Bloomsburg W I N T E R 20 21 THE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE Not Your Typical Politician How Stacy Garrity ’86 went from being a respected business leader and Army veteran to state treasurer Page 12 ALSO INSIDE Connecting Across Generations Alumni Association Board nurtures the next generation of Huskies The Ultimate Soccer Mom Paige Harris balances motherhood and being a student-athlete Page 28 bloomu.edu Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Page 20 1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear BU Family, We are pleased to present the Winter 2021 edition of Bloomsburg: The University Magazine, and I hope that you and your families continue to remain safe and healthy amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I first want to recognize and congratulate a BU alumna who makes us all Husky proud – not only for what she has achieved in her military and business careers, but perhaps more importantly for all that she will accomplish in her next role in Harrisburg. Our feature story on Stacy Garrity ’86, Pennsylvania’s recently elected state treasurer, is an inspirational one. I had the honor of serving as an honorary chair of her transition team, and I know she will be a great role model and leader for all Huskies and Pennsylvanians. While our spring semester began a bit later this year, it has been great to see our students back on campus this President Bashar Hanna month after an extended holiday break. Thanks to a partnership with the Columbia County Commissioners, the University was able to purchase rapid COVID testing kits so that our students could be tested prior to the semester’s start. The health and safety of our campus community remains our highest priority in the coming months, and I am confident that we will overcome the challenges the pandemic has brought us as we continue to collaborate with the commissioners and other community partners. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Speaking of collaborations, you may have read about the ongoing integration discussions between BU, Lock Haven University, and Mansfield University. These discussions began last fall, and we remain heavily involved in the analysis and planning for this potential partnership through regular working group and subgroup meetings. I am optimistic and excited about the potential of this collaboration because we have a unique opportunity to partner and grow together for the benefit of our students and their success, providing them greater access and more opportunities so that they themselves may grow and thrive personally and professionally. I urge you to visit our website to learn more about this ongoing process: bloomu.edu/integration. I also encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions on the feedback form on this site. 2 As we have celebrated Black History Month on our campus this February, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring an inclusive and equitable BU experience for all. Thanks to the guidance of our President’s Commission for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) – and the leadership of its co-chairs: Dr. Shavonne Shorter (Special Assistant to the President for DEI) and Ms. Madelyn Rodriguez – we have progressed in this endeavor over the past year. Yet, we acknowledge the work ahead of us as we strive to become more welcoming and inclusive for all members of the BU community. As always, I thank you for your support of BU, and look forward to seeing you back on campus later this year. GO HUSKIES! Sincerely, Bashar W. Hanna President DREAMS REALIZED Even masked up, smiles persevered as hundreds of students and their families and supporters participated in the November graduation walk-through event in advance of BU's official virtual commencement in December. Inside Mitrani Hall, graduates received personal congratulations from President Bashar Hanna and Provost Diana Rogers-Adkinson. Outside, supporters and family members took photos to share and preserve their memories. Additional photos on page 32. “ “This year, you’ve adjusted twice to a remote learning environment — and you’ve passed this test with aplomb. With the customary grit and determination Huskies are known for, you’ve continued to persevere despite the COVID-19 related challenges, and you’ve each crossed the virtual finish line. For that I’m beyond proud of all of you.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Check out more photos at flickr.com/photos/bloomsburgu — President Bashar Hanna 1 Winter 2021 6 12 16 20 28 32 Contents 4 6 8 12 16 COMMON GROUND DONORS STEP UP A PIPELINE OF SUPPORT NOT YOUR TYPICAL POLITICIAN THERE ARE NO SMALL PARTS 20 24 27 30 33 CONNECTING ACROSS GENERATIONS HUSKY NOTES A VIEW FROM THE TOP THEN AND NOW FALL 2021 Connect with us Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 bloomu.edu 2 Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Board of Governors Cynthia D. Shapira, Chair David M. Maser, Vice Chair Samuel H. Smith, Vice Chair Representative Tim Briggs Nicole Dunlop Alex Fefolt Tanya I. Garcia William Gindlesperger Donald E. Houser Jr. Senator Scott Martin Thomas S. Muller Noe Ortega Representative Brad Roae Senator Judith L. Schwank Larry C. Skinner Meg Snead Stephen L. Washington, Jr. Neil R. Weaver Governor Tom Wolf Janet L. Yeomans Chancellor, State System of Higher Education Daniel Greenstein Bloomsburg University Council of Trustees Judge Mary Jane Bowes, Chairperson Nancy Vasta, Vice Chairperson Brian O’Donnell, O.D., Secretary Amy Brayford Edward G. Edwards Duane Greenly Daniel Klingerman Colin McIntyre Secretary John E. Wetzel Raymond Zaborney President, Bloomsburg University Bashar W. Hanna Executive Editor Jennifer Umberger Co-Editors Eric Foster Tom McGuire Designer Stacey Newell Sports Information Dave Leisering Mary Raskob Bloomsburg: The University Magazine is published three times a year for alumni, students’ families, and friends of the university. Back issues may be found at issuu.com/buhuskies. Address comments and questions to: Bloomsburg: The University Magazine Arts and Administration Building 400 East Second Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 Email address: magazine@bloomu.edu Visit Bloomsburg University on the web at bloomu.edu. Contributing Writers Thomas Schaeffer ’02 Andrea O’Neill ’06 Cover Photo Eric Foster Bloomsburg University is an AA/EEO institution and is accessible to disabled persons. Bloomsburg University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran status in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. © Bloomsburg University 20212021 By Tom McGuire Rarely does an opportunity come along that can transform the look and shape of the higher education landscape. But the proposed integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities is one such instance.   This work, led by Bloomsburg President Bashar Hanna, who was also named interim president of Lock Haven in February, and close to 1,000 individuals, will build stronger institutions with an expanded capacity to serve an increasingly diverse student population. When complete, the integration would give students at all three locations access to a broader array of academic programs, a larger pool of faculty, and an affordable education with expansive opportunities for personal development and professional success. The integration of the three universities will strengthen and expand partnerships with the region’s employers and fulfill northeast Pennsylvania’s workforce needs. Faculty will have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers for the benefit of students across three campuses. “This is an ambitious undertaking aimed at preserving our legacies while sustainably building a new institution that will serve the commonwealth’s students for generations to come,” said Hanna. “Within each institution’s community will remain the advantage of a thriving university that continues to have strong partnerships with school districts and area employers with whom we can partner to prepare our students for the region’s workforce and beyond.” For BU’s students, faculty, staff and alumni, there is a commitment to maintaining the Bloomsburg name, and honoring BU’s identity, brand, and traditions — while opening the door to new opportunities.   At each institution, the original University name will continue to appear on diplomas connecting graduates to a Husky network of 76,000 and counting alumni. Integration will also allow the alumni of the three institutions to interact with more than 60,000 new friends with similar experiences so that they can collectively provide professional networks and opportunities for the benefit of students. “What gives me great confidence about this complex effort is that it is being led by BU President Bashar Hanna and supported by so many faculty and staff across all three institutions,” said John Wetzel, BU trustee and Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections. “Combining Dr. Hanna’s visionary leadership along with the commitment and support of faculty and staff, I have no doubt that students across the Commonwealth who are seeking a high-quality, affordable education will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this potential integration.” The integration team is expected to submit preliminary implementation plans and aspirational goals to the Board of Governors in April, and if approved, those plans will be subject to a public comment period lasting 60 days. The Board will then review the public comments and consider final implementation plans as early as July, which would mean the first cohort of students to enroll in an integrated university is the Fall semester of 2022. For more information about integration, visit bloomu.edu/integration Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 PASSHE Northeast Integration Gains Momentum University integration is focused on accessibility and student success and aims to retain the unique and personal on-campus experiences, services, and faculty-student interactions that have historically reinforced campus identities. Integration includes pursuing a path with the NCAA where all three campuses would retain their current complement of athletic teams. This effort also will build upon an existing foundation of collaboration and shared services partnerships to expand and deliver undergraduate and graduate programs across the region and beyond. 3 COMMON GROUND news on campus Ramakrishnan Named Dean of the College of Science and Technology Latha Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., knows firsthand the power of inspiration. BU’s new dean of the College of Science and Technology, Ramakrishnan was inspired by teachers at critical points in her life. Ramakrishnan comes to Bloomsburg after serving for more than 14 years in multiple roles at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. But her journey in science began as a child in India. “My first mentor was a high school teacher. I really liked chemistry a lot because of how he made it so simple,” says Ramakrishnan. Her interest in science sparked, she went to the top universities in India — earning her master’s degree in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, and her doctorate in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Ramakrishnan came to the U.S. to further her education, doing post-doctoral research in biophysical chemistry at Cornell University, where she was awarded the Epilepsy Research Foundation and Milken Family Foundation’s postdoctoral fellowship grant in 2003. In 2006, she went to Minnesota to join St. Cloud’s chemistry department. She was promoted to full professor and became chair of the department of chemistry and biochemistry in 2013. In 2016 she became interim associate provost for research and dean of the School of Graduate Studies, where she oversaw more than 40 graduate programs. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Bloomsburg University to Offer Master of Social Work Degree 4 BU will begin offering the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree this fall after the program was approved by the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. “The demand for master’s-level social workers is on the rise nationally and in Northcentral Pennsylvania,” says Andy Dunlap, associate professor and program director of social work. “Graduates of the program will be trained to assist individuals, families, and communities to adjust to these challenging times. Social workers are also charged with making positive change in their communities.” “Employers in fields such as health care, corrections, and substance abuse counseling have been asking for this program and are eager for us to begin contributing mastersprepared social workers to the workforce in our region,” “Throughout my education and career at every level, it’s the faculty who have the greatest influence on me,” says Ramakrishnan, who has emphasized student-faculty research throughout her career. As an independent investigator, she established a research program in behavioral neuropharmacology testing anti-convulsive drugs, mentored more than 50 undergraduate students in research, and published research articles with multiple student co-authors. “During the interview process Dr. Ramakrishnan distinguished herself as someone who has a depth of experiences that will serve our institution well,” says Diana Rogers-Adkinson, BU’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “She also possesses the qualities of being a collaborative problem-solver, an outstanding mentor to faculty and students, and a champion of diversity.” During her tenure at St. Cloud State, Ramakrishnan secured over $6 million in external grants, including multiple grants from the National Science Foundation. Before Ramakrishnan’s arrival to BU in December, Lynn Hummel ‘02/’03M, Ed.D., had been serving as the interim dean of the college. says James Brown, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. BU’s program will be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, enabling graduates to be licensed in Pennsylvania as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). “LMSWs have more advanced positions in professional settings,” says Dunlap. “They tend to provide supervision, specialized care and program leadership. After several years of clinical supervision, LMSWs may also go on to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers, who provide specialized counseling and can be independent practitioners.” The program is two years for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field, but students who have earned a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) may be eligible to opt out of two semesters of foundational courses. “Bloomsburg’s social work program already enjoys strong community ties, and local agencies have expressed enthusiasm for providing field education sites for master’s level social work students,” says Dunlap. For more information, go to bloomu.edu/gradschool/social-work. BU Police Department Earns Accreditation BU’s Terry and JoAnn Zeigler College of Business has earned reaccreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). BU initially received accreditation by AACSB in 2005 and is one of seven schools within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education that hold it. Just 5% of all business schools globally have this prestigious designation. “Earning reaccreditation from the AACSB is a testament to our University’s commitment to excellence,” says Diana RogersAdkinson, BU’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “It reaffirms our faculty and staff’s unwavering support for our students and programs.” The Zeigler College of Business received commendations from AACSB for the high-level of engagement between faculty, students, and staff, including: • The Zeigler Institute for Professional Development. • Student success in business knowledge competitions, including professional sales, international business, and others. • The Husky Dog Pound, providing college and high school students the opportunity to share an innovative idea in a Shark Tank-style competition. • Professional internship opportunities for students. • Very active student clubs and organizations. “Accreditation is earned by meeting or exceeding the rigorous standards of AACSB for excellence in our degree programs, faculty research, teaching, and community service. This is earned by always seeking continuous improvement and creating high-quality educational and experiential learning opportunities for our students,” says Todd Shawver, dean of the Zeigler College of Business. Accreditation by AACSB International, founded in 1916, is a voluntary, non-governmental review of educational institutions and programs. Accreditation helps institutions evaluate and improve their performance. The process takes between 18 and 24 months and covers 136 standards and 184 sub-standards. “When I arrived back at BU more than three years ago, I told our administration leadership that I could reshape the BU PD into a model 21st-century department,” says Leo Sokoloski, director of the BU police department. “To be a model department, we had to transform training, develop and write 21st-century policies and then put into practice what we said we were doing. The department headquarters needed minor physical changes to retrofit the facilities to be compliant to accreditation standards.” The accreditation process continued under new VP for Finance and Administration Claudia Thrush and Associate VP for Facilities Management Eric Ness, who saw the value and importance of the effort. “This accreditation is a feather in the university’s cap as it confirms the department is operating at an exemplary level and providing best-in-class service,” says Thrush. Sokoloski is quick to point out the many individuals involved with the effort. “Sergeant Rob Neiderhiser and officer Jeff Bachinger played significant roles and were focused on driving this initiative to completion after many, many months of work,” says Sokoloski. “Also, BU’s skilled craftsmen did great work for us. The plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, and many more worked tirelessly to make the changes we needed in our facilities.” « « Alumni share their insights with students at the fall 2019 Zeigler Institute for Professional Development Business Conference. BU is now one of only seven accredited institutions of higher education law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania to be accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission and one of only 127 statewide. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Zeigler College of Business Earns AACSB Reaccreditation BU’s Police Department has earned accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association through its Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. From left: Sgt. Rob Neiderhiser, Director Leo Sokoloski, Officer Jeff Bachinger. 5 news on campus COMMON GROUND Alumni and Donors During Challenging Year By Tom Schaeffer ’02 The numbers are in, and the results show BU alumni and donors have come together to provide support for students when they needed it most. Despite many pandemic-related fundraising challenges, the donors’ response helped create opportunities and alleviate financial stress for students to the tune of: 58% increase in giving from 2019 70% increase in donor support on Giving Tuesday. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 32 6 new scholarships created $2M+ increase to BU’s endowment, growing to more than $60M “2020 was certainly a challenging year for us all, but the commitment of our alumni and donors in supporting our students exemplifies the Husky spirit of resilience and togetherness and has truly been an inspiration,” says President Bashar Hanna. “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated community, and I am forever grateful for their commitment to our students and their success in especially challenging times.” During a tumultuous year filled with unprecedented academic and logistical challenges, many students also faced financial crisis due to job loss and other circumstances. In addition to regular fundraising efforts, these challenges sparked the Strengthen the Pack Campaign for emergency student aid, which raised $105,000 from 241 donors. The fund helped BU administrators deploy resources to students facing urgent short-term needs like computer and internet access, temporary housing needs, tuition assistance, and food insecurities. “While I’m typically in awe of the support and generosity of our alumni and friends, this past year has been extraordinary,” says Vice President for Advancement Erik Evans. “What was especially encouraging was more than 75% of the gifts we received were $250 or less. This shows that donors at all levels are giving what they can to support our students, and they know that every gift counts. When everyone comes together to give, it makes all the difference.” Annual gifts to the Bloom On Fund, emergency aid, and scholarships to help recruit and retain students made for a promising year of support, but the generosity didn’t stop there. BU donors also bestowed several transformational gifts, which are equally vital to the advancement of the University, including a $10 million gift from Steph Pettit ’89 to support student-athletes, a $1.5 million gift from Craig A. Diehl Esq. ’82 to establish a center for law school preparation and a $500,000 gift from Mike ’85 and Beth Boguski to support Professional Experience Grants. Finally, in addition to immediateuse funds provided, BU donors also stepped up to show their commitment to future Huskies by pledging more than $6 million in gifts through estate intentions, an increase of $2.2 million from the previous year. To learn more about how donor support impacted the BU community during 2020, visit giving.bloomu.edu/Impact, or to make a gift go to giving.bloomu.edu/GiveNow. “ “2020 was certainly a challenging year for us all, but the commitment of our alumni and donors in supporting our students exemplifies the Husky spirit of resilience and togetherness and has truly been an inspiration. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated community, and I am forever grateful for their commitment to our students and their success in especially challenging times.” — President Bashar Hanna COMMON GROUND First-Generation Alumni Support Future Generations of Nearly a third of BU students are the first in their family to attend college. And many of them know, all too well, just how expensive it can be. They also know that they need every little bit of support they can get — especially when their families aren’t always in a position to help. Adenuga, a Philadelphia native who came to BU through the Act 101 program, benefited from a scholarship. Her parents supported her dream of attending college, but were not in a position to pay for her education, and she had a difficult time finding scholarships. “Several of my friends came to BU through Act 101, and that’s how I learned about the school,” Adenuga says. “The program played a major role in laying the foundation for my education.” That scholarship and the support she received from the Act 101 program members inspired her desire to give back. And her first gift came with a big impact. In 2019, Adenuga established a scholarship through a virtual endowment, which allows her to support a student today with an annual gift and ensure that support for years to come with an additional gift to BU in her estate. “We’ve all gotten to where we are because someone helped us in some way,” Adenuga adds. “We owe where we are to them, so it’s important to find a way to do that for someone else if we can.” A Bloomsburg native, Luxardo and his wife, Marti, were high school sweethearts who both attended BU and graduated together in 1995. Luxardo went on to pursue his medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with which BU now has an established formal pathway. His loyalty to his hometown drew him back, and in 1999 he completed his medical training at Geisinger Health System, where he has worked ever since. “I wasn’t sure what would happen until I went out and experienced more of the world,” says Luxardo. “But it wasn’t until I was in the city and exposed to that lifestyle that I realized that I wanted to come back and practice here and give back to my community.” His loyalty to BU is just as strong. In 1996, one year after graduating, Karl and Marti made their first gift to BU, even while Karl was in med school. They have been loyal donors ever since. “We’ve always said that if we were able to give back, we would. Along with having fond memories of BU, I also got a great education there that prepared me for med school,” says Karl. “It’s more than just a university for us. It’s where our kids had their high school graduation and played high school field hockey when their field was destroyed by flood waters. It’s such a big part of our lives and our community.” Their triplets, Gabrielle, Dominque, and Alexandra, graduated from college last spring. And with their youngest daughter Bella hoping to follow in their footsteps as a Husky, the Luxardos are looking forward to increasing their contributions to BU to support future first-generation college students. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 That was especially true for Christina Adenuga ’10 and Karl Luxardo ’95. Both were first-generation students, and though they both had very different experiences, they both knew they wanted to give back to BU. 7 BU Provides a Pipeline of Support for First-Gen Students By Eric Foster S erving first-generation students has been a foundational part of Bloomsburg University’s mission since its beginning in 1839 as a literary institute. That mission has remained steadfast through its years as a state college in the 1960s and 70s, and as recently as 2008, when more than a third of the student body were the first in their families to attend college. that the residence hall closes over breaks and you have to arrange for a ride home. Or how the final exam schedule works. The students around you can navigate everyday life and call mom and dad if they have questions.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Through those decades, students experienced the unfamiliar challenges of “navigating” college — obtaining financial aid, scheduling classes, communicating with professors — together. 8 “For first-gen students, it is all brand-new,” says Mindy Andino, interim vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies. “They face challenge unlike their peers who have families with college experience and references to college growing up.” Today’s first-generation students, making up 28% of BU’s student population, don’t always have peers to share their experience with, and the university is working to make sure they don’t face the challenges alone. Andino is one of many administrators and faculty, including President Bashar Hanna and Provost Diana RogersAdkinson, who understand the experiences of these students because they were first-generation students themselves. “You don’t know what you don’t know. There are unspoken cultural norms about university life you just don’t know as first-gen,” says Andino. “Little things, like figuring out “ “You don’t know what you don’t know. There are unspoken cultural norms about university life you just don’t know as first-gen.” — Mindy Andino BU has been named to the 2021-22 First-gen Forward cohort by The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) and The Suder Foundation. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes higher education institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing first-generation college students’ outcomes. As a First-gen Forward Institution, BU faculty and staff will have opportunities to engage with peer institutions that are also working to improve firstgeneration students’ experiences and outcomes. BU will participate in the First-gen Forward Workshop slated for early-June, monthly phone calls, and virtual professional development sessions. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation. First-gen Forward now recognizes and supports over 200 diverse institutions across three cohorts committed to first-generation student success. When she was college-age, Andino’s father was terminally ill, and she might never have gone to college except on a scholarship. “For graduate school, my boyfriend, now husband, helped me with the FAFSA,” says Andino, referring to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. “And there’s a massive pressure to succeed and be successful. You have to manage that and move forward, and it’s not easy. It’s one of the experiences that’s similar to being an immigrant.” William Ross ’65 knows this pressure all too well. He was the first and only member of his family to go to college — his sister went to business school, and his brother followed their father into the trades. “Back then, everyone was firstgeneration. The first day, three of us met in the registration line and wound up being roommates. We’re still friends.” A constant help for first-gen students over the years are professors who go the extra mile for their students. “Dr. (Harold) Lanterman gave me textbooks to read. I was reading chemistry books like novels,” says Ross. “The next year, I got a job as a student assistant in the lab for three years. I spent more time with my professors than just in class. I was a lab rat.” For Ross, the experience paid off. After graduation, he worked for major chemical companies before moving into chemical sales and founding his own firm, Ross Organic, which supplies materials for health and beauty firms. Maddy Rodriguez ’95 has experience at BU both as a firstgeneration student and as a staffer who has shared her wisdom to help new first-generation students navigate college. “ “Campuses operate on social capital. We’re trying to change that. One of the challenges is making it more transparent.” — Rebecca Willoughby “There’s imposter syndrome, ‘I don’t belong here.’ Even as a grown woman, I still get that feeling,” says Rodriguez, BU’s director of multicultural affairs. ”Many of our students carry that with them. Should I really be in this class?” Rodriguez — known as ‘Miss Maddy’ by the students she works with — almost had her own college career derailed by self-doubt and lack of focus. “My sister, Janet (Rodriguez) O’Toole ’88, saw my grades from the first semester and said, ‘I’m not wasting gas and paying tolls to pick you up with grades like this.’ After that, I improved my grades.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 “My father had an accident on the job and had to be cared for by his family. I chose Bloomsburg because it was close to home,” says Ross, a native of the Schuylkill County coal community of Connerton. “It was a lot more intensive than high school. It took a lot of getting used to.” 9 Among the lessons Rodriguez shares with students is to get to know their professors. “They don’t realize the relationship with the faculty is important. They want to stay under the radar. I made sure I knew my professors by name, and they knew me by name.” One of the professors first-generation students are likely to meet is Rebecca Willoughby, executive director of Student Success and the First-Year Experience, and an ‘01 first-generation graduate of BU. “I was a commuter, so I didn’t get the full-on experience,” says Willoughby, “But I still felt like a fish out of water, particularly my first semester. My family was completely unfamiliar with the whole idea of college and all that entailed. I came to BU at 17, and I was struggling to decipher my parents’ taxes so I could fill out the FAFSA form.” “ “They don’t realize the relationship with the faculty is important. They want to stay under the radar. I made sure I knew my professors by name, and they knew me by name.” — Maddy Rodriguez “Campuses operate on social capital,” Willoughby explains. “We’re trying to change that. One of the challenges is making it more transparent — if you need help with this, here is a campus resource that can help.” Willoughby teaches several sections of BU’s First-Year Seminar course, but she emphasizes that the First-Year Experience is a more encompassing project. To start with, each First-Year seminar has a peer mentor assigned to it. “Students connected to peer mentors is hugely important to ease the transition,” says Willoughby. “They have a peer to go to, someone like themselves.” Another new tool is BU’s HuskySuccess platform, launched last year. While it is designed to help all students, HuskySuccess can be particularly helpful for first-generation students to connect to resources. The application is also a one-stop destination for students seeking help. “Even students who aren’t first-gen are finding it helpful,” Willoughby says. From the Dominican Republic to Bloomsburg Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Sophomore Celeste Rivas is not only a first-generation college student but also first-generation American. “I came to the U.S. eight years ago from the Dominican Republic,” says the marketing and professional sales major. “I’m the first in my family to go to school. I have the support of my family. My dad is paying for college, and he wants me to focus on school and not work. And I’m taking out loans to help my dad. 10 “In my culture, if you want to be successful, you have to have some type of profession. If I want to be something, I must learn about it and then go do it. That’s the mentality I came to this country with.” “Dad’s English is better than mom’s, but if I have a homework question, for them to help, I have to translate it for them. My own English is not perfect yet,” adds Rivas. “But my professors are understanding. Even though my language is a problem, they saw my hard work, and they really liked that about me. They would say we can work through it, and I would go to office hours right away after class.” In high school, Rivas took part in a career program that allowed her to work as a florist. “I would make beautiful flower arrangements with my own hands and made someone so happy. When I went out and sold the flowers I made, it opened my eyes. I like making and marketing things. That really brought me joy.” “Every facet of the campus is working to be more accessible to students.” To further build a community of support, two years ago BU launched a chapter of the first-generation honor society Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha). And this winter, BU was also named a First-gen Forward Institution by the Center for First-Generation Student Success. BU has also celebrated National First-Generation College Student Day on November 8. “The honor society was brought forward by Cody Deitz, a first-gen graduate student” says Andino. “We’re creating a pipeline of support.” “When I was an undergrad at BU, we had a lot of different honor societies, based on major or minor — never one that talked about being first in your family to go to college.” says Deitz’ 18/’20 M, now a resident hall director at California University of Pennsylvania. “Moravian College was one step ahead of my thoughts and started Tri-Alpha. I worked with them to charter it at BU, making us the first state institution to have Tri-Alpha.” As a graduate assistant for BU’s orientation program, Deitz helped bridge the experience gap with sessions for first-generation students and family members. “I knew there had to be something that we could continue to do to help make students’ second and third years successful.” To bring that vision to life, plans are for BU’s Tri-Alpha chapter to match upper-class members with younger first-generation students to act as peer mentors beyond their first year. “We are also asking faculty and staff who want to self-identify as firstgeneration to let first generation-students know they are not alone,” says Andino. “Students need to see people who have their shared experiences. See other first-gen professionals who have made it. And they can see that they can do that too.” “ “I knew there had to be something that we could continue to do to help make students’ second and third years successful.” — Cody Deitz Taking ownership of his future As a first-generation college student, senior digital forensics major Michael Engle takes full ownership of his education and future. “Most people start college right after high school,” says Engle. “I took a few years off to work, so I forgot a lot of things. I need something else. I needed a career, not a job.” “It was a big transition to go from school to work to school. Two years in, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea that I’m in college.” “I would get so much joy over not having to worry how I’m going to pay for this. If I can’t pay something, it’s my problem, nobody else’s,” says Engle. “But when I graduate, I can say that I did this.” Engle came to BU as an undeclared student but quickly discovered BU’s digital forensics program, a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, jointly sponsored by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. “I’ve always been interested in solving crimes and would like to work for the FBI at some point.” He’s already made connections with his faculty and spent the last year working on a research project about human trafficking with professor Scott Inch as a mentor. — By Andrea O’Neill ’06 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Like many first-generation students, finances are tight for Engle. 