the LA ROCHE COLLEGE Magazine | WINTER/SPRING 2016
BEYOND BORDERS IN THE MOMENT ...
0 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE ASH WEDNESDAY Magdalen Chapel | Feb. 10, 2016
WINTER | SPRING 2016 0 FROM THE PRESIDENT
t the heart of the La Roche College community lies a deep commitment to serving others, promoting peace and harmony, A and working for social justice and equality in an increasingly challenging world. Each day that commitment is visible — through our students, our faculty and staff, and through the generosity of our benefactors. It is what sets La Roche apart.
The generosity of the College’s major donors helps students realize their dreams of earning their degrees. Each year those who have endowed or sponsored scholarships have the opportunity to become acquainted with the students they are helping at the annual President’s Circle Dinner. The dinner recognizes donors whose monetary or in-kind gifts total $1,000 or more each fiscal year. Many of our scholarship donors take great pride in getting to know the recipients of their scholarships and share in their hopes for future success. And, students say that knowing the underwriters of their scholarships gives them added incentive to excel.
La Roche’s international student population of nearly 20 percent has transformed our suburban campus into a microcosm of a global community. PHOTO: BECKY THURNER BRADDOCK The melding of cultures and customs on campus is always an opportunity for learning, and often a reason for celebrating. However, it can be hard for students to feel comfortable and confident in a place far away from all that is familiar to them. Mary McBride, wife of biology professor Dr. Robert McBride, noticed that a large group of Muslim students seemed hesitant to interact with their American counterparts. So she volunteered to be their American liaison, helping them navigate some nuances of life in this country. She has made their transition easier, and they now affectionately call her “Mom Mary.”
The La Roche spirit of helping others extends beyond our classrooms to our athletic fields. Last December the Redhawks baseball team participated in the Pittsburgh Pirates CARE-a-van event, collecting and distributing food for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The men’s and women’s soccer teams took part in the Cuddles for Kids program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Cuddles for Kids, which ensures that every child at the hospital receives a stuffed animal to brighten their stay, was founded by freshman soccer player Conner Hagins when he was just 10 years old. Now that he is a La Roche student athlete, the campus community is proud to support this worthwhile effort.
These are just a few examples of the caring spirit that helps define La Roche College — a college where scholarly goals are realized, where diversity is celebrated, where service to others is a way of life.
Blessings,
Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D. President La Roche College
4 LA ROCHE COLLEGE the LA ROCHE COLLEGE Magazine WINTER | SPRING 2016
ACADEMICS 1 Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program 2 Exercise & Sport Science | Commencement Speaker 3 Designers Partner With Mayor William Peduto 4 December Graduates | Humanitarian Aid Training 5 International Education Week 6 Nursing Honor Society | Delta Mu Delta
COVER STORY 7 7 Beyond Borders CAMPUS NEWS 10 Lecture Hall Renovation | Enrollment 11 President’s Circle Dinner 16 U.S. News & World Report | Military Friendly
MISSION & SERVICE 17 Q&A with Father Aaron Kriss 18 Athlete Volunteer Work
ATHLETICS 5 20 20 Chase Rowe Chuck Tanner Award 22 Sports Update
ALUMNI 23 Alumni Board President Letter | Fast Facts 24 Homecoming Weekend 25 Athletic Hall of Fame
FROM THE ARCHIVES 27 The Richard A. Zappala College Center
CLASS NOTES 22 29 Alumni News
CONNECTED MAGAZINE COLLEGE OFFICERS ADDRESS CHANGES TALK TO US! CONTRIBUTORS Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D. Please report all address changes to: Send your comments and suggestions to: President Editor Gina Miller ’77 Office of Marketing & Media Relations Brady Butler Howard J. Ishiyama, Ph.D. Director of Alumni Relations La Roche College Managing Editor Vice President for Academic Affairs [email protected] 9000 Babcock Blvd. Becky Jeskey ’11 and Academic Dean 412-536-1085 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Michael Andreola, MBA, CFRE Phone: 412-536-1300 Creative Director The La Roche College magazine, Connected, Greg Kemper ’99 Vice President for Institutional Email: [email protected] Advancement is published twice a year by the Office of Writers Marketing & Media Relations and provided free Jimmy Finley Colleen Ruefle, M.A. to alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and Vice President for Student Life Front Cover Photo: Caitlin Thomas ’09 Kurt Hackimer ’12 friends of the College. The contents are selected Inside Cover Photo: Jim Judkis Vanessa Orr and Dean of Students to demonstrate the interests and pursuits of Elizabeth Williams-Herrman ’07, M.A. the La Roche College community and to provide Robert A. Vogel, M.S. The La Roche College news about the College. INSIDE COVER: Graphic Designer Vice President for Business community began the holy season of Lent Thomas Phillips & Finance/CFO with liturgy and distribution of ashes during La Roche College does not discriminate on the a Mass with Campus Chaplain Father Online Magazine Production basis of race, religion, age, sex, place of origin or Aaron Kriss in the Magdalen Chapel on Ash Dave Siroki status as a veteran. Mel Latal Wednesday, Feb. 10. ACADEMICS
La Roche Launches Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program
new doctorate program position graduates so that they will be at standards. After a decade of offering a at La Roche College offers the forefront of advanced nursing practice.” bachelor’s degree in the field, the College
the opportunity for nurse moved its curriculum to the graduate A Students who successfully complete level by offering a Master of Science in anesthetists to prepare for leadership the DNAP program will be prepared to: Health Science (Nurse Anesthesia) in roles in today’s health care arena. • Analyze current and emerging 1987. This program followed a mandate scientific knowledge and by the American Association of Nurse The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice technologies to provide the highest Anesthetists that anesthesia education (DNAP) is a practice-oriented program level of nurse anesthesia practice be offered at the graduate level by the for advanced nurse anesthetist clinicians late 1990s. to elevate the quality of patient care • Translate applicable evidence-based and to prepare for leadership research findings into practice The strong reputations of La Roche’s roles involving health care policy, • Initiate changes in response to health science program and Pittsburgh’s administration and education. social, political, economic and health care arena have attracted ethical issues in health care students from across the country and With classes offered online, the 26-credit around the world to pursue advanced program is designed to meet the needs • Collaborate with multidisciplinary specialty education in nurse anesthesia. of working professionals. The full-time teams in the design, implementation In turn, health science graduates are option is offered in three consecutive and evaluation of programs and highly sought for positions nationwide. semesters, beginning in early summer policies for improvement of Currently La Roche’s graduate program with an on-campus weeklong residency. health care in nurse anesthesia boasts a 100 percent • Develop leadership skills to job placement rate. Associate Vice President for Academic meet the challenges of increasingly Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies & complex health care and Visit laroche.edu/dnap to learn Adult Education Rosemary McCarthy, educational environments affecting more about the program and to Ph.D., RN, said, “La Roche is responding the practice of nurse anesthesia apply. Candidates must submit all to today’s health care needs. With the application materials by April 15 to be ever-changing health care environment, For more than 25 years, La Roche has considered for the summer 2016 it is imperative that as providers, we been a leader in nurse anesthesia term. Applicants also may contact continually expand our knowledge base education by continuously meeting the Office of Graduate Studies & and skill sets. The DNAP program will the challenges of changing health care Adult Education at 412-536-1260 or challenge students intellectually and trends and adopting new academic [email protected].
1 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE Exercise and Sport Science Major to Begin in Fall 2016
he Natural and Behavioral of clinical exercise physiology where Sciences Division recently the Clinical Exercise Physiologist added a new major in the assesses, evaluates and prescribes T individual exercise for chronic disease field of exercise and sport science. populations in various medical settings. The program provides students an interdisciplinary approach and “In accordance with growing comprehensive knowledge to market trends, La Roche will the scientific basis of human prepare graduates for careers in movement, physical activity, exercise both clinical and athletic settings, and sports performance. as well as working with the general fitness population,” Professor Arnold Mark K. Shriver Jane Arnold, chair of the Natural and explained. “Students will benefit Behavioral Sciences Division, said, from an interdisciplinary, liberal arts to Deliver 2016 “This program prepares students for education with a strong background Commencement careers in a variety of areas related in the sciences, making them job or to human movement, exercise and graduate school ready.” Address
ark K. Shriver, president of Save the Children Action M Network, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and deliver the commencement address to the 51st graduating class on Saturday, May 7.
As president of Save the Children Action Network, Mr. Shriver leads an effort to mobilize Americans to make children at home and abroad a national priority.
Save the Children Action Network’s goals are to end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths globally, and to ensure that every child in the U.S. has access to high-quality early physical activity, and it prepares The following coursework is childhood education. students for advancing their studies required to successfully complete in a variety of graduate programs.” the Exercise and Sport Science major: Mr. Shriver’s career fighting for 36 credits in science and math; 19 social justice in advocacy and service Exercise scientists and exercise credits in exercise science and sports organizations, as well as elected physiologists are professionals who performance; 37 core credits; and office, has focused on advancing the specialize in assessing, evaluating and 28 general elective credits. La Roche right of every child to a safe and prescribing exercise for health-related requires a minimum of 120 credits vibrant childhood. fitness outcomes of individuals in for the degree. private, health and corporate settings. His New York Times and Washington Sport scientists are professionals who Starting in the fall of 2016, only Post best-selling memoir, “A Good assess, evaluate and prescribe exercise freshmen will be admitted into Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent and training protocols for the purpose the program. Those who are interested Shriver,” was published in June 2012 of enhancing the sport performance may apply online or contact the by Henry Holt and received a 2013 potential of individuals. Other Office of Freshman Admissions at Christopher Award. options include the growing field [email protected]
WINTER | SPRING 2016 2 ACADEMICS
Senior Dan Mauro presents design concepts to Special Initiatives Manager Betty Cruz and Immigrant Integration Associates Elizabeth Gombert and Anne McLaughlin on the final day of Immersions, an annual graphic design challenge. Graphic Designers Partner With Office of Mayor William Peduto
ast semester La Roche College Mayor Peduto in May 2014 to attract, within our current printing abilities. students had 60 hours to support and grow a diverse workforce The La Roche students offered us an develop design solutions for a in Pittsburgh. opportunity to present our message in L new and exciting ways that we may not major real-world client: the Office of “We wanted to put ourselves in the shoes have been able to do without their ideas Mayor William Peduto. of an immigrant,” junior Alexis Hetrick and designs.” said. “We don’t deal with the daily issues In November the La Roche Design that they do, so we needed to understand The winning teams included the Division hosted Immersions, an their needs and wants. Once we had an following students: annual graphic design challenge in idea of immigrants’ needs and why they which student designers have two and would choose Pittsburgh, we wanted FIRST-PLACE TEAM a half days to create concepts, develop to find a way to grab the attention Hannah Brinkman solutions and pitch their projects to of residents to learn more about Amber Patsilevas an outside client. Past clients have Welcoming Pittsburgh.” Adam Yuras included Center for Organ Recovery and Alexis Hetrick Education (CORE), Haiti H20, Attack On the final day of Immersions, groups Kim Elser Theatre and Global Links. of juniors and seniors presented their Julia Shelton processes and design solutions to Special SECOND-PLACE TEAM “This project not only gives students Initiatives Manager Betty Cruz and Brianna Kelsey an opportunity to interact with real- Immigrant Integration Associates Ana Pantalone world clients, but it also gives students Elizabeth Gombert and Anne McLaughlin. Carly Amann the opportunity to help local nonprofits,” Rachel Baacke Graphic Design Department Chair “Each student group addressed our Brandi Reymolds Neha Agarwal said. “Students also needs in creative and diverse ways, learn the power of design. They see the and in some cases opened our eyes to significant role design can play across a new possibilities that we may not have Immersions is the second time variety of causes, industries, audiences thought of or asked for,” Ms. McLaughlin La Roche Design has collaborated with and mediums.” said. “In the end, while each team the Mayor’s Office. In the summer of displayed individual strengths and 2015, Welcoming Pittsburgh had worked This year students were tasked with creativity, we went with the team that with La Roche to install “Shared Border, bringing awareness to Welcoming created a simple, actionable design Shared Dreams,” a student-designed Pittsburgh, an initiative launched by that we could begin using right away exhibition, in the City-County Building.
