SPRING 2025

It Starts
With Us
Bloomsburg Launches
$100 Million Campaign
Page 10

A Community Transforms
Student Hailey Hukill’s Future
Page 12

The Wait is Over
Men’s Soccer Claims
First PSAC Championship
Page 18

PRESIDENT’S

message

Greetings Bloomsburg Family,
In this issue of Bloomsburg: The University Magazine, we
celebrate the launch of a historic fundraising campaign—
The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us.
Already, the campaign has garnered more than $83 million
in gifts and pledges toward a $100 million goal.
These gifts are already making a transformative difference
in Commonwealth University’s ability to improve the lives
of students. And the impact of these gifts will be felt for
decades to come. Because of the generosity of donors,
new scholarships will allow students to pursue their
education and graduate with less debt. And contributions
for Professional Experience grants are empowering
students to purse life-changing experiences, such as
internships, research projects, or study abroad that would
otherwise be financially out of reach.
We also highlight the generous $6 million gift of Steph ’89
and Allie Pettit to support our performing arts students
and upgrade our arts facilities. An avid supporter of the
arts, Pettit is also a longtime supporter of Husky athletics, whose contributions have been recognized with the
naming of the Pettit Athletic Complex on campus.
Other highlighted donors include Joshua Payne ’89, whose gift will support scholarships and professional experience
opportunities in the College of Health, Science, and Technology, and Jack Mulka ’66 and Kathy Matzko-Mulka ’68,
loyal alumni who are supporting first-generation students on the football team.
A college degree remains a critical tool for our students’ upward economic mobility; and these generous donors
help our students afford a CU degree so they can experience the transformative power of education firsthand.
We’ll also learn about how faculty in CU’s online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program teach students
techniques to use games to help clients.
And we will meet two CU leaders: Provost Michelle Kiec and Council of Trustees member Angela Smith. These
remarkable women embody a philosophy of leading through service.
Finally, enjoy the images of our fall Homecoming festivities and celebrate our men’s soccer team’s remarkable
PSAC championship season.

Dr. Bashar W. Hanna,
President

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education
Cynthia D. Shapira, Chair
Marian D. Moskowitz
David M. Maser, Vice Chair
Dr. Khalid N. Mumin,
Acting Secretary of Education
Samuel H. Smith, Vice Chair
Mark-Handy Phanor
Senator David Argall
Rep. Brad Roae
Robert W. Bogle
Sentor Judith L. Schwank
Representative Tim Briggs
Governor Josh Shapiro
Dr. Quintin B. Bullock
Ali Sina Sharifi
Richard Caruso
Dr. Kate Shaw
Dr. Brandon Danz
Dr. Robert Traynham
William “Bill” Gindlesperger
Neil R. Weaver
Abigail Hancox
Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino,
Akbar Hossain
Interim Chancellor
Commonwealth University
Bashar W. Hanna, Ph.D., President
Michelle Kiec, Ph.D., Provost,
Senior Vice President for
Academic Affairs
Suzanne Williamson, J.D.,
Vice President for Administration,
Chief of Staff
Council of Trustees
John E. Wetzel, Chair
Karen Russell, Vice Chair
Michael K. Hanna Jr., Secretary
Daniel P. Elby, At Large Officer
Amy Brayford
Krystjan K. Callahan
Steve Crawford

Stephen Lee, Ed.D., Vice President
for Enrollment Management and
Student Affairs
Erik Evans, M.Ed., Vice President
for University Advancement

8

Robert Thorn, M.Ed., Interim
Vice President for Fiscal Affairs
and CFO
Patrick Henderson
Susan Kefover
Brian D. O’Donnell
Angela C. Smith
Ray Zaborney
Jessica Dodge, Student Trustee
Janeyda Ortiz, Student Trustee
Marvens Ravix, Student Trustee

Editorial Board
Eric Foster, Doug Spatafore, Julie Stellfox, Lynda Michaels, Ashley
Koser, Andrea O’Neill, Tom Schaeffer, John Vitale, Dawn Wooster
Contributing Writers
Andrea O’Neill, Julie Stellfox, Doug Spatafore, Mary Raskob,
Eric Foster, Tom Schaeffer

10

18

Photography
Jaime North, Eric Foster

FEATURES

Design
Kerry Lord

Leveling Up: Navigating Mental Health Through Gaming

6

Homecoming 2024

8

Bloomsburg: The University Magazine is published two times
a year for alumni, students’ families, and friends of the university
Back issues may be found at commonwealthu.edu/magazine.
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 Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg on the web at
commonwealthu.edu/magazine.
Commonwealth University is an AA/EEO institution and is accessible
to disabled persons. CU–Bloomsburg 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.
© Commonwealth University 2025

It Starts With Us: Bloomsburg Launches
$100 million Campaign

10

Q&A: Trustee Angela Smith

24

DEPARTMENTS
Common Ground

2

Athletics

18

Husky Notes

21

Then & Now

23

COMMON GROUND

The
University
as Servant
By Eric Foster

Dr. Michelle Kiec, Commonwealth University’s
provost and senior vice president for academic affairs,
talks about the role of CU as that of a servant.

“At the core of who I am, I identify as a musician,” says Kiec, who
continues to perform chamber music as a clarinetist. “Music is a form
of engaging with people. The music that I make is primarily chamber
music, it involves collaboration, a give and take. How do we blend to
form a whole? That’s how I think about leadership. We are better
together than we are apart.”

“We’re here to serve the needs of our students,” says Kiec
(pronounced “kick”), who came to CU in July 2024 from Oklahoma
City University, where she served as provost
and vice president for academic affairs since
2022. “We’re serving the needs of our region.
We’re here to serve the needs of
We’re serving people in the community.
our students. We’re serving the
And we’re preparing our students for a better
needs of our region. We’re serving
life, for a future, for a career to be strong
people in the community. And
contributors to our society.”
Balancing those interests takes a skilled
touch—the touch of an artist, a musician,
a director. And that is exactly what Kiec
brings to the provost role.

we’re preparing our students for
a better life, for a future, for a
career to be strong contributors
to our society.

A musician by training, Kiec holds both
a master’s and doctoral degree from the
Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University. She
earned bachelor’s degrees in music performance and German from
the University at Buffalo. An avid hiker, Kiec has also trekked the
entire Appalachian trail, almost exclusively during weekends over two
and a half years.
2 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

Kiec began her career as a music faculty
member at the University of Mary in North
Dakota. The collaborative skills learned
as a musician propelled her to academic
leadership roles in North Dakota and later
at Kutztown University, where she served
in roles including interim vice provost for
Extended and Lifelong Learning and dean of
Graduate Studies, acting dean of the College
of Education and dean of the College of
Visual and Performing Arts.

To Kiec, CU represents an opportunity for
students. “We are an institution with campuses of three different
sizes, which is unique. A student may choose a campus because it’s the
right size, it feels right. At the same time, they can take some courses
virtually at the other campuses. And we share operational resources
university-wide, which helps make the university sustainable.”

COMMON GROUND

UPMC Contributes $200,000 For Nursing Simulation Center
CU–Bloomsburg has received a $200,000
gift from UPMC, which will be used to name
the Peri-Operative Suite within the new
Nursing Simulation Center at the Breiner
School of Nursing on Bloomsburg’s campus.
This gift supports the creation of a state-ofthe-art facility that will significantly enhance
the clinical training experience for nursing
students, preparing them to meet the growing
demands of the healthcare industry.
The Nursing Simulation Center, part of the
upcoming McCormick Center renovation, is
set to be completed in 2025. It will provide a
high-performance clinical practice environment
where students can hone their skills in a setting
that emulates a real hospital. The center will
be equipped with cutting-edge technology,

including advanced simulators and AV capture
systems, enhancing the learning experience
for students at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and
Mansfield campuses.
“Nursing is a hands-on, practical skill career,
and having access to such a robust simulation
program like what’s available at Bloomsburg
is going to be a game changer for the nurses
who complete the program,” said Patti
Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC in North
Central Pa. “Nurses are an essential component
of our health care system, and we value
our partnerships with the universities and
colleges who are committed to advancing
programs so that students are graduating into
fulfilling careers with limitless potential.”

