1 7 JL Ji ATED ]

ut THE RELATIONSHIP GROWS EVE TRONGER i

^\ JTTT'/n /TTTT ^^>v ^i\ T /? GREETING THE EDITO

I Last year, a report from the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania revealed that the commonwealth's private higher education institutions alone contribute $570 million to the economy in Erie and northwest Pennsylvania, a figure fueled by utility purchases, construction contracts, and Gennifer Biggs, Director of Public Relations and utilization of other business services. Publications But viewing higher education simply as a powerful employment engine, a mainstay in the business com­ munity and a vehicle for promoting the reputation of a region would be shortsighted. The real contribution of an institution of higher education is, and must be, providing fuel for economic and community development and firing the imagination of regional leadership dedicated to enrichment of the region. As a colleague and I discussed ongoing local efforts to rescue Erie's business corridor and revitalize its neighborhoods, our conversation drifted to the role Mercyhurst College plays in the effort to keep Erie a healthy and viable city and we began reflecting on how our college shows its support for the community. Some efforts are obvious and well publicized - the Civic Institute has been recognized as an influential and forward-thinking support system for community leaders for several years now. But others labor behind the scenes, students and faculty making contributions to their community that often involve long hours, dedication, personal sacrifice, and an enviable grasp of a concept from which Mercyhurst grew. The founders of Mercyhurst College, the Sisters of Mercy, are women who commit their lives to serving people — especially those who are sick, poor, and uneducated — and over the years, the Sisters' goal of empowering others struggling to overcome obstacles and lead full and dignified lives has become one with the goals of many Mercyhurst students, faculty and staff. This fall, as we welcomed the second-largest freshman class of 680 young adults from around the world, Mercyhurst decided to show the leaders of tomorrow what it takes to truly make a difference. So out went the class of 2007 to more than 20 sites around the city where they learned just how fulfilling community service can be. And, perhaps surprisingly, everywhere we went that day as we took photographs for this magazine, we saw laughing students, sweaty and dirty in some cases, but filled with the joy of joining a community. In this issue of Mercyhurst Magazine, we've offered you a glimpse behind the scenes of only a handful of the myriad projects under way that gives our support to the city we proudly call home - Erie, Pa. We hope they will warm your heart with pride for your alma mater, and inspire you to dig into whatever community you call home.

Gennifer Biggs, Editor [email protected] 814.824.3315

On the cover: On Saturday, Sept. 6, nearly 650 freshmen from Mercyhurst College fanned out across the City of Erie, lending their energy and enthusiasm to an unprecedented day of service. Students worked at 22 sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., completing nearly 3,000 hours of service in a single day. On the right, Meghan Mooney and Chelsie Stevenson test out the giant bubble machine at the Erie Children's Museum after cleaning the equipment; at center top, a group of freshmen visiting with seniors at the Village at Luther Square; and, at bottom left, students heading out with faculty member Dr. Jeffrey Roessner to pick up litter along the lakeshore at Presque Isle State Park. See page 4 for the complete story.

Photos by Roger Coda ABLE CONTENT

Greetings from the Editor Inside Cover

Town and Gown: Our responsibility to serve our community 2-3

Spreading their wings: The Class of '07 learns about community and themselves 4-7

Civic Institute ... building partnerships to build communities 8-10

MEI gives nonprofits competitive e-vantage 11-12

Pioneers7 Log: Growing up on the Mercyhurst frontier 13-14

'Hurst, city pool resources ... Get W.E.T. 15-17

Searching for treasure under the waters of Lake Erie 18-19

Mercyhurst strives to balance the playing field in urban education 20-21

Girl Talk: Mercyhurst mothers and daughters reflect on college, community, relationships 22-25

Class Notes 26-28

Deborah Duda Gale ... Across the Ocean Inside Back Cover

Issue Editor The Office of Public Relations, Gennifer Biggs a division of the Institutional Advancement Director of Public Relations and Office, produces Mercyhurst Magazine. Publications [email protected] Vice President of Institutional 814.824.3315 Advancement Gary L. Bukowski CFRE 73 Contributing Writers Gennifer Biggs Director of Alumni Services Deborah Wallace Morton, Patricia Liebel '53 Assistant Director of Public Relations [email protected] Telephone: 1.800.845.8568 Photographers Local calls: 824.2538 Gennifer Biggs Fax: 814.824.2153 Roger Coda Paul Lorei Send your change of address to: Debbie Morton Mercyhurst Magazine Mercyhurst College Class Notes Editor 501 E. 38th St. Tammy Roche Gandolfo 76 Erie, PA 16546 [email protected] Fax: 814.824.2473 814.824.2004

OCTOBER 2003 TOWN AND 3 3 0 ECONOMIC ENGINE VS. CIVIC LEADER

— Dr. William P. Garvey, president of Mercyhurst College **^ Photo In/ Paul Lord One of Erie County's great and To assist Erie County in solving often unrecognized assets is the the daunting economic challenges of presence of five colleges and universi­ The first step would the 21st century, I believe that higher ties enrolling 19,000 degree-seeking be to create an education must leave the comforts of students, employing 2,500 full-time the ivory tower and play an active persons, spending more than $400 effective Erie County leading role in developing new million in annual budgets and higher education approaches to the economic growth of investing more than $100 million in northwestern Pennsylvania. The first physical plant construction, improve­ consortium to move step would be to create an effective ment and additions during the past the five area colleges Erie County higher education consor­ five years. All of these statistics add tium to move the five area colleges up to an enormous economic impact beyond competition beyond competition and more toward on Erie County — a positive influence and more towards collaborative endeavors, drawing that has been relatively stable through upon the large "brain bank" found in recent economic storms. collaborative our joint 2,500 employees. Mercyhurst College is proud to be endeavors, drawing On its own initiative, Mercyhurst one of those institutions. We employ, upon the large "brain has begun to address the area's needs on two campuses, 448 full-time by increasing its emphasis on new persons with an annual payroll bank" found in our programs to improve civic life. totaling $21.9 million in salaries and joint 2,500 employees. Currently, the college has more than benefits, a dramatic increase from the $2 million in sponsored grants $15.8 million of four years ago. This Dr. William P. Garvey, presidentinvolvin g our archaeology, education, year's enrollment of 3,800 students on criminal justice, Civic Institute and the Erie and North East campuses R/IAP departments. Activities funded represents a significant growth from be a force for growth and change, a reposi­by these grants include improving the 2,600 of five years ago, and that tory of talent and knowledge, a haven for literacy in inner city schools; training growth has stimulated $45 million in truth, beauty and free thought — in short city and county teachers in technology; new capital expenditures for it should be an invaluable resource for theeducatin g most of the region's future buildings, land, and physical plant area and a source of civic pride. police and constables; reviewing ' improvements. It also requires an effectiveness of county policies annual budget that this year will top Certainly Erie's higher education dealing with drug offenders, as well $67 million, up $31 million from four institutions have made significant as probation and parole participants; years ago. contributions in the past to the quality assisting watershed improvement But important as those economic of life in the Erie region — through efforts in county streams; and facts are to the Erie economy, a plays, concerts, lectures, movies, improving teacher education through college or university must be more athletic events and quality degree aesthetic education in the schools. than a thriving business. It should programs. Successful as these efforts Most of us would agree that even also be committed to advancing the have been, they have not been though globalization of world markets civic responsibilities outlined in this enough in these difficult economic and rapid advances in technology challenge given to the Mercyhurst times, especially in the City of Erie, offer unparalleled opportunities for faculty several years ago: where 50 percent of all property is tax building new wealth in communities exempt, including hundreds of acres such as Erie County, most communities A college should do more than merely utilized by higher education of our size lack the knowledge, skills, offer courses and degrees. It should also institutions. and expertise to identify and seize

MERCYHURST MAGAZINE . Our fortunes are entwined; the college 2003-2004 contributes to the PROFILE vitality of the town MERCYHURST COLLEGE just as the health of ERIE CAMPU the town ensures the vigor of the college. ENROLLMENT: 3,000 We face a future that FRESHMAN CLASS: 681 students from 22 states and nine foreign countries (Canada, Finland, Great Britain, Honduras, Ireland, Nicauagra, Norway, Poland and Scotland) will require us to Average SAT score: 1080 . exploit to the fullest Average GPA: 3.4 our combined assets Average class rank in top 30 percent

... Our mutual fate FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: 448 depends on the FACULTY: 127 full-time health of both town and gown. BUDGET: $68 million

— Dr. Timothy Sullivan, ENDOWMENT: $15.3 million president of the College of William and Maty COST: Tuition $15,780, Fees $1,260, Room and Board $6,414. opportunities for growth. Yearly total for resident students $23,454 The result is often economic decline or stagnation, both of which ALUMNI: More than 11,500 are now afflicting the Erie economy. We cannot accept such a condition. FUND RAISING: "Preserving the Legacy" Capital Campaign Instead we should heed the words of October 2000 to present - $20.3 million Dr. Timothy Sullivan, president of the College of William and Mary, who DEGREES: 43 majors, 65 concentrations made this striking comment about the intimate link between college and UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music community progress: GRADUATE DEGREES: Master of Science in Special Education, Administration of Justice Our fortunes are entwined; tfie college and Organizational Leadership contributes to the vitality of the town just as the health of the town ensures the vigor TWO-YEAR DEGREE PROGRAMS: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science of the college. We face a future that will require us to exploit to the fullest our ADULT PROGRAMS: Comprehensive degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates and graduate combined assets ... Our mutual fate programs. Accelerated degree program. Teacher certification. depends on the health of both town and gown. SPORTS: Basketball (M/W), Baseball (M), Cross Country (M/W), Golf (M/W), Soccer (M/W), Softball (W), Tennis (M/W), Volleyball (M/W), Rowing (M/W), Field Hockey (W), So let's get moving to assure the Ice Hockey (M/W), Lacrosse (M/W), Football (M), Wrestling (M), Water Polo (M/W) future prosperity of Erie County! If not us, who? If not now, when?

