alumni news

Senior Administration Institutional Advancement Staff Dr. Scott D. Miller Dr. Scott D. Miller President of the College President of the College Dr. Bette S. Coplan [email protected] Executive Vice President (302) 736-2508 Kevin J. Loftus Kevin J. Loftus Vice President for Institutional Advancement Vice President for Institutional Advancement [email protected] Eric Nelson (302) 736-2316 Chief Financial Officer Amanda H. Downes ’06 Dr. Paul J. deGategno Director of Alumni Affairs & Parent Relations Dean, School of Arts and Sciences [email protected] Dr. Christopher J. Malone (302) 736-2318 Dean, MBNA School of Prof. Studies Avis I. Price ’93/’96/’02 Dr. Kenneth C.Waldrop Director of the Excellence Fund [email protected] Dean of Students From left, Carrie Bryan, Kathy Cioffi, Linda Bledsoe, and Nancy (302) 736-2315 Dr. Mark Pruett-Barnett Biddle Lambertson ’72 enjoy brunch at the Belin House before their Chaplain/Director of Church Relations tour of the du Pont mansion. Jennifer A.Vallee ’05 Dir. of Publications and Prospect Research * * * [email protected] Board of Trustees (302) 736-2317 Charles R. Dashiell, Jr., Chair Holiday Cheer for Scott Tominovich Ann Burton, Vice-Chair Director of Government Relations The Rev.Dr. James T.Seymour, Secretary The Rev.Jack Abel Alumni at Hagley Leigh Ann Little Frank Andrews Admin.Assistant / Campus Photographer Dr. Basilio Bautista Alumni from the Wilmington, Delaware, and [email protected] Dr. Joseph S. Bellmeyer Philadelphia regions kicked off the festive holiday sea- (302) 736-2467 Thomas W.Burn, Jr. son at a December 11th, brunch and holiday tour of the The Wesley College Mission Robert V.A.Harra, Jr. Hagley Museum. Located on the banks of the Wesley College seeks to be a premier institution for helping The Rev.Patricia Bryant Harris Brandywine River in Wilmington, the museum and students gain the knowledge, skills, and moral and ethical The Rev. W. LeRoy Jones attitudes necessary to achieve their personal goals and con- Alan B. Levin library is the historic site of the family home of E. I du tribute to the welfare of their communities in the global soci- Donald Masten Pont and his gunpowder works, founded in 1802. ety. The College endeavors to impart a desire for lifelong Dorothy McLaughlin learning and an enhanced capacity for critical and creative Dr. Scott D. Miller, ex-officio thinking so that students can reap the rewards of intellectual Thirty alumni and friends enjoyed a catered brunch at growth and professional effectiveness. Gilbert S. Scarborough, Jr. the Belin House on the snow-covered museum grounds, Donald F.Schwamb As a College in a covenant relationship with the United The Rev.Dr. Sandra Steiner Ball, ex-officio followed by a guided tour of the du Pont mansion, com- Methodist Church, and founded upon Christian principles, Harry D.“Skip”Willis plete with Christmas decorations. The gathering included Wesley strives to realize a holistic campus environment of Dr. Rafael Zaragoza a diverse mix of alumni representing various decades, as common purpose,caring,tolerance,inclusiveness,responsi- bility, and service that is the heart of the concept of commu- Trustees Emeriti well as a few current Wesley students and their families. nity. The Rev.David A. Baker * * * The Rev.Jonathan Baker The Alumni Office is eager to hear from regional alumni Wesley,founded in 1873,is a private,co-educational,student- The Hon. Eugene Bookhammer who are interested in participating in Alumni Chapter centered college. Located in Dover, Delaware, Wesley is affili- ated with the United Methodist Church.More than 4,000 stu- Elizabeth M. Barber planning groups. We need your ideas to ensure the future Dr. George V.Kirk dents are enrolled in the School of Arts & Sciences and the development of events and activities to effectively serve MBNA School of Professional Studies of the College (2,350 Dr. Thomas C. Roe alumni in the surrounding areas. The input and assis- total headcount) and the Wesley Collegiate Institute (1,700 in Bishop Peter D.Weaver pre-collegiate programs). tance of graduates is essential in order for the alumni * * * Alumni Association Board of Directors event program to truly grow into your alumni chapters Daniel Kimmel ’95, President Postmaster, Send Changes to: Stephanie Smith Christiano ’98, VP and meet your interests, needs and desire to stay active Office of Alumni Affairs Lynn Schmid Knable ’67, Secretary and connected with fellow alumni. The Alumni Wesley College Tamra Antanaitis ’90, Treasurer Association seeks your involvement in alumni event 120 North State Street • Dover, Delaware 19901 John Atkins ’62 planning! Please contact: Amanda Downes, Anne Buckler ’62 Director of Alumni Affairs and Parent Relations, at 302- Wesley Today is published three times per year by Kevin Hansbury ’00 The Office of Institutional Advancement Barry Hawlk ’72 736-2318 or [email protected] Phone: (302) 736-2467 • Fax: (302) 736-2568 Debbie Kenton ’01 Thomas J. Leary ’70 ON THE COVER Publisher: Jennifer Vallee Matt Lindell ’03 Photographer: Leigh Ann Little Louisa Jane MacDonald ’60 Robin Smith ’07 makes her mark at Wesley. David Maxwell ’69 Full article on page 7. Contributors: Betty Van Iersel, Lauren Mignogno, Fred Steigerwalt ’95 John Davis,Avis Price and Amanda Downes. The Rev. Harry Warren ’57 2 campus news Washington Society Archives To Move To Wesley

Dr. Philip Coombe, Assistant Professor of History, has been given a very large pro- ject to manage. The George Washington Society has asked Wesley College to house and handle their historical archives.

The George Washington Society’s mis- sion statement is, “The George Washington Society is a nonpolitical his- torical group dedicated to the promotion of a better understanding of George Washington, his ideals, achievements and contributions to the United States of America and humankind.” Dr. Bette Coplan, Executive Vice President, (left) and Dr. In the past, archive material would have Philip Coombe, Professor of History, discuss the new loca- tion of the archives. been dropped on Dr. Fox’s desk, Chair of the History Department, with no money Wesley documents saved in existing site. or space to properly maintain the precious pieces of history. Now, with such a large collection coming in, the History Department has turned to the Parker Library for room. “It will be part of the Library circulation,” Dr. Coombe explains. “I’d like to see the information accessible by everyone, students, people of the com- munity, and especially members of the George Washington Society.”

This partnership with the George Washington Society will be a strong boost for the History Department. These archives are a valuable resource to History stu- dents, and the partnership could lead to internships.

The plans for the archive room are quickly picking up. Parker Library room 211 on the second floor will be cleared out of the books it is housing now and then sectioned off to create a whole new room. Wesley’s archives, which are currently located in the basement of the Parker Library, will also be moved to the new location. Dr. Coombe hopes to have the room ready for renovation by Current location of Wesley archives. the end of February.

The George Washington Society’s archives, of which the exact contents are unknown, must be then transported from Wilmington.

Dr. Coombe says, “I think what we could have here is a nice room, open to everybody, and I’d be more than willing to volunteer my time to help people use those resources.”

Sign up for Wesley E-News Sign up for Wesley E-News by sending your name, e-mail address and class year to: [email protected], and say “Sign Me Up!” Please indicate if you would like the Wesley College Newsletter, the Wolverine Sports Weekly, or both. New archives location in the clean-up process.

3 highlights Former Corporate Leaders Add Value

“The process of wooing, hiring and retaining skilled campus leadership is at the top of the list for institu- tions of higher education; no other process has such vital long-term fiscal and other implications for a college or university.” - Scott D. Miller, President of the College

“Indeed, the process of wooing, hiring and retaining skilled campus leadership is at the top of the list for institutions of higher education; no other process has such vital long-term fis- cal and other implications for a college or university.” For-Profit Best Practices Transfer

hile colleges and universities have sometimes been Three senior leaders, all coming to Wesley with a for-profit slow to respond to changes in the marketplace, lag- background, epitomize these skills. CFO and Director of Wging behind the for-profit world in adopting best Human Resources Eric R. Nelson, AA ’83 and BS ’85 returned practices of fiscal management, staff development and account- to his alma mater in 1998 from Wilmington-based MBNA, ability, they are rapidly catching up to demands of the modern American Bank, N.A., where he served as vice president. academic environment. In fact, President Miller credits mem- Executive Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management bers of his Cabinet and other senior staff with helping Wesley Ed Pierce also came to the College from Nextel Wireless College to be named one of 17 institutions nationwide whose Communications, Inc. and MBNA. Late in 2004, Vice President chief executive officer was cited for his “transformational lead- Kevin J. Loftus joined from Bank of America Delaware in ership” in a book, The Entrepreneurial President, published in Dover after having previously served on the College’s 2004. Corporate Council and helping to develop the MBA program.

President Miller’s “agenda to innovate, lead and plan strategi- While cautioning that the higher education culture differs from cally, solve problems, create efficient financial structures and that of the corporate world, all emphasize that their managerial operate with fiscal responsibility has led to a tripling of overall and strategic planning skills from the for-profit sector have revenues and full-time enrollment, with $52 (now $62) million transferred to Wesley. procured for operations, endowments and capital improve- ments,” according to the ACE publication. “In my first year here, I focused on capitalizing upon the wealth of individual knowledge and expertise within the “Wesley’s momentum and outside recognition by U.S. News & (advancement) department and evolving to the next level, that World Report’s “Best Colleges” illustrates the impact of strate- of defining and documenting major processes to ensure a gic, focused, long-term planning as a critical skill for members seamless transition in the event a staff member is promoted or of the President’s Cabinet and other senior managers,” moves on. Succession planning and cross-training, the practice President Miller emphasizes. of mapping positions, is standard practice in the business world,” says Loftus.

