mpscapades - Mercyhurst Preparatory School

A magazine for alumni and friends of mercyhurst prep
mpscapades
In this issue
Alumni Spotlights
Todd Scalise, pg. 4-5
Ruth Thompson Carroll, pg. 6
Retiring Faculty/Staff, pg. 8-9
2015 Laker Legends Scholarship
Gala, pg.17
summer 2014
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
2
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
Mercyhurst
Preparatory School
My first year as President of Mercyhurst Preparatory School has given me a
unique vantage point from which to view our amazing school – one quite
different than my roles as an MPS student, alumna and parent.
What do I see from my new post?
Mercyhurst Prep is our region’s finest high school. As a co-ed Mercy and
Catholic Community, offering the only International Baccalaureate program
in Northwest Pennsylvania, Mercyhurst Prep stands alone as Erie’s premier
institute of learning.
To our students, the spirit of being “Laker” means that their unique interests
and talents are embraced, encouraged and respected by a welcoming,
compassionate MPS community.
Nearly 8,000 worldwide, Mercyhurst Prep alumni are confident, connected and
humane leaders who succeed at the nation’s top colleges and universities -and then launch into phenomenal careers.
The great MPS community including faculty, staff, administrators, coaches,
volunteers, parents, donors, trustees, business leaders, the Diocese of Erie and
Sisters of Mercy – all loyal and proud—support MPS with their time, talents and
philanthropy.
MPS is now and will forever be Marked by Pride and Spirit. This remains true
today and for the past 88 years because the Mercy Charism is woven into every
facet of the school. It is found in our words, our actions-it’s in the Laker air:
hospitality, compassionate presence, service, justice and respect for the dignity
of all persons.
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, ’69
MPS President
Contents
2
President’s Letter
3
Alumni President’s
Letter
4-6
Alumni Spotlights
17Upcoming Reunions
20-24
Class Notes
Cover:
Meet alumnus Todd Scalise who
is heading up the outdoor mural
project.
Editor
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer ’71
Photography
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer, Gary Laboski
and Kathy Merski
Contributing Writers
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper ’69, Patty
McLaughlin, Natalie Dwyer-Haller ’70,
Dan Perfetto ’92, and Lisa Nietupski
Graphic Designer
Michele A. Martin
MPScapades is published two
times a year for the Mercyhurst
Prep community. We welcome your
articles, suggestions and comments.
Please direct your correspondence
to its editor, Marcia Izbicki
Gensheimer at 814-824-2067 or
mgensheimer@mpslakers.com.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
538 East Grandview Blvd.
Erie, PA 16504-2697
mpslakers.com
Volume 34, Number 1
summer 2014
3
From the Desk of the
Alumni President,
ALUMNI
Natalie Dwyer-Haller ‘70
Congratulations to the newest members of our
Association, the Class of 2014! MPS President, Mary
Ellen Dahlkemper ’69, proudly presented alumni
t-shirts to graduates following their Baccalaureate
practice. We hope they will wear them proudly and we
look forward to their participation in MPS and Alumni
Association activities in the years ahead!
This year’s Golden Anniversary Luncheon will take
place at the Erie Yacht Club on Friday, August 15. The
Class of 1964 will be the first class of graduates from
Mercyhurst Preparatory School to join the ranks of
alumnae who graduated 50 or more years ago. Class
of ‘64 members spent their first three years at Mercyhurst Seminary before the
“new school” opened on top of the hill for the 1963-64 school year.
Alumni
Directory
• You Can Still Be Included!
• Data collection ends
October 9, 2014
• Directories will be shipped by
April 2015
We are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the MPS Mural Project, spearheaded
by Todd Scalise ’91. Hundreds of hours have been devoted to the planning
and development of the project by scores of alumni and current students. The
Alumni Association is proud to be among the sponsors of the project, which
will not only change the look of the school but will also showcase the school’s
mission and storied history.
Save the date: The Laker Legends Scholarship Gala will be held on
Saturday, February 28, 2015. While this event is the school’s major fundraiser,
it is also the event during which the Alumni Association presents its awards
recognizing the incredible accomplishments of graduates of Mercyhurst
Seminary and Mercyhurst Prep. Nominations are being accepted for the
Distinguished Alumni Awards for Career and Service, the Young Alumni
Award, the Mercy Award, and the President’s Award. More information about
the event and the awards, along with a nominating form, can be found in this
issue of MPSCapades as well as online at www.mpslakers.com, or by contacting
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer ’71 at mgensheimer@mpslakers.com.
We are always looking for interested alumni to become active participants
in the Association. Anyone interested in being involved as a member of
the board or one of its committees should contact Marcia Gensheimer at
mgensheimer@mpslakers.com for more information. Also, don’t forget to
share your updates and news with Marcia for inclusion in future issues of
MPScapades by emailing her or by mailing news to her at the school.
Natalie Dwyer-Haller, ‘70
Alumni President
HISTORY OF
MERCYHURST VIDEO
Capture a piece of history before
it’s too late!
Order History of Mercyhurst
video now:
www.mpslakers.com
for ordering information
Mural Man
4
Todd works with art seminar students in Dr. Jamie Borowicz class
Sisters of Mercy attended a
meeting at MPS in May to
discuss the mural project
with our president Mary
Ellen Dahlkemper and
artist Todd Scalise. Former
MPS President Sr. Mary
Ann Bader shared her memories and
discussed the spirit of MPS with Todd
alongside Sr. Catherine Edward, a
former MPS music teacher and original
director of Mercy Center of the Arts,
which had its start in our building; Sr.
Edith Langotti who served as the MPS
librarian and RSM archivist; Sr. Audrey
Clauss, formerly Sr. Peter who was
a Mercyhurst Seminary teacher who
continued teaching when MPS moved
to our current building; Sr. Joan
McCabe, a 1951 Mercyhurst Seminary
graduate and Sr. Mary Felice Duska a
1952 Mercyhurst Seminary graduate.
Sr. Trish Tyler our former graphic
designer attended via FaceTime.
Missing were Sr. Mary Dolores
Jablonski, former MPS theology
teacher, and Sr. Carol Ann Voltz and
Sr. Lisa Mary McCartney, both of
whom taught at MPS.
Todd Scalise
Visual designer/entrepreneur
MPS 1991
ALUMNI
In March, MPS announced an exciting, collaborative mural project to be created
on the pillars and façade joining the front doors of MPS and entrance to our
athletic complex. This one of kind permanent work will incorporate input from
our entire student body, faculty/
staff as well as alumni, parents and
friends of the school. It will reflect
the core values of the school
by representing all academic
disciplines, activities and athletics
as well as our Mercy charism and
Catholic identity. And, it will be
created by an MPS Alumni so
special we had to put him in our
spotlight.
Todd Scalise graduated in 1991
and gone on to become an
accomplished visual designer/
entrepreneur, with a passion for
applying artwork onto almost any
surface. He has blended those two
polar skills that make him uniquely
Sisters of Mercy who attended a meeting to discuss the m
gifted in his field.
