Volume 30
Number 1
Marty Parkes, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Editorial Staff
Dr. Tom Hanrahan, Editor, Writer Matt Baczewski ’15 Maureen Anderson Bentz ’00 Jasmine Ammons Bucher ’97, M’11, P’14 Jocelyn Davis ’15 Tim Flynn ’05 Becky Fullmer Marie Gorman ’17 Ryan Jones ’16 Tom Klemick Brianna Leiter ’17 Christine Brandt Little Dr. Rebecca McCoy Marty Parkes Caity Stevens ’17 Cody Stryker ’16 Emily Summey M’13 Jeanette Tropp ’17 Ali Wenger Anita Williams, Class Notes Rebecca Worhach ’15 Designer
Tom Castanzo Afire Creative Group Production Manager
Jasmine Ammons Bucher ’97, M’11, P’14 Photography
Brandon68.com Dennis Crews Tim Flynn ’05 Bob and Madelyn Gearheart Nick Gould Tom Klemick LVC Archives Senate Republican Communications Cover Photography
Bob and Madelyn Gearheart
www.lvc.edu Send comments or address changes to:
Office of Marketing and Communications Wagner House Lebanon Valley College 101 North College Avenue Annville, PA 17003–1400 Phone: 717-867-6030 Fax: 717-867-6035 Email: awilliam@lvc.edu Email: hanrahan@lvc.edu “The Valley” is published by Lebanon Valley College ™ twice each year and distributed without charge to alumni and friends. The deadline for submission of information to “The Valley” is approximately five months prior to being received by its readership. Class Notes news received after the deadline will be included in the next issue of the magazine.
Printed on paper containing 30 percent postconsumer content.
L E B A N O N
contents
VA L L E Y
C O L L E G E
M A G A Z I N E
14
14 2020: LVC’s New Strategic Plan Lebanon Valley College’s new strategic plan—Envision 2020—will make the College a visibly stronger institution, more attractive to students, and even more successful in our graduate outcomes. The plan outlines an exciting new direction for the College, one that has already attracted considerable support throughout the LVC community. In short, we expect the implementation of Envision 2020 to advance our mission and provide us a competitive advantage in the educational marketplace.
Departments
2 4 11 24 36
Interview with Dr. Lewis E. Thayne Valley News & Notes LVC Athletics Class News & Notes
In Memoriam
On the Cover: Timothy Lupia ’16 was one of two LVC students, along with Dylan Tobias ’16, to receive Arnold Grant support to study at the prestigious international “Opera Viva” institute in Verona, Italy, for a month this summer. There, in separate sessions, they studied Italian opera and the Italian language, among other subjects. Timothy is pictured on the cover in the church of Sant’Anastasia, where he performed sacred repertoire.
Inside Cover: The College’s Peace Garden, dedicated in honor of the late John A. Synodinos H’96, LVC’s 15th president, and his wife, Glenda, is a popular spot for students to study, contemplate, and relax. FA L L 2015
•
1
A N I N T E R V I E W W I T H D R . L E W I S E . T H AY N E
Editor’s Note: In the last issue of “The Valley,” we highlighted how some of our alumni, faculty, and friends use strategic planning to plot the future of their organizations. In this issue, we introduce Envision 2020, Lebanon Valley College’s new strategic plan (see p. 14). We asked Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president, about the development process, how progress will be assessed and measured, and what success will look like. Q: Why undertake a new strategic plan at this point in the College’s history? A: Very simply, it was time. The Middle States warning that came just before my arrival was a clear signal that Lebanon Valley was not where we wanted to be and not doing what we wanted to be doing. The warning occurred just as our enrollment fell short that summer and a budget adjustment needed to be made in the fall. Simultaneously, there was a significant long-term disruption occurring throughout higher education that could not be ignored. Let’s just say there was a strong sense of urgency and focus on campus. I felt strongly that this was, frankly, a strategic moment for the College. There were risks to be sure, but it was also filled with possibilities—good possibilities—for Lebanon Valley. And we needed a plan—short-term and longer-term. Q: Is that why you chose a collaborative process rather than a more quantitative one? A: I supported a collaborative process, but the choice was made by the faculty and staff, and endorsed by the trustees. We all wanted to be part of the strategic planning process. Everyone wanted a say in the future. We took the time we needed to choose the process and the consulting team we would work with— E4 Strategic Consultancy. There was a broad-based understanding that this was going to be about strategic thinking, about all of us having a share and a voice, and committing to embrace change. We chose the most highly collaborative process. It was time intensive— especially for the steering committee—so we had to believe the impact would be worth it. We made the right choice.
2 •
I have experienced strategic planning processes on other campuses that were driven by senior leadership, very ‘top down’. I learned that it’s best when change emerges from within because it is then organic to the culture. This process was also a risk, but the upside was very appealing. An authentic plan. More ownership,
T H E VA L L E Y
more understanding, more flexibility. The people who develop the strategies are the same people who will carry them out. We were betting on our strengths and our aspirations for what we all want for our students. Q: What are the major areas of focus for Envision 2020? A: Well, it’s simple, yet visionary. There are four basic focus areas: Graduate World-Ready Students, Deliver Educational Excellence and Engaged Learning, Develop Inclusive Excellence and High Performance, and Achieve Sustainability. You can hear the vocabulary of the academy in those strategic directions, but that’s what you should hear. Everything flows from “graduating world-ready students” and the responsibility placed on the rest of the institution to make that happen. This is our collective aspiration. What it means is that we have to be self-aware and globally aware, outward-facing and forward-thinking, and, above all, student-centered. The specifics of the plan are built from the four focus areas I mentioned and from a cultural commitment to these attributes and values.
“I learned that it’s best when change emerges from within because it is then organic to the culture.” Q: How will the College implement Envision 2020? A: A version of the implementation plan is on the website, and it is worth looking at. Basically, the strategic directions will inform everything we do. They provide the guidelines. The specifics that grow out of the broader strategic directions are translated into our year-to-year goals. There are specific targets associated with every strategic initiative. What does success look like? Every priority and action item also has a resource tag associated with it. How much will this cost? Is the cost one-time or recurring? The idea is to identify those priorities that will have the greatest impact and then attack them in sequence and as resources allow. Faculty will incorporate the strategic plan into existing committees. The trustees will incorporate the strategic plan into their committee work. This fall, I will begin to reach out to alumni, parents, and friends for their involvement. We believe there will also be a need for task forces of students, staff, faculty, and trustees in a few areas.
Q: How will Envision 2020 change the College to meet future challenges? A: The plan looks ahead five years. Realistically, we can only predict what we will accomplish in the next three years with any degree of certainty. But we have a very good idea of what we want to accomplish beyond that, and we have committed to a model of flexibility that will serve us well as we move forward. There are a series of success indicators and specific targets embedded in the plan. Once we achieve these success indicators, we will have a College that is stronger in all of the visible and measurable ways—a College whose core strengths are intact and enhanced. But we will also have a College that has added new elements and new programs. There will be a much greater emphasis on the outward-facing part of education: looking out to the greater world—seeing examples of the work we are doing and where the learning opportunities are for our students. Q: How do you see LVC alumni as partners through Envision 2020? How can they help implement the plan and ensure its success? A: A strategic plan is a call to action. If the call to action is only on campus and among our trustees then I do not believe we can achieve the level of success that is possible. Our alumni are one of our greatest assets.
They are a vital resource. Among the areas where we must develop new processes and expectations, alumni engagement is certainly one. At the moment, this goal is embedded in our strategic direction related to Achieving Sustainability. In reality, alumni engagement is threaded throughout the plan and the vision for the College. The challenge is to build the infrastructure and develop the processes we need to engage our alumni productively. We now have a very accomplished leader in advancement in Dan Helwig. We have two years of progress to build on. There is no question that we will need a broad-based fundraising campaign. A campaign is a vehicle for increasing financial support, but it is also a vehicle for developing an infrastructure and alumni network that will last and that we need. Traditionally, we have thought of our undergraduate full-time community as the “alumni core.” It is increasingly important that as part of this plan, we collaborate with our graduate and professional studies alumni. They increase the global impact of an LVC degree and serve as important resources for the College and our undergraduate and graduate students and alumni. The integration of these two alumni networks through Envision 2020 will truly benefit everyone connected to Lebanon Valley College.
FA L L 2015
•
3
Valley News & Notes
Inquiry 2015 LVC celebrated students’ academic achievements during Inquiry 2015, which ran April 12–26. Honor society inductions, award ceremonies, musical recitals, a student production of Moliere’s “Tartuffe,” and a symposium featuring the creative, scholarly, and research accomplishments of the student body were held. New to Inquiry this year was an International Food Festival, sponsored by the Global Education Club. Visit www.lvc.edu/inquiry to read student reflections, view photos, and see a list of student participants.
President’s Innovation Fund Grants Announced The College announced its third annual President’s Innovation Fund grants in April. Ten grants were awarded to 27 faculty members and administrators from 10 academic departments and 11 administrative offices. These awards boost the total number of grants awarded to 40 since Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president, created the program in 2013. The grants fund projects ranging from academic programming designed to enrich student learning and prevent campus violence, to the development of the Sustainability Institute and the composition of music to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the College in 2016. Visit www.lvc.edu/presidents-innovation-fund to learn more about this year’s grants.
Twelve students and three faculty members received a President’s Innovation Fund Grant to participate in the College’s first international service trip to Peru in 2014.
4 •
T H E VA L L E Y
(l. to r.): Tamiko Brownstein ’18, Kattya Palacios ’18, Cristal Acevedo ’17, Morton Spector P’79, H’02, trustee emeritus (Morton and Alyce Spector Scholarship), Marielys Pagan ’17, and Alyssa Nissley ’15 gathered for a photo at the annual Scholarship Luncheon, where students have an opportunity to meet and connect with the supporters of their LVC scholarships.
Arnold Grants and High-Impact Experience Fund Awards Announced From studying opera in Italy or working to revitalize the Lakota American Indian language in North Dakota, to instructing transnational students in Mexico or teaching music in Paraguay, LVC faculty and students pursued several innovative academic projects this summer, with many continuing this academic year. These high-impact experiences have been made possible in large part by the continued generosity of Ed Arnold H’87, trustee emeritus, and Jeanne Donlevy Arnold H’08, member of the College’s Board of Trustees. In addition, many College friends were inspired by the tremendous ongoing success of the Arnold Grant Program and contributed to the College’s High-Impact Experience Fund, further supporting student and faculty endeavors. Gifts from the Arnolds and other donors provided opportunities for 11 faculty and 63 students to conduct summer research, experience U.S.-based and international internships and scholarly activities, and/ or participate in projects leading to publication of their work throughout the coming year. This year’s Arnold Grant and High-Impact Fund recipients represent most of LVC’s 36 majors, several minors, and some selfdesigned programs. Visit www.lvc.edu/ArnoldGrants to learn more.
Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery—2015–2016 Schedule
T
he Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery will host six extraordinary exhibitions during the 2015–2016 academic year, including a spring exhibition that celebrates the College’s 150th anniversary. Mingled Visions: Images from “The North American Indian” Collection by Edward S. Curtis, through Oct. 18 Windows to Heaven: Icons from the Museum of Russian Icons, Oct. 30 through Dec. 13 Jerry Pinkney: Imaginings, Jan. 15 through March 13, 2016 LVC Reimagined: Transformative Architecture, April 1 through May 15, 2016* Juried Exhibition, June 3 through June 19, 2016 Selections from the Permanent Collection, July 1 through Aug. 7, 2016
*Part of the College’s 150th Anniversary Celebration
Jerry Pinkney, cover illustration for The Lion and the Mouse by Aesop, 2009. Watercolor and pencil on paper. Exhibition organized by Norman Rockwell Museum.
