball), named all-region twice and was Mike Murphy ’09 (baseball), and an Eastern College Athletic Ali (Ostrum) Schappert ’09 (cross Conference (ECAC) all-star as a country/ track & field), during senior. He holds school Homecoming Weekend in single-season records with 71 October. hits, 30 stolen bases and seven The Athletics Department inducted its 17th Hall of Fame Campbell was a three-time class in October. The inductees, from left, are Kristi (Devens) triples, and shares the mark with all-conference selection, LaVorgna ’ 06, Max Campbell ’ 09, Mike Murphy ’ 09, 60 runs. Murphy owns the including twice being named Cody Hack ’ 09 and Ali (Ostrum) Shappert ’ 09. school record with 12 career first-team, and was a two-time triples and ranks third in career all-region selection. He was the school’s single-season record with batting average (.377) and on-base Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) 189 strikeouts and is second with 26 percentage (.510), fourth with 91 walks Player of the Year and Wendy’s Athlete complete games and 194.2 innings and fifth with 45 stolen bases. In of the Year as a junior. He ranks second pitched in a season. She is third in addition, he holds the National in school history with 32 assists and is single-season wins with 21. Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tied for fourth with 88 career points. He Hack earned nine varsity letters, Division III single-game record with shares the school single-season record including four each in soccer and eight hits and ended his career on a with 13 assists and is tied for fifth with baseball. He was Middle Atlantic 67-game on-base streak. 28 career goals. He received the Conference (MAC) Freedom Player of Schappert was a four-time Coach’s Award as a senior. the Year in soccer and the Wendy's all-conference finisher in cross country, LaVorgna was a two-time softball Athlete of the Year as a senior. He including four top-five finishes, and a team MVP and MVP of the PAC shares the school record with 13 two-time all-region performer. She was Tournament as a senior. A three-time assists in a season and is second with a four-time cross country team MVP All-PAC selection as a pitcher, she .65 assists per game. He ranks eighth and earned All-ECAC honors in three ranks fourth in school history with 50 with 17 career assists. In addition, he events in track & field: 1500m, 3000m career wins and fifth with a 1.44 career owns the school indoor track & field and 5000m. She owns school outdoor earned run average. She owns the record at 55m and was a four-year records in the mile and 3000m.

Luzerne County Sports individual champion while leading the championships while the women’s HoF inducts Wadas Cougars to three team titles. track & field squad has captured six In track & field, he was named team MAC titles. He has coached numerous Misericordia University cross country MVP as a senior and holds the school All-Americans including NCAA and track & field coach Chris Wadas record at 3000m and owns the indoor champions Ashlee Ward and Juwan ’05, ’12 was enshrined into the Luzerne record at 1500m. Petties-Jackson. County Sports Hall of Fame. Wadas was In his 13th season as coach at his a four-time MVP of the cross country alma mater, Wadas has guided the Women’s soccer team team and was a three-time women's cross country team to four places second Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) The women’s soccer team finished second in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom after reaching Eighth annual golf tournament set for Sept. 14 the conference title match for the The Athletics Department honored former golf coach Arnie aringer at eighth time in nine seasons. The the seventh annual olf Tournament at Huntsville olf Club in September. Cougars finished 11-6-2. More than 100 golfers, including 30 alumni, participated in the event that Kaylee Sturans ’21, ’24 was named also featured generous sponsorships. first-team all-region by the United The eighth annual Athletics Department olf Tournament is Monday, Soccer Coaches, while teammates Sept. 14 at Huntsville olf Club. To be a sponsor or participant, please call 570-674-6374. Continued on page 40 38 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

