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SUMMER 2012
Imparare All’estero Study abroad program takes students to Florence, Italy to experience the region’s rich history and contemporary ideas … Page 14
Photo by Simone Bacci
University’s Board of Trustees honors MacDowells for years of service … Page 2 M366_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:02 PM Page 3
President and First Lady to retire in 2013 Michael and Tina MacDowell Hall to be dedicated in August after Trustees pledge $1 million to University
STORY BY PAUL KRZYWICKI
It’s late summer and President Michael A. MacDowell is enjoying a new vantage Use a QR-code point to look over the sprawling campus. enabled The longtime leader of Misericordia smartphone to University is not prone to reflect on the watch a video success northeastern Pennsylvania’s about the BOT’s newest University has enjoyed under his surprise. leadership for almost 1½ decades, but the breathtaking view from the second floor “lantern’’ area of the upper campus’ Misericordia’s prestige has continued to newest academic building causes him to grow, he has been able to balance our pause and breath it all in. responsibilities as an institution of Michael and Tina MacDowell President and Mrs. Tina MacDowell academia, while also remaining true to announced in April they will retire June our tenets. He also has never lost sight of 30, 2013 after serving 15 years and our moral responsibilities to assist those nothing short of extraordinary,’’ said helping Luzerne County’s oldest private most in need and to imbue in each of our Trustee Sandy Insalaco, Sr., who served institution of higher education to become students a sense of service to others.’’ as Chair of the Board of Trustees from regionally acclaimed and nationally MacDowell Hall adds 118 beds for 2001-06. “He provided unparalleled recognized for providing the challenging student housing and three academic leadership, guidance and vision to the academics and opportunities students classrooms. The $6.2 million building University, and challenged the Board need to succeed. provides suite-style residence space with of Trustees to do the same.’’ Two months after their formal kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and “I don’t think anyone can deny the announcement, the Board of Trustees appliances. Each floor also contains immense progress Misericordia has expressed their gratitude for the couple’s laundry facilities and architecturally experienced thanks to the leadership unwavering commitment and tireless significant study lounges at the east end. Mike and Tina have provided on so many work by naming the new building in their The glass enclosures, otherwise known levels,’’ added Kelly McAndrew ’79, ’06, honor. Michael and Tina MacDowell Hall as “lanterns,’’ face McHale Hall and Alumni Board president. “They have is being made possible by a $1 million illuminate the sprawling green space given additional meaning to being pledge to the University by the Board, of the upper campus at night. ‘Misericordia Proud!’ to our alumni according to John Metz, chair of the President MacDowell became the 12th of today and tomorrow.’’ Misericordia University Board of Trustees. president of Misericordia in 1998 after President MacDowell has overseen “The hallmark of his presidency has serving Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y. a remarkable and continuous rise in been his passion for excellence,’’ said Mr. He has led MU into the top tier of the Best traditional and non-traditional student Metz. “When the MacDowells first arrived Regional Universities North category of enrollment, student quality and the here nearly 15 years ago, they had to U.S. News and World’s Report’s annual transformation of the upper and lower navigate us through some challenging edition of Best Colleges, and successfully campuses. MU has established a true times. Misericordia’s secure future and its managed its evolution from a college to a “town-and-gown’’ relationship with Back strong academic reputation today are university on Aug. 24, 2007 featuring Mountain communities as the University their legacy. This building honors their master’s and clinical doctorate degree has repurposed vacant buildings. steadfast commitment to Misericordia, its programs. Misericordia also has been “It is unfortunate in many ways that mission, the Religious Sisters of Mercy recognized regularly by the Princeton the president of an institution receives and our academic community.’’ Review as one of the top universities in the many of the accolades for its progress,’’ The 37,000-square foot, three-story northeastern United States; by President MacDowell said. “Clearly this structure near the North Gate of campus Washington Monthly magazine for credit is hardly ours alone. The Trustees, will bear the couple’s name after a formal community service; and has been named the faculty, the staff, the alumni and dedication ceremony on Convocation to the President’ s Higher Education friends of the University have made Day, Thursday, Aug. 23. Community Service Honor Roll with the difference here. Misericordia is “I appreciate and applaud President Distinction. MU’ s own students routinely a very special place because people MacDowell’ s efforts on behalf of give the institution high marks in the care deeply about it and because they Misericordia and the Sisters of Mercy,” National Survey of Student Engagement. have internalized its mission. These added Sister Catherine McGroarty ‘74, “Michael MacDowell is the hardest are institutional attributes that will RSM, a member of the Board of Trustees working person in higher education. His serve Misericordia’s new president and a member of the Class of 1974. “As contributions to Misericordia have been exceedingly well.’’
President MacDowell’s Journey Among Friends Tour coming to a city near you … Page 4 M366_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:02 PM Page 4
Volume XIV, Number 2 ‘12Summer
categories 20 32
Physician Assistant program Experience the excitement continues MU tradition. of Homecoming 2012. 41 43
Misericordia professor fine Singer regains her voice tunes etiquette skills. thanks to on-campus clinic.
Misericordia Today Jim Roberts, Director, Marketing Communications, [email protected] Paul Krzywicki, Editor, [email protected] ON THE COVER Contributing Writers: Scott Crispell, Jim Roberts, Marianne Tucker Puhalla and Julia Truax ‘12 Misericordia University students, from left, Hilary Hoover ‘15, Amanda Sutton ‘14 and Class Notes: Lailani Augustine, [email protected] John Meholic ‘14 listen to Dr. Scott Contributing Photographers: Scott Crispell, Paul Krzywicki, Earl & Sedor Blanchard talk about the fresco painting Photographic, Charlotte Bartizek, Jack Kelly and Virginia Conrad by Fra Angelico in the monastery of San Marco in Florence, Italy, during the Misericordia Today is published twice a year by Misericordia University. summer study abroad program. The magazine is distributed free of charge to alumni, parents, and friends Photo by Simone Bacci of the University. To request a subscription, call (570) 674-3341. Postmaster: send address changes to Alumni Office, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA 18612-1090. © Misericordia University 2012
Share your story ideas by contacting Misericordia Today at [email protected] e 4 M366_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:02 PM Page 5
An inspiriting message
Our May 2012 commencement ceremonies were highlighted by the remarks from our commencement speaker, Kerry Robinson. Kerry is the executive director of the National Leadership Round Table on Church Management. She received an honorary degree from Misericordia as did her husband, Dr. Michael Cappello, who is a professor of medicine and director of the World Fellows Program at Yale University. Dr. Cappello’ s international work in the study and prevention of communicable diseases among young children has earned him many awards
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT PRESIDENT THE FROM LETTER and wide recognition. Kerry’s remarks to our Class of 2012 encouraged them to follow the precepts of the Sisters of Mercy and to demonstrate their dedication to the charisms of Mercy, Service, Justice, and Hospitality. It was an inspiriting presentation for several reasons. The couple’s great aunt was Sister Mary Florita Maloney, who served as Misericordia’s president from 1975 to 1977. As a young boy, Michael visited Sister Florita in the Mercy Center. Throughout their time on campus, Kerry and Michael commented on how the charisms were so much a part of this wonderful University. These sentiments were echoed in Kerry’s commencement address. She stressed the cohesive nature of the charisms in creating a sense of mission at Misericordia which is distinctive among the many campuses they have visited. Throughout the pages of this issue of Misericordia Today you will read stories about service among our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. You’ll also learn about many of the exciting activities, including the study abroad programs and service trips in and outside the U.S. Finally, you will read about the progress that has been made here on campus both in terms of new facilities and new programs. As you read these stories and think about the progress and changes taking place here, you might also pause to recall what Kerry and Michael said about Misericordia. While the physical campus has changed considerably, some key constants remain. The adherence to our central mission – the values so well articulated by our tenets – remain very much intact. They are the glue which holds this rapidly growing and evolving University together. This serves as the foundation for all that we undertake. Our student body continues to grow and the campus continues to expand. We should remember that at its base, Misericordia is still very much the special institution where Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality remain an essential part of all that we undertake and always will.
President, First Lady to embark on Journey Among Friends Tour
Use a QR-code Those acquainted with Misericordia as they can at events across the country. President Michael A. MacDowell know that Alumni will be able to get the latest on enabled even though he has announced he will retire the MacDowells’ travels with an interactive smartphone in June 2013, there is little chance of him online map on CougarConnect, aptly named taking it slow. In fact, he and his wife, Tina, TrackMac (http://bit.ly/trackmac), which will to keep are embarking on an enthusiastic, year-long track their progress and offer event details. A Journey Among Friends up-to-date on alumni tour, , Tour stops, which continue to be added hoping for the chance to say “so long” in the national tour. person to as many of the Misericordia faithful See Journey, next page
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Field house to PROFILES IN GIVING carry the name of John and Mary Metz New athletics facility to be dedicated Sept. 29
BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA
Rendering by Williams Kinsman Lewis Architecture, P.C. ong known as some of Misericordia’s most stalwart supporters, Board of Trustees Misericordia history, providing support for public restrooms. A $3-million state grant Chairman John C. Metz, his the new football team and all the sports helped fund the new construction, which wife, Mary, and their family that have consistently done so well. Mary is located between Mangelsdorf Field haveL stepped up to the plate with the and I, along with my sons, John and Jeff, and the newly constructed baseball leadership gift in the Pursuit for and daughter, Maureen Metz Gallagher, diamond, which will be named in honor Acclamation Campaign. Misericordia see this as a great way for us to be a part of the Robert Tambur family. Athletics’ 21,750-square-foot field house of this historic happening,” he added. “This has been an outstanding year of will be named the John and Mary Metz “The John and Mary Metz Field House fund raising for Misericordia thanks to Field House, and will be formally is the crowning jewel of our athletic unprecedented support of members of dedicated on Sept. 29 at 10:30 a.m. as a program at MU,” stated Michael A. our Board of Trustees, led by John Metz, part of Homecoming Weekend festivities. MacDowell, president. “The University and a number of key donors,” noted Sue Their exceptional support of has distinguished itself in both men’s and Helwig, vice president of University Misericordia is fueled by a strong affinity women’s sports by placing first in the Advancement. “As of July 1, we stand at with the Sisters of Mercy that began Freedom or the MAC conference 98 percent of our $7.5 million Pursuit of when Mr. Metz moved to the Wyoming numerous times. The varsity field house Acclamation Campaign goal, and have Valley in the late 1960s and took a job as will serve students in many of our 23 high hopes of reaching 100 percent by director of food service at Mercy Hospital varsity sports and, of course, will be our first home football game.” in Wilkes-Barre. “I was a young helpful to Misericordia’s new football The Campaign funds support more businessman and the Sisters were so team. We are delighted that John and than $14 million worth of projects across supportive. And they did a lot of praying Mary have helped make this wonderful the campus including the field house, the for me,” Mr. Metz said. “They have been facility possible for MU students.” baseball field, the expanded fitness a great influence on my family and me, The $4.1 million state-of-the-art facility center, the new Michael and Tina and I have long been committed to doing includes athletic training rooms, MacDowell Hall, and the newly something for them in return. That is how expanded locker facilities for men’s and resurfaced Mary Ellen “Mac” McGeehan I became affiliated with the University. women’s field sports, team meeting all-purpose turf field adjacent to Mercy “I feel strongly that the new field house rooms, a weight room, shower rooms and Hall, near the townhomes. is a part of a momentous time in
Journey, from previous page on Jan. 31, taking them to Washington, D.C. on Feb. 2, and to Naples in early March. Stops in Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., regularly to the schedule, include alumni gatherings associated Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va, California and Colorado are being with Misericordia’s inaugural football season, such as the first planned, based on alumni interest. The final leg of the tour will game at Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa. (Sept. 1); MU’s first include events in April in New York City, and northern and home game - Widener University at MU (Sept. 15); Homecoming southern New Jersey. The latest details and links to the TrackMac Weekend - Stevenson College at MU (Sept. 29); MU at Wilkes application are available on CougarConnect and via the MU University, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (Oct. 6); MU at Delaware Valley Alumni home page at www.misericordia.edu/alumni. College, Doylestown, Pa. (Oct. 20); Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham at MU (Oct. 27); MU at Albright College, Roast of President MacDowell to benefit MU Reading, Pa. (Nov. 3); and Lycoming College Misericordia University and the Board of Trustees are hosting at MU (Nov. 10). a special dinner and roast of President Michael A. MacDowell, Additional tour stops include a Philadelphia event on Oct. 20 who will retire at the end of the 2012-13 academic year, on and a Delaware regional event in the Wilmington area on June 1, 2013 at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Plains Oct. 21. The MacDowells will head north to the Boston area for a Township, Pa. reception on Dec. 5, followed by an alumni event in Connecticut For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, on Dec. 6. The East Coast swing will continue in Baltimore, Md. please call (570) 674-6768.
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Students learn the ‘value of a person cannot be overstated’ during service trips SERVICE-LEARNING SERVICE-LEARNING A reason t merica’s most famous literary icon, Mark Twain, once said, “Wrinkles A should merely indicate where smiles have been.’’ For Jennifer Kates ‘12, of Dallas Borough, Pa., her radiant smile is a sign of where she’s going and where she’s been in her short life. A single mother since the age of 16, Kates’ contagious smile and enthusiasm to serve inspire fellow Misericordia University students who know her complete story. That sincere expression serves as a window into her past, one dominated by tragedy, heartbreak and homelessness. It also has provided her with direction in the form of an academic major and the passion to deliver “hope’’ to as many people as possible. The senior biology major and active Scholar in Service to Pennsylvania participated in her second service trip abroad to help the most underserved in society. “Jen has been a very active and eager participant in Campus Ministry, especially on social justice issues. Her ministry is service to those most in need, and it is very near and dear to her heart,’’ explains Christine Somers, D.Min., director of Camus Ministry at MU. Kates, 22, was one of 11 Misericordia students and two chaperones who volunteered from Jan. 2-8 to help the residents of Manchester, Jamaica. It’s an annual mission MU students undertake through Campus Ministry. For Kates, though, it is a lifestyle and struggle she can identify with personally. “I like to connect with the people I serve with because it reminds me where I’ve been, how far I’ve come and then it gives me hope other people can do it. I hope to instill that sense of hope into others,’’ says Jennifer Kates ‘12 Kates, who as a high school senior and new holds a young Jamaican mother was homeless for six months. “I like to child during the make people smile literally and that’s what got University’s annual me through life. service trip to the “I always try to smile no matter what,’’ adds island nation. the mother of Lissenda Sutton, 5½, a kindergarten student. Kates was nine months pregnant with Lissenda when her life began to spiral out of control due to no fault of her own. Her older
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Caitlin Day ‘11, ‘14, center, takes a moment from playtime to pose with two Jamaican children she befriended during the service trip in n to smile January. STORY BY PAUL KRYZWICKI
contributor to campus service projects organization. Residents receive life’s basic Quick Info: largely because it is important to help necessities, but more is needed, such as those marginalized in society, she specialized clinical services. Oftentimes, The following members of the believes, and it’s a tangible way to those services are provided by volunteers Misericordia University campus express her gratitude to those who from around the world — like community participated in the have made the Women with Children Misericordia University. service trip to Jamaica: program possible. Lalit Shah, Ed.D., O.T.R./L., professor of “Growing up in Wilkes-Barre, I am very occupational therapy at Misericordia, Students: Sean Vitale, West Pittston, familiar with the lifestyle of the girls (that partnered with Sean Vitale ’15, who is Pa.; Mark Werger, Oakland, N.J.; Joe are mentored in College Kids for Girls), working for his undergraduate degree in Layman, Binghamton, N.Y.; Tom particularly the ones I work with,’’ says psychology and his doctorate in physical Messner, Teaneck, N.J.; Kaitlyn Kates, who also aided homeless men therapy, at Mustard Seed. During their Synoracki, Lancaster, Pa.; Caitlin Day, during a spring break service trip to visit, Dr. Shah encouraged Vitale to apply Oak Hill, Va.; Sarah Munley, Sussex, Washington, D.C., last year. “I know when his special training for the benefit of a N.J.; Katie O’Hearn, Scranton, Pa.; I was their age I wanted someone so bad young child. Jennifer Kates, Dallas, Pa.; Victoria to listen to me and be a friend.’’ “Dr. Shah handed to me a young girl Florman, Prospect, Conn.; and Every January, a group of Misericordia with a severe spinal deformity, looked at Lauren Brague, West Wyoming, Pa. volunteers travels to St. Joseph’s Catholic me and said, ‘You can do this,’ ’’ Vitale Chaperones: Kit Foley, dean of Church in Jamaica for a series of says, acknowledging the profound impact students; and Lalit Shah, professor, assignments. Their service comes in many it had on him. “He put her on my lap and occupational therapy. forms as physical and occupational had me rotate her shoulders to align her therapy majors provide therapeutic spine and she looked up at me with a services, while teacher education majors huge smile and she giggled — and I sister, Amanda Leigh Kates, was tutor young children. Other students knew that I was providing relief. I gave murdered outside of their Wilkes-Barre, provide their brawn for routine her something she needed and more Pa., home and the tragedy caused her maintenance projects or offer a simple than that, deserved. mother to find solace in alcohol. Shortly shoulder to lean on. “It was pretty much a career blessing thereafter, her father evicted them from “My dad (Rev. David Brague of the because I found a lot of joy in working his home. “It was sad,’’ adds Kates, who Second Presbyterian Church in Pittston, with this severely physically handicapped plans to earn a certificate as a dental Pa.) is a minister so we’ve always been community,’’ adds Vitale. “It made me hygienist before seeking her master’s about Church and giving back,’’ says confident that physical therapy is the degree. “All I had with me was a hamper Lauren Brague ’12, who began a year of right direction for me.’’ full of clothing and diapers, and hoped mission work overseas in August for the Service trips also reinforce the value of somebody would let me stay at their Presbyterian Church of the United States volunteering for the betterment of others. house every night.’’ after graduating in May. “There was an “In Texas we built a house,’’ Vitale says, For six months, Kates and her newborn opportunity for spring break service last comparing the Jamaica experience to his found comfort and shelter through the year in Philadelphia that set everything in spring break service trip to Texas with generosity of others. She later found hope motion. I did that and I felt good about it. Habitat for Humanity. “Someone lives and inspiration from an acceptance letter It completed me and I knew I needed to there now. In Jamaica, we built to Misericordia University’s novel Ruth do more of this kind of service. It makes relationships. The construction of a Matthews Bourger Women with Children me feel like I’m learning something new. I friendship and the trust and reliance on Program. “When I was homeless, the fact feel good. It’s hard to explain — meeting others that the Jamaicans exhibited that I knew I was accepted into the new people and learning from them.’’ trump any simple relationship I’ve seen to program gave me the motivation I needed Mustard Seed Communities was date. Overall, caring for individuals is to get through the last few months of high established in 1978 outside of Kingston what I learned from the experience. school,’’ she recalls. to serve as a home for abandoned and “The value of a person cannot be Since then, Kates has been a regular disabled children, according to the overstated,’’ Vitale concludes.