“LVC Reimagined: Transformative Architecture”
Dr. Grant Taylor meets with students in the Lebegern Learning Commons to review his new course, “LVC Reimagined: Transformative Architecture.”
As LVC undergoes a campus-wide strategic-planning process, Envision 2020, and celebrates its 150th anniversary, the time seemed propitious to reflect on the College’s architectural past and future possibilities. This exhibition, on display from April 1 through May 15, 2016, will present an architectural model designed by students in a course—LVC Reimagined— taught this fall by Dr. Grant Taylor, LVC associate professor of art history. The students will use design software made possible through a grant from the Breen Technology Fund, established in 2015 by Edward Breen, LVC trustee, and Lynn Breen. An overview of LVC’s architectural history will include rarely exhibited vintage plans and photographs, as well as works from the LVC fine arts collection and by current and past students.
FA L L 2015
•
5
Wig and Buckle Celebrates 80th Anniversary Season
A
ll alumni and friends are invited to campus to witness “Wig and Buckle: The Diamond Season.” “The Diamond Season” celebrates 80 years of student-led performances and explores love, relationships, marriage, rings, and more. LVC students, under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Pry ’75, associate professor of English, will celebrate Wig and Buckle’s history with the following musical and plays: “Company” (book by George Furth, music and lyrics by Steven Sondheim), directed by Shannon Kane ’16, opens Oct. 23 “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” (by Neil Simon), directed by Jarrod Goss ’16, opens Feb. 12, 2016
“Blithe Spirit” (by Noël Coward), directed by Morgan Bates ’16, opens April 22, 2016 Visit www.wigandbuckle.com for tickets and more information.
International Recruitment Grows A recent initiative led by Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president, to increase the College’s international student population is experiencing early success. Last year, students from three international countries— China, England, and Saudi Arabia—were enrolled at the College. This year, students joined the LVC community from six additional countries—Cambodia, India, Ireland, Japan, Slovenia, and Vietnam. Caitlin Murphy ’12, associate director of global education, has traveled and made connections throughout Europe and Asia in an effort to enhance the College’s global reach.
New Academic Programs Flourish LVC welcomed its historic first class of students into a pair of new academic programs this fall. Building on the national success achieved by the College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy major, the new programs—athletic training and exercise science—received nearly 300 applications, which resulted in 34 enrollees this fall. Athletic training is a five-year program leading to a master’s degree while the exercise science program leads to the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree.
LVC DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY GRADUATES
100% JOB OFFERS
VISIT www.lvc.edu FOR MORE NEWS
6 •
T H E VA L L E Y
Wael Alhamad ’18, Saudi Arabia
NEARLY
1/3
ENROLLED IN GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS
Class of 2015 Heading to Graduate School Nearly one-third of LVC graduates this year have enrolled in graduate and professional schools, including nearly one-fifth who are enrolled in doctoral programs such as the College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Graduates attend doctoral programs in analytical chemistry, mechanical engineering, clinical psychology, chemistry, organic chemistry, English literature, mathematics, immunology, and school psychology. Others pursue doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, law, medicine, dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy. These alumni attend a variety of notable graduate schools, including American University, Drexel University, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Colorado, University of Delaware, University of Maryland, and University of Pennsylvania.
Board of Trustee Transitions Wesley T. Dellinger ’75, P’05, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, announced that the Rev. Dr. William S. Shillady ’78, Dr. Jeffrey Ritchie, and Vidya Lala ’17 were appointed to serve on the College’s board effective July 1, 2015. He also announced that Michael Pittari and Katheryn J. O’Hara ’15 had completed their appointments as faculty and student representatives to the board, respectively. Rev. Shillady is the executive director of the United Methodist Society, a position he has held since 2008. He earned his undergraduate degree from LVC in religion and business administration, while serving two years as a student trustee on the board. He received his master of divinity from Duke Divinity School and his doctor of ministry from Drew Theological School. Dr. Ritchie is chair and associate professor of the College’s Digital Communications Program. Under his mentoring, LVC students have developed projects that include an interactive history of Hersheypark and a physical therapy textbook for tablet devices. He is currently (l. to r.): Vidya Lala ’17, Katheryn O’Hara ’15, and Albertine “Tina” leading his students in Washington P’86, H’91, Board of Trustees Emerita the creation of a smart phone application that will help users mark the College’s 150th anniversary in 2016. Lala joins Jeffrey Bates ’16 as a student representative on the board and will serve a two-year term. Lala, a native of Mechanicsburg and graduate of Cumberland Valley High School, studies biology and plans to attend medical school. Pittari and O’Hara are stepping down from the board after completing their terms. Pittari, chair of the Art & Art History Department and professor of art at LVC, served on the board’s Marketing and Enrollment Committee, among other roles. O’Hara graduated in May with a major in international studies and a minor in Spanish. She served on the board’s Academic/Student Affairs, Marketing and Enrollment, Finance and Administration, and Advancement committees.
Lebanon Valley College turns 150 in 2016 and we invite you to join us for celebrations throughout the year. For now, please mark your calendar and plan to return to campus for these exciting celebratory events: • February 23, 2016, Founders Day • April 15, 2016, Keynote Speaker Dr. Allen Guelzo, Henry R. Luce III Professor of the Civil War Era, Gettysburg College • May 2016, date and speaker to be announced • October 7-8, 2016, Homecoming Weekend 150th Anniversary Celebration
FA L L 2015
•
7
Two New VPs Named Daniel S. Helwig, former dean of college advancement at York College, and Edwin Wright, former executive director of admissions at Widener University, joined LVC in vice presidential roles this summer after extensive national searches. Helwig was named vice president of advancement and Wright was named vice president of enrollment management. Helwig joined LVC after eight years of service to York College and more than a decade at Elizabethtown College. “Dan’s experience in building successful advancement programs will be a tremendous asset to Lebanon Valley College,” said Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president. “His leadership in campaign fundraising, as well as his background in federal and state government partnerships, will be key to the future success of the College’s advancement efforts.” Wright spent the last 10 years at Widener, while previously serving for a decade in various admission roles at West Chester University. “Ed rose to the top of a national—and very talented—candidate pool during
Daniel S. Helwig
Edwin Wright
our search,” said Dr. Thayne. “His colleagues at Widener characterize him as a strong team-builder, who is strategic, hands-on, competitive, and highly attuned to the mission of the institution. We look forward to the strengths Ed brings to our Admission Office.”
LVC Physical Therapy Clinic Opens Doors to General Public The College’s year-old Physical Therapy Clinic welcomed patients from the general public for the first time this summer. The clinic, located at 35 W. Main St. in Annville, served the LVC community during its inaugural year.
Pennsylvania State Senator Mike Folmer (second from left) attended the public opening of LVC’s new Physical Therapy Clinic at 35 W. Main Street in June. Sen. Folmer also hosted LVC physical therapy students and staff at the state capitol last year, including (l. to r.): Amisha Lala ’15, D’17, Sen. Folmer, Adam Fuehrer ’15, D’17, and Breanne Zipko ’09, LVC financial aid administrator.
8 •
T H E VA L L E Y
It now has expanded its service to non-LVC-affiliated patrons living in central Pennsylvania. Community members do not need a physician referral to make an appointment, and most insurance plans are accepted. Clinic “We offer a level of care that Director Dr. Brian Peers, LVC clinical was not previously available assistant professor to our athletes.” — Dr. Brian Peers of physical therapy and a boardcertified orthopedic clinical specialist, was the primary care provider for the first year. “We offer a level of care that was not previously available to our athletes,” said Peers. “We are now providing this same level of expert care to the public. In addition to sports physical therapy, the faculty offers expertise in the areas of orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. We are excited about the expansion and look forward to opening the doors a little wider each year.” Visit www.lvc.edu/ptclinic for clinic hours of operation and insurance information.
Inaugural Graduates of LVC-DCED School of Municipal Government Honored The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Governor’s Center for Local Government Services joined with Lebanon Valley in honoring the first graduates of LVC’s recently formed School of Municipal Government. Fourteen members of the inaugural class received certificates in May during a ceremony at DCED headquarters in Harrisburg. Those earning the certificate completed a one-year online training program that included five six-week courses determined by DCED and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors to be of the highest priority, particularly for financially distressed municipalities. Municipal managers who completed all five classes, which were taught by experts from across the Commonwealth, received a certificate from the DCED and LVC. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and LVC President Lewis E. Thayne, Ph.D., signed the certificates. “I am pleased to recognize the efforts of the individuals of the inaugural class who are committed to strengthening their leadership within their municipality,” said Dennis M. Davin, DCED secretary. “This event is a testament to the success we see when government
works. Collaborative efforts are what will propel our municipalities forward, helping to build strong, stable communities.”
(l. to r.): Joseph Meade, deputy secretary, community affairs and development, Department of Community and Economic Development; Chad Saylor ’89, chief county clerk, Dauphin County Commissioners; Beth Romanski, director of professional studies, LVC; Angie Kinney, database specialist, LVC; Dennis M. Davin, secretary, Department of Community and Economic Development
LVC Turns 150 in 2016
All alumni and friends of the College are invited to return to campus in 2016 to help us celebrate this historic milestone. Academic, cultural, and social events throughout the year will mark the anniversary, including a special Founders Day Celebration Feb. 23, a keynote speech by Gettysburg College Professor Allen Guelzo, Ph.D., April 15, and Homecoming Weekend 150th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 7-8. Look for additional information regarding events and opportunities to participate in the celebration, including posting online stories, photos, and memorabilia.
FA L L 2015
•
9
LVC and HACC Partner on Reverse Transfer Agreement Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president, and Dr. John J. “Ski” Sygielski, president of Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), signed a reverse transfer agreement in April that will provide students with a pathway to earn an associate degree at HACC prior to completing their bachelor’s degree at The Valley. LVC enrolls many students, including more than a dozen new transfers this fall, who begin their postsecondary education at HACC. Some, but not all, have earned an associate degree prior to enrolling at The Valley. The reverse transfer agreement provides a pathway for students currently enrolled at LVC to transfer credits achieved at The Valley back to HACC in order to earn an associate degree from HACC.
(l. to r.): Dr. John J. Sygielski, HACC president; Francis J. Dixon, founder, Francis J. Dixon Foundation (2008 LVC Founders Day Award honoree); and Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president
More than 150 of the 246 alumni of the LVC Chamber Concert Choir, 1991–2015, returned to campus in May for a reunion concert to celebrate the career of Dr. Mark Mecham, Clark and Edna Carmean Distinguished Professor of Music (center). Dr. Mecham, who retired from full-time teaching at LVC in Decembe r 2014, founded the 20-voice choir in 1991.
Dr. Johannes Dietrich, Newton and Adelaide Burgner Endowed Professor of Instrumental Music and director of LVC’s Symphony Orchestra, was honored for his 20 years of teaching at The Valley at a reunion concert in April that brought together more than 70 orchestral alumni. The concert featured the American premiere of “Primordial Spring,” by Dr. Greg Strohman ’08.
Legendary Recording Engineer Awarded Honorary Doctorate As part of its 146th Commencement, LVC awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree to Shelly Yakus, a recording engineer who has recorded hundreds of songs for music icons during a distinguished career of more than 40 years. Considered one of the best mixer/recording engineers in the music industry, Yakus, who is senior vice president and chief engineer of AfterMaster Audio Labs Inc., has worked with artists such as John Lennon, Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Stevie Nicks, The Band, and U2. He was an adjunct instructor at LVC from 1998 to 2003.