OCTOBER 2 0 0 3 FYI OUTREACH MERCYHURST FRESHMEN LEARN LESSON ABOUT TE

/ Amid the tiny tables, brightly colored spent their first few days at college attending toys and educational exhibits filling the Erie THE MISSION group presentations, completing class Children's Museum, 22 Mercyhurst College OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE discussions and preparing for a full-day freshmen are learning a lesson of their own service effort included in FYI for the first time about community service, their new class­ Mercyhurst College, a Catholic this fall. mates and, well, the giant bubble machine. institution in the liberal arts tradition, is a community of learning dedicated to the lifelong development of the whole person. It strives for academic distinction in each of its programs. Inspired by the vision of the Sisters of Chri&Ma#oo

Mercy, the college holds in highest VA Medical Center 41st & Glen wood esteem the qualities of excellence, (PHW) compassion, creativity, and service to others. The college integrates its strong More than 20 local nonprofit organiza­ foundation in the arts and sciences tions around town benefited from the day's with focused programs in career efforts as groups of students and their faculty preparation, challenging students to mentors performed close to 3,000 service think critically, to comprehend the hours in a single day on Saturday, Sept. 6. richness of our global community, and Students boarded buses around 9 a.m. to work for positive change. At and worked in groups of about 25 until Mercyhurst, students gather the approximately 2 p.m., taking a short break Seemingly undaunted by the astringent knowledge, insights, skills and vision during the day and returning to a student odor of cleaners hanging in the air at the necessary to lead fulfilling and government-sponsored barbeque. museum, Meghan Mooney and Chelsie productive lives. "FYI helps to guarantee students the best Stevenson are hard at work completing their Guided by its Catholic heritage, possible chance of being successful during portion of the community service component Mercyhurst promotes the values of their time at Mercyhurst," explains Cathy included in this fall's Freshman Year Initiative truth, individual integrity, human Anderson, associate vice president for program, which aims to introduce students to dignity, mercy, and justice. student development. "It teaches the the challenges of college life. students where they can go to get help while "It was a little disgusting, but fun," they're here." admits Meghan, a freshman from Pittsburgh, large bucket. Both are nearly giddy with FYI was originally launched by of the giant bubble machine the two girls anticipation — ready to pull the rope hanging Mercyhurst College five years ago, but until have cleaned and are now reconstructing. in the center of the machine, watch the large this fall, the freshmen taking FYI met with "We tried it out before we cleaned it, and circular "bubble wand" rise and see a giant, faculty once a week for the full 10 weeks of we're gonna' have to try it out again once iridescent wall swell around them, only to the fall term. Starting in 2003, the students we're done..." pop seconds later. and their faculty mentors, about 27 in all, "Just to make sure we've got it working Spread throughout the three floors com­ began meeting during orientation, tackling right," chimes in Chelsie, who is from New prising the museum are the young women's the community service component of FYI Castle, Pa. classmates, other members of the freshman together and then meeting once a week for The two are giggling and managing to class who moved into Mercyhurst on Sept. 4. the first four weeks of fall term. stay fairly dry as they fill the giant circular The group, a total of 650 students divided But on Saturday, it was hard work ahead bubble machine with soapy water out of a into 27 small groups led by faculty members, for the newest class of Mercyhurst Lakers,

M R H U R M Z 1 N MSELVES . EACH OTH.LR, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

and at 9 a.m., the Mary D'Angelo Performing lot is filled only with the rumbling echoes of identifiable brilliant orange T-shirts of Arts Center parking lot is full of freshmen. departing buses. Standing in the resulting student leaders — all emblazoned with the Standing on the back of a golf cart, assis­ free space, Shimek and Anderson share a logo "Focus On Your Future" — Paolini and tant director of student development Cass whoop of success and a hug while the two Fedenets are quick to say how well the first Shimek takes up a megaphone and the day's upperclassmen overseeing the student orien­ few days have gone. efforts begin. tation leaders relax for a minute and discuss "Three weeks ago we moved in and In less than 15 minutes, nearly 650 how the new program is progressing. everything took shape," said Paolini, a senior, sleepy-faced freshmen and their faculty Marisa Paolini and Sarah Fedenets are who adds that she thinks the freshmen, while mentors are loaded, along with snacks and charged with organizing the 50 student a bit overwhelmed, are having a good time water, onto the waiting vehicles, and the PAC orientation leaders, all volunteers, who assist and reaping the benefits of the new format. faculty throughout FYI. Sporting the highly "They seem enthusiastic and I think they

o O B R 2 0 0 3 speakers and classes and now this, but they've learned a lot about the school, and I think they are doing really well." Ref tec tiofi s Magee, like the other seniors helping with FYI, went through the program when IGommunity service gives new life she first arrived, but in the format that stretched the course throughout the entire to me. It makes me realize the power first term of her freshman year. of one and even more so the power of "This group will be done before midterms; they're getting 60 percent of FYI teamwork. It puts an end to talking finished before classes even start, and I think and griping about negative situations that is a great improvement/' Magee returns to recording her charges' and puts us into action. Community finds, laughing as one young woman holds service brings people together and up a child's rubber ball and exclaims: "What is with all these bouncv balls? I've found a enables them to all create a bond and J bunch. That's just stupid." work together for one common goal. Back at the headquarters for the Presque Whether people wanted to be there or will really like it when they realize that by the Isle cleanup effort, which has placed more time Monday is here, they will have finished than 100 students along the coast of the not at 9 a.m. (on Saturday), everyone half of what they have to accomplish in FYL" peninsula, a Department of Conservation and showed up and in the end I believe Hope Magee, one of the student Natural Resources environment interpretive assistants who is assigned with a group of technician, Brian Gula, talks about the impact many even cared. freshmen doing coastal cleanup at Presque of the students' efforts. Mercyhurst did not just want to Isle State Park, It is nearly 11 a.m. and her group is clean up a park, they wanted to unite a plucking up trash wedged between rocks that class and give back to the community protect the bayside shoreline of Presque Isle. Holding a clipboard, her sunglasses that has given so much to the college. perched atop her head, Magee is tallying the amount and type of litter the students — Reflections on the cleanup of retrieve. McClelland Park by Christine Biddle, "It's been very busy/' she says, taking a Class of 2007 break after recording that one of the young women has just found a "giant, dead, stinky "We really don't have the resources or fish" along the shoreline. "They've gone to the staff to keep up on the trash we have on our shoreline," says Gula. "Presque Isle is But Gula doesn't want the day to be all very clean, but when you are surrounded by about work. water on three sides, we get a lot of litter that "This is about having some fun, too," floats in — from boaters, cities, washed out of says Gula. "It is a beautiful day and this is a streams, vou name it." great place to be on a day like this. We hope Student manpower from Mercyhurst not this helps bring them back to visit again now only facilitates a cleaner site, but also assists that they've done this work." the DCNR in education efforts. Tempting students with community "This brings an awareness to the kids," service opportunities they can continue once Gula explains. "They will see there is a lot of classes begin is another goal of the day's trash out there, and it will show them just activities. how many people still litter. And it will give At the Village at Luther Square, where them a sense of responsibility along with a students mentored by Jodi Hopper, director sense they are doing something good." of the graphic design program, spent the Each student group records all the trash morning playing black jack with elderly it retrieves on a checklist the DCNR will use residents, the younger generation has been to track litter as part of a larger program. won over by their elders.

MERC H u M G I N 'This is awesome/' says Andrew the woods of refrigerators, couches, a Lapiska, a freshman from Seven Fields, Pa. smattering of smaller items and even an "Some of the others are out cleaning up Retiree tioft s engine. and picking up stuff; that's not for me. In But perhaps the bigger accomplishment here, we get to interact with these people and comes when neighbors, drawn by a busload realized that I really did something they are just great." of energetic teenagers in their neighborhood, "See that lady over there ... Louisa ... good and worthwhile for the commu­ join in. she came here from Italy in 1921 — all by "We were surprised when the neighbors nity, which gave me a great feeling by herself. And that's her son, he comes to see came and joined in," says Morris. "We have her every day," explains Andy, who met the time we were leaving. I believe it is everyone out helping — from an elderly lady Louisa during the morning activities. "She who brought her own rake to kids who for this reason that community service has the best stories to tell." helped our students carry trash out to the As the group prepares to split up is such a good idea. Not only did I get Dumpster." between floors and visit with more residents, With a majority of the trash and larger something accomplished, I actually three young women run up to Hopper, items moved out by the freshmen who breathlessly announcing: "We met Mary gained something as well: knowledge worked at the site, it is hoped a more vigilant That's what took us so long." maintenance program at the park, which is about myself and others and a general Mary, the only resident who smokes, had owned by the City of Erie, will allow residents joined the freshmen out in front of the site feeling of well-being. of the area to enjoy the wooded space. with her cigarettes, and quickly charmed Back at the Children's Museum, as their them. Reflections on the cleanup of peers clean stairways and wipe down walls, "She knows the best jokes!" two of the McClelland Park tasks punctuated with squeals of discovery students tell Hopper. "Can we come back — "Hey, look at this! It is all made with and visit her? She seems so lonely." gumballs!" — Meghan and Chelsie try to put After signing the contact sheet to be left "This was really fun, and the students into words what their induction into Mercy at Luther Square, the girls — Kelsey Brown seemed enthusiastic about the work they World has been like. of Randolph, N.Y., and Kylie Thorne of St. were doing," says Boudreau, who teaches "It's been really hectic," says Meghan. "I Marys, Pa. — exchange cell phone numbers French language and culture, and accompa­ was a little anxious when I first got here, but so they can coordinate their visits to Mary nied a group to the International Institute, a I'm really glad I'm here now. I've already met "You know, this has been a surprisingly nonprofit agency that welcomes and helps a great group of friends." rewarding experience," says Hopper, echoing settle international refugees. At that site, She and Chelsie share a quick laugh and the sentiments expressed by another faculty students washed service cars, sorted donated hug, then get more serious. member, Dr. Doug Boudreau, who says while furniture and did yard work. "At first I thought the FYI class wouldn't he was always enthusiastic about doing this In all, students spread out from one edge be any fun, but now I'm glad we're doing it. project, enjoying the day as much as he did of Erie to the other, working at sites as You have this great group of friends right off, was a bonus. diverse as the Second Harvest Food Pantry, and it makes settling in much easier," says where freshmen repacked food donations, Chelsie, then sighs. "It sure is a lot to take in, and outdoor sites, where the Lake Erie though." Region Conservancy (LERC) worked with The two return to their bubble machine, students on clean-up projects. refilling and "priming" the apparatus under "This was a great opportunity to get the the close direction given to them by Marlene students involved and interested in Martin, the museum's director. conservation efforts at a young age," says "Pull and drop," she tells them. "There Cathy Pedler, who handles environmental you go — it just takes time." initiatives supported by Mercyhurst and is Soon, a crowd of classmates gathers as the vice president and secretary of LERC. She the two laughing girls stand in the center of a spent the day working alongside students at giant bubble that stretches over their heads McClelland Park, where a neighborhood — encasing the start of a lifelong friendship recreational area has evolved into a dumpsite. and a college experience off to a great start. There, more than 50 students accompanied by Dr. Peggy Black, social By Gennifer Biggs work, and Dr. Joseph Morris, political science, Photos by Roger Coda and LERC volunteers spent the day clearing

