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Celebrating 15 Years of Shakespeare
Randy Sears '02
SPRING 2006
Contents
3 President’s Message
4 In the News
8 Passings
10 Sports
12 Students
A Roman Learning Adventure
16 Alumni
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
18 Alumni Focus
Randy Sears ’02: Water Water Everywhere
20 Message from the Alumni Office
20 Class Notes
25 Share Some News with Us
26 Opinion
DeSales
UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
EDITOR
Director of Publications
Tom McNamara ’92
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Communications Assistant
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
B.J. Spigelmyer ’99
Fr. Mark Plaushin, O.S.F.S.
Laura R. Charnick
NEWS EDITOR
SPRING 2006 Director of Public Relations
Cover photo: Christopher Mirigliani ’06 at
Penny Savakis DeSales University’s May Commencement. (Photo:
2006 Phil Stein)
DeSales University Magazine is published twice a year by the Development Office of DeSales University for the
alumni and friends of the University. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please address all correspondence
to Laura Charnick, Associate Editor, DeSales University Magazine, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center
Valley, PA 18034. Phone: (610) 282-1100, ext. 1359; fax (610) 282-2059; or e-mail Laura.Charnick@desales.edu.
Dear friends of DeSales
Message from the President
O Our fortieth anniversary year is now at an end. The DeSales
University community has truly enjoyed all the recollections and
stories. The video created by our TV/film major delighted each of
the alum groups that we were able to visit this year. The largest group
was in Philadelphia; the smallest, in Houston. But all the groups,
Bethlehem, Baltimore, New York City, Wilmington, St. Petersburg,
Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlantic City were won-
derful opportunities to share fond memories and to savor friendships
that last.
I am always amazed by the excitement that older alums feel
when they see how their university has grown and matured. They are
immensely proud of the accomplishments of DeSales. In a real sense,
the University’s growth mirrors their own. Just as they have ventured
out into the world and created something good, so their University
has done the same. This is a special gift that belongs only to the true
pioneers in the journey that is called DeSales.
Fr. Alexander Pocetto’s masterful book, Drawing Out The
Goodness: From Allentown College to DeSales University (1964-2001),
has attracted universal praise. We distributed more than 3,500 cop-
ies to alums in the first ten years, major donors, Oblates throughout
the world, parishes in the Diocese of Allentown and the Archdiocese ries. The faculty of the University gave him a richly deserved standing
of Philadelphia, government officials, board and supporters of the ovation after his session with them. Fr. Pocetto, Fr. Schubert, Fr.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, friends of the Salesian Center for Harvey, and Fr. Donahue were all pioneers. Anne Ulans bought all the
Faith and Culture, foundations and libraries, Presidents of all indepen- land. The Marcon sisters remembered well the passion of their father
dent colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Frank as he labored to give birth to this new institution. Attorney H.P.
and faculty, staff, administrators, and board of DeSales University. (Jim) McFadden’s daughter, Mary Lohr ’82, tells wonderful stories of
The response was spontaneous and overwhelming. I continue her father spending hours with Fr. Dooling fashioning the documents
to meet people who comment upon Fr. Pocetto’s gentle and humble that would ensure a proper legal foundation for the school. People are
style. They marvel at the courage and faith of the early Oblate found- the key to the adventure we call DeSales University. They are clearly
ers and the vision of Bishop McShea. Fr. John Conmy died peacefully God’s greatest creations.
at 95 this April. I’m very glad that he got to read Fr. Pocetto’s work. One nice note to round out the year, the University’s endow-
(If any of you wish a copy of the text, it is in the Campus Store at ment funds topped the $40 million mark in April for the first time.
DeSales.) What a nice number for our 40th anniversary!
For me, one of the best aspects of our 40th anniversary celebra- Thank you all for joining with us for this year of celebration. We’ll
tion was the presence of some of the founding Oblates, diocesan cler- see you in ten years for the 50th. In a quiet moment, say a little prayer
gy, and lay trustees. Fr. Gambet seemed to beam as he told the old sto- of thanksgiving for God’s blessings. We certainly have grateful hearts.
Sincerely,
Bernard F. O’Connor, O.S.F.S.
President
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 3
I n T h e News Student Elected State
Treasurer of the PA
Spring Commencement Exercises Held Federation of College
May 20; Christopher West Delivers Address Republicans
Josh Lee, a native of Allentown and
The 38th Commencement exercises admired by colleagues and students alike, a junior majoring in finance and market-
were held at DeSales University on May his career spanned over 50 years, before he ing at DeSales University, was elected state
20 on the mall between Trexler Library retired in spring 2003. During his tenure treasurer of the Pennsylvania Federation of
and DeChantal Hall. at DeSales, Warren taught a wide range of College Republicans at the group’s annual
Christopher West, chemistry courses, from general, nursing and convention held recently at Millersville
faculty member of computers in chemistry, to analytical, bio- University.
the Theology of the physical, and inorganic chemistry, as well as His position responsibilities include
Body Institute and various seminars. preparing and managing the budget, fund
one of the most popu- raising, and assisting with statewide events.
Prior to joining the DeSales faculty,
lar speakers in the
Warren taught at the University of Hartford Lee helped organize the DeSales
church today, delivered
in Connecticut, the Catholic University chapter of the College Republicans and
the Commencement
of America in has been active with the group for two
address.
West Washington, D.C., and years. Currently, he serves as lead chairman
During the cer- at St. Anselm’s College of the club. He also is a member of the
emony, Fr. Bernard in Manchester, New Northeast Caucus for the Penna. Federation
O’Connor, O.S.F.S., president of DeSales, Hampshire. He also and oversees the operations of 16 College
conferred degrees upon 396 graduating was a flavor chemist Republican chapters.
students, including 338 bachelor’s and 58 with Cott Bottling During the spring 2006 semester,
master’s. Company. While Lee served as a student intern for U.S.
Also, honorary doctor of humane letters teaching at DeSales, Representative Charles Dent (R - 15). Last
degrees were awarded to West and to John A. he also taught in semester, he interned with U.S. Senator
Leone, owner, chief executive and chairman summer programs at Leone Rick Santorum.
of Bonney Forge Corporation. Lehigh University and
Elmira College. After graduating from DeSales, Lee
An honorary doctor of science degree hopes to attend law school and either work
was awarded to Dr. Harry O. Warren, dis- His numerous honors and awards in the business sector or for a law firm. He
tinguished retired DeSales faculty member. include the DeSales Medal in 2003, the plans to pursue a career in politics and gov-
Senior class president, John Lanzilotti, a university’s highest non-academic honor ernment.
nursing major and member of the DeSales given for outstanding contributions to the
Nurses Scholars Program, gave welcoming development of the university through per-
remarks. sonal service.
West is a research fellow and fac- Leone is the owner, chief execu- Best Buddies Named
ulty member of the Theology of the Body
Institute in West Chester, Pa., . In more than
tive officer, and chairman of Bonney
Forge Corporation. He began his career in Chapter of the Year
1,000 public lectures, both nationally and Pawhuska and Maysville, Okla., working as a
DeSales University’s Best Buddies was
internationally, he has addressed a variety laborer for Texaco during summers while he
named Outstanding Chapter of the Year by
of topics, such as Christian anthropology, was in college.
Best Buddies of Pennsylvania.
especially Pope John Paul II’s theology of the After Leone earned his degree in
body, as well as the Creed, morality, sacra- Best Buddies is a non-profit organiza-
petroleum and natural gas engineering from
ments, marriage, sexuality and family life. tion dedicated to enhancing the lives of peo-
Pennsylvania State University, he joined the
ple with disabilities by providing opportuni-
He is the author Mene Grande Oil Company (Gulf) as a field
ties for one-to-one friendships. It has over
of three best sell- engineer in Cabimas,Venezuela, where he
1,200 chapters around the world and effects
ing books: Good specialized in off shore work and production
over 250,000 individuals.
News About Sex & station operations. He was promoted to pro-
Marriage, Theology of duction foreman of the Bolivar Coastal Field Jessica Gross ’08 serves as college buddy
the Body Explained, and and later to project manager of the design coordinator with the DeSales chapter. Other
Theology of the Body for and construction of production platforms on members include Elise Young ’09, Caitlin
Beginners. Lake Maracaibo. Walters ’07, Mary Galantino ’08, and Laura
Prumachuk ’08.
Warren estab- Leone is a life member of American
lished the depart- Warren Society of Mechanical Engineers, an EMS The Best Buddies College pairs col-
ment of chemistry at Centennial Fellow, a PVF Industry Hall of lege students in one-to-one friendships with
DeSales University in 1966 and served as its Fame selection and a former member of the people with disabilities in the Lehigh Valley
first chairperson until 1988. Well respected DeSales University Board of Trustees. area. DeSales has 20 matches at the university
in academic and professional circles, and and numerous student associates that assist
with events.
4 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
I n T h e News
Campus & Community Embrace Heritage Week
To honor the University’s patron, St. annual R. Wayne Kraft Memorial Lecture More than 600 individuals attended the
Francis de Sales, and to highlight its 40th on January 26. This year, the Reverend week’s events and participants enjoyed book
anniversary, the Salesian Center for Faith and Monsignor Aloysius Callaghan gave the signings, receptions with honored guests and
Culture hosted Heritage Week in January. lecture, titled “Bishop McShea’s Vision for memorable discussions.
The week was designed to remember Allentown College 40 Years Later.”
the gifts of St. Francis de Sales’ legacy and
how they continue to enrich us more than
400 years later. Quotable Quotes of Heritage Week
“St Francis de Sales was a preacher, independently on any topic – whether sci-
“For him (St. Francis de Sales), our
bishop, journalist, lawyer, and Christian ence or religion – and forced him to shep-
spiritual life is not a separate part of our lives
humanist,” said the Reverend Thomas Dailey, herd Geneva from afar.”
or just a leisure time activity – it is our life
O.S.F.S., director of the Salesian Center for
lived in a certain way that ennobles all we From the Rev. Douglas Burns’ Homily
Faith and Culture.
do. Everyone can have a vibrant spiritual life, at Daily Mass
“We wanted to honor and celebrate the whatever their vocation may be. Its practice
spirit of de Sales in each event we hosted consists not in radical change and heroic “As we celebrate our 40th birthday
by offering compelling topics for discussion, gestures, but in everyday, ordinary virtues this year...it is clear to us that God is our
thereby giving our students and everyone such as kindness, forgiveness, generosity, and greatest benefactor. In an age when many
who attended a better understanding of the gratitude.” were finding it difficult to believe, this (the
topic at hand and a more intimate under- creation of a new college) was an act of
From the Rev. Msgr. Charles M. incredible faith. Fr. Dooling, Fr. Conmy, and
standing of St. Francis de Sales and Salesian
Murphy during his homily at the opening Bishop McShea had chosen one of the most
spirituality.”