Levi Roberts ’19, ’22

Levi Roberts ’19, ’22 of Perkiomenville, Pa., recently finished his exceptional career with the men’s soccer team. A fourth- year student, he earned his Bachelor of Science in health care management and is pursuing his doctorate in physical therapy. The son of Kyle and Jane Roberts was a four -year starter at back and was a four- time Middle Atlantic All -Conference (MAC) selection while anchoring a defense that allowed just 1.54 goals per game during his career. The Boyertown High School graduate capped his career with All -MAC Freedom second- team honors in 2019 after receiving honorable mention in each of his first three seasons. Roberts helped the Cougars to three postseason appearances during his career, including a trip to the MAC Freedom championship match in 2016. He was named MAC Freedom Rookie of the Year for his performance during his first season, as the Cougars went 12 -5 -3 overall, 6 -1 in conference play, and allowed just 1.05 goals per game. During the 2019 season, Roberts and the Cougars allowed just 1.32 goals per game and the senior back added two goals and five assists, which led the team in scoring. In addition to receiving All -MAC Freedom honors, Roberts was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America All -District Team following the 2019 season. Roberts will be a member of the men’s volleyball team during the 2020 season. –By Parker Abate ‘ 19 39 MISERICORDIA TODAY MA AZINE | WINTER 2020

Continued from page 38

Michaela Fasolino ’21, ’24 and Jordyn Isaiah Williams plays in all-star game Martini ’20 made third-team. Football standout Isaiah Williams ’19 played in the Free Agent Football (FAF)

ATHLETICS D-3 Senior Classic All-Star ame in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in December. A senior Football team earns 2nd wide receiver, Williams joined 80 of the top D3 seniors in the nation at Doug straight postseason berth Shaw Memorial Stadium. The football team made its second Williams is a two-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection and led MU straight postseason appearance with a to back-to-back postseason appearances. He had 55 receptions for 746 yards berth in the 2019 Middle Atlantic as a senior, while averaging Conference (MAC) Centennial Bowl. 13.4 yards per catch and 74.6 The Cougars finished 5-5 overall and yards per game. He had at were fourth in the MAC at 5-3. least three receptions in all Six Cougars were named to the 10 games in 2019. All-MAC Team, including first-team A three-year starter, he selections Sam illison ’20 and caught at least one pass in all 31 Michael Anderson ’23. Isaiah Williams career games played. Williams ’19 was named to the second team, set the single-season school while Brady Williams ’20, Michael record with 66 receptions in awlik ’22 and Chris Lynn ’20 earned 2017, and his 81-yard reception honorable mention. against Merchant Marine in 2017 is the longest pass play in illison was selected at wide receiver Isaiah Williams ’ 19 after leading the Cougars in receptions, school history. yards, yards per game and touchdowns. He tied the school single-game record with three touchdown catches against Women’s volleyball earns year. The Cougars finished third in the Wilkes University and broke his own 2nd straight playoff berth Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) record with 230 receiving yards against Freedom during the regular season Alvernia. In addition, he set school The women’s volleyball team qualified before falling at Eastern in the first records for single-season (11) and for the postseason for the second round of the championships. career (28) touchdowns, and set career straight season. The Cougars were Levi Roberts ’19, ’22 and John records with 190 receptions and 2,814 22-18 and finished Caracappa ’21 were named Olivia receiving yards. fourth in the second-team All-MAC Freedom, Middle Atlantic Visaggio Anderson started all 10 games at ’20 ’ 23 while Dominic Pizzi ‘20, ‘23 earned guard while paving the way for a Conference (MAC) honorable mention. rushing attack that finished second Freedom. in the MAC. In addition, the team made its Field hockey qualifies for Freedom championships Visaggio qualifies for second straight trip to the Eastern NCAA Championships The field hockey team qualified for College Athletic the Middle Atlantic Conference The women’s cross country season was Conference Freedom championships after finishing highlighted by Olivia Visaggio ’20, ’23 Championships fourth during the regular season. qualifying for the NCAA Championships. where the Katelyn Campbell ’20 and Brynn She finished sixth at the Middle Atlantic Cougars defeated Brooklyn and Lansenderfer ’21 were both named Conference (MAC) Championship meet rove City before falling to NYU in first-team All-MAC Freedom. and was joined on the All-MAC first the semifinals. team by Rowan Pepe ’20, ’23. Alexa Tara Welliver ’19, ’21 and Fiona Esports teams debut Thompson ’22, ’23 earned second-team Pyfer ’23 both earned second-team All-MAC honors in 13th place, while All-MAC Freedom honors, while Pyfer with solid seasons Corinne Mulhearn ’21 finished 30th to was also named Rookie of the Year. The esports teams made their debut make third-team All-MAC. during the fall 2019 semester. Visaggio ran the fourth-fastest time in Men’s soccer places Rocket League team finished 6-6 and school history (21:50) to finish seventh qualified for the National Association of at the NCAA Mideast Regional third in MAC Freedom Collegiate Esports Fall Championships Championships. Thompson finished The soccer team qualified for the playoffs. Hearthstone finished 2-5 in the 23rd to earn all-region status. postseason for the second consecutive NACE Fall championships. 40 ALUMNI EVENTS MISERICORDIA MILE TOUR OT ALUMNI RECEPTION MISERICORDIA MILE TOUR ˜e Villages,S arasota, Boston, Mass. Binghamton,N .Y. and Boca Raton,F la. Friday,M arch 27 • 7–9:30 p.m. ˜ursday, May 21 • 7–9 p.m. ˜e week of Feb. 23 LIR on Boylston Water Street Brewing Co.

