DeSales University 50 Years of Memories

This DeSales University 50th Anniversary Memories Edition of the Magazine Includes: The Faculty and Staff Who’ve Inspired You Photos Through the Years Your Memories of Your Time on Campus letter from the president

I attended the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s performance of Les Misérables—it was the finest produc- tion in the history of DeSales University and it vividly Fall 2015 announced that the University has “come of age” just Editor in time to celebrate 50 years of excellent contributions Laura R. Zielinski to the people of the Lehigh Valley (and beyond). As our Photographers 50th Anniversary Year continues, here are the upcoming Amy Hertzog ’10 Phil Stein events for the spring semester: Printing January 24 - 28, 2016: Alcom Printing Group, Inc. A special Heritage Week celebration honoring our 50th On the Cover: anniversary hosted by the Salesian Center for Faith and The sun breaks through Culture. The week will include Mass with the Bishop of the clouds in the late Allentown, a forum featuring CEO’s from local hospital afternoon sky over the DeSales University networks, a seminar on law and society, a town hall on social communications, Center. 50 years in and a lecture by the editor of Civilta Cattolica & papal interviewer. Visit www. and the Center Valley desales.edu/salesian for the complete schedule. campus just gets more and more beautiful. Spring 2016: We will dedicate a new statue, Jesus the Teacher, and we will honor the bishops, clergy, and people of Allentown as having called us into being from the “Heart President of the Church” (Ex Corde Ecclesiae). The date will be announced in early 2016. Fr. Bernard F. O’Connor, OSFS Vice President for Institutional March: The annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Advancement Thomas L. Campbell April: The Marcon Lecture will be held on Wednesday, April 6, with Michelle Malkin, journalist and Fox News contributor. Executive Director of Communications Tom McNamara ’92 May: On May 21, Commencement will begin with a parade of the flags for each graduating class carried by alumni from each class. The Most Reverend Joseph Kurtz, D.D., Archbishop of Louisville, Ky., and president of the American Bishop’s Conference will offer the address. Bishop Kurtz is a native of the Lehigh Valley and an early member of the Board of Trustees of Allentown College.

June: The Annual Convocation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales will be held from June 20-23, 2016. We will officially conclude our year of celebration with the dedication of the statues in front of the Connelly chapel to the world-wide congregation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and in particular to the mem- bers of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province for responding to the gracious invitation of Bishop Joseph McShea to create our University. Fr. Aldino Kiesel, OSFS, and his general council will be present.

The DeSales University Magazine is published twice a year by the Institutional Advancement Office for the alumni and friends of the University. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please address all correspondence to Laura Bernard F. O’Connor Zielinski, editor, DeSales University Magazine, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034. President Phone: 610.282.1100, ext. 1359; fax 610.282.2059; or e-mail [email protected]. 2 Contents 4 The Faculty and Staff Who’ve Inspired You We asked our alumni to tell us about the faculty and staff who have touched their lives. Enjoy these beautiful tributes to the men and women who’ve given so much to DeSales. 12 A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words View the photos and captions submitted by alumni documenting their college years. 16 Your Memories Get nostalgic with memories submitted by alumni about their time in Center Valley. 23 Your Dreams for the Next 50 Years 24 Message From the Alumni Office 24 Class Notes 29 DeSales Creates New Monthly Giving Program 33 Help Us Find our Lost Alumni: over the years, we’ve lost touch with some of our alumni. If you have contact information for any of these alums or are still in touch with them, help us reconnect!

Dooling Hall under construction.

3 faculty & staff who’ve inspired you De Sales Faculty and Staff Who’ve Inspired You The following tributes were submitted by our alumni in honor of DeSales faculty and staff, past and present, who inspired their students. Would you like to add your voice to the discussion? E-mail [email protected] and your submission will be added to our anniversary web page—wwww.desales.edu/50.

Dr. Gregg Amore, student life staff and I signed up for Organic Chemistry in a crazy, accelerated six- psychology faculty week format at another university. (When I eventually earned Submitted by Colleen Gavin ’13 an A in this—by far, the hardest class I had yet taken—I right Dr. Gregg Amore is passionate about away wrote a note to Dr. Berg thanking him for being such a his job. He cares about the students great professor and for giving me such a solid foundation in and strives to build character in chemistry that he helped me ace a class 20 years later). Halfway each person in his classes. I am lucky through OChem, though, my fellow students were starting to enough that I had the opportunity to complain: take several of his classes. He became a Ted: This isn’t fair, they’re expecting us to remember stuff mentor and life role model for me. He from Intro to Chem. That was way back, like last is not only successful, but he embodies the values taught at semester! DeSales University. Will: That’s nothing. It’s worse for me, I took Chem 101 the semester before last. There’s no way I should be Dr. Rodger Berg, chemistry faculty expected to remember what we learned back then. Submitted by Teresa (Messineo) Manidis ’95 This is just nuts. We’re never going to pass. Dr. Roger Berg is a wonderful professor Me: How old are you? who positively impacted my life. Will: [Proudly, puffing out his chest, this lady thinks I’m just It had been 20 years since I earned a teenager, I’ll show her] I’m twenty. my bachelor’s degree from DeSales (in English, biology, and theology) Me: I took Intro to Chem the year before . . . you were born. and now I was taking pre-requisite classes, again at DeSales, toward a Leon Bolich, economics faculty second career in medicine. The courses I took back in the ’90s were serving me well—even after my long hiatus, I found Submitted by The Hon. Stanley C. Wisniewski, Ph.D., J.D. ’69 myself getting As in classes like Microbiology and Anatomy & While there were a number of faculty and staff who made Physiology. a positive impression on my life—initially as teachers or 1965 -2015

4 De Sales Faculty and Staff Who’ve Inspired You counselors and later as colleagues— there is one in particular I would like to acknowledge: Leon Bolich.

Bolich was my first economics I signed up for Organic Chemistry in a crazy, accelerated six- professor. He was also the first week format at another university. (When I eventually earned chairman of the economics department an A in this—by far, the hardest class I had yet taken—I right while simultaneously serving as the away wrote a note to Dr. Berg thanking him for being such a treasurer for the college, all at an age not so far removed from great professor and for giving me such a solid foundation in my own. He earned his Ph.D. in economics at the Catholic chemistry that he helped me ace a class 20 years later). Halfway University of America (CUA). With his encouragement and through OChem, though, my fellow students were starting to support throughout my student years at the college, I followed complain: in his footsteps, earning my Ph.D. in economics at CUA, and he welcomed me back to the college as a faculty member. Ted: This isn’t fair, they’re expecting us to remember stuff Dr. Rodger Berg, chemistry faculty from Intro to Chem. That was way back, like last Later, when I became chair of the economics department, Bolich & Dr. Joseph Colosi, biology faculty provided encouragement and support for the various new semester! Submitted by Gregory Roth ’88, MD, CPE, FACEP initiatives I proposed that ultimately led to the establishment Will: That’s nothing. It’s worse for me, I took Chem 101 I entered Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales in the of the new accounting and business programs at the college (as the semester before last. There’s no way I should be Spring of 1985 as an accounting/business major. Shortly described in Fr. Pocetto’s faithful history of the early days at the expected to remember what we learned back then. after that, my career choice changed to medicine. For college, Drawing Out The Goodness (2005) at pp. 110-111). This is just nuts. We’re never going to pass. various reasons, I decided to keep my business track but What Leon Bolich did for me was not accompanied by stern focus all of my electives on the sciences. Me: How old are you? lectures or great fanfare; rather it was marked by quiet generosity Dr. Rodger Berg and Dr. Joseph Colosi immediately Will: [Proudly, puffing out his chest, this lady thinks I’m just and a simple willingness to help someone. I can only hope that became extremely influential in and supportive of my a teenager, I’ll show her] I’m twenty. everyone has the opportunity in their lives to be on the giving or decision to essentially create a dual-major. Both of them receiving end of such genuine caring—it makes a real difference. Me: I took Intro to Chem the year before . . . you were born. challenged me tremendously (even more than many of my medical school professors) and provided personalized Ruth Butler, music and English faculty guidance as issues arose. It seems the more they expected Leon Bolich, economics faculty of me, the more intent I was in proving that I could Submitted by Michael Episcopo ’71 Submitted by The Hon. Stanley C. Wisniewski, Ph.D., J.D. ’69 succeed and meet their expectations. Affectionately known as Mrs. B, Ruth Butler’s Music While there were a number of faculty and staff who made Appreciation class not only made you appreciate music other Not only were they excellent educators, but I truly feel a positive impression on my life—initially as teachers or than Rock-n-Roll, it made you appreciate the teacher herself. that they treated me as a future colleague. They could have just as easily presented their lectures, tested me, and never shown an interest in my future. That certainly was not the case. I don’t think I’d be where I am today if it wasn’t for the encouragement and support of these two wonderful people.

I think about them often (especially since Dr. Colosi is a Facebook friend and I have a framed letter from Dr. Berg hanging in my office) and hope that all DeSales students realize what a huge honor it is to learn under Drs. Berg and Colosi. 5 faculty & staff who’ve inspired you

She loved classical music and she had asked that question all my life: to be a veterinarian. Well, in a way of instilling the finer points two weeks, he drove me and another girl with similar interests of music into her students. You may to the dean of admissions of the University of Pennsylvania not have liked everything, but I’ll bet of Veterinary Medicine! It was then I realized this was indeed every student came away enjoying possible. I just had to take one course and a GRE test. one piece of music they thought they Later, Dr. Colosi said to sign up for a student research position. never could. I had no idea what it entailed but I trusted him. The letters But outside of class Mrs. B was the person a student could turn of recommendation from the science department helped me to with questions or problems and never be turned away. She get chosen for a national student summer research project enjoyed interacting in student affairs and shared herself, her in South Carolina. I’m positive this research experience was time, and even her home to help create an enjoyable college instrumental in my acceptance to the U of P the first time I experience. For four years it was a pleasure to interact with her applied to be the vet I wanted to be all my life. and it continued for many years after graduation for myself I always will speak highly of this University and repeat the roll and many of my fellow graduates. that wonderful Dr. Colosi had in my life to many. God bless Mrs. B! Submitted by Teresa (Messineo) Manidis ’95 Submitted by Marc Bobish ’74 Dr. Joseph Colosi was the finest instructor I have ever had, Ruth Butler trained me in the love of classical music, and I anywhere, at any time. play it in my classroom today. She and her husband were great I never knew my professors had office hours. Sure they posted supporters of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in which I something on their doors and there were a few numbers listed was affiliated. on their syllabi, but that didn’t pertain to me. At least, I never thought it did. Dr. Joseph Colosi, biology faculty Looking back, their patience amazes me. Anytime, without Submitted by Kelly (Mullen) Crouthamel ’88 warning, I’d barge into their offices, they’d turn away from I came to Allentown College on a part- their research papers, their professional projects, the essays time schedule, unsure of my future. they were readying for peer review, and sit and chat until I was Dear Dr. Warren, after a year of physics done. I’d talk to my science professors about poetry and my fun, pointed me towards the biology history professors about science; my English professors about department, my original major. social justice and my theology professors about Carnegie Hall.

