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WINTER 2016 rchie turns A30

University celebrating mascot’s birthday and impact on campus communit y... Page 18

Women with Children student shares story of poverty, hunger on Capitol Hill … Page 15 M500_Layout 1 2/18/16 10:28 AM Page 2

University presents TA Award my to Drs. Lysiak and Glazer for outstanding commitment, support

he Misericordia University MU Board of Trustees presented the Trustee Associates Award to Janice C. Lysiak ‘70, M.D., Tand her husband, Sidney M. Glazer, M.D., It is easy to stay connected with the in recognition of their outstanding Misericordia University campus and commitment and support of the University at the 2015 Trustee Associates alumni communities through our Gala in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall social media channels. Did you get a in October. new job or welcome a new addition The Trustee Associates Award is to the family? Share your news and given annually to friends of the The Board presented the Trustee Associates University who have demonstrated Award to Janice C. Lysiak ‘70, M.D., and her pictures on Facebook and Flickr. Pick outstanding dedication, service and husband, Sidney M. Glazer, M.D., at the 2015 one site or several in order to share generous support. Trustee Associates Gala. Posing for a picture after the presentation, from left, are Dr. your news or to simply remain Dr. Lysiak, M.D., listened to her father Deborah Smith­Mileski ’75, vice chair, Board informed about the latest news at when he said that the small class sizes of Trustees; Dr. Glazer, Dr. Lysiak ’70, and and personal attention offered at President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. your MU. Stay connected at Misericordia, the Sisters of www.misericordia.edu/social. Mercy­sponsored college just eight miles was accepted and went on to earn her from their West Wyoming home, would medical degree at Hahnemann help her realize her dream of becoming University, Philadelphia, Pa. It was during her last year of an internal cougarconnect.misericordia.edu a doctor – even though the all­girls school did not have a medicine residency at Kaiser Foundation pre­medicine program at the time. Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., that she Facebook.com/MisericordiaAlumni Dr. Lysiak is eternally thankful that met her future husband, Dr. Glazer, a she took his advice. She recently surgery resident. Facebook.com/MisericordiaUniversity retired from a 27­year career as an Inspired to help current and future esteemed rheumatologist with the Misericordia students pursue a career in Twitter.com/MisericordiaU Kaiser­Permanente Medical Center in medicine, the couple showed the extent Orange County, California, where she was of their appreciation to Misericordia by in partnership with her husband, Sidney establishing the Stanley T. Lysiak Pre­Med Twitter.com/MisericordiAlum M. Glazer, M.D., a vascular surgeon. Scholarship in 2001. The award, given in She is quick to credit Misericordia for memory of Dr. Lysiak’s father, benefits Linkedin.com/groups/ proffering spirituality that inspires students with financial need who plan to Misericordia ­­Alumni 1416127 students to care about each other and major in biology or pre­medicine. the world around them. She is equally The couple also has been among Instagram.com/MisericordiaAlumni grateful to the University for providing a Misericordia’s most loyal and ardent solid academic foundation that served as supporters, giving every year and to every recorded campaign effort. They helped YouTube.com/MisericordiaU the springboard to her medical career. Encouraged by numerous faculty the University grow and expand facilities members who took the time to get to and academic programs by being among Misericordia.edu/mutodayextended know her and fuel her aspirations, Dr. the leading donors to The Campaign for Lysiak says she also was taught to look College Misericordia in 1998, the Storify.com/MisericordiaU outside the box. She tackled what Advancing the Vision campaign in 2001, appeared to be an insurmountable the Leading from the Heart campaign in Pinterest.com/MisericordiaU challenge of passing the MCATs and 2005, and the College of Health Sciences getting into medical school by taking campaign in 2010. As members of the the process one step at a time. Upon Heart of Mercy Society, they also have Flickr.com/MisericordiaU completion of her Bachelor of Science pledged to include Misericordia in their degree in biology at Misericordia, she estate planning.

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Winter 2016 Volume XX, No. 1

Misericordia Today is published by the Office of Marketing Communications. Misericordia University 301 Lake St. Dallas, PA 18612­1090

ADMINISTRATION Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. President Barbara Samuel Loftus, Ph.D. Vice President, Planning and External Relations 26 Charles J. Brody, Ph.D. Biology major ’s research Vice President, Academic Affairs shows best method for Peter Fackler, C.F.A., C.P.A. restoring ocean shorelines. Interim Vice President, Finance and Administration Susan Helwig, M.S. Vice President, University Advancement Jean Messaros, RSM, M.S. Vice President, Mission Integration Kathleen ‘Kit’ Foley, M.S. Vice President, Student Life Jane Dessoye, M.S. Executive Director, Enrollment Management 8 21 MISERICORDIA TODAY STAFF ATRI working to unlock Internet Miss PA Collegiate America Paul Krzywicki, Editor accessibility for users of all abilities. a champion for kids practicing Assistant Director, Marketing Communications good dental hygiene. Marianne Tucker Puhalla Staff Writer Jim Roberts Director, Marketing Communications Kayley LeFaiver Graphic Designer

ONLINE Read this edition and other publications produced 40 46 by the Office of Marketing Communications online at: DPT students gain Jamaican Class of 2018 launches scholarship www.misericordia.edu/publications. For bonus perspective by volunteering campaign to benefit the Bourger material, please log on to Misericordia Today Extended at FOR U Stroke Camp. Women with Children Program. at: www.misericordia.edu/MUTodayExtended.

HONORS Misericordia Today is published in February and August by Misericordia University received Misericordia University. The magazine is distributed for free recognition in the 2015 CASE to alumni, parents and friends of the University. To request a District II Accolades Awards program. subscription, please call (570) 674­6764. Postmaster: Send address Steve Filipiak ‘05, ‘15, web content changes to Alumni Office, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA coordinator, and Holly Ference ‘17, web 18612­1090. Copyright Misericordia University 2016. content graduate assistant, earned a Gold Award in the Creativity on a Shoestring Category for their Storify

feed that highlighted the journey of first­year students ON THE COVER WINTER 2016 through social media. To view the Storify, please log on Happy 30th Birthday, Archie! Still as sprightly as the day he was turns to: https://storify.com/MisericordiaU/mu­first­years. introduced, Misericordia reflects on the proud tradition of Archie30

beloved mascot, Archibald “Archie ” McGrowl, who has been University celebrating mascot’s birthday and impact on campus community ... the purveyor of Cougar pride and spirit since Jan. 17, 1986. Page 18 Have a story to share? Contact Misericordia Today See story on Page 18. by calling (570) 674­6372 or by e-mailing at Women wi th Chi ldr en student sha res story of p overty, h unge r on C apitol H ill … Pa ge 15 [email protected]. M500_Layout 1 2/15/16 11:37 AM Page 4

Hospitality alive and well at the House of Mercy

ur family was fortunate to visit Ireland and the beautiful city of Dublin last summer. It was our first experience with the Emerald Isle, so our level of excitement and O anticipation was high. I participated in a leadership seminar conference at St. Patrick ’s College in Drumcondra. My wife, Vanessa, and our daughter, Gabriela, participated in a spouse/family program that was offered in conjunction with the seminar. Most importantly, we also knew this trip would enable us to visit Catherine McAuley ’s birthplace and the foundation of the Religious PRESIDENT Sisters of Mercy. Catherine ’ s legacy has been an important part of our family since I was named the 13th president of Misericordia University in 2013. We were excited to learn that our visit to Mercy Center International

THE coincided with a group led by Sister Noël Keller, RSM. Sister Noel and her group invited us to join them on their visit. Sister Noel is a Sister of Mercy, a religious scholar and teacher, who is very knowledgeable about the founding of the Sisters of Mercy. She guided us throughout the House of Mercy and provided background about the history of Catherine’ s vision and a sense of the place.

FROM We learned, for example, that the sisters were instructed to dance daily and share a cup of tea – a signal of the future of Hospitality as one of our four Mercy Charisms. We also found the Sisters of Mercy were not a cloistered order. They walked the streets of Dublin, and later many cities around the world seeking those in need so they could minister to them. Construction on the House of Mercy began in July 1824 as a home for poor women. The women were educated and found temporary shelter. The house itself is very distinct, as it is a large freestanding structure amid Georgian rowhomes. Today, we still have evidence of her ongoing care in the form of the Catherine McAuley Centers in nearby Plymouth and Scranton. These shelters provide stable and safe housing for women with children or single women as well as counseling. The centers work with the women to help them obtain permanent housing and jobs to support themselves and their family. A number of the volunteers who worked with Catherine were lay women. Efforts to stabilize service to the poor created a greater need, so she took steps to form a religious order that would continue the work. The House of Mercy became a convent that over time produced the beginning of the Sisters of Mercy. Today, a number of unordained volunteers serve as Mercy Associates, a parallel to the women who first aided Catherine in her efforts. Restored in 1994, the present House of Mercy serves as a place of gathering for those wishing to learn more about the Sisters of Mercy and the work of its foundress. Catherine ’ s room and her grave are both places that inspire one to consider and follow the good works of Catherine and her associates. The center also continues the tradition of Hospitality by providing visitors with a delicious scone and a comfortable cup of tea. The spirit of Catherine McAuley is definitely alive and well, embodied in the Religious Sisters of Mercy.

President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D.

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Baker Tilly a longtime partner in student success MU

aybe the simplest definition of accounting services to Misericordia and and career opportunities. Students have a partner is someone who collaborates with faculty and students on the opportunity to participate in GIVING Mstands with you to accomplish career preparation. workshops and activities as well as your goals. Baker Tilly, a nationally “As Misericordia’s valued business interview for internships. recognized, full­service accounting and advisor, we are devoted to collaborating Misericordia’s objective of educating advisory firm, is a valued partner of with the caring, motivated students to succeed Misericordia University. University to in their chosen fields aligns well with Those from the northeast United develop Baker Tilly’s strategic goal to become States might recognize the Wilkes­Barre, strategies that America’s finest professional services Pa., office of Baker Tilly under its help direct firm by attracting, developing, retaining previous identity as Parente, Randolph, more dollars and rewarding the best people for Orlando, Carey and Associates. That and resources the organization. firm merged into Baker Tilly in 2014 to to the school’s Both Misericordia and Baker Tilly become part of the 15th largest mission and foster an atmosphere of service to others accounting and advisory firm in the participating and stewardship for the community. “For United States with 2,500 employees. in campaigns our firm, stewardship means investing for Misericordia, its students, and visitors Grammy­ winner Marc that align with the future with the intention of leaving Cohn headlined the benefit from the relationship with Baker 2015 Under the Stars Misericordia’s everything better. Our clients will be Tilly in multiple ways. As a corporate Summer Arts Festival. student success more successful, our people will be donor, Baker Tilly’s financial support strategies,” more fulfilled, our communities will be underwrites efforts such as the Ethics says Andrea Caladie, partner, Baker Tilly. enriched, and our firm will leave behind Institute of Northeast Pennsylvania, the A partner in student success, Baker a proud legacy,” says Caladie. Under the Stars Summer Arts Festival Tilly coordinates the Spotlight Program, Those interested in learning more concerts, athletics, campus beautification, a two­day experience that provides about Baker Tilly and the firm’s services and every fundraising campaign since college sophomores and juniors more can visit its website at www.bakertilly.com. 1988. The firm provides extensive insight into the firm, professional staff – by Jim Roberts

Scholarship continues professors’ legacy

hat words can capture the “…prepared them (students) for the real others above legacy of a person who world…” “Challenged his students daily himself and commits 30 years to the by making them think critically rather believed that WMisericordia University community? than look up the answer in the text. He giving to others John L. Kachurick, D.B.A.,’96, associate spoke of his family often and his many and helping Dr. John career paths.” them to get professor of business and former Kachurick director of the Organizational Kachurick was born in Wilkes­Barre, ahead is the Management graduate degree Pa. and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. most valuable thing one could do.” program, passed away Oct. 17, 2015, He began his career in the newspaper Kachurick gave of his treasure to leaving behind a legacy of education, business and was one of the founders of Misericordia, participating in empowerment and philanthropy. The Citizens' Voice in Wilkes­Barre. He fundraising efforts over a long period “Dr. John Kachurick was a true is survived by his wife, two children, and of time. Individuals can follow his mentor to all his students and to his two grandchildren as well as a brother, a example by making a gift to the John L. colleagues. His first, and most important sister, a niece, and nephews. Kachurick `96 Memorial Scholarship priority, was always the student(s),” says He pursued education vigorously, Fund. “This fund was established to Corina N. Slaff, Ph.D., chair, Department receiving degrees from King's College, keep his legacy going,” says Buckley. of Business. Wilkes College and Misericordia. He “During his life, he succeeded in Upon the announcement of a received his Doctorate in Business helping other people, and that is what memorial Mass to honor his life, Administration from Nova Southeastern this scholarship is intended to do.” many alumni remarked online about University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. To contribute to the fund, please Kachurick’s attributes: “My father was the embodiment of contact the Development Office at (570) “Great teacher and a great guy...” Mercy and Service in many ways,” says 674­6433. To make a secure gift online, “Backbone of the OM program…” Karen Buckley, his daughter. “He put log on to misericordia.edu/makeagift.

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CAMPUSVIEWS

Princeton Review recommends SCARY STUFF Misericordia University Campus offers up seasonal treats for young and old alike Misericordia has been recognized as one of the top colleges and universities Blood curdling screams aside, it may The Residence Life staff opened the in the northeastern United States, have looked like The Night of the Living doors of McHale, Alumnae, Gildea according to The Princeton Review. Dead on campus, but the zombie attack and Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan One of 225 institutions of higher at Misericordia University on Oct. 24 was residence halls to trick­or­treaters, and education recognized in the 2016 Best all in good fun. The Zombie 5K Race was provided face painting and other fun Colleges Region by Region at hosted by the Cougars Women’s Golf crafts in Michael and Tina MacDowell Hall. PrincetonReview.com/bestNEcolleges, Team and the Where’s The Fun “We are always pleased with how the colleges were selected based on Committee. Zombie hosts doused the well behaved the youngsters are and “excellent academics” and the results of runners in blood­red powder at various how grateful their parents are to have a student survey about campus points on the course, which included a a safe place for their families to experiences and college life. loop on the road through nearby Fern trick­or­treat,” said Donna Ellis, Students described campus as Knoll Cemetery (with permission, of director, Residence Life. “I am not sure “close­knit” and “welcoming” where course.) Proceeds from the who has more fun, our students and “people say hello to you even if you not­as­scary­as­it­looks fundraiser staff, or their dressed­up guests.” don’t know them.” They also say the supported projects of the Where’s The In its 24th year, Things that go University’s inviting atmosphere attracts a Fun Committee and a spring training trip Boom in the Night on Oct. 28 “friendly” and “very inclusive” student for the Women’s Golf Team. delivered more spooky excitement – population. The review also states More than 500 ghosts, goblins and chemistry­style. Members of the undergraduates believe the Catholic other assorted characters were treated Misericordia University Dead University holds true to its tenets of to candy and fun activities during the Alchemist Society made pumpkins Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality. annual Halloween in the Halls vomit and balloons explode with a spook­tacular event held on Oct. 25. myriad of astonishing experiments Misericordia makes ‘Best Colleges for Your Money’ list Misericordia was named to Money Magazine’s 2015­16 Best Colleges for Constant Flag Your Money list. Carry Ceremony The ranking is designed to help parents and students determine which remembers victims of the country’s approximately 1,500 four­year colleges and universities of 9/11 “deliver the most value.” The 736 U.S. colleges that qualified More than 220 members of the were ranked on 21 factors in three campus and neighboring communities equally weighted categories: educational participated in a 9/11 Constant Flag Head Coach Jim Ricardo takes his turn as quality, affordability and alumni earnings. Carry Ceremony that was held in flag bearer as members of the men’s Misericordia also earned a “B+ remembrance of the 9/11 terror lacrosse team make their way across campus Value Added” grade, an additional attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. as participants of the 9/11 Constant Flag Carry ceremony held on Sept. 11. ranking produced by Money that Groups of students, faculty and staff considered how well students at each kept the ceremony moving from 9 academic departments, student clubs, school did versus what would be a.m. to 4 p.m. by taking turns carrying the cheerleading squad, men’s and expected given their economic and the flag for 15­minute intervals around women’s athletic teams, and a group academic backgrounds. campus. Groups included various of students who serve as volunteer

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CAMPUSVIEWS

Misericordia ranked among best in U.S. News Misericordia University is ranked 47th out of 131 colleges and universities in the top tier of the Best Regional Universities North category of U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges. Misericordia has climbed 20 places in the rankings since 2007. In the latest edition, MU is included in a tight grouping of 19 colleges and universities that are separated by three points for the rankings of 34 through 47. The University also was recognized for its commitment to veterans of the armed services. U.S. News & World Report ranked Misericordia 36th on the Best Colleges for Veterans listings among regional universities in the north. designed to make chemistry fun. Anna Runners were doused in blood­red powder Fedor, Ph.D., chair of the Department as part of the Zombie 5K Race hosted by MU receives ‘Best Bang of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Cougars Women's Golf Team and the student­run Where's The Fun Committee for Buck’ designation

coordinated the popular event that on Oct. 24. Misericordia University moved up 24

attracts hundreds of children annually. places and is ranked among the top 37 percent of all master’s degree­granting institutions of higher education in the firefighters with the Back Mountain “In bringing the Constant Flag Carry country by Washington Monthly magazine Regional Fire and EMS Squad. to campus, I was hoping to involve as in a survey that stresses community service The event began with a many members of the campus and social mobility of students. remembrance service in the Wells Fargo community as possible, in as visible a The University is ranked 255th overall Amphitheater. It included prayers and way as possible, to keep the memory among 673 other intitutions that were readings from students and staff, and and observance of 9/11 alive,” said recognized in the 2015 Master’s featured the presenting of the colors by Riddell. “Not only are we honoring the Universities category. The rankings are members of the Dallas American thousands of individuals killed or injured based on the institution’s contribution Legion, Post 672. A minute of silence in the terrorist attacks on America on to the public good in three evenly was held to memorialize when the first Sept. 11, 2001, we are honoring the weighted categories: social mobility, of two planes hit the World Trade first responders, volunteers, rescue and research and service. Center in New York, N.Y., killing more recovery workers, uniformed safety In a separate Best Bang for the Buck than 2,600 people. A closing ceremony personnel, and the hundreds of listing, Misericordia was ranked 222nd in was held at 4 p.m. It included a prayer thousands of others who serve, or have the nation, which recognizes “colleges in and readings by Lindsey Riddell ‘06, served in our armed forces here at America that do the best job of helping community outreach coordinator, who home and overseas. I am so proud of nonwealthy students attain marketable orchestrated the event, and Sister Jean the many groups who have taken time degrees at affordable prices.” Messaros ‘73, RSM, vice president for out of their day to make this project an In the traditional rankings, MU ranks mission integration. overwhelming success.” 23rd in the nation for service.