Mass of Heritage Week, January 22 challenging periods in the history of the
The week began on January 22 with a American church to launch this new adven-
“...In the Duchy of Savoy, a man named
special celebration of Mass, during which the ture. At that time, many Catholic colleges
Francis de Sales proved himself to be the
Reverend Monsignor Charles M. Murphy, were experiencing declining enrollments.
“Great Communicator” of his day...Francis’s
author of “Belonging to God: a Personal Dissent from formal Catholic teaching was
communications consisted of his letters
Training Guide for the Deeper Catholic emerging as a theme in American life. Lesser
– 10,000 of them to people in all walks of
Spiritual Life,” sermonized on the spiritual men would have hesitated. But not these
life. He advised them how to find God in
life of St Francis de Sales. three! On September 22, 1965, Allentown
their own circumstances, what pitfalls to
avoid and what habits to nurture in their College of St Francis de Sales, with only
We wanted to honor and celebrate spiritual journey. No problem was too small two buildings completed, opened its doors
the spirit of de Sales in each event to claim his attention. One measure of his and welcomed 156 male freshmen.”
we hosted dedication to souls certainly is the fact that From a published opinion piece by
he normally relied on only four hours sleep the Rev. Bernard O’Connor, O.S.F.S., titled
Throughout the week, students, fac- per night, working on letters in the early “DeSales’ First 40 Years Rest on Vision,
ulty, staff, and the community enjoyed daily morning hours.” Talent, Region”
celebrations of mass and a variety of events
From the Rev. Christopher Hudgin’s “Many saints transcend the era of
recalling the work of St Francis de Sales.
Homily at Daily Mass their historical lives...St. Francis, patron
One of the week’s highlights was the of DeSales University, remains univer-
“...The idea that science and religion
commentary offered by an expert from sally significant as one of only thirty-three
can be divorced from each other – disin-
Catholic University of America’s Columbus “doctors” of the Church, a designation
tegrated – is a problem that has haunted
School of Law on the integration of the law, that affirms the soundness of their writ-
us throughout history. Most scientists are
religion, and St. Francis’s teachings. ings for readers of any age and place. Saints,
really people of deep faith: Einstein, Fermi,
The commentary was followed by a Oppenheimer...the more one studies the like Francis de Sales, are not the exclusive
panel discussion centering on the question of beauty and intricacy of creation, the more purview of Catholics or any church-goers.
who makes decisions regarding health care, one becomes convinced of the loving hand Their heritage is universally human; their
particularly when life and death issues are behind that creation. Both St. Francis de holiness, globally powerful. To celebrate
involved. Sales and Fr. Brisson were deeply and per- their legacy is to seek what we are all called
Also featured during Heritage Week sonally influenced by societies in which the to be.”
was an interview with Father John Bartunek, effort to dissociate science and faith had From the Rev. Msgr. Aloysius
author and advisor to Mel Gibson on his been taken to extremes. The sectarian fer- Callaghan’s 2006 R. Wayne Kraft Memorial
blockbuster movie, Passion of the Christ. vor, which characterized Geneva and many Lecture
Protestant enclaves of the Europe of St.
The week culminated with the Francis’s time made it risky to think or speak
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 5
I n t h e News
Frank Deford visits with students the day of the Frank L. Marcon Lecture. (Photo: 2006 Phil Stein)
Sportswriter and Author
Frank Deford Delivers Marcon Lecture
Frank Deford, award-winning journal- dation. It’s given me immeasurable satisfac- Amy Ward, a junior from Palmyra, Pa.,
ist, sports commentator, and author, pro- tion and an opportunity to remember my appreciated Deford’s words of wisdom and
vided thoughtful and entertaining reflections daughter, Alexandria, who died at the age of his insight. She enjoyed hearing Deford’s sto-
on his career and life experiences during the eight.” ries in his comfortable, easy style.
annual Frank L. Marcon Lecture activities According to Deford, whose career
on April 5. “His life experiences have been so
spans more than four decades, he sees real interesting,” said Ward, a sports management
The event included a public lecture people through the athletes. He stated that major. “You hear what he’s been through
attended by more than 1,000 people in the athletes are people, too, and you see what and what he wants to do. And he’s still going
evening and a student discussion session you hope to see, but sometimes you see strong.”
with about 24 students earlier in the day. things you don’t want to see. He also talked
about the interesting people he has met Following the student discussion, soph-
Students who participated in the ses- omore Malina Decker, from Sullivan County,
sion with Deford represented all classes and throughout his lifetime, people like Arthur
Ashe, Lennie Riefenstahl and Richard Pa., interviewed Deford for a segment on
a variety of majors, including communica- DeSales News. Decker was very impressed
tions, sport management, political science, Nixon.
with his stories and his life’s experiences.
TV / film, chemistry and biology. “Nixon was very nervous when I went
to interview him and it was before Watergate “Mr. Deford seems to be a very kind
During the discussion, Deford man,” said Decker, a theatre/communications
addressed numerous issues, including: how broke,” said Deford. “He kept playing with
matches the whole time.” major. “He’s very family oriented and can
to get established in the field of journalism; identify his own positives and negatives. It
the value of education; how TV has changed Deford also expressed his opinion on was an honor to interview him.”
the way you write about sports; his thoughts the current Duke University lacrosse rape
on women sportswriters; why football scandal, how no one from the team stepped During the question and answer period
and basketball should be offered as college forward about the crime and about team with the audience at the evening lecture,
majors; paying athletes; his feelings about loyalty. Deford was asked what advice he would give
Barry Bonds, and Deford’s work with the to a college student starting out.
“Somebody has to know what hap-
cystic fibrosis foundation. pened,” said Deford, a native of Baltimore. “Media is in flux,” said Deford. “Be
“I’ve done well as a writer, but I’ve “You see crimes like this happening in flexible and understand things are changing.
done good by working for the Cystic more violent sports, you wouldn’t see this Keep your options open, because there’s no
Fibrosis Foundation,” said Deford, whose in tennis. Team loyalty is reinforced with need to be narrow minded. And, hope you
daughter was afflicted with the disease. “Any certain situations, but not in something as are lucky. Work your way up, and show your
good I’ve ever done was through the foun- serious as rape.” talents and abilities.”
6 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
I n t h e News PACE Team Earns
Two Awards at
Students Earn Second Place in FBI Competition Regional Conference
The DeSales University Peer Advising,
Counseling, and Educating (PACE) team
was honored with two awards at the regional
conference held at Temple University.
The DeSales PACE team was recog-
nized as Chapter of the Year for Area 11
Bacchus Network, and Jonathan Andrews ’06
was named Outstanding Peer Educator of
the Year for Area 11. Area 11 includes chap-
ters in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New
York.
Established in May 2004, the DeSales
University PACE program already has distin-
guished itself in many ways. Members of the
team are trained students who assist in peer
counseling on campus. They meet with other
students to help them deal with issues such
as alcohol, sexual assault, relationships, time
Participants in the FBI National Case Study Competition included (l to r) Albert Sproule, Julie Morris ’08, Glenn Berdela Jr. ’06,
Colin Durner ’07, Luke James ’06, and Karen Salvemini ’06. (Photo: 2006 Phil Stein)
management, and health/social education.
In addition to Andrews, the DeSales
A team of five DeSales University stu- formal final 30-minute presentation, fol- PACE team includes: Tracy Brady ’06, Jackie
dents was among the top finalists in the FBI lowed by a 15-minute Q & A session at Camm ’06, Mike Eastlack ’07, Liz Pfister ’07,
National Case Study Competition. FBI Headquarters. The DeSales team was Brian Radziwill ’07, Chad Serfass ’06, and
Offered for the first time this year, the accompanied by Albert G. Sproule, assistant Monica Yates ’07. Dr. Gregg Amore, direc-
focus of the competition was to provide rec- professor and director of the Master’s of tor of the counseling center at DeSales, and
ommendations on how the FBI can meet the Criminal Justice Program at DeSales. Wendy Krisak, assistant director of counsel-
challenges of its enhanced intelligence and ing, serve as team supervisors.
“The DeSales students made a very
counterterrorism role. The DeSales team won polished presentation. They were articulate “The awards go beyond the shiny
second-place and was awarded $2,000. and answered questions with poise,” said plaques,” said Pfister. “They are a testament to
EdVenture Partners organized the Sproule. “The response from those in atten- the people we help and to the quality of edu-
competition on behalf of the FBI, and the dance was very complimentary.” cation and counseling we are able to provide.
competition was open to 50 selected colleg- They speak volumes of a mere two years of
DeSales students who participated in
es and universities across the United States. health education, counseling, and advising on
the presentation included: Glenn Berdela,
DeSales and the other two top finalists were this campus and in the community.”
Jr. ’06, Colin Durner ’07, Luke James ’06,
among seven schools who participated in Julie Morris ’08, and Karen Salvemini ’06.
the semester-long project to develop strate- Also providing assistance with research and READ MORE
gic solutions for the FBI’s new role. preparing the PowerPoint presentation DeSales University
The finalists were flown to Washington, were Michael Bingeman ’08, and Vincent
Coglianese, ’08.
news at www.desales.edu
D.C., where each of the teams made a
DeSales Offers Spanish for Health Care Professionals Program
In an effort to foster cultural under- Luke’s Hospital and a specialist in emergency in bilingual education and has experience
standing and help healthcare profession- medicine, family practice, and sports medicine, in teaching occupational Spanish, honors
als better serve the growing Hispanic approached the appropriate people at DeSales Spanish, and advanced placement Spanish
community, the Center for Professional and requested a Spanish course specifically language and literature. He has served as host
Development at DeSales University designed for healthcare workers to help them and producer of a Latino educational televi-
offered the first Spanish for Health Care better serve their Hispanic patients. sion program on PBS for eight years.
