MAGAZINE SPRING 2017

Making connections: Tom Hanchin ’85 P. 12

Inside this issue: RENEWAL THROUGH MERCY: THE NEXT 90 YEARS P. 2 MERCYHURST CONSIDERS NEW CAMPUS IN IRELAND P. 4 GRAD PROGRAMS GROW OUTSIDE THE GATES P. 6 SENIOR CLASSES SINCE ’89 HAVE LEFT THEIR MARKS ON CAMPUS P. 14 ’S BAND OF BROTHERS P. 26 The Ofce of Marketing and Public Relations publishes Mercyhurst Magazine twice a year.

Magazine Editor Susan Hurley Corbran ’73 [email protected] 814-824-2090

Design Jeremy C. Hewitt ’07 [email protected] 814-824-3022

Contributing Writers Susan Hurley Corbran ’73 Deborah W. Morton Allison Seib Jennifer Smith Inside this issue Contributing Photographers Jeremy C. Hewitt ’07 2 MICHAEL T. VICTOR INAUGURATED AS 12TH PRESIDENT Angela Zanaglio ’16 3 NEW RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED 3 STRATEGIC PLAN GETTING UPDATE Printing 4 MERCYHURST EYES CAMPUS IN IRELAND Leader Graphics, Erie, Pennsylvania 4 LEARNING DIFFERENCES PROGRAM CELEBRATES 30 YEARS 5 MERCYHURST TAKES LEAD ON DOWNTOWN ERIE INNOVATION DISTRICT Director of Alumni Engagement Lindsay Cox Frank ’12 ’14M 6 GRADUATE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE ONLINE [email protected] 7 DINING HALL, ICE CENTER GET UPGRADES 814-824-2330 8 STUDENTS EXPLORE MERCY SERVICE 9 DONORS FUND CAMPUS PROJECTS THROUGH CROWDFUNDING Class Notes Editor 10 LAID-OFF WORKERS TRAIN FOR NEW CAREERS AT NORTH EAST Courtney Olevnik ’08 ’13M 12 TOM HANCHIN ’85 RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S AWARD [email protected] 814-824-2333 13 JOE LARGE ’01 FINDS DREAM JOB 14 SENIOR CLASS GIFTS FOUND ALL OVER CAMPUS Send changes of address to: 16 HOSPITALITY GRADUATES MAKING MARK ON INDUSTRY Alumni Relations PETER ZOHOS ‘97 D. FORD MENNEL ‘02 501 E. 38th St. STEVE KACZERSKI ’13 AND LOAN VU ‘13 Erie, PA 16546 [email protected] PAUL CAHILL ‘88 MARGARET WEIR MANCHIK ‘87 TONY TUPEK ‘05 DAN PORA ‘96 If you haven’t been receiving the bi-monthly SHANE KRIGE ‘91 Alumni eNewsletter, Mercyhurst does not CHRIS WALKER ‘10 have an active email address for you. Visit 21 ELLEN RYAN ’64 SHARES HER TIME, TALENT, TREASURE hurstalumni.org/get-involved to update your information and reconnect. 22 SCENES FROM A BUSY FALL AT MERCYHURST 24 SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM ERIE AND NORTH EAST We’d love to hear from you. Send your 26 MIZIA BROTHERS SHINE ON WRESTLING TEAM story ideas, suggestions and comments to 27 CLASS NOTES [email protected]. 29 BRITTANY PARKER ADKINS ’07 PENS BOOK FOR BOY FACING PARALYSIS A message from the president

One of our senior staf members reminded me the other day that it signifcant opportunities for wasn’t that long ago that gathering content for our alumni magazine our students, and provide was an easy task. We had room for just about everything. much-needed and well-paying jobs for our graduates and Today, preparing a magazine starts with what seems like a never-ending others. list of story ideas that has to be painstakingly edited and edited again. Still, we are an institution that refuses to rest, to plateau, or to say we’re You’ll also see that one of our good enough. Because, as the old saying goes, good enough never is. partners in the innovation Instead, our faculty, administrators, staf and students, not to mention district, Erie’s only Fortune 500 our remarkable alumni, are known for upping their game, and this issue Company – Erie Insurance, of Mercyhurst Magazine will highlight that energy and inventiveness in is also partnering with us a grand way. on a new risk management program, arguably another win Our cover story, for instance, features alumnus Tom Hanchin, who took a for the university and for the hospitality degree and an entrepreneurial spirit from Erie’s Elephant Bar City of Erie. Mercyhurst alumna Betsy Hirt Vorsheck has made a $1.25 to Boulder, Colorado, where today he owns a $25 million tech company. million investment to launch the program. Speaking of hospitality, this issue we check in with a number of hospitality graduates, who are parlaying their skills into impressive These meaningful and fruitful collaborations, I believe, are going to careers. take our university to the next level. I must give my colleague, Provost David Dausey, credit for his untiring commitment to managing these We also highlight one of our most generous alumni, Ellen Ryan, a 1964 projects and enlisting the support of our distinguished faculty and local home economics graduate and a member of our board of trustees. community leaders. She is passionate about ensuring that today’s young people have the opportunity to experience the rewards of a Mercyhurst education just Finally, whether on campus or in our community, Mercyhurst continues like she did, and she has gone to great lengths to make it happen. to keep its Mercy mission top of mind. Within these pages, you’ll read about 20 of our students as they commit to service in the tradition of And please check out the latest in athletics, from a story about Catherine McAuley during our inaugural 4th Vow Retreat. You’ll also see wrestling’s three gifted Mizia brothers to the latest renovations at the how Mercyhurst North East is helping renew the lives of those afected . by recent layofs at GE Transportation, 70 of whom are back in school retooling for the future. In the 19 months since I became president, we have worked diligently to restore our collective spirit while making some tough but necessary It is most gratifying to see our students thrive, be it their frst, or second, calls. I’m pleased to say that we have our house in order and are moving time around. I’d like to think the Sisters are smiling everywhere. forward with a strategic plan to guide us successfully into the future. Until next time, Carpe Diem. As much as Mercyhurst remains our primary focus, we would be naïve to think that our future is not inextricably linked to that of our city. As this once thriving manufacturing town looks to reinvent itself, we are stepping up to help. Thanks to a $4 million grant, which you’ll read about within these pages, Mercyhurst is leading the development Michael T. Victor, J.D., LL.D. of a Downtown Erie Innovation District, which we believe will create President, Mercyhurst University

ON THE COVER: Tom Hanchin ’85 in the Boulder plant of CCX (Cable and Connection Experts), the tech frm he co-founded and built into a $25 million business. Photo by Marla Rutherford. Read more about his career on page 12.

1 Renewal Through Mercy: The Next 90 Years Michael T. Victor, J.D., LL.D., was in a unique rely on their gut or intuition,”Victor said in will build new local, regional and international position when he was inaugurated as his inaugural address. “The days of informal collaborations that create the very best Mercyhurst University’s 12th president structures and casual leadership are gone. learning experiences for Mercyhurst students on Sept. 10, 2016 – looking to the future Ours must be a thoughtful, strategic business and generate opportunities for enlightenment on the strength of a record-setting and model rooted in research-based problem- and service to the greater good. Further, he transformative frst year. solving, analysis and best practice.” said, the university must ensure that in these times of escalating college costs, it fnds ways Under his administration, Mercyhurst had With his background as a business school to draw its members from the widest range of enrolled the largest freshman class in its dean, college president ( socioeconomic groups and keep Mercyhurst history, welcoming 728 new undergraduates. 2006-2015), corporate CEO, lawyer and accessible to talented students everywhere. It achieved a fundraising milestone, bringing entrepreneur, business models have always in $6.5 million, the largest amount ever in been part of Victor’s world. “I maintain an unwavering confdence in the a single year. The university streamlined purpose and potential of this university and its its academic and administrative functions, Having inspired a renewed spirit of collegiality role in shaping human lives and, in turn, the restructured its liberal arts curriculum and on campus rooted in the Mercy mission, Victor future of our world,” said Victor in concluding revamped its academic calendar. It struck a said he looks forward to a bright future. his inaugural address. “As we gather here, at chord for tradition by renewing an old custom the intersection of our past and our future, of – the hourly ringing of the carillon bells – and Going forward, Victor said the university our mission and our vision, of lessons learned starting a new one, Hurst Day, a grand-scale will continue to establish niche felds of and challenges anticipated, let us appreciate celebration of student life. study and anchor them with a strong liberal this extraordinary moment and go forward arts curriculum. It will investigate new with a spirit of Renewal through Mercy toward “Higher education leaders can no longer technologies for delivering that education. It Our Next 90 Years.”

2 President Victor, right, welcomes Erie Insurance guests, from left, Dionne Wallace Oakley, Doug Smith and Sean Dugan to the Mercyhurst press conference. Top: Dionne Wallace Oakley, senior vice president, human resources, Erie Insurance. Mercyhurst partners with Erie Insurance on new risk management program Two of Erie’s premier institutions – Mercyhurst be named the F.W. Hirt Erie Insurance Risk University and Erie Insurance – announced Management Program at Mercyhurst last month that they are launching a new risk University after her father. management program to educate a growing workforce, create new economic opportunities “I’m happy to make this investment with and advance the high-demand feld. Mercyhurst University to prepare students on the changing needs of the insurance industry,” Erie Insurance board member Betsy Hirt said Vorsheck. “This program is a great way we Vorsheck is investing $1.25 million to expand can honor my father’s legacy while looking and develop academic programs in risk control, toward the future.” insurance underwriting and insurance claims through the university’s Walker College of Erie Insurance has committed in-kind resources Dean Jim Breckenridge and Walker College Business, and programs in cybersecurity, that will help guide the design of the risk Dean Missy Breckenridge for their support. data analytics and cyberintelligence in the management program. insurance industry through the Ridge College of This is the second time in the past six months Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences. In announcing the new initiative, Mercyhurst that Mercyhurst has been linked in projects President Michael T. Victor said, “We are most identifed as “transformative.”The frst was Vorsheck, a 1977 graduate of Mercyhurst, is the grateful to Mrs. Vorsheck and Erie Insurance for Oct. 12, 2016, when Mercyhurst received a granddaughter of Erie Insurance founder H.O. their commitment to this partnership, which $4 million grant to create a Downtown Erie Hirt, and the daughter of F.W. Hirt, a longtime we believe will be transformative in nature, Innovation District focused on safety and CEO of Erie Insurance and trustee of Mercyhurst not only benefting our two institutions, but security with corporate partners Erie Insurance, University, and Audrey Sitter Hirt ’49, after creating new jobs and opportunities in the McManis and Monsalve Associates and Velocity whom the Audrey Hirt Academic Center at Erie region.” He also thanked David Dausey Network, Inc. It was funded through the Erie Mercyhurst is named. ’97, provost and vice president for academic Community Foundation, Susan Hirt Hagen Fund afairs, and Cal Pifer, vice president for external for Transformational Philanthropy and the Erie Vorsheck is making the donation on behalf relations and advancement, for helping bring County Gaming Revenue Authority. (See related of the Fortune 500 Company for what will the project to fruition, along with Ridge College story on innovation district on page 5.)