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Denis Anson, M.S., O.T.R., the director of research and development at the Misericordia University Assistive Technology Research Institute, is a member of the global team of researchers developing Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure or GPII. In the photo illustration, he showcases various pages of GPII.

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World­Wide RESEARCH ACCESS Alice, Dave, Davey, Elaine, Elmer, Elod and make proper adjustments to their home Livia do not exist in the literal sense. Their names computers, smartphones and tablets, but what and personal profiles are fictitious, but the role happens when they leave the comfort of their these characters are playing in the development homes or are without their personally configured of a revolutionary assistive technology cannot device at a library, an airport kiosk or a family be overestimated. member’s home? These computers are configured In cyberspace, these seven case for “typical’’ users and present insurmountable studies provide faces that help to barriers to people with special needs. Assistive Technology identify a technology that can be Take Elod, for example. He is a 62 ­year ­ old hard to grasp. Each of these retiree who has low vision, according to his profile personas represents someone you that was fabricated by researchers. He needs Research Institute may know or who you can imagine assistive technology to properly access the living in your neighborhood. They computer, the World Wide Web and all the collaborates on embody the kinds of limitations information and opportunity it has to offer. In that are common to using modern order to use the computer effectively, Elod needs international GPII technology. Each is being used to the text and icons on the screen to be larger than demonstrate the Global Public normal. When he touches his GPII preferences project to open the Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII), a card to the computer, it obtains information about system currently under how it should look for him. With one swipe of his Internet to users of development that allows each RFID card, Elod’s home or public computer loads user’s personal preferences and his personal preferences, in this case, for all abilities and ages needs to be stored “in the cloud,’’ full­ screen magnification at 200 ­percent with a and recalled to any device. blue background and other private nuances. Once Each GPII user’s preferences is finished, Elod swipes his card against the referenced by an identifying computer a second time and it reverts back to the BY PAUL KRZYWICKI number that can be stored on a default state for other users. plastic card or key – sometimes “He didn’t have to ask anybody for help,’’ says the size of a credit card – which Denis Anson, M.S., O.T.R., a member of the global contains a Radio Frequency Identification team of researchers developing GPII and also the (RFID) computer chip that is readable by director of research and development at the computers, terminals or smartphones armed Misericordia University Assistive Technology with Near Field Communication (NFC). The Research Institute (ATRI). “He didn’t have to number also can be stored in a ring or a reveal that he didn’t see well. With GPII, you do patterned image that can be held up to a not have to request your accommodations webcam. When activated, GPII calls the because they follow you wherever you go.’’ owner’s personal preferences onto the current The card is also secure, as it does not contain device, and automatically configures it to any of the users’ personal information, such as operate the way the individual prefers. Social Security numbers, bank accounts, credit Oftentimes, people who require special tools cards or other valuable information. The card or settings on their computers and mobile carries only a number associated with a preference devices to use them effectively are left with few file in the cloud. While each person is different, alternatives without GPII technology. They can Continued on next page

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Denis Anson, M.S., O.T.R., director of research at the Misericordia University Assistive Technology Research Institute, demonstrates the key card for GPII. RESEARCH MU

World­Wide ACCESS and many other settings. Adjusting all Anson adds about the computer’s of these settings by hand on an reaction to the already established from page 9 unfamiliar computer, especially for personal preferences. someone with Livia’s physical The overarching goal of the GPII there may be many people who share challenges, would be nearly project is to ensure that everyone can a single preference file, just as many impossible. With GPII, all of the access and use information technology, people wear the same shoe size, settings are automatically adjusted to including the Internet and smartphones, according to Anson. her needs. As Livia moves from class to the fullest extent possible, no matter Livia, another of the GPII personas, to class in school, or to the computer the barrier. Whether the limitation is is a 15 ­year ­ old girl who is legally at the public library, her GPII due to disability, literacy, digital literacy blind. She uses her key to open an preferences assure that she can keep or aging, GPII can assure accessibility. on­ board screen reader on the pace with an academic class, for GPII does not create new technologies computer. Since there are multiple example, or simply understand or services. Instead, it is creating the screen readers available on the market sentences or stories. infrastructure for making the for the visually impaired, her profile loads the one she is accustomed to “GPII is a transport system. It does not make assistive technology. using and her other preferences, including voice controls. It is like Amazon, as it delivers your technology. But unlike Amazon, The average person reads about GPII delivers your technology to wherever you are. Your preferences 500 words per minute, according to Anson, and speaks about 150 words. can be delivered in seconds.” — Denis Anson, M.S., O.T.R. To allow Livia to keep up in school, she has learned to understand a “For some people, the personal development, identification, delivery specific voice at her reading speed of preference file will include hundreds of and use of assistive technologies for 470 words per minute. For her to work individual settings for multiple the web easier and more cost efficient effectively, the GPII must provide the products. Since the preference file and effective. screen reader with the controls she lives in the cloud, it will be available “GPII is a transport system,’’ Anson knows, the voice she is familiar with, for any connected device, assuring it explains. “It does not make assistive the rate of talking she can understand, will behave just the way you want,’’ technology. It is like Amazon, as it

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delivers your technology. But unlike ATMs, cell phones, kiosks and other query and, in turn, narrow the field MU Amazon, GPII delivers your technology portable devices. Banks in Spain are of options. to wherever you are. Your preferences planning to field test it within the year, “Simply giving a person with a can be delivered in seconds.’’ according to Anson. limitation a list of hundreds of possible The Internet and modern technology GPII has been in development since products is of little use. It is too much RESEARCH admittedly can be overwhelming for 2011. Europe was the first to commit information about things I don’t care some people, whether because of financial resources. Since then, the about,’’ says Anson. “The user, age or skillset. Consider Elaine, an United States, through the U.S. though, can indicate they would like elderly grandmother who wants to Department of Health and Human larger print and to be able to set the communicate with her children and Services’ National Institute on text and background color. The grandchildren through e ­mail and the Disability, Independent Living, and Shopping Aid can filter thousands of exchange of family pictures. GPII’s Rehabilitation Research or NIDILRR, possible products to just those that profile for this persona – after she and Canada have supported it as provide the requested features. swipes her RFID card – includes the well. More than 50 researchers “Now I can look through a small set Easy 1 ­2 ­3 program that features large with backgrounds in computer of products to find the things I want,’’ icons – a mailbox for e ­mails, a photo programming, engineering, information Anson adds. “The people who album for pictures and an address book technology, occupational therapy and manufacture assistive technologies for contacts – that easily identifies their more are engaged in the project. currently are not competitors for GPII. function. Unlike some systems that Anson is working to develop the GPII is the way of delivering their allow users to communicate only GPII Shopping and Alerting Aid products to their customers. It saves with other users of that technology, tool. It will help people with physical time, money and, more importantly, it the easy ­to ­understand features of and other related challenges helps people in need navigate countless Easy 1 ­2 ­3 overlie familiar programs determine what assistive or adaptive products in the commercial marketplace like Gmail, Picasa and a Google technologies they need. The tool that may or may not meet their needs.’’ address book. enables users to select from 149 GPII will advance to the testing “Everything is all nice and big and options that identify need under phase by late 2016. It will be easy to use,’’ Anson acknowledges categories like hearing, vision, touch, showcased at the annual Rehabilitation while demonstrating it in the ATRI lab in operability, speech, understanding Engineering & Assistive Technology John J. Passan Hall. “It is a different skin orientation and more. Each area Society of North America Conference around the same program everyone contains subsets that expand the in Arlington, Va., in June. else uses. Elaine doesn’t have to know that all computers don’t work this way. “She can go to her neighbor’s or ATRI the Bridge Club and their computer knows her interface, her e ­mail, her The Assistive Technology Research Institute (ATRI) at Misericordia photo library. She can show her University is a regional resource that provides information and education in pictures or a nice message. When the application of assistive technology and universal design principles that she’s done all the stuff goes away off helps individuals with limited function to participate in their personal lives to the neighbor’s computer and she the greatest extent possible. hasn’t left anything behind.’’ ATRI’s activities include research into the usability of devices and products Graphic elements also encourage that are specifically marketed to individuals with disabilities and are intended user friendliness. An e ­mail is designed to improve their function, as well as products that are intended for the to look like a postcard and contains an general population, but have been designed to be used by people with image of the recipient where a stamp functional restrictions and able­bodied individuals. is usually placed; large rectangular Denis Anson, M.S., O.T.R., is the director of research and development for buttons contain easy ­to ­understand ATRI. He holds bachelor and master’s degrees in occupational therapy with destinations for “keep,” “reply,” and training in research, gerontology and nerve/muscle physiology from the “throw away.’’ Once you hit send for University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. He has been actively involved in an e ­mail, the postcard is tucked neatly computer and assistive technology applications for rehabilitation for more into an envelope, loads onto a mail than 35 years. truck and is sent to its destination “so He is also a member of the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology there is no doubt that I sent an e ­mail,’’ Society of North America (RESNA) Hall of Fame. He was elected to RESNA’s Anson adds. board of directors in 2013. RESNA is dedicated to promoting the health and Additionally, the GPII interface well­being of people with disabilities by increasing access to technology allows users to adjust text size, fonts, solutions. An international membership organization, RESNA advances the field line spacing, contrast, language, by offering certification, continuing education, professional development, foreground and background, and promoting research, developing technology standards and more. more. It will also be applicable for

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B Y PA U L K R Z Y W I C K I Growing opportunities to expand the mind

Occupational therapy research project studies effectiveness of a transitional vocational training program for special­needs students at Lands at Hillside Farms

ACKSON TWP., Pa. – The crisp fall morning does little to deter Brandon Dewey, 17, of Dallas from preparing a portion of the Dream Green Farm Program’s farmland at the Lands at Hillside Farms for planting its most popular crop – garlic. JDressed in a short­sleeved pocket T­shirt, the Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 (LIU­18) student carefully follows a string­lined path to punch small holes in the earth with a long garden tool handle. Fellow LIU 18 student Josh Lockavich of Luzerne follows closely behind, planting the varietal bulbs in the holes, some eight­inches apart, and covering them with loose soil. It is planting season – at least for the Music, Inchelium red, German red and Polish Softneck garlic crops – and the 10

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The Dream Green Farm Program was born in 2009 with MU the assistance of a $99,000 United States Department of Agriculture grant. The program between Lands at Hillside Farms and LIU 18 has grown from a start­up to a self­sustaining operation that also provides assistance to RESEARCH operations at the nonprofit landmark in the Back Mountain. On this day, the students prep and plant the last section of the garden for garlic. A blanket of hay already covers the bulbs that were planted earlier in the week. Before the full onset of winter, the students and the Dream Green Program manager and job coaches will till over the rest of the garden and plant winter rye as a cover crop to protect nutrients in the field. Many of the crops they will plant in spring will be grown from seed during the winter in the greenhouses on the historic farm. Those seedlings become tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, strawberries, leaf lettuce, pumpkins, flowers and more in early summer. “The students that attend Hillside love talking about the program,’’ says Allison Hausman ’17, O.T.S., Lancaster, Pa., a Misericordia occupational therapy student who is studying the program. “They’re all very excited to be there and they actually do have an interest in farming and what they are doing there.” In between the planting and harvesting of their crops, the students and mentors treat the experience as a real­life working farm where students grow an agriculture­based skill set, while also developing people and other important life skills, such as entrepreneurial, mathematical, physical and mechanical. They tend to the fields and garden crops in season, but they also split fire wood to heat the greenhouses, care for farm animals, complete routine maintenance on power equipment, and seek alternative means of making money to sustain the farm during the winter. That diversification has led to growing sales for their holiday pine and spruce wreaths that come complete with berries and bows, Christmas cactus plants and dried flower arrangements. The students also receive a stipend for their Jack Brady, LIU 18, job coach, background, hard work, which adds another layer of accomplishment, watches Dream Program students Josh according to Brian Novicki, LIU 18’s transitional coordinator. Lockavich, center, and Jonathan Andrews The program, though, is more than simply caring, nurturing separate hay to spread onto the newly and cultivating crops. It’s about “helping young people adjust planted crops in order to protect them from the harshness of winter. from the school system to whatever comes next,’’ Novicki says. “There’s a multitude of things happening here. It’s a good feeling to see their excitement and growth. The rewards are the thank­yous from the students or when they LIU 18 students who plant, harvest and sell the produce in tell you they love it here. We are pleased with what we have. support of the Dream Green Farm Program, a transitional Our relationship with Lands and Hillside Farms is great.’’ vocational training internship that offers work skills to About 30 young adults 16 to 21 years of age have students with learning needs. Housed on the 412­acre Lands participated in the program since its inception. The Department at Hillside Farms, the collaborative program features about of Occupational Therapy at Misericordia University added the two dedicated acres of farmland, a general education program as a pediatric fieldwork experience for juniors in the building, storage shed, and an assortment of equipment. program last spring. The relationship between the program “It’s a learning experience,’’ Dewey acknowledges, while participants, LIU 18, Lands at Hillside Farms and the University taking a short break. “It’s pretty fun, also. Our boss teaches expanded in the fall with the start of the two­year, faculty­ us a vocabulary word of the day. We have to learn things like student research study, “Effectiveness of a Transitional planting and tilling. There are so many other things to do Agricultural Training Program for Adolescents with Autism and here. We learn people skills when we are down there (at the Developmental Disabilities Based on Outcome Measures.’’ Wilkes­Barre Farmers Market). Math is a good idea, because you have to count the cash and give people their change.” Continued on next page

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Growing opportunities Student researchers developed and presented the application for the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at from page 13 Misericordia with assistance from Dr. Dessoye, the faculty “We will measure the vocational program outcomes for research advisor. Once approved, the students began students with special needs as they transition into gathering data in September. The five data collection points adulthood,’’ says Jennifer Dessoye, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., with students will be completed in September 2016. It will assistant professor of occupational therapy at Misericordia take an additional nine to 12 months for the entry­level University, “and work to understand if this program master’s degree program students Alyssa Auer ’17, , O.T.S., increases skills needed to be employable after the students Fallon Cooper ’17, O.T.S., Meghan DiGerolamo ’17, O.T.S., graduate from high school at 21.’’ Quinn Fohlinger ’17, O.T.S., Hausman and Huff to analyze the Misericordia University occupational therapy majors are information, which is using a set of qualitative (observations RESEARCH required to conduct research as part of the five­year and interviews) and quantitative (standardized assessments academic program’s curriculum. using Texas Functional Living Scale, The six students involved in the STUDENT RESEARCHERS: Beery Test of Visual Motor MU study voluntarily chose to study Integration and Allen Cognitive The following Class of 2017 OT students are the novel program for their own Levels) outcome measures. participating in the study: Alyssa Auer, Fallon individual reasons. For Erin Huff The research is being conducted Cooper, Meghan DiGerolamo, Quinn Fohlinger, ’17, O.T.S., Sugarloaf, Pa., it was to measure the effectiveness of the Allison Hausman and Erin Huff. both personal and professional, transitional program and its efficacy as the Hazleton Area High School to further the development of graduate was influenced by Dr. Dessoye’s past research, transitional programs for people with physical, emotional “The Effectiveness of iPad Handwriting Applications on and developmental disabilities, according to the IRB. Improving Visual Motor and Handwriting Skills in Children “If the outcome measures resemble these expectations, the with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” and her older brother, effectiveness of the program will be validated and evidence­ Zach, 27, who has Down syndrome. based,’’ says Hausman. “It will justify this program and others “I have a brother with special needs who is not at that like it as suitable for more state funding. Improvements can level of function, but his peers could have benefitted from a then be made to the program based on the study’s findings program like this,’’ says the daughter of Kim and Gary Huff. to further benefit the students in the program and the “Growing up with a brother with special needs has made me development of the functional capabilities in the target areas.’’ never look at them differently. Seeing the impact his “A positive outcome would be creating an array of different services, such as occupational therapy, had on – programs similar to the Dream Green Program across our not just him but my whole family – was what made me region and nationally,’’ adds Dr. Dessoye, “to allow other choose this profession. students with special needs to access the clear benefits of “This profession means a lot to me,’’ Huff adds. a horticultural transitional program.’’

