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SCIENTIFIC JOURNEYS Alumni in natural sciences discover rewarding career paths

Stories begin on Page 14

ScholXrships: New progrXm honors longest!serving XcXdemic deXn … Page 6 University recognizes philanthropy, ­ my leadership of Bill and Sandi Williams ­ Couple receives 2017 Trustee Associates Award

t is easy to understand why Bill by presenting them the 2017 Trustee MU Williams’ name is synonymous with Associates Award at the annual Trustee automobile tires. The designation Associates Gala in October. comes from owning and operating The annual award recognizes friends I36 Jack Williams Tire and Auto Service who have demonstrated outstanding It is easy to stay connected with the Centers and 12 wholesale centers in dedication, service and generosity in Misericordia University campus and four states, making the company one of support of the institution. alumni communities through our the largest independent tire dealers in In 1929, Jack Williams, Sr., opened a social media channels. Did you get a the United States. small tire shop in Kingston. The original The chairman and CEO of the store had one service bay, two islands new job or welcome a new addition family business also may be to the family? Share your news and recognized just as easily for pictures on Facebook and Flickr. Pick having the area’s longest one site or several in order to share ongoing relationship with Misericordia. A native of Dallas your news or to simply remain Twp., Williams grew up on Lake informed about the latest news at Street, in a stone Tudor­style your MU. Stay connected at home, about a half mile from www.misericordia.edu/social. the sprawling campus. During the school year, he walked to the former Dallas High School, utilizing campus as a short cut. cougarconnect.misericordia.edu “We used to walk back and Bill and Sandi Williams pose for a picture with their family. forth through the school every Facebook.com/MisericordiaAlumni day,’’ said Williams. “When I started walking through there, it was an for gasoline service, and a small retread Facebook.com/MisericordiaUniversity all­girls school. My parents lived in that shop. Overall, the business specialized house forever. I had a bird’s­eye view as in mounting new tires and same day the University grew.’’ service for tire recapping. Twitter.com/MisericordiaU Many years later, Williams accepted Jack Williams Tire and Auto Service an invitation from friends and business Centers soon expanded into the tire Twitter.com/MisericordiAlum associates to join the Board of Trustees. warehousing and wholesale business in His term from 2007 to 2016 coincided the 1960s under Williams’ leadership. Linkedin.com/groups/ with one of MU’s most prosperous eras. In the 1970s and 1980s, the company Misericordia ­­Alumni 1416127 Bill Williams and his wife of nearly 50 added dozens of retail outlets and years, Sandi, have long been ardent expanded wholesale services. contributors to Misericordia’s mission of In 1988, the company opened a Instagram.com/MisericordiaAlumni fostering intellectual curiosity, critical larger warehouse and its corporate thinking, and respect for people in an headquarters in Moosic, Pa. Modern YouTube.com/MisericordiaU environment where all are welcome. Tire Dealer magazine named the it Since 1988, they have provided Tire Dealer of the Year in 2006. Misericordia.edu/mutodayextended generous support for numerous capital Today, Jack Williams Tire and Auto projects, athletic programs and facilities, Service Centers remains a family­owned Storify.com/MisericordiaU the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women and operated business. The Williams’ with Children Program, and more. children continue with the tradition of Williams retired from the Board of operating the business the “Williams Pinterest.com/MisericordiaU Trustees in 2016 because he was splitting Way’’ – by being committed to going time between his family homestead and above and beyond their customers’ Flickr.com/MisericordiaU vacation homes. expectations and providing the greatest The Board of Trustees proudly value possible. Scott is president, while honored the philanthropy and his siblings, Jason and Tracey, are leadership of Bill and Sandi Williams executive vice presidents. 2 26 Campus beautification projects on Lake Street make impact. Winter 2018 Volume XXII, No. 1

Misericordia Today is published by the Office of Planning and External Relations. Misericordia University 301 Lake St. Dallas, PA 18612­1090

ADMINISTRATION Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. President Barbara Samuel Loftus, Ph.D. Vice President, Planning and External Relations David B. Rehm, Ph.D. Vice President, Academic Affairs Mark Van Etten, B.S. Vice President, Finance and Administration Susan Helwig, M.S. Vice President, University Advancement Jean Messaros, RSM, M.S. Vice President, Mission Integration Kathleen ‘Kit’ Foley, M.S. Vice President, Student Life Glenn Bozinski, M.S. Vice President, Enrollment Management 12 16 Research Fellowship Program targets Professor travels to Panama as part of healthy effects of antioxidants. collaborative research with students. MISERICORDIA TODAY STAFF Paul Krzywicki, Editor Manager, Public Relations and Publications Marianne Tucker Puhalla Staff Writer Kayley LeFaiver Graphic Designer 20 41 ONLINE Interest in ‘everything medicine’ leads Meet men’s swim team member biology alumna to become forensic Joseph Grzech ’17, ’20 in the Read this edition and other publications produced autopsy technician. Student-Athlete Spotlight profile. by the Office of Planning and External Relations online at: publications.misericordia.edu. Have a story to share? Contact Misericordia Today Misericordia Today is published in February and August by by calling (570) 674­6372 or by e­mailing the editor Misericordia University. The magazine is distributed for free at [email protected]. to alumni, parents and friends of the University. To request a subscription, please call (570) 674-6764. Postmaster: Send address changes to Alumni Office, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA 18612-1090. Copyright Misericordia University 2018. MEMORIES The University conferred more than 330 degrees at the ON THE COVER seventh annual winter commencement ceremony on Misericordia University alumnus Nicholas Sulzer ’12 poses Sunday, Dec. 17. Misericordia photographers captured near a stream in Hickory Run State Park in White Haven, Pa. the unforgettable moments. Please log on to The Department of Conservation and Natural bit.ly/mugraddec17 to review the photo album online. Resources employs the graduate of the biology program as Alumni, students, family and friends participated in an assistant park manager. His office is in charge of Hickory the annual Homecoming games and activities on campus Run, Lehigh Gorge and Nescopeck state parks, the largest in October. Please log on to bit.ly/muhomecoming2017 complex in the state system with more than 25,000 acres. to review the memorable images. 3 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

No clouds block our vision

t ’s February and I trust that fellow northerners, like me, have

PRESIDENT seen just about enough snow, gray skies, and cold. And, like me, you ’ ve succeeded ’ again with your New Year s resolution to not

the make any resolutions. I never found them useful. But, resolutions Iaside, all of us need to have a vision for the future that includes sunshine, warmth, and plans we can keep. At Misericordia, we ’re following a vision statement that sets the from tone for tomorrow: Misericordia University, the premier Mercy university in the United States, will broaden its geographic reach while strengthening its reputation for superior liberal arts and professional programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Our graduates will lead lives of consequence in their professions, communities and world. Our geographic reach is expanding, with graduates from 18 states crossing the stage at our December commencement. Prospective students visit in greater numbers from nearby Connecticut and Maryland, and we have recently enrolled students from Texas, California and Montana. Further, our superior academic reputation has seen faculty and students traveling to Japan, France and the United Kingdom to present scholarly research papers and posters. In fact, 8 percent of our students study or perform service abroad or away from campus – up from only 2 percent five years ago. Our strategic plan, endorsed by the trustees in 2016, highlights four key goals: optimize student enrollment and retention; foster academic transformation; broaden student, faculty and staff engagement, and strengthen the University infrastructure and image. Within that plan framework, we added or revised eight academic programs in 2017 and developed three more articulation agreements with Luzerne County Community College, enhancing opportunities for transfer students. Faculty continue to create community ­engaged learning opportunities, such as service ­learning courses, internships, original research, and clinical experiences. More of our students come from diverse backgrounds, with each of the three most recent first ­year classes including more than 10 percent students of color. We have strengthened our infrastructure with the purchase and renovation of Trocaire Hall, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2018. It will serve as the main academic building for 20 new graduate students in the physician assistant program. And, renovation on the entrance arch is complete. It looks new, just like it did in 1932. This year we will continue the Now for Tomorrow capital campaign as we look to break ground for the Frank and Dorothea Henry Science Center in spring 2019. We also are committed to strengthening our scholarships to support capable students, exemplified by the launch of the Sister Mary Glennon ’ ­62 full tuition scholarships. Our vision is clear and the future looks bright. Bring your sunglasses. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon and sharing our vision with you.

President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. #MisericordiaProud 4 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU GIVING

Generous estate gi advances future of alumna’s alma mater ­

hether as a parishioner and volunteer with the She did much more than former Sacred Heart of Jesus Slovak Roman discuss these developments. W Catholic Church or a faculty member with the Baloga never lost appreciation Wilkes­Barre Area School District, Marianne Baloga ’63 gave for her experiences at of herself freely during a lifetime defined by service and Misericordia, especially for how Marianne benevolence toward others. they molded her into a respected Baloga The daughter of working class parents, Baloga graduated and beloved educator. Baloga in 1963. from College Misericordia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in displayed her affinity for her alma English after receiving a full scholarship. After a stint teaching mater in many ways, most recently by the $1.6 million estate in Boyertown, Pa., she accepted a position as an English gift she made in support of the Henry Science Center upon teacher with GAR High School, which she would call home for her passing in September. She also established the Marianne more than 25 years. Baloga was a highly regarded and skilled R. Baloga Endowed Scholarship for students from Luzerne educator, someone who understood that continued learning and contiguous counties who are in the Ruth Matthews provides a gateway to opportunity in life. Bourger Women with Children Program and supported the “Miss Baloga was focused and detailed as a teacher. She was Misericordia Fund. Previously, Baloga committed $100,000 often assigned to work with high­performing students and to support the acquisition of science equipment. always challenged them to do their best academically,” said Members of her class will assemble in the spring to Jim Roberts, special assistant to the President at Misericordia commemorate their 55th anniversary as a graduating class. and a GAR graduate. “I was pleasantly surprised Miss Baloga They will recall fond memories and old friendships. Baloga’s recognized me during a recent Conversation with the President inspiring story of generosity to enhance Misericordia’s present Alumni Phonecast and called to reminisce about GAR and to and advance its future also will evoke the greatest respect and discuss the great things happening at Misericordia.” deepest appreciation.

Procter & Gamble touches lives and improves life ­

iving up to its tag line, “Touching past 10 years, company spokesperson of Misericordia’s Ruth Matthews lives, improving life,” The Procter Jose de los Rios says P&G has a Bourger Women with Children L & Gamble Company has made a responsibility as a good corporate Program that provides housing to practice of being a good neighbor citizen to improve the local community. women at the poverty level and their throughout its 180­year history. The programs P&G supports at children so the mothers can earn a The world’s largest consumer goods Misericordia are well aligned with bachelor’s degree and break the manufacturer has operations in more P&G’s Citizenship Agenda. cycle of poverty. than 80 countries and had about $65 The company is a strong supporter P&G funding also has provided billion in sales in 2016. The corporation, innovative technology to improve headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, SLP students Brianna Spilsbury ’20, clinical services in the Speech­ manufactures 65 leading brands standing, and Danielle Spagnuolo Language Pathology Program. ’19 demonstrate how they use the – among them are household P&G-funded nasometer. Equipment purchases include an favorites Crest toothpaste, electroglottography (EGG) device Downy fabric softener, and used to study voice frequency tracking Head & Shoulders shampoo. and the vibration of vocal folds during The company’s good deeds voice production, as well as a are no better represented than at nasometer used to measure the their largest manufacturing site in nasality of a voice by monitoring the Mehoopany, Pa., Wyoming County, modulation of the velopharyngeal which produces Bounty paper towels, opening. In addition, a spirometer Bounty napkins, Charmin toilet paper, allows students to measure the volume and Pampers and Luvs diapers. of air inspired and expired by the lungs, With contributions to Misericordia helping them identify different types of University nearing $90,000 over the abnormal ventilation patterns. 5 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

YESTERDAY FOR TOMORROW Merit­based, full­tuition scholarship program honors

ACADEMICS longest serving academic dean, high­achieving students

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

To those who know her best, Sister “She could never know the impact Mary Glennon ’62, Ed.D., RSM, is she has had on me. Much of what is simply a tireless advocate, who wants good about me today as an educator everyone around her to realize their full can be traced to Sister Mary. I cannot potential. The efforts of Misericordia thank her enough for the careful and University’s longest serving academic thoughtful guidance,’’ he adds. dean inspired students, faculty, Elaine Halesey, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(QM), administrators, and just about anybody professor of medical imaging, arrived else who was fortunate to cross her at Misericordia after working in path during her lengthy career at the settings for several years. institution of higher education. She worked with Sister Mary The other descriptive and during her entire tenure at Sister Mary expressive words her friends Misericordia, developing a Glennon ’62 and colleagues use to describe Scholarships relationship built on trust, the woman, educator, mentor, professionalism and respect. friend, and Sister of Mercy are “She always made you feel vignettes that enable others to you were the professional and that understand the legacy of a true your voice mattered,’’ Dr. Halesey trailblazer in higher education. says, acknowledging the graciousness In the fall, Misericordia University Sister Mary exhibited. “If she had a

Sister Mary honored her legacy by unveiling the new question, she did not make the Glennon ’ 62 Sister Mary Glennon ’62 Scholarships. decision in isolation. She spoke to the The program provides merit­based, people she believed were experts in full­tuition scholarships to six qualified the field. She gathered the facts. Then full­time students annually beginning the ultimate decision was hers.’’ Sister Mary Glennon ’62 with the 2018­19 academic year. In their two­story home on Lake The announcement provided fodder Street, Sister Jane Kennedy ’60, RSM, Scholarships Committee for many to reminisce proudly about and Sister Cathy McGroarty ’74, RSM, The following members of the her spiritual life and professional sit together in their living room, academic community are members career. The stories about Sister Mary’s sharing stories about their longtime of the Sister Mary Glennon ’62 fun­loving, gregarious ways and friend and colleague in the Dallas Scholarships Committee: contagious laugh quickly transitioned Regional Community. They each have Allan W. Austin, Ph.D., professor, to the relational skills and intellect that known Sister Mary for about 50 years, Department of History and Government; enabled the alumna to be a respected and it does not take long for the Glenn Bozinski, M.S., vice president, mentor, leader and visionary. sisters to nod in agreement about Enrollment Management; Fred Croop, Ed.D., M.B.A., shared experiences. Donna Cerza, director, Office of Admissions; professor of business, worked with Sister Jane and Sister Cathy visit Sister Mary for the first 12 years of his Sister Mary frequently at the Mercy Joseph Cipriani, Ed.D., O.T.R./L., professor, Department of Occupational Therapy; career at Misericordia. He credits her Center Nursing Unit, a skilled nursing for the human being, educator and and personal care home in Dallas, Joseph J. Curran, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Religious Studies, professor he is today. “It is difficult to where she has been a resident for six and chair, Faculty Senate; describe all that I learned from Dr. years. On this day, though, the sisters David B. Rehm, Ph.D., vice president, Glennon,’’ says Dr. Croop. “Most have important news to deliver. academic affairs; importantly, though, she taught me “She lit up when we told her about Melissa Sgroi, Ed.D., assistant professor, the worth of values, especially the the scholarships,’’ Sister Jane and chair, Department of Mass Communications ones that guide Misericordia and the Sister Cathy say in unison. “Her and Design. Religious . reaction was right from the heart.’’ 6 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU ACADEMICS

“These scholarships are in the best administration reviewed completed who plan to major in academic traditions of Sister Mary’s commitment essays and narrowed the field to about programs available in each of the to the vision and mission of 12 students. In February, committee University’s three colleges – College of Misericordia,’’ Sisters Jane and Cathy members will interview the finalists and Arts and Sciences, College of Business, add afterward. “She is humbled by the make scholarship offers to students and College of Health Sciences and recognition and pleased as well.’’ Education. Overall, the program will Sister Mary Glennon ’62, below, is known for award no more than three scholarships Merit­Based collaborating with faculty and fellow in any one college and not less than administrators to better the educational one in each college. Scholarship Program experience for the student body. The awarding of the The Sister Mary Glennon ’62 scholarship also guarantees Scholarships awards six recipients acceptance into the competitive scholarships University’s Honors Program if annually to qualified incoming students choose to participate. first­year students. Every first The competitive Honors time, full­time student who Program is an interdisciplinary applies for acceptance to the learning community based private, four­year, Catholic upon a common sequence of institution is eligible for the enriched and intensified core new program as long as the curriculum courses that honors student meets established students take in place of academic criteria. regular core offerings. “The establishment of the The Sister Mary Glennon ’62 Sister Mary Glennon ’62 Scholarships is the culmination of Scholarships underscores discussions between the Office our institution’s commitment of President, Faculty Senate and to provide access to higher Enrollment Management about education for caring, rewarding high­achieving motivated students who excel students and providing better academically,’’ said Thomas J. access to a college education Botzman, Ph.D., president of for all students. Over a four­year Misericordia University. “I period, the initiative will enroll commend the faculty and 24 students and cover tuition administrators who developed costs for each of them. this concept at Misericordia as “We wanted to make it speaks to the quality of our sure Misericordia could be academic programs and our competitive in attracting objective to inspire all students high­achieving students to achieve inside and outside without taking resources away the classroom.’’ from other students,’’ said Students applying to Joseph J. Curran, Ph.D., Misericordia University who professor, chair of religious meet or exceed eligibility studies and chair of Faculty criteria – (1250 SAT or 26 ACT Senate, who collaborated with and 3.7 GPA) or (1250 SAT or colleague Joseph Cipriani, 26 ACT and top 5 percent of Ed.D., O.T.R./L., professor their graduating class) – will be of occupational therapy, and invited to participate in the others on the concept. competitive selection process. “We also want to build a In January, the University culture of academic excellence, invited eligible applicants to and we know that having campus. They participated in high­achieving students in a tour, lunch with faculty and the classroom is good for students in their field of study, everyone,’’ Dr. Curran added. and wrote an essay. “From the faculty standpoint, it A five­member committee comprised of faculty and Continued on next page 7 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