CU Offers Credit for Learning Completed
Before Enrollment
Commonwealth University is offering
qualifying students a unique advantage to get a
jump on earning credits toward a degree before
even taking a class at CU with the Credit for
Prior Learning (CPL) program through the
office of Workforce Development.
Through partnerships made with several area
career and training centers, CU is offering
students credit for prior learning if they choose
to enroll in a program at any CU campus
(Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield)
that is related to the courses or training that
they have already taken.

phlebotomy training over the summer.
Upon successful completion of the training,
students will be able to secure employment
as a phlebotomist. If the student chooses to
further their education in a health science
program at a CU campus, they will also be
eligible to earn two credits toward their CU
degree with the option to earn an additional
credit if the student completes an externship.

One of CU’s partners, Keystone Central
Career and Technology Center, has had at
least 10 students who have completed one
of several pathways to CU’s early childhood
education, criminal justice, health science, or
general education programs.

CU’s Criminal Justice Pathway Program
allows students to include Mansfield’s Act
120 Municipal Police Academy as part of
the two-year or four-year degree program.
Through the pathway program, students will
earn an associate or a bachelor’s degree in
criminal justice with 20 credits to be applied
toward their bachelor’s degree and also be
certified as a municipal police officer upon
graduation.

As another example, a Muncy High School
student enrolled in the health careers
program at the Lycoming County Career
and Technology Center also registered in a
workforce development 90-hour non-credit

In addition, CU is a military friendly institution
recognizing students who have served in the
military and who will receive course credit
toward their degree at CU for their military
training and experience.

Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC

No Tuition
Increase for
Seventh
Consecutive Year
Commonwealth University
students did not experience
an increase in their tuition for
the 2024-25 academic year.
The Board of Governors for
Pennsylvania’s State System
of Higher Education voted
unanimously to freeze tuition,
keeping CU one of the most
affordable public higher
education options in the state.
This is the seventh consecutive
year the tuition rate will remain
the same. The repeated freezes
save students nearly 25% in
tuition costs compared to the
price if tuition had risen at the
inflation rate for the last six
years.
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COMMON GROUND

Janeyda Ortiz
NAMED STUDENT TRUSTEE
Student Janeyda Ortiz has been appointed to the
Commonwealth University Council of Trustees.
A sophomore business administration major from
Bethlehem, Ortiz works in the president’s office at
the Lock Haven campus and is a member of the
women’s wrestling team.
Ortiz is a peer mentor for TRIO Student Support
Services, a member of the Latino Student
Association, and a member and social media
manager for the Eagle Eye Club. She is also a
member of the Outreach for Humanity Club and Athletes Bible Studies Club a
Board of Governors Scholarship recipient, and a student representative on
CU’s strategic planning committee.
Ortiz came to CU–Lock Haven as an experienced advocate for students. She
worked to have women’s wrestling added to the offerings at Liberty High
School in Bethlehem and was the school’s class speaker of 2023. Ortiz credits
her athletic experience with giving her the tools to handle pressure well.

CU Awarded Grant
to Develop Future
Special Educators
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has
awarded Commonwealth University $20,000 as part
of a grant program to grow the Commonwealth’s
next generation of special educators. The award is
part of more than $1.4 million that was awarded to
77 local education agencies and institutions of higher
education.
CU will use a portion of the funds for recruitment
events for high school students interested in careers
within special education. The other portion will
provide opportunities for current CU students in the
special education program to engage in professional
development activities such as professional conferences
and advocacy events. CU has approximately 275
undergraduate and graduate students
in its special education programs.

Marcella Woods Honored with Keepers of the Flame Award
The award recognizes an individual from each of the 14 State System
university campuses for their contributions to creating and promoting
diverse, equitable and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of
belonging. The award recipients were announced during PASSHE’s
annual DEI Summit held at Millersville.
Woods initiated the establishment of the Multicultural Center at
Bloomsburg, becoming the center’s first director. She partners and
collaborates with many campus departments to attract underrepresented students to Bloomsburg and retain them.

Marcella Woods (left) and her nominator, Madelyn Rodriguez.

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has named
faculty and staff members at three Commonwealth University locations
as recipients of the third Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Keepers of the Flame Award.
Award recipients are Marcella Woods, coordinator of cultural affairs
and student support services at CU–Bloomsburg; Louise SullivanBlum, professor of English at CU–Mansfield; and Dr. Lisette Schillig,
associate professor of English and co-director of women, gender and
sexuality studies minor at CU–Lock Haven.
4 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

As the coordinator of Cultural Affairs and Student Support Services,
she assists students who may be experiencing housing and food
insecurities and other obstacles that may be preventing them from
focusing on their education. Her relationships with community
organizations and businesses have created work study employment
for students as well as volunteer opportunities.
She provides workshops on financial literacy for students and parents
and also on historical and current cultural issues of diversity. To allow
students to continue their faith practices, she created church visitation,
which has existed for nearly 20 years.
Woods was instrumental in recognizing Martin Luther King Jr.’s
birthday as a non-school day at the university encouraging a day of
service to the Bloomsburg community.

COMMON GROUND

CU Launches
Nurse Executive
Program
Commonwealth University has
launched a new program to
prepare nurses for executive
leadership roles, The Doctor of
Nursing Practice (DNP): Nurse
Executive program consists of
29 credits delivered online
asynchronously over two years.

Bloomsburg Adds a

NEW OFFICER TO THE FORCE
The newest addition to the Bloomsburg campus police department is K9 officer Rush, a Belgian
Malinois. Having graduated from 22 weeks of explosive detection training in October, Rush is
working hard to keep the Bloomsburg campus, and the wider community, safe, by doing sweeps for
explosives at large gatherings, such as football games, homecoming events and graduation with his
handler Ptlm. Eli Middaugh.

The program requires 1,000
clinical hours, half of which are
part of the curriculum and half are
completed outside of coursework.
Throughout the program, students
also complete a personalized
evidence-based project that seeks
to improve some aspect of the
healthcare system.

Washington Monthly notes that women now make up about
60 percent of college students in the United States, but account for
39 percent of bachelor’s degrees in the fields of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM), according to the National
Center for Education Statistics. As a result, women make up only a
third of the workforce in STEM industries, including just 17 percent
of engineers.
In the rankings, Washington Monthly ranked CU–Bloomsburg
eighth in the nation for chemistry, noting that 63.6% of CU–
Bloomsburg’s chemistry graduates are female and 59.2% of the
percentage of the campus’ student body is female.

CU-Bloomsburg Named a BEST COLLEGE for

WOMEN IN STEM
Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg has been listed among the
“Best Colleges for Women in STEM” by Washington Monthly for
chemistry.

CU’s chemistry and biochemistry programs have garnered other
accolades as well. Both programs are approved by the American
Chemical Society (ACS). Students who complete certain requirements
may then have their degrees certified by ACS. The biochemistry and
pre-medicine concentrations are also accredited by the American Society
for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Students in
these concentrations can have their degree certified after completing
the ASBMB exam. Additionally, students have opportunities to
conduct undergraduate research directly with faculty mentors,
which helps them earn acceptance in top graduate programs,
medical and dental schools, and career positions.
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PROFESSIONAL

u

UP
Leveling
NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH GAMING
By Julie Stellfox

M

ental health used to almost be taboo to talk about. Today,
many people take intentional steps each day to improve and
maintain good mental health.
Strategies include the expected—exercise, a healthy diet, plenty of
sleep, yoga.
Dr. Stephen Kuniak, a faculty member in CommonwealthU’s
online Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master’s
program has another strategy to add to the toolbox—gaming.
Video games, tabletop games, role playing, and fantasy literature
can all help some people through difficult times, says Kuniak, who
is based out of the Lock Haven campus.
Kuniak has experienced first-hand the benefits of gaming therapy
and has since brought it into his own personal practice as well as his
classes, many of which focus on the practical application of the content
for the students to use in their future practice working with clients.
The CMHC master’s program is CACREP accredited and offers
several concentration and certificate opportunities for students.
The program also received the Outstanding Education Program
award during the 2023 Pennsylvania Counseling Associations’ annual
conference.
“I really think that we have the best of all worlds. Delivered online,
but taught in a way that resembles a traditional on-ground program,”
says Kuniak, a professional counselor for nearly 17 years, who has
worked in family, substance abuse, and relationship counseling.