Misericordia University student researchers are studying the Dream Green Program at the Lands at Hillside Farms. Participating in the study and program, from left, are Jack Brady, LIU 18, job coach; Erin Huff ’ 17 and Allison Hausman ’17, Misericordia student researchers; Jennifer Dessoye, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., assistant professor of occupational therapy, Misericordia University, and Brian Novicki, LIU 18, transitional coordinator.

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Asia Thompson ’17 and her children, Zaire, left, and Kaitlyn ­Denaye, right, enjoy a walk on the Misericordia MU University campus. PROGRAM

Spea king Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental from the Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as the Hea rt SNAP and WIC programs. Thompson brought others in the their lives. Thompson also is choosing room and herself to tears as she told Student shares to share her story in the hopes that she Vilsak of the struggles she faced after can make a difference in the lives of the escaping an abusive relationship and story of poverty 15.5 million children in America – a how nutritional subsidies helped her staggering 21 percent – who faced bridge the gap from being homeless and hunger on hunger and poverty in 2014, according to being a successful Misericordia to Feeding America®, the nation’s largest student. She emphasized that those domestic hunger­relief organization. subsidies are equally critical now to Capitol Hill During face­to­face meetings on help her cross the next bridge in Capitol Hill on Oct. 8 with U.S. her life – from being a student to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak a successful professional. BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D­Pa., her Continued on next page message was simple: “When is it OK for kids to go hungry?” WASHINGTON, D.C. – The memories Thompson was one of eight are painful, enough to make her cry. As storytellers brought to a homeless 18­year­old and the mother Washington, D.C., from across the of two infants, Asia Thompson ’17 had country as part of the grassroots no choice at the time but to sleep in Day of Action, “Community her car with her children. At times, Voices: Why Nutrition Assistance she faced the unconscionable decision Matters,” by The Center for of feeding herself or feeding them American Progress (CAP), a the only things she could afford – Washington, D.C.­based think rice or pancakes. tank and public policy research Today, the 23­year­old English major and advocacy organization is enrolled at Misericordia University dedicated to improving the lives through the Ruth Matthews Bourger of all Americans. Asia Thompson ’17, center, nutritionist Women with Children Program. Fueled At the time, Congress was embroiled Clancy Cash Harrison, left, and Katherine Pohlidal, director of the Bourger Women

by that pain and frustration, the New in a budget stalemate that Vilsak with Children Program, advocated for Jersey native is working to earn her admitted might threaten funding nutritional subsidy programs during a college degree and, in turn, improve of subsidy programs such as the day of meetings on Capitol Hill.

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Stude nt sp ea ks f rom hea rt ­ These issues impact real people in a really Women with Children Program,” personal way. It is important for Congress Program Director Katherine Pohlidal told durin g trip to C a pitol Hill to have these stories in front of them. the senator. “Misericordia relies on from page 15 “I understand better than you donations and grants to provide tuition might think,” added Vilsak, who spent assistance and housing for the women “There were days when I didn’t know time in an orphanage as a child. “I and their children, but we would not be how I was going to feed my children. have personally seen the many sides able to provide funding for food. Each No parent should have to face that,” of poverty.” mother is required to work as a part of she told Vilsak. “Getting help from the Sen. Casey was equally supportive the program. With all they have to juggle subsidies allowed me to survive until I during his face­to­face meeting with – their full­time studies, work and raising

PROGRAM discovered the Bourger Women with Thompson. “No child should ever have their children – it would be nearly Children Program. I found a home at to live that way (in poverty). Asia, impossible for them to work additional Misericordia and the help I needed to thank you, for being so brave and hours to pay more for food. In the end, it get my life on track. The difference is using your own life as a way to inspire is likely that a cut in the subsidies would MU amazing. My children, now 4 and 5, are others,” he stated. He expressed an prevent most women from participating no longer just surviving. They are living interest in meeting with the mothers in our highly successful program.” a healthy lifestyle and thriving – they in the Bourger Women with Children While in the nation’s capital, are more energetic and are doing really Program. Misericordia’s Office of Thompson and Pohlidal also met with well in school.” Government and Foundation Relations key staffers for U.S. Sen. Patrick Vilsak opened the 40­minute meeting is working to arrange the visit. Toomey, R­Pa., and U.S. Rep. Lou by saying his department has worked to “Subsidies such as SNAP and WIC are Barletta, R­Pa., who promised to share improve access to and quality of school crucial components in the Bourger what they heard with their legislators. The Day of Action concluded with a Congressional Senate briefing where Thompson was one of four speakers to share their stories of nutritional struggles with more than 50 legislative aids and other Capitol Hill staffers, including a representative of the National Parent Teacher Association. The moderator was Ellen Teller, director of government affairs for the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), who directs FRAC’s legislative agenda. Thompson’s story and that of others in the Bourger Women with Children Program came to the attention of CAP through nutritionist Clancy Cash Harrison, a registered dietitian who is employed by Misericordia to provide nutritional education to the women and children in the program. She meals and efforts are underway to Asia Thompson ’17, above left, was among the voices with nutritionist Clancy Cash eliminate abuse of the programs. He heard during the Harrison and Katherine Pohlidal, told the group he fully supports renewal director of the Bourger Women Capitol Hill visit. of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization with Children Program, advocated for Working with Jennifer Folliard, Act, but others on Capitol Hill need nutritional subsidy programs during director of the Academy for Nutrition convincing. “When President Obama a meeting with Sen. Bob Casey. and Dietetics, Harrison arranged for hired me, my instructions were to help Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak, at right, Thompson and other Bourger program feed the kids,” Vilsak said to his guests. with Asia Thompson ‘17 promised to give mothers to be interviewed for National President Obama a copy of the Center for After listening to Thompson and three Public Radio’s StoryCorps series. The American Progress book featuring the others speak, he added, “Yours are stories of two Bourger Women with mission of StoryCorps projects is to stories that policymakers need to hear. Children students. honor and celebrate the lives of

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everyday Americans by recording their Catherine St. Louis on Oct. 24 and in a MU stories. CAP representatives heard the related story on Forex Report Daily, a stories and asked Thompson and news site that provides up­to­the­ Harrison if they would participate in the minute foreign trading stories from PROGRAM Day of Action, sponsored by the Food around the world. Research and Action Center, Witnesses Taking what he had heard from to Hunger, Feeding America, the speakers during the Day of Action, Coalition of Human Needs, and the U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics, D­Mass., spoke about the Community the world’s largest organization of food Voices campaign on the floor of the and nutrition professionals. House of Representatives on Oct. 21. “a nks to t he g ov e rnm ­ e nt a n d Mis e ri c or d i a – i’ m t ha t story” . ­ — Asia Thompson ’17

“Even as a dietician, I found that I His speech can he viewed on YouTube. had my own misconceptions about Links to the related articles and videos poverty,” said Harrison, who provides are posted at www.misericordia.edu/ nutritional counseling, helps manage an MUtoCapitolHill. on­campus garden and offers cooking What is next for the newly energized lessons for the mothers and the children Thompson and her children, Zaire, 5, in the Bourger program. “There is a and Kaitlyn­Denaye, 4? With a 3.5 need to debunk the stigma attached to GPA, the English major has plans to subsidy programs. By coming together attend a study abroad program in to speak out, we are able to shed light Ireland in March. She is also on track on these critical issues.” to participate in a yearlong Master’s News and social media coverage of of English Literature program at the the Day of Action went viral with the University of Reading, in Reading, e B our ge r W om e n wit h C h il d r e n hash tags #Voices4Nutrition, England, following her graduation prog r a m a t Mis e ri c or d i a Univ e rsity is #EndHungerNow, #MUtoCapitolHill from Misericordia in 2017. The one o f only e i gh t pro g r a ms o f its kin d and #MisericordiaProud. In addition children will go along, of course. to local television, magazine and Although her current long­range in the c ountry . it provi de s f r ee h ousin g newspaper stories, Thompson was goal is to earn a Ph.D. in literature, her to a s m a ny a s 10 sin g l e mot he rs a t t he featured on the websites TheNation.com day of advocacy on Capitol Hill may pove rty l e v e l a n d t he ir ch il d r e n on and TalkPovery.org, and in the story, already be influencing her future plans. Four Mothers School Bill O’Reilly on “I am hoping to go back to D.C. and campus . e wom e n a lso r ece iv e Child Hunger, after the conservative advocate on other issues and policies, academi c support a n d so c i a l s e rvi ce s pundit claimed stories of childhood such as domestic abuse. We need to he lp t he m w h il e t he y ea rn t he ir hunger in America have been more truth­tellers to educate the fabricated. Founded in 1865, The public and the policymakers,” she said. bachelors ’ deg r ee in f our y ea rs . Nation is considered America’s oldest “This whole process has made me e pro g r a m is de si g n ed a s a weekly magazine. Thompson also realize just how much people don’t appeared in a video recapping the Day understand about hunger. We really two-ge n e r a tion mo de l , first he lpin g of Action produced by CAP and posted need to get people to talk about the the mot he rs r ece iv e a deg ree, a n d on the organization’s Facebook page. issues that impact so many,” she added the n pr e p a rin g t he m to ed u ca t e t he ir Thompson provided statements in retrospect. “I hope this effort raises for stories about the Day of Action awareness that not everyone receiving chil d r e n . e r e a r e c urr e ntly 10 on FirstFocus.org and the Coalition benefits is abusing the system. The wome n a n d 12 ch il d r e n livin g in two of Human Needs website, and stigma attached to subsidy programs hom e s on ca mpus . to da t e, 55 wom e n , subsequently was asked by the New is unfair – there are families who need York Times to comment when the help to reach their goals and get their inc lu d in g on e f rom a s fa r a w a y a s American Academy of Pediatrics children out of poverty. Utah, ha v e p a rti c ip a t ed. efforts a r e recommended pediatricians routinely “Thanks to the government and screen for nutritional deficiencies. She Misericordia – I’m that story,” unde rw a y to e xp a n d t he pro g r a m a n d was featured in the story by reporter Thompson adds. a t h ir d h ous e will be added t h is fa ll .

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Paws­etively marvelous:

FEATURE Archie MU McGrowl turns30 BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

Proudly known as “The Highlanders’’ for many years, student athletes in the 1980s felt the burgeoning campus had outgrown the nickname for the athletic program’s men’s and women’s teams. Despite a fondness for their four­legged Highland terrier mascot named McGinty, they expressed interest in a name that would do more to invigorate support and let the world know that Misericordia athletes were a force to be reckoned with – on and off the playing field. Maria Pallante ’86, a field hockey player who served as editor of the student newspaper and later as president of the Student Government Association (SGA), was among those helping spearhead the movement. She says SGA and newspaper leaders worked together for two years to educate the campus and present options for change. In the spring of 1985, Dr. Martha Hanlon ’60, RSM, dean of students, agreed to poll the he Misericordia Cougar had campus community and alumni for their opinion. quite the challenge when he entered The survey confirmed Pallante’s theory that students – Tthe McGinty Gym to a thunderous drum especially the athletes – were enthusiastic about by the roll and boisterous cheers from the prospect of a new mascot. “Dull, intangible and too long,” standing­room­only crowd attending the Jan. 17, were words Pallante said surfaced in the survey regarding 1986 basketball game. As then­College Misericordia’s “The Highlanders” nickname. The survey also revealed that new mascot, he was charged with igniting the spirit of the the overwhelming choice for a new mascot was a cougar, sleepy, rural campus and energizing support for the men’s which Pallante said coalesced with ‘Cordia, and would and women’s athletic programs at the dawn of a new era of hopefully steer people away from Miseri, an unflattering, co­ed enrollment. yet often­used Misericordia nickname.

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With a curl of his lip and a flick of his tail, the era of Paw MU Power was born. Alumna Judy Walsh Daley ’70, public relations director at the time, says the college spared no expense in attaining the FEATURE inaugural costume – contracting with Pierre’s Costumes, a premier costume and mascot company in Philadelphia, Pa. Today, the company lists the Temple Owl, the Villanova Wildcat and the Rutgers Scarlet Knight among hundreds of collegiate clients. Daley enlisted the artistic talents of student Bob Lizza ’85 to create the first Cougar logo used to launch the Paw Power is Coming­teaser campaign. “He did a great job giving us a fierce Cougar The Cougar, above, stands near Lake Street to who looked determined and whose eyes welcome new students to campus in the fall of bore into you,” she recalls. “We had great fun 1986. Sister Eloise McGinty, RSM, left, mugs for with it on billboards across the region.” the camera with the new Cougar, portrayed by Since many of Misericordia’s male students then­sophomore Walter Kierzkowski ’88, during a spring 1986 basketball game. Michael Daley, played on the basketball team, Daley below, poses for the camera as the new Cougar in recruited her 16­year­old son, Michael, to January 1986. The first Cougar logo, on page 18, don the costume for the Jan. 17 unveiling. was designed by then­student Bob Lizza ’85. They rehearsed an entrance routine set to music and practiced how he would high five Cougar Club can be found with College President Joseph Fink, who on the MU Athletics website at stands more than 6­feet tall. athletics.misericordia.edu/cougarclub. The standing­room­only crowd was treated Sporting fewer than a dozen teams in the to a foul­shooting contest with Father Jack 80s, the Misericordia athletic program has “the Bomber” Bendik, popular chaplain, and since flourished. Today, 26 percent of music from the pep band, lead by Sister Mary Carmel Misericordia’s 1,800 undergraduate students are varsity McGarigle, RSM, on drums, and Sister Sharon Gallagher, RSM, athletes. Misericordia competes in 23 NCAA varsity men’s and on the boom­ba. A 92­90 victory at the buzzer over the Keuka women’s sports in the Freedom Conference of the Middle College men’s team capped the celebration. Atlantic Conference, as well as Thirty years later, Pallante, director of the United States varsity cheerleading. Since joining Copyright Office in the Library of Congress, says she feels the Division III ranks in 1992, MU the effort was transformative in the culture of the campus. has captured 51 conference “It wasn’t a secret that the school was having some financial championships, and sent struggles, and our hope was to stir up some interest in the 27 teams to the NCAA community and spirit among the students. The result is so Championships, including much better than we ever expected. I really feel that it was the women’s soccer team a turning point for the college,” she says proudly. advancing to the NCAA “The administration recognized that it was time for a Final Four in 2012. change, especially with more men enrolling,” Dr. Hanlon Continued on next page adds in reflection. “The Sisters loved McGinty but wanted to support what was best for the campus.” A Cougar Booster Club was initiated the following academic year, lead by alumnus Bill Jones ’85, who in a recruitment brochure promised support and recognition to “help athletic teams climb to higher plateaus of achievement.” Membership information on the

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The Cougar, soon to be named Archibald ‘Archie’ McGrowl, welcomes the new football team to Manglesdorf Field during their first home game in 2012. The Cougar shows off his basketball prowess, in photo below, and gives two paws up to life as a Cougar in bottom photo.

engagement, at [email protected]. Archie’s storied history at Misericordia is the focus of an illustrated children’s book written and published by Daley in

FEATURE recognition of the University’s 90th Anniversary in 2014. Were There Always Cougars at College Misericordia University? is an entertaining story of the evolution of MU the mascot as told by a cougar mom to her son. It is on sale at the bookstore for $5, or by calling Mercy Center at (570) 675­2131. Proceeds support retired Sisters of Mercy. Archie turns 30 More on the book can be found at from page 19 www.facebook.com/mercycougarbook. A rousing 30th birthday celebration was Student Erika Deckard ’15 won a contest to held on Jan. 30, 2016 during an afternoon give the Cougar a formal name in 2012, the year of men’s and women’s basketball at the the football team was added. Her winning entry, Anderson Center. Students and alumni Archibald “Archie” McGrowl, paid homage to athletes paid tribute to the caramel­colored Misericordia’s iconic entrance arch. His new feline with on­court games, a trivia contest, name was emblazoned on the back of his football jersey and clothing and music from the ‘80s. when Archie was introduced at the 2012 Homecoming talent The job of a mascot is defined as one who helps determine show and football game. the public persona of a college or university and offers a In 2013, the Misericordia Alumni Association introduced window within. As such, Archie has successfully answered the hand­sized “Where’s Archie?” cutouts that students and challenge. He has earned his place on a list of more than 590 alumni can take with them and recognized collegiate mascots. Not to be outdone by any of photograph when they travel. A his more unusual counterparts, gallery of Archie sightings, including such as Delta State’s Fighting adventures in France, Ireland, Turkey Okra, or Gladys, the squirrel and on safari in Africa, is posted on mascot of Mary Baldwin Flickr at http://bit.ly/muarchietravels. College, McGrowl gives two The cutout is available to download paws up to say he is happy from the photo gallery or by to be a cougar and is looking contacting Lauren Gorney ’12, forward to many more years as assistant director of alumni Misericordia’s spirit leader.