3 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE ACADEMICS
PHOTOS: PHIL PAVELY December Graduates Celebrate at Private Reception On Friday, Dec. 11, La Roche College hosted a reception to honor December graduates. The event was held in the newly renovated Zappala College Center Square, and a total of 90 students graduated that month.
Global Development and Humanitarian Aid
Learn how to assist in global emergencies through specialized training at La Roche College this summer.
MAY 16-20, 2016: MAY 16-27, 2016: ONLINE + MAY 22-27, 2016: Offered in partnership with RedR UK, The Extended Program incorporates the This flexible program includes a curated Essentials of Humanitarian Aid Training Essentials of Humanitarian Aid Training, plus selection of online certificate courses that focuses on the key competencies in the training in specialized areas such as project complement on-site training and simulations field, explores case studies and includes management, international guidelines for at La Roche. Participants receive online emergency response simulations. action, and focus areas of humanitarian aid. course certificates and a Certificate in Global Participants receive a Certificate in Participants receive certificates from RedR Development and Humanitarian Aid from Essentials in Humanitarian Practice UK and La Roche College. La Roche College. provided by RedR UK.
Apply online at laroche.edu/humanitarian | FOR MORE INFORMATION: 412-536-1215 | [email protected]
WINTER | SPRING 2016 0 Students in The La Roche Experience discuss the Syrian Refugee Crisis with an interactive installation during International Education Week. Campus Community Celebrates International Education Week
PHOTOS: NEHA AGARWAL, MFA
tudents, faculty and staff Graphic Design Department Chair The activity included a display of celebrated La Roche’s diverse Neha Agarwal stated. “We were really information about refugees and the campus, explored other hoping to make an impression in an Syrian Crisis. LRX students posted their S interactive, collaborative, easy, yet notecards with equivalents to the wall. cultures and discussed global issues as high-impact manner.” part of International Education Week “As students posted their notecards this past November. The Refugee Experience event was and looked through the display, design incorporated into The La Roche students chose notecards and then International Education Week is a Experience (LRX), a required sequence doodled the concepts onto designated joint initiative of the U.S. Department of courses for all traditional freshmen, areas in the display. Participants also of State and U.S. Department of sophomores and juniors. LRX introduces strung a precalculated number of beads Education, developed as an opportunity students to the Catholic principles of throughout the day, and eventually the to celebrate the importance of peace and justice, issues of diversity and string of beads represented 12 million,” international education and student discrimination, conflict prevention and Professor Agarwal said. exchange worldwide. issues of economic justice. In addition to The Refugee Experience, For five days, La Roche offered Instructors asked LRX students to come International Education Week included internationally focused programs and up with an equivalent to 12 million, the presentations and information sessions events, along with opportunities for estimated number of Syrians affected by The Rukmini Foundation, Global the College community to explore by the conflict, and write down the Pittsburgh, the Peace Corps, Eco-Soap various cultures. The Office of Global equivalent on a notecard. Bank and Foundation Bon Samaritan Engagement also collaborated with Inc. Other events included Desserts from the La Roche Design Division so that “It’s easy for us to picture 100 of Around the World and Global Day. students could learn about the Syrian something, but wrapping our heads Refugee Crisis. around a number as staggering as “International Education Week 12 million is very difficult,” Professor brings into focus that La Roche is a “We wanted to do something that Agarwal said. “The goal was to come up global campus,” senior Michelle would educate the La Roche community with several equivalents to 12 million and Draskovich said. “La Roche has students about refugees in general, and then visualize them in order to help viewers from all over the world, and I consider specifically inform them about really understand the enormity of the perspectives they bring as part of what’s currently happening in Syria,” the situation.” my education.”
5 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE Faculty and Students Join Nursing Honor Society
ast semester La Roche College hosted an induction ceremony L for new members of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), the nursing honor society.
STTI membership is by invitation only. The society recognizes baccalaureate students, graduate students and nurse leaders who demonstrate academic excellence and exceptional A highlight of her career was Inc., La Roche offers a variety of nursing achievements in nursing. volunteering to serve as a nurse in programs to fit the needs of both Indonesia just months after the seasoned professionals and those who The following members joined Indian Ocean Tsunami. Ms. Baktay are new to the field. La Roche’s Theta Mu Chapter of STTI: received her BSN and MSN from the University of Pittsburgh. Currently Undergraduate students: she is a Ph.D. candidate at Indiana DEGREE PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Mary Carlin, Michael Rietscha, Dawn University of Pennsylvania. Salerno and Andrea Lamb • ASN degree STTI offers nursing scholarships, • Online RN-BSN with RN-MSN option Graduate students: Carrie Rubino research awards and scholar programs • Online MSN: Nursing Administration Faculty: Christina Baktay, RN, MSN, throughout the school year. The Theta and Nursing Education assistant professor of nursing, has Mu chapter at La Roche is responsible worked in several areas of direct care for the annual Fall Craft Show. The College also offers school nurse nursing such as: oncology, medical and forensic nurse certificates, along and surgical, hospice, long-term care, Accredited by the Accreditation with post-MSN certificates in nursing assisted living and home care. Commission of Education in Nursing administration and nursing education.
Delta Mu Delta Welcomes New Members
ight La Roche College students became members of Delta Mu Delta, the international honor E Pictured with Assistant Professor and Management Chair Michaela A. Noakes, the following students society in business. became Delta Mu Delta members at an induction ceremony in September: Rakan AlJanady, Bennett Carter, Upperclassmen with a grade point Xin Deng, Mahmoud A. Fallatah, Wesley P. King, Dennis Riosa, Diana D. Vogel and Jacob Michael Weidner. average of 3.5 or higher are eligible to join. The organization promotes higher La Roche has a range of programs leadership, applied sciences and marketing. scholarship in developing business within its management division, The College’s programs in management, acumen and recognizes scholastic offering double majors to its students finance, international management, attainment in the business discipline. at no additional tuition requirement. accounting, marketing and management Student members become eligible Undergraduate offerings include information systems are accredited for more than $60,000 annually in accounting, finance, international through the Accreditation Council scholarship funds to continue or extend management, information systems for Business Schools and Programs, their education, and network with some technology, international studies, a leading specialized accreditation of the principal business employers. management information systems, association for business education.
WINTER | SPRING 2016 6 BEYOND BORDERS
BY KURT HACKIMER ’12 | PHOTOS: CAITLIN THOMAS ’09 For years Mary McBride was most commonly known around La Roche College as the wife of biology professor Dr. Robert McBride. But after becoming the American liaison to a group of Muslim students on campus, Ms. McBride has earned a new title: Mom Mary.
7 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE COVER STORY
n September 2014, Ms. McBride both she and her husband are in class, Nada, who Ms. McBride admits she has volunteered to help students Ms. McBride often babysits her son. grown closest to, will soon graduate from I enrolled in the English as a Second La Roche and head back to Saudi Arabia. Language (ESL) program adjust to life La Roche’s ESL program is comprised She plans on returning to America to in America. She started by tutoring one mostly of people like Shekrah, whose complete a master’s degree. South Korean woman, but while on ages range from mid-20s through 30s. campus, she noticed a large contingent Some of them have families, and many The thought of her Muslim daughters of Muslim students who were hesitant to have deep roots in Saudi Arabia leaving is enough to bring Ms. McBride interact with their American colleagues. that they are willing to transplant to to tears. In fact, she cries frequently over America for two years while they receive the idea of them separating. “When I saw the Muslims on campus, an education. Many who graduate from it seemed to me like they needed a La Roche’s ESL program will return After the spring semester, Ms. McBride’s friend,” Ms. McBride said. “I thought that home for a brief period of time before husband will retire from La Roche, and I could be that friend, and I could help returning to America to pursue a the two of them will move to the historic them through some of the nuances in graduate-level degree. colonial town of Williamsburg, Va. Aside being in America.” from phone calls and text messages, she Two other Saudi Arabian women, Leenah and her Saudi Arabian extended family Almost immediately, Ms. McBride’s and her sister, Nada, also attend La will be separated. workload jumped from one student Roche. Leenah has spent nearly three to a whole on-campus community. In years in America; she first studied in “I thought I would be able to just walk her three years of holding the position, Portland, Ore. before enrolling in away, and I just can’t,” Ms. McBride said. she has taught no less than 30 Muslim La Roche’s Master of Science in Human “I don’t know how I will move onto the students how to tell jokes, how to order Resources Management program. next chapter of my life.” a hamburger and how to properly use the term “L-O-L.”
Ms. McBride’s mission quickly became less about being an educator and more about being a friend, a mentor, and, as much of La Roche’s Muslim population sees her, a mother.
“They’re my daughters, some of them are my sons,” Ms. McBride said. “They come here, and they leave their families. It takes a lot of courage to come to America. They’re brave, they’re strong, and they’re amazing.”
This is something that Ms. McBride reiterates frequently: These women are not just her students; they are her family. She said that little separates the love that she has for her students from the love that she has for her own son.
“She’s like our mom,” Shekrah, one of Ms. McBride’s Saudi Arabian students, said. “She always takes care of us.” “They’re my daughters, some of them are my sons. Shekrah is a mother, herself. She, her They come here, and they leave their families. It takes husband and her five-year-old son have a lot of courage to come to America. They’re brave, lived in America for four years due to her husband’s pursuit of a degree at they’re strong, and they’re amazing.” - Mary McBride La Roche. Shekrah recently decided to work toward her own degree, and while
WINTER | SPRING 2016 8 especially in a country built upon the foundation of religious freedom.
If anything, she explains, these women should be lauded for their unadulterated dedication to Islam and its teachings of peace, love and family. The women pray five times a day according to where the sun is in the sky, so their times of prayer shift a minute or two each day.
“Their devotion to God, to Allah, is amazing to me,” Ms. McBride, a devout Christian, said. “Their lives are their religion. When I hear the comparison between Muslims and terrorists, those people are not [representative of] Islam. These people are Islam, and their lives are devoted to God.”