11 NOT YOUR TYPICAL POLITICIAN Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 How Stacy Garrity ’86 went from respected business leader and Army veteran to state treasurer 12 by Tom McGuire o say Stacy Garrity ’86 is not your typical politician is an understatement. She went from political unknown to winning a state row office, a journey that has taken the Bradford County native around the world. Her election victory shocked even the most optimistic of supporters and has suddenly thrust her into the thick of the political world. So how did the Athens, Pa., resident and retired Army Reserve colonel make it to Harrisburg as Pennsylvania’s new state treasurer? The oldest of four daughters of Howard Garrity and Beverly Arbie, “we were raised to be about God, country, and family,” says Garrity. “We went to church every Wednesday and Sunday. In the summer, we attended vacation Bible school, and every morning at school, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance. And on top of everything, no matter what, I had to watch out for my sisters.” “My parents were very encouraging,” says Garrity. “They always made it a big thing to say that whatever you put your mind to do, you can do it. I grew up just believing it in a naive sort of way.” Following graduation from Sayre High School, Garrity knew she was going to college. It was something her parents drilled into her and her sisters. However, the first-generation student admits she didn’t put much thought into what school she would attend. “My reason for [first] choosing Lock Haven was simple; my friends were going there.” “I wasn’t well-traveled and lived a pretty sheltered life, so I figured I could carpool and come back home on the weekends,” Garrity says. “After a year of adjusting to college life, I realized I should look for a school with more of a focus on business, which is what I was interested in. When I looked around, I saw that Bloomsburg had a very good program and so I transferred.” As a student, Garrity was intrigued by business and economics and how markets function. It was a field dominated by males in the 1980s, which did not worry her in the least. At BU, Garrity studied finance and accounting and was influenced by then chair of the accounting and business law department, the late Bernard Dill. (See obituary, page 26.) “Professor Dill was very engaging with his students,” Garrity recalls. “He was funny, he was motivating, and he made me take a strong interest in the major.” Garrity, a runner in high school, also found time to be a varsity cheerleader, but more importantly, she joined the Army ROTC on the encouragement of her parents, both 20year Navy Reserve veterans. “Basic training was an eye-opening experience. I wasn’t mentally prepared for people being in my face and yelling. We weren’t allowed to call home for a few weeks, and when we did, of course, my mom immediately said forget it and to come home. My dad said never quit. So, I stayed so I wouldn’t disappoint my father.” “My dad supported us and told us ‘whatever your mind believes you can achieve, you can achieve’ and that ‘winners never quit, and quitters never win.’ It stuck with me.” After graduating from BU, Garrity joined Global Tungsten and Powders Corporation , or GTP, in Towanda and advanced through several positions, becoming vice president of two of GTP’s three business units. She was VP for government affairs and industry liaison before stepping down to assume her elected position. At the same time, Garrity was a member of the Army Reserve, but certainly had no plans for what would become a 30-year military career. “My original idea was to do my six years and then get out. Of course, after 9/11, I went to Kuwait. That was my first deployment. Upon returning home, I just could not bring myself to get out. I felt I needed to stay and serve our country.” GTP management shared Garrity’s commitment to the Reserve. “At some companies, when you return from a deployment, management will try to reorganize you out. But every time I got back from a deployment, GTP would promote me. They are a great company that has been around for more than 100 years. We have many thirdgeneration employees. And, of course, they were always very proud of me and my work.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 T 13 “The entire GTP Group organization has deep respect for Stacy,” says Hermann Walser, president and CEO. “She is always looking beyond her direct responsibilities. The well-being of all stakeholders, customers, employees, community, and country, is her priority. Her ability to motivate and convince people, to communicate, and to network are unique. We will desperately miss her in this function, as well as a member of our GTP family.” During her last overseas deployment in 2008-09, Garrity earned the nickname “Angel of the Desert” while serving as the acting battalion commander of the military police at Camp Bucca in southern Iraq.“Our mission was to provide care and custody with dignity and respect to the 7,000 detainees.” “To make sure all the rules and regulations were being followed, I would walk the camp after midnight because I always said nothing good happens after midnight. I would walk with the senior staff and just check on soldiers. Then we would have meetings and make sure everything was going OK.” “We also had a deal that as long as the detainees weren’t doing anything to hurt our soldiers, then we would allow family visitation or even some soccer matches. The detainees would also get videos once a week. But, among our staff, we had zero tolerance for abuse. We were the first internment facility to have zero abuse allegations. I’m very proud of that fact.” Garrity’s outstanding work in Iraq did not go unnoticed. She was twice awarded the Bronze Star and received the Legion of Merit before retiring from the Army Reserve with the rank of colonel. Back in Bradford County, she and her husband Dan Gizzi, married since 2005, kept busy with water skiing, snowmobiling and running. But the desire to serve others was always an itch. “As I was thinking about what to do, volunteer work and politics were two of my choices. I’ve always liked politics, so I called our state representative Tina Pickett, who I knew from my job in government affairs since my real passion is the industrial base and making sure that we keep jobs in the United States.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Pickett recommended jumping into the race for Tom Marino’s U.S. Congressional seat after his resignation. “The next day she had me lined up with a political consultant, and they pushed me right into the deep end.” Despite 31 candidates in the race, Stacy finished a respectable sixth. 14 That showing led the state GOP leadership to reach out to her in late 2019 to gauge her interest in running for statewide office. “I started praying about it, and I thought, OK, Lord, if you want me to do this, then open the doors. And, he did, and then I still was pretty hesitant. When the GOP leadership said they couldn’t find anyone to run for treasurer, I decided, if not me, then who’s going to do it.” Shortly after making the decision to run and receiving the state Republican Party’s endorsement to challenge incumbent Democrat Joe Torsella, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “Trying to campaign and raise money during a pandemic was hard. I had to go total grassroots with the odds stacked against me. A Republican had not defeated an incumbent Democrat since 1994. Many people told me ‘Stacy, you’re running a great campaign, but there’s no way you can beat this guy.’” As Election Day grew closer and the polls showed a tight race, Torsella mounted an advertising blitz with a campaign chest of more than $2 million. But on election night, as results showed her in the lead, she was cautiously optimistic. A week later her opponent called to concede. She had pulled off a win no one had expected. “Joe was extremely gracious and very helpful in the transition. I’m sure it was tough for him because he was told there’s no way you’re going to lose to somebody from Bradford County who had never run before.” At her swearing-in ceremony in January, Garrity did something most unusual. She offered Torsella an opportunity to deliver some remarks. “Joe rose above politics and helped ensure a smooth transition. As we say in the military, thanks for your service.” In her inaugural address, Garrity touched upon several key points that have been a part of her life. “Service to others, be it in elected office or wearing the uniform of our country, is the highest calling.” “Getting the job done in good faith and with honest effort is the watchword by which I promise to serve. I say we look ahead to a place of optimism and cooperation.” Garrity says her goal for the office is to make transparency a top priority and put taxpayers first. “Putting those checks and balances in place is what I want to focus on so that we can make sure that we’re being a good steward of our taxpayers’ money. Taking transparency to the next level is something that I want to do, and then probably further enhancing the savings programs.” Throughout her journey from rural Pennsylvania to the battlefields of Iraq and then through the rigors of a political campaign, Garrity has never forgotten her roots. Her advice to young girls and women is to remain true to your values. “I’ve really tried to live my life with integrity, selfless service, honor, loyalty, and duty. If somebody like me from Bradford County, who grew up on the left side of middle-class, can put myself through college, join the military, then work in manufacturing and become the first female vice president in my company, deploy three times overseas, and retire a colonel, then anyone can do it.” As for the next part of the Stacy Garrity journey, only one person knows for sure. “People have already called me about running for other offices, and I’ve told them I campaigned on staying in the job for four years and want to be the best treasurer I can for the people of Pennsylvania. And then we’ll see what God has in store for me.” Spoken like a true non-politician. 1 2 1. Stacy Garrity takes the oath of office as Pennsylvania’s state treasurer. 2. Members of the BU Concert Choir perform at Garrity’s inauguration. 3. Garrity, left, while on a tour of duty in Iraq. 4. A member of the 1985-86 cheerleading squad, Garrity is in the back row, second from left. 4 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 3 15 There Are No Parts Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 By Eric Foster 16 Career Highlights (Character names and roles) 2021, Film, Silk Road (Chris Tarbell) 2016-2020, TV recurring role, Westworld (William) 2021, Film, Breaking News in Yuba County (Petey Buttons) 2019, TV recurring role, Perpetual Grace, LTD (James Schaeler) 2018-2020, TV appearances, Dream Corp LLC (Patient 21) 2020, Film, Unhinged (Andy) 2018, TV recurring role, Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. (Detective Russelle Poole) 2017, TV mini-series documentary, Wormwood (CIA Agent) 2016, TV recurring role, Hap and Leonard (Soldier) 2016, TV appearance, This Is Us (Andy Fannan) 2016, Theatre, Empathitrax, HERE Arts Center, New York City (Him) 2013-2016, TV appearances, Person of Interest (Logan Pierce) 2015, Theatre, Trevor, Atwater Village Theatre, Los Angeles (Trevor) “The department was family-oriented,” Simpson says. “I think that’s why I connect with people who are more collaborative. It set me up for being able to know the types of folks I want to be around in this industry.” “Bloomsburg is the reason why I’m in the industry,” says Simpson, a Hackettstown, N.J., native. “I did find my future there. The practicality of the theatre experience at BU, so many opportunities to perform. Spaces where you could reach down deep and show the department our art, what’s inside of us. I have colleagues in the industry who didn’t have those opportunities.” In addition to starring in BU productions such as “The Assassins,” Anselm and the late Michael Collins also turned Simpson onto the Williamstown Theatre Festival. The annual Massachusetts event allows college students to apprentice with seasoned professionals, including the occasional acting legend. But acting was not part of Simpson’s career plans when he first stepped on campus as a business and English major. It all changed with a simple elective course. “I took a theatre class with Karen Anselm (now professor emerita) thinking she didn’t take attendance,” says Simpson. To his surprise, Anselm did take attendance and he had an acting project due. “I put my back into it, and I spent so much time doing my first self-directed acting scene that professor Anselm reached out to me and said, ‘I think you should be a major.’” That class, that moment, was a key piece of Simpson’s discussion this past fall during the virtual CASSH Con (Careers in Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities) event when he spoke with students on how BU kindled his love of acting 25 years ago. Winner: Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award: Lead Performance “I scooted around Bloomsburg on a little motorcycle and sold it to pay for Williamstown,” says Simpson. For four summers he worked at the festival, going from building sets to serving as an extra to acting with regular speaking parts. “I never considered being a professional actor. When I thought of acting it was just Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise — people doing a thing I would never have access to. At Williamstown, I see it’s not just the elite. There’s the entire core which is 99% of these professionals who love it and struggle and learn and work together. And that’s what I wanted to do. I didn’t have any expectations besides doing community theatre after my job.” 2005-2013, TV recurring role, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Liam McPoyle) Having earned an agent, Simpson picked up a role in the film “Loser” and appeared on television shows such as “24” and “NYPD Blue.” In those early years, Simpson was roommates with actor/producer Charlie Day. “We would make videos to make each other laugh, because we couldn’t get work, so we made our own work. I kept returning to this deadpan slackjawed character. It just made Charlie laugh.” The self-created work evolved into the Liam McPoyle character on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” “It was slotting in my natural tendency to be off-putting into an off-putting character,” says Simpson in his trademark low purr, “but it was a pleasure to bring him to life.” But a lot of hustle at Williamstown, and a little luck, determined that acting would be Simpson’s job. His diverse career was launched with a funny story. “Lewis Black taught us stand-up — which was him telling us to tell a funny story,” recalls Simpson. 2013, Film, White House Down (Tyler) 2012, Film, Abraham Lincoln: 2014-2015, TV recurring role, Vampire Hunter (Joshua House of Cards (Gavin Orsay) Speed) 2014, TV recurring role, The Newsroom (Jack Spaniel) “I’m not a stand-up guy, but I wanted to do an amazing job and so I worked on it hard. Luckily Black’s agent noticed me doing my stand-up and that was my first access to an agent — which turned into working in film and television. This industry is all about work and luck combining to make something happen.” 2011-2012, TV recurring role, Breakout Kings (Lloyd Lowery) 2011, TV appearance, How I Met Your Mother (Pete Durkenson) “ “The department was familyoriented. I think that’s why I connect with people who are more collaborative. It set me up for being able to know the types of folks I want to be around in this industry.” — Jimmi Simpson 2010, Film, The Big Bang (Niels Geck) 2010, Film, Date Night (Armstrong) 2010, Film, Good Intentions (Kyle) 2008-2009, Recurring TV role, Late Show with David Letterman (Lyle the Intern) 2008, Film, A Quiet Little Marriage (Jackson) 2007-2008, Theatre, The Farnsworth Invention, Music Box Theatre, New York City (Philo T. Farnsworth) Drama League Award: Distinguished Performance, Winner: Theatre World Award 2006, TV appearances, My Name Is Earl (David Hayes) 2005, Film, Herbie Fully Loaded (Crash) Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 F rom the stage 25 years ago in Carver Hall to sharing the screen with Oscar-winner Russell Crowe last year, Jimmi Simpson ’98 is by any measure a veteran in his field … of stage, television, and film. 17 “ “My deepest love is theatre, because that’s where I was trained. That’s what I know. That’s my foundation. There’s so much responsibility for a stage actor. You’re in control of that character. It’s on you to make it brilliant. When you’re performing a play, the director is not there.” — Jimmi Simpson In addition to “It’s Always Sunny,” Simpson is known for his work on “House of Cards,” “Westworld,” “Black Mirror,” and “Unsolved,” Simpson has built a reputation in film and on stage as well. On stage, his performance in “The Farnsworth Invention” earned him a Theatre World Award in 2008. And for “Westworld’s” second season, he earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. There are no small parts. A truth Simpson proves time and again — whether playing a mysterious hacker in “House of Cards,” or leaving David Letterman at a loss for words as Lyle the Intern. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 1 18 With “Westworld,” says Simpson, “I thought my guy would show up and make things a little bit funny or a little bit creepy.” Instead, he was a key recurring character with a dramatic arc. 2004, Film, D.E.B.S. (Scud) 2000, Film, Loser (Noah) 2002, TV series appearances, 24, (Chris) 2000, Theatre, The Skin of Our Teeth (Fred Bailey), The Hot l Baltimore (Delivery Boy), Tonight at 8:30 (Jimmie Horlick), Williamstown Theatre Festival 2002, TV mini-series: Rose Red (Kevin Bollinger) 2001, Theatre, Street Scene (Apartment Hunter/Fred Cullen), The Winter’s Tale (Lord) Williamstown Theatre Festival 1999, Theatre, Quark Victory (Artiba), Camino Real (A Bum in a Window), The Blue Demon (Omar), Williamstown Theatre Festival While his “Westworld” character is a favorite role and was a major shift toward drama for Simpson, other roles that stand out were in smaller productions. “I played the character named ‘Soldier’ in the IFC show ‘Hap and Leonard,’” says Simpson. “It was almost a theatre experience. We were there by our bootstraps trying to make it work, because we thought it was great. I really threw my back into it. I’m so proud of it.” “My deepest love is theatre, because that’s where I was trained. That’s what I know. That’s my foundation. There’s so much responsibility for a stage actor. You’re in control of that character. It’s on you to make it brilliant. When you’re performing a play, the director is not there. “I love the control you have in theatre to push the boundaries that you can imagine. In film it’s fun to push the boundaries in a collaborative way that people in a room can imagine.” While the COVID-19 pandemic has closed live theatre, Simpson has kept busy. “I pitched a television show earlier during COVID and instead of driving to meetings for a week, it was just a couple of days — a bunch of Zoom meetings. Nobody drove anywhere, everyone was ready and present with their full focus. There were a lot of pros to that kind of accessibility.” You’ll be able to catch him on the screen in the coming year. He’s featured in the thriller “Silk Road” about the dark web, and the comedy crime drama “Breaking News in Yuba County.” 1998, Theatre, Assassins, Bloomsburg University (John Wilkes Booth) 1997, Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bloomsburg University (Puck) 1997, Theatre, Square Peg Ball, Bloomsburg University (Pinky) 1996, Theatre, Prelude to a Kiss, Bloomsburg University 1997, Theatre, Purgatory Café, Bloomsburg University (Preacher) 1996, Theatre, Temptation, Bloomsburg University 2 3 1. Jimmi Simpson shows his Husky pride while taking questions this past fall during the virtual CASSH Con (Careers in Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities) event. 2. Simpson at BU in the 1990s with classmate Jeff Lombardi ’98 behind him. 3. Simpson as Lyle the Intern on the “Late Show with David Letterman.” 4. Simpson with Russell Crowe on the set of 2020’s “Unhinged.” 5 4 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 5. Simpson with Damon Herriman and Chris Conrad in the film “Perpetual Grace.” 19 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Connecting 20 Across Generations By Andrea O’Neill ‘06 After 150 years, the Alumni Association Board of Directors commits to nurturing the next generation of Huskies into success aison Williams ’93 enrolled at Bloomsburg University after his mother made him apply. Though he didn’t know it, she had done so because an alumnus had assured her that if he came to BU, her son would be looked after by the campus community. So began an experience that Williams describes as “nurturing,” something shared by many of his fellow BU Alumni Association board members. It is an experience that has led to both personal and professional success, but also a desire to nurture success in the next generation of Huskies. In many ways, the mission of the BU Alumni Association is the same today as it was at its founding in 1871 — to serve as a conduit for alumni connections and empower members to be ambassadors of the institution. In the 150 years since, the Association has expanded its efforts to keep students moving to graduation and to serve as a bridge to satisfying careers. “We feel such a sense of dedication because BU was our home, it took care of and prepared us,” says Todd Argenziano ’89, IT director at DeAngelo Brothers, and Alumni Association board president. “We want our students to be the best and spread that message when they graduate. To do that, our alumni need to know what our students face. It is a responsibility that has greatly impacted us.” Time and again, the importance of such close-knit relationships surfaces in conversations with board members as they describe caring professors and an educational process that layered time and personal attention with high expectations. Williams, now a vice president at Fitbit, says his professors kept in contact with advice and help with industry connections after he graduated, which kept him connected to the university. “It was literally like I never left,” says Williams. “Having those relationships and being involved with the Alumni Association allows that nurturing we had as a student to continue.” “My professors were such a huge part of my confidence and ability to contribute very early in my career,” says Mike Coppa ’00, board vice president and health care partner at RSM US LLP, an accounting firm. “If you failed at something, there was a support system that could get you back on track.” “The longevity of any university is attributable to its ability to change, identify new opportunities, and have a good understanding what is needed in the work force,” says Coppa. While the quality of the education at BU certainly remains as robust and challenging as it was in 1871, and the grit and determination of its students just as prominent, the need for alumni connections, professional polish and career experience as part of every academic program is now recognized as an equal necessity. Claire Day ’93, chief program officer with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Nevada, joined the board when BU combined the departments of Alumni Affairs, Career Development, and Academic Internships to advance BU’s Professional U initiative. The new Department of Alumni and Professional Engagement was charged to work with the alumni board to create professional development opportunities for students, build relationships with donors and employers, and engage alumni as volunteers and experience hosts to help new Huskies tap into a network 76,000 strong. “My friends (at other schools) didn’t have the opportunity to gain the professional experience that I did,” says Day. “Now the board works to set future alumni on a pace to be successful in that tough transition into the workplace.” To help the university in its mission, the board has spent the last several years reorganizing and refocusing on outreach events that impact alumni and provide students with a professional edge. “ “Bloomsburg never gave up on me. When I needed it, it gave me a second and a third and a fourth chance and it’s doing that for students now. If I take Bloomsburg out of my life, where would I be? Not where I am now. Bloomsburg never let go of me.” — Jaison Williams Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 J 21 Bill Benz ’82 Todd Argenziano ’89 Soft skills — conflict management, professional conversation, meal etiquette, and salary negotiations are part of events like the Career Intensive Boot Camp. Resume reviews, mock interviews and LinkedIn labs help students make that invaluable first impression. College conferences showcase the career possibilities of every major, and professional events like Our World Runs on DATA bring students and alumni in touch with industry leaders. college experience may end with a degree, but Bloomsburg can help you even further when you give back with your experiences.” All these programs require alumni volunteers to serve on panels, give presentations, review resumes, and host students for job shadows and internships. Although inextricably linked, the need for professional experiences for students and alumni isn’t the only recent change in the association’s focus. In the last century and a half, the profile of the student population, and consequently the alumni base, has changed to reflect a more diverse community. While its members continue to work toward a board that truly represents the increasing diversity of BU students, Day says the diverse nature of the current board has allowed them to approach the task of student development and alumni engagement so everyone is represented. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 “The IT Professionals Event was a turning point for the Alumni Association’s ability to engage both students and alumni,” says Williams. “The online interactive session put everyone on equal footing as learners and contributors. I was able to experience the critical thinking, insightful questions and ideas from individuals at different life and career stages.” 22 Claire Day ’93 “It’s important we make sure that, as students move into the world, there is one link back to current students and one link ahead to older alumni. That way we all move forward,” Williams adds. While networking used to be prominent in business settings alone, it is now the norm in every professional setting, whether an art museum, research lab, or second-grade classroom. Volunteering is a way to not only impact a student directly, but also to contribute to one’s own lifelong learning, regardless of major or class year. “That personal interaction and exposure to new ideas is how people learn,” says Bill Benz ’82, Carnegie Agency, a digital marketing company. “One can have information, but it takes somebody else’s perspective to form a new idea. The “I think about the broad range of experience and knowledge of the people I’ve met in my time on the board and what I’ve learned,” adds Ken Lastowka ’05, serving as board secretary. “To consider the network we have now after 150 years — imagine what we will have in the next 150.” “ “We want our students to be the best and spread that message when they graduate. To do that, our alumni need to know what our students face. It is a responsibility that has greatly impacted us.” — Todd Argenziano Mike Coppa ’00 Day of Dialogue is an example of how the alumni board has worked to have more of an impact on students, alumni, and the institution. The mentoring event allows nontraditional, first-generation, and other underrepresented students of diverse backgrounds to network with board members and alumni who have had similar experiences. While COVID-19 has resulted in much heartache and division, it also enabled record engagement from alumni who would normally have been too far away to participate. Geography is no longer a deterrent. “We’ve learned a lot about what it means to stay engaged during a global event, and the power of what we can do with technology,” says Day. “We’ve always had that need for things to happen on campus, but this taught us that we can adapt.” The board has also created a standing committee on diversity, equity and inclusion, the chair of which is seated on the president’s commission of the same name to help alumni get involved in finding remedies to social ills and upheavals affecting students. “Diversity and inclusion are an important part of the college experience, and we want to make sure it’s at the forefront Ken Lastowska ’05 and a cornerstone of what we do,” says Lastowka, an adjunct faculty member at Northampton Community College. “It is an important conversation in which alumni are able to listen to student struggles and share their own to help students navigate their experiences.” Even with the challenges of the 21st century, the role of the BU Alumni Association hasn’t changed all that drastically from when student recruitment and alumni celebrations were the sole focus. After all, what better way to connect alumni and represent the university than by helping fellow Huskies make a difference in the world; while returning to the place, virtually for now, that introduced them to success, friendships, spouses, and their future. “There are a lot of stories like mine,” says Coppa “For this 150th celebration, we can pause and consider that we were students once and maybe we can help that next person have the same experience, if not better. That’s what drives me to give back.” “Bloomsburg never gave up on me,” says Williams. “When I needed it, it gave me a second and a third and a fourth chance and it’s doing that for students now. If I take Bloomsburg out of my life, where would I be? Not where I am now. Bloomsburg never let go of me.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Jaison Williams ’93 23 HUSKY NOTES ’70s Finding Joy in the Noise (and Chaos) » John Braganini ’75 expanded the capacity of his Michigan-based business, St. Julian Winery, with the installation of two large storage tanks as a major investment in the winery’s growth. Each tank holds 70,000 gallons of wine or juice in a temperature-controlled environment. St. Julian’s sales have grown at a double-digit rate, and the workforce has grown, according to Braganini. By Mary Raskob For the last 30 years, Joe Silimperi ’89 has enjoyed the noise that fills the halls of a lively school environment. And while he still finds joy in his everyday teaching, this year has been vastly different for him and all educators due to COVID-19. But, Silimperi has embraced this new normal with the same joy he brought to the class his first 30 years. The Nazareth native began his journey at BU as a transfer student after two years at Northampton Community College and one semester at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. It was while he was awaiting his acceptance to BU that Silimperi met his future wife, April (White) Silimperi ’88/’89M, at the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for the Blind in Avalon, N.J. April was already enrolled in the American Sign Language/English Interpreting program at BU and Silimperi had his sights on becoming a high school history teacher. But a teaching symposium at BU connected him to Dr. Gina Scala and the Centennial School at Lehigh University. Centennial is a special education day school licensed to provide educational services to students with emotional disturbance and autism, while the teachers continue their education to earn their master’s degrees. “It was my indoctrination into special education when I just needed a job — and here I am 31 years later still doing it,” says Silimperi. Silimperi next spent nine years in the classroom in the Pocono Mountain School District. He then took a consultant position and worked for five years as a special education administrator. During those years, the Silimperis had three children. But in 2005, Silimperi returned to his roots — teaching. “I decided to go back into the classroom at Nazareth Area Middle School as the seventh and eighth grade learning support in the special education program. I like the daily interactions with kids and families. Administration does not allow for that to happen and I missed helping kids/families directly.