mpscapades - Mercyhurst Preparatory School

mpscapades
A magazine
for alumni and friends
of Mercyhurst Prep
In this issue
2015 Laker Legends
Scholarship Gala, pgs.6-8
Insert: Next 90
Spring 2015
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
2
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
MARKED BY PRIDE AND SPIRIT 9,000 Alums; 90 Years of Excellence
By Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, MPS President, '69
After my parents, the single most important
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper ’69, next to
the pillar of Catherine McAuley
influence in my life has been the Sisters of
Mercy. My first experience of this remarkable
community of women began in first grade at
St. George School and continued for 16 years
of Catholic education at Mercyhurst Prep and
Mercyhurst University.
As teacher/mentors, the Sisters of Mercy
challenged me and my classmates always beyond our perceived limits,
encouraging us to explore, discern, create, think, collaborate, grow, discover.
The special culture that our Sisters created during my formative years at
Mercyhurst Prep was one of mutual respect and acceptance among faculty,
students, and staff – everyone was welcome; our unique gifts were embraced
and nurtured. We were blessed by their ability to let us see their humanity, to
experience their profound kindness and humor. We began living the Mercy
charism passed down to us by the Sisters from their own teachers – hospitality,
compassionate presence, community service, justice, and respect for the dignity
of all persons.
CONTENTS
2
President’s Letter
3-4
Alumni President’s,
Past & Current Letters
9&14
Alumni Spotlights
17
Upcoming Reunions
17-26
Class Notes
Insert
Next 90
Cover: Junior Quinton Stempora,
poses with our "Next 90" logo
Editor
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer ’71
Photography
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer '71, Gary
Laboski and Amanda Stevenson Hill '05
We became citizens of the world and ambassadors for peace no matter where
we live.
Contributing Writers
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper ’69, Patty
McLaughlin, Natalie Dwyer-Haller ’70,
Marilee Warner, ’78 and Lisa Nietupski
The influence of the Sisters of Mercy ripples through my days as President of
Mercyhurst Prep.
MPScapades Graphic Designer
Michele A. Martin
• I see it in the eyes of every student who begins to experience and acutely
understand the Mercy charism.
"Next 90" Insert
Kate Philips
• I see it when alumni return to our hallways and profess how profoundly the
charism has influenced their success.
MPScapades is published two
times a year for the Mercyhurst
Prep community. We welcome your
articles, suggestions and comments.
• I see it in our faculty who pay homage daily to the Mercy values in preparing
future leaders for life in our ever-connected world community.
• I see it in the faces of the Mercy Sisters who continue to create, teach, evolve
and inspire.
Progressive thinkers, courageous women, visionary leaders, the Sisters of Mercy
have been change agents for nearly 9,000 alumni. This issue of MPScapades
challenges all of us who love these women and value their influence in our lives
to consider how we can ensure the next 90 years of education at Mercyhurst
Preparatory School.
What role will you play in the next 90?
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
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Volume 35, Number 2
SPRING 2015
Check us out at mpslakers.com
3
ALUMNI
FROM THE DESK OF OUR PAST ALUMNI
PRESIDENT,
HISTORY OF
MERCYHURST VIDEO
Natalie Dwyer-Haller ‘70
Once again, the MPS Alumni Association was thrilled to play
a major role in the 2015 Laker Legends Scholarship Gala on
February 28 at our Alma Mater. Our Board of Governors selected
exceptional alums from among worthy nominees to receive
awards. For a detailed explanation about our honorees, please
see pages 6-8.
It is not too early to begin thinking of nominees for next year’s
awards! In the meantime, thank you to the board members who
served with me on this year’s planning committee: Bill Lillis ’99,
Emily Mosco Merski ’00, Emily Schultz ’12, Dave Geiger ’87, and Marcia Izbicki
Gensheimer ’71.
We are gearing up for the 2015 Golden Anniversary Luncheon which will take
place at MPS on Friday, August 14. More than 85 alumnae attended last year’s
celebration, honoring Mercyhurst Seminary graduates as well as alumnae from the
Class of 1964, the first class to graduate from Mercyhurst Prep. We look forward to
seeing past honorees at the August luncheon, along with members from the Class
of 1965 who will become our newest honorees.
Alumni turned out in great numbers for our annual Black Friday Bash on November
28 at Calamari’s. A good time was had by all, especially the many members of the
Class of 2009 who held their five-year reunion at Calamari’s in conjunction with our
overall alumni gathering. Thanks again to Calamari owners Jay Honard ‘86 and
Marcie Honard who always go above and beyond for MPS.