When back in Saudi Arabia, they spend “Not everything you see and hear about Muslims from the large amounts of time with the members media is true. Those people don’t even represent one percent of their frequently large, extended families. Unlike in America, one would of the Muslim population.” - Leenah never see an elderly Saudi Arabian woman struggling to make her way through the grocery store; she would have her family there to support her. While these women are more than biased students who refuse to treat their This commitment to kindness and capable of handling themselves, Muslim colleagues with respect. On giving helped Ms. McBride grow to love Ms. McBride worries desperately about their walk to school, Leenah and Nada these students in such a short amount of their health and how other Americans have had insults hurled at them by time. She has learned just as much about will treat them. passing motorists. Islam from these women as they have learned about America through her. Even though La Roche offers a safe “I try to tell them that’s a minority of haven for these women, it is not a good America who is saying and believing “That is what we love about her,” time to be a Muslim in America. The those things,” Ms. McBride said. “I think Leenah said. “We appreciate the time deplorable actions of a few radicals have that most of us are welcoming and that she’s spent learning about us and somehow come to misrepresent accepting. Of course we’re frightened our religion.” a peaceful religion. when something bad happens, but you can’t punish the innocent for that.” As Ms. McBride and her husband “Not everything you see and hear about prepare to leave Pittsburgh and the Muslims from the media is true,” Leenah The women understand that prejudice is Muslim students whom she has said. “Those people don’t even represent unavoidable and refuse to cause a scene mentored prepare to return home, she one percent of the Muslim population.” whenever they encounter it. Nada even acknowledges that their time together is admitted that she had her own negative coming to an end. Leenah said that in the years that she’s stereotypes of Americans being mean, been in America, Ms. McBride is the and that those stereotypes have largely And while she will no longer be there only white person who has made an dissipated since her arrival at La Roche. for afternoon tea and family movie effort to befriend her. The Saudi night, she said she is confident that her women, and even Ms. McBride herself, “I was surprised by how nice people adopted daughters will be successful. have been victims of racial profiling were,” Nada said. “Everywhere people from closed-minded individuals in the smile at you and welcome you. I wasn’t “They’re very driven. They’re going to do Greater Pittsburgh Area. expecting that.” great things,” she said. The women have encountered In Ms. McBride’s opinion, persecuting a more than their fair share of rude group of people because of how they dress waitresses, intolerant older women and or the way they pray is un-American,
9 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE CAMPUS NEWS
College Renovates Lecture Hall
his fall La Roche College began a major renovation effort of T the Palumbo Science Center. The first phase of the renovation began with a modernization of the lecture hall in Room 103 to include the addition of handicap access, new lighting, carpeting, a sound system, technology upgrades and all new furniture.
Built in 1980, the Palumbo Science Center is scheduled to undergo additional upgrades, including renovations to laboratories and office space.
Enrollment Numbers Highest Since 2006
otal enrollment at La Roche College increased by 7.8 percent during the 2015-16 Tacademic year.
Enrollment has peaked at 1,523 students—an increase of 111 students over last year’s final enrollment number of 1,412. In addition to the 1,523 for-credit students, another 117 students enrolled in the English as a Second Language PHOTO: CAITLIN THOMAS ‘01 (ESL) program. of new creative initiatives across the out-of-state students, which resulted The College saw increases in the number board, as well as the dedication and hard in out-of-state enrollment growth of of freshmen enrolled, the number of work of our staff and faculty college-wide.” 40 percent,” Dr. Ishiyama said. “Our new, full-time transfer students, and the number of veteran students surged 70 number of full-time undergraduate and Internal strategies that contributed percent. And, we worked to increase the graduate students enrolled at La Roche. to this year’s record enrollment include number of our adult part-time students the College’s efforts to expand its by creating multiple new agreements “This is our largest overall enrollment footprint across multiple student types; and relationships with hospitals and since 2006, and we are just as proud creating more transfer-friendly policies; corporations across the region.” to have welcomed 619 new students and assertively recruiting international for the fall, which included 571 degree- students in countries that value a The College also amended its transfer seeking and 48 ESL,” Vice President for U.S. education. policy to accept the core curriculum of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean any local community college, so that Howard J. Ishiyama, Ph.D., said. “Our “We made an aggressive effort in our students could work on building their number of new students is quite an recruitment and advertising strategies to majors instead of retaking these courses, accomplishment for a college the size of target specific groups, including students and designed new programs specifically La Roche. We can credit this to a number from regional Catholic high schools, and CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
WINTER | SPRING 2016 10 Top left: President’s Circle members Nancy and Richard Zappala pose with recipients of The Frank & Josephine Zappala Endowed Scholarship, Boniface Ngigi, Cynthia Ncuti and Jessica Mancuso. Bottom left: Scholarship recipients and donors meet face-to-face at a private dinner reception in the Zappala College Center Square. Top right: Study Abroad Coordinator Nicole Gable welcomes guests at the President’s Circle Dinner this past November.
President’s Circle Dinner Brings Donors, Students
Together for Inspirational Evening BY VANESSA ORR | PHOTOS: PHIL PAVELEY
ach fall La Roche College to use their education to help people instrumental in allowing us to get to holds its President’s Circle back in their home countries. As a result, know the kids; the fact that it links the Dinner to honor donors for these global citizens are able to take what scholarship recipients to the givers is E they’ve learned at La Roche and work to really, really nice,” said Nancy Zappala, their commitment to the College’s create a more humane and sustainable who with her husband, Richard, provides mission and values. world, spreading the fundamental the Frank & Josephine Zappala Endowed freedoms of peace and social justice far Scholarship to four to five students each “The President’s Circle members are beyond the College’s walls. year. “You read about these students critical to La Roche College,” President on their applications, and learn about Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., The President’s Circle is a giving level the hardships they face, but it’s very said. “Their scholarship support allows that recognizes donors whose monetary rewarding to actually get to meet them many of our students to earn their and in-kind gifts total $1,000 or more and to see what good, hard-working, very degrees without worrying about how each fiscal year. “Their generosity and deserving young people they are.” they might balance full-time work commitment to La Roche inspires us to and classes, and their backing of our face every day with a renewed sense of The President’s Circle Dinner also leaves special events and programs allows us dedication to our mission and the vision an impression on scholarship recipients. to raise the funds necessary to support of our founding congregation, the Sisters Senior Jessica Mancuso, a 2015 recipient our mission.” of Divine Providence,” Sister Candace said. of the Frank & Josephine Zappala Endowed Scholarship and the Robert. B. Through the generous gifts of donors, Perhaps of even greater benefit than Anticole Memorial Endowed Scholarship students are able to not only better their being recognized for their contributions, for Computer Science Majors, said she own futures, but the futures of those however, is the opportunity for donors to enjoyed meeting those who made her around them. In some cases, these meet the students who benefit from education a reality. scholarships, which have been described their largesse. by one recipient as “like a lamp in the “The dinner is not only a chance for darkness,” allow international students “The President’s Circle Dinner has been students and donors to meet face-
11 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE CAMPUS NEWS to-face, but also an opportunity for THE DONORS experience with huge debt—or to not be students to understand the value of their able to pursue an education at all—that’s education and how far those who believe RICHARD AND NANCY ZAPPALA a tough bind. We’re happy to be able to in them will go to make their dreams FRANK & JOSEPHINE ZAPPALA make a difference.” come true,” she said. ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP JILL L. FERGUSON ’92 Some of the relationships that donors Richard and Nancy Zappala have been SISTER RITA YEASTED SCHOLARSHIP develop with scholarship recipients last major supporters of La Roche College far beyond the President’s Circle Dinner; for years: Mr. Zappala laughs that he Despite the fact that she only spent the La Roche students from the Ukraine, was introduced to the school “millions last two years of her undergraduate Haiti and Kenya joined Mr. and Mrs. of years ago” by Thomas Schuchert, a career at La Roche College, the school Zappala for their Christmas Eve Seven member and chair of the College’s board made a big impression on alumna Fishes Dinner, and former scholarship of trustees, who also introduced him to Jill Ferguson, who graduated with a students also keep in touch by email then-president Sister Margaret Huber. communications degree in 1992. to keep the couple abreast of their “It was a very positive experience,” said accomplishments. the author and self-described serial “We’re happy to be able to make entrepreneur, who spent 13 years in “One of the benefits of attending the a difference.” higher education as a professor and President’s Circle Dinner is that you academic administrator, and now actually get to meet the students that - Richard Zappala, President’s Circle Member runs four businesses. “I especially you help face-to-face,” donor Jill L. liked the faculty; I thought they were Ferguson ’92 said. “I’ve gotten letters knowledgeable and caring.” from students and thank you cards that “I was invited to join the board, and a have mentioned how the scholarships couple of years later, was elected chair,” have made a difference between he explained. “Then Sister Maggie—an recipients staying in school or not being absolutely dynamic, wonderful person— able to complete their education, and left, and the College hired Monsignor that’s really rewarding. But actually William Kerr as president. It was through meeting them in person really makes him that my family got really involved in an impression.” the College. His leadership inspired us.”
