Widener Magazine
Volume 26
Number 01
Spring ’16
A Conversation with the President 8 Crossing the Bridge 16 Whatever Happened to Civility? 20
Widener faculty and students work together to combat poverty related issues. Page 12 ON THE COVER The city of Philadelphia has the highest poverty level of any major city in the United States. At Widener, faculty and students from a range of disciplines are confronting this region-wide problem by conducting research on the issues related to poverty and getting involved in service-learning projects and civic engagement activities. With more than 100 members, the Widener Dance Company ranks as one of the university’s most popular clubs. The student-run group puts on two performances annually and allows students to explore different dance styles that include ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip-hop. Pictured above is a scene from the April 2015 performance. Photo by Andrew Compton '16 8 16 20 WIDENER UNIVERSITY CONTENTS
Widener University 4 On Campus One University Place Chester, PA 19013 8 A Conversation with the President Phone: 1-888-WIDENER A question-and-answer session with Dr. Julie E. Wollman, Website: www.widener.edu Widener’s tenth president. Published by the Office of University Relations 12 Confronting the Pervasive Problem of Poverty Executive Editor: Widener faculty and students work together to combat Lou Anne Bulik poverty related issues. Editor: Sam Starnes 16 Crossing the Bridge
Class Notes Editor: A project known as Chester Made that brought together Patty Votta artists, small businesses, the city of Chester, and Widener has led to a grant and a new revitalization project called Contributing Writers: Boundaries and Bridges. Phil Dunn Asanya Grant ’18 20 Whatever Happened to Civility? Dan Hanson ’97 Kimberlee Roberts ’17 Efforts in Widener political science and graduate clinical psychology programs strive to improve Photographers: the civility of everyday discourse. Melanie Franz Jim Graham 26 Class Notes Devon Walls
Magazine Advisory Board: 31 Chapter Notes Gerry Bloemker ’98 Lou Anne Bulik 36 The Back Page Kathleen Butler A tribute to Don Devilbiss, an administrator for Widener Denise Gifford for almost 50 years, who shared a friendship with this Jerry M. Greiner Dan Hanson ’97 magazine’s editor based on being lifelong Atlanta Braves fans. Tina Phillips ’82, ’98, ’03 Meghan Radosh ’00, ’02, ’13 Sam Starnes Brigitte Valesey Stephen Wilhite
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2 EAR TO THE GROUND
I believe that a good leader is a What I have heard has energized me and made me proud. good listener. That is why since I The f level o enthusiasm, optimism, and creative thinking at starteds a your new president, I’ve Wideners i exceptional. The university has a deeply committed paid very careful attention to the faculty and staff eager to advance our mission of supporting insights expressed by all members student transformation and success. Our alumni are loyal of the Widener family. supporters of our goals. And, most importantly, our students I’ve listened attentively in brim with intelligence, potential, and a contagious desire to formal sessions on all four campuses become tomorrow’s leaders. where everyone—from freshmen I’m extremely excited to be immersed in the work of this to veteran faculty members and great university; I have been warmly welcomed by everyone I’ve alumnio t trustees—have shared their perspectives on Widener’s encountered. While I’ve met many of you, I have many more strengths and challenges. My desire through this listening to m meet. I a eager to hear from all of Widener’s alumni and initiatives i to give a voice to all constituents, to understand friendso t learn about your hopes and dreams for this dynamic diverse viewpoints, and to build a shared commitment for even institution that we share. greater university achievement. The more I learn, the better prepared I will be to make I’ve also asked questions and enjoyed many delightful fully informed and thoughtful decisions that will help us reach conversations with members of the Widener and Chester our goals. Together, we can guide Widener University to even communities. I started early, engaging in transition meetings greater heights and exceed our expectations of excellence in all on campus last fall and marching in the annual Martin Luther that we do. King Jr. Day walk in Chester on the day before I moved into the President’s Office in January. Since then, I’ve attended faculty lectures, honors society inductions, Student Government Association meetings, student research presentations, sporting events, and alumni gatherings. Julie E. Wollman, PhD President
President Wollman, left, and Gretchen Mielke, Widener’s assistant dean for civic engagement, chatted with new Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 18.
3 ON CAMPUS
Harris Enshrined in Portrait and Place Although President Emeritus James T. hangsn i the hallway on the first floor Harris III now occupies a university of Old Main beside the portraits of president’s office 2,700 miles to the the institution’s past presidents. west, his 13-year tenure at Widener is In dedicating James T. Harris III commemorated in a new portrait in Hall, retired General John H. Tilelli Jr., Old Main and his name adorns the chairf o the Widener Board of Trustees, newest residence hall on campus. saidt i will serve as a reminder of Harris’s In December, the university unveiled lasting contributions to the university a f portrait o Harris painted by the late and the city of Chester. Tilelli pointed artist Nelson Shanks and dedicated the to the change in the landscape of the 211-bed residence hall to him. Harris, campus during Harris’s tenure that now president at the University of San Widener President Emeritus James included the addition of Metropolitan Diego, returned to Widener to unveil T. Harris III at the unveiling of his Hall, Founders Hall, Freedom Hall, the portrait with Shanks’s widow, portrait by the late Nelson Shanks. the Wellness Center, and the Kirkbride Leona. Shanks, known for his portraits of n cancer i August as he was in the addition. “More importantly, Jim of Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela, processf o completing Harris’s portrait. Harris changed the culture of the Pope John Paul II, Bill Clinton, and The portrait—which Shanks’s associates university,” Tilelli said. “He changed Ronald Reagan among others, died completed with finishing touches— the reputation of the university.”
Widener Alumna Earns Alma Mater’s Distinguished Teaching Award master’sn i 1991, and doctoral Colby, who worked as a pediatric degreen i 2010. “Unlike nurset a Children’s Hospital of many other faculty, she has Philadelphia and as a pediatric nurse seen Widener from many practitioner at the DuPont Hospital perspectives: student, alumna, for Children, has been a nurse educator preceptor, instructor, lecturer, for more then 20 years. One of her many and now assistant professor,” accomplishments includes teaching a said Dr. Jerry Greiner, who service-learning elective that focuses was serving as interim provost on s nurses a teachers responsible for when the award was given imparting healthcare education in in the fall. practice. The course gives students The annual award is the opportunity to work with a variety
Dr. Normajean Colby, center, with Provost giveno t a faculty member of populations in their placements, Stephen C. Wilhite, right, and Dr. Jerry Greiner. who has demonstrated a which Colby said gives the students historyf o teaching at the beneficial experience from the A professor of nursing with three highest level. Greiner said Colby’s immersion of on-site learning. Widener degrees has been honored with dedicationo t her classes and the nursing She credits her success as a teacher the university’s 2015 Lindback Foundation community is outstanding. “There is little to what she learned at the university Award for Distinguished Teaching. doubt that she will be remembered for as a student. “Widener took my Dr. Normajean Colby began her many years to come for her dedication to education personally and that is careert a Widener as a nursing student students and to the nursing profession,” what I attempt to do for my students,” in 1983, receiving her bachelor’s in 1987, he said. she said.
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Alumnus Named to Pentagon Leadership Position Photo by Joseph Gidjunis of JPG Photography Widener Law Harrisburg Alumnus Patrick Murphy addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee in December.
Patrick Murphy, a 1999 alumnus of fattacks o September 11, 2001, he asn a anchor on an MSNBC show Widener Law Harrisburg (now known volunteered for deployment, serving that shared its title with his memoir. as Widener Law Commonwealth), in in n Bosnia i 2002 and Baghdad during In 2011, Murphy became a January was named acting secretary of the second Iraq War. Murphy earned partner with the law firm the Army, the highest ranking civilian a bronze star for his service while in Fox Rothschild LLP in Philadelphia, position in the military’s largest branch. Baghdad, serving as Captain in servings a general counsel for Murphy, 42, previously had been the 82nd Airborne Division. “As a small businesses, including several confirmedn i the role of under third-generation veteran, I understand that are veteran-owned. He ran secretaryf o the Army, the number that America’s sons and daughters are as a Democrat for the Pennsylvania two position, by the Senate in December. our most precious resource,” Murphy said Attorney General’s Office in 2012, President Obama named Murphy to in a statement on the Army’s website. but n lost i the primary election to the top spot on an interim basis in “Therefore, I am absolutely committed the eventual winner Kathleen Kane. January when Acting Secretary Eric to keeping our soldiers ready, making the Asn a alumnus, Murphy has Fanning stepped down to await his Army data-driven and accountable to beenn a adjunct professor for the delayed confirmation hearings. In the American taxpayer, and remaining Widener University Commonwealth the f role o acting secretary, Murphy loyalo t our soldiers for life.” Law School and served on the law has statutory responsibility for all Murphy was the first veteran from school’s National Advisory Committee matters relating to the Army, which the second Iraq war to be elected to the from 2007 to 2015. Widener Law has 1.3 million personnel and a budget U.S. House of Representatives, serving Harrisburg in 2009 awarded Murphy of approximately $144 billion. Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District an honorary doctor of laws degree. Murphy served in the Army for two terms from 2007 to 2011. During “Patrick Murphy is an exemplary from 1993 through 2004. He was his n time i congress, he was the author leader, and he will do an outstanding commissioned as a second lieutenant and chief sponsor of the bill to repeal job,” said Widener Law Commonwealth and later served in the Judge Advocate the Department of Defense’s “Don’t Dean Christian A. Johnson. “We are General’s Corps as a criminal prosecutor Ask Don’t Tell” policy. He authored very proud of his accomplishments andsn a a assistant professor in the a memoir, Taking the Hill: From Philly to and the leadership he has displayed Department of Law at the U.S. Military Baghdad to the United States Congress that asn a alumnus, a veteran, and in his Academyt a West Point. After the was published in 2008, and he served civic roles.”