Professionals. “Learning Spanish will allow me to bet- A resident of Bethlehem, Martinez
The program was designed for all medi- ter communicate with my Spanish-speaking earned an M.S. in teacher education tech-
cal professionals, including doctors, nurses, patient population,” said Dr. Waninger. “In the nology from Lehigh University, and an
and healthcare specialists to help them speak long run, this will allow me to deliver a high- M.P.A. in public administration and a B.A. in
Spanish effectively with patients and make er quality of medical care to my patients.” psychology and Spanish from the University
accurate clinical decisions. Pedro Juan Medina Martinez serves as of Puerto Rico.
Dr. Kevin N. Waninger, M.D., of Saint instructor for the course. Martinez specializes
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 7
F a rewe l l
The Very Reverend Daniel G. Gambet, O.S.F.S., president emeritus of DeSales University (left), and the Very Rev.
J. Stuart Dooling, O.S.F.S., the first president of DeSales University (right), present Rev. John J. Conmy, O.S.F.S.,
a former provincial of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (center), with an award recognizing his years of service to the
University’s Board of Trustees.
Rev. John J. Conmy, O.S.F.S.
Rev. John J. Conmy, O.S.F.S., noted his chasuble at the altar or in his cassock in at the newly open Allentown College of St.
spiritual director and one of the founding the chapel or in his overalls in his beloved Francis de Sales.
fathers of DeSales University died of natural garden, Father Conmy was a man of prayer,
causes on Friday, April 21, 2006. He was 95 “The rest is history,” says Fr. O’Connor.
seeking God and the divine will throughout “Religious obedience is a wonderful and
years of age. life. And all who knew him were blessed mysterious thing indeed.”
Fr. Conmy was born October 12, with the spiritual fruit of his prayer.”
1910 in Philadelphia, the son of the late As Novice Director, Fr. Conmy was a
DeSales University was undoubtedly leading figure in the religious lives of more
Bartley Conmy and the late Catherine blessed by both the prayer and dedicated
[Loftus] Conmy. He entered the Oblates in than half of the Oblates in the United States.
work of Fr. Conmy, as he helped establish His 76 years as an Oblate—70 of them as a
June of 1929 and Allentown College of St Francis de Sales.
professed vows priest, were given mostly to internal service
In 1962, Fr. Conmy, who was then of the community. A bulk of his ministry
on September 7,
Provincial of the American Province, accept- was as Provincial and Novice Director,
1930.
ed Bishop Joseph McShea’s invitation for the forming the Oblate spirits and directing
After receiv- Oblates of St. Francis de Sales to establish a the course of the heritage that will be
ing a B.A. in Catholic college for men in the Allentown shared with the next generation of Salesian
Philosophy Diocese. gentlemen.
from Catholic
“I was one of the doubters about start- “After a lifetime of searching for his
University in
ing a new Catholic college when a number Beloved, Father John Conmy heard the
1933 and an
of them were closing,” says Fr. Pocetto. “But Lord call him by name,” Fr. Fiorelli said at
M.A. in Theology
Rev. John J. Conmy, O.S.F.S Fr. Conmy and his Provincial Councilors the funeral mass. “I am sure that he ran to
from Catholic
were the true visionaries and true leaders.” Jesus and uttered –and heard- one last time
University
in 1935, he studied for his Ph.D. at the Fr. Conmy’s influence spread not only the words that had been the leit motif of his
University of Friborg School of Theology in to the development of the University, but entire life: tenui nec dimittam!
Friborg, Switzerland. He was ordained July also to the development of the career of Rev. “On that day and in that moment, two
12, 1936, in the Cathedral of Friborg by the Bernard O’Connor, O.S.F.S., president of hearts that had for almost ninety-six years
Bishop of Friborg/Geneve. DeSales University and member of the phi- sought one another, finally found each other.
losophy faculty. In that moment, their two hearts became but
In his homily at Fr. Conmy’s Mass of
Christian Burial, Fr. Lewis Fiorelli, O.S.F.S, Although Fr. O’Connor was a math- one, and Father Conmy could truly say at
Superior General of the Oblates, spoke ematics major teaching at Niagara University, last with St. Paul: “I live now, not I. Jesus lives
about Fr. Conmy’s lifelong dedication to Fr. Conmy came to him and told him that in me!” (Galatians 2:20).
God and St. Francis de Sales. “Whether in the Oblates needed a philosophy professor
8 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
I n T h e News Dr. Lujean Baab,
New Director of
Savitz & Edman Named Employees of the Year M.Ed Program
Dr. Lujean Baab, assistant professor of
Linda Savitz, accounts receiv- of the Year, completed education, was named the new director of
able/cashier in the Treasurer’s Office, and her Masters Degree the master of education (M.Ed.) program.
Rosalind Edman, director of Academic in Sacred Theology at
Advising and director of the Academic St. Mary’s Graduate Dr. Baab uses technology in the class-
Resource Center, were named Employees School of Theology, room and for distance learning. She teaches
of the Year at DeSales University during the Notre Dame, Indiana, courses in Education and Educational
annual Service Excellence Dinner on April before going on to Technology and leads the movement to
18, 2006. earn her doctorate in online delivery of courses and programs in
Religious Studies from the graduate school of education.
The Employee of the year award is
the Catholic University Edman Dr. Baab holds an A.A.S. in mass com-
given annually to a professional and a support
staff member in recognition of outstanding of America. munications/journalism from Luzerne
service. Recipients are distinguished for their She brought her knowledge of reli- County Community College, earned a B.A.
commitment to the University’s mission, wit- gion and philosophy to DeSales University in English at Wilkes University, an M.A.
ness to the values for which the University in 1990 when she joined the faculty as an in mass communications with a specializa-
stands, and service marked by such charac- assistant professor of philosophy and theol- tion in educational communications from
teristics as effort, skill, positive attitude, and ogy. Edman taught in that position for 5 Marywood University, and completed her
creativity in the work place. years when, in 1995, she took over the posi- doctoral degree in Educational Technology
tions of Director of Academic Advising and at Pepperdine University.
Savitz, the Staff
Support Employee of Director of the Academic Resource Center. Her area of interest and research is effec-
the Year, had plenty of “I was amazed and delighted when tive use of technology in teaching and learn-
business experience Father O’Connor called to tell me that I ing and the factors affecting students’ sense of
when she joined the would be receiving the Professional Employee classroom community in distance learning.
DeSales University staff of the Year award. The amazement and delight Dr. Baab and her husband, Buddy, have
in 1985. have continued with the many, many con- four children and two grandchildren. They
"I felt very hon- gratulations by cards, phone messages, and live in Lehighton, where they like to ride
ored to be named emails from our DeSales family. I am so grate- motorcycles, take long walks, and travel to
Employee of the ful to everyone. The award is not just for me. visit family and friends around the country.
Savitz
Year. When Father I truly believe that it is a recognition of the
DeSales University’s master of education
O’Connor called me, I think I was so excellent and dedicated work of the entire
is one of six graduate programs, including
shocked - all I could do was cry. I still feel Academic Resource Center Staff, as well as
the master of business administration, the
very honored that I was chosen." our seventy-five Academic Advisors.”
master of science in information systems,
Savitz lives in Quakertown with her Edman married Norman E. Edman master of science in nursing, master of sci-
husband of 22 years, Bruce. She is an avid in Connelly Chapel and is the proud step- ence in physician assistant studies, and the
traveler and enjoys going to flea markets, mother of 5 children and step-grandmother master of arts in criminal justice.
dancing, and collecting teddy bears. of 6 grandchildren. In her free time, she
enjoys traveling to the seashore and sailing.
Edman, the Professional Staff Employee
DeSales Honored for Leadership in Character Education
DeSales University was honored with school board members, Learning
the Russell C. Hill Award, in recognition for Life executives, and repre-
of its outstanding leadership in the field of sentatives of community groups
character education, during the National attended the conference.
Learning for Life Conference held in Irving,
Learning for Life, established
Texas, recently.
in 1991, is an educational program
Rev. Bernard F. O’Connor, O.S.F.S., designed to meet the critical needs
DeSales president, Dr. Brian Kane, chair- of young people as they face the
person in the department of philosophy and ever-growing challenges of today’s
theology at DeSales, and faculty members Dr. society.
Larry Chapp and Dr. Rodney Howsare, asso-
The Executive Director of
ciate professors in the department, attended
Learning for Life, John Anthony
the conference and received the award.
’76, also was present at the cer-
More than 200 teachers, school admin- emony.
istrators, curricula specialists, staff developers, John Anthony ’76 congratulates Fr. Bernard O’Connor, O.S.F.S.
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 9
Sports
Women’s Basketball Coach Earns Career
Benchmark, Burke Ties School Record
On January 28, 2006, LeighAnn Burke school-record of 37 points that
’09 tied the school-record with 37 points to had stood by itself since March of
lead head coach Fred Richter to his 300th 1986. She finished the game 12-
win. The DeSales University women’s bas- of-16 from the field, 4-for-5 from
ketball team defeated Wilkes University, 77- three-point land and a perfect 9-
59, in Freedom Conference action on that for-9 from the charity stripe.
Saturday afternoon in the Marts Center.
The win improved the
Richter became just the second coach Bulldog's record to 11-8 overall
in DeSales history (Baseball coach Tim and 5-3 in the Freedom, while the
Neiman was first) to loss drops Wilkes to 5-13 overall
earn 300 plus wins in and 1-7 in the Freedom. DSU
a career. At the time shot 50.0 percent (24-of-48) from
of the win, he had a the field and forced 21 Colonel
300-131 overall record turnovers in the game.
in 15 years as the
DSU jumped out early,
Bulldogs’ head coach.
opening up an 8-0 lead that was
Richter has guided
quickly erased with WU tying the
DSU to six straight 20
game at 12 at the 13:32 mark. The
plus win seasons and
Richter game remained tied at 19 with
to the post-season in
7:04 to play before an 11-2 run
14 of his 15 seasons in
over the next four minutes gave
Center Valley.
DSU a 30-21 lead.
The ECAC titles over the last two
Sophomore Amanda
seasons add to Richter’s long list of coach-
Kuperavage started the run with a
ing accomplishments, including two
lay-up, Burke nailed a trey and hit
Pennsylvania Athletic Conference titles (’96,
two freebies, and freshman Kim
’97), two MAC/Freedom titles (’98, ’00),
Rarick finished the spurt with
five trips to the NCAA Tournament (’96,
four straight points. LeighAnn Burke (Photo 2005: Greg Carroccio)
’97, ’98, ’00, ’03), and four ECAC South
Region Tournament Championships (’99, The Colonels closed the half
’02, ’04 ’05). on a 7-0 run to trail by two points, 32-30, at Burke led the charge with 14 of her 20 sec-
the break. Burke led DSU to the two-point ond-half points during this stretch.