10 •
T H E VA L L E Y
LV C AT H L E T I C S
Shankroff Tennis Center Announced A generous gift from Benjamin and Suzanne Shankroff will transform the College’s tennis center into the Middle Atlantic Conference’s premier tennis complex. Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president, named the new complex the Shankroff Tennis Center in honor of the family’s generosity and support of LVC students. The Shankroffs are the grandparents of two LVC graduates, cousins Kelsey ’13 and Jordan ’15.
“We are just happy grandparents who have two graduates from Lebanon Valley within the last two years,” said Benjamin and Suzanne. “We really enjoy watching our grandchildren mature. They really grew up at Lebanon Valley College.”
“We are just happy grandparents who have two graduates from Lebanon Valley within the last two years.” — Benjamin and Suzanne Shankroff “Ben and Sue are exemplars of doing things first class,” said Dr. Thayne. “I am grateful for their extraordinary generosity, for making the College a priority in their lives, and for making tennis a priority for Lebanon Valley College. We are truly thankful for their belief in our students.” The new Shankroff Tennis Center will include six U.S. Open-style courts. The courts will be lighted to allow for extended useful playing time for our men’s and women’s tennis teams, and for use by LVC students, staff, and local community members. The complex will include a covered pavilion for player and spectator comfort, restroom facilities, ADA-compliant spectator and player access to the courts, courtside seating, and storage for program equipment.
Softball Makes Historic Fifth NCAA Appearance A traditional national power, LVC’s softball team took a decidedly nontraditional route to the NCAAs this year by winning 11 of its last 13 games and clinching a playoff spot on the last day of the regular season. This young team won its third consecutive Commonwealth Conference title last spring (fourth overall), earning an automatic bid to a fifth NCAA tournament appearance. There, the team won one game while losing a pair to two nationally ranked programs. “It’s a special group. I just love these kids. I’ll play against anybody, any time with this group,” said Stacey Hollinger, LVC head coach and eight-time Commonwealth Coach of the Year. One of the team’s stars, Sammy Bost ’17, who led the squad in almost every offensive category, was named a MAC Commonwealth First-Team All-Conference selection and a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American for the second consecutive year. Bost, a physical therapy major who also plays for the women’s soccer team, was recognized for her academics as well, being named to the prestigious Capital One Academic All-District Softball Team. She was also named to the Capital One Academic All-District Women’s Soccer Team last fall.
FA L L 2015
•
11
LV C AT H L E T I C S
Three Dutchmen Compete in NCAAs Andrew Goelz ’15, D’17, Michael Harnish ’15, and Mariah Smolka ’15 qualified for the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Canton, N.Y., in May. Smolka, making her third career NCAA appearance, qualified in the shot put and javelin throw, where she finished 10th and 20th in the country, respectively. She missed out on All-America status in the shot put by less than half a meter. Smolka was also named MAC Field Athlete of the Year in the spring. She won the shot put and javelin gold medals at the MAC Championships, as well as a silver medal in the hammer throw. Smolka’s MAC-winning javelin throw of 138 feet, 11 inches smashed her previously held LVC record by 8 feet, 11 inches. Harnish put a stamp on one of the most successful careers in program history with a 13th-place finish in the 1,500-meter dash. In the same event, Goelz finished 19th in the country in his first NCAA appearance. The pair of LVC runners left the program with plenty of accolades. Harnish, a two-time indoor All-American, made four trips to the NCAAs during his career. He is the reigning MAC Indoor and Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year and a MAC First-Team All-Conference selection thanks to his indoor 800-meter and mile, as well as his outdoor 800-meter and 1,500-meter conference titles. Goelz earned MAC Outdoor First-Team All-Conference honors last spring thanks to league championships as a member of the 4 x 800-meter relay team and his silver medal in the 1,500-meter race at the MAC Championships. He also won a bronze in the 800 meters at the MAC Indoor Championships this past winter, good enough to earn him All-Conference First-Team recognition in the Commonwealth Conference.
Andrew Goelz ’15 D’17
Michael Harnish ’15
VISIT www. l vc .ed u FO R M O R E N E WS
12 •
T H E VA L L E Y
Mariah Smolka ’15
Ten Named to MAC Sportsmanship Team
Mike Pugh ’15
The Flying Dutchmen had 10 student-athletes named to their respective Middle Atlantic Conference Sportsmanship Teams this spring. This recognition honors studentathletes who exemplify great character and demonstrate sportsmanship on and off the field. The student-athletes, all nominated by their respective head coaches, were: Patrick Reagan ’15 (baseball), Jonathan Bensing ’15 (men’s golf), Megan Kimmel ’17 (women’s golf), Zane Brown ’16 (men’s lacrosse), Anna Pagels ’15 (women’s lacrosse), Mike Pugh ’15 (men’s track & field), Dana Stockdale ’15 (women’s track & field), Angela Harris ’15 (softball), Christian Grove ’15 (men’s tennis), and Nicole Kracum ’15 (women’s tennis).
Spring Athletic Highlights Koty Keefer ’18 was named Commonwealth Conference Rookie of the Year, and Klayton Garman ’16 earned allconference honors in men’s lacrosse. Megan Kimmel ’17 finished second and helped lead LVC to a fourth-place showing at the 2015 MAC Women’s Golf Championships last April. It was her second consecutive season as the individual runner-up and her second consecutive First-Team All-MAC selection. In May, Bailey Benz ’15 and Sam Boyce ’16 earned Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association All-Region honors for the second consecutive year. For Benz, it was her third career all-region nod and second first-team appearance. Boyce earned second-team honors again. Both women were tabbed First-Team AllCommonwealth Conference in April. Benz ended her career with LVC career records in assists (160), ground balls (191), caused turnovers (144), and starts (73) as she compiled 282 points and 122 career goals.
Kelsey Patrick ’16 and Cynthia Adams ’14, D’16 were named to the Capital One Academic All-District Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country team in May. Only 10 student-athletes were selected from the NCAA Division III District 4 region that includes all of Pennsylvania. Patrick and Adams are physical therapy majors.
Kelsey Patrick ’16
Cynthia Adams ’14, D’16
Record 82 Student-Athletes on MAC Spring Academic Honor Roll The Middle Atlantic Conference named 82 LVC student-athletes to its Spring 2015 Academic Honor Roll in May, a school record for spring athletes. The academic honor roll is comprised of student-athletes who are of sophomore status or higher, who participated in a varsity-level sport, and who achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher. A total of 214 student-athletes were named to the All-MAC Academic Honor Rolls during the 2014–2015 school year—another school record.
Bensing Earns MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award Jonathan Bensing ’15, son of Dr. Ronald Bensing ’76, was named the MAC’s Men’s Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The award, considered the conference’s highest individual honor, is given to one distinguished senior for his or her outstanding combination of athletic and academic achievement. Although a junior by eligibility, Jonathan Bensing completed his LVC education in three years and is attending the University of Pennsylvania’s dental school this fall. On the course, the golf team MVP finished fifth at the 2015 Commonwealth Conference (CC) Championships to earn First-Team All-CC honors. Bensing is a two-time all-conference recipient as well as the 2013 CC Rookie of the Year.
Jonathan Bensing ’15
FA L L 2015
•
13
14 •
T H E VA L L E Y
In 2014, the College began a collaborative strategic planning process that called on the voices, ideas, and aspirations of all members of the Lebanon Valley College community. Led by our Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPSC), every member of the faculty and staff contributed ideas to shape the plan. “I think the best compliment I can give this plan is that it’s inspiring,” said DR. MARC HARRIS, chair and associate professor of chemistry and member of the SPSC. “This is a forward-looking, progressive plan that inspires thoughtful change, entrepreneurial growth, and institutional excellence.”
T
he new strategic plan—Envision 2020—will make Lebanon Valley College a visibly stronger institution, more attractive to students, and even more successful in our graduate outcomes. The plan outlines an exciting new direction for the College, one that has already attracted considerable support throughout the LVC community. In short, we expect the implementation of Envision 2020 to advance our mission and provide us a competitive advantage in the educational marketplace. “The plan provides a road map built from a careful analysis of market pressures, Dr. Marc Harris
realities, and opportunities,” Harris said. “It identifies four strategic focus areas and articulates a set of forward-looking priorities and key success indicators that are bold, aspirational, and achievable. This call to action extends far beyond the borders of Annville to include LVC alumni, parents, friends, and students. We’re educating our students to be world ready, and the only way we can do this is if the extended campus community adopts our philosophy of total campus membership.” “We have a great 150-year history, and the foundations of that are very valuable—yet we always hope our best days are ahead of us,” said Dr. David Setley, LVC chair of business and economics and director of the MBA Program. “By developing this strategic plan to ceaselessly improve the institution, we ensure that it will continue to have a bright future.
FA L L 2015
•
15
MISSION Lebanon Valley College delivers a transformative education built on the liberal arts. We develop students who think critically and creatively across boundaries, who solve complex problems, who communicate effectively, and who value differences among human beings. Our graduates are empowered to pursue a life of learning, citizenship, and success. By analyzing the needs of current students, as well as anticipating the needs of the next decade, we’re creating an LVC that will have relevance well into the future.” “Without question, we are entering a transformational period in our history. We are not alone in doing so,” said Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president. “This is a time of enormous change in American higher education. Our plan will provide discipline and direction, but we must execute it exceptionally well if we are to benefit from its possibilities.” The SPSC developed the plan in collaboration with an external planning consultant (E4 Strategic Consultancy in Lancaster) as well as the College’s senior leadership, Board of Trustees, President Thayne’s newly created Leadership Councils—primarily composed of LVC alumni—as well as Valley faculty, staff, and students. Edward D. Breen, LVC trustee and chair of the board of directors at Tyco International Ltd., brought his extensive real-world experience to the table to reflect on the plan’s formulation. His high-level professional career, which has included stints as chief executive officer of Tyco, as well as president and chief operating officer of Motorola, affords him a unique perspective on LVC’s strategic planning process. “One of the things the College did well was involve a lot of different constituents,” said Breen. “You provide a different angle and give different input depending on
16 •
T H E VA L L E Y
where you come from, and the key to a good strategic plan is to gather all the input you can. The other thing the College did well is look at risk and find ways to address and mitigate that risk.” The plan, which can be found in its entirety at www.lvc.edu/ENVISION2020, has four primary strategic focus areas. We explain these focus areas on the following pages.
3) Jess Charlton ’17 was able to visit “Old Trafford,” home of the Manchester United Soccer Club, as well as Wimbledon, when she interned at the Manchester United Soccer Schools in England this summer. There, she traveled around England helping run numerous soccer and tennis camps. 4) Giovanna Ortiz ’16 (standing) was one of five students who participated in the yearlong Symposium on a Living Philosopher, where they were able to present their research projects to Yale University Constitutional Law Professor Paul Kahn. Ortiz, as a recipient of an Arnold Grant, also interned with Church World Service Lancaster’s Immigration Legal Services Program this summer.
5) (l. to r.) Brittany Fleisher ’17, Rachel Moltz ’16, Emily Sides ’16, and Caity Stevens ’17 visited England this summer while taking a break from the College’s annual facultyled business and economics program in Maastricht, The Netherlands. There, students learn about different facets of Europe and the European Union. 6) Quinn Orris ’17 received 2015 Arnold Grant and President’s Innovation Fund support to participate in the Lakota Summer Institute in North Dakota. There, in addition to learning cultural preservation, Orris studied the Lakota language with the goal of revitalizing this fast-disappearing original language of the American Indian Sioux Tribes.