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 “A teaching day is not just about content; it’s about creating connections with the students. And my advice to any future teacher is simple — find something you like, do what you love, and it’s not work.” 24 With so much teaching delivered online this past year, and knowing he had students who were non-readers and had special education needs, Silimperi set up Zoom sessions to interact with his students for an hour each, three hours a day. For his dedication, Silimperi was honored by student Ryder Marsh and his mother last April. They shared a special thank you on CNN for all of the work he has done for his students, and especially for Ryder. The recognition by a national network was an unexpected honor. But Silimperi still longs for the bustle of school hallways. “I miss the loud, vibrant hallways and the noisy kids. I miss having time to do the fun stuff, like taking the kids to the pool for swimming lessons, or taking the kids to learn how to cook, and even movie days! I am very sentimental these days and I think the first day back to a normal classroom, I’ll cry!” » Robert De Carolis ’76, a longtime college administrator, is in his third year as Santa Clara University’s deputy director of athletics, where he oversees academics, the business office, compliance, sports medicine, sports performance and student-athlete services. Previously, De Carolis spent 19 years as an administrator at the University of Michigan before embarking on a 17-year stint with the Oregon State Beavers, including 13 years as athletic director. He was inducted into the BU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. » Don Adams ’77 is chair of Hope Enterprises Foundation, a nonprofit for people with intellectual disabilities, Adams leads the 13-member volunteer board in raising funds for the nonprofit, oversees the organization’s direction and mission. Hope Enterprises serves individuals in Lycoming, Clinton, Northumberland, Sullivan, Columbia, Montour, Snyder, and Union counties. Adams has been a member of Hope Enterprises’ board since 2014. ’80s » Andrea “Gigi” Kilroe ’81 is a volunteer speaker for Resilient Voices out of the Office of Victim Advocate in Harrisburg, and a member of the Crime Victim Alliance of Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the Speakers Bureau of the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Her book, “From Within, My Path of Hope and Healing from Sexual Abuse,” will be released in early 2021. She previously was the supervisor of itinerant programs at BLaST Intermediate Unit #17, retiring in 2016 after a 32-year career in special education. » Donna (Stefanowicz) Yanuzzi ’82 is managing director of F.N.B. Equipment Finance Sales and Marketing at F.N.B. Corporation, parent company of First National Bank. In her new role, Yanuzzi is responsible for all origination activities for the equipment finance company. In addition to leading vendor finance sales, she is responsible for commercial leasing sales and marketing. Yanuzzi has been with F.N.B. for more than 23 years, and has made significant contributions to the expansion of the bank’s vendor equipment finance and small business portfolios. At BU, she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations. » Phillip Patrone ’86 is board chair of Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia. He is also a senior vice president and loan team manager at Wells Fargo. » Timothy Grunstra ’88 has served on PSECU’s Board of Directors since 2012 and is currently treasurer. Additionally, he has served as board secretary and assistant treasurer and was an associate director from 2010 to 2012. Grunstra is a principal with Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz and provides accounting, tax, and advisory services. A certified public accountant, he is a graduate of Leadership Harrisburg Area and a member of several professional organizations in his field. » Rebecca (Kenvin) Warren ’88 spoke on the state of COVID-19 and its impact on the construction industry in Pennsylvania for the Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter’s virtual meeting in August. She received her J.D. from The Dickinson School of Law in 1991. ’90s » Cole Camplese ’96M serves as the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Northeastern University. He was one of eight employees to earn an Outstanding Service Award. The eight individuals were tasked with ensuring compliance with state and federal COVID-19 standards, implementing NUflex across classrooms and working with faculty and staff colleagues to enable seamless and synchronous learning for students, and making sure students and parents were wellinformed about every development impacting the university community. ’00s » Susan (Bennett) Fetterman ’00 has been selected to serve as BU’s nursing supervisor for health services through June 30. » Kelly (Pollock) Gallo ’00 was named executive director of the Brodhead Watershed Association in East Stroudsburg. Previously, Gallo was an environmental health scientist at Summit County Health Department, Park City, Utah. While previously living in Pennsylvania, Gallo was an environmental education specialist at Hickory Run State Park. » Karena (Kodack) Weikel ’01 was promoted to chief actuary at The Geisinger Health Plan (GHP). Previously, Weikel was the vice president of risk and revenue management and actuarial services at GHP since 2015 and interim chief actuary since May. » Kevin Hickey ’03 has joined Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation as senior vice president, US Commercial. Hickey, who sits on multiple pharmaceutical executive advisory panels, is a member of Acerus’ senior leadership team. Marriages Heather Kratz ’05 and Gregory McMenaman, July 9, 2020. Kristina Kurelija and Cody Pavlick ’19, Aug. 15, 2020 Anna Newcomer ’17/’20M and Cody Cooper ’16/’20M, Sept. 5, 2020 Births Holly (Shemonis) Keefer ’07 and Aaron Keefer ’07, a son, Alexander, on Aug. 24, 2020 Debon (Berger) Kolb ’11 and David Kolb ’08, a daughter, Rebecca Linn, on Aug. 27, 2020 Taylor Burkhart and Craig Reinard ’10, a son, Caige, on Aug. 31, 2020 Kaleena (Lockard) Dietterick ’06 and Jack Dietterick, a son, Axel, on Sept. 5, 2020 Melissa (Landis) Beer ’08 and Jonathan Beer ’06, a son, Devon Jonathan, on Sept. 14, 2020 Mary (Lorence) Schrader ’10 and Frederick Schrader ’11, a son, Frederick, on Oct. 15, 2020 Lauren Esser (Kopich) ’09 and Vince Esser ‘09, a daughter, Avery Grace Esser, on Oct. 23, 2020 Charity (Trapane) Klinefelter and Brian Klinefelter ’07, a daughter, Elyse, on Oct. 25, 2020. Obituaries ’10s Jane (Niles) Barndt ’48 Harold Hartley ’52 Royal Miller ’52 Benjamin Burness ’54 William Norton ’59 Paul Kunkel ’60 John Cherup ’64 John Murtin ’65 Bruce Fehr ’72 Sharon Cashman ’73 Wayne Koch ’74 Jeffrey Creveling ’85 Patricia (Disori) Romanoski ’87 Denise (Falborn) Cutillo ’88 William Scherer ’99 Lisa Welms ’02 Jarell Jackson ’17 » Robin Hampton ’14 became nursing clinical instructor at BU in the fall of 2020. Send information to: magazine@bloomu.edu » Tiffany (Myers) Forman ’06 has joined RE/MAX Bridges as an administrative assistant in the Watsontown office. She also manages day-to-day business operations at Forman Grain LLC, a business owned by her husband, John, and her father-in-law. » Andrew Horst ’20 took a position with the Boyer & Ritter LLC accounting firm after completing an internship there. He is pursuing a Master of Accountancy degree at BU. Bloomsburg: The University Magazine Arts and Administration Building 400 E. Second Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 » Brian Mahlstedt ’81 is the executive vice president and chief lending officer of FNCB Bank, leading commercial lending and business development and managing relationships with the bank’s commercial customers. Mahlstedt has more than 30 years of credit administration, commercial lending, and management experience. He graduated from BU with a degree in accounting. 25 IN MEMORIAM Nelson “Nellie” Swarts BU’s Inaugural Volunteer of the Year Recipient Nelson “Nellie” Adler Swarts, 81, died peacefully at his home in Mechanicsburg, surrounded by his loving family, on Feb. 11, following an arduous battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer. Swarts, Class of ’63, was a proud alumnus, dedicated volunteer, and loyal supporter of BU. Beyond that, he was committed to serving and supporting higher education both at BU and throughout the commonwealth. For his service to BU, he was honored with the inaugural William T. Derricott Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 His involvement at BU included service on the Zeigler College of Business Advisory Board and the Bloomsburg University Foundation Board of Directors. He also served the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in various positions from 2000-2007. Additionally, he drove the convertible that carried BU’s president in homecoming parades for many years. 26 Dr. Bernard C. Dill Former BU professor taught finance for 30 years Dr. Bernard C. Dill, 88, of Sugarloaf passed away on July 30, 2020. A finance professor at BU for 30 years, Dill was born in New York City in 1931 and was raised in Hazleton. A professor emeritus, he served as chair of the Department of Business A native of Bloomsburg, Swarts competed on BU’s first swim team and graduated with a degree in Business Education in 1963. The voice that he was renowned for was discovered during his college days as a DJ for WHLM. He also golfed, skied, and was a member of the Marine Corps ROTC. Nelson began a teaching career at Main Endwell High School in Endwell, N.Y., where he met his wife, Paige Parker, whom he married in 1967 and moved to Syracuse, N.Y. to start their family. They both were weekend ski instructors at Greek Peak in Cortland, N.Y. from 1965-1977. Swarts left teaching to embark on a 32-year career with IBM, moving to Allendale, N.J., in 1980, where he and Paige spent 12 years raising their three daughters. He became an avid golfer and coached many young swimmers at the Ridgewood YMCA. eventually retire. Instead of retirement, he found work with the PA State System of Higher Education as a consultant and ultimately as a director. In his off time, Nellie honed his golf skills at West Shore Country Club, serving as president in 2001, and coaching young swimmers there and at the West Shore YMCA. Nellie and Paige have been active members of Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill since 2009. Outside of BU, Swarts’ many philanthropic and volunteer efforts included the West Shore YMCA Board of Managers, Americhoice Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, and Hospice of Central PA. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, eight grandchildren, and a sister. Memorial donations may be made to the Nelson A. Swarts Scholarship with checks payable to BUF or online at giving.bloomu.edu/nellieswarts. Nellie and Paige returned to Pennsylvania in 1992, so Nellie could return to sales work with IBM and Administration and taught finance. He was a passionate educator and loved hearing from his former students and learning of their accomplishments post-graduation. He also served as president of the local Penn State Alumni Club. An avid reader and traveler, he traveled extensively around the U.S., Europe, and Asia with his wife, the former Kathleen Matarella, to whom he was married on Sept. 12, 1959, who survives. He is also survived by two children and four grandchildren. An educator to the very end, Dill donated his body to science through Humanity Gifts Registry. Memorial donations to the Dr. Bernard C. Dill Scholarship Fund for firstgeneration students may be made through the Bloomsburg University Foundation, 50 E. Main St., 4th Floor, Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301; or online at giving.bloomu.edu. David R. Linkchorst 1940s and 50s athletic standout David R. Linkchorst, 92, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020. Born in Ashland, he was raised in Maple Hill and later Frackville. A 1946 graduate of Mahanoy Township High School, Linkchorst played football, basketball and baseball. He spent nearly two years in the U.S. Army before starting his college career, attending BU on the GI Bill. He graduated in 1953 having played four years of football and basketball, and three seasons of baseball. He started for the Huskies on the 1948 (cornerback) and 1951 (quarterback) undefeated football teams. He was also a teammate of NBA Hall of Famer Chuck Daly. At BU he met his wife, Mary Louise, a cheerleader, and they married in 1956. After graduation, he played on barnstorming basketball and baseball teams and one season of minor league baseball. A basketball and football coach in the Mahanoy school district, Linkchorst’s teams won nine Schuylkill League Basketball Championships and the 1965 District 11 Class A Tournament. He coached the professional basketball team, Hazleton/Hamburg Bullets, for the 1972-1973 season. Linkchorst was inducted into the BU Athletic Hall of Fame, the Jerry Wolman Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Northeast Region of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He won many golf tournaments and recorded 10 holes-in-one over his lifetime. He is survived by his wife and four children. Athletic memorial contributions in Linkchorst’s memory may be made to the Bloomsburg University Foundation, 50 East Main Street, 4th Floor, Greenly Center, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or online at giving.bloomu.edu. help others in need. We have a wonderful group of young men who represent BU in a positive way on and off the court.” Graduate student Peyton Mortellite was one of the Huskies who helped with the food distribution. “The people at the Y are incredibly giving and never look for anything in return,” says Mortellite. “It has been an excellent way for our team to give back to the community. We have been making it a habit to reach back into the community over the last few years. While the BU athletic teams did not get to compete in the fall and winter seasons because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that did not stop them from making positive plays this year. From members of the men’s basketball team helping feed the community to the football team organizing a Christmas toy drive for AGAPE, a local humanitarian ministry, studentathletes gave back to the community in a variety of ways. Members of the men’s basketball team spent parts of two days in October helping at the Berwick Area YMCA Local Food Distribution assembling and handing out boxes of food to 800 families in need. “It was a great opportunity for our players and coaches to give back,” says men’s basketball coach John Sanow. “I was proud of players sacrificing a few hours out of their day to “I grew up in a neighborhood where money was tight in a lot of homes,” says Crippen. “We all need that person to step up and help others. I was hoping this toy drive would impact those people who needed it the most.” Six locations were set up across campus and in the community to collect donations of new or slightly used toys that were then donated to AGAPE for distribution for families in need in the town of Bloomsburg. “I was very excited when Talid came in to discuss the toy drive — what a wonderful idea,” says Sheptock. “The idea made a difference in the community and the children and allowed everyone the opportunity to provide a random act of kindness during the holiday season.” While they couldn’t share their talents on the field or court last fall, BU student-athletes were able to share their generosity with those in the area. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Making Plays to Help the Community The kindness didn’t stop there, though. As the holiday season approached, redshirtsophomore Talid Crippen, from the football team, got the ball rolling for the Huskies to partner with AGAPE to collect toys for those families in need this holiday season. Crippen brought his idea to head coach Frank Sheptock, who helped to mobilize the athletics community. 27 A VIEW FROM THE TOP The Ultimate Soccer MOM By David Leisering S tudent-athletes rely on good time management skills to handle the daily grind of practice, games, team road trips, and of course, lots of schoolwork. However, Paige Harris has an even more important task to juggle. Being a mom. “My daughter is me in child form,” laughs Harris, a junior forward on the women’s soccer team. “She’s spunky and full of energy. She will dance around in a puffy Cinderella dress and then walk outside to dig up worms with her hands. She’s my heart. Anytime I feel stressed or having a bad day, she’ll look at me and say something funny, and I’m reminded it will all be OK.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 Harris, who grew up in nearby Danville, chose to attend Shippensburg University four years ago for that “away from home experience.” Following her freshman season — where she scored six goals and was named to the AllPennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Third Team — she learned she was pregnant, resulting in a two-year hiatus from school. 28 “The first thing I did was move back home to be with my family,” says Harris. “I started working full-time to make as much money as I could before the baby arrived.” Holly Mae arrived on Aug. 19, 2017. After a six-week maternity leave, Harris returned to working full-time but knew she wanted something more. “It was always in the back of my mind I would return to school and graduate, so I could get a great job and give us the best life possible,” says Harris. “I still had life goals to accomplish and “ “The hardest part was not feeling guilty about doing something that made me happy.” — Paige Harris having a child made me want to work for those goals even harder. I knew the next step to get both of us to a better place in life was to go back to school.” After discussing her college intentions with her family and Holly’s father, she applied to Bloomsburg to pursue special education with added hope of renewing her soccer career. “I always knew her as a tough competitor,” says Matt Haney, head women’s soccer coach. “I believe the birth added maturity to that mix and has allowed Paige to flourish as a mother, a student, and a soccer player.” However, the comeback trail hasn’t always been easy. “To be honest, I wasn’t as prepared as I should’ve been,” says Harris. “I was uncomfortable with my body and exercising again after having a baby. It was also difficult to find time to work out. I either had to find someone to watch her, or I would try to keep her occupied while I ran on the treadmill.” The mental aspect was just as challenging. “The hardest part was not feeling guilty about doing something that made me happy,” adds Harris. “After having Holly, I felt as though everything I did had to be for her. Being away from her for a few hours to practice or to lift would make me feel guilty. During my time off from school — just working and taking care of her — I felt like I only identified as Holly’s mom. Paige was gone.” But not for long. As she physically got stronger and faster while preparing for the 2019 season, she began to realize that by playing soccer, “Paige was still around” and “she was allowed to be happy as well.” “Paige came in, worked hard, and fit in nicely,” says Haney. “We have a very welcoming culture, and I believe Paige noticed that, used it to her advantage and made some immediate friends along the way.” Her grit and determination paid off. Harris made the team and helped the Huskies to their second consecutive NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional title, resulting in a second straight trip to the Elite Eight. She finished the year with two goals — both of which came during a 5-0 win over Mansfield on Oct. 19 — nearly three years to the day she last scored with Shippensburg. “My first game was such a rush of emotions,” remembers Harris. “I thought about all I went through and the times thinking I might never play again. But there I was (playing again). It wasn’t just any team; it was a darn good one. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of something so special.” Holly, meanwhile, is still at the forefront of everything her mom does and hopes to accomplish. “My parents bring her to every game they can,” says Harris, who as an early childhood and special education major plans to work with children every day. “She loves coming, and I love having her there. I want her to see how her mom pursued her life goals even when things felt hard. I want her to feel like she can accomplish anything she wants if she puts her mind to it. I hope this part of my life inspires her to do anything she wants in life — regardless of the situation.” sports Women’s Soccer Earns Team Pinnacle Award BU’s women’s soccer program was one of nine collegiate programs across all divisions — men or women — to be named this past year a recipient of the Team Pinnacle Award from the United Soccer Coaches. The Team Pinnacle Award honors teams that have achieved a high level of fair play, educational excellence, and success on the pitch. To be considered for the award, teams must have received a version of the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award; achieved recognition in the classroom as a recipient of the Team Academic Award; and recorded a winning percentage of .750 or higher during the respective season. “Our culture of winning and losing the right way and, most importantly, succeeding in the classroom, helps make the women’s soccer family a group of dynamic young women who are in it together and work hard for each other,” says head coach Matt Haney. The Huskies, who went 18-3-1 (.841 winning percentage) en route to their second consecutive Atlantic Regional title in 2019, earned the Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Bronze Award as well as the Team Academic Award from United Soccer Coaches during the 2019-20 academic year. Bloomsburg was the only institution from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) to earn a Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award in 2019-20. That award recognizes teams that exhibit fair play, good sportsmanship, and adhere to the game’s rules. A team must not have received any red penalty cards during the season and the team’s yellow caution card percentage (total yellow cards divided by total games played) must not have exceeded 50%. Meanwhile, the Huskies had a cumulative team grade point average of 3.55 to earn a Team Academic Award. It marked the fifth consecutive season that the women’s soccer team was honored for having a cumulative team GPA of 3.0 or higher. Over the last two seasons of competition (the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), the Huskies claimed back-to-back Atlantic Regional championships and made consecutive trips to the Elite Eight. The team also won the 2018 PSAC title — the program’s first in 16 years. The 18 victories in 2019 tied the school record for most victories in a season while its 35 wins over the span of the last two years has set a new program mark. “We recruit industrious and competitive people who want to succeed in all facets of life,” adds Haney. “We have become a place where young women want to continue their academic and athletic careers. It is not about one of us — it is about all of us. And we will continue to work together to reach the very top.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 VIEW FROM THE TOP 29 celebrating our husky history THEN & NOW From Small Beginnings to a Worldwide Network By Robert Dunkelberger T oday, the Bloomsburg University Alumni Association has more than 76,000 members with graduates in every state and around the world. But the origins of the association 150 years ago were much more modest. On commencement day, June 22, 1871, the eight-member first class of teachers at the Bloomsburg State Normal School and the dozen new graduates from the second class met to form an alumni association. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 The association’s activities began in 1873, when a banquet was held at commencement to welcome back alumni and celebrate the newest members. As the number of graduates grew, the number of reunions gradually expanded. At first alumni all met together, but by the 1880s individual classes began to have their own reunions. Anniversaries were important, so classes met formally every five years. These were the most popular gatherings, when classmates who had attended school together could reconnect. 30 And the celebrations became larger, with more than 500 at the banquet in the main dormitory’s dining room in 1912. As the numbers grew, additional class reunions were added, held in rooms in the main dormitory or Carver Hall, based on where a favorite teacher had taught. There was so much enthusiasm that the most recent grads couldn’t wait for their fifth anniversary and so had formal reunions every two years. Although many alumni came back for the reunion at commencement, there was a strong desire to gather closer to home and at a different time of year. The ideal solution was to tie a reunion in with the annual teachers’ institutes held in each county every fall, where practicing teachers gathered to learn new teaching methods. The first local association was formed in 1890 in Luzerne County, which had the greatest concentration of Bloomsburg graduates. These quickly became popular, with up to 300 attending each year, often at the Hotel Sterling in Wilkes-Barre. The nights would begin with a reception, followed by the banquet, an afterdinner program of toasts, and hours of dancing. Normal School administrators saw the value of the county chapters and were well represented at the events, often by the principal and several of the senior faculty. A primary means of recruitment was through Normal graduates teaching in the high schools, who urged prospective teachers to attend Bloomsburg and earn the same quality education they had. The success of the Luzerne County reunions led more local groups to organize. Next was Lackawanna County, which created a chapter in 1901. Eleven additional counties added associations between 1909 and 1912, with Montour and Columbia following soon after. These reunions were greatly anticipated as alumni reconnected and reminisced about their school days. The reunions on campus remained fairly consistent until the 1920s. In 1921 an Alumni Day intended solely to rally graduates was held the day before commencement. It included class reunions, an assembly, a luncheon, and a baseball game. The biggest change was the addition of Homecoming in 1928, which provided another opportunity for graduates to return to Bloomsburg. The Alumni Association valued the local organizations, so by the late 1920s when the chapters became inactive, efforts were made to revitalize them. One was formed in Philadelphia in 1931, leading to monthly luncheons and large annual banquets. In 1934, an Association resolution urged county chapters to reorganize and within a few years there were 10 in central and eastern Pennsylvania, three covering two counties. They held reunions and, as before, the president of the college and faculty members were in attendance. In its early years, the Bloomsburg University Alumni Association worked to support the school and engage alumni, recognizing the good they could do through recruitment and monetary assistance for scholarships. The alumni responded, having become endeared to Bloomsburg through their school days and wanting to give back. This is a spirit that, with now 76,000 alumni and counting, has continued to the present day. 1 2 1. The Class of 1897 gathers for a reunion in 1899. 3 3. Those attending the 1934 Philadelphia Alumni Banquet pose for a photograph. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 2. The 1928 Alumni Day Luncheon was held on the Long Porch of old Waller Hall. 31 32 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 The BU campus will once again bustle with activity as the university plans to return to a full-time, in-person Fall 2021 semester. Keep up-to-date on plans for the coming Fall semester at bloomu.edu/fall-2021 ADD A TO YOUR AVAILABLE IN THREE SIZES bloomustore.com 400 E. Second Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815 General Information: 570-389-4175 Customer Service: 570-389-4180 bustore@bloomu.edu Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 FALL ‘21 33 S R A E Y 0 15 with us celebrate Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Winter 2021 On June 22, 1871, the Bloomsburg University Alumni Association was formed to keep the bonds among alumni and our alma mater strong. This has held true during every one of the 150 years since its very first meeting. 34 And while the last century and a half has delivered an array of challenges to Huskies everywhere, we have weathered those challenges and preserved the lifechanging experiences and relationships we formed at BU; all while working to ensure current students are as successful as they have been since the school was founded in 1839. With 75,477 alumni world-wide, the Bloomsburg University Alumni Association has much to celebrate in its legacy of support; support for the university, support for students, and support for each other. Every year, events and successes are made more impactful with your participation. You won’t want to miss what we have planned in 2021! Join in the celebration by visiting bloomu.edu/alumniassociation150. Here’s to the next 150 years of grit, loyalty, and excellence! Go Huskies! SUMME R 20 21 THE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE ALSO INSIDE Jackie Lithgow’s inspiring story now includes a Bloomsburg diploma Page 14 Spring ‘21 Commencement Ceremony held in person Page 18 Making a Difference in Different Ways Alumni Association honors Huskies who make a difference Page 20 bloomu.edu Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Grit and Determination Personified Fist Bumps and Facemasks 1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE My Dear BU Family, Please enjoy this Summer 2021 edition of BLOOMSBURG: The University Magazine. This past May, we were excited to host our commencement ceremonies in-person for the first time since December 2019. Still mindful of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded our normal three ceremonies to five over the course of a weekend, and ensured that all in attendance were socially distanced. It truly was a pleasure to celebrate in-person with our graduates and their families once again, and it was quite gratifying given all that we have endured over the past year. I commend the members of our staff who worked so hard in planning and coordinating the successful ceremonies, and our faculty members for their efforts in support of our students’ success. President Bashar Hanna My congratulations to the Class of 2021, who overcame so much and displayed incredible resilience in their final two years at BU. One particular member of this graduating class, Jackie Lithgow ‘21, epitomizes the grit and determination for which we Huskies are known. Seven years after suffering a traumatic brain injury and facing very long odds, Jackie inspired us all by walking across the stage to receive his well-earned diploma. Congratulations to Jackie on this great achievement – and to his proud parents, Jim and Lisa (both BU alumni), who never stopped believing that their son would recover and eventually earn a Bloomsburg degree. You will also read in this issue the courageous journey of one of our alumni, the Honorable David Gass, who earned his law degree from Arizona State University College of Law after receiving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BU. Appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals by Governor Doug Ducey in 2019, Judge Gass was the honored speaker at our Lavender graduation ceremony this past May. Thank you to Judge Gass for sharing his story and inspiring so many of our students. Lastly, we include a tribute to a loyal ambassador and dear friend of our University, Mrs. Ramona Alley, who recently retired after 37 years as a member of our Council of Trustees. We are profoundly grateful to Ramona for her loyalty and service, and her unwavering commitment to our students and their success. We look forward to the Fall 2021 semester and a return to an in-person learning environment. You can learn more about our Fall 2021 plans at www.bloomu.edu, which you will notice is our newly revamped website (as of July 1). As always, I thank you for your continued support of BU, and I look forward to seeing you back on campus this fall. Have a safe and enjoyable summer with your families and friends. GO HUSKIES! Sincerely, Bashar W. Hanna, President Photo: Marty Coyne Redman Stadium at Danny Hale Field at the Steph Pettit Athletic Complex served as the setting for BU’s Spring 2021 Commencement ceremonies in May. Graduates were socially distanced on the field, while parents and supporters celebrated in the stands. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 See more, page 18. 1 Summer 2021 6 11 14 18 28 31 Contents 3 COMMON GROUND 18 FIST BUMPS AND FACEMASKS 10 HEEDING COVID’S CALL TO ACTION 20 MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN DIFFERENT WAYS 11 CARE PACKAGES MAKE LASTING IMPRESSION 24 HUSKY NOTES 12 DREAMS THAT BLOOM 28 ATHLETICS: A VIEW FROM THE TOP 14 GRIT AND DETERMINATION PERSONIFIED 31 THEN AND NOW: CELEBRATING ART AT BLOOMSBURG 17 TRUSTING WHO YOU ARE Connect with us Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 bloomu.edu Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Board of Governors Cynthia D. Shapira, Chairperson Robert W. Bogle Representative Tim Briggs Tanya I. Garcia, Ph.D. William “Bill” Gindlesperger Allison Jones Senator Scott Martin David M. Maser Marian D. Moskowitz Secretary of Education Noe Ortega Representative Brad Roae Senator Judith L. Schwank Larry C. Skinner Samuel H. Smith Stephen L. Washington, Jr. Neil R. Weaver Governor Tom Wolf Janet L. Yeomans Chancellor, State System of Higher Education Daniel Greenstein Bloomsburg University Council of Trustees Judge Mary Jane Bowes, Chairperson Nancy Vasta, Vice Chairperson Brian O’Donnell, O.D., Secretary Amy Brayford Edward G. Edwards Duane Greenly Daniel Klingerman Secretary John E. Wetzel Raymond Zaborney President, Bloomsburg University Bashar W. Hanna Executive Editor Jennifer Umberger Co-Editors Eric Foster Tom McGuire Designer Stacey Newell Sports Information Dave Leisering Mary Raskob Contributing Writers Thomas Schaeffer ’02 Andrea O’Neill ’06 Cover Photo Nikki Keller ’97 Bloomsburg: The University Magazine is published three times a year for alumni, students’ families, and friends of the university Back issues may be found at issuu.com/buhuskies. Address comments and questions to: Bloomsburg: The University Magazine Arts and Administration Building 400 East Second Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 Email address: magazine@bloomu.edu Visit Bloomsburg University on the web at bloomu.edu. Bloomsburg University is an AA/EEO institution and is accessible to disabled persons. Bloomsburg University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran status in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. © Bloomsburg University 2021 2 Photo: Jaime North Integration Update The proposal calls for each university to retain the unique traits specific to its campus and community, while coming together to become something bigger and stronger and positioned to answer the greatest challenges facing higher education today: access, cost, opportunity, quality, and relevance. The board’s vote initiated a 60-day public comment period that included hearings on June 9 and 10. Work continues on plans to leverage the “power of three” to increase access to exemplary academic programs and social mobility for students. The plans are designed to respond to the diverse needs of 21st century learners with relevant academic programs, proven modalities, and flexibility that will prepare students for careers of the future, while maintaining an efficient course of study to bring them to graduation. At all the universities involved, plans provide for students to still enjoy on-campus housing, student clubs and organizations, athletics, and a vibrant campus life. Ultimately, students would design a university experience that is best for them, with dedicated support services on each campus. At Bloomsburg University, our priority is to honor our history and legacy to connect fellow Huskies and provide support for today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. Foundations and alumni associations would remain independent and continue to keep classmates connected with their alma mater. Donors would continue to be able to designate funds in support of students on their campus or program of choice, as they do today. You can learn more about the integration plans by visiting www.bloomu.edu/integration. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 In late April, the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education approved moving forward with a public comment period on two integration plans, one for the northeast region encompassing Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities, and one in the west region to include California, Clarion, and Edinboro universities. 3 news on campus COMMON GROUND Faculty Honored for Exceptional Teaching Abby Hare-Harris Michael Huben T hree BU faculty members were named 2020-21 Outstanding Teaching Award recipients by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement (TALE) Center. Abby Hare-Harris, a Stephen J. Jones Professional U Fellow, is an assistant professor of biological and allied health sciences; Michael Huben, a Stephen J. Jones Professional U Fellow, is an instructor of marketing and professional sales; and Brett McLaurin is a professor of environmental, geographical, and geological sciences. The faculty were nominated by graduating seniors from the class of 2020-21 and selected by TALE’s Outstanding Teaching Award Committee. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 “I am grateful to professors Abby Hare-Harris, Brett McLaurin, Michael Huben, and all our outstanding faculty members who go above and beyond in support of our students and their success,” said President Bashar Hanna. 