Richter was also named Coach of
halftime lead with 17 of her 37 points in the
the Year three times: once in the Freedom Along with Burke, Kuperavage tal-
opening half. Rena Bolin had a team-high
Conference (’03-’04), once as the WBCA lied double digits with 10 and junior Kirby
16 for the hosts.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year Lutz added 11 points. Kuperavage also had a
(’03-’04) and once by the Eastern States The lead grew to seven points, 46-39, game-high five assists and Lutz totaled four
Athletic Conference (’92-’93). five minutes into the second half before a steals in the win.
26-8 run over the next nine minutes gave
LeighAnn Burke tied Lynn Butler’s
DSU a 72-47 lead and put the game away.
10 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
Sports
Men's Track and Field Standout Has Banner Year
Men's Track and Field standout Lou 47.63 seconds and earns All-American honors
Corominas has celebrated a tremendously for the fourth time in his career. The top eight
successful 2005-2006 season. finishers earn All-American honors. Previously,
Corominas had recorded the second fastest
Corominas, a senior at DeSales, finished qualifying time of 47.17 seconds to advance to
in third place in the 400-meters at the NCAA the final.
Division III Indoor Track & Field National
Championships. This year, the championships Corominas’ time at the Muhlenberg
were held on Saturday, March 11, 2006, at St. College Invitational was ranked as the fastest in
Olaf ’s College in Minnesota. the entire country as he beat the second place
finisher by 2.43 seconds.
He earned All-American honors for the
second time in his career with the third place He also celebrated success as he ran as
finish. part of the 4 x 800-meter relay team. The team
consisted of sophomore Anthony Naimo, junior
Corominas finished with a time of 48.62 Nick Reichert, sophomore Frank McClatchy
seconds and earned All-American honors for and Corominas, and they took second place in a
the second time in his career after taking eighth time of 8:18.67.
in the 400-meters at the Outdoor Track & Field
Championships last season. With the Men's Track and Field Season
not yet over, Corominas continued his dominat-
At the qualifying rounds for the finals, held ing outdoor season by leading the Men's Track
on Friday evening, Corominas qualified with a and Field team to a fourth place finish at the
time of 48.66 seconds. Although he entered the CTC Conference Championships on April 22
weekend seeded 11th, Corominas rallied to fin- and 23.
ish with the third fastest time in the country.
The Bulldogs finished just ahead of
Corominas followed his success at the Rowan University with 85 points, earning the
indoor championships by putting on quite a fourth place spot.
show at the Muhlenberg College Invitational
on Saturday, April 1. In the 400 - meter race, he Corominas was sensational and finished
automatically qualified for the NCAA Division with a second place finish in the 200-meters
III National Championships, with a time of (21.64 seconds), a first place finish in the 400-
meters (47.42 seconds) and led the 4 x 800- Lou Corominas (Photo 2005: Greg Carroccio)
47.04 seconds.
meter relay team to a first place finish with a
At the National Championships held at time of 8:00.90.
Benedictine University, Corominas finished
fifth in the 400-meter dash with a time of
Soccer Player Receives Post-Season Honors
Nominations Now
DeSales junior Randy Sturm, of North Sturm, an elementary education major
Cape May, N.J., received post-season honors with a 3.57 cumulative GPA, has been named Being Taken for
as he was named to the ESPN The Magazine to the MASCAC Fall All-Academic team twice
Academic All-District II College Division and is a four-time member of the Dean’s list at the Athletic
First-Team as announced by the College Sports
Information Directors Association (CoSIDA).
DeSales.
Hall of Fame 2006
He finished the season as the team’s lead-
The members of CoSIDA voted on the ing scorer totaling 15 goals and four assists Inductees
2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic All- for 34 points and was named the Freedom
America Men’s Soccer Teams. Only Academic Conference Player of the Week four times and Nominees will be considered by the
All-District First-Team members are forwarded led DSU to its first-ever Freedom Conference committee for induction into the
to the national committee and considered for Championship and first-ever berth into the
Hall of Fame in the fall of 2006.
All-American status. NCAA Tournament.
The induction ceremony will be
On November 3, Sturm was named to the DSU finished with a 15-3-2 overall record
All-Freedom Conference First-Team, as well as
held on Homecoming and Reunion
and Sturm will enter his senior season ranked
the Freedom Conference Player of the Year. sixth all-time with 75 career points and seventh weekend, September 29 and 30.
He is also a three-time All-Freedom all-time with 30 career goals. For Nominee criteria, visit the
Conference member and has been named athletics website at http://athletics.
twice to the First-Team. He earned ESPN The desales.edu/ and click on Hall of
Magazine Academic All-District honors for the Fame.
first time in his career. SIGN UP for e-mail
He also received a post-season award when updates from athletics at
he was named to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic All- http://athletics.desales.edu
Region Third-Team.
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 11
O u r S t u d e nts
A Roman Learning Adventure
By Laura R. Charnick
Last fall, five DeSales University
students enjoyed the unique opportu-
nity to study for a semester in Rome.
Through a newly established
program at DeSales University, David
Stevens, Yarmelisa Jimenez, Maureen
Williams, Anthony Coppa, and
Stephanie Shultz experienced the price-
less opportunity to immerse themselves
in European culture while staying on
track for graduating in their individual
programs.
Elizabeth Rosa, professor of business,
established the Rome study abroad pro-
gram at DeSales and sent the first five stu-
dents to study last fall. “We know how well
students love Rome. We know how well
the Romans love our students,” Rosa says
of her decision to send DeSales students to
Italy’s Eternal City.
Each of the students had their own
reasons for traveling to such a historic
city. “I have always wanted to travel,” says
Stephanie Shultz. “When I heard about the
study abroad trip to Rome, I was excited
Jimenez
to have an opportunity to see other parts
oppa,Williams, and
of the world.” Maureen Williams agreed. Stevens, Shultz, C
“I had an interest in studying abroad, and
Italy is one of the countries that I wanted
to visit, so that was the incentive.” beautiful villa on top of one of the seven much that she felt right at home among
The students studied at the American hills. the piazzas and classic Roman architecture.
University of Rome (AUR), an American- The beauty of the campus extended “I loved everything – the people, the cul-
style university with classes taught in to the beauty of the entire city, and the ture, the language, the food – everything!
English and an international student popu- students were enamored with Rome and Life in Rome was amazing. I felt as if I
lation. The University is perfect fit for its culture. “I was awestruck,” says Shultz. was going back to my own country: the
DeSales because it offers a large selection “I really got used to the Italian culture. I Dominican Republic.”
of courses, including history, art history, found the people very charming and the Although they immersed themselves
political science, communications, and relaxed atmosphere was just so peaceful.” in Italian culture, none of the students
even TV/film. The campus is located in a Yarmelisa Jimenez enjoyed the city so spoke Italian before they traveled to Rome,
12 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
and although some students wished they Popolo, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the
could have conversed with Romans in the Vatican, and everything else Rome has to
2006-2007
SEASON
local language, they did not generally find offer was incredible.”
their lack of Italian to be restrictive. Although the students each took a
“Italian was not a problem for me,” full course load while they lived in Rome,
says Jimenez. “Not only do I have a their study abroad time was unique to
Hispanic background, which already allows their past school experiences. “Life in THE LAST NIGHT
me to understand a little of the back-
ground of a romance language, but I also
Rome was much different,” says Williams.
“I took trams and buses to school. I lived
OF BALLYHOO
took intensive Italian classes, which helped in an apartment. I didn’t have a job. At by Alfred Uhry
me a lot.” times it felt more like a long vacation than September 27 to
As proof of her quick comfort with a semester at school.” October 8, 2006
the language, Jimenez explains that she The study abroad in Rome program,
still keeps in touch with Italian friends she open to students entering their junior or GODSPELL
made during her Roman stay, and all they senior years at DeSales University, is truly a by Stephen Schwartz
speak is Italian. once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. October 12 to 22, 2006
Even for the students without a Although last fall’s students loved their
romance language background, Rome
proved to be an accessible and comfort-
time in Rome, they will not be permitted
to enter the program again because the
YOUNG
able city. “Most menus and ATMs were in program is designed to bring new students CHOREOGRAPHERS
English and many Romans spoke at least abroad each fall. SERIES
some English, while some were fluent,” They do, however, have advice for November 3 to 5, 2006
Williams says. future students. “Learn some basic Italian
Still, Shultz recommends that future and go with an open mind,” suggests THE TRIAL OF
students try to learn at least a bit of the Jimenez. “More importantly travel around EBENEZER SCROOGE
language. “Learning some Italian would and have fun!” by Mark Brown
make the transition smoother. The
Romans appreciate if you try to speak
Shultz agreed that it might be benefi- November 29 to
cial to learn some Italian, and that it is also December 10, 2006
their language.” beneficial to be open-minded. “I would
While the students attended classes tell them to take full advantage of every-
and lived in Rome, their time in Europe thing that Rome has to offer. Don’t hold OUR TOWN
also included a great deal of travel both back and experience everything you can.” by Thornton Wilder
within Italy and across the continent. On a similar note, Williams suggested February 21 to March 4, 2007
“Classes were only held Monday through trying something new. “Don’t be afraid to
Thursday, so you always had a 3-day week-
end,” explains Shultz.
try something you wouldn’t picture your- DANCE ENSEMBLE
self doing. It’s an amazing opportunity, so CONCERT
Through their various travels, the stu- take advantage of it. And be prepared to
dents visited a number of cities in Greece, eat a lot of good food.”
March 16 to 18, 2007
Spain, France, Ireland, England, Germany, Having earned a full semester's worth
the Czech Republic, and of course, Italy. of credits and a lifetime of memories, the STUDENT FILM
“Within Italy, I traveled to Naples, students returned to the United States FESTIVAL
Capri, Venice, Florence, Pompeii, and right before Christmas. March 29 to 31, 2007
Perugia. I enjoyed every city,” says Next semester, five new students will
Williams. “Traveling within Italy showed enjoy their own unique travels, educations, INTO THE WOODS
me how each part of the country has their
own dialect of the language and their own
and memories, and judging from the expe- Music by Stephen Sondheim
rience of last year's travelers, it would seem Book by James Lapine
style of pizza!” that the old adage is true. To experience
Rome itself also offered a plethora the fullness of Roman and Italian culture,
April 25 to May 6, 2007
of sight-seeing opportunities. “Within when in Rome...