Sr. Mary Ann Bader, Sr. Catherine Edward Delaney, S
Sr. Aurdey Clauss, Sr. Joan McCabe and Sr. Mary Felic
5
Developing
“application for art” is
the basis of his
professional work.
He holds a Master
of Fine Arts in
Painting from Boston
University and a BFA in
Painting from Temple
University, Tyler School
of Art. Scalise studied
abroad at Temple
University in Rome,
Italy and also at The
Marie Walsh Sharpe
Art Foundation/The
Todd received the Bruce Morton Wright Artist of the Year Award
Colorado College.
He is well-known especially in the Erie area for creating Erie Philharmonic’s
Centennial Mural, the Annex Stairwell Project mural at the Erie Art Museum,
as the owner of Mosaix and Higherglyphics. He created the Metz Mural for the
inauguration of the Pompidou Center in Metz, France, and designed the Dennis
Hopper Lifetime Achievement Award.
Among his many honors, Scalise received the Fractured Atlas 2014 Arts
Entrepreneurship Award in 2014, the Bruce Morton Wright Artist of the Year
Award, the Innovation Erie Media Arts Award in 2013 and the Distinguished
Alumni Award from the Creative Arts Faculty at Mercyhurst Prep in 2006.
He has had numerous solo, juried and group exhibitions in New York, NY,
as well as Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The launch of the mural project on March 10 shined a media spotlight on MPS
and generated a buzz in the hallways at school, Facebook, Twitter and around
the tables of MPS alumni and parents all suggesting concepts and visions to be
included in the mural. Each idea, from the Sisters of Mercy to the students and
from alumni to faculty and friends has been archived
by RAYN, business development. The completed
project will be Todd’s interpretation of those collected
visions and ideas contained across 8,200 square feet of
painted environment. We believe it will be the largest
outdoor mural in the area!
mural project included
Sr. Edith Langiotti,
ce Duska.
The Mural Art Project is fully funded
from generous gifts from MPS board
members and donors:
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper &
Ed Lesser
Attorney & Mrs. Gery Nietupski
Dr. Dave Kruszewski Family
Pregler Family
Dan ‘78 & Annette ‘81 Cullen
Don and Kim Boetger
Jim and Kathy Dammeyer
In memory of Jesse Edwards-Borowicz
from the Geiger Family
Mercyhurst Prep Alumni Association
The Robert T. Guelcher Family
Guy & Joyce Euliano
Kim Kelly Hill ‘76
Elizabeth K. Kelly ‘76
The James B. and Margaret Q. (‘38)
Dwyer Family
Northwest Savings Bank
Martha ‘55 & Bill Hilbert, Sr.
Jim & Nancy Greenleaf
Marilyn Agresti Renkes ‘59
Other contributors:
StARTup Incubator
Mike & Lynn Elia
Thank you!
As Todd documented the creative process and plans
for installation we continue to keep the exciting
project in the spotlight of social media and at
www.mercyhurstprepmural.com.
By August the entire façade of Mercyhurst Prep will
be forever changed and by know you know that we
are very proud to call Todd Scalise a pillar of our
MPS community.
Sr. Audrey Clauss and Mary Ellen
Dahlkemper enjoy reminiscing
6
Ruth Thompson Carroll
Businesswoman
MPS 1990
ALUMNI
By Patricia McLaughlin
Our MPS Spotlight alumna laughs in flowers and grows
in compassionate presence. Ruth Thompson Carroll,
a 1990 MPS graduate reflects a flower’s beauty and
strength. She and her husband Brian Carroll keep very
busy lives with a full schedule of business, philanthropy,
advocacy and keeping up with nineteen-year-old
daughter, Rosealena.
After graduating from Mercyhurst, Ruth went on to
Mercyhurst University and graduated with a degree in
finance. That degree has proven helpful as she leads
and develops each of her businesses. Ruth personifies
the perfect picture of an ambitious, dedicated
Ruth Thompson Carroll businesswoman. She inherited the family company of
Rose Bud Flowers and is the owner and leader of the ANNA Shelter (Association
for Needy and Neglected Animals). In addition, she oversees 61 rental properties,
three satellite clinics for animals and a place for horses. She humbly credits a full
time maintenance person to help with the rental properties for allowing her to
make time to ride horses.
Ruth focuses her valuable time on what she calls “something worthwhile.” Her
principles are reflected in the care she takes with others through her rental
properties and her dedication and sensitivity to her floral customers. A clear and
noteworthy illustration is the love, care, and dedication she displays as she fights
to save area animals and provide them with “forever homes.”
Ruth admits that she “works a lot,” and tries, like so many successful MPS
alumni, to strike a healthy balance with work, being a mom and wife. She says
the most difficult part of her work is probably the seemingly endless work of
The ANNA shelter provides care to lost and stray pets.
the ANNA Shelter. She and her staff
work tirelessly to provide permanent
homes to abandoned dogs and cats.
Unfortunately as soon as ten animals
are given permanent homes, twelve
more orphan animals come through
her doors.
A Mercyhurst Prep education meant
and still means a great deal to Ruth.
She is grateful for the discipline she
was taught and credits Mercyhurst
Prep English teachers for preparing
her for college level writing. She was
so well prepared that she even handed
in some of her high school papers for
college classes!
Ruth was so touched by classmate
Adrian Stalsky ’90 and her family
who endured the suffering brought
on by a brain tumor that took her
young life after graduation, that she
now says Adrian inspired her to be the
“The Earth laughs
in flowers.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
person she is today. Like so many MPS
alumni she also credits an MPS teacher,
who encouraged everyone to realize
their uniqueness, with influencing her
in high school any beyond. Surely,
English teacher, Mrs. Jean Caryl
would be proud of Ruth’s countless
achievements and selfless way of life.
Ruth Thompson believes each
person is given a gift when they
attend Mercyhurst Prep. Even today,
her closest friends are from her
high school days at Mercyhurst and
she continues to embrace learning.
The charism of the Sisters of Mercy
influences her today in all the
compassionate work she does.
Ruth Thompson Carroll is an amazing
example of the positive and longlasting influence a Mercyhurst Prep
education can have on an individual
that is open to the Mercy spirit
and grace.
7
ATHLETICS
athletics
Molly Phillips set a district record in the 100-meter butterfly and won the 500 free style district
championship
The boys 200 medley relay finished 2nd and qualified for the PIAA state championships
Griffin Schaetzle won the 200 free style and finished 2nd in the 100 backstroke. He also claimed the silver
medal in the 100 backstroke at the PIAA championships
Ryan Campbell won the 500 free style D-10 championship and Michael Geary placed second
The boys 400 free style relay team finished 2nd and qualified for the PIAA state championship where they
earned a silver medal
JJ Mackowski won the 200 individual medley D-10 championship
Boys basketball advanced to the sweet 16 in the PIAA tournament
Girls basketball advanced to the 1st round of the PIAA state tournament
Sebastin Curtin won the 1600 m D-10 championship and took the silver medal at the PIAA state
championship
The boys & girls 4 x 8 relay team won the D-10 championship
Baseball advanced to the D-10 semifinals
Crew team novice boys took 1st place at the Pittsford Regatta out of 26 teams
8
Six special members of MPS family retire
Sue Rounsley, former math chair
mother of Bob Rounsley ’99 and Bill
Rounsley ’00 taught for 28 years.