Strategic plan update underway A lot has changed since Mercyhurst’s latest “It’s important for the strategic plan to refect and Joseph NeCastro ’78, vice chair of strategic plan was developed in 2012, not only President Victor’s way of doing business,” Mercyhurst’s Board of Trustees. Next, the at Mercyhurst but in the higher education explains Jeanette Britt ’94, vice president and planning team sought input during nine focus landscape in general. chief information ofcer, who is overseeing the groups of faculty, staf and administrators, planning process. “We’re working to create a students and alumni from both the Erie and So, though the plan was scheduled to guide succinct plan with clear-cut, measurable goals North East campuses. The talk was wide- operations through 2020, a new strategic that can be achieved in a short period. It will ranging, from academic programs to campus planning initiative is now underway for the rest include concrete objectives so we can track our facilities to diversity. of the decade. The next strategic plan will then progress and report on it annually.” cover the period from 2020 to 2026 – when The university community will also be invited Mercyhurst will mark its centennial. Discussions on the plan started with the to read and ofer comments on the draft plan The plan will represent Victor’s pragmatic, president’s cabinet, along with Dr. Joanne before it’s presented the Board of Trustees for business-minded approach. McGurk, president of the Erie Faculty Senate, approval later this fall. 3 Learning Diferences Mercyhurst considers marks 30 years new campus in Ireland Three former directors II Learning Diferences A decision is expected by October on whether Mercyhurst will of Mercyhurst’s Learning Program, while more than expand its academic center in Dungarvan, County Waterford, Diferences Program were 330 have received testing Ireland, into a full-fedged international campus. honored during Homecoming accommodations and other 2016, as the pioneering Level I services. th During a joint news conference (via Skype) on Nov. 14, 2016, program celebrated its 30 anniversary. About 100 people, These students have earned President Michael T. Victor, Waterford City and County Chief including 50 current and baccalaureate degrees from Executive Michael Walsh and Mercyhurst College Ireland Chair Heidi former students, attended the every major on campus and K. Hosey signed a Memorandum of Understanding that launched a reception. have distinguished themselves yearlong shared analysis of the project. as student ambassadors, The event also honored student government ofcers, Mercyhurst’s longstanding relationship with Dungarvan, one of the late Sister Maura Smith, academic and athletic All- Erie’s Sister Cities, dates to the 1980s, when Mercyhurst began RSM, who frst encouraged Americans, Dean’s List honorees recruiting at St. Augustine College (high school). In 2010, the Mercyhurst to develop a and more. Many have gone Mercyhurst Intelligence Studies Department began hosting its program for students with on to complete master’s and biennial Global Intelligence Forum in Dungarvan. Since 2012, small learning disabilities in 1986, and doctoral programs. AIM (the groups of Mercyhurst students and faculty have spent terms in the late Dr. Barbara Weigert, Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst) Dungarvan at an academic center known as Mercyhurst College the education professor who grew out of the Learning served as its frst director. Diferences Program and is now Ireland The new Sister Maura Smith a separate entity. “This step represents a natural progression of what has been a Scholarship will be awarded to an academically qualifed and The program has earned highly productive and enriching relationship between our university fnancially deserving student frequent national recognition, and the people of Dungarvan,” said Victor. “With today’s increasingly in the Learning Diferences too, including a No. 9 ranking global economy and the value of international study, we owe it Program; the frst donation to on a recent list of “20 incredible to all concerned to do our due diligence in evaluating this unique the scholarship fund was made small colleges for special needs opportunity.” in memory of Dr. Weigert. students.” The invitation to expand Mercyhurst’s academic operations in More than 750 students Dungarvan was extended by Dungarvan ofcials with support from have been part of the Level Mercyhurst alumnus John Deasy, a member of the Irish Parliament. Besides increasing opportunities for Mercyhurst students to Pictured at the celebration are Elaine Ruggiero, current director of the Learning have international experiences, the project would reinforce the Diferences Program; Dianne Rogers, who led the program from 1998 until her university’s Irish Catholic heritage by locating a branch in the retirement in 2014; and Tina King, who was responsible for day-to-day operation country where its founders, the Sisters of Mercy, originated. of the program in its early years. 4 Pictured, (front row, l-r) Joel Deuterman, president/CEO, Velocity Network, Inc.; Marco Monsalve, chief executive ofcer, McManis and Monsalve Associates; Mike Batchelor, president, Erie Community Foundation; Mercyhurst President Michael Victor; Cal Pifer, Mercyhurst vice president for external relations and advancement; (back row, l-r) Mercyhurst Trustee Chair Richard Lanzillo, Esq., and Perry Wood, executive director, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority. The check represents “Shaping Tomorrow” grants totaling $10 million, including $4 million to Mercyhurst. Mercyhurst takes lead in creating Downtown Erie Innovation District

When Michael Victor said he was going to create a powerful business alliance to catalyze which prepares students for intelligence shake things up at Mercyhurst University, economic growth. careers in national security, law enforcement he wasn’t kidding. In just his frst year as and the private sector. More than 1,000 president, he brought in a record-setting Fueling the project is a $4 million “Shaping alumni work in every major industry sector freshman class and celebrated a milestone Tomorrow” grant Mercyhurst received in and 17 agencies of the U.S. intelligence year in fundraising. Now, he’s turned his eye October from the Erie Community Foundation community. A new master’s degree in data toward the challenges facing the City of Erie with support from the Susan Hirt Hagen Fund science complements the intelligence studies as it attempts to rechart its own path toward for Transformational Philanthropy and the Erie program and many others at the university. growth and prosperity. County Gaming Revenue Authority. Presently, the Ridge College enrolls 600 students and administers $12 million in public Victor, who has touted achievement through In awarding the grant, those donors noted and private sector grants and contracts. partnership throughout his presidency, that the Innovation District plan dovetails with Increasingly, these funded opportunities announced late last year that Mercyhurst the goals of Erie’s Comprehensive Plan and is involve cyber and corporate security projects. would take the lead in creating a Downtown designed to serve three critical community Erie Innovation District. needs: Provost Dr. David Dausey, project leader, noted, “Innovation districts have shown that Mercyhurst’s plan is to drive a new • Stop brain drain and enhance brain both American and global corporations are knowledge-based economy, focused on safety gain. interested in being centered in proximity and security, with three of the city’s most • Replace low-wage jobs with family- to trained talent. By focusing heavily on innovative corporate partners: Erie Insurance, sustaining jobs. the emerging felds of data science and McManis and Monsalve Associates and • Revitalize downtown Erie. cybersecurity, Erie will be well positioned as a Velocity Network, Inc. hub for companies to make investments.” Victor said Mercyhurst is uniquely positioned The partners intend to execute joint projects to drive the innovation district’s strategic Visit innovationdistricterie.com to keep up with related to safety and security, specifcally in focus of safety and security as home to the the project as it unfolds. the high-demand felds of data science and internationally renowned Tom Ridge College cybersecurity, where their combined skills will of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences, 5 Grad programs grow outside the gates

The year was 2004, and the reputation of graduate oferings in autism, secondary from,” said Amy Burniston, director of the Mercyhurst’s Research and Intelligence education, and—new in fall 2017—criminal secondary education graduate program. “Not Analyst Program (RIAP) had spread far beyond justice administration (CJA). surprisingly, many students fnd inspiration Erie. Mercyhurst grads were in high demand in what drew them into their chosen major in at nearly every intelligence agency and frm “The criminal justice graduate program is the frst place: their high school teachers. They in the D.C. Metro area. Looking to capitalize Mercyhurst’s oldest graduate program, and we realize they want to make that same impact on RIAP’s reputation, the college’s leadership have a vast network of alumni resources right on future generations, and our program gives settled on an innovative method of program here in our region,” said Maria Garase, Ph.D., them a quick and convenient way to achieve delivery: ofer it online. Through corporate CJA program director. “For us, the opportunity their goal.” partnerships and word of mouth, online to take our program online opens it up to graduate courses in intelligence studies were alumni across the country who want to further For Mercyhurst alumni interested in pursuing flled, cohorts were educated in the RIAP way, their education, or to the coworkers of our online graduate education, Mercyhurst’s and Mercyhurst online education was born. alumni, who are generally very impressed with online graduate programs refect many of the how well Mercyhurst prepares its grads.” same strengths of the undergraduate Laker Thirteen years later, graduate-level education experience. and the credentials that come with it are more Long known as an innovator in educating in demand than ever. For some students, it’s teachers of all grade levels, Mercyhurst “Without the engaged, caring faculty, these a springboard for a promotion. For others, it’s recently seized the opportunity to ofer a programs just would not work,” said Travis the key ingredient needed for a career change. Master of Science in secondary education Lindahl, director of graduate and continuing For everyone, it’s tough to ft grad studies into entirely online. In addition to a master’s, this education, and an organizational leadership a life flled with family, work and community program ofers grads the opportunity to earn alum. “Opportunity and convenience are what obligations. their Pennsylvania teaching certifcation. make these programs attractive, but it’s still ‘the Mercyhurst way’ that makes them stand Since the inception of the fagship intelligence “When you major in a science or humanities out from our competitors.” studies program, Mercyhurst’s online feld, it can take some time to fgure out graduate programs have grown to include exactly what you want to do with your degree. To learn more, visit mercyhurst.edu/graduate. organizational leadership and, most recently, There are so many potential careers to choose 6 Brand-new Grotto Commons welcomes Class of 2020 Thanks to a combination of Mercyhurst capital The changes make ingress and egress more funds and a $2 million contribution from its food accessible, scatter food stations to enhance service partner, Parkhurst Dining, Mercyhurst has speed and efciency, and provide seating that completed an estimated $3 million overhaul to accommodates the gamut of diners, from the the former Egan Dining Hall. individual student who wants to sit at a high- top table and study, to groups who want to Crews began renovations the day after graduation have lunch together. The dining hall is totally last May and worked right up to Aug. 19, when the plugged in, from areas equipped with power- dining hall—now known as Grotto Commons— and-data backsplashes to Wi-Fi to high-defnition reopened to serve dinner to the record incoming televisions. Class of 2020. More work over the holiday break further streamlined trafc fow and added 50 Also new is the Clean Plate, an allergen-free seats to the hall’s capacity. New paint and colorful station devoted to preparing foods, such as photos of students also brightened the space. gluten-free products, for students with allergies.