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SMILING HAPPY MU

Biology major uses crown to educate children PEOPLE about bullying and proper dental hygiene

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA Hanging around in a sweat shirt and B.R.A.V.E. anti­bullying platform, jeans, Misericordia University Building Respect and Values for sophomore Rebecca Zaneski ’18 Everyone. She also speaks on her appears to be a typical, hardworking personal platform, Smile Happy, in biology major as she precariously which she encourages children to have balances a packed academic schedule good dental health by eating right and the responsibilities of being a and using proper techniques to brush member of the nationally­recognized and floss their teeth. She tallied more Rebecca Cougars cheerleading team. Her than 200 appearances from July Zaneski ’18 18­hour days in the middle of the through October by herself and with week, include classes, study sessions, fellow titleholders. labs, cheer practices, athletic Her platform is close to her heart BIOLOGY conditioning, and game­day and to her goals of earning a degree in performances. Yet, for the soft­spoken biology in the pre­dental track at 20­year­old with stunning blue eyes Misericordia. Her plan is to go to and a million dollar smile, it is on the dental school and eventually become weekends when things really get busy. an orthodontist. “I needed braces twice as a child and spent so much time in and out of the orthodontist’s office, that I became fascinated with the dental profession. It is a great way of helping people,” she says. A pageant competitor since the age of three, Zaneski has a few hundred titles – including the coveted crown of Miss Pennsylvania National Teenager – leading to her finish as first runner up to the national winner in Nashville, Tenn. She was also first runner up in the Miss Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen Pageant, a precursor to the Miss Pennsylvania and Miss America pageants. With her current title, she will compete for Miss Collegiate America in Texas in July. “There are a number of substantial scholarships available if I am able to win Miss Collegiate America, as there are at the Miss Rebecca Zaneski ’18, at Crowned Miss America pageant. I love to compete, right, was crowned Miss Collegiate Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania Collegiate but I am also motivated knowing that I June 2015. She juggles life America in July, Zaneski will able to offset some of the cost of as a pageant competitor and dons her sash and crown my education. That is really important a pre­dentistry major from for as many as six to me,” she says. her room in MacDowell Hall, personal appearances Zaneski hopes to follow in the shown above. every weekend. They footsteps of her mother, Linda Zaneski, take her to the four R.N., who was Miss Pennsylvania 1991 corners of the state and competed in the 1992 Miss promoting the pageant’s America pageant.

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‘DISABILITY DOES NOT MEAN INABILITY’ Sister M. Sponsa Beltran ’64, OSF, founded Our Lady of Fatima Rehabilitation Center for Nonprofit continues Sister Beltran’s work abandoned and handicapped children in the Ivory Coast and on behalf of the handicapped in Liberia Paynesville, Liberia in West Africa.

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI KINGSTON TWP., Pa. – By happenstance, Together, Sister Beltran and Andie Eileen R. Rockensies ’64 was a classmate of would talk about angels, God and Heaven, Sister M. Sponsa Beltran ’64, OSF, in nursing including sister’s dream of performing classes at then­College Misericordia in the missionary work abroad, according to early 1960s. It could be argued that fate or a Mrs. Rockensies. higher calling reunited them nearly 30 years Before the pair received their degrees at later at St. Therese’s Church in Shavertown to Misericordia, Andie passed away. continue a mission of Mercy. Sad and returning from Andie’s Mass of The women attended classes together and Resurrection, Sister Beltran retreated to her became acquaintances as they each pursued room. Countless letters in need of response their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. were strewn upon her desk. Among them Sister Beltran, a Bernardine Franciscan nun, lay one that caught her eye, as it contained already had taken her final vows before the seal of the Franciscan Order. Inside, it befriending the native New Yorker on contained her appointment to Liberia in West Sister M. Sponsa campus. Even before they graduated Africa. “I sat down and I prayed, and I talked Beltran ’64 together, it was apparent that Sister Beltran to Andie and I talked to God, and said, ‘we – the oldest of eight children – had an innate have such difficulty understanding your ways, Eileen R. desire for missionary work and helping those but here is a perfect example,’” says Mrs. Rockensies ’64 most in need. At Misericordia, the Rockensies, recalling a conversation she had Wilkes­Barre native befriended a family that with Sister Beltran about her dream being had a terminally ill child named Andie who fulfilled. “Andie, thank you for talking to NURSING required around­the­clock care. God on my behalf.’’

22 MISERICORDIA TO DAY M500_Layout 1 2/18/16 10:28 AM Page 23 MU Mission work A family of faith JCADF BOARD is God’s work The legacy of Sister Beltran begins in Angie Cebulski, Conyers, Ga.,

Wilkes­Barre during the height of anthracite co­president PEOPLE In 1970, Sister Beltran began her work for mining in the Wyoming Valley of Northeastern those less fortunate in Liberia. On and off for Eileen Rockensies, ’64, Pennsylvania. Described by Mrs. Rockensies the next 35 years, she eased their pain, and Shavertown, Pa., co­president as “brilliant, kind, prayerful and funny with a educated, fed, healed and loved them while Joann Cebulski, Decatur, Ga. tremendous sense of humor,” Rosarie Marie also raising money for other necessities. Beltran – sister’s real name – also cared for her Rosie Cebulski Morris, Overall, she made life better for tens of siblings in many ways. The Beltran family was Weatherford, Texas thousands by working first at a small, extremely poor, as Joseph Beltran, Sr., an mission­run clinic in Cape Palmas, Liberia, Timothy Sullivan, P.A.­C., immigrant from Spain, worked in the coal Westwood, Mass. and then by establishing Our Lady of Fatima mines to support his family, but oftentimes Rehabilitation Center for abandoned and Amy Zbikowski ’05, was too sick to work as he had developed handicapped children in the Ivory Coast and Crofton, Md. black lung. in Paynesville, Liberia, West Africa. That For Christmastime, Sister Beltran would accidental reunion in 1996 enabled the search for discarded cardboard in the Rockensies and Beltran families to unite and neighborhood. After bringing it home, she continue sister’s decades­worth of work in would draw a Christmas tree and crèche for Liberia through the creation of the Jerry the Nativity scene on it for her siblings. One Cebulski African Disability Foundation by one, the family’s children decorated the (JCADF), a 501(c)(3) organization that was cardboard tree by drawing ornaments and founded in 2013 and named in honor of sister’s coloring them with crayon. nephew, who died in a car accident. For more A family of faith, sister befriended the nuns information about the nonprofit, please log at Maternity of the BVM Church (now Our onto www.africandisabilityfoundation.org. Lady of Hope) on Park Avenue, Wilkes­Barre, “I love that JCADF was formed to carry on where she typed and did odds and ends for my vision for the handicapped in Liberia,’’ them. By 7 p.m., Mrs. Helen Kozlowski Beltran, says Sister Beltran, retired and living today in of Polish descent, rang a bell marking the time St. Joseph’s Villa in Reading, the retirement for the family’s daily rosary. home for the order, at the age of 90. “She came from those roots and knew “Without our donors, they would never be what it was like to have nothing,” Mrs. able to save all the lives of so many starving Rockensies, 73, says, commenting on why people. Won’t you join our Misericordia sister worked tirelessly during her lifetime Family for the Year of Mercy through prayer, for the impoverished. sacrifice and a donation for His Least? Thank you for caring and sharing in Jesus and Continued on next page Mary’s name. Love you all. God bless.’’ Sister Beltran did more than unselfishly tend to the needs of many, as she is credited with saving the lives of numerous innocents during Liberia’s two civil wars from 1989 to 2003 that killed about 250,000 Liberians and displaced countless others, according to HeritageLiberia.net. Mrs. Rockensies and Angie Cebulski of Conyers, Ga., (Sister Beltran’s biological sister), JCADF’s co­founders and co­presidents, operate the nonprofit with the assistance of a six­member board of directors, Kevin Rockensies ’93, an independent contractor, and a three­person staff in Liberia. Together, they share Sister Beltran’s stories Sister M. Sponsa Beltran ‘64, of altruism, heroism, humility, and miracles of OSF, holds a Liberian child on her faith so the work she began in Cape Palmas, lap during a return visit to the

Liberia, can continue at Our Lady of Fatima country. Sister is credited with saving countless lives during the Rehabilitation Center in Monrovia, Liberia, for country’ s two civil wars. other abandoned and handicapped children.

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LIBERIA’S FOUNDATION OF HOPE remain. “Every time she opens the door, she from page 23 is finding more and more disabled from the bush villages, four to five of them lying on the ground abandoned,’’ Mrs. Rockensies says, describing the dire circumstances and sister’s Liberian challenges reaction to the crisis, “‘I can’t leave. God sent Shortly after receiving her assignment in me these children.’ Cape Palmas, where she was operating a “She prayed about leaving and took a vow PEOPLE health care clinic for the poor and teaching of obedience to God Almighty,’’ says Mrs. typing, biology and other classes in the school, Rockensies, whose daughter, Regina an epidemic broke out. Soon she was caring Rockensies ’97, also graduated from

MU for 200­300 patients a day at the clinic and was Misericordia with a Bachelor of Arts in being flown by the government into the bush English, summa cum laude. “She said, ‘He to treat cholera and typhoid, and also assist in sent me these children and I cannot go and leper colonies where she delivered babies and turn my back on them. It’s provided diagnoses and treatments. not something God wants For about 20 years, Sister Beltran treated me to do.’” the sick and educated the minds of young The children under Sister and old, alike. The work was challenging, she Beltran’s care survived the has acknowledged, and was done in what first encounter with the civil she thought were the harshest of conditions war, but circumstances – until she made another harrowing changed dramatically in discovery. Many Liberians were invisible to 1994. Gathered in Sacred society, as they were abandoned or hidden Heart Convent’s chapel, child by their families and the rest of the country soldiers and rebel leaders because they were handicapped or dragged more than 500 out considered worthless or “witched,’’ as the of the place of worship – native myths had taught them. including handicapped “Most Liberians believed you are ‘witched’ children, elderly, expectant if you have a handicap and if you touched mothers and Sister Beltran – them you would also get it,’’ says Kevin, who and began to douse them in earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal gasoline outside the convent. studies with concentrations in computer Sister Beltran could see billowing smoke and smell burning flesh from a neighboring village orphanage that was operated by If you are blessed, regardless of how many Missionaries of Charity nuns, an order that was founded by hardships you may have, we all have something Mother Teresa. One by one, “to give. Misericordia taught me to give back. though, every match the rebels struck did not light. The rebel This is payback time for me. leaders then ordered the child soldiers to shoot everyone in — Eileen R. Rockensies ’64 sister’s care – but the guns misfired – and the voices of ” children praying the rosary science and business administration from continued, according to Mrs. Rockensies. Misericordia. “Soon after word got out about Soon thereafter, some child soldiers Sister M. Sponsa Beltran ’64, sister, the disabled began arriving.’’ recognized Sister Beltran, and called her OSF, spent years tending to the needs of those most in need in Sister Beltran began treating Liberians who “Ole Ma,” as she had taught them years ago the Ivory Coast and Liberia – had polio, clubfoot, cerebral palsy and other before war erupted in the country. “I did countries deeply affected by civil diseases and disabilities. She provided some teach you,’’ Mrs. Rockensies says relating war, unrest and poverty for many with forearm crutches, others with physical how sister responded to the young soldiers. years. The Jerry Cebulski African therapy, and then surgical options in Ghana. “I taught you how to study, learn and pray. I Disability Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2013, A year later civil war erupted in Liberia, didn’t teach you how to shoot a gun or kill.’’ continues Sister Beltran’s mission while she was at Sacred Heart School in 1989. Sympathetic soldiers secured transportation by helping the children and The missionaries and nuns were fleeing the and drove some of them 17 hours to a safe handicapped individuals in war­torn country, but Sister Beltran vowed to haven in the Ivory Coast, where a local bishop these West African nations.

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allowed sister to start caring and educating call from your family, praying and asking MU the handicapped again in a makeshift center God, ‘what do we do now?’’’ using old chicken coops as a one­room The United Nations sent peacekeeping classroom. Sister Beltran continued her work troops in to restore order. About eight PEOPLE in Ivory Coast for five years before repatriation hours later, the phone rang again. It was to Paynesville, on the outskirts of Monrovia, Sister Beltran. She had survived the ordeal, the nation’s capital city, where she built the but others had been shot and killed – many current Our Lady of Fatima Rehabilitation of them in the back as they ran to sister Center campus with the help of donors. for protection. Civil war returns Mission alive and well In 2003, the internal strife that had rocked Today, the acres of land sister purchased to this African nation off­and­on for 14 years rebuild Our Lady of Fatima Rehabilitation erupted again. As Sister Beltran Center contains a chapel, dormitories, was talking to Mrs. Rockensies on vocational­technical school, health clinic and the telephone, bombs exploded additional structures. JCADF continues the nearby and gunfire could be heard mission at the center and has expanded sister’s in the distance. As it grew louder, work to neighboring communities and villages. Mrs. Rockensies could sense the The nonprofit provides the disabled of Liberia alarming tone in sister’s voice and with education, food, clothing, toiletries, message. She asked her classmate medical care, mosquito nets, and other basic to thank anyone who had necessities because, “Disability does not mean supported their mission work in inability,’’ according to Sister Beltran. Liberia and wanted to assure “It was a continuation of the life I had been everyone that she would pray for living and the way we had raised our them. Then – the phone went children,” says Mrs. Rockensies, explaining dead. More than an hour later, why she works with JCADF. “If you are they reconnected and sister blessed, regardless of how many hardships acknowledged that rebel troops you may have, we all have something to give. had surrounded the compound Misericordia taught me to give back. This is and they were about to die. Inside, payback time for me.’’ Sister Beltran had more than 300 disabled and Although the mission continues, it has not about 6,000 refugees who sought asylum. been without tribulations as the recent Ebola Just two weeks prior, the Rockensies family outbreak in West Africa has slowed the buried the patriarch of the family as Kenneth shipment of supplies to the facility and (Misericordia faculty from 1993­03) died at prevented volunteers from returning to the the age of 65, a week after suffering a country, which the Rockensies visit about sudden heart attack. Coincidental or not, it three times a year. was the feast of the Holy Rosary. Frantic, the “When you go over and see the people family informed the United Nations and later you’re touching and they are so full of the White House to let them know that gratitude, it’s not something you can put into thousands of disabled and young children words,’’ says Kevin, who was active in were surrounded by deadly rebels. Guns and Campus Ministry and service­learning trips ammunition also had been hidden in three while enrolled at Misericordia. “Something cemeteries surrounding the property. just happens and you get pulled in that “We were so connected we knew every direction to help. There is no running water, one of these residents,’’ says Mrs. no electricity, little food, and no medical or Rockensies, a noticeable strain in her voice surgical care. We fight every hour to keep showing how this episode 12­years ago still them alive. Prayer, action and devoted frightens her to this day. “It was like getting a donors are the weapons God has provided.”

CONTACT For more information about the Jerry Cebulski African Disability Foundation, please log on to www.africandisabilityfoundation.org or contact Kevin Rockensies ‘93 at [email protected], (570) 406­4533, (570) 675­3397 or at 47 Harford Ave., Shavertown, PA 18708.