6 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

A gamer since childhood, at Saint Vincent College Kuniak conducted
undergrad research projects on the benefits of fantasy storytelling.
During his first semester of his Master’s of Counseling program at
Duquesne University, Kuniak was involved in a serious car accident
in which his car was hit head-on by another vehicle. His right femur
was crushed and he had to endure reconstructive surgery involving
a titanium rod and pins being placed through what was left of his
leg. It was during his recovery when he began to see a clinical
application of gaming.
“I found that diving deeply into fantasy stories and particularly
deep narratives in the games that I enjoyed playing were a better
way to occupy my mind than the pain medication I was given.
And though this wasn’t any sort of magic, I realized that there
were some practical utilities to games,” says Kuniak.
When he began family-based counseling, an in-home model of
treatment where a child is at risk of removal from their home, he
found that connecting with his clients quickly was imperative to
helping them. Gaming began to be a bridge that made that rapid
connection possible.
“Over time, I’ve found more opportunities to incorporate gaming
into practice and expanding my repertoire of interventions,” Kuniak
says. “I’ve made connections between the interventions and the
theories that we use in counseling. I also tend to teach these in
specific courses where we learn more about incorporating creative
interventions to reach clients in unique and out-of-the-box ways.”

PROFESSIONAL

Kuniak has found that integrating gaming into his teaching lessons
helps him reach students who are also a gamer or are interested in
pop culture. “I think it also shows students how to modify theoretical
perspectives or specific counseling interventions to better meet the
needs of our clients,” he says.
Gaming incorporates itself well into his courses, as it lines up with art
and play therapy skills and shows the students how to use other areas of
interest to help their clients.
“There is a perspective that gaming is
something fringe and that only
maladaptive people are engaging in these
behaviors, but it’s estimated that more
than 60% of the population game at
least one hour a week,” explains Kuniak.

u

“It provides unique metaphors to build upon and clever ways to
practice skill areas without putting the client through extra challenges
that might make progress as hard. I’ve found that it can help to
build our therapeutic relationship more quickly and effectively,”
Kuniak says. “Counseling can naturally be rather uncomfortable, and
this can remove some of that discomfort for a specific population.”

Kuniak’s practice has evolved. Rather than just focusing on what
he could individually do with his clients in a
small amount of time, he decided to turn it
into a non-profit organization that provides
The stories, art, and music
education, outreach, treatment, and gathers
can all be very deep and
research data.
emotionally charged, it’s not

just getting high scores and
completing mindless tasks.
We game to feel something.

“I call the organization ‘Experience Points,’
a gamer term for the points earned in a game
“There are a lot of reasons why people
from completing difficult tasks, which are used
game,” Kuniak says. “The stories, art,
to level up your character,” Kuniak explains.
– DR. STEPHEN KUNIAK
and music can all be very deep and
“It is a really clear metaphor for what we
emotionally charged, it’s not just getting
try to do with our clients in mental health
high scores and completing mindless
counseling. Help them achieve experience points
tasks. We game to feel something.”
through their treatment goals, in order to help them level up their
According to the Entertainment Software Association, a non-profit
mental health.”
organization that gathers trends and usage reports for the games
Kuniak has been interviewed for his work in publications like the
industry, estimates that roughly 190.6 million people between the
Washington Post and Counseling Today, was interviewed on the
ages of 5 and 90 game at least 1 hour per week, and of that, 80%
talk show KDKA “Talk Pittsburgh,” and has had a study on “gamer
game socially.
culture” published in the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health.
In his practice, Kuniak has found that being able to “speak gamer”
“It’s been really exciting to see people’s interest in the gaming culture,”
has helped him connect better with his clients who are members of
Kuniak says. “It lets me know I’m finding a niche that really
the culture and using gaming interventions tends to help make the
deserves to be paid attention to.”
work more palatable for his clients.

BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 7

HOMECOMING

BLOOMSBURG HOMECOMING 2024
Huskies of all ages returned to
campus for Homecoming on Oct. 12.
The weekend celebrations included
a tent party at the Fenstemaker
Alumni House. At the Steph Petit
Athletic Complex on upper campus,
athletes competed in field hockey,
swimming (alumni), football, and men’s
soccer. Later, the Class of 1974 held
a 50th reunion reception at Monty’s.

8 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

COMMENCEMENT
COMMENCEMENT

BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 9

SHAPING THE

future

IT STARTS
WITH US
BLOOMSBURG LAUNCHES
$ 1 0 0 M I L L I O N C A M PA I G N
By Tom Schaeffer ’02

Early Support Propels Bloomsburg to more
By Thomas Schaeffer ’02
than $83 Million Toward $100 Million Goal

Student presenters Katie Starr
and Christian Price

On a historic October evening last fall, CU-Bloomsburg and
the Bloomsburg University Foundation unveiled its most
ambitious initiative to date: The
Campaign for Bloomsburg, with
a record-breaking $100 million
goal. Dubbed “It Starts With Us,”
This campaign is about
the campaign seeks to transform
more than just a number—
the university’s future by providing
it’s about changing lives.
unprecedented support for
— CU PRESIDENT BASHAR W. HANNA
students, programs, and the
campus community.
“This campaign is about more
than just a number—it’s about
changing lives,” said CU President Bashar W. Hanna at the
launch event. “The support we raise will provide scholarships,
enhance academic programs, and ensure that every student
has the resources and experiences they need to thrive. This is
a pivotal moment for Bloomsburg, and we couldn’t be more
excited to embark on this journey with our dedicated alumni,
donors, and friends.”
Focused on three pillars—Attract, Elevate, and Prepare—the
campaign underscores the university’s commitment to recruiting
top-tier students, enriching the student experience, and equipping
graduates with tools for career success.

CU President Bashar W. Hanna and Erik Evans,
By Amanda Alexander ’09 (Lock Haven)
Vice President for Advancement
10 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

A standout moment of the launch event was the announcement
of a $6 million gift from Steph and Allie Pettit to establish
a new Center for the Arts, bringing their total campaign
contributions to over $20 million. The couple’s generosity
will fund scholarships, enhance performing arts resources,
and create innovative spaces for student creativity.

Campaign Co-Chairs Julie Breiner ‘77 and Stephen J. Jones ‘83 surrounded
by student performers.

What we have given sounds like a lot, but
it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to
what the university and our students need
to be successful.
— STEPH PETTIT ’89

“The best way to thank us for our donations is to get involved,” said Steph Pettit ’89.
“What we have given sounds like a lot, but it’s just a drop in the bucket compared
to what the university and our students need to be successful.”

Speakers Marc Steckel ‘93 and Michael Gillespie ‘95.

Student presenters Katie Starr and Christian Price shared heartfelt stories about
the impact of donor support.
“As a student-athlete, I’ve been able to pursue both my academic and athletic dreams
thanks to scholarships,” said Starr, a psychology major and women’s basketball player.
“This campaign will create new opportunities for student-athletes like me, and
I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported us.”
Price, a junior sales and marketing major, added, “Your generosity has given me
the chance to participate in life-changing experiences, like competing in a national
sales competition and securing an internship. None of this would have been possible
without the support of our donors.”
With the announcement of Pettit’s gift, the total raised toward the campaign
goal at the launch was revealed at $79,959,509.
At publication time, the total raised was more than $83 million.
“This campaign is about the power of collective action,” Hanna said. “Together,
we are building the future, and it all starts with us.”