From previous page brought the mission of Misericordia alive. Her is a great moment of happiest moments were cooperation and working for working collaboratively with the common good of the faculty and administration, and ACADEMICS University and student body.’’ determining what programs were needed both for students Sister Mary Glennon, and the broader community in the future, especially in the Ed.D., RSM health sciences.’’ A Religious Sister of Mercy, Under her leadership, she Sister Mary earned her Bachelor worked to ensure the of Arts degree in French and a institution met the growing minor in English, history, and needs of adult learners through the Greek and Roman classics the development of innovative from Misericordia in 1962. She accelerated degree programs earned a Master of Arts in that offered convenient, English from the University of flexible scheduling and on­line Scranton and a formats. Misericordia also degree in higher education introduced popular academic administration from George programs for traditional Washington University, students during her tenure in Washington, D.C. Sister Mary occupational therapy and completed additional academic physical therapy, and work at Marquette University, reintroduced majors in Milwaukee, Wis., and psychology and chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, while adding biochemistry State College. and a graduate­level nurse In 1957, she entered the practitioner program. Mercy Community and shortly The institution recognized thereafter enrolled as an Sister Mary’s career and undergraduate student at accomplishments when it Misericordia. Sister Mary awarded her the prestigious professed her final vows with Catherine McAuley Medal in the Sisters of Mercy in 1965 and 2001. The institution’s highest continued to teach English at a honor recognizes significant Catholic high school in western service to others in the spirit of Pennsylvania. In September Catherine McAuley, as well as a 2017, she celebrated her 60th commitment to the ideals and jubilee as a Sister of Mercy. goals of Misericordia and the The daughter of a coal miner, values to which it aspires. In the Freeland, Pa., native During her tenure at Misericordia, Sister Mary 1994, Misericordia presented returned to Misericordia in 1975 to Glennon ’62 developed academic programs her with the Mother Mary Catharine serve as the institution’s first director that benefitted adult and traditional learners, McGann Award in honor of the alike. She was at the forefront of developing of continuing education. In 1979, she founder and first dean of the college. accelerated degree programs for working became dean of continuing education. adults, and introducing popular programs, The award recognizes a graduate Sister Mary left Misericordia in 1982 to such as occupational therapy, physical for distinguished and sustained complete her doctoral studies. She therapy, psychology and chemistry, that career accomplishments. served as dean of institutional remain current today. For more information about the advancement at , Sister Mary Glennon Scholarships at Cleveland, Ohio, until Dr. Joseph Fink, affairs and dean of the college – Misericordia University, please call then president of Misericordia, supervising all services related to Donna F. Cerza, director of admissions, encouraged her to return to her academics and students. at (570) 674­6460 or email her at alma mater in 1987. When the “The mission of Misericordia drove [email protected]. Additional administrative divisions of the College Sister Mary,’’ says Sister Jane. “The information also is available at reorganized in 1997, Sister Mary spirit of camaraderie among faculty www.misericordia.edu/Glennon became vice president of academic and staff on behalf of the students Scholarships. 8 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU ACADEMICS

CENTER FOR HUMAN DIGNITY TARGETS MEDICAL PRACTICES AND ETHICS University names bioethicist Dr. Stacy Gallin as director

To promote a deeper understanding “The creation of the center shows that of medical practices and their ethical Misericordia shares a dedication to ramifications, Misericordia University placing human dignity at the center announced in the fall the formation of bioethics, medicine and health,” of The Center for Human Dignity in said Dr. Gallin. “Issues of equity, Bioethics, Medicine and Health. The access to care and the treatment center will foster the study of medical of vulnerable populations continue ethics and the to plague our society.’’ The Center boundaries of medical The center’s first event, the for Human research practices, Commitment to Preserve Human Dignity and will build on the Dignity in Health Care, was held teachings offered in The Center for Human Dignity was formed, Jan. 29 in an effort to launch an from left, by Amanda Caleb, Ph.D., director, the university’s Medical and Health Medical and Health Humanities Program; international movement to preserve Humanities Program. President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., Stacy human dignity in health care. The Stacy Gallin, D.M.H., internationally Gallin, D.M.H., director, and David B. Rehm, highlight of the inaugural program known for her work as director of the Ph.D., vice president, Academic Affairs. was the first­of­its­kind interactive Maimonides Institute for Medicine, ceremony to Pledge to Preserve Ethics, and the Holocaust (MIMEH), has our students, the public, our faculty Human Dignity in Health Care. been named director of the center. A and others in the study of bioethics To sign the pledge, please go to 2012 graduate of Drew University with and related fields. We want to be bit.ly/dignitypledge. a doctorate in medical humanities, able to communicate to the world Participants who took the pledge to Dr. Gallin began teaching the subject important issues at the intersection “uphold the values of dignity, equality at the undergraduate and graduate of medicine and ethics.” and justice in health care’’ received a pin. levels and subsequently organized the The Center for Human Dignity offers The program featured Tessa Conference on Medicine, Bioethics and a natural synergy to the bachelor’s Chelouche, M.D., director of primary the Holocaust in Madison, N.J. The degree program in Medical and Health care medical practices at Tel Aviv 2015 conference brought together Humanities that enrolled its first students University, as the keynote speaker. internationally renowned health care in the fall, according to Amanda Caleb, In addition, The Center for Human professionals, scholars, bioethicists and Ph.D., director of the academic program. Dignity will provide expanded leaders in the field to initiate a dialogue “With the addition of the center, we opportunities for students of all ages to at all educational and professional will be able to expand our exploration reflect upon past medical and research levels regarding the importance of of ethical issues regarding medical practices with a vision of promoting creating enduring programs on experimentation and health care an ethical and beneficial future. medicine after the Holocaust. The access,” Dr. Caleb added. “The center The Center for Human Dignity in conference’s success provided the will go beyond the classroom and Bioethics, Medicine and Health foundation for the development of engage the community through its Advisory Council includes MIMEH later that year. programming and outreach, which will representatives of the Misericordia “Misericordia’s Center for Human allow for a meaningful and essential faculty and student body. Dignity will provide and support conversation about ethics in medicine. It will expand on and continue the education on the ethics of medical Misericordia University will take the efforts of the late Okla Elliott, Ph.D., practices in the past, as well as in the lead in this topic by inviting scholars an assistant professor, to compile an present and in the future,” stated to give lectures, developing online electronic database of educational David B. Rehm, Ph.D., vice president resources, including webinars and resources for teaching the Holocaust, of Academic Affairs. “It is a perfect databases, and hosting conferences bioethics and topics related to vehicle for Misericordia in that it and symposia on campus.” medical experimentation. marries the liberal arts and health More than 40 percent of Misericordia’s For more information, contact Dr. sciences – who we are – and will students are enrolled in health and Gallin at [email protected] or provide educational opportunities for medical sciences academic programs. www.misericordia.edu/humandignity. 9 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018 Student­faculty researchers collaborate to

RESEARCH expand knowledge in Fellowship Program

Misericordia University student­ faculty research teams utilized atomic force microscopy, investigated the political legacy of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Mary, measured reaction time for people with Parkinson’s disease, and studied stuttering and cluttering during the 2017 Misericordia University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF). The research fellows program culminates with oral presentations on the last day of the program for faculty, students and staff, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Poster Presentation Program during the fall semester in which students highlight their work for the campus and academic communities. The annual program is a precursor for many of the student fellows presenting their research at state and national conferences. 2017 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship researchers presented their research and scholarly work at the annual presentation program during the fall semester. Participating in the “The SURF Program demonstrates event, first row from left, are Brianna Spilsbury ’19; Stefany Krasson ’19; Jody Teel ’18; Kasey the type of learning that students can Miller ’18 and Cara Imbalzano ’20; second row, Rebecca Zaneski ’18; Tara Koskulitz ’18; Andrea do when mentored closely, one to one Nale ’17; Olivia McCorkel ’18; Madison Cardinale ’19 and Angela Asirvatham, B.V.Sc., Ph.D.; or two to one,’’ said Pat Thatcher, third row, Tristan Snyder ’17; Michelle Ash ’19; Ashley Williams ’18; Chabely Espinal ’18; Karen Ph.D., associate vice president of Reilly ’19; Rebecca Steinberger, Ph.D., and Larry Corpus, Ph.D.; fourth row, Brandon Dean ’17; Michael Dubinski ’18; Mark Seewald ’18; Noah Schweiger ’20; Giovanni Baiamonte ’18; Academic Affairs at Misericordia Alexandra Irr ’18; Steven Tedford, Ph.D., and Jeff Stephens, Ph.D. University. “It is an avenue to getting excellent and high­impact pedagogical students in complex scientific and scientists, philosophers and literary processes into the curriculum.’’ scholarly research in traditional scholars through their participation in The American Association of scientific laboratories, libraries and out the program. They develop close Colleges and Universities identified in the field in search of the unknown. working relationships with faculty and undergraduate research as one of 10 Through the mentorship programming, undertake a project that brings new “high­impact educational practices,’’ student fellows gain insight into the knowledge into a discipline.’’ according to Dr. Thatcher, who exciting world of research, while also In 2017, 24 students and 15 faculty oversees the SURF Program. “Over developing additional critical thinking members collaborated on 19 unique the last decade, these practices have and independent learning skills. research projects from June 3 to Aug. 4. come to define quality undergraduate “There are many advantages to an Before participating in the 10­week learning experiences,’’ Dr. Thatcher undergraduate research program, like program, the faculty­student research said, “because they are best­practice ours. It engages students directly in teams in the three colleges submit examples of active pedagogies that the process of learning, while enabling individual applications for their proposed increase student engagement with them to direct their own learning research to the University’s Institutional their institution of higher education experiences and helping them to Review Board, which approves the and their major, resulting in higher become young colleagues rather than projects and awards funding. graduation rates.’’ passive students,’’ Dr. Thatcher said, The student­faculty research team of Established in 2014 by President explaining the benefits of the Tristan Snyder ’17 of Bloomsburg, Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., the annual Misericordia student­faculty research. Brandon Dean ’17 of Monroeville, N.J., program engages faculty mentors with “Students become actual working and Maureen Romanow Pascal, D.P.T., 10 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU RESEARCH

associate professor of physical therapy, undergraduate student should at different careers,’’ said Nale, a Gilbert, for example, compared gait training least attempt. It has propelled me Pa., native. “Research also allows and reactionary time of 17 forward in my field by exposing me to students to explore topics that, due to diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease information that I have yet to learn, or time constraints, could not be covered and a control group of 50 people. may never learn, in my classes,’’ added in any undergraduate class. I believe “Undergraduate research is the speech­language pathology major. my research in biophysics and extremely important for students,’’ Undergraduate research is also a biochemistry helped me secure a seat Snyder acknowledged. “It provides us resume and application builder for in medical school early in the process.’’ with a different set of skills that cannot students who aspire for graduate “By connecting student work on be taught in the classroom. Having school. Andrea Nale ’17, a senior key disciplinary topics, systematic problem solving skills, people skills, biology major, credits the program with observation, critical concepts, and and other skills are a major plus for early acceptance to medical school. In hot research subjects – like those on future job opportunities.’’ the summers of 2016 and 2017, she chemical anti­oxidants at work in the “I learned just how intensive collaborated with Charles Saladino, body, or moral and ethical conundrums research is,’’ added Noah Schweiger Ph.D., professor of chemistry and surrounding the effects of the internet ’20 of Barton, N.Y., who collaborated biochemistry, to explore the antioxidant on human, moral fiber – students gain with Glen Tellis, Ph.D., professor properties of certain natural by attempting to answer pressing and and chair of the Department of compounds, such as ascorbic acid, critical questions important to their field Speech­Language Pathology. “It has glutathione, NADPH and resveratrol. of study,’’ Dr. Thatcher said. “Students given me an appreciation for those Besides learning the importance to who have participated in undergraduate who do it for a living. I also learned eat healthy foods that contain those research are notably more engaged in how important credibility is, in not only antioxidant compounds, she whatever they choose to pursue and research, but in every job. Without discovered more about herself and her exhibit a more active learning profile. credibility, you lose trust of your field of study. “Research involves “Undergraduate research is a mode colleagues, employers and clients. development and utilization of a whole of true transformational education,’’ “I think research is something every other skillset that is useful for so many she added.

The following students and faculty ■ George W. Shea, IV, Ph.D., assistant ■ Elisa Korb, Ph.D., J.D., assistant professor mentors collaborated on research professor of philosophy, and student, Michael of fine arts, and student, Stefany Krasson ’19: and scholarly work during the Dubinski, ’18: Embrace: A Postmodern Catalogue Raisonne of Edward Burne­Jones (1833­98). 2017 Misericordia University Understanding of Love for Neighbor. ■ Summer Undergraduate Research ■ Howard Sensbach, M.F.A., artist in Larry D. Corpus, Ph.D., assistant professor residence, and student, Chabely Espinal ’18: of biology, and students, Olivia McCorkel ’18 Fellowship Program: and Jody Teel ’18: A Survey of Formation of Raku Ceramic Glaze from ■ Container­Breeding Mosquitoes from Jeff Stephens, Ph.D., assistant professor of Recycled Bottle Glass. physics, and student, Michelle Ash ’18; Selected Sites in Northeastern Pennsylvania. ■ Steven J. Tedford, Ph.D., associate Exploring the Dimorphic Nature of C. ■ Dr. Corpus and students, McCorkel and Albicans through Atomic Force Microscopy. professor of mathematics, and students, Teel: A Survey of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Michael Gottstein ’17 and Tara Koskulitz ’18: ■ Charles Saladino, Ph.D., professor of from Freshwater Containers in Northeastern Expected Value of Birooted Trees. chemistry and biochemistry, and student, Pennsylvania. Giovanni Baiamonte ’18: A Study of the ■ Glen Tellis, Ph.D., professor of ■ Glenn R. Willis, Ph.D., assistant professor of Potential Antioxidant Properties of speech­language pathology, and student, religious studies, and student, Mark Seewald Antioxidants Ascorbic Acid, NADPH and Cara Imbalzano ’20: Using Autonomic ’18: Online Epistemology and the Divergence Glutathione using Luminometry and UV/Vis Nervous System Software to Measure of Worldviews. Spectrophotometery. Responses to Observed Stuttered Speech. ■ Cari Tellis, Ph.D., associate professor, and ■ Dr. Saladino and student, Andrea Nale ’17: ■ Dr. Tellis with student, D’manda Price ’19: students, Danielle Spagnuolo ’19 and Brianna A Study of the Antioxidant Properties of Using ANS Software to Measure Changes in Spilsbury ’19: fNIRS Response to Voice Resveratrol. Different Age Groups in People­Who­Stutter. Production. ■ Rebecca Steinberger, Ph.D., professor of ■ Angela Asirvatham, Ph.D., associate ■ Dr. Tellis with student Noah Schweiger ’20: English, and students, Madison Cardinale ’19 professor of biology, and student, Ashley What are Typically Fluent Speakers Stress and Karen Reilly ’19: A Tale of Two : Williams ’18: Proliferation of Schwann Cell Responses when Observing the Speech of The Literary, Historical and Political Legacy of Lines in Response to Forskolin: A Dose Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. Person Who Stutters. Response Study. ■ ■ Maureen Romanow Pascal, D.P.T., associate Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., associate ■ Cosima Wiese, Ph.D., associate professor of professor of physical therapy, and students, professor of speech­language pathology, and biology, and student, Rebecca Zaneski ’18: A Brandon Dean ’17 and Tristan Snyder ’17: students, Alexandra Irr ’18 and Kasey Miller Comparison of Different Measuring Gait and Reaction Time in Individuals with ’18: Executive Functioning vs. Language Techniques for Detecting Zinc Effects on and without Parkinson’s Disease. Disorder in Cluttering: A Cohort Analysis. Lemna Minor. 11 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018 FELLOWSHIP

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Research fellows study B Y M A R I A N N E T U C K E R P U H A L L A healthy benefits of antioxidants

t is commonly believed that foods such as tomatoes, Pre­med students Giovanni Baiamonte ’18 of Ashley, Pa., and Andrea Nale ’17 of Kunkletown, Pa., spent the summer in Hafey dark chocolate, walnuts and blueberries are good for McCormick Science Hall as part of Misericordia University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF) to determine how antioxidants work, their impact on cells, and your health because they have high concentrations of what protection they offer against free radicals that cause diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and autism. Iantioxidants – a variety of natural chemicals that offer Under the direction of Charles F. Saladino, Jr., Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry, the team used an beneficial health effects against a range of chronic ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometer and luminometry to observe antioxidant reactions at work and evaluate their diseases. Yet, not much is known about the role effectiveness under different conditions. “The more we look, the better understanding we have of what works where in the body,” says Dr. Saladino. “For example, we antioxidants, such as beta­Carotene and resveratrol, looked at the antioxidant glutathione, which when deficient in red blood cells results in their breakage, play in making those reactions happen. causing hemolytic anemia. We have the window of a 12 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU FELLOWSHIP