o T O B E R 2 0 0 3 rruxE 0 0 0

BUILDING PARTNER 3 3 3 \i / 1 Mercyhurst College Civic Institute Director Art Amann took a moment to size up his surroundings. He had come to this East 23rd Unlike an industry, a college like Street residence to have a heart-to-heart with its owner about neighbor­ hood revitalization, which seemed daunting when he learned of the ours can't pack up and go. We are crack house across the street and the prostitution ring at the corner. Add to the equation the front yard drug deals that are part of the fabric part of this community and we are of everyday life along this inner-city stretch and revitalization is a tall in a symbiotic relationship with it. order at best. "Why do you stay?" Amann asked the man. We can't be an island of affluence "It's where I live and I want to make it better/' he replied. Amann smiled; he knew that he had struck a common chord. in a sea of poverty. What motivated that particular neighbor is at the very heart of what Dr. Thomas Gamble, vice president of academic affairs drives the Civic Institute. "Erie is where we live and we are here to make it better/' Amann and former director of the Civic Institute said. "Unlike an industry a college like ours can't pack up and go/' said and Family Policy directed by Gamble; the Center for Justice Research Dr. Thomas Gamble, former director of the Civic Institute. Gamble and Policy directed by Amann; and the Center for a Healthy passed the staff to Amann July 1 after becoming Mercyhurst's vice Community, headed by Dr. Mark Levine. president of academic affairs. "We are part of this community and we In 1999, spurred by Mercyhurst President Dr. William P. Garvey, are in a symbiotic relationship with it. We can't be an island of affluence who envisioned a broader mission for Gamble's work that would in a sea of poverty." address issues like neighborhoods and the environment, all of which LIVING THE LEGACY impact children and families, the Mercyhurst Civic Institute was born, unifying all three programs under one umbrella. True to its Mercyhurst roots, the Civic Institute also seeks to live What does the Civic Institute do? Perhaps a better question would the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, who throughout history have be: What doesn't it do? Fundamentally, the institute is a college- advanced the mission of service to others. community partnership that facilitates local decision-making affecting Originally Mercyhurst College was home to the Center for Child the social, health, educational, and civic well-being of the Erie region. Its interdisciplinary staff conducts research on issues like juvenile justice, welfare reform, affordable housing, and last year's study on racial profiling in the Erie police department; they analyze data, like the incidence of teenage pregnancy and adolescent childbearing in Erie County; they produce publications, including the unparalleled community resource, "Directions: Understanding Child and Family Well-being in Erie County;" and they evaluate programs, engage in strategic planning and write grants. Altogether, the institute's endeavors promote discussion of regional issues, generate policy, and foster outcomes that benefit the Erie region and its residents. "We could never be as effective on our own," Amann said. "It is the college-community partnership that enables our community to do what it wants to do better." While the institute's role has been in the vanguard, behind the Erie Mayor Rick Filippi, foreground, addresses residents attending a Weedscenes , and everywhere in between, the partnerships it has forged and Seed revitalization plan meeting in July while Art Amann, background,since its inception in 1999 are responsible for pouring approximately director of the Civic Institute, listens. $5 million into the Erie area economy in the form of grant money. A

8 M K H U R M I N TLB UNIT

Among those listening to institute is evaluating 21 school districts in ideas for reclaiming one Pennsylvania that employ state-funded law Erie neighborhood are enforcement officers in their schools to ascer­ Dan Castro, president of tain the program's effectiveness in curtailing the Institute for violence. Currently, the institute's staff is Leadership, Education compiling data from an estimated 2,500 and Development, front surveys completed by students, parents, row left; and Tom teachers and administrators in the respective Hyson, director of the school districts. The project is funded by a Weed and Seed program two-year $70,200 grant from the Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania, front Commission on Crime and Delinquency. row right. Elsewhere, the institute is consulting with Cumberland County to help organize a Mentally 111 Offender Program, which is bonus for Mercyhurst is the tremendous being generated by the five committees designed to be a seamless collaboration research opportunities the partnerships working on the plan. between the criminal justice system and men­ create for faculty and students. One of the committees, for example, is tal health providers. Essentially, the program charged with investigating ways of building provides policies, procedures and training for HAND IN HAND a positive relationship between the police and Cumberland County officials involved with One of the institute's more high-profile neighborhood residents, particularly youth. mentally ill offenders from arrest through endeavors is the state's Weed and Seed Out of their meetings came the idea of incarceration. The reimbursement-driven Initiative, through which it partnered with resurrecting the Police Athletic League, which program is expected to yield approximately the City of Erie and the Erie County District in the 1960s produced teams of police and $10,000 for the Civic Institute in 2003. Attorney's Office to write the grant proposal inner-city youth that played sports together. And, using the institute's Criminal that brought the program to Erie in 2002. The Gamble said that once a community's Justice Advisory Board as a model, which major initiative, which will bring an estimated revitalization plan is endorsed by the state, it links key decision-makers in consideration of $720,000 in funds into Erie over a three-year is better positioned to secure funding for issues like electronic monitoring and jail period, is one of 15 statewide. implementation of its proposals, although crowding in an attempt to seek successful Essentially, the state and city police that remains a long and arduous process. remedies and identify future needs, the "weed" the criminal element out of neighbor­ "It took decades for a neighborhood to institute is helping seven counties in hoods — in Erie's case, the targeted area runs fall apart, and it's going to take decades to Pennsylvania establish similar boards. west to east, from Cranberry Street to East put it back together," he said. Avenue, and north to south, from 12th to NYGAARD JOINS EFFORT 26th streets. Then, as part of the "seed" com­ EXPANDING INFLUENCE Meanwhile, Judge Richard L. Nygaard of ponent, the Civic Institute lends its resources In highlighting some of the Civic Institute's Erie, United States Court of Appeals for the and expertise to teams of neighborhood resi­ other recent endeavors, Gamble credited Third Circuit, joined the Civic Institute as a dents that guide the revitalization effort. Amann and his staff, which currently senior fellow. Nygaard will conduct a series That is what brought Amann to the includes five full-time employees and nine of public lectures and will lend his expertise doorstep of the East 23rd Street resident last consultants, with expanding the breadth of to researching issues of therapeutic jurispru­ winter, and keeps him meeting with citizens the institute's programs. dence, which pools the social sciences with in the target neighborhood. "They have been instrumental in spread­ the judiciary and corrections field in an effort "We expect to have the revitalization ing our influence statewide and we are really to seek a rehabilitative course of action for plan into the state this fall," Amann said, showing the flag regionally as well," he said. individuals in the prison system, Gamble noting that some very positive proposals are For example, as part of the School said. • Resources Officer Project, Gamble said the

O C T O B R 2 0 0 3 CIVIC INSTITUTE FAST

Director Art C Amann Staff

^ * Fivefidl-time employees and nine consultant*.

Projects ^fe> Juvenile Detention Census Management Database Juvenile Placement Fund Monitoring Project Lor/ Duska, a neighborhood revitalization team Erie County Parent-Child Home Program Evaluation member, listens during the July meeting when revitalization plans were unveiled. Evaluation coordination for the Model Preschool project in association with the Erie Community Foundation, the Heinz Endowment and the YWCA

As a recipient of the Mercyhurst College CROSMISA Dually Diagnosed Offender Program Evaluation James V. Kinnane Criminal Justice Award last Erie County Drug Treatment Court Program Evaluation spring, Nygaard expounded on his interest in Analysis of Police Stops and Searches for the City of Erie criminal law, sentencing and the prison Weed and Seed Initiative system. Pennsylvania County Criminal Justice Policy Board Development "The recidivism rate today is as high as Regional Quality of Life Analysis for the NWPA Workforce Investment Board it ever was/' Nygaard said. "We have six Distinguished Speaker Series million people in this country under supervision, two million of them locked up; Erie County Criminal Justice Advisory Board coordination and staff support of that, 40,000 are in Pennsylvania, and we Erie County Policy and Planning Council for Children and Families coordination and have no idea whether they are going to come staff support out any better than they went in." CIRCLE Incorrigibility Project research and staff support Nygaard advanced the need for research and information sharing to generate solu­ Grants tions, which is what he will attempt to do Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant Preparation and Reporting within the framework of the Civic Institute. Growing Greener Grant: Partnership for a Healthy Millcreek Watershed "The first thing we have to do is a lot of research, then share the information with others and factor it into the law," he said. Publication "Right now, we are running a warehouse and • "Directions: The Well-being of Children and Families in Erie County,ft Pa. we have to get back to the business of corrections." Partners and Funding Sources With plenty of existing projects to con­ The Erie County Office of Children and Youth centrate on and a number of new endeavors The Erie Community Foundation about to commence, Amann said he is eager to lead the Civic Institute into the future. The Erie County Departments of Corrections, Adult/juvenile Probation and Parole And, after following Tom Gamble's lead The Erie County Court the past several years, Amann said he couldn't The Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse have asked for a better mentor. The School District of the City of Erie "Actually, I can't think of a better goal The Governor's Partnership For Safe Children for me and for the institute than to continue The Howard Heinz Endowment what Tom has already started ... to create a The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency better Erie." The Pennsylvania Department of Welfare By Debbie Morton The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Photos by Roger Coda

10 M E R H U M Z I N 0 3 0

Nina Bell, development director at the Mercy Center for Women, opted for tact when she described her agency's Web site as "rather outdated." Shantel Hilliard '02, program director at the Booker T. Washington Center, didn't even > brave a description of his Web site. "Let's just say we decided to scrap it and start over," he said. In both cases, it was the new Mercyhurst College E-Commerce Institute (MEI) that overhauled the Web pages of these nonprofit organizations and fine-tuned their voice on the World Wide Web. In a culture that embraces an ever increasing level of Internet dependency, many Erie area nonprofit organizations are lagging behind in establishing their presence, according to MEI director and computer systems instructor John Byrtus. In an effort to MEI student volunteer Scott Fiorina develops a color palette for Web page design. help local nonprofits take advantage of the Internet's powerful communication services are provided free of charge to the first completed by the E-Commerce Institute. capabilities, thereby strengthening both the nonprofit groups. Not only was the result gratifying, Bell said, community and the economy, MEI took Since it was officially launched last but the process was also a positive experience. shape. spring, MEI is working with 25 clients in the "We were assigned three wonderful nonprofit sector to assess, plan, create, moni­ students and they were so professional," she tor and maintain their respective Web sites. said. "They met with us, discussed our needs, • Mercy Center The Mercy Center for Women needed a and offered really good ideas." • fonmaenr "sin iiHiW-Wi IttaiJtfiiiJxif^iiKimuxu Web upgrade to achieve a viable, straightfor­ ward, easy-to-navigate site for referral purposes but, like most nonprofits, it just That's the genius of didn't have the money. "Many not-for-profit organizations can­ the institute — new not afford to pay to have sites professionally people, fresh ideas. developed," Byrtus pointed out. "To avoid professional development costs, these And in the constantly organizations have amateur level work or evolving world of An offshoot of Mercyhurst College's forgo having a site." service learning program, headed by Sister Bell said, "The Mercy Center wants a e-commerce, keeping Michele Marie Schroeck '88, '96, and in coop­ presence out there, where we can say to other eration with the math and computer systems organizations, churches, agencies: here's our creativity percolating department, MEI is staffed by student volun­ Web site and what we are all about in case is what it's all about. teers pursuing degrees in related fields. Their you need to refer someone to us." The Mercy Center's site was one of the