Speakers Brandon Gill ‘22 and Juli Miller ‘92.

For more information or to learn more about how you can contribute to this historic campaign, call Stephanie Ulmer at
570-389-4059, email sulmer@bloomufdn.org, or visit giving.bloomu.edu/the-campaign-for-bloomsburg-it-starts-with-us.
BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 11

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

A Community
Transforms One
Student’s Future
By Tom Schaeffer ’02

Hailey Hukill’s journey to Bloomsburg is a testament to the
transformative power of community and support—a story that
reflects the spirit of “The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us.”
A senior accounting major from Scranton who graduated in December,
Hukill is blazing her own trail as the first in her family to attend college.
Despite challenges, she found a second family in the Bloomsburg
community.
“My favorite thing about Bloomsburg is the education I’ve received
in the accounting program,” Hukill shares. “Dr. Michael Shapiro is
tough—he demands a lot of work and studying—but I know that
when I enter the field, I’m well-prepared, even compared to peers
from other colleges. That confidence makes me happy.”
Hukill’s academic achievements were supported by scholarships
that have lifted the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
Among these were the Piatkowski Family Scholarship, established
by alumnus Ed Piatkowski ’86. More than just a donor, Piatkowski
became a mentor and cheerleader for Hukill, staying in regular
contact and offering guidance as she works toward her goals.
“Helping students like Hailey is what it’s all about,” says Piatkowski.
“Her perseverance and work ethic are amazing. Students like her
remind us why giving is so important,
Ed Piatkowski ’86
especially now, with state funding so
and Hailey Hukill
far from what it was when we were in
school.”

challenges with financial aid that seemed insurmountable. Bloomsburg,
however, welcomed her with open arms, working with her to find a
way forward. “Bloomsburg’s financial aid office was willing to help
me achieve my dreams,” Hukill explains. “That meant everything.”
Beyond financial support, Hukill has found a network of friends,
faculty, and staff who have become her champions. “There will
always be people who want to help you out,” she says. “Make
those connections. If you’re willing to break cycles and work
hard, you’ll meet people who will want to support you and be
there for you. And you’ll carry that kindness forward.”
This sense of community has inspired Hukill to think about how she
can pay it forward in the future. “If I have even a little extra money,
I’ll want to help somebody else,” she says. “I’ve seen firsthand how
much of a difference it makes.”

For Hukill, this relationship has been lifechanging. “Ed cares about my education
like I’m one of his own children,” she says.
“He’s so supportive and understanding.
We often talk—he’ll send me job opportunities or articles he thinks will help me.
We’ve gotten to know each other on a
personal level, and I’m so grateful for him.”

Hukill’s commitment to paying it forward started before she even
left campus. She has already made her Senior Class Gift, a tradition
that allows soon-to-be graduates to leave a legacy of support for
future Huskies. “It’s important to me to give back, even in a small
way,” she explains. “I know the difference donor support has made
in my experience, and I want to do the same for others.”

Hukill’s path to Bloomsburg wasn’t
without obstacles. Initially planning to
attend another university, she encountered

“Students like Hailey show us why giving matters,” Piatkowski says.
“They are the future, and it really does start with us by providing
our support.”

12 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

Her resilience and gratitude are a powerful reminder that every
act of generosity—no matter the size—can change a life.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

STEPH & ALLIE PETTIT HELP THE ARTS

SHINE BRIGHTER
The arts programs at CU-Bloomsburg will
shine even brighter thanks to a $6 million
gift from Steph ’89 and Allie Pettit.
Announced during the public launch of
“The Campaign for Bloomsburg : It Starts
With Us,” this gift will establish the Steph
and Allie Pettit Center for the Arts.
“The arts have the power to change lives,
ignite creativity, and bring people together,”
says Pettit. “We hope this center becomes a
place of pride and inspiration for everyone.
Bloomsburg shaped who I am, and it’s an honor
to give back to a place that means so much to
me. Growing up in a home full of musicians,
artists, and performers gave me a great
appreciation for the power of music, art and
performing arts. We hope this gift ultimately
encourages others to join us in supporting
the arts at Bloomsburg.”
The gift allocates $3 million to revitalize
the Haas Center for the Performing Arts
and $3 million to fund scholarships and
technological advancements. Enhancements

include cutting-edge theatrical and
architectural lighting, immersive audience
technologies, and versatile performance
spaces designed to elevate both student
learning and patron engagement.
“This gift gives our students unprecedented
access to state-of-the-art equipment and
facilities, preparing them for thriving careers
in the arts,” says Abby Manns, director of
performing arts and programs and the Arts
in Bloom series. “The scholarships will open
doors for talented students who might

We are deeply grateful to
Steph and Allie for their
transformational gift, which
represents a remarkable
commitment to our students
and the arts.

By Tom Schaeffer ’02

otherwise not have the opportunity to
pursue their artistic dreams.”
“We are deeply grateful to Steph and Allie
for their transformational gift, which
represents a remarkable commitment to our
students and the arts,” says Erik Evans, CU
vice president for advancement. “This is just
the beginning of the support we’ll need to
fully enhance our programs, facilities, and
available scholarships to provide the next
generation of artists with the technology,
experiences, and opportunities they need to
thrive.”
The Steph and Allie Pettit Center for the
Arts will serve as a cultural hub, attracting
artists, educators, and enthusiastic audiences
to Bloomsburg. This vision is aligned with
the campaign’s core pillars—Attract,
Prepare, and Elevate—underscoring a
commitment to empowering students and
fostering academic and artistic excellence.

– ERIK EVANS, CU VICE PRESIDENT
FOR ADVANCEMENT

BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 13

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

J O S H PAY N E :

PROVIDING SUPPORT
& SERVICE
By Luke Wilson ’24

Following more than 30 years of consistent
contributions to his alma mater, Joshua Payne
’89 has made a gift of $3.5 million to advance
scholarships and student success.
This endowment, through a bequest in his
will, will go directly toward scholarships and
Professional Experience Grants (PEGs) for
students in the College of Health, Science, and
Technology at Commonwealth University.
“We are profoundly grateful to Josh, whose
remarkable generosity as an alumnus will have
a transformative impact on the lives of our
students,” says Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, CU
president. “Josh’s unwavering commitment to
Bloomsburg highlights the enduring connection
between our alumni and their alma mater—
through scholarships and PEGs, his gift will
not only ease financial burdens, but provide
students with more opportunities to grow,
innovate and lead.”
Payne graduated with a bachelor’s in computer
science. As a student, he was heavily involved
in the arts and humanities through his
participation in the campus choir, marching
band, and the national band fraternity Tau
14 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

Beta Sigma. After graduation, he moved to
Houston, Texas, to pursue a master’s degree
in computer science.
Payne’s generosity was inspired in part by the
lasting influence of the late Dr. Edward Kerlin
and Dr. Paul Hartung, beloved professors who
heavily impacted his undergraduate experience.
“Bloomsburg shaped who I am, and this is my
way of giving back in a meaningful way,” says
Payne. “It’s about more than scholarships—it’s
about creating opportunities for students to gain
the confidence and skills they need to succeed.”
Since 1991, Payne has made a substantial
amount of contributions to Bloomsburg
students. In 2019, he created the Payne-Lyons
Scholarship to support LGBTQA students in
the College of Health, Science, and Technology.
“Josh’s vision for our students reflects the
importance of real-world experience in
academic learning,” says Dr. Latha
Ramakrishnan, dean of the College of Health,
Science, and Technology. “This gift will allow
more students to pursue research, internships,
and projects that not only advance the
fields of science, health, and technology but
prepare them for their future careers.”