Giovanni Baiamonte ’18, left, and Andrea Nale ’17, right, prepare focus on the way research is supposed to be done. We solutions for study in an ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometer under needed to be in the moment and be present. He trusted us the watchful eye of SURF faculty advisor, Charles Saladino, Jr., Ph.D., to do a good job … and he taught us how to start from associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. scratch, and not always follow what others have done.” A senior chemistry and biochemistry major, Baiamonte is nanosecond – one thousand millionth of a second – to the son of Mark and Dawn Baiamonte of Ashley, Pa., and is capture the reaction.” the third sibling in his family to attend Misericordia. Eldest Conducting more than 1,500 experiments during the sister Melissa Luksh ’06 is a teacher in the Hanover Area 10­week research program, Dr. Saladino said Baiamonte School District and middle sister Gina Baiamonte ’16 and Nale developed an exceptional work ethic in the preceded Gio, as family and friends know him, as a laboratory based on patience, dedication and intuition. chemistry and biochemistry standout. Valedictorian for “They are no longer technicians carrying out experiments – the Class of 2016, Gina is currently a second­year medical they have developed into independent investigators who student at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine have learned how to interpret their results and take their in Scranton, Pa. experimentation to the next level. I feel as though they are no longer just students doing research – they have grown to become colleagues of mine in the “Thanks to my sisters, I knew Misericordia well laboratory,” he says. The two began their preliminary work during before I got here and knew that smaller classes classes in the spring so they could “hit the ground running” for when the SURF program started in would allow me to get to know my professors and June, according to Dr. Saladino. help me stand out when I applied to medical school.” Nale, a biology major with a chemistry minor, admits drawing inspiration from her mother, Sandra – Giovanni Baiamonte ’18 Nale, and father, Paul Nale, an advanced placement biology teacher at Pleasant Valley High School, who involved her in after­dinner science projects as a youngster – everything “Thanks to my sisters, I knew Misericordia well before I from playing with bugs to building circuits. “My dad was got here and knew that smaller classes would allow me to impressed with the biology curriculum at Misericordia and I get to know my professors,” Baiamonte says, “and help me came here because the four charisms of the Sisters of Mercy stand out when I applied to med school. Doing research – Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality – fit well with my since my sophomore year, I feel I have gained confidence in personality,” she says. the research process, and in working with equipment and As part of her research, Nale tested the antioxidant analyzing data. resveratrol to determine if it does inhibit chemiluminescence “We have proven that our system works,” adds Baiamonte, of free radicals in reactions. The research is the first of many who is applying to medical school in anticipation of May long steps in determining if the compound may someday commencement. “Now we can start applying it to trials with lead to improved treatments for diseases such as cancer, bacteria and small animals, such as mice. By having a better heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. She presented her understanding of the biochemical systems in the body and findings at the American College of Nutrition’s 58th annual how they impact different drugs, what we are doing here conference in Virginia in November. might lead to the development of new and better drugs in In the Mercy tradition, she tutored in organic chemistry the future.” and calculus, and regularly volunteered at the Geisinger In addition to his research and part­time work as an Wyoming Valley and Wilkes­Barre Veterans Affairs . emergency medical scribe at Geisinger Wyoming Valley She also spent a spring break on a Campus Ministry service Medical Center, he is a member of the Dead Alchemist trip to aid the homeless in State. Society student chemistry club. In his spare time, he takes As she hoped, Nale believes the one­on­one mentoring classes in sign language so he can assist others this summer she experienced from expert faculty, in addition to her at Camp Hero, a camp for deaf children in Millville, Pa. experiences serving others, had an indelible imprint on her The student’s research continued through the fall future. She received the first of three acceptances to medical semester. Dr. Saladino plans to expand upon their efforts school two months before receiving her undergraduate by collaborating with Anna Fedor, Ph.D., assistant professor diploma at Misericordia’s winter commencement in December. of chemistry and biochemistry, to have students isolate “My research in biochemistry really was a key component polyphenols to study the antioxidant effect of polyphenols that sparked my interest in the biochemical processes that found in green tea. occur in our body – and cause diseases such as Type 2 To learn more about the Summer Undergraduate diabetes,” says Nale, who plans to become a family Fellowship Program at Misericordia University, please practice physician or an internal medicine physician with a contact Patricia Thatcher, Ph.D., associate vice president specialization in endocrinology. “Dr. Saladino really made us of Academic Affairs at (570) 674­8185. 13 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA SCIENCE CRUCIAL CHEMISTRY

Chemistry students selected for says. “Given that I was 1 of the 500 applicants chosen for REU, it shows that the education I’m getting at National Science Foundation research Misericordia is important. This experience helped me understand internships strive to improve cancer how research works and it also helped me confirm that research is what I want to do with my life.’’ treatments and energy production In addition, Watson is an award­ winning offensive lineman on the Cougars football team. He plans to By simulating cell death in a Pittsburgh Medical College. A junior take his MCAT exams in the spring and laboratory, is it possible to minimize chemistry major with a mathematics apply to medical schools in the fall. the damage done to good cells by minor, Watson was part of a team of Victoria Bednar ’18: radiation during the treatment of Pitt researchers working to understand Perfecting Thermal Energy pancreatic and esophageal cancers? more about cell death during radiation Can copper oxalate be used as a and how treatments can be improved If the ease with which she explains conductor to improve thermal energy in the battle against pancreatic and the operation of the Fourier Transform production? Is there a compound in esophageal cancers. Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer to bacteria that can be altered to reduce “The long term goal of the project was laboratory rookies is any indication, drug resistance and improve the to create a sort of calculator for radiation senior Victoria Bednar ’18 of Honesdale, effectiveness of chemotherapy? therapy,’’ he says. “It would help doctors Pa., is well on her way to fulfilling her Three Misericordia chemistry students be able to tell how many days a week, dream of graduating and becoming a spanned out across the country to how many weeks, for how long and how high school chemistry teacher. The answer these and other crucial much radiation one would get in each senior chemistry and secondary questions as participants in the radiation period. Since radiation kills education major gained knowledge, prestigious Research Experiences for good cells as well as diseased ones, confidence and career­choice validation Undergraduates (REU) project of the the goal is to optimize the amount of while completing her NSF REU National Science Foundation (NSF). radiation while minimizing the number internship in the Department of Selected from more than 500 applicants of good cell deaths.” Chemistry and Biochemistry at James from colleges and universities The son of Tanea and Leonard Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. nationwide, the three received a Watson, Sr., of Paoli, Pa., Watson says “The focus of our research was to stipend for their work and completed he felt honored to have the opportunity determine if copper oxalate is a perfect 10 weeks of intense research training at to work under the direction of Robert metal oxalate match as a conductor for leading research institutions. Parker, Ph.D., professor and vice chair a thermal energy system,” she says. for graduate education in the University “By allowing heat to be absorbed and Leonard Watson, Jr. ’19: of Pittsburgh’s Department of Chemical released in a continuous fashion with Radiation Therapy and Cancer and Petroleum Engineering. minimal problems occurring, we can Leonard Watson, Jr., ’19 feels he is “With the classes I’ve taken at recover the thermal energy that is lost another step closer to becoming a Misericordia, the research I’ve done in the heating processes. This will allow doctor and cancer research scientist and the advisement of my faculty, I for the efficiency for energy process to after spending an intense NSF REU felt I had an upper hand on the other be improved.” internship in the Bioinformatics people in the program regarding the Having done research at chemistry we conducted,’’ Watson Misericordia with Anna Fedor, Ph.D., 14 Department at the University of PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SCIENCE

chair of the Department of Chemistry “We worked to determine whether for the internship. “Our research shares and Biochemistry, Bednar says she the insertion of metal ions into a many similar concepts with the research was taught how to think critically and member of this family of molecules I had the opportunity to complete at inventively in the laboratory setting. was even possible,” he adds, “then UConn, so I was familiar with some of Those experiences helped prepare went on to develop procedures to her for the repetition, intensity and perform these insertions in more perseverance required in the JMU reasonable conditions for their laboratory, as part of a team headed eventual use in cancer treatment.” by Professor Thomas C. DeVore, Ph.D. The son of David and Tammy “One of the most memorable Schnable of Dallas, Pa., is moments was when we finally were scheduled to earn his bachelor’s able to recreate the copper oxalate degree in December 2018, with ammine complex that we had been plans to go to graduate school. searching for,” the daughter of Kevin He says he was honored to have and Jennifer Bednar adds. “This was Christian Brückner, Ph.D., the head amazing because we worked for of the UConn Department of weeks, running numerous tests and Chemistry, as a mentor. procedures trying to determine the “I had the opportunity to work compound. Once we were finally able in a graduate degree­granting to replicate the complex, the rest of institution, alongside graduate the research went fairly smoothly.” students doing what I hope to be She came away with a more doing in a few years. profound passion for teaching. “This I learned a lot about experience helped me solidify how the process of much I love learning new things and conducting and how much I love describing what I presenting research in have learned to other individuals. I chemistry,’’ Schnable returned with a better knowledge of says. “In particular, the world of chemistry that will help working with me teach the next generation of porphyrins allowed scientific scholars.” me to learn many new techniques, David Schnable ’18: such as analytical Compounds and Cancer chromatography, Junior chemistry major David nuclear magnetic Schnable ’18 joined a team of researchers attempting to improve Senior David Schnable ’18, top, was a member of a research team attempting to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments the effectiveness of cancer treatments by finding a way to block multi­drug during his NSF internship at the University resistance during his NSF REU of Connecticut. internship at the University of Leonard Watson, Jr., ’19, middle, hopes his Connecticut in Storrs, Conn. NSF internship at the University of Pittsburgh “Dioxobacteriochlorins are modified Medical College regarding radiation efficiency forms of a class of compounds called during cancer treatments will open doors for him to medical school. porphyrins, which are perhaps the Senior Victoria Bednar ’18, bottom, used a most important recurring chemical Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, motif in nature, and are essential for similar to this one, to study the element nearly all living organisms,” Schnable structures of different compounds during her says. “Our project was concerned NSF internship on thermal energy transmission with the process of inserting metal at . ions into the dioxobacteriochlorin molecules, with the eventual goal resonance spectroscopy and the chemistry I encountered. Having of inhibiting the cellular pathway mass spectrometry.” completed classes such as chemical that contributes to chemotherapy Schnable says prior research with principles and a full year of organic multi­drug resistance – potentially Nicola Edwards, Ph.D., assistant chemistry gave me excellent increasing the effectiveness of many professor of chemistry at Misericordia, background even in concepts which cancer treatments. provided the preparation he needed I had not yet encountered.” 15 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018 RESEARCH

EVOLUTION, SPECIA

correspond to fruits being removed by Research team studies evolution animals or falling on the forest floor. “Costus allenii and C. villosissimus of biodiversity in the tropics are so interesting. They are closely related to each other with many BY PAUL KRZYWICKI similar characteristics,’’ Dr. Chen says, explaining her fascination with these Experience told assistant professor plants. “They are close enough that GRACE F. CHEN, PH.D., Grace F. Chen, Ph.D., that her window to they can produce viable, fertile hybrids hand pick 1,600 seeds from two tropical assistant professor of biology, in the greenhouse. Yet, we can clearly plant species in the jungles of Panama earned her doctorate at distinguish the species from one was short. Too many unpredictable Michigan State University, East another. There is no doubt that they variables could spell the difference Lansing, Mich., in plant biology are two distinct species in nature. between success and failure for her and ecology, evolutionary That is what interests me: They are collaborative scientific research project. biology, and behavior. She so similar, yet so different.’’ After all, the Misericordia University completed her dissertation Collaborating with the Smithsonian biology professor had to trek more on Experimental Studies of Tropical Research Institute in Panama than 2,290 miles from campus to and a Panamanian undergraduate Adaptation and Speciation in Pipeline Road, about 20 miles north of assistant, Dr. Chen collected seeds from Two Neotropical Costus Panama City, to access the rainforest plants deep inside the rainforest and Species. Dr. Chen also holds in Soberania National Park and travel from the edge of the jungle off Pipeline an M.S. in biology from the muddy, obstacle­ridden terrain to find Road, an 11­mile historic access road her targets, Costus allenii and Costus University of Missouri­St. Louis, built during World War II that dissects villosissimus, in the right stage of St. Louis, Mo., and a Bachelor the rainforest. The rainy season, though, their life cycles. of Science in biology from wreaked havoc on their route. Costus allenii and C. villosissimus National Cheng Kung Armed with a nearly decade­old are closely related plant species, University, Tainan, Taiwan. map, experience and some good commonly found in remote tropical fortune, Dr. Chen set out in a specially rainforests in Colombia, Costa Rica, equipped Toyota Hilux pick­up truck Panama and Venezuela. Dr. Chen was afraid I might not be able to to re­explore the same jungle she can only harvest viable seeds from collect any seeds for the experiment.’’ grew familiar with while working on mature fruits that typically ripen in In this case, Dr. Chen had three days her doctorate dissertation from mid­October, but can vary from late to complete her mission and acquire 2004­10. The familiarity with the September to early November. the main ingredient required for the roadway and region proved beneficial “The only time I could go was 2016­17 Faculty Research Grant, when extremely muddy conditions during fall recess (Oct. 16­19),’’ she Effects of Periodic Water Availability forced them to continue by foot. says about her expedition in 2016. “I on Delayed Seed Germination in “If I did not have the knowledge of did not have the luxury to stay in the Neotropical Costus Species. Early when and where the adult plants were area and wait for the fruits to mature. arrival meant the fruits were not going to set the fruits and seeds, I This was one of the biggest risks, as I mature, and coming too late may would not be able to do this at all,’’ Dr. 16 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU RESEARCH

Assistant Professor Grace F. Chen, Ph.D., photographed Costus allenii and C. villosissimus in the rainforest in Soberania National Park in Panama. Costus allenii features white flowers with red stripes, while flowers of C. villosissimus are yellow. The bees are commonly known as Euglossine bees or orchid bees, while the ants patrolling on the inflorescences serve as a biotic defense for the plants. TION, ECOSYSTEMS

Chen says about the importance of her adaptation contributes to speciation – respond to rapid changes in the prior experiences in Panama. the process of one species diverging environment, their targeted work may “We realized it was probably not into two – leading to the high have a broader implication regarding a good idea to keep driving, so we biodiversity in the tropics. It also will the Earth’s ever­changing climate. parked the truck aside and took off on be the foundation for more ecological Dr. Chen’s previous studies suggested foot,’’ she recalls. “It turned out a tree and evolutionary research in the that the seeds of C. allenii germinated fall blocked the road not too far from future, according to Dr. Chen. As they right after sowing while those of C. where we parked. That is where the try to determine how plant species villosissimus germinated at the luck comes in: as we walked a couple beginning of the rainy season, about kilometers forward, we found the five months after sowing. “As our samples we needed.’’ climate becomes rather unpredictable, On campus, Misericordia University will unexpected precipitation during student researchers Jasmine the dry season induce seed germination Morningstar ’19, Nanticoke, Pa.; David of Costus villosissimus,’’ she asks Kunkel ‘19, Tamaqua, Pa., and Katie hypothetically? “Can we trick the Tota ’18, ’21, Clinton, N.J., participated plants to germinate earlier?’’ in the census of the seed germination In Misericordia’s 16­month and progress twice a week for the first seven ongoing case study, the research months and once a week thereafter, team controls environmental monitoring the seeds in the controlled conditions, including temperature, environment of the growth chamber in light and day length, but varies the Hafey­McCormick Science Hall. water availability through simulated “It really helped me see what the drought with different durations. field of research entails,’’ says Kunkel, After seven months of intense who learned about plant adaptation, census, the team is still monitoring general research methods and the seeds weekly and recording much more as a research assistant. their germination status today. The “Originally, I wanted to pursue an preliminary results suggest that it is advanced degree in microbiology, but possible to induce the early seed this research helped me realize that I germination of C. villosissimus. enjoy evolutionary ecology more. “It really taught me a lot about “Undergraduate research is very Grace F. Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor of what is involved with research,’’ important because most graduate biology, top, holds a seedling of Costus says Tota, an undergraduate biology schools are looking for more research villosissimus that she nurtured and grew in major who is planning to pursue her experience in conjunction with the the growth chamber. doctorate in physical therapy. “It is courses I took,’’ adds Kunkel, who Misericordia University student researchers, not just a research paper. There are plans to attend graduate school for from left, Katie Tota ’18, ’21, David Kunkel months, years that go into research, ’19, and assistant professor Grace F. Chen, plant evolution. Ph.D., examine Costus allenii and Costus so be when working on The ongoing study enhances villosissimus plants growing in the things because science is an scientists’ understanding of how local University’s greenhouse. ongoing process.’’ 17 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

Nicholas Sulzer ‘12 FEATURE

A natural LIFESTYLE Biology alumnus is an assistant park manager for largest complex of state parks in Pennsylvania H