Breanna Wong, a recipient of the Sister In 2004 when Mr. Zappala’s mother, Rita Yeasted Scholarship established Josephine, passed away, the family by Ms. Ferguson, said, “Meeting Jill at established The Frank & Josephine the President’s Circle Dinner was Zappala Endowed Scholarship as a fantastic. She’s one of the most symbol of her respect for the monsignor. inspirational women that I’ve ever met. She is a wonderful role model; she “We wanted it to be open to any young owns numerous businesses and it’s person who valued education the way awe-inspiring what she’s done.” that my parents did,” Mr. Zappala said. “Both immigrants, they had great respect for the value of education.” “The President’s Circle members In addition to establishing the are critical to La Roche College. scholarship, the Zappalas were Their scholarship support allows instrumental in the opening of the A particular favorite was Sister Rita many of our students to earn $2.5 million Zappala College Center in Yeasted, after whom she named the their degrees without worrying 1987, during Monsignor Kerr’s tenure. scholarship that she’s given since “He inspired us all,” Mr. Zappala said. 2000. “I named it for her because she’s about how they might balance “He was an amazing human being.” awesome!” said Ms. Ferguson, who has full-time work and classes, and since become good friends with her their backing of our special events The family continues to support the former professor and even traveled to and programs allows us to raise College, its students and its mission. Germany with her this past summer. “It’s a shame when young people who “I wanted to pay tribute to her while the funds necessary to support have the same values as my parents she was still here; a lot of people create our mission.” had — who want to pursue an education memorial tributes, but the person — can’t afford it,” Mr. Zappala said. “For doesn’t get to see the result. This way - Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D. President, La Roche College someone to come out of the educational Sister Rita has gotten to see students
WINTER | SPRING 2016 12 CAMPUS NEWS other necessities for my courses,” she said of the scholarship that she has received since 2012. “The Robert B. benefiting from scholarships in her Anticole scholarship also covered my name for the past 16 years. expenses, such as academic fees. When I first moved to the U.S. in 2012, “Back when I went to La Roche, I kept worrying about how I would pay Sister Rita was considered one of for my education and how many hours the more difficult professors. She of work my parents would have to put was definitely a grammarian,” in to get me past my first semester. Ms. Ferguson added. “I spent 13 The generous donors that helped me years as a professor and academic economically helped me first find administrator, and realized just emotional stability.” how much you learn from ‘not-easy’ teachers. She was the natural choice In addition to being a full-time student, when I named the scholarship.” Ms. Mancuso is very involved in campus activities. She has worked as a peer SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS tutor since 2012 in Spanish, math, “I feel very honored and writing, computer science, English as blessed to be able to provide JESSICA MANCUSO a Second Language (ESL) and several FRANK & JOSEPHINE ZAPPALA other courses; runs an English tutoring these scholarships. I believe ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP lab for ESL students; is a test proctor that as a responsible human, ROBERT. B. ANTICOLE MEMORIAL for students with disabilities and a supplemental instructor in the Computer you should always give back ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJORS Science Department; and serves as a peer and pay it forward.” counselor, aiding incoming freshmen in transitioning from high school to college -Jill Ferguson ’92 After graduating from high school in southern Italy, Jessica Mancuso decided and guiding them through their first year to follow in her brother’s footsteps by at La Roche. attending La Roche College. Four scholarships are given each Ms. Mancuso’s future plans include year to English or communication having a book published within the next majors, which are both need- and “My brother convinced me to follow him, and if I would ever have to make two years, working in her field and merit-based. “I feel very honored getting a master’s degree in neuroscience. and blessed to be able to provide that choice again on my own, I would these scholarships,” Ms. Ferguson still choose La Roche,” she said. “Its said, who also has returned environment is so rich and diverse that occasionally to Sister Rita’s classes to there is no reason to go anywhere else speak with students about what in the world. If you could take a bite it takes to become a professional out of every country in the world and writer. “I believe that as a responsible then combine everything into one tiny human, you should always give back college, you would’ve created La Roche. and pay it forward.” “Simply walking around the La Roche community has given me a completely new view on the world,” she added. “Do not discriminate or harm those who you consider different, but learn from them, It‘s not too late to give feed your ignorance. Curiosity will turn to the Annual Fund. prejudice into knowledge. La Roche is the medium we should all use to reach Please consider that goal.” making your contribution by June 30, 2016. Now a senior majoring in computer science with a triple minor in computer BREANNA WONG laroche.edu/givenow security and forensics, criminal justice SISTER RITA YEASTED SCHOLARSHIP and Spanish studies, Ms. Mancuso THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. greatly appreciates the support that she Now in her junior year, English major has received. “The Zappala Scholarship Breanna Wong has learned a lot at helped me this academic year by La Roche—including just how much of covering my health insurance expenses a difference a tutor can make in a and other expenses such as books and student’s life.
13 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE “I originally started out in an affiliate SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-2016 program between La Roche College and Duquesne University, and planned to go ROBERT B. ANTICOLE ENDOWED HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX into pre-med,” she explained. “Then I met MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP CHURCH ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP an international student, and in helping Jessica Mancuso Samantha Ramsey him with his schoolwork, I became even Cassidy Shaffer more interested in English as a Second WALTER & DOLORES BOLD Language (ESL); I realized that I would MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP KATHRYN A. JOLLEY ’81 rather teach people than treat them.” Paige Faulk & GREGORY P. MADEJ SCHOLARSHIP Carson Hohos Hannah Strauch Jonghoo Lee When La Roche approached Ms. Wong SISTER MARY THOMAS KADYSZEWSKI Courtney Yuska Campana to become a peer tutor, she jumped at the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ENDOWED opportunity. “I love it,” she said. “I liked MODERN LANGUAGES SCHOLARSHIP science a lot, but I like helping people to ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Felicia Gehres learn a new language even more. When Angel Sanchez Carson Rebel I switched majors, I had the chance to switch schools, but I love it here. The CAROL ’81 & HUGO CHURCHILL COACH SCOTT LANG professors are personable and get to ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP know you. And the student population Tiffany Babinsack Ryan Balog is so diverse.” Krystsina Karsiuk GEORGE O. LAUTH RAYMOND & REGINA DENNIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP This past summer, Ms. Wong was MEMORIAL AWARD awarded a summer internship in Cassidy Shaffer Tiffany Babinsack Washington, D.C., where she worked PACEM IN TERRIS SCHOLARSHIP with students from Saudi Arabia. DIVINE PROVIDENCE Tassy Fils-Aime “My goal is to end up in Dubai or Qatar, ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Krystsina Karsiuk teaching ESL, because they are always Ariella Itangishaka Nicole Boniface Ngigi looking for native English speakers,” Linkes Cerci Smith Pelayo Ondo she explained. “I’d like to teach overseas Ondo Bindang CORA STEHMAN DWYER for several years while working on Babin Thapa MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP getting my master’s and a doctorate, Kris Rosenberg and then come back to teach at the Terryl Poling high-school level.” MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP CHUCK EPERTHENER FOR RETURNING WOMEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Tiffany Babinsack Ms. Wong was thrilled to learn that Kevin Johnson faculty members had selected her Krystsina Karsiuk to receive the Sister Rita Yeasted FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD JUDGE TIMOTHY F. & MRS. RHEA RYAN Scholarship, which she says will enable Ana Paula De Marco Teixeira MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP her to spend more time focusing on Juste Irakoze Paige Faulk her studies. “It was such an honor,” Hannah Strauch said Ms. Wong, who has applied for Lauren Villella DANIEL W. SCHNEIDER MEMORIAL a teaching position at Phillips Exeter Lin Xiao ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP I Academy in New York, where she hopes Jessica Seidl CHRISTINA FRAGASSO MEMORIAL to spend the summer working with the ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP DANIEL W. SCHNEIDER MEMORIAL college preparatory academy’s large ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP II international population. Alan Sam Joseph Kelsch DR. A. KENNETH & DORIS HESSELBERG In addition to tutoring La Roche ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP SISTER RITA YEASTED students during the regular school Ryan Balog SCHOLARSHIP AWARD year, Ms. Wong serves as the president Kaitlin Dobrowsky Megan Poland of MOSAIC (Multicultural Organization Ryan Eshenbaugh Sarah Reichle Serving an Integrated Community), Felicia Gehres Taylor Tokarski which helps to bridge different cultures Charlie Holliday Breanna Wong in the student population, and is vice Joseph Kelsch FRANK & JOSEPHINE ZAPPALA president of the newly formed chapter Madelyn Kibbe ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP of the American Association of Kristen Krivak University Women. She also is a member Nicole Linkes Tassy Fils-Aime of Sigma Tau Delta, the College’s Kelsey Lewis Krystsina Karsiuk International English Honor Society Carson Rebel Jessica Mancuso and participates in the ESL Conversation Jessica Seidl Cynthia Ncuti Partnership Program. Boniface Ngigi
WINTER | SPRING 2016 14 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE | 2015 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
La Roche College proudly recognizes the generosity and support of the following individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations for their donations of $1,000 or more during the course of the year.
AAA East Central Mary Anne & Howard W. Hanna III • Teresa G• & Dr. David Petrick Allied Barton Security Services Honeywell Inc. Jeanne M. Pittavino Sister Elena Almendarez, CDP Houston Harbaugh P.C. Pittsburgh Pirates Eileen & Michael Andreola Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Stephanie & Steven E. Pohl ’81 •* Anonymous Lee Ann & Robert J. Howard • Marylynn Powell Aufman Associates Inc. Hudson Family Association PPG Foundation Marian A. Auld ’73 Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D.• PPG Industries Baierl Automotive Howard Ishiyama, Ph.D. Print Tech of Western PA LLC Lee Baierl • & Shannon Smithey, Ph.D. Ambassador Anthony C. E. Quainton • Eucario Angue Oyana Bakale ’06 Kathryn A. Jolley ’81 •* Susan Long Quainton • & Fidela Eyang Mene Obono ’06 & Gregory P. Madej Mary E. Rodgers Kathleen Bartoldi Adria Kelleher, Ph.D. Michael A. Romano Dr. Marvin L. & Judith C. Bellin Christine L. Kotarba Colleen Ruefle & Jim Shields Godfrey Biravanga ’01 •* Kathy Kozdemba Ruthrauff Services LLC Sister Michele Bisbey, CDP, ’71, Ph.D.* Susan & Scott Lammie S&T Bank David E. Borrebach, Ph.D. Scott & Susan Lammie Charitable Fund SAGE Dining Services Inc. & Margaret Kinsky of The Pittsburgh Foundation Saint Winifred Parish Araminta R. Brown ’82 James R. Lees Jr. The Reverend Thomas G. Schaefer, Ph.D. Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy Ellen & Craig Liberatore Scott Electric Foundation Inc. of Pittsburgh Michael A. Liberto ’97 Patricia A. Stover ’85 Comcast Cable Patricia A. Liebman ’82 * Harry B. Strickland, Ph.D. Congregation of the Sisters of Littler Janice M. Talerico ’81 Divine Providence • Vince Locher The Buhl Foundation Laine & Philip P. Conti Jr. Angela J. Longo ’89 •* The Arthur J. Gallagher Foundation Scott W. Coy Paul G. Malone The Jenzabar Foundation Kathleen & Kenneth DeCrane Rose Marie ’90 * & Jack Manley Jill ’92 & Craig Tillotson Deloitte Foundation Carol Marsiglio ’75 * Kathryn Timko ’11 Janet Dennis Massaro Corporation TriState Capital Bank The Reverend Andrew J. Deskevich ’92 * Carol & Joseph A. Massaro Jr. TJ&S Desmone & Associates Architects Stephanie & Stephen M. Massaro • + UPMC Health Plan Dick’s Sporting Goods Janice L. ’02 & The Honorable UPMC Health System Linda C. ’92, ’00 & Donald J. Dietz ’94 Michael McCarthy UPMC Passavant Dietz Family Charitable Gift Fund Richard & Rosemary McCarthy, Ph.D. UPMC St. Margaret DRS Architects Inc. Mary E. Michalek ’82 Anne ’86 & Richard L. Vareha ’84 * Lottie & Earnest J. Edwards ◊ Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Nicholas D. Varischetti, Esq. • Embassy of Equatorial Guinea Diane & Mark Minnaugh Joanie & Robert Vogel EQT Foundation Lisa & Michael A. Mlinac ’77 •* Walmart Stores Inc. Michelle & Mounzer R. Fatfat, Ph.D. Mlinac Family Charitable Gift Fund Waste Management Federated Investors Foundation Inc. Morgan Stanley Global Impact Karen D. Watson, MBA, CFA, AIF® • Jill L. Ferguson ’92 * Funding Trust Inc. Willis of Pennsylvania Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund National Automobile Dealers Jill & Rod Wilt Barbara & Richard B. Fisher ◊ Charitable Foundation WSFS Bank Follett College Stores NCAA Sister Rita M. Yeasted, SFCC, ’68, Ph.D. * Fragasso Financial Advisors Innocent M. Ndimubanzi ’04 Karen Yoshino, Ph.D. • Janine & Robert Fragasso • Vernon C. & Alvina B. Neal Fund Richard & Nancy Zappala Carol & Bradley J. Franc, Esq.• Elizabeth K. O’Grady ’79 Jurica Zovko ’98 Mark C. Gahagen ’91 OSS Security Inc. + Deceased Gaven Industries Mary & Robert Ott • Board of Trustees ◊ Emeritus Trustee Kristin & James F. Getz Jr. ’96 •* PepsiCo Dottie & Ralph W. Gilbert Jr.• Evelyn D. Perrett • * Distinguished Alumni Circle Margi & V. James Gregory + ◊ Mary Lou & David C. Peters • La Roche College has made every effort to verify membership in the President’s Circle. If an error or Tatyana Grgich Family Foundation Donald C. & Twila Peters Fund omission has occurred, please accept our apology and Louise Kissinger Hall ’78 of The Pittsburgh Foundation contact us at 412-536-1092.