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4 highlights Customer-Service Competition Demands Complements Academic Value Transparency, Marketing Approach

While the concept of students and families as consumers used In all operations, senior management at Wesley is emulating to be anathema in academe, the corporate and not-for-profit the for-profit world in tracking trends while continuously inte- worlds are slowly converging in considering higher education a grating best current marketing, finance and human resource product that can only be enhanced by good customer-service. practices into College technology, policies and procedures. Competition from the for-profit sector mandates this approach, “The College best serves its students if we treat them like cus- Pierce emphasizes. tomers, not unlike those at for-profit organizations,” empha- sizes CFO and Director of Human Resources Eric R. Nelson. “With large for-profit IHEs (institutions of higher education) In effect, adds Pierce, the Enrollment Management Office of entering our market, it is crucial for Wesley to show the adult Wesley serves as the “sales office” for the College, applying learner a clear path to his or her degree and the value of a sound business practices in order to succeed. small, private college degree,” he adds.

Pierce, who previously directed enrollment management for All agree that in the current climate of Congressional oversight adult studies in New Castle for three years, moved to the main of a broad spectrum of not-for-profits, colleges and universities campus in 2003 as executive director of marketing and enroll- must continue to scrutinize and refine their own practices, ment management. rather than responding to outside mandates.

“Ed has very capably overseen traditional, nontraditional and “The current philanthropic environment demands that Wesley graduate program recruitment, modifying our processes to and other colleges continue to demonstrate sound stewardship, reflect changes in the marketplace while also overseeing the clear accountability for outcomes and practices, and leading new institution-wide branding campaign. The result is that our edge business practices. Our stakeholders demand it, and ethi- outstanding admissions program has become even better,” said cal leadership requires it,” President Miller concludes. President Miller. In 2005, under Pierce’s leadership, total con- tacts topped 135,000, total inquiries topped 10,000, and total traditional applications hit a record of more than 2,500, with the incoming class of 500 freshmen and 75 transfers meeting all College projections. “Everything we think, do and say must make friends for Wesley College and cultivate support for a future ask when the time is right.” - Kevin J. Loftus, Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Title: Vice President for Institutional Advancement (December 2004-present) For-Profit Background: Senior Vice President, Bank of America Customer Service & Support, Dover, DE, managing 700+ associates Aspects of Business Experience Brought to Wesley: Staff development and empowerment, including succession and talent planning; moving from individual expertise and knowledge to cross-training and departmental proficiency. Kevin J. Loftus Best Business Practice(s) Employed: Resource allocation based upon what best creates value for the College. Integrating a Business Approach to Fund-Raising: Employing a thoughtful and systematic approach to ensure the “right ask by the right person at the right time.” Coordination is key. Addressing universal issues in higher education such as affordability, access, stewardship and outcomes: Advocate among all constituencies, including faculty and alumni, to provide support as needed by positioning advancement as a resource.

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5 highlights

“Transparency regarding financial practices will enhance public credibility of the accuracy of financial information while encourag- ing ethical behavior among employees.” - Eric R. Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources

Title: Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources (2001-present) Director, Wesley College New Castle (1998-2000) For-Profit Background: Vice President-MBNA American Bank, N.A. (1990-1997) Aspects of Business Experience Brought to Wesley: Exactness and attention to detail to ensure profitability. Running the financial operations of the College as though we were working toward making a profit ensures stability throughout the organization from both a financial and an opera- Eric R. Nelson tional perspective. Best Business Practice(s) Employed: Transparency regarding financial practices will enhance public credibility of the accuracy of financial information while encouraging ethical behavior among employees. Integrating a Business Approach to Finance/Human Resources: Obtaining a buy-in from all faculty and staff alike that the College best serves its students if we treat them like customers, not unlike those of for-profit organizations. Addressing universal issues in higher education such as affordability, access, stewardship and outcomes: Speaking from an enrollment perspective, the manner in which the Financial Aid Office makes students and parents comfortable in knowing that they can afford an education provided by the College will assist in them making the right enrollment decision. Openness, accessibility to records, and treating students and parents like customers will only aid in gaining their trust.

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“Setting daily, weekly and monthly goals keeps all staff focused on the longer-term annual recruitment goals for the College.” - Ed Pierce, Executive Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management

Title: Executive Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management (2003-present); Director, Enrollment Management, Adult Studies Program, New Castle campus, 2000-2003 For-Profit Background: Philadelphia Regional Sales Director-Nextel Wireless Communications, Inc. (1996-2000) Outbound Telesales MBNA American Bank, N.A. (1994-1996) Aspects of Business Experience Brought to Wesley: Use of an aggressive Performance Management System. Setting daily, weekly and monthly goals keeps all staff focused on the longer-term annual recruitment goals for the College. Best Business Practice(s) Employed: Ensuring that Wesley is the right fit for potential students, Ed Pierce rather than just trying to increase numbers. We also have a responsibility to our stakeholders to recruit the highest quality student possible. Integrating a Business Approach to Enrollment Management: As Eric (Nelson) has emphasized, it’s important that we view our incoming students as customers. In doing so, however, we must also abide by the mission of the College. Addressing universal issues in higher education such as affordability, access, stewardship and outcomes: We address the issue of affordability by offering quality applicants competitive merit-based scholarships while assisting them through the traditional financial aid process. We need to continuously educate our potential customer that not only is Wesley an affordable choice, but that if students work hard, a high quality Wesley education is well within their reach.

6 highlights Robin Smith Stands Out On and Off the Court at Wesley College

Had Robin Smith ’07 of Washington, DC, attended Wesley in the 1950s, she might have been known colloquially as a “BWOC” (Big Woman on Campus). In today’s parlance, though, she’d more likely be called simply “awesome.”

SGA president, 3.6 grade point average in Business Administration, tri-captain and standout center on the Lady Wolverines basketball squad, where –– along with teammates T’Neisha Turner and Trish Casarotto –– she has scored more than 1,000 career points (“Tee” hit the mark during the 2005 season, while Trish and Robin achieved it on the same night, January 23, of this year) and almost that many rebounds, Campus Community High School cheer- leading coach, vice-president of membership of Alpha Phi Omega, Gospel Choir. . . Robin’s list of accolades is indeed “amazing.”

Five Questions for Robin Smith

Q. You’re a city girl. Why a relatively small college in a Q. You’re graduating this coming December. What’s next? small state capital? I plan to stay in this area for about a year, but my long- After graduating from St. John’s College High School in term goal is to undertake a joint M.B.A. /J.D. in interna- D.C., I was looking to go away, but didn’t want to travel tional marketing degree through the Lauder Institute at the too far because of family. Wesley felt very comfortable; I Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. I also loved the historic district with the Victorian homes. The want to study French and perhaps other foreign languages. small size was a welcome change after the pace of Washington. A main reason was that the basketball coach- es supported my desire to participate in activities other than athletics. Although I was recruited by some Division I programs, I preferred to play in Division III because I did- Robin drives for n’t want the obligation of an athletic scholarship. two of her over 1,000 points. Q. What was your biggest surprise at Wesley? For a relatively small campus in a small town, Wesley is very active, and the student life staff supports your desire to do what you love, be it to start a new club, or just help you to make the transition from high school. I’ve quadru- pled my activity level since my high school days!

Q. If you could change one thing about your Wesley expe- Robin leading an rience, what would it be? SGA meeting. If I changed something, I wouldn’t be who I am, and I’m very comfortable with the person I am today. So, although I’m busy here, there’s nothing I would change.

Q. What five adjectives would you use to describe student life at Wesley? As I’ve said, it’s very active, well supported and personal- ized in a way that a larger campus wouldn’t be. The cam- Robin (center) with pus is perfectly located; I can drive to D.C., New York or sister Jeanna and Philly in just a couple of hours. The College offers endless mom Jeanetta. possibilities.

7 highlights Inclusion, Openness Mark Wesley Campus Ministry

“I think the encounter with the sacred and the secular can be done within a Christian context.”

Recognized as a leader in the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, The Rev. Mark M. Pruett-Barnett of Georgetown, DE, joined the College as chaplain in January 2004 after formerly serving as an adjunct faculty member and Continuing Studies Program advisor. He was previously pastor and asso- ciate pastor of several UMC congregations in Delaware and Maryland, coming to Wesley from Grace and McColley’s Chapel United Methodist Churches in Georgetown. As chaplain and director of church relations, he is also key liaison in the affiliation with historic Barratt’s Chapel and Museum and with the Conference, which he served as chair of the Commission on Archives and History from 1992-1997. He remains a member of the Commission. Dr. Mark M. Pruett-Barnett

He earned his undergraduate degree in history from the University of Virginia, his master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Drew University and his Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC. As chaplain, Pruett-Barnett over- sees weekly chapel programs every Wednesday open to all students. He also coordinates Bible study and volunteer service activities. These include a successful service project trip to Birmingham, Alabama, that will be repeated in 2006. The Hope Closet, a ministry in partnership with Hope Church (a new United Methodist Church that meets in the College Chapel), dispenses needed articles to individuals and families without means to purchase them. Programs and activities are open to all Wesley students, regardless of reli- gious preference or affiliation.

For more information on Campus Ministry and its programs, go to www.wesley.edu/studentlife/chaplain. Five Questions for Chaplain Mark Pruett-Barnett

How do you balance Wesley’s covenant relationship with istic situation is desirable. My responsibility is to be as The United Methodist church, in which you are an accepting as I can of everyone as part of my Christian wit- ordained minister, with the pluralistic nature of the Wesley ness, while helping the Christian community here to be a student body? witness. I think the encounter with the sacred and the secu- lar can be done within a Christian context. Within the United Methodist institutional structure, a chap- lain serves the entire institution, with the bulk of his or her How would you compare and contrast the spiritual tradi- time focusing on the student body. The latter represents the tions and expressions of today’s students with those of their largest constituency and the purpose for which the institu- parents’ and grandparents’ generation? How does your tion exists. Getting back to your question, it certainly is a ministry reflect those changes? fact that the student body covers the spectrum when it comes to religion. (See accompanying sidebar/breakdown My guess is that the grandparents of most of today’s under- of self-reported student religious affiliations.) That may graduates were of Christian background, affiliated with a seem strange at a United Methodist-affiliated college. But denomination or tradition; I think that allegiance was The United Methodist Church holds that Jesus of Nazareth important. In their grandparents’ era, many people would is the risen Lord of the universe, and this Jesus, as far as I have been aghast at a Roman Catholic-Protestant marriage. can tell, welcomes everyone. Viewed in this light, a plural- In contrast, their parents’ time was one of great transition,

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8 highlights

the era of Vietnam and Watergate in which virtually every traditional institution of U.S. society was challenged, including religious institutions. Many lost their cultural sup- port; moreover, the decline in membership in Methodism coincided with this time. In the latter generation, I can’t tell you how many weddings at which I officiated in which one party was Roman Catholic, the other, Protestant.