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

WHITE HAVEN, Pa. – Nicholas Sulzer ’12 lives in a historic % “You live in the park, you are on call 24­7 – it is a lifestyle,’’ farmhouse on more than 15,900 prime acres of wilderness he repeats. in the middle of the former Village of Hickory Run in Carbon Driving along the access road, white oak, hickory, tulip County. This homestead, built in the late 1800s, is teeming poplar and other trees mask the forest floor from the with miles of hiking trails, waterfalls and indigenous trees, overcast sky above in late fall. The son of John and Marilyn as well as native trout, black bear, and countless other Sulzer of Lehighton, Pa., is quick to provide a colorful creatures, big and small. history lesson of Hickory Run State Park from its days It is the perfect work environment for the burly 6­foot, as a leader in the timbering and tanning industries to 3­inch Misericordia University alumnus who has been an resurrecting the name and significance of General Clay avid hunter, angler and environmentalist since childhood. Trexler, who purchased the majority of the land for the He calls the setting a way of life – others with his skillset park in the early 1900s. and interests simply see it as a rewarding career as a park Sulzer, though, is no historian as he earned his Bachelor manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from and Natural Resources (DCNR). Misericordia University. And while he knows the history of “It’s not just a career, it’s a lifestyle,’’ Sulzer says casually, Hickory Run, Lehigh Gorge and Nescopeck state parks well, while driving his DCNR­issued pickup truck along a narrow he acknowledges that he still has work to do in memorizing road leading to Boulder Field, a national natural landmark. C the maze of trails, roads, camping sites, and lodging that he 18 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU FEATURE

has been overseeing in the “One of the best Sulzer’s journey with DCNR three­park complex since things Misericordia began in 2012 as a ranger October 2016. trainee at Tobyhanna State “I chose Misericordia taught me Park. After six months at the because I knew I wanted to was a strong Monroe County facility, he be in the science field and work ethic.” started to climb the ranks Misericordia had a and gain additional well­rounded biology —Nicholas Sulzer ’12 experience in the system. A program,’’ he says. “It is very brief two­month assignment well versed in medical sciences, cellular biology and gross > at Hickory Run State Park preceded his move to western anatomy, but it also had the opportunities in the environmental Pennsylvania’s Region 2 Office in Prospect, Pa., that sciences. In high school, I was drawn to those environmental oversees operations for more than 20 state parks from science classes. I took everyone Misericordia offered. Presque Isle State Park in Erie to Ryerson Station State Park “A lot of the science curriculum also teaches very good in Richhill Township, Greene County. During his 2½ years in teamwork skills,’’ adds Sulzer, who oftentimes would study the region, he worked in every park in the region and was in Hafey­McCormick Science Hall until 3­4 a.m. with his lab an interim manager in eight of them. partners. “We had small teams for our labs and we were In addition to his operations, maintenance, visitor services encouraged to work together. The science building was and recreational activities training, Sulzer also earned very dear to us, as we spent a lot of time studying together certification in water rescue, search and rescue, traffic and working together there.’’ control, conflict management, wildlands firefighting, and An Honors Program student, Sulzer collaborated with as a law enforcement officer. fellow students and faculty mentors to take full advantage Sulzer’s road to Hickory Run State Park and his long­term of the community­based engagement at Misericordia. In career began among the same cascading waterfalls, one research project, he initiated a field study with meandering streams and beautiful forests that he manages Associate Professor Barbara McCraith, Ph.D., to examine today. A mere 30 minutes from his childhood home, the how water withdrawal from Bowmans Creek by the natural Lehighton High School graduate fished, hunted and hiked gas industry affected the health of the stream and there regularly with his family for years. It is a tradition that macroinvertebrates. With Associate Professor Anthony continues to this day. Serino, Ph.D., he participated in the University’s forest “I grew up utilizing state parks and state forests,’’ he says. fragmentation monitoring study to determine the impact “Our family vacations were to state parks. So knowing that select Marcellus Shale development had on small mammals my work is preserving this land for future generations is in Tunkhannock Township. something that really hits home and is special to me.’’ Overall, Sulzer is responsible for maintenance and clerical Sulzer remains engaged with the campus community, operations at the largest complex in the state park system. particularly the Department of Biology. He was a guest It has an annual budget of about $2.7 million and includes speaker for the inaugural Biology Day during the fall more than 25,000 acres and 43 staff. The 27­year­old semester that enabled high school students to examine supervises a staff of nine salaried and 14 seasonal employees, careers in biology and participate in experiential learning while managing and planning work for everyday operations. opportunities. “It’s definitely a big part of my life,’’ Sulzer His duties include overseeing lodging, road and beach says about his alma mater. “One of the best things maintenance to participating on committees that oversee Misericordia taught me was a strong work ethic. The long­range capital improvement projects, including degree was very challenging and difficult, but it taught me construction of a new $8 million office and visitor center, road the hard work I needed to succeed. I chose Misericordia improvements to the Day Use Area and Boulder Field, and an because of the size of the school and the one­on­one access point for hiking, biking and whitewater boating. attention with the professors.’’ , Then&Now Nicholas Sulzer ’12, an assistant park manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, collaborated with Lawrence Paddock ’12 and Jonathan Weiss ’12, ’14 on the 2012 study, Impacts of Surface Water Removal on Bowmans Creek in Wyoming County, Pa. Today, Paddock is a staff pharmacist in Horseheads, N.Y., and Weiss is a lead physician assistant for critical care and pulmonary medicine at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y. Alumni, from left, Lawrence Paddock ’12, Nicholas Sulzer ’12 and Jonathan Weiss ’12, ’14 collect data from Bowmans Creek for their study in 2012. 19 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

BY GEOFF RUSHTON SCIENCE BODY of EVIDENCE Biology graduate turns interest in medicine into a career with the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office

rowing up with parents who were both nurses, Sara Sabatino ’14 was, for as long as she can remember, interested in the medical aspects of nearly everything. However, around theG time she started thinking about what kind of career she might like to pursue, television saw a boom in forensic crime shows. “I started watching some, but I also knew they were fake,” she says. “There was a lot more going on, so I wanted to learn what went in to doing forensic work and doing autopsies.” That interest turned into a career aspiration and Sabatino, a graduate of the biology program, is now head forensic autopsy technician for the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office in Pennsylvania. In her position, she is often responsible for doing dissections for autopsies and collecting specimens. Sabatino is also the morgue manager, where she makes sure everything is running smoothly. Sara Sabatino ‘14 When her interest first piqued in a forensic science career, she had the 20 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SCIENCE

opportunity to shadow pathologists Along with her undergraduate degree family life, and of course younger and observe autopsies. “When I didn’t work and research experiences, individuals, it is terrible to think go running from the room, I thought it Sabatino says she learned how to about,” Sabatino says. was a good fit for me,” she says. study and manage time at Challenges aside, Sabatino has a Knowing she wanted to pursue a Misericordia – and the University’s career she loves – one she has long biology degree, she decided to attend cadaver lab boosted her background. dreamed of pursuing. “I’ve always Misericordia University because of the “Being able to actually get into it wanted to be in this field,” she biology program – one of the few she before I was in grad school was great explains. “Actually getting to be here found that had a gross anatomy lab – because that really cemented that that and do what I have wanted to do and small class sizes. She remembers was what I wanted to do,” she says. for forever makes me happy. I love being particularly impressed with the “It really helped. In grad school, we biology and anatomy, and I love personal touch in her acceptance did not really get to do autopsies. seeing how something minor letter, which incorporated part of her Having that background actually put happening in the body can affect essay from her application. me ahead in my class. That was the entire body.” When she found the biology amazing to have in my background.” While she is happy with what she program to be difficult at first, the In addition to her work in the is doing now, one day she would like personal relationships she was able coroner’s office, Sabatino is also to become a medicolegal death to develop with faculty members manager of the gross anatomy lab at investigator, a position that investigates encouraged her. “My freshman year, PCOM. Her responsibilities there the scene of death, medical history and I thought about leaving the program include tracking the cadavers that are other background to help determine because it was hard and it was donated to the school and working the cause of suspicious, unexplained challenging,” Sabatino admits. “But closely with the Humanity Gifts or violent deaths. I was able to talk to my professors because we were all so close and it was a small school. They were able to calm me down and it helped me Undergraduate research realize this is what I want to do, that Type the shortcut, bit.ly/cancerresearchmu, into I should be doing something your web browser or use your QR­code enabled biology­ related.” smartphone to watch a 2014 video about student During her senior year, she was one researchers, Rachel Bohn ’16, Donna Castelblanco ’14 of three students to begin working and Sara Sabatino ’14, examining the PAK­2 gene and with Professor Frank DiPino, Jr., Ph.D., its possible connection to cancer. on molecular biology research to develop a potential treatment for breast cancer. Sabatino only had one year on the project, but the Registry, which coordinates the While a graduate student, experience was invaluable. donation of bodies to science. She also Sabatino had an internship with the “Just from that one year though, meets with families to return remains Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s we got to go to a conference in New once the lab work is completed. Office that made her realize that Orleans and present there,” she says. Meanwhile, she loves her work as an could be a career path. “I found out “We presented at Misericordia for autopsy technician in the county from that I’m really nosy and I want new students. We got to pair with The coroner’s office but it is not without its to know what is going on in people’s Commonwealth Medical College (now challenges. It is not how crime shows lives and what leads to things,” she Geisinger Commonwealth School of might lead you to believe – homicide says. “I think eventually that would Medicine), so that was great to have a cases that come into the coroner’s be a good fit for me to become a collaboration with a medical school.” office are not as frequent. The office death investigator.” It was also at Misericordia that deals with five categories of death: In the meantime, Sabatino wants Sabatino met her future husband, undetermined, accidental, suicide, to help anyone who is interested in William Cooney ’12, a graduate in homicide and natural. Most of what pursuing a similar career path, and she computer science. They married in Sabatino sees are drug ­related deaths. encourages students to reach out to September 2017. “That’s about 70 percent of my her at [email protected]. She would After graduating, Sabatino went on intake,” she says, adding that nearly be glad to help others learn about to the Pennsylvania College of all of those are opioid ­related. her dream career – one in which Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), where The most difficult parts of the job Misericordia helped shape an early she earned a master’s in forensic are autopsies on young people, interest and propel her forward. medicine in 2016. She found herself suicides and homicides. “Under the “It was probably the best experience well prepared, and ahead of the curve. circumstances, it is hard to think of the I ever could have gotten,” she says. 21 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

examined an enzyme associated with breast cancer. While she said working with Dr. DiPino and her student peers, SCIENCE Rachel Bohn ’16 and Sara Sabatino Finding ’14, was a great experience, the work also helped her discover she was not interested in bench research. Driven to explore, Castelblanco BY GEOFF RUSHTON undertook some key efforts outside her way the classroom as well that guided her and left a mark at Misericordia. Interested in a career in medicine Specially tailored professional studies degree but not a biology major, Castelblanco started looking for an organization that leads alumna to career in social justice could help guide her. She discovered the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and talked with conversation with a Misericordia school turned into other potentials,” associate professor of biology Anthony University chemistry professor she says. Serino, Ph.D., about contacting changed everything for Donna She had taken pre­med students who might be interested in A Castelblanco ’14. Actually, requirements, but considered starting a Misericordia chapter with many conversations with many faculty becoming a physician assistant, nurse her. He told her it would be a lot of and staff did. Nevertheless, it all began or social worker. She thought about work, but encouraged her to try. with that first one as a first­year student. philosophy and developed a strong She was joined by biology majors The New Jersey native and interest in ethics, eventually helping Matt Essington ’14 and Anna Konstas first­generation college student came design that minor. Ultimately, she ’14 in founding the AMSA chapter and to Misericordia as an undergraduate worked with advisors to shape her Castelblanco says they were fortunate planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree interests in sciences and philosophy to receive a great deal of support from in psychology and a doctorate of into a degree and a path for her future student activities staff, administrators, physical therapy. “My first chemistry faculty and President Thomas J. course was with (Professor Charles) Botzman, Ph.D. Saladino,” Castelblanco explains. “I “Those charisms I hopefully “The reason I really wanted to do it met with him pretty frequently and he was not only to help me, but also to asked me if I ever considered medical still live and breathe, but help other students,” she says. “I school. From there a whole snowball when I was on campus I was wanted to go into medicine, but I effect of academic changes happened wasn’t sure about medical school and for me, with the support of my so passionate about them becoming a physician. It was still a mentors, faculty and staff and possibility. But I knew there were administration. A lot of my decisions and wanted to live them students at Misericordia who wanted were with the strong support of on a day­to­day basis.” to go to medical school and this was Misericordia professors and my family.” one way I could leave something at Castelblanco, though, did not go to —Donna Castelblanco ’14 Misericordia for students to find support, medical school. Her interests and not just through the biology department pursuits drove her to designing her but through other avenues, too.” degree – with faculty and staff support “I had many academic interests, so Her work as the co­founder and – in professional studies, with minors the best way for me to be able to take president also led her to establishing in ethics and chemistry. That led to a those classes and graduate in four an annual pre­medical conference at master’s degree in bioethics from the years was to do the student­developed Misericordia for high school students University of Pennsylvania and her curriculum,” she says. “So that’s how interested in careers in health position today as an associate research I graduated with a professional and medicine. coordinator on a National Institutes of studies degree.” Service has been a major part Health/National Institute on Drug Her Misericordia experiences of Castelblanco’s life. When she Abuse­funded study at New York enabled her to understand where she struggled to find her place during University Langone Health. wanted to go. During her senior year, her freshman year, she learned more “Because of that beginning she was one of three students to begin about what resident assistants do. conversation, I started looking into working with Professor Frank DiPino, It was what she was looking for, an medical school and eventually medical Jr. on molecular biology research that opportunity to support others. She 22 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SCIENCE

credits becoming an RA as part of what with coordinating webinars for After two years at Penn, she kept her at Misericordia, a decision she members. One of those was with a accepted an offer in 2016 to be was glad she made. Also playing major bioethicist, who spoke directly to associate research coordinator at NYU roles in that was the support she Castelblanco’s dual interests in Langone Health’s Department of received from her professors, and the medicine and philosophy Emergency Medicine for a clinical University’s mission of Mercy, Service, So she applied to one graduate research study at Bellevue Hospital Justice and Hospitality. school, Penn, and she applied to led by Dr. Kelly Doran. The research, “Those charisms I hopefully still live Mercy Volunteer Corps to do a year of a National Institutes of Health and and breathe, but when I was on campus service. She was accepted to both. National Institute on Drug Abuse I was so passionate about them and “Who knows where I’d be if I did K23­funded study, focuses on wanted to live them on a day­to­day Mercy Volunteer, but I hope I would be addressing homelessness, substance basis,” she says. “I wouldn’t have in just as an amazing position as I am abuse and social determinants to learned any of this if it wasn’t for the now,” she says. “But I decided to do health among adult emergency Sisters of Mercy, the professors who the master’s.” department patients. supported me and residence life.” Castelblanco did not forego the Castelblanco has been coordinating Upon graduating, Castelblanco had service, however. For her first year in three cohorts of volunteer and paid given herself two options. In addition Philadelphia, she did a year of service research assistants that conduct to being the AMSA chapter president, through AmeriCorps at the American quantitative surveys in the emergency she was also a national officer charged Red Cross while taking classes part time. department, asking about issues such as housing and other social needs. She also is primarily responsible for conducting qualitative interviews with patients who recently became homeless within the past six months. The study intends to develop a screening tool or some type of intervention to help health providers identify people who are at risk for homelessness. It is Castelblanco’s first real clinical research experience and the project appealed to her because of her interest in social justice issues and its relevance to policy. While she was initially going to be doing most of the data collection, Dr. Doran recognized her skills for managing a team. Over the past year, the 25­year­old has managed between four and 15 people at a time. Castelblanco cannot say with certainty where she wants her career to end up. She would like to pursue another master’s or a doctorate, possibly in the social sciences. She knows that her specific interests are in maternal and infant health and reproductive health – and service will always be a key component of whatever she does. “My interest in service is not something that’s a hobby for me, but Donna Castelblanco ’14 is a lifestyle and something I can’t live

is an associate research without,” she says. “I know whatever coordinator at my end goal is I want to serve my Langone Health. community, whether that’s locally or abroad.” 23 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018 U.S. Navy Lt. Megan (Yetter) Challacombe ’ 09, PA- C, MSC, USN, poses for a picture in the Hanger Bay of

SCIENCE the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN75).