15 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE CAMPUS NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
Enrollment Numbers La Roche College Highest Since 2006 Named Military Friendly® including a new bachelor of arts College for Seventh degree in management, and a psychology partnership at Butler Consecutive Year County Community College (BC3) that eliminated the need for BC3 ictory Media, a veteran- students to travel to La Roche’s owned business and McCandless campus. V publisher of G.I. Jobs,® “We also looked to broaden our ranks La Roche College in the top ® ‘portfolio’ with more international U.S. News & World Report 15 percent of all Military Friendly students. This year we welcomed 80 colleges, universities and trade new international students Ranks La Roche College schools nationwide. from 20 different countries,” Among Nation’s Best Dr. Ishiyama continued. “This This year marks the seventh fits with our mission of creating ccording to U.S. News & consecutive year for La Roche to a climate on campus that is receive Military Friendly® status. accepting of all people and that World Report’s 2016 Best In 2009 La Roche became a Yellow emphasizes diversity.” A Colleges Guidebook, La Roche Ribbon institution, working with College is a Best Regional College and a the U.S. Department of Veterans THE FOLLOWING IS A SNAPSHOT Best College for Veterans. Affairs to reimburse 100 percent of OF ENROLLMENT NUMBERS FOR veterans’ tuition cost. The College THE 2015-16 ACADEMIC YEAR: La Roche ranks 34th on the list of Best and government equally share costs associated with veterans obtaining The freshman class of 291 is a Regional Colleges in the north. Schools • their degrees as part of the program. 30 percent increase over last listed as Best Regional Colleges focus year’s entering freshman class. almost entirely on the undergraduate experience and offer a wide range of • There are 138 new full-time liberal arts programs and the fields of transfer students, an increase business, nursing and education. This of 22 percent over last fall. year the list of Best Regional Colleges includes 363 colleges and features • A total of 78 percent of last year’s freshmen class returned for the institutional data for categories such fall 2015 semester. as peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, class sizes, student- • Full-time undergraduate faculty ratio, student selectivity, enrollment is up by 9 percent. acceptance rates and alumni giving. Military and veteran students also Enrollment in graduate • U.S. News & World Report also named find support through the Veterans programs is up by 16.8 percent. La Roche as one of the Best Colleges for Organization, one of more than 30 Veterans. These top-ranked schools help student clubs and organizations La Roche continues to enhance its to make a college education affordable by offered at La Roche. Established in facilities to meet the growing student offering benefits to military veterans and 2013, the organization gives veterans demand. One year ago the College active-duty service members. Qualifying the opportunity to meet each other, unveiled a $2.7 million renovation to private schools had to be certified for get involved on campus and receive its athletic complex, which included the G.I. Bill and participate in the Yellow support. Each year the organization the installation of a turf field among Ribbon Program. holds a Veterans Day panel for other enhancements. The College students and faculty members to also opened the Father Peter Horton U.S. News & World Report is the third share their military experiences with Lounge outside of Magdalen Chapel. renowned college rankings organization the student body. This past summer the College made to recognize La Roche College this past several enhancements to residence year. In July 2015 La Roche was named La Roche offers credit for military halls and completely renovated a Catholic College of Distinction and services and welcomes all veterans, the Zappala College Center Square a Pennsylvania College of Distinction, military students and their dependents and the lecture hall in the Palumbo and The Princeton Review listed the to begin or complete their education on Science Center. institution as a Best Northeastern campus, through online learning or at College for the 10th consecutive year. one of its satellite campuses.
WINTER | SPRING 2016 16 FATHER AARON KRISS
t one point, Rev. Aaron Kriss, La Roche College’s A new campus chaplain, did not know if he was cut out for a life in the ministry. He loves baseball and rock music, two things that are not commonly associated with a priest’s reverence. But despite his preconceived notions about the seminary, Father Kriss’ faith
continued to draw him closer to God. PHOTOS: JIM JUDKIS
Father Kriss was ordained in 1991. The Reverend served for 12 years at the Holy You kind of wonder, after you go through Martyrs Church in Tarentum, Pa., before high school, if that is just something that “baseball-loving guys were priest he was transferred in 2015. Currently he a kid feels, but those feelings remained material.” Why was that? splits his time between La Roche and with me. I guess it was my mistake, if you want his new home parish, St. Ursula Catholic to call it that. It was a preconceived Church in Hampton Township. Do you use what inspired you misconception. When I was growing up, until I had more exposure to it, as a kid in your sermons today? How did growing up in I felt that priests were into classical We have the greatest gift that God music and didn’t like sports. Pittsburgh help lead you to the could give us in His body and blood. lifestyle that you’ve chosen? People seem to think that I bring energy It wasn’t until I was in the seminary that Growing up in the South Side, I belonged and enthusiasm to the parish at St. I realized that everybody came from to St. Adalbert’s Church, a Polish church. Ursula. I don’t stand behind a pulpit, a different background. We just had a I always was involved in the church; but I speak at a level that they can common interest in service and ministry. I was an altar server when I was in understand. I think they immediately It didn’t matter if you liked sports. We fifth grade, and I became a reader, or have seen that I bring a love for the were all there to see if we were going to lector, in Mass. I also was a Eucharistic Eucharist and a love for the faith. be called to ministry and the priesthood. minister, distributing communion, and was involved in the Parish council. Our faith is something to cherish. People Even through my college years, I still come up to me to say that they love the Is there anything that you’ve connected with my home ministry. way I celebrate Mass. I bring current learned from baseball or music events. I bring an interest in music and that helps you as a minister? My oldest brother, Father David Kriss, sports. I try to bring the scriptures to First of all, it helps me relate to people. was a priest. He showed me some of the life in the present. A lot of people would I want them to see the person as well things that he did – on youth group trips complain that all that the priest does is as the priest. If they can relate to me and in Mass – and I learned what he rehash the scriptures, but we are taught with sports and music, then that will did as a priest. I always was close to my in the seminary to make it real for the help them to approach me. I want to family, and my brother died 11 years ago people and make the scriptures come be approachable. I want them to not be of a heart attack. He was an influence, alive in the present. afraid to say, “Father, I have a problem” or of course, as was my mentor Rev. Tom “Would you come to my birthday party?” Zabowski, who told me that every priest I figure sports and music would help is unique. In September, you discussed your infatuation with baseball people become more comfortable with mentoring them in a spiritual way. I’ve had a spiritual bent since I was a kid. during an interview with the I’ve always felt very comfortable at Mass Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. You I used to perform with bands. When I — just being there I felt close to God. stated that you didn’t know if was very young, I was very shy. When 17 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE MISSION AND SERVICE
I started getting into music — performing in front of people — it gave me the confidence to be in front of people while I was preaching. Music helped me become more confident.
Also, I think music helps people relate and feel that you’re part of their lives. Sometimes people put this distance between themselves and the priest, and I don’t really want that. Jesus was with His people.
What excites you about being the chaplain at La Roche? I think it’s exciting to be among the young people. If I can be an The La Roche baseball team joined with the Pittsburgh Pirates to help collect and distribute food influence to them just by having to the less fortunate during the Pirates CARE-a-van event in December. lunch with them in the cafeteria or by celebrating Mass with them, they Student Athletes Show Winning Spirit get to see me more in a personal way. I just like to help young people and On and Off the Field lead them in their lives. I always feel like young people are the present as BY VANESSA ORR well as the future of the church. ometimes student athletes learn just as much off the field as they do while playing sports. For this reason, La Roche College encourages its S students to volunteer and reach across political, cultural and economic divides with the goal of becoming a truly global community.
“Volunteering is a part of the college experience—developing these students into well-rounded individuals is what it’s all about,” Head Baseball Coach Chase Rowe explained.
In December the Redhawks baseball team participated in the Pittsburgh Pirates CARE-a-van event, working with Pirates’ major and minor league players and coaches to make a difference in a number of communities throughout the region. Pirates’ players, including Jake Goebbert, Alen Hanson, John Holdzkom and coach Brad Fischer, teamed up with the Redhawks in a repack event for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
“Every year, we help the Pirates’ players and coaches sort and fill boxes for the food What excites me about La Roche is bank, and we’re excited that we’re able to do that,” Coach Rowe said of the event that we have people who are young that collects and distributes food to the less fortunate. This year 11 cities in the and blossoming, trying to find their Greater Pittsburgh region benefited from the event. ways, just as I was trying to find my way when I was their age. I am just Senior Colin Williamson, 22, a double major in marketing and management, said here to love them, accept them and the team had an opportunity to learn about business and the impact help them along in their journey. I of service through the Pirates CARE-a-van event. have even begun to help a student with the process of becoming a full “We got to go on a tour of the food bank, where they showed us everything they do Catholic. The Sisters and I have been from logistics to marketing—the whole business aspect as well as the social aspect, tutoring her, and the goal is for her to which is what it’s all about,” he said. “When you think about what they do for the become a full Catholic by Easter. community, it’s really pretty amazing.
WINTER | SPRING 2016 18 on in the hospital—to make them feel happy about what they were doing that day,” Mr. Hagins explained.
Now in its 10th year, the charity has expanded from delivering stuffed animals to include crayons, coloring books, toys and more. To date, Cuddles for Kids has donated more than 107,000 items, or roughly $400,000 worth of goods, to children’s agencies in Pennsylvania and around the world. The charity also has issued more than $16,000 in grants to agencies to be used for programs benefitting children.
“I believe that if you’re lucky enough to be in college and playing a sport, the least you can do is give back to help those in need,” Mr. Hagins said. “Growing up, I was taught that when you’re on the field, you try to be the best player you can be, and off the field, you try to be the best Pirates player Alen Hanson and freshman Kordel Collins sort food for the Greater Pittsburgh person you can be.” Community Food Bank. Mr. Hagins, who is planning to hold It was eye-opening to see how much that we needed to give stuffed animals to another Kicking It With The Kids event help is needed around the greater all of the kids in the hospital.” this spring, received the Prudential Spirit Pittsburgh area. of Community Award Distinguished Mr. Hagins decided to bring the Finalist medal in 2009, 2010 and 2012, “The fact that we got to help out while program, which originally started in his and was named the Prudential Spirit of working with Pirates’ players was an hometown of Johnstown, to La Roche Community High School Volunteer for extra bonus for us,” he added. “One of when he enrolled. Pennsylvania in 2015. my teammates summed it up best. He said, ‘These are the guys you look up to and want to be like. You structure “I believe that if you’re lucky yourself like them as an athlete, but you enough to be in college and playing also want to follow the example that a sport, the least you can do is give they set in the community.’ They are phenomenal role models.” back to help those in need.” - Conner Hagins Members of the La Roche men’s and women’s soccer teams also helped to make an impact on the community as “A lot of my friends on the soccer team part of the Kicking It With The Kids event in high school had been involved, so I at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of thought it would be a good idea to invite UPMC. The event was part of the the soccer team here to take part in an Cuddles for Kids program, which was event,” he said. “Everyone, from the started by freshman soccer player players to the coaches, got really into it. Conner Hagins, 19, long before he It’s a great group of people on and off the became a La Roche student. field, and we do a lot of stuff together. This is the type of bonding that makes a “I started the charity in 2006, when I was team a team.” 10 years old,” he explained. “I went to visit my father in the hospital when he During the first annual Kicking It With was having double bypass surgery, and he The Kids event, the teams held a mini- got a stuffed animal while he was there. I soccer camp and did crafts with patients asked the nurse if everyone got a stuffed at the hospital, in addition to distributing animal, and she said that only people gifts that included mini-soccer balls. A member of the Cannonball Crew and John having certain procedures did. Right “One of the goals of the program was to Holdzkom of the Pittsburgh Pirates smile as then, a light bulb went off, and I decided get the kids’ minds off of what was going they fill boxes to be distributed.