Brennan Staaf ’14 offered a
mathematician assessment of Mrs.
Rounsley, “Words to describe how
excellent of an educator Ms. Rounsley
truly is could not be found in any math
textbook. One could attempt to prove
her infinite knowledge by using axioms
and postulates established in Euclid’s
Elements, but would only succeed in
proving triangles’ congruency. Her
ability to teach is like the limit of a sine
curve as x approaches infinity: limitless.
In short, Ms. Rounsley is indescribable,
being one of the best mathematics
teachers Mercyhurst Prep has ever had
the privilege of having. Mercyhurst may
be losing a great geometry teacher, but
the knowledge and kindness she has
given us will last forever. “
Off to new adventures are Mary Anne Flecken Welsh, Sue Rounsley, Duane Dulin and
Mary Fuhrman.
The end of the 2013 school year meant a sad farewell to four long-term faculty
members, one dedicated volunteer and our school nurse. The recent retirees
collectively contributed more than 100 years of excellent teaching and service
to our MPS family. The children of all four teachers are graduates of MPS: a
testament to the quality an MPS.
Duane Dulin, science department chair and proud father alumnus Andy
Dulin ’00, dedicated 26 years to teaching. Science colleague Jane Fisher, said,
“Duane’s direction and leadership has been invaluable in the science department.
His willingness to listen and assist us in any way was remarkable. He is not only an
inspiration to his students in the biology classroom, but to his fellow science teachers
as we have worked together to build a strong, solid science curriculum. Duane is
more than just our department chair; he is a friend to each of us.”
Mary Anne Flecken Welsh, a 1969 graduate and mother of graduates, Adam
Welsh ’94, Caitlin Welsh ’97 and Ian Welsh ’99, contributed 21 years teaching
in the science department.
Ellen Fisher ’05, who is a registered dietitian nutritionist and staff dietitian of
Aladdin Food Management Service remarked that Mrs. Welsh was was one of the
best teachers she had. “Her class was very challenging. I struggled, but this made
me want to work harder and I am in the science field today. Mrs. Welsh was truly an
inspiration to me who I credit with being very prepared for the transition into college.
I cannot tell you enough how much I owe her for preparing me and telling me I can
succeed in the sciences.”
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper sends best wishes
to retiree Marge Burchard
Marge Burchard, English teacher and
mother of Sarah Burchard ’05 and
Amelia Burchard ’08 has served on
faculty 19 years.
According to Sophia Stefanovski
‘17, “Mrs. Burchard has truly been an
incredible source of inspiration and
a plethora of humor throughout the
9
Teachers honored
school year. She continuously engaged
us in thought-provoking discussions,
often challenging our minds as well as
common beliefs in our society, and she
taught us many valuable etymological
and grammatical skills. Her energy
and enthusiasm will be dearly missed
by many in the MPS community as she
superannuates from this school and the
countless number of students she has
made an impact on.”
Four teachers were honored at the
Erie East/West Deaneries Teacher
Hallmark Awards. Bridget Whalen
’78 and Art Martone ’80 (30 years)
Sean Baer ’99 and Paula Allshouse
(10 years)
The school presented a gift and
courtyard service brick to each of our
treasured colleagues.
Long-term Campus Ministry volunteer,
Harriet Caveney, retired after many
years of helping MPS. This lovely lady
never complained and no job was too
small for her capable hands.
Harriett Caveney
After toggling between Mercyhurst
Prep and Erie School District for years,
Nurse Mary Fuhrman also retired.
Mary is known for her aptitude,
efficiency and kindness.
We will miss each of these valued
members of our MPS community and
hope they return for visits and events:
our doors are always open.
This year’s Anne Ryan Baltimore Mission Trip attendees
2
November
Save the date
MPS OPEN HOUSE
Bishop Lawrence Persico, Ruth
Alberstadt and Jay Alberstadt, Esq.
Congratulations to Attorney Jay and
Ruth Alberstadt for receiving the
2014 Catholic Charities Helping Hands
award for exemplary service to church
and community. Ruth is the manager
of our MPS Campus Store and Jay is a
member of our Board of Trustees. She
and Jay are parents to Steve Nemenz
’98, Missy Nemenz ’99, Ben Alberstadt
’03 and Nick Alberstadt ’07.
10
2014 Graduation
This year’s International Baccalaureate candidates include (l to r); Allison Ganger, Marc Parnell,
Anna Dzuricky, William Greenleaf, Katie Elia, John Miraszek, Alexa Wawrzyniak,
Zack Zhao, Carolyn Waldee and Colin Magerle.
International Baccalaureate Diploma holders returned to receive their IB completion certificates.
(back): Emma Weisenfluh Canisius College, Lauren Kenny Mercyhurst University, Mitchell McBride Bucknell University;
(front): Catherine McElhinny University of Pittsburgh, Colleen Devine University of Michigan, Caitlin Smith Wheaton
College, and Ellen Hill Boston College.
Missing form photo is Jonathan Getson Towson University.