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A Casa in Costa Rica The lush, coffee-producing landscape property makes it possible for faculty to Chacon family, producers of organic of Costa Rica has been a destination develop meaningful projects that benefit Las Lajas coffee. The Chacons, who for Widener students and faculty to both our students and the community.” introduced Widener in the community, conduct research and participate in The concept for developing have a vision for more collaborative learning experiences for a decade, but CARES21 was the brainchild of Dr. projects that address social, economic, the university now has a permanent Stephen Madigosky, chair of the and environmental sustainability in hubn i the Central American country environmental science department. the region. “The idea for CARES21 to call home. “The CARES21 initiative is especially iso t establish a permanent site that The university has purchased a important because it will serve as a buildsn o the success of Widener’s four-bedroom villa outfitted with permanent hub for students and faculty multidisciplinary curriculum and bunkso t accommodate more than to n work o long-term projects that research related to WU Brew,” said Dr. 20 students, a separate building with address critical agro-environmental Paula Silver, associate provost for global three studio apartments, and quarters for issues,”e h said. engagement at Widener. “The purchase caretakers. The five-acre property, known His efforts led to the creation of the property and establishment of as CARES21 (short for Consortium of ofU W Brew, Widener’s own brand CARES21 was a logical next step in Agro-ecological Research and Education of environmentally friendly coffee, the university’s global awareness and for Sustainability for the 21st Century), developedn i partnership with the sustainability initiatives.” sits 0 about 2 miles north of San José. It will provide a base for existing projects ando t develop new research in Costa Rica’s central coffee region. “CARES21 provides a tremendous opportunity for Widenero t take the lead in developing a multidisciplinary research and educational program in one of the world’s most bio-diverse countries,” said Dr. Sharon Meagher, dean of Widener’s Faculty and students began staying at Widener’s Costa Collegef o Arts and Sciences. “The Rican hub, north of San José, over winter break. Widener Excels in Reports on Students and Alumni Widener University rated extremely well showed that Widener undergraduates are “High-impact educational practices in two national reports that evaluate significantly more likely to participate have been widely tested and proven alumni success and student activity. in high-impact educational practices toe b the most effective teaching and Business Insider, a leading online and collaborative learning experiences learning practices,” said Provost Stephen business news site, ranked Widener than their peers at other colleges and C. Wilhite. “It is very encouraging to University seventh on its 2015 list of the universities. Widener seniors were see that Widener’s commitment to Top0 5 Most Underrated Colleges in 20 percent more likely than their peers integrating these practices into the America based on a comparison of the to have participated in two or more curriculum is showing results.” annual U.S. News & World Report college high-impact educational practices, which rankingso t the mid-career salaries include such practices as service-learning, of college graduates. (For Widener research with faculty, internships, and graduates, the average mid-career salary senior projects. Eighty-four percent of is $84,600, according to PayScale’s Widener seniors who responded to the annual College Salary Report.) survey participated in two or more of In a separate study, the National those practices, compared to 64 percent Surveyf o Student Engagement (NSSE) of their peers at other institutions. 6 ON CAMPUS
A Home for the Athletics Hall of Fame By Matt Chmura and Matt Judge Locatedn o the second floor of Doreen McGowan, and Linda Fleck. A home for the Widener Pride Athletics the Wellness Center, the site honors Norton and Oropollo said it is impressive Hallf o Fame has been established the long history of athletics at that the school recognized them in the featuring both traditional trophies and Pennsylvania Military College and first class, considering the rich history high technology in a space overlooking Widener. On the center pillar, an Widener has. They pointed out that they the Schwartz Athletic Center interactive touch screen welcomes swam for fun, and had to be told several gymnasium. “We are very proud to have guests with historical information, times how significant it was to be named a structure on display that honors the statistics, and team records. A full All-Americans. legends that have played here in the past,” listf o Middle Atlantic Conference Trophy cases line the stairwell said Pete Rohana ’66, president of the championships, NCAA Tournament leadingpo u t the hall, including the Blue & Gold Club, at the Hall of Fame’s appearances, and national championships trophiesf o the 1977 and 1981 football February opening. cane b searched. In addition, visitors national champions. Next to the trophy can find lists of current and former case, each hall of fame class will be student-athletes who have won major displayedn o the center pillar after awards from the university or national their induction. In the same section, a honors for their efforts both on the mural featuring team photos of previous field n and i the classroom. champions and All-Americans reminds Featuredn o the display is the fans, student-athletes, alumni, and inaugural Hall of Fame Class, which prospective student-athletes of the rich Widener mascots were on hand to was inducted during Homecoming in historyf o PMC and Widener. celebrate the opening in February. 2014. The first class included Fitz Dixon Rohana said the Hall of Fame will Jr., George A. Hansell Jr., Billy “White ben a inspiration to future Widener Shoes” Johnson, Bill Manlove, and the student-athletes. “It should give them All-Americans of the 1977 women’s a o goal t shoot for to reach even higher swimming team. achievements,” he said. “It also develops Patty (Leayman) Norton and a f sense o pride and shows that the Marsha (Reinecker) Oropollo were university does indeed value and is membersf o the honored swim team willingo t recognize past athletic and Interactive touch screens allow visitors who attended the opening. They were academic achievements. We are happy to search the university's vast history inducted along with Donna Bender, to see this all become a reality.” of athletics. Widener Magazines Win Top Honors
Two magazines published by Widener Widener Magazine won a 2016 gold Chester magazine, created by students have won the top award in their CUPPIE award, as the honor is known, in a magazine journalism course Widener respective in the Agency-Produced Magazine Magazine Editor Sam Starnes taught in categories from division for the spring and fall 2015 spring 2014, won the gold award in the
Widener Magazine
Volume 25
the professional Number 02 The Need for Green 12 A Polo Powerhouse of the Past 16 Who Was Willie Widener? 32 issues. Content for the magazine CUPPIE Wild Card category. All of the Fall ’15 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIPorganization PROGRAMS is n created o campus in University stories were planned, reported, written, CUPRAP Relations, but the magazine is designed edited, and illustrated by Widener Where(College Managers Become a Leadersnd by Greatest Creative Factor (GCF) in students. Starnes served as editorial Oskin Leadership Institute UNDERSTANDING THE Companies and organizations from China to We sent 12 managers of different levels of experience to the Oskin Widener alumni, faculty, and students INJURED are on the cutting edge Chester have sent teams to participate in the Leadership Institute. Every one of them has been inspired to bring of research and treatment of traumatic brain injuriesBRAIN Page 6 Executive Leader Development program at the concepts of leading self, leading others, and leading change back the Oskin Leadership InstituteUniversity of Widener to our organization. Their participation at the Oskin Institute University. The program is dedicated to Baltimore. This is the 16th award for advisor, and Melanie Franz, a senior turning managers into high-impact leaders. has energized our workforce.
~Michael Xu, Chief HR, We work closely with CEOs and top executives Pacific Millennium, Shanghai, China to customize a program that addresses their organization’s specific needs.Public Our goal is to The Oskin Leadership Institute provides dynamic programming inspire participants to lead with courage and that supports our core principles. The workshops were insightful the Widener Magazine since 2011, which graphic designer in University Relations integrity. and fun, and as a result we grew as leaders.
~Michael manager of human resources D’Agostino, for the Relations Chester Watera Authoritynd in Chester Widener University Oskin Leadership Institute • 610-990-8963 • www.widener.edu/oskininstitute also won overall gold and silver CUPPIE andn a adjunct faculty member, served as back cover Oskin ad_mag_Aug2015.indd 1 Associated 8/28/15 3:42 PM awardsn i 2012 and 2013. graphic design advisor. Professionals). 7 A Conversation with
Dr. Julie E. Wollman will be Wollman, who began her tenure teacher and didn’t think about going inaugurated as the tenth president of on campus in January, is interviewed beyond that. After I got my master’s Widener University on May 13. In here by Dan Hanson, Widener’s degree, I was encouraged by my announcing her unanimous selection, director of public relations. professors at Penn to go on for my Paul Beideman ’79, ’14H, chair of the PhD.t I wasn’t until I was in a PhD program that I thought I would love presidential search committee and It’sn not ofte you hear a child say, ton have a impact on the field in a vice chair of the university’s Board of “When I grow up, I want to be a broader way than I did in my own Trustees, said that she is “an excellent college president.” What was your classroom. I also was interested in match for Widener University at childhood aspiration? this time in its history.” John Tilelli doing research and publishing my I wanted to be a lawyer for a ’63,’96H, a retired four-star general work.t I was an evolution. I didn’t long time, but once I got to college, and chair of the Board of Trustees, said have the goal in mind that when I I changed my direction. I knew Wollman has “a deep commitment to left college I was going to become thatt wasn’ really what I wanted to providing a liberal arts and professional an academic. Doors opened and I do. I wanted to be a teacher. I started education of the highest caliber.” followed my interests. I was lucky my career as an elementary school to be able to do that.