B Y PA U L K R Z Y W I C K I CALL OF DUTY Biology alumna continues her family’s legacy of service to country by commissioning in the U.S. Navy as a physician assistant

etired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Service is a prominent characteristic of the Rodney Yetter has always been Yetter and Snyder families. For the better part proud of his family’s record of of the last 70 years, their family members service to God and country. His have been involved in historic conflicts and own father engaged the enemy wars from the European theatre to the Rduring World War II and his brother was mountains of Afghanistan. It is also the main aboard the USS Boston during the historic reason the Misericordia University graduate Cuban Missile Crisis as members of the chose to commission in the U.S. Navy shortly U.S. Navy. after completing graduate school and This particular day, though, was different becoming a physician assistant in 2012. for the Parachute Rigging School graduate. “While I was growing up, it was always Some 45 years after he initially put his boots fascinating to me knowing that my family on the ground at Fort Jackson, S.C., to members served,’’ says Lt. Challacombe, who prepare to ship off to DaNang, Vietnam, as a received her Bachelor of Science degree in member of the 1st Marine Airwing Division, biology with minors in chemistry and English. he returned to the U.S. Army installation near “That sacrifice always remained really close U.S. Navy Lt. Megan Columbia, S.C. Unlike last time, though, he to my heart. I knew someday I would want to (Yetter) Challacombe ’09, was not the one deploying to war – it was his serve my country.’’ PA-C, MSC, USN, daughter, Lt. Megan (Yetter) Challacombe Deciding upon what branch of the military participates in a mass casualty drill while on the ’09, PA­C, MSC, USN. was easy for Lt. Challacombe, as “Navy USS Harry S. Truman while “He is always very open and proud about Medicine takes care of Sailors and Marines,’’ she on deployment. The ship his service,’’ says Lt. Challacombe, whose says. Commissioning also provides for a well­ has more than 6,000 maternal great grandfather and paternal uncle rounded experience, as she has the opportunity people on board. also fought in World War II and Vietnam as to practice medicine in clinic, combat, rural, members of the U.S. Army. “That really stuck military hospital, and ship settings. with me that my dad and I trained at the same “It is an absolute honor to be able to serve area prior to deploying to a combat zone.’’ my country and keep servicemembers 24 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SCIENCE

healthy to be able to do the same,’’ she are great attributes in succeeding in adds. “Each day going to work, it is a graduate school, life, and the military. The reminder of the sacrifices servicemembers openness to ask questions to professors and make to keep our country free. I feel proud opportunities for research projects created a serving this great nation.’’ great learning environment.’’ Her military missions have taken Lt. In December, Lt. Challacombe received a Challacombe to Joint Base Pearl new assignment to Naval Branch Health Harbor­Hickam, Hawaii in peacetime, to the Clinic in Everett, Wash. With her military ongoing battlefields of Afghanistan, and on contract running through November 2019, board the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN75) she is excited for every new adventure and aircraft carrier in support of Operation Inherent opportunity that presents itself. Resolve. During her service, she has cared for “My Misericordia education was the active duty members, military retirees, and foundation to my educational career and military dependents at a family practice military propelled me to wanting to go to physician Misericordia University clinic, as well as active duty members in a assistant school to work in medicine and alumna Lt. Megan (Yetter) combat zone and stationed aboard the ship. overall make a difference,’’ she says. “My Challacombe ‘09, PA-C, MSC, “When I was deployed in Afghanistan, I professors loved what they were teaching USN, holds Christmas cards from her family as she poses was part of a Role II Forward Surgical Team and I think that was the best part of my for a picture in front of the that was the first echelon of surgical care Misericordia education because it made Role II Forward Surgical from the battlefield,’’ says Lt. Challacombe, learning interesting and unforgettable.” Facility in Afghanistan. who was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. “My team saw traumatic patients with multiple injuries. It is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to save lives. As a medical provider, each and every day servicemembers trust their health care to me, and it is a constant reminder of how much I love my job and the patient population I take care of.’’ Family deserves most of the credit for instilling a sense of service in Lt. Challacombe, but it did not hurt that their ideals complemented the mission of her alma mater. “When I think of Misericordia, I think of love of education and love of people, both of which are needed working in medicine,’’ says Lt. Challacombe, who married William Challacombe ’09 in 2011. “Medicine is always changing so constant education is key and, of course, you have to have a love for people to work in medicine. The values from Misericordia I still utilize.’’ She credits a lot of the success she has enjoyed as a health care professional and military officer to the personalized attention she received from faculty members who are Deployments experts in their field of study. “I loved my time in college and am so happy that I chose Lt. Megan (Yetter) Challacombe ’09, PA­C, MSC, USN, has been to get my degree from Misericordia,’’ says stationed and a part of the following deployments during her the Saylorsburg, Pa., native. “The small class career in the U.S. Navy: sizes provided a more one­on­one class 2012­15: Joint Base Pearl Harbor­Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii atmosphere, which allowed for more learning opportunities. The professors cared about 2013­14: Afghanistan your success and the biology department 2015­17: Stationed on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN75), Norfolk, Va. was like a family. 2015­16: Deployment with CVN75 “The classroom environment elicited critical thinking and problem solving, which 2017­present: Naval Branch Health Clinic Everett, Everett, Wash. 25 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

Property acquisition, demolition mark start of beautification project on Lake Street

Misericordia University began on Route 415. It will feature a pocket a beautification project in park with matching downtown downtown Dallas Borough pathway lighting, sidewalks and

CONSTRUCTION on Sept. 28 that resulted in green space. The added amenities the demolition of blighted will give way to a parking lot and properties and the creation of additional parking behind the Old green space and parking near House Café at 34 Lake St., and the the entrance of Lake Street. Misericordia University­owned Arts The University purchased 24, Studio at 50 Lake St., until it reaches 30 and 32 Lake Street and the existing parking surface at John Top: Demolition ancillary structures in August 2016. crews remove J. Passan Hall at 100 Lake St., home The structures formally housed a beer foundations and of the College of Health Sciences distributor, a commercial property, and clear debris at and Education. a private family house. Misericordia the entrance to The project will create about also purchased the former Himmler Lake Street. 70 parking spaces for the campus Theater, 48 Lake St., and a small Right: The former community and offer a welcoming and Himmler Theater’s vacant lot in July 2016. attractive streetscape to campus and walls are torn down. The University opened sealed bids the downtown business district. It also for the demolition of the structures on contractor completed asbestos removal will safely tie Machell Avenue, where Sept. 1 and awarded the contract to in some structures. Misericordia owns a student residence Stell Enterprises. The demolition The beautification project begins at hall at 10 Machell Ave., to Lake Street project and site cleanup was completed the end of Lake Street where it meets with additional lighting and a Oct. 5. Prior to demolition, a university the construction of the roundabout pedestrian crosswalk.

University purchases house and Olde House Café on Lake Street

The University purchased the Olde Unlike the properties around House Café at 34 Lake St., Dallas lower Lake Street, the University Borough, in November after the will preserve the structure in its owners approached the institution to present state until it makes a final gauge their interest in the transaction. determination on how best to Adam and Sara Wise were renting to utilize it for the campus and Misericordia closed own the coffee house for more than borough communities. A former on the property at two years. Misericordia bought the residence, the repurposed 33 Lake Street in contents of the building from the restaurant is more than 100 years December. couple and purchased the structure old and offers two stories of space, The University from David and Elaine Weaver. including a basement. It sits on purchased the Overall, the popular downtown one­quarter acre of land. Olde House Café restaurant offered breakfast, brunch “The town­and­gown relationship in November. and lunch for about 17 years. The last we enjoy with Dallas Borough In mid­December, the University also day of business for the Olde House officials and the surrounding business closed on a more than 100­year­old Café was Nov. 10. community is important to Misericordia residence at 33 Lake Street, next to In recent years, the University has University,’’ said Mark Van Etten, the popular restaurant, Pizza Bella. acquired several parcels of real estate vice president of finance and Misericordia purchased the home from along Lake Street that became administration. “We will consult with the estate of Harry Gallagher, M.D., available due to varying circumstances. them and the various constituencies on and his wife, Eileen Gallagher ’39. The University negotiated a sale price campus to determine how to best use It has not been determined how for the restaurant after securing a structure. I am confident the outcome the University will utilize the market appraisal for the property. will please everyone.’’ 2,612­square­foot structure. 26 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU CONSTRUCTION

Archway’s splendor restored; regular traffic patterns return

With restoration of the historic structure for damage and designing a enables the archway to welcome many archway complete, traditional traffic preservation plan to restore it to its more students, friends and visitors to patterns resumed on campus following original grandeur. Designed by noted campus,’’ President Thomas J. the Thanksgiving holiday recess. architect F. Ferdinand Durang of New Botzman, Ph.D., said. “The University In June, Masonry Preservation York, N.Y., in the 1930s, years of is grateful for the attention to detail Services, Inc., of Bloomsburg, Pa., weather took its toll on the specially that Masonry Preservation Services began the delicate process of designed terra cotta, masonry, brick, exhibited while undertaking this examining the Tudor Gothic­styled bluestone and structural elements. important project and to the many Surrounded by scaffolding for nearly generous people who contributed in six months, the restoration process support of the arch’s capital campaign.’’ for the arch required the removal of Anyone interested in supporting the backup and decorative bricks, cupolas, fund to finance the project can log on arch sections, terra cotta, the symbolic to www.misericordia.edu/arch or call Mercy cross, and more before using (570) 674­8027 to make a gift. original and newly manufactured “The restored arch looks more materials to retain the historic fabric of beautiful than ever,’’ said Susan the University’s icon. Baut Studios in Helwig, M.S., vice president of UA. Swoyersville, Pa., also refurbished the “Donor support has ensured that historic copper lanterns that illuminate Misericordia’s iconic structure the entranceway of the arch. continues to be the welcoming entry The restoration project required for another century. Thank you to motorists to utilize new traffic patterns every person who made a gift.’’ along Townhouse Road, Misericordia Way and Baggot Street. Type the shortcut, The archway University Advancement (UA) rallied bit.ly/muarchrestoration17 restoration alumni and friends around the project into your web browser or project began in order to fund the effort. The arch use your QR-code enabled in June and was was the beneficiary of Misericordia’s smartphone to watch a completed in video about the November. annual Day of Giving on Sept. 24. restoration of the historic arch. “The successful restoration project

Construction timeline on schedule for newest academic building

The $3.5 million project to repurpose faculty, administration and staff, and rehabilitate a building formerly a lecture hall with seating for 36 belonging to Mercy Center and the students, a conference room Sisters of Mercy into a state­of­the art for 10, student lounges, and a academic building remains on schedule kitchenette. In addition, the The former Trocaire building is for a spring completion date. facility features four examination being repurposed into office, Misericordia is adding the building rooms and a more than classroom and laboratory space. to the campus footprint in order to add 1,800­square­foot patient faculty offices and expand academic assessment clinical skills laboratory A lecture hall and skills laboratory classroom, laboratory and conference for students majoring in the health occupy the 3,000­square­foot addition space. The University purchased the and medical sciences fields. to the south side of the existing two­story, 14,000­square­foot building Work began on the vacant building structure. The repurposing project also in June 2016. in late fall 2016, as contractors required the University to add a new By adding the 34th building to the disconnected electrical service from entryway and elevator to the former campus community, immediately the Mercy Center complex and added office building for the Sisters of Mercy. behind and to the left of it to the University’s power grid. The overall design of the newest Hafey­McCormick Science Hall, Interior demolition began in May and building ensures it complements other Misericordia is gaining 23 offices for general construction started in June. structures on campus. 27 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

ROAD LESS TRAVELED SCIENCE Alumna becomes U.S. Naval physician to realize lifelong dream of becoming an anesthesiologist

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI Japan. hospital. In between Misericordia University Jamaica. and Portsmouth, though, Koch has seen and Guyana. experienced more than most as she strives And Australia. to fulfill a nearly lifelong goal of becoming Those countries simply are not dots on a an anesthesiologist. Krista Koch ’08, globe to U.S. Navy Lt. Krista Koch ’08, D.O. The road to realizing a childhood dream D.O. Rather, they are reminders that serve her well began at Misericordia University in the as the Baldwinsville, N.Y., native remembers biology program, thanks largely to an where she has been and where hard work annual $14,500 scholarship award from the BIOLOGY and perseverance can take her in life. institution. Those four years of undergraduate Today, Dr. Koch is an anesthesia resident at study enabled her to get another step closer the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va., to her ultimate career goal, while also the U.S. Navy’s oldest, continuously­operating enabling her to experience serving others in Jamaica and Guyana with Campus Ministry. “If I had not received support from U.S. Navy Lt. Krista Koch Misericordia, I would have had to consider ’08, D.O., sets up an operating room in other options for my undergraduate career,’’ Norfolk, Va. She earned says Dr. Koch, a summa cum laude graduate her bachelor’s degree who received the Robert Anderson and Board in biology from of Trustees awards at Misericordia in Misericordia. recognition of her academic accomplishments in pre­medicine and best exemplifying the institution’s ideals. “I would have had to give up my hope for attending a small liberal arts college in exchange for a larger public school.’’ In 2012, she completed medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glen Head, N.Y., and soon began another adventure. Dr. Koch joined the U.S. Navy as a physician in Portsmouth as a transitional intern through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. The internship provided her with a well­rounded experience in practicing medicine throughout the fleet, while also lessening the financial burden of medical school. Flight surgery training took the daughter of William and Janice Koch to Iwakuni, Japan, in 2013 where she was stationed with the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 Marauders (MALS­12). As the squadron flight surgeon, Dr. Koch was responsible for the medical needs of more than 450 Marines and sailors. “I received medical training to help understand the physiological process of flying to allow me to better serve those working in or around aircraft,’’ she says, explaining the specialty field. “After 28 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SCIENCE

attending medical school and my internship, this was definitely a nice break from the rigorous lifestyle of studying and hospital life. It also allowed me to gain confidence in myself as an independent practitioner with my own patient load.’’ It also offered additional opportunity for Dr. Koch, who accompanied the Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA(AW)­242) to the Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, for a flying exercise aboard an F/A­18 Hornet supersonic combat jet. “It allowed me to work very closely with the pilots,’’ says Dr. Koch, who completed her tour with MALS­12 in May 2015. Since June 2015, Dr. Koch has been working to complete her anesthesia at Portsmouth. She graduates in June 2018. With graduation comes a promotion and a new duty station that will be determined later. “2018 is going to be a big year,’’ she says. “Graduation from residency, moving to a U.S. Navy Lt. Krista Koch ’08, new duty station, and D.O., an anesthesia resident at the Naval Medical Center promotion to lieutenant in Portsmouth, Va., commander.’’ participated in a flying Somehow, that whirlwind exercise aboard an F/A -18 tour seemingly around the Hornet supersonic combat jet world and places in between with VMFA(AW)- 242. began in grade school with an interest in medicine. “I had kind of learner I was, but also how surgery when I was in high school,’’ to be a leader – two aspects of life If I had not received Dr. Koch reflects, “and the that have proven fruitful in the past (financial) support from anesthesiologist made an impact 10 years. Misericordia, I would have had on me. Since then, I knew that is “The best aspect of my Misericordia “ the field to pursue.’’ experience was the relationships to to consider other options for Moreover, Misericordia and its include faculty, friends and staff, alike,’’ my undergraduate career. I scholarship award played a big role in adds Dr. Koch, who also received a her being four short months away from Leadership Award from her alma mater would have had to give up my realizing her dream. “Misericordia was for exhibiting that quality on campus. hope for attending a small perfect for my learning style,’’ she “The fact that you were not just a acknowledges. “The small class sizes number was something that I truly liberal arts college in exchange and personal attention from all the appreciated. When I think back to my for a larger public school. science faculty was what helped me to four years in Dallas, I was never alone grow and develop as a student as well and always had the opportunity to as a person. I learned not only what meet new people and stay involved.’’ — U.S. Navy Lt. Krista Koch, ’08 ” 29 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

PLAYBOOK FOR SUCCESS PEOPLE Communications alumnus turns campus opportunity into nationwide business

BY PAUL KRZYWICKI

Ray Kroc, the American Peruso, the president of Next Level Video. “We build John Peruso ’10 businessperson who built elevated filming towers on the fields and courts, so whether McDonald’s into a nationwide you are on Field 1 in the stadium or Field 14 in the middle of empire, had a simple motto – a sod farm, you have a professional, elevated perspective.’’ COMMUNICATIONS “The two most important His talent, expertise and drive has enabled the business to requirements for major success continue to flourish, but he acknowledges his success is are: first, being in the right place rooted at Misericordia. That first job led to him producing at the right time, and second, doing something about it.’’ his initial recruiting video, albeit for his younger brother, Misericordia University alumnus John Peruso ’10 knows a thing or two about happenstance and acting on it accordingly. A fortuitous encounter while on a class assignment off campus set in motion a series of events that ultimately launched his career as an entrepreneur, videographer and dealmaker. As part of the curriculum for the Department of Mass Communications and Design, students are required to work with a real client in the Back Mountain business community. In this case, Peruso and his production team chose to develop and produce a video for the popular Chinese restaurant, Peking Chef. The assignment involved on­site preparations, videography, editing and other technical aspects required to produce a professional video for the client, including an itemized mock bill. A customer at Peking Chef, impressed with the student production team, passed his business card along to Peruso, seeking a professionally produced video for his business venture. “Next Level Video was founded right there on campus in Dallas, Pennsylvania,’’ Peruso announces proudly. “The first time I needed to submit an invoice is when I realized, ‘shoot,’ I need a name. I remember vividly sitting in John Peruso ’10 the mezzanine computer lab with my roommate editing and trying to think of a name. I eventually gave up and as a joke who landed a partial scholarship for a Division I lacrosse my roommate said, ‘just call it Next Level Video – take your program without the coach ever seeing him play in person. game to the Next Level.’ Shortly thereafter, the requests continued at a breakneck “I didn’t love it – and I still don’t – but I had a deadline and pace while he still was a communications student. used it, but hey it worked out. I logged into legalzoom.com, “Individualized attention,’’ he says, matter­of­factly, formed an LLC, and Next Level Video was born.’’ about the key to his collegiate experience. “I am one of four Peruso earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in children in my family, all with completely different college communications while also establishing himself in the experiences. This allowed me to see firsthand how beneficial field. Next Level Video quickly grew from that happenstance small class sizes are, compared to larger schools. When I encounter in the Back Mountain to a nationwide business showed up to plan classes, my advisors had a pre­set list of model that produces collegiate recruiting videos for classes they thought I would really enjoy. Everything I went elite high school athletes and employs hundreds of to, I was greeted by name – even things so minor as being camera operators, six full­time employees, multiple greeted in the dining hall makes you feel important. interns and seasonal full­time associates. “It also allowed us to receive a more personalized “We film elite high school recruiting events. We put a education,’’ adds the Warwick, N.Y., native, who uses a lot of camera on every field and film every single game,’’ says sport analogies. “It was like having a personal trainer for 30 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE

private lessons, all the time. We learned more in­depth than just the general coursework.’’ Recruiting videos are big business, and newcomers come and go every year. In order to remain ahead of the competition, Peruso is constantly improving the product and increasing the company’s products, services and technology. “We have always been two steps ahead of everyone,’’ he says. “Everything from the custom e­commerce platform and video file delivery system we developed and built, to the cutting edge isolation graphics used on the recruiting reels.’’ Customers can purchase video of the complete game, unedited copies or an edited package, complete with isolation graphics and effects that point out the targeted athletes on each play. For more information about Next Level Video, please log on to www.Next­Level­Video.com. “I just had a great time (at Misericordia),’’ says Peruso, who also was a member of the men’s lacrosse and cross country teams. “Cool environment, great experiences with athletics, excellent curriculum and guidance. “Dr. (Melissa) Sgroi had a huge impact on me. She drove This (personalized attention) allowed me to into us the value of hard work and focused more on the see firsthand how beneficial small class sizes are, prep work for success in the real world. Everything from her forcing us to learn the proper way to write a resume and “compared to larger schools. interview, to her high standards on all work, she was just full of life and in the end really cared that we succeeded.” ”— John Peruso ’10,