After 17 years at Nike and a senior management position at Wayfair, Payne retired
in 2022, and not only started dedicating
more financial resources to Bloomsburg but
began to get involved on campus.
Payne, whose brother and nephew also
graduated from Bloomsburg, is currently
working on opportunities to give students
confidence, professional experience, and a
competitive edge, and he continues to invest
his time and expertise in supporting students
as they transition from college to their careers.
“The decline in state funding has been tough
to watch because it raises the cost of a degree
and makes it harder for students to succeed,”
says Payne. “But I believe the most valuable
resource I can offer isn’t just money—it’s my
time. I know that sharing my wisdom and
experience can make a real difference for
students as they finish their degrees and step
into the workforce. Genuine, authentic
conversations can boost their confidence and
help set them on the right path.”

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Jack Mulka ’66 and KathyMatzko-Mulka ’68

“We couldn’t be more thankful to Jack and Kathy for
their generosity, along with the incredible network of
alumni in the Bloomsburg community and beyond,”
says Jerome Dvorak, Bloomsburg University Foundation
executive director.
Jack enrolled at Bloomsburg in 1962 as the first in his
family to pursue a college degree. It was at Bloomsburg
that he met Kathy, and their shared experiences as
students laid the foundation for decades of dedicated
service. Jack went on to serve as the dean of student
development, leading the student union for more than
20 years, while Kathy made her impact as an admissions
counselor, helping students begin their own academic
journeys.
Beyond their professional roles, Jack extended his
influence as a committed member of the Bloomsburg
University Alumni Association Board of Directors and
through two extended stints on the BU Foundation Board
of Directors, where he remains an active contributor.
Together, the couple has built an extraordinary legacy
of more than 50 years of service and philanthropy to
Bloomsburg.
“We value the education we received, and the cost of
living and education have gone up significantly,” says
Kathy, reflecting on their commitment to giving back
to their alma mater.

J A C K & K AT H E R I N E M U L K A :

ENDOW SUPPORT
FOR STUDENTS
By Luke Wilson ’24

A gift from dedicated and longstanding alumni, Jack Mulka ’66
and his wife, Katherine “Kathy” Matzko-Mulka ’68, will establish
two endowments—$25,000 for scholarships and $25,000 for
Professional Experience Grants.

As part of their contributions, the couple established
the Matzko-Mulka Endowed Scholarship, dedicated
to supporting first-generation CU-Bloomsburg
football players. This scholarship reflects Jack’s own
undergraduate experience as a first-generation student
and honors the athletic program that provided him
with valuable mentorship and life lessons.
Over the years, the two have met and helped many
Bloomsburg students, including the most recent
scholarship recipient, dean’s list student KJ Riley, and
in the past, New Orleans Saints player, coach, and
NFL Hall of Fame nominee Jahri Evans.
“Helping students is what it’s all about,” says Jack,
whose father left school during the Great Depression
to make ends meet by working in the coal industry and
wanted his son to become a teacher. “We’ve gotten to
know many first-generation students over the years—
we’re so proud of the recipients.”
BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 15

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

TOP TEACH ER

Stephanie Machmer
FINALIST FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
By Eric Foster

Stephanie Meisel Machmer ’96/’00M was one of 12
finalists for the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the
Year. She has been a secondary life skills support
teacher in the Jersey Shore Area School District for
more than 28 years.
“I was always drawn to education because I enjoyed
working with kids, but my middle school guidance
counselor suggested I try special education,” says
Machmer. “I student taught in a life skills classroom
for one of my student teaching placements and really
enjoyed it, so when a position at Jersey Shore
opened, I immediately applied.”
“When I started at Jersey Shore, we didn’t have a
secondary life skills program, so I was able to build
the program,” Machmer says. “I love helping students
prepare for being successful after graduation. “I’m
helping students get ready for life in so many areas—
from cooking and daily living skills to self-care and job
readiness—I want my students to be as independent
as possible in all areas. I love helping students reach
their full potential. Many of my students have been
told they can’t do things and I love showing them
they can do it.”
“In the last five years, I have started a student-run
coffee shop, a facility dog program, and a Unified
Bocce team. It keeps me busy, but it also keeps things
fresh and new for both me and my students. Sharing
new programs and projects with my school and
community keeps my spark in education burning.”
“My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my
students be successful, especially in an area where
they didn’t believe they could do it. Seeing confidence
grow for once timid students. I also love seeing my
past students being productive members of their
community—both working and participating in the
community.”

16 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

ATHLETICS

Bella Culp

BELLA CULP

Makes Her Mark on the Field and in the Classroom
Bella Culp, a standout two-sport athlete, defines what it means to be a
student-athlete at Bloomsburg.
In July, Huskies field hockey standout Bella
Culp added another accolade to cap off her
impressive year as she was named a Third
Team College Sports Communicators
Academic All-American.
The Academic All-America honor is the first
of her career. Culp finished the season as a
National Field Hockey Coaches Association
(NFHCA) Second Team All-American and
earned first team honors from the Pennsylvania
State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Culp
is also a three-time NFHCA Scholar of
Distinction and a three-time member of the
NFHCA National Academic Squad.
Culp had a breakout season as she recorded a
career-high 11 assists and 19 points in 2023 as
she helped lead Bloomsburg to a 14-5 record
and an appearance in the PSAC Tournament.
In 55 games played for the Huskies, Culp has
posted five goals and 15 assists while playing
in the midfield.

Culp also served as a key piece of the Huskies
softball team, leading the team in batting
average (.359), runs (44), hits (69), and triples
(6). The Huskies went 33-24 and made a trip
to the NCAA tournament.
PSAC Scholar Athletes

Culp was named a 307 PSAC Scholar-Athlete
for Bloomsburg during the 2023-24 season.
For Bloomsburg, the 307 PSAC ScholarAthletes marked a school record and the most
of any PSAC institution. To earn this honor,
a student-athlete must maintain a cumulative
GPA of 3.25 or higher during the academic
year. In all, a remarkable 52% of Bloomsburg
student-athletes achieved the “scholar”
distinction, which marked the fourth
consecutive academic year where at least
50% of the student-athlete population
excelled in the classroom—to a mark of a
3.25 GPA or higher.

BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 17

ATHLETICS
Caption

THE WAIT IS OVER

MEN’S SOCCER CLAIMS FIRST PSAC CHAMPIONSHIP
The Bloomsburg men’s soccer program no longer has to wait. The 2024
Huskies claimed the first PSAC Championship title in team history
with a 2-1 victory over Gannon at Steph Pettit Stadium in November.
After back-to-back heartbreaking defeats at home in the 2022 and
2023 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference postseason tournaments,
the Huskies went through the top two teams in the West to capture the
elusive trophy in the team’s 50th season.
For head coach Mark Bassett, the win validates a coaching philosophy
of teamwork. “Cherish your teammates, move your teammates, and
hunt success together,” says Bassett, whose 49-22-8 record as coach
represents the most successful four-year period in program history.
“Experience was the key this season,” says Bassett, who credits the team’s
“incredible work ethic, unwavering commitment to each other, and
the experiences gained in the past three seasons.” The team’s bond
was strengthened by their overseas trip to Portugal and Spain last
summer, an experience in a long list that has connected and bonded
them as a team.
The 2024 PSAC Championship caps a series of remarkable seasons for
the squad.
In 2022, after clinching the PSAC East top seed to host the PSAC
Tournament, the Huskies defeated Gannon only to suffer the heartbreak
of a 1-0 defeat at Steph Pettit Stadium in the conference championship
game. In 2023, Bloomsburg suffered a similar anguish in a penalty
18 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

ATHLETICS

shootout loss at home to West Chester. The
Huskies leveraged frustration from the loss into
motivation to defeat Southern New Hampshire
2-1 for the program’s first NCAA Tournament
victory. A second-round exit brought a hard-fought
end to 2023 but signaled that the Huskies were
a team to watch.
The early 2024 season began with mixed results,
with a 3-2-1 start following a defeat to West
Chester. But on Sept. 25, Bloomsburg scored
inside the final 10 minutes against Shepherd
to win. The wins continued, with an 11-game
winning streak becoming the longest single-season
run in program history. The regular season record
of 15-4-2 was highlighted by firsts for Bassett’s
tenure that included a home victory over
Millersville and a win over West Chester.
With a chance at redemption, the Huskies’ postseason began with a matchup at Pettit Stadium
against Slippery Rock with 1-1 match being
decided by penalty kicks. Days later, on that same
field, the Huskies jumped out to a 2-0 lead over
Gannon. A Gannon goal halved the Huskies’ lead,
but when the final horn blew, what had slipped
from the Huskies’ grasp in 2022, was firmly in
hand—a PSAC title.