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John Metz Board of Trustees
John Metz, Chair of the Misericordia helped guide incredible growth since he University Board of Trustees, contributed first joined the board in 1988. Today, MU significantly to the success of is widely known and enrollment is at Misericordia during the 24 years he’s record levels. Thanks to Mr. Metz’s spent as a Trustee. In fact, the evolution financial support, students dine in the of Misericordia during Mr. Metz’s time on John and Mary Metz Dining Hall in the the board very much parallels the Banks Student Life Center and named a evolution of his own business. field house in his and his family’s honor. Mr. Metz may be best known today for “I am very pleased to have his company, Metz Culinary Management, contributed to the growth and success of which manages food services for school Misericordia over the last 20 years,” says districts, colleges and universities, Mr. Metz. “My companies have always corporate clients, and major health care been family driven, friendly and entities. In addition, his company, committed to hospitality. I know that is Northeast Restaurant Group, Inc., what Misericordia believes in and has operates many award-winning franchise practiced for over 88 years under the locations for national brands such as guidance of the Sisters of Mercy.” Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Wolfgang Puck Mr. Metz garnered a variety of awards Express, and T.G.I. Friday’s. in the food service industry such as the Mr. Metz entered the food service International Foodservice Manufacturer industry by founding Custom Association's Silver Plate Award and Management Corp. in 1967. Initially Restaurant Business magazine's Custom Management was known as a Leadership award. In 1997, Johnson & small, regional provider of food services, Wales University honored him with a which developed a reputation for quality Doctor of Business & Administration and consistency. Over time, Custom degree in Food Service Management, Management emerged from its Honaris Canusa. Mr. Metz was awarded “regional provider” designation to take the prestigious MUFSO Operator of the a place as an industry leader. Year Award in 2002 and, later that year, “I am very pleased to In 1987, Custom Management was he received the Nation’s Restaurant acquired by Morrison's Hospitality News’s Golden Chain Award. He is a Group and Mr. Metz was named trustee board member and past chair have contributed to chairman of Morrison's Custom with the National Restaurant Management. During his tenure, he Association's Educational Foundation, the growth and oversaw a growth of more than 900 the same organization where he also accounts. In 1994, he formed Metz & served as a board director. In addition, success of Associate, Ltd., which was later Mr. Metz has remained an active re-branded as Metz Culinary member of the Culinary Institute of Management, and has become one of America. He also joined the Board of Misericordia.” the fastest-growing regional food service Overseers of Harvard University. Most providers in the nation. recently, he was named the Walter J. In the 1980s, many would say that Conti Professor of Hospitality – John Metz Misericordia was a small regional provider Management by Penn State University. of quality higher education. At Chair, Board of Trustees Misericordia, Mr. Metz witnessed and — By Jim Roberts
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CAMPUS VIEWS
SLP student receives Von inspired a student campaign that led to Drach Memorial Scholarship improvements to the building that houses a large the campus lounge. Maria Kidron ’13, a speech-language The Highlander can be accessed online pathology (SLP) graduate student, was at www.highlandernews.net. awarded the 2012 Von Drach Memorial Scholarship by the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Students experience dangers at the 53rd annual convention in of texting while driving Lancaster, Pa. The National Save a Life Tour The 2012 award marks the fifth straight Supervisory Special Agent Andrew Bringuel, II sponsored by Student Activities provided year a Misericordia SLP student has talks to MU students Gabrielle Giello ‘13 and a six-hour anti-texting/distracted driving received the prestigious $1,000 Christopher Schatz ‘14. program with multi-media that offered scholarship, which is awarded annually shocking video presentations coupled to an outstanding student from one of managing director of operations at Ridge with two multi-million dollar texting and Pennsylvania’s 14 SLP schools in honor Global, as the keynote speaker, and driving simulation experiences. of Dr. Robert Von Drach. panelists Andrew Bringuel, II, an agent It also served as a reminder for supervisor instructor at the FBI Academy Pennsylvania’s March 8 law that bans the Cougars for Change raise in Quantico, Va.; Brig. Gen. Keith Martin use of any kind of hand-held texting (Ret.), Pennsylvania’s first director of device by people operating a vehicle. awareness for environment Homeland Security; state Sen. Lisa Baker; Cougars for Change, the University’s Lt. Douglas J. Burig, commander of the environmentally-focused student group, Analytical Intelligence Section in the asked everyone in the regional Pennsylvania State Police’s Criminal community to turn off their lights for one Intelligence Center; Michael A. Falcone, hour beginning at 8:30 deputy chief counsel of the Arlington p.m. Saturday, March Office of the Chief Counsel for U.S. 31 as part of a Immigration and Customs Enforcement world-wide initiative within the U.S. Department of Homeland to draw attention to Security; Ann Hansen, Office of the Cory Balko ’15 tries to text and drive while responsible energy Secretary General at the U.N., and operating a simulator on campus. use and global warming. Earth Hour 2012 Edmond Hansen, supply officer in the was expected to have more than 1 billion Department of Field Support at the U.N. RESNA recognizes participants worldwide turn off all Headquarters in New York City, N.Y non-essential lights for the hour — at a ATRI’s student researchers time chosen to coincide with the Spring Student journalists capture The Rehabilitation Engineering and Equinox — and when the most places on Assistive Technology Society of North the globe are suitably dark. Keystone Press Awards America (RESNA) named a team of student Student journalists of The Highlander researchers as the winners of the 2012 were awarded two Keystone Press Student Scientific Paper Competition. The Homeland security Awards by the Pennsylvania Newspaper occupational therapy majors received their subject of symposium Association. Writers April Dulsky ‘12, Josh award at the 33rd annual RESNA The Government, Law and National Horton ‘14 and Julia Truax ‘12 received a Conference in Baltimore, Md. Security (GLNS) Program hosted the second place award for On-Going News Student researchers Yun Chung ‘12, symposium, “Homeland Security: Where Coverage for a series of reports on Lorraine Beebe ‘12, Lori Berends ‘12 and We Are, Ten Years Later,” featuring evacuation and student recovery efforts Marissa Hardcastle ‘12, under the experts in national security, law and by the Misericordia University campus guidance of Denis Anson, M.S., O.T.R., diplomacy. community following the historic flooding director of research and development for Hosted by Brian F. Carso, J.D., Ph.D., in September 2011. the Assistive Technology Research assistant professor of history and director Amber Gulla ‘12 received honorable Institute (ATRI) and Lalit Shah, Ed.D., of the program, the symposium featured mention in the category of Public O.T.R./L., professor of OT, submitted the Duncan Campbell, the former chief of staff Service/Enterprise Package for her article, research paper, Screendoors 2000 Versus to Secretary Tom Ridge at the Department Where the Green Grass Shouldn’t Grow, Windows 7’s Built-In On-Screen of Homeland Security and currently the which was published Oct. 20, 2011. It Keyboard: Speed and Accuracy.
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MISSIONSMercy of SPRING BREAK SERVICE BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA
his spring, 77 members of the Misericordia community fanned out across the country to offer T their time and talent for the betterment of others. Their Alternative Spring Break efforts, sponsored and SPOKANE � coordinated by Campus Ministry, impacted people of all Habitat for Humanity walks of life and all ages. They are representative of the spirit For Amanda Howatt ’12, the spring break journey to Habitat for Humanity in of service found at the campus that is responsible for Spokane, Wash., was her fourth service Misericordia again being named to the President’s Higher trip and it was every bit as rewarding as the first three. Twenty-five students and Education Community Service Honor Roll, recognizing the chaperones armed themselves with hammers and paintbrushes as part of University as a leader in service nationwide. Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge, a national The following stories provide a short recap of the travels alternative spring break program. They completed the framing, trusses and that took students to Sacramento, Calif., Schenectady, N.Y., roofing, and put the finishing touches — such as painting and woodwork — on two Spokane, Wash., Philadelphia, Pa., and Benson, Vt. townhouse-style buildings where four families in need now live. PHILADELPHIA � “We were able to work with the homeowners and learn what it means to Mercy Neighborhood have a home. It made us feel thankful for Ministries everything we have,” said Howatt. “Being A team of 12 Misericordia volunteers involved with service at Misericordia has provided young children with homework impacted me so much. It has taught me help and after-school care, and assisted that I want service to be part of my life and an adult day care program at the Mercy that I will always live through the four Neighborhood Ministries in north charisms of the University.” Philadelphia, Pa. The Sisters of “It was awesome to see what a small Mercy-operated facility is a partnership Sarah Nelson ‘15, left, and Sarah West ‘14 group of people could do in a short share time with a guest at the Mercy Housing with the working poor of the Tioga and amount of time,” added Shannon Joyce Community Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Nicetown communities, providing adult ’14. “It didn't matter what job you had, every little bit mattered. At Misericordia, and childcare programs for more than 35 that they could be something greater and service is everything and through service, years under the mission statement, do something amazing,” she said. “We a family can be formed … and that is “Neighbor helping neighbor — took part in something larger than transforming lives one person at a time.” what we became at the end of the trip — ourselves and because of that we were a family.” Catie Becker ’14, worked with the able to further understand the Mercy preschoolers doing puzzles, taught them charisms and the mission of service we their numbers and letters, and even hear about so often on our campus.” SCHENECTADY � helped them make Rice Krispie treats for “My favorite part of the trip was a science project. She also assisted getting to know the adults in the adult City Mission middle school students with their day program,” added Sarah Nelson ’15. Unanticipated lessons in acceptance homework, and more importantly, simply “I spent every morning with them and we and understanding were part of the listened to their stories. “Everyone there became very close. They were so good experience as 12 members of the came from a different background, some spirited and full of life, you could see how Misericordia campus community ventured more difficult than others, but Mercy much they really enjoyed life and Neighborhood gave every child hope appreciated our being there.” See SERVICE, next page
10 MISERICORDIA TODAY M366_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:03 PM Page 12 SPRING BREAK SERVICE impacted by the sustainable working farm and a space September flooding. for contemplation, guests have an “This work has definitely opportunity to accept their place in the impacted me in many universe and to discover and learn how ways,” Pernot added. to live responsibly as a member of earth. “I learned that no matter The Misericordia volunteers did routine what road we took to get where we are, we are all the same. Someone who is unfortunate is no less important than any one of us.” SACRAMENTO � Standing proudly in front of a home they Loaves and Fishes helped construct in Spokane, Wash., are, front row, from left, Joy Peterson, Habitat for With a flight itinerary that took them Humanity Spokane Vistacorp volunteer, and from Philadelphia, Pa., to Atlanta, Ga., Misericordia students Ashley Benz ’14, to Sacramento, Calif., and back via Salt Lake City, Utah, 15 Misericordia Christelle Patrice ’13, and Mark Werger ’12; Brittany Luzik ’13, Courtney Knipe ’12 and volunteers spent their spring break at and Arthur Dowell ’14 in the second row. Alina Busch ’14 display the baby strollers they Sacramento Loaves & Fishes, a source of put together for Maryhouse, a daytime Service, from previous page hope, help and shelter to the homeless of hospitality center for homeless women and Sacramento, Calif. Located on a four-acre children run by Sacramento Loaves & Fishes. to the City Mission of Schenectady, N.Y., compound, this agency has provided to assist the hungry, homeless and survival services, such as housing, food others most in need in this central and education, to the homeless since maintenance, such as painting and repair New York community. 1982. The Misericordia students became work, tended to chickens and goats, and The group helped provide meals teachers as they assisted at the agency’s helped prepare the organic gardens and at the Mission’s Family Life Center, an Mustard Seed School, where children fields for planting. The produce from the organization that served 175,156 meals up to age 15 find a safe and nurturing gardens, including a variety of and provided 32,861 beds to homeless environment and a library available for vegetables, berries and herbs, supports men, women and children in 2011. “We study, writing and research. They also the farm community. were able to not only serve meals for the assisted with child care at Maryhouse, “I knew we would be working on a City Mission, but were also able to eat a center for homeless women with farm and learning about the land but I with the residents and community children, and at Friendship Park, where didn’t know the extent of beauty that the members, and get to know their stories,” the homeless can pick up supplies such land and environment could provide,” noted senior Amanda Pernot ’12. as tarps and a hot bowl of soup. offered Christina Tucci ’14. “My favorite “Everyone has a story and they all need “It was the spirit of the staff that part of the experience was forming the to be heard. impressed me the most,” said Shannon relationships I did with the students, The Misericordia volunteers also Kowalski ’12. “You could tell that the chaperones and sisters on the trip. Along assisted at a food bank and clothing director, Sister Libby, loves what she does with providing service such as mucking distribution center, planted seeds at a and loves the people she works for and the stalls, gardening, and clearing farm for the food bank and helped with with. Her passion radiates throughout the numerous trails, we also formed bonds disaster recovery at two houses that were entire community and made us truly feel and friendships that will last a lifetime.” welcomed and needed. Everyone at Loaves & Fishes valued the people that they were serving … you could feel the bond of community they shared.”
BENSON, VT � Mercy Farm The lessons went far beyond what one might expect as 13 Misericordia students and chaperones traveled to Benson, Vt., Deborah Keys ’15 and Megan Lage ’14 wish to help the Sisters of Mercy prepare the everyone would tie shoes together before Mercy Farm barns, farmlands and they donate them, a lesson learned while gardens for planting. The Sisters own and sorting thousands of pairs of shoes at the operate the farm, which acts as an Sarah Munley ’13 and Courtney O’Malley ’13 charity distribution center at the City Mission eco-spiritual center for all to explore the smile while tackling the chore of mucking the of Schenectady. interconnectedness of all life. As both a goat pen at the Mercy Farm in Benson, Vt.
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Misericordia University students volunteer and work at the Dallas Fire and Ambulance Department (DF&A) to give back to their adopted hometown community. Participating as emergency responders with DF&A, atop fire apparatus from left, are James Miller ‘11, ‘14 of Ashland, Pa.; Shawn McArdle ’13 of Nesquehoning, Pa.; Suzanne Nowalk ’12 of Hop Bottom, Pa., and Jonathan Weiss ’12 of Minersville, Pa., as well as DF&A President Mark Van Etten ‘93, below.