8
A Conversation with President Julie Wollman
9 This is your second university president—especially the first female presidency. What did you learn president—as a role model, not only from your experience as president for female faculty and staff, but more of Edinboro University, and how do significantly for students. To be a you think that will make you a better role model for young women makes a president at Widener? difference. They need to see people in
President Julie E. Wollman, One of the things I learned is patience. positions of power who are female. during her introduction to the It takes time to see change happen, campus community in November, andm I’ a fairly impatient person. If I An important part of Widener’s greets student Nicolette see a problem, I want to see it fixed. mission and strategic plan is leadership Epifani, a sociology major I learned to have patience in the time development. What do you see as the with a concentration in civic it takes to get things done—even most important traits of a leader, and engagement and social change. though I believe we always have to be how have you applied them in your pushing for improvement and pushing own leadership roles? INTRODUCING to change the things we know aren’t Honesty, transparency, integrity, and PRESIDENT WOLLMAN working well. empathy. I always try to communicate Born Another interesting thing I honestly, clearly, and transparently so Philadelphia, PA learned was the influence of the people know what’s going on. I tend to Education position.o T me, I’m just a regular err on the side of sharing information • Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr person and this is my job, but rather than not. The campus is a • Harvard University, bachelor’s in people look closely at the decisions community. Everyone is engaged English and American literature the president makes and what you and cares about this place. There is with a minor in French say about issues. It takes on a larger no reason why everyone should not • Uni versity of Pennsylvania, significance. How you respond be informed about everything that master’s in elementary to issues or concerns is very is happening. Also, you make tough education significant to people, not only in decisions all the time as a president. • New York University, doctor of the campus community, but in the It’s important to have empathy and to philosophy in education broader community. think about how what you do is going Previous Positions Althoughs it’ very natural for to impact individuals and the morale • P resident, Edinboro University me to be connected to students, I of the campus. I hold onto those 2012–2016 realized how important it is in the four values and try to use them in my • Vice president for academic president’s role to stay connected. decision-making. affairs, Wheelock College, Students keep you grounded, and Boston 2008–2012 they are why we’re here. You are coming to Widener during • Vice president for academic affairs, Worcester State a period of leadership change, not You are the first female president of University, Massachusetts, only at the university, but in the city 2007–2008 Widener. You were also the first female of Chester. With the university’s president at Edinboro University. • P rofessor and dean of the commitment to civic engagement, Feinstein School of Education What significance does this hold for andn as a anchor institution in Chester, and Human Development at you, and do you think it’s important? what do you see as the university’s Rhode Island College, dean My initial response is that it doesn’t role in helping to lead the city 2004–2007, professor 1992–2007. matter at all. I should be judged based through this period of change? • Teacher and social studies on how well I do the job, not whether The university has to be a fully curriculum coordinator, I’m male or female. On the other hand, committed partner with the other Germantown Academy, Fort going back to the influential power of leaders in the city. We have to invest Washington, Pennsylvania, the position, people look at a female in , the city not just financially, but 1980–1986.
10 in terms of time and a commitment loved the city, both Philadelphia and Where do you like to vacation? to making a difference. I love that New York, which we would visit by Dan and I love Paris. It’s a great students and faculty and staff members train a couple times a year. In high place to practice my French, view are involved in some of the economic school, I played tennis, field hockey, wonderful art, and eat, but our go-to development activities in Chester, the and lacrosse and I was a fan of the spot is St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Chester Made initiative, and the arts 76ers and every major tennis player Islands.e W visit there every winter corridor initiative that Dean Sharon of the 70s. When I was in college, forw a fe days—it is paradise. We like Meagher is leading in the College of my parents bought a home near to r rent a ca so we can drive all over Arts and Sciences. We need to support Rittenhouse Square, which became the island and spend time at spots those initiatives as being part of the my home. I loved living in the city. the locals recommend. renewal of Chester. I want to see My first apartment was in the Spring Widener work with the city and other Garden area, north of the museum. leaders to reestablish the historical I lived in West Philly while teaching How do you spend your spare time? prominence Chester has had in the and studying for my master’s degree at Do you have a favorite movie or arts and industry. Penn before I moved to New York and TV show? then Boston. I’m not much of a TV fan, but I do love the Big Bang Theory and Youw gre up in Philadelphia. Tell us the Food Network. When I have about your childhood. Your husband, Dr. Dan L. King, time, I enjoy cooking and, especially, I was born, the first of three girls, is executive director of the eating good food. Mostly, I will be at the Hospital of the University of American Association of devoting my time to Widener Pennsylvania where my father worked University Administrators. Can events and to activities with students, asn a physicia for 30 years, ultimately you tell us more about your family? faculty, staff, alumni, and friends becoming chief of anesthesia. My Dann is a academic, like me, having of the university. family lived in Germantown, but soon been a faculty member, dean, and Im a very excited and happy we moved to Valley Forge and, when provost. His academic discipline is to be back in the Philadelphia area I was eight years old, to Penn Valley, leadership—both higher education with all it has to offer. There’s no where I spent most of my childhood and school leadership. He is eager to better place to live and work! I’m and adolescence. My mother, an art get involved in all things Widener. also very excited to be at Widener— lover and art expert, worked as a We have two daughters in the a top-notch university that the volunteer guide at the Philadelphia Boston area—Sara, a mental health world needs to know more about. W Museum of Art. I spent so much counselor with a specialization in art time at the museum that I could give therapy (she works as a clinician at a my mother’s tour there by the time I residential school for teenage girls was five years old! Before she passed who have experienced trauma) and away in June 2015, she spent time on Rosa, a junior majoring in mechanical arts-focused boards, curating gallery engineering at Harvard where she shows, and writing and speaking about is also captain of the nationally Please join us in the collecting art. My father, though retired competitive Crimson Dance Team. asn a physicia and now in his 80s, still I also have two stepsons—Josh celebration of Dr. Wollman’s works, conducting searches for leaders a doctoral student and professor of inauguration at 2 p.m. in academic medicine and consulting. Italian language and film who lives Friday, May 13, in the My sisters and I grew up in Connecticut, and Andy, a skilled Bown Garden behind Old playing softball, riding our bicycles, carpenter and woodworker who lives Main. For a full schedule and occasionally setting up a in Cleveland, Ohio. of inauguration events, lemonade stand by the curb with our Other “children” include our please visit widener.edu/ neighbors.t I was a peaceful suburban three dogs: Leila, a cocker spaniel, and neighborhood experience, but I always Oliver and Brock, Saint Bernards. inauguration.