OCTOBER 2 0 0 3 11 ONPROF IVEE

Last spring, a volunteer staff of 18 students worked with the MEI in a service learning capacity. Work continued throughout the summer with a smaller staff, including Scott Fiorina, Michael Thiess, Jim Lahood, Curtis Henry and Karen Gourley. Like their predecessors, the summer crew was equally enthusiastic about its work. "A lot of the groups we are working with don't know how to update the Web sites they have, so we are developing a simple coding to help them do it on their own," said Thiess, a retired tool and die worker who is at Mercyhurst earning a certificate in computer information systems. Besides showing the power of service learning to enhance the community, the MEI is preparing students for professional careers. Mercyhurst E-Commerce Institute director John Byrtus, at left, talks over some e-commerce best practices "I've gained a lot of experience and have with students Scott Fiorina, Jim Lahood and Michael Thiess. learned more about computer languages like JAVA, CSS and Visual Basics in here than I creativity percolating is what it's all about. studying management information systems. have in the classroom," said Fiorina, a senior Part of the institute's work centers on "For a lot of us working here, the payoff is in management information systems who two new Web sites it is developing: going to be on the resume." introduced an expansive color palette to the www.erieoutlook.com, which highlights For someone like Hilliard, though, the generator that is utilized to formulate Web Erie's best features in an effort to attract payoff is in being able to extend his organiza­ pages for clients. "There will be more color young professionals to the region; and tion's reach through the Internet and help choices now than there were before." www.erieservices.org, which is a portal to those who might desperately need its services. link the area's social service agencies. "Most of the people we help are ;NKM*»* eel 3 O ^ •* tf i; #••4 "It's a good feeling to get a site up on the low-income," said Hilliard. "It's all about ^'^""^•'•'•y c»*> Internet and know that you were responsible awareness. Having a good Web site lets us for developing it," said Lahood, a senior make people aware of the services we provide, especially new people coming into I'jtr Q»***** rn>p*

ifm^mf^n the area." mI As for the future, MEI's long-range plans include aiding the region by helping create e-commerce businesses and by supporting e-commerce initiatives within existing organizations, both for-profit and nonprofit. Further, MEI seeks to provide service J--9- - ' —41 •• ii H i •nmvczr learning-based consulting services, seminars, That's the genius of the institute — new certificate programs and resource people, fresh ideas. And in the constantly coordination activities. evolving world of e-commerce, keeping Story and photos by Debbie Morton

12 M H U R S T M A UP...

In 1973, pioneer Kevin Koob organized a taken on multiple occasions as a 21-year secret mission — a daunting trek that no veteran of the Town of New Castle Police male before had tried - a midnight run Department, which serves Chappaqua. through the female-inhabited second floor "It's been a challenge for the 45 officers dormitory of Old Main. in our force to provide the kind of security Wearing a ghoulish mask and a nun's necessary for the Clintons," Cannon said. ' black habit, Koob sprinted through the dorm, "Obviously, the Secret Service has a large his deranged cry awakening the girls and presence here, but they are teamed up with sending them shrieking to bolt their doors. So New Castle police officers when the president fueled was he by their reaction that he pro­ is in residence. I've done his security quite a ceeded to the third floor — the nuns' quarters. few times now, and he is starting to recognize There, like so many pioneers in history, me. Actually, both he and the senator have Koob met his match. He was halfway down come out to shake my hand." the hall when a dear, brave Sister of Mercy, Now here's a face that only a mother could love! Like Koob, Cannon sometimes has to thinking he was another Sister in the throes It belongs to Kevin Koob '75, best known for his pinch himself to believe what he is doing now. of a nightmare, came upon him from behind. mad dash through Old Main in a nun's habit. "When we were rooming together at She put her hand soothingly on his shoulder He also snared the "best costume" award one Mercyhurst, Kevin and I endeavored to find and he turned to meet her, his fiendish face Halloween for this monk's outfit. the margins at both ends of the page," but a breath away. Eeeeeek! She screamed. of President George W. Bush and that of Cannon said. "We never dreamed of seeing a He screamed. And they both took off Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge on U.S. president, let alone protecting one." running. their visit to Philadelphia in March. Certainly, Cannon was in cahoots with In the days ahead, there was a full court Koob has been with the Coast Guard for his buddy Koob when it came to mischief at press to uncover the identity of the masked 27 years, both on active duty and now in its Mercyhurst. Some may remember this nun imposter. Hearing that he was a key reserve. His civilian job is that of response particular episode: On April 1,1972, as all suspect from then-admissions chief Thomas and recovery officer for the Federal good faculty, staff and administrators were Billingsley, who is now executive vice Emergency Management Agency in processing along East 38th Street to work, president for administration, Koob gave Philadelphia. What's more, this previously they encountered a bottleneck as they • himself up. Because Koob was one of the unfocused twenty-something has gone on to male pioneers of Mercyhurst College in its enjoy a 20-year marriage, complete with four co-educational transition period (aka The children. I guess it just goes to Frontier Days), the powers-that-be put the When he thinks back to the good old prankster through his paces, but stopped days at Mercyhurst, his memories typically show that if you can short of doling out punishment too severe. include fellow pioneer, roommate and get students through "Basically," Koob said, "I just had to co-conspirator Dan Cannon, who now lives incur the wrath of the Sister I had scared." in Somers, N.Y., with his wife of nine years. some of those tough Certainly, some of the administrators "We trade e-mail and, periodically, get and faculty who were here during Koob's together, and I am always amazed at how stages in life, the end memorable four years on campus were very incredible it is that the paths of our lives result can be pretty surprised to hear recently that the class clown have tracked along so closely," Koob said. had gone on to a serious career and, just last So closely, that as Koob was guarding good. spring, was charged with the awesome President Bush, Patrolman Cannon was responsibility of protecting a U.S. president. providing security for former President Bill Tom Billingsley, executive vice president Commander Koob was the U.S. Coast Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton at their for administration Guard Project Officer assigned to the security Chappaqua, N.Y., home, a duty he has under­

OCTOBER 2 0 0 3 13 MER HUR

approached The Gates. The imposing 20-foot- high, 25-ton, wrought-iron gates that frame the entryway to Mercyhurst College had been wrapped and locked in chains. APRIL FOOLS! Koob and Cannon had struck again! Ironically, both were in the work study program at Mercyhurst, and it became their job to paint the gates, which were scratched and chipped from the chaining incident. "After finishing the project, we reported to Sister Barbara (then-director of financial aid), who handed us a check and thanked us for our hard work," Cannon remembered. Obviously guilt-stricken, they offered to donate their services to the college, but Sister would not hear of it. "We told her we couldn't take the money, but she kept insisting," Cannon Dan Cannon, left, and Kevin Koob, share fond memories of Mercyhurst and a passion for practical jokes continued. "When we finally fessed up, she that has mellowed over the years. Today Cannon is a police officer in New Castle, NX, and Koob is a got this twinkle in her eye, and said, T knew Coast Guard reservist and response and recovery officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency you wouldn't take the check/ She had had in Philadelphia. our number all along!" While long-time Mercyhurst personnel did not go unnoticed. On the contrary, seven years in government social work before can still remember the mischievous antics of criminal justice professor Dr. Frank Hagan becoming a police officer. In both instances, Koob and Cannon, their academic pursuits chronicled Cannon's senior thesis in his his career goal was not punitive in nature, textbook, "Research Methods in Criminal but rooted in the desire to restore the order Justice and Criminology." and protection he believes each person is "When we were rooming A psychology major, Cannon solicited entitled to in life. Koob's help with the thesis, a study of how Much has changed at Mercyhurst since * together at Mercyhurst, social status of a perpetrator affects people's the days of Koob and Cannon. Men are no Kevin and I endeavored reaction to a crime. To test his theory, Cannon longer novel; they are commonplace. But found a busy shopping locale, placed a both agree that the discoveries they made in to find the margins at shopping bag at his side, and looked away. their pioneering days on the Hill have served both ends of the page. We Then, Koob, dressed either in workman's them well in life. clothes, a business suit, or priest's robes And as Billingsley so aptly summarized, never dreamed of seeing would steal the bag. After each incident, "I guess it just goes to show that if you can a U.S. president, let alone Cannon would debrief passersby on their get students through some of those tough reaction to the simulated crime. All in all, the stages in life, the end result can be pretty // protecting one. results made for pretty interesting reading good." and helped whitewash an otherwise Dan Cannon '75 notorious twosome. By Debbie Morton After Cannon graduated, he worked for Contributed photo

14 M R HUR M A Z I N 'Him CITY

POOL OUR 0 0 3

/ A new education program aimed at Get W.E.T. team explored during the week- promoting watershed stewardship among long camp and are now preparing to help K-6 Erie youth is making a big splash with a I liked going in the pupils digest a la games, puzzles, experi­ group of students from the Mercyhurst creek and seeing all ments and other fun learning projects. College education department and City of Throughout the fall, Mercyhurst educa­ Erie high schools. the aquatic macro tion students will mentor the high school stu­ dents in an after-school setting as they devel­ "I really learned a lot, especially about the invertebrates and op age-appropriate learning activities and history of Erie, like the flood and why Mill Creek identifying the then, in the spring, the high school team will was tubed/' said Keri Johnson, a 2003 become peer educators and use the materials Mercyhurst graduate who is doing her student different fish. they created to educate elementary school teaching this fall. students. Matt Ritz, a Strong Vincent "I liked going in the creek and seeing all the High School student aquatic macro invertebrates and identifying the different fish," said Matt Ritz, a Strong Vincent High School senior. turn their newfound knowledge into creative learning activities for children in grades K-6. "I've done volunteer work at the Bayfront The collaborative effort of Mercyhurst Center (for Maritime Studies) and 1 thought College, the Bayfront Center for Maritime doing this would be interesting,,, said Kevin Studies, Pennsylvania Sea Grant and Erie Lyons of Villa Maria Academy. School District is funded by a $13,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Aptly called Get W.E.T. (Watershed Environmental Protection Growing Greener Students spend a day on Lake Erie in the Education Team), the project plunges Program. Momentum. participants into a whole wide world of In addition to educating young people Get W.E.T. team members include aquatic life in Mill and Cascade creeks and about the Presque Isle Bay Watershed, the Mercyhurst students Megan Auell, Patrick Presque Isle Bay as they get up close and Get W.E.T. project encourages civic Bruce, Carol Clark, Keri Johnson, Mary personal with local watershed issues, then responsibility and shows students how their Mullen, and Rebecca Turner; and high school curriculum is not something separate from students Matt Ritz, Audrey Hamilton, the real world, but a means to making a Frances Nieswonger, Andrea Montroy, and better world. Hollian Vickey, all of Strong Vincent High The project began with a watershed School; Jen Turner of the Northwest summer camp June 16-20 that paired Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy; and Kevin Mercyhurst education students with Erie Lyons of Villa Maria Academy. Also high school students. participating is Amber Richardson of Villa What is a watershed? How is Presque Maria Elementary. Isle Bay's unique? What kinds of fish live in Leanne Roberts, assistant professor of the bay? How did Erie as a fishing port education, and Dr. Marlene Cross, assistant impact the city's development? What are the professor of biology, are coordinating Student Jen Turner, left, works with mentor effects of waterfront development on Mercyhurst College's involvement in the Patrick Bruce, center, and student Hollian Vickey,non-poin t and point source pollution? How effort. Former Mercyhurst assistant education in Mill Creek. The group used a seine to pull do you test water quality? professor Dr. Joanne Carney provided support samples from the creek. Those are a sample of the questions the throughout the grant-writing process. •

o c T O B R 2 0 0 3 15 ojeff W-S.J:

Wat«rxh«d Iducatlon Tton

"Opportunities to collaborate with and supervised by Anne Danielski, education comfortable number of participants; the one- learn from professionals in the field and specialist for Pennsylvania Sea Grant; and on-one ratio was great," added Danielski, transfer that knowledge to work directly with on-site coordinator Amy Jo Smith, a senior who detailed the camp experience, starting K-12 students are precisely what pre-service biology major at Perm State Erie — The with a view from the top. teachers need/' said Roberts. "This project is Behrend College, whose enthusiasm set the "We took everyone up the Bicentennial rich with authentic learning experiences for tone for the week. Tower to see the bayfront, and we had photos our students." Despite the rain that constantly of the area from 100 years ago, so they got a "What a wonderful opportunity this is threatened, Smith said every day of the camp unique perception of the then and now of our for students to 'do' science in the field/' Cross turned out "great" and everything she bayfront," she said. said. "I think you learn so much more when planned she accomplished. Throughout the week, the team was you actually see the results." "This was our first year for the program encouraged to visualize the watershed from The summer camp, meanwhile, was and we were pleased to start with a an historical perspective, beginning in the

Eric Obert, associate director of the Pennsylvania Sea Grant program, works with students Audrey Hamilton, center, and Prances Nieswonger, right, to identify fish from Mill Creek.