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DEFINING SERVICE
Students give back to ‘adopted hometown’ by volunteering with Dallas Fire & Ambulance Department
Log on to Misericordia Today Extended to find out The value of their service was never STORY BY PAUL KRZYWICKI why MU’s service is nationally recognized. more evident than last fall when What is a community? Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee It’s an ambiguous question, but the director of budgets and accounting at caused millions of dollars in damage to answer can define a region for better or MU and president of the DF&A, had homes and infrastructure in regional worse. Take James Miller ’11, ’14 for special parking signs erected for the communities, and resulted in countless example. He’s an active member of student volunteers to make it more others being evacuated to higher ground. several communities — at Misericordia convenient for them to respond quickly Like many residents, Misericordia’s University, in Ashland, Pa., and at the to emergency calls around-the-clock. student responders answered the call. Dallas Fire and Ambulance Department Besides volunteering, the students also “There was such a great need for (DF&A). He’s “not out to save the world’’ fill available shifts. The relationship assistance in the Back Mountain and very as an emergency responder, he reduces the department’ s overtime few people to provide assistance,’’ says acknowledges, but he does believe he budget and also provides a stipend the Miller, who joined DF&A in 2007 and has should use the skills he’s acquired as an students can use to offset the cost of their been a volunteer firefighter with the occupational therapy student, volunteer education. In 2011, students responded Washington Fire Co. Community firefighter and emergency medical to 200 emergency ambulance calls in the Ambulance since 2005. “The response technician for the betterment of others. community and earned about $9,000 from Misericordia was very impressive, It’s a common theme among many during and after the flooding. During the collegians on campus. They give their time evacuation of the Wilkes-Barre area, I was tutoring school-aged children, raising Fast Facts: given the task to help set up the money for worthwhile charities or by evacuation shelter at Dallas High School. simply working to raise awareness about DF&A provides the primary fire service to Dallas Borough and Dallas Township. I made phone calls to a few of my friends important issues. For Miller, an Ashland, DF&A’ s paramedic services are also the at Misericordia and we soon had over 20 Pa., native, and his fellow MU students primary service provider for Dallas people who came out to help set up.’’ and colleagues, Suzanne Nowalk ’12 of Borough, and Dallas, Kingston, Lehman, “It is a wonderful feeling,’’ adds Nowalk, Hop Bottom, Pa., Jonathan Weiss ’12 of Jackson and Lake Townships, covering about 75 square miles and 29,000 people. who is also a private 1st class in the Minersville, Pa., and Shawn McArdle ’13 of It also has mutual aid agreements with National Guard and volunteers with the Nesquehoning, Pa., their community is all Back Mountain communities, including Hop Bottom Hose Co. “ I was amazed defined by the assistance they provide to Hunlock Creek, Sweet Valley, Harveys Lake, during the flood to see the people people while responding to emergency and Kingston, Franklin, Lehman, Jackson, Lake, Ross and Noxen Townships. pouring into the middle school to drop calls as members of the DF&A. supplies off. It really helped me appreciate “Misericordia really tries to instill these and be proud of my adoptive community.’’ traits (of Mercy, Service, Justice and collectively. They also participated in 454 It also seems natural for these students Hospitality) in each and every one of its response calls for the fire department, to volunteer at DF&A. After all, they each students,’’ says Weiss, who also many of them being storm related. majored in an occupation that strives to volunteers as an EMT with Good Will Fire “Without our student volunteers we Co. No. 1 in Minersville, Pa. “They can be would have manpower shortfalls, make the world a better place for seen each and every day on campus. The particularly during the daytime hours humankind. Miller earned his school really tries to get people out into which would leave a void in public safety,’’ undergraduate degree in psychology and the community with the various service says Van Etten, who also volunteered with is working toward his master’ s in projects through academic clubs and the DF&A when he was a student at MU. occupational therapy. Weiss majored in Campus Ministry. Volunteering for DF&A “Overall, student involvement over about biology with a minor in chemistry and will is just my way of trying to integrate the last seven years has put us in a begin his graduate studies at MU in the myself into the wonderful Back Mountain position to increase our ambulance license fall as a physician assistant student. community. The Back Mountain from basic life support to advanced life McArdle is a psychology major and community is very welcoming to the support. Our ambulances are staffed with Nowalk earned her B.S. in nursing in May. college students, so it doesn’t take very paramedics who are able to administer “Giving back to your community, long until it feels like home.’’ medicine, and we now have more whether it’s your hometown or your The town-and-gown relationship is advanced heart monitors for heart attack adoptive community, really instills a feeling obvious on the upper and lower and stroke patients. of satisfaction in you,’’ says Weiss, an EMT campuses of Misericordia University, but “Thanks to the quality of Misericordia’s since 2008 and a member of DF&A since especially outside the student residence student volunteers we are able to provide 2010. “You feel good knowing that you halls. Working with the University’s the community with a higher level of were able to help someone and you know administration, Mark Van Etten ‘93, medical care,’’ Van Etten adds. it means a lot to them.’’
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ACADEMICS PLENDORS Sof TALY Noel Sidorek ‘13, at left, poses at the Cinque Terre north of Pisa Students learnI more about themselves while studying along the coast, and Katie country’s rich history as part of study abroad program O’Hearn ‘14 poses by a statue at the Bargello art museum in Log on to MU’s Flickr account at http://bit.ly/MUItaly Florence, Italy. STORY BY PAUL KRZYWICKI to experience the Florence study abroad program. It’s early summer and 15 Misericordia notions of the avant-garde in Italian University students and a chaperone are and a sense of understanding. “The literature and film, and understood the immersed in the rich history and culture traveler’s mindset is necessarily open- role of class systems in shaping culture, of Italy as part of MU’ s Study Abroad minded, and if there is one thing that the especially Italy’s traditions of patronage, Program at the Santa Reparata liberal arts experience should foster, it is paternalism and maternalism. International School of Art in the Via open-mindedness,’’ says Dr. Blanchard, The June 4-July 3 course also Gallo in Florence. who has studied Italian history extensively evaluated the role of intellectuals in Scott Blanchard, Ph.D., professor of during his 22-year career at MU. “Italy’s Italian culture, including Italy’s cult of English at Misericordia, engages his history is so fantastically rich and multi- the artist and their reverence for genius students in in-depth discussions and layered, and studying it exposes students figures. Additionally, students explored readings about Italy during their 32-hours to cultural, political and social worlds that the complex relationship Italy has had of classroom instruction for the three- are quite different from those that with the concept of authority, both in credit course, ENG 185: Italy in Literature characterize the American perspective.’’ relation to traditional institutions such and Film. Select books, oral presentations Studying Italy and getting a true sense as the Church, and in more radical and written reports encompass their of its colorful history can be a challenge tendencies that developed in the 20th required work, but this class is as much because of a myriad of deep-rooted, century, like communism and fascism. about the experience itself as it is about complex issues that are part of Italian “I believe studying abroad really opens the academic coursework. culture, according to Dr. Blanchard. He the eyes of students, no matter what “Study abroad helps students become worked to ensure that many points of country they are from or what country they more independent,’’ says Katie O’Hearn view were sketched out and represented are studying in,’’ says Noel Sidorek ‘13, an ’14, who is working toward a master’s throughout the academic program, and English major. “It is an experience like no degree in occupational therapy and a that students addressed them in their other because you really get the chance to minor in English. “It also helps individuals written works and oral presentations. immerse yourself in a different culture.’’ become more aware of themselves. I had “I wanted to make sure that in The cultural competency students always thought that I wanted to move introducing students to Italy, I was not derive from study abroad also plays an away after college, but I wasn’t sure if I going to whitewash the country or its integral role in their professional and would be able to because I come from history,’’ he says. “It has a very troubled personal development. Auraleah Grega a small city and have strong familial ties. history – a north -south problem, ’13, an English and secondary education This trip taught me, however, that I can immigration problems and it currently has major, is working to become an English move away and live on my own.’’ one of the lowest productivity rates in teacher. The study abroad program, she The Santa Reparata International Europe. It had earned the nickname ‘the believes, will make her more marketable, School of Art arranged for O’ Hearn and sick man of Europe’ long before the and, more importantly, a better teacher. her classmates to live in two-bedroom recent fiscal crisis of Greece and other “As a high school teacher, I hope to apartments in the urban center of European countries that border the open the diversity of the world to my Florence, where they could easily tour Mediterranean. Students who tour its students,’’ she says. “I think it is historically significant museums and other architectural wonders and its important that future generations come local sites. They also hopped aboard breathtaking scenery need to know that.’’ to learn that we are all different, but trains to nearby cities in Tuscany to To accomplish his goals, Dr. Blanchard because of this, we each have something explore such places as the Cinque Terre. used texts by modern authors like Italo very special to contribute to one another. The long-term impact on students who Calvino, Ignazio Silone and Antonio By traveling to several countries, I have study abroad is undeniable, according to Gramsci, films by Federico Fellini, and experienced the various passions that Dr. Blanchard, who says the opportunity works by classic authors like Machiavelli drive people, whatever their nationality, oftentimes influences careers and world and Boccaccio. After four weeks of especially in regards to poetry views, while also building self-confidence instruction, his students could identify and literature.’’
14 MISERICORDIA TODAY M366_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:03 PM Page 16 ACADEMICS Misericordia University religious studies professor participates in National Endowment for the Humanities research into ancient Italian cities of Etruria Viewing the afterlife art of an ancient civilization
STORY BY PAUL KRZYWICKI etween the Iron Age and the violent images on them in museums and Dr. Davies examined, from top left, a 4th Roman Empire, the ancient at archeological sites. century Etruscan coffin, an Etruscan tomb cities of Etruria flourished in “It’s well known that the Etruscans complex in Orvieto and a cremation urn what is today’s modern Tuscany. bought classical art depicting the epic featuring Eteocles, Polynices and Vanths. The Etruscan people built vast stories of the Greeks,’’ says Dr. Davies, cities,B traveled the high seas, spoke and an author of seven books himself. “They containing the ashes of their relatives?’’ wrote a unique language and developed appreciated beautiful attic vases and Dr. Davies wonders about the urns in the commerce with the Greeks and the imported them from the Greeks.’’ city of Chiusi. “There are hundreds of Phoenicians in which they traded their The Etruscans, for example, took on them in this place, so it is something that precious metals for artistic treasures. Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey as their appealed to these people.’’ For an empire that stretched hundreds own, but they also adopted the epic Inside large underground burial vaults of miles and included 12 major cities Story of Oedipus in which brothers, dated about 500 B.C., the Etruscans across modern-day Italy, many mysteries Eteocles and Polynices, kill each other added bright colors and imagery to the remain. That’s why a team of 28 scholars, while battling for control of the ancient walls that depicted the afterlife as being including Stevan Davies, Ph.D., professor city of Thebes. The Greek and Etruscan filled with parties, banquets and various of religious studies at Misericordia bond becomes more obvious upon closer amusements, such as juggling, hunting, University, participated in the 2012 dancing and music. Those lighthearted National Endowment Summer Institute, images in Tarquinia, though, are a stark “The Legacy of Ancient Italy: The contrast to the violent imagery contained Etruscan and Early Roman City,’’ from on the tombs stored inside. The limestone June 5-25 under the direction of P. tombs marry the sculpted images of a Gregory Warden, Ph.D., president of peaceful human figure lying across the Franklin College, Lugano, Switzerland. top, acting as a lid for the caskets, which “The Etruscans are part of the history feature “intense violence inscribed’’ across of Western Civilization,’’ says Dr. Davies. the front of them. Many ash urns for the “They are the principal civilization before cremated also contained similar images of Rome. They ruled Italy before the violence, says Dr. Davies. Romans established themselves as an What is the significance of the independent civilization that eventually contrasting images? Dr. Davies says it is a became the Roman empire.’’ challenge to completely understand the intended message because there is no The institute’s research was based on Dr. Stevan four major themes: archaeology and Davies, Ph.D., written history of the ancient civilization, urban identity in early Italy; Etruscan and professor of and by the 2nd century B.C. their culture Roman urbanization; economy, trade and religious studies. began to be absorbed by the Romans. cultural formation in the early “We don’t have writings from them,’’ Mediterranean; and the consequences of says Dr. Davies, unlike the Babylonians assimilation, appropriation and conquest examination of Etruscan tombs and ash who carved their writings into clay of the Etruscans by the Romans, urns, as they are adorned with depictions tablets. “We don’t have books or letters. according to the NEH. of the ill-fated brothers of Greek They wrote on papyrus and linen, but the As the lone religious studies professor mythology fighting each other with Italian environment was too moist to participating in the three-week program, daggers in the presence of the Vanths of preserve anything.’’ Dr. Davies decided to focus his research Etruscan mythology — almost as if they Dr. Davies said he will continue to on how the Etruscans depicted the were “combining the two civilizations,’’ conduct research on the Etruscans and afterlife in burial chambers, and on tombs Dr. Davies suggests. “Why are people their views of the afterlife. He plans to and ash urns after discovering extremely placing such a violent scene on a box publish a paper on his theories.
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Misericordia student researchers, from left, Lawrence Paddock ‘12, Nicholas Sulzer ‘12 and Jonathan Weiss ‘12, ‘14, collect data on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH level, flow rate and specific conductance from Bowmans Creek by using the PASCO GLX data logger.
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Biology majors study if water withdrawal by natural gas drilling industry affects health of Bowmans Creek
STORY BY PAUL KRYZWICKI
EATON TWP. — About 13 miles from the Misericordia University campus, Bowmans Creek gently flows as it meanders through rural Eaton Township, Wyoming County before snaking its way into the mighty Susquehanna River. Remnants of recent high-water events still scar the countryside, but the 26.4 mile tributary remains a popular fishing hole for regional residents, teaming with trout and bluegills. It’s a breezy early spring afternoon and a team of Misericordia University student researchers return to the banks of the freestone stream armed with fishing waders and low- and high-tech equipment to measure the health of the creek, which originates from Mountain Springs Lake. The climb down the ragged edges of the banks was made more difficult by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, which widened and rerouted the stream in dramatic fashion in the fall and forced the students to shorten their detailed study. Upstream, representatives of the natural gas industry have set up a staging area for its workers in the region, while two pumping stations have also been established on the creek to remove surface water for use in natural gas drilling. The site along Bowmans Creek is similar to many other rural communities throughout Pennsylvania in areas of the Marcellus Shale as natural gas companies have been utilizing hydraulic fracking methods to extract natural gas pockets from deep inside the earth. Besides the chemicals and drills that are used on many sites in the region, another byproduct of the new technology is the need for water to complete the process. Misericordia University biology students Lawrence Paddock ’12, Nicholas Sulzer ’12 and
See CREEK, page 18
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Area creek subject of ACADEMICS research from page 17
Jonathan Weiss ’12, ‘14, as part of their senior research project, decided to examine if the health of Bowmans Creek was affected below the pumping stations due to the withdrawal of water. “I am looking at a career in the environmental science/ecology field and have conducted many small-scale stream assessments in the past,’’ says Sulzer. “I enjoy working with steam ecosystems. When looking for a topic of research, we came across the surface water removal and thought it would be an interesting and very current issue.’’ “We chose this project because it was real field work and was relevant to what is happening in our backyards,’’ adds Paddock. “Everyone has strong opinions on the gas wells being put in place, but until real data has been Misericordia University biology majors, collected and examined for many years, from left, Jonathan Weiss ‘12, ‘14 of we will not truly know the impacts on Minersville, Pa.; Nicholas Sulzer’12 of our stream health and water supply.’’ Lehighton, Pa., and Lawrence Paddock Student researchers, under the ‘12 of Millerton, Pa., collect data for direction of Barbara McCraith, Ph.D., their scientific study and senior associate professor of biology, chose two research project. locations upstream and downstream to conduct their study and began collecting their data in May 2011. Measuring 20 stream health. “There has not been any gather the data and how to present it.’’ meters along the shore and extending research done on something like this as The next step in the study, according across the width of the creek, students far as I am aware of and I feel it is a really to the students and Dr. McCraith, is to collected data on water temperature, neat subject to examine,’’ says Weiss. have another group of MU students dissolved oxygen, pH level, flow rate, “The scientific community is calling for continue their good work in the fall. It is specific conductance, and ammonium numerous amounts of research to be important to consistently monitor the and phosphate levels. Through conducted surrounding the natural gas stream’s health during the natural gas kicknetting, they also gathered industry and the impacts on the drilling boom and it also offers students macroinvertebrates, such as mayflies, environment.’’ a chance to experience field research. stoneflies and caddisflies, because the Overall, the research was the first step “It is a great opportunity to get organisms are important indicators of in a long process to measure what, if any, hands-on experience in so many fields impact water withdrawal can have on a of biology,’’ says Paddock. “It is also stream like Bowmans Creek. Students important in learning the proper way to Fast Facts: acknowledge it’s a process that could do research. Since it is a sensitive topic take years of data collection to reach a where so many people have extremely Misericordia University student proper, scientific conclusion. In this case, biased opinions, it’s a great way to researchers utilized some of the data collection was delayed by the practice unbiased research.’’ following equipment to monitor historic flooding in the fall and it limited Students also presented their findings the health of Bowmans Creek in students to nine data collection dates, at the 88th Annual Meeting of the Wyoming County, Pa.: which prevented them from drawing any Pennsylvania Academy of Science in conclusions. The preliminary data that Allentown, Pa. “I am proud of our 1. Kicknet was collected, though, showed no major students because they tackled a new 2. Meter stick differences between the upstream and and emerging environmental issue in 3. PASCO GLX data logger downstream sites, the students said. rather difficult circumstances,’’ Dr. 4. Flow meter “We conducted the study to the best McCraith says. “The flooding prevented 5. Colorimeter of our ability, but nature didn’t cooperate them from completing their data 6. Collection jars with us,’’ adds Sulzer. “We learned collection, but they tackled a project valuable lessons: How to design and that had never been tackled before and carry out the experiment, and how to gained invaluable field experience.’’