Thus, the deck was cleared for this generation that makes a sharp distinction between the spiritual and the religious. Spirituality is what enlivens a person; it is what gives sig- nificance, meaning and fullness to a person’s life. Religion is an organized, institutionalized spirituality with a tradition behind it. I think I have to work with that distinction and with the fact that I don’t have any compelling power over anyone. The days are gone when Chapel attendance could be enforced! There are days I wish I could –– but then I wise up.

What attracts you to campus ministry? What special rewards and/or challenge does it offer compared, for exam- ple, with a congregation-based ministry?

My current vocation is really God’s timing, what I call a “God thing.” I had had an interest in the chaplaincy at Wesley in the past, but I was caught off guard when I got the call from the College. Everything fell into place, and off I went, from the local (UMC) church to Wesley College. Prayer/Meditation room at Wesley is all about; it is inten- I’ve always had a strong academic bent, the environment is tionally bare, without specific religious symbols. Jesus is very congenial to me, and I seem to have an instinct for it. Lord of us all. Therefore, the Lord expects the Chapel to be Also, I taught as an adjunct for three years in the ’90s here a hospitable place for everyone. at Wesley, so the College was not unfamiliar. I enjoy the pastoral work with the entire campus. Further, I am attract- After about two years on the job, what excites you about ed to working with the age group of the traditional student the challenges ahead? What achievements are you proudest body. The main difference with pastoral work in the local of to date, and what do you hope to accomplish in your church is that a significant part of my “congregation” at the ministry in the next year? College will be gone within four years. We are launching our young alumni into a wonderful, yet complex, world I’m excited about the possibility of a Christian community fraught with very real ethical dilemmas and choices. This is on campus. There are a lot of professing Christians here, my shot at sending them off with the hope and light of but they are a very diffuse group who may be involved in Jesus Christ. their own local churches (which is great), and/or in small groups on campus. Others may be inactive in organized How do you see the UMC faith tradition and Wesley’s religion right now. I think it is a real challenge to have them covenant relationship with it shaping your campus ministry all feel a part of God’s church at Wesley College. It is a to students who are not Protestant, nor even necessarily matter of relationships and encouraging what will help Christian? those relationships develop. It will be rewarding to find an answer to that! I’m looking forward to helping to strengthen I think that this goes back to what I said above. The Jesus the College’s ties to the Annual Conference. There are a who is Lord of us all would not treat anybody as a foreign- number of new programs and projects in the works there. er, as an outcast or as an object to be converted, and with I’m really pleased with the rapport that I have established God’s grace, I won’t either. Jesus appreciates each person with the entire Wesley community so far and the great suc- for who he or she is, and with God’s grace, I will, too. I will cess with the Birmingham trip this past spring semester. We respect where each person is coming from. That is what the will be going again this year.

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9 highlights A Firm Foundation

The bonds between the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference and Wesley are deep and of long standing. Over its more than 133-year history of scholar- ship and service, the College has remained true to its UMC tradition as an institution rooted in Judeo-Christian values and offering a high-quality educa- tion in a pluralistic environment, welcoming students of all faiths. The College’s covenant relationship with the United Methodist Church remains among the significant strengths of Wesley, one that is personally important to Wesley, to its students and to the region it serves.

The goal of our sponsoring denomination was that the College would offer a quality, accessible and affordable education, and it is gratifying that Wesley has executed that mission extraordinarily well. For the second consecutive year, Wesley College has earned a “Top Tier” ranking in the U.S. News and World Report category, “Best Competitive Colleges-Bachelor’s North,” covering a 10-state region. Today, not only is the College’s enrollment at an all-time high, but also, “...this generation that makes a its selectivity is the most rigorous in our history. sharp distinction between the spiri-

United Methodism’s colonial heritage includes the legacy of tual and the religious.” John Wesley, who sent Francis Asbury and several other Methodist lay preachers to this growing region. Barratt’s Chapel and Museum on Route 113 in Kent County, Delaware, sometimes known as the “cradle of Methodism,” is now affiliated with Wesley College, and we are proud of our ongoing ties with this church where the sacraments of baptism and communion were administered for the first time by ordained Methodist clergy in the new United States.

Reflecting its mission of fostering caring, tolerance, inclusiveness and responsibility, Wesley offers students three unique, campus- based volunteer service programs: The Wesley Boys and Girls Club, the Campus Community School, and Wesley’s Children’s Theatre. Recently, as an outgrowth of an active college ministry, the College has sponsored a new UMC congregation, the Hope UMC, meeting in Wesley’s Chapel. Wesley College today reflects the very best of the faith of our founders: forward-looking, responsive and service-oriented. Our affiliation with the UMC and the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference represents an impor- tant part of who we are, what we stand for, and who we will be in the future.

Our affiliation with the UMC and the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference represents an important part of who we are, what we stand for, and who we will be in the future.

Wesley Student Profile* Roman Catholic 42.0% Protestant: Baptist 13.0% Methodist 18.0% Presbyterian 10.0% Other Protestants ** 8.0% Eastern Religions 7.0% Jewish 2.0% Total 100.0%

Note: Fall 2005. By Students Reporting. ** Includes these denominations: Congregational, Episcopalian, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Lutheran, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Quaker, Unitarian, United Church of Christ.

10 highlights Still Going Strong At The Century Mark: Revitalized Schwartz Center for the Arts Gets Rave Reviews

“By all measures, this has been a productive and rewarding year for the Center. All the pieces are now in place, and the possibilities for this enterprise are truly exhilarating.” - Dr. Scott D. Miller, Chair of the Board of Directors, Schwartz Center for the Arts

series offering seven diverse performances Among other noteworthy achievements in the at an affordable price of $155 for the entire past two years, the Center has seen an series. In addition, the Dover Symphony increased number of visits, enhanced diversity Orchestra continues to call the Center of programs and audiences, the growth of “home,” performing four concerts yearly. artist-in-residence and other outreach pro- And The Children’s Theater, based at grams. The Center is reaching new and plural- From left, D. Wayne Holden, Dr. Scott D. Miller, and Dr. Donald Parks. Wesley College, has taken its performances istic audiences including some 5,000 military to the Center. families, 6,000 students and faculty at area The Consortium of Friends of the Capitol colleges, retirees, young families, various eth- Theatre, Wesley College and Delaware State “The involvement of Wesley College and nic groups and school children of all ages. University has succeeded in breathing new Delaware State University has been critical life into the Schwartz Center for the Arts, a in the success and expansion of the Center. In other new initiatives, an independent film century-old theatre and opera house in The Management Council––comprised of series features films every Wednesday and Dover’s downtown historic district. With the significant local leaders––has made this a Sunday evening, relationships with two chil- help of many friends on the Peninsula and successful venture,” notes Dr. Miller. dren’s theatres were enhanced. In yet anoth- beyond, this strategic alliance has trans- “Wesley and Delaware State have provided er role, the new facility provides space for formed the facility into a fine and perform- valuable operational support that has made many non-performance events and func- ing arts showcase that may well become a this a model for other small community the- tions. The auditorium, second floor lobby model for other communities. aters.” and the multi-purpose rehearsal hall are available for meetings, awards ceremonies, “I am convinced that great opportunity lies Joining Dr. Miller on the Management training sessions, lectures and social gather- ahead,” says President Miller, who chairs Council of the Center are D. Wayne Holden ings by local businesses, government agen- the Schwartz Center’s board. (Vice Chair), Vice President of Merrill cies and not-for-profit groups. Lynch; Gail Fink (Secretary), Assistant Vice Thanks to strong community support from President of Wilmington Trust Company; “By all measures, this has been a productive many different constituencies, this dynamic, Bill Winters (Treasurer), partner in Mitten & and rewarding year for the Center. All the vibrant facility is now a major resource for Winters, CPAs; Dr. Donald Parks pieces are now in place, and the possibilities the entire Peninsula, offering opportunities (Programming Director), Associate Dean at for this enterprise are truly exhilarating,” and venues for performers, artists-in-resi- Delaware State University; Tammy President Miller concluded. dence, students, school groups and other Brittingham, Publisher of the Delaware organizations. With just two professional State News; and Constantine Malmberg, III, staff members, a host a student interns partner in the law firm of Young and including three Wesley Presidential interns Malmberg. (see sidebar article) and community volun- teers have kept overhead costs low and Synergistic local alliances with the corporate activity levels extraordinarily high. community have resulted in a number of sponsored programs. Some of these benefac- Since January 2004, the Center has become tors include the Wilmington Trust Company, a well-managed, efficient operation offering Comcast, Merrill Lynch, the Delaware River more than 250 diverse programs spanning Bay Authority and Johnny Janosik Furniture. both popular and classical genres that attract In addition, the Mid-Atlantic Arts Association some 30,000 visitors annually. The current has provided valuable sponsorships. 2005-2006 season features a major ticket 11 highlights Smith Defers Graduation to Help Katrina Victims

Shelving her plans to complete grad- uation requirements in time for the 2006 Winter Commencement, she quickly decided to postpone her remaining coursework to do what she loves - community healthcare.

“I got the call Friday night. The next Tuesday morning, Molly takes a moment to get settled in her temporary residence called “tent November 2, I was on a plane to Baton Rouge.” That’s how city”. Wesley’s Molly Smith, a graduate nursing student from Marydel, Maryland, describes her decision to travel to New Orleans to aid victims of perhaps the worst natural disaster in our nation’s history.

Even though she had no prior ties to the area and was not directly affected by Hurricane Katrina, Smith put in her name in the wake of Mayor Ray Nagin’s request for volunteers. Shelving her plans to complete graduation requirements in time for the 2006 Winter Commencement, she quickly decided to postpone her remaining coursework to do what she loves – community healthcare.