Season Honors
All-America Honors: Defender Patrick Walsh

Division II Conference Commissioners Association
All-America Third Team and College Sports
Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America First
Team. Goalkeeper Brady Rimple Second Team CSC
Academic All-America honors.
United Soccer Coaches All-America Honors:

Defender Kody Besser and Goalkeeper Brady Rimple
(First Team). Forward Owen Hollobaugh (Third Team)
United Soccer Coaches Atlantic Region Staff
of the Year: Head Coach Mark Bassett, graduate

assistant coach Patrick Alvarez, and volunteer
assistant coach Liam Harmon.
United Soccer Coaches All-Region Honors:

Defender Kody Besser, Forward Owen Hollobaugh,
and Goalkeeper Brady Rimple (First Team). Defender
Patrick Walsh (Second Team).
BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 19

ATHLETICS

Hale Inducted into the
College Football Hall of Fame
Former Bloomsburg football head coach
Danny Hale was formally inducted into
the National Football Foundation College
Football Hall of Fame at the Bellagio in Las
Vegas in December. Coach Hale is the one of
233 coaches all-time and is the second Husky
enshrined by the NFF.

Before coaching, Hale was in the
Marine Corps right out of college—
an experience that shaped his
coaching philosophy.

“I didn’t even know how many wins I had,”
says Hale. “You go from one season to the
next and it’s on going. There is always something to take care of. You never have a chance
to enjoy your previous season. You are always
on to the next one.”

“When I think of the marines,
I think of not having the best of
everything but you made due. My
coaching career paralleled that,” says
Hale. “Wherever I went, I didn’t
have a fully funded scholarship
or coaching staff, so you have to adapt and
overcome. And as a Marine, you have to do
that as well.”

Coach Hale was one of just two honorees
from Division II. “I made a career choice to
stay at the Division II level. There were so
many reasons involved. The number one is
that when I took the head coaching job at
Bloomsburg, I had an 11-year-old son who
was diagnosed with cancer. So that changes
perspectives, everyone’s motivation is different. Mine was, I enjoy this level. And you can
make an impact and develop student-athletes.”

Adapt and overcome, he did. Hale finished
his career as the all-time winningest coach at
Bloomsburg with a record of 173-56-1 (.754)
and a career record of 213-69-1 (.754), which
includes five seasons at West Chester. Hale
led the Huskies to 11 outright or shared PSAC
Eastern Division titles and eight NCAA postseason playoff berths. In his final 13 seasons
(2000-2012), Bloomsburg was one of the most
successful NCAA Division II programs with a

combined record of 121-32 (.791). He guided
the Huskies to seven 10-win seasons.
Hale is a member of the Bloomsburg Athletics
Hall of Fame following his induction in 2021.
Coach Hale joins current Bloomsburg head
coach Frank Sheptock as the two Husky
inductees into the NFF College Football Hall
of Fame. Currently, Bloomsburg is the only
school in the PSAC with multiple inductees.
The Huskies have two more finalists on the
College Football Hall of Fame ballot as Jahri
Evans and Franklyn Quiteh await their call for

Roger Sanders, Hall of Fame Wrestling Coach, Passes Away
Legendary Bloomsburg wrestling head coach
Roger Sanders passed away on Dec. 18, 2024.
A 2014 inductee into the Bloomsburg Athletic
Hall of Fame, Sanders was the Huskies’ head
wrestling coach for 21 years, finishing with a
record of 250-104-8. He was the PSAC Coach
of the Year in 1984–85.
Sanders guided his teams to two first-place, four
second-place, and five third-place finishes in the
Eastern Wrestling League (EWL). Bloomsburg won
the EWL championship in 1980–81 and 1992–93,
his final season as head coach. His 1987 team
finished fifth in the NCAA Division I Championships, the highest finish in school history.
A member of the health and physical education
staff, and Sanders also served as Bloomsburg’s

20 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

athletic director for five years. He was president
of the National Wrestling Coaches Association
(1987–1991) and was wrestling coordinator for
the US Association for Blind Athletes.
Sanders was presented the Lifetime of Service
Award by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
He was inducted into the Pennsylvania State
Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 1995 and the
Eastern Wrestling League Hall of Fame in 2004.
Sanders is survived by his wife, Nancy; two
daughters, Julie and Traci; and five grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the
Roger Sanders Scholarship at the Bloomsburg
University Foundation, 50 E. Main St., 4th Floor,
Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or online at:
giving.bloomu.edu/donate.

HUSKY NOTES

60s
Royce Robbins ’67 wrote a children’s book
in English and in Spanish called Paco and the
Purple Porcupine (Paco y el Puercoporcin
Purpurado). Published in 2023 by Amplify
Publishing, the book is available at Barnes and
Noble, Amazon, and other bookstores.

80s
Judith Mariotz Maloy ’84, CEO and director of
Polaris Direct LLC, has been inducted into the
Printing Impressions 2024 Printing Industry Hall
of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes
Maloy’s career, marked by innovation and
leadership in the direct marketing industry.
Polaris Direct, a certified Women’s Business
Enterprise and Women-Owned Small Business,
is now in its 21st year.

John Kaschak ’98 was promoted to Pennsylvania state
comptroller /deputy secretary for comptroller operations.
As the Commonwealth’s deputy secretary of comptroller
operations, Kaschak ensures that the Office of Comptroller
Operations is a trusted advisor to the agencies by offering fiscal
insight, oversight, and foresight related to financial systems,
processes, and policies. Among his previous experience,
Kaschak was executive deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania
Department of Revenue. While at the Pennsylvania Department
of Revenue, Kaschak served as the chief operations officer
and oversaw the processing of 10 million tax returns and the
collection and accounting of over $40 billion in revenues
annually. He was one of the architects behind their threepronged transformation plan, which included modernization,
reorganization, and employee empowerment.

Robert Williams ’86 retired in June from
Parry McCluer High School in Virginia after
38 years of service. His mathematics teaching
career encompasses one year at Shamokin
High School, 17 years in Charleston, S.C., and
20 years in Virginia. He also coached several
athletic teams for 37 years, including track
and field, cross country, football, basketball,
and tennis. He has held positions as athletic
director, activities director, and mathematics
department head.
Joseph Sassano ’89 has been named senior
executive for information technology at Little
League International. Sassano was previously
executive director of information technology
services and chief information officer for York
County Government since 2013. He earlier
was the chief information officer for the
Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund, a
system and technology analyst at the Hospital
and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania,
and a systems analyst for the Administrative
Offices of the Pennsylvania Courts.