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THE LESSONS BEHIND ACADEMICS THE CAPED CRUSADERS Comic book collection supports pop culture course on race, ethnicity
popular following his debut in 1938. STORY BY JIM ROBERTS During World War II, Superman fought Hundreds of thousands of people the Japanese and German forces in his assembled in theaters around the world comics and cartoons. “There were in May to propel The Avengers movie shocking depictions of race in Superman past the $1 billion revenue mark in just 19 comics and animation during the war. The days. Superheroes are flying high in Japanese were shown as ugly and evil modern pop culture. which reflected popular feelings at the Allan Austin, Ph.D., professor of history, time,” says Dr. Hamilton. and Patrick Hamilton, Ph.D. associate The comic movies of the last 10 years professor of English, team- teach a popular also contain pervasive commentary on Drs. Allan Austin, kneeling, and Patrick course on race and ethnicity in post- World society that many may not notice. “Post Hamilton team-teach a course on race and War II graphic narrative. They are fans of 9/11 anxieties and stresses can be seen in ethnicity using graphic narratives. comic books, and combine that interest today’s movies. The villain in Avengers, with academic exploration of the societal Loki, says freedom is bad – much like Dr. Hamilton, who owns a complete set issues woven into the comics’ plots. what we believe terrorists say. Our of Avengers comics, points to something “Every student should take a class in pop fictional heroes wage war against interesting in the movie, “There is one culture,” says Dr. Austin. “The things you terrorists for us as we struggle to define black character in Nick Fury and one see and read are not just trying to terrorism amidst all its ambiguity,” says woman on the team. Is that entertain, they are selling you something.” Dr. Austin. “In our class, we want students representative of modern society?” Dr. Austin isn’t talking about marketing to understand racial attitudes and we use In future classes, the professors will candy bars or soft drinks. He explained comics to do it.” utilize an in-house comic book collection that the stories in pop culture, including Dr. Hamilton likes what he sees from at the Bevevino Library that the professors superhero movies and books, contain the students. “Discussions in class are helped to obtain as a gift to the University. themes and reflect prevalent attitudes in great. Some students hesitate to take the The donation of more than 10,000 comic society put into the works by their makers comics seriously, but once exposed to the books has yet to be fully cataloged, but it — often with intent. content it is nice to see them wrestle with is hoped that it will be on display during For instance, Superman became hugely the issues.” the 2012-13 academic year.
specializations, people actually forfeit their natural born ability DARE TO BE WISE to think deeply and for themselves. They confuse education with conformity and in the process they lose the basic human Applied Philosophy Project instinct to question, to wonder, to not accept things at face value — they lose the childlike virtue of asking why.” encourages critical thinking The APP is intended to rejuvenate that wonder, that critical edge, by bringing the basic analytical and questioning skills of the philosopher to many disciplines and social concerns. Those STORY BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA disciplines include, but are not limited to, religion, politics, law, ethics, health care, economics, the environment, business, art, It is as simple as a young child always asking the question literature, cultural studies and social policy creation. One “why?” Youngsters are encouraged to ask questions and apply example of applied philosophy and how it relates to social what they learn in one area to all the other areas of their policy can be found in the on-going discussions over gas thinking. Yet, that type of freethinking is an educational tool drilling in the Marcellus Shale, and the philosophical issues that Misericordia philosophy department chair Mark Painter, raised regarding property rights such as whether water is a Ph.D., feels is lost as students grow older and enter their high commodity and, if so, who has the right of ownership. school years. “The project is dedicated to the belief that philosophy, by its In an effort to spur more critical thinking at all levels of very nature, does not stand above and apart from human education, the Misericordia Department of Philosophy, under affairs, but rather, in the words of George Dennison, wishes us Dr. Painter’s direction, has established the Applied Philosophy to draw near and ‘ to empower us to think and do for Project (APP). “Applied philosophy is a discipline utilizing the ourselves,’” Dr. Painter adds. “In addition to raising the level of theory that people were born to think for themselves, but it is a discussion above the simple out-gassing of opinions, doing concept that is not encouraged enough in academics,” says Dr. and applying philosophy creates a flexibility of mind that allows Painter. “Too many people think that learning is the acquisition people to better weather the storms of change, both of specialized skills to do a specialized job, but in seeking these professionally and personally,”
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Scott L. Darci Massey, Ph.D. Brown, PatientPatient AdvocatesAdvocatesP.A.-C. Stanley J. Dudrick, M.D. Physician assistant program works to educate highly trained clinicians
P.A.-C., the founding department described as one of the four most STORY BY PAUL KRZYWICKI chairperson, program director and significant accomplishments in the history Misericordia’ s dedication to training professor. “ The program will offer of the development of modern surgery. It and educating students in the rewarding opportunities to participate in applied also has been acknowledged as one of and challenging fields of health sciences research activities with faculty and unique the three most important advancements began in 1944 when it introduced the opportunities to experience an elective in surgery during the past century. first Bachelor of Science degree in clerkship in PA education.’’ Dr. Dudrick most recently received the Nursing in northeastern Pennsylvania. The curriculum for the program also Nathan Smith, M.D., Distinguished MU’s role in preparing the next was designed and will be taught by Service Award by the New England generation of health care practitioners leaders in the health care industry. Dr. Surgical Society. He also was an honored gradually expanded through the years. Massey is known nationally for his strong invited lecturer and panelist of the Today, MU is considered the region’s track record of scholarship and publishing Congress of the Polish Surgical Society in leader in health care education. related to student learning and faculty Łód , Poland, where he presented a It only seemed natural when national development. He is also recognized for research paper and served on a panel of studies showed a critical need for highly his ability to improve the certification surgeons discussing complex abdominal trained physicians that Misericordia pass rates and scores for PA programs, surgical problems. would work toward filling that void for and is widely sought after as a PA The program also features Darci Brown, the betterment of all. The Association of program development consultant for P.A.-C., as the director of clinical education American Medical Colleges estimates national and international programs that and assistant professor, and Abigail Davis, that by 2015, the year after health care are accredited and are beginning the M.P.A.S., P.A.-C., as the director of reforms are scheduled to take effect, the accreditation process. didactic education and assistant professor. shortage of doctors across all specialties Stanley J. Dudrick, M.D., chairman Brown is a board-certified physician will quadruple. The report also states emeritus in the Department of Surgery assistant with 20 years of clinical practice, there will be a substantial shortage of and director emeritus of Program in laboratory testing and management non-primary care specialists. Surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital, a experience. She has also been a In the fall, Misericordia’s first graduate Yale-affiliated teaching hospital, and representative for the Pennsylvania Society class and second class of undergraduates professor of surgery at the Yale University of Physician Assistants for the past seven will begin their studies in the five-year School of Medicine, is the medical director years and continues to practice clinically combined Bachelor of Science in Medical and Robert S. Anderson Endowed Chair, with experience in family medicine, Science and Master of Science in Physician the first such academic position offered by orthopedics and plastic surgery. Assistant Studies program. The PA Misericordia. As medical director of the Davis graduated from Marywood program is welcoming 12 freshman program, Dr. Dudrick works to ensure the University in 2005 with a B.S. degree in undergraduates and 20 graduate curriculum meets current patient care health science and a master’s degree in students. Overall, 42 students are enrolled practice standards and is active in physican assistant studies. Shortly after in the program after MU accepted its first teaching and evaluating student and graduation, she began working in class of undergraduates last fall. program performances. emergency medicine at a Level 2 trauma “We have an outstanding physician An eminent surgeon, research scientist center. She has been a clinical preceptor assistant program that will receive and educator, Dr. Dudrick’s innovative to PA students at multiple regional recognition for innovative learning development and successful clinical programs. Davis is a member of the methods and high graduation application of the specialized central Pennsylvania Society of PAs and outcomes,’’ says Scott L. Massey, Ph.D., venous feeding technique has been American Academy of PAs.
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ALUMNI WEEKEND 2012 Bernstein addresses CAMPUS EVENTS students, public in two presentations IN MEMORIAM MAKINGmemories STORY BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA Alumni Weekend 2012 was a true celebra tion of the friendship and camaraderie that makes Misericordia so special. Among those gathered were seven members of the Class of ’47, who celebrated the milestone 65th an niversary of their graduation with a class luncheon. Octogenarian Gladys Port ’47, Mr. Bernstein addresses history and Anthony J. Grosek, Jr. Charles D. Lemmond, Jr. traveled from Asheville, N.C., to join in the communications students at MU. festivities. 1926 - 2012 1929 - 2012 The Class of ’47 group was also among the The inaugural Dr. Midori Ya 100 who took part in the ever-popular manouchi Lecture Series at Mis Golden/Golden Plus Luncheon, lovingly ericordia presented famed Trustee Emeritus Anthony J. Grosek, Jr., an ardent and Charles D. Lemmond, Jr., long-time Pennsylvania State Members of Misericordia’s Class of 1972 relive hosted by President Michael and Tina Mac- their collegiate years at Alumni Weekend. journalist and author Carl Bern- longtime advisor of Misericordia University as a Trustee and Senator and community leader, died May 30, 2012 following Dowell. The honorees included 40 members stein for two special events on Trustee Emeritus, passed away May 29, 2012 at the age of 86. a brief illness. He was 83. of the Class of ’62 who gathered to celebrate campus April 17. A Trustee from 1990-2005, Mr. Grosek provided the Univer “Sen. Lemmond was a friend to Misericordia in every sense their 50th anniversary. Their enthusiastic Mr. Bernstein spoke to 27 MU sity guidance in a plethora of construction projects, and gen of the word,” says University President Michael A. MacDow turnout earned the class the Bettsi Jaeger students in a special master erously supported many worthwhile programs and projects, ell. “He was a scholar of the law and government and yet he 1968 Award for the largest percentage of class that addressed the “cult including the annual Under the Stars Summer Arts Festival was very much a man of the people and knew what was im classmates coming home for the weekend. and culture in Washington.’’ Stu and the Annual Fund. His philanthropy also extended to capi portant to his community, his state, and his country. Sen. Lem Classmate Rosemarie Romanowski Daily ’62 dents participated in a question tal campaigns that have enabled MU to meet the rigorous ac mond revered higher education, particularly private higher and-answer session with the earned the bragging rights for coming the ademic challenges of the education. It was an honor to name the newly renovated the Pulitzer Prize- winning journalist farthest — traveling from Clarksville, Texas for 21st century. ater in Walsh Hall for Charlie and also posed for pictures and the celebration. In 2007, Misericordia hon and his family. Their dedica asked additional questions after Highlights included President MacDowell’s ored Mr. Grosek and his wife, tion to Northeast Pennsylva the one-hour class. Communica “Back to the Future” presentation, giving Helen, by awarding them the nia, and their Dallas home, tions major Mary Bove ‘15 was alumni an overview of all that is new at MU as Trustee Associates Award for remains an inspiration to all.’’ among the students who partici Sen. Lemmond lived in well as a look at how students carry out the their steadfast commitment pated in the special class. She Dallas with his wife, Barbara, time-honored traditions inspired by the Sis to their community and Mis took pictures for The High for more than 50 years. The ters of Mercy. Janet Fritz Michael ‘62, left, and Dorothy Keiff ‘62 ericordia. lander, the university’s campus couple has four children: “We happily exceeded last year’s atten examine items on display in the Mary Kintz “Tony was an exceptional newspaper, and also addressed Charles, John, Judith, and dance numbers,” says Denise Miscavage, di Bevevino Library. Anthony J. Grosek, Jr. and his son, Trustee,’’ said President a question to Mr. Bernstein. Lemmond Theater in Walsh Hall David Lemmond, and three rector of Alumni, Community and Donor aging our more recent alumni to attend In the evening, Mr. Bernstein David, pose with President and Michael A. MacDowell. “He was dedicated in honor of Sen. grandchildren. Relations. “In an attempt to best serve the Homecoming Weekend, which is held each His Holiness, John Mrs. MacDowell in 2007. cared deeply about Miseri Lemmond and his family in 2008. presented, Born in Hazleton, Pa., Sen. growing number of Misericordia alumni, we year in the fall.” Paul II, in Lemmond Theater in cordia and exercised that feeling in his volunteer work for the Lemmond grew up in Forty Fort, Pa., graduated from Forty decided to focus this year’s reunion, and all Details on Homecoming 2012, set for Sept. Walsh Hall to a capacity crowd. University and in his understanding support of its students. Fort schools and served in the U.S. Army in Italy. He returned coming reunions, on those celebrating their 29, can be found on CougarConnect and on A question-and-answer session He was dedicated to his NEPA home and he will be sorely from service and earned his undergraduate degree in govern 30th anniversaries and earlier. We are encour- page 32. followed and then he signed missed by all of us at Misericordia for he was a dear friend, ment at Harvard University. He went on to receive his law de copies of his books in the lobby. advisor and dedicated Trustee.’’ gree from the University of Pennsylvania. Early in his career, CAC raises $12,910 for Few journalists and authors in An architectural engineer and businessman, Mr. Grosek lent he was named a principal in the firm of Silverblatt and Tow American history have had the his considerable professional acumen to several important nend, and served as solicitor for a number of municipal enti American Cancer Society impact on their era and their construction projects on campus. His tenure on the Board of ties. He subsequently was appointed as assistant district The Misericordia University Colleges craft as Mr. Bernstein. He has Trustees was punctuated by the University’s growing aca attorney of Luzerne County, and in 1980, was tapped by Gov. Against Cancer Chapter (CAC) raised written, among other works, the Dick Thornburgh to serve as a judge of the Luzerne County demic reputation, record enrollment, expanding campus and $12,910 from its Relay for Life event on cam definitive accounts of the lives of Court of Common Pleas. achieving university status. “This great community and the pus. Students in the organization presented a three of the dominant figures of Sen. Lemmond began his distinguished career in the State young kids deserve having something like Misericordia,’’ Mr. ceremonial check to the American Cancer So the past half century: President Grosek stated in 2007. “I am grateful being on the Board to Senate in 1985 representing the 20th Senatorial District. ciety that was nearly double the amount the Richard Nixon, Pope John Paul II do it. I’m proud of all the things we are doing; the way we are Among his many awards, the 2006 Sister Siena Finley Ethics student organization raised in 2011. Students and Hillary Rodham Clinton. building this up to be a great place.’’ Award, presented by the Ethics Institute of NEPA, recognized in the University’s CAC hosted the annual Students, kneeling from left, Kara Munley ‘13 and In the early 1970s, Bernstein Kayla Darcey ‘13; standing, Julia Truax ‘12, Mr. Grosek is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen Hay him as a person who demonstrated exemplary ethical behav Relay for Life event on April 13-14 in the An and Bob Woodward broke the ior in his personal, civic, and professional life, a fitting tribute Amanda Tomaselli ‘13, Megan Rogan ‘13, Mark duk Grosek of Dallas, Pa., a nurse who also was dedicated to derson Sports and Health Center and easily Walbert ‘14, and Amanda Peslak ‘14, present a Watergate scandal for The her community, five children, including Andrea Grosek Sor for a man known by his colleagues as “The Gentleman of the surpassed the $7,000 they raised last year. check to Jef Bauman of the American Cancer So Washington Post. doni ’73, 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Senate.” ciety near the main gate of campus.