25 Mxxx_Layout 1 2/12/16 4:10 PM Page 26 RESEARCH MU

Hunter D. Pates ’16 knows how smoother. What I liked about the Biology major’s to tackle. fellowship program is I pretty much He ably brings down running had the freedom to develop my own backs from his linebacker position research project. research shows on the football field, and addresses “I felt like I had the freedom to myriad issues that are important to reach out to other scientists in the the student body on campus as vice field and establish that line of best method for president of the Student Government communication while getting their Association at Misericordia University. feedback and help. That’s something I The Columbus, N.J., native, though, wouldn’t have had if I went to a larger restoring coastal is most proud of his ability to undertake research fellowship program or larger important academic and environmental school,’’ he adds. issues as an undergraduate research The University­sponsored opportunity shorelines and scientist and burgeoning coastal took him from the on­campus ecologist. Pates was one of 28 laboratories in Hafey­McCormick undergraduate students and 14 faculty Science Hall, where his interdisciplinary repopulating them members who participated in the research with fiddler crabs began with 2015 Misericordia University Summer Barbara McCraith, Ph.D., associate Research Fellowship Program from professor of biology, to the endangered with native species May 26 to July 31. coastal salt marshes, salt marsh islands “The big thing is over my first and shorelines of Ocean and three years at Misericordia I really Cumberland counties in New Jersey. established a strong base on the His summer work also enabled him to overall scientific process,’’ Pates says appreciate the roles biologists and BY PAUL KRZYWICKI about his undergraduate education. engineers play in fully understanding “With that kind of training, it allowed the coastal system, including the me to go out and put all of those skills geology, chemistry and biology of to work. It helped make the process this fragile environment, and how feel much easier and go much best to protect it.

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Biology major Hunter D. Pates ’16 conducted MU research on the endangered coastal salt marshes, salt marsh islands and shorelines of Ocean and Cumberland counties in New Jersey in the summer. RESEARCH

says, reflecting on his formative years around the ocean that included building elaborate sand castles and seemingly nonstop boogie boarding. “And now being able to advocate for environmental causes helps to ensure people will always be able to utilize nature and all it has to offer.’’ An estuary life A soft­spoken senior, Pates plans on attending graduate school for coastal ecology so he can continue conducting research that has a positive impact on the environment – and even one day working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The undergraduate scientist in him reveals his practice of meticulous preparation, as he reviews notes, pictures and his already completed research poster while reviewing the collaborative work. His research topic, “A Living “The work he did was outstanding,’’ shaped a lot of his beliefs on Shoreline Approach to Erosion says Dr. McCraith. “He really gets conservation efforts in his home Prevention and its Effect on Fiddler science. I saw it happen his sophomore state and elsewhere. Crab Burrow Densities on Mordecai year. He was turned on by science. He “Just growing up and going down to Island, Barnegat Bay and Money got bit by the research bug.’’ the shore has helped me to appreciate Island,” required periodic kayak trips The goal of Pates’ investigation was all that nature has to offer to us,’’ he by himself since the locations were twofold, as he sought to inaccessible by other means. On compare the effectiveness Mordecai Island, he established of two different shoreline experimental and control sites to erosion prevention­ quantify the abundance and quality of restoration projects on fiddler crab burrows. He did the same Mordecai and Money at Money Island, which is technically Islands, and the impact considered a cape. In each quadrat, erosion has on the fiddler Pates counted the burrows and crab population. measured their diameters every two The shore is somewhat weeks at each site in an effort to of a second home for determine how healthy the environment Pates, as he grew up was for the crabs and other native an hour’s drive from the species of plants, birds and fish. beach on Joint Base “Salt marshes, in general, are McGuire­Dix­Lakehurst, a important as they serve as a filtering military facility about 18 system for pollutants,’’ says Pates, a miles outside of Trenton, Northern Burlington County Regional N.J., with his parents, High School graduate and biology MSgt. Timothy and Judith major at Misericordia University. “If Pates. His exploration of they are healthy, it will take away wave beaches in Sea Girt, N.J., Misericordia University linebacker Hunter D. energy from hurricanes and storms. during his childhood, and now Beach Pates ’16 (54) combines to make a tackle in Haven, Long Beach Island, N.J., a Cougar football game. Continued on next page

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Estuaries: protecting Partnership, a national estuary program were critical to his research, and also the delicate balance in Seaside Park, N.J., that works to offered him feedback. from page 27 protect and enhance the Barnegat Bay Mordecai and Money islands are ecosystem, and the Wilmington, very similar in size, composition and They also act as a nursery for juvenile Del.­based Partnership importance in this complex ecosystem. fish, fiddler crabs and other organisms.’’ for the Delaware Estuary, one of 28 Mordecai is an uninhabited 45­acre His research was enhanced by National Estuary Programs that work coastal marsh island that is a haven to ReClam the Bay, a regional educational to improve the health of estuaries. migrating and indigenous birds and and environmental nonprofit in Toms Representatives of the organizations fish. Since the 1930s, about 26 acres of River, N.J., that reintroduces clams and granted him access to Mordecai Island the island’s western shore have been oysters to the Barnegat Bay estuary to in the Barnegat Bay complex, and lost to storm and manmade erosion, RESEARCH improve water quality; Barnegat Bay Money Island in Downe Township, that according to New Jersey Audubon. MU

Undergraduate research scientist Hunter Pates ’16 logs the data he collected while studying two different shoreline erosion prevention­ restoration projects and the impact erosion has on the fiddler crab population at Mordecai and Money Islands in the summer.

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Money is bordered by the Delaware MU Bay and Gandy’s Beach Preserve. Their importance to this fragile ecosystem, though, also cannot be underestimated as they are a RESEARCH refuge for endangered bird species, such as the Black Skimmer, American Oystercatchers and Yellow­crowned Night­Herons, according to the New Misericordia University Jersey Audubon. biology major Hunter This is where their similarities end, D. Pates ’16 examines coastal salt marshes though, as different methods are for fiddler crab burrows being employed on these coastal on Mordecai Island. shorelines to protect them from erosion, and to rebuild their shorelines and natural habitats. A healthy environment fiddler crab recruitment and in Erosion prevention Fiddler crabs are a good tool to reestablishing marsh habitat.” measure a healthy shore environment. “His research is important for a Along the Money Island coast, An abundance of the small couple of reasons,’’ Dr. McCraith adds, scientists constructed living shorelines crustaceans, for example, indicates a while reviewing a copy of his poster in the spring of 2014. Living shorelines healthy salt marsh, while plentiful, but presentation. “It’s important for Hunter is a relatively new concept along the smaller burrow sizes indicate an himself, as he made connections and Northeast Coast, but it has been used increased recruitment of the crabs into started networking with people in off the coasts of the Carolinas, the environment. An abundant fiddler research in New Jersey and Delaware. Georgia, Florida and Louisiana to crab population also aerates the soil, From that, he has really started to manage vanishing shorelines due to which encourages native grasses, like develop an understanding of the natural erosion and destructive cord grass Spartina alterniflora, to take interconnectedness of everything in the hurricanes. Natural shorelines utilize root. Conversely, fewer burrows exist marine system there – not just the organic materials to protect the shore on shorelines with active erosion. science, but the economy and the social from the energy of waves and to Pates’ research data show the impacts as we start losing the shoreline. rebuild and, in turn, repopulate the living shoreline is more effective in “As the students in our internship shores with native species. A healthy “enhancing fiddler crab recruitment program develop a better understanding and stable shoreline, for example, will and in reestablishing marsh habitat’’ of their research and the impact of have an ample supply of ribbed compared to the geotubes. Money shoreline erosion, they are hopefully muscles in the sand, while also Island’s density for burrows was 118 going to be leaders in their communities, stimulating the proliferation of tall per meter square, while Mordecai’s and they can educate people and grasses that attract nesting birds, like was only 23 per meter square. influence policy based on that level of the Piping Plover. Therefore, his research suggest that understanding. The education we are By utilizing coconut or coir fiber logs the use of organic material is more giving our students is going to carry on situated between wooden posts, and effective than geotubes in “enhancing through their whole life.’’ positioning oyster bags – mesh bags filled with oyster shells – in front of the fiber logs at Money Island, erosion Log on to YouTube.com/MisericordiaU or use your QR­code enabled slowed and fresh sediment was smartphone to watch the behind­the­scenes video of the research retained that enabled fresh vegetation conducted by Hunter D. Pates ’16 along the shores of New Jersey. growth and a healthy environment for native species. Erosion has devoured most of Mordecai Island’s lower marsh through the years. Conservation efforts here are being enhanced by manmade geotubes – long, high­strength woven geotextile tubes filled with sand – that are placed offshore to absorb wave energy. The first phase of the project was completed in 2009. It has yet to be determined when the project will be completed.

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ALUMNI CLASSNOTES NEWS Stay in touch with friends and classmates by posting updates about your career, family and other noteworthy accomplishments on cougarconnect.misericordia.edu or facebook.com/ For more information about MisericordiaAlumni. Please submit Class Notes to [email protected]. alumni events and news, visit the MU website: Mary Ellen misericordia.edu/alumni Gulotti ’ 87 their bi­annual reunion. These former

1949 English and French majors meet regularly Jane Carroll Rymer ’49 The most wonderful time of year is to share memories of their days at

very active in the Ridgewood, Misericordia in the 1960s and to share The recent holiday season reminded me N.J., community and serves stories about their lives. of the wonderful Christmas traditions we on the July 4th Parade had at Misericordia as students. Beautiful Committee. Christmas trees were displayed all over 1976 campus, new fallen snow enhanced the Deborah Pegrim Konnick ’76 and her

beauty of the season, and everyone dressed 1965 husband, Michael, celebrated their 40th

in their holiday best for midnight Mass led Anne Marie Marfisi Yeager ’65 wedding anniversary on Aug. 2, 2015. and her by Father B (Bendik), now Monsignor B. Deborah has been husband, Joseph, celebrated their 50th The campus also was brimming with employed at WVIA wedding anniversary on June 12, 2015. Public Media for 23 excitement, yet nervous anticipation Anne Marie had the desire to work with years in the because of finals. Everyone wanted to do children prior to raising her own and membership and well so they could enjoy the winter break earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education departments. with no worries. That was Christmas at education from College Misericordia. The couple has two Misericordia in the 1980s. The couple has four children, three children, Michael Matthew Konnick and The holiday season has evolved over the grandchildren and one great­grandchild. A his wife, Brianna, and Katrina Grace last 25 to 30 years at Misericordia. Today 's brunch was hosted by their children in Konnick. To celebrate their milestone, their honor in Cherry Hill, N.J. students are more aware of living the Michael and Debby enjoyed a cruise to

charisms of Mercy, Service, Justice and Bermuda and the Caribbean. Hospitality. Almost every club on campus 1967 has a service project dedicated to helping Sharon Cullather Classmates, from left, those in need. For example, the campus has Schafer ’67 1988 , Schuylkill Haven, Pa.; a couponing club where members utilize Patricia Walters Ohlemiller ’67 Gerald F. Strubinger, Jr., Esquire ’88 , was Sandra Postupack “extreme couponing ” tactics to purchase Erdenheim, Pa.; elected president of the NCMIC Foundation Luongo ’67 Paula food and personal items for neighborhood , Stroudsburg, Pa.; in January 2014. He has served on its Charnoski Moroz ’67 food pantries. Other groups on campus , Waldorf, Md., and board of directors since 2008. The NCMIC Martha Durkin ’67 accept monetary donations, perform service , Foundation is a multi­million dollar

Philadelphia, Pa., nonprofit organization that funds research projects and provide mentoring services. recently met at and education for health care. Jerry The students of today are reaching out to Bravo restaurant, remains the managing shareholder of the less fortunate more than ever, and by doing so are living the Misericordia way. Allentown, Pa., for Strubinger & Gazo, P.C., where he As you reflect on your own personal traditions, please reflect on the joys of the season and how Misericordia shaped your life, hopefully for the better. Please consider Misericordia in your New Year ’s resolution. It can be a financial resolution, a

resolution to volunteer or just a resolution DATE! to return to campus. I wish everyone and their loved ones a happy and healthy New Year! THE

Misericordia Proud, ALUMNI WEEKEND 2016 J U N E 3 ­5

Mary Ellen Gulotti SAVE To re g iste r : ht t p : // c o u garco n n ect .mis erico r di a . e du / a w16

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law practice. Jerry and his wife, Carolyn, live in Mahoning Twp., Pa., with their two children, Catrina and Matthew. 1998 Carolyn Machonis Catalano ’98 and her husband, David, welcomed their son, Benjamin, on March 27, 2014. He joins brother, Tyler, and sisters, Holly and Bethany. 2000 Justin Catino ’00 joined the PHOENIX Rehabilitation and Health Services, Inc., team in September 2014. He presently serves as facility director and lead physical therapist for PHOENIX's outpatient physical therapy facility in Montoursville, Pa.

A Misericordia University faculty­student research project in occupational therapy has been accepted for presentation at the 6th Annual National Association of Neonatal Therapists 2001 Conference in Orlando, Fla., in April. Members of the research team, from left, are Brittany Tara Coletti Sinclair ’01 and her husband, Bly ’15, M.S.O.T., O.T.R./L.; Katherine Murphy Sassani ’15, M.S.O.T., O.T.R./L.; Kim Kubistek, Jonathan, welcomed a son on April 13, 2015. O.T.D., O.T.R./L., adjunct faculty, and Christina Tucci ’15, M.S.O.T., O.T.R./L. The collaborative study, An Investigation of the Methods and Products Used to Thicken Infant Formula in U.S. Children’s Hospitals: A Survey Study, reviewed current trends in the methods and products used to thicken formula for infants with swallowing difficulties or 2002 dysphagia at children’s hospitals across the United States. The study showed the use of a Ronald Badman ’02 and his wife, Helen, variety of products, including rice and oat cereals, and gel thickeners, and the use of a welcomed their daughter on May 2, 2015. broad range of methods to thicken infant formula. Participants expressed interest in the development of a standardized protocol for thickening infant formula in order to prevent Megan Mulderig ’02 and Michael McAndrew medical complications. were married on July 11, 2014. Megan is a physical therapist on the brain­injury unit at Moss Rehabilitation Hospital, Elkins Park, Pa. Following a wedding trip to Aruba, the couple will reside in Glenside. 2004 2005 Meghan Ambosie Skrypski ’04 and her Leann Ickes ’05 and her husband, Randy husband, Christopher, welcomed a son on Womelsdorf, were married Oct. 24, 2015. Oct. 12, 2014. 2003 Launi Smith ’05 and her husband, Eugene and Luke Ronczka Rebecca Keefe ’03 Mike Trudnak ’04 was named general Klinges, were married May 3, 2014. Launi welcomed a baby girl on Nov. 2, 2015. manager for Bucknell Sports Properties is a registered nurse in the operating room by Learfield Sports. Trudnak comes to at Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton, Pa. Lauren Scott Richichi ’03 and her Bucknell having most recently served The couple honeymooned at Excellence husband, Dominick, welcomed their son, 12 seasons in senior­level positions with Playa Mujeres, Mexico. They reside in their Joseph, on May 6, 2014. the Scranton/Wilkes­Barre Railriders, new home in Swoyersville, Pa., with their the Triple­A affiliate of MLB’s New dog, Murphy. York Yankees. 2006 Marc Cefalo ’06 and Nicole Cooper were married Sept. 19, 2015. Marc is the owner Misericordia Proud! of Planet­Miata. They have a mini­schnauzer, APEX. Misericordia Proud! is an alumni referral program that affords the applicant a waiver Edward Hamm ’06 and his wife, of the standard $25 application fee and a Mallory Bieber Hamm ’07, welcomed their son, Henry one­time $500 alumni grant that will be LaRue, on Nov. 20, 2014. applied to first­semester tuition. For more information and a referral card, please log on to misericordia.edu/MUProud. Continued on next page

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Continued from page 31 honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They reside in Jenkins Twp., Pa. Elizabeth Zawatski Kaszowicz ’06 and husband, Justin, welcomed their twin sons, Chase and Darren, on Aug. 15, 2015. 2008 Alyssa Bierbach Ambosie ’08 and Dale Jason Tempesta ’06 and Katherine Harvey Ambosie ’09 welcomed their daughter on were married July 19, 2014. Jason is a April 7, 2015. senior manager of community relations for the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia, Pa. Amy Ruda ’08 and Anthony Joseph Balent They had a wedding trip to Antigua and were married Aug. 1, 2015. Amy is reside in Jeffersonville, Pa. employed by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, At Winter Commencement, Misericordia Allentown, as a pediatric speech­language recognized the graduating students who pathologist. studied abroad by presenting them with colorful stoles that represented the 2007 countries where they studied. Posing for Jacqueline Zabresky ’08 and David Michael Joseph Castanaro ’07 and a picture, first row from left, are Danica Reichard were married May 23, 2015. Danielle Marie Kishbaugh were united in Kuti ’15, Ghana; Erica Moore ’15, Ghana, Jacqueline is an attorney at Zabresky Law marriage in an outdoor, lakeside ceremony and Amy Koch ’15, Guyana; second row, Offices, Wilkes­Barre, Pa., and is employed by at Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort. Michael is Sean Vitale ’15, Costa Rica and Jamaica, Trinity Healthcare, Philadelphia. After returning and Ryan Hassick ’15, Guyana. employed as a manager by Verizon to the area, a lakeside evening reception was Wireless, Hazleton, Pa. The couple hosted by Kathie Daskalakes, sister­in­law of honeymooned in Montego Bay, Jamaica. the bride, at her dock at Harveys Lake, Pa. Tanya Earley Goodman ’09 and her They reside in Mountain Top, Pa. The couple resides in Dallas, Pa. husband, Michael, welcomed their daughter, Gabriella, on Oct. 26, 2014. Carrie Race Edwards ’07 and her She joins big sister, Mckenzie. husband, Matthew, welcomed their daughter on April 10, 2015. 2009 Allison Strickler ’09 and Ralph Capristo ’10 Jillian Ann Yacovelli ’09 and Brian Joseph Lyons were married May 31, 2014. The Michele Stibgen Koziel ’07 and her husband, were married July 12, 2014. couple honeymooned in St. Lucia. Kenny, welcomed a son on Oct. 16, 2014. William Gagliardi ’09 and his wife, Beth Stephanie Marie Yunko ’09 Nichole Marie Oliveri ’07 and James Ann, welcomed a son on Oct. 25, 2014. and Andrew Michael Smith Joseph Norris were married Aug. 4, 2014. ’09 were married Dec. 6, Nichole is employed by TMG Health, Nichole Garinger ’09 and her husband, 2014. Stephanie is a radiation Jessup, Pa. After football season, the couple Conrad, welcomed a son on April 25, 2015. therapist at University of Rochester Medical Center, Wilmot Cancer Center, Rochester, N.Y. Michael is head golf professional at Ridgemont Country Club, Greece, N.Y. The couple took a wedding trip to Antigua. They reside in Penfield, N.Y.