Dr. Joe Colosi asked me what I wanted to The professor I tapped the most was Dr. Joseph Colosi— do. I answered the same way whenever ostensibly our biology instructor but, more, our sounding board 1965 -2015

6 for life. He would read us poems by e.e.cummings and psalms Fr. Thomas Dailey, OSFS ’81, theology faculty from the Bible; he would answer all our questions during lecture Submitted by Michelle Khawam ’12 (no matter how off-topic); and, above all else, whatever was I met Fr. Dailey six years ago going on in our lives, wherever we were, he would listen to us. during my sophomore year in his Fast-forward 20 years. I was taking pre-requisites for a second class As Jesus Speaks. At the time, career in medicine and had signed up for a class at my alma I would have never imagined I mater without even checking who was teaching it. And there would take three more courses was Dr. Colosi. And he was just the same. His hair was white with him. His courses were but he was the same— no, even better than I remembered him: not easy! Although they were a refined teacher, engaging in class, by now an expert in his challenging, they left me yearning field. As always, I marveled at this professor whose wonder, to learn more about theology. whose awe of creation was so contagious it infected us; who Fr. Dailey became more than just a professor, he became a brought everything to life for us all over again. mentor and a role model. For his continued guidance in my I was pulling an A in his course. I was at the top of my class. academic and professional endeavors and for teaching me to But after all the other students had shuffled out of lab I was constantly seek and love God, I am forever grateful and blessed. there, in the back, still hanging around. Just as in years past, Dr. Here are some words of wisdom from Fr. Dailey that I will Colosi asked casually over his shoulder, erasing the board: always carry with me: “Maybe real happiness is not in doing “Do you have a question, Teresa?” what you picture but in listening to and following what God is calling you to be an do.” “Well, actually, I do.” In the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Dailey truly lives Jesus. It was a Saturday afternoon in July, and he’d been teaching since 8:00 a.m. His wife was waiting for him, his friends; he Submitted by Susan Roehm ’95 had papers to grade, research projects to finish; odd jobs to I admire and respect Fr. Dailey on the deepest level. From do around the house. If he hurried he’d still have time for the day I first met him to the day I last sat in senior seminar, gardening, for hiking, for a life of his own. The Life of Leisure, Fr. Dailey was someone for whom I had “You see, Dr. Colosi, I’m at a cross-roads in my life, really. There developed the deepest regard. are just so many things I don’t understand and so many things At the time in my life when we first met, I was anti-organized I still want to do and all I’m searching for is truth and beauty religion (I am still not fond of organized religion). I was spiritual, and the meaning behind absolutely everything and . . .” but had no need to be involved in religion. Fr. Dailey assured me Three hours later he locked up the lab. that organized religion would never be forced upon me. Rather, I would become more fully human, or so it was his hope. His

7 faculty & staff who’ve inspired you

hope manifested itself within me, and indeed, I became a better human. He prepared me for what was to come: my career.

Lessons learned from Fr. Dailey include, but are not limited to:

• Do not expect the answer, seek it for yourself.

• Think critically. Search, research, and then search again.

• Do not be late. I was NEVER late to class, because on the first or second day of my Theology 100 class, a young Fr. Mike DOnovan, chaplain man strolled in late. Fr. Dailey said, “You’re late.” Before Submitted by Patrick Murphy ’92 the young man could answer, Fr. Dailey simply said, After a few semesters at college, I joined the Army. I “Don’t be.” His tone spoke volumes. I am not late. was working full-time and going to night school when I • Bad things happen to good people. I choose how I will decided, in 1990, it was time to go back and get my degree respond. from Allentown College. I called Fr. Mike Donovan and he • Be kind. provided guidance as I re-enrolled and completed my BS in marketing. Fr. Mike was a mentor and a friend! • Stop. Understand and appreciate the grandeur surrounding you in nature. This photo of myself and Fr. Mike was from graduation day in 1992. In October 1991, Fr. Mike married my wife I recently retired from 18 years of public service as an at-risk and I at St. Mary’s Church in Delphi, Pa.. I could not have educator in secondary public and private schools. I taught accomplished all that I did without the support of Fr. Mike. the “‘cast away” teens that society deemed unreachable and He was an important part of my days at Allentown College. unteachable. Fr. Dailey had a hand in preparing me for that calling, and I am grateful to him. process, and you promote that process; and there is a dying process and it is acceptable to also promote a dying process.” Fr. James Finnegan, OSFS, theology faculty Fr. Finnegan had it right.

Submitted by John Hist ’69 I now work as director of community relations for D’Anjolell Fr. James Finnegan was way before his Memorial Homes. I establish relationships with senior time. I remember his start to Theology communities, hospice groups, non-medical and medical home 101. “I’m going to teach you what’s in care, churches, and other areas where we touch the boomers the book for 20 minutes and the real and seniors. The focus is on advance planning education, world for another 20.” including the financial, emotional, and family peace of mind aspects thereof. The “death care” industry is complex yet quite Imagine a Catholic priest 50 years ago simple. It is the common denominator for us all. acknowledging that “there is a living 1965 -2015

8 Dr. Lois Gadek, English Dr. Stephen Loughlin, philosophy faculty faculty Submitted by Teresa Winter ’14 Submitted by Marc Bobish ’74 I’d like to give a shout out to Dr. Stephen Dr. Lois Gadek was new to Allentown Loughlin and his wife Carol. They really College, and we were freshman. She took students under their wings with a influenced me greatly in the joys of hospitality and care that really inspired reading and writing papers. me. They had us over for Sunday brunch discussion groups at their home and also Fr. Daniel Gambet, OSFS, President Emeritus for tree decorating and Christmas carols. They came to DSU one evening and spoke to students about the Submitted by William McGurrin ’71 vocation of married life. They are an amazing married couple, As a junior year transfer student in and Dr. Loughlin is one of the best professors I ever met, even 1969, I was still a newbie by graduation though I was never able to take one of his classes! in 1971. I will always be grateful for Fr. Daniel Gambet’s advice to me to pursue graduate studies as I was about Fr. Dennis Murphy, to begin what would become a 40-year chemistry faculty career in education. Submitted by Stephen Opresko ’69 Fr. Dennis Murphy was “Steady Eddy.” Thank you, Fr. Gambet, for the guidance, advice, and time He didn’t always understand (or did you spent just before my graduation to guide me through the he?) but he always helped set the path. grad school application process. DeSales was the third college God, I miss him. I attended as an undergrad and you were the only person who ever took the time to call me into your office and let me know what opportunities would open up to me if I followed a Fr. Thomas O’Connell, Spanish faculty graduate program of study. Submitted by Nick Nardo’71 Back in the fall of 1969, the campus In my retirement years, I supervise young teachers pursuing peace movements were gearing up their graduate studies and certification requirements. I try to for The Great Moratorium that would give to them the interest and support that Fr. Gambet gave to hit the nation. Among other events, me in that very brief but important meeting in his dean of there would be the protests against studies office. the war raging in Vietnam. This was all well and good, but my most vivid recollection of that November of 1969 was Spanish class.

9 faculty & staff who’ve inspired you

Spanish class? Fr. Thomas O’Connell, a most widely traveled Fr. Alexander Pocetto, OSFS , French and cleric, gave us pause to reflect upon this new catch-phrase theology faculty called “moratorium” and asked us, his students, if this is really Submitted by Stephen Opresko ’69 what the purpose should be. You see, the meaning of the word When you are a young male just starting moratorium is “a temporary cessation,” not the ending of the to see what life is all about, you stumble conflict that the news media was suggesting. and fall a lot. And sometimes you can’t A life lesson learned, and since then I have been very leery of pick yourself up. Fr Alexander Pocetto new fads as they have come and gone. ¡Gracias Padre O’Connell! would give you the strength to get up without being judgmental. This world Fr. Bernard O’Connor, OSFS, president could use more of his type.

Submitted by Frank McBride ’92 , One of the best teachers I had at Allen- Maggie (Karpovich) Riggins ’99 student life staff town College was Fr. Bernie O’Connor. His philosophy classes taught you Submitted by Michelle Khawam ’12 how to think, formulate an argument, First and foremost, I wouldn’t and then present that argument to be where I am in my career as a the class. He also had this ability to campus minister if it wasn’t for confront you with a completely op- Maggie. I e-mailed Maggie about posite position that pushed you to defend yourself—in class opportunities to be involved in and in the final oral exam. These skills really helped me after campus ministry before I even graduation. started at DeSales. Since then, she has become a mentor, a role model, Dr. George Oeste, history faculty and above all, a friend. Maggie always had faith in me; she helped me recognize my passion and love for campus Submitted by Marc Bobish ’74 ministry and for God. There is no doubt that Maggie made a Dr. Oeste was the greatest. He was not special impact on my life and my career. only our professor but our friend. He invited our group to his home for Maggie, thank you for allowing me to practically live in your supper many a times and his wife was office those four years at DeSales, because if it wasn’t for you, right there with us. He was a great my years at DeSales would not have been the same! teacher, but more importantly, a great Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio ’07 mentor! He is missed. I have so many fond memories of my time at DeSales. I credit DSU with who I am today, mostly because of my experiences 1965 -2015

10 inside and outside the classroom that have prepared me for my In Philadelphia, I met many wonderful artists, learned career. The best memories though were meeting my best friends how to function in a major metropolitan area, and met the and my mentors who still work at DeSales changing student lives. love of my life. While I’ve since moved to New York (less haphazardly this time), I will always treasure my time in Maggie Riggins is the director of campus ministry and I was Philadelphia, and it wouldn’t have happened without Fr. her work study student. Maggie was always there to give me Schubert. advice, direction, or even listen to me cry and complain about college problems. She was my life line at school, and she continues to be my mentor today. Harry Warren, chemistry faculty Submitted by Stephen Opresko ’69 Fr. Gerard Schubert, OSFS, theatre faculty Harry Warren is a gentleman and a scholar who makes you feel like you Submitted by Julie Grega ’07 are someone. We used to joke about While many theatre alumni will point him (typical for students), but he to Fr. Gerry Schubert as someone who always had our interests and welfare impacted their lives while at DeSales, I at heart. We named his office “Happy would like to say that it was only after Harry’s Hacienda For Helpless Honeys” I graduated that Fr. Schubert had his and said “How’s Your Beehive?” What we didn’t realize was most profound affect on me. that we were the helpless honeys and he was helping us I was not fortunate to have him as a prepare to make our own beehive. Youth can be so ignorant. professor, as he had retired from teaching by the time I was a freshman. After graduation, I spent nearly a year working Linda Zerbe, student life staff at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. When I knew my Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio ’07 time in Center Valley was drawing to a close, I set my sights Linda Zerbe actually set me in the (haphazardly, I’ll admit) on New York City. But my plans to direction of working in higher move fell through and I felt rudderless. education. One day I was meeting One Sunday morning, I attended the special Mass offered in with her and she recommended I look the summer for the PSF folks, and Fr. Schubert happened to into higher education as a career. Sure be celebrating that day. He invited the few attendees back enough, I took her advice and have to the Wills Hall dining room for breakfast, and it was there been fundraising for higher education that I spoke to Father about my current lack of direction. He institutions for the past seven years. suggested I move to Philadelphia, praising the city and its great theatre community. I took his advice, and I will forever be grateful to him for his suggestion.