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MISSION ALUMNI PROFILE accomplishedaccomplished Tenets guide alumnus to a career in helping those most in need at the United Way and Volunteers of Bill Jones ’85 is the president America of Pennsylvania and CEO of the United Way of Wyoming Valley. BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA
isericordia alumnus Bill Jones ’85 were married in 1994. Bill and Janet community development manager at spent the past 12 years as the live in Mountain Top, Pa., with their PNC Bank in Scranton, Pa., where he Mchief operating officer of daughters, Caroline and Rachel. made sure the bank met its obligations Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, As a commuter student, Jones served to serve low- and moderate- income a statewide organization that helps others as vice president of the Student customers through programs and — from needy children and the homeless Government Association and was the community outreach. to the elderly. He helped orchestrate catalyst behind the campus’ first All the while, he made time to serve more than $7 million a year in critical Homecoming Parade in 1984. He also as a member of the Ethics Institute of services such as transportation and helped to start the first MU fraternity, Northeastern Pennsylvania and the housing. Of that, program revenue Alpha Delta Kappa. His most poignant Diversity Institute at Misericordia, and dedicated to services in and around memories are of times spent with was a founding member of the Wyoming the Wyoming Valley, his hometown Monsignor John Bendick, campus Valley Habitat for Humanity. He also community, grew to more than chaplain, and Sister Siena Finley, RSM, volunteered with the Catholic Youth $2.4 million. who both remain a big influence in his Center, Consumer Credit Counseling It wasn’t until he found himself saying life. “Business professors Don Skiff and Service, the Back Mountain Library yes to another position that would give Mary Carden were also amazing Auction, and as a Eucharistic minister him an even bigger seat at the local mentors,” he adds. “Mary guided me in the Catholic Church. community table that it came to him. to an internship with AT&T, which was Even with all that to his credit, his Who he is and the work he does was a pretty big deal at the time.” service mission was just getting started. fashioned more than he ever realized by His original plan was to go into In 2000, he started with Volunteers of his days at Misericordia and those he banking or finance, and in fact, that America of Pennsylvania. “I am proud of came to know at the campus. is exactly where his career began. the role I played in expanding critical Named president and chief executive After graduating summa cum laude services to those in need,’’ he says. “In officer of the United Way of Wyoming from Misericordia in 1985, his first my 12 years there, we made a difference Valley in January 2012, Jones is position was with First Eastern Bank. in the lives of many people.” responsible for an organization that is While there, and working towards his It was no surprise to anyone that his dedicated to “advancing the common MBA, Jones was assigned as a “loaned future employer, recognized his infectious good.” With a $5.5 million annual executive” to the United Way — his first enthusiasm and boundless energy, by budget, the United Way funded 46 opportunity to assist agency staff with presenting him with the agency’s highest community programs and served more fundraising efforts. award for volunteerism, the Rose Brader than 32,000 residents last year in the Never straying far from his alma mater, Award, in 2003. Wilkes-Barre area. it was while he was at First Eastern that Now at the United Way, Jones reflects A career in the social services arena he began teaching undergraduate and back on his years at Misericordia as the is not at all what Jones envisioned as graduate courses in business at building blocks that made him who he is a business administration undergrad Misericordia on such topics as macro and today. “I now understand how the tenets with concentrations in management microeconomics, managerial finance and of the Sisters of Mercy were incorporated and marketing. business policy. His involvement grew. He in nearly everything we did on campus,’’ Recruited in 1981 to play basketball for was named to the Misericordia Alumni he says. “They affirmed in us an a Highlander team that was just three Association Board of Directors obligation to make the community a years old, Coach John Zella told Jones he in 1986, chaired the Alumni Phonathon better place.” couldn’t offer him a winning basketball Campaign in 1990 and served as the As he heads into the first United Way record, but he could offer him a great group’s president from 1998 to 2000. fundraising campaign under his direction, school and a 10-- to 1 ratio of women to His efforts earned him the coveted he admits his anxiety level is high, but his men. As it happens, Jones met his future Hilda Staub Garey Alumni Service enthusiasm and optimism are wife, Janet Yenkowski, on campus while Award in 1995. even higher. they were both freshmen. Although she He continued to make a difference in transferred to another school, the two the community in his next professional Mr. Jones can be reached reconnected nearly 10 years later and appointment as vice president and at [email protected].
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‘A voice is a human gift; it should be cherished and used, to utter fully human speech as possible. Powerlessness and
ALUMNI PROFILE silence go together.’ –NOVELIST MARGARET ATWOOD V OICE P IONEER Misericordia SLP graduate becomes first in program’s history to earn her Ph.D.
clients with a myriad of communication STORY BY PAUL KRZYWICKI disorders and it also returned her to center stage when she presented her or the better part of her life, collaborative research findings at state Jessica Lynn Sofranko, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., ’07 has been and national conferences. “My passion to further my knowledge enjoying the singing voice or started at Misericordia simply observing Fworking to better understand the science the faculty and how motivated they were behind it and the causes of various to better our field,’’ she says. “Misericordia disorders that seek to silence not only gave me an excellent education, humankind’s most important tool but also provided me with numerous for communication. clinical experiences, leadership and Her family’s interest in music initially research opportunities, and the confidence fueled her curiosity with the human voice to present at large conferences, teach and as she began piano lessons as a Jessica Lynn Sofranko, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., ‘07 supervise students.’’ lectures at Penn State. 10-year-old and eventually added Five years after graduating from classical voice lessons as well. “I come Misericordia, Dr. Sofranko pauses at the St. Rose, Albany, N.Y., after completing from a very musical family,’’ Dr. Sofranko suggestion and quickly says she does not her doctorate in three years and receiving says. “The lessons sparked my interest in consider herself a pioneer. But the recipient several employment offers. vocal physiology and vocal health. I of the 2007 Misericordia University SLP “I will certainly continue doing research began to question the many different Academic Excellence Award became the to contribute to our knowledge of voice types of singing I was experiencing and first graduate of the 10-year-old program and speech science in the field,’’ Dr. this extended to conversation and to earn a doctorate, successfully arguing Sofranko says. “Aside from this, I do have ultimately disordered voice.’’ her thesis, “The Effect of Experience and plans to teach whether it’s a faculty Those specialized lessons also started a the Relationship Among Subjective and position, guest lectures, or presentations musical odyssey that saw her make a Objective Measures of Voice Quality.’’ at conferences. I will always, though, be a once-in-a-lifetime appearance at Carnegie She received her Ph.D. in voice and clinician at heart and wish to continue Hall as an 18 year old and countless live speech science with a sub-specialty in treating. After all, our patients guide our performances at regional and state venues dysphagia and singing voice in August research and lectures.’’ before a slight detour changed her from Penn State University, one of the top The field of SLP continues to evolve as direction and focus. After years of singing doctoral programs in the country for SLP. clinicians and scientists learn more about lessons and being trained as a classical Four additional graduates of the MU the science behind the human voice and pianist, the science behind the human program also have enrolled in Ph.D. the disorders that seek to silence it. Glen voice took center stage. programs to work on their doctorate Tellis, Ph.D., chair and professor at MU, By enrolling as a graduate student in degrees. Kelly DeHaven ’08 is attending knows Dr. Sofranko will succeed whether Misericordia University’s five-year Master Arcadia University; Erik Raj ’09 is at she is helping a stroke patient regain a of Science degree program in speech- Wayne State University; Carly Jo Hosbach clear voice or if she is assisting a child language pathology (SLP), she was able ’09 is enrolling at Syracuse University; and address the spectrum of autism. to perform clinical rotations in the Nicholas Barone ’11 has been accepted “Jessica is very hard working and self Speech-Language and Hearing Center on at James Madison University. motivated,’’ Dr. Glen Tellis says. “When campus and participate in timely research A recipient of a full assistantship and she decides to complete a task she is with her mentor, Cari Tellis, Ph.D., the MaryAnn Peins Graduate Student very goal oriented and pays attention to associate professor at Misericordia. The Scholarship in Speech Pathology at Penn the smallest detail. These are some of invaluable experiences provided her State, Dr. Sofranko, 28, has accepted an the attributes that have allowed her to hands-on experience in treating regional assistant professorship at the College of successfully complete her doctorate.’’
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An ALUMNI PROFILE Eye for the Future Alumna earns doctorate in optometry from Salus University in Elkins Park
ST O R Y BY TO M VE N E S K Y
optometrist, she had to choose a school honors at each assignment. Dr. Burda to start her on her academic journey. worked in primary care, hospital and Majoring in biology was a must, Dr. emergency room settings where she Burda says. After she participated in an performed comprehensive eye open house at Misericordia and spoke examinations for various age groups with Frank Dipino, Ph.D., professor of and concentrated on the diagnosis and biology, her mind was made up quickly. management of ocular diseases, as well “Dr. Dipino was very encouraging and the as providing specialty services in neuro Misericordia science program really optometry, anterior segment, glaucoma, appealed to me,” says Dr. Burda. “I also corneal refractive therapy and more. liked the smaller class sizes and the “You can have a 4.0, but if you don’t A ngela Burda ‘08, O.D., admits chance for more one-on-one instruction. have any people skills you’re not going her recent accomplishment has yet to I just felt comfortable with Misericordia.” to survive in a clinic,” she acknowledges. sink in. During her four years at Misericordia, “A big part of optometry isn’t only In May, the 26-year-old graduated from Dr. Burda did more than just excel in diagnosing and treating, but also the Pennsylvania College of Optometry class. She served as a resident assistant educating your patient and at Salus University in Elkins Park, Pa., with for two years, earned an achievement communicating with them. That’s one of a Doctorate in Optometry, concluding a award for her peer tutoring efforts and the skills I gained from the peer programs path that originated in high school and taught study skills to students with at Misericordia.” wound through Misericordia University. learning disabilities. Her Misericordia experience will also Dr. Burda has dreamed of being an In the end, Dr. Burda not only earned pay dividends as Dr. Burda begins her optometrist since her high school days a Bachelor of Science degree in biology career as an optometrist. Those years she at Marian Catholic in Tamaqua, Pa. There from MU, but she also left Misericordia as spent helping her peers not only made were a few things about the profession a well-rounded person. And that, she says, Dr. Burda a better student, but a better that appealed to her. is what helped her get into Salus person as well. “I always wanted to do something in University to pursue her doctorate degree. Now that she has her doctorate degree the medical field, and with optometry you “Your grades and the school that you went in hand, Dr. Burda is ready to begin her have that patient interaction that I really to are important, but Salus really looks for career as an optometrist. She has enjoy,” says Dr. Burda, who also earned well-rounded students,” she says. accepted a position as an associate a Bachelor of Science degree from Salus As part of her graduate studies, Dr. optometrist with Visionworks of America University in 2009. “When I was in high Burda was required to complete six Inc. It’s a step the Wyncote, Pa., resident school, I used to spend time at my uncle’s externships at Advanced Eye Care, has been looking forward to since she office (Dr. Gary Andrus, O.D.) Limerick, Pa.; Wilkes-Barre Veterans followed her uncle around in his and follow him around.” Association Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; optometry office years ago. Dr. Burda, the daughter of Mike and The Eye Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.; “It’s neat to look back over the last 12 Gloria Burda of Barnesville, Pa., Edmonds and Associates, Drexel Hill, Pa.; years and realize I accomplished the goal graduated from Marian Catholic in 2004 Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., and I set back then,” Dr. Burda says. “It’s been and, with the decision made to follow in Great Valley Eye Associates, Frazer, Pa., a lot of years and work, and I’m really her uncle’s footsteps to become an in which she also was awarded clinical excited to get started.”
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Alumni Class Notes Stay in touch with friends, classmates and the Misericordia University campus community News throughout the year by posting updates about your career, family and other noteworthy and fun accomplishments on cougarconnect.misericordia.edu or facebook.com/MisericordiaAlumni. For more information about alumni events and news, Donna Kaylor ’63 recently Theresa Kelly Long ’85 was visit the MU website: Kelly Spencer misericordia.edu/alumni McAndrew ’79 retired from St. Anne School named superintendent for ‘63 in Lancaster, Pa., after ‘85 Danville State Hospital in s your new Alumni Board President, I teaching there for 47 years. October 2011. She received am delighted to have this opportunity She earned her BS degree in elementary her BSN in 1985. She lives with her A to introduce myself. I received my education at MU. husband and two children in Drums, Pa. Bachelor of Social Work in ’79 and my Master of Science in Organizational Management in ’06. Returning to graduate school brought renewed Rosemary Dvorsky Gido Kevin Walter Poplawski pride in Misericordia as well as an intensified ’67, Ph.D., received the ’98 and Elizabeth Ann interest to get involved with various volunteer ‘67 2012 Academy of Criminal ‘98 Gersuk were united in the projects. For the past six years, I have served on Justice Sciences Corrections sacrament of marriage July the Alumni Board. I also have worked for five of Section John Howard Award in recognition 16, 2011 at St. Ignatius Church, Kingston, those years at Hospice Community Care as its of her lifetime of service and scholarship Pa. Kevin is employed as a physical Volunteer Coordinator. More than ever, I now in corrections. She was also the recipient therapist by Emory Health Care, Atlanta, understand the vital importance and energizing value of volunteers. Recently, your Alumni Board of the 2011 Irish Penology Symposium Ga., and is also a certified golf fitness agreed to promote MU Alumni volunteering. So and Network Award for her contribution to instructor. After a honeymoon in Costa many ways exist to add your vigor and viewpoint the disciplines of criminology and Rica, the couple resides in Atlanta, Ga. as Alumni. If you live nearby, I invite you to help penology. Dr. Gido retired in September serve pizza to students during finals at Alumni Pie. 2011 as professor of criminology at Eric Barlett ’98 and Courtney Harris were Other hands- on options include Freshman Indiana University of Pennsylvania, married on Aug. 24, 2002. Move-in Day and the collection and counting of Indiana, Pa. Rosemary is the editor of The class donations. You don’t live nearby? Please consider hosting a gathering in your area. Prison Journal and she is an active Maribeth Matlowski ’99 Volunteers are always needed at college fairs member of the Pennsylvania legislatureʼs and her husband, Robert close to your backyard. Please contact our Alumni task force on the needs of children ‘99 Artman, were married Office at (570) 674-6768 to seek ways to incarcerated. Dr. Gido earned a BSW in in 2011. volunteer. social work from MU. She lives in Misericordia is in the midst of exciting times. Do Boalsburg, Pa. Erin Clough ’99 married Roy Arndt on plan soon to visit our beautiful and ever-changing April 24, 2011 at Our Lady of the Sacred campus. Our new football program has generated yet another construction boom. By fall, we will have Elizabeth Connery ’77 was Heart Church. a new field house, multi-use field, baseball field named the 2011 Association and a new dormitory. Thanks to the class gift from ‘77 of Fundraising Professionals Dr. Andrea Johnson-Davis ’99 appeared 2012 graduates, a Victory Bell will now ring for (AFP) Outstanding Fund on NJTV Channel 23 and WHYY Channel every score made by any of our sports teams at Raising Executive in November 2011. She 12 as an expert on bone health and joint home games. Construction always offers support earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude replacement. She is employed by STAR ideas and naming opportunities, too. Please Physical Therapy in N.J., as the consider this wonderful way to leave your legacy. in home economics with a minor in Your “woodland home on Dallas heights” invites business administration. clinical director. you to cheer on one of our teams’ games. I hope to see many of you at Homecoming. Remember, in football, we are still undefeated since 1924! Bittersweet times are also on the horizon. As you may know, our beloved President Michael A. MacDowell and his First Lady Tina will retire in June 2013. Words cannot express our gratitude for the countless positive changes and amazing growth over the 15 years of their tenure. I speak for all Alumni in affirming that we will always consider the MacDowells members of our family. We hope they will enter through the Tudor Arch often to be welcomed again to this magnificent campus, where they have left an enduring imprint. My special thanks to Helene Flower Reed ‘66, our outgoing Alumni Association Board president. Not only has she been an exceptional leader, but she has helped me tremendously. I look forward HOMECOMING 2012 to her mentoring in the year ahead. I say with every confidence that we, the Alumni, SAVE THE DATE! SEPTEMBER 28 – 30 can truly be, “Misericordia Proud!”