90s
Michelle Seibert Appel ’90 has been awarded
the Association for Institutional Research (AIR)
2024 AIR Outstanding Service Award. The
Outstanding Service Award recognizes an
AIR member for professional leadership and
exemplary service to the association. Appel is
assistant vice president, institutional research,
planning, and assessment, at the University of
Maryland, College Park.
Alan Eck ’91 was named to the West Branch
Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports
Hall of Fame. A Williamsport native, Eck was a
quarterback for the Huskies, where he holds
the school record for most pass completions in
a season with 194. Eck has been a professional

Jahri Evans ’07 was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor in November. A fourthround pick by the Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft, Evans quickly became one of the best offensive
linemen in the league, and in 2020 was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team. He played
169 games in total for New Orleans. Starting with the franchise’s Super Bowl season in 2009, he
received first-team All-Pro honors four consecutive times and reached six straight Pro Bowls,
while serving as a premier pass blocker for quarterback Drew Brees.

football official in the National Football League
since the 2016 NFL season, wearing uniform
number 76.
John MacDonald ’91 has been named vice
president of marketing at The Giant Co., an
American regional supermarket chain that
operates in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia,
and West Virginia under the Giant and Martin’s
brands. A veteran of the retail and health
care industries with more than 30 years of
experience, MacDonald first joined The Giant
Co. in 2012 as director of marketing. Before his
tenure with the company, MacDonald held a
variety of roles at Ahold Financial Services and
served as the vice president of marketing at
Giant Food. Before returning to The Giant Co.,
MacDonald served as chief marketing officer
for FreshDirect.

Matthew Phelan ’98 retired as chief from the
Bedminster Township Police Department. He
was previously employed by Tinicum Township
Police Department from 1998-2007 and again
from 2009-2020 as a patrolman, corporal,
sergeant, and chief. From 2007-09 Phelan
served as the assistant director of safety and
police at Bloomsburg University and joined
Bedminster Township as the chief of police in
2020. Phelan is pursuing a career opportunity
at the Upper Bucks County Technical School,
where he will educate the next generation of
local law enforcement officers.
Christina Hostetter Zamon ’99, head of special
collections and archives at Georgia State
University, was induced as Fellow of the Society
of American Archivists. A multi-hyphenate
archival practitioner Zamon has held many
roles including solo archivist, department head,
educator, fundraiser, author, and mentor.
BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 21

HUSKY NOTES

00s
Eric Stair ’03 was named assistant principal at
Poinciana Elementary in Key West, Florida. Stair
enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high
school and was a helicopter crew chief before
earning his degree in elementary education at
Bloomsburg University.
Amanda Breon Hamilton ’05 was inducted
into the Centre County Sports Hall of Fame.
Hamilton earned 12 varsity letters at Bellefonte
Area High School, including four letters in
softball, when she was named all-state in
2001. Hamilton continued her athletic career
at Bloomsburg University where she set several
school records and was named All-PSAC.
Krystle Gaeta Vodron ’08 has been named
executive director of Family Promise of Midland
(Texas). Vodron has over 16 years of experience
in education, serving students from pre-K
through 12th grade. Family Promise is a nonprofit
organization committed to addressing family
homelessness in Midland, striving to help
families achieve sustainable independence.

10s
Nevin “Skip” Pighetti ’10M was inducted into
the Centre County Sports Hall of Fame. A Bald
Eagle Area alumnus, Pighetti capped off a 69-5-3
career record at BEA with an undefeated senior
season and a state championship. He later
coached the Eagles for five years and now is
an elementary principal in the Bald Eagle Area
School District.
William Mack ’12M was honored by the Hawk
Mountain Council of Boy Scouts of America
as the 2024 Elbert K. Fretwell Educator of
the Year. Mack is an instructor at Schuylkill
Technology Center North Campus.
Jennifer Welborn ’13 is town clerk and human
resource officer for Emerald Isle, North Carolina.
Emerald Isle hired Welborn in March as a project
specialist, where she supports the finance,
planning, and administration departments.

Obituaries
Janet Shultz Ungerman ’46
Joyce Gass Barnhart ’48
Edwin Keiser ’49
Irene Eckert Harrison ’52
George Kallenbach ’54
Marcella Cedor Belles ’55
Donald Beck ’56
Mary Hoffecker Coughlan ’56
C. George ’56
Barbara Berry Kissinger ’56
George Davenport ’57
Donald McNelis ’57
John Phillips ’57
Helen Baron Kerstetter ’58
James Vowler ’58
Craig Beach ’59
Daniel Fritz ’59
Mary Ann Swisher ’59
Catherine Hoffman Murray ’60
Thomas Stover ’60
Louis Palermo ’61
Lynne McHail Zelez ’61
Carol Ann Hartzell
Dieffenbach ’62
John McMurtrie ’62
Eugene Rinehimer ’62
Sandra Bundle McCormack
Colon ’63
Eugene Homa ’63
Edna Yurick Stauffer ’63
Margaret Desmond ’64
William Haas ’64
Bonnie Burnard Voiles ’64
Harold Ackerman ’65
Joyce Diehl Delaney ’65
Stuart Faust ’65
Clarence John ’65
Lincoln Miller ’65
Patricia Burns ’66
James Cino ’66
Robert Fisher ’66

Doreen Schramm ’66
Wilbur Carlson ’67
Roberta Williams Chase ’67
Alice Ghezzi ’67
Danny Lee ’67
Arthur Merz ’67
Edwin Charles ’68
Ronald Funk ’68
Miriam Davis Wagner ’68
Bonnie Ann Brobst ’69
Thomas Wenner ’69
William Mastropietro ’70
Tony Miller ’70
Albert Silveri ’70
Joan Wert ’70
Jeanette Hall Zapushek ’70
Judith Haytmanek Flynn ’71
Patricia Leiby Rogers ’71
Ronald Viglone ’71
Robert Bower ’72
Larry Brusseau ’72
Thomas Mullen ’72
Stephen Oxenrider ’72
Susan Scholato Petrovich ’72
Robert Robacker ’72
Kenneth Houck ’73
Patricia Kessler Runyan ’73
William Troutman ’73
Patricia Budd ’74
Michael Flock ’74
Betty Thompson Krill ’74
Jane Louise Baker ’75
Patricia Munley Krakoski ’75
Susan Snyder Myers ’75
Nancy Ulsh Doran ’76
Donna Rothermel Hirst ’76
Gary Patrician ’76
Maryann Romano ’76
Sandra Schuyler Fairman ’77
Richard Jennings ’77
Paul McConnell ’77

Marriages
Dr. Michaela Renee Wagner ’18
& Ryan Jacob Schmeck ’18, April 28
Allison Reed ’21 & Justin Reed ’21, Aug. 23

Send information to:
magazine@commonwealthu.edu
Bloomsburg: The University Magazine
Arts and Administration Building
400 E. Second Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301
22 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

Births
Sarah (Weinberg) Downey ’06/’07M
& Bryan Downey, twins, a daughter, Emma
Lynn, and a son, Liam Robert, Nov. 6, 2023
Chloe (Stine) Harris ’16 & Matt Stine ’16,
a daughter, Peyton Mae, March 29, 2024

Nancy Rupert ’77
Kay Creveling ’78
Patricia Cyganowski
Slygh ’79
Raymond Zale ’79
Cynthia Craver Bilsky ’80
Dwight Johnson ’80
Melissa Ann Pealer Wakefield
’80
Barbara Bradley ’81
Carmela Perrotta Haber ’81
James Young ’81
Deborah Ricci ’83
James Rushton ’83
Darlene Barberio Payne ’84
Charles Zartman ’84
John Chapin ’85
Tracy White ’85
Lou Jean Hittle Beishline ’86
Thomas Leonard ’86
Pamela Audi Dommes ’88
Austin Griffith ’88
Mark Ott ’88
Joann Gray ’89
Robert Madden ’89
Jill Morrow-Furgele ’92
Patrick Sapack ’92
Karin Yesalavich Wrobel ’92
Christina Reed Hazlett ’94
Dixie Gavason ’96
Daniel Boop ’98
Bonnie Burgess-Malloy ’00
Thomas Davies ’01
James Phillips ’01
Christopher Ulloth ’13
Season Whitenight ’14
Brooke Berger ’15
Peter Zeigler ’17
Dylan Newman ’18
Sean Burke ’21

Alison (Meter) Palubinsky ’14 & Chris
Palubinsky ’17, a son, Graham Joseph,
April 4, 2024
Elise (Horn) Slaughter ’22 & William Slaughter,
a daughter, Lainey Marie, April 13, 2024
Rachel (Gaizick) Gregory ’21 & Patrick Gregory,
a daughter, Charlotte Lee, May 30, 2024
Audra Briggs ’14 & Matt Hess, a daughter,
Josephine Noelle, June 25, 2024
Megan ’13 & Patrick ’12 McDevitt, a son, Killian
Patrick, July 23, 2024
Kimberly (Tohill) Zelonis ’05 & Joseph Zelonis,
a son, Brecken David, Aug. 12, 2024

THEN & NOW

A packed Haas
Auditorium for its
October 12, 1967,
dedication.