FA L L 2015
•
17
STRATEGIC
01
FOCUS AREA
Lebanon Valley College graduates have the learning experiences, skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to compete, collaborate, and contribute in a local and global environment.
STRATEGIC
02
T H E VA L L E Y
Build a WORLD-READY SUCCESS MODEL Launch an INITIATIVE FOR GRADUATE SUCCESS
FOCUS AREA
Lebanon Valley College provides transformative learning experiences that are immersive, collaborative, integrative, inclusive, and globally oriented.
18 •
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Create CENTERS OF DEMONSTRATED EXCELLENCE, Reimagine the COMMON LEARNING EXPERIENCE, and Enhance EDUCATIONAL QUALITY
STRATEGIC
03
FOCUS AREA
Lebanon Valley College faculty, staff, and students strive for excellence, support innovation, embrace inclusiveness, and commit to service. The culture is recognized for its commitment to personal and professional development and its deep sense of ownership and accountability for the College’s success.
STRATEGIC
04
Lebanon Valley College delivers a tranformative educational experience built on the liberal arts and of benefit to all its students through enhancing and diversifying its resources.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Develop PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE Develop and support HIGH-PERFORMING INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS
FOCUS AREA
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Attract and graduate MOTIVATED, ENGAGED STUDENTS Build a robust and innovative CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY
Envision 2020 is a long-term, continuous process. We value your input and ideas. Visit www.lvc.edu/ENVISION2020 to learn more, monitor progress, and share your comments.
FA L L 2015
•
19
Photos courtesy of LVC Archives
20 •
T H E VA L L E Y
FA L L 2015
•
21
22 •
T H E VA L L E Y
FA L L 2015
•
23
Class News & Notes NOTE: All locations are in Pennsylvania unless otherwise noted.
’04
BIRTHS
’02 Natalie Taylor Kratzer ’02 and her husband, Greg Kratzer ’00, welcomed a son, Finley Aron, into their family May 12.
Julia Krovic Martinez ’04 and her husband, Jonathan, welcomed a son, Philip Matthew, into their family Dec. 7, 2014. He joins older siblings Rachel, Peter, and David.
Charles Snyder
Kristen Mauser ’09 and her husband, Nathan Gross, welcomed a daughter, Laine Penelope, into their family Jan. 3, 2014.
’03
Finley Kratzer
Sarah Dietrich Linn ’03 and her husband, Maxwell Linn ’06, welcomed a daughter, Maura Katherine, into their family April 15.
(front): Philip; (back, l. to r.): Peter, Rachel, and David Martinez
Josh Tindall ’04, LVC adjunct instructor of music, and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed a daughter, Amy Elizabeth, into their family April 29. Sarah Butler Wascura ’04, and her husband, Michael, welcomed a son, Michael Vincent, into their family March 17.
’07 Elise DeVere Snyder ’07 and her husband, Ryan, welcomed a son, Charles Gehr, into their family May 8. Charles joins sister Kalyra, 4. Holbrook Gray Taylor
Victoria Kerwin Taylor ’03 and her husband, Dr. Grant Taylor, LVC associate professor of art history, welcomed a son, Holbrook “Brooks” Gray, into their family April 5. 24 •
T H E VA L L E Y
’09 Erin McGarvey Frantz ’09 and her husband, Tyler Frantz ’07, welcomed a son, Foster Ryan, into their family April 13.
Lucas Fink
’10 Eileen Beazley Meindl ’10 and her husband, Dr. Jörg Meindl, LVC assistant professor of German, welcomed a daughter, Moira Ann, into their family April 19.
FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE Dr. Michael Fink, LVC associate professor of physical therapy, and his wife, Heather, welcomed a son, Lucas Allen, into their family May 12. Lucas joins siblings Samantha, 7; Andrew, 5; and Matthew, 3.
’09
WEDDINGS
’04
Brandon Thompson ’09 and Lyndsay Nelson exchanged wedding vows Dec. 13, 2014, in Grantville. Jonathan Lintz ’07 and Joshua Muscalus ’11 were in the wedding party. Brandon is a business development manager for Daymon Worldwide, a global private brand development firm.
Leslie Ann Kerchner ’04 and Corey D. Weaver ’07 exchanged wedding vows Dec. 20, 2014, in Shillington. Jennifer Walter Richardson ’05 was matron of honor, Robert Richardson ’07 and Robert Kerchner ’06 were ushers, and Janelle Yoder Goss ’05 was the photographer. Leslie is a music teacher in the Hamburg Area School District and Corey works at Secant Medical in Perkasie.
’10 Amy Gilkey ’07 and Matt Struzinski ’07
were in attendance. Gino states that the groom’s cake (pictured) was a fantastic addition to their wedding! (l. to r.): Carrie Krug Nedick ’06, John Nedick ’06, Jennifer Walter Richardson ’05, Robert Richardson ’07, Leslie Kerchner Weaver ’04, Corey Weaver ’07, David Yinger ’03, Robert Kerchner ’06, and Janelle Yoder Goss ’05
’07 Amy Gilkey ’07 and Matt Struzinski ’07 exchanged wedding vows April 12 in Lancaster. Amy is LVC’s business operations assistant. Matt is a selfemployed piano technician (Struzinski Piano Services).
’08 Gino Trosa’s ’06 Groom’s Cake
’06 Gino Trosa ’06 and Jordan Walsh exchanged wedding vows Sept. 7, 2013, in Ocean City, N.J. Christopher Finnerty ’06 was a groomsman. Eric Laychock ’03, Eric Penko ’06, Brendon Herr ’06, Rob Scales ’07, and Anthony Scales ’08
Leah N. Worrell ’10 and Timothy J. Mehl ’09 exchanged wedding vows July 11, 2014, in Lancaster. Lauren Evans ’10 was a bridesmaid, Bradley Mehl ’16 was best man, and Justin Hutchinson ’10, George Andriko ’11, and Brandon Wuzzardo ’09 were groomsmen. Charlie Fisher ’09, Chris Hall ’12, Travis Steedle ’10, Christian Bednar ’07,
(l. to r.): Nathan Pratt, Meghan McCoy ’08, David Keyworth, and Jonathan Brown ’10
Meghan McCoy ’08 and David Keyworth exchanged wedding vows July 19, 2014, in Wilmore, Ky. Jonathan Brown ’10 was an usher. Meghan received a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary in May 2015. Dr. Jared D. Pitt ’08 and Courtney Adams exchanged wedding vows April 18 in Perkasie. Durrell K. Martin ’08 was in attendance. Jared is an associate veterinarian at Marlton Animal Hospital in Marlton, N.J.
Dr. Jared Pitt ’08 and Courtney Adams
FA L L 2015
•
25
(l. to r.): Brandon Thompson ’09, Jonathan Lintz ’07, and Joshua Muscalus ’11
Renee Fritz ’13, Zach Barkus ’08, Cody Harbaugh ’10, Ashley Bordner ’09, Samantha Shober Hull ’10, Mike Krajnik ’09, Jon Treese ’09, A.J. Hull ’11, Matt Conrad ’09, Erin Staab Treese ’09, Laura Michael ’10, Andrew Hurst ’11, Sara Wagner Rusniak ’09, Tara Neiheiser ’11, Molly Orenstein ’10, Chadd Comp ’11, Joelle Snyder ’11, Adam Myers ’09, Ashley Beard Gingrich ’09, Benny Graeff ’11, Tina Cosma Myers ’09, David Soule ’07, Cody Manmiller ’16, Jimmy Luchansky ’09, and Kelly Beaver Krajnik ’06 were in attendance. Charlie Grimes, LVC head men’s soccer coach, and his
(front, l. to r.): Yesenia Santiago O’Brien ’09, Charlie O’Brien ’09, Kaitlin Thompson Lehman ’11, Gloria Slovak Mann ’11, Samantha Garner Baldwin ’11, Patty Cunfer Young ’11, Andrew Young ’10, Jason Nystrom ’09, Aleka Liazis Smith ’11, Laura Snyder McMillen ’11, Chelsea Acaley Mann ’11, and Kathy Coulson Nystrom ’08 (back, l. to r.): Johnny Lehman ’11, Tony Gorick ’11, Steve Mann ’11, Taylor Baldwin ’11, Dr. Kenny Potter ’09, Paul Hilbert ’09, Brad Hoppes ’09, Brett Wimmer ’11, Linley Eberhart ’11, Matt Smith ’12, Josh McMillen ’11, Amanda Knapp ’09, Mike Neely ’08, and Chad Porter ’08
wife, Jessica, officiated the ceremony. Leah is a special education teacher in the School District of Lancaster and Tim is a special education teacher in the Palmyra School District. He also plays professional soccer with the Harrisburg Heat and is an assistant soccer coach at LVC.
(kneeling, l. to r.): Andrew Hurst ’11 and Chadd Comp ’11 (front, l. to r.): Charlie Fisher ’09, Ashley Bordner ’09, Samantha Shober Hull ’10, Erin Staab Treese ’09, Lauren Evans ’10, Leah Worrell Mehl ’10, Tim Mehl ’09, Laura Michael ’10, Tara Neiheiser ’11, Molly Orenstein ’10, and Adam Myers ’09 (middle, l. to r.): Renee Fritz ’13, Zach Barkus ’08, Mike Krajnik ’09, Matt Conrad ’09, Sarah Wagner Rusniak ’09, Joelle Snyder ’11, Bradley Mehl ’16, and Cody Manmiller ’16 (back, l. to r.): Chris Hall ’12, Travis Steedle ’10, Christian Bednar ’07, Cody Harbaugh ’10, Brandon Wuzzardo ’09, Jon Treese ’09, and A.J. Hull ’11
26 •
T H E VA L L E Y
’11 Patricia Cunfer ’11 and Andrew Young ’10 exchanged wedding vows April 5, 2014, in Lancaster. Laura Snyder McMillen ’11 and Linley Eberhart ’11 were bridesmaids, and Dr. Kenny Potter ’09 and Brad Hoppes ’09 were groomsmen. Yesenia Santiago O’Brien ’09, Charlie O’Brien ’09, Kaitlin Thompson Lehman ’11, Gloria Slovak Mann ’11, Samantha Garner Baldwin ’11, Jason Nystrom ’09, Aleka Liazis Smith ’11, Chelsea Acaley Mann ’11, Kathy Coulson Nystrom ’08, Johnny Lehman ’11, Tony Gorick ’11, Steve Mann ’11, Taylor Baldwin ’11, Paul Hilbert ’09, Brett Wimmer ’11, Matt Smith ’12, Josh McMillen ’11, Amanda Knapp ’09, Mike Neely ’08, and Chad Porter ’08 were in attendance. Aleka N. Liazis ’11 and Matthew C. Smith ’12 exchanged wedding vows Oct. 18, 2014, in Manheim. Aleka is a vocational rehabilitation counselor with West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, and Matthew is a first-year medical student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. They stated they owe so much to LVC, including meeting each other.
