Valley Views

Dr. Brown-Haywood Named AVP

President James M. MacLaren, Ph.D., announced the appointment of Dr. Felicia Brown-Haywood as LVC’s first associate vice president of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Institutional Success. Brown-Haywood oversees the Office of Intercultural Affairs & Inclusive Programs in this new cabinet-level position.

Brown-Haywood forged a successful career working in Inclusive Excellence. Before LVC, she was the chief diversity officer at Millersville University. There, she developed initiatives to ensure that underrepresented members of the Millersville community were supported and valued. Previously, Brown-Haywood worked at Penn State–Harrisburg, where she developed and executed programs to achieve equity on campus.

“After eight months in my new role, I remain excited about leading positive change throughout the Lebanon Valley College community,” said Brown-Haywood. “In my brief time interacting with the College’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni, it is clear that the goal is to create a climate of Inclusive Excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion-driven curricular and co-curricular practices is a high priority.”

Renowned Pianist Performs Capacity Concert

Madame Ruth Slenczynska H’75 and Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, LVC professor of music

Madame Ruth Slenczynska H’75, the last living pupil of Sergei Rachmaninoff, performed a two-hour concert to celebrate her 97th birthday and the release of her new album by Decca Classics, My Life in Music, in February.

Slenczynska, who received an honorary doctor of music degree from LVC in 1975, performed music by Mozart, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev before returning to play a piece by Chopin after a standing ovation from the capacity crowd. Writers, photographers, and videographers from the New York Times, CBS Sunday Morning Show, and Voices of America covered the concert.

Hispanic Heritage Celebrated

Last fall, LVC’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration included presentations by Dr. Larry LaFountain Stokes of the University of Michigan and Nicole M. Guidotti-Hernández of Emory University. There also was a day of traditional food in the Lehr and Phillips Dining Hall.

20% Alumni Graduate Studies Scholarship

Master of Business Administration | Master of Science in Intelligence & Security Studies | Business Certificate programs

Contact Kate Gerdes ’05, graduate & professional studies enrollment specialist, at gerdes@lvc.edu to learn more about our graduate programs.

LVC Hosts 9th Symposium on Inclusive Excellence

Saul Flores

Saul Flores, a philanthropist, photojournalist, and speaker, keynoted the College’s annual Symposium on Inclusive Excellence in February. President James M. MacLaren, Ph.D., introduced the day by highlighting the community’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable campus.

“This annual symposium helps raise our awareness of difficult issues around diversity, and it engages the campus in conversations and reflection,” said MacLaren. “Inclusive Excellence recognizes that our educational mission is strengthened when we ensure that we include diverse voices and lift each other up daily… the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion can only succeed if it is a priority for everyone of us every day.”

The afternoon featured more than a dozen interactive simulations, dialogues, and educational sessions based around inclusivity. Flores hosted a session focusing on activism strategies to move passions to action.

Students Create Onesies for NICU Babies

(front, l. to r.) Alyssa Matheus ’22, Aimee Bealer ’22, Sofia Pascuzzo ’22 (back, l. to r.) Andy Brown ’22, Trent Moody ’22, James “Jamie” Zilinski ’22, Jake Triano ’22

Students in DigiVal (Digital Valley Club) used the technology available in the Digital Communications and Interaction Design programs to design and deliver onesies to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) babies and graduates at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. The project began at the suggestion of Alyssa Matheus ’22, digital communications, who participated in a similar project while in high school for the Women and Babies Hospital in Lancaster.

President MacLaren Inaugurated

(l. to r.) Gina, Meg, James, Emily, and Carolyn MacLaren

In October, the LVC community was finally able to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. James M. MacLaren as the institution’s 19th president.

During his inauguration speech, President MacLaren, who arrived at LVC in July 2020, noted three principles that define his leadership style.

First, Always value the importance of people and community. “An organization that values trust and grace is on course to achieve its vision. LVC has this ethos.”