As it turned out, Baton Rouge was only the first stop. Smith spent her first night in what was called “Tent City,” a field of tents. The temperatures quickly dropped, and the tents provid- ed little shelter. Smith and a few other nurses caught a bus to a local store, where they bought inflatable mattresses and more A damaged vehicle sectioned off in the French Quarter. blankets to survive the night on the small cots outdoors.

The next stop was Camp Jackson, a school for the blind being used as a volunteer assignment station. It was there that Smith Continued on page 13

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Molly (right) with local nursing assistant, Rhonda Warmington. 12 highlights

Remnants of the 9th Ward in St. Bernard's Parish. Molly (second from right) waits in the airport with fellow nurses. was given her assignment. She would be a night nurse at West However, not all the owners were that lucky. Many houses bore Jefferson Hospital in New Orleans, where she would work five marks that represented dead bodies found in the search. “They 12-hour days as an assistant. This suited her schedule just fine, found 120 bodies in one day. I wouldn’t have known how bad as Smith works as a night nurse at Chester River Hospital Center it was if we hadn’t gone in there. It was very austere,” Smith in Chestertown, Maryland. Once at the hospital, she cared for remarks. elderly patients directly or indirectly injured by Katrina. Even with the political controversy surrounding the hurricane, While in the Crescent City, Smith came to know her patients, the local residents were grateful for the volunteers who donated and even made friends with the granddaughter of one, 12-year- their time to help them. Smith said she found that the locals old Courtney Jump. The two are now pen pals, keeping in never stopped thanking her. “They were incredibly apprecia- touch often as Jump writes to Smith about her family and how tive,” she notes. life is progressing in New Orleans. Smith has always been interested in community medicine, and On her days off, Smith was able to explore the decimated city. this was a perfect opportunity to do what was close to her Empty of residents, it was eerily quiet. The French Quarter, heart. In fact, she compliments Wesley’s Nursing Program for where she was staying, suffered wind damage and looting. Harder nurturing that passion. “The program here really encourages to witness was the water-logged, destroyed 9th Ward in St. community healthcare, but I never thought I’d actually get to Bernard’s Parish. When the levees broke, the water poured in and practice it,” she says. covered these communities where many impoverished citizens had lived, sweeping whole houses off their concrete foundations. Smith left New Orleans November 14, 12 days after she had arrived in the demolished city. She had given up two weeks’ The 9th Ward was not on the list of sightseeing spots. Smith worth of pay and the ability to graduate this past January, but and the other nurses had to convince their bus driver to take she has no regrets. them to the secured area. To travel there, they had to be escort- ed. The houses with owners fortunate enough to have them still “I never knew there was so much you can do with your nursing standing were each marked with a symbol indicating who had degree,” she concludes. searched the structure and what (or who) had been found inside. One house was marked by the SPCA with good news of a family dog found alive.

What was left after the flood waters diminished. The resting place of the vessel that floated through the levies after Katrina hit.

13 highlights Wesley Presidential Interns Advance Schwartz Center

One of the main factors in the Schwartz receiving an hourly wage. Hunt and Knight Center’s momentum since 2004 is the dedi- are full-time Wesley undergraduates, while cated efforts of community volunteers, Kerstetter continues to put her business artists-in-residence, and student interns administration coursework into practice as whose resumes now boast professional expe- operations/management director at the rience in their respective majors while help- Center. Hunt and Knight, also education ing the Center to become one of the major majors, are gaining experience in areas of cultural venues in the Delmarva region, theatre management as diverse as lighting, according to President Miller, who also marketing, ticket sales, volunteer liaison and Amanda Knight chairs the Schwartz Center board. technology. Major: Education Internship Assignment: Jason Hunt and Amanda Knight, 2005-2006 “You name it, and I’ve done it,” says Presidential Communications Wesley Presidential Interns, are lending their Kerstetter, originally from Camden, DE. talents to the Center as part of a yearlong “I’ve had a huge hand in putting together an internship supporting campus and community operations manual and policies/procedures goals. Each submitted a one-page proposal in handbook. I also manage the day-to-day busi- Spring 2005 to the Office of the President ness, as well as helping to organize and plan outlining their areas of interest and potential live events at the theater.” work opportunities. The third intern, Destiny Kerstetter, is one of only two full-time “I think that I have learned a lot about work- employees of the Schwartz Center. She grad- ing in a theater and what goes into making uated from Wesley in January 2006 with a things happen,” says Knight, a junior educa- bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, tion major from Magnolia, Delaware, who concentrating in management. plans a career as a secondary math teacher.

“I chose Wesley because of the flexibility it Perhaps more than most, Kerstetter’s dual gave me to work during the day while taking role as a Wesley student and full-time accelerated evening classes. The College is Schwartz Center employee have afforded her also a big supporter of the arts,” says a perspective about the win-win synergy of Destiny Kerstetter Kerstetter, who plans to pursue a master’s the Center and the College. Major: Business Administration Internship Assignment: degree to teach business administration. Operations/Management “For the community, the presence of the All three agree that working at the Center has Center means that local residents can walk or taught them things about themselves and drive a few blocks to see culture that would about managing a business that they could otherwise require travel of at least one hour have learned only outside the classroom. each way,” says Kerstetter. “For Wesley stu- dents, it means not only educational movies “I’ve gained a lot of experience working with at performances at discounted rates, but even people of different ages. This includes quite a a state-of-the-art facility for local events.” In bit of time with children, especially at many fact, her Commencement ceremonies in of the Schwartz Center’s school events,” says January 2006 were held at the Center. Hunt, an education major from Marydel, Delaware. “Any type of professional experi- “I feel very fortunate to have worked in a ence is beneficial in some way toward my field that I am passionate about. I’ve also career,” he adds. Hunt, a junior, hopes to learned that the community is a backbone for teach physical education at the high school any organization, and that support from level after graduating from Wesley. everyone is what keeps a business open,” she concludes. Jason Hunt Each worked at least 15 hours a week, Major: Education Internship Assignment: The Arts

14 alumni profile Kindred Spirits: The Nicolais and Wesley

“My father was the one who really encouraged me to go to Wesley College, and I’ve thanked him hun- dreds of times since.”

classmates, including John Atkins and post her father held before her. With all Joanie Jacobs Abele, both ’62. these diverse pursuits, she exercises several times weekly at a nearby YMCA, volunteers “My father was the one who really encour- for a mayoral campaign and, with Ange, aged me to go to Wesley College, and I’ve adopts stray cats, trapping, neutering and Carolyn and Angelo Nicolai at their home in NJ. thanked him hundreds of times since,” she releasing them. says. “We have seven now,” she says. Two are Carolyn (“Lyn”) Case Nicolai ’62, who These days, she’s proudest of the endowed brother and sister, one blind, the other cross- retired from the Wesley College Alumni Alumni Association scholarships that help eyed. The Nicolai’s are seeking an adoptive Association Board late last year after nearly qualified students to enroll and of the home where the pair can remain together. 15 years of service, says that her participa- Board’s 100 percent participation rate in tion was a family affair. voluntary support of the College. They expect to become involved in grand- parenting this summer, when son John, a Not only did her husband, Angelo (“Ange”) “We wrote guidelines for new association sculptor who heads the installation depart- chauffeur her during the five-hour round trip board members that clarified the expectation ment at the Johnson Atelier, a Sculpture to board meetings from their home in that all alumni serving on the board would Foundation Studio in Hamilton, NJ, and his Trenton, NJ, but in addition, he even typed participate at some level,” she notes. wife Kathryn in nearby Ewing, NJ, expect the meeting minutes from Carolyn’s long- their first child. Ange continues to pitch in a hand notes when she served as secretary. Never one to sit still for long, Carolyn main- local “over 50” softball league. She retired as immediate past president fol- tains a long list of volunteer activities in the lowing a four-year stint after holding the Trenton area, where Angelo serves as vice Those road trips to Wesley won’t end any- offices of president, vice president and sec- president of operations for the Nottingham time soon, however. The Nicolai’s expect to retary of the board and earning the presti- Insurance & Financial Service in nearby continue attending Homecoming, gious “Alumna of the Year Award” in Hamilton Square. After graduating with an Commencement and athletic contests includ- October 2001 associate degree in liberal studies and psy- ing Wolverine football and basketball. chology from Wesley, she went on to earn a “Ange has always been wonderful and sup- Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Eastern “Wesley College has been a wonderful fami- portive of the College, a true helpmate. I College in Pennsylvania and spent many ly throughout all of these years,” Carolyn couldn’t have undertaken my service with- years as a substitute teacher in the Trenton concludes. out him,” she notes. School District.

Born nine days apart and six blocks away Today, she could almost be termed a from each other in their home town of professional volunteer, devoting Trenton, Carolyn and Angelo met at 16 and herself to organizations as diverse married at 22. They still live in Carolyn’s as the Mercer Street Friends “Check Victorian girlhood home. Although they did- Out Hunger” program and as a n’t attend Wesley together (Angelo went to membership volunteer for the 35- Trenton Junior College and Trenton State), plus acre Grounds for Sculpture, a he visited her often when she was enrolled- local indoor-outdoor sculpture gar- as a guard on the opposing basketball team. den. A master gardener with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of “Wesley was then a two-year school, and Mercer County, NJ, she helps pro- Trenton Junior College was on our sched- vide horticulture information to the ule,” Carolyn remembers. “It was difficult to public. For 35 years she has served know whom to root for.” as secretary-treasurer of the Lower Involved in drama at Wesley, she has main- Amwell Cemetery Association, a Carolyn sits by her favorite spot at Grounds for Sculpture in tained close friendships with many former Hamiltan, NJ, where she volunteers. 15 new alumni

College Celebrates 133rd Anniv

Cheered by family, faculty and friends, some 100 Wesley College students completed a milestone in their lives early this year as the College celebrated its 133rd Winter Commencement January 14 in the Schwartz Center. Wesley partnered in an alliance with Delaware State University to revitalize the historic opera house in Dover’s downtown.