Finally, I truly have enjoyed my tenure as president and am leaving the position in
good hands with our new President, Marilee Warner ’78, and her fellow officers,
Vice President Bill Lillis, Jr. ’99 and Secretary Suzette (Sue) Marofsky Quinn
’83, who took office in March along with newly elected members of our Board of
Governors, Dave Geiger ’87 and Lindsey Corle ’04. I look forward to working with
them as Immediate Past President, but first must thank ALL our board members
for their support during my term. It has been a privilege to serve MPS and our
Alumni Association as President. We thank Patty Przychodzien Pedano ’58, Judy
Zimmerman Rosatti ’80, and Kerry Rovegno Sedelmyer ‘91, whose terms expired,
for their many years of service on the Board.
We are always looking for enthusiastic alums to become involved as board members
or members of one of our committees. Please consider giving back to MPS by
serving and contact Marcia Gensheimer at mgensheimer@mpslakers.com.
Natalie Dwyer-Haller, ‘70
Former Alumni President
Capture a piece of history before
it’s too late!
Order History of Mercyhurst
video now:
www.mpslakers.com
for ordering information
40 UNDER 40
Mercyhurst Prep is extremely proud
to have six alumni named in Erie
Reader’s prestigious list of “Erie’s 2015
40 Under 40.”
They include:
Dr. Stephen Kovacs, DO, 1995 –
Pulmonologist & Critical Care
Intensivist, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital
Rachel Sherr Rudd, 1997 –
Business owner, marketing officer
Leah Manino, 1998 –
Vice President of Commercial Lending,
Northwest Savings Bank
Atty. Emily Mosco Merski, 2000 –
Attorney, Vendetti & Vendetti
Michael Miele, 2003 –
Director of Instrumental Music,
Mercyhurst Prep
Gretchen Gallagher Durney, 2003 –
Director of Communications and
Contracts, Sisters of St. Joseph
Neighborhood Network
4
ALUMNI
FROM THE DESK OF THE ALUMNI PRESIDENT, SISTERS OF MERCY HELP
SECURE FUTURE OF MPS
Marilee Warner ‘78
It is a great honor to begin my new role as President
of the MPS Board of Governors’ Alumni Association. I
look forward to focusing on the mission of this great
organization–fostering a close relationship with and
among MPS alumni to advance the Mercyhurst Prep
School mission. Not only are we advocates for alums,
but we encourage our students, who are our future
alums.
One of my personal goals is to promote the Alumni
Association and encourage all alums to recognize and embrace the value of being
one of the MPS alumni and especially to stay connected – email a favorite teacher,
call a classmate, visit when you are in town, attend a school event, “friend” us on
Facebook, participate in your class reunion.
As we venture forth into the 2015-16 academic year, I am excited about the creative
changes and ideas that will innovate our wonderful alumni legacy for future Lakers.
For example, MPS Alumni Board members are pleased to offer six scholarships
(academic and financial) for incoming freshmen of alumni for the next school year.
We believe that these chosen students will excel in their new lives as Lakers. These
scholarships will be renewed every year with the provision that recipients maintain
good academic and student status.
Our Alumni Board also approved a donation for the upcoming school building
renovations to provide a worthwhile gift for current and future Lakers from the MPS
Alumni Association. I encourage all alumni to review the insert in MPScapades to
see how you might assist with the Next 90.
Save the date of March 4th, 2016 for the next Laker Legends Legacy Gala where
we will honor accomplished alumni with recognition awards. Our Board members
are eager to accept nominations for the 2016 Awards. You can find award info and
nomination forms at mpslakers.com/alumni/ or on our Mercyhurst Prep Alumni
Association Facebook page. Friend us!
A transformational
year is underway at
Mercyhurst Prep. A
new website, our
already iconic mural,
and major building
improvements
are all helping
to define MPS as
the 21st Century
school providing
the region’s finest
education. These
physical upgrades
are difficult to miss if you visit us
today, One less noticeable, but
overwhelmingly important milestone
has happened behind the scenes.
The Sisters of Mercy Leadership
Team (New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific
West) recently deeded the MPS
property and building to Mercyhurst
Preparatory School. There is truly
no end to our gratitude to our
Sisters, who continue to inspire us
and our students. Their generosity
reminds us of our shared belief and
passion in passing on an excellent
Mercy education and charism from
generation to generation. Alumni events and projects for the future include the hugely successful Black Friday
Bash on Thanksgiving weekend, new Social Media sites, and an All School Reunion
that is slated for summer 2016.