Hockey renovations revealed; men’s team founder remembered Were he here, you can bet Chris Cuzzola’s face would light up with glee the regular season to him. A replica of Cuzzola’s #28 jersey was also upon viewing the half-million-dollar renovation of the Mercyhurst presented to his family during a private reception for friends and University Ice Center. Growing up, Cuzzola excelled as an ice hockey donors who helped make the ice center renovation project a reality. player in travel and club programs in Erie and Bufalo. One of Mercyhurst’s most devoted alums and a recipient of the Sister Carolyn Renovations involved a total redesign of the men’s and women’s locker Herrmann Service Award, he is credited as both a founder and captain rooms marked by additions to each space, new custom-built wooden of the university’s frst men’s hockey team in 1986. lockers in both the locker rooms and changing rooms, an upgraded ventilation system and an updated equipment room. There are even a Sadly, Chris did not get a chance to see the upgrades to the ice arena, few bells and whistles, key among them frosted glass insets between dying unexpectedly on Dec. 1, 2016, at the age of 50. the locker tops and ceiling that house LED strip lighting, which can be set to diferent colors. Fresh paint within the center proper, the addition “A lot of people love Mercyhurst; I hear it all the time,” said men’s of new ofce space on the mezzanine and updates to the VIP area on hockey coach Rick Gotkin. “But Chris Cuzzola took that love to a whole the second foor completed the project. other stratosphere. He bled green and blue, and that kind of love and commitment you don’t soon forget.” All told, the renovations cost $500,000, which was funded entirely by private donations. The latest round of renovations focused on player And Mercyhurst won’t. Just last month, the university announced facilities; future fundraising is planned for improvements designed to a scholarship in his name, mounted a memorial plaque in the VIP elevate the fan experience. section of the ice center, and dedicated the last men’s home game of 7 The 4th vow: a call to service “A friend and I gave a granola bar and a $5 bill to a homeless woman sleeping on the sidewalk. It’s hard to explain, but in that moment, looking into her unexpectedly joyful face was like peering into the eyes of Jesus. It gave ‘community’ a new meaning.” – Catherine

About 20 Mercyhurst students spent an October vow if you stay in a place of privilege all the time,” weekend following in the footsteps of Catherine says Campus Ministry director Greg Baker, who McAuley during the frst 4th Vow Retreat. developed the 4th Vow Retreat with Colin Hurley, director of community engagement. “Catherine Since Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy in inherited a great fortune. She could have simply 1831, women who join the order have taken not donated money to help the poor but instead she only the traditional vows of women religious— went out among the people,” Baker adds. poverty, chastity and obedience—but also a fourth vow of service to the poor, the sick and the On Sunday the group joined the congregation uneducated. The weekend challenged students to at Erie’s Community Missionary Baptist Church, step out of their comfort zones and experience the enjoying its welcoming atmosphere, energetic power of Mercy service. singing and charismatic preaching. A refugee family shared their own story with the students. The retreat began at the Miller Estate on the Mercyhurst North East campus, temporarily dubbed Throughout the weekend, Mercyhurst employees the “Callahan Estate” for the wealthy family that worked behind the scenes, preparing meals and adopted Catherine after her parents’ deaths. facilitating activities. Many of the volunteers were members of the Mercy Emissary group. Sister Lisa Like Catherine, who used her inheritance from Mary McCartney, RSM, the only Sister of Mercy now the Callahans to open the frst House of Mercy in working full time on campus, launched the Emissary Dublin, retreat participants then moved out into the program in 2015 to ensure that the Mercy heritage community. They ventured from their home base and tradition remain alive and vibrant at Mercyhurst. (the former St. Mary’s School in downtown Erie) to explore the city and encounter “the other.” The 4th Vow Retreat was funded through a successful campaign on a crowdfunding site developed last “You’re never going to understand the fourth spring by the Mercyhurst advancement department. 8 Scott Koskoski ’00, past president of the Mercyhurst University National Alumni Association and current More crowdfunding success President’s Associate, was a major contributor.

th He explains, “One lasting lesson Mercyhurst instilled Besides supporting the 4 Vow Retreat, donors made targeted gifts last year to in me as a student is that our world is much smaller complete three other projects created by Mercyhurst faculty, staf and students. than we think. Humans are interconnected in many ways, and living the Mercyhurst mission means we recognize that every human has dignity, self- worth and is worthy of opportunity. Today's typical college student takes a lot for granted and in their insulated, provided-for world, likely assumes that everyone else feels worthy, dignifed and provided for, too.

“I saw the 4th Vow Retreat as a venue for students to be reminded of God's blessings in a very tangible way. I envisioned it as a real-time ‘working refection’ of what Mercy means—not mercy as in sparing someone from harm, but Mercy as in a way of life. Hopefully, participants were able to realize MakerBot Mania: Graphic design students are using a new 3D printer thanks to that the line between ‘with’ and ‘without’ is actually 38 donors who contributed $4,500. thinner than they assumed, and feel what being the hands and feet of Jesus means in the real world. In that sense, it was a pleasure to support the project.”

Give Up the Boat: Mercyhurst rowing coaches are using a new waveless launch, courtesy of 41 donors who gave $5,475, and matching corporate gifts from Howard & Associates and Our Own Candle Company, both of Findley Lake, New York.

Portal to the Past: Mercyhurst’s anthropology/archaeology department created a new interactive exhibit at the expERIEnce Children’s Museum to teach visitors all about prehistory. It was made possible by 67 donors who gave $4,420.

The advancement staf is in the planning stages for the next round of crowdfunding, set for September 2017. 9 Laid-of workers begin next chapter, train for new careers at Mercyhurst North East By Jennifer Smith

Imagine working for years earning University since 1997, the Returning to school after 30 years TAA students enrolled for the fall enough to comfortably support university must apply with the was a bit intimidating, admitted semester, 40 earned a cumulative yourself and your family and then Department of Labor to participate Kevin Williams, 49, who worked at GPA of 3.5 or higher with the vast suddenly being notifed your job in the program. While Mercyhurst GE for fve years as a painter before remainder of the students earning was eliminated. North East ofers 24 associate getting laid of. Anthony Mazzone, a 3.0-3.5. degree programs, eight certifcate 50, good-naturedly points out That’s just what happened in 2016 programs and two bachelor’s that most of his classmates, and “Seeing and seizing the to nearly 1,500 employees at a degree programs, only certain even some of his professors, are opportunity for a better future local manufacturing company. programs that train students for younger than he is. But both were has been a part of Mercyhurst high-demand jobs and are likely to motivated to make the most of the North East since its inception in Thanks to a government-funded result in employment qualify, she situation. 1991,” said Dr. Gary Brown, MNE’s retraining program, many of those added. chief operating ofcer who, like workers were able to turn the “At frst it was quite overwhelming,” many long-time staf members, upheaval and uncertainty of a That translated to more than agreed Ryan Irish, a 35-year-old personally invests in students, layof into a new opportunity. 70 new students at the North father of two, who was laid of after sharing in their successes and East campus utilizing the TAA nearly 10 years. “There was some struggles. “We’re proud to be a part Because their jobs were lost as beneft this year. More than half worry of not being as successful as of their next chapter.” a result of foreign trade, they are seeking health care jobs – I was hoping to be. By week two qualifed to receive the full enrolling in the registered nursing, that had passed and I found myself Non-traditional students also cost of tuition at an accredited practical nursing, occupational thoroughly enjoying my classes understand the value of the two-year program through the therapy assistant, physical and learning.” education they are getting, said Trade Adjustment Assistance therapist assistant, respiratory Dr. David Hyland, associate vice program funded through the U.S. therapist and medical laboratory In fact, many are fnding success. president for academic afairs. Department of Labor. technician programs. Another 28 In the nursing program alone, six They weigh the opportunity cost students are enrolled in business TAA students received 4.0 grade – in terms of lost wages and time According to Linda Bremmer, and computer systems support point averages during the fall invested – against the overall cost who has been the government programs of study. semester. According to the Ofce and their future earnings potential. funding coordinator at Mercyhurst of Academic Afairs, of the 69 Being able to invest two years

10 and come out with a new career It’s exciting, said Kirra Tupper, who 45, of Harborcreek. “There’s more with support,” said Williams, who that pays as much as they were went to college at 18 but admits time to access the teachers for is also in the MLT program. earning after 10 or 20 years in she is a much diferent student questions or help and it’s easier to manufacturing is a very appealing now at 34. get to know fellow students.” investment. “At this point in my life I’m There’s also a feeling that the “I just wanted to get away from thrilled for the opportunity, faculty and staf really care and manufacturing altogether,” said and have much more desire want you to succeed, said Ben James Tupper, 37, who was laid and determination,” said Kirra Custard, 31, who commutes of twice in 10 years and is now Tupper, who is studying to be an from Meadville for classes in the studying to be a registered nurse, occupational therapy assistant. medical laboratory technician Top: Ryan Irish, left, Michelle Hoover and earning a 4.0 GPA in the fall program. Anthony Mazzone found Mercyhurst North semester. Michelle Hoover feels like losing East ’s small campus and accessible, caring her job wasn’t the end, but the While the TAA students may not faculty like Randy Rinke eased their transition back into the classroom. He and his wife, Kirra, worked beginning of a new path. She have known each other before together, were laid of together chose the business administration arriving on campus, camaraderie Bottom Left: James and Kirra Tupper worked and now are students together at and accounting degree program and a support network have together, were laid of together and now are students together at Mercyhurst North East. Mercyhurst North East. to build on previous college developed as they go through Here they are studying anatomy, a common credits and enhance management classes and the ongoing course of their nursing and occupational They were so impressed with the skills and employment experience paperwork required to maintain therapy assistant programs. campus setting and surrounding she had already acquired. their benefts. Bottom Right: Kevin Williams, 49, of North East community, they Harborcreek was laid of after fve years at GE. decided to relocate there with “I like the fact that Mercyhurst “We’re all going through this He’ s retraining at MNE through the TAA program their children. North East is smaller,” said Hoover, together and provide each other to become a medical laboratory technician. 11 Tom Hanchin ’85 An entrepreneur at heart

Tom Hanchin runs a $25 million technology number-one salesman. Just eight months after Big names in the data storage and computing business, and he says it was his Mercyhurst that, in 1995, Tom and co-worker David Videon world, including HP and Dell, are clients. hospitality degree that jump-started his ventured out on their own. Among CCX partners are Uber, Facebook, career. “The program prepares you to run a eBay, PayPal, Pandora, Apple and Netfix. CCX business of your own before you’re 25,” he says They didn’t want to compete against their cables are incorporated in everything from – which he did after graduating in 1985. former employer, so they carved out a CAT scanners and blood monitoring systems diferent niche and began providing cables to recreational vehicles and solar panels. Within a year of joining Erie’s Elephant Bar and other connection equipment to that restaurant, he became its general manager employer and its customer base. Profts – and Tom proudly notes that many of his earliest at just 24, running a $3 million business with salaries – were small at frst, but Cable and hires are still with him today, and that he’s more than 100 employees. Connection Experts (CCX) grew steadily. The never had a lawsuit or a bad debt. He notes, company soon began manufacturing its “You don’t have to be a bad guy to succeed in His work today is far removed from the own cables and now has facilities in Boulder, business. You’ll do better if you have empathy, hospitality industry, but he believes his Colorado, and Nogales, Mexico. It boasts compassion and integrity.” Mercyhurst education prepared him well $25 million in annual sales, more than 200 to grow his own company. “If you’re an employees, and a solid reputation for honesty, Tom and CCX are active sponsors of Boulder’s entrepreneur at heart, hospitality is a great integrity and service. Tom is the frm’s CEO and “I Have a Dream” program, which helps degree to begin with,” he explains. chairman of the board, while David handles underprivileged children fnish high school day-to-day operations as its president. and attend college. He especially likes the After several jobs in the hotel-restaurant opportunity to personally meet the kids he world, Tom moved to Colorado and decided to Visit Cleveland’s First Energy Stadium or Heinz helps and follow them for as long as 10 years. explore the growing technology feld. Though Field in Pittsburgh and you’ll see CCX products he was brand-new to the feld, he convinced at work. CCX supplies cables to Daktronics, the Tom’s now expanding that focus on education a major company to give him a chance. scoreboard company that lights up a majority for disadvantaged kids, developing a Fourteen months later he was the frm’s of NFL, NHL and NBA stadiums nationwide. scholarship that will help Erie students attend 12 Check out Joe’s work at josephlarge.com.