19 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE ATHLETICS
Chase Rowe Named 2015 Chuck Tanner Collegiate Coach of the Year
BY KURT HACKIMER ’12 | PHOTOS: JIM JUDKIS
ver the past 10 years, Pittsburgh Pirates pitching guru Ray “Chase has worked very hard to put Head Baseball Coach Chase Searage and former Pirates General himself in the position that he is in Rowe has built a program Manager Kevin McClatchy. today. He’s one of the best Div. III baseball coaches in the country,” Othat now consistently ranks among the “It’s nice to be recognized for all of the La Roche Athletic Director Jim Tinkey elites in Div. III baseball. And this past hard work that not only myself but my said. “He’s a great student of the game, November, Coach Rowe was honored staff and everybody at the College has put an incredible recruiter and a tremendous for his efforts when he was named the in for the past 10 years,” Coach Rowe said. leader. But most importantly, and what I’m most proud of, is that he’s as good a 2015 Chuck Tanner Collegiate Coach The Redhawks manager did not find role model as you’ll find for the young of the Year. this success overnight. Coach Rowe, 31, men he coaches.” has been manning the Redhawks bench Coach Rowe received his award at the for nine full seasons. When he started Coach Rowe, who also was named ninth annual Chuck Tanner Awards coaching at the age of 22, he was one of the ABCA/Diamond NCAA Div. III Banquet in November. Hosted by the the youngest head coaches in college Mideast Region Coach of the Year, the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh, the banquet sports, and the Redhawks had a fledgling DB3Baseball Mideast Region Coach of the is named in honor of former Major baseball program that was good enough Year and the AMCC Coach of the Year in League Baseball Manager Chuck Tanner, to contend consistently in the Allegheny 2015, said that the constant betterment who led Pittsburgh to a World Series Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) of himself and his players is what drives Championship in 1979. but not good enough to win. him to succeed.
As he received his award at the Rivers That all changed under Coach Rowe, “For me personally, it’s just a thirst for Club in downtown Pittsburgh, the who has recruited dynamic players to knowledge,” he explained. “I’m passionate Redhawks’ bench boss shared the stage La Roche and has built a proverbial Div. about baseball. Even more than with such esteemed baseball personnel III juggernaut in his time at the College. winnings, I’m passionate about learning as Texas Rangers Manager Jeff Banister, the game and making my players better.”
WINTER | SPRING 2016 20 Coach Rowe’s dedication to learning “We have a great baseball program, and the game has clearly had a positive we work every year to try and win a effect on his players because the national championship,” he said. “I don’t Redhawks baseball program has risen to know if that’s the sales pitch that a player unprecedented levels during the coach’s hears from every other school, but that’s tenure. For the second consecutive our goal.” season, the Redhawks have gone further into the postseason than any La Roche That appears to be the next step for baseball team. La Roche, which has emerged as the dominant school in their conference in Under Coach Rowe’s leadership, La Roche the past several seasons. And the team baseball has a .591 winning percentage has done so by adjusting its standards. over the past eight seasons and won Coach Rowe is not looking for just any three regular season titles and three baseball player to fill out his roster; he is AMCC titles in the last four seasons. looking for kids who want to win.
“Our grades in the classroom are good, our guys work hard, and we’re seeing success on both ends. When you get those types of kids who are self-motivated, I think really special things start to happen.” - Coach Chase Rowe
This past season the Redhawks went “We just keep trying to get tough kids 32-13 with a 14-2 record in conference who want to be successful no matter play and won its second straight AMCC what they do,” Coach Rowe explained. Championship. They became the first “Our grades in the classroom are team in school history to make it to the good, our guys work hard, and we’re NCAA Mideast Regional Championship seeing success on both ends. When and fell just one win short of winning you get those types of kids who are Jon Watson, infielder Brian Tougher, that title. self-motivated, I think really special catcher Matt Sabatini and infielder things start to happen.” Franzee Barlamas, means that this year’s The Redhawks staff have turned La Roche Redhawks baseball team will look much into a Div. III baseball powerhouse, which There is no better example of this kind different than the dominant clubs of is beneficial not only to the College’s of toughness and competitiveness than recent history. reputation within the region but also for recent La Roche graduate and 2015 the purposes of recruiting highly touted AMCC Pitcher of the Year Tyler Ferguson. But Coach Rowe is confident that his student-athletes to the school. current group will not only pick up the Coach Rowe said that Mr. Ferguson is slack left by the recent graduates, it will “[Recruits] call me back more often now,” inarguably the best baseball player, build upon their previous successes. Coach Rowe said. “And I have a lot more and possibly the best athlete, in La players who are kind of recruiting us, Roche’s history. In his four years at “I expect to be even better this year,” he which makes things a little bit easier.” La Roche, Mr. Ferguson smashed school said. “I think we have more pitching records for career wins (31) and career depth, we’re more athletic, and we’re Coach Rowe said that his pitch used to strikeouts (318). faster. I think we’re going to be better mainly revolve around the campus itself. offensively than we have ever been and, La Roche offers a personalized, small- In June Mr. Ferguson signed with if we stay healthy, I think we should school experience for a lower price than the independent Frontier League’s be right back there in the thick of many of its private school counterparts Washington Wild Things, making things again.” in the AMCC. It is stressed to potential him the second La Roche alumnus to student athletes that La Roche’s faculty play professional baseball. The Wild La Roche’s march toward their third and administrators will care for them in Things boast that 27 of its players have consecutive AMCC Conference Title a way that other schools will not. gone on to be signed by Major League started on Feb. 13 at Shenandoah and Baseball organizations. hopefully will span well into May as the But now Coach Rowe can add team looks to make another extended another, possibly more intriguing item Mr. Ferguson’s departure, as well as run into the postseason. to his recruiting portfolio: potential the departures of several key seniors national recognition. such as outfielders Cory Podvasnik and
21 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE SPORTS UPDATE
Volleyball’s Amazing Run Ends in AMCC Semifinal he women’s volleyball team finished an amazing season after they fell to Medaille in T a thrilling 3-1 AMCC Semifinal Match. The team earned a school-record three spots on the AMCC All-Conference Team. Kelly Slates garnered First-Team honors, which marks 2015 as the third consecutive year for a Lady Redhawk to place on the First Team. Slates had an unbelievable season from her libero spot, ranking sixth in the nation in digs while leading the conference in the same category. She finished her career as one of school’s all-time leaders in digs. Tennis Finishes Another Toni Torchia and Laura Nath wreaked havoc on opponents all season long at the net. Torchia Solid Season ranked seventh in the AMCC in kills and digs, while he La Roche tennis team concluded Nath finished the year ninth in kills. Both athletes another successful season with the made the AMCC All-Conference Second Team. T third highest total single-season win in school history (6-7 overall). Ben Mullins Earns Second Straight Despite a significant number of injuries and adversity, the team more than doubled All-Conference Nod their individual match wins of 27 in 2014 to n October men’s golfer Ben Mullins was named to the 63. The Redhawks also finished with more AMCC All-Conference First Team. Mullins posted one conference and non-conference wins in 2015 I of the best scoring averages in the AMCC with an while moving up in the AMCC standings. 81.6 average over six rounds. He tied for third in the Junior Devin Stromberg led the way for Hilbert College Invitational, placed top 10 in three of six the second straight season, earning rounds and in the top 15 in all six. All-Conference honors at the number three He is two for two with All-Conference nods after receiving singles position, and the number-three a Third-Team honor last season. Mullins joins 11 other doubles spot with freshman Chardai Guthrie. Redhawks since 1997 as First-Team performers. Stromberg finished her second straight MVP season with 10-2 overall in singles and 9-2 in doubles, and she became the tallying three goals third Redhawk tennis player to win multiple (two game-winning All-Conference awards. goals) and three assists. Balzer was a stalwart in the midfield, Ceravolo Earns Spot on AMCC finishing the season with six goals and three All-Conference First Team assists. He ranks fifth omen’s soccer sophomore striker on the school’s career Vanessa Ceravolo was awarded assist list and 11th on W a spot on the AMCC All-Conference the point list. First Team. Dick and Lagnese Ceravolo followed her Second Team Men’s Soccer Puts Five on ranked among the conference leaders performance last season with an incredible All-Conference Team in goals all season long. Dick led all sophomore campaign. She led the AMCC AMCC freshmen and tied for fourth in Conference in goals (16), ranked second in fter another successful season the conference with 10 goals. Lagnese points (39) and game-winning goals (4), (11-9), nearly half of the men’s soccer only was a goal behind placing sixth in and third in assists (7). She also had three A starting lineup placed on the AMCC the conference. hat tricks and registered a point in 10 of All-Conference Team. Elliot Dick, Dave Vicent tied the school’s single-season 15 games. Hidinger and Ximo Vicent made the Second assist record in his first collegiate season. Team, while Tyler Balzer and Aaron Lagnese Ceravolo is the first Lady Redhawk to make He led all freshmen and ranked second in were on the Third Team. First Team since Bethanie Moreschi in 2012, the conference with 12 assists, while and the first sophomore to do so since Hidinger provided strong defense and also producing four goals (two Moreschi and Katherine Golebie in 2010. leadership from his centerback position while game-winning goals).
WINTER | SPRING 2016 22 ALUMNI UPDATE
Dear Alumni, ALUMNI HOMECOMING WEEKEND t’s amazing to see how La Roche College alumni are always excited to return “home.” I attended Festival FAST FACTS LA ROCHE COLLEGE | APRIL 22-24 I of Lights this past December, and it was a packed house in all venues. It was great to meet and speak with fellow alumni at the event. TOTAL COUNT 12,874 DEGREE EARNERS | LIVING AND DECEASED Events like Festival of Lights only happen because of you — because you participate, donate and support the College. Thank you for all that you do for the community and La Roche.
Please remember to mark you calendars for Alumni Homecoming Weekend from April 22-24. Hosted by the College 12,529 TOTAL LIVING and the Office of Alumni Relations, Homecoming offers a weekend of events for alumni to reconnect and celebrate their time at La Roche.