Rome, the travel was great,” says Jimenez.
“Seeing the Colloseum, Spanish steps,
Piazza Venezia, Campo di Fiori, Piazza dei Call 610.282.3192 or
visit www.desales.edu/act1
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 13
D i n n e r D a nce
On March 18, 2006, DeSales University
celebrated the 25th year of the Annual
Dinner Dance, a fund raiser that benefits
student financial aid programs to help
deserving students meet the cost of their
education. The event, held in Billera Hall,
has raised more than $1.7 million during its
25-year history.
This year, the Dinner Dance was a
particularly joyous occasion as the guests,
dressed in black ties and ball gowns, expe-
rienced the transformation from winter to
spring with the theme, “Promise of Spring.”
The evening’s elegant décor, designed by
Will Neuert, head of design in DeSales
University’s Performing and Fine Arts
Department, escorted the guests through the
seasonal change as birch trees and winter
shades of cobalt blue and white gave way to
budding pastoral spring with warmly col-
ored buds and flowers.
This year’s event was also special in the
alumni support, lead by Gold Sponsors and
chairpersons Timothy Nolan ’77, chair-
man of the Board of Trustees, and his wife
Kathleen Kund Nolan ’79. Increased alumni
support is particularly welcome since the
funds raised by the Dinner Dance support
current DeSales students.
The evening began with assorted hors’d
oeuvres and a full bar and was followed by
dinner, complete with crab appetizer, salad,
the entrée, and dessert. The Uptown Band,
which specializes in Big Band, decade,
Motown, classic rock, and contemporary
music, all with an emphasis on dancing, led
the guests in dancing until midnight.
Next year’s Dinner Dance is scheduled
for Saturday, March 17.
14 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 15
Alumni
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Celebrates 15 Years of Alumni Involvement
By Laura R. Charnick
The Pennsylvania Shakespeare but Shakespeare
Festival (PSF), which opens its 15th requires the whole
anniversary season this summer, is a festival human spectrum.
in the truest sense of the word. After all, a To do Shakespeare
festival is a time of celebration, and what fully, to give the
is a more worthy cause than the magic of language its due,
Shakespeare, the joys of performance, and you need the best
the enrichment of the human experience professional actors.”
through professional theater? Although
As all things start, PSF was merely an the idea had been
idea of the potential for celebrating theater percolating since
and Shakespeare.“It has always been a dream the Labuda Center
of mine to bring professional Shakespeare to was completed,
DeSales,” says Fr. Gerard Schubert, O.S.F.S., the inspiration
retired chair of the performing and fine arts to actually host a
department, PSF Endowment Director, and Shakespeare Festival
the man who brought PSF to Center Valley. at DeSales came
This dream slowly evolved to real- to Fr. Schubert
ity when the Labuda Center for the as he drove back
Performing Arts, featuring a professional- from a Shakespeare
grade theater, was completed in 1981. Festival in Stratford,
Canada.
For a few summers in the late 1980s,
the University hosted an annual summer During the
theater program in which alumni came nine hour drive
back and worked with students to produce back to Center
two plays. The experience of producing and Valley, Fr. Schubert
performing quality summer shows was a thought how nice
boon to both the alumni and the students, it would be if the
and the program was a success. festival were closer.
And he had a rev-
However, while many people wanted elation – “if you
the summer program to continue on its set build it, they will Dennis Razze ’75 is Feste in PSF’s production of Twelfth Night (1993).
path, Fr. Schubert had other plans. come.” (Photo: 1993 Lee A. Butz)
“In my mind, I knew the theater In 1990, an ad PSF and a major supporter of Father’s vision
should hold the greatest plays ever written, hoc committee formed to study the feasi- for the Festival, for helping open doors and
certainly in the English language and prob- bility of hosting a professional Shakespeare offering moral and financial support.
ably in any language – the Mt. Everest of festival at DeSales.
theater – the works of Shakespeare,” he says. In 1992, the committee’s hard work
Fr. Schubert credits Roger Mullin, the paid off – PSF launched its inaugural sea-
“The students did some fine work, first president of the board of directors for son with productions of Shakespeare’s The
16 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
Taming of the Shrew and Romeo & Juliet and Show—a lively 45-minute, Elizabethan- ed the summer before the first season of PSF.
Michele Vacca’s children’s classic, Pinocchio. style program, including dancing, music, and However, in the years following that first
While PSF hired Equity actors to ensure clowning. success, Cameron has become a very active
the professional quality of the productions, Fr. As PSF enters its 15th season, it also PSF alumna. This year, she is returning to
Schubert emphasizes that it was always their welcomes back a host of alumni, including stage manage the productions of As You Like
intention to include the students and alumni several DeSales University It and My Fair Lady.
of DeSales in the program. alumni, who were actively As PSF enters its
“Our students were always part of involved in the early sea- 15th year, the alumni and
the dream,” he says. “The students who are sons of PSF. students, both present and
hired as interns work hard and work well. It Dennis Razze ’75, future, can expect a long
becomes a segue into professional theater for was cast in the first year and bright future of learn-
many of our alumni.” of PSF as Hortensio in ing and working with the
The Taming of the Shrew. Festival. As Fr. Schubert
History speaks for itself when it comes always hoped, PSF and the
to student and alumni involvement in PSF. He made his career on
DeSales University’s cam- DeSales Theater program
In the very first season, PSF employed nine have given audiences visu-
alumni to perform in the three plays, and pus as an associate profes-
sor of theater, and this al proof of the quality and
alumna Mary Mlodzinska ’73, was the first class of DeSales University.
general manager. year he will be serving
dual roles as the Festival’s “Always in my head
The alumni were not the only ones to associate director and was a plan to make the-
benefit from the new Shakespeare Festival in director of PSF’s musical, ater a major program – to
Center Valley. My Fair Lady. Christopher Patrick Mullen ’87 played Laertes make it a calling card for
in PSF’s production of Hamlet in 1995.
“In the first year, we had 13 interns Another returning (Photo: 1995 Lee A. Butz)
the college,” he says.
from the theater program,” says Lisa Higgins DeSales and PSF alum- In the 15th season,
Pechter, director of marketing and pub- nus, Christopher Patrick with more than 26,000
lic relations for PSF. “Some of the interns Mullen ’87, is undoubtedly the Performing attendees to the Festival last year alone, PSF
played named characters, in addition to and Fine Arts alumni with the most PSF has certainly demonstrated its worth.
serving as townspeople and servants in the credits. Mullen performed in the first season
plays.” “We have been blessed with the talent
of PSF as Biondello in The Taming of the that has come here,” Fr. Schubert says. “Not
Through the internship program, one Shrew and has appeared in a myriad of PSF only talent, but the willingness to work
of several outreach and educational pro- productions since that season. This summer, hard.” And that blessing on the community,
grams established by PSF, students enjoy the he will perform in the main stage produc- the theater, and DeSales is a certainly a rea-
rare chance to work side by side with pro- tion of As You Like It. son to celebrate.
fessional actors. Maria (DiPetro) Cameron ’92, graduat-
While the interns may come into the
summer without professional experience,
Mark Your Calendar Now!
their work with PSF, both on and off the
stage, builds their skills, improves their résu-
President’s Tour 2006-2007
més and gives them the immeasurable expe-
rience that allows them to become, in mind
and body, professionals.
“The Pennsylvania Shakespeare We’ve set the dates and locations for our upcoming alumni recep-
Festival,” says Fr. Schubert, “is very much tions. Please mark your calendars now. All alumni are welcome at
about teaching DeSales University students every event. More details will be released as the dates approach.
and alumni to be better, stronger workers.” Check out the “Alumni Events” section on the DeSales web site at
These opportunities for alumni and www.desales.edu.
students to experience professional theater
have expanded as PSF itself evolved faster 2006 2007
than many of its founders imagined.
In the years linking the 1st and 15th October 12 - New York City January 9 - Arizona
years, the program has expanded its mis-
sion, success, and productions to include six November 2 - Connecticut January 10 & 11- California
shows during the course of the summer.
This year, from June 3 to August 6, PSF December 5 - Lehigh Valley March 21 - Delaware
is proud to feature Shakespeare’s As You Like
It and Othello, the mystery thriller Sleuth, March 22 - Philadelphia
the musical classic My Fair Lady, and Vacca’s
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.
April 12 - New Jersey
The sixth show, which is free to the May 3 - Chicago, Illinois
public and runs one hour prior to each
evening performance, is the outdoor Green
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 17
A l u m n i Focus
Randy Sears ’02:
Water Water Everywhere
By Laura R. Charnick
Randy Sears ’02 does not have your
typical office job. In fact, during the
course of his day, sharks and fish sur-
round him more often than coworkers,
and his daily attire includes a SCUBA
tank, mask, and regulator.
As the Aquarium Care Director
for his own company, Aquarium Retail
Maintenance, Sears spends his days
building and maintaining aquariums
inside homes and businesses. But many
of these aquariums are not your typical
20-gallon set-ups. “Some of the aquari-
ums are large enough where we actually
SCUBA dive in people’s living rooms to
clean them. We have clients with aquari-
ums, in their houses, that are 35 feet
deep.”
Sears began his career in aquariums
in April 2002, three months after he
graduated from DeSales, when he joined
and assisted with the startup of the
maintenance division of Living Color
Enterprises, Inc., a high-end aquarium
business in South Florida.
Once the retail end of the business
opened, Aquarium Retail Maintenance
broke away and became its own com-
pany, with the goal of proving that they
could be a good business and could
support themselves. The company has Randy Sears '02
exceeded its goals and has been inde- He then speaks with different business do maintain some of the larger, more
pendent for a year and a half. clients, designs core systems (filters and exotic tanks with large sharks, jellyfish,
Sears, whose passion is for marine pumps) for aquariums, and maintains the and things of that nature,” he says.
life and aquariums, typically spends his company’s daily logs and invoices.