Second, In times of duress, the need to care for oneself and care for each other takes on great significance. “As LVC’s leader, I will ensure that resources, programs, and policies are in place to support wellness and well-being—from psychological and physical health to student financial education to employee support and investment.”

Lastly, Out of crisis, seek opportunity. “When unexpected, dark times occur, they force us to reevaluate everything… Now is the time for hope, vision, and imagination. Now we will plan for better days and better ways of being.”

Suzanne H. Arnold H’96 Endows Gallery Directorship

Ronald Schrotberger and Suzanne H. Arnold H’96

In December, President James M. MacLaren, Ph.D., announced that Suzanne H. Arnold H’96 had made a generous gift to create The Suzanne H. Arnold Endowed Gallery Directorship. Her donation will expand the Gallery’s resources to promote further engagement with the arts. Suzanne has also included a $100,000 challenge to donors in her gift. Please consider donating to the challenge at www.lvc.edu/gallerychallenge.

Alumni Award Recipients Honored

Five outstanding alumni were honored for their careers and contributions to their communities and alma mater during Homecoming 2021. Visit www.lvc.edu/alumni-awards-2021 to watch their videos and learn more about our recipients.

(l. to r.) Darrell Duri ’22, Dr. JonnaLynn Mandelbaum ’69, Fatima Madondo ’22

Dr. JonnaLynn Mandelbaum ’69, author, educator, health professional, philanthropist, international health consultant, and advocate for displaced women and their children, received the Distinguished Alumna Award, LVC’s highest alumni award.

Jasmine Ammons Bucher ’97,M’11, P’14, P’23

Jasmine Ammons Bucher ’97, M’11, P’14, P’23, theater director at Palmyra Area High School, LVC’s director of educational technology, and adjunct instructor in education, received the June Herr Outstanding Educator of the Year Award.

(l. to r.) Phylicia Carter, Marsha Curry-Nixon ’04,Timothy White

Marsha Curry-Nixon ’04, founder and executive director of Amiracle4Sure Inc., received an Alumni Citation, which is presented to several alumni each year who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their field.

Todd Snovel ’06

Todd Snovel ’06, chief leadership and engagement officer, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, was awarded an Alumni Citation.

Dr. Eric Roden ’83 and Sue Jones ’92

Dr. Eric Roden ’83, professor of geoscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, received an Alumni Citation.

Wig and Buckle Performs Macbeth

Tatiana Gonzales ’25

The Wig and Buckle Theater Company staged several sold-out shows of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in February. Directed by Ryan Dennehy ’22, history and political science, student performers shared the tale of three witches telling Scottish General Macbeth that he would be King of Scotland.

Three Named Fulbrights

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program announced this spring that three LVC students were named Fulbrights: in January: Lexi Kerstetter ’21, biology major and psychology minor, Taiwan; Robert Moul ’22, ACS chemistry and neuroscience, Hungary; and Julia Resele ’22, early childhood, special education, and Spanish, Spain. Liam Schmidt ’22, English and Spanish, was named a semifinalist for Spain. LVC is regularly recognized as a top-producing institution for the Fulbright Program.

SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd Grant

LVC’s Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders received a 2021 SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd Grant from the Parkinson Voice Project last fall. The grant will provide training for fourth- and fifth-year speech-language pathology majors in the SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd programs and materials to run the programs, according to Dr. Helga McCullough, assistant professor of speech-language pathology. “The grant is of significant benefit to our graduate students who will now be trained in an effective, evidence-based treatment for communication issues experienced by those with Parkinson’s.”

AT Students Volunteer at Boston Marathon

Athletic training graduate students Cole Hartert ’21, M’22, Alexis Prettyman ’21, M’22, Autumn Gessner ’21, M’22, Kaylee Scheirer ’21, M’22, Erika Schell ’21, M’22, and Morgan Martin ’21, M’22 served as medical staff volunteers at the 125th Boston Marathon this past October. The students continued a long-time LVC connection that traces to 2011 when Dr. Joe Murphy, director and associate professor of athletic training, began volunteering as a medical advisor for the historic race.