4 Hare-Harris’ research fields are human genetics and genomics, and many of her students and advisees earn the medical genomics and counseling certificate. Student nominations emphasized that her courses are tough yet taught with care and patience to ensure every student succeeds. Her rapport with students is exceptional. One student wrote, “She is not an easy professor by any means. She promotes independent thinking and has helped me become a better student and a better person.” Hare-Harris’ life transformative teaching permeated the students’ nominations, and her empathy helps students overcome academic and personal struggles. Michael Huben joined BU following a career at Merck. Creating bridges between higher education and a career led Brett McLaurin students to nominate Huben for the outstanding teaching award. A nominator wrote, “Mr. Huben teaches in real-world examples and is able to relate content to everyday life, so students can understand how the lessons will look outside of the classroom.” Huben’s dedication is evident in mentoring students in sales competitions, coaching them on how to network and interview for jobs, and develop leadership qualities. Brett McLaurin is a geologist specializing in stratigraphy and sedimentology. Students nominating McLaurin spoke of his exceptional ability to combine theory and practice, making every topic relevant and engrossing. One student wrote, “Whenever I had questions, the professor was available and engaged me in possible learning experiences beyond the classroom.” McLaurin creates spaces where students can risk failure, learn from their experiences, and increase confidence in their skills and knowledge. Engaging, caring, hands-on were constant themes in his student nominations. “These three faculty members exemplify the hard work and dedication all our faculty make to our students in support of their academic success,” said BU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Diana Rogers-Adkinson. “What is even more remarkable is how they adapted to teaching in a virtual world for the last year, and yet, were able to make strong connections with their students. As provost, I am very proud of their work and offer my congratulations to them.” All three will receive a plaque and be awarded a professional development stipend sponsored by the BU Foundation. COMMON GROUND Photo: Marty Coyne Bringing Academics and Administration Together Celebrating the New Arts and Administration Building “When universities build buildings, they either serve as an academic space or an administrative space,” said President Bashar Hanna, but BU’s new Arts and Administration Building has both, “emphasizing that here at Bloomsburg, we are one family.” The building features a soaring four-story open atrium topped by skylights and hosts a mix of functions. The ground level features art department sculpture studios plus photography and theatre labs, and the first floor houses the admissions, financial aid, and registrar’s offices, a language lab, and six classrooms. The second floor includes offices and more studios for the art and art history department, and the history and the languages and cultures departments. The top floor houses the offices of marketing and communications, human resources, administration and finance, student billing (bursar), and procurement. Construction began in October 2018 and was shut down from March to May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction was completed in November 2020 before opening for the spring semester. The Honorable Mary Jane Bowes, Council of Trustees chair, thanked everyone who worked on the project. “I want to thank Dr. Hanna for his vision and leadership, my fellow trustees, our dedicated faculty and staff, facilities management – especially Ed Gunshore in his role as project manager, the Department of General Services, and most importantly our students,” said Bowes. “We look forward to seeing it enjoyed by our students, faculty, and staff for many years to come.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 A ribbon-cutting ceremony in early June celebrated the opening of the new facility, which has been in use since January. 5 Taking Art to a Higher Degree Art students are enjoying new and improved studio spaces in the Arts and Administration Building and will soon have the option of pursuing a new prestigious Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. The new BFA program was approved by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Board of Governors in the spring, and was approved in June by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. “The BFA is really preparing students as professional artists or to go on to grad school,” says Meredith Re’ Grimsley, professor and chair of the Department of Art and Art History. “It’s also recommended for students who want to get a certificate in education.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 The new degree increases both the depth and breadth of preparation for student artists, requiring a 79-credit art studio and art history curriculum, while the Bachelor of Arts degree requires 39 credits.   6 “We have students who have crafted their experience here to look like a BFA, but we haven’t had the degree,” says Grimsley. “We also include BFA in graphic design, which is a much stronger, much more competitive degree for our students.” “In integration conversations with Mansfield and Lock Haven, we all have the same mission with our students. We developed a study-away concept with the other universities. Students will be able to take a semester to study something we don’t offer. For example, ceramics at Mansfield and Lock Haven. And students from Mansfield and Lock Haven could come here to study fabric design.” Grimsley also envisions exhibition exchanges between faculty and students at the different campuses. “Students can start to know each other across the miles.” BU will maintain the BA degree in art, which allows students to have multiple majors. There are approximately 100 students studying art studio or art history. And while many art students took classes in person through the fall and spring, Grimsley is excited to have a full building and campus again, “I can’t wait until people are really back. The aesthetics of the space. The light, the air, the atmosphere. It’s very sophisticated. These are the nicest facilities I’ve ever worked in.” College of Education earns CAEP accreditation Retention Numbers Climb for BU Act 101 Students The College of Education has been granted accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP is one of only two nationally recognized accrediting bodies for educator preparation. One of BU’s biggest success stories in helping students develop the skills needed to support their academic success has been the Act 101 program. Since 2017, Act 101 students have increased their first- to second-year retention rates by nearly 20 percent (45 to 63.7 percent). “Earning CAEP accreditation is a testament to the hard work and commitment to excellence by our faculty, led by our dean of the college, Daryl Fridley,” said President Bashar Hanna. “The excellence of their work is reflected in the accreditor’s final recommendation, which was all standards met, no areas for improvement and no problems.” “I am very proud of everyone in the College of Education, and the leadership of Dr. Amy Eitzen, associate dean, who worked on the accreditation process,” said Fridley. “The rigorous standards set by CAEP also give BU the seal of approval that we are properly preparing the next generation of educators and give our students the confidence that BU meets the highest standards of quality and effectiveness that employers value.” Educator preparation providers seeking CAEP accreditation must pass peer review on five standards, which are based on two principles: • Solid evidence that the provider’s graduates are competent and caring educators. • Solid evidence that the provider’s educator staff have the capacity to create a culture of excellence and use it to maintain and enhance the quality of the professional programs they offer. Act 101 is a statewide academic support program giving first-generation, low-income college students who demonstrate risk factors that will increase the likelihood of not completing a fouryear college degree, opportunities to develop the skills they need to achieve academic excellence. “Our team here works hard to give these students a chance to be successful,” said Ralph Godbolt, director of the Office of Access and Success. “We provide to them the academic, cultural, and social interaction they need.” Participants of the Act 101 program are strongly encouraged to participate in a program called Emerging Scholars, which Godbolt developed. “We provide opportunities for students to develop the skills that will assist them in achieving academic success,” he says. “The success of the Emerging Scholars program directly impacted the strong firstto second-year retention rates of Act 101 students.” Godbolt and his team provide eight hours a week of study hall time, compassion-centered academic advising, and community engagement opportunities. They also provide yoga and mindfulness activities and weekly “rap sessions,” where students engage in intense conversations about issues going on in their lives. “The rap sessions help in building a close relationship between the student and counselor,” Godbolt said. In addition to the Act 101 and Emerging Scholars programs, the Office of Access and Success oversees the Office of Diversity and Retention, Board of Governors, SEE Yourself Healthier and Happier, and the Out of the Classroom: Into the Community initiative. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Following a rigorous accreditation process during which faculty and staff identified, collected, and analyzed program improvement data, Bloomsburg University was granted accreditation at the initial and advanced licensure level. The accreditation is granted for seven years with renewal in 2026. 7 Alley Honored for 37 Years of Service as Trustee Ramona Alley has been a witness and participant in a lot of changes at Bloomsburg University during her 37-year career on the Council of Trustees, which recognized her retirement at its June 2021 meeting. « Ramona and Ali Alley at the First and Goal Football Campaign celebration in 2011. « Alley, who became a trustee in 1983 before Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education was formed, became the first female vice chairperson and chairperson at Bloomsburg, serving between 1992 and 1996. She was part of two presidential search committees and countless other committees. Shown from left are, standing: The Honorable Mary Jane Bowes, Council of Trustees chair, incoming student trustee candidate Julia Burcin ’23, trustees Duane Greenly, Nancy Vasta, Amy Brayford, Raymond Zaborney and Ed Edwards. Seated: Dr. Ali A. and Ramona H. Alley. “When I reflect back to my years of serving at Bloomsburg University, I leave with having had the honor and privilege of presenting thousands of diplomas to graduates and knowing they had a quality education — thanks to our outstanding faculty and staff,” said Alley. She, along with her husband, Dr. Ali Alley, established the Dr. Ali A. Alley & Ramona H. Alley Endowed Scholarship, designed for incoming first-year students from Berwick or Columbia County with a preference for students majoring in a health- or medical-related field. This fall, they will be supporting their seventh recipient. Together they have also made significant contributions to the First & Goal Campaign and Arts in Bloom. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Student Soars in Sales Competition 8 Senior professional sales and marketing student Autumn Hawk made her mark in the Redbird Regional Sales Contest held in the spring semester. In her first-ever sales competition, Hawk advanced to the semifinals. Faculty member Michael Huben coached Hawk in the competition along with Molly Groff, Mia Kosoglow, and Ethan Burns. The Redbird National Sales Competition is a collegiate sales competition hosted by the Professional Sales Institute at Illinois State University. It enables students to demonstrate their selling skills through simulated sale roleplays. More than 150 participants from 20 schools exhibited their sales skills during roleplay scenarios. Additionally, 11 corporate sponsors were represented. BU is also one of only five Pennsylvania institutions listed among the top North American schools by the Sales Education Foundation. « State-Wide Recycling Survey Yields Important Trend Results Bloomsburg Town Recycling Coordinator Charlie Fritz and Jennifer Haney. Community recycling programs have never been more important. Recycling helps preserve environmental quality, saves landfill space, preserves resources, conserves energy, reduces air pollution, and saves water. The top five trends are: That’s where the work of Jennifer Haney from the Department of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences comes into play. Last summer Haney, the project director, and John Bodenman, her department colleague and co-author on the report, conducted a study of recycling programs in Pennsylvania, the first of its kind in the state. 2. contamination of recyclable materials has decreased the value of materials collected; Haney and Bodenman contacted the county recycling coordinators from around the state for the case studies and provided each with a list of questions. Questions expanded on information collected in the web-based survey. They addressed the following: population served with recycling collection services, staff employed at the recycling facility, major challenges and opportunities encountered in the past 10 years and those anticipated over the next five years, key areas for improving policies governing waste in recycling in the state, and educational outreach and information on their recycling collection programs. 3. recycling programs do increasingly rely upon funding from the state; 4. recycling provides environmental and economic benefits to Pennsylvania; 5. declining recycling program revenues and rising recycling program costs are causing a hardship for the sustainability of recycling programs in Pennsylvania. Haney and Bodenman will use the collected data to prepare and submit two manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals — one in geography and one in waste management. They will also present the study’s results at the annual Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania meeting in July. “The sustainability of recycling programs depends on all of us,” says Haney. “Take the time, effort, and energy to carefully and correctly separate your recyclables — help to reduce contamination and give more value to your recyclable materials!” Scott Kane Named Dean of Students Scott Kane joined BU as the new dean of students in the Division of Student Success and Enrollment Services in April. Kane comes to BU from Mansfield University where he was serving as interim dean of students. He will continue to provide shared services to Mansfield. Kane has 18 years of experience, including serving as dean of students, interim vice president for student affairs and associate dean for student life at Rhode Island College. He also served as vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Kane earned a doctoral degree in higher education from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in counseling and student personnel services from Kansas State University. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 “Recycling programs across the United States are struggling to adjust to rapidly changing market conditions for recyclable materials,” Haney wrote in the proposal. “This project was designed to test a number of hypotheses concerning economic and environmental issues impacting recycling programs in rural Pennsylvania.” 1. Local recycling programs are impacted by global markets and constraints; 9 By Eric Foster Members of the U.S. armed forces, including three BU alumni, have been at the forefront of the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally, Army veteran Mark Hall ‘86 has helped the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff up to handle the pandemic workload. “This is the largest and longest CDC response that has ever taken place,” says Hall, who has worked with the CDC both as an employee and a contractor since 2009. As an intelligence officer in the Army, Hall’s tours included Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Over the years, Hall has had plenty of tours with the CDC as well, with assignments to places such as Sierra Leon and Vietnam. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 “Before COVID, we were working on exercises for influenza,” says Hall, a business process analyst for the CDC’s influenza coordination unit who had been involved with the agency’s response to the H1N1 and Ebola outbreaks. “When the pandemic hit, we started with 50 people,” says Hall, who was focused on bringing on new staff for the agency. “We’re communicating with the states and municipalities. We went from a small group to 650 people at its largest point.” 10 Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania Army National Guard members, Brig. Gen. James McCormack ’90/’93M and Col. Timothy Brooks ’92 coordinated coronavirus activities as leaders in the Guard’s Joint Staff at Fort Indiantown Gap. McCormack, who is also BU’s associate vice president for student development and campus life, was involved with COVID response on campus and throughout the state. “The COVID mitigation measures on campus were very successful,” says McCormack, who early in the pandemic worked with Eric Ness, chief facilities and safety officer, arranging for Geisinger medical providers to stay at BU apartments in order to quarantine from their families. “Fortunately, Geisinger had very good procedures that kept their staff safe, and few people needed the apartments. We also had a dialog with the Army Corps of Engineers about serving as a potential mass quarantine site.” While a mass quarantine site wasn’t needed, McCormack, who has completed tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and was the primary lead on negotiating between Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Pennsylvania National Guard, emphasizes that planning is still essential. “The time to figure out what to do is not after it happens. If you wait until it happens, you are way too late.” The Joint Staff, which McCormack heads, has oversight and tasking authority for all Pennsylvania National Guard personnel assigned to support domestic operations at the direction of the governor. “There are four components, Army National Guard, Air Force National Guard, Veteran Affairs, and Civil Air Patrol,” says McCormack. “The need to communicate and rely on others is critical to getting things done. The components aren’t siloed. If I need medics, the Air Force and Army both have medics that can support an assigned mission. Tying into other agencies and units is what makes us able to function best.” Brig. Gen. James McCormack ’90/’93M Col. Timothy Brooks ’92 As the pandemic began, Brooks, a retired Bethlehem police officer, moved to a full-time role as chief of the Joint Staff, with McCormack as his direct superior. “I became the lead representative at PEMA for the Guard,” says Brooks, recalling driving on empty roads from the Guard headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap to PEMA’s Harrisburg headquarters. “It was important to know the participants … it wasn’t just the Guard; it was PEMA and Department of Health. You stay in your lane but also learn what the other lanes are. Being collaborative is the best way. A lot of senior officers working with me at PEMA had experience from deployments,” says Brooks, whose own tours include Army veteran Mark Hall ’86 Hungary, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina. “With our experience with planning, we can anticipate problems and challenges and think of things a couple of steps ahead.” “Long-term care facilities were hit hard, the National Guard went into help alleviate pressure,” says Brooks. “We assisted PEMA in planning for the use of a system that sterilized N95 masks.” Brooks was also deeply involved in planning for vaccination sites this spring. “We were part of the initial flurry of activity on a Friday afternoon in February. For the first Johnson & Johnson shots for teachers and support personnel; How many medics were able to give the shots? How many can you field? That was a big undertaking. Of the 28 sites for teachers, the Guard was at eight of them. It was very successful.” “The quality of the instruction at BU, the teachers, their consistency, love for their work. It gave me the fundamentals to function in any environment,” says Hall, who majored in history. One of few underrepresented students on campus in the 1980s, Hall worked with a professor to do a study of minorities at Bloomsburg University. “Being given the latitude to do something like that influenced me. I never felt limited. I felt prepared by the time I stepped on the first military base after I left Bloomsburg, I was competitive with everyone around me,” says Hall, who notes that 10 family members have attended BU, including his daughter Joy Hall, who earned a master’s degree in clinical athletic training. “Some of the other experiences are just as important as the academics, the activities may fill in where the academics didn’t. Leadership, seeing another side of an issue,” says Brooks. “Everything I heard about college seemed to happen at Bloomsburg. From playing hacky sack, meeting friends. I ran cross-country two seasons, was a Husky Ambassador. Totally out of my comfort zone, I was a Husky Singer for several semesters. Each experience added to who I am now and gave me different perspectives to draw on once I graduated.” The preparation and skills learned at BU served both the citizen solider and our nation well in a time of crisis. Shown From left, Erin Pawlick and Catherine Metzger, with a BU flag in Iraq. Gabrielle Erb is pictured in the Table of Contents on page 2. Care Packages Make a Lasting Impact on Student Soldiers By Tom McGuire Serving overseas in the military far from family, friends, and all the comforts of home is one of the sacrifices soldiers make in service to our country. When deployed soldiers receive gifts from home, the gesture goes far beyond getting something different to eat or an item to use. It gives that soldier the knowledge they are remembered and appreciated. When five BU students, Erin Pawlick, Gabrielle Erb, Leo Malfara, Grant Lyons, and BU graduate Catherine (Cat) Metzger ’20, all members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Aviation group, deployed to Camp Buehring in Kuwait, the BU Military and Veteran Resources Office collected both snacks and BU memorabilia and sent the care packages to their fellow students. “It is nice to get a piece of BU while serving in a rough environment,” said Cat Metzger, an E4 Specialist, via a Facetime call from Kuwait. “To know that people back at Bloomsburg University are thinking of us means a lot.” “The main things that are nice to receive are healthy snacks,” said Sgt. Pawlick. “They always say that you either get fit or fat on deployments. I work out just about every day, so making sure I have only healthy things is important to me, so I’m not eating crap in my downtime.” For Metzger, who will return to BU this fall as a graduate student in the college student affairs program, Lyons, an E4 Specialist and Erb, also an E4 Specialist, who will finish her degree this fall, cards and letters were great to receive. “Our favorite thing we received here was the multiple Christmas and Veterans Day cards from elementary schools!” said Metzger. “We taped up every single one we received in our work break room, and they are still up on the wall.” Sgt. Malfara is bringing home a flag that flew during a combat mission over Iraq and will present it to the university. “The flag flew on Feb. 1, 2021, aboard a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during Operation Inherent Resolve, and it will be my honor to present it to BU,” said Malfara. No matter the place or circumstance, Huskies always care for other Huskies. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Hall also had his start with the Pa. National Guard, joining in high school. He credits his experience at BU for giving him tools to succeed throughout his career in very diverse environments. « “National Guard is not just one weekend a month,” stresses McCormack. “Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned in the nation to respond to problems to the south or the northeast. The Pa. Guard could just as easily be needed in D.C. or New York City.” 11 Dreams That Bloom By Tom Schaeffer “02 H annah Harple ’21 wanted nothing more than to make her family proud by achieving her dreams of walking across the stage and shaking hands with BU President Bashar Hanna when she received her diploma and officially completed her early childhood and special education degree. Just like the nearly 30 percent of students who enroll at BU each year, Harple, a Honeybrook native, is the first member of her family to go to college and complete her four-year degree. Though she has worked hard to achieve her goals, she is thankful for the scholarships she received from the Bloom On Fund that have helped her finish her climb. “It’s an amazing feeling to get selected for that accomplishment and receive a scholarship,” Harple says. “It helps you. It’s a lot of money, and my parents helped all they could, but that scholarship helped me feel good knowing that I could help them too, and I am so grateful for that.” « Hannah Harple celebrates graduation with her parents Kelly and Mark in May. Scholarships like the one Harple received are more important than ever before in helping Bloomsburg University recruit talented students and provide them with the financial support they need to complete their education. That is why the Bloomsburg University Foundation (BUF) announced this spring that they have committed $2 million in need-based scholarships from the Bloom On Fund to help with student recruitment and retention, which will be awarded in installments of $500,000 per year for the next four years. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 “We are so thankful to the BUF Board and our donors for committing to provide such much-needed scholarships,” says Hanna. “They are leading our Husky pack by example, and I can’t thank them enough for the work they’ve done to make this happen.” 12 The demand for an increase in need-based scholarships became clear to BUF leadership after meeting with Hanna and University administrators and hearing how scholarships like these are among the most effective tools the BU admissions team can use to help students and their families make the final decision to attend BU. “One of the biggest challenges for current and incoming students is the harsh reality that they may have to postpone their education due to financial obstacles, especially during these uncertain times,” says BUF Board President Drew Hostetter. “That’s what we’re here for, to help support students and advance the success of this University. Right now, this is the best way for us to do that.” The scholarships awarded through this increased commitment will help BU recruit students and provide the University with the flexibility to respond to students’ needs to help them stay on course for timely completion of their degrees. “The scholarships I received helped me stay on track, even when things weren’t going as planned,” says Mina Fayez ’21. “I was accepted for a very beneficial internship that I was set to begin in my senior year, but it ended up getting canceled because of COVID. I had also taken the first steps toward launching my own business, but COVID derailed that too.” Fayez is also the first in his family to achieve his fouryear degree, precisely the vision his parents had for him when they came to the United States from Egypt shortly after he was born. He embodies the Husky spirit that BU students and alumni exhibit every day. No matter what twists and turns this past year presented, he was not going to let it stop him. When he realized he would not be participating in the internship and couldn’t bring in revenue with his business idea, Mina applied for scholarship support through the Bloom On Fund to help keep his educational goals on track. Thanks to the scholarships he received, he refocused and even graduated a semester ahead of schedule with a job already secured. Now he is at the beginning of his journey toward a career in management. « Mina Fayez The announcement of the increased commitment to scholarships has also created a groundswell of support from BU donors who have made gifts or increased their contributions to support this initiative. Greg ’01 and Jen Bowden ’02 were both first-generation students and realized just how vital these types of scholarships can be for students facing financial need. They made their first gift to BU right after they graduated and have been giving back as leaders in the BU community ever since. In 2016, the Bowdens set up a gift through their estate to establish the Bowden Family Leadership Scholarship and help create the same life-changing opportunity they had at BU for students today and in the future. They recently increased their support in response to the need for additional scholarships to help the University recruit and retain students. Eric Pettis ‘83 was also inspired to pledge $1,000 a year for the next four years to support scholarships that will help recruit and retain students. Pettis, who established a scholarship years ago, chose to increase his giving because he knows how much it can help. “I have seen the impact of scholarship support firsthand, and I’m a big believer in giving back to the places that made you who you are,” Pettis says. “I hope my gift will inspire others to do the same. When you think about it, if just 500 donors make a gift of $1,000, that will help cover these scholarships for the year, and I think Huskies are up to that challenge.” To learn more about this initiative or to make a gift, call 855-282-4483 or visit giving.bloomu.edu/FirstGen. « Eric Pettis Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 « Greg and Jen Bowden while students at BU. At right, the Bowdens and their children today. “We worked with the Foundation to increase our gift because we know how much of a difference it can make in these students’ lives,” says Greg. “We hope this will not only help students who need it but also inspire the recipients to push themselves to become leaders too.” 13 GRIT& N O I T A N I M R E T E D d e i f i n o pers By Eric Foster and Tom McGuire “ “With brain injuries, you’re always in rehab and always learning and always healing. My one doctor told me that when you go to the real world and go to college and walk on campus, that will be your therapy. I’m going to classes and walking, learning.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 — Jackie Lithgow 14 Photo: Jaime North Photo: Bill Hughes/ Press Enterprise “ atching BU’s spring commencement ceremony from the press box at Redman Stadium, Jim and Lisa Lithgow never took their eyes off their son Jackie as he sat on the field with his fellow graduates. As Jackie neared the stage, then ultimately had his name called as a graduate, tears flowed from his mother’s eyes. The journey was complete. It was a long time coming. Seven years after a head injury left him in a coma, Jackie Lithgow defied the odds and graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in media and journalism. Lithgow’s life changed forever on Feb. 23, 2014, when the 19-year-old, trying to break up a fight, was blindsided by a punch. Falling to the ground, his head struck the pavement. He was life-flighted to Geisinger Hospital in Danville and lay in a coma for 15 days. Jackie was given the worst possible ranking on the Glasgow Coma scale. Over 90% of patients with this type of traumatic brain injury never regain consciousness and, if they do, are significantly impaired. Jackie, though, fought hard. “With perseverance and support from his parents, BU alumni Jim ‘83 and Lisa ‘83, family and community, Lithgow defied the odds. Walking across the stage to receive his diploma was a double milestone. “I finished out my therapies while finishing college,” says Jackie, of Carlisle. “Walking across the stage when I was getting my diploma was very special to me, the crescendo of everything I’ve worked for. Your life is like a book. I’ve had a lot of chapters in the book, this turns another chapter.” Lithgow fought hard for his recovery and the diploma. As a fighter, he had powerful role models in his parents. “My parents mean everything to me. They were at every stage of my recovery. When I was in the hospital they would sleep on the bed by me, they would hold my hand.” “My mom was a fierce advocate for me when I couldn’t be,” adds Lithgow. “There were many times when things were going badly. And she stepped in and said this is how it’s going to be. This is how it has to be. My parents were exceptional in my recovery. I’ve had many people tell me do you understand how amazing your parents are. I’m very blessed how they would put their lives on the line for me.” — BU President Bashar Hanna “You know people would come in and they would look at you in a way that was just like they felt very sorry for you, or doctors would come in and not with a great prognosis,” says his mother. “But we could see him in there, I mean, we knew he was there — we knew it was going to take time, but we just knew. We knew he could get back, it was just a matter of taking the time.” The road back to class was a hard one, involving nine surgeries and intensive rehabilitation. A turning point for Lithgow was aquatic therapy in which he relearned to walk, one step at a time, with a treadmill in a swimming pool. In addition to those therapies, his father found a functional medicine doctor who put Jackie on a diet low in gluten and sugar, which helped speed his recovery. “With brain injuries, you’re always in rehab and always learning and always healing,” says Jackie. “My one doctor told me that when you go to the real world and go to college and walk on campus, that will be your therapy. I’m going to classes and walking, learning.” “My parents told me I don’t have to go back to college,” says Lithgow. “I wanted to go back to college, I had this. After my injury and getting better, it intensified my hunger to graduate and get a diploma.” In the spring of 2016, two years after his injury, he returned to BU to begin taking classes again. Those first semesters were especially challenging. “I liked to refer to myself as a hermit in my shell. Only coming out to go to classes and getting something to eat,” says Lithgow. “I had friends still at Bloomsburg, but from a mental perspective, what would tire me out the most was socialization. Being around people at that time was very tiring. There was a balance I had to find between socializing and schoolwork. Post-injury, studying had to be more rigorous, more flashcards. It took up more of my time.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 W “Jackie is the epitome of the grit and determination for which we Huskies are known. We are inspired by all that he has overcome, and are beyond proud of all that he has accomplished.” 