While working with sharks, sting-
mornings working behind the scenes. He When it comes to the more unique rays, barracuda, and eels may be danger-
prepares his workers for the day, ensur- client needs, however, Sears is more than ous work for the inexperienced, Sears
ing they have everything they need for happy to dive into an aquarium. “I still isn’t afraid of the animals. “I’ve been
their work from morning to afternoon.
18 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
doing this for way too long to get ner- and then I did my undergrad research on
vous. You recognize signs of aggression fish diseases with Dr. Colosi.”
before it actually happens,” he says. “As
long as you know what you are looking
for, you’re generally okay.”
The rest is history, and from those
two experiences, Sears found that envi-
ronmental science and work with aquari-
DeSales
His injury track record reflects his
experience and knowledge of the signs
of aggression. While he has worked with
ums and aquatic life was a rewarding and
unique experience.
As was his experience at DeSales:
Heritage Society
sand tiger sharks, black tip sharks, long-
“I loved DeSales. It was a quiet; it was a The DeSales Heritage Society has been
nose gar, and six-foot eels, his worst ani-
great place for me. I searched all over the established to recognize friends of
mal-related injuries have been limited to
place, I visited colleges in Miami, New
a sting from a ray or two. DeSales University who have committed
Orleans, all over, but DeSales was just
It is the challenge of working with fantastic,” he says. themselves to planned or deferred gifts
exotic tanks that really stirs Sears’s inter- for the benefit of the University.
Sears entered the class of 2002 and
ests. His current project, building a jel-
quickly found that his educational expe- Gifts can be provided through
lyfish tank in South Beach, Florida, is the
rience was also top-notch. “I absolutely
perfect example of the type of work that bequests, charitable gift annuities,
loved my classes with Dr. Berg. He is a
very few people would want to touch, charitable remainder or lead trusts,
great man, a great educator, and I still
but that Sears loves. life insurance, retirement plans, or
speak with him from time to time–
“I like to work with projects that probably about once a year or so. I just participation in the University’s Pooled
have never been done before. I have to wish they had opened that new science Income Fund.
get these jellyfish shipped to me from building while I was still there!” he says.
Australia. These projects are weird things As an expression of the University’s
Although Sears was able to spend
that nobody likes to put their hands on,
half a year conducting research in the profound gratitude for their generos-
but I like to see if I can do it. It’s part of
state-of-the-art Hurd Science Center, he ity, members of the DeSales Heritage
a challenge.”
wishes he had been able to attend classes Society receive:
His love of a challenge also drives in the building.
his long-term goals. Sears hopes that his * A personalized certificate of
After Sears graduated and while
current work with aquariums will even-
he worked at Living Color Enterprises, membership.
tually lead him to the research and devel-
Inc., he attended Nova Southeastern
opment phase of the aquarium industry. * An invitation to the DeSales
University, a university that promotes
“I would like to work, one day, with a professional atmosphere. In 2004, Heritage Society annual
the development of new filtration sys- Sears graduated with a M.S. in Marine recognition event.
tems or even water quality parameters,” Environmental Science/Marine Biology.
he says. Sears also has interest in working * Invitations to other special
While he enjoys his work with large
in a more animal-focused environment, University programs.
aquariums, many people are surprised to
versus the maintenance industry he is in
hear that, ironically, he does not own and
now. * Invitations to occasional seminars
maintain a large aquarium for himself.
In the meantime, Sears is quite sat- on estate and financial planning.
“I have a 20 gallon tank,” he says,
isfied in his current job. “Every day is
laughing. “I have a teeny tiny tank that * Personal recognition on the
different,” he says. In the course of any
is a foot long, two feet high, and has no
given day, Sears may speak with a myriad DeSales Heritage Society plaque.
pumps, no filters, nothing. Its just that
of international clients, jump into a tank
when you do that work all day long, you * Listing in the University’s annual
of hungry sharks at Big Al’s Aquarium
don’t want to have to do it all night as
Super Center, and meet the challenge of Honor Roll of Donors.
well.”
dealing with 75 to 100 regular clientele.
That schedule does not take into account In his time away from the office If you would like additional informa-
the numerous emergencies that come in and aquariums, Sears enjoys spending his tion about the Society, please contact:
at all hours of the day and night. time SCUBA diving with his girlfriend. The Development Office, DeSales
Their current home is only about a mile
As a biology student starting his University, 2755 Station Avenue,
off the beach, which is ideal for Sears.
education at DeSales, an undeniably Center Valley, PA 18034-9568,
“We’ll go out there regularly, just to see
land-locked University, it may not have Phone: 610.282.4604, or e-mail
what’s going on and how things have
seemed likely that Sears would discover
changed.” And in the end, Sears’s job, Thomas.Campbell@desales.edu or
his passion for marine biology. Yet Sears
hobbies, and passions combine in one daniel.gambet@desales.edu
says that his career path began during his
straightforward fact: he just likes being
time in Center Valley.
in water.
“It’s really kind of weird, but I start-
ed all of this while I was at DeSales. I did
an internship at the Tennessee Aquarium
in Chattanooga, Tennessee, one summer.
Dr. Blumenstein helped me set that up
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 19
Class Notes
Dear alumni • 1972
Vic Melis g raduated with a mas-
ter’s in information science degree from
Message from the Pennsylvania State University. Vic also has
Alumni Office an MBA from St. Joseph’s University and
is a product manager at Motorola. Vic and
his wife, Nancy, and two children, Steve and
Jennifer, reside in New Hanover, Pa.
A
• 1975
As the 40th anniversary celebration at DeSales Jay Farmerie was installed as the new
comes to a close, I thank the many alumni who president of the Association of Water
helped us recognize this special year. At our alumni Technologies (AWT). Jay is a certified
receptions, we shared a 40th anniversary presenta- water technologist at Cyrus Rice Water
tion that was created by DeSales TV/Film students. Consultants in Pittsburgh, Pa. He lives in
It was very well-received. Each time at least one or Moon Township, Pa., with his wife, Mary
two alumni gasped or chuckled to see a black-and- Cay (McCole) Farmerie ’76.
white photo of a close friend or past professor from
the “AC days.” Everyone agrees that the changes on
campus are amazing while the spirit of the students • 1976
remains the same. Tom Shirley, head coach of Philadelphia
The changes on campus continue. Much like the spring daffodils, a construction University’s women's basketball team,
crane recently popped up for work on the DeSales University Center (DUC). This reached a career milestone. On January 5,
second phase has two areas of construction – a new conference area and a bookstore. 2006, Shirley and his team celebrated his
When this phase is completed, the bookstore will be moving out of McShea Student 500th career victory.
Center to a new and larger area in the DUC. The new conference area will have the
capacity to hold up to 500 people, providing much-needed meeting space on campus. Cousins Marie Chapman-Hill and Kevin
L u t z ‘ 0 1 re c e n t l y
I hope you’ll visit campus to see all that’s happening! But if you can’t, please worked together on a
join us for one of our upcoming alumni activities. We’re gathering for Alumni Day project for the North
at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom on June 25. It’s not too early to think about Pe n n U n i t e d Way.
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, scheduled for September 29 and 30. Check Marie produced a pro-
out our web site at www.desales.edu and go to “Alumni Events” for more details. motional video at Janis
While on our web site, take a look at a few new items of interest. First, test Productions in Plymouth
your knowledge of your alma mater with the new Alumni Trivia Contest. The ques- Meeting. Kevin sang,
tions change each month so you have more than one chance to win! Monthly win- “You Raise Me Up” on
ners enter a drawing for a grand prize of dinner and a one-night stay at a bed & the soundtrack. After the recording session,
breakfast. Next, get involved with current DSU students through Career Services’ they met up with Ron Check ‘01, Kevin’s
on-line mentoring program or help Admissions as a member of the DeSales Alumni roommate while they attended DeSales. Ron
Recruitment Team. Descriptions of these programs can be found on the Alumni web is now a seminarian at St. Charles.
pages, too.
It’s our goal to keep you connected, engaged, and involved with DeSales stu-
dents, faculty, staff, and alumni. Thank you for your support and for all that you do • 1978
for DeSales. Michele (Cunningham) Niederer is
looking at DeSales through the eye of a par-
Sincerely, ent. Her son, who is a sophomore in high
school, is starting to look at colleges, and
DeSales was the first stop!
Jeffry Johnston is proud to announce
Kathy Diamandopoulos that his first novel, Fragments, a novel for
Director of Alumni young adults, will be published by Simon &
Schuster Publishing in February 2007.
20 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
C l a s s N o tes
• 1979 shepherd’s pie was served. Those attend- • 1990
Dr. Debra Ahrensfield
ing included best man Bud Miller ’87, Rev. Gregg Schafer was
Joe Long ’85 and Sue (Kuss) Long
was recently appointed installed as the Pastor at
’87 , Chuck Malinowski ’86 , Marty
cardiologist at Temple Newfoundland Moravian
Chamberlain ’86, and Dan Donohue
U n ive r s i t y H o s p i t a l Church, Newfoundland,
’87 . Also attending were "A.C. alumni"
where she specializes in Pa. He received his Master
general cardiology, nuclear Kathleen Warren, Joe Staudemeier, and of Divinity degree from
cardiology, and echocar- retired DeSales professor Dr. Harry Warren. Moravian Theolog ical
diography. In addition to Ed is Director of Recruiting for American Seminar y, Bethlehem,
the publications, presentations, and research Medical Staffing of Trexlertown, Pa., while was ordained a Deacon
experiences to her credit, Debra is a member LoriAnne is the Advertising Coordinator for in 1998 and was consecrated a Presbyter
of the American College of Cardiology and Coldwell Banker Realty Corp. in Lansdale, in 2001. Gregg lives with his wife, Lauren,
the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Pa. The couple, along with LoriAnne’s and their four children, Katelyn, Victoria,
daughter Kayleigh (class of ’20), resides in Malachi, and Aiden.
Richland Township, Pa.
• 1980 Lindsey Hanahan was awarded a Marlowe
Trudy (Cravatta) DiNardo lives in Paoli, Award for her choreography on the Denver • 1991
Pa., with her husband John and their son premiere production of Assassins with Next T h o m a s a n d Ta r a
Christopher, 14, and daughter Johanna, Stage Theater Company last fall. She has (Boyle) Mirabella
12. John is the vice provost of academ- also just completed the choreography for '97 recently welcomed
ic affairs at Drexel University and a pro- their production of Chess. In January, Lindsey daughter Emmalee Grace
fessor of physics and Trudy is a substitute was elected onto the Denver Area Liaison to their family. Emmalee
teacher in the Tredyffrin-Easttown School Committee of the Actor's Equity Association. was born on December
District. She is also chair of DELTA (District 22, 2006. Big sister Annaka
Educating And Learning Through the Arts). Jordan welcomed Emmalee home just in
Trudy had a great time at last year’s DeSales • 1989 time for Christmas.