11
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
Marc Parnell
Carolyn Waldee
McAuley Awards
Kathryn Nixon
Zezhou Zhao
where our 2014 graduates are headed:
Rocco Agnello Slippery Rock University of PA
Carly Akerly University of Dayton
Heather Bair Pennsylvania State University,
University Park
Olivia Barnett Point Park University
Olivia Bergquist The Ohio State University
Erica Bizjak Duquesne University
Braedon Blasic Pennsylvania State University,
Erie: The Behrend College
Erica Bowser Mercyhurst University
Joseph Bozich University of Pittsburgh
at Bradford
Seanpatrick Brady Edinboro University of PA
Morgan Brundage Gannon University
Rebecca Burbules Slippery Rock University of PA
Tingjun (Marcus) Cai University of Waterloo
Kaitlyn Callahan Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Lang Cao University of Connecticut
Georgia Capotis Mercyhurst University
Bolin (Ray) Chen Indiana University
at Bloomington
Xinyi (YoYo) Chen Lehigh University
Young Hoon Choi Mercyhurst University
Maura Chrostowski Gannon University
Caroline Cipriani Pennsylvania State University,
University Park
Zachary Clark Baldwin Wallace University
Katherine Conti Syracuse University
Chelsea Cowan Gannon University
Julia Czerwinski Pennsylvania State University,
Behrend
Class President
Katherine Elia
MPS Award
Erik Niedzwiecki
Heather D’Andrea Alfred University
Emily DeBernardo Philadelphia University
Shuyu (Evonne) Deng Pennsylvania State University,
University Park
Raffaele DiLullo Undecided
Elena Dix West Chester University
of Pennsylvania
Tyler Dunlap Pennsylvania State University,
Erie: The Behrend College
Anna Dzuricky University of Pittsburgh
Katherine Elia College of the Holy Cross
Colleen Fernandi Slippery Rock University of PA
Benjamen Forcier Gannon University
Santino Foti Gannon University
Holly Frick Gannon University
Meghan Gaerttner University of Pittsburgh
at Titusville
Elizabeth Galleher Daemen College
Allison Ganger Allegheny College
Vanessa Giannelli Canisius College
Emily Glennon Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
Willam Greenleaf Georgia Institute of Technology
Adrian Gustin Westminster College
Aaron Haas John Carroll University
Benjamin Haibach Juniata College
Shahira Harden Slippery Rock University of PA
Rachael Hendrickson Clarkson University
Seth Hiegel Mercyhurst University
Courtney Higgins Lock Haven University of PA
Abigail Hines Canisius College
Lukas Holland Slippery Rock University of PA
Briana Ianiro Gannon University
Taylor Intrieri Mercyhurst University
Mian Jin Pace University, New York City
Brandi Johnson University of Tennessee,
Knoxville
Curtis Jones Lock Haven University of PA
Arianne Kania Gannon University
Daniel Kelsey Mercyhurst University
Christopher Kickel Mercyhurst University
Jacob Kisiel Gannon University
Nathan Klein Slippery Rock University of PA
Noelle Kneidinger Gannon University
12
Catherine Lasher Pennsylvania State University, Erie: The Behrend College
Emily Levine Webster University
Miao Li Clark University
Shaolin Liao Drexel University
Zachary Little Columbus College of Art
and Design
Haoran (Phil) Liu Babson College
Yueran (Lesley) Liu Boston University
Joseph Lojewski Mercyhurst University
Jinyi (Lurita) Lu Drexel University
John Mackowski Mercyhurst University
Colin Magerle Sarah Lawrence College
Kellie Martinucci The College of Wooster
Mitchell Matija Rochester Institute of
Technology
Ryan Matlock Pennsylvania State University, Erie: The Behrend College
Geoffrey Mayes University of Pittsburgh
Brittany McBride University of Mary Washington
Yuan (Iris) Meng University of California at
San Diego
David Michaels George Mason University
John Miraszek Pennsylvania State University, University Park
Thomas Mitchell University of Pittsburgh
at Titusville
Kimberly Moffatt John Carroll University
Christina Murzynski Pennsylvania State University, Erie: The Behrend College
Lauren Natalie University of Central Florida
Zachary Neimeic Gannon University
Erik Niedzwiecki Slippery Rock University of PA
Shannon Nitka Pennsylvania State University, Erie: The Behrend College
Kathryn Rene Nixon Pennsylvania State University, University Park
Kyle O’Connell Allegheny College
Blanca Ortiz Gannon University
Sarah Pancerev Pennsylvania State University, Erie: The Behrend College
Marc Parnell Case Western Reserve University
Elliot Petruso Kent State University
Christopher Picotte Undecided
Sirena Plott Employment
Claire Pomorski Pennsylvania State University,
University Park
Matthew Puda University of Pittsburgh
at Bradford
Annabelle Rapela Clarion University of
Pennsylvania
Angela Reynolds Mercyhurst University
Jonathan Ross Clarion University of PA
Elizabeth Roth Arizona State University
Madelynn Schulte University of Rhode Island
Nicholas Scrimenti The Catholic University
of America
Sean Sculley Penn State Behrend
Dennis Seth Gannon University
Shiyang (Harry) Shen Drexel University
Rachel Shopene Daemen College
Tyler Shumaker Lock Haven University of PA
Gabriella Simora Slippery Rock University of PA
Erin Skelly Pennsylvania State University, Erie: The Behrend College
Katherine Spiegel Brock University
Kaeli Stolar Duquesne University
Joseph Swanson Grove City College
Noah Swanson Employment
Shuai Tang Boston University
Yange Tang St. John’s University Manhattan Campus
Molly Tanner University of Pittsburgh
at Greensburg
Christopher Theriault Duquesne University
Dylan Thomson University of Pittsburgh
at Johnstown
Carolyn Tome Pennsylvania State University, Erie: The Behrend College
Andrew Valencia Mercyhurst University
Morgan Valone University of Vermont
Tony Ventrello Edinboro University of PA
Carolyn Waldee Wheaton College, IL
Yifan (Amy) Wang University of Minnesota,
Twin Cities
Yu (George) Wang University of Colorado
at Boulder
Alexa Wawrzyniak University of Rochester
Jessica Wetzel The Ohio State University
Austin Winschel University of Pittsburgh
Lauren Winschel University of Rochester
Gage Wisor Seton Hill University
Bailey Witherspoon Philadelphia University
Kaitlin Wojnarowski Gannon University
Damon Wolbert Edinboro University of PA
Erika Woll Pennsylvania State University,
Behrend
Sam Woodell University of Pittsburgh
at Bradford
HaiYun (Prophet) Xu Pennsylvania State University,
University Park
Yiming (Tony) Yan University of Southern CA
So Yeong (Kyle) Yang Stony Brook University
Ruizhen(Alex) Zhang Towson University
Zhili Zhang Boston University
Zezhou (Zack) Zhao Johns Hopkins University
Chaofan (Gary) Zheng Michigan State University
Hongyu (Rainbow) Zhou Indiana University at
Bloomington
Matthew Zimmer Gannon University
Abby Zupan Kent State University
13
Married Alumni Couple with
Graduating Senior
Mary Antalek DeBernardo ’86, Emily DeBernardo and
Vincent DeBernardo ‘86
Seth Hiegel and Lisa Stroup Hiegel ‘87
Alumni with Graduating Seniors
Kimberly Bradley Kickel ‘80 and Christopher Kickel
Linda Bauman Callahan ’72 and Kaitlyn Obleski
John Miraszek and Carmen Lugo- Miraszek, Esq. ‘83
Cheryl Rush Dix ’77 and Elana Dix
14
Alumni with Graduating Seniors
Craig Moffatt ’78 and Kimberly Moffatt
Maureen Dailey Winschel ’84 and Lauren Winschel
Michele Kuhar Shopene ’85 and Rachel Shopene
Curtis Jones III and Curtis Jones Jr.
NOTE
Missing from photos:
Sarah Bressan Glennon ’87 and Emily Glennon
Lisa Bleil Michaels ’88 and David Michaels
Molly Frazier Swanson ’83 and Noah Swanson
Mary Jane Barber Tanner ’76 and Molly Tanner
Jeanine Madine Tome ’72 and Carolyn Tome
15
employees with Graduating Seniors
Deborah Swanson, English teacher and Joseph Swanson
FAMILY
Erie Gives
Please participate in Erie Gives on August 12, 2014 in
support of the MPS piano fund.
Your donation will help MPS students make music
for years to come!
To set up a reminder:
http://www.eriegives.org/donate-now/
Please note:
In order to help reduce waste, you are receiving one
issue of MPScapades per household. If you would like
an additional issue, please contact the alumni office at
814-824-2067 or email mgensheimer@mpslakers.com.