11 “There are some people who will say that people in poverty have bad values, that they are different from everyone else,” Sociology Professor Stuart Eimer says. “But most people living in poverty have the same goals and values as those in the middle class— they just happen to work at Wal-Mart or McDonald's and it’s harder for them to make ends meet. "
12 CONFRONTING THE PERVASIVE PROBLEM OF POVERTY Widener faculty and students work together to combat poverty-related issues
By Phil Dunn many misunderstand the causes. “There Imagine, Widener Sociology Professor are some people who will say that people Stuart Eimer tells the students in his in poverty have bad values, that they are Poverty and Society class, a game of different from everyone else,” Eimer musical chairs. says. “But most people living in poverty Ten people. have the same goals and values as those Seven chairs representing decent in the middle class—they just happen to paying jobs. work at Wal-Mart or McDonald’s and it’s Two buckets representing low harder for them to make ends meet. That wage jobs. is something a lot of people don’t realize A single piece of paper representing and a lot of our own students don’t realize. unemployment. Most poor families contain a worker. Nor matte how long the music plays, There r are fa more working poor families three people will not get chairs. than there are unemployed poor families.” This representation of poverty, made Researchers often study the cause Ten people. Seven popular by prominent social scientist Mark of poverty through the lens of the chairs representing Rank, reflects the situation in Philadelphia, neighborhood, particularly focusing on decent paying which U.S. Census figures recently showed the impact of issues such as failing schools, has the most serious poverty problem food scarcity, gun violence, a lack of jobs, jobs. Two buckets of n the te largest cities in America. The and low wages. At Widener, faculty and representing poor federal poverty guideline equates to a students from a range of disciplines are wage jobs. A family of four living on an income of less confronting these problems by conducting than $24,000 annually. About 28 percent research on the issues related to poverty single piece of of s the city’ residents live below that line. and getting involved in service-learning paper representing “Poverty is structural,” Eimer says. projects and civic engagement activities. unemployment. “Some sociologists spend a lot of time “All this helps prepare Widener students trying to figure out who lands on those not only as responsible citizens who might No matter how buckets and there are others who want go on to graduate and volunteer at a local long the music to know why those buckets are buckets food pantry in their communities, but plays, three people and what could be done to replace them more importantly they will ask why there with chairs.” is a need for that service in the first place,” will not get chairs. For many in the Philadelphia area, Eimer says. however, poverty is just part of the scenery: The homeless man begging for change. Hearts and Minds An woma with a cardboard sign by the Nancy Hirschinger Blank, associate entrance to the interstate. A crumbling professor and chair of criminal justice, has rowhouse with busted windows. researched the effects of service learning. But poverty goes far beyond these Shen bega at Widener in 2002 and was visible surfaces of the landscape, and one of the founding faculty members in the service-learning program. 13 Blank’s research, which included awareness or provide services related Sensible Gun Policy, to bring the memorial collaboration from fellow Widener faculty, to the cause. “They spend a lot of time to Widener. “We were inspired by their focused on criminal justice students with their heads in the books, but stories because they are speaking from the workingh wit youth at a juvenile detention sometimes students have to step back personal, community, and legislative levels,” center in Lima, Pennsylvania. She found and take a look at the big picture and Martin said. that the service-learning experience look at the world,” Kucirka said. “It really Chester residents Kristina and James demonstrated a decrease in student is a transformative experience.” Wright attended the memorial and lingered beliefs in stereotypes and increases in their The projects in her class can be as in front of one T-shirt in particular—the leadership, empathy, and involvement— small or as large as students can dream. name, Dominic Shaheed George, written values most faculty members agree Kucirka recalled a project by a 2015 on the front in black marker. students need now more than ever. “It was nursing graduate who organized an He was their 22-year-old son who was powerful to see our students and children informal health fair in a Philadelphia shot 18 times in the back, Kristina Wright in the detention center grow together,” park where many homeless gather. The said. His homicide remains unsolved. The Blank said. “At first they may have found student raised funds for flu shots that Wrights are now left to raise a grandson a bond through talking about something were administered to the homeless. “He who barely got to know his father. like sports, but that set the path to more really pushed outside his comfort zone,” James Wright sees a direct connection meaningful activities like filling out job Kucirka said. between poverty and the kinds of gun applications together.” violence that erupts on the streets of most Nursing Professor Brenda Kucirka Grappling with Gun Violence major cities. The problem, he said, is the has developed a service-learning course Last fall, two senior nursing students, lack of jobs. “We have kids with [high that educates nurses on the importance Courtney Bogan and Danielle Martin, school] diplomas out here on these of social justice issues in the health field. brought the Memorial to the Lost to corners and it makes no sense,” he said. The seminar class preaches advocacy campus. The powerful display included in nursing and allows for an in-depth hundreds of T-shirts with the names of Social Work and Clinics look at the needs of disenfranchised and people who lost their lives to gun violence Addressing violence in communities with vulnerable populations and the impact of in Delaware County. high levels of poverty is by no means a new health care disparities, she said. Bogan and Martin coordinated with initiative on campus. Social work students Students choose a cause or issue three community organizations: Heeding assist in providing services at the Widener to tackle during the course and work God’s Call, Women of Strength United Center for Violence Prevention, founded alongside community partners to bring for Change, and DELCO United for in, 2009 which works in collaboration
Nursing students Courtney Bogan, left, and Danielle Martin, third from left, brought the Memorial to the Lost to Widener’s campus. The display commemorated those who lost their lives to gun violence.
14 with a number of organizations in maps documenting the lack of food options participated in role-playing the lives of low Delaware County to prevent violence in Chester—deemed a “food desert” by the income families. In the program, students in the community. USDA. For a dozen years prior to 2013, worked to provide the basic necessities Another initiative, Widener’s Social residents of the city had been without and shelter on limited budgets during the Work Counseling Services (SWCS), a a grocery store and had few options for course of four 15-minute “weeks.” university and community partnership fresh and healthy food. As a result of the They interacted with human service dedicated to improving the quality of Widener mapping project, that void was agencies, grocers, bill collectors, job life for Chester residents, was founded filledn whe Philabundance opened Fare interviewers, and police officers. “Although int 2000. I gives Widener social work and Square, a nonprofit grocery located in playy mone is used, it is not a game,” said students counseling experience and serves Chester’s west end. Gretchen Mielke, Widener’s assistant dean members of the community in a variety of Dr. Marina Barnett, an associate for civic engagement. “It is a simulation ways that intersect with issues of poverty. professor of social work education who that enables participants to look at poverty In addition to SWCS, Widener is directed the project, said her students from a variety of angles and then to host to five clinics that provide medical continue to battle hunger by mapping recognize and discuss the potential for or mental health services either for free emergency hunger resources throughout change within their local communities.” or for reduced rates. These include three Delaware County. She said changes in the Psychology major Beatrice Frempong mental-health-related clinics administered economy caused by the recession of 2007 was one of the student organizers of the by the Institute of Graduate Clinical to 2009 have caused more poverty in the event and she said her motivation for Psychology: The Child Therapy Clinic, suburbs, and that hunger is more than an getting involved was to try and give her the Neuropsychology Assessment Center, urban problem. “Poverty is not a static fellow students a front row seat to poverty. and the Biofeedback Clinic & Certification condition,” she said “It can affect anyone at “One way to do that is immerse them Center, as well as the Chester Community anys time. A social workers, that’s what we through the poverty simulation and put Physical Therapy Clinic, led by doctoral are . here for Our profession was founded them in the shoes of people from Chester,” physical therapy students, and the School to serve underserved communities.” said Frempong, who is also the Salvation of Nursing’s Widener Community Army Pride Service site leader. Nursing Clinic. Eye-opening Experience Freshman Nolan Maier said his One highlight of Widener’s Center Widener students in a variety of other “family” only started with $10 and neither for Social Work Education involved disciplines have confronted the issue of parent had jobs. So he was forced to sell a faculty partnering with Dr. Chad Freed, an poverty. A poverty simulation event in lot of their belongings, which was difficult environmental science professor, to create November attracted many students who because they had limited transportation. “It was tough. I didn’t know it could be this bad,” said Maier, a civil engineering Widener students major.t “I was definitely eye-opening.” participated in a The hope of university faculty and poverty simulation, administrators is that the future of the a role-playing Philadelphia region and beyond will exercise that forces include thousands of Widener leaders, them to confront steeped in service learning, who are difficult decisions willing to confront the issues of poverty. the poor must make. “I take Widener’s mission to educate knowledgeable and engaged citizens seriously,” Eimer said. “I want my students to leave here with an understanding of how society around them works and give them the skills to make a difference.” W
Sam Starnes contributed to this report.
15 Widener Art Gallery
Chester Park Concert Series Chester Art Alive!
Deshong Park Commemoration Day
Chester Fine Art Center East
Across Colors Cultural Festival Freed Theater The Artist Warehouse Open Mike's Internet Café
Overtown Arts & Street Festival Art on Avenue of the States
Delaware County Historical Society Museum Butcher Shop Rehab (Furniture & Design)
Unity through the Arts CHESTER By Kimberlee Roberts ’17 When the doors of the Freed Theater Riverfront Ramble open shortly after dark on this late autumn evening, yellow light and jazz music spills The Nia Center out from the art studio and theater onto the Avenue of the States, only a block from This map shows a the train station in downtown Chester. partial selection of Beyond the open doors and the the many arts-related floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the organizations, businesses, and events in Chester space, which years ago was the MJ Freed that are featured on furniture store but is now a dynamic studio the online Chester and performing arts space, two towering Made cultural assets blank canvases, a pearl black baby grand map at chestermade. piano, and paintings by local artists fill up chestercity.com. most of the foyer.
1616 BREAKING DOWN BOUNDARIES TO BUILD BRIDGES Widener and Chester Collaborate on Arts Projects to “Change the City”
Soon artists, poets, Widener as the Artist Warehouse. He can, in fact, A COLLABORATIVE GRANT students, and Chester residents arrive. be described as this city’s Renaissance This event on November 6 was held to By 6:45 p.m., the place is packed as man. But he is yet to be spotted. kick off the newly funded Boundaries and those attending eagerly wait to hear Shortly before 7 p.m., Walls arrives, Bridges project spearheaded by Walls, aboutw a ne project buzzing around bursting through the doors with an named Widener’s artist-in-residence, the city and university. Artists excitedly enthusiastic pronouncement: “We’re and Sharon Meagher, dean of Widener showw ne acquaintances their best works all gonna be artists and see what University’s College of Arts and Sciences. and poets speak their lines aloud. wen ca create together, tonight!” Their efforts through a previous project Many conversations mention He grabs a paintbrush and holds it known as Chester Made, which brought the name Devon Walls, a Chester up for the crowd. Chester residents and Widener students artist and photographer who owns For a moment, no one moves. and faculty to talk about the culturally the Freed Theater and is the unofficial The hopes and anticipation of a important aspects of the city, led to leader of the artists’ collaborative known revitalized Chester hang in the air. Widener winning a $211,111 Catalyst Grant from the Barra Foundation.