’12 Andrea Kozlowski ’12 and Jordan Lynch ’09 exchanged wedding vows April 11 in LVC’s Miller Chapel. Erica Kozlowski ’14 was maid of honor, Maria Kolonsky ’12 was a bridesmaid, and Greg Harris ’09, Troy Di Raddo ’09, and Andy Mowatt ’09 were groomsmen. Caleb Flick ’07, Ryan List ’12, Whitney High Romano ’09, Jillian Perry ’09, Dr. Emily Poukish Hribick ’09, D’11, Rachel Mingle ’09, Sarah Linde ’09, and Jim Erdman, LVC adjunct instructor in music, provided music for the service, and Charles Grove ’13 was the photographer. Dr. Mark Mecham, LVC professor emeritus of music, Dr. Jeffrey Lovell, LVC assistant professor of music, Travis Hicks ’12, Joseph Mancinelli ’11, Chris Ulicny ’12, Walter Choplick ’12, Michael Druck ’13, Jennifer Heck Druck ’12, Daniel Crawford ’12, Brendan Fullam ’07, James Romano ’08, Vincent Laspina ’09, Jonathan Fiaschetti ’09, Scott Hoon ’09, Dr. Joseph Hribick ’09, D’11, Michael Kudrak ’09, and Dr. Allie Wiegand Kudrak ’09, D’11 were in attendance.
’60s Rev. Joseph Dietz ’60 celebrated the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the Vocational Diaconate in the Episcopal Church. He was ordained at Christ Episcopal Church in Pottstown by the Rt. Rev. Allen Barlett on Oct. 7, 1994. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Phoenixville, where he is assigned,
held a special service commemorating this milestone and presented Dietz with an honorarium. Dietz has also served Trinity Episcopal Church in Coatesville, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Quakertown, Epiphany Episcopal Church in Royersford, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Ambler. He also served as the chaplain at Manatawny Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility as well as a
CLASS NOTES
’50s Gloria Ritter Kelly McCauley ’56 retired as a pruner for G.Q. Creations, a Chambersburg landscaping company, on her 80th birthday. She still teaches private piano and trumpet lessons.
The Kreiser family held another reunion celebration on LVC’s campus in June. More than 50 family members spent the weekend in Silver Hall where they celebrated Thomas’ 80th birthday and Ellen’s 70th. Six of the 10 siblings graduated from LVC. (l. to r.): Dr. Elizabeth Kreiser Weisburger ’44, H’89, Edith Kreiser Probus ’46, Frederick Kreiser, Evelyn Kreiser Donmoyer, Elaine Kreiser Dohner, Dr. Thomas Kreiser ’58, Capt. Alfred Kreiser ’61, and Ellen Kreiser Jarrett ’67. Wesley Kreiser ’49 not pictured.
Lebanon Valley College turns 150 in 2016 and we invite you to join us for celebrations throughout the year. Please mark your calendar and plan to return to campus for these exciting celebratory events: • February 23, 2016, Founders Day • April 15, 2016, Keynote Speaker Dr. Allen Guelzo, Henry R. Luce III Professor of the Civil War Era, Gettysburg College • May 2016, date and speaker to be announced • October 7-8, 2016, Homecoming Weekend 150th Anniversary Celebration There will also be special 150th anniversary merchandise available throughout the year at collegestore.lvc.edu.
FA L L 2015
•
27
chaplain for Caring Hospice and Montgomery Hospice for 14 years. Dietz retired from hospice ministry in 2013.
(l. to r.): David Keehn ’68, Eric Jacobs ’12, Cece Reed Keehn ’62, Thomas Keehn ’63, and Dorcinda Knauth ’02
Cecelia “Cece” Reed Keehn ’62 retired this summer after serving as music director at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingston, N.Y., for 50 years. Her husband, Thomas Keehn ’63, also retired after serving for 50 years as her assistant and as director of instrumental music. This past Easter Sunday, the Keehns had the pleasure of sharing the service with three fellow Valley alumni: Dorcinda Knauth ’02 (church organist), David Keehn ’68 (French horn and Thomas’ brother), and Eric Jacobs ’12 (sound engineer and choir tenor). Although officially retired, Patricia McDyer Pece ’64 is a co-owner, with her husband, of HughesNet Satellite Internet installations in various counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Jamie G. Wescott ’65 is president of the Valley Choral Society in Red Hill. The society has an African safari planned for this month.
28 •
T H E VA L L E Y
Alma Payne Bobb ’67 will celebrate her 102nd birthday Nov. 29. While in high school, her parents gave her the choice of either college or dance, and fully supported her decision either way. Bobb began a professional dancing career shortly after graduating high school in 1930, with her mother accompanying her to handle business logistics such as contracts, travel, and accommodations. In early 1935, Bobb and her partner—the pair were billed as Ralph Olsen and Alma Louise— signed to perform in London at the Savoy Hotel and the Palladium Theatre, among other places. They also performed in Monte Carlo, Budapest, and Paris. After nine months of dance in Europe, Bobb was ready to return to the States, but Ralph wanted to stay in Europe, thus ending the act.
’70s 1970
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
P. Michael Reidy ’70 retired after 25 years at Bespoke Publications Ltd., and now runs his own editorial services consultancy. He has recently been commissioned to write several short plays for two Irish theater companies. Last May, the late Barbara Hall Streeter ’72 became just the sixth LVC studentathlete, and just the second female, to be inducted into the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame since its founding in 2012. One of the greatest field hockey players in Dutchmen athletic history, Streeter still stands as one of LVC’s best nearly 50 years after the conclusion of her playing career. She scored 88 career goals, a record that stood for 39 years until surpassed
by NCAA all-time scoring leader Jocelyn Novak ’12 in 2010. Streeter’s 176 career points stood as an LVC record until 2006 and still has only been surpassed by a pair of players, which is even more impressive considering that assists, and the points attached to them, were not kept as an official record until after her career ended. In the current NCAA Division III era, Streeter’s 88 goals would rank 19th all-time, and her goals per game rate of 1.87 would be an NCAA record. She was inducted into the LVC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983.
“My Twelve Maine Christmas Days,” by Wendy Uhler Ulmer ’72
Wendy Uhler Ulmer ’72 authored and published her book, “My Twelve Maine Christmas Days,” last fall. The book received the 2014 Spark Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. This is her fourth published book, but the first one she has independently published. Dr. Debra Kirchhof-Glazier ’73 retired after 25 years as director of the health professions program at Juniata College. The rest of her career will be spent teaching nutrition, human biology, and courses in integrative medicine. Dr. Kristen Angstadt ’74 received the “Hot Dog” Frank Athletic Service Award from LVC for her dedicated support of Dutchmen Athletics in January. LVC established the award in 1985 to honor
the late Frank Aftosmes (1902–1994) for his many contributions to the College’s athletic program. Since its establishment, only 30 individuals have received this award. A longtime and avid supporter of LVC basketball, Angstadt is also vice chair of the College’s Board of Trustees.
AAAA championships. Dahms reached 100 victories faster than any coach in Berks County history.
Thomas M. Strohman ’75, LVC professor emeritus of music, received the 2015 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 7 Citation of Excellence in Teaching Award. The PMEA grants this award annually to one member in each of its 12 districts to highlight outstanding curricula and programs for other music teachers, to bring special recognition to these outstanding educators, and to recognize and reward excellence in music education.
(l. to r.): Dr. Lewis E. Thayne (LVC president), Peter E. Aftosmes M’97 (grandson of “Hot Dog” Frank), Peter A. Aftosmes (son of “Hot Dog” Frank), and Dr. Kristen Angstadt ’74 (2015 “Hot Dog” Frank Athletic Service Award recipient)
Barry Enzman ’74 retired after 41 years as band director at Glenelg High School in the Howard County Public School System in Maryland. In 2004, he started a school tradition that has become the pinnacle of the jazz band program, in which he participated for the last time in July: the annual 12-day trip to perform at world-renowned jazz festivals in France, Germany, and Switzerland.
1975
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
Doug Dahms ’75 was recently named the Reading Eagle Sports Newsmaker of the Year. In the nine seasons he has been the head football coach at Wilson School District, the Bulldogs have won 87 percent of their games; eight Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 titles, including the last seven; and three District 3 Class
Tom Strohman ’75
Tom Ward ’75 is a partner in Vermeil Wines with Dick Vermeil, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach and Super Bowl-winning coach with the St. Louis Rams. The two traveled together to Arizona for media week prior to this year’s Super Bowl. Sylvia Frey Hepler ’76 drew on her LVC education when she wrote her first non-fiction book, “Learning Leadership Through Loss: How to Leverage Personal Pain to Help Yourself and Others Succeed at Work.” She credits Dr. June Herr ’34, H’97,
Hire LVC Talent
A
s a graduate of LVC, you are part of a Global Network of alumni, parents, and friends who provide professional opportunities and advice to fellow alumni and current students. Help launch the career of a Lebanon Valley College student or graduate by posting job and/or internship opportunities on the LVC JobCenter. Looking for a way to connect with students in person? Register to attend the annual Central Pennsylvania Employment Consortium Job & Internship Fair on Feb. 16, 2016. LVC’s Center for Career Development helps plan this recruitment event in collaboration with 15 other central Pennsylvania colleges and universities. More than 400 students and 90 employers attended the 2015 event. Alumni like you CAN make a difference through sharing LVC connections and knowledge. Join us today to ensure that the LVC Global Network is there to help LVC graduates as they build and launch their professional careers.
Please contact us at 717-867-6560 or career-development@lvc.edu with questions or registration information.
FA L L 2015
•
29
late professor emerita of education, as crucial to the conception of her book; and Dr. Agnes O’Donnell, late professor emerita of English, to the development of her book. Dr. Herr mentored, guided, and supported Hepler’s personal and professional success, and Dr. O’Donnell taught her to keep diaries of her feelings, concerns, and reactions to events. Thirteen years later, when her husband’s health began to decline, she began chronicling the experience through journal writing. Her book is available for “Learning Leadership Through Loss,” by Sylvia Frey Hepler ’76 purchase online.
Keith Symons ’77 recently released his second solo album of guitar arrangements of contemporary hymns, titled “Gather.” It is on the Catapult label. Charles W. Hoopes, M.D., ’78, professor of surgery, is the new chief of the Section of thoracic transplantation at the University of Alabama. He oversees heart and lung transplantations as well as the implantation of artificial heart and lung devices.
(front): Ja’von Nelson ’18; (back, l. to r.): Ricky Feggins ’16, John Salcedo ’16, Wayne Perry ’78, Diana Perry, Jon Jones ’18, and Jermaine McQueen ’17
Wayne Perry ’78, head coach of LVC’s nationally recognized women’s volleyball team for the past 28 years, and his wife, Diana, assistant volleyball coach, worked with several LVC student-athletes to set a personal hayloading record last spring. Jon Jones ’18, Jermaine McQueen ’17, Ja’von Nelson ’18, Ricky Feggins ’16, and John Salcedo ’16 helped the Perrys unload 300 bales of hay into the second floor of their barn in 32 minutes—a project that Wayne said would have taken him and Diana six to seven hours! William “Bill” Brown Jr. ’79 recently joined Hood College in Frederick, Md., as vice president for enrollment management after a national search. He previously held the same position at Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y. Michael F. Faherty, Esq., ’79 opened the doors to the new Faherty Law Firm on March 2 in Hershey. His practice represents Pennsylvania private property owners in eminent domain and property rights litigation matters. Faherty is the only Pennsylvania
30 •
T H E VA L L E Y
representative to the Owners’ Counsel of America, a national association of leading eminent domain attorney and property rights advocates.
’80s 1980
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
Bernard Stellar ’81 received a 25-year Music Educator Award at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association conference in March. He is the superintendent of the Mount Carmel Area School District, where he is the director of the marching, symphonic, and jazz bands. Denise Achey Berry ’82 was selected as the 2015 Frederick County (Md.) Public Schools All-County High School Chorus director. The concert took place Jan. 31. Berry teaches at Waverley Elementary School in Frederick, Md.