Yvonne Wawrzyniak, cafeteria staff, and Alexa Wawrzyniak
Four MPS alum Make Forty
Under Forty List
The Erie Reader is in its 4th year of publication
under the direction of Editors in Chief Adam
Welsh ’94 and lifelong friend Brian Graham.
Adam and Brian saw a need to create an
independent source for news, politics, arts and
culture in Erie and co-founded the alt weekly,
which launched in March of 2011. The paper
is now available at over 275 outlets and has a
circulation of 10,000 copies. It is also online at
the interactive website ErieReader.com.
Editors of the Reader recently compiled their
second annual list of Erie’s “Forty Under
Forty”. Through their careers or contributions
to business, government, education, non-profit
services or the arts, these young influentials
have committed to improving the quality of
life for families in the Erie area. The “Class of
2014” includes MPS alums Kris Risto ‘95, Kate
Neubert-Lechner ‘98, Elena Carson Arnold
’99, and Lea Yadeski O’Connell ’04. They join
alums Chip Wachter ’94, Curtis Jones Jr. ’94
and Ferke Ferati ’03 from the inaugural Class
of 2013.
16
Mercyhurst Seminary/Preparatory School Distinguished Alumni Awards
Nomination Form
Nominate a Mercyhurst Seminary/Preparatory School graduate(s) for five Alumni Awards.
The Alumni Association Award Categories:
Distinguished Alumni Service Award – This award recognizes exceptional volunteer service and support to Mercyhurst
Seminary/Preparatory School and/or its alumni organization. This award may also recognize superior service to the
recipient’s workplace or community.
Distinguished Alumni Career Award – This award recognizes an outstanding alumna/alumnus who has achieved a high
level of success in their career while being generous in support of Mercyhurst Seminary/Preparatory School.
President’s Award - The nominees for this award, chosen by the Alumni Association President, should be individuals who
have exhibited longtime dedication and unfailing support to Mercyhurst Preparatory School, its faculty, and its students.
Mercy Award - The nominees should be individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the Mercyhurst
Preparatory School mission “to prepare students from all religious and ethnic backgrounds for a successful, productive, and
compassionate life in an ever-changing and interdependent world.”
Young Alumni Award - The nominees should be individuals who exhibit leadership in their personal, professional, or
volunteer accomplishments and also in their involvement with Mercyhurst Preparatory School. Alumni from the classes
of 1994-2004 are eligible for the award.
Deadline for submitting nominations forms is october 31, 2014
Nominee Information
Name
I am nominating this person for:
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Distinguished Alumni Career Award
Distinguished Alumni President’s Award
Distinguished Alumni Mercy Award
Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Briefly describe why you think this person deserves the award for which they are nominated:
Nominator Information
Name
PhoneEmail
Date Submitted
Nominations may be returned in the following ways:
By web: Go to www.mpslakers.com/alumni, fill out the nomination form and it will be sent directly to the Alumni Office
By email: mgensheimer@mpslakers.com By mail: Office of Alumni Relations, Mercyhurst Preparatory School, 538 East
Grandview Blvd. Erie, PA 16504-2697 By fax: Attn: Alumni, 814-824-2116
17
Graduates inducted as
Knights and Ladies of
St. Patrick
Reunions
Lakers Reunite
Don’t miss your chance to see old friends and
share new memories
Class of 1954 – 60th Reunion
June 25
Joe Roots @ 11:30 a.m.
Margaret (Maggie) Volk Luthinger
Wdmluth2@msn.com
Mercyhurst Prep graduates represent
four of eight inductees into the
Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick:
Mary Ellen Dymski Brown ’58, former
administrative officer for the Erie
School District; Dr. Maureen BarberCarey ’68, executive vice president
of the Gertrude A. Barber National
Institute; Mary Beth Sullivan Wachter
’69, retired teacher of deaf children
at the Barber Center; and Richard
(Chip) Wachter ’94 a partner with
Kidder Wachter Architect and Design.
Congratulations to all inductees.
Class of 1964 – 50th Reunion - Golden Anniversary
August 15, 12:15 p.m., Erie Yacht Club
Sponsored by Mary Ellen Dahlkemper
RSVP to jcowell@mpslakers.com or 814-824-2066
Class of 1969 – 45th Reunion
August 8, 6 p.m, “Girls Only” Erie Yacht Club, Bliss Room
Contact: Mary Beth Sullivan Wachter, 814-454-6140
Class of 1984 – 30th Reunion
July 12, 5-7 p.m., The Kahkwa Club
Contact Jill Miller-Faulkner otters17@aol.com or (814) 434-1406
Class of 1989 – 25th Reunion
July 12, Cocktails: 6 p.m., Dinner: 7 p.m., Brewerie at Union Station
Contact: Natalie Behan Bulera: register & pay online at: tiny.cc/classof89
$25 per person
Class of 1999 – 15th Reunion
August 30, 3 p.m., Picnicana Dinner & Drinks, Summit Twp. Picnic Grove
West side of Old French Road
Kids welcome
Cost: TBD
Contact: Emily Hartwig-Wachter Wachter.emily@gmail.com,
Class of 99 on Facebook
MPS Roadshow
2014
Your Town
Next
Contact Lisa Nietupski at lznietupski@mpslakers.com
save the date
laker legends
scholarship gala
28
February
ALUMNI
18
An Investment in a Laker
If you are Marked by Pride and Spirit for Mercyhurst Prep, own a business or know
someone who does, there is an exciting opportunity to support scholarships for
deserving students for literally 10 cents on the dollar.
Through the EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) and the OSTC
(Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) programs Pennsylvania business owners
and those who can influence them are in a unique position to leverage their state
tax liability to maximize scholarship contributions. The program is simple. If an approved business owner with a tax liability of
$40,000, for example, chooses to donate that amount to Mercyhurst Prep it
translates into a mere $4,000 tax bill. That means for every donation, business
owners who make a two-year commitment receive a 90% Pennsylvania tax credit
(75% for a one year commitment). Our current donations range from $500 to
$80,000 per year. $40,000
100% of your donation to MPS scholarships
- 36,000 90% tax credit deducted from your tax bill
$ 4,000 Taxes owed
The program is so easy and so successful that in the upcoming school year, MPS
is able to offer nearly $300,000 in full and partial scholarships thanks to business
owners taking advantage of the EITC and the OSTC programs. That is nearly one
third of all of the scholarships and financial aid offered for 2014-2015.
For more information, please click the advancement tab at mpslakers.com;
call 814-824-2408 or email Lisa Nietupski at lznietupski@mpslakers.com
Mercyhurst Prep students who depend on these valuable
scholarships are blessed because the state offers these tax credit
programs. MPS is blessed that the following businesses participate:
Baldwin Brothers, Inc.
Bianchi Motors, Inc.
Felix & Gloekler, P.C.
Glenwood Beer Distributor, Inc., in memory of Shayna Stefanik
HRI Supply and Design, Inc.
Industrial Sales & Manufacturing
MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton LLP
Maplevale Farms, Inc.