16 MERCY HURST MAGAZINE 1600s and watching how the community to test the pH, oxygen level, and temperature developed around the bay and how the of water samples. They used seines to collect fishing and shipping industries shaped Erie I grew up in Erie, but benthic invertebrates from the bottom of a as a city. I gained so much creek, and learned how aquatic biologists use electroshocking equipment to bring larger "I grew up in Erie, but I gained so much knowledge, from the fish to the surface so they can collect, study knowledge, from the history of the bay to the and record pertinent environmental data organisms that live there," said Mary Mullen '03, history of the bay to before returning the fish safely to their who is doing her student teaching this fall. the organisms that habitat. And if a week's worth of camaraderie, Jim Stewart, executive director of the live there. discovery, picnics, sailing and scientific Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies, talked exploration were not enough for these aquatic about watershed stewardship and urged the Mary Mullen '03, mentor crusaders, there was art! Cathy Pedler, students to remember: This is your bay your Mercyhurst archaeologist and coordinator of lake, your watershed and you are the ones the Partnership for a Healthy Mill Creek who will be responsible for taking care of it their would-be development projects. Watershed, and education graduate student one day. Of course, no watershed camp would be Melissa Borgia spent the last day of camp Ed Kissell of the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie complete without the opportunity to get wet, helping students share what they had learned Fishing Club talked about development of and there were plenty of those. through artistic expression. the bayfront and its impact on the environ­ Team members experienced the bay The students also presented draft ment, while Kelly Burch, DEP regional while taking a sailing lesson. proposals of the learning activities they director, apprised the group of government intend to use in the elementary school efforts aimed at preserving the integrity of "I really enjoyed the sailing; it was one of my classroom in the spring when they take the watershed. favorite parts of the camp," said Mercyhurst education beyond the realm of textbooks The students tried their hand at role senior Carol Clark. and tests and into the real W.E.T world. playing, envisioning themselves as business people and developers who had to consider The campers collected sediment samples By Debbie Morton land use and watershed issues in pursuit of to analyze and utilized a portable Hydrolab Photos contributed by Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff

, i

Students and mentors pose with Presque Isle Bay in the background.

OCTOBER 2 0 0 3 17 EAR IINGF ORE THEW ER LAKEER

"We are opening up an enormous new era in archaeology ... time sites in the world, including those in Port Royal, Jamaica, and capsules in the deep oceans,ff John E Lehman Jr., U.S. Secretary of numerous shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea near Turkey. Other key the Navy, Aug. 11, 1986. players in the momentous undertaking are Pennsylvania Sea Grant, Divers World, Lake Shore Towing, and the Lake Erie Region When John Lehman spoke of the ongoing underwater excavation Conservancy. of the Titanic in 1986, he never imagined how widespread underwater "This joint underwater archaeology project will preserve the local archaeology would become as advances in science and technology history of Lake Erie and its shipwrecks," explained James Stewart, brought new methods to sites buried beneath the rhythmic waves of executive director of the Bavfront Center for Maritime Studies. "In oceans, seas and lakes. addition, instead of talking to local students about history, we are But never before in the history of underwater excavation have the going to show them what is right here and get them excited about it." Great Lakes been the focus — until now. And, it The program started in June with Texas all happened in Erie, Pa., this summer, under A&M doctoral candidate and INA researcher the lead of the Mercyhurst College archaeology We have James Coombs overseeing a rotating staff of department. four Mercyhurst College archaeology students In what was billed "an historic undertak­ demonstrated the who took on the responsibility of jump-starting ing" with enormous potential to identify, feasibility of the the project — despite inclement weather that research, preserve and interpret the shipwrecks kept them on shore for weeks. at the bottom of Lake Erie and unveil the rich enterprise, and we After battling bad weather and mechanical seafaring history of the region, a topnotch team troubles, the students eventually settled into the of collaborators went to work in June exploring see that as a solid tedious chore of sweeping the lake bottom with Pennsylvania's Lake Erie waters, starting with base for future a side scan sonar, looking for anomalies, many Presque Isle Bay. of which were found. Their exploration into the never-before- expansion of this More than 100 anomalies were recorded, researched treasures of Lake Erie has the goal of two of those known shipwrecks, the rest new bringing history alive for youngsters in the Erie project. We are now discoveries that will be mapped and researched region, feeding an interactive curriculum for in the midst of when the project continues next summer — K-12 students as research continues next year. when additional funding is secured. Making this all possible were Mercyhurst chasing down more Coombs said he is pleased with the initial College and the Bayfront Center for Maritime efforts, even though the group covered only 4.5 Studies (BCMS), which secured an 18-month, funding to continue square miles of territory. $33,500 grant from the Pennsylvania this effort. ir 'Now that all the kinks have been worked Department of Environmental Protection out, next season will go much more smoothly, Coastal Zone Management program, then — Dr. James Adovasio, and we expect a lot more ground to be coordinated nearly $60,000 in matching funds Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute covered," he added. and in-kind commitments. Despite a slow start, many of those The funding paved the way for a partner­ intimately involved in the project were pleased ship with the Institute for Nautical Archaeology (INA) based at Texas with the preliminary endeavor. A&M University in College Station, Texas, a collaboration that has as "We have already had a tremendously productive first full season its roots a longstanding friendship between Mercyhurst Trustee James with this project," commented Stewart. "Our partnership with Texas Zum and INA board member Edward Boshell Jr., who had envisioned A&M's Institute of Nautical Archaology took several steps forward, their two institutions in a cooperative venture of this kind for years. including the start of the systematic side scan sonar survey of the The INA was organized in 1972 as a nonprofit research institute Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie." that has excavated some of the most significant underwater archaeology As the project continues, Stewart explained that the information

18 M H U M A Z I We have already had *i>*A An anomaly identified during the summer underwater archaeology project a tremendously spearheaded by Mercyhurst College, the \ -* Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies and productive first full \ : *&' lw~ti ^m.-> the Institute for Nautical Archaeology season with this based at Texas A&M University. project. Our

EKJ M?.-' •• partnership with 1 Texas A&M's Institute of Nautical Archaeology took . several steps forward, including the start of the systematic side T/7cse sonar images shozu portions of the Philip D. Armour, a 264-foot scan sonar survey of freight barge/steamer that sank during - <-. the Pennsylvania a gale in 1915 while carrying a load of coal. It sits in the sand at a depth of waters of Lake Erie. 30 feet, about 6 miles off the Erie, Pa., harbor entrance. At the time she was — James Stewart, launched in 1889, the Armour was executive director, the largest wood propeller ship ever Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies built by the Detroit Dry Dock Company. gathered about the newly discovered more funding to continue this effort." sites such as Pavlov I in the Czech Republic, shipwrecks will be funneled into the Bayfront The joint endeavor is being funded in Caesarea Maritima in Israel, and Mezhirich in Center for Maritime Studies, which will use part by the Pennsylvania Department of southern Ukraine. Closer to home, Mercyhurst the data to develop curriculum for the Environmental Protection Coastal Zone archaeologists are involved in the Meadowcroft region's K-12 classrooms. Since Lake Erie is Management program. Through federal Rockshelter, sites in Allegheny National home to more freshwater shipwrecks than grants, the Coastal Zone Management Forest, a varietv of locations in northwest any other location in the world, the project program provides technical and financial Pennsylvania, and several major excavations promises an exciting look into the seafaring assistance to local governments and state in Texas. history of the region. agencies to control development in coastal The mission of the Bayfront Center for "We already held a teacher training in hazard areas, improve public access, protect Maritime Studies is to design and deliver the spring that sowed the seeds for producing natural resources, expand strategies to unique, hands-on, maritime-related a curriculum to make the adventure and the improve local economies, and promote educational, vocational, and recreational science of underwater archaeology available proper planning. opportunities for all members of the to school children from around the region/' Mercyhurst and BCMS are now working community. Since its inception in May 1998 explained Stewart. to renew grants from those entities. the BCMS has worked with youth creating Despite the setbacks of a stormy and wet Mercyhurst archaeology research projects learning experiences through building boats, Erie summer, Dr. James Adovasio, director of routinely employ the very latest computerized sailing and learning about the local environ­ the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute, said surveying, mapping, and remote-sensing ment on Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. he was pleased with the initial effort. techniques along with tried-and-true "We have demonstrated the feasibility of excavation methods that have set the standard By Gennifer Biggs the enterprise, and we see that as a solid base in the field. Mercyhurst students and Contributed photo for future expansion of this project/' he said. archaeologists have participated in excava­ "We are now in the midst of chasing down tions at famous international archaeological