11 A Picture’s worth a thousand words (but we’ll include some of those, too)

On the following pages, you’ll see photos and captions that our alumni submitted of their time in Center Valley. If you’d like to share any of your photos, we’ll publish them on our 50th anniversary website (www.desales.edu/50). Send photos and captions to [email protected].

12 When Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, the campus lost power for days. Teresa Winter ’14 rode out the power outage with a group of friends at the home of Corey Purcell ’12. In the photo on the left, Chuck Kustan ’13 In Welsh getting ready for and Teresa play Guess Who by candlelight. In the photo on the right, Rachel Castellan ’14, Homecoming 2010. Pictured from Teresa, Nicole Fantauzzo ’14, Sarah Bridge ’16 and Chuck anticipated the storm with games and left to right: Molly Yildiran ’14, Taylor flashlights. Submitted by Teresa Winter. Greene ’12, Colleen Gavin ’13, and Melissa Degenhart ’13. Submitted by Colleen Gavin.

Teresa Winter ’14 and her friends took on “The Volcano”—billed as Teresa Winter ’14, Theresa Seibert ’14, Rachel Castellan ’14, Grace the largest sundae in Pennsylvania— at the Inside Scoop on Rt. O’Connell ’14, Nicole Fantauzzo ’14, and Melissa Buttner ’14 at 309 in Coopersburg. Pictured are Joanna Miller ’14, Kathy Stimpfle the March for Life in January 2011. Submitted by Teresa Winter. ’13, Theresa Seibert ’15, Joseph Marlin ’13, Chuck Kustan ’13, Max Potts ’12, Kelly Morgan ’15, Liz Fry ’12, Arturo Mondello ’15, John Gerritzen ’13, Teresa, Allyson Cashdollar, and Melissa Buttner ’14. Submitted by Teresa Winter. DeSales got waterlogged after a hurricane (Irene?) hit the East Coast in fall 2011. Submitted by Teresa Winter ’14.

Ireland 2007: Mike Eastlack ’07, Tim Gallagher ’10, Christa Cordero ’09, Maggie (Marshall) Rousis ’10, Amanda Fabrizio ’07, Amanda (Miner) Conklin ’09, Molly (Motley) Jazefowski ’08, Amanda Reese ’08, Jill Amy (Ward) Rhine ’07, Amanda Fabrizio Yapsuga ’07, Fr. Joe DiMauro, Mike and ’07, Matt McMahon ’08, Alissa DeVito Linda Zerbe and their sons, Patrick and ’07, Christina Cucchiara ’08, and Rachel Christopher, Ryan Gallagher ’04 and Tracy Wamba Yadrnak ’07 during a night of Friends relaxing during the Valentines Day Gallagher ’05, Kristen (Prange) Hall ’07, and sledding. Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio. snow day in 2007. Amanda Fabrizio ’07, Marci Tom. Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio. Christina Cucchiara ’08, Amy (Ward) Rhine ’07, Alissa DeVito ’07, and Kara Merancy ’ 09. Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio. 13 your photos

Students celebrate the last day of class in May 2014 after daily mass at Wills Hall Chapel, putting into practice the Oblate motto “Tenui Nec Dimittam” - I have taken hold and will not Five dorm mates Mike Gerchufsky ’91, Nate let go”. In the photo: Katie McCarthy ’15, Marlo Collina ’14, Hunsinger ’92, Todd Mazurick ’92, Darren Carla Burns ’14, Emily Ickes ’14, Caetlyn Mackey ’14, Bethany Rogers ’91, and Brian Uglione ’92 saw a photo Wall ’14, Alexandra Romanyshyn ’15, Melissa Buttner ’14, and op with St. Francis and took it! Submitted by Joseph McDaniel ’14. Submitted by Joseph McDaniel. Nate Hunsinger.

2012 Nursing Pinning Ceremony. Submitted by Melissa Juchno ’12

Jenna Stampf ’08, Kelly Magrann ’10, LeighAnn (Burke) McGovern ’09, Kirby (Lutz) Hendershot ’07, and Kaila Wiand ’10 in Ireland with the DeSales women’s’ basketball team 2008. Submitted Photo submitted by Elizabeth (Altomare) Boyd ’13 Amy (Stocker) Guth ’07, Lisa (Yingling) by LeighAnn McGovern. Tkachenko ’07, Rachel (Miller) Morcrette ’07, Susan (Pavusik) McGovern ’07, John Patch ’07, Ryan Connolly ’07, and Matthew Ottinger ’07 as freshman in Spring 2004. Submitted by Lisa Tkachenko. Senior Night at Dave-n-Busters in Philadelphia. Amanda Fabrizio ’07, Alissa DeVito ’07, and Melanie McGregor ’07. Photo submitted by Amanda Fabrizio.

Members of the DSU Women’s Basketball team with Coach Fred Richter. Submitted by LeighAnn SGA Trip to Washington, D.C.: Spencer (Burke) McGovern ’09. Marte ’10, Maureen Leeson ’08, Diana Boutros ’08, Brian Radziwill ’07, Erin (Begley) Ellis ’06, Pat Kilcur ’06, Ernie The 2007-08 women’s basketball team Justice ’07, Achille Scache ’07, Jaime in Brownwood, Tex., for the NCAA Sweet Gerhart, Kevin Gardner ’07, Sarah (Ball) 16. Submitted by LeighAnn (Burke) Lumi ’09, Mary DiFebo ’06, and Amanda McGovern ’09. Fabrizio ’07. Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio. 14 Helene Kosciolek ’09 and her best friend Victoria Kroll ’09 in front of the DUC. Submitted by Helene Kosciolek.

First day of college: Johnny Manidis ’17 gets a kiss goodbye from his mom, Teresa (Messineo) Manidis ’95 outside Conmy Hall—her old and his new dorm. Submitted by Teresa Manidis. Emily Hoffman ’10, LeighAnn (Burke) McGovern ’09, Jenna Stampf ’08, Kelly Magrann ’10, Kirby (Lutz) Hendershot ’07, and Elyse (Kutsop) Kay ’10 while in a DSU basketball tournament in Ireland in 2008. Submitted by LeighAnn McGovern.

Four photos submitted by Cathy Powell ’96

The women’s basketball team winning The 2007 the 2008-09 MAC Championship. championship Submitted by LeighAnn (Burke) cross country team. McGovern ’09. Submitted by Andrew Ferretti ’ 10 M’11.

The 2011 Championship track and field team. Submitted by Andrew Ferretti ’ 10 M’11.

15 your memories

Each of the following stories were written by alumni. If you have a memory you’d like to share, e-mail it to [email protected] and we’ll add your memory to our website: www.desales.edu/50. Why Not Start a Campus Carnival?

By Peter Grande ’73

Well not 50, more like 44 years ago, in February 1971, four AC sophomores and juniors were eating cheesesteaks at the Hellertown Hotel one Thursday night around 11:00 p.m. The discussion turned from our favorite topic—the addition of females to the AC campus—to “doing something.”

Doing something. Life at AC had gotten a little monotonous for all of us. (I know you find that hard to believe.) As we washed down the last bites with another bottle of Schmidt’s, Bob Zeccardi ’74 said, “We should do a carnival for MS.” My godmother had recently been diagnosed with MS, so I thought that was a great idea. Drawing on napkins and making lists on the check, we began to craft the strategy that resulted in the Al- lentown College Carnival for MS.

The next day, I contacted the MS Society of the Lehigh Valley, and soon after two representatives came out to visit us on cam- pus. After listening to our presentation that was more enthusi- The view of the stage for first Carnival at AC from atop the Ferris asm than business plan, for whatever reason they gave us $4,000 Wheel, where Wayne Rizzo ’73 and Mike Moclouch ’73 blew the doors off on opening night. in seed money to hold the event in the first week of May.

ond year to include a broader base of stakeholders. There was We sprang into action, soliciting the help of the various “warring” a beauty pagent directed by Sylvia (Stubits) McBrinn ’74 with factions on campus—CRABS, Owls, O’s, WGASA and whatever the 12 to 16 high school contestants. There was a basketball all-star ungroup was that Tom Durkin ’73 and Augie Lawler ’73 formed— game that featured the Philly Big 5 All-Stars against the Lehigh everyone pitched-in and did their part. People who didn’t have a Valley All-Stars. My roommate, Fred Fenselau ’73, said it was the kind word in three years for the other person found themselves best college basketball game he’d ever seen. I think the Big Five on work teams producing for a common cause. squeaked out a victory, but AC’s Dennis Ramella ’73 was named We were driven. Actually we were driven by the fear of the Morn- MVP. WSAN broadcast live from the Carnival and brought Todd ing Call headline: “College Students Lose $4,000 for MS.” I think Rundgren to perform the first profit-making concert at AC. Fr. Gambet and Fr. Pocetto were clutched by a similar concern We didn’t lose money (Whew!). Over the years, the Carnival when two weeks in, someone figured we better clear this with made more than $30,000 for the fight against MS. What we them. Fr. Gambet’s parting comment to me was, “You know, didn’t realize at the time was that it helped mold us into the this needs to be a success.” (This fear is probably why Fr. Pocetto doers, team players, and leaders our parents hoped we would missed the Carnival in his book about the history of AC.) become when they sent us to Allentown College…skills that From those humble beginnings the carnival had a three or four served all of us well over the last 44 years. year run at AC (I graduated after year two)—expanding in its sec-

16 An Unfortunate Occurrence in the Organic Chemistry Lab

By Stephen Opresko ’69

It was a Wednesday afternoon, and those of us who were chem- istry majors in the class of 1969 were taking Organic Chemistry. This was lab time, and Fr. Dennis Murphy “shuffled” into the lab (second floor of what used to be called Wills Hall) where we all were beginning a laboratory experiment. The teaching text cho- sen by Fr. Murphy was Organic Chemistry by Morrison & Boyd, and the laboratory text was Organic Experiments by Fieser.

We were preparing to run the experiment from Chapter 8, Extraction using a Soxhlet extraction apparatus. It consists of a heated flask (using an electric heating mantel) topped by a reflux condenser that is open to the atmosphere (see p. 54 in Feiser if you’re interested).

One chemistry major’s (who won’t be named) lab station was next to mine. Apparently, his experiment was not working fast enough for him, so he removed the heating mantel, corked the different lab bench. I ran for the CO2 fire extinguisher and put reflux condenser, and used a Bunsen burner in place of the the fire out, but not before the ceiling tiles were blackened with heating mantel. That created a closed system building pressure. soot (which remained for numerous years).

Well the Soxhlet apparatus exploded and spread the fire along The moral of this story: the experimenter was wearing safety the entire lab bench. Smoke and soot erupted. Fr Murphy was glasses, which protected his eyes and they were not damaged. stunned and couldn’t shuffle anymore, being in awe of the So pay attention to government regs. And yes, the experimenter spectacle. The rogue experimenter was on the floor against a now works for the government making regs!