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David M. Kozich, D.P.T. ’99, ‘10 was assurance department at Web.com. The Jamaica, and live in Trucksville, Pa., confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate couple honeymooned in Cancun, with their dog, Bear. to the State Board of Physical Therapy Mexico. They now reside in Drums, Pa. after being nominated by Gov. Tom Michael M. Evans ’08 had his Corbett. Dr. Kozich is the coordinator of Christine Marie Homcha ’05 and Kyle scholarly evidence-based practice outpatient physical therapy at St. Lukeʼs Jones were united in marriage during a project published in the journal, Medical- Minerʼs Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, Pa. Mass and wedding ceremony on May Surgical Nursing. He graduated from He is married to Erin McDermott Kozich, 28, 2011 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, the clinical nurse specialist track and P.T., ʻ99. The couple and their five Nesquehoning, Pa. Christine is a is an instructor of nursing at Penn State children live in Mountaintop, Pa. resident in plastic surgery at the Penn University – Worthington, Dunmore, Pa. State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Jessica Delamater ’01 The couple resides in Hershey, Pa. Alison Ostrum ’09 and and her husband, Eric Francis Jude Schappert ‘01 Brigham, were married Tianna Pauline Rizzo ’05 and Joseph ‘09 ’10 were married June 25, Aug. 27, 2011. John Bolinsky III were married Oct. 1, 2011. Alison is employed 2011 at Sacred Heart Church, Weston, by the Hazleton Area School District and Ronald Studd ’04 wed Pa. Tianna is a physical therapist and Francis is employed by Kraft Foods. Susan Jones on Aug. 6, clinic manager at Pro Rehabilitation They honeymooned in Hawaii on the ‘04 2011 at the Rockwood Services in Hazleton, Pa., and is islands of Maui and Oahu. They live in Carriage House, pursuing her doctorate degree in Hanover Township, Pa. Wilimington, Del. Ronald is employed at physical therapy. They honeymooned in Connolly Health Care, Philadelphia, Pa., Aruba and live in Bloomsburg, Pa. Mallory Jones ’10 and where he is an associate business Michael Devaney chose systems analyst. The couple Nicole DeLucia ’06 and ‘10 the The Inne of the honeymooned in Santorini, Greece. John Nemic III were Abingtons, Dalton, Pa., as ‘06 married Sept. 10, 2011, at the setting Melissa Savage ’04 and Stephen St. John the Evangelist for their Aug. 6, 2011 garden ceremony. Luebbert were married Nov. 12, 2011. Church, Pittston, Pa. Nicole is a RN and Mallory is a speech-language pathologist Melissa is a veterinarian at Millis Animal case manager for Geisinger Health Plan. at Allied Services, Scranton, Pa. Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. The couple They honeymooned in St. Lucia and Following a wedding trip to Las Vegas, honeymooned in Costa Rica. They reside in Plains Township, Pa. Nev., the couple resides in reside in Webster Groves, Mo. Clarks Summit, Pa. Cheryl Marie Bolesta ’06 and Brandon Joseph J. Musto ’04, ’07, was named Michael Jayne ʼ08 were united in Kerri Jean Stephens ’10 and Mark director of regional development and marriage July 9, 2011 at All Saints Michael McKeown II were married strategic planning with the Platte, Neb., Parish in Plymouth, Pa. Following a Aug. 20, 2011. Kerri is employed by hospital. honeymoon to the Caribbean, the couple Blue Cross of NEPA as a senior resides in Plymouth. product specialist. They live in Amy Marie Buydos ’05 Dallas, Pa., after honeymooning and David Grabinski were Daniel Michael Liuzzo ’07 in Nashville, Tenn. ‘05 united in holy matrimony and Taryn Mellody Liuzzo on Oct. 8, 2011. Amy is ‘07 chose St. Mary of Mount Megan Mary Baker ’10 and employed as a senior product specialist Carmel Church, Dumore, Nicholas DeStefano ’09 were married for Blue Cross of Northeastern Pa., as the setting for their June 16, Aug. 13, 2011 at St. Thereseʼs Church, Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. They 2012 wedding. Daniel is employed by Shavertown, Pa. Megan is employed honeymooned in Aruba and live at Cigna Healthcare. as a radiologic technologist at Grand Harveys Lake, Pa. Strand Regional Medical Center and Angela Marie Petrilla ’08 Nicholas is employed as a resident Christine Marie Homcha ’05 graduated and Charles Osenkarski III director at Coastal Carolina University. as a doctor of medicine with high ‘08 were married Oct. 22, They honeymooned in Walt Disney academic honors from the Penn State 2011. Angela is employed World and live in Myrtle Beach, S.C. College of Medicine in May 2011. She by Dish Network as a strategic area began her residency in plastic and manager for the Northeast. The couple Matthew Edward Vitale ’10 was reconstructive surgery at the Penn State resides in Plains Township, Pa. awarded a M.S. degree in school Hershey Medical Center. She earned her psychology by Philadelphia College B.S. in health sciences and M.S. in Jennifer Lynn Opel ’08 and Michael of Osteopathic Medicine in July 2011. physical therapy from MU. Huntzinger, Jr. were married Oct. 8, He earned a B.S. in psychology at MU. 2011, at Fox Hill Country Club, Exeter, Shawna Selena Lizbinski ’05 and Pa. Jennifer is employed as a Amanda Brown ’12 and Bradley Klatka were united in marriage pharmacy technician by Cookʼs Nicholas Barone ’11 were April 28, 2012, at Bentleyʼs, Ashley, Pa. Pharmacy, Shavertown, Pa. They ‘11 married May 26, 2012 in Shawna is employed in the quality honeymooned in Montego Bay, the Misericordia Chapel.
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Carol Bessette ’60 gives a tour of the nation’s capitol for her business, the Spies of Washington Tour. ALUMNI PROFILE
Spy Games Alumna enjoys career as military intelligence officer, world traveler and tour guide
BY TOM VENESKY
ifty- two years after Carol advancement of technology. “Back then, when the student body of the Schoeller Bessette ‘60 we had satellites. Today, they have GPS, all-women’s undergraduate school graduated magna cum laude drones, digital photography, face celebrated the season through song. “As F with a Bachelor of Arts degree recognition. It boggles my mind. We the sound wafted up from the downstairs in social studies from Misericordia, she really can’t hide.” lobby area, it immediately took me back still wears a reminder of her time at the While Bessette’s career has taken her to a similar tradition at Misericordia. The school. all around the world, her journey began sound was the same.’’ Everyday Bessette, who now resides when she left her New Jersey home for When Bessette was nearing in Springfield, Va., wears her class ring. Dallas, Pa., to begin her academic career graduation, she decided to pursue a It’s cracked, but the stone is still in place at Misericordia. career with the military – an unusual and, most importantly, it reminds her choice for women at the time, she says. of the college that prepared her for But the faculty members at Misericordia a lifetime of accomplishments. Quick Info: were encouraging, and with that vote of Bessette is a retired Air Force For more information about Carol confidence, Bessette joined the Air Force intelligence officer and a Vietnam Bessette’s business, the Spies of for what would be a 25-year career that veteran. She had a long career in Washington Tour, please log on to included eight years in Germany and a military intelligence, including three spiesofwashingtontour.com. year in Vietnam. “Each of those years has assignments overseas. led to a thirst for travel that has yet to be Today, Bessette owns and operates the abated,” she says. Spies of Washington Tour, a position she “The four years at Misericordia were While Bessette spent the last 50-plus has held since 1994. Using the my stepping stone into a wider world,” years traveling the world and delving knowledge she gained from her career says Bessette, who also shared her deep into the world of espionage, she in military intelligence, Bessette takes memory of her favorite Misericordia drink has never forgotten her Misericordia visitors to all the hotspots in the nation’ s of Coke and chocolate milk mixed roots. She still keeps in touch with some capitol where spying and espionage took together, and memories of the new of her classmates and follows the paths place as early as the Civil War. “Spying is gymnasium in the lower level of they have all taken in life. a fact of life,” she says, matter-of-factly. McAuley-Walsh — later named McGinty “I know there have been more than a “Businesses and industries do it. It’s not Gym after Sister Eloise McGinty. few novels examining the divergent paths just limited to governments.” “Out of the quiet, we suddenly heard of a group of young college friends, but I Bessette’s career in intelligence the voices of perhaps several dozen have long thought that a great book concluded in the mid-1980’s and she said young women down below singing could be written about our group of the methods of spying and espionage traditional Christmas carols,’’ says young women graduating in 1960 into a have changed dramatically since that Bessette, recalling a time while teaching world that would change radically in the time. The biggest change, she says, is the at Trinity College in Washington, D.C., next decade,” Bessette says. Misericordia opened a wider world to us all.”
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TH 86 ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY More memories at: http://bit.ly/MUSpringComm12
Maintain your MU friendships for a lifetime by registering on CougarConnect
For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at: [email protected] or visit: cougarconnect.misericordia.edu
Alumni Volunteer Program: Contact Denise Miscavage ’97 at (570) 674-6248 to be an admissions, alumni/development or career services volunteer.
SUMMER 2012 31 M366_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:04 PM Page 33 ATHLETICS ATHLETICS ATHLETICS & ALUMNI EVENTS
WELCOME HOME! Homecoming includes dedication of field house
O.J. Anderson poses with the Cougar and There will be plenty of excitement McGeehan ’46, will host field hockey at members of the cheerleading squad. when Homecoming 2012 gets underway 11 a.m. The women’s soccer team will the weekend of Sept. 28-30. Come and also compete at 5 p.m., men’s soccer at Super Bowl MVP be a part of history in the making as 7:30 p.m., and the men’s tennis team will Misericordia University shows off its new take to the courts adjacent to the headlines fundraiser buildings, newest sports team, new fields Anderson Center at 11 a.m. for football program and dedicates its new field house! Join A Spirit Tent will be set up on the lawn the fun at MU’s new tailgating venue as of McHale Hall where there will be plenty Former New York Giants standout Ottis we celebrate the Cougar’s first of pre-game activities, including a Best O.J. Anderson was the special guest at Homecoming football game. Fan Outfit contest, face painting, and Misericordia University’ s “ VIP All Access” The weekend of alumni activities will green screen photos with the Cougar. football kick-off celebration on June 29 at get underway with the Sports Hall of The Class of 1987 will also mark their The Seasons Ballroom at Mohegan Sun at Fame induction ceremony on Friday, 25th Anniversary with a Homecoming Pocono Downs, Plains Township, Pa. Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Anderson Mass celebrated at the University Chapel Misericordia begins its first season of Sports and Health Center. at 5 p.m. and a gala reunion dinner with varsity football competition in the MAC, On Saturday, Misericordia will dedicate dancing from 8-11 p.m. in Insalaco Hall. Sept. 1 at Gettysburg and will host its first the new John and Mary Metz Field For students, a series of Spirit Week home game against Widener, Sept. 15. House with a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. activities will precede Homecoming and “We're excited about the upcoming The Univeristy community and members includes a Meet the Teams bonfire on football season,” says David Martin, of the Board of Trustees will be there to Wednesday, a Spirit Dance on Thursday, director of athletics. “This event was a recognize their chairman, his wife and his and the introduction of the Homecoming wonderful opportunity to learn more family for their dedication to the Court at a Talent Show on Friday. A about the Misericordia football program University and, in particular, MU athletics. Casino Night will take place on Saturday and meet one of the best running backs The new Cougars football team will at 8 p.m. The President’s Cup Volleyball in the history of the NFL.” battle Stevenson College at nearby Tournament, where the students take on Anderson, a 14-year NFL veteran, was Mangelsdorf Field at 1 p.m. for their first faculty and staff, will be held Sunday at 1 a first round draft pick of the St. Louis Homecoming Football Game. The p.m. near McHale Hall. Cardinals and was the 1979 NFL Rookie festivities will continue at an alumni and Wrapping up the weekend, students of the Year when he rushed for a friends After Game party, hosted and parents will be treated to a special career-high 1,605 yards. He went on to off-campus at the Metro Bar and Grill in brunch on Sunday (registration required). help the New York Giants to a pair of Dallas, from 5-8 p.m. For additional details and to register, Super Bowl victories and earned MVP MU’s newly named turf field, “Mac” go to CougarConnect or the Alumni McGeehan Field, adjacent to the home page at www.misericordia. honors in a win over the Buffalo Bills in Townhouses on the upper campus, will edu/alumni. Super Bowl XXV. Anderson amassed also see action. The newly resurfaced 10,273 career rushing yards and is one venue, named after Mary Ellen “Mac” — By Marianne Tucker Puhalla of 26 NFL running backs to rush for more 10,000 yards. He had six 1,000-yard seasons and scored 81 career touchdowns. Cougar Village pumps excitement into football season In addition to meeting Anderson, attendees met head coach Mark Ross and There will be plenty of camaraderie on spaces allocated on a first-come, the coaching staff, and they heard about Saturdays this fall as alumni and friends first-served basis. their game plan for the inaugural football build support for their new football team The University has established season. A silent auction featuring an at Misericordia’s new Cougar Village. stringent regulations regarding cooking impressive array of sports memorabilia The designated tailgating area will be grills, the consumption of alcohol and was also featured at the dinner. Some of set up in the parking area adjacent to the behavior in the name of good the items that were up for bid, included Hafey-McCormick Science Center three sportsmanship. The full set of rules and a Reggie Bush autographed football; hours prior to every home football game. registration forms can be found at Yankees jerseys signed by Yogi Berra Designed to offer a fun and CougarConnect, at and Don Mattingly; and much more. family-friendly environment, parking www.misericordia.edu/alumni, or at the The $13,000 in proceeds realized spaces will be available by prior Athletics home page, www.misericordia. from the dinner and auction will be registration only. edu/athletics. used to support the Pursuit of There is a $10 charge per space, $5 for For away games, check with the host Acclamation campaign. MU students, with the limited number of schools for their policies on tailgating.
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Misericordia ATHLETICS notes historic milestones The men’s, left, and in new athletic women’s, right, conference basketball teams enjoyed historic seasons last year. TOP MAC MOMENTS
STORY BY SCOTT CRISPELL
here have been many outstanding accomplishments throughout the history of Misericordia athletics. As the oldest sports on campus, the winning T traditions in field hockey and women’s basketball date back to the 1930s. With the addition of men’s sports, the baseball and men’s basketball teams won championships during the 1980s. Individual successes like Eric Sweeney’s ‘99 NCAA Swimming Championship and All-American performances by Heather Dougherty Holdredge ‘97 and Frankie Redmond ‘11 and Willie Chandler’s ‘03 scoring records were student-athletes. certainly impressive. It started in the summer of 1990 when then president Dr. Pasquale In more than eight decades of athletics competition, DiPasquale announced that Misericordia would seek membership in the Misericordia Cougars/Highlanders have held numerous NCAA Division III and that Dr. Michael Mould would become the conference affiliations including membership in the Middle school’s director of athletics. In turn, Mould hired Dave Martin as Atlantic Conferences/Freedom since 2007-2008. Although Misericordia’s men’s basketball coach and the quest began. their time in the MAC has been brief, The Cougars began Division III competition in September of 1992 the Misericordia University Athletics and the Anderson Sports and Health Center Department is joining in the 100th 2012 Football Schedule opened a year later. anniversary celebration of the MAC Misericordia won its share of PAC titles, but they didn’t include the prize of an automatic by highlighting its greatest moment Sat. Sept. 1 at Gettysburg NCAA berth. in the MAC. Sat. Sept. 8 at Lebanon Valley * Finally, the 2000 men’s soccer team broke In addition to being Misericordia’s top Sat. Sept. 15 Widener * down the NCAA barrier with the school’s first MAC moment, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 Sat. Sept. 22 at King's College * trip to the NCAA Championships. The softball may go down as the greatest day in the Sat. Sept. 29 Stevenson * (Homecoming) and women’s soccer teams followed suit and all history of the school’s athletics program Sat. Oct. 6 at Wilkes University* three teams made multiple NCAA appearances as the men’s and women’s basketball Sat. Oct. 20 at Delaware Valley * over the next decade. teams swept the Freedom Conference Sat. Oct. 27 FDU-Florham * basketball championships. Facing local In the late 2000s, with Martin now serving Sat. Nov. 3 at Albright * as director of athletics, Dr. Michael MacDowell rivals and with multiple media outlets in Sat. Nov. 10 Lycoming * attendance, the Misericordia women’s steered the Misericordia athletics program to and men’s basketball teams won a * MAC opponent membership in the Freedom Conference. Days doubleheader that sent them to the like this were certainly on MacDowell’s NCAA Division III Tournament and conscience when he engineered the switch as perhaps gave both programs the credibility they have he envisioned intensifying the local rivalries with King’s and Wilkes. long deserved. It all came to fruition on a Saturday afternoon in February with a The women’s team broke a 21-21 tie late in the first half pair of games in front two energized crowds featuring teams from and dominated the final 25 minutes en route to a 64-54 win three institutions located just nine miles apart. at King’s to earn the first NCAA bid in the program’s history. The women’s basketball team, under Martin’s guidance as interim Not to be out done, the Misericordia men’s basketball team head coach, knocked off King’s for the second time in two weeks. used a second-half outburst to beat Wilkes, 69-42, and earn Playing in front of the biggest Anderson Center crowd since opening its first NCAA berth. night almost 20 years ago, the men’s basketball team didn’t It marked the first time that two Misericordia teams disappoint as they took control of the game early in the second half claimed NCAA berths on the same day. The day was made and never looked back while taking down Wilkes. possible by the vision of two separate administrations at As evidenced by the on-court celebration, it certainly was a great Misericordia and the hard work of numerous coaches and day to be a Cougar!