Homecoming and says she is still clowning John and Lynne (Poslosky) Bellano
around! ’89 relocated to Geneva, Illinois, last July
when John was promoted to vice presi- • 1992
dent of sales for Third Wave Technologies Luci (Casalnova) Keeler and her hus-
• 1982 of Madison, Wisconsin. The Bellano’s have a band Lee are thrilled to announce the
Terry (Nevada) Coleman was recently son, Griffin, 7, and a daughter, Payton, 5. birth of their son. Kevin Michael was born
promoted from vice-president to direc-
tor at Deutsche Bank. Terry has worked
at Deutsche Bank for four years. She
had previously worked at Citibank and
JPMorganChase after leaving public
accounting in 1986. Terry has been married
almost 24 years to husband Bill. They live
in New Castle, Del, and have three children
ages 14 to 19. Her oldest, Rachel, is now
second generation DSU.
Chuck Lewis was recently named senior
vice president of Lehigh Valley Hospital and
Health Network.
• 1986
A mini-reunion of sorts was held on
October 15, 2005, as members of the Classes
of ’85, ’86, and ’87 gathered in DeSales
University’s Connelly Chapel to witness the
wedding of Ed Rehrig ’86 and LoriAnne On October 8, 2005,Tom Kreider married his wife Elizabeth in Harrisburg, Pa. Alumni who
McCorry. The ceremony, with Fr. Baiju attended the wedding included (left to right) Louis Rodite ’92; Mark Maylath ’91; Rebecca
Paul, O.S.F.S., presiding, was followed by a (Kreider) Warner ’96; Jennifer (Kreider) Savon ’86;Tom Kreider ’92; Benjamin Kreider ’96;
reception in McShea Center, at which no Abraham Kreider ’96; Mike Gerchufsky ’91; Ken Tramont ’91.
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 21
C l a s s N o tes
January 8, 2006, weighing in at 10 lbs 4 oz, 2. Lauren continues to be a very busy stay- NYC for 10 years. He is happy to be back in
and measuring 22 inches long. at-home mommy and she says that Michael town with his wife, Megan Evans Gartley
Kuemmerle ’99 is a very proud uncle! '94, and their three boys, Wyatt, 8, Aidan, 5,
Claudine (Quigley) Piechotta , her and Gavin, 2. He is also proud to say he com-
husband Alber t, pleted his first marathon in October.
a n d t h e i r t wo • 1994
children Liam, 7, John and Teresa (Messineo) Manidis
and Mikayla, 4, David and Kristen (Klunk) Maggipinto announce the birth
announce the addi- '94 welcomed their fourth child, Kayla of their daughter,
tion of baby Sophia Elizabeth, on August 22, 2005. She joins Sophia Teresa, on
Grace, born March brothers Andrew, 8, Nicholas, 5, and Lucas,3. October 13, 2005.
14, 2006. Sophia weighted 8 lbs, 10 oz, and Te re s a t e a c h e s
was 20 inches at birth. The whole family is childbirth classes at
enjoying their new little bundle! • 1995 the Reading Birth and Women’s center, and
home schools her three older children, John,
Jaye Pierce will
10, Grace, 7, and Nicholas, 3. Teresa and
be married to RJ
her husband recently attended her 10-year
• 1993 Baer four years
reunion at DeSales, just one week before
Henry C. Cirignano married Krista this October. They
Teresa gave birth.
L. Giresi. Henry and his wife are Senior have a wonderful
Probation Officers for the State of New Jersey. daughter, Sharon, Susan (Hosage) Roehm's hus-
DeSales alumni at the wedding included who turned one band, Christopher, retired from the US
Matt Donovan '93 and Mark Milewski this March. Jaye is a stay-at-home mom Army with more than 22 years of service.
'93. Also in attendance were Jason Kidd and and also works from home as the direc- They celebrated the birth of a grandson,
Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets as tor of a therapeutic foster care agency in Donovan Jacob Jones, and Susan’s Donegal
well as Ric Flair and HHH of the WWE. Greensboro, N.C. STRUCTURE program has received both
state and national recognition as a model
Carol (Longello) Knauff, RN, MSN, is Patrick McDonnell was recently appoint-
program for at-risk youth. Susan was a core-
one of the recipients of the David M. Flowers ed director of the policy office at the
committee member for the eighth annual
Excellence in Cardiology award for 2006. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Pa. State Alternative Education Conference
Carol is also a part-time faculty member for Protection. He previously served as the assis-
for At-Risk Youth, held in Willow Valley, Pa.
the M.Ed program at DeSales University. tant to the department’s special duty sec-
retary. Patrick lives in Harrisburg with his
Gregg and Lauren (Kuemmerle) Machita wife Colleen (Lamb) ’98, and their two
are now the proud parents of three children. children, Devin and Kerri. • 1996
Their daughter Leah Madeline was born on Heitha (Padfield) Beane moved to Belize
September 15, 2005, weighing 7 lbs, 13 oz. Christian Evans Gartley was hired at with her husband, Richard, and their two
Leah has two big brothers, Jack, 4, and Justin, Rodale in Emmaus, Pa., after commuting to children to support the Baha'i community.
They are enjoying the culture, people, and
weather. Heitha and Richard have started a
local franchise as WSI internet consultants.
Edward Meakim III and his wife Colleen
celebrated their first child’s birthday. Son
Ryan Edward turned one on April 4, 2006.
Chris and Mary (McInerney) George
’97 announce that they have a new addition
to their family. Christopher Killian was born
on September 28, 2005. He joins his big sis-
ters Haleigh, 7, Trinity, 6, and Delaney, 4.
• 1997
Meg (Schubert) Wagner and her hus-
band, Jamie welcomed Gabriella Marie on
January 22, 2005. She joins big sister Ryan, 5,
DeSales University alumni recently reconnected at Bubba’s Pot Belly Stove in Quakertown, Pa. and big brother Jimmy, 3. Ellie’s godmother
Seated from left: Michele Cunningham Niederer ’78, Pat Kilker ’77, Amy Micallef Jacoby ’77, was Meg’s DeSales roommate and new neigh-
Jim Feeny ’77,Tom Muhl ’77, Connie Hauke Davis ’77, and Susie Byatt Perry ’78. bor, Christine Shue McManamon '97
22 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
C l a s s N o t es
Desmond Browne is a Marine stationed
in Okinawa, Japan. Last May, Desmond was
deployed to Iraq to assist in the development
of Iraqi Security Forces in the Al Anbar
province (Western Iraq). He is expected to
return to the U.S. sometime this summer.
James McDonnell is the head of the
Department of Theatre at a small state school
in Central California. He has worked as cos-
tume designer on several professional produc-
tions including some critical successes in L.A.
For more than 15 years, John and Diana Szostak have been hosting an annual Summer Solstice
Steve Koch helped set up a flag football
party for alumni, friends, and family. The 2005 party was the largest so far, with attendance near
match between Philadelphia University and
60. Kneeling from Left to Right: Regina Wood ’04, Joe Monte ’74, Tom Ward ’74, John Neri.
Drexel University as part of the “Rams-
Middle row left to right: Jessica Greene, Katie Greene, Ann (Conahan) Lee ’74, Rich McMahon
Dragons Classic.” The game, held at the
’70, Carol (Armelin) McMahon ’74, Molly (McLean) Monte ’74, Connie Bomba-Copper ’75,
Wachovia Center promotes social interaction
Jerry Neri ’74, Julia Neri. Back row Left to Right: Jim Greene ’74, Dan Lee, John Cooper ’74,
between neighboring universities. Steve is the
John Szostak ’76, Diana Szostak, Denise McCormick, Paul McCormick.
associate director of recreation at Drexel.
Vinny DePaola and welcomed twins Ty and Tori to their family
• 1998 his wife Candace in April 2005. The twins join their big sister,
( Va l e n t i n e ) ’ 9 9 Taylor, 5.
Erin (Brewster) Green and her husband, welcomed their first
Chris, recently welcomed daughter Meghan child, Julianna Frances,
Katharine to their family. Meghan was born
February 6, 2006, and joins big brother,
on December 23, • 2000
2005. Candace earned Matthew Romero and his wife Joanne
Ryan, 4, and big sister Kaitlyn, 1. her M.A. of Social (Valentine) '00 are happy to announce
Work from Temple University in 2005 and the birth of their daughter, Maja Megan, on
Cara (Davison)
she works for the Philadelphia Corporation September 23, 2005. She was 6 lbs, 5 oz and
Dunn and her hus-
for the Aging. Vinny earned his M.A. of 20 inches long at birth.
band, Peter announce
Education from LaSalle University in 2005
the birth of their son,
and is a Special Education Teacher in the Jonathan Dale was promoted to the
Colin Matthew. He
North Penn School District. product management team after five and
was born December
12, 2005, weighing a half years managing the execution and
Allison (Schneider) Tarriff and her hus-
7 lbs, 15 oz, and mea- evolution of Fiberlink’s customer service
band Richard welcomed their first child, son organization. Jonathon lives with his wife,
suring 20 inches long. Dean Michael, on March 14, 2006. Dean
They are thrilled to be parents. Melissa (Shad) Dale ’00.
was born weighing 7 lbs, 13 oz.
Douglas and Annie (Yoder) Roberts Donna (Jacquinto)
’98 are proud to announce the birth of Palmieri was promot- • 2001
their son, Liam Douglas. Liam was born ed to chief operating
September 30, 2005. officer at the American
Red Cross Southeastern
Pennsylvania Chapter.