Fraternities of the Class of ’69

By Stephen Opresko ’69 Well, to build camaraderie, several “fraternities” were started. Alpha Beta Chi (biology), Circle K (service), Pi Alpha Delta In the early days, our class numbers were few. And as the first (politics), Sigma Chi Phi (chemistry & physics) and of course 4 years progressed, our numbers became fewer. Speaking from the infamous “CRABS” (Christian Revival Of Alcohol Bever- experience, there were about 200 students at the start, and ageS—open to everyone). about 40 were chemistry majors. In 1969, at the end of four years, there were 112 in our class and only 6 graduating chem- And we had hazing (shudder). In fact during the pre/post- istry majors. Christmas period, the members of Alpha Beta Chi tied the president of Sigma Chi Phi to a lamppost with strings of Christ- Being on an all-male campus out in the corn fields, it was mas lights (all in good fun, we hope). different. Who remembers the trips into Allentown to Hess’s department store on Thursday nights to stand at the bottom of All in all it was a good crew. The class of ’69 picked a Centaur as the first floor escalator to watch the Hess female models come the mascot (but where could we get one?). And more recently we down the escalator in their “attire?” are Bulldogs. But we will always be “one for all and all for one.”

17 your memories

From Theatre Fan to a Two-Time Graduate

By Joe Lazorik ’86 M’97 related conversations with new employees who were right out of college. My computer skills were dated. My first memories of the college were back in the 60s. I was in grade school and accompanied my parents to plays held in base- Then one Saturday morning in August, I was eating breakfast ment theatre of the classroom building. I was quite impressed and reading the newspaper and saw an ad that Allentown College with the performances and went as often as I could. was offering a master’s degree in information technology. I said “That’s it!” I went to the school, talked with Dr. Julius Bede, and As a freshman in high school, I had an Allentown College gradu- signed up. Because I had a business background, I needed to take ate (a guy by the name of George Kelly ’69) as my social studies extra courses—some courses were harder than I expected, and teacher—this was the first time I met anyone connected to the some were easier. I had to adapt, research, and adjust to the non- college. Once I could drive, I started taking my dates to differ- standard classroom/teacher approach. This stage of my educa- ent plays and musicals at the school. There were several shows tion was invaluable in an unexpected way: I learned how to learn. that I liked so much (Dracula was my favorite) that I purchased another ticket and went back by myself on a weeknight to watch As my last graduate elective, I took Organizational Behavior. the performance again! The first night, the instructor told us that it was the only evening she would teach: starting week two, students would take turns After I graduated from high school, I started college but left ear- researching topics on a subject (coordinated by her) and pre- ly to enter the workforce. After a few years I decided it was time senting our findings to the class. She said we could use whatever to go back to school at night and get my degree. I tried another presentation form we wanted. school, but they didn’t have a formal evening program and be- ing treated like a traditional day student while working full time As luck had it, the class was large and my presentation was sched- made it difficult to meet with faculty and with other students uled for the last class. By going last, I was hoping to learn from for group projects. Out of frustration, I quit school again. That the mistakes of others and, at the same time, coming up with a would have been it until I heard AC had a convenient evening unique way of presenting. Most people gave lectures. Some had program—I signed up for their ACCESS program (ACCESS was handouts or PowerPoint presentations. In the last week, the teach- once an acronym for Allentown College Continuing Education er asked if I was ready, and I said, “Yes. But we have to go down to and Summer Sessions). the auditorium. I wrote a song.” That may have been a first!

I remember going into the library before tests to study and We went downstairs to that old theatre I was so familiar with. finding some nook in the library’s unique 3 floor layout. Often The teacher got Dr. Bede to come along, too, and I did my thing. during my evening class breaks, too, I’d walk the building and I rolled the piano out and handed out the words to the song go downstairs to look in at the old theatre that was by then to the crowd so they could sing along and help me with the primarily a lecture hall. The new theatre had opened and it was chorus! It was titled “Organizational. Organizational” and went beautiful. I saw a few shows but still remembered that old the- over amazingly well. Dr. Bede enjoyed it so much he actually atre and the logistics the cast and crew dealt with to put on per- posted the words in the hall on the bulletin board outside his of- formances. I took four courses a year for five years and proudly fice, where it remained for more than a year. The last class of my received my BA in business management in May 1986. last course ended in the same auditorium where I had my first experience with the college. I thought I was done with AC, though I returned to take a few MBA courses at the school through the Wilkes College program, In May 1997, I proudly received my MSIS degree, a unique cer- but I quit because I didn’t enjoy the courses. emony because, due to construction and inclement weather, the graduation ceremony was actually held at Lehigh University. I Five years removed from my degree, I had a successful career looked back at the AC chapter of my life with great memories. in technology, but I was having a difficult time having work-

18 I never had the chance to use the new library, but I’m proud to opened long after my tenure as a student. I’ve made an effort to know a copy of my graduate thesis is permanently housed there. re-connect with the school as a supporter and to attend alumni I still see the Oblates regularly as they often fill in at different functions when I can. churches I attend. Most don’t know me, but I always make it a A few years back, I crossed paths with George Kelly again. I point to introduce myself and tell them I am a two-time gradu- hadn’t seen him in about 40 years. I walked up to him with my ate of the school. It’s a privilege when I can catch Fr Gambet, as name badge intentionally covered and said hello. He immedi- he still has the best sermons, and I make it a point to thank him ately looked at me and said my name. Like that theatre, my con- for all he has done for the school every time I see him. nection from decades ago lived on, and so will my memories of I visit whenever possible and marvel at the beauty of the the school. DeSales University Center and the Gambet Center—both

Bringing the Robber Bridegroom to Stage

By Catherine Logan ’08 us get a feel for the setting of the musical. We told stories, listened The greatest memory I have of DeSales University was our 2007 to the creek, took a ton of pho- production of The Robber Bridegroom. It was Performing Arts tos, and performed some of the Chair John Bell’s first show directing at DeSales. The students dance numbers in the grass. had no idea what the show was about, what to expect, and if we would even like this rarely done bluegrass musical. Our little show received a great review from The Morning Call, From the first rehearsal, we all knew that we were part of Catherine Logan with John Bell and the second week of our run something unique and special. The show presented a feeling of was completely sold out. The cast, crew, and band remained community and ensemble. The greatest day of rehearsal was the very close and we still reminisce about our incredible experi- day John Bell took us to the woods near DeSales’ campus to help ence. I will always be grateful for this show with John Bell.

Friends, Career, and Family All Started at DeSales

By Elizabeth (Altomare) Boyd ’13

My time at DeSales resulted in many life-long friendships and the start of my career in media production. I was blessed with wonderful faculty members like Chuck Gloman, Susan Lehman, Jen Suwak, Mike Wagner, and Jack Lerch who were all dedicated to our education and success. I also studied abroad in England through DeSales and experience traveling around Europe!

By the time I graduated, I collected countless memories to last me a life-time. Most importantly, I met my husband Sean Boyd ’14! Elizabeth (Altomare) Boyd ’13 at Thank you, DeSales University, and Happy 50th Anniversary! Stonehenge and with her husband Sean Boyd ’14

19 your memories

Friendships to Last a Lifetime

By Henry (Doc) Gertzen ’69

I have always said that college life is 50% academics and 50% social. When we first arrived at Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales, the faculty and administration were still building an academic environment for us to enter as freshman. However, as the first incoming freshman class, we had to create our own social environ- ment where one did not exist. Established institutions have fraternities, clubs, and other opportunities to help new students to meet and bond as a class. None of that existed when we arrived. So we created our own.

In the 1969 yearbook, you see a picture of a group of guys (CRABS) that came together as individuals in our freshman year from many different areas of the northeast. By our senior year we were a group of friends who met in the cornfields of Center Valley and formed friendships that would last 50 years!

I think we can take credit for forming the first social frater- nity on the campus of Allentown College (not recognized by the college of course). While our fraternity, know as the CRABS, did not stand the test of time at DeSales, our friendships have. Many of the people you see in these pictures are still in touch. Our bond is the friendships we made—the experiences we shared of bringing a University out of the ground; our gym classes held in a barn, our Sunday Masses celebrated in a small chapel shared with the faculty in residence. We made the best we could of three buildings that made up the campus.

Today we can count among our group successful physi- cians, dentist, judges, government leaders, lawyers, edu- cators, etc., that came from our FRATERNITY. I believe not one of them regrets making the decisions they made as graduating seniors in 1965.

I don’t have any pictures showing our academic experi- ences, but then what young man is taking pictures of his first biology class with Fr. Barnes or music class with Mrs. Butler?

20 At the Heart of DeSales

By Joseph McDaniel, OSFS ’14 of visits made to the chapel. What I discovered through my encounters with the Oblates was that this was simply a means At the heart of every great city lies a structure that defines it to holiness: holiness is about interior union with Jesus Christ, and symbolizes it—gives it its stamp of uniqueness and identity which can then be expressed in many different ways. around which the entire city appears to turn. St. Louis has its Arch. Toronto has its Tower. DC has the Capitol. If it were a city, I came to appreciate the central tenet of Salesian spirituality— DeSales University would have Wills Hall. that there is no truly human action that cannot be sanctified. I saw that there is no real division between the chapel, the class- Unlike other great landmarks, Wills doesn’t attract much at- room, the weight-room, or rec room: each is a place where we tention from passersby or frequently serve as the background should be able to be authentically ourselves, with God and with for photo-ops or marriage proposals. It is not an imposing others. It was heartening for me to know that the same Oblate architectural marvel; its exterior matches other buildings on who gave an intense lecture or exam in Dooling at 8:00 a.m. campus. Notwithstanding its peculiar shape and its stained could be a gentle and merciful listener in the confessional at glass windows, it’s not the building’s outward appearances that Connelly at 7:00 p.m. It inspired me to see an Oblate laugh bois- makes it stand out at DeSales University. What makes it special terously at dinner and then sit quietly in meditation afterwards, dwells inside. knowing he was being truly himself in both situations. It was At 7:20 a.m. on weekday mornings, as many students still sleep reassuring that I could walk into an Oblate’s office and, even if or groggily make their way out of the residence halls, the doors he was swamped with grading, he would listen attentively to a of Wills Hall Chapel are opened and about a dozen men gather new idea I wanted to share. to praise God in the words of the psalmists and prophets of old. The number of Oblates at DeSales University is modest Some are clad in a black suits and white collars, ready for the compared to the number of students and lay faculty and staff, office or boardroom. Others wear t-shirts and sweats—having just as Wills Hall now stands in humble comparison to new finished their morning workout—still others wear workboots, buildings like the Gambet Center. But I firmly believe that the ready for the next maintenance call. Some have been ordained presence of this devoted group of men acts as salt and leaven for nearly six decades, others for less than six years. They in the midst of the campus community, bringing out and may not wear a distinctive habit like the Franciscans or enjoy enriching the gifts that everyone brings. Whether preaching at popular recognition like the Jesuits, but they too belong to Mass in Connelly, running a lab in Hurd, or greeting students an international religious community. They are Oblates of St. at the formal, they are a witness that, as the Second Vatican Francis de Sales. Council states, nothing that is genuinely human is foreign to I first met the Oblates as a bright, enthusiastic, but timid fresh- the hearts of followers of Jesus Christ. man philosophy major, away from home for the first time and As we Oblates remain committed to the value and power of looking to regain confidence in myself and discover my calling. Catholic education at DeSales University and the other col- As I watched the procession into the first weekday mass, ac- leges, high schools, and middle schools at which we minister, companied by Fr. Pete’s earth-shaking organ, I had an inkling please pray for us that we may remain faithful to who we are as that there was something special about this group of priests Oblates, and that young men may continue to join us in serving and brothers. Over the next three years as a student at DeSales God and the Church. University, I discovered what it was: their Salesian spirituality and their authenticity. Joseph McDaniel made his first profession of vows as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales in August 2015 and is studying at the Like many people, I came to DeSales with the idea that holiness Oblate house of Formation in Washington, DC. is directly proportional to external actions, such as the number

21 your memories

Hellooooo Ladies...