Guest speaker Dr. Michael G. Davis, Chief Executive Officer of the LeAnn Brock takes a Donn American Alliance for Health, quick finishing glance Cheri Kesler shows off her Physical Education, Recreation and before commencement diploma to her family and begins. friends. Dance in Reston, Virgina, advised new Wesley alumni to, “Find some- thing you love to do, and get others to pay you to do it.” Davis is a national expert on health, wellness and fitness.

“You need passion in your daily lives,” the former physical education, Professor of Nursing, health and human performance pro- Pamela fessor told the newly minted gradu- Andrade, with ates, advising them to avoid “rust- her son Daniel. out” from inactivity. Following his remarks, Davis received the presti- gious Wesley Award from President Destiny Kerstetter with brother Scott D. Miller. Courtland.

In his Commencement address, President Miller urged graduates to Professor of Nursing, Karen “take risks. . . to dare greatly.” Panunto, with daughter Lorraine. “You will face similar challenges, some known and many yet unfore- seen,” President Miller said.

“While at Wesley, you’ve witnessed war, famine and the devastation A wreaked by nature in the forms of J flood and hurricane at home and abroad. Yet while the future is Amanda Downes (left) with Courtney Stewart. unknowable, as Winston Churchill Mary Gallagher with her father, Tom.

16 versary Winter Commencement

once said, there is hope in history. Many tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina offer us a chance to start again, to rebuild a stronger, better city. It offers young people like you a chance to rebuild a community and a unique culture. “We are confident that your Wesley education has prepared you well with the resources, the judgment and the ambition to conquer whatever new challenges the world places na Stephenson with her family. before you,” he concluded.

Master degrees conferred included Wesley grads look on as President Miller gives his commencement address. Education, Business Administration, and Science in Nursing. Bachelor degrees conferred included Arts, Business Administration and Science. Associate degrees conferred included Arts, Science in Business or Science in Nursing. The Paralegal Certificate was also awarded.

The Commencement ceremony, pre- ceded by light refreshments for grad- From left, Melissa Kountz, Cheri uates and their guests, also featured Kesler, Charles Washington, and a benediction by Dr. Mark Pruett- Courtney Stewart. Barnett, Wesley College chaplain. Dr. Michael Davis, the Professor Lon M. Fluman served as keynote speaker, addresses the most recent alumni of macebearer. Wesley. Guests were treated to a perfor- mance by the First State Strings, an orchestra comprised of musically tal- ented children between the ages of seven and 18. The music was well Tracy James chosen and performed. takes a moment to smile for the Wesley’s Spring 2006 camera before Commencement is set for Saturday, the procession Amanda Downes with mom and dad, Glenn and May 6, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. in began. Jean Hitchens and husband Marshall Downes ’95. Wolverine Stadium.

Baccalaureate is scheduled for Executive Vice President Dr. Bette Coplan initiates commencement with the opening Friday, May 5, at 4 p.m. with a remarks. reception following at 5:30 p.m.

17 footprints

his lovely wife Rosie. She writes, “Better tour guides you won’t find anywhere. A wonderful time was had by all!!!” Class of ’63

Donald Fisher writes, “I am working as a Financial Advisor with Virginia Asset Management in Norfolk, VA. Margel and I have been married for 41 years and have 3 grown boys who are all married. Our 6 grandchildren (2 girls and 4 boys) are a great joy to us. This past year, I have had brain surgery and a heart attack, however, I now feel terrific and am looking for- ward to a long life.” Class of ’69 A group of alumni and current students participated in Pat and Brandi Woods’ wedding rehearsal dinner/beach party. Kneeling from left: Rufus Janice Palo Harman retired from teaching first grade for 30 Mincey ’06, Pat Woods ’05, and Kris Behm ’09. Standing from left “Naked Dave” Rust ’05, (behind him) Dan Carfagno ’08, Nick Minor ’07, Kevin years at Norwood School Interboro School District. She now Schulze ’06, Adam Coles ’08, Ronnell Peters ’07, Richie Smith ’08, Abe works at a premier show garden open to the public 365 days a McClear, Sheldon Miller ’05, Tyrell Brown ’08, and Adam Simon ’05. See year. Her employment is part time and she enjoys meeting peo- note under class of ’05. ple from all over the world, learning about horticulture, perform- ing arts, and just enjoying the beauty of the 350 acres. She also Class of ’46 volunteers helping first and second graders with creative writing.

Muriel Danley writes to friends and fellow alumni, “My hus- Suzanne Short Thompson has moved to New Hampshire band and I have moved back to Ohio after spending about eigh- where her husband has accepted the position of Headmaster of teen months in Inverness, FL. We wanted to be closer to our Portsmouth Christian Academy. family in the north who have health problems and need us. We have a nice apartment overlooking Kent State University and is Class of ’71 especially for seniors. Regards to all my former classmates in the class of ’46.” Dennis B. Dougherty teaches at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, PA. In August 2005, he was installed Class of ’56 as the president of the International Graphic Arts Education Association and will preside over the 81st conference at Cal Pete Conley has had an excellent year Poly in August 2006. He serves on the Susquehanna Litho with his senior softball league. His team, Foundation board, Print & Graphics scholarship Foundation the California Gold Rush, won the Las selection committee, the Graphic Communications Curriculum Vegas Senior Softball World advisor board and the Susquehanna Litho Club (of which he is Championship and finished second in the the past president). He is also a former Wesley College Alumni national level tournaments, among other Association board member. He and his wife Elaine celebrated honors. Pete played left center on the their 30th anniversary this summer with a cruise to the winning team. He writes, “Yes, that was a Caribbean. They have three children Andrea (26), Daniel (23), good year for an old man who gets his and Karin (21). Dennis would like to hear from members of the class of ’71 and talk about “the good old days.” His email kicks from the sport of softball. It also Pete Conley helps to keep us old men off the streets!” address is [email protected] Class of ’58 Class of ’73 Angela Pennino-Curley has been chosen by the Professional In November 2005, Gail Hemhauser Football Players Mothers’ Association and Campbell Soups as Vain, her husband Ralph, and sister and the Team Mom for the Tennessee Titans. She is the mother of brother-in-law spent a glorious week on the NFL player Travis LaBoy, a defensive end. Her story will be island of Hawaii and spent the better part published in the Campbell’s cookbook, “Moms Know Best.” of the week with Jerry Sakamoto ’57 and After her days as a cheerleader, Class President and

Gail and Ralph Hemhauser Vain Continued on page 19 18 footprints

Homecoming Princess at Wesley, Angela went on to graduate sales and fun in the sun. Jody in 1976 from East Carolina, where she was involved in student writes, “it is now calendared to government, the swim team and homecoming court. From be an annual event for the there, she moved to Hawaii to work for the airlines and was Wesley Gang 5, with or without selected as Mrs. Hawaii America 1st runner up in 1983. Angela the limo!” is now the Executive Director of the Travis LaBoy Foundation and a faithful fan cheering on the sidelines at all of her son’s From left, Jody Flaharty Darrell, Chrissy Paz Stetser. Ellen Randoplh games. For more information on the foundation or the NFL Altland and Karen Roding Boyce. team moms promotion, visit:www.travislaboy.com or www.campbellsoup.com/teammoms/Playbook.aspx Class of ’86 Kevin Smith has earned a Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. He is one of only 50 Alicia Sohn Ellis and her husband, Jeff Ellis ’88 will be cele- people to complete this 14 semester credit hour program. brating their 18th wedding anniversary this year. They’re still in love and have a beautiful daughter, Samantha, who is 14 years old and just started high school. Jeff is the Director of Risk Class of ’74 Management and Safety for Student Transportation of America Ron Judge is currently living in Kingsland, GA ( 1 mile off I- and Alicia is the Editor-in-Chief of her local hometown newspa- 95 Exit 3). He would like to get in touch with friends from per, the Brick Township Communicator. They write, “It’s been a Wesley, including Stan, Mark, Jon, Coach Reed, and Stu. Ron long time since we’ve been in touch with other Wesley alumni can be contacted at [email protected]. and would love to hear from all of our old friends.” Class of ’75 Class of ’90 Beth Schwebel Ubele Stephen Retzer writes, “Looking to hear from old, old, class- writes, “I just wanted to say mates. Found a bunch of pictures from 1974. Didn’t think we hi to all the friends I shared would ever get old. My neighbor used to live near Fisher at my college years with and to Lockhaven.” Email Stephen at [email protected]. announce the birth of my second son, Joshua on Class of ’81 October 25, 2004. His big brother, Justin, is four years Roger Gerken recently old.” revisited Wesley’s campus Justin and Joshua Ubele and stopped by the Alumni House with his oldest daughter, Krystal. He has Class of ’95 been living in Hollywood, Ellen Truex Schack shares her update, “My husband, Ed, and FL, since leaving Wesley. I own ees cosmetic solutions; we are a manufacturer’s rep. for He is working as a broker companies who manufacture raw materials for the cosmetic in the financial industry Roger Gerken with daughter Krystal industry. Our customers are the cosmetic companies them- and has five children. selves. Josh (17), Stefani (15), and Austin (12) are all doing Krystal, who now lives in Easton, MD, gave birth to Roger’s great and we are still here in NJ! I’d love to hear from you! first grandchild – a baby girl, born in September. One of Email Ellen at [email protected].” Roger’s sons is in the Navy, stationed in Pensacola, FL, and his three other children live at home with him and his second wife. Janet Tonkinson Potts, her hus- band Doug, and big sister Sarah Class of ’82 announce the arrival of Lauren Marie on October 25, 2005. In August 2003, Christine Paz Stetser invited Karen Roding Lauren weighed 6 lbs, 11 oz. and Boyce, Ellen Randolph Altland and Jody Flaharty Darrell to was 19 ½ inches long. Janet join her for a girls’ weekend at her condo in Stone Harbor, NJ. would love to hear from you and Missing from the gathering due to a family vacation was can be reached via email at Suzanne Zigmont Wiand. The weekend included a surprise [email protected] Sarah and Lauren Potts ride in an extended Ford Excursion limo (see photo), sidewalk Continued on page 20 19 footprints