Be sure to visit laroche.edu/homecoming to register and view 84 COUNTRIES BORN IN important details. Homecoming is great time to catch up with friends, professors and staff, especially if you belonged to the design or liberal arts/humanities divisions, for which we’re hosting reunions. COUNTRIES RESIDING IN I hope to see all of you come “home” to the Redhawk nest in 58 April. I, and the rest of the executive alumni board, appreciate your time and your support.
Thank you. 50 STATES RESIDING IN (USA)
Sincerely, Lonnie Nolker ’06 LIVING IN PENNSYLVANIA Alumni Board President 9,795
LIVING WITHIN 25 MILES 9,221 OF LA ROCHE COLLEGE
EMAIL ADDRESSES 4,937 RECORDED
AS OF JAN. 15, 2016
23 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE HOMECOMING WEEKEND LA ROCHE COLLEGE | APRIL 22-24
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, APRIL 22 4 p.m. | Opening Mass with Celebrant Father Peter Horton 5 p.m. | Featured Event: Cocktail and Dinner Party CELEBRATE LA ROCHE! | Distinguished Alumni Circle • Liberal Arts Academic Reunion Inductions | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church • Retirement Party for Dr. Bob McBride • Cocktail and Dinner Party for All Alumni SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Suggested dress: business casual Noon | Alumni Men’s Soccer Game | Athletic Complex 8 p.m. | Happy Hour at Rum Runners Saloon 1 and 3 p.m. | Varsity Softball Games (doubleheader) Lady Redhawks vs D’Youville | La Roche Softball Field SUNDAY, APRIL 24 2 p.m. | Alumni Women’s Soccer Game | Athletic Complex 9:30 a.m. | 5K Race on Campus Brunch to follow the race 3:30 p.m. | Meet Design Open House Design Academic Reunion and Student Art Show Register today at laroche.edu/homecoming
FOR MORE INFORMATION Director of Alumni Relations Gina Miller SPONSORED BY 412-536-1085 | [email protected]
WINTER | SPRING 2016 24 n Saturday, Jan. 28, La Roche College welcomed five alumni and one honorary member to the Athletic Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony in the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center. OThe Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals for their outstanding athletic careers, community service and professional achievements.
PHIL AVOLIO ’09 Mr. Avolio currently works as the facilities Scholarship, made the Dean's List all four and parks coordinator for Mt. Lebanon years, was a three-year member of the BASEBALL Municipality. American Criminal Justice Association Phil Avolio, a native of Eighty Four, Pa., and a 2008 member of the National majored in facilities management and NICOLE BOOTH ’08 College Athlete Honor Society. led a distinguished baseball career at La Roche. WOMEN'S SOCCER She and her husband, Jordan, have three Nicole Booth was a standout soccer children: Isabella, Brayden and Spencer. He ranked second on the school’s player who helped her team to four Ms. Booth currently works as a social all-time wins list at graduation and straight AMCC Tournament Semifinal worker in a skilled nursing facility. currently has the fourth most wins in appearances and earned the AMCC school history. Newcomer of the Year Award. JIMMY DUNN 2016 HONORARY INDUCTEE In addition to his 15 career victories, She was a two-time AMCC All- Mr. Avolio also threw 11 complete Conference First Teamer, a two-time Since moving to the North Hills seven games and struck out 108 batters. He AMCC All-Conference Second Teamer, years ago, Jimmy Dunn has been a was on the squad that won the AMCC a four-time AMCC All-Conference respected member of the La Roche Regular Season Championship in 2007 Academic Teamer and the 2008 AMCC community. and helped lead his team to the AMCC Scholar Athlete of the Year. She currently Championship game in 2006 and 2007. ranks fifth in school history in assists, Mr. Dunn attends every basketball game seventh in points and eighth in goals. and other sports events on campus, and During the 2007 season, Mr. Avolio he provides the Athletics Department threw a no-hitter, which sparked a A criminal justice major, Ms. Booth was with invaluable media coverage as the winning-streak where La Roche won an outstanding student at La Roche and Redhawks' beat writer. 11 of their next 12 games en route to earned prestigious academic awards, the regular season championship. In including the Harlan Fiske Stone Award A Korean War veteran, Mr. Dunn has 2009 he received the AMCC Faculty (highest GPA among graduating criminal been an active participant in veterans’ Representative Award, which is given justice students) and the Harry G. Austin affairs on campus. For two years he to the top academic student-athlete in Jr. Scholar Athlete Award. participated in the Veterans Day panel the conference, as well as the Harry G. and was recognized for his service at a Austin Award. Ms. Booth was a 2008 nominee for the game last season. President's Award For Leadership and
25 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE ALUMNI UPDATE KRISTY LESH ’01 career has helped to shape the person WOMEN’S BASKETBALL that I am in both my personal and BETHANY PERACCHINO ’08 professional life. To be successful in Kristy Lesh had a stellar four-year soccer anything, especially sports, takes a lot SOFTBALL career and guided the Lady Redhawks of hard work, discipline, determination, As the three-year starting pitcher on the La to four consecutive AMCC Tournament dedication and time.” Roche softball team, Bethany Peracchino appearances, including a berth in the was one of the best in school history. 1998 championship game. An AMCC All-Conference First-Teamer and AMCC All-Conference Second Ms. Peracchino was twice named to the Ms. Lesh was recognized as the 1998 Teamer, she helped her team to four AMCC All-Conference First Team, and AMCC Player of the Year, a 1998 AMCC straight AMCC Tournament appearances. she helped lead her team to the AMCC All-Conference First-Team selection and She concluded her career as the program’s Tournament in each of her three seasons, the team’s captain during her senior all-time leading scorer. Ms. Pencak including an appearance in the 2005 season. During her final season, the Lady currently ranks fourth all-time and among championship game. She was named Redhawks led the nation in scoring with the school’s all-time leaders with 883 the MVP of the 2008 ECAC Tournament, 101 goals while setting a school record in career rebounds and 131 career steals. and her team set a school record for wins the process. She finished her career as on their way to an AMCC Regular Season the school’s all-time leader in points and Her team was active with the Title. That year the Lady Redhawks won goals, and currently ranks fourth in American Cancer Society for five years, the ECAC South Regional Championship. both categories. and she served as team captain of Team Unity, a Relay for Life team. Ms. Peracchino holds the single-season A native of Allison Park, Pa., Ms. Lesh During a five-year period, the team raised wins record after tallying 21 during her works for City Light Products. She lives more than $65,000 for the American junior year. She twice led the AMCC with her husband, Tom, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Cancer Society. Conference in victories while leading in earned run average and strikeouts. STEPHANIE PENCAK ’01 Ms. Pencak currently lives in Vandergrift, Pa. and is a security supervisor at PPG WOMEN'S BASKETBALL An outstanding accounting and business Industries, where she is responsible for management student, she received the For four seasons Stephanie Pencak was the safety and security of the facility, as school's Senior Award in Accounting a strong post presence on the women’s well as managing the security guards for Academic Excellence and made the basketball team. at the facility. Outside of work she Dean's List all eight semesters. volunteers as a coach for the YMCA’s “It is a tremendous honor to be inducted basketball program and will enter her Ms. Peracchino currently lives in Dunlo, into La Roche’s Hall of Fame,” Ms. Pencak third year of coaching the third through Pa. and is the finance director for the City said. “I truly believe that my basketball sixth grade levels. of Johnstown.
PHOTO: ROBIN DENOMA
Bethany Peracchino ’08, Stephanie Pencak ’01, Nicole Booth ’08, Phil Avolio ’09 and Jimmy Dunn were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at a ceremony in the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center on Saturday, Jan. 28. Not pictured: Kristy Lesh ’01.
WINTER | SPRING 2016 26 25 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE FROM THE ARCHIVES
The Future Starts Here: The Richard A. Zappala College Center
BY ELIZABETH WILLIAMS-HERRMAN ’07, M.A. | COLLEGE ARCHIVIST
By the 1980s La Roche College had come a long way from its humble origins.
hen La Roche first opened and usher it not only into the 1990s, but a young college with a small alumni base its doors in September into the new millennium. of only a few thousand men and women 1963, the College had just to draw on. Although alumni answered W In 1985 La Roche was ready to share the call admirably (a February 1986 under 250 students, all of them sisters its dreams with the world. During a Phone-a-thon broke all previous records or sisters in formation. news conference at the Duquesne Club, in the College for a single fundraising the chairman of the board of trustees, event), it was clear that the College could By 1965 La Roche had opened itself to Thomas C. Ryan announced that the not rely on alumni alone. all women, and in 1967 the College built College was about to embark on its most its first new building, the John J. Wright ambitious project yet: a 10-year, $18.5 The board of trustees, faculty, staff and Library. However, a financial crisis in the million expansion. other members of the La Roche family late 1960s caused the Sisters of Divine helped make the College Center a reality, Providence to consider closing the The first phase of the plan was the even exceeding the expected donation College for good. construction of a $4.2 million level. Volunteers took La Roche’s College Center. The other phases case to the public, and many donors, In a bid to keep the College open, included the construction of the foundations and local businesses also La Roche froze salaries, enacted an Fitness Center, the renovation of the contributed to the capital campaign. austerity budget, opened its doors to Science Center and Academic Hall men (in 1970), expanded its course (which was located on the West Campus), Due to the hard work of the campaign’s offerings and diversified its board of as well as the construction of a new volunteers, $2 million had already trustees. The gambit worked and academic building. been raised to defer the cost of the new La Roche not only survived, but began building by the time the College broke to thrive. By the mid-1980s, La Roche After Mr. Ryan’s initial announcement, ground on it in April 1986. boasted a student body of 1,750, many the primary focus of the College for the of them the first in their families to go next two years was the construction of The College Center opened in September to college, and many of them the College Center, which would become 1987, ushering in La Roche’s Silver Jubilee adult students. the architectural front of the campus. It year. A decade later it would be named was an ambitious project, particularly for Richard A. Zappala in honor of his As the student body grew and changed, since half of the funds for the new years of service as a member of the board the campus, too, had to change. La Roche building were to be garnered through the of trustees. embarked on its first capital campaign largest capital campaign the school had in 1978, successfully raising $700,000 ever undertaken. Even though the campus has undergone to add much needed classroom space. even more changes since the College When the Science Center opened in However, as La Roche approached its Center’s construction, the building still 1980, it was clear that one new building 25th anniversary, the construction of the remains true to its original purpose. alone would not meet the needs of the College Center became not only a way Since its conception over 30 years ago, up-and-coming college. The presidency to usher La Roche into the future, but to the College Center was meant to be the of Sister Margaret Huber, who began her celebrate how far it had come from the heart of the college: a public space where tenure in 1981, ushered in a new period financial crisis that had nearly forced it people could gather and interact. of expansion and growth for La Roche. to shut its doors in the 1960s. La Roche’s new campaign took its inspiration from Today the Center bridges the two Beginning in December 1982, members the 1930 children’s book “The Little main academic buildings and still serves of the La Roche community and the Engine that Could,” marketing La Roche as the place it was meant to be: a place North Hills community began meeting as “the little college that could.” where strangers and friends alike can with the College’s architectural firm, meet and share ideas, and encourage Urban Design Associates, in order to Those dedicated to raising funds for the learning to extend beyond develop an ambitious plan, which would new building realized that they had their the classroom. change the face of the College campus work cut out for them. La Roche was still
WINTER | SPRING 2016 28 CLASS NOTES people who need help with their pets if they are hospitalized or enter rehabilitation. The organization adopts the pets as fosters Taylor Aschenbrenner ’13 is getting or provides at-home care. Ms. Frantz also married to Sean Flanigan on Oct. 15, 2016. began volunteering as a docent at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Christopher Adesso ’15 is now a vice president, project manager II in BNY Jane Graham ’06 celebrated her 20th Mellon’s HRIS Department. Mr. Adesso is a anniversary as administrative support graduate of La Roche’s Master of Science in analyst with BASF Corporation in Evans Human Resources Management program. City, Pa. this January.