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Alumni return to campus to serve pizza as part of Alumni Pie, Soon-to which is the kick-off event before the week of finals. Alumni W
Lawrence Paddock, Nicholas Sulzer and Jonathan Weiss participate in the Alumni Welcoming Ceremony.
The campus community comes together at the Wells Fargo Amphitheater as part of the Alumni Welcoming Ceremony to honor the Class of 2012. MMakakee mormoree alalumniumni ccoonnections.nnections. VVisitisit cougarconnect.misericordia.educougarconnect.misericordia.edu bbyy uussiinngg yyoouurr uunniiqquuee lloogg-- iinn IIDD llooccaatteedd aabboovvee yyourour addraddressess onon MMiiserseriiccoorrdiadia TToodaday. y.
Members of the Class of 2012 add their signatures to a class sign that is posted during the Commencement ceremony.
Alumni and friends celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Mercy Center.
Alumni p December 2011 Class valedictorians Krista Shenk and Cassandra Fox pose event in for a picture before receiving their degrees. M366_Layout 1 8/16/12 10:54 AM Page 36
Members of the Class of 2012 reflect on their years at MU at the Alumni Welcoming Ceremony. Soon-to-be graduates toast MU at the Alumni Welcoming Ceremony.
Alumni prepare gifts bags that are presented to members of the Class of 2012 at Commencement.
President MacDowell lights a candle at the Alumni Welcoming Ceremony.
Fifteen alumni acted as marshals for the 86th Annual ParenteBeard hosts a networking event in April. Commencement Ceremony in May.
Alumni participate in a March 2012 Alumni and friends renew acquaintances during an event in South Carolina in March. event in Stroudsburg, Pa. M366_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:04 PM Page 37 CLASS OF 2012 2012 OF CLASS
Career comes into focus COM graduate takes talents for biology graduate student to Widener Law School
Erin Evans ’12 was like a lot of other young children growing up. Recognized as a talented broadcaster, dancer and actress, She enjoyed playing at the neighborhood park with her best friend Communications Department graduate Shana Weinstock ‘12, and taking piano lessons. As a softball player, though, something was fascinated when she was placed on assignment in a always seemed amiss or out of focus for her on the field. courtroom during a television news internship and she saw the When she was fitted for glasses in third grade, a lot of things drama of criminal prosecution play out. Almost instantaneously, came into focus for Evans, the daughter of David and Kathleen the would-be news journalist made up her mind that she would Evans of Kingston, Pa. — including her future career. rather be making news happen as a litigator than covering the “From a young age, I was very familiar with going to see the results as a reporter. eye doctor,’’ says Evans, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s She is well on her way. Weinstock was accepted to Widener degree in biology. “I was always intrigued by all of the University School of Law, and began classes this summer at the equipment in the exam room. My optometrist was always very campus in Harrisburg, Pa. patient as he fielded my numerous questions about everything “I saw how important the presentation of the case was to the he was doing. This is how I became interested and fascinated by outcome,” Weinstock says of her internship experience. “I know optometry, and hoped one day I would be able to change other that I want to use the communications skills I learned as an people’s lives by improving their eyesight.’’ undergraduate to be in the courtroom as a litigator, possibly A member of the TriBeta Biological Honor Society and an pursuing a specialty in arts and entertainment law.” Misericordia active volunteer in the Biology Club and Dead Alchemist Society, classes in government, law and national security and business Evans says the personal attention she received at Misericordia law also helped her prepare for law school. University helped instill in her the confidence she needed to A Dallas, Pa., native, Weinstock also spent time last summer pursue her graduate degree. “Misericordia’s biology program as a volunteer in the Bankruptcy Court in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where really developed and fine-tuned my science foundation,’’ says she assisted Judge John Thomas with his research for pro bono Evans. “I’m a hands-on learner, so the laboratory work helped work and she sat in on the adjudication of several cases. me reinforce and understand the lecture material. This thorough Weinstock was an anchor and reporter for the Cougar Cast education helped me develop personally by giving me the student television station, and frequently hosted ‘Miseri Minute’ confidence to apply to optometry school, which before I thought reports that aired on campus and the Misericordia website. it was something I could not attain.’’ A dance student since she was a young girl, Weinstock had With her undergraduate degree in hand, Evans will begin the years of theatrical and voice training that she put to good second leg of her academic journey in the fall at Pennsylvania use as a member of the Misericordia Players theatrical troupe, College of Optometry at Salus University, Elkins Park, Pa., where appearing in productions of “The Hollow” and “The Curious she will pursue her four-year doctor of optometry degree. In Savage” on campus and in numerous community theater 2011, the prestigious graduate school received 1,089 applicants productions. She was also a writer for The Highlander student for the optometry program and accepted 162 students. newspaper and a four-year member of the Misericordia Dance “I would absolutely choose Misericordia University again,’’ Team, in addition to completing an internship with the Evans adds. “Their strong programs have proven to be able to Misericordia Marketing Department, where she contributed prepare students and give them confidence to expand their to an award-winning radio commercial. education and develop future successful careers.’’ — By Paul Krzywicki — By Marianne Tucker Puhalla
36 MISERICORDIA TODAY M366_Layout 1 8/2/12 3:04 PM Page 38 CLASS OF 2012
Alumnus finds ‘own path’ Biochemistry grad to pursue to doctorate in pharmacy career in missionary medicine
Kristine Paddock always had a sense her only son would enjoy Inspired by the culture of service to others that she found at a career in the medical field because of his strong interest in Misericordia, Kelsey Daum ’12 chose to continue her education math and science. During Lawrence Paddock’s ’12 junior year at a medical school that specializes in rural and missionary in high school, she suggested a career in pharmacy. Unsure of medicine. this career path, he chose to major in biology at Misericordia. Daum earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in May The career path seemed natural for the eldest of Larry and and selected Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, an Kristine Paddock’s three children as he developed an early affiliate of the Virginia Tech Carillon School of Medicine, in fascination with the sciences. Even though he matriculated to Blacksburg, Va., for her graduate education. The school offers Misericordia to major in biology and minor in chemistry, students the opportunity to travel to South and Central America Lawrence had “no hopes or expectations of dealing with future as part of their studies to treat indigent populations. plans’’ in pharmacology — until his junior year of college. As a Misericordia undergrad, the Orwigsburg, Pa., native “I was resistant and I wanted to find my own path,’’ he says. served as a tutor in the Student Success Center and worked in “It wasn’t until my junior year during winter break that I realized I both the history and chemistry departments. Under the guidance wanted to pursue being a pharmacist. During the fall semester, I of Anna Fedor, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, she took Biochemistry 1 and I really enjoyed the material and learning conducted computational chemistry research on ionic liquids about pathology associated with biochemical dysfunction.’’ and presented the results at a regional research symposium. It took Lawrence a little time to find his niche in the sciences, Her passion for health care was confirmed after completing a but it certainly did not hinder his academics or graduate school shadowing experience with her older sister, Dr. Breanna Henry, a placement. He applied to and was accepted by Lake Erie College doctor of osteopathy in family practice. Yet, it was a spring break of Osteopathic Medicine’s School of Pharmacy (LECOM), Thomas trip to Wichita Falls, Texas, where she helped build a Habitat for Jefferson University School of Pharmacy and Albany College of Humanity house from the ground up that eventually determined Pharmacy. In the summer, he began the year-round, three-year the direction of her career. Doctor of Pharmacy program at LECOM, which accepted only “Medicine is about caring for people's health and well-being,” 140 students out of 1,700 applicants for last year’s class. she explains. “Service work is about meeting people at any “I hope that what I have learned here at Misericordia carries stage in their lives and doing what you can for them. When you over to LECOM’s teachings and that the holistic approach to bring the two together … you can change lives. I decided to medicine comes naturally to me,’’ he says. “I think one of the become a doctor because I'm committed to a lifelong journey major contributing factors to my acceptance at these schools of helping as many people as I can in as many ways as I can is not being afraid to speak to a professor or really just anyone and the mission medicine program at VCOM will allow me to important. I believe the small class sizes and close relationships do just that.” you gain with the professors at Misericordia makes being She credits Dr. Fedor for helping her look inside herself at personable in a professional manner much easier elsewhere.’’ who she was and what she wanted in life. “I could bounce any The first two years of the program are didactic and his final idea off her and know she'd not only listen, but reflect back and year will consist of six rotations in different fields of pharmacy. get me to evaluate what I was thinking about. That kind of After that, he will decide whether he wants to work in a hospital insight, faith and trust was more valuable than any pointers setting, a research facility or become a community pharmacist. I received along the way,” she says. — By Paul Krzywicki — By Marianne Tucker Puhalla
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Misericordia University student Patrick Martino ’13 is participating in chemistry research at the University of Oregon. STUDENT INTERNSHIP Making a difference
Chemistry student’s research may lead to reducing the world’s energy usage
STORY BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA
ertilizer is used around the world to help speed plant with, Alex Kendall, has been very helpful in showing me the proper and most growth and increase food crop yields. So if scientists can efficient techniques in organic chemistry. F design a more energy-efficient way to make the ammonia Distillation, thin layer chromatography, column chromatography, and nuclear that goes into fertilizer, they can have an impact on decreasing magnetic resonance spectroscopy are just a few of the techniques that we have global energy usage. employed thus far. It will be a long process of both thinking logically and That is just what Misericordia University “It will be a long process of trying a variety of methods, but in the chemistry/secondary education major end it will be worth it to make a Patrick Martino ‘ 13 is attempting to both thinking logically and difference in the world,” he says. accomplish during a summer internship in trying a variety of methods, Teaching chemistry at either the high organic chemistry research at the school or collegiate level has always been University of Oregon (UO). but in the end it will be a dream of Martino. “My education at The 10-week summer program, worth it to make a difference “Research Experience for Misericordia and the lab experience that I Undergraduates (REU),” is sponsored by in the world.” received there have definitely helped me out in this research experience. My the National Science Foundation and – Patrick Martino ‘13, supports undergraduate research projects advisor, Dr. Charles Saladino, Dr. Fedor, Chemistry/Secondary Education Leo Carr, and other faculty members in for students in physics, chemistry, Jim Thorpe, Pa. environmental chemistry, optics and different disciplines all helped me in the material science. UO is a highly process of applying to and gaining respected teaching and research global energy usage. “The demand for acceptance to the REU program.” The institution with more than 25 research fertilizer is expected to drastically rise internship includes a $5,000 stipend, free centers and institutes. over the next few decades, thus, a more housing and free transportation between Martino is working closely with faculty affordable, energy-efficient alternative Martino’s home in Jim Thorpe, Pa. and advisors and graduate students in the process is necessary. The goal is to be the UO campus in Eugene, Ore. David Tyler Lab where they are able to produce an organometallic Martino also took the opportunity attempting to develop an alternative catalyst that will allow the synthesis of to explore the Pacific Northwest. His method of making ammonia. The current ammonia in normal, room- like conditions itinerary included whitewater rafting method requires very high temperatures drastically reducing the amount of energy and the chance to hike in the area of and very high pressures that account for used,’’ explains Martino. Oregon’s second highest mountain, approximately 2 percent of the annual “The graduate student I am working Mt. Jefferson. Log on to Misericordia Today Extended at Misericordia.edu/MUTodayExtended for more stories
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McNally Petrillo CENTER FOR ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION HELPING named Outstanding STUDENTS Adult Learner The Misericordia University Center for Adult and Continuing Education has find their named Melissa McNally Petrillo, 47, of Hanover Township, Pa., as the University’s 2012 Outstanding Adult Learner. McNally Petrillo works full time INNER OICE as a consulting underwriter for Coventry V Health Care and as a full-time student is Adult learner participates in writing education fellowship also on track to complete her STORY BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA bachelor’s degree in s a 9th and 11th grade English degree in English at St. Joseph’s health care teacher, Kelly Lenahan Mulhern University, Philadelphia, Pa., and management this ’08 knows that she is involved in returned to her hometown of Dallas, Pa., summer through the A Expressway an important time in her students’ to earn her master’s degree in curriculum academic lives, when many of them are and instruction at Misericordia in 2008. Accelerated Degree preparing to write those all- important The institute included sessions on how program. Misericordia University recognized college application letters and essays. to breathe life into tired writing and write McNally Petrillo That made it all the more special when in diverse genres, with the opportunity to her perseverance and she was invited to become a writing share writing and teaching strategies for dedication as a fellow through the Pennsylvania Writing all students, kindergarten through 12th lifelong learner. and Literature Project (PAWLP), a facet of grades. “PAWLP challenged me to think “I realized I needed to repurpose my the National Writing Project (NPW). like a writer and a teacher of writing in a life following the death of a loved one,” As a fellow, she completed an completely new way, and I can honestly she explained. “I enrolled at Misericordia intensive four-week writing institute that say that I use the knowledge I gained shortly thereafter in January 2011, and I offered best-practice strategies for through the Writing Project every single am full time, carrying 12 credits per teaching writing and literacy to students. day in my classroom. Through PAWLP, I semester. Luckily, I work from home and The program was held at the West learned that everyone really does have a enjoy the support of my company in my Chester University Graduate Center, in story to tell, and I now have the tools to educational pursuits so I can convert West Chester, Pa. help my students find theirs." commuting time to study time.” McNally Petrillo has been employed “It is so important, particularly at this A member of the faculty at Garnet by Coventry Health Care for 13 years. age, to help students find their voice and Valley High School, in Glens Mills, Pa., She felt it was appropriate to bring her style, while at the same time, assist them Lenahan previously taught at health care administration skills and with the mechanics of writing,” said Summerville High School, in knowledge portfolio up to speed to stay Mulhern, who earned her bachelor’s Summerville, S.C. There she was named current with the changes happening the school’s 2010 Rookie Teacher of the within the health care industry. Year, which recognized her efforts to “Misericordia’s approach of studying go above and beyond her duties in traditional and necessary foundations of the classroom. health care administration, including She says she chose Misericordia’s finance and management, was a perfect graduate program because of the flexible fit for my needs,” she said. “I am amazed schedule that allowed her to complete at the creativity of the learning culture her master’s degree in just 1½ years. and the desire to prepare students to Kelly is married to Dan Mulhern, a become critical thinkers, ready for graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy professional success with emphasis on who is pursuing a law degree at service to the world.” Widener University. Inspired by the religious studies courses she has taken as part of the Misericordia liberal arts curriculum, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in theology and divinity, which she feels will help her care for the spiritual needs of Kelly Lenahan Mulhern ‘08 uses the those in health and hospice care. techniques she learned as a fellow of the For more information about the Center Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project, for Adult and Continuing Education, to help her students at Garnet Valley High please log on to www.misericordia. School find their own voice in their writing. edu/adulted or call (570) 674-6791.