By Walt Pfeil ’73 & Susan (McCandless) Pfeil ’73. This popular telling about the impact of the college going coed in 1970 is reprinted from the Summer 1999 Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales Report.

“Don’t you feel old, being in a time capsule?” asked our oldest daughter when she heard that we were writing this article. Little does she know that it was just yesterday that we were her age and about to enter our senior year of college.

By then, Allentown College had been coed for two years and felt as if it had always been that way. Our mission is to tell you about that glorious time when women first came to the quiet and peaceful (?) campus in Center Valley. Since Walt was there first, let’s begin with his story...

It was sometime during my freshman year (1969-70) that rumors started flying around that we were going coed. Of course, they were just rumors and at that time rumors had also circulated about Paul McCartney’s death. So why get excited by rumors?

Daily life at the college continued as it had been, that is men

(possibly older male adolescents or grown boys) going through Thirty-five dazed coeds showed up on the everyday routines of a male college. campus the following September. The most notable immediate change was the improved appearance and manners of the male These routines included: changing your bed sheets once a students, some becoming unrecognizable from their previous semester; changing your clothes a bit more frequently, but not state. There was no more sunbathing in BVDs, jeans and fatigue much; combing your hair for parents weekend only; playing flag jackets were being laundered on a regular basis, and stylish, long football on the fields of glory; attending class; never missing a locks of hair were being combed daily, and in some cases, more meal (including food in the lounge); and, in nice weather, stroll- frequently. ing out to the quad in your BVDs for a little sunbathing.

Pinochle cards and hearts games virtually disappeared from the Life was beautiful with no women to impress on a daily basis. campus as the male students spent more time pursuing coeds. Edna the maid didn’t seem to frown on our rather relaxed It was even decided that the only fair way to determine who lifestyle. Who needed coeds? Nursing students from the local would go out with whom was to create Allentown College’s own hospital where easily imported for weekend bonfires by the rail- version of the Dating Game. Fashioned after the popular TV road tracks or an occasional date for a frat party or CRABS feast show and hosted by Allentown College’s own Jerry Wilkenson (Christian Revival of Alcoholic BeverageS). ’72, this concept did not offer a long-range solution. In the spring of 1970 the rumor was confirmed. There would The following year, out of necessity, Allentown College was in be women attending Allentown College in the fall. At first, I the forefront of pioneering the concept of coed dorms. Because thought this was no big deal. Thirty-five women and 350 men, of the lack of buildings on campus, the women students had how could this possibly have an impact on our college life? I was to move into the all-male dorms. Being a Catholic college with soon to find out! high moral standards, there was a twist in the way this was accomplished. The Allentown College version of coed dorms

22 included a wall (taller, wider, and stronger than the one that meet people since I just went to class and left right afterwards to existed in Berlin at the time) that separated the male and female go to work. students. We never could figure out how Father Dooling trained All that changed the following year when I was asked to be a those guard dogs on such short notice. “dorm proctor” and got to move onto campus. The women During the second year of the coed experiment, more women stu- were given a section of the first floor of each of the two existing dents enrolled and the male/female ratio improved. Allentown dorms. Carol Armelin and I became fast friends as she strove to College was truly on its way to becoming a coed institution. We help guard the wall in Tocik, and I too did my best in Conmy. had learned to share our college equally with women! Speaking Now we really became part of the college community 24 hours a of which, I used up all the space allotted to this article and Sue day, 7 days a week. hasn’t had her say yet! I guess it’s time to give her a chance... Although we felt “equal,” there were some areas where we had a How symbolic! I guess it’s the word “equal” that needs to be long way to go. We had no women’s sports program. Gail Roney defined. Yes, women (are they still coeds?) were somewhat estab- and I decided to organize a women’s basketball program. We lished at the College by the second year, but finding our niche “recruited” a group of brave and enthusiastic women who were was not always easy. The first year was especially difficult since willing to form a team. we weren’t living on campus. We asked Wayne Rizzo and Walt to be the coaches and got the My initial social function as an Allentown College coed was ladies approval of Coach Compardo. We were thrilled when Coach got tea, hosted by Ms. Kathleen Wagner, the newly appointed Dean us gray Allentown College T-shirts and navy blue shorts for our of Women. As one of four sophomore transfer students, I felt a bit first official uniforms. Our budget was tight. We managed to ar- out of place and wondered what I had gotten myself into. range games with schools such as Moravian, Muhlenberg, Cedar Crest, and Gwynedd-Mercy. We won’t talk about our record, but My fears were not calmed when classes started the following we sure did have fun! week and I was the only female in three out of five classes. I remember math class the most. I sat next to Wayne Rizzo and As you can see, Allentown College women have come a long I thought I had made a new friend the day he leaned over and way since 1970. Walt and I still disagree at times with the defini- told me my long hair would look nicer in a ponytail, but then I tion of the word equal, but we both agree that our memories realized he was just trying to get a glimpse of my math paper. of our college days in Center Valley are filled mostly with the smiles and laughter of great times and great friends! I kept pretty much to myself that first year. It was difficult to

Your Dreams for DeSales’ Next 50 Years

“I’d like to see DeSales move from D-III sports to D-II or D-I. If not, “My dream for DeSales is that it may always continue to grow I would like to see DeSales offer football. Football would bring in its Catholic identity, because apart from that, it cannot be in a large male population and it would help the University grow.” the unique and life-changing place that it ought to be. I grew – Colleen Gavin ’13 spiritually while I was at DeSales, and I hope that through the efforts of the administration, campus ministry, faculty, staff, and “My dreams for DeSales is to see the school grow and to not be students, many more will begin and grow their relationships with afraid to take risks to get the school to the next level. I also hope Christ there. In Him, the future will be bright beyond belief.” the culture of philanthropy grows with students, faculty, staff, – Teresa Winter ’14 and alumni.” – Amanda Fabrizio ’07

23 class notes

• 1969 Stephen Opresko is working on a contract for the Army Corps of Engineers and has successfully completed the first phase of a project to improve the safety of USA Em- Dear Alumni bassy structures in foreign countries. Bill Curcio was named Sparta Town- Message from the Alumni Office ship’s Citizen of the Year by the Township Council in Sparta, N.J. Currently executive It’s finally here­­—DeSales’ 50th Anniversary vice president of Eastern Propane Corpora- celebration year! This special edition of tion, Bill has lived in Sparta for more than the DeSales Magazine is all about you, 40 years. He and his wife of 36 years Marion our alumni: your memories, your photos, raised their children Marisa and Christopher there as well. Bill has a long history of serv- and your hopes for the future of DeSales ing the community in various ways; every- University. thing from running Sparta Little League to The official kickoff of the 50th Anniversary leading Sparta Township as town manager. year began with the opening Mass on He also served at the state level as president of NJ Propane Gas Association. Then on August 23, where we welcomed the Class of June 20, 2015, the Sparta Elks hosted their 2019 onto campus and also featured for the annual Grand Marshal Dinner, honoring first time our Parade of Flags showcasing all Bill as “Distinguished Citizen of the Year,” of our graduating classes. as well as this years’ Sparta Township 4th of July Community Parade Grand Marshal. Bill Just one month later we celebrated Homecoming. It was an amazing weekend was chosen for his longtime commitment to with so many of you coming back to campus to join us for a number of the community, always taking the town to events including the Athletic Hall of Fame, departmental receptions, family heart, and participating in both business and fun activities, and the Alumni Party. The Parade of Flags before the men’s community outreach to the Sparta citizens. soccer game at Homecoming was beautiful, and having alumni represent their classes made the event extra special. Save the date for next year’s • 1975 Homecoming—September 23 and 24, 2016, and join in on the fun! Callan (Lizzy) White-Hinman was awarded full professorship at Montreat College near As we celebrate 50 years, we’ll take a look back at our past so we can see how Asheville, N.C. She is the chair and head of much the University has grown over 50 years. What’s even more exciting is the theatre/communication department and looking ahead and envisioning where DeSales will be in another 50 years! still balances that with her performing career. She performed in the world premiere of Make sure to take a look at the event calendar (inside back cover) of exciting Stalking the Bogeyman, which was nominated celebrations for the 50th anniversary year and find a way to join us for one, for the Outer Critics Circle “John Gassner two, or all of the celebrations! Playwriting Award” in New York.

Sincerely, • 1977 On January 21, 2015, Paul Yakshe and his wife Linda became first-time grandparents. Nikki (Ferraro) Gingrich ’06, M’12 Their daughter Christine and her husband Director of Alumni Relations Tyler welcomed a daughter, Kinley Jade. Paul was also honored in the July 2015 issue of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine as a Top Doctor in Gastroenterology.

24 • 1984 Juliet Geiger M‘95 is engaged to Robert Altenburg. The couple is planning a November 2015 wedding.