A HOME FOR THE ARTS:

Noted actor and art lover Vincent Price inspecting a
student work in the Haas Gallery, February 6, 1968.

The Haas Center
By Robert Dunkelberger

F

or the first 100 years of its history, Bloomsburg had just one
large auditorium on campus—the second floor auditorium of
Carver Hall.

Carver Hall, dedicated in 1867 hosted all of the large-scale
nonsporting events in the auditorium—including lectures,
programs, commemorative events, concerts, theatrical productions,
and every graduation through 1956.
As the 1960s began and enrollment at Bloomsburg State College
projected to reach 5,000 by 1970, the need for a separate auditorium
building, which would also serve as a center for the arts, was apparent.
Funding from the state was approved and construction on the center
began in July 1965. Continuing for two years, work on the $1.2 million
facility with a seating capacity of nearly 2,000 was completed in
August 1967. The dedication ceremony was held in the auditorium
on October 12, when the building was named for former president
Francis B. Haas, who had passed away at age 81 the previous year.
Haas had served as president from 1927 to 1939, in between terms
as state superintendent of public instruction. He led Bloomsburg
through the Great Depression, expanded the campus, and inaugurated
programs in business education and special education. He was chosen
as the perfect candidate to be the namesake of a building that by 1971

Singer Billy Joel greeting fans during an April 21, 1977, concert.
Photo by Wayne Palmer, Class of 1978

had become known as the Haas Center for the Arts. From the beginning,
the center was active with a busy schedule of concerts, theatre
performances, and programs in the auditorium, while the second
floor was used for art exhibits.
The center has been renovated several times since its completion.
An acoustic shell and new sound system were placed in the auditorium
in the mid-1980s, paid for with a donation by Marco and Louise
Mitrani, for whom the hall was named. The latest major work,
completed in 2008, was a $7.9 million project that provided an
addition for the music programs and renovations to the interior.
For nearly 60 years the Haas Center for the Arts, home to the
Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, has provided a showcase
for the important place the performing arts have in society.
BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 23

Q+

a

Smith graduated summa cum laude from Lock Haven with
a bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in
Spanish and a minor in mathematics. Smith continued her
studies and graduated from the University of Boston
Massachusetts with her master’s degree in applied linguistics
with a concentration in ESL.
When not working, Smith enjoys being with her family, travels
to Costa Rica to continue connections made during her study
abroad with Lock Haven, serves at her church, and volunteers
with Clinton County Police Camp Cadet, which exposes children to
law enforcement work.

Why did you choose Lock Haven? Why
did you major in education with Spanish
and math?

A | I’m a local—born and raised in the county—and Lock
Haven has the best education program in the area. For math,
I was good at math, it came naturally. So growing up I would
help my siblings with homework and people suggested I
become a teacher.
As for Spanish, in high school my family was visiting the
southern U.S. and we met someone from Mexico and I was

Angela Smith

able to communicate. I found language to be like a math

Trustee

and culture. With Spanish you’re always learning. I enjoy

Interview by Eric Foster

I love learning and love helping others to learn with me.

Trustee Angela Smith, a Clinton County native
and 2007 Lock Haven alumna, is a Spanish teacher
and elementary Spanish program coordinator
in the Bald Eagle Area (BEA) School District. At
BEA, she created and produced a unique curriculum
and fun-to-learn Spanish introductory program
that has her also reaching every elementary
student from kindergarten through fifth grades
in the four-school district.

At BEA, I collaborate with elementary, middle, and high school

equation that never ends. I fell in love with the language
the challenge of working with people—the “aha” moments.

programs. My Lock Haven professor, Eduardo Valerio, had a
focus on teaching languages to younger children, so I felt very
prepared to instruct the diverse range of ages.
I created the elementary program with two periods a day,
a video camera and a student helper. I teach the students
through videos and I visit them on a rotation. I don’t know of
any other program like it. Then I work at the middle and high
school with Andrea Simpson, another proud Lock Haven
alumna.

24 | BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025

Q+

a

life-long connection.

How did you become involved as
Trustee?

When I came back
to Lock Haven, I felt
ready to teach. I had

A | Living in Lock Haven, I’m close to what’s happening.

the experience.

When I heard there was a position open, I really wanted
to serve and give back. I was part of the Lock Haven board

Now, I’ve been to Costa

before integration. With integration, I was asked if I was inter-

Rica 21 times. I’ve taken

ested in continuing. It was yes, I’m still in it for the

students there. I’ve

right reasons.

watched Noemy’s
daughter grow up. I talk

What value does the integrated
Commonwealth University bring
to the region?

to them regularly; they
are family.

What role does service play in
leadership?

A | The value of CommonwealthU is making potential
possible. We had to adapt and grow. It brings more to the
table, not less. CU gives all of our students, faculty, and
staff the opportunity to grow.
CU offers opportunity for central Pennsylvania. Students
don’t have to go as far away for college and families can
use the resources they may have needed for a college
farther away for other things.
Each campus has its own culture and each has been able
to preserve their own identity. I really appreciate that.
Maintaining the culture of the campuses has been critical.

You travel frequently to Costa Rica.
What have you gained from that
experience?

A | Before college, I met an exchange student from Costa

A|

If you do not serve, you should not lead. I am a

woman of faith and that faith shapes my purpose. I serve
in my church extensively. I serve in my local community,
in my job, and in my work as a trustee.
I am very thankful for my family. My parents raised me to
be thankful for what we had. We started out with little and
built a life for our family.

What are your favorite
books?

A | The Bible and, this is different, but Victorian novels.
Life is so serious, I often use reading time to relax. One
book that has impacted my approach is the “Five Love

Rica, Noemy, in the community and was impressed with

Languages.” It’s about the concept of caring for others in

her. I knew to be good enough to teach it, I needed to live

the language they understand. Professionally, that has

in the Spanish-speaking culture. I chose Costa Rica to do

shaped how I teach, especially in dealing with students

my exchange from Lock Haven.

who may have come from different circumstances.

I still had Noemy’s telephone number and I made
arrangements to visit. She was eight months pregnant
when I visited but she welcomed me kindly. I made a

BLOOMSBURG The University Magazine SPRING 2025 | 25

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Arts and Administration Building
Commonwealth University — Bloomsburg
400 E. Second St.
Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301

Making the Most
of a Husky Journey
Graduate student Ariane “Aria” Rouffignac’s journey to
Bloomsburg is unconventional. A native of Angers, France,
Rouffignac and her family emigrated to the United States,
and she chose Commonwealth University–Mansfield for
her undergraduate degree in marketing.
For her MBA, Bloomsburg was the clear choice. While
pursuing her studies, she also serves as a graduate hall
director—helping new Huskies adjust to life in a new
environment.
Rouffignac has also kept busy on the academic side. While
earning a 4.0 GPA in her graduate program, she additionally
founded E 2nd Street Digital, a student–run digital marketing
and advertising agency that includes students from all
Commonwealth campuses.

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at the University Store.
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