Teresa Baldi ’85 is a sister of the Holy Gordon Hands ’87, CRNA, recently Spirit and had perpetual vows since 2012. Eva Ciccotelli ’10 and Andrew retired from 25 years of private anesthesia She works in Butler, Pa. for the three city Anderson ’10 welcomed a baby girl, practice in Beverly Hills, Calif. In November parishes and is in charge of faith formation. Stella Lou Anderson, on Monday, Oct. 12. he will enter full retirement after 29 years of service with Kaiser Permanente of Lynn Bourchier ’13 is now an adjunct Woodland Hills, Calif. Patricia Daube ’66 and her husband, faculty member at Butler Community Don, have four children, six grandsons and College. Ms. Bourchier teaches Medical Law two granddaughters. This year their oldest Rev. James P. Holland ’86 currently is and Ethics, as well as the Human Resources grandson graduated from high school with the pastor of a 1,200-person parish Management Certificate Program. highest honors and chose to attend La Roche. in his first year of a six-year assignment. Father Holland has began an evening tutoring program for K-12 students,
utilizing volunteer teachers and experts
with a cost of only $5 per visit. In the initial
year (2014-15), 200 children visited the
program. He also volunteers for Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center as a
clinical nurse specialist, focusing on diabetes care.
Morgan Hollinger ’10 and her fiancé, Tom Rodd, welcomed their baby boy, Kellan Patrick Roddy, on Nov. 22, 2015.
Dana Brandi ’07 gave birth to Jackson is now a research Kristina Dice ’07 married Dr. Jeremy Amanda Kunkle ’09 Aaron Rakes on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. assistant at San Diego State University Dincher on Dec. 4, 2015 at Seven (SDSU) and is currently working on her Springs Mountain Resort. Dr. Dincher third novel. In April she will travel to is a graduate of Penn State University Jim Brockman ’89 is now the Director of Guatemala with a mission group and and Temple Medical School, and Ms. the National American Defenders of Bataan conduct research on culture, life and Dice was a member of La Roche’s and Corregidor Museum, Education and education for SDSU. Research Center in Wellsburg, W. Va. In Student Government Association. She February he and his wife, Lynn, attended also served on the Alumni Association Dan Lautenbacher ’05 is a member of the National United States Power Squadron Board through 2013. Ms. Dice currently the Norfolk Virginia Police Department. in Orlando, Fla., where he received his 25th works for BNY Mellon as an analyst, He has worked as a patrol officer, hostage Merit Mark. and Dr. Dincher works for UPMC. negotiator, bike officer, robbery detective and homicide detective. Lynn Brockman ’89 is now the Senior , CRNA, M.S., worked Debra Frantz ’83 In April 2015 Mr. Lautenbacher was Medical Coder for Ohio Valley Hospital. full time as a nurse anesthetist at St. awarded the Medal of Valor for an active She recently passed the AAPC Certified Francis in Pittsburgh from 1982 to 1987 shooting incident in which a fellow officer Professional Biller test. and Mon Valley Hospital since 1987. She was killed and another was wounded. recently transitioned to part-time work. He arrived on scene, provided life-saving Ms. Frantz now has more time to volunteer cover and first aid. After the incident at Animal Friends/Westmoreland, where culminated, he was then tasked to she has been volunteering for the past investigate the circumstances of the three years. She also is the treasurer for numerous homicides that were a result Hospaws, an organization which serves
29 LA ROCHE COLLEGE MAGAZINE of the active shooter incident. a member of the Advisory Board of cultural awareness and goodwill through Mr. Lautenbacher was married on La Roche’s Global Development and travel connections. She also serves on the Sept. 5, 2015 to Jenna Rae Baker, a nurse Humanitarian Aid program. Executive Board for the Sisters of Saint practitioner in Norfolk, Va. Joseph in Baden, Pa. Mr. Shala has been taking part in various trainings for continuous career James K. Lautenbacher ’06 recently Caren Sobier ’03 moved to Washington, development, including a licensed retired from teaching at ITT Technical D.C. after more than eight years helping immovable property evaluation program, Institute in Youngstown, Ohio and students as a career adviser at New York and is looking for opportunities Pittsburgh, Pa. At ITT Mr. Lautenbacher Institute of Technology’s (NYIT) Office of taught courses in criminal justice, American to complete a Ph.D. Career Services. She now serves as the government, management and strategies. associate director of student employment He currently is in the process of writing two at Georgetown University. Ms. Sobier books: “Emergency Planning Process” received her bachelor’s degree in graphic and “Slaughter in San Bernardino.” and communication design from La Roche College and a master’s degree in human
Mr. Lautenbacher has been married to resources and labor relations from NYIT. his wife, Dr. Susan Lautenbacher, for 40 years. They have three children and Cheryl Vierheilig ’12 is the president and two grandchildren. owner of Elite Nannies Inc., which offers home nanny care, elder care, pet sitting, Karen Lehman ’72 will retire this year. hotel/event care and housekeepers on a Ms. Lehman has been a teacher at Oakland temporary or permanent part-time or Catholic High School for the past 17 years. full-time basis. She also is an adjunct instructor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Joshua Litvik ’10, MPA was hired as Walter Schulte ’11 married Maggie where she teaches fashion retail, business a program coordinator for professional Marie Dudek on Saturday, Jan. 2, and leadership. A full-time doctoral development services/human resources 2016. The couple now resides in student of University of Phoenix, Ms. at Carnegie Mellon University. New Kensington, Pa. Vierhelig is obtaining a doctorate degree in organizational leadership and information William Michael ’97 and Jenna systems technology. She lives in Moon Peterson ’10 focus their interior design Chris Churilla ’10 recently had his first Township, Pa., and is a Sabika independent expertise on hospitality projects at DRS children’s book published. The book, titled jewelry representative. Architects. The duo was recently nominated “A New Friend for Guido,” is about a little for a 2016 NEWH Top Interior Designer train who works at the zoo. Gustavo (Tamayo) Pennock ’97 recently Award for the Pittsburgh Region. NEWH joined Herbalife International, a global is the premier networking resource for the Christopher Havens ’99 and his wife, nutrition company based in Los Angeles, hospitality industry, providing scholarship, Tonya Bortell, have twin boys, Jackson Calif. as manager of brand governance and education, recognition and business and Alexander. For 16 years Mr. Havens compliance. With business across over 90 networking opportunities. worked as a senior graphic artist for Smith countries, Mr. Pennock ensures the brand & Jones, an advertising agency specializing remains relevant and consistent world wide Zach Milch ’02 and his wife, Stephanie in hospital and health care marketing. across multiple marketing touch-points. Milch, welcomed their first child, Griffin Recently he accepted a new position as a “Griffey” Milch to the big leagues on museum graphic designer with the New IN MEMORIAM Aug. 18. Griffin is excited to root for the York State Museum in Albany, N.Y. Mia T. Corra ’06 on Oct. 24, 2015 Redhawks baseball team as they make a Jason H. Dotson ’06 on Nov. 16, 2015 run to the National Championship in 2016. Marisa Golden Janssen ’03 and her husband, Christopher, welcomed Anne Marie Grzybek ’89 on Aug. 18, 2015 Joyce Mills ’86, treasury services their son, Xavier James Janssen, on Christine Price ’70 on Aug. 30, 2015 operations business analyst for BNY Mellon, March 30, 2015. achieved her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES! Business Analytics. Sister Linda Lalic, CDP, ’70 recently completed five years of teaching German Share your news with La Roche Sokhom Pin ’92 is now head of in-vitro at Duquesne University. College and fellow alumni. neuropharmacology at Alkeremes Inc. Send announcements regarding career Patricia A. Simmons ’82 has been changes, promotions, marriages, births, Dritan Shala ’05 has worked for the appointed by Education First/Go Ahead volunteer service and other major life events Privatization Agency of Kosovo since Travel as one of its Global Ambassadors to [email protected]. 2009. In February 2013, he became for 2016. Ms. Simmons will promote Submissions may be edited for length and content.
WINTER | SPRING 2016 30 Sunday, June 5 | 1:35 p.m. | Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Angels
Ticket cost: Only $35 per alumni ticket and ALL YOU CAN EAT SEATS $40 per guest ticket. Each alumnus can Hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, peanuts and purchase up to four tickets. Ages 14 and more included in your ticket price. Seating in Section 204. under receive a kid’s pill box Pirates cap. KIDS DAY AT PNC PARK Fun and games at the #1 Cochran Family Fun Zone on Federal Limited tickets available. Seat confirmations Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be made when payment is received with Ages 14 and under receive a kid-friendly Andrew McCutchen registration. Tickets will be mailed to the Compression Sleeve. purchaser in early May. “Run the Bases” presented by the Original Pizza Logs after the game (weather permitting).
Questions? Contact Gina Miller at [email protected] | 412-536-1085 Go to laroche.edu/pnc to register LA ROCHE’S REPUTATION IN THE HR FIELD WAS UNPRECEDENTED REGIONALLY WHEN I BEGAN MY SEARCH FOR GRADUATE STUDIES. WORD OF MOUTH IS A POWERFUL TOOL, AND MANY IF NOT ALL OF MY PEERS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LA ROCHE FOR A SOLID GRADUATE EDUCATION.
- RANDY GILBERT ’04 MSHRM Human Resource Manager HDR, Pittsburgh
20% TUITION DISCOUNT FOR ALL LA ROCHE COLLEGE ALUMNI laroche.edu/HRM Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit #884 9000 Babcock Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Revisit the campus that ALUMNI HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2016 shaped you and reunite with LA ROCHE COLLEGE APRIL 22-24 those who inspired you. Register today at laroche.edu/homecoming
Join more than 300 alumni, faculty and staff to remember and celebrate SATURDAY, APRIL 23 what you all have in common: memories of La Roche College. ZAPPALA COLLEGE CENTER COCKTAIL PARTY: 5 P.M. | DINNER: 6:30 P.M. | SUGGESTED DRESS: BUSINESS CASUAL
LA ROCHE COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT La Roche College, a Catholic institution of higher learning, founded and sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence, fosters global citizenship and creates a community of scholars from the region, the nation and around the world. STAY CONNECTED! The College integrates liberal arts and professional education in creative ways, empowering all members of our community to become lifelong learners, achieve success in their chosen careers and promote justice and peace in a constantly changing global society.