• 1986 John Creveling is one of 13 artists whose artwork was selected to appear in the Par- kinson’s Disease Foundation’s (PDF) 2015 Creativity and Parkinson’s Calendar. His painted flag shutter is the featured image for the month of July in PDF’s nationally distributed, free calendar that helps to raise awareness. John is a career and leadership Lauren (Kuemmerle) Machita’s ’93 three kids attend Holy Cross Regional Catholic consultant and veteran of the US Army. School in Collegeville, Pa., and she’s noticed there are a lot of DeSales families there— Shortly after he was diagnosed with Parkin- impressive, considering it’s a small school. Other parents who are DeSales graduates son’s in 2009, he began to paint. He says his include J.P. Azar ’82 and Madelyn (Eichler) Azar ’82, Jennifer (Braun) Breslawski art became “a part of who I am” and serves ’95 and Bill Breslawski ’95, Alice Ann (Wichner) Schiele ’95, Rob Battisto ’97 as a therapeutic outlet. M’02 and Erin (Lister) Battisto ’98, Karen (Trojanowski) Owens ’94 and Denny Owens ’94, Bryan Connor ’95, and Nicholas Veneziale ’99 and Kelly (Dickinson) • 1988 Veneziale ’99. In the photos, left to right: J.P. and Madelyn Azar, Alice Ann Schiele, Kelly and Nicholas Veneziale, Jennifer Breslawski, and Lauren Machita. In April 2015, Dr. Gregory Roth was awarded the the piece and co-wrote the Libretto with his of Superior Court, Dekalb Mental Health “Commitment to mentor Arthur Giron. The show stars Tony- Action Coalition as a Board Member; elected Care” award—Em- nominee Josh Young and Tony-winner to the Dekalb County, Ga., GOP Executive Care Inc.’s highest Chuck Cooper, along with Erin Mackey, Governing Committee as a Board Mem- honor—at the Chris Hoch, Laiona Michelle, and a cast of ber; The State of Georgia for United States annual Leadership 31. Learn more at amazinggracemusical.com. Senator and 2016 presidential candidate Ted Conference in Cruz; member of the Executive Committee Orlando, Fla. This is equivalent to the and Georgia County Leader, and as chairman Physician of the Year in Emergency • 1989 to the Georgia Family Policy Council. Medicine. Dr. Roth was recognized for Louise Diehl M’89 published a book, helping to build a brand-new emergency Healing from Divorce, Separation & Abandoned department, implementing team triage, and Love: A long Journey to Healing!, available on • 1992 helping improve care at all of his facilities. Amazon.com and her own website, www. Cherie (Colver) Young’s daughter Em- EmCare, Inc., contracts with hospitals across nursesaregreat.com. The book helps people ily graduated from American University the country to staff their emergency heal from the dismantling process of divorce in August 2014 and walked with her class departments with approximately 9000 high using Biblical references. in May 2015. She is employed by Sum- quality emergency physicians. Watch a video mit Ventures at Sugurbush Ski Resort in Vermont. Cherie’s son Peter graduated from about Dr. Roth’s accomplishments on • 1990 EmCare’s YouTube channel: https://youtu. Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pa., in In May 2015, Sam Verniero was elected first be/nxEwd-5nxiA June 2015 and began attending West Chester vice chairman to The Republican National University this fall. Christopher Smith had his Broadway debut Hispanic Assembly of Georgia at their annual on June 25 with his original musical Amazing meeting of approximately 200 members. Sam Grace, based on the true life experiences of was elected as a non-Hispanic member, and • 1995 John Newton, the man who authored per- as such, to the highest Board seat a non- Richard Masi has started his own com- haps the world’s most loved and recognized Hispanic member has filled. Also, Sam was pany, Magneto Mechanical, Inc (www. song. Chris authored the music and lyrics of appointed to the Dekalb County, Ga., Clerk magnetomechanical.com). He specializes in control systems for green energy, waste

25 class notes

• 1996 • 1998 Joe McGinley and Maria (Slog) McGinley Edward Haas was appointed as the new ’97, M’99 welcomed their son Isaiah on West Sadsbury Township supervisor (one June 28, 2015. He joined his siblings Joseph, of three on the board) and the township’s Hannah, Noah, Joshua, Sarah, and Leah. representative to the Keystone Valley Fire District, replacing his father who passed away Day Lily and Hydrangea Division Director on March 20. Edward continues to serve Mike Brown was named the Home Care on the West Sadsbury Township Planning Association of N.J.’s 2015 Carol J. Kientz Commission. Member of the Year for going above and beyond in both his involvement and devo- Dominic Leperi and tion to the association. Mike currently serves his wife Deanna on the Board of Directors, the Executive welcomed a son, Committee, and the Government Affairs Dominic Daniel, on Committee, and he leads the Medicaid April 11, 2015, one Workgroup for the Association. He recently day shy of his was elected chair of the newly formed Home mommy’s 30th Care and Hospice PAC of the Association. birthday. Dominic joins big brother In January 2014, Kristine (Neumayer) Teresa (Messineo) Manidis ’95 sold her Dylan and cannot wait to become a future Jenkins and Jim Jenkins ’98 welcomed son historical fiction novel to HarperCollins alumnus of DeSales University! Samuel Joseph. Big brother Kaden was very this summer. Her 90,000 word manu- excited. The family re-returned to Southwest Susan Bella (Benner) Linski’s business, script sold overnight, in a rare pre-empt Florida in the summer of 2015. Susan Bella Jewelry, LLC, has been given deal (hardcover edition to be published in the honor of receiving the “Excellence in Winter 2017). The novel was a featured Business Awards” (EIBA) for a small business highlight this month at the Frankfurt Book • 1997 numbering 1-25 employees. Susan’s compa- Fair, the biggest international book fair in Wendi Maio-Achey has been promoted ny was honored at a ceremony in June 2015. the world. Teresa also took a two week to professor of business marketing at The award was one of six awards presented trip to Europe this summer with her teen- Northampton Community College (NCC) to companies and individuals that exemplify age daughter, Grace, where they studied in Bethlehem, Pa. Before joining NCC, excellence in business, supported by their Italian in a language school in Tuscany. Wendi worked at B. Braun as a marketing mission statement, chamber and community Teresa begins her 18th year home school- manager and at Integrated Biosciences as the involvement, customer satisfaction, and their ing this Fall. In the photo above, Teresa is director of marketing and advertising. Her with her four children, Johnny Manidis work garnered several awards, including ’17, Grace, Nicholas, and Sophia. Jaye the ADDY Award, presented to designers Pierce ’95 snapped the photo. in the advertising field. She has presented at conferences and published numerous articles on medical device manufacturing. She helped water treatment, and food plant manufactur- make NCC one of the top digital com- ing. Richard says he would not be where munity college in the country, according to he is today by only using the engineering Community College Journal, and piloted the training he received in the Navy. If it were college’s Innovation Lab as a model for fu- not for the strong biology and chemistry ture classrooms that enhances computer labs background from his biology degree, he with touch screen lap tops. wouldn’t be able to add to the conversations concerning activated sludge morphology, ion Nico Madaffari is an insurance broker reaction chemistry, or process analysis. Of all specializing in auto, home, business, life, the classes, microbiology and instrumental health, and pet insurance. He received an chemistry have given him a unique skill-set award (nominated by clients) for Excellence Robert Pica Jr ‘08 and his wife Richele unmatched by his engineering peers. in Customer Service. (Kolcun) Pica ’08 welcomed their first child, Colton James, on May 1, 2015.

26 demonstrated commitment to quality, leader- ship, marketing, training, and development.

• 1999 Mike Kuemmerle and his wife Chrissy welcomed a second son, Owen William, on March 31, 2015. Owen’s big brother Cooper Michael was born on April 29, 2013. Mike, Chrissy, and their boys live in Somers Point, N.J.

• 2000 On June 6 2015, Michael Halamar and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed their third little Louis Corominas ’06 and Kristina Cherrier were married on July 18, 2015. DeSales girl. Coralette Aisley weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz., alumni and staff in attendance included Mike Vigil ’06, John Nastus ’08, Nicole and measured 19 inches long. Sisters Brielle, (Ferraro) Gingrich ’06 M’12 and Ryan Gingrich ’03, Tom Pescatore ’03 and Jess 5, and Isabella, 3, are so happy! (McMahon) Pescatore ’05, Kyle McHugh ’04, Chris Laveglia ’06, Frank McClatchy ’08, Jon DiLuzio ’05, Scott Karwacki ’96, Heather (Katz) LaRocco ’08 and Pierre Carolyn Ann Debuque has 27 years of LaRocco ’06, John Henry ’04, Al Weiner, and Mike Vidumsky ’05. Louis and Kristina service in the Air National Guard in the rank live in Chester Springs, Pa. of Master Sergeant. She is currently the coor- dinator for Veteran’s Court and has 10 years experience as a victim witness specialist with Mark Hahn is now going for his second In fall 2013, Christy (Kennedy) Kistler Bucks County Juvenile Probation. master’s degree in the DeSales Master’s of was promoted to assistant supervisor of Science in Information Systems program in Autism Connection, a new after-school the Health Care Information Management therapeutic program for kids ages 6-21 on • 2001 concentration. the Autism Spectrum in Berks County. The John Gribowich was ordained a Roman program runs therapeutic groups work- Catholic priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn, ing on social, coping, communication, and N.Y., on June 27, 2015. • 2003 listening skills, safety awareness, and frustra- Theresa (Cermanski) Westwood and her tion tolerance. They are in their second husband Rob welcomed their second child, full school year and it is shaping up to be • 2002 Ethan Michael, on March 2, 2015. Sylvia Steigler-Hahn is proud of her another successful year! DeSales University experience. Her husband Fr. Brendon Laroche was ordained to the Justin Farah was priesthood by Bishop of Allentown John the recipient of Barres at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Several DeSales alumni were nominated Seiko Corporation Siena, Allentown, Pa. His first priestly as- for Philadelphia’s Barrymore Awards of America’s signment will be as assistant pastor of Holy for their work in theatre: Matt Pfeiffer company Store Infancy in Bethlehem, Pa. ’99 for directing To the Moon and The Manager of the Whale; Kim Carson ’05 for Lead Ac- Heather (Sloyer) Stanley and her husband Year award for the tress in a Musical and Leading Actress Glenn welcomed daughter Briana Quinn on fiscal year 2014, in a Play; Stephen Casey ’89 for Cho- August 11, 2015. Briana was welcomed into which ended March reography for Ragtime; and Michael the family by big sister Mackenzie and big 31, 2015. Ogborn ’82 for Original Music. brothers Ryan and Conner.

27 class notes

Joe Voorhees was named the 2015 Educator of the Year for Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights, N.J., where he teaches television production.

David Button was recently appointed as the artistic director of the Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach, Del. His inaugural season includes productions of Steel Magnolias, Grease, Rent, Seussical, and Lips Together, Teeth Apart. David returned to the Labuda Center this past summer to play the role of Ellard in the Pennsylvania Shake- speare Festival production of The Foreigner.

• 2006 In June 2014, Kathleen Zamietra received a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences from Drexel University. In March 2015, she moved back to the Lehigh Valley and ac- On September 6, 2015, Tina Marie Connell ’08 married Michael Harvey at the Aldie cepted a position as a senior medical librarian Mansion in Doylestown, Pa. The couple met during a student film shoot on DeSales’ at the Body Family Medical Library at the campus in 2006. DSU graduates in attendance included Allison Emmerich ’08, Sydney Lehigh Valley Health Network. Justice ’11, Anthony Connell ’11, Catherine Logan ’08, Amanda Salvatore ’08, and Paul Pride ’09. After nine years in the athletic department at Long Beach State as the senior associate athletics director for external relations, Dedan walk-through experience. He also portrayed • 2004 Brozino has accepted a job as the executive di- Dr. Bradman in Blithe Spirit at the Strawberry One year ago, Ronee (Leibenguth) Welch rector of development with the ‘Grandaddy of Playhouse in Tuscarora in June. became a pediatric sleep consultant and used them All’—the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. the knowledge she gained at DeSales to start her own company, Sleeptastic Solutions. • 2005 Erin (Begley) Ellis and her husband David welcomed a son, Peter Michael, on Sep- Ronee is the only Lehigh Valley, Pa., based Elizabeth June Bergman is delighted to tember 8, 2015. He joins big brother Harry child sleep specialist, helping parents teach return to Pennsylvania after 10 years of liv- David. Grandmother Alice Begley ’08 can their little ones how to sleep independently ing in various places across the Midwest and be found with an ever growing collection of both at night and for naps. Recently, she’s traveling nationally and internationally with pictures of her grandsons in her office in the added lactation services to her portfolio and her career of dance-making, performing, DSU financial aid department. will be looking to add adult certification later and teaching. Elizabeth has been awarded a this year. University Fellowship by Temple Univer- sity in Philadelphia and matriculated into Jennifer Simpson was recruited by Seiko • 2007 their doctoral program in dance studies in Corporation of America for the product Kimberly Kreiner married Adam Snyder on fall 2015. development coordinator position. She March 14, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. previously worked in the customer service Gina Lucrezi completed her first 100 mile John Monahan and his wife Megan wel- and marketing departments at Movado race—the Western States Endurance Run. “I comed their first child, a daughter named Group Inc. was able to conquer adversity and prove to Laughlin Grace, on January 2, 2015. myself that I can do anything if I want it bad In August 2015, Chris Fulmer was a letter enough,” she said. Read about her experi- reader in the production Dear Tamaqua...in a ence at https://gina-lucrezi-p6nk.square- • 2008 New Light, reading letters that were writ- space.com/gblog. Catherine Logan is thrilled to be working ten to the town by residents as part of the at DeSales as the box office manager for the

28 DeSales Creates New Monthly Giving Program

Each year, DeSales welcomes a new class of more than 400 students. Why? Because DeSales helps students reach their fullest potential. Since the beginning, DeSales has been offering exceptional academics with a commitment to personal attention. Students receive strong moral guidance defined by Salesian values. There is an unmistakable, contagious atmosphere when you arrive on campus. DeSales has been igniting hearts and inspiring minds for 50 years.