o c O B 2 0 0 3 19 MERCYHUR TO BALANCE PLAYING F

Nine-year-old Tanya recited the words in furnished by the Erie Housing Authority and deliberate one-by-one measure. They were St. Benedict Education Center. Mercyhurst her words, painstakingly put together with We selected students College provided transportation; also, grant the help of mentors in an after-school money from the college's graduate program program that seemed to elicit her best effort. we felt could benefit in special education funded a graduate As she finished her "All About Me" story the academically and assistant to direct the project on-site. audience applauded and she beamed with the glow of their endorsement. She felt like a socially and we winner, and she wasn't the only one. An East High School freshman and found it to be a real aspiring teacher who had tutored the Edison positive program. Elementary School second-grader relished the ripple effect of her young charge's success. Our kids were eager Their mutual glory came as a result of a Alma Hucic works on her "All About Me" book pilot program, proposed by the St. Benedict to go and, for some, as Mercyhurst education student Chad Keene Education Center and developed through the grades actually lends support. new Urban Education Institute, an undertak­ ing of Mercyhurst College education faculty improved. Plus, they The 10-week session, which interlaced Dr. Phillip J. Belfiore and Ruth Auld '01. The academic instruction, mentoring and social institute represents a college-community were exposed to skills training, was capped by a "literary tea/' partnership aimed at balancing the playing good, positive role at which the second-grade through field in urban education where poverty, fourth-grade participants read aloud to an teacher shortages, under- and non-certified models. approving audience the "All About Me" teaching staff, poor test scores and low books they had authored. expectations all play an integral part in the Brenda Meredith, principal, "It was wonderful to see the great struggle for quality. Edison Elementary School feelings the kids had about themselves and Although still evolving, the institute has the books they wrote," recounted Stacy formed a K-16 consortium among Steingrabe, the Mercyhurst graduate assistant Mercyhurst College, St. Benedict Education Its goal is to raise the quality and who directed the outreach effort that resumed < Center, the City of Erie School District, and diversity of the K-12 urban teaching force and this fall. "It was a great outcome for us." community resource programs, including the upgrade post-secondary teacher training in Also helping Stacy was Sara Kassab, a Erie Housing Authority. an effort to improve student performance in graduate student doing an internship at the urban schools, said Belfiore, associate after-school program. John Koran, executive professor of education and director of the Calling the pilot project "a huge success," director of the Housing graduate program in special education at Sister Miriam Mashank, OSB, '54, executive Authority of the City of Mercyhurst College. director of the St. Benedict Education Center, Erie, a community The institute launched its first initiative said, "Originally, we felt the need to provide partner in Mercyhurst's last spring with a pilot project that linked a quality after-school education program to new Urban Education Mercyhurst faculty and freshman education children living in the Franklin Terrace area, Institute, visits with students, East High faculty and four many of whom attend Edison school, but we student Latreece Rowry at freshmen, and Edison faculty and 13 pupils were worried about the 'school after school' the computer. in an after-school club at Franklin Terrace concept. Thanks to Phil Belfiore and Ruth community center on the City of Erie's east Auld, who were the brains behind the side. Computers and related resources were program, it turned out to be an exciting,

20 M R Y H U R T M 1 N URBAN EBUCAHO

on multiple levels. Mercyhurst faculty got teaching among top high school students at experience in the field and the chance to put East. their research to work in an urban lab. The girls' first mission was as mentors in Education students in Belfiore and Auld's the after-school pilot program at Franklin urban education class got the feel of working Terrace. Thev were trained by Auld, an in an urban classroom, the likes of which instructor in special education, and mentored most had never before encountered. by faculty from participating schools and It was the four East High School ninth- Mercyhurst undergraduate education students grade students, though, whose contributions Erin Moll, Pam Cichon, Mallory Taylor, and held the most promise toward long-term Chad Keene. The hope now is that they will improvement of urban schools, noted continue in the pre-teaching academy Belfiore. The girls - LaTasha Williams, through 12th grade, enroll as education Amanda Williams, Frannie Cicatelli, and majors at Mercyhurst and, armed with Emily Thor - became pioneers last spring in a college degrees, return to the city to teach. pre-teaching academy, one of three programs To date, the girls have resolved to that comprise the Urban Education Institute. participate again this year as sophomores, The academy, which is being housed at East and more ninth-grade recruits are expected. and directed in cooperation with Participation in the academy is selective in Mercyhurst's teacher preparation programs, that participants must meet academic, gives top urban high school students an disciplinary and attendance criteria at East to Mercyhurst graduate student Sara Kassab gets a opportunity to explore college and the field qualify for admission. hug from two Edison students in the after-school of education as a career choice. As an added benefit, Belfiore said, the project at Franklin Terrace community center. According to research cited by Belfiore, pre-teaching academy may serve as a tool to energizing experience for everyone." of the students who graduate from high- increase diversity on the Mercyhurst campus, She also credited Mercyhurst President minority, high-poverty schools, many do not where only three percent of students in the Dr. William P. Garvey with providing the have the opportunity to enter college, and education division are minority. support necessary to launch the project. fewer choose education as a post-secondary While the pre-teaching academy is Edison Principal Brenda Meredith, career. Likewise, urban public schools lack establishing roots, the foundation also is meanwhile, said she was encouraged by the quality role models for underrepresented being laid for two other proposed programs project's results. populations. under the institute's umbrella. One represents "We selected students we felt could an extension of the pre-teaching academy — benefit academically and socially and we the college emergent teacher program — found it to be a real positive program/' she which would provide for pre-teaching said. "Our kids were eager to go and, for academy students, once they reach 12th some, grades actually improved. Plus, they grade, to take college coursework and earn were exposed to good, positive role models." nine credits towards a Mercyhurst degree in Meredith said Edison also furnished a education. The third component of the teacher, Patricia Sherbin, who provided institute is a master teacher in-residence curriculum guidance to Mercyhurst and East Tanya Mickel, left, takes a snack break with Eastprogram , through which the best minority High students charged with mentoring the High mentors, Amanda Williams, center, and public school teachers in Erie would lecture elementary school children. LaTasha Williams. at Mercyhurst and East. But the youngest participants in the Belfiore said the aim of the pre-teaching program accounted for only part of the pilot academy is to offset those trends locally by By Debbie Morton project's success. It was a win-win situation stimulating and cultivating an interest in Contributed photos

o c O B E R 2 0 0 3 21 GIRL TALK: HTE

COLLE 9 UNIT w A ^jf While there is no cookie-cutter Mercyhurst knowledge. While raising Jen and Jen's older woman, many who are touched by the spirit sister, Susan, who is a Duquesne University intrinsic in the Mercyhurst experience, tend to My mom has an graduate, Doris became a Dale Carnegie reflect a certain commonality. graduate and went on to teach human Such is the case with these four Mercyhurst unquenchable thirst relations, public speaking and sales women: alumna Marlene Mosco '68, vice chair of management courses. the colleges board of trustees, and her daughter, for knowledge and is But it is her community service during Emily, a 'Hurst senior; and trustee Doris always open to new the past three decades that epitomizes just Stackpole and her daughter, Jennifer, a 2003 what kind of woman Doris is and illustrates graduate. challenges, which she the depth and breadth of her community- Together they share, and, each in her own mindedness. way, manifests, the Carpe Diem spirit. embraces with As a member of the Mercyhurst College They are outward extensions of the college's passion. I think we Board of Trustees since 1997, she chairs the mission, which holds in highest esteem the student and academic development qualities ofexcellmce, compassion, creativity and are very much alike committee and serves on the executive, service to others. in that way. We have endowment management, and long-range planning committees. She also served an adventuresome Mercyhurst as visitors' board chairman of the D'Angelo School of Music from 1997 to 2000. As warm and inviting as a crackling fire spirit and want to She is a well-known figure in her home­ in the hearth, Doris and Jen Stackpole of St. learn more about life town of St. Marys and neighboring Ridgway Marys, Pa., make friends feel like family, and In St. Marys, she served as a trustee of acquaintances, like dear friends. There are no and people. Elk Regional Health System Inc. and trustees airs, no pretenses, no barriers to their chairman of Elk Regional Health System Inc. engaging manner. Jennifer Stackpole '03 Foundation for 12 years. "We joke that we must wear a sign on us In Ridgway, she was chairman of the that says, Talk to me/" said Jen, casting a board of directors of Elk County Citizens sideways glance at a bemused mom. "We'll manufacturing industry during the 1960s and Against Physical, Sexual and Emotional be out together and perfect strangers, like earlv 1970s. Abuse, and currently serves on a six-county waitresses in a restaurant, just start telling us J regional economic development board, North "I know what it is like to work and not their life stories." Central Enterprise Inc. She also has given have two nickels to rub together from one Perhaps, it is a reflection of her small­ tirelessly to the Catholic Diocese of Erie by paycheck to the next," Doris said. "But, I town upbringing or the fact that she has lived serving as past chairman of the founding learned a lot from my father about handling; a life both of humble means and of prosperity board of directors of Catholic Charities. money, things like putting a little aside in that makes Doris so approachable. savings and giving to the church even if it "My mom has an unquenchable thirst In the late 1950s, Doris worked in the meant you had nothing left at the end of the for knowledge and is always open to new dietary department at her hometown hospital. month." challenges, which she embraces with passion," She later worked as a retail sales clerk in a When Doris reached a point in life where Jen said. "I think we are very much alike in downtown store and as a secretary in the she was comfortable financially, she continued that way. We have an adventuresome spirit sales department of a St. Marys carbon to look for ways to grow and expand her and want to learn more about life and people."

22 MERCYHURST V. A G A Z I N E REELEC

Doris Stackpole played a home," Jen said. dual role during So, she changed plans and came to Mercyhurst graduation Mercyhurst, a decision she will never regret. 2003 — mom and college "Coming from a small town, Mercyhurst trustee. Here she poses broadened my horizons and taught me a lot with daughter Jennifer, about myself and gave me confidence," Jen who earned her bachelor said. degree in music/voice in 'The opportunity to grow here has been May. phenomenal," Doris added. "There's been a lot of self-discovery, not only about life but about the capabilities I have that I didn't even know I had." For Jen, Mercyhurst means far more than the bachelor's degree in music/voice that she received in May 2003. "Mercyhurst doesn't stop with education," Jen said. "It teaches you how to think, how to stand up for what you believe in, and not to be afraid to speak out, even if •