Students Shine During Kwanzaa Celebration

The Black Student Union and members of the Celebration LVC Taskforce hosted a Kwanzaa celebration in Dec. President James MacLaren welcomed guests before Chris Luzon ’25 performed When We Were Young by Adele. Keynote speaker Dr. Nate Gadsden gave a resounding historical overview of the context for Kwanzaa, followed by the lighting of the candles by Johña Wetzel ’24, Jolly Abouseif ’24, Yonaira Velazquez Seguinot ’24, Taylor Mazanek ’24, Margaret Mailey ’24, Ethan Tirado ’22, and Raynae Bosley ’22 to recognize the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Next, the inaugural Nguzu Saba Award was introduced to recognize individuals who embody all seven principles of Kwanzaa. Evelyn Colón, advancement coordinator, and Dr. Terrence Alladin, assistant professor of criminal justice, were the staff and faculty recipients.

Shellann Worthen ’22, Asma Badaway ’25, and Darrell Duri ’22 shared self-narratives on what they bring to the LVC community. Bosley then delivered a final musical performance that filled the room with the power of uplifting unity. Kayla Spiller ’22, Wetzel, and several other students helped organize the event.

LVC Receives Grant for Prevention of Sexual Violence

The College received an It’s On Us PA Grant toward the Give Respect, Get Respect: Comprehensive Support for Preventing Sexual Violence campaign. Through an integrated approach to education, support, and program management, College staff will foster a campus environment that will broaden understanding of sexual assault/sexual violence, foster how and where to report sexual assault/violence, develop mechanisms for gaining support in dealing with sexual assault/violence, and create a data-driven system that informs all aspects of the campus program.

Students Celebrate Habitat Completion

(front) Carter Schmidt ’22, (back, l. to r.) Eva Hain ’24, Angelina Coleianne ’23

(front, l. to r.) Cassidy Reed ’22, Jerel Straley ’22 (back, l. to r.) Ellamay Cassidy ’24, Amelia Myers ’22, Emily Zavadak ’22

During the past three years, numerous students, faculty, and staff volunteered hundreds of hours with Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity to refurbish a Lebanon home. Please visit the LVC YouTube channel to hear from Dayshalee Rosario Cruz ’20 and others about this organization’s life-changing impact on our community and see the keys being turned over to the new homeowner in January. Habitat is just one of many key partners in the College’s new strategic plan, Imagine LVC, which includes “Service and Citizenship” as a College-wide value.

Commemorating Black History

Dr. Tony Leach ’73

In February, the College celebrated and engaged in dialogue around Black identities and Black Health and Wellness as part of Black History Month. In addition to the annual Symposium on Inclusive Excellence, there were Ted Talk Tuesdays, films such as At the River I Stand, an African American Read-in, and Headwrap Day. The last week of the month was packed with events, including a Unity Vigil hosted by the Black Student Union that featured poetry, songs, and inspiration; performance by Dr. Tony Leach ’73 and MOJATUBA celebrating the contributions of African Americans through song, dance, and story; and Taste of Africa dining experience.

Marching Band London-bound

(l. to r.) Bob Bone, Duncan Sandy, Dr. Christopher Heffner, Jacob Weller ’20, Emma Young, ’21, Madeline Teitsma ’21

The Pride of The Valley Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Christopher Heffner, associate professor of music, was invited to perform in London’s New Year’s Day Parade & Festival at the turn of 2022–23. “We are honored to be invited to perform during the parade,” said Heffner. “This has been several years in the making, and we are excited to proceed with this trip. I extend an invitation to all Pride of The Valley alumni to come and join us for this historic event.”

HSO Returns to The Valley

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO) will resume its annual Summer Concert Series with a performance on LVC’s Academic Quad on June 30, 2022, at 8 p.m. All are welcome to bring their blankets, chairs, and picnics to enjoy this free concert.