Father Edward C. Malesic ’82 was appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of Greensburg. Bishop Malesic was ordained July 13. He previously served as Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Harrisburg and pastor of Holy Infant Parish in York Haven.
1985
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
Anthony A. Sheffy, Esq., ’85, of Sheffy, Mazzaccaro, DePaulo & DeNigris L.L.C. in Southington, Conn., was recently recognized for his dedication, leadership, and excellence in legal services. He has been named a Connecticut Superlawyer as well as one of the Top Attorneys in New England, and is listed in the A.M. Best directory of insurance defense attorneys.
Rebecca Neafcy ’86
Rebecca Neafcy ’86 is a financial associate with Thrivent Financial in Bethlehem. In April, she represented her colleagues from Pennsylvania on a volunteer trip to Nicaragua as part of the Thrivent Builds Worldwide—Habitat for Humanity team. Her team helped build homes and change the lives of several Nicaraguan families. She added a thank you to LVC and the late Dr. Diane Iglesias, professor emerita of Spanish, for her four years of Spanish at LVC. “It is because of my knowledge that I was able to communicate with the families in Nicaragua!”
Beth Justin Romanski ’87 was hired as advertising director for The Daily Review in Towanda.
’90s 1990
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
Mike McGranaghan ’90 was recently admitted into the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), the largest film critics’ organization in the U.S. and Canada. The group represents more than 250 critics who work in television, on radio, and online. The BFCA is known for its presentation of the Critics Choice Awards every year. McGranaghan is the film critic for The Aisle Seat website, AisleSeat.com, and Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation. His writing also appears on the websites Film Racket and Daily Grindhouse. He has published two books, “Straightup Blatant” and “My Year of Chevy: One Guy’s Journey Through the Filmography of Chevy Chase,” both of which are available online. After 20 years of marine fisheries research, Dr. Kathy Guindon ’91 is now the director of the new Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in Apollo Beach, Fla., part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Bruce A. Smith ’94 is an investment and trust services market manager at F&M Trust, serving Cumberland County.
1995
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
Amy Blough Livingston M’96 is vice president of human resources for Lititz-based Moravian Manor Retirement Community.
Matt Hutchens ’97 was awarded the 2014 Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology Achievement Award for developing manufacturing capabilities in new, high-energy lithium batteries for soldier radios, robots, and small radio-controlled aircraft. The batteries are produced at Ultralife in Newark, N.Y., and EaglePicher Technologies in Joplin, Mo. Uros Davidovic ’98 is the head coach of the U.S. Army sitting volleyball team. Prior to this, he helped coach the USA Volleyball High Performance Program, served as head coach of LVC’s men’s volleyball club team from 2001–2006, and was head volleyball coach of Trinity High School in Camp Hill and a number of club teams in the area. Andy Geist ’98 is the still master at Hidden Still Spirits, a Lebanon distillery that opened in August. Lisa Epting Underwood ’98 received her master’s degree in library science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in May. She is the youth services director at the Lower Macungie Library in Macungie. Dalinda Knauth Bohr ’99, M’06 was honored by the Pennsylvania-Delaware String Teachers Association as 2015 Orchestra Director of the Year. She teaches orchestra, guitar, and Introduction to Music Technology at Central Dauphin East High School in Harrisburg. Bohr is an adjunct instructor for LVC’s Community Music Institute and teaches the strings program for the College’s Summer Music Camp. Michael C. Diehl ’99 is a real estate agent in the Carlisle office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty.
FA L L 2015
•
31
Jonathan Hollinger ’99 is the president and chief executive officer at Pleasant View Retirement Community in Manheim. Andy Panko ’99 was named Spain’s Player of the Month in April. He averaged 23 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for his former team, Montakit Fuenlabrada. This summer, he signed a professional contract with Puerto Rico’s Vaqueros Bayamón, his first deal with a Puerto Rican squad after spending much of his professional career playing in Italy, Greece, and Spain. Panko owns a basketball training facility, Panko Performance, in Annville. Kenneth D. Schwebel M’99 is president of The Witmer Group in Mount Joy, where he previously served as their vice president and chief financial officer. Craig A. Underwood ’99 is the media services manager at Moravian College in Bethlehem. He also is an adjunct professor at Moravian College and LVC.
’00s 2000
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
M. Todd Morehead ’00, a Virginia State Trooper, has a new work partner, Nero—a black Dutch shepherd. Morehead and Nero completed a 13-week narcotics training program, which focused on detecting large quantities of narcotics, weapons, and cash going through the state. Ryan M. Kleinfelter ’01 is a senior manager in SF&Company’s Harrisburg office. He is a certified public accountant with more than 13 years of experience. Angela Gehman M’02 has been named a partner with ParenteBeard Wealth Management in Lancaster. 32 •
T H E VA L L E Y
Seven members of the 85-person staff at Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) in Lebanon are LVC graduates or students, including (front, l. to r.): Alyssa Stumpf ’12, family support specialist; Alane Stief ’05, assistant director of behavioral health rehabilitation services & adult autism waiver services; and Alicia Moyer ’17, youth advocate; (back, l. to r.): Deidre Kreiser Deiter ’05, behavioral specialist & mobile therapist; Anthony Sinico ’13, teacher; Rachel Bartley Merritt ’05, assistant director of intellectual disability waivers & respite management; and Jeffrey Boehler ’01, advocate program director. YAP provides individuals who are, have been, or may be subject to compulsory care the opportunity to develop, contribute, and be valued as assets so that communities have safe, proven, effective, and economical alternatives to institutional placement.
Chris George ’02 is the boys’ basketball coach for Northern Lebanon High School. Kara Kinsey Errico ’02 is the director of development at Potential Inc., in Newtown. Anthony G. Steele M’02 was named to the board of Derry Township-based Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania. He is a senior vice president for the Harrisburg region with the business banking division of AmeriServ Financial Bank.
Dr. Matthew A. Bubnis ’03 received his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colo., in May. He will complete his residency program in family medicine at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Va. Colby B. Hilker ’03 is a middle/high school music and drama teacher at Phuket International Academy in Thailand.
2005
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
Casey L. Sipe, Esq., ’05 joined the law firm of Caldwell & Kearns P.C., in Harrisburg, with a primary focus on employment law and commercial litigation. In March, he was appointed to the board of directors for the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. Christie Stachelczyk ’06 was named Outstanding Math Teacher of the Year 2015 by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. She is a fourthgrade teacher at Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School in Mechanicsville, Md. Stachelczyk is the daughter of Susan Shemeta Stachelczyk ’76, and the granddaughter of Anne Shroyer Shemeta ’51 and Joseph Shemeta ’52. Elyse Turr ’06 is marketing and publicity manager for Quercus, a Hachette Book Group company in New York City.
O’Brien coached Michael Harnish ’15 to a national runner-up silver medal (800m) at the 2015 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in March and guided Harnish and Andrew Goelz ’15, D’17 to 2015 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship berths (1500m) in the spring. The strength of the men’s indoor track & field team’s distance program also helped the squad earn its first-ever national ranking in February (see related story on p. 12). In addition, O’Brien also coached cross country runner Kelsey Patrick ’16 to the 2014 NCAA Cross Country Championships last fall and helped lead Cynthia Adams ’14, D’16 to the program’s first national championship (800m) at NCAA Indoors in March.
Matt Woods ’07 completed his second 140.6-mile triathlon in June. He raced in Atlantic City to raise money for the kids at Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center in Lancaster. Thanks to Woods pushing himself to his limits, he helped inspire the Schreiber kids continue to grow, learn, and develop independence. Durrell Martin ’08 is a descriptive statistician at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg. Todd A. Miller, C.P.A., ’09 is a senior auditor for Penn National Insurance in their internal audit department.
James O’Brien ’07 (white hat)
James O’Brien ’07 was named Mideast Region Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association at a ceremony in New Orleans, La., last spring. O’Brien, head coach of LVC’s men’s and women’s cross country teams and assistant to both outdoor and indoor track & field squads, was a major part of one of the teams’ most successful calendar years in school history.
Kristen L. Verdelli ’09 is a staff accountant in the Harrisburg office of SF&Company.
’10s 2010
CLASS REUNION
October 9-10
Charles McElwee ’11 received a commendation from Hazleton Mayor Joseph Yannuzzi recognizing him for his
Charles McElwee ’11 and Chris Kozicki
contributions to the city as a volunteer on the board of the Greater Hazleton Historical Society and Museum since 2012. He also was named to The Irish Echo’s eighth annual list of 40-under-40 for 2015, a list that celebrates Irish and Irish Americans who have distinguished themselves in their fields of work before reaching the age of 40. McElwee also received a master’s of public administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government in May.
Douglas L. Byers M’12 is the senior vice president/commercial team leader for the Eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland regions of Northwest Bank. Jennifer Heck Druck ’12 is the full-time choral director at Golden Ring Middle School in Rosedale, Md. Chris Hall ’12 teaches seventh-grade math at Manheim Township Middle School, is an assistant soccer coach for the Manheim Township High School boys’ varsity soccer team, and is an assistant coach for the Warwick High School boys’ volleyball team. He is also a professional soccer player with the Harrisburg Heat, where he finished last season second on the team in goals (17) and third in points (22). Lisa Young ’13 received the 2015 Pennsylvania-Delaware Outstanding New String/Orchestra Teacher Award from the Pennsylvania-Delaware String Teachers Association. She FA L L 2015
•
33
teaches and directs the strings program for the elementary and middle schools in the Gettysburg Area School District.
Katrina Reppert ’14 is an early intervention itinerant teacher with the LancasterLebanon Intermediate Unit 13. Justin L. Roth ’14 is a marketing specialist with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & Capital Region Economic Development Corporation.
FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE Dr. Phylis Dryden, LVC professor emerita of English, was awarded an honorable mention by the Keystone Press Association for her column in the Lebanon Daily News. William Lehr Jr., Esq., emeritus member and former two-term chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, received the 2015 Founders Medal in April during The Thomas Rhys Vickroy Society dinner in recognition of his dedication to LVC. The Founders Medal recognizes individuals
(l. to r.): Wes Dellinger ’75, P’05, chair of the LVC Board of Trustees; William Lehr Jr., Esq.; and Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president
whose character, achievements, and contributions to society exemplify the mission of Lebanon Valley College and the spirit of its founders. Lehr joined the board in 1999 and served as board chair from 2003 to 2009. Along with his service to the board, Lehr and his wife, Beverlee, were recognized as Lifetime Vickroy Associates in 2006 for cumulative donations to the College of $100,000.
They have contributed to various College initiatives, including The Valley Fund, the Mund College Center, and the Neidig-Garber Science Center. In addition, they provide funds for the Bill and Beverlee Lehr Lebanon Valley College Scholarship Fund to underwrite annual scholarship support for minority students.
More than 100 players—including 60 alumni spanning eight decades—participated in the annual golf outing at Fairview Golf Course hosted by LVC football in May. Andrew Hurst ’11 led the foursome that won the first flight with a score of 59. His former teammates—Clint Surgeoner ’11, Justin Lee ’11, Jason Sneeringer ’11, and Zach Bleiler ’11—won the second flight in a tie-breaker with a 65. Tom Sheaffer ’75, Harry Englehart ’77, Jim Kiernan ’74, and Don Engle ’71 also scored a 65 in the second flight. Bob Gustin ’53 won the closest to the pin contest on hole #9, and Greg Monteith ’83 won the contest for hole #13. Pete Gamber ’48 was recognized for playing at age 89 and Zach Hoover ’10 had his company, D&H Distributing, donate computer tablets for some of the winners.