Marquette Savings Bank
Metz Enterprises
Northwest Savings Bank
PNC Financial Services Group
Porreco Nissan, Inc.
Printing Concepts, Inc.
Reddog Industries
Sixsome, Inc.
United Concordia
UPMC
“
Without the
scholarship I would
not be able to attend
MPS. It gives me and
my family a financial
edge that we would
not have, given my
parents current
financial situation.
”
FAMILY
LEGACY GIVING
McAuley Society
Please consider a bequest to
Mercyhurst Prep.
As a Mercyhurst Seminary
alumna, you can help us write
the next chapter for students
through:
• Scholarships
• Advocate program
• Technology Endowment
Contributions to our technology
endowment are matched dollar
for dollar by 1950 Mercyhurst
Seminary Alumna Louise
Hufstader Courtelis.
Please contact Lisa Nietupski
for more information:
814-824-2408
19
Annual Think Pink basketball game
save the date!
Making strides for
Breast cancer
11
October
14
February
save the date!
Jv game at 5:00 Varsity at 6:30 vs. McDowell.
The Varsity girls basketball team watches closely
to the halftime program of Varsity basketball game
vs. McDowell. This past year was the 5th year of
the game.
DATE: Sept. 19
TIME: 2-7 PM
PLACE: MPS parking lot
An MPS Thanksgiving to
Remember
Join the MPS Trotters Thanksgiving morning
for the Annual Turkey Trot at Presque Isle then
trot over to Calamaris where MPS students and
alumni help feed Erie families in need.
MPS Trotters register with Dan Perfetto,
at dperfetto@mpslakers.com
Our favorite Black Friday tradition from 7-11 PM at Calamaris Squid Row!
Gather for some fun, food and memories with fellow alumni and friends.
SERVICE
20
Class notes:
1950s
Kathleen Dugan Shinkle ’57 and
husband and Deacon, Derald, are
members of the North Central
Lieutenancy of the Equestrain Order of
the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
1970s
Bishop Dr. Cynthia K. Bolden ’74 has
written several books that are available
on amazon.com.
Cheryl Dix ’77, science coordinator for
the Erie School District, was named a
Fulbright Distinguished Teacher that
will enable her to travel to Findland
in January as part of a one-year
sabbatical. She will study Finnish
teaching strategies and instructional
practices in science.
Marilee Warner ‘78 is now a
marketing consultant at Cumulus
Media in Erie.
1980s
Rev. Dr. Frank Pregler ’80 gave the
homily at the school’s Ash Wednesday
mass. He is the parent of current
students Rosie ’15 and Michael ’17
and graduates Andy ’11 and Maria
Pregler ’12.
Lev Kubiak ’84 was recently named
to the Board of Trustees at Mercyhurst
University. He graduated from the
university with a degree in English
and political science and then earned
an MPA at George Mason University.
He has been working for the federal
government, beginning with the
U.S. Customs Service in 1992. He
transferred into the Customs Office
of Investigations and became a
special agent in 1995. He is with the
Department of Homeland Security
in Washington and director of its
National Intellectual Property Rights
Coordination Center.
Kelly Maslar (far left) is pictured here with her two-time PIAA winning team.
Congratulations to our alumna tennis coach, Kelly Erven Maslar ‘87, who was
named Coach of the Year at the 4th Annual Varsity Cup award ceremony. She
led the team to two straight PIAA titles. The Lakers have not lost a dual match
since 2011. Our Lady Lakers tennis team was named Female Team of the Year.
Jay Honard ’86, owner of Calamari’s Squid Row in Erie, held a grand opening
in June for a newer venture, Cali’s West Catering. Cali’s is located at 3826 West
Ridge Road.
Dr. Brent Zaprowski ‘88 was recently promoted to the rank of professor
at Salisbury University where he has been teaching geology for 13 years. In
addition to teaching and research, Brent has also authored two textbooks: An
Introduction to Earth-Space Science and An Introduction to Oceans and Coasts.
Big news, little moments or just a
friendly hello we would like to hear
from you. Email alumni@mpslakers.com
21
1990s
Beth Szychowski Pruchnicki ’90 was
recently honored as the 2014 recipient
of the “Small Hands, Big Heart” Award
at the National Kidney Foundation’s
Gift of Life Gala at Heinz Field in
Pittsburgh. Beth was honored for her
dedicated involvement as a Kidney
Walk fundraiser and volunteer. She
began her relationship with the NKF
after daughter Lilly was born with
urological birth defects in 2004. Lilly
also works alongside her mom, as the
Junior Ambassador for the NKF in Erie. Dev Jana ’94 is developing a Blu Qb 3
Indie Game Pack. Go to https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=Arptx-rThT0
for more information.
Jason Macie ’94 is a child protection
services investigator for the Michigan
Department of Human Services
in Hillsdale, Michigan. He earned
a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology
and criminology from John Carroll
University and a master’s in sports
psychology
from Cleveland State University.
Tom Habursky ’95 is one of the
managers of the Courtyard Hotels in
Erie.
Lilly Pruchnicki with her mom, Beth
Pruchnicki, at the NKF’s Gala
Rob Hammer ’95 currently lives
in Los Angeles, CA and is the Vice
President of Post Production for The
Association of Surfing Professionals.
The ASP is the governing body of
professional surfing and is responsible
for running the Men’s and Women’s
World Championship Tour, the World
Qualifying Series, and Big Wave World
Tour events. Rob leads a global team
of video professionals to broadcast
live events from Australia, Brazil, Fiji,
South Africa, Tahiti, Portugal, France,
California, & Hawaii. He also produces
an hour long special for the World of X
Games that airs on ABC and worldwide
after every event. Jonathan Nolan ‘93 and his students
at Wilson Middle School were selected
by the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation
for a donation valued at nearly
$20,000. Jonathan has been in the
Erie School District since 1997 and
at Wilson Middle School since 2004.
He was recently offered an adjunct
position at Mercyhurst University.
Robert Meister ’95 was named one
of Henrico, Virginia’s Top Teachers who
make a difference. He was featured
in an article from the Henrico Citizen.
He teaches English at Tucker High
School and credits former MPS faculty
member, Terry Healy with his love of
literature. His students credit Meister
with the “Healy touch.”
Ivy Vahanian Sverdrup ’93 has
formed a theatre company with
Peter Frisch, former head of Carnegie
Mellon’s theatre department. Ivy plays
Sara in their first production at the
Center Stage Theatre in Santa Barbara,
CA. She and husband Jesper have
three children, Kivah, Ossian and Viggo.
Jamie Kaiser ’96 co-founded Rock
Safely Group’s launch of a mobile
safety regulations app for iPhone and
iPads.
African Dream Incendio - Diandra is on
the right
Diandra Jones ’97 accepted a
short-term position as a guest
choreographer for the BVI Dance
Company in Tortola, British Virgin
Islands and has stayed on as a full-time
instructor and choreographer. She
said, “It’s been an amazing experience-so much so that I turned down my
initial job offer to head the Performing
Arts Department at an international
school in Mauritius in order to work
with this amazing community of
dancers, musicians, visual artists,
videographers, and writers in the
production, ‘African Dream.’” She was
able to use her dance knowledge from
trips to Ghana, West Africa, and fuses
Caribbean, African, Brazilian, Hip Hop,
Modern, Ballet and Jazz into her work.