Shooting for a dream job

Joe Large ’01 has found a dream job—quite and shot only for fun,” Joe explains. literally. That all changed when his mother died in 2010 after a long battle with cancer. Mercyhurst. He created the Hanchin-Wells In June he’ll trek Peru’s famed Inca Trail to Scholarship to honor the man he credits for Machu Picchu and other historic sites. He “When my mom passed away, it kind of changing the course of his life. won the chance on dreamjobbing.com, fipped a switch in my head,” Joe says now. “I billed as “a global opportunity platform that realized how short life is and knew I should Coming out of high school, Tom expected to broadcasts the coolest opportunities and be doing something I really loved.” He spent become a steelworker and went to work for his experiences in the world.” all his savings to buy his frst DSLR camera uncle, Tom Wells, at Erie Acoustical. But when and started calling himself a professional it came time for Tom to join the union, Wells Adventure travel frm The Clymb invited photographer and flmmaker. gave him a challenge instead: if Tom could get photographers to compete to be chief accepted to college, he’d cover the bills. Tom instagrammer/photographer for several His dad’s death in 2014 propelled him even chose Mercyhurst and found his niche in the of its trips. His video application topped further in this direction. “I realized that if you hospitality program with mentors John Wolper hundreds of other candidates in popular are doing what you love, if you’re passionate and Daryl Georger. And, though he didn’t play voting, and The Clymb tapped Joe to about it, the money will eventually come. high school football, he walked on with the help document the culture, adventure, Lakers and played middle linebacker. geography, natural landscape and history “Losing both of my parents in such a Peru has to ofer. short period, at such a young age has During Homecoming festivities last fall, His application, which clearly resonated propelled me to pursue my dreams more President Michael T. Victor presented the frst with voters, credits his parents with than anything else in my life. I wouldn’t be President’s Award to Tom (photo above left). inspiring his career. where I am today without the lesson they Tom told those attending he was grateful to unintentionally taught me,” he says. Mercyhurst for giving him the opportunity Joe majored in business at Mercyhurst, with to become both successful and signifcant. a concentration in sports management, and Joe primarily flms action sports and “When you pass away, your success comes to took his frst job in marketing at a Vermont motorsports—like the Dew Tour of skate an end,” he said. “But when you’re signifcant, resort. He’d always dabbled in photography, and snow events sponsored by Mountain you continue to help others become and soon found himself flming extreme Dew—and music—like the Vans Warped successful.” sports and concerts in the area. Tour traveling concert series.

Tom is pictured above with Christine, his Eventually he moved to Breckenridge in the He hopes the Peru adventure will open even wife of 22 years, and their twin 11-year-old heart of Colorado’s ski country and started more doors for him. He enjoys shooting daughters, Andie and Logan. a flm company. Then GoPros came out and landscapes and documenting cultures. everyone became a flmmaker. “I listened to “Shooting for National Geographic has the naysayers, quit flming, took a job in IT always been a bucket list item for me,” he Learn more about his company at ccxcorp.com. notes, “so this might improve my odds.” 13 Senior classes since ’89 have left their marks on campus

Since 2001, graduates, brides and grooms, students and prospective students, and returning alumni have all gravitated to “The Rock” in front of Old Main. A gift from that year’s graduating class, The Rock engraved with the original Mercyhurst College seal has arguably been the most popular photo spot on campus.

It got some serious competition this year when members of the Class of 2016 donated a new campus landmark. Their six-foot bronze anchor, installed between the Audrey Hirt Academic Center and Zurn Hall, represents the strength and determination of Lakers everywhere.

Since 1989, each Mercyhurst graduating class has left behind a special gift to its alma mater, a tradition that seems to grow stronger each year.

Lindsay Cox Frank ’12 ’14M, director of alumni engagement, works with each class to choose a project, raise funds and leave a tangible reminder of their time here.

“Students today, more than ever, are focking toward the committee, wanting to be involved, and wanting to support Mercyhurst,” she said. “We have developed a strong culture of 2007 giving among students and a sense of tradition in giving back.” Multi-purpose court This year’s seniors plan to add an after-hours cofee bar to Hammermill Library’s 24/7 lounge – itself a gift from the Class 2001 of 2008. Welcome rock Twenty-eight classes have now raised more than $600,000 to fund their gifts, and the impact can be seen all over campus.

• Some classes memorialized people who were special during their time here, like the Class of 1997, which created Munson Plaza in honor of Robert “Mr. Help” Munson ’94, and the Class of 2005, which gave the Sr. Damien Spirit Bell to remember one of the Lakers’ most ardent fans. • Many classes added campus amenities, from a multipurpose court and park in the Briggs-Lewis residential area (2007) to the concession stand in the 1992 Mercyhurst Athletic Center (2015). Student Union gazebo • Some seniors added touches of Mercy spirit, like the stained glass window in the Mercy Heritage Room (1989) and the Mercy Cross in the lobby of the Hirt Academic Center (2002). 1989 Stained glass window in A few Senior Class Gifts are highlighted here. To view the Mercy Heritage Room complete list, visit hurstalumni.org/senior-class-gift.

14 2005 Sr. Damien Spirit Bell 2016 Bronze Anchor

1997 Munson Park plaza

2011 Outdoor classroom 2014 Spirit section at Tullio Field 1995 2015 Stained glass window MAC concession stand in the MSG Chambers 15 ‘Hurst graduates making mark in hospitality industry

There were fewer than 20 students when Mercyhurst launched its hospitality program in 1972. Today, the Statler Department of Hospitality Management enrolls more than 150 majors.

From the start, the program has recruited instructors with extensive experience in food service and hotel management. Also a hallmark of the program is its emphasis on hands-on experience for its students, on campus (in the Grotto Dining Room and more recently in the Marriott Café) and of-campus in internships and part-time jobs.

Over 45 years, Mercyhurst’s hospitality management program has earned a reputation for excellence and created an alumni network that spans the country and reaches around the world.

From Erie, where ‘Hurst alums run two of the most prominent hotels in the area, to Vietnam, where two recent grads have opened their own restaurant, Mercyhurst alumni can be found in every hospitality job imaginable. Read just a few of their stories in the pages that follow.

Did you know the pineapple is the international symbol for hospitality?

Peter Zohos ’97

Peter Zohos got his frst taste of the hospitality industry in his teens, logging lots of hours at his uncle’s restaurant. He was good at it, but never planned to join the family business.

Instead he majored in nutrition. When he decided medical school wasn’t the best ft for him, he realized he could put his training to work in hospitality.

So he transferred to Mercyhurst where he was impressed by faculty members who brought their industry experience into the classroom and truly cared about their students.

He got lots of hands-on experience through internships and part-time jobs, After Mercyhurst, he worked as a senior food and beverage manager with leading to 13 job ofers from big hotel companies when he graduated in 1997. He Marriott International, which he calls a “roll-up-your-sleeves type of company.” chose Hyatt Hotels, working as a management trainee at its fagship property, the Mercyhurst produces managers who are not afraid to jump in, he says, adding 2,000-room Hyatt Regency Chicago. proudly, “It’s very well respected in the industry.”

Over the next few years, Peter explored every aspect of the hospitality industry, Today he’s doing sales, consulting and training for food distributor Maplevale frst in New York City and later back in his hometown of Cleveland. Farms, where his experience as an operator makes him valuable both to the company and to his customers. Throughout those jobs, he says, “I was always the manager who focused the most on training, on developing human resources. The people who work for you take Peter says he’s always had a second job within the hospitality industry. Today care of your customers and you have to take care of them frst before you can be it’s Candlelight Desserts, his own business that creates custom Greek desserts. successful.” Deeply proud of his Greek heritage, he’s active with Greek churches in both Erie and Cleveland and volunteers at both of their annual festivals. So it’s not surprising that, in 2003, he came back to join the ‘Hurst faculty. He stayed through 2012, teaching everything in the hospitality curriculum except Peter and his wife, Karen, have been married for 12 years and have three kids: engineering and law. Billy, 9; Toula, 6; and Gracie, 4. 16 D. Ford Mennel ’02

D. Ford Mennel works today on the periphery of the hospitality industry, but his career has been built solidly on the foundation he got from the Mercyhurst hospitality program.

He’s president of The Mennel Milling Company, which has been milling wheat into four in Fostoria, Ohio, since 1886. Mennel fours Steve Kaczerski ’13 are used in many foods, from cake mixes and cookies to gravies and soups. The company also sells to major mix manufacturers and & Loan Vu ’13 bakeries that cater to the fast food and restaurant trades. One reviewer says S & L’s All-American Both are grateful for their hands-on “My Mercyhurst education taught me teamwork and how to Diner provides “the best American comfort experiences in the Grotto Dining Room interact professionally with others,” Ford says. “I also learned to try food you will ever fnd in all of Vietnam.” and Marriott Café and for the variety of and look at things diferently and to not accept the frst solution.” internships that helped them explore He says he uses the skills in cost controls, budgeting and stafng Another lists several “must-try” menu items, their feld. For Steve, a placement at the that he developed here every day. like chili fries, Philly cheesesteak and vanilla Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel led to a job milkshakes. post-graduation in 2013. He relocated He’s especially grateful for the hands-on real-world experiences he to Vietnam about two years later. Before Steve Kaczerski and Loan Vu, who met deciding to open the diner, he managed a was ofered. “And I always cherished the time spent in The Grotto as hospitality management students at boutique hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and completing our foods labs and restaurant operations classes. We Mercyhurst and married in 2014, have then a fne dining French steak and wine had wonderful professors including Daryl Georger, Brenda Moore, carved out a unique niche in Hanoi’s restaurant in the city’s West Lake District. John and Brenda Wolper, and Mike Alleruzzo who identifed with us crowded restaurant market with the diner as individuals and not just numbers.” they opened late in 2016. Loan did a summer internship at Sheraton Erie as well, plus assignments at Springhill Ford had several job ofers when he graduated, even though the It was a huge step, but both agree their Suites by Marriott and back home at the travel and tourism industry was reeling after the 9/11 terrorist Mercyhurst educations prepared them InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel. attacks. He joined Tharaldson Property Management, which owned well, teaching them everything from menu After her 2013 graduation, she worked in 300 hotels nationwide, including some near Erie’s Millcreek Mall planning and costing to restaurant design retail at Macy’s for a while before returning where he had worked during his college years. (He had also done to training. to her homeland, a detour that she says taught her a lot about customer service. an internship with the Westin Hilton Head Resort and Spa.) Loan is a native of Vietnam who always She was a management trainee at Softel dreamed of studying abroad, but didn’t Metropole Hanoi until opening the diner. As a property support manager, he traveled to hotel operations realize she was cut out for the hospitality throughout the Great Lakes Region before settling into positions at industry until she took an intro course at Now they’re sharing responsibilities as company hotels in Toledo, Ohio, and Rio Rancho, New Mexico. He Mercyhurst. Steve arrived already knowing owners and general managers of S & then left Tharaldson to take a management position at the Hilton he had a passion for restaurants and L’s All-American Diner, spending long Nashville Downtown, and probably would have stayed in Nashville hospitality after years of part-time and hours every day training and supervising had his father not encouraged him to join the family business. summer jobs at a restaurant near his home their staf, making sure food quality and outside Philadelphia. presentation meet their standards, visiting The emphasis on community involvement that he learned at with customers to get their feedback, and Mercyhurst has propelled Ford into service with a variety of Steve and Loan both point to their closely monitoring costs. Wine and Spirits class as their favorite community organizations. He’s chair of a nonproft nursing home Mercyhurst memory, not only because When they can get away from the diner, board, vice chair of a local economic development corporation, of the enjoyable subject but because it’s they enjoy traveling through Southeast president of a startup nonproft skilled trades educational center, where they met. Their frst partnership Asia, including a trip to the Philippines and chair of an angel investment club. His hobbies are real estate was on their fnal class project. But Loan during the recent Tet holiday; exercising investing and Michigan football, and he’s active on the Walker says she also loved Erie’s winters. “Coming and . They’re expecting their frst College of Business Advisory Board. from Vietnam, I had never seen snow in my life, and I couldn’t help falling in love with child, a daughter, in July. He and his wife, Kate, were married last summer. Mercyhurst’s winter wonderland.” 17 Margaret Weir Manchik ’87