2020 SPEAKEASY TOUR ALUMNI TEA IN THE LEHIGHV ALLEY ALUMNI WEEKEND Scranton, Pa. Bethlehem, Pa. Save the Date: ˜ursday,M arch 5 • 6–8 p.m. Tuesday,A pril 21 • 4:30–6:30 p.m. Friday, May 29 – Saturday, May 30 Madame Jenny’s McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar MISERICORDIA MILE TOUR MISERICORDIA MILE TOUR 2020 SPEAKEASY TOUR Jersey City,N .J. Bethesda,M d. Pittston, Pa. ˜ursday,J une 11 • 7–9 p.m. ˜ursday,M arch 19 • 7–9 p.m. ˜ursday,A pril 30 • 6–8 p.m. ˜e Ashford Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery ˜e Joint 53

For more information or to register MISERICORDIA LAWYERS’ ASSOCIATION 2020 SPEAKEASY TOUR SPECIAL RECEPTION Johnstown, Pa. for alumni events, please visit Dallas, Pa. ˜ursday,May14•6–8p .m. misericordia.edu/alumnievents Friday,M arch 27 • 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tap 814 or call (570) 674-6764. Mary Kintz Bevevino Library

ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 50 NIGHTS TO COMMENCEMENT ALUMNI PIE ˜ursday,M arch 26 • 6 p.m. on campus Tuesday,A pril 28 • 8 p.m. on campus

Register to volunteer at misericordia.edu/alumnivolunteer or call (570) 674-6764.

/MisericordiaAlumni /MisericordiAlum bit.ly/miserialumni MisericordiaU/mise ricordiau MisericordiaAlumni

WHAT IS STAF? Students Today,A lumni Forever (STAF) is a student-run philanthropy organization at Misericordia University. As philanthropic ambassadors, it is their mission to educate, engage, and excite classmates and the campus community about all things philanthropy at Misericordia University.

STAF STUDENT PROFILE • MEET MADDIE HUNT ’22, ’23 HOMETOWN: Mickleton, N.J. MAJOR: Occupational ˜erapy CLASS YEAR(S): 2022/2023 (BS/MS) STAF POSITION: Vice President

CURRENT CLASSES: Anatomy and FAVORITE SERVICE EXPERIENCES: Physiology II, Human Development ˜rough Dorothy Day Catholic Work Farm, Special Occupation II , Occupation: ˜eories and Olympics Bowling, and Campus Ministry Perspectives II, Context and Environment, Spring Break Service Trip 2019 to and Psychopathology Frenchville, Pa.