34 •
T H E VA L L E Y
Establishing your Legacy A planned gift to Lebanon Valley College enables you to create a lasting and meaningful impact on our students and provide for future students of Lebanon Valley College.
The Miles Rigor Society, named after George Washington Miles Rigor, co-founder of Lebanon Valley College, celebrates and recognizes individuals who have helped ensure the future of Lebanon Valley College through a planned gift opportunity.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNED GIVING OPPORTUNITIES AND MEMBERSHIP
Office of Advancement Jamie Cecil M’07 101 North College Avenue, Annville, Pennsylvania 17003-1400 717-867-6228 | 1-866-LVC-1866 (1-866-582-1866) | cecil@lvc.edu | www.lvc.edu/plannedgiving FA L L 2015
•
35
IN MEMORIAM
’30s
Grace Keener Zerbe ’30 died April 2 in Annville at the age of 105. She was a French and Latin teacher for 17 years at several high schools and at the Hazleton campus of Penn State University until her retirement. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Hazleton and the American Association of University Women, Hazleton Branch.
’40s
Esther Wise Hovis ’40 died Feb. 23 in Waynesboro at the age of 96. She was a music teacher for the Chambersburg School District and then for the Waynesboro School District from 1954–1981. She was a member of Rouzerville United Methodist Church, where she served as the organist for more than 40 years and as director of youth music for many years. Hovis also was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Retired Teachers. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and attending sporting events, having played basketball and field hockey while in college. Jean Messersmith Honker ’42 died April 17 in Lebanon at the age of 94. She was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church in Myerstown and Trinity Lutheran Church in Delray Beach, Fla. She also was a member of the Lebanon Country Club and the Green Hills Tennis Club, which she and her husband helped establish. Honker was an avid tennis and bridge player, and loved dancing, playing the piano and violin, and swimming. Honker was predeceased by her brother, H. Edgar Messerschmidt ’37. Dr. Paul Lipsitz ’44 died Feb. 11 in Warminster at the age of 91. He served in the U.S. Navy as an electronic technician from 1944–1946. During his career, he worked as a chemist for the Thermodynamic Research Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, as a patent chemist with DuPont, and as a senior patent agent—and later senior patent attorney—with the Sun Company. Lipsitz was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Institute of Chemistry, Philadelphia Patent Law Association, Phi Lambda Upsilon, and the Society of the Sigma Xi. He was the recipient of the American Institute of Chemistry’s Meritorious Service Award. Miriam Jones Rudy ’45 died Feb. 10 in Lancaster at the age of 93. She spent most of her career in music, both as a choir/music director and music teacher. She was choir director at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Lancaster and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marietta. Rudy was a member of the former Lancaster County Historical Society and volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital for more than 15 years. She was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lancaster. 36 36 •• TT H HE E V VA A LL LL E EY Y
Elaine Heilman Marshall ’48 died April 14 in Cornwall at the age of 88. Prior to starting a family, she worked as a laboratory technician. She was an avid knitter and reader, an excellent cook, and enjoyed vacationing in Ocean City, Md. Marshall was predeceased by her husband, Dr. John E. Marshall ’49. Mildred Beck Meckley ’48 died Jan. 14 in York at the age of 88. Her first job was in the Dover school system teaching music, physical education, and American history, as well as serving as assistant principal. She then taught at the McKinley School and Phineas Davis School in the York City School District. Meckley retired in 1982 from the Hannah Penn Middle School. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where she served as the director of music for more than 30 years. She is survived by a son, Stephen W. Beck ’78, and was predeceased by her first husband, Robert F. Beck, Esq., ’48. Paul O. Shettel Jr. ’48 died March 15 in Lancaster at the age of 91. He served in General Mark Clark’s Infantry in Italy during World War II. He worked as a rehabilitation counselor with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Shettel was a member of Ranck’s United Methodist Church and the New Holland American Legion. He enjoyed boating, hiking, and bird watching. Shettel is survived by a brother, the Rev. John E. Shettel ’49, sister, Joyce Shettel Snyder ’54, and sister-inlaw, Doris Newman Shettel ’48. He was predeceased by a sister, Viola Shettel Crites ’46. J. Richard “Dick” Bolger ’49 died Jan. 30 in Palatine, Ill., at the age of 96. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the Army Air Corps, stationed in Waycross, Ga. He taught music in schools in Laurel, Del., and Bellmore and Great Neck, N.Y. Bolger lost his eyesight in 1979, and often spoke with elementary school children about blindness and interacting with blind people and their service dogs. He served as organist and choir director at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Merrick, N.Y., for 16 years. He was predeceased by his wife, M. Kathleen Garis Bolger ’48. Dorothy Smith Heisey ’49 died Jan. 18 in Palmyra at the age of 86. She was a retired educator, having spent most of her career teaching in South and East Hanover Elementary schools in Dauphin County, and at Jonestown Elementary School in Lebanon County. Heisey was a member of Palmyra First Evangelical Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday school and served in various positions, including playing the organ and piano for many years. Heisey is survived by a son, Dr. Terry M. Heisey ’73, and grandson, Daniel J. Walmer ’10.
Amos W. Long Jr. ’49 died May 16 in Lebanon at the age of 91. He served in the European Theater with the 26th Infantry Division during World War II, and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge. He received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. Long served as an educator for 36 years, primarily in the Annville-Cleona schools. He was an advisor for and contributed to the book, “History of Cleona: 1883–1995.” Long was a member of Kauffman’s United Methodist Church, Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 226 F&AM, and various other organizations.
’50s
Annette Read Spangler ’50 died April 16, 2013, in Pawleys Island, S.C., at the age of 84. She was a retired school teacher. Spangler was a member of Belin United Methodist Church, where she was a pianist for the worship service. She also served on the Nurture Committee and volunteered for the Baskersville Food Pantry. Marian Achenbach Wise ’50 died Jan. 16 in Camp Hill at the age of 88. She was a teacher at the former Highspire High School and Susquenita High School, and was school librarian at Lower Dauphin High School. Wise is survived by a brother, Robert Achenbach ’65. Arlene Shuey Fisher ’51 died Feb. 1 in Harrisburg at the age of 84. She was a retired music teacher from the Harrisburg School District and formerly taught music in the Chambersburg School District. Fisher played violin for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra for 25 years, and also played for the Hershey Symphony and the Central Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill and formerly a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Harrisburg. Fisher is survived by a son, David E. Fisher ’78, ’93, a daughter-in-law, Lou Ann Buffington Fisher ’78, and a grandson, Andrew M. Fisher ’17. She was predeceased by her husband, M. Eugene Fisher ’52. George Eschbach Jr. ’52 died May 25 in New Oxford at the age of 85. He served in the Korean War as an infantry officer, for which he received the Bronze Star. He worked at Bethlehem Steel’s Steelton plant, and later moved to AMP Inc., where he retired as director of quality control. Eschbach helped found the Unitarian Universalist Church of Gettysburg. He was an avid model railroader. He volunteered as an emergency medical technician, driver, and committee member of Lake Meade Fire and Rescue. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Frey Eschbach ’50.
Sara Latsha Bixler ’53 died May 3 in Lebanon at the age of 83. While at LVC, she was on the women’s basketball team and played field hockey. She was an English teacher and a reading specialist at Annville-Cleona High School for 29 years, where she also served as a class advisor. After her retirement, Bixler volunteered as a reading tutor and a hospital aide. She had a great love for animals, and enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, sewing, knitting, and walking. Melvin E. Hostetter ’53 died May 5 in Camp Hill at the age of 88. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a financial advisor for Heritage Wealth Advisors in Lemoyne, and previously worked for many years with Mowery Associates Inc., also in Lemoyne. Hostetter served on numerous corporate boards and with Pennsylvania Special Olympics. He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, the Mechanicsburg Sportsmen’s Club, and was a life member of The American Legion. Harold A. Rothenberger Sr. ’53 died Feb. 23 in Lancaster at the age of 86. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Air Force in the 702nd Air Force Band. He was a music teacher in the Solanco and Columbia school districts in earlier years, and retired in 1986 from the Manheim Township School District. Following retirement, he worked as a charter bus driver for Conestoga Tours. Rothenberger was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Lancaster, where he served as the choir director for 24 years. Stanley C. Vansant ’53 died Oct. 27, 2014, in California at the age of 82. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1953–1955, serving as a clarinet soloist with the 69th Division Army Band stationed at Fort Dix, N.J. Vansant was chair of the music department at Lawrence Junior High School in California. His clarinet playing was featured in the 2007 movie “American Pastime.” Kenneth C. Donmoyer ’54 died May 18 in Rochester, N.Y., at the age of 82. He taught music at Hershey High School prior to moving to Rochester, where he served as the minister of music at the former Central Presbyterian Church from 1957 to 1964. Donmoyer taught vocal, choral, and general music from 1957 to 1990 at various high schools, elementary schools, and colleges, including Ben Franklin, Monroe, and the Rochester Institute of Technology, retiring from School No. 52. In 2004, he established The Mark, Francis, and Kenneth Donmoyer Music Scholarship at LVC. He had articles published in national magazines, composed music, and enjoyed world travel and antiques. Donmoyer attended Third Presbyterian Church.
FA L L 2015 FA L L 2015
• •
37 37
IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Norman V. Blantz ’56 died Jan. 25 in Burlington County, N.J., at the age of 80. He taught at Myerstown High School in Myerstown, Maple Shade School in Lancaster County, and Edison Junior High School in Westfield, N.J. He was a professor of history at Burlington County College in Pemberton, N.J., from 1970 until his retirement in 1998. Blantz served on the board of the Burlington County, N.J., Historical Society and was a member of several other historical societies. He also was a member of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and People for the American Way.
Dr. William Checket ’65 died March 2 in Jonestown at the age of 71. He had a dental practice in Jonestown, retiring in 2012. He was president of the board of directors for the Northern Lebanon School District, and president of the Jonestown Lions Club and Lebanon County Dental Society. During their time as members of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Jonestown, he and his wife were instrumental in the placement and well-being of two refugee Vietnamese families. Checket is survived by a son, William J. “B.J.” Checket ’92, and a brother, Thomas Checket ’66. He was predeceased by a brother, James Checket ’59.
Stanley L. Frederick ’56 died Dec. 29, 2014, in Palmyra at the age of 80. He served in the U.S. Army, and retired from AMP, Inc., as an engineer in the development engineering laboratory in 1996 after 40 years of service. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Annville. Frederick also was a member of the Hershey Camera Club, and as a model railroader, was a member of the Train Collectors Association since 1979. He was a pilot, car buff, and an avid big-band music lover. Frederick is survived by a brother, Dr. Harry Frederick ’62.
Carolyn Leitner Enterline ’65 died Feb. 11 in Bel Air, Md., at the age of 71. She was a teacher, having taught first, third, and fourth grades at Churchville, Youth’s Benefit, Roye-Williams, and Homestead elementary schools, all in Harford County, Md. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, Md. Enterline is survived by her husband of 49 years, Paul Dwight Enterline ’65, a daughter, Suzanne “Suzy” Enterline Agi ’96, brother, Kermit Leitner ’68, and sister-in-law, Constance Witter Leitner ’68.
William H. Kiick ’57 died Feb. 6 in York at the age of 79. He had a 48-year banking career that began in 1960 as branch manager with Peoples Bank of Glen Rock. He went on to become president/CEO of First Federal Savings Bank (FFSB), later Financial Trust Co. after it merged with FFSB. In 1998, he became a senior community banking officer and board member of Peoples State Bank, and ended his career with Susquehanna Bank as a community ambassador in 2008. Kiick was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, and a board member of numerous organizations. He was president of the Hanover Credit Bureau, charter president of the Jefferson Community Lions Club, and a member of Legends Golf and Country Club. Kiick is survived by a daughter, Tammi Kiick Kelly ’97.