Dr. Ashley M. Wolanski ’09 and Dr. Joseph M. Wagner were married Dec. 13, 2014. Ashley practices optometry for Biernacki Eye Associates in Wilkes­Barre and Mountain Top, Pa. The couple resides in Dallas, Pa., with their furry friends, Izzy and Nala.

Alumni returned to campus to act as marshals for the 5th annual Winter Commencement 2010 ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 20. Participating in the event, seated from left, are Maureen Courtney Moran ’10 and Brian Simko ’10 Rinehimer, Sandra Najaka ’89, ’90, ’02, Marilyn DeHaven ’06, Carol Williams ’67 and Marcella were married Nov. 8, 2014. Courtney is a Morgan ’96; standing, Kristi Empett ’03, Heather Fritz ’97, Johnna Miller ’15, Thomas Sweetz special education teacher in the Scranton ’01, Adam Grzech ’13, Joseph Steber ’04, Harold Empett ’01 and Carol Fahnstock ’14. School District, Scranton, Pa. Brian is a curriculum coordinator for The Commonwealth PT program celebrating 20 years with special luncheon at Alumni Weekend To register: http://cougarconnect.misericordia.edu/aw16

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1949 1959 Dorothy Cibula 1971 IN Betty Roberts Fitelson August 30, 2015 Barbara Parbel Gates Kriete August 5, 2015 Gertrude Ankner Avila August 8, 2015 August 19, 2015 1964 MEMORIAM Sister Mary Juliana Hazuda, RSM Marian Francis Tallo September 24, 2015 1960 1976 Sister Catherine Mary Winters August 15, 2015 Joan Scialo Rubin 1952 October 20, 2015 March 20, 2015 Jeanne Guckavan Garside 1965 May 26, 2015 Mary Terese McHugh Duffy Judith Wierbowski 1995 November 12, 2015 September 18, 2015 1953 Joann Littler Dawley Rita Milligan Yaroshinsky August 12, 2015 Marie Kownacki Hopkins Sister Sandra Constance Galazin, MMS December 10, 2015 October 17, 2015 September 26, 2015 1996 1961 1954 John Kachurick Sister M. Concepta Abbott, DM 1968 Gladys Bell Stark October 17, 2015 August 18, 2015 Sister Julia Yucas, CJC August 1, 2015 June 10, 2015 Corann Pretti Myers 1957 1997 formerly, Sister Nadine Pretti, RSM Stefanie Borick Kenowski Nancy Morris Dorothea Perry Lieberman August 21, 2015 October 26, 2015 August 18, 2015 February 11, 2015 1963 1958 1986 2001 Jean Ann Michak Stock Joyce Jendrzejewski Thompson Anna Cervenak Joseph Mengeringhausen December 12, 2015 July 13, 2015 July 24, 2015 August 16, 2015

Medical College, Scranton.The couple took a wedding trip to Washington, D.C.They reside in Dunmore, Pa. 2011 Matthew G. Schnell, Esquire ’11 graduated from Albany Law School in 2014. He accepted a position with Strubinger Law, P.C., Palmerton, Pa. Joining him in the practice of law is 1988 Misericordia graduate Gerald F. Strubinger, Jr., Esquire ’88. Strubinger Law, P.C. is a four attorney litigation firm. Several members of the Class of 1961 gathered together recently to show their school spirit by posing with a College Misericordia banner and Archie the Cougar, who is celebrating his 2012 30th birthday this year. Chelsea Mixon Vossler ’12 and Greg Vossler ’11 welcomed their son, Gregory College, Scranton, Pa. The couple took Krista Randall ’14 Vossler, Jr., on Jan. 24, 2015. a wedding trip to Orlando, Fla. They reside and Adam Letke were in Scranton. married Nov. 23, 2014 in Towson, Md. The couple 2013 James Sapak Jr. ’13 and his wife, Paula, honeymooned on a 10­day welcomed their son, Nolan, on Nov. 16, cruise to the Eastern Kristin Eden ’13 and her husband, Jeremy, 2014. He joins big brother, Warren. Caribbean. They currently welcomed twin girls, Paxton and Piper, on reside in Bel Air, Md. Feb. 25, 2015. Amanda Shingler ’14 and Jeffrey Crambo Dayna Richter ’13 and Theodore Ehlers 2014 were married Aug. 12, 2014 in Montego Bay, were married Jan. 10, 2015. Jesse Rakowski ’14 and his wife, Amanda, welcomed a daughter on May 1, 2015. Jamaica. Amanda is a nurse practitioner at Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg, Pa. Megan Kryger ’13 and Nicholas Morrissey welcomed their daughter on Jan. 20, 2015. Meagan Donaldson ’14 and Ryan Vogt were married Aug. 31, 2013. Meagan is a Michelle Williams ’13 and John McGloin Ph.D. candidate in the field of oncology. 2015 were married June 27, 2015. Michelle is the The couple honeymooned in Seattle, Wash. Bethany Empfield ’15 and Padraic Kenney annual fund director at Lackawanna They live in Bronx, N.Y. were married Dec. 21, 2014.

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2015WINTER December 20 COMMENCEMENT

More Winter Commencement memories can be found at http://bit.ly/mudec15

Maintain your Misericordia friendships for a lifetime by registering on CougarConnect

For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at: [email protected] or visit: cougarconnect.misericordia.edu

Alumni Volunteer Program: Contact Alumni Relations at (570) 674­6764 to be an admissions, alumni/development or career services volunteer.

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2015 October 2­4 HOMECOMING

More MU Homecoming Memories can be found at http://bit.ly/muhomecoming15

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FINDING HIS VOICE SLP graduate earns Ph.D., joins higher education to continue instruction, research PEOPLE BY GEOFF RUSHTON

MU Nicholas Barone’s ’11 professional life has taken a variety of language pathology students helped him succeed as a unexpected turns since he first earned his bachelor’s degree doctoral student and professional. from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., in 2001. But “You don’t get those opportunities at most small, teaching­ on his way to his first faculty appointment this fall as a focused schools,” he says. “Misericordia is truly unique in that it researcher and assistant professor in the communication does give you that, especially in this program. Dr. Tellis has really disorders program at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, built up a program that encourages students to go out and Va., it was his time as a graduate student in Misericordia disseminate research, which I’m hoping to continue here at UVA.” University’s Speech­Language Pathology Barone sees Misericordia’s program as a model for training Program that provided the direction for speech­language pathologists. “I was calling it the Barone to pursue his calling. ‘Misericordia Model’ of preparing SLPs, which is giving them Nicholas “I think if I had gone to a different a good foundation of research and clinical,” Barone says. Barone ’11 program I wouldn’t be sitting here,” “That way they become good evidence­based practitioners Barone says. “I really attribute my in their field, regardless of whether they go into research. success as a student and hopefully as a They know they can go and feel comfortable with the SPEECH professor to, first and foremost, that research and literature to find the best treatments. That’s LANGUAGE education and foundation that was what Misericordia instilled in me. There are multiple PATHOLOGY built at Misericordia. Misericordia graduates along with me who went on to Ph.D.s because made me very well prepared.” they were given access to that research.” Barone earned his M.S. in Though the Misericordia program’s SLP faculty members speech­language pathology at Misericordia in 2011 and are highly regarded as experts in their own right, Barone went on to receive a Ph.D. in communication sciences and said it is their commitment to educating and training disorders from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va., last spring. But before finding Misericordia, Barone tried out a number of careers – working odd jobs while playing in a band, time in retail and later a job in marketing for which he was hired right before the economic downturn in 2008. After losing that position, he decided to go back to school and initially looked to Misericordia for its MBA program. When he was introduced to the speech­language pathology master’s program, he knew he had found the right fit – and program faculty knew he could be successful. “To be frank, I wasn’t a very good student at Pitt but I was a very different person eight years before,” Barone says. “(Department chair) Dr. Glen Tellis gave me a chance to come into the program and told me he felt I’d be an asset to the program. I took that to heart.” Tellis was right, and Barone indeed took that faith as an Nicholas Barone ’11 earned his Ph.D. in communication sciences and disorders from James Madison University, and recently was

important motivator. The Doylestown, Pa., native finished his hired as a researcher and assistant professor in the communication master’s with a 4.0 GPA and was honored with Misericordia’s disorders program at the University of Virginia. Academic Excellence Award and Master’s Thesis Award. He also won the Von Drach Memorial Scholarship from the students that makes the program exceptional. “Their interest Pennsylvania Speech­Language­Hearing Association as the is in their students, not their own status in the field. I carry outstanding student in the field, and became the first that with me. Misericordia gave me the foundation to be Misericordia student to receive the national ASHFoundation successful in a Ph.D. program and finish in three years. I Graduate Scholarship. don’t know that a lot of small schools can do that, and that For all his success as a student, Misericordia’s focus on not Misericordia puts out students who are that prepared is a only teaching but also research opportunities for speech­ testament to the faculty,” he says.

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UNDERSTANDING THE KEYS MU

TO COMMUNICATION PEOPLE Graduate of SLP program earns Ph.D., accepts assistant professor position

BY GEOFF RUSHTON

This fall, Erik X. Raj ’08 embarked Glen Tellis and the faculty were all in with implementing as Erik Raj ’08 upon a new journey by accepting a much technology, where appropriate and possible, to help tenure­track assistant professor and our clients increase their communication abilities.” clinic supervisor position at Monmouth Understanding how technology can benefit individuals SPEECH University, West Long Branch, N.J., after with communication challenges has been a through line in earning his Ph.D. from Wayne State Raj’s career as a student and professional. When Apple LANGUAGE University, Detroit, Mich., at spring introduced the first iPad in 2010, he immediately seized on PATHOLOGY commencement. His road to becoming its potential as a tool to motivate clients with speech a speech­language pathologist (SLP) did disorders. He also has published work regarding apps for not commence at Stockton University, Galloway Twp., N.J. – speech therapy. His current research is exploring how people where he earned his B.S. – or Misericordia – where he received who stutter are connecting with each other through social his M.S. in SLP – it began in elementary school. networking websites and creating digital support groups. Raj knows firsthand the frustration of being unable to Upon graduating from MU, Raj worked three years with communicate clearly and understands the impact an SLP school­age children as an SLP in the Hamilton Twp. School can have, as both a client and a therapist. District in New Jersey. During that time, he was named As an elementary school student in New Jersey, Raj faced Wilson Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, received a challenges with his speech, unable to pronounce his first Governor’s Certificate of Recognition for outstanding public name. He encountered puzzling looks from peers and adults school teachers, and was selected by Therapy Times as one of as he struggled to communicate. Raj remembers the pivotal eight national recipients of the publication’s “Most Influential” moment he was finally able to accurately pronounce “Erik.” Award. He subsequently was an SLP at a Detroit charter “Even though I was very young, I was able to appreciate school and the Edison Township School District in New Jersey. that this moment was the result of hard work and determination,’’ he says. “I was able to pronounce my name because a speech­language pathologist Erik X. Raj ’08, Ph.D., C.C.C. ­S.L.P., is an assistant professor of SLP at helped me learn specific tips and tricks. I attribute Monmouth University. that success to that professional. After this, it was clear to me that I wanted to do the same thing. I wanted to help children become effective communicators – to be able to express themselves. There is nothing better than being able to share your hopes, wants and dreams.’’ From years spent treating school­age students to receiving his doctorate and now serving as a professor and researcher, Raj attributes much of his success to the SLP program in Misericordia University’s College of Health Sciences. “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the program at Misericordia, (department chair and professor) Dr. Glen Tellis and (assistant professor) Dr. Cari Tellis,” Raj says. “It was clear to me Misericordia had a forward­thinking way of looking at what this field was and could be. It was obvious Misericordia was thinking about technology in a way that made them stand out from other programs. That was something that very much resonated with me. Dr.

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SPORT MANAGEMENT TEAMMATES Alumni work in demanding Southeastern Conference for University of Missouri Athletic Department PEOPLE BY GEOFF RUSHTON

MU Karen Sickler ’12 and Ron Guido ’13 were just a year apart In their current positions, Sickler and Guido both have roles in Misericordia University’s Sport Management Program. at Missouri’s 71,000­seat Memorial Stadium for Tiger football Unlikely as it seems, they never knew each other as home games. Sickler oversees gate operations and she’s undergraduates, and yet in the spring of 2015 they learned responsible for ensuring ticket scanners are operating before they would be working together in Columbia, Mo. gates open. She monitors entrances and coordinates staff for From among hundreds of candidates, the University of efficient crowd flow into and out of the game, and uploads Missouri Athletic Department selected Sickler and Guido for ticket scans to a server for an accurate attendance count. its two one­year positions as event management associates. Guido is responsible for game day parking operations, Though they may not have known with responsibilities including customer service prior to game each other, Sickler and Guido have weekends, coordinating parking staff (including in lots that been following similar paths as they accommodate overnight RV parking) and working with traffic Karen Sickler ’12 build professional success in the patrols to establish inbound and outbound traffic. He finds sport management field. For both, out caterers who will be servicing tailgates, compiles lists of Ron Guido ’13 the positions at Missouri – where other sports practicing nearby the night before games and they work with Division I athletic arranges parking passes, then delivers that information to programs in the Southeastern parking staff. SPORT Conference – are a significant In addition to football responsibilities, both Sickler and Guido MANAGEMENT marker as they look to the next have significant roles with other Missouri athletics teams. Sickler phases of their careers. is a game manager for women’s soccer, and she will be working After graduating from Misericordia, with the men’s and women’s basketball teams in the winter and Sickler took on an athletic department internship at Texas track and field, tennis and softball in the spring. A&M International University in Laredo, Texas. From there, she Guido is a game manager for women’s golf. He also will moved on to Quincy University in Quincy, Ill., where she earned work with swimming and diving, gymnastics and baseball, her M.S.E. in educational leadership. and is implementing a job shadowing program for Missouri Guido, meanwhile, headed to Springfield College undergrads in sport management. in Springfield, Mass., following his graduation. There he also earned a master’s degree in athletic administration while working as a graduate assistant for the athletic department. During his two years at Springfield, Guido gained experience with all aspects of game management and worked on marketing and promotion for more than two dozen teams. Both pursued positions at Missouri due to the challenges and experience that come from working with an NCAA Division I Karen Sickler ’12, left, athletic department. and Ron Guido ’13 each earned their Bachelor of “The reason I took this position was Science degrees in sport to get the Division I experience,” Sickler management from acknowledges. “It really rounds out my resume Misericordia University. and adds a final piece. I’m looking forward to The University of Missouri continuing in a position in college athletics.’’ Athletic Department hired them as event management “It’s been a great experience here and associates to work it’s helping me grow professionally,” adds in the highly competitive Guido, a baseball player during his time Southeastern Conference. at Misericordia.