ACTIVITIES: Campus Ministry Leader for the FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS: Kids on Campus program, Campus Ministry ˜e Phone-a-thon room, Mercy 2nd °oor Mercy Leader program, Dance Ensemble HOBBIES: Drinking co˛ee, hanging out with member, Misericordia Student Occupational friends and family, watching Law and Order ˜erapy Association (MSOTA) member, SVU, hiking, volunteering, and hammocking Cougars for Autism Awareness club member, Phone-a-thon, Open House Tour Guide, and SURPRISING FACT: During the summer, Statistics Tutor in the Student Success Center I am an overnight summer camp counselor for 10 weeks at the camp I grew up at, Camp Mount Luther, in Mi˝inburg, Pa. 41 THE MAKE A DIFFERENCE EVERY MONTH MISERICORDIA Recurring gi°s make a big impact. By giving what you can monthly, your annual giving adds up to a sizeable donation. FUND Come on a journey with us into the next century at Misericordia University.L eave a legacy withagi°ofanys ize. Your generosity could provide a student with meals on a service trip, transportation for a family emergency, or textbooks for a semester.

YOUR GIFTM AKESAD IFFERENCE

MAKE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT $4.25 = $50 $8.50 = $100 $20 = $250

˜e Misericordia Fund provides If you support Misericordia University by giving $1,000 or more total throughout the ÿscal year, you will be welcomed as a immediate impact for the areas that need it most. In any given year, this TRUSTEE ASSOCIATE. annual fund can support student °is distinguished level of donors will enjoy sneak peeks and service trips, athletic ÿeld repairs, invitations to exclusive University events. You will also receive and scholarship for students in need. an invitation to our exclusive annual gala. ✁ GIVING FORM I/We wish to make a commitment of a TOTAL amount of $______. INFORMATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE GIFT DESIGNATION  $______Annually  Immediate Impact supports scholarship, student services, First Name  $______Semi-Annually athletics, campus beautiÿcation, and Last Name  $______Monthly student emergencies  $______One-time  Other Maiden Payments beginning _____ month _____ year Specifc fund ______All multi-year/installment gi°s will receive reminders. Class Year METHOD OF PAYMENT Make a gi° online ELECTRONICF UNDST RANSFER (EFT) Address today at misericordia.edu/cornerstone Go Green  Enclosed is our payment of $______Account#  Checking  Savings City Please make checks payable to Misericordia University. Routing # State Zip  C harge this gift to  VISA  MasterCard  Discover Signature Phone / / / Card # Date Cell Phone / Deduct funds monthly on the: Expiration Date CSC  5th or  20th E-mail Name on Card

Signature  ˜i s gi° is anonymous. Please return this form to Misericordia University Advancement Services Signature 301 Lake Street,D allas PA 18612 • (570) 674-6293 (Please sign this form before mailing it to us). 42 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU ARCHIVES E

Sister Mary Carmel Mc arigle

University Archives and Special Collections

Members of the 1928 women ’ s basketball team flank director of Athletics Agnes M. Berry, center, on her left and right.

S SAVE THE DATE ...

OATCH x3u 50 Nights to Commencement MAY 2–3 Misericordia Players Theater Misericordia.edu/50nights20 You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

MARCH Misericordia Players Theater MAY 9 Spring Commencement Please 19-22 Play On Misericordia.edu/commencement

APRIL 4 Bunny Brunch & Easter Egg Hunt MAY 20 Pathways Out of Poverty Conference Register: Misericordia.edu/bunnybrunch Misericordia.edu/pathways

C APRIL 15 Misericordia Community Choir Concert MAY 29–30 Alumni Weekend Cougarconnect.misericordia.edu/aw20 APRIL Relay for Life 17-18 RelayforLife.org/pamisericordia SEPT. 14 Athletics Department olf Tournament Reservations: 570-674-6374 APRIL 18 Admissions Open House admissions.misericordia.edu/openhouse SEPT. 19 Admissions Open House

For more information, please log on to Misericordia.edu or call 570-674-6400

43 3 1 Lake St., Dallas, PA 18612 Found d by th Sist rs of M rcy

THEARTS&MORE Misericordia University Box Office (570) 674 -6719 – misericordia.edu/theartsandmore