15 “When I first started BU, I was an ITM (Information and Technology Management) major and switched to digital forensics,” says Lithgow. “But when I came back from my injury, I didn’t understand anything going on. So, I talked with Theresa Bloskey in TRIO Student Support Services, and I took an intro mass communications class with professor (Jason) Genovese and was hooked.” Each semester, Lithgow tried to add a course to his schedule until he was taking four classes. His mom stayed locally with friends, becoming a source of help and guidance. Support from BU extended well beyond the first semester and involved many offices. Among them were athletics director Michael McFarland and assistant swimming coach Bridget Hilferty, who helped him increase his strength and stability with exercises. And graduate students in speech-language pathology and the concussion institute provided therapy. “Jackie is the epitome of the grit and determination for which we Huskies are known,” says BU President Bashar Hanna. “We are inspired by all that he has overcome, and are beyond proud of all that he has accomplished.” “It starts with Dr. Hanna, I had lunch with him every so often,” says Lithgow. “Dr. Genovese (chair of media and journalism department) has been a role model. All the professors have been wonderful.” “In my 15 years here at BU I have never seen a more inspirational story than Jackie’s,” says Genovese. “To see how far he has come these past few years is truly remarkable. He attacked his schoolwork with impressive vigor and energy. Despite what he’s been through, Jackie always wears a big smile on his face and has the most charming personality. Whether we chat about school, family, or Philadelphia sports, I’m just lucky to have crossed paths with this young man.” “All those people out there that got him here. It wasn’t just us. It was a total team effort. From Bloom, to doctors to therapists, so for all those people … to see him do this is pretty cool,” says Jim Lithgow. Lithgow has been involved in more than his classes. He also created the Jackie Lithgow Foundation to support traumatic brain injury survivors during their road to recovery. Through events such as an annual golf tournament, the foundation (lithgowfoundation.org) has raised over $65,000 for Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and local traumatic brain injury patients. “Media and journalism is where I want to be,” he says. “It’s helped me think about, especially with the foundation, how to reach out and connect with people.” He’s gotten some real-life experience in his chosen field by being the subject of stories in several newspapers, including The Philadelphia Inquirer, and on local TV. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Jackie and his parents were also guests on the nationally syndicated Tamron Hall show. “Letting go is hard, even growing up, I wanted to keep them in bubble wrap,” shared Lisa Lithgow about helping Jackie return to college. “You want to raise independent young adults. He didn’t work that hard for so many years to not let him do what he wanted.” 16 “I’m trying to stay humble,” says Jackie of the media attention. “I’m glad my story is getting coverage because if it can impact one other person, I would love to see that happen, for people to see my story and get inspired.” “When I was in the hospital, I’ve seen patients who have it worse. I’ve been fortunate, I have a support system. Not everyone has that support system,” says Lithgow. “That’s why I started the foundation. I saw people who were there alone and didn’t have the support system. I really wanted to help support other traumatic brain injury survivors and let them know there is hope.” What’s next for Lithgow? “I have an internship with a local company in Carlisle,” he says. “Then after that, I’ll see what works best and what jobs open. Explore the real world as they say. I’m going to enjoy the ride.” “ “Despite what he’s been through, Jackie always wears a big smile on his face and has the most charming personality. Whether we chat about school, family or Philadelphia sports, I’m just lucky to have crossed paths with this young man.” — Jason Genovese By Eric Foster Born in Bloomsburg, Gass grew up in nearby Sunbury. “It certainly was not an easy place to be gay when I was in high school. I certainly was not out in high school. Nobody was. That concept just didn’t exist,” recalls Gass. A year after high school, his experience as an exchange student in Chihuahua, Mexico, helped Gass open up. “In Mexico, I had a group of close friends that I had established that I could trust. And part of it was just growing up and discovering who we are. It’s a leap of faith,” says Gass, who still has his graduation ring from Chihuahua. Returning to Pennsylvania, Gass worked at the then Acme Market in Sunbury to put himself through college at BU without loans. After graduation from BU, Gass worked in Philadelphia before heading to Arizona to complete his law degree. He graduated from Arizona State College of Law magna cum laude and Order of the Coif and clerked for the Honorable Ruth V. McGregor, now a retired Chief Justice, before joining a private firm. “When I graduated, the U.S. Supreme Court had fairly recently issued the opinion that LGBT people could be prosecuted and labeled as sex offenders and required to register. It’s hard to imagine that I was going to end up being able to be a judge,” says Gass, who had the support of his now-husband Don to complete law school. “One of the things you have to do is learn how to make your own family,” says Gass. “At Bloomsburg, it was the forensic society where I found a group of people that I could trust and work with.” Gass notes that Arizona was the first state in the nation to reject the ban on same-sex marriage. “That made me look at the world in a different way and gave me the courage to say, yeah, I can apply. When the governor appointed me to the Superior Court, she knew that I was gay. Her staff knew I was gay, but it wasn’t in my application. When I applied for the Court of Appeals, I put it in my application. Ten years later, the world had changed enough that I thought it was an important aspect that needed to not be off to the side. I can look at students now and absolutely say; you can be a Supreme Court justice.” At BU, Gass also found a mentor in Anne Batory, who he had for a psychology course. “It was a class about learning how to be who we are and trust that other people can accept us and learning what to do when they come. It was an amazing class, and she was an amazing mentor. I keep in touch with her still, and I thank her regularly for inspiring me and While Gass is an advocate for LGBTQA+ issues, he’s most proud of his work behind the scenes to have the Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution observed in Arizona. Korematsu was a civil rights activist who objected to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. While the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the legality A two-time BU graduate, Gass earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing in 1984 and a master’s degree in communication in 1985. While at BU, Gass experienced firsthand the power and importance of caring mentors and the availability of spaces for self-discovery. « Gass knew, even as a child, that he wanted to pursue law as a career. “When I was in fifth grade, my teacher went around and said, what do you want to be when you grow up? I said I wanted to be president. And she said that’s cool. You can. You need to be a lawyer. I said, OK, ‘I’ll be a lawyer.’” Gass, center, as a student at BU, and as a judge in Arizona. of the internment order, Korematsu’s conviction for evading internment was overturned four decades later in U.S. District Court. Gass recalls meeting a young Japanese American college student who “looked at me and said, ‘I don’t know anything about this.” We’re in Arizona, where two of the largest internment camps were, and she had never even heard of it. Part of what we need to do is make sure that we don’t forget that we can make mistakes too, that we can do things that harm people.” His next mission? “Diversity on the bench,” says Gass. “I live in a state that has the largest number and acreage of reservations, but we have one Native American judge on a court of record for the entire state. That’s been my mission. I’ve talked to the folks in England about their legal mentorship program. It’s one judge at a time and one attorney at a time.” See sidebar on next page. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 In a legal career spanning more than 25 years, Gass has used this heartfelt experience to advocate against discrimination in all forms. giving me the confidence to believe in myself.” « As a gay teenager growing up in the late 1970s, Arizona Court of Appeals Vice Chief Judge David Gass ’84/’85M knows what it means to be an outsider in his community, school, and even home. 17 Using Your Voice to Mentor This spring, Judge David Gass ’84/’85M was the featured speaker for BU’s virtual Lavender Graduation, a ceremony held at many universities to honor and celebrate college seniors and graduate students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allies. He encouraged the graduating students to understand their own power as mentors. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 “I want you to think about making a difference, and I’m not talking about making a difference in changing the whole world. Sometimes it’s just a little change, but little changes add up, and every little change grows the next one and can ultimately change the world. I want you to be who you are. I want you to walk away from this knowing who you are is what matters. Be true to yourself. Be true when you are interacting with others, it will come through, and you have value in being yourself.” 18 “Think about that kid who’s sitting in your old high school, who is afraid of college, and may not be out — maybe having problems with their family. You’ve already done this; you’re graduating from college. So, recognize that you have a voice, and you have that power already in you.” & W hile fist bumps and masks replaced hugs and smiling faces, the BU Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremonies were perfect in so many ways. With comfortable temperatures, sunny skies, five ceremonies were held at Redman Stadium from May 14-16. A year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of in-person commencement, nearly 1,300 graduates and their families were again able to gather to celebrate the experience of hearing their graduate’s name called. “It is a joy that I can see you in person and not virtually,” said BU President Bashar Hanna. “Who would have known that the spring break of 2020 would have been such a pivotal moment in your education. But you made it! And just like Huskies do, your grit and determination kept you persevering and moving forward.” Hanna’s message also related how he and those who started four years ago grew together. “You will always have a special place in my heart, especially those who started as freshmen in the fall of 2017. We were essentially college freshmen together. I, a freshman president, and you, college freshmen.” As the graduates left Redman Stadium to rejoin their families, the joy of the day wiped away much of the stress of the last 15 months. Photos: Eric Foster, Nikki Keller, Stacey Newell, Jaime North. 19 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Making a Difference in Different Ways By Andrea O’Neill ’06 In a virtual ceremony this June, the Alumni Association honored five Huskies who used their grit, unique experiences, and successes to provide support and inspiration to others. realized I could ask for help,” says Abney. “I spent more time in the writing center and took advantage of faculty office hours. I learned to make decisions and be OK with them.” Dr. Kimberly Abney: William T. Derricott ’66 Volunteer of the Year Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Keeping the Light Shining 20 Dr. Kimberly Abney ’09 describes herself as a “reluctant student” when she came to BU. Today, she is a light for other “reluctant” students through mentorship and example, and has been named the Bloomsburg University Alumni Association’s 2021 William T. Derricott ’66 Volunteer of the Year. Anxious to explore new places after high school, Abney chose BU because the Act 101 program had the earliest start date. Like many first-generation students, Abney describes the beginning of her college career as rough. She needed time to learn time management skills and adjust to being on her own. But once she found her niche, Abney never looked back. “Once I got in the swing of things, I Discovering a sense of belonging at BU became a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. For Abney, the biggest victory wasn’t graduation but recognizing how hard work had paid off. She has made it her mission to foster that growth in others — not only in her career as a certified school counselor for the School District of Philadelphia and director of the Right Balance Counseling Center, but also through volunteering at BU and as working as the CEO and founder of We DREAM, a nonprofit organization that builds structured youth programs. served as a career coach and member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “BU will always be home base,” says Abney. “My classes taught me a lot, but it was really the people who became a stepping stone to who I am today. I was totally prepared, not just academically but mentally and socially. It’s one of the reasons I do so much.” Her mentorship program, Thank Goodness I’m Female (TGIF), which she began in 2016, has improved the graduation rates of female students of color who must overcome academic and personal issues while adjusting to college life. The program’s first students graduated in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “My purpose in life is to help the next person recognize their opportunities and create opportunities for others. I feel like I made it, and it’s only right that I help other people.” “To see that vision come to life and my mentees graduate has been so rewarding. We became a family, and they’re like my little sisters. They value my opinion and lean on me for support.” Charles Allen, a member of the We DREAM board of directors, says that Abney’s effect on her community is unparalleled. “She leaves an imprint that can’t be washed away,” says Allen. “Her work brings out the best in adults and kids, and her passion is phenomenal. She gives so much time and effort, and a lot of her work goes unnoticed.” The ripple effect extends back to BU through the financial support she provides with the Kimberly T. Abney Scholarship Fund. Since 2016, five Act 101 students have completed degrees with assistance from that scholarship. The rewards, she says, far outweigh what she gives. In 2020, Abney volunteered on campus as a career experience host, speaker, and workshop leader for Day of Dialogue, Husky Student Leadership Summit, the PASSHE GEAR UP program, and the Leadership Certificate program. She also “Scholarships are important; it’s another way to show up and be present for students. What you do may not seem like much, but it means the world to somebody else, and you’ve shown them there is a way. It’s all about keeping the light shining.” Moneghan began work on a master’s degree in exercise science during her senior year and achieved her goal of dual bachelor’s degrees in 2010. During that time, she became drawn to becoming a physician’s assistant and earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2014 before returning to BU to finish her master’s in exercise science the following year. Maroon & Gold Excellence Award A Love of Giving Back Although Kathleen Moneghan ’10/’15M calls earning five degrees a “long road,” in reality her journey only took a decade to complete. The Philadelphia native fell in love with the BU campus as soon as she visited. Originally an education major, Moneghan quickly switched to speech pathology before discovering a love of exercise and nutrition. Supported by faculty adviser Tom Martucci, Moneghan set out to earn dual B.S. degrees in speech pathology and exercise science in just four years. “Dr. Martucci was fantastic,” says Moneghan. “It was a lot of planning and grit and a lot of summer courses, but in the end, it taught me about time management, staying on track, and doing it on my own. It was a huge learning experience.” “It was a lot of fun for me,” says Moneghan. “I had built a skill set that helped me start my own business and get through physician’s assistant (PA) school.” “Our network had to tap into rural Maine, and I wanted to share their mission throughout the state,” says Moneghan. “Knowing that I’ve connected patients to resources and other patients and survivors is a great feeling.” Moneghan’s efforts do not stop there. She delivers food to cancer patients through the Christine B. Foundation and has served with the PA Foundation as a lead mentor and Nutrition Outreach Fellow, as well as a coach with the Diabetes Prevention Program. Her volunteer efforts have earned her a National Daily Point of Light Award. Yet, despite her success, Moneghan felt disconnected from her community, and returned to volunteering. Moneghan is now the associate medical director of remote telemedicine at ConvenientMD, an urgent care center serving Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and sits on the executive board of the Maine Association of Physician Assistants as treasurer and is part of the educational committee. This spring, Moneghan added a doctorate in health administration to her resume, which she hopes will amplify her ability to help other PAs achieve a work-life balance, reach their goals, and maintain a better sense of well-being. She chose the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which researched the experimental trial that saved her father’s life. She brings a message of help and hope to the residents of rural Maine, some of whom drive up to seven hours for treatment in Boston. Moneghan serves as a patient advocate and leader “Small achievements happen every day, but some of the harder ones are very impactful for me,” says Moneghan. “Sometimes, if you’re working a lot in less forgiving environments, you’re tired, but you know you’ve worked hard. Those moments stick with you because you made the most difference.” Moneghan has been a practicing physician’s assistant in Maine since 2015. She has served as an emergency medicine and surgical physician assistant, operating room manager, virtual urgent care associate medical director, and occupational health physician assistant, earning her a nomination for the Maine Physician’s Assistant of the Year Award. Professor Emeritus Anthony J. Sylvester: Honorary Alumnus Opening Hearts and Changing Minds Anthony Sylvester didn’t attend BU, but as a faculty member and community activist with a larger-than-life personality and commitment to diversity, civil rights, and world peace, he made an unalterable impact, earning him a posthumous Honorary Alumnus Award from the Bloomsburg University Alumni Association. Sylvester joined BU’s history department in 1965, following service in the Army and earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Rutgers University and a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. “Teaching for him was an active, rather than passive experience,” says Dr. Vera Vititz-Ward, his spouse and now retired BU art professor. “It wasn’t just about reading the books and memorizing dates. He would bring historical concepts and events to life. He wanted the students to realize they were a part of history.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Kathleen Moneghan: Moneghan spent time as a personal trainer in her own establishment while working her way through both programs. She credits BU for providing the tools and experiences necessary to achieve each milestone. of the Hero Squad, helping fundraising efforts and teaching elementary and middle school students about blood cancers. She is a committee member to help lead their BigClimb2021 national campaign. continued on next page 21 Rodriguez, “That moment opened doors to my purpose: to be a voice for the voiceless and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.” “The forefront of everything I do is to make sure they have a voice and feel included,” she says. “No student is going to stay on any campus if they don’t feel like they belong.” Madelyn Rodriguez: Distinguished Service Award A Voice for Students Madelyn Rodriguez ’95/’98M knew her calling was multicultural education from her days as a student when she lobbied to create the Multicultural Center on the BU campus in 1994. That experience helped Rodriguez find her voice and strength and cemented her commitment to helping others in multicultural education. The family atmosphere of BU allowed her to feel welcome, explore her calling, and drove her desire to return to campus. That feeling of belonging still drives her focus to help students on their climb. After graduation and a stint as a BU graduate assistant, she became an area coordinator at Lehigh University before returning to BU as a residence director before taking over the Multicultural Center in 2005. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 “When I was a student fighting to get the Multicultural Center open, I never imagined I would be the director,” says 22 He invited witnesses to relay their firsthand accounts of watershed moments, such as the siege of Leningrad during World War II. He established the International Education Exchange, which offered cultural trips both stateside and abroad, such as Russia and West Africa. “He asked questions. Rather than lecture, he challenged,” says former student Mike Caroll ’72, now the supervising attorney for Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. “He was pivotal in opening minds with his warmth and passion and the way he cared about the basic humanity of everybody he met.” Rodriguez, or “Ms. Maddy” as students refer to her, has been called the heart and pillar of the Black and brown student community, dedicated to creating opportunities to celebrate their culture and advocate for campus and town equity and inclusion. She has coordinated and advised many clubs and events, mentoring programs, conferences, and celebrations. She also provides Spanish translation services for families who need assistance. “I want people to know we care,” adds Rodriguez. “You don’t have to be a person of difference or a student of color to come to our space and our office. We are here for all Huskies.” For Terrell J. Garrett ’10, now senior director of OneGoal NYC, Rodriguez reinforced that he did indeed have a place on campus and guided him through the hard conversations that allowed him to learn about himself and follow his calling. “Maddy became a second mom to me,” says Garrett. “She not only held me accountable but pushed me to go beyond limits I had set for myself. I’m honored to attribute my pride and identity development to her mentorship.” As part of Martin Luther King Day celebrations, Rodriguez has brought “He was very serious in his commitment,” says Viditz-Ward. “He was very scholarly, and I’m not sure people realize that. Tony was very balanced and fair in his assessment of political and historical situations.” Sylvester was named co-chair of the BU Human Relations Committee in 1992 after a cross-burning incident on campus, and was appointed to serve on the diversity task force created by BU President Harry Ausprich. “There was nothing fake about him,” says professor emeritus Irving Wright, who served as co-chair on the committee. prominent speakers to campus such as Princeton professor and MSNBC contributor Dr. Eddie Glaude, former North Carolina state Rep. Bakari Sellers, and correspondent Soledad O’Brien as part of the CNN “Black in America” series. “The work is sometimes hard and even in celebration, there is often a sense of sadness and anger when the society we live in proves far from just,” says Rodriguez “But the more you know, the more you grow.” In 2016, Rodriguez was the recipient of the Shining Light Award and Student Organization Advisor of the Year. She recently received the Mid-Level Professional Award from the College Student Educator’s International Coalition for Women and is part of the Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence board of directors. Her work has also resulted in her selection as cochair for the President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and she helped to organize the student advisory board of the same name. Rodriguez also fosters cultural understanding off-campus as a member of the Coalition for Social Equity steering committee in town and has spearheaded the annual Bloomsburg Breast Cancer Walk for 18 years. In 2017 she organized a relief effort for Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. “For me, Bloomsburg was and is a place for me to be who I am and grow,” says Rodriguez. “If I’m not authentic, how can I ask someone else to be? How can I be a model alumnus if I don’t model inclusion every day? Sometimes that’s hard, but there is no other way. I’m lying otherwise.” “Tony was genuine, and people reciprocated. Tony was very passionate about creating a society and community in Bloomsburg that was fair for everyone and embraced diversity.” He served as an adviser to the Foreign Students, Third World Cultural Society, Black Cultural Society, Student Coalition, International Relations Club, and the Black History Month Committee, allowing him to reach students who were struggling the most, both academically and personally. Siegmann earned his degree in education from Bloomsburg, went on to get a master’s degree in science education from Western Connecticut State University in 1980, and a certificate in educational administration and leadership in 1996. Dennis Siegmann: Distinguished Service Award Helping Others Grow Dennis Siegmann ’68 spent more than 37 years in public education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Not bad for someone who didn’t see himself as college material. The son of a construction worker from Levittown, Pa., Siegmann was a state wrestling qualifier but had not considered college. He was encouraged to apply to Bloomsburg by his high school principal and wrestling coach, both of whom were alums. “I probably wouldn’t have gone if it had not been for them,” says Siegmann. “They called my parents in one day and explained that I had a good chance at a college career.” As a first-generation college student, Siegmann struggled to pay his way. In fact, at the end of his junior year, he wasn’t sure if he would make it back for his final year. His high school principal, Dr. Frank Frageli, wrote a check for his tuition and found him a job so he could repay the money. He landed a teaching position at Bristol (Conn.) Central High School and also served as the head wrestling coach. He led his team to two state championships and retired in 1999 with a record of 348109-12 to become the principal of the school. “In life, you can only hope to be a better person today than you were yesterday,” says Siegmann. “Life lessons are in learning how to earn success and accept defeat. The hard work that you have to do every day to be the best that you can be is one of the skills we hope they understand when they wrestle.” He later returned to coaching as an assistant at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Labette Community College in Kansas, helping each team win two national championships. Among many honors, he is a member of the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame, the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the New Jersey Township Sports Hall of Fame. Wrestling has been a tool to teach about life. “It’s such an individual and humbling sport that you learn competitiveness and an understanding of who you are,” says Siegmann. “There’s always somebody better than you out there somewhere. Following his retirement in 1992, Sylvester served as a part-time coordinator of the Act 101 program at BU. He was honored with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award in 1999 and inducted into the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society. “We would have students just leave school and go home for personal reasons. We wanted to intercede before that happened. The students respected him and responded very well. Many students found their way because of his support.” “He was very patient and studentcentered, and that is the key to helping students,” says Wright. “No matter where we went, former students would talk about the great experience they had in his classes, and that was a great tribute to him.” And he remained engaged in social demonstrations and political discourse with both the student and local communities long after he retired. He served on the Citizen Advisory Committee on Public Assistance and the Task Force on Racial Equity in We developed our programs with a family atmosphere with students who wanted to be themselves, as well as part of a team.” Siegmann was named Volunteer of the Year by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and earned an invitation from the National Wrestling Coaches Association to be a facilitator for its Scholastic CEO Leadership program. Siegmann has stayed in touch with his wrestling teammates and classmates and often returns to Bloomsburg for Homecoming and the John Devlin Golf Tournament football fundraiser. “It’s so important to keep those relationships going and maintain communication. I’ve always had good friends from back then that are still my closest friends.” Once career and family responsibilities began taking up less time, Siegmann became more involved with his alma mater. “The camaraderie you develop when you’re at a small college like Bloomsburg is amazing,” says Siegmann. “I have an opportunity now to rekindle what I had back in the day and help others foster that same kind of bond.” He has founded the Siegmann Family Wrestling Scholarship, which provides $1,000 each year to a student-athlete in wrestling. Siegmann also volunteered as a webinar panelist to help teacher applicants with resume advice, imparting his wisdom on the next generation of teachers and coaches, just like two fellow Huskies did for him in 1964. “Driving up that hill, it’s still a special place in my life. There are a lot of things to consider when you pick a college, and you have to find a place to fit. Bloomsburg fit for me.” Bloomsburg and frequently volunteered to facilitate dialogue to promote change. He actively participated in community groups like the Coalition for Social Equity until he became ill in 2020. He died in January, but those who knew Sylvester best are certain he would have been pleased to receive the Honorary Alumnus Award. “He came here in 1966 and made his life here,” says Viditz-Ward. “He would be proud and delighted, and I am too. It’s a great way to remember him.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 “I learned a lot about giving back from Dr. Frageli, and if it wasn’t for him, I might have dropped out,” says Siegmann. “It was my turning point.” 23 HUSKY NOTES 60s 80s Jarold Ackerman ’65 has published a second book of poems, “February 2,” with poems and photographs by the author, which is available as a paperback book or .pdf file at www.blurb.com/ b/10113558-february-2. Ackerman is also retired BU faculty member (1977-2003). Robert Striewig ’82 is a senior vice president in AIA, Alera Group’s property and casualty division. He specializes in managing and negotiating the domestic and international contract/commercial surety programs between clients and surety companies throughout the United States. He served as president of the Striewig Bonding Agency for over 30 years before joining AIA, Alera Group as one of the principals in 2017. He is a past president of the Mid-Atlantic Builder’s Exchange and is chairman of the Central Pennsylvania chapter of Construction Financial Management Associate’s annual scholarship event. 70s James Scalise ’72 celebrated 30 years of owning the Montclair Swim Club in Oakland, Calif. Scalise, who was a college swimmer and then a masters swimmer, bought the 90-year-old club in 1988 and developed it into a threepool facility with hot tub and fitness center. Allan Weikel ’76 and his wife, Theresa, were appointed missionaries with Trans World Radio (TWR) to serve at the West Africa Transmitting Station. TWR transmits Christian programming into hard-to-reach areas of the world. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 David Arnold ’78 has been named interim provost/vice president for academic affairs at Keystone College in La Plume, Pa., after having been a consultant with John N. Gardner Institute, Brevard, N.C. Arnold has served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at Salve Regina University; president, chancellor, and president emeritus of Eureka College; vice president for academic and student affairs at Missouri Western State; and provost and dean of the college at St. John Fisher College. Arnold earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from BU, master’s and doctoral degrees in social psychology from the University of New Hampshire, and has completed post-doctoral work at Harvard University. 24 Richard Cordaro ’78 has written a book, “The Essential Guide to Selling Your Home: How to Sell Your Home for the Most Amount of Money in the Shortest Amount of Time!” A real estate agent since 2003, Cordaro is a professor of business at Harrisburg Area Community College, where he also teaches real estate courses. Michael Glovas ’86 was named to the 2021 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List. The list spotlights more than 5,000 financial advisors, nominated by their firms, who are then researched, interviewed and assigned a ranking by SHOOK Research. Those on the list manage more than $6 trillion in client assets. Carlos Navarro ’87 has been named vice president, OTC Sales and Marketing, for Aphena Pharma Solutions, Inc. Navarro is a Gulf War veteran, having served as a military intelligence officer for the U.S. Army and achieving the rank of captain. In addition, he serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Randall Black ’89, CEO and president of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. and First Citizens Community Bank, was recently named as a class A director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Black will help the board oversee the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank’s operations, offer observations on economic conditions, and establish the bank’s discount rate. Additionally, the directors are a link between the Federal Reserve and the Communities in the Third District, which includes eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia supervises state member banks, bank holding companies, and savings and loan holding companies, and provides financial services to depository institutions and the federal government. Daniel Dimm ’89 was named vice president of sales for the Eclipse Corporation. A native of Shamokin, Dimm earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and served in the U.S. Army. 90s U.S. Army Major Gen. Michael Morrissey ’90 was promoted in March in a ceremony in Huntsville, Ala. Morrissey enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1986. Upon completion of the Army ROTC program and graduation from BU, he received a Regular Army commission as an Air Defense Officer. His first assignment was platoon leader in Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Across more than 30 years of service, he served in 10 countries. As commander of the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, he deployed the brigade headquarters in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, leading the forward air and missile defense mission across Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Morrissey also served as a Congressional Fellow on the staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee Chair, on the Army Staff, and with the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Before joining the MDA, Morrissey was the commanding General of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Honolulu, Hawaii, commanding all Army air and missile defense organizations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its sub-unified commands. HUSKY NOTES Alan Eck ’91 has been named to an NFL officiating crew for the 2021 season. Eck, now in his sixth year as an NFL official, has previously worked for the Big 12 conference and the CFL. A former quarterback for the Huskies, he still holds the school record for most pass completions in a season with 194. Louis Defonteny ’92 accepted a position as director of pupil services at Palisades School District in Kintnersville. He previously served as director of special education and pupil services at Bristol Township School District, where he had a 27-year career. Tanya Lehmann Koval ’93 was selected to serve on the Robbinsville Board of Education. Lehmann currently teaches eighth grade language arts at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School. She is an active volunteer with the PTA and a past president of the Robbinsville MOMS Club. She earned her bachelor’s degree from BU and a master’s from Rutgers University. Dawn Patterson ’93 was recently named Counselor of the Year by the Burlington County, New Jersey, School Counselors Association. Patterson has been a counselor in the Bordentown Regional School District for the past 20 years. In addition to her counseling role at BRMS, Patterson is in her second year serving on the Burlington County School Counselors Association’s executive board as the co-chair for elementary, middle and high school professional development meetings. At BRMS, Patterson is the adviser for the school’s IMPACT Club, a community service organization. Vince Aukamp ’95 was promoted to director of IT at Cargas. Aukamp arrived at Cargas in 2017 with a background in both software and finance. After earning a degree in finance from BU, Aukamp spent 15 years managing the financial and operational systems of a large financial services company and five years managing implementations of financial software. Linda Maldonado Gallagher ’95 was named vice president, biologics chemistry and manufacturing controls at Codagenix. Maldonado has more than 25 years of experience in biologics manufacturing from early clinical phase to commercial operations, spanning development to commercial launch for vaccine, antibody, and gene therapy processes and products. Prior to joining Codagenix, she served as senior director of GMP Manufacturing, Downstream and Fill Finish for Catalent Cell and Gene Therapy, where she led early-phase production for a wide variety of biologics. Before Catalent, she held positions of increasing responsibility at vaccine and therapeutic manufacturers including PharmAthene, Human Genome Sciences, Baxter Bioscience, Progenics, and Sanofi Pasteur. Maldonado earned a B.S. in biology from BU and an M.S. in biology from East Stroudsburg University. Brian C. Urbas ’95 has been named vice president, commercial lending officer, at The Dime Bank. Urbas has 20 years of progressive banking and lending experience working at financial institutions serving Wayne, Susquehanna, and Lackawanna counties. Residing in the Forest City area with his wife Lora and three children, Urbas is a basketball and baseball coach for the Forest City Regional Schools and a baseball coach in the Carbondale Teener League. Zhenia Klevitsky Menendez ’98 has been named chief growth officer for Sev1 Tech. She recently served as vice president, business development for ASRC Federal’s civilian, health, and national security $400 million operating group. Klevitsky is a Washington Homeland Security Roundtable steering committee member and has spoken at multiple Reverse Industry Days, including the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, and the Department of Defense. Sev1Tech provides IT modernization, cybersecurity, cloud, engineering, fielding, training, and program support services for U.S. government agencies and major commercial organizations. 