17 A “I believe that artists will change the city.” – Devon Walls, Chester artist & Widener artist-in-residence
B C
A Poetic Bridges, an event held on the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge over Interstate 95 in November, brought members of Widener and Chester communities together to share poetry and songs to make connections
D through the art. B Chester residents sporting Chester Made T-shirts. C Widener Dean of Arts and Science Sharon Meagher and Chester artist Devon Walls are leading the Boundaries and Bridges project.
D T he Chester-based band Special Blendz performed at the Freed Theater on Avenue of the States. E Artist Valencia Tabron at Freed Theater.
E
18 Ther Cheste Made project revealed Other stories spring from members OPPORTUNITIES that invisible borders exist between of the audience. One man describes TO GET INVOLVED the university and the city, cutting off being denied access to Widener’s library possibilities for artistic collaboration when he was a young boy, but now, EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS between residents, students, and faculty. int his adul life, he interacts with The Boundaries and The Boundaries and Bridges funds will Widener daily. Bridges project includes both events open to the allow for a range of collaborative arts and An woma patiently raises her hand public as well as workshops creative activities with the goal of erasing and tells Walls that ever since she was a on creative placemaking those perceived borders and bringing the youngl gir she has been participating in a and specific art forms. university and city closer together with the mentorship program offered by Widener. Anyone who lives, joint goal of revitalizing the city. She describes it as “something I will never works, and/or studies in “The city of Chester has a long forget.t I fel welcomed. I never felt like I Chester is eligible to apply for the workshops. We and robust history of arts and culture,” couldn’t go on campus. In fact, I still talk encourage everyone from Meagher said. “Widener, as a university, is a to my Widener mentor to this day.” the Widener and greater place of innovation and exceptional artistic Walls listens patiently to all of the Chester community, as endeavors. But, unfortunately, residents stories from the audience. It seems that well as Widener alumni and members of the university community they have collectively exposed the issue and parents of students, to attend the public events. often erect invisible walls that keep the at hand: the boundaries are transient For a full list of project- other out and hamper collaborative and personal. “We can’t have success,” related activities, please possibilities. By bridging these boundaries, Walls says, “without building bridges and click on the events tab on wen ca each share what we have to connecting the dots.” the Boundaries and Bridges website at bridgechester.org. offer and thrive together as one artistic After Meagher and Walls finish community. The numerous workshops and addressing the crowd, the artists, poets, ONLINE RESOURCES cultural events we have planned with this and attendees return to the foyer where • The Boundaries & Bridges grant will be a major step in establishing the two towering canvases stand. Walls page is a comprehensive a culture and arts corridor connecting holds up the brush and invites the crowd to overview of the project. Widener and the heart of the city.” create a collaborative masterpiece. www.bridgechester.org. Valencia Tabron, a veteran Chester • The Chester Made cultural PAINTING A NEW PICTURE assets map shows the city artists who describes herself as “the After Walls has everyone’s attention at locations of and has New Age Picasso,” steps forward with a the introductory event, he and Meagher sections with information confident smile and takes the brush from take the stage in the theater to discuss the about cultural industries Walls. She approaches the blank canvas (which include cafes and new project and what it can accomplish. that reaches three feet above her, but she restaurants), organizations “I believe that artists will change the city,” shows no hesitation or fear. Tabron goes and facilities, events, Walls says, his eyes shining in the glow of for the color black, streaking heavy lines and heritage sites in the the theater’s spotlight. across the middle of the vast canvas. city. Visit chestermade. He paces the stage, telling the crowd Her mark made, she turns from her chestercity.com. what it was like growing up in a Chester paintingh wit a sly smile, holding out the • Boundaries & Bridges also school that took away his music and arts has a Facebook page you brush and looking to every face in the programs.e H says he had enjoyed playing can follow at www.facebook. crowd for the next participant. the drums in music class. He stands a com/BridgeChester. Taylor Brown, a Widener student, moment, holding a dramatic pause before becomes the focus of Tabron’s gaze and continuing. “Beating on those drums kept is pulled forward. me from beating on other things.” Tabron places the brush in her hands. Growing up in Chester, Walls Brown took the brush and looked at remembers feeling that he didn’t Tabron, unsure what to do next. “It’s easy understand. He describes being unable to sweety,” Tabron says, walking Brown up to walk onto the Widener campus without the canvas. “You just paint.” W feeling like he didn’t belong there. “How do we heal all these wounds?” Walls asks. Widener student Kasai Smith contributed to this report. 19 Whatever Happened to Civility? Efforts in Widener Political Science and Graduate Clinical Psychology Programs Strive to Improve the Civility of Everyday Discourse
20 By Dan Hanson ’97 Mummers Parade in Philadelphia THE POLITICS OF CIVILITY Do you believe that American culture mocking Caitlyn Jenner, we see For the past few years, Vike’s research suffers from a lack of civility? evidence of a shortage of civility in the has examined those Americans who If yes, you are not alone. news on a daily basis. are the most politically engaged. What A survey revealed that roughly What we don’t hear, according to he found is that those who are most two-third of United States citizens Dr. James Vike, associate professor engaged tend to also be those who are believe a lack of civility—defined by of political science at Widener, is the the most polarized politically. Vike the Oxford Dictionaries as “formal majority of Americans who remain served as a Trainer Faculty Fellow in politeness and courtesy in behavior silent about polarizing topics— the Oskin Leadership Institute in 2013, and speech”—is a problem. The annual including politics, religion, race, and focusing his research on promoting study, Civility in America conducted sexual preference/gender identity—to vibrant, yet civil, political engagement by Weber Shandwick and KRC avoid potential conflict. “If you look at in a deeply polarized and divisive Research, also showed only one in the dialogue in society and all you see era.e H presented his findings at the eight Americans believe civility will get are screaming faces, you get the general President’s Invited Lecture at Widener betterr ove the next few years. sense that all of the people who are in April 2014. Whether it is presidential involved are just a bunch of nuts,” Since then, Vike has turned his candidates trading insults instead he said. “So people opt out. They research into action. He has been of ideas or marchers in the annual become disengaged.” leading students from his Political and
21 Civic Engagement class on a project said. “I feel like there is a lack of civility that we are “tribal beings.” Slater, who called the Student Choices—Student due to people not understanding teaches courses in social psychology Voices Ambassador Initiative. Vike or being unwilling to listen to the and diversity among other topics, guided 10 student ambassadors in viewpoints of others.” said,e “W locate what is different and the creation of a political engagement Cox said that students aren’t what is threatening and we try to get prospectus for the Widener Political disengaged; they are just engaged ride of it. W are hard-wired to do this. Engagement Committee. Students are in other ways. She said that many Some people talk about this as a workingh wit the committee and the students don’t feel their voice is mental reflex.” national office of Project Pericles, a heard in the political arena, so they To h deal wit these impulses that not-for-profit organization with the have become more involved in civic fight against civil behavior, the Institute mission of encouraging participatory engagement and community service for Graduate Clinical Psychology has citizenship among college students, where they can make a difference. formed a Diversity Committee. The to organize activities such as debate- “Students are more engaged committee of twelve students and watching sessions and issue forums. through clubs and organizations and four faculty members meet once a These programs are focused on raising community service than the older monthn for a hour lunch, but this isn’t the level of political engagement generations are,” she said, “but it’s your typical lunch meeting. Topics among Widener students. important for them to be politically include racial discrimination, white To avoid the polarization engaged. too That’s what we’re hoping privilege, gender identity, and sexual thatn ofte accompanies political through this initiative; that they will orientation. “We distribute small pieces engagement, Vike is incorporating carry civic engagement over into ofr pape and we write down what’s on techniques common to conflict political engagement.” our mind,” said Clarice Mendonca, resolution. “When we do our debate a doctoral student in the clinical watches, we have facilitators,” Vike THE PSYCHOLOGY OF psychology program. “Each meeting, said.e “W bring them in and train “TRIBAL BEINGS” someone picks a chit and we talk about them.e W don’t want to talk about Vike’s advocacy for civility is not the the topic on that chit. It’s kind of like winning and losing, we want to talk only one on campus. While the focus creating a safe space to talk about about the issues and the candidates of the Student Choices—Student these issues.” and their strengths and weaknesses.” Voices initiative is on political Mendonca has an interesting Sarah Cox, a junior political engagement, another Widener perspective on civility. A Roman science and international relations initiative is taking a social psychology Catholic Indian who grew up in major from Collingwood, New Jersey, perspective on civility. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where is one of the students involved in the Dr. Courtney Slater, an assistant the official religion is Islam, she said Student Choices—Students Voices professor in the Widener Institute for her experience there instilled a sense initiative. She has experienced those Graduate Clinical Psychology, said the of cultural sensitivity and open- contentious political discussions first reason why it is so difficult for us to mindedness that she considers one hand.tn “I ca get a little hostile,” Cox civilly discuss such challenging topics is ofr he greatest strengths.