Laura Meyers - McQuigg and her hus- band Joe would like to announce the birth Class of ’96 of their second son, Ian Russell McQuigg, on June 29, 2005. Dan Pellegrino and his wife Krissy are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Ava Kristine Pellegrino, on February Ian Russell McQuigg 3, 2005. Ava was 7 lbs, 13 oz. and joins her big brother, Aidan Chrissy Slusser Wetzel would Daniel, who is 2 ½ years old. like to share, “Tanner (3) is Dan can be reached at dan- Aidan Daniel and Ava Kristine excited to announce the arrival [email protected] Pellegrino of his little brother, Tyler Allen, born July 8, 2005. Our family now lives in Jessica Hernandez Zaninelli and her husband Montoursville, PA, where my Todd are proud to announce the birth of our husband Allen is a family son Peter Joseph Zaninelli on July 8, 2005. Tanner and Tyler Wetzel physician and I enjoy being a stay-at-home mommy. We can be reached at Peter Joseph Zaninelli [email protected].” Class of ’99

Carrie Price Mabrey and her husband, Izzy, would like to announce the birth of their second daughter, Gracie Louise. She was born on August 12, 2005, and weighed 6 lbs., 9 oz. Her big sister, Cora Anne, celebrat- ed her third birthday on Cora Anne and Gracie Louise Mabrey September 4, 2005. Carrie can be reached at [email protected] From left, Michele Pellegrino Sankus ’96, Leslie Schlegel Chaundy, Julie Costello, Anne Wooley Matienzo, Jennifer Layton Golba and Wendy Rice Deemer at the Homecoming Reunion Party Class of ’00

Jennifer Layton Golba is pleased to share some photos from Gabriella Nichole Toto Homecoming 2005, where the Sigma Phi Sigma alumni gath- and Brian Gedney were ered with the current sisters and the Class of ’95 celebrated its married August 6, 2005, in 10 year anniversary and hosted a well-attended Reunion Party Dover. The bride is a read- for young alumni. ing specialist at South Dover Elementary and the groom is a Dover Police Officer. The wedding party included Holly Rhodes Willey, Jodi Morgan, Allison West, and Kristin Hendricks Kenney. After honeymooning in Mexico, the couple resides in Camden.

Gabriella and Brian Gedney

Sigma Phi Sigma reunion Continued on page 21 20 footprints

Class of ’02 Class of ’05

Benjamin Todd and Tammy Pat Woods and Brandi Townsend Todd ’97 are proud to Woods married on August 6, announce the birth of their baby girl, 2005, at Baywood Clubhouse Madison Elizabeth Todd, born on in Longneck, DE. Their wed- December 1, 2005. Madison was 5 ding rehearsal/beach party lbs., 10 oz. and was 18 ½ inches was held at Cape Henlopen long. State Park on August 5. Pat and Brandi currently live in Milton, DE. Madison Elizabeth Todd

Class of ’03

Chris Jester and Amanda Crouch were married on August 6, 2005, at Asbury United Brandi and Pat Woods (bottom center) celebrate their wedding with many Methodist Church in Wesley friends. Clockwise, Rufus Mincey ’06, Nick Minor ’07, Ryan Yeager Harrington, Delaware. Danielle ’07, Coach John Davis, Coach Brian Shanklin, Ryan Buckland ’08, Dan Carfagno ’08, Adam D’Angelo ’07, Ronnell Peters ’07. Behind Pat and Dota ’04 was a bridesmaid. The Brandi is Kris Behm ’09 and Pete Lancaster ’05. couple spent their honeymoon at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and now lives in Dover, DE. The bride is In Memoriam employed as a Social Studies teacher at Cape Henlopen High Virginia Woodall Steiner ’49 School in Lewes, DE, and the John T. Whitehall ’54 groom is back at Wesley as an Sandra K. Keck ’91 Admissions Counselor. Charles Edward Lamb ’93 Danielle and Chris Jester

Wesley’s Phyr’d Up Club plunges for Special Olympics

The Phyr’d Up Club, advised by Dr. John Paul Muczko, raised $600 for Special Olympics by participating in the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge on February 5th. This club provides opportunities for students to foster a more complete under- standing of physical education relative to current trends in the field and to advocate physical edu- cation and athletics at Wesley College.

21 sports Win ACFC and NCAA South Region Title Wesley’s Wolverines Go All the Way to the Final Four

Of some 450 colleges in the division, Wesley was among just four nationally still in competition for the national number one ranking before the fourth and semi-final round.

“The entire campus is abuzz.” Thus, “The 2005 season was a great experi- President Scott D. Miller described the ence for our team, and I am proud of festive mood prevailing in December our accomplishments. Winning the 2005. The normal holiday, end-of- NCAA South Region Title is something semester exhilaration was enhanced by that we will never forget,” says Wesley the Wesley Wolverines’ post-season suc- Executive Director of Intercollegiate cess, marked by back-to-back wins on Sports and Recreation/Head Football three consecutive fall Saturdays. Of Coach Mike Drass. Now in his 16th some 450 colleges in the NCAA year at Wesley and his 13th as head Division III, Wesley was among just coach, Drass has compiled stellar sea- four nationally still in competition for sons while coaching two finalists and in the national number one ranking before Rocky Myers ’05, a national winner of Curtis Gore gives Coach Drass a victory hug. falling in the fourth and semi-final the Gagliardi award, the “Heisman” round at the University of Wisconsin at Trophy of NCAA Division III football. Whitewater, a 10,540-student public With the Dec. 19, 2005, selection of You could have heard a pin drop. university. junior free safety Mario Harris to the Silence was followed by a roar when AFCA All-American squad, Drass has the word “Wesley” appeared in the sec- The past season marked the second coached five AFCA All-Americans, a ond bracket. NCAA playoff appearance for Wesley significant distinction, as the Football and its first since 2000. The Wolverines Coaches Association honors only the “I was nervous,” admits Drass, who was finished a stellar 9-1 regular season in top player at each position. Following named ACFC “Coach of the Year” for which they averaged more than 42 in Myers’ large footsteps, Harris, a team the third time in six years. Before the points per game. Amazingly they played captain, led the Wolverines with 113 opening post-season game against for- in eight states during the season. Mount tackles, including 73 solo tackles. mer ACFC conference member Ferrum, Union College of Ohio subsequently Sophomore defensive end Bryan a team the Wolverines had played 11 defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Robinson was named to the AFCA 2nd times previously, he debated telling Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl Dec. 17 to team. In all, 15 Wolverines garnered all- team members about their all-confer- win the national Division III title. conference nods –– seven players on the ence selection. “I didn’t want any dis- first team and six on the second––a tractions before the big game,” he says. school record. However, the matter was taken out of his hands when the ACFC announced Some Wesley starters, including tail- the picks two days before the big game. back Kevin Nelson, the leading rusher in the ACFC in 2004 in his first season Obviously, his concerns had been after transferring into the program, had unfounded. The Wolverines went on to never been to a playoff game, either at defeat Ferrum College of Virginia, the high school or college level. There University of Mary Hardin Baylor in was anxiety, then elation, when the Texas and Bridgewater College of tournament bracket began going up on Virginia in post-season action before ultimately losing to then undefeated Kevin Nelson expresses his joy with quarterback two big screen TVs in Malmberg Hall. Chris Warrick. Wisconsin-Whitewater. The Wolverines Continued on page 23

22 sports were decided underdogs in the last two Wesley and contests against Hardin Baylor, played Delaware com- before 6,000 fans in Waco, Texas, and munities who in the home contest against steadfastly sup- Bridgewater. At Waco, they stopped the ported us this Hardin-Baylor Crusaders 46-36, twice season.” holding the offense inside Wesley’s five-yard line. Against Bridgewater, the “The revamped Wolverines went in ranked 24 national- Wolverine ly against their opponent’s Number 17 Stadium and ranking. They ended the afternoon 46-7 winning tradi- amidst a sellout crowd of more than tion have 4,000 at Wolverine Stadium in which brought Wesley the Wesley defense sacked the opposing alumni and quarterback seven times, with three friends of the interceptions adding insult to injury. College flock- ing back in ber of returnees, the Wolverines should “We’re proud not only of our team, but droves, pointing with pride to their alma be an early favorite to repeat as NCAA of the entire Wesley College communi- mater. The resulting momentum has car- South Region champions. “When we ty,” Drass emphasized. “Our heartfelt ried over into the entire Peninsula and recruit, we are telling students and their thanks go out to the Wolverines squad, has enhanced the College, the City of families that Wesley can be national their families and friends––many of Dover and the entire First State,” adds champion next season.” whom gave up Thanksgiving at home to President Miller. fly to Waco, Texas, for the second- “We cannot wait to take the field next round game against Mary Hardin- With two returning AFCA All- fall and work to win a national champi- Baylor College––as well as the entire Americans on defense and a large num- onship!” Drass concludes.

2005 Season Highlights

• NCAA Final Four • NCAA South Region Champions • ACFC Champions • 12-2 Overall • Coach Mike Drass named AFCA “Coach of the Year” and South Region “Coach of the Year” • “Quarterback Chris Warrick named to First-Team Offense and ACFC Offensive Player of the Year” • Free Safety Mario Harris named to AFCA All-American Team • Defensive End Bryan Robinson named to 2nd All-American Team • 15 All-Conference Honors • Selected “Team of the Year” by the Delaware Sports Writers Association

23 sports

The Little Tailback Who Could

Wesley running back Kevin Nelson ’06 hasn’t let his 5'3" stature stand in the way of football success. Although some teammates, including AFCA 2nd team member Bryan Robinson, tower over him by a foot or more, outweighing him by 100 pounds, Nelson bench-presses 285, almost twice his 170-pound weight.

In 2004, he rushed for 1,579 yards, ranking sixth in the nation in NCAA Division III.

“Nelson is power packed,” says Wesley Head Coach Mike Drass, athletic director for the College. “He has been an inspirational, motivating player this past season. He’s definitely one of the most popular team members and a key factor in the enormous success of the Wolverines’ 2005 season.”