Margaret Weir Manchik started out as a marketing major, but found her true home when she joined the hospitality management department near the end of her junior year. Program director John Paul Cahill ’88 Wolper helped her craft a contract major, carefully picking hospitality courses to Paul Cahill has been with Marriott International ever since his complement her business background. 1988 Mercyhurst graduation. Through almost 30 years, he says his average stay in a position is probably not more than two years. “I She couldn’t ft in internships, but trips to kept broadening my horizons and learning new things,” he says. hotel shows in New York and Las Vegas “Marriott is a great company for that. If you’re doing well in your engaged her with the feld, and the current role, you’ll be given the opportunity to try new things.” department did a great job of arranging job interviews as she neared graduation He says the Marriott culture, with its emphasis on putting people frst, is what attracted him during his frst interview and has kept in 1987. him there ever since. Her frst job was as a management trainee For the frst 20 years, he held increasingly responsible roles in the at the Hyatt Regency Bufalo. “You use company’s West Coast operations. He met and married his wife, everything you’ve learned in school in Diane, there; they welcomed triplets Christopher, Courtney and your frst six weeks out in the real world,” Chelsea, who are now 17; and he loved his work. she says. “After that, you’d better have developed good study habits, good wits, The challenge that fnally lured him back east came about seven a sense of humor and a strong work ethic, the resources for our clients are limited years ago, when he was asked to reposition the fagship Marriott because you’re on your own.” only by their imagination.” Hotels brand and to develop a new JW Marriott brand, named for the company’s legendary founder, J. Willard Marriott. Margaret says her Mercyhurst training One of her favorite experiences is He was based in Bethesda, Maryland, but traveled the world as prepared her for everything, from encountering current Mercyhurst students he built a global brand that works with multiple cultures in 70 coordinating a sales blitz to less glamorous at national conferences. “Our students countries. tasks. “Sometimes you fnd yourself sitting stand out head and shoulders above on the foor at 2 in the morning polishing all the rest,” she says. “They’re prepared, When Marriott took over Canada’s Delta Hotels chain about brass in an elevator,” she laughs. professional, they look you in the eye, two years ago, Paul was called on again to develop the right they’re ready. If I were a hiring manager...” positioning for a new Marriott brand. Since Jan. 1 this year, Positions with Hyatt took her to Columbus he’s been the area vice president for Marriott-managed hotels and Chicago, followed by a stint at Margaret has a 10-year-old daughter, in Canada. He still lives in Bethesda, though, where he enjoys California’s Renaissance Esmeralda Resort. Maxine, who loves acting in plays, and a following his kids’ athletic teams and is a big mountain biker. Then it was back to her hometown of 7-year-old son, Michael, who’s a promising Paul said he felt well-prepared at each step in his career, thanks to Cleveland where she worked in hotels hockey player. The live in Northbrook, Mercyhurst’s balance between academics and hands-on, real-life and later managed suite services for the Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. learning. His two internships at Marriott Hotels (in Marco Island, Cleveland Cavaliers Gund Arena Company. Florida, and Washington, D.C.) allowed him to apply what he Margaret’s sister, Laura, and Laura’s learned in the classroom. When Chicago beckoned her back, she husband, Jef Nicholson, both graduated handled sales there for the Orlando from the Mercyhurst hospitality program He credits faculty members John Wolper and Daryl Georger and Convention and Visitors Bureau and, since in 1995. Laura worked in the restaurant their widespread connections in the hospitality world that helped 2002, in National Sales for Disney. business before switching to recruiting make internships and then job interviews happen. Today, he and for EY. Today she’s director of executive many fellow Lakers have risen to senior positions, further building Most people associate Disney with leisure recruitment and talent management for a network that’s hugely valuable for today’s students. and vacations. Her job is to promote the Capgemini. Jef is senior vice president, company’s commitment to meetings and resident sales director for Aon. They reside When the Center for Academic Engagement was being designed conventions, and book group meetings in Rocky River, Ohio; their son, Jake, is a a few years ago, Paul helped coordinate a gift from his company and conventions into Disney-owned and senior at the Ohio State University, Fisher to sponsor the Marriott Café as a working laboratory for current operated properties in Anaheim, Orlando College of Business, and daughter Maxine students – and a recognition of the many Mercyhurst graduates and Hawaii. “The products are unique and is a senior at Rocky River High School. working in management at Marriott. 18 Tony Tupek ’05

Two men who now both run prominent North East before heading to the Erie father fell ill in 2011, Tony returned to hotels in the Erie region share a campus, drawn by both the hospitality Erie, becoming guest service manager number of connections, starting with program and the team. He at Erie Courtyard by Marriott and later their Mercyhurst hospitality degrees. says he’s grateful to all the faculty, restaurant manager at Safari Bar and counselors and coaches he worked Grille. When Tony Tupek interned at the with. He especially credits Daryl Grifin Gate Marriott in Lexington, Georger, noting “Without that constant Today he’s hotel general manager at Kentucky, his boss was fellow excitement instilled in me to want to Peek ‘n Peak Resort in Clymer, New Mercyhurst grad Dan Pora (see learn more about the art of taking care York, a four-star all-season resort profle below). Tony says Dan was a of people, I can say I wouldn’t be where owned by Scott Enterprises. With his fantastic manager and mentor to him I am today.” He’s also grateful to head wife also active in the industry, she as he moved up through the ranks at baseball coach Joe Spano, who “set understands the long hours he puts in Marriott. He also became a close friend the precedent for hard work, practice each day as well as the unpredictable and was a groomsman when Tony and and 100 percent dedication on what events he faces. “With 20-plus years his wife, Stacy, were married three I’m doing to help me succeed not of combined experience, we’ve got years ago. only on the diamond, but in the many enough stories that we could write our challenges ahead in life.” own book together,” he says. Today, Tony is the hotel general manager at Peek ‘n Peak resort in He got his foot in the door with a job as Tony plays each summer in the Clymer, New York; Dan manages the bellman at the Grifn Gate Marriott and wooden-bat Glenwood Baseball Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel; and Stacy then, over about three years, worked League. An avid collector of sports manages the Courtyard by Marriott Erie in every facet of the resort’s operation. cards and memorabilia since Bayfront next to the Sheraton. Moving to a Marriott Key Center childhood, he’s now able to display Cleveland hotel in 2008, he worked as his collectibles in the Tupeks’ sports- An Erie native, Tony earned an front ofce manager and also as food themed basement. associate degree from Mercyhurst and beverage supervisor. When his

Bayfront Sheraton Hotel Dan Pora ’96

Dan Pora was a cook at Erie’s Holland Beach, Missouri, opened the door to his Tupek (see profle above). named White Lodging Hotel of the Dairy Queen all through high school, frst job – as restaurant manager at the Year in 2015, and customer service and knew he loved culinary work and 1,400-room Philadelphia Downtown Dan’s next stop was in Cleveland, reviews ranked his hotel #1 among all restaurant management. So his boss, Convention Center Marriott. In 2000 where he helped transition the Sheratons for the past two years. He Mercyhurst alum Jack Holland Jr., he moved across the street to open a Cleveland Airport Marriott from a still brings in interns from Mercyhurst, wrote a letter of recommendation for brand-new 500-room Marriott as food franchise to a company-managed adding, “They’ve always been great.” him to the relatively young hospitality and beverage manager. operation and became assistant program at this alma mater. He general manager. Dan’s wife, Deborah, is a nurse enrolled in 1992. From 2001 to 2007, he worked at the practitioner at UPMC Hamot. Their Grifn Gate Resort and Spa, a Marriott In 2013 he joined White Lodging daughter Madeline is a freshman The best things about the program, resort in Kentucky, half the time Services, which named him general at West Virginia University, while he says now, were the investment that as director of food and beverage, the manager of the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Mackenzie’s in 10th grade and son teachers made in their students to other half as director of rooms. He also Hotel. He oversees all aspects of Daniel in 7th. make sure they were set up for success brought many Mercyhurst students to the 200-room hotel adjoining the and how well career services worked intern at Grifn Gate. “It felt good to Erie Convention Center, from owner Appropriately, his hobbies include with graduating seniors. give back to Mercyhurst and do for the relations to brand integrity to sales, traveling and cooking, and he serves students what others had done for me,” profts and service scores. He was on the board for tourism promotion In his case, his internship at the he explains. Several of those interns White Lodging’s Rookie GM of the agency VisitErie. He’s also active with Marriott Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage worked for him later, including Tony Year for 2014, the Sheraton was the Wayside Presbyterian Church. 19 Chris Walker ’10

Chris Walker always fgured he’d wind up working in Las Vegas and its storied gaming industry. As a hospitality student at Mercyhurst, internships at Erie’s Presque Isle Downs & Casino and later at Caesars Palace confrmed he’d chosen the right specialty.