Feb. 22 – May 10 Ella for a series of workshops and concerts. SEE NEW PLACES! MEET NEW PEOPLE! Women Artists: Sophonisba Contact: Misericordia.edu/guitarfest. Four Centuries of Creativity ergesheimer Tours with a Difference 2020 Exhibition examines works on paper by (American, March 20 Misericordia.edu/tourswithadifference some of the most important women 1873 – 1943), Women’s History Month Aspects of Malta and Rome artists of the last four centuries. Scott Magnolia Poetry Reading March 24 – April 4 Seedpods, Schweigert, exhibit curator, will offer a McGowan Room, Bevevino Library, Featuring Valletta, e ree Cities, Marsaxlokk, woodblock talk on Sat., Feb. 22 from 4 – 5:15 p.m. 2:3 – 4:3 p.m. Gozo, e Blue Grotto, Mosta, Dingli Cliffs, print, Museum followed by a reception from Info: misericordia.edu/whm. Rome, Tivoli and the Vatican. Purchase, 5:3 – 7 p.m. Friedman Art Gallery, $2,995 double occupancy misericordia.edu/art. Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pa., will be among the works on March 30 London and Beyond display from Feb. 22 – May 10 at Eight Women who June 18 – 29 Feb. 27 Changed the World Navigating a Biology Career Path: the Friedman Art Gallery. Featuring London, Portsmouth, Salisbury, A Womens ’ History Month event. Plymouth, Cornwall, Bath, Stonehenge, Experiences, Challenges, McGowan Room, Bevevino Library, director of the University Scholar Windsor and more. and Advice 6 p.m. Info: misericordia.edu/whm. Program in Schedler Honors College, $2,995 double occupancy A panel presentation of the Biology Contact: Jennifer M. Black, Ph.D., University of Central Arkansas. Seminar Series, featuring lab assistant [email protected]. The Oberammergau Passion Jill Dillon, and assistant professors 5:3 – 6:3 p.m. 2 6 Science Center. Play and Beyond Linda Auker, Ph.D., and Mateusz Contact: [email protected] Sept. 16 – 26 April 2 Wosik, Ph.D., Biology Department. Featuring Stresa, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Pledge to Preserve Human Dignity 5:3 -6:3 p.m. 2 6 Science Center. March 17 Lucerne, Bern, Lichtenstein, e Passion Play in Center for Human Dignity presents Contact: [email protected] Autism and the Hierarchy Oberammergau, Verona and Venice. Michael Robinson, Ph.D., on medical of Senses $ ,195 double occupancy Author Anand Prahlad, Ph.D., ethics. 7 p.m., Lemmond eater. March 5 Christmas Magic at the Markets discusses growing up black with Info: Misericordia.edu/humandignity. Humanities Academic Day Nov. 29 – Dec. 9 undiagnosed autism. 7 p.m., 218 -219, Open house event for high school Featuring markets in Rothenberg, Regansburg, students featuring interactive learning Insalaco Hall. Contact: 57 -674 -8113. April 16 Live and Let Die - PAK2 a Nuremberg, Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Salzburg, to gain a better understanding of the Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau, Innsbruck March 18 Molecular Switch in Cancer Humanities felds. 216 -219 Insalaco and Munich. Women's Issues Forum A presentation of the Biology Seminar Hall, 8 a.m. – 1:3 p.m. Contact: Rachel $2,995 double occupancy Oberg, [email protected] Womens’ History Month event. Series, featuring Frank DiPino, Ph.D., 12– 1 p.m. McGowan Room, Bevevino professor of biology at Misericordia Center for Adult & Continuing Education March 12 Library. Info: misericordia.edu/whm. University. 5:3 – 6:3 p.m. 2 6 Science Misericordia University, Dallas, Pa. That’s So Cool! Why Have I Never Contact: [email protected] Center. Contact: Dr. Grace Chen, Dr. Marie Noël Keller, RSM, host Learned That?: Bringing Women [email protected] (570) 674-6776 and Scientists into the Light March 20 TRANS WORLD TRAVEL, LTD Biology Seminar Series featuring Leah uitar Fest May 29 - 30, 2020 Clarks Summit, Pa. Horton, Ph.D., lecturer in biology and Featuring guitar professor Pat Temple Alumni Weekend Charles J. Tharp, president (570) 344-9784