When I came to Mercyhurst, I felt like I was taken under this huge wing, and it's wonderful to

ir'Je n and I are like a couple tumbleweedsii, appear to have confidence issues, they thank share the same her mother echoed. "We will adapt to what­ Mercyhurst nonetheless for buoying their experience as my ever comes our way the negatives as well self-assurance. Originally, Jen was planning as the positives. // to go elsewhere for college, but her mind daughter, but on a As a Mercyhurst trustee, Doris is kept returning to a few years earlier when responsible, in part, for making Mercyhurst she had accompanied her mother to a different level. what it is today. Like Jen, however, she says performance at the Mary D'Angelo she owes Mercyhurst a debt of gratitude for Performing Arts Center. — Doris Stackpole, what it has done for her. "I kept thinking about how much I loved Mercyhurst trustee and mom Although neither of these women would the campus and how it had felt so much like

o O ii E 2 0 0 3 23 what you say is against the college's position charities rather than hunting for funding. that surprises most people," Marlene on something. I think the faculty here is This dynamic Mercyhurst mother and remarked. "But, Mercyhurst truly shaped and wonderful. I have had professors who are daughter manifest as many differences as formed me. I give a lot of credit to the Sisters like family. They are just as willing to learn they do similarities, but on one point they of Mercy who are so positive about from me as I am from them." agree: their choice of college. everything. Their guidance goes a long way Although Jen and Doris don't always see Emily a graduate of Mercyhurst Prep, toward developing healthy self-images." eye to eye, which they attribute to their had no plans to attend Mercyhurst College. Marlene discovered and cultivated an German-Irish heritage, they both agree that She landed here by default her freshman interest in business at Mercyhurst and, in the Mercyhurst community is like family to year. 1968, graduated with a bachelor of science them. After spending 10 days at a college in degree in business administration. She went Not only does Jen regard the faculty New York, she refused to stay a moment on to become president of the Northwest highly she counts the friendships she has more. It simply wasn't for her. Since Pennsylvania region of PNC Bank and is vice made here, particularly in her affiliation with Mercyhurst's fall term had not yet begun, a chair of the Mercyhurst College Board of the concert choir, as precious gifts. flurry of last-minute paperwork opened The Trustees. "I've made absolutely the best friends Gates for Emily. Her affiliation with PNC came through here/' Jen said. What was then eyed as a transitional Mercyhurst, where shortly before graduation Likewise, Doris said, "When I came to move turned out to be a blessing in disguise. she was interviewed for a position as training Mercyhurst, I felt like I was taken under this "Emily has never been a quitter, so it director at Marine Bank (PNC's predecessor). huge wing, and it's wonderful to share the was a very difficult time and we weren't sure No sooner had she transposed the tassel on same experience as my daughter, but on a what to expect, but she ended up loving her graduation cap than she was immersed in different level." Mercyhurst," Marlene said. bank operations. A mere eight days to be Although Jen graduated last spring, she exact. is taking classes at Mercyhurst this year Holding the distinction of "the first toward her teacher's certification. She would female college graduate ever hired by the like to perform on Broadway one day but, What I like about bank," Marlene might as well have been like her mom, she knows practicality has its Mercyhurst is the wearing a Scarlet Letter on her business suit. place and she intends to use teaching to "You can imagine how popular I was," support her voice career. caring and the she quipped. One of Jen's finest moments at But, step by step, she learned, she grew, Mercyhurst came last spring when members attention you get, and and she inched her way to the top, which she of the Mercyhurst College Concert Choir took the personal described as a natural ascent rather than a a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland. Before calculated course. leaving, the choir members honored a request relationships you Today, she is both a business and civic of the Stackpoles to perform in their leader. She is a member of the board of hometown of St. Marys. develop. directors of the Warner Theatre Preservation "To have the people I love most in this Trust, trustee of the Boys and Girls Club of world perform with me in my church in my Emily Mosco Erie Inc. and of the Lake Erie College of hometown was wonderful," Jen said. "To Osteopathic Medicine, chairperson of the Erie show people in a small town that there is a Convention Center Authority and a member whole, big world out there and that they can She became an Ambassador, found her of the Community Fund Drives Committee , be part of it meant so much. Mercyhurst did academic interests in English and Spanish, for the Erie Conference. In addition, she is a that for me." and immersed herself in Laker life until her member of the board of corporators of blood ran green. Even though mom, and dad Hamot Health Foundation and Saint Vincent Homer, were only three blocks away, Emily Health Foundation, and served as rarely saw them. Mercyhurst was home now. co-chairperson of the state finance committee Give Mercyhurst College senior Emily "I cried my eyes out when my freshman for the Tom Ridge for Governor Committee. Mosco a box of candy bars to sell for charity year was over," Emily remembered. She is the recipient of numerous awards, and she cringes. While Emily took a more mature, serious including the Mercyhurst College Give the same box to her mother, approach to college, Marlene fluttered Distinguished Alumni Award. Marlene, and she lights up. through the halls of Old Main back in the "I've been very fortunate in life and I // I love fundraising," said Marlene. Sixties with a to-do list that was more social owe much of it to Mercyhurst, which is why I "I hate it/' said Emily, who quickly adds than academic in orientation. am on the board and why I try to do whatever that she prefers working hands-on with "Considering what I do today, I think I can for the college," Marlene said. Marlene and Emily agree that

24 M R C HIRST M / I N Mercyhurst provides a top-drawer education and life experience due, in large part, to its abundance of powerful role models. "I had wonderful mentoring at college/' Marlene said. "I try to do the same now and help mentor others, especially my child." "What I like about Mercyhurst is the caring and the attention you get, and the personal relationships you develop," Emily added. Like her mother, Emily is a natural born leader. It is in leadership style that they differ, however. "Mom (whom she calls Marsie) is more driven; she's more hyper about getting things 'done right away," said Emily. "I'm driven as well, but in a more relaxed way. Maybe that's because I'm 21 and she's ..." "Fifty-six," chimed in Marlene. Referring to Emily's leadership style, Marlene recalled an observation that Mercyhurst College President Dr. William P. Garvey made about Emily years after her Marlene and Emily Mosco take a break from a busy schedule to share a moment in Garvey Park. pre-school teacher first suggested it: "They said Emily has a quiet confidence. She does Emily is gently but persistently urging Dr. said, "It changed my mind about a lot of not need to be the center of attention, but you Garvey to inaugurate a comprehensive things that I used to think were important always know she's there. I think they're study-abroad program on campus. but just aren't anymore." right." Both Marlene and Emily are proponents What she came to admire most about the In fact, using her educational experience of a liberal arts education, which they believe Spaniards is their vitality. in Spain last year as a frame of reference, makes for a well-rounded individual. Emily "Spaniards don't care so much about believes a study-abroad program augments money or social status; it's not about climbing that scenario. the ladder," Emily said. "They just love life." Now, as she continues to wrestle with x — - Mercyhurst truly the great unknown — life after Mercyhurst — shaped and formed she knows the alma mater she will one day share with her mother is a place where she me. I give a lot of can always return and find a sense of well-being — almost as comforting as credit to the Sisters of working side by side with 91-year-old Emma Mercy who are so DiTullio, Marlene's mom, who has headed the annual spaghetti dinner at Erie's Dr. positive about Gertrude A. Barber Center for many years. Emily, like her mother, is a dedicated eveiything. Their volunteer who has given hundreds of hours guidance goes a long Marlene Mosco '68 to volunteer endeavors, the most special "That one experience made such a being the Barber Center experience she has way toward difference in my life/' she said, describing the shared with her grandmother the past seven Syracuse University study-abroad program years. That tradition elicits many warm and developing healthy she linked up with after countless hours of wonderful memories, not unlike those she self-images. searching for options on the Web. has made at Mercyhurst. Besides learning to converse fluently in Yes, indeed, like a big ol' plate of pasta, — Marlene Mosco '68, Spanish, she experienced a different people, a some people, some places, just make you feel Mercyhurst trustee and mom diverse culture and, more profoundly, she good inside.

0 C T O B R 2 0 0 3 25 FALL 2

THE FIFTIES THE EIGHTIES Nicole Acquilano '94, Ozone Park, N.Y, is a Patrick Allen '87, a Navy reserve petty officer physical education specialist for the Calhoun 2nd class, recently returned from a deploy­ Lower School. She is pursuing a master of ment to the Arabian Gulf region while science and physical education from Hofstra assigned to Helicopter Mine University. Acquilano continues to dance and Countermeasures Squadron 15, home-based is a consultant for Town Sports International. in Corpus Christi, Texas. Allen's unit She choreographs for Sports Clubs and Kids, deployed eight MH-53E Super Stallion air­ lectures at fitness conventions and trains craft, 400 tons of equipment and 370 person­ young instructors on how to choreograph for nel in support of Operations Enduring children ages 3-17. Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. HM-15 provid­ ed airborne mine countermeasures protection Jennifer Beckdol Leon '94, Yardley, Pa., is a Mary Jachimczyk Bankowski '53, Naples, and heavy lift combat support capability to campus recruiter for Fisher Scientific. Fla., and her husband Edward celebrated coalition warships in the Northern Arabian their 50th wedding anniversary on May 30, Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean Sea and inside Holly Kleiner Fitzgerald '94, Erie, earned a 2003, by renewing their marriage vows at the Iraq. The MH-53E's primary mission was to master of education degree in elementary Holy Name of Jesus Church, the same church clear ocean lanes, harbors and rivers of dead­ education from Edinboro University of where they were wed, followed by a "sur­ ly sea mines. Pennsylvania in May 2003. prise" reception for family and friends. Linda Rieger Graves '87, Erie, earned a mas­ Antoinette Platte Payner '96, Suffern, N.Y, THE SEVENTIES ter's of social work in social administration at earned a master's degree in operations Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, research and statistics at Rensselaer Mary Schlegel Samios 70, Ligonier, Pa., has Polytechnic Institute and is a director of accepted a position as major gifts officer at Ohio. She is a licensed clinical social worker in an outpatient mental health agency in Erie. underwriting at American Express in New Washington & Jefferson College in York. Washington, Pa. Jennifer Conmy '88, Cleveland, Ohio, is a Gail Gerono 73, Pittsburgh, Pa., has been controller for the Columbia Iron and Metal Brian Ash '98 has completed his first year promoted to vice president, investor rela­ Company. residency at Cleveland Clinic and has begun tions, communications, and human resources a surgical residency in Clarion, Pa. at Calgon Carbon Corporation. She is the first Michael Hrusovsky '89, Walker, Mich., has woman to hold the title of vice president at been named regional director of operations Renee Bums Ash '98 graduated from the Calgon Carbon, as well as the first woman to for Hospitality Specialists Inc. in Grand Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in May be an elected officer of the company. Rapids, Mich. 2003, and her husband, Brian Ash, DJRM, presented her hood to her. Ash will begin a three-year surgical residency at Jewish Holly Chiappazzi Villella 79, Erie, has work THE NINETIES Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. featured in Kaleidoscope: Exploring the Thomas R Causgrove '92, Erie, earned a mas­ Experience of Disability through Literature and ter of education degree in reading from the Fine Arts. Her personal essay, "The Piano Tracy Bacik '99, Farmington Hills, Mich., Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in May graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Man," appears in issue #47 of the magazine 2003. with other thematic material reflecting the Medicine in Mav 2003. She begins a two-vear experience of autism. Her work was selected surgical residency at Providence Hospital in Robert R. Stein '92, Meadville, Pa., earned a Southfield, Mich. from more than 200 submissions considered master of arts degree in counseling from for publication. Villella is a writer, artist, and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in May a member of the Sarah A. Reed Children's 2003. THE MILLENNIUM Center Board of Directors. Her essays have Kimberly Falvo '00, Pittsburgh, Pa., works in appeared in The Annals of St. Anne de Beaupre, Ann Salandra Boyd '92, Williamsville, N.Y., sales for UPMC Health Plan. Liguorian Magazine, Our Family, and Erie has been promoted to senior marketing man­ Times-Nrcvs. ager, cakes and desserts, at Rich Products Helen Mills '00, Aspinwall, Pa., is teaching Corporation, Buffalo, N.Y. and coaching the girl's soccer team at Allderdice High School. She also coaches Pittsburgh's Tri-City club team.

Robin Nuber '00, Houston, Texas, is a teacher at Wainwright Elementary School in Houston.