Next Level Video personnel, pictured here and above, shoot game action for recruiting videos. 31 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

NOTES ALUMNI NEWS CLASS For more information about alumni events and news, visit misericordia.edu/alumni NOTES

Stay in touch with friends and classmates CLASS Connecting MU to you by posting updates about your career, family via modern technology and other noteworthy accomplishments on cougarconnect.misericordia.edu or It is an exciting time to be Alumni at facebook.com/ MisericordiaAlumni. Please Misericordia University. submit Class Notes to [email protected]. Imagine being able to re ­connect with the Misericordia campus while sitting in bed on a snowy Mark Oberstaedt ’ 89 February morning in your pajamas. The Alumni 1960 Board and the Alumni Office are now working together to bring the campus Betty Tomolaitis DiAndriole ’60 and to you through the use of modern technology. This fall, the Alumni Office her husband, Frank, of Naples, Fla., partnered with Athletics to invest in new hardware that will significantly celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary increase our ability to livestream and archive sporting and other events with a 40­day cross­country road trip that at the University and make them available online for our Alumni. covered 11,300 miles. The couple visited 24 states, with overnight stays in 18 Whether it is a game, lecture, concert or a specialty program, you will soon different states with family and friends, be able to watch Misericordia campus events in your own home on your and at national parks, monuments, historic computer, smart TV, or mobile phone. The programming will phase in over sites and tourist attractions. Only one time, so keep an eye out on social media and elsewhere to learn when and more state is needed to complete how you can get connected. seeing all 50 – Alaska! It is also a particularly exciting time to be on the Alumni Board of Directors. In September, the Executive Board unanimously decided to transform the 1968 Board of Directors into a “working” board, which means that our committees Virginia McDermott Corcoran ’68 and used their time at our October meeting to set measureable goals and the her husband, John, celebrated their steps needed to accomplish them. Taking advantage of technology, the 50th wedding anniversary. Married Nov. Committees plan to meet between ­our on campus work sessions to move 17, 1967 at the former St. Therese Church in South Wilkes­Barre, Pa., by their plans forward. the late Rev. William Wheeler, the Our Athletics Committee, for example, has set a goal of inviting back sports couple has two sons, attorney John P. teams that achieved major milestones to honor them on campus in front of Corcoran Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa., and the home crowd one more time. It will be very special to welcome back our Michael J. Corcoran, Broomall, Pa., and championship teams – such as the 2012 Women’s Final Four soccer team or any three grandchildren, Sofia, Gabrielle one of the six women’s softball teams that hall of fame coach Charlotte Slocum and Dominic Corcoran. Dr. Virginia Corcoran, the daughter of the late Neil guided to Pennsylvania Athletic Conference championships – and see them and and Virginia McDermott, was born and their families back on the same campus that gave them so many memories. raised in South Wilkes­Barre. A As we move forward together, we envision our working committees graduate of College Misericordia, she designing alumni ­specific content for our streaming service. Programs such as holds advanced degrees from lectures intended for alumni in a specific field, workshops on changing careers Marywood College and a doctorate from Temple University. Dr. Corcoran is or getting back into the workforce, or even virtual tours of the art gallery, are a registered dietitian, and served on all possible if we combine ­the “old school” Mercy charism of Service with the faculties at Penn State, Scranton, and is new world of technology. retired from the . We welcome all motivated Alumni who want to join this dynamic group to reach out to the Alumni Office and let us know your interest. If you are driven to serve our alma mater in new and exciting ways, we would love to hear from you.

Misericordia Proud,

Mark Oberstaedt ’89 3232 Alumni Board President PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU CLASS

William graduated with a degree in Relive winter commencement by looking through sport management. The couple resides NOTES the special photo album at bit.ly/mugraddec17 in Everett, Wash.

To celebrate the occasion, the couple the senior director of online marketing and their family had a Mass at St. at Web.com in Drums, Pa., and 2010 Elizabeth Church, Bear Creek, Pa., Jacksonville, Fla. The couple traveled to Lurae Brophy ’10 celebrated by their former pastor and the Eastern Caribbean for their and his wife, friend, the Rev. James Alco, followed honeymoon. They reside in Kingston, Melissa, welcomed by a reception for family and friends at Pa., with their dog, Lily, and cat, Sam. their daughter, Abigail Grace, on the Holiday Inn, East Mountain. They Alison Odell Hudzinski July 26, 2017. also participated in the Jubilee Mass ’08 and her husband, at the Scranton Diocese, where they Don, welcomed their Joshua Wascura ’10 and Mia Collarini renewed their nuptial vows in the first baby boy, Michael were married Oct. 15, 2016. Joshua is spring. An additional celebration Edward, on March 19, employed by Lackawanna County was a fall foliage cruise in October 2017. Department of Elections. A reception in New England and Canada. was held at Montdale Country Club, Leah Steele Jermyn, Pa. Holmberg '08 and 2002 her husband, Joseph, Elwood (Woody) Hungarter ’02, welcomed their 2011 R.N., B.S.N., M.S., has been named the daughter, Kinsley Anthony Calvello ’11 and Ann Marie Chief Operating Officer for VNA Rose Holmberg, O’Holla were married Oct. 15, 2016. Philadelphia. Most recently, Hungarter Dec. 1, 2016. Anthony is a physical therapist and was the administrator of HCR Manor center manager at Select Physical Care/ Heartland Therapy in Lebanon, Pa. Following a Home Care and 2009 honeymoon in St. Lucia, the couple Heather McAndrew ’09 and Robert Hospice in Blue Bell, resides in Palmyra, Pa. Pa., where he was Webb were married during an outdoor Monica Winshel responsible for the ceremony on July 1, 2017. Heather is a DePaolo ’11 and success of the agency special education teacher at the Pittston Joseph DePaolo by every measure. Area School District, Pittston, Pa. The couple honeymooned in Aruba, and ’10 and proud big currently reside in Pittston Township. brother, Joey, welcomed their 2004 Lesley Warren Banks ’09 and her second child, Katie Barnett ’04 made a presentation husband welcomed a baby girl, Lola Michael Stephen in July about co­teaching elementary Banks, on July 9, 2017. DePaolo, on Nov. students in the virtual model at Megan Yetter ’09 17, 2017. BbWorld17 National Conference in and William New Orleans. La., with colleague, Challacombe ’09 Continued on next page Christy Kotwica. The educational were married Dec. session focused on a circular teaching 2011 in Naples, model the teachers use in their online Fla. She earned her classroom for first­grade students. She undergraduate has been a cyber­school teacher at PA degree in biology Virtual Charter School in King of with minors in Prussia, Pa., for 11 years. chemistry and English before completing graduate 2008 school to be a physician assistant. Carol McIntyre Fahnestock ’08, ’14 accepted a new position as the Paralegal/Board of Trustees Governance Liaison at the Lehigh Valley Misericordia Proud! Health Network at corporate Misericordia Proud! is an alumni referral headquarters in center­city Allentown, program that affords the applicant a waiver Pa. Carol will be responsible for of the standard $25 application fee and a supporting the chief legal officer as well one­time $1,000 alumni grant that will as the LVHN Board of Trustees. be applied to first­semester tuition. For Alicia Magda ’08 and Ryan Pringle more information, please log on to were married Sept. 17, 2016. Alicia is misericordia.edu/MUProud. 33 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

Continued from previous page

NOTES Look for your friends and family in this special homecoming photo album at 2012 bit.ly/muhomecoming2017 Rachel Richards ’12, ’15 and Johnny Glowaniak were married Sept. 3, 2016. CLASS Rachel is a physical therapist at Genesis Rehabilitation. The couple resides in Nanticoke, Pa. Nicole Flaherty ’12, ’15 and Kyle Emerick were married June 25, 2016. Nicole is employed by the Hanover Area School District as a second and third grade learning support teacher. The couple resides in Wilkes­Barre, Pa., with their dog, Kolby. Chelsea Wilson ’12, ’17 and Nicholas DeFebo were married Aug. 20, 2016. Chelsea is employed as a registered nurse by Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton, Pa. The couple resides in West Pittston, Pa. Krystal Burford ’12 and Brett Ford ’11 were married in a double­ring Winter commencement marshals, first row from left, are Heather Fritz ’97, Marilyn DeHaven ’06; Maureen Rinehimer, Colleen Newhart ’75, ’09; Tiffany Wiernusz ’04, and Amy Caruso ’05, ceremony on June 3. Krystal is a ’12; second row, Bridget Guarnieri ’15; Jessica Randall; Adam Grzech ’13, ’17; Matthew registered nurse in labor and delivery at Hinton; and Thomas Sweetz ’10, grand marshall. , Rochester, N.Y. Kurt is the assistant director of athletic communications and media forensic autopsy relations at SUNY Genesco. After a technician for the 2013 honeymoon to Italy, the couple resides Montgomery County Michael Butry ’13 and Loren Gorgol in Genesco, N.Y. Coroner’s Office and were married June 17, 2017. The manager of the gross Stephanie May couple resides at their home in anatomy laboratory at ’12, a graduate of Wilkes­Barre, Pa., with their cat, Dora. Philadelphia College the Occupational Jenna Georgia ’13 and Matthew Silverman of Osteopathic Therapy program were married Sept. 9, 2017. The ceremony Medicine. He is a and former and reception were held at the Delaware software developer for captain of the Water Gap Country Club in Pennsylvania, Aramark. The couple met while running cheerleading where the couple celebrated with family cross­country for Misericordia. They live team, made the and friends. Misericordia alumna, Krystal in Philadelphia, Pa. cheerleading Ford ’12 was one of the matrons of honor. team for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2017­2018 NFL season. ALUMNI WEEKEND 2018 Callie Whitesell ’12 and Albert Gensel J U N E 1 ­ 2 III were married Oct. 15, 2016. The Re g is t er o n line : co u g a rc o n n e c t . m is eri c o r d i a.e d u / aw 1 8 couple led their own ceremony with a self­uniting service. Callie is employed DATE! by the Canton Area School District. The couple resides in Canton, Pa. Sara Sabatino ’14 and William

Cooney ’12 were married Sept. 2 THE at East Mountain Holiday Inn, Wilkes­Barre, Pa., and honeymooned in Hawaii. Sara earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and William, received his Bachelor of Science in computer science. She is the head SAVE 34 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU IN MEMORIAM

1939 Margaret Thomas Holland 1959 Roberta Reilly Norton 1984 July 31, 2017 Nov. 10, 2017 Eileen M. Kane Gallagher Marianne Kase Donald Kemmerer June 16, 2017 1952 April 6, 2017 Diane Papp Bank Nov. 26, 2017 Mary E. Marlowe June 12, 2017 Sister Mary Magdalena Patricia McGuire Gill 1987 Oct. 12, 2017 Parker, RSM Oct. 29, 2017 1969 Cynthia Donlan 1942 Sept. 8, 2017 Kathleen Whitaker Daniels 1960 July 4, 2017 Catherine Sawicki McGavin June 12, 2017 1953 Maryanne Murphy Prentice Sept. 10, 2017 Claire Fielder Karpov Mary Dougherty Kane Dorothy P. Sheraski June 22, 2017 July 20, 2017 Lois Siegfried McEnrue Feb. 14, 2016 July 22, 2017 Doris V. Tuman Sept. 17, 2017 Elissa Gubitosa Warner 1989 Norma Moses Steck Aug. 7, 2017 1944 Nov. 19, 2017 Oct. 16, 2017 Amy Staskiewicz Aungst Anne E. King Irene Savage Davison 1970 Oct. 30, 2017 1954 Nov. 6, 2017 Sept. 28, 2017 Kathleen M. VanderHeijden Rosemary A. Gimble 1990 1961 Sept. 2, 2017 1946 Gorman Kevin Walker Margaret Ann McAneny Eleanor Ann Fahey Bryant Sept. 8, 2017 1975 McGraw Nov. 16, 2017 Aug. 16, 2017 Elaine Kutza Czarnecki M. Claire McGarry Alpaugh July 20, 2017 Feb. 18, 2016 1991 1948 July 1, 2017 Sister Mary Angelica Bove, Catherine Butler Mould 1976 Stanley Mark Charnick DM Oct. 17, 2017 1955 Deborah DeBonis Oct. 12, 2017 Virginia Tracey ’55 Nov. 11, 2017 1950 Dec. 3, 2017 Aug. 23, 2017 1999 Mary Jane McGonegal 1962 1979 JoAnn Linker Metzger Felicia Miller Tabor Aug. 20, 2017 1956 Mariann M. Houseweart Aug. 30, 2017 Nov. 13, 2017 Catherine Dougherty Gillen Alice Sieczkowski Kennedy Sept. 27, 2017 Aug. 28, 2016 2001 Aug. 20, 2017 1963 1980 Bonnie Wydick Oldham Florence J. Uhlinger Emory 1957 Marianne R. Baloga Karen Wills Dormio Sept. 8, 2017 Sept. 9, 2017 Jean Janowski Novak Sept. 6, 2017 Oct. 8, 2017 1951 Nov. 18, 2017 1964 1983 2004 Jeanne M. Tully Purcell Anna E. Yurkoski B. Carol Brin Shupp Sheila Blockus Marusak Janet Ann Zelna June 8, 2017 Nov. 20, 2017 Aug. 22, 2017 Nov. 6, 2017 Nov. 2, 2017

Rankings highlight academic quality, service and affordability

Misericordia University’s ascent for people in an environment in the national collegiate where all are welcome.’’ rankings continued during In addition, Misericordia is the 2017­18 academic year, on MONEY Magazine’s as U.S. News & World 2017­18 Best Colleges list, the Report, Princeton Magazine second highest ranked college and Money Magazine in Luzerne and Lackawanna recognized the institution. counties. Misericordia earned a MU is ranked 41st out of 145 ranking of 261 out of the 711 schools colleges and universities in the top tier highest ranked institution in the region. listed, climbing 222 places in the of the Best Regional Universities North MU has climbed 26 places in the national ranking since 2015. category of U.S. News & World rankings since 2007. The Princeton Review also Report’s 2018 edition of Best Colleges. “The Misericordia community is recognized MU as one of the top The annual report also named grateful for the national recognition colleges in the northeastern United Misericordia a Best Value, ranking it that comes with these annual States, based on excellent academics 24th among the Regional Universities collegiate rankings,’’ said President and the results of student surveys North Schools. The added ranking Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D. “More about their collegiate experiences. takes into account a university’s importantly, we are excited about the “As a campus where all are academic quality, net cost of possibilities that higher education welcome, we are happy to have our attendance and raking in the top tier. affords everyone. Through our volunteer students applaud our friendly and In addition, MU is in 23rd place in the efforts, study abroad programs and supportive atmosphere and recognize ranking for Best Colleges for Veterans. rigorous academic programs, the dedication, academic expertise In U.S. News & World Report’s Misericordia fosters intellectual and nurturing nature of our faculty and report, Misericordia is the second curiosity, critical thinking, and respect staff,” said Dr. Botzman.” 35 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