One of her fellow choreographers is a
former dancer with Michael Jackson,
and another guest instructor was one
of the first black dancers to dance for
Balanchine, founder of the NYC Ballet.
ALUMNI
22
2000s
Christina Boyes Ramirez ’01 is the
owner of a copywriting, editing, and
translation business (http://www.
rusmexuswriters.com). She resides
in Mexico City with her husband and
son.
Tony Bruno ’02 is a guest services
representative for OTO Development.
He is also a member of the MPS
Alumni Executive Board.
Katie Froehlich ’03 was hired as an
occupational therapist for the Hand
and Upper Body Rehabilitation Center
in Erie. She completed the Evelyn J.
Mackin Hand Therapy Fellowship at
the Philadelphia Hand Center, where
she received specialized training
in hand and upper body therapy.
Katie graduated from Gannon
University and previously worked
as an occupational therapist at the
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Aaron Amendola ’04 is a Board
Member of the Chicago Nerd Comedy
Festival.
Hilary Neal ’04 is the project
manager in engineering programs,
fuels engineering at Westinghouse
Electric Company near Pittsburgh.
She studied nuclear engineering at
Penn State.
The Stolar wedding party
Greg Stolar ’05 was married last June in Pittsburgh. Siblings Nick Stolar ‘09
and Kaeli Stolar ’14 were in the wedding party as well as alumni friends David
Brandt ’05 and Shawn Ruminski ’05. Greg and wife Dana completed undergraduate work at Allegheny College where they met. Greg is a buyer with GE
Transportation and was featured on an episode of How Do They Do It?: Locomotives, Clotted Cream, Boomerangs. It was published on September 13, 2013. Dana
is a genetic counselor with GeneDX, working remotely from Erie. The couple
resides in Erie with their rescued beagle puppy, Allie. They purchased their home
from alumnus Brian Sheridan ’83.
Lea Yadeski O’Connell ’04, owner of Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe, was one of three
female business owners honored at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth
Partnership’s annual Celebration of Excellence with a yearlong membership
through the Athena PowerLink program.
Mashea Williams ’05 was inducted into the Circle of Mercy Arts & Athletics
Banquet this spring. She attended Penn State University on a full athletic
scholarship and earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and family
studies. She played professional basketball in 2011 in Viernheim, Germany. In
2012-13 she returned to MPS to volunteer her skill and experience with our girls
JV team as an assistant coach.
Lisa Oberacker ’05 is a certified strength and conditioning specialist at
Executive Personal Fitness and also writes fitness articles for the Erie Times News.
Brandon Vogt ’06 recently spoke at the NCEA (National Catholic Education
Association) convention held in Pittsburgh. His topic was “The Urgency of Adult
Formation.”
Stephanie Gandolfo ’07 is touring as Daphne in the Scooby Doo musical.
Maria Potthoff, athletic secretary, and
Mashea Williams
Matt Livingston ’07 is a second year law student at Columbia and resides in
NYC.
23
Kamal Sharif ’07 spoke via Skype to our Religions of the World class in May.
He told the students how his mother gathered Kamal and his four brothers
and escaped from war torn Mogadishu Somalia when Kamal was not yet five
years old. They ultimately settled in Erie when Kamal was six years old. Kamal
then gave a presentation on the pillars of Islam and answered the students’
questions about Islamic beliefs and traditions and what it is like being Muslim in
America. He and wife Asha live in Washington.
Nicky Bell ’08 was the keynote
speaker at the recent Rotary District
7280 Conference luncheon. He
spoke about his experience as a
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar at the
University of Amsterdam’s Master of
Arts program in European studies.
Nicky told about his two service
projects, which included the IMC
Weekend School, where he provided
enrichment and career-focused
activities for underserved children.
He also participated in the final
restoration and reopening of the
Uibenberger Shul.
Rachel Burbules ’08 has accepted the
head cheerleading coach position at
Mercyhurst Preparatory School. She is
a 2012 Clarion University graduate with
a BS in education and a certificate in
Middle Level Science
Kamal Sharif Skyping with an MPS theology class
Mike Stolar ’07 worked as the assistant cross country and track coach for MPS.
He also works at Erie Times News and as the assistant manager at Sara’s
on Presque Isle.
Siblings Michael Mogavero ’07 and Lauren Mogavero Grindall ’04 and are
believed to be the first brother and sister combination to graduate from Notre
Dame Law School in the same year. Pictured with parents Cheryl & Michael.
Rachel Burbules
Corrections from the
Spring 2014 issue:
Emily Pedano’s ’17 name was spelled
incorrectly.
Kristen Hiegel Wieczorek ’02 and
husband Rob on the February birth of
their first child, Cornelia Grace.
24
Alaina Ferraro Moyer is fourth from the left.
Alaina Ferraro Moyer ’08 can be seen in a new rowing mural that features the sport of rowing by the Philadelphia
Mural Arts program and is located below the Girard Street Bridge along the Schuylkill River. Alaina is the only female
represented in the two murals dedicated to this sport. She was recently featured on the front-page of the Philadelphia
Inquirer.
Sara Livingston ’09 is a first-year
Spanish teacher through Teach for
America at a high school in Gary,
Indiana.
Nick Stolar ’09 is an A.R.D. Probation
Officer for the Venango Adult/Juvenile
Court Supervision Services.
Marie Case ’10 was named NACGC/W
(Natl. Assn. of Collegiate Gymnastics
Coaches Women) second team
All-America, MAC (Mid-American
Conference) senior gymnast of the year,
Central Region co-gymnast of the year,
and MAC Academic All-American. In
the NCAA Baton Rouge Regionals, she
tied for fifth on the all-around enabling
her to qualify for NCAA national
championships in Birmingham, AL.,
where she placed 13th. Marie has the
honor of being the top-scoring gymnist
in Kent State history.
Melanie Sanza ’10 graduated Cum
Laude from Penn State Erie with a
degree in communications. She was
named Outstanding Student in the
Communications Major. She credits
her tremendous, well-rounded MPS
education and feels it helped her attain
high honors. She often felt that college
was much easier than MPS.
Samantha Allshouse
Eddie Baxter ’11, a senior at Kenyon
College majoring in religious studies,
is interning at the United Nations in
New York.
Andrew Pregler ‘11 is a video
production intern at Syracuse Chiefs
Linked in.
Samantha Allshouse ’10 was
commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the
Emily Engott ’13 had her rowing
United States Air Force. She will be
scholarship tripled for her sophomore
stationed at Andrews, outside of D.C.,
Paula Dworakowski
withWith
the MPS
year.
theumbrella.
addition of her academic
and will work asMrs.
a logistics
readiness "shines"
scholarship she is now on a full ride to
officer.
the University of Rhode Island.