00s Kristin Austin ’02 has been named the first director of I.D.E.As. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) for Rewriting the Code, Inc. Rewriting the Code is a national not-for-profit organization that retains undergraduate women in technology majors at more than 700 universities with a goal of increasing the representation of women in the technology industry. She also recently authored a book chapter in College Ready 2021, a comprehensive guide to first-year college transition. Daniel Boote ’06 was named assistant vice president, commercial officer/ small business lender at FNCB Bank. He has more than 10 years of experience in banking and most recently held the position of assistant vice president, Branch Manager with Community Bank N.A. He is a member of the board of directors for the Freeland YMCA, Northeast Counseling Services, White Haven Chamber of Commerce and Shots for Tots Foundation. He has a bachelor’s in political science. Lethan Candlish ’07 has written a book, “Who Am I Now?: Using Storytelling to Accept and Appreciate Self-Identity After Traumatic Brain Injury.” Candlish suffered a traumatic brain injury in a 1999 automobile accident. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 90s 25 HUSKY NOTES 00s Joseph Kleiner ’07/’08M was named regional vice president for the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada by JLG Industries, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms and telehandlers. In his new role, Kleiner’s primary focus will lead JLG’s sales and service growth within the region. Before taking on this new role, Kleiner was a district sales manager in the Western Region and in the Midwest Region. Kleiner has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from BU. Lamar Oglesby ’07 was promoted to executive director of research financial services at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Oglesby began his employee at Rutgers in March 2018. 10s Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Dominic Picerno ’10, a Pennsylvania state trooper, received the Top Gun Award for his “ongoing commitment to highway safety in the removal of impaired drivers from the roadway.” Picerno, who is stationed at the Stonington barracks, has recorded 70 DUI arrests in the past year. This is the third time he has won the award. 26 Karly Sarvis Disalvo ’11 was named the health services administrator at Landis Homes in Lititz. She is responsible for the coordination and delivery of programs and services for residents in the health care and personal care households. She previously worked as associate executive director at Watermark Retirement Communities of Philadelphia. She also provides direction for assessment coordinators, medical records, life enrichment, and therapeutic services. She is licensed for personal care administration and as a nursing home administrator. Disalvo received her undergraduate social work degree from BU and her Master of Social Work from Temple University. Nicolette Grasley-Boy ’11 finished her doctorate in special education at the University of Florida and is a postdoctoral researcher at the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project in Kansas City, Kansas, part of the University of Kansas. Nicholas DeLuca ’12 earned a Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration degree from Chadron State College in December 2020. He is working as a business teacher at Brick Township Memorial High School in Brick, N.J., where he advises the Rotary Interact Club and BMHS High School Yearbook Club. Kathryn Howe Berger ’13 was named the Exemplary Professional Practice Nurse of the Year and the Nurse Excellence Recipient for Nurses’ Week 2021 by the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Erik Pedersen ’13 founded an independent publishing house and print shop called Drum Machine Editions in 2018, which has since been featured at a handful of international art book fairs in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Norway, and the Printed Matter Virtual Art Book Fair held in February. Having earned bachelor’s degrees in both studio art and creative writing at BU, Pedersen is working as a graphic designer at Moog Music in Asheville, N.C. Derrick Backer ’14 was named Sunbury city administrator. Backer formerly worked as a deputy political director in Harrisburg and executive director of Sunbury’s Revitalization, Inc. Jackie Eddy ’14 was named director of communications for the Patriot League. Previously, Eddy worked for the Big South Conference; Newberry (S.C.) College, and Greensboro (N.C.) College. Eddy worked in the BU sports information office as a student assistant and intern. Megan Muthler Young ’15 was named assistant retail advertising sales manager for the Lock Haven Express. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing at BU. Shelby Coleman ’16 has been awarded a Society of Toxicology Regulatory and Safety Evaluation Specialty Section Graduate Student Excellence Award. A chemistry with biochemistry option major at BU, Coleman is a Ph.D. candidate in the environmental chemistry program at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Her research focuses on the identification and characterization of air pollutants in the Syracuse, N.Y., area. John ‘Jack’ Fritz ’16 was named the show producer for the Jon Marks and Ike Reese Show at 94 WIP radio in Philadelphia. Alexandra (Alex) Booth ’14 has been named a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) manager at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. In December of 2020, she was nominated by the chief nursing officer of the hospital to apply for the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Manager Fellowship. In February 2021, Booth was recognized with the Legacy Maker Award for her leadership and dedication to the patients and staff at the hospital. Gabriella Loielo ’16 was promoted to assistant program director of WFRE-FM in Frederick, Md., while continuing to be the on-air midday host at the station. Loielo began her radio career as an intern for 98.5 WKRZ in Wilkes-Barre. Following a brief stint in middays with WFRB in Cumberland, Md., she joined WFRE as midday host in August of 2017. Steven Beattie ’18M has been named Lewisburg Borough’s community development and grant manager. Beattie was previously employed with engineering design groups, including HRG and Larson Design Group, where he developed expertise in municipal projects. Beattie holds a license in landscape architecture, a high degree of certification in emergency management, and has long served as Lewisburg’s emergency management coordinator. Elizabeth Shampanore ’18 is a police officer in the Selinsgrove Borough Police Department. HUSKY NOTES Marriages Obituaries Kerry Hoffman, ’70 Cole Kresch ’16 and Kassy (Beckage) Kresch, Aug. 20, 2020 Gertrude Makowski Grabowski, ’43 Robert Hochlander, ’71 Mildred Dzuris, ’45 Todd Baney, ’72 Tyler Morgan ’16 and Megan (Johnson) Morgan, Sept. 26, 2020 Donald Houck, ’49 David Billet, ’72 Leon Messner, ’49 Jack Davenport, ’72 Stephanie (Thompson Ellison) Litz ’98 and Gary Litz, Jan. 2, 2020 Martha Stiner Bartleson, ’53 Gary June, ’72 Claude Renninger, ’53 John Michaels, ’72 Stephanie (Weicker) Caldwell ’15 and Frederick Caldwell IV ’15, Sept. 25, 2020 Joan Kelshaw Palermo, ’54 Ronald Meleski, ’73 Jacqueline McCauley, ’55 Charles Mitke, ’73 Juliana (Brown) Rhoades ’17 and Ryan Rhoades ’16, Sept. 26, 2020 Victor Michael, ’57 Deborah Orbik Moore, ’73 Eunice Miller Boden, ’58 Thomas Samide, ’74 Olivia (Olver) O’Brien ’17 and Brendan O’Brien, Oct. 17, 2020 Mary Lontz, ’58 Julie Linda Griffin Sejpal, ’74 Charles Loughery, ’58 Susanne Radice, ’75 Joseph Malt, ’58 Barbara Jean Bean Samide, ’75 John Saraka, ’58 David Scull Conrad, ’76 Gary Fisher, ’59 John Comarnisky, ’76 Edgar Morgan, ’59 Jessica Greco Gaston, ’76 Rolland Quick, ’59 Kathleen Ux Wertz, ’78 Jennifer (Diehl) Linder ’11 and Eric Linder ’10, a daughter, Madison Louise, on Nov. 19, 2020 Joan Schuyler Fischer, ’60 Susan Bower St. Clair, ’80 John Laubach, ’60 David Corley, ’80 Neil Beisher, ’61 Phoebe Inch, ’80 Stephanie (O’Leary) Searles ’13 and Anthony Searles ’12, a son, Andrew, on Feb. 10, 2021 Lloyd Livingston, ’62 Randall Lutz, ’80 Edward Lockman, ’62 Stacy Morane, ’82 Jason Oldenbuttel ’16 and Leslie Hess, a son, John, on Feb. 25, 2021 Leonard Ludinsky, ’62 Annette Shalongo, ’83 Melvin Montanye, ’62 Terry Miller, ’87 Ronald Startzel, ’62 Donald Motel, ’87 Richard Wendel, ’62 Mary Fisher Baugher, ’89 John Owens, ’64 Paula Headen, ’90 Marie Smolen Solensky, ’64 Joann Barletta Reed, ’90 Makayla (Waltman) Snyder ’17 and Keegan Snyder, a son, Malcolm, on March 12, 2021 Gary Cox, ’65 Keith Bailey, ’94 Donna Bogard Gulluni, ’65 Jeanne Marie Dunkle, ’93 Edward Taylor, ’65 Susan Mitchell Blazer, ’96 Montana (Brown) Jandrasitz ’06 and Colin Jandrasitz, a son, Kallum, on March 28, 2021 Phyllis Artz, ’66 Valerie Mills Moyer, ’97 Andrew Kosvitch, ’66 Joanne Pasterski, ’97 Thomas Evans, ’66 Mark Reich, ’97 Raymond Conrad, ’67 Martha Phillips Ermisch Stroble, ’97 Jay Keller, ’67 Michael Cioffi, ’01 Chloe (Stine) Harris ’16, and Matthew Harris ’16, a son, Owen, on April 21, 2021 Terry Sharrow, ’67 Cameron Hibshman, ’02 Anthony Tezik, ’67 Kimberly Schappell, ’08 Jimmy Rupert, ’68 Mark Sarisky, ’17 Bryan Snyder ’14 and Tamara Snyder Bradley, a son, Cameron on May 11, 2021 Elwood Stetler, ’68 Uriah Derstine, ’18 James Steber, ’69 Morgan Purcell, ’19 Nicolette Grasley-Boy ’11 and Jacob Boy ’11, a daughter, Jeanne Boy, on March 17, 2019 Ashley (Kilmer) Funk ’09 and Brandon Funk, a daughter, Madelyn, on March 6, 2021 Kyle Connaghan ’16 and Emily Rae Connaghan, a daughter, Molly, on April 7, 2021 Send information to: magazine@bloomu.edu Bloomsburg: The University Magazine Arts and Administration Building | 400 E. Second Street | Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Births Naomi Young Molnar, ’70 27 sports VIEW FROM THE TOP Baseball Makes Run To Second Straight Conference Title By Dave Leisering W Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 inning a post-season baseball game on the road is never easy, no matter the level of the game. The BU baseball team won five road games on its way to its second straight PSAC title, with a new hero seemingly stepping up each day to lead the team. 28 The Huskies were underdogs going into the COVID-19 altered tournament, battling through multiple injuries throughout the year. But the determination of the veteran-laden Huskies – and the addition of significant contributions from younger players – made all the difference. The Huskies went 18-14 during the regular season and entered the tournament as the third seed from the Eastern Division. BU’s reward was a single-elimination quarterfinal game at second-seeded West Chester. But, behind the right arm of redshirt sophomore Jared Marshman, who took a shutout into the ninth, the Huskies earned a 5-2 win and were the lone road team to advance. The momentum carried into the semifinal round as BU upset top-seeded Millersville, two games to one, in a bestof-three series to advance to the finals. The Huskies won game one, 7-6 in 10 innings, as graduate student Cole Swiger ’20 brought home the eventual gamewinning run in the top of the 10th inning with an RBI single. After the Marauders evened the series, the Huskies turned to freshman Michael Standen who delivered, limiting Millersville to four hits while striking out 10 in a complete-game shutout. Senior Gianni Sinatore provided the offense with a career-high five RBI in the Huskies’ 13-0 victory. In the PSAC finals, Bloomsburg faced Seton Hill, ranked sixth in the country, with just four losses and a 22-0 home record. After a 7-5 loss in game one, the Men’s Swimming Wins First Conference Title It was 62 years in the making, but the men’s swimming team can now be called Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champions. Behind a historic performance from sophomore Andy Thomas, the Huskies captured their first conference crown in the two-day championship meet. Bloomsburg finished with 945 team points – nearly 400 points ahead of second-place Shippensburg. Huskies again turned to Standen, who threw a complete-game, 11 strikeout gem as BU won 9-2. Anthony Viggiano drove in a career-high six runs in the game two win and hit his first career grand slam. Marshman provided the tournament clincher with BU’s second consecutive complete-game performance on the mound. The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits with a career-high nine strikeouts in the 6-2 game-three win. Bloomsburg hit five home runs in game three, including two from redshirt junior Ben Newbert. Standen went on to be named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Bloomsburg won four of its five games when facing elimination during the tournament and claimed its fifth championship crown in the program’s history. Of the 19 events held over the two days, BU had the winning time in 10 races, which included five victories in five relay events – also the first time in program history that had been accomplished. Thomas joined former Huskies’ great Sam Feiser ’18 to win seven titles in seven events at the conference championship. The sophomore, who also joined Feiser as the only swimmers in program history to be named PSAC Athlete of the Year, won four individual titles – the 50-yard freestyle, the 100-yard freestyle, the 200-yard freestyle, and the 100-yard breaststroke – and was a part of three relay-winning foursomes – the 200-yard medley relay, the 800-yard freestyle relay, and the 400-yard freestyle relay. He broke two meet records and one conference record in the process. The Huskies had nine swimmers earn a total of 33 All-Conference accolades. The top three finishers in each event at the conference championship are recognized as All-PSAC performers. Before this year, head coach Stu Marvin ’78 had guided the Huskies to seven second-place finishes in eight years. The program’s first-ever conference title comes in Marvin’s 13th season as the head coach of the Huskies. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Photo: Dave Leisering 29 sports VIEW FROM THE TOP Softball Raises $3,700 for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 The softball team joined forces with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Vs. Cancer program to fight childhood cancer – the deadliest disease affecting children in the United States. 30 Thanks to the generous support of athletic corporate partner PSECU, as well as numerous friends, family, alums, and fans, the Huskies raised $3,707 this season, with the money donated going to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del. Among teams across the country participating in this year’s campaign, the Huskies’ softball program had the third-highest total of money raised to fight pediatric cancer. The foundation’s Vs. Cancer program helps fund child life programs in local hospitals, provides financial assistance for families experiencing a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis, and supports research to cure pediatric brain tumors. Wrestling Enjoys Academic Success Redshirt sophomore Josh Mason of the wrestling team was named a Division I Scholar All-American as announced by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). A total of 191 individuals were recognized. As a team, the Huskies finished eighth in the country with a team GPA of 3.4524 and were an NWCA Top 30 Scholar AllAmerican team. On the mat, Mason took seventh at the 2021 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships in the 141-pound bracket. It was Mason’s second consecutive topeight finish at the conference tournament as he placed sixth at the 2020 MAC Championships. In the classroom, Mason boasts a 3.86 grade point average while majoring in finance. He was one of eight BU grapplers named to the MAC All-Academic team, which aided the team GPA accolade. Joining Mason on the squad were graduate student Willy Girard, senior Jarrett Walters, junior Alex Carida, redshirt sophomore Vincenzo Miceli, sophomore Christian Gannone, and redshirt freshmen Bronson Garber and Bruno Stolfi. Mason’s selection as an NWCA Division I Scholar All-American makes it four straight years that BU has had at least one representative on the list. THEN & NOW celebrating our Husky history celebrating at Bloomsburg ART By Robert Dunkelberger W hile the new Arts and Administration building brings visual arts programs to the very forefront of the campus, throughout BU’s history notable art professors have left their mark both on campus and the larger art world. A colorful character, Keller eventually become most prominently known for his hobby of wild animal training. But for nearly three decades he was the face of art at Bloomsburg. His primary assignment was to train students to teach art, with a focus on practical art that was both beautiful and served a purpose. « Walter Simon’s 1947 painting of his home in Greenwich Village, now in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Keller also raised Huskies and provided BU’s first Husky mascot. He taught fulltime until the mid-1940s, when he began taking time off to tour the country with his animal act. He resigned in 1952 and was named the first art faculty emeritus. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Art has been taught at Bloomsburg since Carver Hall opened in 1867. For those first 50 years a single faculty member taught drawing and painting. In 1921 two instructors were hired for the first time, one of them town native George Keller. 31 celebrating our Husky history THEN & NOW 1 3 1. A formal portrait of Walter Simon. 2. Department chair Percival R. Roberts with a student in 1981. 2 3. The art studio in Old Science Hall in 1921. Growing enrollment into the 1960s at then Bloomsburg State College led to an expansion in art faculty and courses. After nearly 40 years with two faculty, the number grew to four and by 1965, the number of courses had greatly expanded. Drawing and painting were reintroduced, while sculpture and later ceramics were added in 1967. During this time, three faculty members were hired who greatly contributed to the growth of the program and the expansion of art at the college. The first new hire was painter Ken Wilson, who arrived in 1963. He encouraged and challenged his students and, over time would display his work at numerous exhibitions. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 Known for his landscape watercolors, over summers in the 1970s Wilson took groups to Moosehead Lake, Maine, where they were inspired by the beauty of the nature around them. He taught for 33 years, the last seven as chair of the department, before retiring in 1996. 32 A poet as well as an artist, Percival R. Roberts III, came to BU in 1968 and served as department chair during his entire 15-year tenure. As fellow art faculty member Robert Koslosky commented, “Dr. Roberts was the most outstanding art educator I’ve met in my own 25 years in education. He took an art department that at one time was rather minimal and made it into one of the prestige departments on campus.” Roberts’ artistic talents were wide-ranging. In addition to being a practicing artist, an author of numerous articles on aesthetics and art education, he was also an accomplished poet. He published seven books of poetry, and before coming to Bloomsburg, served as the ninth poet laureate for the state of Delaware. While Roberts passed away in 1984 at 48, his legacy lives on through a sculpture garden, located primarily in the Academic Quad in front of Andruss Library and dedicated in his memory in 1989. The art department could not have continued to expand if not for the talented faculty members attracted to Bloomsburg, one of whom, Walter Augustus Simon, was hired in 1971. An outstanding artist, painter, and art history teacher, he made a great impact on the college in just the brief time he was here. Simon was, as Percival Roberts stated in an article in the December 1983 Alumni Quarterly, “a very special kind of person: intelligent, warm, outgoing, compassionate, and a sensitive artist and scholar.” An African American, he was an important role model for minority students and did all he could to integrate them into many aspects of college life. In addition to teaching, he was the first director of the Educational Opportunity Program, now the Department of Academic Enrichment, established to help provide students of all backgrounds with additional academic support. Simon retired in 1977, and in 1983, four years after his death, the Council of Trustees honored the outstanding artist and educator by naming the art department’s ceramics and sculpture studio (located behind Columbia Residence Hall) as Simon Hall. These faculty members laid a rich foundation for the art program, and with windowed studios and space for exhibitions on the ground floor, the newest facility on campus has made it easier than ever to celebrate art at Bloomsburg. Today, the Department of Art and Art History boasts faculty specialists in art history, drawing, fabric design, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. SHOW OFF YOUR in the soft colors of summer or Maroon and Gold. 400 E. Second Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815 General Information: 570-389-4175 Customer Service: 570-389-4180 bustore@bloomu.edu bloomustore.com Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Summer 2021 shop in-person or online TM 33 1011050113 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Arts and Administration Building Bloomsburg University 400 E. Second St. Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 TAKE YOUR GRADUATE CAREER STUDIES TO NEW HEIGHTS • • • • Considering grad school? Consider coming home to Bloomsburg! Designed to fit your budget and busy life, our affordable, flexible graduate programs are offered online, in-person, or hybrid. Continue your climb at BU. Your onward & upward awaits! • • • • • • • • • • • • • Accountancy (MAcc) Audiology (Au.D.) Biology (MS) Business Administration (MBA) NEW Concentrations: General; Accounting; Analytics; Healthcare Management; Marketing Business Education (M.Ed.) Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.) Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.) Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) Concentrations: College Student Affairs; PK-12 Principal Certification; PK-12 Supervisory Curriculum and Instruction Certification; PK-12 Counseling Certification Exercise Science (MS) Information Technology (MS) Instructional Design and Technology (MS) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Concentrations: Post-Masters DNP; Nurse Anesthesia BSN-DNP Nursing (MSN) Concentrations: Nurse Practitioner (Adult Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner); MSN-MBA; Public Health Nursing Reading (M.Ed.) Social Work (MSW) - NEW! Speech-Language Pathology (MS) Special Education (M.Ed./MS) bloomu.edu/gradschool Photo: Marty Coyne A NOTE TO PARENTS WANT TO UNSUBSCRIBE? RECEIVING DUPLICATE COPIES? If this issue of Bloomsburg: The University Magazine is addressed to a daughter or son who has established a separate residence, please notify us of that new address by sending an email to: magazine@bloomu.edu If you no longer wish to receive the print edition of the magazine, please notify us by sending an email to: magazine@bloomu.edu If you are receiving more than one copy of Bloomsburg: The University Magazine, please forward the mailing label panel from each issue you receive to: Bloomsburg: The University Magazine Arts and Administration Building 400 E. Second Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 FA LL 20 21 THE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE Hard work is the cornerstone to Dan Klingerman’s success in business. Giving back is a key to his success in life. Page 14 ALSO INSIDE The Evolution of Support The Jacques Weber Foundation offers helps students with a passion for the environment. Page 12 A Champion for Student Community New Alumni Association Board President Felicia Ellzy ’10/’12M understands the importance of students finding community. bloomu.edu Page 18 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Building Big and Giving Back 1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear BU Family, This is always a glorious time of year in Bloomsburg, but it seems especially so after the unusual year we’ve all had with the continuing presence of the COVID-19 virus. Despite the pandemic, I am thrilled to report that we have had an active, engaged, and lively campus this entire semester. Our students are happy to be back, enjoying in-person all the typical BU experiences this fall. The foliage is beginning to turn as we prepare to welcome our Husky alumni back for in-person Homecoming festivities. I am beyond proud of our students; they have been following all the necessary health and safety precautions related to the virus this semester and they continue to do what is needed to protect themselves and their fellow Huskies. My sincere thanks to them and all my colleagues – our faculty and staff – for all that they are doing to keep our campus and community safe. President Bashar Hanna This Fall 2021 issue of the magazine highlights the successes of our students, our faculty, and our alumni. Our cover story features proud BU alumnus and current member of our Council of Trustees Dan Klingerman ‘87, who learned the value of hard work from an early age, took his zeal for business, and turned it into a successful company that is making a positive impact in our communities every day. You’ll enjoy reading about his journey and his passion for giving back to the greater central Pennsylvania region. We also have an update on the ongoing planning and implementation of the integration between BU, Lock Haven, and Mansfield. Much progress has been made in bringing these three schools together before and since the Board of Governors unanimously voted in July 2021 to integrate the three institutions. The official effective date for the integration is July 1, 2022, but much work remains ahead of us over the coming months as we continue to work and grow together in planning for this important milestone. In this issue, we also introduce you to one of our newest colleagues, Mr. Albert Jones, our Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Albert serves in this role at all three institutions (BU, Lock Haven, and Mansfield), and he will continue in the same capacity within the integrated university. We look forward to his vision and leadership in this critical role as he partners with senior administrators and students on our campuses, Vice Chancellor Denice Pearson, and his counterparts across the State System. We are always proud to highlight the successes of our best and brightest students serving as campus leaders, and in reading this issue I hope you will see why their success drives us. Indeed, our students and their success is our mission and our priority above all else. Finally, I want to thank you – our alumni, parents, and friends – for your continued support of our students through your generous gifts. Now more than ever, many of our students are in need of financial support to continue their BU journeys and create their own success stories – and they can only do so with your support. Thank you for your generosity in helping the next pack of Huskies! I look forward to seeing you on campus this fall and throughout the year. GO HUSKIES! Sincerely, Bashar W. Hanna, President Back to Husky Life! A rallying call at the end of every summer was made extra special this year with the return of a full in-person campus experience. Old traditions were renewed as athletes took to the field for sports and the campus was full of the bustle and energy of students attending classes in person. New traditions were established as returning students created a tunnel of maroon and gold to welcome new students to campus. Photos: Jaime North and Eric Foster Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 More sports photos and stories are on Page 24. 1 Fall 2021 5 10 12 14 18 26 Contents 3 COMMON GROUND 18 A CHAMPION FOR STUDENT COMMUNITY 10 FACULTY COLLABORATE ON RESEARCH 19 HUSKY NOTES 12 THE EVOLUTION OF SUPPORT 24 ATHLETICS: A VIEW FROM THE TOP 14 BUILDING BIG AND GIVING BACK 26 THEN AND NOW: REMEMBERING 9/11 Connect with us Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 bloomu.edu 2 Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Board of Governors Cynthia D. Shapira, Chair David M. Maser, Vice Chair Samuel H. Smith, Vice Chair Robert W. Bogle Representative Tim Briggs Tanya I. Garcia, Designee for Secretary of Education Noe Ortega William “Bill” Gindlesperger Allison Jones, Designee for Governor Tom Wolf Senator Scott Martin Marian D. Moskowitz Secretary of Education Noe Ortega Representative Brad Roae Alexander C. Roberts Senator Judith L. Schwank Zakariya Scott Larry C. Skinner Stephen L. Washington, Jr. Neil R. Weaver Governor Tom Wolf Janet L. Yeomans Chancellor, State System of Higher Education Daniel Greenstein Bloomsburg University Council of Trustees Judge Mary Jane Bowes, Chair Nancy Vasta, Vice Chair Dr. Brian O’Donnell, Secretary Amy Brayford Edward Edwards Duane Greenly Daniel Klingerman John E. Wetzel Raymond Zaborney Julia Burcin, Student Trustee President, Bloomsburg University Bashar W. Hanna Executive Editor Jennifer Umberger Co-Editors Eric Foster Tom McGuire Designer Kerry Lord Bloomsburg: The University Magazine is published three times a year for alumni, students’ families, and friends of the university Back issues may be found at issuu.com/buhuskies. Address comments and questions to: Bloomsburg: The University Magazine Arts and Administration Building 400 East Second Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 Sports Information Mary Raskob Email address: magazine@bloomu.edu Contributing Writers Thomas Schaeffer ’02 Andrea O’Neill ’06 Bloomsburg University is an AA/EEO institution and is accessible to disabled persons. Bloomsburg University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran status in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. Cover Photo Eric Foster Visit Bloomsburg University on the web at bloomu.edu. © Bloomsburg University 2021 Students from the Department of Environmental, Geographical, Geological Sciences practice soil judging on upper campus. Integration may make a collaborative minor in soil science available to students. Photo: Jaime North Integration Update Work continues on plans to leverage the “power of three” to increase access to exemplary academic programs and social mobility for students at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield universities. NCAA Update The NCAA is aware of the unanimous vote by the Pennsylvania State System Board of Governors to proceed with the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield. The NCAA has indicated that it will act following a Middle States decision, expected in Spring 2022. Given state and federal alignment required for athletics, this is not a surprise. We are continuing along the path laid out from the beginning – that we will retain athletics on the three campuses that currently host them. Our athletics programs are a vital aspect of campus and student life, contributing to much of what we love most about our At Bloomsburg University, our priority is to honor our history and legacy to connect fellow Huskies and provide support for today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. Foundations and alumni associations will remain independent and continue to keep classmates connected with their alma mater. Donors would continue to be able to designate funds in support of students on their campus or program of choice, as they do today. universities. For current student-athletes – we are operating as we would in any other year. For those currently being recruited, this path would allow us to retain our existing sports teams on each campus. NE Naming Research As we continue our process of determining the Northeast integrated university’s name for Middle States and other accreditation purposes, we will conduct more research this fall, and then determine our next steps. As we have stated previously, our names, colors, mascots, and other brand elements will not change. We want to ensure that we strategically align our resources in the Northeast to maintain the strength of our brands and in ways that champion our students and their success. Future Big-Picture Opportunities For high school students – Expansion of dual enrollment will be part of a broad portfolio of programs to engage with our institutions. This includes opportunities to earn an associate’s degree, especially in some pre-health care tracks of interest. In-person and hybrid modalities will be kept in mind for flexible offerings. You can learn more about the integration plans by visiting www.bloomu.edu/integration. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 In July, the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education approved the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities. Each university will retain the unique traits specific to its campus and community while coming together to become something bigger and stronger. 