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Misericordia names Edkins director of athletics MU

Chuck Edkins, a 25­year Edkins stepped down as Pennsylvania Athletic Conference

employee and associate head men’s soccer coach championships under Edkins and ATHLETICS director of the Department of after the 2015 season with a made 10 trips to the PAC finals – Athletics for the past 11 years, career record of 283­159­35. more than any other school. The 2000 has been named director. He led the Cougars to nine Pennsylvania Athletic Conference “Chuck’s efforts to provide conference championships, (PAC) championship squad became the best possible experience two Eastern College Athletics the first team in Misericordia history to our student­athletes are Conference (ECAC) South to earn an NCAA championship bid. laudable, and I am confident Edkins title and six NCAA Edkins also guided the Cougars to that he is prepared to take the lead tournament berths. seven appearances in the ECAC role of a very successful athletics In their first seven seasons in the championships. Misericordia won the program,” said Thomas J. Botzman, Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) ECAC South title in 2002 and 2014 Ph.D., president. “Our students, Freedom Conference, the Cougars and finished second twice. families and the entire Misericordia captured four men's soccer titles A four­time PAC Coach of the University community will benefit from (2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012). Year recipient, Edkins was the MAC his commitment and leadership.” Previously, Misericordia won three Freedom Coach of the Year in 2008.

Planning underway for Chandler led the Cougars to four Field hockey wins annual golf tournament consecutive postseason appearances, first MAC title including one trip to the PAC The third annual Misericordia championship game. The field hockey team won its University Athletics Golf Tournament was Chandler, who earned a bachelor’s first­ever Middle Atlantic Conference held Sept. 21 at Huntsville Golf Club. degree in business administration, holds (MAC) Freedom championship with a More than 90 players and 40 sponsors nine school career records and five 4­3 double overtime victory over made for a fun­filled day on the links. school single­game records. He also was FDU­Florham. The event was organized by a four­time Misericordia/Wendy’s Jennifer O’Neill ’16 was named MAC tournament committee member Athlete of the Year. Freedom Championship MVP after Al Santasiere ’01. It included a scoring two goals, including the silent auction, highlighted by an game­winner. Lindsay Hischak ’16 and autographed jersey of New York Women claim 2nd straight Colby Eldridge ’18, ’19 were named Yankee great Mariano Rivera. MAC cross country title first­team All­MAC Freedom, while The 2016 golf tournament is Samantha Partington ’15, ’18 and scheduled for Sept. 26 at Huntsville Led by senior Bianca Bolton ’16, the Angela Pasquini ’16 made second­team. Golf Club. For more information, women’s cross country team claimed Hischak finished fourth in career please contact the athletics its second consecutive Middle Atlantic points (139) and was named to the department at (570) 674­6374. Conference championship in 2015. National Field Hockey Coach’s Bolton used a late surge to win the Association All­South Region team. She Chandler named head coach individual title, as she came from joined Pasquini in the Division III All­Star behind over the final half­mile. for men’s basketball game, where Misericordia’s Robyn Teammates Bethany Killmon ’17, ’18 Fedor Stahovic, served as a coach. Willie Chandler ’03 is in his first season (6th) and Amy Viti ’15, ’16 (7th) joined as head men’s basketball coach. Bolton on the All­MAC first team. Members of the Misericordia University A member of the Misericordia Bolton went on to earn all­region field hockey team pose for a photo after University Athletics Hall of Fame, status and compete at the NCAA capturing the Middle Atlantic Conference Chandler has served as an assistant Championships for the second Freedom championship with a double overtime victory. coach at his alma mater for the last six consecutive year. years. He was a four­time Pennsylvania Kenzie Jones ’19, Athletic Conference (PAC) Player of Alexandria Miller ’15, ’18 the Year and ended his career as the Alyssa Schwarz ’18 second­leading scorer in NCAA D­III earned second­team history with 2,898 points. Chandler All­MAC status. was a three­time All­American and led Misericordia's Chris the nation in scoring twice. He spent Wadas was named MAC five seasons playing professionally in Coach of the Year for the the United States Basketball League. second straight year.

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Clifton Ivy Lincoln

SERVICE Gaining a MU Jamaican perspective

Stroke Camp patient Busha, Doctor of PT graduate students gain an appreciation center, receives gait training from Misericordia University DPT for the little things in life while offering clinical student Becka Bisset ’13, ’16, right, and another volunteer. services at Friends of Ridge United’s Stroke Camp

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

Becka Bisset ’13, ’16 of Bloomsburg, agreement and smiles overcome Pa., adjusts her seat, looks up at the everyone’s faces at the mere mention ceiling and glances around the room of the Jamaican patient’s first name. where her fellow Doctor of Physical Bisset, Kelleher and five other Therapy majors also are taking time to Misericordia University Doctor of Physical reflect on the service trip they recently Therapy students volunteered at Stroke completed at Friends of Ridge Camp from Sept. 5­13 under the United’s (FOR U) Stroke Camp in St. supervision of Heather Fritz, P.T., D.P.T., Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica. In that assistant professor of physical therapy. instant, the fifth­year student is at a They provided intensive physical therapy loss for meaningful words. treatments for eight hours a day over five The daughter of Robert and Vicki days to seven patients who were Bisset was not being shy, but rather post­stroke and one client with cervical introspective as she struggled to myelopathy. In a country where clinical identify the right way to describe the services for people with handicaps are impact the experience had on her limited, many Jamaicans rely upon personally and professionally. Those volunteers at nonprofit organizations few seconds of silence also allowed for clinical services. D.J. Kelleher ’13, ’16 of Sayre, Pa., to “We gained a sense of humility (from break the ice with his classmate. the Jamaicans),’’ says Bisset, who also “What would Daniel say?” he asks. has volunteered in the past for Big “Ya, mon!’’ they reply almost in Brothers Big Sisters and at regional unison, as their heads nod in soup kitchens. “Patients learned from

40 MISERICORDIA TODAY Mxxx_Layout 1 2/12/16 4:10 PM Page 41 MU Chelsea Matukaitis ’12, ’14, with our patients and tried to let their P.T., M.S.P.T., D.P.T., and personalities flourish. It was more like Caitlin Day ’11, ’14, P.T., working on a person as a whole, rather

D.P.T., resulted in significant than just muscles and the mechanics of SERVICE improvements in their an activity.’’ physical well­being and also Miss V had trouble with her left hand in their ability to live life to and was unable to grasp anything with Daniel Corinne Busha the fullest extent possible. it. By the end of her therapy, she could Corinne, for example, lost facilitate household activities, like us as therapists, but we learned just the use of her right hand because of hanging clothes on a clothesline, and as much, if not more, from our the stroke she suffered some time ago. washing and scrubbing them, patients’ stories, personalities and She wanted to regain the use of that according to Kelleher. determination. You are able to hand so she could return to an activity Overall, Misericordia’s volunteer apply your own skillset in a new she enjoyed. Lindsey Machemer ’13, student clinicians performed outcome environment; you bring a therapeutic ’16 of Robesonia, Pa., observed the measures for each Jamaican client on purpose to patients, and you learn to incorporation of a lot of extremity and the first and last day of Stroke Camp. It bring your own sense of community to fine motor motions into her therapy. yielded improvements in upper extremity each therapy session. The focus is on “It was rewarding,’’ Machemer says function, gait, and balance after one the patient’s goals rather than the about her first service trip. “I went into week of intensive rehabilitation. The therapist’s goals for the patient.’’ it not knowing what to expect and I physical improvements were a direct Ten days after returning from byproduct of the graduate students Jamaica, the Misericordia taking their patients through University volunteers took time to structured routines, including a mat reflect on their service and what program, and gait, balance, upper they discovered in the island extremity and free stations that nation. Each spoke about the joy oftentimes included meaningful, they experienced utilizing their functional activities. skills for the betterment of the “I was here 2½ years ago,’’ says underserved. The main theme, Kelleher, who volunteered in however, centered on how each Jamaica in 2013 and for Habitat graduate student gleaned a for Humanity in 2014. “I was there sense of community, camaraderie to help people, but I was more and appreciation from the amazed at how much the people patients they now call friend. “The most remarkable thing was Continued on next page the bond the students developed with each other and their patients,’’ Dr. Fritz says. “I am very proud of their willingness to learn, their ability DPT student Becka Bisset ’13, ’16, above, to communicate, and their empathy works on upper extremity stretching with and compassion. They had very little Busha, a Jamaican client, at FOR U’s clinical experience before the trip and Stroke Camp in St. Elizabeth Parish. they all implemented the hands­on At Stroke Camp in Jamaica, DPT skills they needed to effectively treat student Joe Layman ’13, ’16, right, patients with neurological conditions helps Clifton transfer his weight to the floor for mat exercises. with confidence.’’ Busha, Clifton, Corinne, Daniel, Ivy, Leitland, Lincoln and Veronica (or Miss definitely came out of it with an open V, as they oftentimes referred to her) mind. I would encourage others to each faced their own physical do service work so you can challenges and limitations due to experience a different culture, a debilitating conditions and the lack of different way of life, and different available physical therapy services in approaches to therapy.’’ Jamaica. The intensive therapy they “It wasn’t just about providing received from the Misericordia physical therapy services,’’ Emily contingent, that also included alumnae Barnable ’13, ’16 of East Rockaway, Sarah Ashford ’11, ’14, P.T., D.P.T.; N.Y., adds. “We truly tried to connect

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DPT program’s off as we are in the United States,’’ says helping people,’’ acknowledges Rachel mission of service Joe Layman ’13, ’16 of Binghamton, Brooks ’13, ’16 of Shillington, Pa., who N.Y., explaining why he chose to share has completed spring break service trips from page 41 his time and talent with those less to Mercy Neighborhoods in North fortunate. “From my experiences in Philadelphia, Pa., and at New Dawn helped me grow. They made me doing service internationally (Jamaica in Earth Center in Cumberland, R.I. “I also realize how simple things in life matter, 2012 and Guyana in 2013), the people enjoy learning from people I wouldn’t such as family and friends, and taking are very appreciative. They may not say ordinarily encounter that are from

SERVICE care of others as opposed to focusing it to you, but you can see it on their different walks of life.’’ on your own problems. faces. To me, that is very rewarding.’’ The Stroke Camp partners with “I wanted to take that kind of Dr. Fritz and Maureen Romanow physical therapy programs at Arcadia attitude back to Jamaica and provide Pascal, P.T., D.P.T., N.C.S., associate University, Glenside, Pa.; Duke MU a new set of physical therapy skills that professor of physical therapy at University, Durham, N.C.; Emory I learned,’’ he adds. University, Atlanta, Ga., and The collaboration with FOR U PHOTO GALLERY Misericordia University to provide also enabled Cheyne Kulessa services to a large number of ’13, ’16 of Toms River, N.J., to Share more of the Doctor of Physical stroke patients. The relationship work closely with Lincoln, “a Therapy students’experiences in Jamaica by provides participating student patient who never stopped logging on to http://bit.ly/dptmujamaica clinicians with hands­on smiling’’ even though his cervical experience while also being myelopathy had led to arm and to see a photo album that chronicles their mentored by seasoned neurologic leg dysfunction because of his service work during the fall semester. therapists, according to FOR U. compressed spinal cord blocking “We as students, who are signals from the brain to other Misericordia University, developed the somewhat foreign to the Jamaican parts of his body. working relationship with FOR U during culture, start out the week feeling “He was the happiest guy I have an exploratory trip to Stroke Camp in vulnerable,’’ Kelleher adds. “Likewise, ever met,’’ says Kulessa, whose mother October 2014. Another group of the patients feel vulnerable about is a physical therapist. “The sense of volunteers from Misericordia University talking about their disabilities and daily community there – everyone helps each will return to Stroke Camp in September challenges. That allowed both of us to other; the vibe there is different. They to treat additional post­stroke patients. be more open to learning about each appreciate what they have because they “There’s a sense of reward you get other and forming a stronger bond.’’ do not have the opportunities we have. Traveling from the United States, where health care is readily available, to Jamaica, where health services are seen as a privilege and even a blessing to some, changed my perspective on what it means to be a clinician. “I also learned that disability isn’t just a medical term; it’s not being able to do something you love,’’ he adds. FOR U runs a series of Stroke Camps annually by collaborating with collegiate physical therapy programs and other agencies based in the United States. The unique program provides Jamaicans who have suffered strokes with a “larger bulk of therapy in a short amount of time,’’ according to FOR U. Patients receive pre­testing, Students, faculty and alumni of the DPT Program volunteered at Stroke Camp in September. neurologic rehabilitation and post­ Participating in the service trip, first row from left, are Sarah Ashford ’14, P.T., D.P.T.; Heather Fritz, testing during their time at the camp. P.T., D.P.T., assistant professor, and Chelsea Matukaitis ’12, ’14, P.T., M.S.P.T., D.P.T.; second row, “I’ve always felt a sense of giving back Caitlin Day ’14, P.T., D.P.T.; D.J. Kelleher ’13, ’16; Lindsey Machemer ’13, ’16,; Joe Layman ’13, ’16; and helping those who are not as well Becka Bisset ’13, ’16; Rachel Brooks ’13, ’16; Emily Barnable ’13, ’16, and Cheyne Kulessa ’13, ’16.

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FULL THROTTLE MU

Internship in nation’s No. 1 ACADEMICS television market helps launch valedictorian’s career as a news producer at WPMT­Fox 43

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

Taryn Talacka ’15 Setting her alarm clock for 2 a.m., and being dressed perfected her and on the road by 3 a.m. to drive an hour and report to reporting skills as work by 4 a.m., the summer of 2015 was anything but assignment desk and in master control. an intern at News typical for Misericordia University communications major They also let me do stand­ups in front of 12 New Jersey. Taryn Talacka ’15. While most college internships are the camera and practice putting packages scheduled 9 to 5, Talacka’s willingness to go the extra mile, together so I could build a demo reel,” she adds. literally and figuratively, in the middle of the night for an Talacka said she quickly learned the importance of internship at News 12 New Jersey – the state’s largest keeping her emotions in check and being respectful to television network – so impressed her colleagues that the people after being part of them that covered the story of a 21­year­old was offered a job as a freelance associate reportedly unstable police officer who allegedly shot his wife producer as soon as her internship finished. in front of their daughter. The only caveat was that Talacka needed “Often when I was out on assignment, people thought I to return to campus to complete her was a professional reporter and that was a huge compliment Department of communications degree. While doing so, she to me and to the faculty and amazing students we have at Communications made the 2½­hour drive from Dallas to the Misericordia. I had the chance to be involved in so many great station’s headquarters in Edison, N.J., projects at MU and the experience paid off,” Talacka says. monthly throughout the fall semester to As an associate producer for News 12, she has had the maintain a presence in the News 12 newsroom. The extra opportunity to line produce, write dozens of news stories for effort paid off. Prior to being named valedictorian and broadcast and assist with general election planning. The giving the student address at winter commencement, she experience was crucial in helping her land the full­time secured a full­time position as a news producer at WPMT position at Fox 43. Fox 43 in York, Pa. – a coveted job in the 41st ranked The daughter of Mary Ann and Steve Talacka grew up in Harrisburg­Lebanon­York television market. Dallas just minutes from campus. As a student, she made the Talacka says the combination of a Misericordia education most of her undergraduate education, serving as station and two successful internships provided the perfect manager at the student­run MCN 87 television station, and was launching pad for her career. “Because I had great teachers, the producer of Hey You, MU!, a show that MCN 87 creates. such as Dr. Melissa Sgroi and Dan Kimbrough, and the She was a member of the Misericordia chapter of the Public opportunity at Misericordia to work at the campus television Relations Student Society of America and served as president studio, I landed my first internship at WBRE­TV, the NBC when it became the student club, Service By Design, which affiliate in Wilkes­Barre, in 2014. What I learned there added allows members to hone their skills by providing marketing to what I learned in the classroom, and helped me dig right services for nonprofit organizations in the community. in at my second internship at News 12 – a 24­hour television In addition to being named valedictorian of her class network in the No. 1 news market in the country covering and earning Summa Cum Laude honors, Talacka earned New Jersey,” Talacka says. back­to­back awards in The Videographer Awards national The personable Talacka was one of about 20 summer interns competition. As a junior, she produced Season 6, Episode 3 of at the News 12 station and one of five in the newsroom. Hey You, MU!, which received a 2015 Award of Excellence in Working with Reporter Tony Caputo on the 4 a.m. to noon the student production category. The Award of Excellence is shift required a special kind of dedication, yet wielded the the highest rank in the merit­based competition. The episode opportunity to get plenty of real­world experience. can be viewed online at https://vimeo.com/123246674. “Tony was great in that he was willing to throw me into it – Talacka and Ryan Osadchy ’16 also received an honorable he’d send me out to get sound (do interviews) and write copy mention from The Videographer Awards in 2014 for the for voice overs and sound bites. I also got experience on student production, Blue Chip Farms Promo Video, a project camera, shooting and editing video, and working with the designed to help promote the no­kill animal shelter.