The Caesars Palace experience landed him his frst job after graduation in 2010. As chief concierge, he oversaw concierge, telecommunications and guest services operations for the 4,000-room resort. Just a year later, he moved across town to the rival MGM Shane Krige, right, congratulates Chef de Partie Mitch Eldridge, who was named Resorts International, where he’s been employee of the month at the The Fairmont Washington DC, Georgetown. At left is ever since in a variety of positions. Jason Rowley, senior banquet chef. He started at the corporate level, where he led a company-wide initiative to enhance the company’s Like his fellow hospitality graduates, Shane Krige ’91 service culture and improve the guest Chris credits the hands-on education experience. Then he spent three years he got at Mercyhurst for helping him Shane Krige has been general the full engagement of the faculty at individual properties in Vegas, as to succeed. “The balance between manager of The Fairmont and the genuine care to support director of front ofce operations theoretical and practical application Washington DC, Georgetown, and educate the students with at the MGM Grand, director of hotel was incredibly valuable,” he says. since 2014, back in the city where passion. operations for Luxor Hotel and Casino, “Classes like HR management and he started a career that has taken and director of human resources at hospitality law, plus the breadth and him around the country and the Like so many hospitality Mandalay Bay & Delano Las Vegas. depth of industry experience of the globe. graduates, he’s especially grateful instructors contributed greatly to the for the real-life experiences he Now he’s back at the corporate level overall experience.” An internship with Marriott’s was ofered, particularly his as director of strategic initiatives Conference Center Division led to six-month internship at the and change management, creating Chris, who served as president his frst job as executive steward Graylyn Conference Center in and executing change management of Mercyhurst’s chapter of at the Georgetown Conference Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He plans for a range of initiatives focused HMA (Hospitality Management Center. extended his stay there through on process improvement, divisional Association), also says trips to HMA the summer to work in the restructuring and organizational and PCMA (Professional Conference He remained in the D.C. area culinary department, eventually culture that impact the company’s 19 Management Association) events took until 2003, holding a variety of opening the banquet kitchens resorts and 71,000 employees. him all over the country (including jobs with Marriott, then Hyatt solo. “The entire internship Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Hotels and eventually the Ritz- supported by the school was a He’s currently involved in centralizing New Orleans) and helped him explore Carlton, including helping to open life-changing event for me and MGM Resorts’ human resources all facets of the hospitality industry. the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, has helped shape my hospitality functions. For example, a single MGM Washington, D.C. Hotel and career,” he adds. Resorts University will take the place Chris recently completed his Master Residences. of individual training departments of Business Administration at the Mercyhurst, he says, also taught within each facility. University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Next came two years managing him how hard work, dedication where he volunteers with the UNLV the Grosvenor House in London’s and perseverance pay of in the As each program is rolled out, he says, hospitality program and serves as a Park Lane and three more running long run. “We have to make sure that changes mentor for several students. In what the fve-star Rosewood Mansion have been efectively communicated, little spare time he has, he enjoys on Turtle Creek in Dallas, before Shane met his wife, Patricia (Tish), that the right people are involved, travel and snowboarding. tackling a high-profle assignment: during his time in Washington. that solid training programs are in overseeing the $600 million Their son, JR, is 15, and daughter place and that everyone buys in to the renovation and reopening of The Maddie is 11. In what little free overall goal.” Plaza in New York City. time he has, he’s a passionate photographer. “When I’m not From there, it was of to spending time with my family Bangalore, where he opened and or dreaming about hotels, I’m managed the frst Ritz-Carlton being creative with my camera,” in India from 2012 until he came he notes. back to the U.S. in 2014. To learn more about the programs ofered There are quite a few Mercyhurst Shane left his native South Africa alumni in Washington (like Mark by the Walker College of Business and at 18 to study in America, living Medrick, who is assistant director with an aunt during the four of catering at the Fairmont). Shane the Statler Department of Hospitality years until his parents were able says the alumni meet occasionally to immigrate. He says his most as a group, “but not as much as Management, visit mercyhurst.edu/walker. lasting memory of Mercyhurst is I’d like.” 20 Trustee’s generosity reflects passion for Mercyhurst By Deborah W. Morton

Catch up with an old friend, go for a walk, read a good book … those are things that Ellen Ryan does for herself. Attend a board meeting, host a meet ‘n greet, make a donation … those are things she does for others.

“I try to do a little something for me, and a little something for someone else every day,” says the 1964 Mercyhurst University home economics alumna about her philosophy of life. “I’m a 15-year cancer survivor and that’s a way of living I adopted. We always need to think of others, but we have to take time for ourselves, too.”

Ryan is one of Mercyhurst’s more prolifc donors and is a member of the university’s board of trustees.

“Ellen Ryan is one of the most generous Mercy reinforced,” she said. “Then, during our teach. She has fond memories, especially of a people I have ever known,” said Mercyhurst 40 years in Columbus, we had access to so baby girl from St. Joseph Orphanage whom President Michael Victor. “Not only has her many beautiful facilities and opportunities, she and fve classmates raised for six weeks philanthropy footprint been large, but as a which, in many cases, were available because while living together in the Home Economics member of our board, she is generous with of someone’s generosity.” Practice House on campus. her time, energy and commitment to the future of our university. We are most grateful Ryan said she and David gifted what they “We all took turns taking care of the baby, and to have her.” could early in their marriage, but their giving doing laundry, shopping, cooking,” Ryan said. scaled substantially after they sold their “We had a lot of laughs. I often wonder about Over the years, Ryan has given $1 million to company, Rimrock Corp., in 1999. “At that that baby; she’d be in her early 50s now.” the endowment, matched contributions given point, we sat down and made a list of all by her class members at their 40-year and 50- the places in the Columbus area that were There were some sad moments, too. It was year reunions, given a matching gift following important to us and could use our support; we during that same practicum that Ryan walked an alumni golf trip to Ireland in 2012, and focused on church, health care, the arts and into the home-ec house on Friday, Nov. 22, been a major contributor to the university’s education,” she said. 1963, to witness the assassination of President annual fund. She’s also hosted alumni and John F. Kennedy being described on television. donor events. For 40 years, she lived in It doesn’t take long to fnd evidence of their Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, David. philanthropy in Buckeye country, from the “None of us will ever forget that,” she said. They raised two sons, Mark and Michael, who Ellen and David J. Ryan Pavilion at Ohio State’s still live there, and they are grandparents to Comprehensive Cancer Center to the Ellen Looking back, Ryan believes her liberal arts two boys and four girls. and David Ryan Lobby at the Jeanne B. McCoy experience served her well. She taught Community Center for the Arts. for a year, served as vice president of a Nowadays, Ellen and David can be found property management frm for 14 years, at their winter home in Naples. They spend “When we made the list, I knew I wanted to and volunteered often, but it was more her summers in a longtime favorite vacation spot, do something for Mercyhurst,” she said. “The ability to transfer skills from one stage of Walloon Lake in Petoskey, Michigan. friends I made and the education I got there life to another, be they organizational or were wonderful. I wanted to make sure others philosophical in nature. The Ryans have a distinguished record of could have the same experience.” philanthropy. “We were brought up to be “Mercyhurst gave much to me,” she said. “I’m good stewards of time, talent and treasure, Indeed, Ryan fourished as a home economics happy to give back.” which, for me, is something the Sisters of major on the Erie campus, later going on to 21 Happenings on the Hill

‘Just Mercy’ author draws crowd The Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center was packed on Sept. 13, 2016, when social activist Bryan Stevenson discussed his work with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). Stevenson has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults. Stevenson, second from left, is pictured with President Michael T. A theatrical Victor; Doris Cipolla, benefactor of the Charlene M. Tanner Speaker series, which icon vists brought Stevenson to Mercyhurst; and Provost Dr. David Dausey.

President Michael T. Victor chats with Broadway legend Chita Rivera before her Sept. 16, 2016, solo concert at Mercyhurst. The Tony Award-winner recreated signature moments from her career, including numbers from West Side Story, Sweet Charity and Bye Bye Birdie. Her performance opened the 2016-17 Live Series of the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture; the whole season is celebrating the 20- year history of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. Visit miac.mercyhurst.edu to learn about upcoming events and watch for previews of the next season. Lecture explores faith in today’s world The William C. Sennett Institute for Mercy and Catholic Studies brought essayist Richard Rodriguez to Mercyhurst for a lecture on Sept. 29. Described as one of the most eloquent and probing intellectuals in the country, he spoke on “Professing Faith in a Post-9/11 World.” He’s pictured between William C. Sennett, whose generosity helped create the institute, and Provost Dr. David Dausey.

An encore appearance Richard Lanzillo, J.D., chair of Mercyhurst’s Board of Trustees, welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential ‘Play for Peace’ event honors Akyra Murray historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to Mercyhurst – for the second time. During his student days, Lanzillo convinced Hundreds gathered at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center on Dec. 1, 2016, then-President William Garvey to invite Goodwin to speak at to remember Akyra Murray, the youngest victim of the Pulse nightclub Mercyhurst just before the 1980 Carter-Reagan election. This massacre. Murray, an outstanding student and 1,000-point scorer at time, Mercyhurst sponsored and hosted her Nov. 15, 2016, talk Philadelphia’s West Catholic Preparatory School, had committed to play during the Jeferson Educational Society’s Global Summit VIII. at Mercyhurst North East this season. Mercyhurst presented the #20 jersey she would have worn to her parents, Albert and Natalie Murray. 22 AIM students explore Mt. Kilimanjaro Eight students and staf members from the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) kicked of 2017 with a 12-day trek through Africa that included both an adventure hike in the shadows of the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and a Tanzanian wildlife safari. Their trip continues the “Raise the Roof for Autism” initiative begun by AIM Director Brad McGarry. He said the trips provide unforgettable experiences for the students, but Community enjoys Hurst Day also increase awareness of the capabilities of Hurst Day 2.0 was as much fun as the frst annual event. Just two days after his students on the autism spectrum and of their inauguration, President Michael Victor canceled all classes for a day and invited need for meaningful employment opportunities. students, faculty and staf to enjoy games, food and lots of fun. Bagpipers alerted He said his slogan for this trip was “Learning students early in the morning and festivities kicked of with a scavenger hunt testing about the world, while the world learns about us.” students’ Mercyhurst knowledge. The campus was flled with infatable games and even a zipline, and outdoor food stations featured everything from burgers to barbeque.

Frozen in time The viral hit known as the #mannequinchallenge made its way to Mercyhurst in November, when the AIM hosts landmark conference on autism whole campus community was invited to pack the Athletic Center for a special challenge set against It was the frst time ever that three of the world’s most prominent speakers on the subject the backdrop of a men’s vs. women’s basketball of autism—Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Stephen Shore and Steve Silberman—were on the scrimmage. When the word went out, everyone same program, and it was a Mercyhurst conference that brought them together. AIM from President Victor to players to cheerleaders (the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst) hosted its inaugural Conference on Autism in Higher to referees to spectators froze in unison. Then Education Nov. 1-2, 2016, at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center. Attendees came from they tried not to wobble, blink, sneeze, laugh or all over the country to learn about college programs for students on the spectrum and otherwise move as a camera wove through the initiatives to increase employment opportunities for those students after graduation. scene frozen in time. You can watch the results at President Michael T. Victor is pictured with speakers, from left, Dr. Robert Naseef, Dr. mercyhurst.edu/mannequin-challenge. Stephen Shore, Dr. Temple Grandin and Steve Silberman. 23 Mercyhurst University Lakers

Mercyhurst Lakers are earning college degrees at rates well above both national and conference averages. Academic Success Rate fgures from the National Collegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA) show that 85 percent of student-athletes who entered Mercyhurst between 2006 and 2009 (the latest reporting period) have earned their degrees. That’s well above the average for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (79 percent) and for Division II across the nation (71 percent).

“We’re extremely proud of the success our Laker teams achieve in competition, but we’re even prouder to report that they are well-rounded students who also excel in the classroom,” said Mercyhurst President Michael T. Victor.