But for Drass’s recruiting skills and a stroke of luck, Nelson, a Delaware native from Wilmington’s Delcastle High School, may never have come to Wesley. Recruited by the Wolverines, he opted instead to play for the University of New Haven. However, when that institution dropped his intercollegiate football program during Nelson’s sophomore year, Drass was the first person he called.

“I remember how nice Wesley had been to me when I had originally talked with them, and of course, being from Delaware, I knew all about Drass and his program,” Nelson remem- bers. “I was really lucky to get the chance to come back home to play with him.”

After transferring, Kevin didn’t waste any time leading the conference in rushing and fin- ishing this season on the All-Conference second team.

“You don’t get to do this every day,” says Nelson of the play-offs announcement. “That was one day I’ll never forget. It was something special to be able to end my college career in post-season play-offs, which were a first for me since Pee-wee League,” he says.

“Kevin was a standout running back in our games against Ferrum and Mary-Hardin Baylor,” says Drass. In the 59-14 win at home against Ferrum in the post-season opener, he carried the ball 19 times for 91 yards, and in Waco against perennial powerhouse Hardin-Baylor, he ran for 56 yards in 19 carries. Wesley was an underdog in that contest; Hardin-Baylor, which had gone to the play-offs four times in the last eight years, had finished second in Division III in 2004, falling to Linfield (Oregon) in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. It was in the quarter-final contest against favored Bridgewater College, however, that Nelson really shone, lead- ing the Wolverines on offense with 98 yards on 19 carries while catching five passes for 90 yards in the 46-7 win over the Eagles. He also ran for 138 yards in 28 carries during the Wolverines’ semi-final loss to Wisconsin-Whitewater.

“We’ll be proud, but also sad from a selfish standpoint, to see Kevin graduate this spring,” Drass notes. He adds that other members of this year’s squad have also stood tall despite a relatively small stature. In an intercollegiate sport dominated by linemen averaging more than 6'3" feet and over 300 pounds plus, AFCA All-American Mario Harris is 5'8", 180 pounds.

As for Nelson, he plans a coaching career after graduating with a business management degree in May of this year. One day, he hopes to open his own gym.

“I’ll never forget Wesley and my many friends here,” he says. “We (Wesley’s 2005 football team) have left a lot for the younger players to build on.”

“These guys have just played their hearts out for us,” says Drass. “They, and others like them, really personify the scholar-athlete tradition of Wesley and Division III intercollegiate athletics.”

24 sports Seaford’s Wearden Named Women’s Basketball Coach at Wesley College

hand, and former Delaware State Conference divisional titles and three University coach/administrator Donald final four appearances. He was C. “Tripp” Keister as head baseball Henlopen Conference “Coach of the coach and assistant director of intercol- Year” in 1999 and was a coach of the legiate sports and recreation. Delaware senior girl’s basketball All- Star game three times. He also tabbed long-time Wesley coach and administrator Mike Drass for the During the last seven full seasons newly created post of Executive Wearden has a remarkable 111-13 Director of Intercollegiate Sports and record in the Henlopen Conference. Recreation last summer. The position heads a new division which includes the “I’m excited to be joining Wesley at an departments of intercollegiate athletics, exciting time in intercollegiate athlet- sports medicine, and recreation report- ics,” Wearden said. “A number of their President Miller presents Coach James Wearden ing directly to the president. programs are competitive on a national with a Wesley Wolverine hat and announces his level and with the move to the Capital new position as the Women’s Basketball Coach. “We’re delighted with this appoint- Athletic Conference in 2007 an exciting Wesley College has turned to another ment,” Dr. Miller said. “James Wearden new era is about to begin. I have every popular Delaware sports personality to is one of the top coaches in the game. confidence that we will recruit top stu- head its women’s basketball program. Year after year he has built top level dent-athletes and have a highly success- programs in this state. He has done so ful program.” James J. Wearden, the highly successful while earning a reputation of being an coach at Seaford High School, was outstanding teacher of the game and Wearden holds the bachelor of arts introduced recently as head women’s strict disciplinarian. His teams are fun- (1985) and master of science (1989) basketball coach and director of recre- damentally sound and he maximizes the degrees, both from West Virginia ation at Wesley. He will succeed potential of each player. First and fore- University. In addition to coaching, Michele Stabley, who accepted a job in most, James Wearden is very student Wearden has taught in the Seaford sys- private business in Dover last summer oriented –– which is consistent with our tem since 1991. but remained at the College in a part- philosophy at Wesley.” time capacity to coach for the 2005-06 He is also a former teacher and coach at season. Wearden will fill the position Dr. Miller noted that a committee head- Colonel Richardson High School in this summer but indicated that recruit- ed by Drass and Kobasa screened appli- Federalsburg, Maryland. Wearden has ing will begin this spring. cants and ultimately recommended been International Girls Basketball finalists. He noted that the position Tournament Coach with People to In making the announcement, Wesley drew several hundred inquiries and People Sports Ambassadors since 1994. President Dr. Scott D. Miller continued nearly 100 applications. a recent trend of hiring high profile The Wolverines are currently 14-7, 12-3 Delaware names in filling vacant coach- “This appointment is another great hire in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference ing positions. Last winter, he hired for Wesley College,” Drass said. Southern Division. Three starters –– all long-time Sussex Tech coach and “Coach Wearden is an established win- 1,000 point career scorers –– will grad- Wesley grad Jerry Kobasa to lead the ner –– and a winner who is legitimately uate from this year’s team, including men’s basketball program. Later in the concerned about the well-being of the reigning PAC “Player of the Year” spring, he named long-time popular for- student athlete. I have no doubt that he guard T’Neisha Turner, center Robin mer Caesar Rodney High School will continue his long record of success Smith, and forward Patricia Casarotto. women’s volleyball mentor Cindy here at Wesley.” Savage to start that sport at Wesley. And Next season the Wolverines will com- this summer, he named former Wearden has a 216-94 record in nearly pete for the last time in the PAC before University of Delaware All-American 13 seasons as a high school coach. He stepping up to the Capital Athletic outfielder, former New York Mets farm- has led teams to seven Henlopen Conference in 2007-08.

25 sports ’65-’66 Wolverine Basketball Team Returns to Reminisce the “Most Successful Season in Wesley’s History”

The 1965 men’s basketball team has moved on to Pfeiffer College in had the most successful season in Misenheimer, N.C. After graduation Wesley’s basketball history, finishing from Pfeiffer, Coach Wentworth went the season 24-3 overall and ranked 10th on to earn his master’s degree at nationally. Head coach Jim Wentworth, Appalachian State Teachers, in Boone, who coached 40 seasons at Wesley and N.C. He landed his first head coaching amassed over 500 wins, was in his 5th job at Wesley when Dan Douglas, the season at the Wesley helm. He came to Wesley College dean at the time and Wesley from Lindsey Wilson Junior former Pfeiffer professor, recommended College in Columbia, KY, where he Wentworth for the job. Prior to the spent two years there and started for the 1965-1966 season, Wentworth teams basketball team. Following his time at were 69-29. Lindsey Wilson, Coach Wentworth 1965-66 Wesley Cheerleaders

While in Hutchinson, Kansas, for the Junior College National Tournament, Wesley went 1-2 in the tournament and earned the #10 ranking for Wesley. The Wolverines fell to the host school Hutchinson Community Junior College, falling by a final score of 102-78 and next faced Ferrum Junior College, defeating the Virginia school, 99-84. The Wolverines faced Burlington Community College in their next game, From left, Barry Laws, Dave Baker, Coach Wentworth, Dickie Holmes, Janeen Suleski Dahlhausen, dropping the game by a final score of Steve Barnett, and Wayne Betts. 119-95.

The 1965-1966 team started the season What makes Coach Wentworth most 10-0, scoring over 100 points in each of proud of his 40-year anniversary team is the ten games. Wesley’s lone loss, prior that each of his player’s have been suc- to the national tournament was to the cessful outside of the basketball court. Penn Frosh team at the famed Palaestra “Each one of these player’s have been in Philadelphia, PA. The wolverine team extremely successful in life. The com- had winning streaks of 10 and 13 and petitiveness and strong work ethic that had an unheard of 7 players average in this team showed then is still shown double-figures on into the national tour- today,” stated Wentworth. Needless to nament in Hutchinson, Kansas, with a say, the 40-year anniversary team will 23-1 record after winning the Tri-State never be forgotten for what they Championship and the Region 15 brought not only to Wesley College, but Championship. to Dover and the state of Delaware. 1965-66 Wesley Men’s Basketball team with Coach Wentworth.

Continued on page 27

26 sports

Let us know what you’re up to! Send your engagements, marriages, births, promotions, or any news you want to share to:

Footprints Office of Alumni Affairs How Good Was This Team? Wesley College 120 N. State Street In Wesley’s sixth game of the season, the Wolverines traveled to Winchester, VA, to face Shenandoah Junior College. On the way Dover, Delaware 19901 to the game, the bus driver made a wrong turn on the Baltimore or Beltway and was headed south towards Richmond. Once the bus www.wesley.edu/alumni/alumform.htm turned around, Coach Wentworth knew that his team would be late for the game. Fearing forfeit, Coach Wentworth called the local Winchester police to notify them that they would be late to Photos welcome! Deadline for inclusion of the game. To help bide time, the player’s dressed into their uni- your news in the next issue of Wesley Today forms on the bus, while their head coach taped them up for the is June 1, 2006. Due to space limitations, game. Wesley showed up at 8:10 for an 8:00 tip-off, warmed up for 10 minutes and went on to 6-0 on the season with a 131-88 submissions may not be printed in their win over the Winchester school. entirety. Fill out the form below or type it on a separate sheet of paper. Printing and/or THE CHEERLEADERS: editing of submissions is at the discretion of Karen McLaughlin the editor. Marlyn Della Porta Mary Beth Potcner Name(s):______Janeen Suleski Nancy Treider Mary Lou Weaver Daytime Phone: ______Sherry Dryer Lucy Koon - Coach/Sponsor Class Year(s): ______