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HCI Executive Master’s program begins in fall
The Health Care Informatics (HCI) Program has added a Master of Science degree to complement its undergraduate certificate FACULTY & STAFF NOTES program to meet the need for skilled workers in the expanding field of health care informatics in The Northeastern Pennsylvania Council of Misericordia University awarded tenure to Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Boy Scouts of America honored faculty: Brian F. Carso, J.D., Ph.D., promoted across the nation. Classes for the President Michael A. MacDowell by to associate professor of history; Patrick 39- credit Health Informatics presenting him the 2012 Distinguished Hamilton, Ph.D., promoted to associate Executive Master’s Degree Citizen Award at its annual dinner. professor of English; Steven Tedford, Ph.D., Program begin in the fall. President MacDowell also was appointed promoted to associate professor of The master’s degree is geared by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett to a state mathematics; and Cari Tellis, Ph.D., toward mid- career working panel that will study how to make higher C.C.C./S.L.P., named associate professor of professionals that want to education more accessible and affordable to speech-language pathology. advance their careers by the students and taxpayers. preparing for senior management Occupational therapy student researchers roles in health care informatics. H. Jeremy Packard, M.A., an adjunct Hannah Muller ‘12, Courtney Otto ‘12, The program can be completed professor of history, unanimously was elected Jenna Rakowsky ‘12, Melissa Templeton in as little as 12 months. as the fifth member of the Luzerne County ‘12, O.T.S., and Alicia Bryk ‘12, who Board of Elections and Registration for a graduated from the Weekday Entry-Level CACE introduces four-year term. He will also serve as chair of Master of Science Program, and the Assistive certificate in PACS the board. Technology Research Institute collaborated with Cleankeys, Inc., to develop a completely Ann C. Roman, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P., clinical cleanable keyboard through the use of touch The Center for Adult and supervisor, was appointed by Gov. Corbett to technology to prevent the spread of bacteria. Continuing Education has the State Board of Examiners in Speech- introduced an 18-credit certificate Language and Hearing. Student researchers Christine Brandon program in Picture Archiving and ‘12, O.T.S.; Amanda Davis ‘12, O.T.S.; Communication Systems (PACS) Kathy Scaler Scott, Ph.D., assistant Melanie Hill ‘12, O.T.S.; Brittany Michalik Administration beginning with the Glen Tellis, Ph.D. ‘12, O.T.S., Courtney Sennett ‘12, fall semester. The certificate professor, , professor and and O.T.S. Denis Anson, program prepares students to take chair, students and alumni Maria Kidron ‘13, , under the direction of M.S., O.T.R. Swype the Certified Imaging Informatics Danielle M. Cino ‘11, Amanda Tomaselli ‘15 , presented their study, versus Conventional On-Screen Keyboards: Professional examination. and Nicholas Barone ’11, had their research Efficacy Compared The PACS Administration presented at the 7th World Congress on , at the 33rd Annual certificate is designed for medical Fluency Disorders at the Vinci International Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive imaging or health care IT Convention Center in Tours, France in July. Technology Society of North America professionals who want a career in Conference in Baltimore, Md., in June. health care imaging informatics. Jeffrey Becker, O.D., a part-time instructor in the occupational therapy program, and Student researchers Caitlin Cavanaugh Robert Bohlander, Ph.D., have developed the ‘12, O.T.S.; Meghan Franz ‘12, O.T.S.; OT pass rate exceeds Oculomotor Therapy Program for the iPad to Nicole Iaconetti ‘12, O.T.S., and Kiersten national average use in their private practice at the Neuro Whitaker ‘12, O.T.S., had their findings Sensory Center of Eastern PA in Kingston, Pa. about the reliability of the Americans with Members of the Occupational Disabilities Act — Compliance Assessment Therapy Program’s 2011 Patrick Hamilton, Ph.D., associate Toolkit presented at the California State graduating class achieved a pass professor of English, presented his paper, University, Northridge Annual International rate higher than the national Out of Sequence: Temporality in Graphic Technology and Persons with Disabilities average among first-time test Narrative, at the 2012 International Society Conference in San Diego, Calif. takers for the National Board of for the Study of Narrative Conference in Las Certification in Occupational Vegas, Nev. The Rehabilitation Engineering and Therapy examination. Assistive Technology Society of North The 93-percent pass rate by the Amy Lamb, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., a part-time America named the team of student graduating class exceeds the instructor in the Doctorate in Occupational researchers, Yun Chung ‘12, Lorraine Beebe national average of 84 percent for Therapy Program, has been elected vice ‘12, Lori Berends ‘12, and Marissa first-time test takers who took the president of the American Occupational Hardcastle ‘12, as the winners of the 2012 national licensure examination Therapy Association. Student Scientific Paper Competition. when it was administered between January and December 2011. MU’s Carolyn Yencharis Corcoran ‘08, assistant Christine Somers, D.Min., M.S.W., director test takers also had a higher director of the Insalaco Center for Career of Campus Ministry, had an essay about average total score — 480 to 477 Development, has been named president of Catholic social teaching published on the — than the national average. the Middle Atlantic Counseling Association. website, Mercy Word.
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Professor’s book outlines FACULTY PROFILE The boundaries for touching FinerThings Hunter Manasco, Ph.D., assistant professor of speech-language pathology, Learning and exploring has had the book, An Exceptional in Children’s Guide to Touch: Teaching etiquette and decorum Social and Physical Boundaries to Kids, Life provides a benefit to students published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers of London, England. STORY BY JULIA TRUAX ‘12 scout out your territory,’’ he says. “B The book is illustrated stands for your bread-and-butter plate, by his wife, Katharine John Mellon, Ed.D., C.F.C.S., C.D.E.P., M stands for meal and W stands for your Manasco. associate professor of business, is an water, so any food to your left is yours The 80-page artist. Instead of painting or writing and your liquids are to your right.’’ paperback is available poetry, he uses the finer points of Dr. Mellon has been instructing MU at Amazon.com for etiquette as his palette for instructing students on the do’s and don’ts of $17.95. The purpose of professionals and students about the lost successful dinner meetings, interviews the friendly picture art of polite behavior, social skills, dining and other related social functions during book is to educate insights and networking. His goal is to etiquette workshops as part of the children with special help individuals appear polished and University’s Guaranteed Placement needs on social rules professional, so they are viewed as Program. “Etiquette training is similar to regarding appropriate knowledgeable and confident. playing a sport,” says Dr. Mellon. “You and inappropriate forms of touching. It Dr. Mellon recently registered and need to know the rules to win the game.” can be used to empower children to incorporated his special teaching skills He believes reverting back to the recognize abuse and to encourage them into the new business venture, Dr. John practice of proper decorum is an entry to reach out for help if they feel they are Etiquette, LLC, after presenting dining back to verbal and personal being abused. The book also has an adult etiquette and social skills for more than communication, something that is lost section with information for caregivers 25 years. He believes knowing the rules among Generation Y and many in the and professionals regarding how to is liberating, not restrictive. While society business world. “E-mail and technology recognize child abuse and who to contact has become more casual and manners contribute to the success of business, I if they believe a child is being abused. and propriety may seem less important, don’t downplay that,” he says. “But the Dr. Manasco began to conceptualize Dr. John Etiquette maintains they are far well-roundedness of individuals has his latest book project in 2004 shortly from obsolete. depleted due to technology.” after he started working with children as a “One of the reasons etiquette is Dr. Mellon is offering etiquette lessons speech-language pathologist. In a matter having a revival right now is because and training sessions to students of all of months, he became aware of the many about 30 percent of job interviews in the ages, from youth through adulthood. In dangers and social difficulties that children with special needs encounter in United States are being conducted addition, he also frequently posts tips on their daily lives. during a meal,’’ Dr. Mellon says. “Have his website, www.drjohnetiquette.com. “I saw all these situations, which you ever gone to a meal and you wonder He also has formed partnerships with centered on issues of physical touch and is that your coffee cup or is that the next local hotels and restaurants. Through a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding person’s when it’s a round table?’’ these associations, he plans to offer on the part of the child for what was A simple way to answer that different packages to engaged couples. acceptable and what was not acceptable, often-asked question is to use the For more information about Dr. John and possibly even problematic,’’ he said. Etiquette, LLC, please call (570) “B-M-W” method. “When you sit down “For the parents, caregivers, teachers and 899-1861. at the table, the first thing you do is other professionals working with children with special needs, these issues arise Misericordia students, from left, Jasmine Busi often. Yet, when I searched for the ’14, Alyssa Bazink ’15, and Alyssa Leonard ’15 materials needed to address these participate in an etiquette program with Dr. problems, I found little or no materials John Mellon. tailored to fit the cognitive and communicative needs of these children. “This book was born out of the necessity to educate the smallest and most vulnerable members of our population. It should be more often acknowledged that to make our children safe and successful later in life, we must keep them safe and successful early in life,’’ the husband and father added. He specializes in treating children with autism and other neurological disorders. He has extensive professional experience working with children in schools, hospitals and university health clinics.
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Jane Croop Carey ’40 Rose Mary Reilly ’53 Nancy Kelly '67 August 28, 2008 February 21, 2012 April 17, 2012
Claudette Hudak Harris ’57 Suzanne Holahan '56 Dr. Steven Ash '96 January 2, 2009 March 10, 2012 April 23, 2012
Margaret Daring Grose ’52 Dr. George A. Stolarick '80 Miriam Newcomb Barth '44 June 10, 2011 March 16, 2012 April 27, 2012
Sandra Peters Weyhenmeyer '97 Matthew Davis '06 Sister Dorothy Gayden, OSBM '67 January 27, 2012 March 18, 2012 April 27, 2012
Helen Jacobs Logan '69 Natalie Brookus Peabody '54 Michele Mittner '04 January 28, 2012 March 18, 2012 May 5, 2012
Constance Bush ’76 George Williams '80 Irene Stofila Krivak '49 January 30, 2012 March 22, 2012 May 12, 2012
Patricia Dormer Rosini ’68 Sharon Maher Eddy '91 Joan Daley Mulligan ‘56 February 8, 2012 April 1, 2012 May 15, 2012
Theresa Yavorski Nelson '51 Ann Walsh Middleton '59 Genevieve Kaminski Palencar ’75 February 15, 2012 April 2, 2012 May 17, 2012
Anne O'Donnell Boroski '46 Sr. Ann Miriam Gallagher, RSM ’53 Joanne Lukasavage Duval '54 February 15, 2012 April 10, 2012 May 27, 2012
Irene Loftus McLaughlin '57 Mary Reap Kelly '49 Janet Cooper Gunster '59 February 16, 2012 April 10, 2012 June 5, 2012
Regina Dreisbach Taylor '77 Lillian Olenechak '53 February 17, 2012 April 14, 2012
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MU’MU’ss Speech-Language-Hearing CenterCenter helpshelps studentstudent regainregain herher singingsinging voicevoice
MUSICtoto herher EARS Misericordia student Gia Mazur ‘13, center stage, performs with her band, 1 Hot Mess, after STORY BY PAUL KRZYWICKI receiving therapeautic services at the University.
n an early spring evening, Gia An initial medical consultation with an as well as acoustic and aerodynamic Mazur ’13 struts across the stage ear, nose and throat specialist did not find measures that tell us about the functioning at Tomainos’ Lounge in any noticeable problems. During her vocal folds,’’ Dr. Tellis says about the Archbald, Pa., singing one of the second consultation, the doctor discovered evaluation and treatment process. Omany Top 40 hits the band will play that “very little’’ soft nodules on her vocal folds, “I design treatment based on what I evening. It’s obvious that singing and according to Mazur. “These nodules are like hear and see. I figure out how people performing are second nature for the blisters on my vocal folds — they form use their voice and then I use techniques Dickson City, Pa., native, as her raspy voice when the folds repeatedly come in contact to change their physiology so the person captures the essence of hits from Rick with each other in a harsh manner,’’ she can use their voice more efficiently.’’ Springfield to Lady Gaga. explains. “After a few months of singing, Hemorrhagic vocal fold polyps are very Mazur, a communications major at MU, my voice was only getting worse.’’ serious for singers, according to Dr. Tellis, has been performing with 1 Hot Mess, The third doctor found soft nodules as but performers, such as Adele, the since she graduated from high school well as irritation from acid reflux, and Grammy Award-winning singer, can in 2009. The five-person band tours prescribed rest, reflux medication, and a overcome the condition “with the right northeastern Pennsylvania like most other special diet. Shortly after she resumed voice therapy and compliance on the cover bands, seeking gigs that satisfy their singing, though, the pain returned and it part of the client,’’ Dr. Tellis says. “It’s creative and musical sides while also persisted. “The doctor found that I had not rare because of the type of singing putting a little cash in their pockets. As the hemorrhaged on my vocal folds, meaning a she (Mazur) does. She’s more at risk band’s colorful stage lights fill up the room blood vessel burst inside of my vocal fold,’’ than others. in this smoky, corner tavern, Mazur takes Mazur says. “It was basically like I had a She just needs to learn how to sing center stage, dressed in leopard-print bruise on my vocal fold.’’ the right way.’’ shorts and a black top, and begins to bang Upon that diagnosis, Mazur was referred Mazur began a series of weekly out hit and after hit. to the Misericordia University therapeutic sessions Jan. 26 and took A few short months ago, though, Mazur’ s Speech-Language and Hearing Center the special voice class, Estill Voice powerful voice was almost silenced by a in John J. Passan Hall, which provides Training Levels 1 and 2, at the MU clinic hemorrhagic vocal fold polyp that caused complete diagnostic and speech, language in August. In the fall, she will resume severe pain after singing. She received four and hearing services for children, her weekly appointments with Dr. Tellis. medical opinions, changed her diet, and adolescents, adults and the elderly with The initial therapy enabled Mazur to rested her voice for a month with communication disorders. return to the stage singing the songs little success. In January, Mazur began the process of she loves. She says there has been “I was in denial at first,’’ she admits. diagnosis and treatment with Cari Tellis, a noticeable difference in how her “I would notice pain and problems here Ph.D., associate professor of voice recovers after a night of singing. and there, but I ignored it because I was speech-language pathology and “Before, my voice was horse for two to too afraid to face it. Finally, it hit me. a voice specialist. three days after shows,’’ she says. “Now, I was extremely depressed. I cried a lot. “We diagnose voice disorders in the next day there’s a slight raspiness I thought I would never be able combination with a laryngologist using and only because my voice is usually to sing again.’’ visual and auditory perceptual measures, just tired.’’
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301 Lake St., Dallas, PA 18612 Founded by the Sisters of Mercy
THEARTS&MORE Alumni Box Office (570) -674 6768 | Misericordia University Box Office (570) -674 6719
Oct. 13 - Dec. 9 Nov. 29 George Mummert and Michael Ensemble Evening: Dance Dr. Noel Keller’s Trips Tymon — Form & Process: Student performances in dance. 7:30 with a Difference Sculpture in Stone, Bronze p.m., Lemmond Theater. No Charge. and Steel 2013 Pauly Friedman Art Gallery. Dec. 1 14th Annual Brunch with Santa February 25- March 3, 2013 Elizabeth Fulton: Glycee Enjoy brunch with Santa and Walking and Praying with Catherine Landscape Prints Mrs. Claus, and afterward have McAuley MacDonald Gallery. a professional photo taken with Dublin, Ireland Authors Nancy and Lawrence Opening Reception: Oct. 13, 5-8 p.m. them. Hosted by the Misericordia March 11- 21, 2013 Goldstone University Alumni Association, Splendors of Eastern Europe Oct. 3- 4 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Banks Student Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Prague The Lawrence and Nancy Life Center. Tickets: $10 adults; $5 and Munich Goldstone Lectures children 5-12; and free for children Funded by the Catherine and Daniel under 5. Reservations required. April 25-May 4, 2013 Flood Endowment for the Humanities, Alumni Box Office. British Landscapes and sponsored by the Misericordia England, Scotland and Wales Departments of English and History. Dec. 5 Sept. 25- Oct. 4, 2013 Ensemble Evening: Music Treasures of Tuscany and Provence Oct. 3 – Nancy Goldstone Student performances in music. Including Avignon, Monaco, Cinque Terre discusses her book, “The Maid Lemmond Theater, 7:30 p.m. Florence and Siena and the Queen: The Secret No charge. History of Joan of Arc.” Oct. 26- Nov. 3, 2013 Lemmond Theater. 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16 Tropical Costa Rica no charge. Winter Commencement Anderson Sports and Health Center. Nov. 29-Dec. 7, 2013 Nov. 15-17 Classical Christmas Markets Oct. 4 – Larry Goldstone 2 p.m. Misericordia Players Theater Featuring markets in Strasbourg, Wurzburg, discusses his book, ‘Inherently Title of play TBA. Lemmond Theater. Nuremberg, Munich and Innsbruck Unequal: The Betrayal of Equal 8 p.m. Adults $5; students and senior Rights by the Supreme Court, citizens $3. MU Box Office. 2013 1865-1903.’ Book early for a Location TBD, 11 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., an early bird discount! no charge. Nov. 19 June 1 Winter Holiday Concert President's Retirement Roast Oct. 4 – Roundtable discussion, Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers with the President Michael A. MacDowell FOR INFO OR RESERVATIONS, CONTACT: ‘Literature, History, and the David Leonhardt Jazz Group offering Roast at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Imagination,’ with authors holiday classics with a jazz beat! 7:30 Downs, Plains Township, Pa. For Dr. Noël Keller, RSM, Th.D., Tour Director Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone, p.m., Lemmond Theater. Tickets: $5; no more information or to make Center for Adult and Continuing Education Location TBD, 7:30 p.m., no charge. charge for MU students with student reservations, please call the (570) 674-6776, (570) 674-6924 or MU Box Office. ID. MU Box Office. Alumni Box Office. [email protected]