Athletics

Five Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame

Andrea Hoover Castilow ’11

Jeff Koegel ’95 and Rick Beard ’90, M’92

(l. to r.) Scott Mailen ’82, Jimmy Curran ’07, Brad McAlester

Nick Orfanella ’07 and Rick Beard ’90, M’92

Five distinguished alumni were inducted into the LVC Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend 2021. The former student-athletes were Andrea Hoover Castilow ’11 (women’s basketball), Jimmy Curran ’07 (men’s basketball), Jeff Koegel ’95 (men’s cross country), Nick Orfanella ’07 (men’s track & field), and Mimi Sullivan ’08 (field hockey, did not attend).

LVEP Golf Tourney in June

The 33rd Annual Lebanon Valley Education Partnership (LVEP) Golf Tournament is on Friday, June 24, at Fairview Golf Course this year. Please join us for the 1:30 p.m.

Beth Woerner Joins Baseball Staff

Beth Woerner

Beth Woerner joined LVC baseball as an assistant coach last fall. She is one of the few woman assistant baseball coaches in the NCAA and is presumed to be the only full-time assistant. Woerner brings extensive coaching knowledge from the University of Charleston West Virginia and Baseball Prospectus and playing experience as a member of the D.C. Thunder and Baltimore Pirates of the Eastern Women’s Baseball Conference.

“We are thrilled to have Beth with the baseball program,” said Head Coach Jonas Fester. “Her breadth of experience in and around the game will help our program immensely.”

Dutchmen Dominate Albright

President James M. MacLaren and Tyler Lutz ’20, M’21

In LVC’s 100th all-time meeting against Albright on the gridiron, the Dutchmen cruised to a 25-2 victory behind Tim Ervey’s ’23 two scores and 271 rushing yards, which set a new single-game program record. The LVC student body, per tradition, marched to Kreiderheim, home of President James M. MacLaren, to request the half-day before Thanksgiving off from class.

Buhr, T&F Teams Shine at MACs

Owen Buhr ’22

Owen Buhr ’22 won four gold medals and a silver medal and broke a Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Indoor Championship record (60m hurdles) on his way to earning MAC Track Athlete of the Year honors in Feb. Buhr won gold in the 60 hurdles, 200m, 4x200m, and 4x400m relay events, with school-record time in the 60m to earn silver. He shared the duo of golds with relay teammates Owen Linder ’25, Logan Grauer ’22, and Zach Reed ’23. Reed also won a bronze in the 60m hurdles. Vinny Ferrizzi ’23 won an individual bronze in the 800m and combined with Andy Loy ’23, Alec Di Cesare ’25, and Mac Eschinger ’24 to earn silver in the 4x800m relay.

Darrian Berkheimer ’25 was the top individual finisher on the women's side with a silver in the 400m, with Melena Koutch ’25 and McKenna Loughney winning bronze medals in the high jump and weight throw, respectively. Berkheimer added to her medal haul with silvers in the 4x200m and 4x400m relays, teaming with Laura Good ’25, Alyssa Peiffer ’23, and Hannah McCurdy ’22 for both second-place finishes. Keri Jones ’20, D’22, Julia Resele ’22, Julia Wawrzynski ’23, and Lauren Bunke ’22 followed with a bronze in the 4x800m relay.

Wick ’21, D’23 Qualifies for NCAAs, Again

Lauren Wick ’21, D’23, the 2021 Middle Atlantic Conference Women’s Cross Country individual champion, qualified for her second Women’s Cross Country NCAA Championship last fall, besting her 2019 appearance by 14 seconds. She continues to pile on academic and athletic accolades, including being named a CoSIDA Academic All-District team member, MAC 2021 Fall Senior Scholar-Athlete for women’s cross country, MAC Outdoor Track Champion in the 5K and 10K, and two school records.