“If you look at the dialogue in society and all you see are screaming faces, you get the general sense that all of the people who are involved are just a bunch of nuts. So people opt out. They become disengaged.” – James Vike, Professor
22 Even, so the process of participated in the survey in confronting difficult issues at the spring 2015. Diversity Committee discussions Among the critical values of is not always easy. “There are a lot leadership development measured in of topics that challenge me, that are the survey is addressing controversy difficult for me to speak up and talk with. civility To measure controversy about,” Mendonca said. “I may have with, civility the survey includes five very different opinions than others statements, such as “I am open to have,m but I’ very comfortable with others’ ideas” and “I respect opinions the group we have.” other than my own,” which survey participants are asked to answer. HIGHER EDUCATION The results of the survey show NURTURES CIVILITY a marked difference in controversy College plays an important role in with civility from before college to determining the level of political their senior year, for both students engagement of students. “If I’m just from Widener and other institutions going into the workforce right out nationally. The differences are Dr. James Vike, of high school, and I’m not getting even more pronounced for those associate professor rany highe education, the prospects students who are more involved on of political science, of me becoming politically involved— campus in student groups and other served as a Trainer ift I don’ get affiliated with some extracurricular activities. Faculty Fellow in the type of workplace organization such With the overall experience of Oskin Leadership as a union—would be very slim,” college already making a difference Institute, focusing Vike said. “You kind of need higher with students in terms of how his research on promoting vibrant, education to be more politically active.” they approach controversy with yet civil, political If college influences a student’s civility, initiatives like the Diversity engagement in a level of political engagement, Committee and the Student Choices deeply polarized it has a similar impact on a —Student Voices initiative can only and divisive era. He student’s level of civility, according help to further improve civility. presented his findings to the Multi-Institutional Study Mendonca said the model for the at the President’s of Leadership. The MSL is an Diversity Committee can be used in Invited Lecture at international research program other parts of the university, and even Widener in April 2014. focused on understanding the in the community. “Whenever we influences of higher education in get the opportunity, we are definitely shaping socially responsible leaders. interested and want to help out,” Widener undergraduate students she said. W
“I feel like there is a lack of civility due to people not understanding or being unwilling to listen to the viewpoints of others.” – Sarah Cox, Junior Political Science and International Relations Student
23 Improving Literacy, One School at a Time
The Widener Reads initiative reaches young students in Chester
24 By Asanya S. Grant ’18 he third-grade classroom role in continuing Clinton’s “citizen army” not be more rewarding. “Yes!” she said, roarsh wit excitement as a sea of tutors. The Widener Reads program is with a big smile. “I like when you come of tiny hands eagerly wave, a subset of the Clinton initiative, which to help me and the rest of my class. You desperately trying to get their plays a vital role in increasing academic teach me how to read and write new Tteacher’s attention. “Who would like to literacy in local community schools. It words I don’t know.” W tell me what their favorite book is and enables students to give back to their why?” asks Jean Campbell, a teacher in the communities while fulfilling their federal Asanya S. Grant, pictured at left, is a Widener Partnership Charter School. work-study obligations. communication studies major from Philadelphia. Standing out like a bright light in a The mission of Widener Reads is An earlier version of this story appeared on The dark room, one child’s eyes just seem a to improve literacy, serve as positive role Blue & Gold, Widener’s student media website little bit brighter and a lot more eager. models, and nurture the relationship at www.theblueandgold.com. “The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes is my between the university and community. favorite,” says 8-year-old Imani Potts. In addition to the Widener Partnership “In ca read it every day.” Charter School, Widener students work As a sophomore who works as a tutor at Stetser Elementary School, Chester with Campbell in the Widener Reads Community Charter School, and Drexel program, I witness scenes like this often. Neumann Academy. I remember when I was the same age as Leah Marousek, a Widener graduate the students, and I feel privileged to be student in education, is the Widener a part of their learning. The children Reads program coordinator. She trains and enjoy seeing positive role models in the provides students with the skills necessary classroom who aren’t their teachers. to go into Chester schools. About 70 The looks on their faces when I come Widener students now participate. “This tok wor are absolutely priceless. Through program gives students the chance to this, job I feel like I’ve grown into a work side by side with Chester’s partnered more empathic individual. I would schools, and make a difference in a young describe it as planting a seed and child’s life,” Marousek said. watching a tree grow right before Campbell, who has been at Widener your eyes. Partnership Charter School for three years, The Widener Reads program is a said she fondly remembers participating in crucial asset to teaching kids in the Chester am progra similar to Widener Reads called community, not to mention so important Rainbow Junction in nearby Springfield. to teachers like Campbell who appreciate Today, she is very thankful for the Widener the extra assistance. This program is not students who volunteer as tutors. “Having only beneficial for the students but for the tutors take up some of the busy the tutors as well. This job offers a great work while the teachers focus on kids leadership opportunity that tutors can individually helps a lot,” she said. apply to their lives on and off campus. For Imani, reading was not always her Through the encouragement of tutors, favorite thing to do. Campbell describes many kids realize their potential and herh growt over the past two months as love for reading. amazing. With the help of the Widener The program’s origins date back Reads program and her teachers, Imani’s to August 1996 when then President reading levels have increased and so has her confidence in the classroom. When she Clinton proposed a nationwide literacy Jean Campbell, top, reads to initiative that continues to touch young goes home she likes to read to her older students in her third grade class at students all over the country. With the siblings and relatives. Imani says they like the Widener Partnership Charter help of the Department of Education’s to r hear he read. School. Bottom, Imani Potts, whose work-study program, the employment Ir asked he how she likes it when favorite books are the Amazing of many student workers has played a vital tutors come to class. Her answer could Days of Abby Hayes series. 25 CLASS NOTES
Old Friends in Ocean City A reunion of Pennsylvania Military College alumni from the classes of 1962 and 1963 was held at the Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland last fall.
The graduation year of those pictured here is 1962 unless identified otherwise. Members of the class Front row, from left: Al Nicola ’63, Joe Beraducci, and Mike Cefalo. Second row, of 1963 pictured here, from left: Mitch Kurzban ’63, Frank Corigliano, CPT Giulio Diserafino ’52, from left to right, are Jacques Gerard, Walt Wengert ’63, and Ron Romanowicz ’68. Rich Snopkowski, Third row, from left: George Shaffer, Don Charles, Vince DeBenedetto, Mitch Kurzban, Dick Johnston, Shelly Schwartz ’60, Nick Coco, and John Nothwang. Dave McNulty, Fourth row, from left: Bob Hawley, Mike Helpa, George Kuziw, Morrie Spang, Al Nicola, and Al Fuchs, Jack Homan, Seb Faro, Jim Loftus, and Len Teofilak. Walt Wengert.
PENNSYLVANIA MILITARY CORRECTION: HOMECOMING COLLEGE ONLINE We extend our sincere SAVE-THE-DATE apologies to the following Save the Date for 2016! for omitting them from the 2016 Homecoming/ list of donors to the James T. Reunion Weekend and Mary C. Harris Endowed October 14 – 16, 2016 Scholarship that was published We welcome all in the Honor Roll in the fall Widener-PMC Alumni! 2015 Widener Magazine. We For more information are very grateful for their please visit generosity and sorry they did alumni.widener.edu. not appear in the original list. Visit pennsylvaniamilitarycollege.org to • Joseph & Catherine Baker find content about Pennsylvania Military • Thomas H. Bown II ’67 College’s vast history. Features include (Trustee) & Bonnie Bown stories about legends of PMC, a photo • Barbara Patterson gallery, and an In Remembrance section • Min Suh, Esq., ’95L (Trustee) that allows you to search for information • Patrick & Lynne Sullivan on PMC alumni by class year.