TIMELESS MEMORIES Classmates to honor memory of Bettsi Jaeger ’68

MEMORIAM with 50th Anniversary Clock on campus IN

The Misericordia Class of 1968 is turning the sadness of losing one of its most stalwart alumnae into a project that will benefit the campus for years to come. In memory of Eileen “Bettsi” Jaeger ’68, her classmates and friends are raising funds to place a Class of 1968 50th Anniversary Clock in the heart of campus, in the area between Mercy Hall and the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library. Organizers believe the clock will be a great way to assure the Class of 1968 will always have a timeless landmark on campus. Volunteers are working to raise the $25,000 needed to make the 12­foot­tall project a reality. Considered by many to be Misericordia’s most dedicated alumna, Jaeger passed away at her home in Norwalk, Conn., on Nov. 15, 2016. The Eileen ‘Bettsi’ E. Jaeger native turned down an offer from Cornell University to Sept. 25, 1946 – Nov. 15, 2016 major in nutrition at Misericordia and made the most of her collegiate experience. In a 2014 interview, she credited Misericordia with the opportunity to develop life­long friendships that molded her character. Jaeger was a long­time member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and an active Class Agent, using her out­going personality to rally classmates to attend alumni activities and support philanthropy projects. Her Weekend on June 1­2. Jaeger is Class of 1968 historically has had the largest participation survived by several cousins rate at class­specific functions. and countless friends. When Maria Grilli Gatta ’68, class president, took ill in Donations in her name 2005, Jaeger was among those who sprang to action. “A may be made out to group of us came together at the funeral and decided to Misericordia University, start a scholarship in Maria’s name,” she said. “Before we with Bettsi’s Clock in left, we were on our way to endowing a scholarship for a the memo line, and student in the Women With Children program, a mission sent to Development close to Maria’s heart.” Office, 301 Lake St., Jaeger was among the classmates who started the Class Dallas, Pa., 18612. of ’68 Scholarship in 2008. “A committee of classmates Any money raised makes the decision as to who the recipient is each year,” beyond what is Jaeger proudly explained. In 2013, classmates turned the needed for the clock tables and surprised their honorary leader with the will go to the Class of formation of the Bettsi E. Jaeger’68 Scholarship during their ‘68 Scholarship. 45th Reunion. “I’ve never been more surprised,” she stated with a smile. A member of the Heart of Mercy Society, Jaeger was a vocal advocate and encouraged fellow alumni to include Misericordia in their estate planning. “Our class is the University’s best class because of Bettsi. Her drive and sense of humor helped us all to stay in touch,” DONATIONS commented Louise Peele ’68, committee member and The Class of 1968 welcomes friend. “By helping the University Advancement staff with donations to the 50th Anniversary their projects, she felt she was making a difference.” Clock Fund, which will place a clock, The Alumni Office is planning to hold a dedication of the similar to the one pictured, near the clock during the Class of 1968’s 50th Reunion during Alumni center of the upper campus. 36 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SERVICE

Misericordia University volunteers, first row from left, Doctor of Physical Therapy students Lauren Malick ’15, ’18, Ringtown, Pa.; Kelly Keener ’15, ’18, Pittston, Pa., and Kayla Hope ’15, ’18, gain new perspectives and clinical skills Tamaqua, Pa.; second row, Kelsey Frasier ’15, ’18, Clementon, N.J., and Kelcey Langan ’15, ’18, while volunteering at FOR U Stroke Scranton, Pa.; third row, Gabrielle Van Mater ’15, ’18, Wrightstown, N.J.; Shelley Black ’15, ’18, Hanover Camp in Jamaica B Y PA U L K R Z Y W I C K I Twp., Pa.; Samantha Partington ’15, ’18, Fogelsville, Pa.; Heather Fritz, P.T., D.P.T., assistant professor of physical therapy; Adam Wasiakowski ’15, ’18, For graduate students in the growth and have a different outlook on Mountain Top, Pa., and Trever Reed ’15, ’18, 6½­year Doctor of Physical Therapy life,’’ says Reed, who had never before Gaithersburg, Md., pose for a picture at the Friends of the Redeemer United’s Stroke Camp in Top Hill, Program at Misericordia University, the participated in a service trip. “I felt like St. Elizabeth, Jamaica in late summer. Friends of the Redeemer United’s this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.’’ (FOR U) Stroke Camp in Top Hill, St. It turns out the Gaithersburg, Md., Elizabeth, Jamaica offers a little native was correct, as the Sept. 2­7 to get out of that particular day – before something for everyone at the service mission revealed a new side of eventually breaking out into song, beginning of the fall semester: himself in addition to testing his skills as complete with a Jamaican­reggae beat. Personal growth, clinical experience a promising physical therapist. “I “Every day of my life, I am blessed, I and camaraderie probably are near the became more spiritual after the trip,’’ am blessed,’’ the 10 Misericordia top of every volunteer’s wish list. Reed acknowledges. “Every morning we students sang, harmonizing the chorus Misericordia University student Trever would start with praise and devotion.’’ of their favorite praise­and­devotion Reed ’15, ’18 signed up for the service Those moments of reflection with the song on campus while recounting their opportunity after participating in an collegian volunteers, faculty, patients individual experiences in Jamaica. informational session on campus, and FOR U staff members oftentimes “When I wake up in the morning, till believing it would provide a unique resembled a nondenominational sermon I lay my head to rest, I am blessed, experience. “I thought it was a chance to during a church service. In these I am blessed …’’ get out of my comfort zone and instances, they reflected on the moment experience some type of personal ahead of them, and what they wanted Continued on next page 37 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

‘I am blessed...’ strengthening his left arm and fine tuning his balance. “One of Continued from previous page the main things we focused on

SERVICE Hurricane Irma might have cut short when treating our patients was their service trip in the Caribbean Sea their goals and what they wanted by a number of days, but it did little to to do. We adjusted our therapy dampen their enthusiasm for the treatment to meet their goals.’’ experience abroad. Misericordia’s A truck driver, Frank’s stroke students provided intense physical affected the left side of his body, therapy to seven Jamaican stroke leaving him with poor balance and patients with myriad conditions at weakness in his limbs. It took two years FOR U Stroke Camp. The nonprofit of therapy before he was able to climb organization relies on volunteers, into his truck independently. Sally’s especially collegians, to provide limitations resulted in trouble therapeutic services to the underserved performing routine activities and daily populations in remote areas of Jamaica. living chores because of an impinged The students formed two­person nerve in her shoulder. She had a simple, teams to examine their assigned albeit important, goal: To be able to patients and develop individualized iron her grandchild’s school clothes. treatment plans to reduce pain, “I had a hard time not crying that promote free movement and restore day,’’ says Lauren Malick ’15, ’18, who function by utilizing various workstations provided the clinical expertise addressing balance, gait, upper and that helped Frank climb back lower extremities, and more in into his truck. “Even though we 45­minute intervals. did not get as much time with “I think one of the big things we did the patients as we expected, we there was make everything functional,’’ were still able to see significant says Samantha Partington ’15, ’18, who changes and goals met. collaborated with student colleague “You are humbled and grateful Gabrielle Van Mater ’15, ’18 to ease to go on that service trip, just to Pamela’s balance, gait and coordination see a different place and have issues. “In our sessions, we wanted to those meaningful experiences,’’ make sure we geared our interventions adds Malick, who previously toward something that would help participated in a service trip to them increase their independence.’’ Jamaica with Campus Ministry. Under the guidance of Heather Fritz, These snapshots offer a P.T., D.P.T., assistant professor of glimpse into how service for physical therapy, the students admit specialty clinicians can make a world of they measured their clients’ difference for underserved quality­of­life improvements in baby populations, but they also do not tell steps, as some of them have been the entire story. The Jamaican people attending therapy sessions at FOR U and students also gained in other ways Stroke Camp for some time. – many of which are immeasurable. Take LeRoy, for example. He was “You need a trip like this every once high functioning compared to some in a while to reset your perspectives of the other clients, as he needed and reset your priorities,’’ Dr. Fritz says additional therapy to improve his she likes to tell students who are balance and regain strength in his left considering service opportunities. arm. In Pamela’s case, the Misericordia Looking at the calendar, MU’s student therapists worked on her mission of Mercy measured five days, ataxia diagnosis by not using an but Pamela surely does not see it that assistive device and challenging way. “I do not know your parents, but her with obstacles. send them my love,’’ Partington says, “It was nice to see the different recalling a pleasant exchange between type of culture and the different way patient and clinician. “She was just of life there,’’ Shelley Black ’15, ’18, grateful for everything.’’ says, while reflecting on her clinical By the end of their shortened work with LeRoy that focused on mission trip, Pamela had adopted 38 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU SERVICE

Partington and Van Mater population before, and a different unofficially, and had forged a culture,’’ explains Wasiakowski, who lasting bond. “She called us partnered with classmate Kelly Keener her daughters,” Van Mater ’15, ‘18. “It was a service trip in every says. “She is an amazing sense of the word. It was humbling person, who is so full of life and just an eye­opening experience. and shows everyone around They have little. They do not own her nothing but love. I am so much. Their houses are four walls and grateful and blessed for the a roof, but they thank God every day.’’ time I was able to spend “It was definitely a great with her.’’ experience,’’ adds Keener, who The collaborative efforts traveled internationally for the first of student clinicians Kelsey Frasier ’15, time and participated in her first ’18 and Kayla Hope ’15, ’18 enabled service trip. “It was nice to see how their client – Beverly – to get another people live. The Jamaican culture is step closer to overcoming the side very different from ours because it is effects of her medical condition by laid back and at a slower pace. It was working on the strength and very rewarding to see how coordination of her left arm. appreciative everyone was and Frasier says she signed on for her knowing you can make a difference by first service trip to “help others,’’ but it giving someone your time,’’ she adds. also “gave me a reality check for what Volunteer work at Oak Leaf my problems actually are,’’ she says, Therapeutic Horsemanship Center in acknowledging her Type­A personality. Nicholson, Pa., and two trips abroad “They (Jamaicans) are so grateful for to Guyana left Kelcey Langan ’15, ’18 the smallest things and we do not wanting to give more during her even appreciate the bigger things we collegiate years. “I personally get have. I realize now I have to take a more out of it (service) than I give,’’ breath and realize not everything is as says Langan, who provided clinical big of a deal as it seems.’’ services to Macool. “I get more. I In Hope’s case, she knew she would would like to give more.’’ not have another opportunity to share The Jamaican experience touched her talents on a university­sponsored the student clinicians in similar and (Top to bottom, left to right) service trip. It also served as an different ways. During reflection, they Student therapist Gabrielle Van Mater ’15, occasion to grow personally and each touched upon the cultural ’18 works on balance training with Pamela. professionally. “It was nice working experience, added clinical skills, and Doctor of Physical Therapy student with the staff at FOR U because new world exploration that service clinicians, from left, Trever Reed ’15, ’18 and Lauren Malick ’15, ’18 test the balance everyone brought different skills to the opportunities like this offer. Moreover, of their patient, Sally, at FOR U Stroke table that we may not have seen though, everyone wished for one thing Camp in Jamaica. before,’’ says Hope, a Tamaqua, Pa., – more time. Student clinician Adam Wasiakowski ’15, ’18 native. “I learned a lot from watching “You really learn a lot about other works on scapula mobility with Joe at FOR other people and thinking outside the people. It was an interesting setting U Stroke Camp. box due to limited resources.’’ because in this case we were with Doctor of Physical Therapy student Lauren Adam Wasiakowski ’15, ’18 is chatty the same patient all day, which is Malick ’15, ’18 assesses the balance of and sometimes humorous during this interesting,’’ says Langan. “It touches Frank at the Friends of the Redeemer time of reflection, but becomes me to see that I can make a difference.’’ United’s Stroke Camp in Top Hill, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. introspective suddenly when asked to In the end, Dr. Fritz was not reflect on his recent experience. He surprised how well her students Student clinicians, from left, Samantha Partington ’15, ’18 and Gabrielle Van Mater quickly paraphrases and agrees with a represented Misericordia. “I think they ’15, ’18 complete a hip stretching exercise common saying by his mentor, Dr. Fritz, all came into this practicing the with their Jamaican patient, Pamela, at FOR that “when you get back (to campus), charisms,’’ she says. “They had a good U Stroke Camp. you are going to be different from your foundation already, so it did not Pamela completes gait training with a classmates,’’ he says, sharing the surprise me that they carried their Theraband resistance band alongside student powerful impact service has on those values and intentions with them. I had clinician Samantha Partington ’15, ’18. who freely give of themselves. the privilege of seeing this already in He said the volunteer work was class and at their clinical experiences, everything he imagined it to be – and so the trip to Jamaica only built on more. “I never worked with the stroke what I knew about them.’’ 39 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

15th HOF induction clXss feXtures five student!Xthlete stXndouts

ATHLETICS BY SCOTT CRISPELL

The Athletics Department inducted (394), and is tied for first with 32 Matt Carey ’06 (lacrosse), Jen home runs. She is second in (Gehman) Detweiler ’07 ’08 (softball), career hits (219) and slugging Harold Knebel ’05 (baseball), Suzanne percentage (.718), and is third (Sharp) Williamson ’88 (basketball) and with 161 runs scored. She was a Members of the induction class included, from left, Chris Wadas ’05 (cross­country and four­time All­PAC selection, Suzanne (Sharp) Williamson ’88, Jen (Gehman) Detweiler ’07 ’08, Matt Carey ’06 and Chris Wadas ’05. track & field) into the Hall of Fame including a three­time, first­team (HOF) during the 15th induction honoree, and was the PAC Player Cougars to the 1988 Keystone Athletic ceremony in October. of the Year. Detweiler was a two­time Conference title. She was the second Carey, the first men's lacrosse player All­Region selection. women's player in school history to inducted into the HOF, holds the school Knebel, a shortstop, ranks second in reach 1,000­career points and ended record for career goals (150) and ranks career triples (11), batting average her career with more than 1,200 points. third in career points (188). His 46 goals (.389) and slugging percentage (.654), Wadas was a four­time MVP of the in 2004 are the second­highest, and is third in homers (21) and total cross­country team where he was a single­season total in school history. A bases (318). He is fifth in RBI (119) and three­time PAC champion. He was a two­time team MVP, he was the first sixth in career hits (189). Knebel was four­time, first­team All­PAC honoree all­conference and All­Eastern College the PAC Player of the Year as a junior. while leading the Cougars to three Athletics Conference (ECAC) player. He Williamson was a two­time women’s team titles. He earned all­region status was a four­time All­Pennsylvania basketball MVP and a two­time team as a sophomore. Wadas was the track Athletic Conference (PAC) honoree. captain. A three­time, first­team & field team MVP as a senior, and Detweiler, a catcher, is the career National Association of Intercollege holds the school record at 3000m and leader in triples (22) and total bases Athletics District 19 all­star, she led the owns the indoor record at 1500m.

Field hockey wins MAC University. The Cougars defeated Emily Szeflinski ’18 was named the Freedom title Hamilton in the opening round of the MAC Freedom Defensive Player of the NCAA Tournament before ending the Year, and was joined on the All­MAC The field hockey team won its season with a double­OT loss. Freedom first team by Jackie Stevens second Middle Atlantic Conference ’18, Alex Gallagher ’18, Hannah (MAC) Freedom championship in Larkin ’18, ’20 and Alyssa Pojero three years and second NCAA ’18. Amber Hartranft ’18 and Tournament berth. McKenzie Ruffing ’17, ’19 both Colby Eldridge ’18, ’19 was made second­team, and Jordyn named first­team All­MAC Freedom Martini ’20 earned honorable for the fourth consecutive season mention. and was named MAC Freedom Offensive Player of the Year. Megan Women’s XC team gets Meckling ’18 and Haley Gruber ’18, ’20 earned second­team honors and 3rd straight title Katleyn Campbell ’20 earned Led by runner­up Clare Schoen honorable mention. Jenna Whitman ’19, ’20 the women’s cross­country ’21 was the MAC Freedom Rookie team won its third MAC title in of the Year. three years. Emily Madigan ’20 placed eighth, Two straight MAC titles while and Meredith Hartz ’18, ’20 and Jordyn Donnelly ’19, ’20 were for women’s soccer team The Athletics Department is holdings its sixth annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 24. Please call 10th and 11th, respectively. Rowan The women’s soccer team won (570) 674-6374 to make your reservations. Participating Pepe ’19, ’21 finished 20th. its second straight MAC Freedom in last year’s tournament at the Huntsville Golf Club, Schoen earned all­region championship with a thrilling 1­0 from left are, Paul Zaengle, ’97, Chuck Edkins, director and qualified for the NCAA win in double overtime at Wilkes of athletics; Dennis Connell, and Scott Hein ’95. Championships. 40 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU ATHLETICS

Joseph Grzech ’17, ’20

As senior Joseph Grzech ’17, ’20 finishes his swimming Breanna, a graduate of the health care management career, it will mark the end of an era in the Anderson program, still holds school records in the 100 backstroke Center natatorium. and 200 backstroke, while Adam, a business administration The son of John and Linda Grzech of Mountain Top, Pa., graduate, owns the 100 backstroke and is part of three is the third and final Grzech sibling to compete for the school relay records. Cougars. The Crestwood High School graduate and Entering his senior season, Joseph has school marks in the computer science/physical therapy major followed the 200 freestyle, 200 backstroke and is part of two relay records. footsteps of his sister, Breanna ’14, and brother, Adam ’13, In each of his first three seasons, he has claimed three Middle ‘17 on the Misericordia record board. Atlantic Conference titles, including one in each season. 41 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

PEOPLE MUSIC MAKER Misericordia moment inspiration behind Pennsylvania Youth Chorale

BY MARIANNE There are definitive acclaimed Pennsylvania Youth TUCKER PUHALLA moments in life that in an Chorale (PYC), during which instant clarify our thoughts she lead more than a 1,000 and help determine the children in song at prestigious directions our lives take. concert venues across the Moving out on your own. United States, Canada, the Eileen Finley, ’69 Deciding to get married. British Isles and Germany. Choosing to start a family. Talking about her career For alumna Eileen Finley ’69, with the exuberance of a MUSIC her “aha!” moment came 20­year­old, it is easy to tell that EDUCATION while as a Misericordia student Finley exhibits an extraordinary she was attending a concert in passion for teaching music that Wilkes­Barre, Pa., featuring a Eileen was born at Misericordia and German children’s choir. As Finley ’69 continues to this day. the young children began “That children’s choir filing on stage, there was an audible “aw” concert was most definitely a pivotal moment from the audience as first the tallest ones in my life and I have the Misericordia faculty and then the smallest ones took their place to thank,” the music education major recalls. on the risers. As the conductor raised her “As a student in the music program, I was baton and the first notes sounded, Finley’s required to attend a series of cultural events life changed forever. each year. Believe me, I would have “It was as if heaven opened up … the preferred being in my dorm with my friends. children’s voices took my breath away,” says The wisdom of the institution far exceeded the lifelong music educator. “I never heard my teenage mind and for that I am thankful.” such a sound before and my whole life’s Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts direction was set in that one moment.” degree in music education in 1969, Finley In June, Finley retired after more than four was hired to teach music by the Neshaminy decades as founder and artistic director of the School District in Bucks County, located a

Members of the junior, senior and alumni chorales pose for a picture with Eileen Finley ’69.