WELCOME BACK! ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF News I/we want to share: THE 40-YEAR 1965-1966 TEAM: ______ANNIVERSARY TEAM: • Finished 24-3 Overall and 11-0 Dave Baker in Tri-State ______Charles Haydt • Tri-State Conference ______Bill Beatty Champions Billy Bane • Region 15 Champions ______Steve Barnett • National Junior College Ed Cialetta Tournament Qualifier ______Roger Strong • Finished 10th Nationally ______Rick Wilson • Scored over 100 points in 20- Bob Cadman 27 games ______Bob Myers • Led the nation in scoring with ______Wayne Betts 102.5 points per game Dick Holmes • 7 Players averaged in double ______Dave Bishop figures on the season Barry Laws-Manager ______Jack Fisher-Assistant Coach/Trainer ______Jim Wentworth-Head Coach 27 sports Wesley College to Join Capital Athletic Conference

Wesley College athletic publications for academic teams will join the Capital quality, growth and resource Athletic Conference for the acquisition. For the past two 2007-08 academic year, years, Wesley has been rec- according to Dr. Scott D. ognized as a top tier Miller, President of the Northern Comprehensive College. The announcement College by U.S. News and was made at a press confer- World Report. Enrollment ence in Carpenter Hall at has increased from 1,052 to the College recently. 2,400 during the past eight years and fund raising Wesley teams will compete topped $62 million. in seven of the CAC’s men’s sports and nine In recent years a number of women’s sports beginning Wesley teams and individu- in the 2007-08 season als have had stellar perfor- against traditional members mances. Salisbury (MD) University, Gallaudet (DC) University, The Wolverine golf team University of Mary Coach Drass and President Miller unveil the logo for the Capital Athletic Conference. has won seven consecutive Washington (VA), PAC golf titles, finished as Marymount (VA) high as second in the coun- University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and York College try, and former standout Chris Noll was the NCAA Division III of Pennsylvania. In addition to Wesley, Villa Julie College in national champion. The women’s field hockey team has won a Baltimore and Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, will also host of PAC championships and advanced to the NCAA be joining the conference. Goucher (MD) and Catholic (DC) regionals. And this past year, the football team advanced to the University of America will be joining a newly formed, yet-to- national final four before bowing to the University of be-named eight-member athletic conference that will begin Wisconsin, Whitewater. In 2004, standout Rocky Myers was competition in 2007. named the recipient of the Gagliardi Award as the NCAA Division III National Player of the Year. “The Capital Athletic Conference is one of the top NCAA Division III conferences in the country,” Dr. Miller said. “The Among the many physical improvements are the renovation of members have impeccable academic reputations. The CAC is Wolverine Stadium, construction of a field house and tennis an established, well-respected conference that has produced courts, and modernization the Beiser Natatorium, Wentworth many national champions. Members are first and foremost Gymnasium, DuPont Field Hockey and Softball Fields, and impressive academic institutions. Our teams will have the this spring and summer upgrades to Bob Reed Baseball Field. opportunity to play in a very competitive conference with insti- tutions that are similar to us academically, athletically and The College has also completed a number of high profile within our geographic region.” coaching hires during the past couple of years including former University of Delaware All-American and Delaware State The Wolverines have been members of the Pennsylvania University Associate Athletic Director Donald C. “Tripp” Athletic Conference (PAC) since 1998 in all sports except foot- Keister as head baseball coach/assistant athletic director; for- ball. The gridders compete in the Atlantic Central Football mer Sussex Tech athletic director/basketball coach as head bas- Conference, a conference that includes Salisbury, Frostburg ketball coach/director of athletic advancement; and former (MD) State, State University of New York, Brockport, Buffalo Caesar Rodney High School volleyball coach Cindy Savage to State, and Newport News. head the new volleyball program at Wesley.

Dr. Miller indicated that with the growth in size and stature of Dr. Miller said that Mike Drass, Executive Director of Wesley in recent years, the College has been exploring several Intercollegiate Sports and Recreation, chaired the process of options. The College has been cited in a number of national recommending the most appropriate fit for the Wesley pro-

Continued on page 29

28 sports gram. He added that discussions with the CAC have been ongoing for approximately three years.

“The move to the Capital Athletic Conference is a further demonstration of our commitment to our student-athletes,” Drass said. “The CAC is one of the top conferences in the country, yet member institutions have a tradition of a high level of competitiveness with outstanding students. They (the CAC) place a high priority on the well-being of the student- athlete––in scheduling and in adhering to strict codes of sports- manship. Likewise, the College has a heavy concentration of alumni and families of current students in the Capital Athletic Conference region which should result in a stronger following for our program.”

CAC commissioner Richard C. “Dick” Cook said Wesley was a good fit for the conference. “We’re delighted that Wesley has accepted our offer to join the conference,” Cook said. “Wesley was ideally located, with a well-respected and recognized pro- gram that is growing.”

The conference was formed in 1989 with six schools. Goucher College was accepted for membership in 1991 and Salisbury University was accepted in 1993. The Capital Athletic Conference

Institution Enrollment Gallaudet University ...... 1,850 Hood College...... 2,121 Marymount University ...... 3,870 Salisbury University ...... 6,940 St. Mary’s College of Maryland ...... 1,930 University of Mary Washington ...... 3,910 Villa Julie College ...... 2,740 Wesley College ...... 2,400 York College of Pennsylvania...... 5,669

THANK YOU! We express our sincere gratitude to those whose generous gifts have contributed to the welfare and advancement of Wesley College.

The Campaign for Wesley Honor Roll of Donors is available at www.wesley.edu/alumnihonor_donors.html

29 winter sports Women’s Basketball (19-9 overall, 13-3 conference)

PAC Southern Division Champions PAC Finalists ECAC Southern Division Qualifier

The Wesley College women’s basketball team had high expectations coming into the 2005-2006 season, after appearing in their second consecutive Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) Semifinals appearance. The Wolverines did not disappoint, posting a 19-9 over- all and 13-3 conference mark to help earn Wesley the PAC Southern Division Title and #2 seed in the conference tournament. After soundly defeating #6 Neumann College in the semifinal round, the Wolverines made their second trip to the PAC Finals as they trav- eled to #1 Gwynedd-Mercy College, falling to the Griffins 61-50. Wesley was awarded its third appearance into the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Southern Division Tournament and second straight. Pre-season All-American T’Neisha Turner was T’Neisha Turner strives toward breaking Wesley’s all-time scoring named the PAC Player of the Year for the second consecutive year mark. She was conference player of the year. and her third appearance on the PAC 1st Team. Fellow running mate Tricia Casarotto also was named to the 1st Team for the second con- secutive year. Robin Smith was named to the All-PAC Sportsmanship Team. Turner, who broke the men and women’s all- time scoring mark at Wesley, averaged 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and added 58 steals. Casarotto and Robin Smith each sur- passed the 1,000 point mark at Wesley, giving Wesley three 1,000 point scorers. Casarotto and Smith both eclipsed the 1,000 point milestone on Monday, January 23rd with a home win against Eastern University.

Tricia Casarotto earned first team all conference honors.

30 winter sports Men’s Basketball (16-12 overall, 13-5 conference)

PAC Finalists ECAC Southern Division Qualifier

The Wesley College men’s basketball team, under the direction of first year head coach Jerry Kobasa, finished the 2005-2006 season with an impressive 16-12 overall and a 13-5 record in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC). The Wolverines, who earned the #2 seed in the conference tournament, made their first ever trip to the PAC Finals, falling to highly regarded Alvernia College by a final score of 66-63. Wesley was playing with 8 first- year players to the program, being led by PAC Rookie of the Year and 1st Team All-PAC selection Rashawn Johnson. Johnson aver- aged 20.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, while adding 47 steals in his initial season with the Wolverines. Fellow freshmen Cody White led the team in rebounds with 7.1 per game, while Mike Wright led the team in assists with 88. Wright also averaged 9.7 points per game. The Wolverines, who won only six games the previous year and finished 5-11 in conference play, started the season 3-7 only to fin- Tyrell Brown takes to the air for the points. ish the regular season 12-3 and also earned their first ever Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Southern Division Tournament bid. “We are very fortunate to have well-rounded stu- dent-athletes representing Wesley College on the basketball court and in our college community. Our staff is going to continue to work hard not only to better the basketball program, but to continu- ally develop our student-athletes for life outside of basketball,” stat- ed head coach Jerry Kobasa. “Our goal is to build a program that not only will be recognized in the Mid-Atlantic Region, but throughout the nation. Greg Cooke was named to the All-PAC Sportsmanship Team and senior Nick Minor eclipsed the 1,000 point mark for his career at Wesley.

Rashawn Johnson drives for two. He led the conference in scoring and was the Greg Cooke named to the All-PAC Sportsmanship Team. PAC Rookie of the Year.

31 Why Do People Support Wesley College Through a Planned Giving Option?

In our last issue of Wesley Today, we talked about the seven ways to support Wesley College through planned giving. Now you might be wondering what motivates someone to give in this fashion. Ms. Michelle P. Norelli, a 1972 graduate of Wesley, shares her feelings and insights to why she decided to include Wesley College in her estate plans.

“In the fall of 1970 my family moved me into Carpenter Hall, and together we attended the orientation for new stu- dents. At the prescribed time, the families were asked to leave the orientation while the students were instructed to remain. At the conclusion of the orientation, I walked back to Carpenter Hall, alone. I felt abandoned in my new world and wondered if I had made the correct decision to attend a college away from home and family. I telephoned my fami- ly frequently, crying that I missed them and asking to come home, but they continued to encourage me to stay.

The first time we were allowed to leave for the weekend was one month after school had begun. I went home and a few more times after that, finally making it to the Thanksgiving break. The next trip home wasn’t until Christmas vacation.

The time between visits home increased until my freshman year was finished. I grew very quickly to love Wesley College, and I was excited to return in the fall. It was because of these wonderful feelings and memories that I included Wesley College in my estate plans. I want other students to experience what I did at Wesley –– a warm caring small town college that offers a good education, and professors and staff that truly care about their students.”

For more information on giving through a planned gift option or to provide a future testimonial of why you placed Wesley College in your estate plans, please call Avis Price, Director of the Excellence Fund, at (302) 736-2315, or at (800) WESLEY8 and enter extension 2315, or e-mail her at [email protected]

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMINGTON, DE PERMIT NO. 1387

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