Kendal Schaetzle ’13 was elected
treasurer of the Neighborhood School
Centers club at the University of
Dayton. She was also named to the
Dean’s List.
Kaeli Stolar ’14 was accepted into the
2014 Tamburitzans class at Duquesne
University. She is one of only seven
inductees.
25
25
little lakers
Send us a birth notice and we will send your baby a special MPS tee.
alumni@mpslakers.com
Congratulations
Christine, Craig Jr. and Craig Woodard
Craig Woodard ’92 married his
college sweetheart, Christine Gile,
in 2011. He is a branch manager
at Springfield Financial Services
in Tampa, FL. Congratulations to
Craig and Christine on the April 13,
2014 birth of their first son together.
Craig’s two oldest sons are Dante’
and Jordan.
Kristen Hiegel Wieczorek ’02 and
husband Rob on the February birth
of their first child, Cornelia Grace.
Keegan Patrick Cullen
Dan Cullen Jr. ’02 and wife Brianna
on the birth of their first child, Keegan
Patrick. Keegan is the first grandchild
of grandparents, Dan ‘78 and Annette
Vicanti Cullen ’81.
Elizabeth Scully Wiest ‘02 and
husband David welcomed daughter
Teresa “Tess” Ann, in August 2013. Beth
works at Chambersburg Hospital as an
emergency physician. The family lives
in Carlisle, PA.
Jerod Sikorskyj, Sarah E. Signorino,
Sarah and baby Mary
Sarah E. Signorino ‘00 and husband,
Jerod Sikorskyj, recently welcomed
their second daughter, Clare
Signorino Sikorskyj on February
13, 2014. She joins her big sister,
Mary. Sarah is in her eighth year as a
campus minister at Canisius College
in Buffalo, NY.
After a 21-year run in London and an 18 year run on Broadway, the
broadway smash hit Cats is making is Northwest Pennsylvania high
school stage debut at MPS!
According to creative arts chair, Art Martone ‘80, Andrew Lloyd
Webber’s Cats is a vocal and dance sensation, known to be tremendously
demanding. “We have an extraordinary number of students at MPS who
excel in both dance and vocal range, so we took on the show knowing
the talent within these walls could perform it and perform it well. Opening Night
Thursday, November 20, 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday performances, 7 p.m.
Sunday Matinee, 3 p.m.
“Schools tend to steer away from this show due to the technically
challenging choreography and the challenge to find a choreographer
who is experienced and creative enough to take the dance to the level
that is expected. Dance instructor and choreographer, Maryanne
Dombrowski and orchestra and music teacher Michael Miele ’03 are a
dynamic duo with talents far exceeding most high school faculty. Vocally,
no one but, Michael can understand the complexities of the melodies
and rhythms and lead high school students through the learning and
vocal execution processes.”
26
Sympathy
The Mercyhurst Prep community of
alumni, students, faculty, staff and
parents extends sympathy to the
following members of our extended
family:
Then & Now
Alumni:
Shirley Seelinger Piotrowski ‘49
Frances Mango Thompson ‘68
Cynthia “Sheptow” Perez ‘70
Glen Chojnacki ‘76
Sean Johnson ‘77
Matthew Ratkowski ‘03
Adam Sorek ‘09
Mother of:
Deborah Doyle Skovron ’67 and May
Jo Doyle Lydic ‘74
Judy Waldinger Barthelmes ‘71
Adrianne Rush ’71 and Cheryl Rush
Dix ‘77
Judy Dahlkemper Dailey ‘77
Martin Zapolski ’85, Patrick Zapolski
’89 and Mary Zapolski ‘98
Paul Eichenlaub ‘92
Wendy Walkiewicz ’94 and Jennifer
Walkiewicz Wernicki ‘96
Father of:
Janice DiLuzio ‘71
Jason McDermott ‘88
Julie Theiss ‘08
Anthony Fiorenzo ‘09
Brother of:
Mary Margaret Theiss Malue ‘75
Sister of:
Marilyn Mango Blocher ’60 and
Carolyn Mango Kacprowicz ‘67
Steve Sheptow ’79 and Janet
Sheptow Dubick ‘81
Husband of:
Nancy Meagher Genck ‘52
Sisters of Mercy:
Sr. Helen Jean Sullivan, RSM
Other:
Mother of Diane McCullough,
cafeteria manager
L to R: Cathie Kozlowski Ambron ’67, Sister Michele Leehan and Sister
Benedicta Flecken, Mr. Kozlowski discussing where to plant some trees on the
MPS campus circa 1960s.
MPS campus today includes a 1993 addition, the athletic field, changes to
the parking lot and Mother Nature’s touch to beautiful trees and our school
garden.
If you have a photo from the Seminary or MPS that you would like to share,
please snail mail or email to the editor. All photos can be returned
if requested.
Principal Deborah Laughlin visits
with Sr. Mary Felice Duska, RSM
’52 at the annual Foundation Day
luncheon at MPS.
27
Editor’s note:
Dear Readers,
Change comes easy for some and more difficult for others, but it is always a consistent force of our
lives. There are many changes taking place at Mercyhurst Prep in regard to the building itself, both
inside and outside.
The outdoor mural project will definitely change the look of the school and help to define its
uniqueness. The great reveal is planned for August, but meanwhile, it’s very exciting to take in the
whole process.
I like to think of the mural as a walk through the meaning behind the Mercy charism and the history
of the school since it contains submissions from students, alumni and friends.
Please stop by if you are in the area and spend some time looking at each pillar to sense the significance and value
behind each drawing and writing. If you are not able to do this, check our updates on Facebook and Twitter. I think you
will be pleasantly surprised.
ALUMNI
Golden AnniversaryAlumnae Luncheon
Honoring Mercyhurst graduates from 1927-1964 on Friday, August 15, 2014.
12:15 PM: Luncheon at the Erie Yacht Club, foot of Virginia Ave.
Reservations by August 1, 2014 to Jane Cowell, at 814-824-2066
or jcowell@mpslakers.com with ALUMNae on subject line
Graduates from 1927-1964 attend for FREE. Graduates from 1965-2014
and their guests are welcome to attend for a fee of $15.00 per person.
reservation form: Reservations must be received by august 1!
Last NameFirst NameMaiden Name
Class of
Phone Email
Address
CityStateZip
Number Attending
Luncheon choice of: Amount Enclosed ($15.00 per person)
Cobb Salad
Chicken Artichoke Sandwich
Club Croissant Sandwich
Mercyhurst
Preparatory School
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Erie PA
Permit No. 22
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
538 East Grandview Blvd.
Erie, Pennsylvania 16504-2606
www.mpslakers.com
814.824.2210
Please remember to update your information with the MPS alumni office.
Please mail this form to Mercyhurst Prep Alumni Office, 538 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504 or email this information
to alumni@mpslakers.com
Name: (first)(maiden)(last)
Spouse NameYear of graduation from Mercyhurst Prep
Address
CityStateZip
PhoneCell
Email
Place of EmploymentJob Title
Address
CityStateZip
Unparalleled Preparation for Life