42 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE

Eileen Finley ’69 leads students in the junior and senior choirs of the PA Youth Chorale. short distance from her hometown near children in grades 2 through 4, and a senior Glenside, Pa. program for students in grades 5 through 8. I was educated to “Teaching children to sing was as natural As the chorale progressed, so did its believe that, as a woman, to me as breathing … apparently I had reputation, with students taking the stage inherited the teaching gene from my at venues in six Canadian provinces, four “I could do anything mother,” she says with a smile. European countries and 26 states, including that I was willing to Finley developed a chorus at her New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall. elementary school, which under her direction Although she handed the reins over to work for. became highly recognized throughout the the new director, Kelly Wyszomierski, in district. In the late 1970’s, Finley was asked June, Finley is never far from a baton. She — Eileen Finley ’69 to prepare a select group from her school continues to teach music at chorus to participate in Neshaminy High in Langhorne, Pa., and guest lectures around ” School’s annual musical production. The the region. She will serve as a guest musical, Hans Christian Anderson, included a conductor this year for the annual PYC significant role for a children’s chorus. After Bux­Mont Festival, a one­day program the final performance, a student came to her for public and private school music and asked, “So, what do we do next?” – and students in grades 4­6. with that impetus, the PYC was born. “As I look back at what I have Finley established PYC as an independent accomplished, I have the sisters at community organization for boys and girls in Misericordia to thank. Because it was an grades 2­8, providing an opportunity for all­girls school at that time, the officers of them to learn to sing in different languages, every club and organization were female study a range of choral styles, learn stage students, and the sisters were the heads and presence and choreography, and perform chairs of every department. I was educated choral masterpieces with orchestras under to believe that, as a woman, I could do renowned guest conductors. anything that I was willing to work for. I was Finley says she grew as a musician, person one of the first in the country to develop a and teacher during the 40 years she worked community children’s choir and it never with the choir. She also found herself juggling occurred to me that I couldn’t do it,” she the roles of director, conductor, business adds, proudly. manager, fundraiser and travel coordinator, all A unique part of her experience on while teaching full time. In 2005, after serving campus was the opportunity to be close for 36 years in the public school system, to her aunt, Sister Siena Finley, RSM, a Finley retired from her Neshaminy teaching professor of religious studies and recognized post to focus her attention on the chorale. medical ethicist, who founded the Ethics The original choir began with a few dozen Institute of Northeastern Pennsylvania at students and continued to grow over the Misericordia University in 1987. Eileen visited next decade. Eventually, the group was Sister Sienna in Dallas frequently over the divided into two levels, a junior program for years until her passing in 2014. 43 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

STAR POWER PEOPLE Alumna enjoys Emmy­nominated career as a casting director in NYC

BY MARIANNE TUCKER PUHALLA

In every television series, there are the leading Rosalie Joseph ’71 characters that return week after week and supporting characters that appear some weeks but not others. Then there are a host of episodic characters, ranging from store clerks to taxi drivers, whose actions you might not even notice, but whose dialogue is crucial to the development of each scene. Alumna Rosalie Joseph ’71 is an Emmy­nominated casting director in who has cast actors and actresses in major films and theater productions as well as across the spectrum of roles in television during a career that has spanned 40 years. Currently serving as the episodic casting director for the ABC hit drama Quantico, Joseph is responsible for placing up to 25 actors in non­reoccurring roles for each of the third season’s 13 episodes. A day in her life involves holding auditions, casting each role, getting Delaney; the CBS crime drama, Golden Boy, and the Sherri producer and studio approval, drawing up contracts, and Shepherd sitcom, Sherri, which aired on the Lifetime making sure the communication is in place so the talent is Network. Her work on made­for­television movies includes prepared and knows where they need to be. Guilty, Murder in , and Almost Golden: The Jessica “When I do episodic casting, I am responsible for casting Savitch Story. the people you see who have a speaking part, but are not in Joseph gives credit for her career to Misericordia lead roles. Some may just say, ‘hello.’ Others have detailed University Professor Walter “Rusty” C.J. Anderson, who dialogue. In my career, I’ve been called upon more than served as director of theater arts from 1965 to 1994. Joseph once to cast a dead body when they are in need of a certain enrolled at Misericordia planning to major in education, but look,” Joseph says, laughing at was introduced to Anderson within the first week, and days the mere thought. later switched her major to drama. Having done both pilot “Rusty Anderson changed my life,” she says sincerely. Rosalie Joseph ’71 casting for those in starring roles “There are so many reasons I am who I am because of him and episodic casting, her credits and the Misericordia drama department. It was a loving and include NBC’s Blacklist: supportive group and many of us are still in touch. I stayed DRAMA Redemption, and the NBC police in contact with Rusty after I graduated and I have always drama, The Mysteries of Laura, tried to honor him – he is one of the greats of Misericordia.” working alongside Debra Messing, who has since Earning her bachelor’s degree along with a teaching resurrected her starring role in the megahit, Will and Grace. certificate in 1971, Joseph began teaching at Riverside Joseph earned an Emmy nomination and a Casting Society Junior­Senior High School, just a few miles from her home in of America Award for casting the film, “Annie,” in 1999 Moosic, Pa. She started a drama program at the school and starring Audra McDowell, Kathy Bates, Kristen Chenoweth directed student productions for six years before deciding and Alan Cumming. She has had such a prolific career that to move to New York City to pursue her own dreams of there are two pages of casting credits listed on her biography acting. She was working on some off­Broadway shows and on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb.com) – a who’s who as a waitress in the city when fate intervened and a family list of those involved in the television and movie industries. friend alerted her to a job with casting director Vic Ramos. She was the New York casting director for the feature He immediately put her to work while he was casting a films Hook, The Godfather Part III, Jack, starring the late Francis Ford Coppola movie. Robin Williams, the 1994 mystery, Radioland Murders, and After what she calls a rocky start, with some rookie the 1988 crime drama, Kansas. Her television credits include blunders, she soon made an impact in the industry – moving the ABC medical drama, Body of Proof, which starred Dana quickly through the ranks and developing an impressive 44 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU PEOPLE

resume. As the casting associate with Vic Ramos, she holiday gifts to children in need across the New York worked on numerous films such as The Blue Lagoon, My Metropolitan area. This year, the charity provided presents to Bodyguard and American Gigolo. After spending four years more than 1,700 children through a network of volunteers. working with Ramos, Joseph became director of daytime Actor Tom Cruise is among the list of famous supporters. casting for CBS and subsequently served six years as the “It is gratifying to know these children will have presents to network’s director of prime­time casting. She left CBS to open on Christmas morning given to them by their parents. serve as an independent casting director for 10 years, For the ones who believe, they will know Santa remembered before being lured to Los Angeles for a job with MTM them on Christmas Day,” Joseph says. A second pet project Enterprises, the production company established by Mary of hers, First Day New York, provides children with clothes Tyler Moore and her husband, Grant Tinker. and supplies for their first day of school. In another move that demonstrated her prestige in the A resident of the Battery Park section of Manhattan, field, she returned to New York as vice president of casting Joseph lived just a few blocks from the World Trade Centers for ABC in 1996. She left in 2009 to work again as an during the terror attack of Sept. 11, 2001. Her neighborhood independent casting director, founding her current was decimated and the building she lived in was closed for company, Rosalie Joseph Casting. two months. In response to the outpouring of support shown Growing up, she remembers how entertainer Danny to their city by people around the world, she and some Thomas’ visit to Northeastern Pennsylvania in support of the neighbors started Battery Park Cares, an organization that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital inspired her. At 14, she helps other communities in times of disaster. They most became the youth chair for the hospital’s fundraising recently sent aid to areas of Texas and Florida impacted by organization in Lackawanna County. “I grew up in a family that Hurricane Irma and the Caribbean islands ravaged by believed in giving back to the community. My dad collected Hurricane Maria. They also developed a FEMA­trained coats for children as a member of the Elks Club. It was Battery Park Community Emergency Response Team of something that was imbedded in us as children,” she says. about 300 members, ready to help their city respond Joseph’s high­profile position has helped her carry on that to any disaster. spirit of giving. “Years ago, I went to a gifting project and Sharing her expertise by offering educational and acting watched as the presents were given to the children – making classes for those trying to break into the business, she them happy, yet leaving a sad look on the faces of the encourages young actors and actresses to follow their parents confronted with not being able to provide for their dreams, surround themselves with friends who are creative, children,’’ Joseph says. “I felt it would be better to give the and be conscious of the world around them. parents the gifts to give to the children, making a happier Her advice: “Be aware and observe what is going on holiday for everyone.” so to best be able to understand and portray the human With that concept in mind, she and a friend founded condition. The more aware and observant you are, the Stockings With Care in 1992, an organization that provides better actor you will be.”

NYC- based casting director Rosalie Joseph ’71 is currently doing episodic casting for the ABC drama ‘Quantico, ’ starring from left David Lim, Aaron Diaz, Priyanka Chopra, Helene Yorke, Russell Tovey, Pearl Thusi and Jake McLaughlin. (ABC/Giovanni Rufino) 45 MISERICORDIA TODAY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2018

SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 DAY

GIVING Annual Giving Day supports the restoration of the historic arch entranceway GOINGMURoar SOCIAL 9.24 Follow the progress of Misericordia University’s annual Giving Day on Twitter and social media by using the hashtag #MURoar924 or #GivingDay. In September, the University also utilized the hashtags #SupportTheArch and #HomeIsWhereTheArchIs in support of the archway’s restoration project.

FAST FACTS SUPPORT Misericordia University’s annual Giving Day SOURCE Giving Day donors Alumni/Students on Sept. 24, 2017 benefitted the restoration 63% of the historic arch that greets people supported the coming to campus. The University secured project to restore

a gift of $19,240 from a group of generous the arch to its Parents original grandeur. 8%

donors when the campaign received 924 The following are Friends Corporations/ 21% gifts by 11:50 p.m. on Sept. 24. Here is the funding sources Foundations some additional information about the to the annual event: 8% successful campaign: Donors: 1,001 Total: $62,000 – and counting Demographic: Parents, friends, alumni, faculty, staff and students Main theme: Home is where the arch is Main hashtag: #supportthearch Profiles: Log on to muroar924.com/meet-- the donors to meet some donors Bricks: 148 donors received bricks from the arch for donating $250 or more Rose Marie Zaher Mazer ’52 of Shavertown, Pa., made what she considers may be her final gift, a special one for 2017’s Giving Day. Generous: 25 individual donors gave $1,000 She donated to the capital campaign in support of the arch or more restoration project. Thanks to generous alumni, like Rose, the restoration project is complete and the University is another step Students: More than 100 students purchased closer to raising the funding for it. Director of Alumni Relations Lailani Augustine ‘16, left, and T- shirts in support of the campaign Students Today, Alumni Forever student volunteers, Morgan Karas ‘21 and Cassy Silveri ‘19 visited Rose to thank her for her generosity. 46 PUBLICATIONS.MISERICORDIA.EDU MU ARCHIVES

Students pose for a picture during Initiation Week in 1948. Initiation Week activities included various social events, such as first -year students performing in plays or skits for sophomores, juniors and seniors, and first -year students wearing costumes or mismatched clothing, as this photo shows. Afterward, first -year students were welcomed into the college community with a bonfire ceremony, called a ‘Buddy Party ’ in the 1940s. SAVE THE DATE ...

MARCH 3­11 Spring Break MAY 12 Spring Commencement misericordia.edu/commencement MARCH 22 50 Nights to Commencement cougarconnect.misericordia.edu JUNE 1­2 Alumni Weekend 2018 Cougarconnect.misericordia.edu/aw18 MARCH 22­24 Misericordia Players Theater Arsenic and Old Lace AUG. 18 Open House misericordia.edu/theartsandmore admissions.misericordia.edu/openhouse APRIL 13­14 Relay for Life SEPT. 24 Athletics Department Golf Tournament RelayforLife.org/pamisericordia Reservations: (570) 674­6374 APRIL 28 Open House SEPT. 29 Open House admissions.misericordia.edu/openhouse admissions.misericordia.edu/openhouse MAY 11 Distinguished Speaker Series NOV. 10 Open House misericordia.edu/dss admissions.misericordia.edu/openhouse

For more information, please log on to Misericordia.edu or call (570) 674­6400 47 301 Lake St., Dallas, PA 18612 Founded by the Sisters of Mercy

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

Center. $15 adults, residential academic summer camps SEE NEW PLACES! MEET NEW PEOPLE! $8, 5 -12 years; no in biology, chemistry -biochemistry, charge under age five. communications and media, Tours with a Difference Reservations required. literature, occupational therapy, Dr. Marie Noël Keller, RSM, host, Please call (570) and speech -language pathology. veteran of more than 100 overseas trips 674 -1225. Sponsored by Information: (570) 674 -8023. Center for Adult and Misericordia.edu/tourswithadifference Continuing Education. July 23 ­27 March 9 – 19 Sicily’s Best, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast April 7 ­June 2 Health Sciences and Rome Verve Vertu Art Interprofessional Featuring Sicily, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Studio exhibit Middle School Positano, Capri, Rome and the Vatican, Artists from the Deutsch Career Camp plus a Florence option, $2,855 Canadian Master Raynald Institute apprenticeship Students entering Leclerc’ s oil on canvas program display work. sixth- eighth grades Sept. 14 – 23 explore the health painting will be on display. Pauly Friedman Art Portugal and its Stunning Azores Gallery. Information: and medical Featuring Lisbon, Obidos, Fatima, Sintra, Misericordia.edu/art. sciences fields. Carcais, Nazarre, Sao Miguel Islands, Ponta Feb. 3 ­March 31 Talk to students Delgado, Madeira Island and Funchai, $2,895 Canadian Masters of the Carmen April 13 ­14 and faculty, while Middle school Oct. 9 – 20 and Sarah Latona Collection Eighth annual exploring new students will Greece and her Islands e collection features water colors Relay for Life technologies, explore Featuring Athens, Epidaurus, Delphi, Corinth, and oil paintings by some of the most Join the Misericordia Colleges Against specialized technology at Meteora, essalonica, Philippi, Santorini and important Canadian artists of the last Cancer Chapter, and campus and equipment and Mykonos, $3,285 50 years. Pauly Friedman Art Gallery. regional communities in raising money careers in exciting annual camp, Information: Misericordia.edu/art. to benefit the American Cancer Society. fields of study. such as the Nov. 29 – Dec. 9 Information: (570) 674 -8055 Information: Anatomage Christmas Magic at the Markets March 22 ­24 (570) 674 -6494. Table. Featuring Rothenberg, Salzburg, Linderhof Misericordia Players Theater June 1 ­3 Palace, Oberammergau, Innsbruck and Munich Please log on to Misericordia.edu/ Alumni Weekend 2018 $2,945. theartsandmore for more information. Enjoy a cookout, campus tours, alumni Sept. 1 Mass, workshops, games and so much Contemplating (All rates are based on double occupancy) March 24 more. Information: (570) 674 -6768 or Character exhibition Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch register at cougarconnect. 152 rare portrait drawings and oil Contact: Dr. Noël Keller, RSM with the Easter Bunny misericordia.edu/alumniweekend18. sketches from artists Jacques Louis (570) 674­6776 or 674­6924 Continuous seating for brunch from David, Lucian Freud, Auguste -Hilaire [email protected] 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Sandy and Marlene June 24 ­27 Leveille, Louis -Joseph -Cesar Ducomet Misericordia University Insalaco Hall. Easter Egg Hunt begins Career Exploration Camps and more. Pauly Friedman Art Gallery. Center for Adult and Continuing Education at 10:00 a.m. at the Banks Student Life High school students experience Information: Misericordia.edu/art. 301 Lake Street, Dallas, Pa 18612