26 M R H D S T MAG z I N Amy Piecynski '00, Pittsburgh, Pa., is a coun­ Diane Rooney '03, Hopewell Junction, N.Y., Chad Martin '96 and wife Deanna had a son, selor at Discovery House in Pittsburgh. is working on her master's in special educa­ Tyler Michael, May 16,2003. tion at Mercyhurst College. Julie Zook '00, Pittsburgh, Pa., is the assistant David Runco '96 and wife Tara (Peduzzi) '97 general manager at Rock Bottom Pittsburgh, Christina Stanyard '03, Webster, N.Y., is had a daughter, Gianna Carmella, July 16, a microbrew and restaurant. attending graduate school at the University 2003. of Rochester for marriage and family therapy. Beth Amati Reichel '01, Meadville, Pa., is a Kimberly Thayer Clear, admission counselor special education teacher for the Northwest Anthony Stranix '03, Haddon Heights, N.J., at Mercyhurst North East, and husband Tom Tri-County Intermediate Unit #5. is an accountant with Bowman & Co. LLP in had a daughter, Audra, May 11,2003. Cherry Hill, N.J. Congratulations also to grandparents Shelley Lindsay Can '01, Rochester, N.Y., is the lab Thayer, Civic Institute administrative assis­ manager for brain and cognitive sciences at Jennifer Szymanski '03, Springwater, N.Y., tant, and her husband Allan. the University of Rochester. now attends Gannon University working on her doctorate in physical therapy. CONDOLENCES Carlee Cramer Wood '01, Erie, is a Spanish Alumni teacher for the Millcreek School District. Tracy Thompson '03, Cranesville, Pa., is a Mary Ann Robaskiewiez Robie '29 clinical dietitian at Pleasant Ridge Manor in Iva Kreider Foster '35 Gretchen Koskoski '01, Wake Forest, N.C., Girard, Pa. Alice L. Martin Brugger '36 has accepted a first-grade teaching position at Mary Agnes Lobaugh Mussman '37 Rand Road Elementary School in Gamer, Anthony Tomaino '03, Canfield, Ohio, is Dorothy L. Chimenti '46 N.C. She continues to teach ballet privately attending the Mercyhurst North East culinary Laurel M. Groff McQuown '49 in her spare time. school Josephine Olszewski Jackson '59 Lucreta Pavlov Rubin '52 Victor Laurenza '02, Gibsonia, Pa., is a Tanya Trombly '03, Bismarck, N.D., is a com­ Margaret Mack Walsh '57 licensed financial sales consultant for PNC pany member with the Northern Plains Susan McCartney Horowicz '59 Ballet, a professional ballet company in J Bank in Pittsburgh, Pa. Sr. Denise Tompkins, RSM '62 Bismarck. The company regularly tours in Anita Bonaminio Haley '84 Kristen Brown '03, Syracuse, N.Y., is attend­ Fargo, N.D., Grand Forks, N.D., and Gayle A. Bailey '99 ing the Maxwell School at Syracuse Bismarck, N.D., as well as Billings, Mont., J J University for a master's of public adminis­ and Sioux Falls, S.D. Mother of tration degree. Jeffery George 71 (Freda George) David Vitale '03, Hendersonville, Term., has Fran Gress, secretary in the administrative Emily Camilli '03, St. Louis, Mo., works for accepted a position with Gaylord Opryland services office (Mary Wroblewski) Rave Hospitality as manager of a Longhom Resort & Convention Center in Nashville as * Steakhouse in Chesterfield, Mo. assistant general manager of cafe services for Father of Ben & Jerry's. Amanda Smith Breon '97 (John E. Smith) Andrew Casserly '03, Willoughby, Ohio, has Mary Breckenridge, associate vice president taken a management position with Eat n' BIRTHS for adult and graduate programs (John Park Hospitality Group in northeastern Ohio. Linda Rieger Graves '87 and husband Lynn Barrett) had a son, Jackson Hunter, Sept. 30,2002. John Cozzocrea '03, Orlando, Fla., has taken Wife of a management position with Cintas Corp. in Robert Kiener '89 and wife Jennifer (Becker) Lewis Lutton, biology professor (Marianne Orlando. '90 have two daughters: Morgan Ashly, April Lutton) 4,1996, and Sidney Nicole, Oct. 4,1999. Hannah Gehman '03, Port Allegany, Pa., is Father-in-law of attending Johns Hopkins University School of Robert Morrison '92 and wife Jennifer James Breckenridge, assistant professor of Biocellular Sciences to obtain professional (Swick) '94 had a son, Tyson James, March 9, R/IAP (John Barrett) certification in cytopathology. 2003. Mother-in-law of Tara Hockensmith '03, Glen Burnie, Md., is Jeffrey Nicholson '92 and wife Laura (Wier) Jim Lanahan, Mercyhurst North East dean of an intelligence analyst for the Department of '92 have two children: Jake, Nov. 9,1994, and administration (Marjorie Pitarresi) Defense at Ft. Meade, Md. Maxine Clare, Sept. 2,1999. Pete Russo, athletic director (Phyllis Riazzi)

Timothy Kaemmerer '03, St. Louis, Mo., Jennifer Beckdol Leon '94 and husband John Son of works for the City Museum in downtown St. had a son, Jack Flliot, April 29,2001. Larie Pintea, President's Associate (Daniel Louis. Pintea) Jodi Dresel Sucharski '94 and husband Jody Rhonda Clark, assistant professor of history Bryan Paulozzi '03, Strongsville, Ohio, has had a daughter, Zoe Elizabeth, Feb. 13,2003. (Robbie Clark Henderson) accepted a position in the marketing sales department of Pawler Communications. Anthony Campoli '95 and wife Dorianne Friends of the College have two sons: Anthony Donald, May 25, Sister Mary Mark Doubet, SSJ, director of 2001, and Santino Joseph, Aug. 8,2003. telecommunications and external reporting

*

OCTOBER 2003 27 WEDDINGS Gina Mannarelli '92 married James Agostine Oct. 5,2002, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Erie.

Antoinette Platte '96 married Ian Payner Sept. 21,2002, at Christ the King Chapel, Mercyhurst College, Erie.

David Runco '96 married Tara Peduzzi '97.

Douglas Schreiber '99 married Carrie Tappe '00 July 26,2003, in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Beth Amati '01 married Kevin Reichel July 19,2003.

Greta Lynt '02 married Jason Bevil June 21, 2003.

Nicole Michali '03 married Michael Drayer July 26,2003, at St. Luke Catholic Church, Erie. A long overdue reunion of four biology and mathematics majors from the Class of 1967 was celebrated in July 2003. The four, some of Brandon Case, Sodexho catering manager at Mercyhurst College, married Jackie Stevens whom had not seen each other in more than 35 years, met in Lancaster, Aug. 1,2003, at the Clarion Hotel in Erie. Pa., for a fun weekend of reminiscing. Attending were, left to right, Carol Piotrowicz Skrocki of South Plainfield, N.J., Sigma Stacey Toth of Erie, Pa., Marikae Sorvelli Moraski of Bellevue, Wash., and Sylvia King Cullingford of Monroe, Conn.

NEWS TO US!

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28 M R H U M i N DEBBIE BUDA GALE 9 9 9 WMmissTH E OCEAN

It is summer. This year it is serious and the island is friends along with Scamper into the mini-van and headed to the vet. thoroughly flummoxed. No one has been able to We were directed to our waiting area between the iguana enclosure whine one iota about the weather and everyone and snake central, adjacent to the hamster hamlet. Eventually it was has completely forgotten about those freaky hail­ our turn and our vet was most attentive as she examined our mouse. storms we had just a few weeks back. "Weatherspeak," the conversa­ I was very impressed by her patience with the children's endless tional crutch of the islander, has been rendered useless and a mild form questions. I think I was balancing my checkbook when I overheard of temporary insanity prevails. Previously confined to Disneyland, them discussing "options" and became more alert. I tried to establish Disneyworld or beaches, the overexposure of vast bellies on an even eye contact with the vet who was now ignoring me. I finally got her vaster majority of the population now dominates the urban landscape. attention when I laughingly inquired as to the life span of this particu­ Coconut-scented sunscreen wafts through the air, dulling the senses, lar breed. She was not laughing when she whispered "around 18 aloe vera glistens on red-hot skin, impulsive lunch hour purchases of months," without the children hearing. I asked her what we were look­ soft tops (a.k.a. convertibles) are on the rise, roaring off trendy tarmac ing at in terms of cost for the surgical option. Unwilling to make this into dappled sunshine at speed. decision alone, I picked my jaw up off the floor. Depositing Scamper Even I, seasoned sun worshipper that I purport to be, was caught back into his cage, I bundled up the crestfallen children for the trip unawares by the damaging effects of continuous solar exposure as this home and immediately scheduled a family meeting with the budget recent episode will illustrate. director. A year ago we acquired two mice as a present for one of our I anticipated a very short, "You've got to be kidding" meeting and daughters. She really wanted a horse but I really didn't. The Brit was incredulous when he approved the expenditure. The children thought we should get her a pet of her own since we only had four were screaming with joy and professing their undying love for their pets already He also thought he could buy us some time getting her father (and not me) as they raced to give Scamper the good news. I the mice, ignoring the fact that mice have been known to turn into knew the Brit was right when he reminded me that this was one of horses in fairy tales and that this particular daughter shared more than those moments our kids would remember for the rest of their lives. I a passing resemblance to Cinderella; including extreme love of ani­ would have to save the great circle of life justification for another mals, lots of sisters and the wicked mother who wouldn't get her that moment. horse in the first place. But that is how Scamper and Scatter came to The next morning it was back to the vet. We were reminded by the live with us. same, now, very grave vet, of the dangers associated with anesthetic on I personally made it through most of the year barely realizing they small animals and to prepare ourselves should Scamper not tolerate were home until just as summer got under way one of the mice devel­ the procedure. About this time my mobile rang. It was the Brit wanting oped a growth. The girls were quite concerned so I decided to make to know how it was all going. He talked to the surgeon and each of the this tragic occurrence instructive. I told them they should try to use the girls and told them to be brave. When I finally got the phone back he Internet and see if they could figure out what was wrong with him. I told me he was late for a meeting but just before he rung off he told me thought this might be another one of those golden opportunities to not to forget to tell that vet, "We draw the line at chemo." explain all about the birds and the bees and other laboratory animals, Scamper has survived his ordeal so far and is once again happily linking this to how researchers use mice for experiments to benefit cage sharing with Scatter back in the boot room. More importantly I mankind. I was wrong. The girls returned with a thick file of research, was able to redeem myself with all the girls and especially Scamper's providing a hypothetical diagnosis along with an urgent request to get owner when I let her keep the mouse in her bedroom for a few days the mouse to the vet. I had never considered taking a mouse to a vet after the surgery. Under normal circumstances I would have vetoed but as it was very hot and I was outnumbered, I called. I was able to such a request in a New York minute but you have to remember, it was secure an appointment for that afternoon. really hot and I can't begin to tell you how it felt to hear Cinderella tell I am not an authority on this since I have not spent much time me I was the best mother ever. with vets in the states or in England for that matter, but I have noticed there are differences. I know that Americans really do love their pets but the English really, really do. I loaded all five girls and their assorted V JL Jl 1L. ^—>J JL ^L^/ JL

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