3 Academic Updates Below are the proposed names of the five colleges and academic departments housed within. In addition to expanded academic program offerings at each campus, we’re excited to share some of the developing examples of new academic opportunities that will become available through integration. ZEIGLER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Accounting Finance, Insurance, Risk Management, and Economics Instructional Technology, Technical Leadership, and Information and Technology Management Allied Health Communication Sciences and Disorders Exercise Science Nursing – Graduate COLLEGE OF ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCES, AND HUMANITIES (Proposed) Anthropology, Criminal Justice, and Sociology Communication Studies English Nursing – Undergraduate History, Political Science, and Philosophy Marketing and Sales Physician Assistant Languages and Cultures COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (Proposed) Counseling, Student Affairs, and Education Administration Early Childhood Education Middle Level, Secondary, and K-12 Education Social Work Exceptionality Programs: ASL and English Interpreting, Special Education Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 (Proposed) Management Plans exist to expand professional development, Business Idea Competition, and more through the AACSB-accredited business program at BU. 4 COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS Broader opportunities for studentteaching (including residential housing opportunities) are forthcoming, including plans to closely align with districts and employment opportunities they can offer to our graduating seniors. There are plans to offer expanded clinical settings or clinical rotation opportunities. We’ll also expand on new BU partnerships with Temple and Farleigh Dickinson universities and their respective Schools of Pharmacy – these partner institutions are excited to expand their reach into Central PA through LHU/MU. COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Biology Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics Mathematics, Computer Science, and Digital Forensics Environmental, Geographical, and Geologic Sciences Scientist in Residence and enhanced field study opportunities align with faculty expertise and research. Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Science field camp could explore differences in our respective locations, and a new soils minor may be offered through BU/LHU soils expertise/partnership. Or learn more about collaborative Tree Swallow research with BU/MU faculty on page 10. Media and Journalism Music, Theatre, and Dance Psychology Visual Arts Imagine Artist or Musician in Residence opportunities, aligned with faculty expertise, designed to explore new techniques and develop new skills in state-of-the-art studio settings. Or Criminal Justice, where students would have the opportunity to align their program with Police Academy (spend 6-months in the academy as part of your degree program) or add EMT-certification (6-weeks) at Mansfield. COMMON GROUND BU Ranked Among Top Pa. Schools for Nursing One hundred and twenty-six sophomore BU nursing students participated in a White Coat Ceremony in September. First held in 2014, BU was among the first 100 schools to hold the ceremony, supported by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which provided the pins given to the students. Photos: Eric Foster BU’s nursing program is ranked sixth of 76 schools in Pennsylvania according to RNCareers,org, and 67th in the Mid-Atlantic region by NursingSchoolAlmanac.com. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the criticality of the nursing profession in our health care system,” said BU President Bashar Hanna. “Our world desperately needs well-educated and well-prepared nurses, and thanks to the faculty and staff in our nursing program, we at BU are doing our part to prepare our nursing students to be the very best in their field.” “This is a testament to our dedicated faculty who have real-life experience that they bring to our nursing program, and our hardworking students who put the effort into their work to achieve this recognition,” said Lori Metzger, chair of the Department of Nursing. BU offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. Bloomsburg also offers RN to BSN and RN to BSN to MSN programs, allowing registered nurses to obtain the BSN and MSN online in a condensed timeframe. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 The sixth annual RNCareers.org ranking of 96.99% is based on each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation, and more. The results were then compared to other nursing programs in Pennsylvania. 5 news on campus COMMON GROUND By Tom McGuire Albert Jones, the new chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer for Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities, knows he can make a lasting impact in his new role by being his natural self. “When you see me on campus, I’m going to talk to you,” says Jones. “But I want everyone to feel free to talk to me as well. By talking, we can get to know each other, grow trust in each other, and build a better campus and eventually a better world.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 In his new role Jones, a 1999 graduate of Lock Haven and married father of two children, Collin and Kiahna, will provide vision, leadership, and guidance on a full spectrum of DEI and social justice matters for all three universities. He will collaborate with each campus to drive progress in achieving strategic priorities and work closely with the BU President’s Commission on DEI; the Lock Haven DEI office; and the Mansfield University Diversity and Inclusion Council. 6 By talking, we can get to know each other, grow trust in each other, and build a better campus and eventually a better world. — ALBERT JONES “The goal of the office is to create an environment where our living, learning, and working communities feel supported and there are opportunities for growth engagement for everyone. It is a goal of mine for the DEI office on campus to be the resource that people want to come and learn from and see different perspectives.” Working collaboratively across three campuses will lead to positive growth for all, according to Jones, who is a well-respected minor league and high school baseball umpire in Central Pennsylvania in his spare time. “Diversity gives a strong sense of identity and well-being,” says Jones. “Our three offices, working together on programming and services will help to facilitate change, and bring about new perspectives, challenge the traditional way of how things used to be done and create a new path forward.” Most recently, the human resources manager at West Pharmaceutical Services, Jones, earned an undergraduate degree in business management from LHU and a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix in 2003. Following his graduation from LHU, Jones returned to his alma mater as the director of human and cultural diversity. He was later named assistant to the president for social equity in 2003 before transitioning to associate director of human resources from 2008-2013. During his tenure as an employee at Lock Haven, Jones advocated for diversity and inclusion within the learning and working environment within LHU and across the state. He directed the Robert D. Lynch Student Leadership Development Institute from 2007-2011 and was president of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education (PBCOHE) from 2011-2013. Through integration Jones also feels his office can be a model for other PASSHE institutions. “This is an opportunity for us to become a model for other system schools or schools outside of Pennsylvania,” said Jones. “We’re setting the example of how to successfully integrate three universities within a complex change management process and focus on the importance that diversity, equity, and inclusion contribute to this process. We need to maintain that individual campus culture, but have consistency across the three campuses that helps to unify, build trust and promote diversity, equity and inclusion.” CALLED TO LEADERSHIP By Tom McGuire A Board of Governors scholarship recipient, Scott learned of the opening on the BOG from her English professor, Betina Entzminger. “Professor Entzminger told me of this position, and as a naturally curious person who wants to be in the know, I thought this would be a way to be a voice for my fellow students,” said Scott. Burcin, a member of the Class of 2023, is an audiology and speech-language pathology major from Bethlehem with a minor in linguistics and gerontology. She is active on campus as a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, and participated in Bocce Bash and the Caldwell Consistory Christmas TreeFest. She is also a member of the BU women’s volleyball team. S tudent leaders play a vital role in higher education, serving as the voice of students to campus leadership. Two students, Zakariya Scott and Julia Burcin, answered the call to represent both their fellow Huskies, and in one case, all students in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Act 50 of 2020 provided the Board of Governors for the first time the ability to make student appointments. Previously, appointments were by the governor. A member of the Class of 2023, Scott was appointed to serve on the Board of Governors (BOG). Scott, from Johnstown, Pa., is majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing. She joins Alexander Roberts from Edinboro University and Stephen Washington from Shippensburg University as student members on the 20-member board that oversees Pennsylvania’s 14 public universities. Student members participate in all Board discussions and have the same voting rights as all other members. “I’m very excited to have been chosen for this honor and I am very excited to get started,” said Scott. “This is my first opportunity to make a difference in the world.” “I applied for this position because I want to make an impact on the university,” added Burcin. “Bloomsburg is a very special place, and I am determined to help it reach its full potential.” “Congratulations to Zakariya and Julia for their elections,” said BU President Bashar W. Hanna. “They’ve both shown themselves to be active and engaged students and I know they will do an excellent job representing their fellow students.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Zakariya Scott, Julia Burcin “I’m beyond thankful to have the opportunity to be a member of Bloomsburg University’s Council of Trustees and honored to represent our student body,” said Burcin. “Our trustees demonstrate admirable qualities — passion, commitment, and loyalty. I’m eager to learn from them and grow with them throughout my next two years at Bloomsburg.” 7 news on campus COMMON GROUND Wygmans named Interim VP for Student Success and Campus Life Marty Wygmans has been named interim vice president for student success and campus life. Wygmans joined BU in 2018 as associate vice president for student success after coming from Binghamton University in New York, where she served as project director for its TRiO programs and executive director of student services. Wygmans has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in counseling, and a doctoral degree in higher education administration. Student Inspired to Help Peers with Book Pantry By Abby Stoudt, student assistant, Marketing and Communications and they didn’t end up doing that well in class because they didn’t have the materials to succeed,” O’Neill said. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Cameron O’Neill with some of the 250 books she has collected. 8 School is expensive. After paying tuition, fees, housing, and choosing a meal plan, students finally get to attend their classes just to discover they still have one more important thing to buy: their textbooks. BU junior Cameron O’Neill offers a solution for students struggling with this expense. The BU Book Pantry officially opened this fall and already includes nearly 250 books for students to borrow. O’Neill came up with the idea for the book pantry during the last academic year. For her philosophy classes, O’Neill needed 16 books and was soon lending her books to classmates who couldn’t afford them. “By the end of the semester, they still hadn’t purchased the book After spring classes ended, O’Neill was unsure of what to do with her books that she no longer needed. “I decided to find someone who was taking the same classes and just give them my books,” said O’Neill. “I also reached out to other classmates who had bought textbooks to see if there was a possibility of passing more books onto students taking the same class after them, and the foundation of the BU Book Pantry was built.” If students would like to donate books, they can drop them off at the circulation desk in the Harvey A. Andruss Library. The library and the University Store have also partnered for several years to promote and make low-cost textbooks available for courses. Starting the book pantry was challenging, but many staff and faculty members helped the project along the way. “Everyone was helping me however they could, which shows how much they want this to just happen,” O’Neill said. “Something as simple as giving someone a book is going to change their whole education.” Agreements Create Pathways to Pharmacy Careers BU has partnered with Temple University School of Pharmacy and Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to create pathways for qualified BU students to earn both an undergraduate degree and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in seven years, saving a full year of time and costs. Both agreements, signed in September, allow Bloomsburg students majoring in chemistry or health sciences, following their junior year, to complete their final year enrolled in pharmacy coursework and concurrently to complete the final credits to receive their B.A. degree in chemistry or B.S. degree in health sciences from Bloomsburg University. At Fairleigh Dickinson, candidates for admission must have a 3.3 or higher overall GPA at Bloomsburg and complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better. Reserved admission is limited to a maximum of five Bloomsburg students each year. At Temple, candidates for admission must have a 2.7 or higher overall GPA at Bloomsburg and complete all prerequisite courses. “These agreements will benefit our students who are interested in attending pharmacy school, giving them a path to save both time and money,” said Diana RogersAdkinson, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Access to such accelerated pathways to professional programs are very attractive opportunities to students, and we are excited to partner with these distinguished schools of pharmacy to provide this opportunity,” said Latha Ramakrishnan, Dean of the College of Science and Technology. COMMON GROUND Unique Internship Gives Insight into Corrections By Tom McGuire Seven BU students took part in a new and unique summer internship program with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC) Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence and the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs. The idea for the internship program came from John Wetzel ’98, a member of BU’s Council of Trustees who just stepped down as Pennsylvania’s secretary of corrections after serving for 10 years. This year, the DOC completed a violence forecast by analyzing data that indicated the strong likelihood of a significantly violent summer. The interns monitored communications in and out of the state’s 24 correctional institutions in order to bolster intelligence efforts. The interns provided information that could be used by the DOC and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and stop crimes. The BU students, all entering their junior or senior year, worked alongside experienced and senior personnel, giving them significant exposure to the internal operations of a large state agency. Ten students took part in the program. “These students are not just pushing paper,” said Wetzel. “They’re putting in real hours with the Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence to gain hands-on experience and help keep our facilities safe for staff and residents.” “The interns learned early on that this was not a typical office job,” Wetzel added. “In addition to visits to state prison facilities, the group participated in an organizationwide training exercise where they saw firsthand how virtually all facets of the Department prepare to come together in the event of an emergency or crisis.” The BU students taking part in the program were Trevor Dennison, Julia Tappany, Brianna Jones, Meredith Norris, Conner Pennington, Keron Butcher, and Brandon Gill. “This internship has been a great experience for me,” said Butcher, a rising senior from Thorndale. “I have met and made connections with so many people. There are many aspects in the corrections field; whatever your field of study is, there is space for you in the DOC. My plan after college is to find a job working in cyber security or IT at a company.” Norris, a sociology major from Atglen, used the internship to explore the criminal justice field. “I learned so much about the fields of corrections and parole, how closely they work together and how different parts of each field operate,” said Norris, a senior. “The internship made me realize my initial interest in criminal justice is something that I want to explore more. My plan is to apply for a job in corrections when I graduate in December.” Student Among 200 Selected for National Workshop The workshop, typically held in New Orleans, was virtual this year due to COVID-19. Attendees will participate in learning sessions and panel discussions covering topics such as developing leadership skills and passing the CPA exam. Accomplished CPA professionals will share insights on career opportunities in accounting and the value of networking. “I couldn’t believe that I was one of those selected and feel extremely proud of myself for taking the chance and applying,” said Morales. Morales is a first-generation college student and has served as an officer in the Accounting Association since her freshman year. She has volunteered at a soup kitchen, has spent her winter and summer breaks working, including an internship at a CPA firm this summer, and is a community assistant at BU. “I hope to strengthen my networking skills and learn more about the CPA exam,” said Morales. “Plus, I am looking forward to hearing the panelists speak about their experiences within the accounting profession and hear their advice on career progression.” Morales has already thought about her future after she graduates next May. “My plan is to get my master’s degree in accountancy here at Bloomsburg, and then pass the CPA exam and work at a public accounting firm. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Accounting major Erica Morales from Easton is one of just 200 students nationwide selected for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop. The three-day event is designed to help accounting students from racial and ethnic minorities develop their leadership ability with the ultimate goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in public accounting. 9 Faculty from Integrating Universities Collaborate on Tree Swallow Research Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 By Tom McGuire 10 Lauri Green, assistant professor of biological and allied health sciences at BU, is collecting tree swallow nests to determine if there are any patterns to their construction. She’s working with Leslie Clifford, associate professor of biology at Mansfield University, which is one of the three universities (along with Lock Haven) in Northeast Pennsylvania that are integrating. The professors met as part of a faculty discussion from the three universities interested in natural history. They soon found out they were both working on tree swallow research. Also working with Green are seasonal ranger Lydia Mohn from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Blue Marsh Lake in Leesport, Berks County; Rhiannon Summers from the Department of Natural Resources at Ricketts Glen, BU graduate students Eric Moeller, Mitchell Liddick, and Michael Facella; and undergraduate students Gabby Leonard, Rebecca Burlingame, and Savannah Scherer. “Tree swallows use the feathers of other species to construct their nests and form a nest cup where the eggs are laid and chicks are hatched,” says Green. “The literature suggests that feather linings help with temperature regulation and may serve as a parasite barrier for chicks. Though a few studies noted the number of feathers that tree swallows use in their nests, largely absent was any quantification of the feather sizes or types.” After the nests are collected is when the real work starts. “In Spring 2021, Gabby quantified the feathers used in tree swallow nests at my field sites,” says Green. “She meticulously counted, traced, and identified each feather. Tracing the feathers in a digitizing program tells us how big each feather is. She found that tree swallows seem to use different types of feathers at each site (some used large flight feathers, some used contour feathers). Interestingly, the total feather area for each nest (the sum of all the feather areas in each nest) was not significantly different across the sites.” “I’m really excited to involve Mansfield University undergraduate students in this project because it will allow them to actually do science themselves and not just learn about the results of scientific investigations by others,” says Clifford. “It’s much more exciting to discover patterns and answer original questions for yourself than it is to be told what the answer is.” “We are going to repeat the study for the 2021 field season,” says Green. “Dr. Clifford is working with her undergraduate students to count, measure and identify the feathers used in her tree swallow boxes. I will begin the analysis of our nests soon.” BU student Leonard learned a lot as part of the research team. “I thought it was cool to see the type of habitat the tree swallows prefer firsthand, which I also thought to be relevant when the differences and similarities between the nests across the different nesting sites were compared,” says Leonard. “It was super interesting to see that there was consistency in how the birds made their nests despite some observed differences between nesting sites.” Green is concerned about one aspect of nest construction she is starting to come across. “I happened to pick up an old robin nest recently and found that they included plastic in their nests. This is intriguing and concerning since plastic will likely change the temperature regulation of the nest, which would impact chick survival.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 H ave you ever been out walking in your yard or on a hiking trail and come across a bird’s nest and marveled at its construction? Two faculty members at Bloomsburg University and Mansfield University have turned this fascination into a new topic for research. 11 Joan McCarty THE Evolution OF Support By Olivia Kennedy ’22, BU Foundation Student Intern W Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 hen you mix a passion for supporting students with a desire to make a difference in your community and the environment, the result can make a pretty profound impact. 12 That’s what happened when Joan McCarty and fellow members of the Jacques Weber Foundation (JWF) revitalized their scholarship support to make it more relevant for today’s students. The JWF Scholarship has undergone many changes since it was established in 1947 by Jacques Weber, then president of Bloomsburg Mills, a textile manufacturer in town since 1889. As it evolved, its mission has remained constant – to help support students pursuing their passion while attaining a college degree. The JWF initially established the scholarship to provide financial support for male students entering the textile and fashion industry. In the late ’80s, interest in these fields of study declined, but the JWF’s passion for inspiring students remained, so the scholarship was redirected to help Mill employees and their children afford to go to college. In 2009, the Bloomsburg Mills closed its doors, and in 2020, the last employee’s child eligible for the scholarship earned a degree. But McCarty and her fellow board members decided they wanted to keep the scholarship going, and they would need to find a new focus for their support. “Bloomsburg Mills were a close-knit and family-like community,” says McCarty. “We wanted to continue that support, and we know that something that Mr. Weber would have wanted, too.” structure the gift to make it a renewable scholarship to help student recruitment and retention. The JWF board realized they shared a passion for environmental conservation and decided to designate the scholarship to support students pursuing environmental studies: “There are growing issues with the earth and its climate. In the future, we are going to need smart leaders to help solve these problems,” says Shepard. “This scholarship helps support students who are passionate enough to make an impact.” Needing advice, McCarty reached out to Jennifer Whisner, associate professor in the Department of Environmental, Geographical, Geological Sciences (EGGS), with whom she had worked on the Fishing Creek Watershed Association. For Alexander Lehigh, the first recipient of the JWF Scholarship in EGGS, this support ultimately pushed him to decide to come to BU to study geographic information systems. Whisner connected McCarty with EGGS department chair Michael Shepard, who helped make the scholarship a reality. Shepard saw an excellent opportunity to bring something new to the department that would benefit. Both the JWF and the EGGS Department wanted to support a student’s entire college career, so the BU Foundation helped JWF “The fact that I was fortunate enough to receive this scholarship when so many others applied helped me see my own potential,” Lehigh says. “I want to make the most of this opportunity, not just for my success, but also to show my donors that they made the right choice in supporting me.” I want to make the most of this opportunity, not just for my success, but also to show my donors that they made the right choice in supporting me. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 —ALEXANDER LEHIGH Photos: Olivia Kennedy 13 By Jack Sherzer Hard work has been a part of Dan Klingerman’s life since he was 10 years old and started helping his grandfather John Klingerman in the family’s feed mill. He remembers his dad Dick Klingerman and uncle Dave Klingerman showing him the various aspects of the business, while “Uncle Dave” farmed throughout the Bloomsburg area. Between hauling corn, wheat, oats, and unloading trucks filled with fertilizer and lime, he also got a behind-the-curtain look at the business of farming. The hard work at the mill — which he did through high school and over summers through college — taught him determination and self-discipline. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Those early lessons were invaluable as Dan developed into a champion wrestler and, combined with a natural affinity for numbers, a successful entrepreneur. Today, he heads The Liberty Group, an investment and management company he founded in 2002, which has grown to over $500 million in assets and more than 6,000 workers. 14 But for Dan Klingerman, business success is not a means to an end. Faith, family, and philanthropy are crucial to a satisfying life, he says. Much of his support focuses on north-central Pennsylvania’s hospitals and medical care, as well as schools and colleges. “When I started working for myself, and as our organization grew, I always believed that with increased success comes increased obligation to give back,” the 56-year-old says. “I tell my kids that happiness isn’t derived from commas and zeros.” Jennifer Wilson, the president and CEO of Williamsport’s First Community Foundation Partnership, which connects donors with nonprofits filling community needs, says Klingerman’s involvement with her organization and the region has been invaluable. “Many people don’t realize all that Dan has done and continues to do, not only with his charitable giving but with his leadership,” says Wilson, who adds that Klingerman served on her agency’s board for eight years. “I spent a lot of time with Dan and talking about philanthropy. He spends his time and money on organizations he believes are making a tremendous impact on people.” THE MAKING OF A CHAMPION “Our family has always been very sports-oriented,” Klingerman says. “I wrestled in high school and college, and I think sports-mindedness crosses over into the business and entrepreneurial world. Both take patience, persistence, teamwork, and self-discipline. They are the qualities that make you successful in sports and the working world.” Klingerman also focused his energies on his other passion – math– using the same determination, drive, and skill that made him a powerhouse on the wrestling mat in high school. By the time he started at BU, he was so advanced that he helped teach accounting to first- and second-year students. Most of Klingerman’s family played basketball, but when he began at Bloomsburg Area Middle School, he spotted a sign for wrestling tryouts and gave it a shot. At the end of his eighth-grade season, he captured the tri-state championship for Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. By his junior year, he finished third in the state, and as a senior in 1983, he was Bloomsburg Area High School’s first state wrestling champion. Klingerman, who graduated from BU in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, says becoming a Husky was an easy choice. While he was heavily recruited by a host of colleges, especially Penn State, Klingerman had met BU’s Hall of Fame wrestling coach Roger Sanders and liked his program. He received a five-year scholarship to BU and was the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) wrestling champion in his sophomore year. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Dan Klingerman stands outside the striking building in Montoursville that serves as headquarters of The Liberty Group. 15 However, his time on the mat also ended that year. Injuries to his right shoulder and both knees caught up to him. “I have no regrets whatsoever,” Klingerman says of wrestling, despite the injuries that caused him to leave the sport. “The chapters of our life define who we are, and each part is integral to getting you where you are. That’s the nice thing about a new day, you can’t go back, but you can certainly start fresh tomorrow, which can change the outcome.” He draws parallels to the aggressiveness and mental toughness needed to square off with a wrestling opponent to his later success in the business world. “As a wrestler, I felt I had to do a little more than the others to have that edge. When high school wrestling practice was over, I’d go home, have dinner and then go running,” he says. “It is the same in the business world – you’re not going to succeed with a nine to five mentality.” Jack Mulka, who retired as BU’s dean of student development in 2002, says he’s not surprised at Klingerman’s accomplishments. “He was a focused, determined young man. He was tough and resilient, and when he didn’t succeed, he would pick himself back up and go at it again,” Many people don’t realize all that Dan has done and continues to do, not only with his charitable giving but with his leadership. — JENNIFER WILSON, PRESIDENT AND CEO, WILLIAMSPORT’S FIRST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP Mulka says. “His mother and father and his uncles and cousins are all good role models. Good, hard-working people willing to help others.” WINNING IN BUSINESS AND LIFE After graduating from BU, Klingerman started looking for an accounting job when, unbeknownst to him, his brother signed him up for an interview with an insurance broker in Williamsport. Instead of balancing books, Klingerman earned a securities license and handled investments, retirement accounts, and estate planning – making more than accounting jobs offered in Baltimore. He also took his first foray into what would lead to his later success: real estate. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 “I started acquiring student housing that I would remodel myself, and I did that until I got into the commercial space,” Klingerman says. “I first acquired a 45,000-square-foot building in Williamsport.” 16 Real estate made sense on multiple levels. Value, tax write-offs, and amortization were familiar territory for Klingerman. Plus, as a salaried employee, he didn’t have much to write off until he started investing in property. Dan Klingerman with the eagle sculpture he had installed at The Liberty Group company headquarters. Five years later, he came to a crossroads: the insurance company wanted him to take over an office in Boston, or he could work with his uncles, Doug Klingerman and Dave Klingerman, and JDK Management Company, which primarily focused on operating nursing homes and restaurants. His challenge was to turn around their Perkins franchise. Within six years, Klingerman had grown the franchise to 40 restaurants, turning it into the largest Perkins operation in the United States. “It’s all about scale and surrounding yourself with good people,” Dan says. With growth came the ability to negotiate better contracts with suppliers: “You create your own economies of scale.” In 2002, Klingerman came to another crossroads: he enjoyed what he was doing, but it was time to bet on himself. “I think everybody at some point thinks about being your own boss. I enjoyed my time at JDK, but it was not my company,” he says. “At the end of the day, you have to decide what side of the paycheck you want to sign.” The company’s name was an easy choice; in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, he wanted to call his new enterprise “Liberty.” The first business was Liberty Hospitality Partners, which was soon joined by LHP Management, Liberty Healthcare, and LG Settlement Services. As the number of companies grew— today more than 50— Klingerman formed the umbrella company “The Liberty Group.” Liberty covers a wide range of industries, with hospitality properties such as Bloomsburg’s Frosty Valley Resort (home of BU’s golf teams) and the Clinton Country Club in Lock Haven (home of Lock Haven University’s golf team). Klingerman provides six scholarship programs for BU’s golf program. Liberty also has construction companies that have built schools, hospitals, and more. After finishing a $9 million complex known as “the Liberty Arena,” he and his team are working on the $17 million Williamsport Sports Complex that will feature seven baseball and softball fields on a 10-acre brownfield site. The project is a focus for the Liberty Group, the Williamsport Chamber of Commerce and key community stakeholders and a perfect fit, as Williamsport is the home of the Little League World Series. Klingerman on the top of the podium at the as the Bloomsburg School District’s first state wrestling champion in 1983. At right, Klingerman as a BU state wrestling champion in 1985. A conversation with Klingerman about business inevitably goes hand-in-hand with his belief in supporting the community that makes a company’s success possible. Bloomsburg University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Geisinger are just some of the organizations he supports. “Our family has always supported local activities, and I believe that we have an obligation to give back,” he says. “One of my favorite quotes that I use frequently is from Winston Churchill: ‘We make a living by what we get but make a life by what we give.’” Klingerman readily admits BU has a special place in his heart. His Klingerman Family Scholarship, which benefits the university’s football team, has helped more than a dozen players. One of the first award recipients was Matt Feiler, now an offensive lineman with the Los Angeles Chargers. Klingerman also helped raise money for the BU Husky Wrestling Endowment, which has supported 18 students. Then, in May 2020, Gov. Tom Wolf appointed him to a six-year term as a Bloomsburg University trustee. “I was proud to be asked to serve, and every time I go back to the campus for a meeting, it feels wonderful,” I always believed that with increased success comes increased obligation to give back. I tell my kids that happiness isn’t derived from commas and zeros. — DAN KLINGERMAN Klingerman says. “Bloomsburg allowed me to grow, and I’m excited to be on the board and have the chance to give back and help guide and direct the university’s direction.” Danny Hale, who was head coach of the Huskies for 20 seasons, knows the Klingerman family well and coached Klingerman’s cousin and brother. “The entire family believes in family, faith, and football. I was inspired by the whole family,” Hale says, adding that he’s not surprised at what Dan has accomplished. “He took that spirit of wrestling and the toughness – you don’t get to be a state champion wrestler without toughness – and developed Liberty.” Klingerman met his wife, Monica, when he took the insurance company position following graduation, and they have been married 30 years. They have made sure to instill the values of hard work and helping their community to their three children. As his family did with him, however, Klingerman let his kids choose their own path. The couple’s eldest daughter, Paige, 29, is the head of marketing for a publicly-traded company in Denver; middle daughter Samantha, 27, after obtaining her master’s at Carnegie Mellon University and completing an administrative fellowship with UPMC, now is director of ENT and Chronic Pain Medicine at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh; and their son, Mitchell, is a senior at SMU in Dallas studying business. Paige and Samantha both received gold-medal state championship awards in soccer, while Mitchell was a state place winner in baseball and basketball. For Klingerman, success has three pillars: faith, family, and friends. “You want to surround yourself with people of the same mindset and values and principles who also have different strengths than what you have,” he says when asked what advice he would give fellow entrepreneurs. “Above all, stay grounded and have humility and understand that it can leave as quickly as it came.” Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE 17 It’s all college connections; always Bloom alumni I look to. The friendships I developed are lifelong. — FELICIA ELLZY “I took off running once everything was OK,” says Ellzy. “If I hadn’t found my community, who knows where I would have ended up?” Not only was Ellzy first-generation, but she was also a black student at a predominantly white university and had to navigate racial tensions in a town that did not always accept her. Her community became not only a way for Ellzy to thrive but survive. “It forces you to have a communal experience with other black people. You must learn how to function as a high-level person in society and advocate for yourself.” Champion A for Student Community By Andrea O’Neill W Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 hen Felicia Ellzy ’10/’12M applied to Bloomsburg University, she had no idea how vital her fellow Huskies would be to her campus success, or how they would shape her future. Now, the Williamsport native is helping to shape the future of the pack’s youngest members. 18 The bonds that form among students during such a pivotal time are only cemented by the challenges of living on your own for the first time: navigating a new environment, confronting homesickness, and learning time management. Ellzy first experienced such support soon after her arrival, when she had a tuition shortfall that her Board of Governor’s scholarship didn’t cover. Her cousin, an alumnus, pointed her to Wayne Whittaker, an admissions counselor turned mentor, who walked Ellzy through the student loan process. Of all the life lessons learned at Bloomsburg, Ellzy says the one that remains true is the importance of community. After she stayed to complete her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, a fellow alum asked her to teach at Nativity School of Harrisburg (NSoH), where she fell in love with being a mentor. Now the director of curriculum and instruction, Ellzy builds the same sense of community she had at Bloomsburg among the student body. In her work, the connections Ellzy made on campus have continued to be a lifeline. BU alumni make up her friends, colleagues, fellow community volunteers, and fellow parents. They even make up most guests on the podcast “The Cool Nerds,” which she co-produces with fellow Husky, Michael Johnson ’12. “It’s all college connections; always Bloom alumni I look to,” says Ellzy. “The friendships I developed are lifelong. It is interesting to see how we’ve all evolved, or even how we haven’t. We’re all professionals now, but it’s like we never left Bloom.” “All of a sudden, you have to be an adult,” recalls Ellzy. “You don’t know where anything is unless someone tells you. I’ll never forget Mr. Whittaker helping me that way.” In many ways, Ellzy never really did leave Bloom; she has maintained a presence on campus as an alumni volunteer to help the next generation of Huskies develop their own support network. In the decade since graduation, Ellzy has served as an alumni speaker at BOG dinners, History Club banquets, and CASSH Con, a meeting for students pursuing careers in arts, social sciences, and the humanities. She has even recruited new Huskies from her family and students at NSoH. In 2016, she joined the BU Alumni Association board of directors and was elected president this past summer. Ellzy got acclimated and found her pack in the Montour residence hall, the Black Culture Society, History Club, Phi Alpha Theta honors society, and her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho. “One of the most important things you can do as an alumnus is pass along the connections you’ve made,” says Ellzy. “Fill that role. Make sure students know the community is there for them no matter what.” HUSKY NOTES Bruce Grant ’64 has written a book, “Observing Evolution,” dedicated to the memory of his mentor, the late Professor Donald D. Rabb, a long-time member of the Bloomsburg faculty and a member of the Class of 1946. Focused on the evolution of peppered moths in early 20th century London, “Observing Evolution” is a crash course in natural selection and the history of evolutionary biology for anyone interested in Darwin’s legacy. The book is published by Johns Hopkins University Press. Grant is emeritus professor of biology at the College of William & Mary. Jane Archer Ackerman ’64 and Harold Ackerman ’65 have published a book of photographs. “Bridgework 2021” is a collection of photographs showing the covered bridges of Columbia and Montour counties in various seasons and light. Harold Ackerman has also published a second book of poems, “February 2,” which includes photographs by the author. Ackerman is a retired BU faculty member (1977–2003). Both these books are available at Blurb.com as paper copies or pdf files. 70s Barbara Benner Hudock ’75, CEO and founding partner of Hudock Capital Group, was recognized by both Barron’s and Forbes. In its March 13 issue, Barron’s named Hudock as one of America’s Top Financial Advisors, including her among its Top 50 Financial Advisors in Pennsylvania. In its March 24 issue, Forbes named Hudock as one of America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors, ranking her 11th among its Top Women Wealth Advisors in Pennsylvania. This is the 12th year that Barron’s has included Hudock in its list of America’s Top Financial Advisors and the third year in a row that Forbes has named Hudock one of its Top Women Wealth Advisors. 80s Michael Mixell ’80 was named to the 2022 “Best Lawyers in America” list. Honored attorneys are recognized in 52 practice areas. In addition, Mixell earned the rank of “Lawyer of the Year” in his geographic area for trusts and estates practice. Mixell is a partner at Barley Snyder, a law firm based in central Pennsylvania with more than 100 attorneys. Retired Lt. Col. Walter Zabicki, USMC, has retired from the Onslow County North Carolina Sheriff’s Office. During his law enforcement career, Zabicki served as a detention officer, deputy and a school resource officer. He is transitioning to a career in education as a substitute teacher with the Onslow County School System. Gerald Ganz ’85 was named vice chancellor of finance and administration at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. Ganz serves as the university’s chief financial officer and is responsible for the university’s budget and financial services. Additionally, he oversees facilities management, public safety, information technology, mail services, and printing services. Ganz was previously with the University of Connecticut Foundation, where he served as senior vice president of finance and administration and chief financial officer since 2015 and managed the foundation’s assets totaling nearly $620 million. He has served as the chief financial officer at the Florida State University Foundation, controller at Eckerd College, and chief financial officer at Johnson College. He has also worked as a controller, field auditor, and senior accountant in private industry. Gwen Cressman Petersohn ’85 has written a children’s book, “Closed.” The illustrated book is about the sudden advent of the COVID-19 virus and how families in quarantine managed their newly changed lives. Cressman Petersohn is also a member of the BU Athletics Hall of Fame. Mary Wash Risner ’87 has been named chief development officer at Westover School, Middlebury, Conn. She previously had a career in banking and worked in fundraising at Franklin and Marshall College and the University of Pennsylvania. She joined Westover after serving at Brown University as the executive director of annual giving. 90s John Pierro ’93 was named executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Lehigh Valley Health Adrienne Mael Selected To Lead Second United Way Adrienne Mael ’08 has been chosen as the permanent president and CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way after a national search. Mael was appointed in early July as the interim president and CEO. For the past six years, Mael has served as a president and CEO of the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties, a position she will continue to hold as the two boards discuss a possible merger. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 60s 19 HUSKY NOTES Network. Pierro came to LVHN from Steward Health Care System, an $8 billion health care network with 35 hospitals in 10 states. He served as regional chief operating officer of the organization’s north division, which includes two academic medical centers and ten community hospitals, 2,800 beds, and more than 14,000 employees. At LVHN, Pierro oversees operations at the network’s hospitals and ambulatory locations, leads the facilities and construction team. Heidi Wasilchak Fiorelli ’96 AuD has joined Lehigh Valley Physician Group Ear, Nose & Throat – Health & Wellness Center. Sean Banfill ’97, a special agent with the U.S. Department of State, finished his third deployment to Iraq. Kristen Lahr Zell ’99 is the new head of school at Adams County Christian Academy in Gettysburg. She briefly taught in public and private schools before working for 15 years in project management and operations at U-GRO Learning Centers, an early childhood and preschool education provider. She has recently worked for TCW Computer Systems/Glick Audio and Video, an information and technology company. Angela Cuneo Warner ’99 has been named the principal of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic School in Middletown, Pa. She has been involved with the school for several years as a parent, Parents and Teachers Together (PTT) president, school board member, and teacher. Michael Bartolomucci ’09 is the director of the Phoenix Physical Therapy center in Lower Heidelberg Township. After graduating from BU, he earned a doctor of physical therapy at D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y. and previously was a facility director with Pivot Physical Therapy. 00s David Flynn ’09/’13AuD joined UPMC Williamsport’s ear, nose, and throat team as an audiologist. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Jennifer Sullivan ’00 is the maternal/ child nurse manager at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, where she has worked since 2003. Sullivan has worked as an OB nurse since 2000. 20 Jahri Evans ’07, an NFL standout who was an All-American at BU, has been named to the ballot for enshrinement into the College Football Hall of Fame as announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Football Hall of Fame. Evans became a full-time starter on the Huskies’ offensive line in 2003. At BU, he was an AFCA first-team All-American as a junior while earning second-team All-American honors from both the Associated Press and from the Don Hansen Football Gazette. As a senior in 2005, Evans helped the Huskies to an average of 284.3 rushing yards a game – eighth-most in the country. Selected in the fourth round by the New Orleans Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft, Evans was selected to six Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro four straight seasons from 2009-12. He helped the Saints finish in the top six in the league in total offense in all 11 of his seasons (2006-2016), including six number rankings. Evans helped the Saints finish in the top 10 in scoring nine of his 11 seasons, including number one rankings in 2008 and 2009. In 2009, New Orleans defeated the Indianapolis Colts to win Super Bowl XLIV. Last year, Evans was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team (2010-19). Richard Kralevich ’01 became the first vice president of information technology at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Md. Kralevich is a former administrator from Delaware Technical Community College in Dover, Del. Nicholas Saenz ’06 has been named vice president, real estate relationship manager at Penn Community Bank, headquartered in Bucks County. With eight years of experience in the financial services industry, Saenz has worked for several financial institutions and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Daniel Hineline ’09 was presented with the International Diamond Society Award for Sales from Coldwell Banker in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Alongside his work with Coldwell Banker, Hineline has established Twin Property Group LLC with a business partner. 10s Kyle Vincelli ’10 was appointed sergeant in the Cumru Township Police Department. A former wrestler at BU, Vincelli is a 10-year veteran of the Cumru Town Police Department and served as a field training officer. Samuel Hess ’11 was promoted to vice president and chief information officer at Millers Mutual Insurance. Previously, Hess worked for Millville Mutual as an IT support/technology developer for five years and was an IT consultant for three years. Candyce Musinski ’11, a standup comic, appeared on Kevin Hart’s “Lyft Comics” on Peacock streaming TV on June 19. Kelsey Schwan Van Alstyne ’11 has been named the women’s lacrosse head coach at SUNY Cortland. Van Alstyne served as head coach at Slippery Rock University from 2018-21 and was the winningest coach in that program’s history. Van Alstyne also served as interim head coach at Buffalo State in 2014 after being an assistant coach. She was an assistant coach for one season at Ithaca College and a strength and conditioning intern at Cornell University. She played three years of lacrosse for the Huskies, serving two seasons as captain and earning ScholarAthlete honors each year. In addition to collegiate coaching, Van Alstyne also coached USA teams in international competitions in Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom and has worked at various camps, including the Nike Cup. Fred Obiero ’12M has coauthored a book, “The PM Imperative: Guide for Leading and Managing Projects, People, and Delivering Value,” with Jahn Karsybaev. The book provides real-life examples and experiences to project and product managers on how to work more efficiently to deliver value. Christopher Steck ’14 was named director of sports performance for Olympic sports at Virginia Military Institute. Steck was a four-year starter and two-time captain of the BU football team. Capt. Kyle Mogensen ’16 graduated from the Interservice Physician Assistant Program as an active-duty U.S. Army officer. Mogensen will continue to serve active duty as a physician assistant in the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Mogensen volunteered with the Clark, N.J., Volunteer Emergency Squad and worked at Union County Emergency Medical Services as an emergency medical technician for more than five years. He completed the U.S. Army Medical Department Basic Officer Leader Course and Airborne School while serving as the battalion medical operations officer and medical platoon leader of 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C. Samantha Kern ’17 joined the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Pottstown, as marketing and communications director. Kern designs chamber marketing materials, is responsible for the monthly editorial content of the chamber’s electronic newsletter, and manages all social media outlets for the chamber. Jedediah Lemon ’17 has joined the Union County law firm of Mark H. Lemon. A U.S. Navy veteran, he earned his law degree at Widener Law School, graduating cum laude. Lemon will practice family and criminal law, estates, estate planning, trusts, and real estate. Jessica Campbell ’20M, FNP-C, has joined the Guthrie Health Care System’s family medicine department in Troy and Canton with clinical interests in preventative health, diabetes, and primary care services. Campbell is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Marriages Kendall Fokin ’16 and Spencer Rives ’16, July 15, 2021 Noelle Norton Porcoro Murphy ’89 and Jack Murphy, Aug. 17, 2019 Jessica Segeleon ’14 and Nathan Sullivan, Sept. 25, 2020 Kylie DiStefano Osman ’01 and Gregory Merrbach, Dec. 12, 2020 Rebekah King ’15 and Andrew DeMarcantonio ’14, June 24, 2021 Taylor Williams ’17 and Peter Freda ’16, Sept. 5, 2021 Births Jen Linder ’11 and Eric Linder ’10, a daughter, Haley Mae Linder, on Nov. 19, 2020 Taylor Williams ’17 and Peter Freda ’16 were married Sept. 5 at Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova. Alyssa Ruzicka Hiser ’13 and Ryan Hiser, a daughter, Adelaide Hiser, on May 1, 2021 Renee Bopp Hahn ’16 and Jared Hahn, a daughter, Ellie Hahn, on June 15, 2021 Christopher Klunk ’07 and Renee Klunk, a daughter, Natalie Rue, on June 16, 2021 Sandra Starkey ’07 and Joseph Starkey ’07, a son, Joseph Thomas Starkey Jr., on June 27, 2021 Lindsay Bentz Stevens ’10 and Christopher Stevens ’10, a son, Zachary Stevens, on July 12, 2021 Joshua Stewart ’12 and Rachel Stewart, a daughter, Blake Stewart, on July 9, 2021 Rebekah King ’15 and Andrew DeMarcantonio Jr. ’14 were married June 24 in Cape May, N.J. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Cassandra Carns Anczarski ’11 Joseph Anczarski ’11, a son, Joseph Thomas Anczarski, on June 2, 2021 21 HUSKY NOTES In Memoriam BU President Harry Ausprich speaks to a class in 1990. Dr. Harry Ausprich, Former BU President Former Bloomsburg University President Dr. Harry Ausprich of Philadelphia passed away on July 28, 2021. He was 88. Ausprich served as president of BU from 1985 to 1993. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Dr. Ausprich was the first permanent President of Bloomsburg University, beginning his tenure in July 1985. In keeping with his educational background and interests he encouraged the growth of arts and humanities at Bloomsburg and supported expanded offerings of artistic performances. His personal involvement in fundraising and development of other sources of income led to millions of dollars being raised during his eight years as president. The money raised went primarily toward student scholarships, but also to the enhancement and remodeling of the University’s performing arts facilities: Mitrani Hall in the Haas Center and Gross Auditorium in Carver Hall; and financial support for athletic programs and the Celebrity Artist Series. 22 The expansion of the Celebrity Artist Series, which has evolved into the Arts in Bloom program that we have today, was Dr. Ausprich’s most satisfying personal memory as president of Bloomsburg. He felt it gave students the exposure they needed to experience superior quality in the arts and noted it was often the first time they had been to an event such as an opera or ballet. Dr. Ausprich’s legacy is continued through the ongoing commitment to the arts at Bloomsburg University. This commitment was further demonstrated by opening the new Arts and Administration Building in January, which provides a new state-of-theart home base for the visual and performing arts. Ausprich is survived by the love of his life, Lorraine, his daughters Sarah Ausprich (Stephen) and Emily Grizer (Ronald), and two granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his son, Bryce Alfred. Robert Buehner, Jr., Former Trustee Robert W. Buehner Jr., 69, of Danville, passed away on Friday, Sept. 3, at his residence. Buehner was a member of the BU Council of Trustees from 1980 to 2003. Born on May 5, 1952, in Danville, he was the son of the late Robert W. Sr. and Mary Jane Derr Buehner and graduated from Danville High School, Westminster College, and the Dickinson School of Law. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Mary Jane Lenahan and her husband Eamon of Nanticoke, Pa., and Rebecca Goss and her husband Brandon of Millersville, Pa.; three grandchildren; Makenzi Scott-Goss, Briella Goss and Lennon Lenahan. He is also survived by a brother, John “Jack” Buehner of Lewisburg, Pa., and a sister; Molly Morgan Decoteau and her husband David of Danville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter: Robin E. Buehner on Dec. 15, 2008. His memberships included the Mahoning Presbyterian Church, Danville Rotary Club, Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association, where he served one year as president; the Westminster University Board of Trustees for eight years and the Sunnybrook Park Association. John Garthwaite ’39 Bette Griffiths Groh ’41 Helen Carroll ’42 Janet Shank McLaughlin ’44 Leona Oakes ’44 Arlene Superko ’45 Athamantia Comuntzis Bowman ’46 Hazel Keeler Brooks ’46 Mary Morrow Waverka ’49 George Chebro ’50 Berdine Logar Rittenhouse ’50 Roy Beyers ’51 Frank Furgele ’52 Anna Heacock Lloyd ’53 Marie Grazel Morris ’53 Joseph Wasiakowski ’53 Kenneth Kirk ’54 Carol Vought Shuman ’54 Ruth Paul Jones ’55 Lewis Mervine ’55 Mary Ellen Henning Poe ’55 Charles Pope ’55 Robert John Abraczinskas ’56 Robert Lyon ’56 Dorothy Horning Fish ’57 Clyde Gass ’57 Donald Nice ’58 Mary Grace Pohutsky ’58 Ronald Scheuren ’58 Mary Heatley West ’58 Margaret Wilkinson Wightman ’58 Jay Bangs ’59 Earl Boehmer ’59 John Fletcher ’59 Sandra Mourey Stinson ’59 Carl Unger ’59 Ann Tooey Bole ’60 John Chidester ’60 Joseph Leonardo ’60 Gloria Glahn Lewis ’60 John Lipovsky ’60 Charles McBride ’60 Ronald Senko ’60 Henry West ’60 Almeda Gorsline Wilmarth ’60 Evelyn Drendall Duncan ’61 Irene Hastie Knorr ’61 Marjorie Matash ’61 Robert Pagnotti ’61 David Stout ’61 Roberta Strain ’61 John Straw ’61 Nellie Purnell Mathias ’62 William Wisor ’62 Joseph Adornato ’63 F. Ammon Curfman ’63 Robert Derkits ’63 Mary Szerafinski Dodge ’63 Tanya Danchak Glosenger ’63 Patrick Golden ’63 Joseph Oravitz ’63 George Strine ’63 Mary Zevas ’63 Betsy Brittingham Anderson ’64 Edward Eill ’64 Carl Millard ’64 Shirley Segin Stanbery ’64 Frieda Vanfleet ’64 Charline Stiavlik Yeager ’64 David Artman ’65 Robert Blue ’65 Robert Griesing ’65 Andrew Kacyon ’65 Charles Liverton ’65 Susan Swarts Lunger ’65 Martin Snella ’65 Lois Moyer Dooley ’66 Robert Gering ’66 Gareth Kase ’66 Edith Capp Mariani ’66 Arno Miller ’66 G. Lynn Poust ’66 Ruey Cloak Dempsey ’67 Daniel Guydish ’67 Terry Henry ’67 Joan Mitchell Moyer ’67 Beverly Smith ’67 Terry Carver ’68 Mary Maloney Mountz ’68 Gary Shuey ’68 Jerome Wisdo ’68 Thomas Reich ’69 Susan Shoup Rhoads ’69 Cynthia Drucis ’70 Dorothy Fague ’70 Ronald Schell ’70 Judith Urso Snyder ’70 Kay Frances Leonard Baker ’71 Thomas Beier ’71 Donald Burris ’71 Ronald Calaman ’72 Anne Jadick Peacock Dietz ’71 Beverly Hubler ’71 John Urban ’71 Richard Abraham ’72 William Dickinson ’72 Ronald Klinetob ’72 Mary Manning Koller ’72 R. Emmet Johnson ’72 Kathy Streleckis Ladany ’72 Donna Allhusen Tavener ’72 Lois Woolbaugh ’72 Kenneth Youst ’72 Rita Davis ’73 Jean Munro ’73 Charles Naradko ’73 Joseph Peck ’73 Stephen Berrigan ’74 Daniel Callaghan ’74 Martha Pangburn ’74 George Robinson ’74 Robert Sarelakos ’74 Louise Teter ’74 Robert Randall Wallis ’74 Martin David Gursky ’75 Kathleen Hess ’75 Elizabeth Roberts Landau ’75 Kathy Ann Deglas Patterson ’75 Franklin Ryan ’75 Wayne Szynal ’75 John Zigner ’75 Kathleen Caragher ’76 Christine Lucarelli Dippre ’76 Carol Hardman Hardman ’76 Robert Johnson ’76 Deborah Ann Snyder Thompson ’76 Marie Deisler ’77 Lois Boheler Musser ’77 Christine Lucarelli Dippre ’77 Craig Smith ’77 Mary Ann Stasik ’77 Gerald Conger ’78 Carson Keiser ’78 E. Malinda Jackson Price ’80 Susan Palangi Sullivan ’80 Nancy Brown Davis ’82 Wendy Clelan Koering ’82 Donald Walp ’82 Richard Lynch ’83 Debra Ann Pompei Ulicny ’83 Brett Conley ’84 Jeffrey Jacobson ’84 Carol Ann Keating ’84 Nancy Miller ’84 Lisa Moyer Prettyman ’84 Suellen Smith Lewis ’85 Janice Bachman Webb ’85 Pasquale Atadornetto ’86 John Casale ’86 Phillip Morgan ’86 Clinton Oxenrider ’86 Gregory Scott Boyer ’87 Lori Ann Hoffmeier Lockard ’90 Lisa Smith ’90 Lynda Cole-Hoagland ’91 Christine Pacitto ’91 Thomas Nikoden ’92 Irene Wagner Frey ’95 Walter Navitsky ’96 Patricia Reade Price ’96 Rebecca Gage Reese ’96 Jeffrey Storck ’99 Charles Ewing ’00 Jeffrey Wozniak ’01 Aaron Gingo ’02 Patricia Anne Joyce Gahagan ’03 Arthur Badger ’05 Jason Egli ’05 Ashley Nahodil ’06 Andrew Michie ’07 Wade Wessner ’14 David Schenck ’15 Send information to: magazine@bloomu.edu Bloomsburg: The University Magazine | Arts and Administration Building | 400 E. Second Street | Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Obituaries 23 sports VIEW FROM THE TOP From left: Courtney Hubric, Andy Thomas, Lauren Hoelke, Anna Dempsey, Noah Cancro, and Cole Swiger END OF YEAR AWARDS The BU athletic department named its six major award winners for the 2020-21 season. Courtney Hubric Women’s Swimming Named the Joanne McComb Underclass Female Athlete of the Year. At the PSAC Championships, Hubric was part of four All-PSAC relays. Outside of the pool, Hubric holds a 3.70 GPA while majoring in nursing. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 Lauren Hoelke Women’s Soccer The winner of the Eleanor Wray Senior Female Athlete of the Year following the 2019-20 season. In 2019, Hoelke was named a CoSIDA Academic All-District selection, a D2CCA Second Team All-American, and a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American. She was named a United Soccer Coaches Second Team Scholar All-American in 2019 after earning First Team Scholar AllRegion honors earlier. She has also been a four-time PSAC ScholarAthlete and was a 2019-20 D2 ADA Scholar-Athlete. 24 Anna Dempsey Women’s Lacrosse The outstanding Senior Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Dempsey was a four-time PSAC Scholar Athlete and completed her master’s in information technology with a 4.00 GPA. She earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics with a 3.43 GPA. Dempsey was named All-PSAC East First Team and IWLCA All-Atlantic Region First Team. Dempsey finished her time at BU with 82 goals, 16 assists for 98 total points. Noah Cancro Men’s Swimming Named the Robert B. Redman Senior Male Athlete of the Year. Cancro finished second in two events and was part of three relay victories. In his career, Cancro was an 11-time All-Conference swimmer and a five-time PSAC champion. Outside of the pool, Cancro was a four-time PSAC Scholar Athlete, a member of BU’s Dean’s List, and a BU ScholarAthlete. Cancro carried a 3.68 GPA while majoring in criminal justice and accounting. Andy Thomas Men’s Swimming Named the Danny Litwhiler Underclass Male Athlete of the Year. He was named the PSAC Swimmer of the Year. The sophomore won four individual titles and was a part of three relay-winning foursomes. He broke two meet records and one conference record. Cole Swiger Baseball The outstanding Senior Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Swiger had a 3.55 GPA as an undergrad in finance. He posted a 3.83 GPA in the MBA program. He was a five-time PSAC scholar-athlete and a threetime D2 ADA scholar-athlete. Swiger is a three-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection and was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American following the 2020 season. sports VIEW FROM THE TOP HALL OF FAME INDUCTION The 39th class of the BU Athletic Hall of Fame will be inducted on Friday, Oct. 29. The induction dinner and ceremony will be held at the Nelson Field House starting at 6 p.m. THE MEMBERS OF THE ANDY CAPPELLI ’80 WRESTLING MICHAEL BARNHART ’70 FOOTBALL JEFF BENSON ’99 MEN’S BASKETBALL SUSAN BOYER FLANDERS ’84 WOMEN’S SWIMMING KATE DENNENY PECKHAM ’87 FIELD HOCKEY/SOFTBALL MICHELE RUZICKA LAMB ’99 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL DANNY HALE ’01(H) FOOTBALL COACH Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 2021 Hall of Fame Class are: 25 THEN & NOW celebrating our Husky history REMEMBERING at BU By Robert Dunkelberger The events of September 11, 2001, left the students and employees of Bloomsburg University, like the rest of the nation, in a state of shock and disbelief. A beautiful fall day had turned into one of tragedy. The feelings on campus were no better recorded than by the student writers of the campus newspaper, The Voice. As events unfolded, students gathered in the Kehr Union Ballroom, watching television news on a large screen. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 University leaders worked throughout the day to provide a sense of normalcy, choosing not to cancel classes in respect for the safety and welfare of the university community. 26 ”Students gather on the mall on the Bloomsburg University campus for a daytime candlelight vigil to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington one week before.” – The Press Enterprise, Sept. 19, 2001 Contemplating the tragedy of the day and the lives lost was only the start of the long healing process. On Friday, Sept. 14, classes were cancelled at noon to allow for a day of reflection. In response, students and faculty gathered in a packed Mitrani Hall in Haas Center to ease their grief and put the events of the week in perspective. The events of September 11 brought about a renewed sense of patriotism in citizens — the United States flag was everywhere — and BU’s students felt the need to contribute money to aid the victims. Residence hall students led the effort, with the students in Columbia Hall creating a large flag made from sheets of cardboard. It was cut into more than 100 pieces, each of which was sold for a donation. The donor then wrote a message on their portion and the flag was reassembled. One week after the first plane hit the World Trade Center, a vigil organized by students was held in front of the Student Services Center. In addition, organizers collected more than 500 letters of encouragement, written by students and other members of the Bloomsburg community, which were given to the Red Cross to be delivered to rescue workers in New York City. A firsthand account of September 11 was provided by 2001 BU graduate Sheila Held, who the year before had been a contributing editor on The Voice. She was Students gather in the Kehr Union ballroom to watch television news coverage of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 The following day, the newspaper’s staff interviewed students, recorded what occurred on campus the day before, and tried to make some sense of it all. To put September 11 into historical perspective, The Voice researched student reactions to past national tragedies by visiting the University Archives and examined old issues of the student newspaper. A look back to 1941 for the attack on Pearl Harbor and 1963 for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy showed that students responded in similar ways. In 1941, they were shocked and afraid, using radios and newspapers to gather and stay up to date on the latest information. In 1963, students heard initial reports of the assassination and thought it was a horrible joke. It was only through radio and television they found out it was true. Photo: Press Enterprise/Bill Hughes T hat evening a memorial service, including students and faculty and staff, was held in the Ballroom. BU president Jessica Kozloff offered sympathy on behalf of the university for the losses felt by its students, especially those from the New York City and Washington, D.C., areas. Photo: Press Enterprise/Bill Hughes celebrating our Husky history THEN & NOW 27 celebrating our Husky history THEN & NOW O Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 From left: BU student Jared Stump, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity ’86,, Pennsylvania’s State Treasurer, Elizabeth Miller ’17, U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, and BU President Bashar Hanna. 28 working in New York City and recounted what she witnessed that fateful morning — a walk to work that featured the sight of smoke billowing through the air 65 blocks away, the uncertainty of what might happen next while watching television news with her co-workers, and the evacuation of thousands of people from area buildings and their movement as a wave of humanity through empty streets as the city came to a standstill. Most of all she felt the need to be connected to loved ones. She called home to talk to her parents and let them know she was shaken, but safe. “Even after the smoke clears and the remnants of this tragedy are cleaned up, I will always remember the feelings and images that I have experienced and a piece of my heart will eternally go out to all the victims and their loved ones,” Held concluded. “People will be the memorial of this tragedy and I hope and pray that it will never happen again.” n Sept. 10, BU and the BU Student Veterans Association (BUSVA) held a Day of Remembrance and Salute to First Responders to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Held on the steps of the Warren Student Service Center on the Academic Quad, the remembrance featured remarks by Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity ’86, and Elizabeth Miller ’17, whose father was killed in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Garrity served 30-years in the US Army, retiring as a colonel having earned two Bronze Stars and the Legion of Merit for her service. Miller is a Rule of Law Fellow for September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, a nonprofit 9/11 family member group that is committed to the pursuit of justice within a rule of law framework. Remarks were given by BU President Bashar Hanna and BU student Jared Stump, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and president of BUSVA, served as master of ceremonies. The Concert Choir, Women’s Choral Ensemble and Husky Marching Band provided music. 29 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Fall 2021 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Arts and Administration Building Bloomsburg University 400 E. Second St. Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301 1011050113 TAKE YOUR GRADUATE STUDIES CAREER TO NEW HEIGHTS • • • • • • • • Considering grad school? Consider coming home to Bloomsburg! 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