• 1999 Donna was previously
David and Geraldine K. Blaich ’99 the chief administrative
achieved their goal of owning a business. On officer and was awarded the Red Cross
January 26, 2006, they bought and became Lifetime Achievement Award.
the innkeepers of O’Flaherty’s Dingeldein
House Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster, Pa. Jennifer Ascosi Gable and Jason Gable
celebrated their one year anniversary on April On December 10, 2005, Nicholas Takacs
Paul and Kimberly A. McManamon ’00 9, 2006. The couple married at the Chapel of married Hilary Smoyer at Our Lady of
celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary on St. Francis DeSales in Baltimore, Md. Alumni Hungary Church in Northampton, Pa. Nick
May 4, 2006. Paul is currently going through Mary Capaldi '99 , Julia Dinan '00 , Pidstawski ’01 was the best man. Alumni
the Pennsylvania State Troopers academy. Kim Nicole Fix '00, Amber Hemmer '00, and in attendance included Danielle Takacs
and their two daughters, Mackenzie, 2, and Jackie Rolek '99 were in attendance. ’08 , Anthony Casella ’01 , Thomas
Ashley, 1, are keeping things going at home. Viviano ’03, and Matthew Martelli ’04.
Darek and Amy (Seesengood) Folsom
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 23
C l a s s Notes
Dr. Heather (Butensky) Strencosky
graduated cum laude from New York
Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, N.Y.,
and works at Comprehensive Chiropractic,
Allentown. She is a member of the
Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association and the
American Chiropractic Association. She is also
a member of the Rotary Club of Allentown
and the Business and Professional Women–
Lehigh Valley Chapter.
• 2002
On October 21, 2005, Joseph and Bridgit Members of the class of 1998 recently held a mini reunion. Seated (l to r): Bob Choiniere ’95; Mike
(Olney) Devine were married at St. Wamser ’98, Julia Micik ’98, Jeannie Stith ’98. Standing (l to r) Liz (Dailey) Ditterline ’98, Kelly
Matthew’s Church in Philadelphia. Fr. Joseph Minner ’98, Stephanie (Perkins) Manning ’98, Kerry Lambert ’98 and Dennis Razze ’75.
DiMauro, O.S.F.S., presided and the brid-
al party included Christy Kennedy ’03, with the Fenwick Island Police Department Jennifer Lawson is engaged to Ash
Jessica Sgro ’03, Nick Bianchini ’02, for almost three years, was promoted to Congiliando '04. Their wedding is set for
Adam Bozarth ’02, Andrew Brett ’02, Patrolman First Class on March 1, 2006. September 2006 in Blue Bell, Pa.
Matt Croskey ’02, and Pat Hamill ’02.
Kate (Brower) Johnston and her hus-
Kristen (Gallo) and Eric Knudsen were band Daniel married on December 31, 2005
mar r ied at St. • 2003
at St. Mary's Church in Oneonta, N. Y. Kate
Margaret’s Catholic L e w i s C a m p a n a ro is engaged to and Dan met as Theology majors at DeSales
Church in Reading, Heather Mooney '03. The couple will University and currently serve as catechists
Pa., on August 13, marry on May 5, 2007, at St. Basil's Church and on several committees at St. Mary’s.
2005. Tiffany in Kimberton, Pa. The couple became
Lopez ’02 was one engaged on December 2, 2005 at Tavern
of eight bridesmaids. on the Green in Central Park, N.Y. Lewis
Other DeSales is a Senior Project Manager with Cardinal
• 2005
guests included Matt Barber ’02, Kate Health in Wayne, N.J. Heather is a stylist at After graduating in May, Brian Levesque
Peters ’02, and Dan Lopez ’02. The cou- Mad One Jacks Salon in Hoboken, N.J. The became engaged to Shannon Greth '05.
ple honeymooned in Aruba. couple lives in Hoboken, N.J. Shannon is an assistant teacher at St. Peter's
School in Pottstown, Pa, and is a M.Ed stu-
Stephen J. Majewski , who has been John Przyuski and Trisha Sullivan ’03 dent at DeSales. They will marry on June 16,
became engaged in December 2005. They 2006, in Connelly Chapel. The reception
are planning a July 2007 wedding. will be held in the new banquet facilities at
the DeSales University Center.
Roberta “Bobbi” Micklo mar r ied
Marvin Brandstatter in August 2005. They Brian Bottini has incorporated his sec-
celebrated with a contemporary service and ond company, myStethoscope, LLC.
a honeymoon in the Mexican Riviera. MyStethoscope sells discounted medical prod-
ucts from more than 20 manufactures. Brian
Lisa Higgins married Sgt. Christopher also runs eWebDevelopment, LLC, a N.J. Web
Wippel on July 9, 2005 in Rochester, N.Y. Design Company incorporated last year.
Lisa is physician assistant for the Department
of Defense at Bayne-Jones Army Community
Hospital in Fort Polk, La. Christopher, a grad- • In Memoriam:
uate of Minnesota State College Southeast
Technical, is a signal support systems special- Sandy Coffman
ist for the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Polk. Jeffrey Hillegass
They reside in DeRidder, La. Raymond Mantoni
Jerry McCandless
Michael A. Morgan
• 2004 JoAnn Smith Sigmund
Judge William Ford ’72 and his daughter Elizabeth Kelly will attend Bloomsburg Catherine Snow
Brigid ’07 in front of a statue of St. Francis University this fall to pursue her masters degree
de Sales in Annecy, France. in teaching the deaf and hearing impaired.
24 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
PLEASE TRIM HERE
S h a re Some News With Us
H ave you recently moved, changed jobs, received a promotion,
married, had a family addition and/or received an honor or
award in your profession or community? Do you have any
interesting news to relay to us about other DeSales University
alumni? Take a minute to complete this form and mail
or fax back to us. It’s especially important to let us know
your new address if you’ve moved.
Personal Data:
Last Name and Maiden Name (if applicable) Middle Init. First Name Class Year
Spouse’s Name Spouse’s Class Year (if applicable)
Street Address
City State Zip
Home Phone (include area code) E-mail Address at Home (or non-work address)
Social Security Number Is this a new address? □ Yes □ No
Career Data:
Job Title Employer
Employer Street Address
City State Zip
Work Phone (include area code) Ext. E-mail Address at Work
My recent news for the next DeSales Magazine:
S
I am interested in: end this form to:
□ Volunteering for the Annual Fund DeSales University Development Office
2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034-9568
□ Writing for DeSales Magazine
Attn: Development Services.
□ Helping to plan my class reunion Or Fax to 610-282-2059.
Or you can also e-mail address changes and news to: alumni@email.
desales.edu
S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 25
Opinion
M Many of America’s finest warriors are
tremendously devout Catholic men and
women. Their Catholic faith is enriched,
not diminished, by their experience of
both war and Arab culture.
As I say Mass for sailors, soldiers, Coast
Guardsmen, airmen and federal agents at
the Kuwaiti Naval Base, near Kuwait City,
I usually reach the Preface Acclamation
But it will be as I exit the DeSales
University campus via one of the Lehigh
Valley’s busy highways and look in my rear
view mirror that I will likely see Frank
when we get home—behind the wheel
of the Upper Saucon Township police car
behind me. Frank is a 61⁄2 year veteran of
the department and DeSales University is
part of the beat.
just as the call to prayer is sung from the Frank affirms, “This deployment has
Catholic Muslim mosque’s minaret nearby.
Evening falls and two great religions
brought me closer to God and has also
allowed me to flourish in my faith.” This
Devotion is respond to God’s invitation to meet him
in the desert. “God is great,” intones the Evening falls and two great religions
Sharpened in Imam in Arabic; “Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of power and might...,” sings the con-
respond to God's invitation to meet
him in the desert.
Conflict
gregation in English.
Two of us at this Mass make this is not an uncommon testimony among
Lenten journey together and are neighbors Catholics in the war zone.
back home in the Lehigh Valley, though we
had to come to Kuwait to meet. I know it’s worked that way for me
too. Neighbors, warriors, Lenten journey-
Currently deployed to Kuwait as the men, we meet the Lord and each other in
Area Support Group’s Catholic chaplain, the desert; and back at home we will give
I am an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, and thanks for many things, not the least of
back home I live and teach at DeSales which is that our devotion has been nour-
University. ished in our mutual ministry at this Navy
Here in Kuwait my parish is as large base.
as the country, but I am blessed with three
extraordinary priests who help me meet
the spiritual needs of our Catholic com- Father Mark F, Plaushin, O.S.F.S., faculty
munity. member in the department of philosophy and
theology at DeSales, returned to serve in Kuwait
What gives our bench real depth, with the U.S. Army’s Office of the Chief of
however, is the diligent and resilient Chaplains.
Catholics in our Armed Forces, as well as
by Fr. Mark F. Plaushin, O.S.F.S. Before joining the DeSales faculty in 2004,
in our government and corporate agencies.
Father Plaushin was on active duty and served as
Petty Officer 2nd Class Frank Najera, chaplain and cultural relations officer with the 1st
Jr. is with the U.S. Navy’s Customs Unit, Marine Expeditionary Force and the 4th Infantry
which insures the safe flow of equipment Division from January 2003 to May 2004.The
and supplies through this busy logistics tour of duty included 12 months in Iraq and
port. He is the lector tonight and like Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
his father, Permanent Deacon Francisco
Najera, of St. Paul’s Parish in Reading; he Fr. Plaushin's military honors include the
provides a clear and reverent proclamation Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and
of Word. the Army Commendation medal with silver Oak
Leaf Cluster.
Home for Frank is Lower Macungie
Township. There he and Michele, his wife
of six years, raise their sons, Brendan and
Preston. They worship at St. Joseph the
Worker Parish.
26 D e S a l e s U n i v e r s i t y M a g a z i n e
Homecoming 2006
and Reunion Weekend
September 29 & 30
Join us and alumni from all classes as we cele-
brate another year since you graduated. Events
are still being planned, but count on these
highlights:
Alumni Golf
Friday, September 29
Beef 'N Beer
Saturday, September 30
Kids Tent
Saturday, September 30
Reunion 2006
35 Years 15 Years
1971 1991
30 Years 10 Years
1976 1996
25 Years 5 Years
1981 2001
20 Years
1986
ndopoulos@desales.edu
For information call 610.282.1100, ext. 1308, or e-mail kathy.diama
“Once upon a time there As DeSales celebrates the expansion of the University Center, the opening of Welsh Hall, and other construction projects, one off-
campus landmark will soon be no more.The Peppercorn Pub and the antiques store (antiques store?) in the same block at Rte. 309
was a tavern…” and Passer Road will soon be razed and replaced with a Sheetz gas station and convenience store. Share your Peppercorn memories
with us. E-mail to alumni@desales.edu.
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