But as first-year classes get bigger, the needs grow, especially when it comes to financial aid. Today, 97% of DeSales students receive some form of financial aid.

“Alumni and friends of the University have been very generous over the years in providing annual gifts to support financial aid for students,” said Thomas Campbell, vice president of institutional advancement. “And this year, we are introducing a way to make the process easier and better for them.”

DSYou is a new monthly giving program for people month they are helping their University continue its who want to support the future of DeSales students work of education without having to sit down at the but don’t really want to think about it. end of the year and decide how much they can (or are willing to) support their undergraduate or graduate How does it work? Members select a dollar amount school,” said Rev. David A. Williams, D.Min. ’69, class they are comfortable with and their credit card is charged agent and DSYou member. “In other words, it just every month. That’s it. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and makes busy lives, both for the donor and the receiver, members who wish to do so are able to give at a higher a lot easier.” level because the amount is charged monthly rather than all at once. With their commitment to monthly giving, DSYou members assure students that their financial aid DSYou members become part of an exclusive donor package is as impactful as it can be over the course of giving club who receive information, impact reports, their time at DeSales. and news from DeSales about what’s happening in the program and the University. DSYou was created in partnership with TwelveX, a Kansas City-based company specializing in monthly It’s a win-win. giving programs that has created programs for “As a member of the DSYou monthly giving club, organizations like Girl Scouts and Big Brothers Big individuals can go about their lives knowing that each Sisters.

To become a member of DSYou or for more information, contact Rebecca Righi, annual giving programs coordinator, at 610.282.1100, ext. 1789 or e-mail [email protected].

29 class notes

theater department as well as the Pennsylva- • 2009 nia Shakespeare Festival. Elizabeth (Mulicka) Smith M’13 married Kathleen (Trilli) Brett Smith on April 18, 2015, at Packer Chapel, Lehigh University. Alumni in at- Kulick and her tendance included , husband Shawn Beth Slaybaugh ’09 maid of honor, , welcomed their first Emily Mulicka ’11 Mallory (Andrayko) Mulicka ’11, baby, Adelaide Jennifer (Kline) Gefvert ’05 and , Marie, on March Nathan Gefvert ’07 , , 17, 2015. Everyone George Kline III ’00 JP Kelliher M’11 , is doing well. Lauren Stimpfle ’10 M’15 Stephanie Fitzgerald M’12, Wendy Krisak ’98, and Victoria (Sinsky) Livingston married staff member Phyllis Vogel. Ryen Livingston on May 16, 2014, at Bear Sonja (Johnson) Jividen ‘96 and her Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, Pa. LeighAnn (Burke) husband Eric welcomed their third child, McGovern and her The couple welcomed their first child, a Avalyn, in November 2014. Big brother husband Matt beautiful baby girl, Shaylynne Virginia, on Luis and big sister Maya Rose couldn’t welcomed their March 8, 2015. be more thrilled! beautiful baby girl, Kelly (Goss) Annie Michele, on Wolfenden and March 14, 2015. competition at New York’s famed Metro- Bryce Wolfenden LeighAnn is excited politan Room. He has since been offered ’09 joyfully for Annie to break two solo shows at the venue. The first announce the birth all her basketball records one day! will take place December 22, 2015, and is of their daughter, entitled “Step Into Christmas” the second is Avery Lynn, born Christopher Brossman is living and work- slated to happen on March 11, 2016, and is on Easter Sunday, ing as a performer in NYC. Most recently, billed as “Indulge Me: An Intimate Evening April 5, 2015. he was a quarter finalist in the Metro Star with Christopher Brossman.” When not on the cabaret stage, Christopher can be found teaching pre-school in Manhattan.

On August 28, 2015 Rocco Lacertosa M’09 stepped into the chief executive role at the New York Oil Heating Association (NYOHA), what some consider to be the heating oil industry’s most influential asso- ciation. He joined the industry in 1966 as a technician and delivery driver in a family- owned business, and in the intervening decades has held numerous leadership roles. In 22 years with his first company, Rocco worked in every aspect of the business, including dispatch and credit and eventually oversaw all the day-to -day operations. He then founded and ran his own company in 1990 (Alpha Fuel Oil) before selling it to Hart Petroleum four years later and becom- ing Hart’s general manager. In 1999 he was Jesse Clancy ’02 married Mary Oropallo on July 10, 2015, at Corpus Christi Catholic recruited to run a $25 million division of Church in Lansdale, Pa. They were married by their good friend Fr. Alan Zobler, OSFS ’01. a Reading, Pa., company before joining DeSales alumni in attendance included Jim Lawruk ’02, Mark Boyer ’02, Patrick Rebuck Blue Diamond Fuel in 2011. Approved Oil ’02, Dave Grubb ’00 and Clare (Laracy) Grubb ‘01 M’03, and Keith Tomson ’00. purchased Blue Diamond in 2011 and made

30 Rocco vice president of operations. Along 5 Entertainment, LLC, in California. He is the way, he also held senior level positions currently producing the world premiere of with Kaufman Fuel and Paraco Gas. his new musical, The Pop Musical Diary Of A Gay Man, in the Philadelphia Fringe with • 2010 hopes of a national tour to follow. Ted Eckel is working in New York as a Jon Mulhearn appeared in Biloxi Blues at producer and editor for Lincoln Square Stu- People’s Light and Theatre Company. dios, where he edited an “Inside the Oscars” special for ABC’s Once Upon a Time. James Nester plays the antagonist in Heroes of Dirt, a feature film about BMX racing that Rocky Urich ’06 and his Emmaus-based Anthony Aufieromarried Jennifer Cusick was filmed mostly in Allentown, Pa. The video production company FireRock on June 13, 2015, in Solomon’s Island, Md. film had its Los Angeles red carpet premiere Productions won four 2015 Mid-Atlantic in August. Regional Emmy® Awards categories Jennifer Jacober is the child supervisor for from the National Academy of Televi- the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, Minn. sion Arts and Sciences on September 19, • 2011 2015. They were nominated in seven Alycia Kunkle graduated from the MFA act- Joseph Sulpizio received his Juris Doctor categories and took home awards in the ing program at Ohio University in May 2015. degree from Syracuse University College of Human Interest (A Will to Survive); Craft Law in May 2015. In addition, he was re- Achievement (Photography); Public/ Jeff Lanigan is a theatre arts teacher at cently awarded the 2015 Onondaga County Current/Community Affairs Feature Archbishop Ryan High School, returning Bar Association Award for his work with the (The Bethlehem Story); and Lifestyle Pro- to his old high school to share his love of law school’s clinical program. gram (DISHcover Lehigh Valley) catego- theatre. ries. FireRock Productions previously Amber (Fountain) Chris McGinnis has been working as an won a 2013 Emmy® for Happiness is Barron completed actor, director, and producer in the Phila- Always an Option, a feature on Bethle- the mandated 6 delphia area for five years with credits at hem, Pa. native Shane Burcaw. Pictured months (822 hours) Walnut Street Theatre, The Arden, and Act above are Rocky and his wife Julia, who necessary to co-owns/operates FireRock Productions. graduate from the Fayetteville City, N.C., Police Jennifer (Duncan) Warner married Jeffrey Academy. She is Warner II on April 19, 2015. now a proud police officer for the Fayette- ville City Police Department. Julia Salvo received her MA from Villanova University. Anthony Azzolina completed a tour of Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Thomas Kohler Very Bad Day and did a workshop for its and Vivianne sequel. He’s now hosting a show at Busch Nassif ’12 became Gardens for their Halloween season directed engaged on May by Broadway’s Baayork Lee. 25, 2015. The couple is planning a summer 2016 • 2012 wedding. Steffani (Whitmyer) Jacobs and her husband Joshua welcomed their first child, Kyle Bedell is currently working on Yukon Ryan Salandria ’05 and his wife Angela Catherine Lisa, on May 12, 2015. Men in Alaska for the Discovery Channel. (Bollinger) Salandria ’07 welcomed their first baby on May 10, 2015. Garrett Christina Winslow received her Juris Doc- Alex MacNicoll is living in L.A. and has Michael was born in Wilmington, Del. tor degree from Rutgers School of Law- been cast in a supporting role in the film Men He’s already wearing his Dad’s DSU Newark in May 2015. of Granite, starring William Hurt and Shirley hockey jersey (photo above). MacLaine.

31 class notes

Eric Rossi won an Emmy Award as an as- sociate producer for Best Live Studio Show of 2014-15 for MLB Tonight from the MLB Network.