Here’s a look at how ‘Hurst sports teams fared in fall 2016:

Football Tennis Field Hockey Redshirt-senior running back Richie Sanders Senior Joaquin Aguilera and junior Nenad Emily Burns represented Mercyhurst at the led all of NCAA Division II with 2,220 all- Terzic teamed for the PSAC Men’s Doubles NFHCA Senior Game in Easton, Massachusetts. purpose yards. He was named to both the Championship, marking the second straight Despite missing the PSAC Tournament, the AFCA and Don Hansen Gazette All-America year that a Laker duo has won that title. Lakers claimed a victory against a conference Second Teams. Sanders was also an All- Aguilera was the top Mercyhurst performer tournament team with a 4-3 home victory PSAC West First Team running back and in singles play, advancing to the semifnals. over Indiana (Pa.). Second Team return specialist. He will leave During the ITA Atlantic Regional, Terzic Mercyhurst as the program’s all-time leader reached the quarterfnals in singles play and Volleyball in all-purpose yards and kickof return yards. teamed with Aguilera to reach the doubles Senior Lauren Kenny was selected to the Senior defensive lineman Ryan Carroll and semifnals. All-PSAC Third Team as the Lakers fnished senior punter Dylan Kondis were selected to 15-14. Despite missing the eight-team PSAC the All-PSAC Second Team. Redshirt-junior Junior Saioa Gomez de Segura won her third Tournament, the Lakers claimed victories over Ryan Michaels, an ofensive lineman, claimed consecutive PSAC Singles Championship three of those tournament teams, including a his third straight Academic All-America honor. and second straight ITA Atlantic Regional thrilling 3-2 home win against Edinboro. As a team, the Lakers fnished 3-8. Championship. Gomez de Segura also teamed with senior Annie Baich for PSAC and ITA Atlantic Regional Doubles Championships. The Soccer PSAC doubles championship match featured Graduate student Lena Funke was named to two Mercyhurst teams – Baich and Gomez de the All-PSAC Third Team for the Laker women, Segura against junior Adrianna Jefress and who fnished 8-8-2 for the second straight sophomore Kayla Frost. Baich and Gomez de year. The Lakers recorded seven shutouts – the Segura earned bids to the national ITA Oracle program’s highest total since 2009. Cup, where Gomez de Segura placed third in singles and then teamed with Baich for eighth The Laker men won their ffth straight PSAC in doubles. regular-season championship – and third PSAC Tournament crown in fve years. The team fell to Urbana in the NCAA Tournament to fnish with a 15-5-1 record. Graduate student Thom Derks was named PSAC Player of the Year, Jorge Gonzalez was PSAC Freshman of the Year and Nenad Vidakovic Cross Country was selected as PSAC Coach of the Year. Derks The Laker men placed seventh at the PSAC and Gonzalez were also named to the All-PSAC Championships – led by senior Jacob Eneix, th First Team while graduate student Mark Roche, who took 13 individually for All-PSAC honors. senior Michael DiRienzo, junior Kyle Johnson The team then recorded its highest-ever and freshman Connor Wilkinson were named Atlantic Regional fnish at seventh place. Eneix nd to the Second Team. Derks was also named to led the way at Regionals, taking 22 place. the NSCAA All-America Third Team. The women’s team fnished 10th at the PSAC Championships, while sophomore Anna Warner fnished 30th individually to earn All- PSAC accolades. At the Atlantic Regional, Warner placed 40th and junior Mary Jaskowak 43rd as the team fnished 13th.

24 Golf Rowing The Mercyhurst men won both the Mercyhurst Invitational and Gannon’s The Mercyhurst rowing program hosted its inaugural Autumn Classic at Bud Elwell Classic (where senior Chris Kupniewski medaled) in the fall. The Findley Lake, New York, in October. The men’s lightweight rowing team Lakers also placed fourth at the PSAC Championships, where freshman won the Varsity Eights, Freshman/Novice Fours and Varsity Fours, while Adrian Larsen tied for sixth. The women’s team placed ffth at the PSAC the women’s team captured the Varsity Eights, Freshman/Novice Eights Championships, with freshman Bridget Merten placing 11th. and Varsity Four. The men’s and women’s Varsity Eights competed at the 52nd Head of the Charles in Boston, with the men fnishing 13th among Water Polo a group of premier lightweight programs, and the women placing ninth and securing an automatic bid to the event’s 53rd version. Over The men’s team won the CWPA Division II Championship as sophomore the summer, junior Jonas Weller won a silver medal with Germany’s Connor Schmitz was named Tournament MVP. The team followed that U23 squad in the quadruple sculls at the 2016 World Championships in up with a CWPA Mid-Atlantic Conference West Division championship Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Jonathan Blazevic and Galen Bernick were in which senior Andrew Too-A-Foo was named Tournament MVP. The named to the 2016 IRA All-Academic Team. season culminated with a seventh-place fnish at the CWPA Mid-Atlantic Conference Championships. Schmitz was named to the ACWPC All- America Second Team.

North East Saints The North East men’s and women’s soccer teams both fnished as runners- York Athletic Conference, and Aren Schwab and Ashton Watts were both up in Region III Division I in the fall. Jason Marczak, a freshman goalkeeper named to the all-conference team. from Fort LeBoeuf High School, ended the season ranked No. 1 in saves in the country for NJCAA Division I. He was also chosen All-Region, along Wrestler Sam Colebert was ranked as high as No. 7 nationally in the with Jaheed Loblack, Thomas Sedgewick, Trung Kitchener, Alex Simos, 165-pound weight class. Anthony Martone, Sammi Weinheimer, Taylor Zachar, Raven Magrino, Morgan York, Nichole Ward and Emillie Shafer. The Saints welcomed several new coaches this fall/winter: Shannon Pullium (men’s basketball), Eric Miccio (men’s lacrosse) and Brandon Crum The Saints volleyball team fnished as runner-up in the Western New (baseball).

25 Francis, August and Paul Mizia Wrestling’s band of brothers By Allison Seib

The Mizia brothers — August, 24, Francis, 22, around both as competitors and as people.” While Paul didn’t choose Mercyhurst and Paul, 21, of Bentleyville, Pennsylvania primarily to wrestle, he joined the team and — didn’t have to wrestle with their picks for After spending fve years competing with the experienced his frst collegiate victory as a college. Mercyhurst was an easy choice to pin wrestling team, August said he was honored sophomore, fnishing third at the Jamestown down, they said. when coach Wehler asked him to be the Open. team’s graduate assistant. During his wrestling After Mercyhurst wrestling head coach Mike career, August posted a 116-31 record, landing “I came to Mercyhurst strictly for school,” said Wehler recruited August `15, his brothers soon him second in all-time wins at Mercyhurst. His Paul. “I live vicariously through my brothers. I followed in his footsteps. achievements include being a four-time PSAC feel like I’ve taken on a responsibility to help place-winner and a four-time All-Conference them get better. It’s helped me get into and “It was easier on our parents,” Francis joked. selection. He is also a three-time NCAA stay in shape, and I’ve made friends. It’s fun to Qualifer. At the 2015 DII NCAA Tournament be a part of something they are into.” Francis, a redshirt senior and environmental in St. Louis, he recorded a 4-1 record, fnishing science major, was also recruited for the third in the nation and earning All-America Paul has put his skills to good use — and wrestling program. He will graduate this May status. gained some resumé-worthy experience along with August, who is completing his master’s in the way. “I have the most fun major in college,” applied behavior analysis at Mercyhurst. Paul, As far as wrestling talent goes, August and said Paul, who has used his graphic design who decided he was applying to Mercyhurst Paul agree Francis has it. Francis has posted skills to create t-shirts, warm-up gear, posters during three years of visits with his parents, a 115-20 career record and fnished ffth in and programs for the team. said Mercyhurst was his one and only choice. the nation for his second straight All-America He will join his brothers as an alumnus in May status. He has taken frst and second place While all good things must come to an 2018 with a graphic design degree. at the NCAA Super Region I Tournament; he end, the Mizia brothers won’t forget their placed at all four PSAC championships; he Mercyhurst experience and the friends they “Gus, Fran and Pauly are all awesome people,” won the NCAA DII Award for Most Technical made along the way. said coach Wehler. “They come from a great Falls in a season; and he was named Co-Rookie family that holds them accountable in all of the Year during his freshman year. Fran “Overall, my college experience has been facets of life. I have a great amount of respect started this season with a 31-1 record, earning phenomenal,” August said. for the entire family. I love how close they a No. 1 national ranking. He already has a win all are and how they make no excuses. They this year over the returning NCAA champion His brothers agree. “It will be sad to leave.” are great role models; they give it their all, at his weight, and he leads the NCAA DII Most and if they fail, they reassess and get back to Dominant Wrestler category (regardless of it. They are such a tremendous joy for me to be weight class). 26 Class notes

Maureen Aleci Gray ’65 was returning from prison or jail to partner at Giamanco & Ooink, a law Erin Anderson-Hickey ’02 and honored by the Women’s Initiative access jobs, education, housing, frm in Bolingbrook, Illinois. husband Courtland had their of Central Massachusetts with the transportation and mentoring/ second daughter, Arwen Lois B. Green Award, recognizing her counseling. Travis Jessick ’10 is now a territory Persephone Hickey, on July 29, lifelong dedication sales manager for Altherm, Inc., a 2016. Arwen joins big sister Freya. to motivating young Cynthia Grygier McMillen ’01 was plumbing/HVAC company. He also people to learn chosen as president of the Board teaches and coaches people to make Kelly Froelich McColgan ’02 and and achieve, her of Advisors for the Osher Lifelong money from a home-based business. husband Michael had a daughter, community service, Learning Institute at Clemson Moira, in August 2016. and her fnancial University in Clemson, South Carolina. Bryan Melerski ’10 moved to Seattle empowerment for to start a new career teaching K-5 Kristen McCaskey Rice women and girls. James Alexander ’04 was named general music in the Lake Washington ’02 and husband Seth had director at Bufamante Whipple School District after working for four their third child, Quinn Robert Pettinelli ’74 wrote and Buttafaro, P.C. He performs and years at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Elyse, on Dec. 29, 2016. published his frst book titled “Fatherly supervises audit Alabama, with the Department of She joins sister Jillian and Business Conversations.” The book engagements for Defense Education Activity. brother Collin. is designed to help recent college not-for-proft and graduates understand how to prosper governmental Brenton Martin ’10M has been Ted Nagorsen ’05 in the business world. organizations, named executive director of the Jefco and Marley McKenzie manufacturing Sheltered Workshop. He has a lengthy Nagorsen ’09 had Gregory Lindner ’85 has accepted a entities, school career serving the developmentally their second daughter, position as regional vice president of districts, employee disabled and his current work Kinsale James, on June operations for McKibbon Hospitality beneft plans and involves about 128 adult individuals 10, 2016. and relocated to Tampa, Florida. rural electric cooperatives. at the Jefco Production and Training Centers. Gloria Emberger Oxford ’05 and Donald “DJ” Fuhrmann ’87 retired Jaime Rinne Mahoney ’04 co- husband Sean had a daughter, from the City of Erie Police authored “A Curious Collection of Ryan Connors Mackenzie Joy, on May 26, 2016. Department after 28 years of service Dates: Through the Year with Sherlock ’11 has joined Mackenzie joins brother Noah and and is the new chief of police at Holmes,” published Dannible & sister Marlee. Mercyhurst University. by Wessex Press McKee, LLP as a in January 2016. digital marketing Hilary Frantz Jonczak Christine Matha ’89 was chosen by The book is a coordinator. ’07 and husband Chris the Sea Turtle Conservancy to design compendium of had their third son, Rocco its 2016 holiday ornament after historical facts and Jeremy Dickey ’13 joined the City of Joseph, on Sept. 19, 2016. winning the group’s art contest in May. trivia relating to Takoma Park, Maryland, as a media Sherlock Holmes specialist in January. Jean-Paul Matthew Konopka ’96 obtained organized by date. Magermans ’07 and an additional graduate degree from Lauren Moss ’12 and Veronica wife Mary had their George Mason University (GMU) in Shaun Lux ’05 was promoted McCoy ’14 competed together second child, Paulette emergency management-homeland to manager of business analysis in the Chicago Amelie, on Sept. 9, security in December 2016. A federal for Paylocity. Paylocity (NASDAQ: Triathlon. Veronica 2016. manager for the DHS National PCTY) develops cloud-based payroll is pursuing an M.A. Operations Center, he was selected as and human capital management in religious ethics Deanna Fletcher a member of the White House National software systems for medium-sized at the University Manbeck ’08 Security Council in November 2016. organizations. of Chicago and and husband Joe had The West Wing detail is for a duration plans to apply to their frst child, Timothy of two years. Jefrey Haft ’07 returns to Mercyhurst medical school Joseph, on Aug. 11, 2016, as an assistant athletic trainer and after graduation in in Wilmington, Delaware. Jennifer McElroy Pelaia ’96 was adjunct faculty member in the Athletic June 2017. Lauren received her M.Ed. the award recipient for Health South Training Professional Program. in counseling from Loyola University Kathryn Kolker Miller Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital of Chicago, is working in community ’09 and husband at the Cameos of Caring Program Lisa Bannister ’08 accepted a full- mental health, and volunteers with Christopher had a child, and Awards Gala sponsored by the time vocational teaching position Rape Victim Advocates. Both are Blakely McKemie, on Jan. University of Pittsburgh School of at Lake Erie Correctional Institute happily unmarried. 6, 2016, in Rochester, Nursing. in Conneaut, Ohio. She will attend New York. classes in the spring term at Bowling BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONS Chandra Inglis-Smith ’97 accepted Green University to receive her Jennifer Palladino Noe ’09 and a position with the Federal Highway teaching certifcate in K-12 vocational Ryan Kennis ’99 and wife Kim had husband Patrick had their fourth child, Administration (FHWA), West Virginia education. their third child, Charlotte Bobbee, on Sydney Kathleen, Division, as statewide and urban June 8, 2016. Charlotte joins brother Ty on April 2, 2016. planner. Courtney Olevnik ’08 ’13M and sister Hannah. Sydney joins brother has moved to the advancement Luke and twin sisters Sheila Stott Silman ’99 was named department at Mercyhurst University Jennifer Smolinski Boufard ’02 and Avery and Grace. director of the Erie County Re-Entry as director of donor relations. Chris Boufard ’02 had a son, Kevin Services and Support Alliance. Christopher, on Dec. 30, 2015. He joins The new organization helps those Phyllis Roman ’08 has been named sister Kathryn and brother Ryan.