26 CLASS NOTES
James VanSciver ’72
Louis Horner ’62 Jeffrey Shostack ’96 Alumni Authors Publish New Books
A CADET’S STORY ALUMNUS BOOK ON ALUM’S BOOK One of the PUBLIC EDUCATION ADDRESSES first African A 1972 grew up on Route 24, CHILD ANGER Americans west of Lewes, Delaware, graduate of A graduate to attend, working as a waterman Pennsylvania of Widener’s play varsity and raising chickens. His Military Institute of sports, and unique experiences College Graduate graduate who worked have shaped his Horner Clinical from perspectives on topics for nearly Psychology Pennsylvania Military College such as accountability, VanSciver 45 years has has written a book that the achievement gap, as a teacher, principal, Shostack published touches on his experience ethics, special education, superintendent, and a book about interacting at the college and beyond. and politics—matters college professor has with children who Louis Horner ’62, who he tackles with a deep published a new book experience intense went on to a career as a richness in this thoughtful about public education. anger. Dr. Jeffrey human resource manager look at our nation’s James VanSciver ’72 Shostack’s book with Digital Equipment education system. authored Generalities of De-escalating Children’s Corporation, was awarded VanSciver has published Distinction: Leadership, Anger, published in the Outstanding Alumnus approximately 130 articles Learning, Limitations, 2015, serves as a how- of the Year by the Widener— dealing with diverse published by Rowman to manual for parents, PMC Alumni Association in education topics and and Littlefield, in October caregivers, educators, 2009. Horner visited campus has made more than 2015. In the book, his and concerned adults. for a discussion and book 130 presentations about fourth, VanSciver bridges Shostack, a Pennsylvania signing in late February education issues. He the gap between theory licensed psychologist shortly after Who Will Water also has published three and practice in public who is also certified in the Flowers was published baseball-themed books, education with many school psychology, works by Dog Ear Publishing Close Play at Home, examples coming for the School District Company. His book tells Carnage of a Curveball, from the Delmarva of Philadelphia and in the story of a working class and Running on Empty. Peninsula. VanSciver private practice. In the boy from divergent roots book, Shostack describes building lifelong bonds that how adults can work with began in Chester on the feelings triggered by campus of Pennsylvania angry children. Military College. 27 CLASS NOTES
Class of 1962 University and one at WCU. by reactions to her latest Business. This award honors He and his wife, Maureen, book, Destined to Lead: the Greater Lehigh Valley’s reside in Upper Chichester, Executive Coaching and financial executives for Pennsylvania. They Lessons for Leadership the critical role they have four children and Development. She describes play in making their two grandchildren. the consultant’s transition companies successful. from executive coach in Glick is a certified design George Shaffer, BA, Class of 1974 short-term relationships with accountant. He earned government and politics, corporate and other senior a post-baccalaureate (pictured at left), received business executives to that degree in accounting from his membership certificate of trusted leadership advisor Ursinus College. He is to the National Society of in long-term relationships currently completing his the Sons of the American that can span many years. MBA at Widener. Revolution, Stephen Holston Chapter of Knoxville, Class of 1987 Class of 2000 Don Heying, BS, Heidi Coates, CPA, BS, Tennessee, from State management, (pictured accounting, CFO of Clifford President Colin Wakefield at right) and Kevin McNeil Consulting LLC, relocated to in 2014. ’76, BA, government and North Scottsdale, Arizona. politics, report that they Class of 1968 have been fast friends Members of the Class of Class of 1990 for many more years than 1968 have begun to make present Widener students plans for their 50th Reunion. have been alive. Heying, This spring, the Reunion Robert Anen, BS, hospitality a member of Tau Kappa Committee launched its own management, has been Epsilon, is a synthetic IT website at www.pennsylva- named general manager executive with Micros Inc. niamilitarycollege68.com. of Heritage Shores Club in of Columbia, Maryland. Paula A. Cropper, BS, (left) If you graduated from PMC Bridgeville, Delaware. As a McNeil, a member of accounting & Toby Jones in 1968 or at one time were certified club manager, Anen Kappa Sigma, is a diversity Fowlkes, BS, hotel & a Cadet, please register on has attained the highest application lawyer in Laurel, restaurant management, the site. We look forward level of certification held Maryland. They invite all are former roommates at to sharing with you the by only 1,500 professionals in the Widener family to Widener who traveled from events being planned so nationwide. He will oversee meet with them most North Carolina and Illinois, that we can re-connect and all operations at Heritage every Monday, noonish, respectively, to reunite over celebrate our achievement. Shores including the at the Green Turtle in Homecoming Weekend 2015. clubhouse, staffing and Class of 1969 Burtonsville, Maryland. training, banquets, food Class of 1999 and beverage, and grounds Class of 1975 maintenance. Anen recently Charles Sarnoski, BS, served as the first general chemistry, is the program manager and chief operating manager at Delaware officer at Huntingdon Valley Air Quality. Country Club in Huntingdon Jim Irwin, BA, history, Class of 1982 Valley, Pennsylvania. successfully completed a Dr. Karol M. Wasylyshyn, master’s degree in history Class of 2002 PsyD, had an article at West Chester University Sean Wagner, BA, published by Consulting Shawn Glick, CDA, BS, in 2015. He retired after 33 communication studies, Psychology Journal (CPJ), a business administration, years of federal government has been named chief peer-reviewed publication. CFO and principal at Traffic service in 2008 and enrolled operating officer of Phi The article,“The Trusted Planning and Design, Inc., at WCU in 2009. He has Delta Theta Fraternity and Leadership Advisor: Another has been named the CFO successfully delivered two Foundation. In his new role, View from the Bridge of the Year in the Best papers to conferences on he is tasked with leading between Business and Turnaround Specialist history, one at Kutztown the daily operations of each Psychology,” was prompted category by Lehigh Valley 28 CLASS NOTES organization, ensuring their Class of 2011 Risk Management, and each year and serves as alignment and fulfillment of Administration before a volunteer community the Phi Delta Theta strategic accepting her current funding reviewer for United plan Phi Delt 2020. Other position in 2014. She is Way of Greater Philadelphia primary responsibilities grateful for the diverse and Southern New Jersey. include board, financial work experiences she has and litigation management, had at Inspira, both for the Class of 2015 planned giving, and knowledge she’s gained alternative revenue Veronica McGowan, and the friendships she activities. Wagner previously EdD, higher education, has formed. Baughman is served as leadership was recently hired as currently enrolled in consultant, director of the associate director of Widener Law’s master expansion, director of development and strategy of jurisprudence in alumni services, and most for research computing at healthcare law program. Malcolm Bell, BS, business recently as the fraternity’s the University of Oklahoma The Baughman family administration, currently associate executive vice in Norman, Oklahoma. includes Scott, daughter president, where his most Sara who is a photographer, works at Widener University significant accomplishment Class of 2012 and son Ryan, a student at in the Development Office was helping to develop, Coastal Carolina University, as assistant director of and fully implement, and their shih tzu, Charlie. donor recognition. monitor, and adjust the fraternity’s strategic plan. Class of 2013 Marriages Thomas Caracciolo ’69 Wagner served as president and Dorothy LaMotta of the Pennsylvania Mu were married on November Chapter of Phi Delta Theta 22, 2015. Their eight at Widener University. He grandchildren attended holds a master’s in public Dolores Baughman, BA, the wedding along with administration and nonprofit psychology, of Haddon Ron Sayers ’69 and management from Northern Heights, New Jersey, was Bob Heitman ’69. Kentucky University and is chosen by Inspira Medical enrolled at the University Center Woodbury as the Christopher Cicalese, CPA, of Notre Dame studying employee of the month MS, taxation and financial executive management. for February. She was planning, has been selected He is a Certified recognized for her work to the New Jersey Society Association Executive ethic, positive attitude, of CPAs’ (NJCPA) 30 Under SEND YOUR NEWS (CAE) as credentialed by and outstanding job 30 list for 2015. Cicalese’s FOR CLASS NOTES the American Society of specialties at the firm performance. Baughman You can submit Association Executives include solving tax issues for manages the office of your class notes and (ASAE), an organization professional athletes, family the executive medical photos three ways: where he serves as entertainment centers, and director of the Inspira 1. J oin or log on member of its Membership other businesses in the Medical Group physicians. to the Widener Development Committee. amusement and hospitality In addition to excelling at Pride Network at industry. He participates in the responsibilities listed alumni.widener.edu the NJCPA’s Pay it Forward Class of 2005 on her job description, 2. E -mail to Patty Scott Miller, BS, hospitality program by speaking about Baughman, is also the Votta at pavotta@ management, reports that the accounting profession “voice of Inspira Woodbury.” widener.edu he and his wife just bought to high school students. It is her pleasant, soothing 3. M ail to the their “forever” home in He previously authored voice that you hear if you Office of Alumni Allentown, Pennsylvania. “The Tax Implications of get a voicemail message Engagement, One They moved into his wife’s Disaster” for the Society’s or an on hold message. University Place, childhood home and are New Jersey CPA magazine. She started her Inspira Chester, PA 19013 looking forward to making career in 2002 and has Cicalese is active in several new memories of their own. worked in Engineering, local charitable initiatives
29 CLASS NOTES
A Legend on game in 1978, a second and Widener. The highest Final Four appearance in compliment I can pay him Court and in 1985, and 11 trips in to the is that he took boys and Classroom NCAA Tournament. Rowe’s made men on the court One of Widener’s winningest win total ranked as the and in the classroom.” coaches of all time, C. Alan most for any coach in the Widener Director of Rowe, died November university’s history in one Athletics Jack Shafer said 5 at the age of 84. sport until softball coach Rowe’s success helped Rowe took over the Fred Dohrmann surpassed to establish a name for head coaching job for men’s his record in 2014. the sports program. basketball for Pennsylvania Rowe, who also taught “In our early years as Military College in 1965 math, had a tremendous Widener College and and led the program impact on many Widener later Widener University, under Widener until 1998, alumni. “Coach Rowe Coach Rowe helped put amassing 536 wins. “From was an original,” said the institution on the map the moment he recruited C. Alan Rowe coached men’s Saint Joseph’s University with his success on the me to attend Widener basketball for 33 seasons. head men’s basketball national stage in the NCAA until his passing, he was coach Phil Martelli ’76, Tournament,” Shafer said. always a person I and ’04H, who played for and Rowe lived in others could count on to coach and mentor, but coached under Rowe. “He Middletown Township in give it to you straight and what I will remember most believed that the pursuit of Delaware County. He is help you when you needed about Coach Rowe was he perfection in a game full of survived by his wife, Gail, it,” said Chris Carideo ’95, was a loving family man.” mistakes was honorable and who worked for 18 years Widener’s current men’s Rowe, a Middle Atlantic attainable. I so admired how in Widener’s Registrar’s basketball coach who was Conference Hall of Fame he included his family as Office. Their children, an All-American under inductee, coached Widener part of the wildly successful Kathy, Kelly, Jeff, and Jim Rowe. “He was a wonderful to the NCAA championship program he built at PMC all attended Widener.