• 2013 Isabel Garcia was cast in the ensemble of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s summer musical production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Caitlin (Trovato) Long ’12, M’13 and Derek Long ’12 were married on June 27, 2015, Bianca Cavacini at Connelly Chapel. DeSales alumni in the wedding party included Sam Hughes ’12, was promoted from M’13, Ashley White ’12, M’13, and Cassie Harmon ’12. Fr. Bernard O’Connor was development the celebrant of the Mass. Student activities director Nick Luchko was the DJ at the associate to reception at the DeSales University Center and even allowed for some DSU Zumba Club development events action on the dance floor. manager at the National Constitu- DSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff in attendance included Matthew Trovato ’18, tion Center. Her Liana Hollendonner ’16, John Zerfass ’13 M’14, Amanda Lucas ’12, Justin Zeh new duties include ’12, Trevor Vaughan ’12, Tanner George ’12, Claire Murphy ’12 M’13, Kaitlin managing traveling town halls across the coun- Zeedyk ’12, M’13, Philip Jocelyn M’13, Dan Pinero ’10, Tony Aufiero ’10, Amanda try and acting as a project manager for the VanSant ’12, M’13, Rachel Singer ’13, Jill Yetter ’11, Emily LaDuke ’10, M’12, Me- 2105 Liberty Medal Gala and Ceremony, that gan (Montchyk) Gildner ’11 and Aaron Gildner ’11, Stephanie Kemp ’11, Meghan includes past recipients Malala Yousafzai, Callahan ’11, M’12, Justine Ciarleglio ’11, M’12, Keith Barry ’10, Katie Dziuma Hilary Clinton, and Nelson Mendela. This ’12, Lauren Hickey ’12, Jon Devine ’11, Kaila Wiand ’10, Maureen Wilmoth, year’s gala was held on October 26, 2015, and Nick Chiovitti ’12, Christian Bet ’12, Ryan Holohan ’12, Ryan Canfield ’12, Sean honored his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Elenchin ’12, Pat Dolan ’12, Matt Germscheid ’12, Dave Chiplonia ’12, Damien Romaine ’15, Brittany Wilson ’14, Ray Rivera ’07, M’08, Nan Miller, and Lina Bar- Susan (Wolsky) Manela M’13 accepted an bieri ’94 and George Crampton. appointment as assistant professor of office administration at Northampton Community The two will live in their first house in Blandon, Pa. Cait is a physician assistant at St. Luke’s College, effective August 2015. Critical Care, and Derek is a full-time teacher and varsity soccer coach in Conrad Weiser School district. Pamela Joy Rutzky earned her SAG- AFTRA card and was recently cast as Mary Anne in the new play After Tartuffe. Michelle Kuchinskas became engaged to ing for their future by studying business and Christopher Barron ’13 in August 2015. theology of marriage and the family. Megan Hinkle became engaged to Brian Young on November 29, 2014. Brian is a Marc Bitler recently appeared in produc- Philip Engel is the assistant sport information 2012 graduate of Kutztown University. The tions of Julius Caesar, Gypsy, and The Drowsy director at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. couple is planning an April 2016 wedding in Chaperone at Festival 56 in Princeton, Ill. their hometown of Fleetwood, Pa. Meg Halcovage made her Off Broadway Kevin Wasson and Heather (Witmer) debut this September playing the role of Danielle Desimone is currently working at Wasson ’13 were married on September Stephanie Tanner in the National Lampoon SeaWorld in San Antonio, Tex., as a choreog- 19, 2015, in Lake Harmony, Pa. at the Split production of Full House, The Musical Parody. rapher for the summer and Halloween dance Rock Resort. shows. She was also invited to join Street Sara Barker is engaged to William Trainor Urchenz, an up and coming hip hop crew. ’14. The couple is planning an October 2016 • 2014 wedding at Normandy Farm in Blue Bell, Pa. Alyssa Fernandez is engaged to Anthony Danny Drain and Mary Colleen Romendio Calvano ’13. The couple is planning an ’15 and got engaged in May 2015. They met Joseph McDaniel, OSFS, made his first August 2016 wedding. at freshmen orientation bingo and are prepar- profession of vows as an Oblate of St. Francis

32 Help Us Find Your Missing Classmates We’ve lost touch with some of our alumni and we’d love your help in getting us back in contact. If you know the whereabouts of the following DeSales University alumni, please call the Alumni Office at 610.282.1100, ext. 2124, or e-mail [email protected].

1969 1985 1995 2002 2008 David Bulman Lynn (Hovick) Cline Annette (Clervi) Hickey Kenneth Kociban Michael Bingeman Richard Cox Laurie Johnson Mohamed Jaghar Emily O’Neill John Burcin William Keating Suzanne Stiles Debra (Slutsky) Kober Christopher Poloni Ana Neve Charles Little Matthew Quigley Mansour Niasse 1970 1986 Joseph Reid Michele (Desilets) Reel Isy Tavarez Nicholas Forrest Gwendolyn (Johnson) Elizabeth (Dailey) Shioban Siegle Efren Gallardo Woodford Rodriguez 2009 Yvonne (Pirelli) Steiner 2003 Michael Bianca 1971 1987 Kathryn Wertman Kimberly Babuschak Alyson (Shiffer) Courain Henry Weisenberg Linda Potosnak Eleanor Engro Steven Gasda Michele Staley 1996 Eric Humble Kathleen Glynn 1974 Rose Ann Svanda Mary Huxel Brian Mee Kevin Kay Anthony Romeno Deborah Shea Brian Rittenhouse Christina Lowe 1988 Michelle Varra Stephen Wignot Brianna (Valasek) Morse Margaret Everett 1975 Adam Schiffer Mary Griffith Michele Martinez 1997 2004 Thomas Ritter Ann Decker Enrique Cuevas-Mier 2010 1976 Diane Vicari Colleen Kuebler Erica Hartzell Sergiu-Viorel Ionescu Russell Berger George McDonald Michael Popek Jean Serge Kabengele Vanadis (Greenhouse) 1989 Kerry McFadden Elias Villafane Suzanne (Donofrio) Krock Quinn John Mack Kevin O’Donnell Sara Link James Michael Kelly (McQuarrie) Powell 2005 Jeremy Morse 1977 Charles Rombach Janne Virtala Mehmet Aydemir Heather (Duld) Pisulak Ghassan Saoud Nancy Smith Jessica Baker Joann Sauceda Barbara Tracy 1998 Lora (Sheeran) Bucci 1978 Jamie (Springman) Scotti Thomas Negron 2011 Gary O’Guinn 1990 Patti Shook R. Steven Treible Julia Aamoth James Gallagher Aimee (Piccirilli) Wein Meredith (Brucker) Walker Justin Carbonari 1979 Meghan Haggerty Julie Cavanagh Laura Fehrle Lynne Styer 1999 2006 Timothy Gower Nickeisha Foster Christine (Kozeniewski) Mary Ann Darrah Amber Fryer 1991 Carr Ivelisse (Garcia) De Jesus Charleen Gonden 1980 Joseph Krenicky Edward Fahrman Tara Herweg Rachel (Coughlin) Foose Eleanor Heimbach George Pavlov Michael Friedman Michael Haddad 1992 David Mooney Kristin Kurek Elizabeth Robinson Ann Marie (Riepensell) 2000 Christopher Laveglia 1981 Ganchoso Stacy Bach Natale Mazzaferro 2012 Robert Simek Micheal Monts Stacey Care Cornelius Mwonya Sabrina Dahlin Judith (Walters) Strickland Dawn Marie Morris Amber Kline Jeanna Rivera-Smith Teonee (Dechell) Deshield 1982 1993 Abigail Jones 2001 2007 Debra Monts Joseph Cassano Alicia Jones Jamal Al Shamsi Terri Everett Robert Popp Lisa McArdle Julianne Wagner Michael Brennan Abbey Hogg Nathan Schiesser Angela Wambaugh 1983 Rosann Gormley Diane Jones George Seager Tracy (Foss) Berlin Guijun Huang Luis Piris-Santiago 2013 Dawn Jannett Evan Kaufman 1994 Kristen Prange Johannes Goliath Glenn Meekins Thomas McGuire Margaret Ebert Nicole (Korovich) Warner Joseph Meenan Paulette Moyer Odette Mouton 2015 Michelle (Moyer) Nagurney Lucy (Royer) Patterson Giuseppe Esposito 1984 Scott Shaffer Ryan Woodring Sr. Mary Le Thi 33 class notes Get Your Class Note in the Next Magazine Have you recently moved, changed jobs, received a promotion, married, welcomed a child or grandchild, and/or received an honor or award in your profession or community? Do you have any interesting news to relay to us about other DeSales University alumni?

Visit desales.edu/alumniupdate to update: • Your information • Submit class notes and photos. Class notes are entered in the field at the bottom of the form. Please make sure photos are high resolution. We accept digital photos as well as prints. Digital photos must be in JPG formats, as close to the original print size as possible (larger is better) and at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Questions about photos? Call 610.282.1100, ext. 1359.

It’s especially important to let us know your new address if you’ve moved.

In addition to submitted information, DeSales receives press releases from businesses and organizations and other news alerts announcing alumni achievements. These items are edited and placed in class notes.

de Sales on August 1, 2015, at Immaculate Mike Franz started his Master’s of Arts at In Memoriam Conception Church in Elkton, Md. Villanova in Fall 2015. Ron Benner James Blum ’04 Andrew Barr played the role of Harry in a Emma Lepore completed an internship in James Campbell ’92 production of My Fair Lady and was cast in Ecuador with Sinamune, a program with Robert Curzi ’94 the ensemble of Maury Yeston’s Phantom of the the International Cultural Youth Exchange. Scott Decker ’92 Opera at The Broadway Theatre of Pittman. While there, she helped with movement John Karp ’71 classes for children and adults with dis- Lynne Kelley ’98 Peter Danelski is completing his dissertation abilities. Emma was also accepted into the Matthew Knehans ’96 for his M.A. in philosophy of theater from Master’s of Arts program and was offered a David Livirrie Trinity College, Dublin. graduate assistantship in the dance depart- Paul McCaffrey ’71 ment at Texas Woman’s University. Robert Meixsell ’86 Tatiana Torres Pagan appeared as the lead Joel Spira character in a music video released by inde- Matt Longua was hired by Ascension Press William Stankus ’84 pendent singer Natali Yura about domestic as their video editor for online content. William Turcan P’95 violence. Jeffrey Williams M’04 Kevin White accepted an apprenticeship with the Arden Theatre in Philadelphia. In • 2015 addition, he has signed on with Model Man- Tony Bender and Victoria Blair ’15 have agement Agency in Philadelphia. both accepted apprenticeships with the Mc- Carter Theatre in Princeton, N.J.

34 Alumni Events 2015-16* Learn more: visit desales.edu/alumni, call 610.282.1100, ext 2124, or e-mail [email protected].

DeSales Alumni Night Annual Dinner Dance November 19 March 19 • DeSales University The Loft at Sweet Water Country Club, Pennsburg, Pa. ACT1 Children’s Show Sleeping Beauty and Breakfast with Santa Luncheon December 6 April 2 • DeSales University, Labuda Center DeSales University Marcon Lecture Young Alumni Happy Hour (2005-2015) April 6 • DeSales University, Billera Hall December 13 Featuring HiJinx Brewery, Colony Meadery & County Seat Presidential Tour: Skippack, Pa. Spirits April 20 (details TBA) Presidential Tour: Naples, Fla. Presidential Tour: Monmouth County, N.J. January 8 (details TBA) May 5 (details TBA)

Presidential Tour: Sarasota, Fla. Young Alumni Night (2005-2015): Lehigh Valley, Pa. January 12 (details TBA) May 19 (details TBA) Presidential Tour: Tampa, Fla. Presidential Tour: Allentown, Pa. January 13 (details TBA) June 1 (details TBA)

Presidential Tour: Winter Park, Fla. Annual DeSales Golf Tournament January 15 (details TBA) June 13 • Brookside Country Club, Macungie, Pa. Presidential Tour: Charlotte, N.C. ACCESS Alumni Night January 19 (details TBA) at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Presidential Tour: Raleigh-Durham, N.C. June 16 • cocktail reception January 20 (details TBA) Alumni Night at the Phillies Presidential Tour: Philadelphia Summer 2016 (details TBD) March 10 (details TBA) Broadway Trip: Late Summer 2016 (details TBD) *Schedule is subject to change—visit desales.edu/alumni for the most current list. Most (not all) of these events are free, and some have limited capacity. 35 2755 Station Avenue Center Valley PA 18034-9568

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The Parade of Flags before the soccer game at Homecoming 2015. For more photos of this wonderful celebration, visit the DeSales flickr page (flickr.com/desalesuniversity)