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Shepherd University ’s Jason Best, Ph.D., capacity and build leadership in spent the fall semester American higher education by at Misericorida identifying and preparing promising University for the senior faculty and administrators for ACE Fellowship

Program. responsible positions in college and university administration. Forty­one fellows were selected in a national competition for this academic year’s program after being nominated by presidents or chancellors of their institutions. “Selection as a host institution is a ACADEMICS sign of the outstanding reputation and commitment to excellence at Misericordia University,’’ said

MU Margarita Benitez, interim assistant vice president of ACE’s Emerging Leaders Group and the ACE Fellows Program. “An ACE Fellow chooses an institution for its rigorous academic environment, high­quality efforts to educate students, and willingness to invest in the future of higher education senior leadership.’’ He earned his baccalaureate degree in astronomy and astrophysics from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., and his doctoral degree in astronomy and astrophysics from The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa. Dr. Best has been at Shepherd University since 1997, where he has held a number of leadership roles. In this question­and­answer segment, Dr. Best addresses the future of higher education, the importance of STEM academic ACE FELLOW EXPLORES programs, what he learned during FUTURE OF HIGHER ED his ACE Fellowship and much more. Q&A BY PAUL KRZYWICKI Can you outline some of the differences and similarities of Misericordia and Shepherd? The opening phrase, “Space, the alien planets and distant galaxies is a final frontier …,” is recognized reality for astrophysicists. Misericordia and Shepherd are immediately by Trekkies and popular Jason Best, Ph.D., a 2015­16 both small, primarily undergraduate culture fanatics alike. Most American Council on Education liberal arts institutions with a conjure up images of Mr. (ACE) Fellow and professor of significant number of professional ACE programs, although the specific mix Spock, James T. Kirk or even Fellowship astrophysics at Shepherd of programs differs between the two the starship Enterprise when Program University, Shepherdstown, they hear the familiar opening W.V., selected Misericordia universities. Both institutions lines of the long­running University as his host institution transformed from college to television and movie series that began for the fall semester to complete his university within a few years of each in the late 1960s. While Star Trek and ACE fellowship. other. Shepherd is public, older its spin­offs are truly science fiction, The ACE Fellowship Program is (having been established in 1871), the study of the Milky Way Galaxy, designed to strengthen institutional and slightly larger than Misericordia.

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What attracted you to a career all been at public universities. Also, believe that it is critical to have as MU as an astrophysicist? since undergraduate research is a many enthusiastic and engaged When I was a child, my favorite focus of my fellowship, I wanted to be people working on these initiatives as in residence at an institution that was possible, and to reduce barriers that

television station was WGBH, Boston’s ACADEMICS PBS station. The shows on that station at a similar juncture to my home might prevent those people from emphasized the simultaneous concepts institution: ahead enough of Shepherd contributing. At Misericordia, I have of education and exploration. However, for me to be able to gain new insights been working alongside a dedicated my favorite TV show was the original that I could take back home, but not group of science and mathematics Star Trek. When I was four years old, so far ahead that the recollections of faculty to help them realize their vision what struck me most about Trek was the challenges were lost to the mists for broadening student engagement that some of the people on the of time. Based on the conversations I in these fields. My purpose has been Enterprise looked like me, and most had with current and past Fellows, it is to act as a catalyst for them; I can didn't, but they all got along and they critical to be on a campus at which you bring an outside perspective to their were studying outer space. Studying will be able to learn as much as current initiatives, and perhaps help outer space seemed to me like the possible, and at as high a level as them see how to leverage their most interesting thing someone could possible. President Botzman was current success into future do for a living. When I told my mother specifically recommended to me by a opportunities for students. These this, she not only encouraged me, she number of past Fellows as a person faculty are demonstrating that “All are actively found ways to expose me to who would be able to provide Welcome” must continue to be a opportunities to learn more about unrivaled mentorship in higher guiding ethos in STEM. space. The more I learned, the more I education leadership. After speaking wanted to learn, and so I have been with him and his senior staff, I knew What must higher education do able to achieve my childhood goal. that my professional development to ensure that it continues to meet would be accelerated beyond even my the needs of future generations initial expectations. I have found this of students? How does the ACE Fellows Program to be true throughout my residency. prepare Fellows for leadership roles Higher education must continue to in higher education? challenge students to go beyond You are working on a project for what they believe to be possible for The ACE Fellows Program exposes Misericordia that will expand MU’s them. Higher education also must Fellows to numerous opportunities for leadership growth including: residency at a host institution, where Fellows are Jason Best, Ph.D., selected Misericordia University to be his host institution for the mentored by one or more senior leaders prestigious ACE Fellowship Program. on campus; numerous multiday meetings in which all Fellows gather to interact with experts in areas across the spectrum of higher education; collaborative projects in which Fellows work with higher education institutions on real problems and issues, as opposed to merely hypothetical situations; additional mentorship from an ACE Sage, a current or former president who works one­on­one and with small groups to help Fellows develop deeper skills; access to the ACE Council of Fellows – past ACE Fellows who act as a distributed network housing tremendous collective insight into higher education, and smaller, targeted campus and institution visits throughout the year in which Fellows can drill down on areas capabilities to help students excel in continue to be a place where the of interest. the sciences. Can you outline some largest, most polarizing, most difficult aspects of the program? ideas are discussed, debated and What attracted you to Misericordia I believe that science, technology, evaluated. If we continue to set the University as an ACE Fellow? engineering and mathematics (STEM) highest expectations for students, I knew that I would wish to visit a initiatives are critical to the future of they will in turn set the highest private campus, as my experience has this nation and the world. I also expectations for themselves.

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MU Wom e n wit h Ch il d r e n P ro g r a m

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

n an effort to cultivate a spirit of giving among their fellow students, the Misericordia University Class of 2018 has launched a student philanthropy project to establish a new scholarship fund as their class gift to the Discussing plans for the Class of 2018 Endowed Scholarship Fund for the Ruth University. It is the first scholarship Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program are, from left, Michael Dubinski fund generated by a currently enrolled class, ‘ 18, Class of 2018 president; Katherine Pohlidal, program director, and Michael Gombita ‘18, president and COO of Students Today, Alumni Forever. andI it is the first time current students have dedicated their class gift specifically to the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at of financial aid. This is our first major opportunity to pay it Misericordia University. forward to future students with need. We chose the Bourger The project is part of a new initiative on campus, Students Women with Children Program because the women in the Today, Alumni Forever, which is dedicated to raising program are so amazing, and what they do to juggle awareness of and overseeing student philanthropy on campus. academics and working, along with raising a child (or two), The idea to establish a scholarship for the Bourger is nothing short of amazing.” Women with Children Program as a class gift came out of The Bourger Women with Children Program is one of only talks among class leaders last spring, said Class President eight programs of its kind in the country. It provides free Michael Dubinski ’18. The group believes that raising the housing to as many as 10 single mothers and their children $25,000 needed to endow a scholarship before their while they earn their bachelor’s degree. To date, 55 women December 2018 graduation is a daunting, but doable have participated in the program – one coming from as far endeavor given the culture of Misericordia and the spirit of away as Utah to enroll. Efforts are underway to expand the service and giving that draws most students to the campus. program and add a third house this fall. “Students at Misericordia are different – we are not the “We have a group of 12 volunteers who have activities typical members of the ‘Me Generation,’” Dubinski says. “Most planned to promote student philanthropy – and showcase of us realize that the campus would not exist if someone, such the ways in which philanthropy helps,” says Michael as the Sisters of Mercy, had not made a concerted effort to Gombita ’18, president and chief operating officer of help someone else. We wanted to make our class gift one that Students Today, Alumni Forever. Gombita is making use of would benefit the campus well into the future.” his expertise as a communications major to work with Class There are currently 473 traditional and non­traditional Advisor Matthew Hinton, M.F.A., to develop social media students enrolled and expected to graduate as part of the accounts to best involve all students and alumni. Class of 2018. “If each of our classmates put away $2 a The Class Gift tradition dates back more than 20 years, and month, we would easily make our goal,” Dubinski says. The has included a variety of projects and designations. If funded, committee hopes to expand their outreach and invites the inaugural scholarship will be awarded in 2019, and will alumni and the campus community to make a donation. likely benefit a student in the class of 2024 – the year the “We are hoping to build on the extraordinary culture of University celebrates its 100th anniversary. It is a coincidence student service that already exists on campus and create an that is helping energize the organizing committee. equally impressive culture of student philanthropy,” he adds. For information or to donate, please go to “Nearly 99 percent of students on campus receive some sort http://cougarconnect.misericordia.edu/classof2018 or

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MISERICORDIA WELCOMES MU

NEW BOT MEMBERS NEWS

The Board of Trustees approved Casale joined Geisinger in 2001 three new members at the annual from Atlantic Health System in meeting. The group also selected new New Jersey, and has held faculty officers and acknowledged retiring positions at Johns Hopkins Casale Catena Gallagher members with emeriti status. Medical Center, Baltimore, Md.; Joining the board are Cornelio the former University of Medicine Corporation of America International’s (Cor) Catena, chief executive officer and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, Rome American Hospital, Rome, Italy. (CEO), Commonwealth Health and N.J.; Misericordia University, King’s The University also acknowledged the Wilkes­Barre General Hospital; Alfred College, Wilkes­Barre, Pa., and retirement of several board members S. Casale, M.D., associate chief Philadelphia College of Osteopathic and the changing of officers at the medical officer, Geisinger Health Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa. He is an annual meeting. Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, System, and Carol Gallagher, RSM ’66, advisor to the health care engineering Ph.D., ’68, Rosemary Sigmond, and life and ministry facilitator, Sisters of program at Lehigh University, Murray Ufberg, Esq., retired and were Mercy, Mid­Atlantic Community. Bethlehem, Pa. He earned a bachelor’s granted emeriti status. Chris Borton was Gallagher is a member of the Sisters degree in human biology from Johns appointed as the new chairperson, of Mercy, Mid­Atlantic Community. She Hopkins University and a Doctor of succeeding John Metz, who will remain earned a bachelor’s degree from Medicine from the Johns Hopkins on the Board of Trustes. Dr. Debbie Misericordia and a master’s from the University School of Medicine. Smith­Mileski ’75 is the new vice chair. University of Maryland, College Park, Md. Catena earned a bachelor’s degree “In these past 30 years, I have Since 2007, she has served as life and from the University of Vermont, witnessed what I can only describe as ministry facilitator for her Community. Burlington, Vt., and a master’s degree magic … a remarkable transformation,” Previously, Gallagher served as chair of in hospital administration from The Ufberg said about his three decades the Misericordia Alumni Association and Ohio State University, Columbus, on the board. “… the many as a trustee of Mount Aloysius College, Ohio. He joined Wilkes­Barre General remarkable leaps forward which have Cresson, Pa. A former regional vice Hospital and Commonwealth Health in transformed College Misericordia into president for mission for the Mercy Health 2009 as CEO. He previously served as Misericordia University, an educational System, Northeast Region, Gallagher was CEO of Easton Hospital, Easton, Pa.; institution of regional and national also vice chair of the Hospital Trustee Amsterdam Memorial Health System, stature bringing pride to each of us Association of Pennsylvania board. Amsterdam, N.Y., and Hospital in our association with it.” University Advancement announces new posts and hirings

University Advancement announced communications alumna previously Phillip Swank serves UA as manager the following appointments: worked at Lauren Emilie, LLC, where she of foundation relations. With more than Nora Blessner serves in a new role served as a consultant in the fundraising, 18 years of grant writing experience, as director of advancement services. social media and marketing arena. he brings considerable knowledge of In concert with UA directors, Blessner Jeffrey Kelly ’12, ’14 is the foundation, state and federal funding directs the execution of UA’s manager of cultural and special events, programs. Swank holds a bachelor’s fundraising and friend­raising efforts. as well as theater director. The degree from King’s College and his Blessner obtained her bachelor’s and alumnus holds a bachelor’s degree in Masters in Public Administration from master’s degrees from Pennsylvania professional studies and a master’s Marywood University. State University. degree in organizational management. Katherine M. Totino serves in the Mark DiPippa joins the Development In his new dual role, he will oversee new position of government relations Office as leadership gift officer. He University and cultural events and manager. She holds a bachelor’s obtained his undergraduate degree serve as stage director. degree in political science from from Lock Haven University and his Marie Stolarick is the manager of King’s College. Masters in Educational Administration donor relations. She will support the Desiree Voitek joins UA as the from the University of Scranton. UA Division in a new role in assistant director of development. Lauren Gorney ’12 joins the division advancement services acknowledging She is a 2009 graduate of Penn State as the assistant director of alumni and stewarding donors. She holds a University where she majored engagement. The Misericordia B.A. in fine arts from Wilkes University. in English.

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301 Lake St., Dallas, PA 18612 Founded by the Sisters of Mercy

Alumni Box Office (570) 674 ­6768 | Misericordia University Box Office (570) 674 ­6719 THEARTS&MORE www.misericordia.edu/theartsandmore

March 17 ­19 Gala information, please contact Dr. Cari Tellis at You Can’t Take It With You PATA gala serves as a kick off to a new ( 570) 674-6207 or at [email protected]. Misericordia Players eater presents performing arts season, blending a mix Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy. of song, dance and drama by talented MAKE NEW FRIENDS – SEE NEW PLACES Adams

Lemmond eater in Walsh Hall, 8 regional performers. Fundraising Trust p.m. Tickets: $ 5 adults, $ 3 students and event supports scholarships and Dr. Noël Keller’s Trips

seniors. Tickets at the door. programming for the academy’s Ansel Rights summer intensive. Lemmond eater with a Difference The March 19 in Walsh Hall, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $ 10 for March 28 ­April 9

15th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & adults, $ 5 for students. For information, 2002 Literary England and Downton Abbey Publishing Brunch with the Easter Bunny please contact Dr. Cari Tellis at ( 570) © Enjoy Austen, Bronte, Carroll, Chaucer, Christie, Ansel Adams took this picture, Mount Sponsored by the Alumni Association, 674-6207 or at [email protected]. Dickens, Lewis, Potter, Shakespeare, J.K. Williams, The Sierra Nevada, from brunch seatings at 10 and 11:15 a.m. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien and Wordsworth, plus a Manzanar, California, in 1945. Egg hunt at 11a.m., outside Banks April 4 visit to Downton Abbey. $ 2,895 per person. Student Life Center. Tickets: $ 12 adults, Ron Smith, American poet $6 children 5-12, under 5 free. Photo Poetry reading presented by Room, Bevevino Library. For more May 28 ­June 9 packages available for purchase. Call Department of English, 5 p.m., information, please contact: Dr. Mark Alaska Land and Sea Journey Alumni Box Offi ce or register online at Friedman Art Gallery. Painter, Department of Philosophy, at Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier cougarconnect.misericordia.edu/bunny16. Contact: Dr. Matthew Nickel, [email protected]. RSVP to Bay, Denali and Anchorage. $ 4,075 per person [email protected] for Rita Molino, [email protected] ( Verandah Level, Holland America Line). March 28 more information. or ( 570) 674-8184. Alumni & Friends Night with Sept. 16 ­28 W­B/Scranton Penguins April 9 May 14 – Sept. 30 Grand Tour of Italy Penguins face off against the Bodies of Art: Music, Photography: Masterworks Featuring Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Providence Bruins at 7:05 p.m. A Literature and Disability Ansel Adams exhibit, Friedman Art Orvieto, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano, pre-game indoor tailgate party at Sponsored by the Soyka Fund for the Gallery, with lecture by Brian Carso, Monte Cassino, Perugia, Assisi, San Marino, Lucky’s Sporthouse at 5 p.m. Tickets Humanities, please contact: Ryan Ph.D., associate professor of history Bologna and Venice. $ 2,895 per person. include game and party: $ 25 per Weber, Ph.D., Department of Fine and government. Opening reception person. Reservations are required. Arts, at ( 570) 674-6182 or May 14, 5-8 p.m. Nov. 30 – Dec. 9 Please RSVP to Lailani Augustine at [email protected] The Best of Christmas Markets [email protected], or ( 570) for more information. July 22 – Aug. 14 Experience the magic in Strasbourg, Munich, 674-6764. For information: Performing Arts Training Academy Insnsbruck and others. Call for pricing. cougarconnect.misericordia.edu. April 22 Explore the magic and excitement of Food for Thought Forum total theater immersion with 90 hours Dr. Marie Noël Keller, RSM, Th.D., is a veteran of April 2 Living Philosophy Project-sponsored of vocal, dance, drama and music more than 100 overseas trips. Center for Adult Performing Arts Training forum to honor Earth Day. Reception, training for boys and girls ages 7-17 in and Continuing Education (570) 674­6776, (570) Academy: Spring Performing Arts 4:30-5 p.m., forum 5-7 p.m., McGowan Lemmond eater in Walsh Hall. For 674­6924 or [email protected].