In Memoriam Peter Linton ’63 Alan Belfus ’76 Keith Criddell ’99 Edward Hogan ’40 Michael Olenick ’63 James Fox ’76 James Virnelson ’00 Charles Biehl ’42 Dale Baker ’65 Neil Austin ’77 Lisa McNamee ’02 Lewis Brunner ’43 Anthony Coggeshall ’65 Barbara Baggett ’77 Joyce Warner ’04 J. Martin ’47 John Donnan ’65 Harry Citrino ’77 Darryl Gee ’06 Edgar Buchanan ’49 Charles Drasser ’65 Catherine Kraft ’78 Terry Smith ’07 Ettore Giantonio ’49 John Herwick ’65 Kathleen Sacco ’78 Derrick Lowe ’08 Francis Jarmusik ’49 Albert Sarno ’65 Joseph Flatau ’79 Nancy Wright ’09 William Keyser ’49 Edward Betts ’67 Richard Barchock ’80 Britni Zarin ’09 David Livirrie ’49 Joseph Hayes ’67 C. Hartley ’81 Russell Braun ’12 Emil Malinowski ’49 Alex Umrichin ’67 Vincent McCorkle ’81 Gregory Walsh ’12 John Streit ’50 William Dempsey ’68 Robert Purdy ’81 William Getty ’52 Dieter Kassl ’68 Lois Dawson ’84 Friends, Faculty, Charles Nagle ’53 Peter Van Derveer ’68 Thomas Naughton ’84 and Staff Walter Evans ’56 Laird Robbins ’69 Charles Wilson ’84 Donald Devilbiss John Hammond ’56 W. Snyder ’69 Alan Cooper ’85 James Gillece James Mehring ’56 Janice Hesling ’70 Lisa Torres ’85 Joanne Hahn Frederic Simon ’56 Ray Lambert ’70 Elaine McLaughlin ’87 Constance Herlihy George Wells ’56 John Rankin ’70 Jean Byassee ’88 Theodore Lupien Chester Czyzewski ’57 Peter Weglarski ’70 Charles Coleman ’88 Richard Poole John DePalma ’57 Peter Dalgaard ’71 William McShane ’88 Marcia Quillen Victor Verticelli ’58 Raymond Wade ’71 Robert Hice ’89 Inez Rasin E. Tomlinson ’60 Maurice Downs ’72 Robert Dobslaw ’90 Ralph Romano William Muehsam ’62 Thomas Succarotte ’72 Christian LaBelle ’90 Alfred Stuewe John Tysall ’62 James Windsor ’74 Harry McGrath ’92 Thelma Wigod Clarence Bell ’63 Mark Coates ’75 Christian McCarthy ’97 30 CHAPTER NOTES
A FESTIVE TIME IN THE FALL While there was no sighting of the Great UPCOMING Pumpkin, more than 50 Widener alumni SPRING/ and friends joined forces with alumni from SUMMER West Chester University to enjoy a beautiful 2016 EVENTS fall day in the pumpkin patches of Linvilla Orchards in Media, Pennsylvania, on October May 14 Maroon Winery 11, 2015. The group enjoyed a marshmallow Lunch & Tasting roast, animal feedings, face paintings, and Host: California more, all while sipping on hot cider and Regional Alumni taking in the views of the fall foliage from Chapter a private hayride tour! Location: Maroon Winery, Napa, CA
June 15 Rose ’98 ’00 and Sam Patton, who studied Philadelphia Phillies at Widener from 1993 to 1995, with their Game w/ McFadden’s children, Massimo and Adriana. Pre-Game Party Host: Greater Philadelphia Regional Alumni Chapter REGIONAL CHAPTER CONTACTS Location: Citizens Bank Park, Greater Philadelphia Area Alaska FL – Orlando Philadelphia, PA Maureen Colon ’76 Stephanie Dudley ’11 Philadelphia County, PA [email protected] [email protected] August 6 Jeff Flynn ’04 San Diego Padres [email protected] Atlanta, GA FL - West Coast Game vs. Philadelphia Morrie Spang ’62 Office of Alumni Engagement Phillies Delaware County, PA [email protected] [email protected] Host: California Jim Gentile ’77 Regional Alumni [email protected] Baltimore New England Chapter Office of Alumni Kristin McJunkins ’92 Location: Petco Field, Bucks & Montgomery Engagement [email protected] San Diego, CA Counties, PA [email protected] Gregg Strom ’64 NYC / North Jersey For a complete listing [email protected] California Garren Pflueger ’94 of all alumni events Sharon Carothers ’92 [email protected] taking place in your Chester County, PA [email protected] hometown and Frank Pellegrini ’66 Northern Maryland around the country, [email protected] Central PA Marcia Bowers ’85G please visit: http:// Office of Alumni [email protected] alumni.widener.edu/ South Jersey Engagement upcomingevents Office of Alumni [email protected] Puerto Rico Engagement Dennis Lopez ’85 [email protected] District of Columbia Dennis.Lopez@ Office of Alumni trinityservicesgroup.com Wilmington, DE Engagement Vera Kunkel ’78 [email protected] Texas [email protected] Gerry Gaeta ’77 FL - East Coast [email protected] Tom Dougherty ’93 [email protected] Washington State Alex Poblete ’89 [email protected] 31 THE BACK PAGE A Fan for Life By Sam Starnes, Editor My smart phone frequently would buzz College in 1976). In 1992, he transferred surprised Shannon her diploma across with texts as late as midnight or 1 a.m. to the Main Campus in Chester and the head table. That story typified Don’s “Unbelievable,” one note said. “A great became assistant dean of what was then longstanding commitment to go the extra comeback tonight!” known as University College. Most mile for students. Another time, “Made my day!” recently, he was director of administrative His frequent texts to me, and his In more recent baseball seasons, operations in the Center for Continuing enthusiasm to talk about the Braves, especially in late summer, the lines rang Studies.e H is survived by his wife, Darci, demonstrated his love for the team, which a very disappointed tone: “Three double a resident of West Chester, as well as dated back to about 1943 when he was five plays in 7-8-9 killed them,” “Hard to take,” children, step-children, grandchildren, andn a uncle from Massachusetts sent him and the harshest I remember, “A disgrace.” nieces, and nephews. a Boston Braves sweatshirt. He continued These notes came from fellow President Emeritus James T. Harris to follow the team when it moved to Widener administrator and Atlanta Braves III at a campus-wide meeting five years Milwaukee in 1953 and then to Atlanta fan Don Devilbiss. Don followed every ago referred to Don as “probably the in 1966—the only Braves fan I’ve known game on television or online, while I nicest person on campus.” Alumna who was loyal to all three locations. I grew listened to each one on satellite radio. Shannon Sneed Danner would agree. up in rural Georgia and became a fan at a Im a missing such messages this She worked full-time and studied on similar age but a much later date, tracking baseball season, even the disappointed weekends to finish her undergraduate Hank Aaron’s home runs on a poster when ones. Don succumbed to cancer in degree in 1993 and very much wanted I was seven as Aaron neared Babe Ruth’s November at the age of 77. It was his to wear a cap and gown to receive her all-time record. 49th year working for the university. diploma. But then she learned the date Don and I didn’t get together Donw gre up on a small farm of commencement fell on the same day socially and we didn’t go to lunch in Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania, where that she and her fiancé had already together on campus or even work that his n father ra the local general store chosen for their wedding. closely together, but we shared a warm and his mother taught first grade in a With regrets, she opted to receive friendship built on two bonds: Our one-room schoolhouse. He graduated her diploma through the mail. What connection to Widener, and more from Shippensburg University, returning shet didn’ know was that her fiancé had uniquely, being lifelong Atlanta Braves home to work in the family store for a year called Don and asked him if he would be fans amongst a red sea of Phillies faithful. before becoming a high school teacher willing to deliver her diploma during her I miss seeing him around, and now in 1961. Six years later, he joined the wedding reception. that baseball season is underway, I miss our faculty at Brandywine College, a two-year When the band played “Pomp and conversations and texts about our beloved school inWilmington where Widener Circumstance,” the traditional graduation Atlanta Braves. Widener’s campus—and University’s Delaware Law School is march, Don, dressed in cap and gown, this baseball season—just isn’t the same located (Widener acquired Brandywine crossed the ballroom and handed a without him.
A boy and his team: Don Devilbiss in his Widener office in 2012, and on his bicycle circa late 1940s. 32 Widener gives back. Our students give back by engaging with our communities to address real-world problems. When you give back to Widener through your financial support, you show your pride in all your university has achieved and in the future these outstanding students will create because of their Widener experience. GIVE BACK WITH PRIDE give.widener.edu
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