Donna Gish Teter ’73 died Jan. 22 in Elizabethtown at the age of 63. She worked for Hershey Foods in marketing and later became a financial advisor for PNC Bank. She was a talented musician, lending her gift as a viola player to the LVC Concert Choir. Teter enjoyed hiking, bike riding, gardening, bird watching, and water skiing.
’60s
Barbara Burns Carpenter ’60 died March 27 in Henrietta, N.Y., at the age of 76. She is survived by her husband, Dr. James W. Carpenter ’60. Richard S. Rocap ’63 died March 1 in Kingston, N.Y., at the age of 74. He was an instrumental music teacher for the Kingston City Schools, teaching at the J.W. Bailey, Kennedy, Crosby, and Zena schools until his retirement in 1996. Prior to that, he taught at Shull Junior High School in Easton. Rocap loved Russian history, and was self-taught in Russian and Latin. He enjoyed photography, flowers, and trains. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie Williams Rocap ’54.
38 38 •• TT H HE E V VA A LL LL E EY Y
’70s
Kathleen Hackman Wilhite ’77 died April 12 in Charlotte, N.C., at the age of 59. She was a substitute elementary school music teacher and taught private piano lessons. Later, she was an event coordinator for Shining Light, a Christian youth ministry in Lebanon. She taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, N.C. Wilhite volunteered as a receptionist at the Charlotte Pregnancy Resource Center; for Metanoia, a Bible study program for prison inmates; and as an English as a Second Language teacher assistant. She is survived by her former husband, Jeffrey L. Hackman ’76. Edward W. Solem ’79 died March 7 in Philadelphia at the age of 57. During his career, he worked as a counselor at York Hospital, was a primary therapist at Clare Center, and was owner of Ed Solem & Associates. In a Class Note from prior years, Solem wrote, “LVC was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
’80s
Patricia B. Geissel ’87 died May 20 in Iowa City, Iowa, at the age of 77. She was the center director for Lutheran Social Services in Iowa City, and later a social worker in adult psychiatry at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, also in Iowa City, retiring in 2007. Prior to moving to Iowa, she was the director of P.R.O.B.E., a social services agency in Harrisburg. She was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Geissel is survived by a daughter-in-law, Audrey Edris Geissel ’86.
’90s
Susan H. Horn A’94 died Jan. 24 in Weehauken, N.J., at the age of 64. A resident of Lancaster who always enjoyed her time at LVC, she worked at the corporate offices of Swatch in Weehauken for 35 years, until the time of her death.
’00s
Sandra Minnich Reese ’01 died Jan. 18 in Lancaster at the age of 73. She worked as a nurse for the Manheim Twp. School District, Lancaster General Hospital, Centre County Hospital, and Penn State Rittenour Campus Health Center. In the mid1970s, she joined the Lancaster County-based architectural firm of Reese, Lower, Patrick and Scott, later becoming the firm’s first female partner. Reese served as former president of the board of Samaritan Center, and as a board member of the Lancaster Day Care Center, an elder at Highland Presbyterian Church, and a vice moderator of the Donegal Presbyterian Church. Bruce A. Eisenhauer ’04 died March 10 in Lebanon County at the age of 33. He was a sound technician with Clair Brothers in Manheim. Eisenhaur was also a master gardener with the Lebanon County Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension. He belonged to three pool leagues, enjoyed music, playing drums, and watching hockey, football, and basketball. He is survived by his wife, Joni Clouser Eisenhauer ’06, and his mother, Deb Leeper, LVC housekeeper.
FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE Ann B. Bashore died Feb. 12 in Cornwall at the age of 102. In 1994, she and several family members established The Bashore Family Endowed Scholarship, to which she remained an annual donor. Bashore was a Lifetime Vickroy Associate at LVC, which recognizes donors whose cumulative lifetime giving totals $100,000 or more. She was a member of the 4th Street and then St. Andrews Presbyterian churches for 89 years. Bashore was a board member and president of Oakview Nursing Home, board
member of the Women’s Club of Lebanon, and president of the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary from 1955–1957. She also served on the Public Assistance board, Lebanon County Library board, as a life member of the Lebanon County Historical Society, and as a trustee of the Good Samaritan Hospital from 1955–1970.
Raymond H. Carr, LVC trustee emeritus, died Jan. 28 in Boca Grande, Fla., at the age of 90. He was a veteran of the Army Air Corps, having served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he stayed with the Army Air Corps as a member of the Army Air Corps Band until his discharge in 1947. After leaving the service, he joined his family’s trucking business, Robert H. Carr and Sons. Carr left the trucking business in 1964 and began a career in real estate, developing the Pickering Creek Industrial Park; Holiday Inns in Pa., N.J., and Ohio; and several restaurants including Vickers Tavern, Kennedy Supplee Mansion, R.H. Carr’s, and Stottsville Inn. He also created the Borough of New Morgan in Berks County. Carr served on the College’s Board of Trustees from 1979–1991, where he was a member of the Buildings & Grounds and Finance & Investment committees. The Rev. Dr. J. Dennis Williams H’90, trustee emeritus, served on the board with Carr and was his pastor at West Chester United Methodist Church. “Although he never attended college, Ray unselfishly provided funds to help put several students through colleges in the region and helped them achieve their dreams,” said Rev. Williams. “He was a true entrepreneur with tremendous foresight. Ray was generous to share these personal gifts with Lebanon Valley College for more than a decade.” Carr was an antique and vintage automobile collector, holding two Guinness Book Records for driving the oldest vintage car across the U.S. and the only vintage electric car from coast to coast. Carr also drove a 1909 steam-powered car from Anchorage, Alaska, to Bar Harbor, Maine, making him the only person to drive gasoline, electric, and steam-powered vehicles across the country. He drove car rallies from Peking to Paris, Around the World in 80 Days, South Africa, and Morocco. Along with various other organizations, Carr was a member of the Horseless Carriage Automobile Club, the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Pierce Arrow Society, and the Royal Automobile Club of England.
F FA A LL LL 22 0 0 11 55
••
39 39
IN MEMORIAM
Nancy Forney Garber died Feb. 3 in Lancaster at the age of 88. She retired from the Elizabethtown Area School District as a reading teacher. She was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Peace Makers Guild at the Masonic Village. Garber was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed quilting. Much of her work was donated to the Linus Project and cancer patients. She, along with family members, established the Jan Garber Schoch ’72 Memorial Scholarship at LVC in her late daughter’s honor. Garber is survived by a daughter, Jesse Garber Bixler ’78, and a son-in-law, Steven C. Bixler ’76. She was predeceased by a daughter, Jan Garber Schoch ’72. Frank Reich Sr., former LVC assistant football coach, died March 24 in Lebanon at the age of 83. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served in Korea. He was a standout at Steelton High School and a former two-way lineman for Penn State football in the 1950s. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles but opted to start his teaching and coaching career instead. Reich was an industrial arts teacher in the Lebanon School District for 30 years and was the school’s head football coach from 1962–1970. He was the father of San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator and former NFL quarterback Frank Reich. Delene L. Rothenberger died Oct. 21, 2014, in Campbelltown at the age of 79. She was retired from LVC, having worked in facilities services. Rothenberger was an avid Bingo player and Philadelphia Phillies fan.
Edmund Rotzinger died May 5 in Oklahoma City, Okla., at the age of 89. He earned a football scholarship from LVC, playing one year before joining the Navy during World War II, where he continued to play football. He coached football and track for almost 30 years at the Harding and John Marshall high schools in Oklahoma City. Rotzinger was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame as well as the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, Susquehanna Chapter. Robert “Bob” T. Slack died May 11 in Hummelstown at the age of 81. He was a contracting Officer’s Warrant with the U.S. Air Force, retiring in September 1974 after 20 years of service. While in the Air Force, Slack joined the AFLC Rifle Team, winning numerous championships, which led to a preliminary Olympic trial in 1968. He won the NIRA-NRA national rifle championship in 1969 with a perfect score. He attended LVC on a scholarship for a time before his enlistment in the service. Gilbert Smith died March 5 in Tom’s River, N.J., at the age of 86. He attended LVC for three years before joining the U.S. Army. After the military, he completed his degree at Monmouth College in New Jersey. He taught school for a few years then started his own construction business, restoring old buildings in the Asbury Park, N.J. area. He sold his business in the 1980s and became a government employee. Smith once stated that his years at LVC were the best years of his life.
Harold H. Quickel died Feb. 25 in Millersville at the age of 98. He served on LVC’s Board of Trustees from 1965–1970. “Harold was a very prominent United Brethren, then United Methodist, layperson, who was intelligent and philanthropic,” said the Rev. Dr. J. Dennis Williams H’90, trustee emeritus, who served on the board with Quickel. “He was a true gentleman in the classic sense.” Quickel worked for Hamilton Watch Company in Lancaster for 43 years, first as a chemist and later as a purchasing agent. Quickel began playing the violin at age seven and became a charter member of the York Symphony Orchestra while in high school. He also was a charter member of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, where he played for 42 years. He was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church (formerly Covenant Evangelical United Brethren) in Lancaster, where he taught Sunday school from 1943 until his passing. Quickel served as a lay delegate to his church’s Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conferences for 41 consecutive years, and as an elected lay delegate to four Evangelical United Brethren General Conferences and five United Methodist General Conferences. He is survived by a daughter, Lois Quickel Neidermyer ’67.
40 •
T H E VA L L E Y
M
aintaining our momentum and delivering a memorable educational experience for our students depends on the generosity and commitment of donors who want to make a difference at Lebanon Valley College. Whether enhancing academic programs, providing scholarships, making the most of service-learning opportunities, or supporting innovative research, your contribution makes an impact on our students, faculty, and campus community. Your gift to Lebanon Valley College ensures that “It’s Possible at The Valley” becomes a reality.
It’s generous at The Valley. Consider establishing a recurring gift to Lebanon Valley College for an easy way to show your annual support and provide consistent funds to support the College’s needs and strategic priorities. Extend your philanthropic impact through weekly, monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual contributions from a credit card in the amount of your choosing. Visit www.lvc.edu/give or call 1-866-LVC-1866 to set up a recurring gift to LVC.
Support LVC and reach your philanthropic goals through manageable payments over a 12-month period. Make a leadership commitment and join The Thomas Rhys Vickroy Society with a monthly gift of $83.34 or more.
GIVING LEVEL
MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION
ANNUAL GIFT*
IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT
$8.34
$100
Acquire new instruments or art to enhance the student experience
$20.84
$250
Assist in renovation of lab or classroom for state-of-the-art teaching and learning
$41.67
$500
Support a student-led community service project
Vickroy Society Associate
$83.34
$1,000
Demonstrate a leadership commitment to a transformative liberal arts education
The 1866 Circle
$155.50
$1,866
Celebrate the founding of the College and support our mission
Quittapahilla Club Charter Club Valley Club
THE VALLEY FUND 1-866-LVC-1866 WWW.LVC.EDU/GIVE
*LVC’s giving year is July 1 to June 30. Monthly amounts may need to be adjusted if enrollment begins after July to ensure the desired annual giving level is achieved.
NON-PROFIT
101 North College Avenue Annville, PA 17003-1400 www.lvc.edu Change Service Requested
ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID HARRISBURG, PA PERMIT NO.133