27 Class notes

MARRIAGES AND ENGAGEMENTS Bruno Didiano ’10 and Rachel Torgesen ’12 married Elizabeth McMullen Chris Duzen ’09 on Oct. Michael Clark ’85 married ’10 were married in 1, 2016, at the Ellicottville Lisa Capan on Jan. 9, 2016, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Brewing Company in in Meadville, Pennsylvania. on Sept. 17, 2016. Amy Ellicottville, New York. They Michael is superintendent Breininger ’10 was maid honeymooned in Italy, of the State Correctional of honor. Germany and Austria. Victoria Institution at Albion and Lisa Scott ’12, Jordan Pirrone is a senior customer success Shannon Reed ’12 and Amy Deer ’12 were advocate for Blackboard, Inc. ’10 married Richard bridesmaids. Groomsmen included Nicholas Grube on Aug. 13, 2016, Johnson ’09, Matthew Tolbert ’13 and Zach Pekor Robert Lawlor ’05 married in Raleigh, North Carolina. ’09. Chris and Rachel reside in Manassas, Virginia. Christina Yetter on Oct.1, 2016, Kali Seech ’10 was a in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. bridesmaid. Shannon and Samantha Strathearn ’15 married Ian Gayford Groomsmen included Shaun Richard reside in Wake Forest, North Carolina. ’15 on June 25, 2016, in Perry, New York. Kimberlyn Lux ’05, John Waldheim ’05 Bloise ’14 and Dillon Shidemantle ’15 were in the and Dr. Kevin Tidgewell ’03. Lindsay Cox ’12 married Thomas Frank ’13 on bridal party. Samantha is a graduate student in art Aug. 13, 2016, education at Virginia Commonwealth University in Sara Houston ’06 married Jamie at St. James Richmond, Virginia, and works as a research assistant. Carracher on Nov. 5, 2016, at Roman Catholic Ian works as an extended-day lead teacher in Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, D.C. Church in Erie. Richmond, Virginia. The bridal Lucille Murphy ’07 married Shane Healy on June 18, party included ALUMNI DEATHS 2016, in Dennis Port, Massachusetts. Lucille works as bridesmaids the school district treasurer in Saratoga Springs, New April Clark Lucille Heintz DeCarlo ’49 Adamczyk ’06, York, and Shane owns CrossFit Shatter in Albany, Agnes Nakich Olesky ’49 New York. Elizabeth Eidnier ’12, Alexa Dewey ’12 and Rhona Boyle ’13, groomsman Jeremy Dickey ’13, and Carol Cairns Brabender ’50 Sara Kuntz ’08 and Taylor Dutton eloped in Gibraltar mothers of the couple Denise Veshecco Cox ’93 and Mary Jachimczyk Bankowski ’53 on May 31, 2016. Sara works for the Town of Gull Betsy Herzog Frank ’81. Lake as recreation director and Taylor is assistant Donna Albrycht Hausman ’54 plant manager at South West Terminal. Bethany Coon ‘16M and Michael Reilly Jr. ‘12 were married at Mercyhurst’s Christ the King Chapel by Mary Jane Odell ’55 Sarah Blackwell ’10 and Michael Herhal ’12 were Father Mike Allison on Oct. 8, 2016. Groomsmen Victoria Argana Rosato ’55 married in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bridesmaids included Shane McCabe ‘12, Thomas Hall ‘12, included maid of honor Hailey Glover ’11 and Aaron Ullman ‘12, Andrew Mary Ann Bittner Simpson ’57 bridesmaids Mary Vuono Lamancusa ’10 and Jaouen ‘12 and T.J. Reilly ‘14. Elizabeth Bott Fitzgerald ’65 Colleen Gafney ’10. The couple was married at Jen Reilly ’09 was a bridesmaid. Excelsior, where Sarah previously worked planning Bethany is the granddaughter of Sr. Janet Staab, OSB ’69 weddings and special events. Michael and Sarah live in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, with their daughter, Gloria H. Sullivan ‘44, daughter Katharine Duda Newman ’71 Isabelle, and expect their second child in late April. of Sheila S. Coon ‘72, and niece of Maureen S. Maus ‘73 and Diana Swain Chandley ’73 Mary Ann S. Hathaway ‘88. Margaret Hughes Muckinhaupt ’74 Frances Portka Woytek ’74 Louis Cucuzza ’75 Edward McGraw ’75

Celebrating the 4th of July Laker-style

Every summer, a group of Mercyhurst alumni who’ve settled in South Florida gather for a big family picnic. Most of them met in Florida and happened to connect the dots back to Mercyhurst. Pictured during last year’s event are (front row) Kevin Schultz ’93, national senior director of lifestyle content at The Golf Channel, Windermere; Tom Craig ’94 and Erin Strucker Craig ’94, owner/operator and pharmacist at Gulfstream Pharmacy, Delray Beach; (back row) Elizabeth Strucker-Meador ’94, a dermatology nurse practitioner at ClearlyDerm Center for Dermatology, Boca Raton; Adam Morettin ‘05, national senior director for learning and development at DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc., Boca Raton; and Allison Strucker-Goodridge, who attended Mercyhurst for two years, also of Delray Beach. 28 Class notes

Karen Schaus Neal ’77 Maureen Saunders Atkinson ’80 Nola Weingard Lyons ’80 Janet Jelleson Kuhn ’84 Linda Lindberg ’86 Christopher Cuzzola ’88 Lynda Kelley ’90 Yvonne Galli Trettel ’92 Wheelchair adventures Andrew Antolik ’95 Young friend inspires alum’s book Cynthia Aldrich Lechefsky ’00 Melissa Eiring ’07 A gift Brittany Parker Adkins ’07 limited mobility. It ’s available Sandra McClane Orton ’07 created for one special little boy through amazon.com and is having a bigger impact than barnesandnoble.com, and all Destiny Thornton ’07 she ever expected. proceeds are being devoted to Sharon Guthrie ’08 spinal cord injury research. Aaron Manzer ’10 In a matter of minutes last January, the world turned "Look What We Can Do!" is a Briana Talty ’14 upside down for Brittany’s lighthearted tale about Nolan, Grady Zimmer ’16 good friends, Jennifer and a little boy, and Teddy, his best Eric Nachreiner. Their healthy friend, as they cruise around on 2-year-old son, Nolan, was Nolan's new power wheelchair. Husband of: suddenly unable to move. The two adventurers fnd joy Patricia Jack Fessler ’50 (Robert Fessler) Soon diagnosed with transverse and humor in the world around Joyce White Caruso ’62 (Hank Caruso) them, despite the obstacles Patricia Richards Ogilvie ’62 (William Ogilvie) myelitis, an infammation of the Mary Lee Stadter Rinderle ’62 (Deacon Edward Rinderle) spinal cord, he’s been paralyzed they face. Maryce Jaeger Cunningham ’65 (James Cunningham) from the neck down since that Patricia Lewandwoski Shookster ’90 (John Shookster) day. His prognosis is uncertain, “I tried to emphasize all he can Michele McNif Diele ’96 (Bill Diele) but he’s undergoing intensive experience through his senses, rehabilitation to regain some how he can see and hear and mobility. feel love,” Brittany says. Father of:

Louise Herbst Rosenfeld ’75 (John Herbst Jr.) Brittany says, “Jennifer and Eric Few resources exist for young Beth Koskoski ’98 (Russell Nagel) were thrown by his physical children with paralysis. “I’m limitations, of course, but even hoping this can be a small but more they saw Nolan’s vibrant meaningful contribution to Mother of: personality change. He was those who need it,” Brittany very full of life and adventurous says. She thanks Kristen Bell Cathryn Bern-Smith ’77 (Betsy Bern) (art director), Jordan Wiltanger Lynn Falbo Graham ’01 (Susan Falbo) before the illness. They were Kayla Larson ’16 (Maryann Larson) afraid they weren’t going to get (illustrator) and Shannon their son back.” Vernier (publishing specialist) for helping create the book. Sister of: Brittany saw an opportunity to help. As a school psychologist, Brittany lives in Saegertown, Deborah Duda Gale ’77 and Cheryl Duda Donze ’80 (Katharine she helps children process Pennsylvania, with her Duda Newman ’71) the world around them every husband Mill and their two sons, 4-year-old Parker and day and she decided it would Friends of the University: help to write stories for Nolan, 2-year-old Millington Adkins with himself in the starring V (called MAV). She earned a Ann Cuzzola role. What started as a private master’s degree from Duquesne Peter Musacchio, instructional designer at the Ridge College gift was published in October University and is a school Richard Ragan, former professor of mass media and communications as a children’s book that can psychologist with the Penncrest Rev. Eldon Somers, retired academic counselor help any child facing life with School District.

To follow the story of Nolan and his family – including baby brother Henry, who was born just before Nolan came home from the hospital – visit facebook.com/getwellnolan. 29 501 E. 38th St., Erie, PA 16546

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K M E E W 20 ON 17 REUNI Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees Meghan Agosta ’11 Danielle Poole Piser ’03 Tony DeMeo Amy Plumley ’04 Christie Turak Foster ’11 Josh Shields ’11 Josh Helm ’04 Martin Sturgess ’77 Tim Latimer ’85 Keith Swanson ’99 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients Simon Arias ’05 Sr. Catherine Edward Delaney ’66 Maureen Aleci Gray ’65 Michael Malpiedi ’81 John Saxon ’89 Sr. Patricia Whalen ’63

Register at hurstalumni.org/reunion or call us today at 814-824-2330.