MPS SPRING
CONCERTS
I wish to thank the Board for electing me president and look forward to accepting
the challenges that come with this position. I will do my best to fill the shoes of my
successful predecessors, Natalie Dwyer-Haller ’70 and Patricia Genung ‘67.
Join us for our MPS
Spring Concerts
Marilee Warner, ‘78
Alumni President
May 14 – Dance
May 20 – Music
Both begin at 7 p.m. and are FREE
and open to the public.
5
You may have heard the buzz about our very successful
LAKER GLOW RUN/WALK that was held at the school on April 18.
This was a real community, family event with over 500 registered
runners/walkers. A special thank you goes out to our major sponsor's:
PNC Bank, WJET TV, Fox 66, Your Erie.com, Classy 100, 104.3 The Vibe, Coca-Cola,
Smith’s Provisions & the Weber Family, Erie Reader and UPMC Health Plan.
Next year’s Laker Glow is on the calendar for April 16, 2016.
Gary Laboski Photography & DAS Photography & Design, Edinboro, PA, Daniel Smith, Amber Smith, Tyler Lovell
6
gala 2015
laker legends
scholarship
The Laker Legends Scholarship Gala came home to Mercyhurst Prep on February
28. Local event coordinator, Heather McBrier, transformed the athletic wing into
a “Midnight Garden”. The gala annually honors outstanding alums and raising
scholarship funds to help change the lives of future Lakers.
Over 260 alums and Laker families had the chance to bid on fabulous packages
including a cruise for 15 on the Lady Barbara, exclusive wine tours and VIP
tickets to the World Golf Championships in Akron. “Raising a paddle” to create
scholarships brought in record scholarship dollars.
A highlight of the Laker Legends Scholarship Gala is recognizing our
distinguished alumni and friends of MPS who have made a significant impact on
the school. This year’s honorees included:
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CAREER
•Brigadier General Patricia Genung,
USA, Retired, MPS ‘67
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI SERVICE
•Sr. Patricia Whalen, RSM ‘59
DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI
•Emily Hartwig Wachter ‘99
MERCY AWARD
•Ms. Margaret Aste
HONORARY ALUMNI STATUS
•Kathy & Jim Dammeyer
LAKER LEGEND PHILANTHROPY
AWARD
•Marlene Mosco and PNC Bank
LAKER SPORTS LEGEND
•Coach Kelly Erven Maslar ‘87
The Distinguished Alumna Award
for Career, which recognizes an
outstanding alum who has achieved
a high level of success in career
while being generous to Mercyhurst
Preparatory School, was awarded to
Brigadier General Patricia Genung,
USA, Retired, MPS ‘67. A true scholar,
Pat acquired two master’s degrees, one
in European history and one in finance
and additionally a doctorate in applied
linguistics from Cornell University.
she commanded Special Security
Command Europe in Heidelberg,
Germany and the 221st Base Support
Battalion in Wiesbaden, Germany. She was Deputy Commander,
513th Military Intelligence Brigade,
Fort Gordon, Georgia. She helped
negotiate treaties on nuclear testing
and chemical and biological warfare
at the United Nations Conference
on Disarmament in Geneva,
Switzerland, and she assisted the
Afghan government in establishing
the National Military Academy of
Afghanistan.
In 1996, Pat was the first woman
selected as Permanent Professor,
United States Military Academy. She served as Professor and Deputy
Head of the Department of Foreign
Languages until her retirement in
2005 as a Brigadier General.
Upon her return to Pennsylvania, Pat
became involved in community as
a speaker, an organizer, an advisor.
She is the past president of the MPS
Alumni Association, which has made
leaps and bounds under her tutelage.
Dear to her heart are her efforts with
the Edinboro University Veterans
Success Advisory Council and working
with the Military Officers Association
of America. She organized a local 5K
Walk/Run which, in two years, has
raised more than $15,000 for the
Wounded Warrior Project. Already
she has logged over 200 hours of
volunteer service.
The Distinguished Alumna Award
for Service recognizes exceptional
volunteer service and support to
Mercyhurst Preparatory School and
the Erie community. It is no wonder
that Sr. Patricia Whalen, RSM ‘59
received this award as she lives and
breathes the Mercy charism of Justice,
Pat Genung with her brother, Richard Genung. Service, Concern for the Dignity of All
Instead of receiving a trophy, Pat requested
Persons, Compassionate Presence,
that the money go toward the Class of 1967
and Hospitality. All these seeds were
scholarship account.
planted by her mentors, the Sisters
of Mercy, while she was a student at
Pat joined the Army in 1975, where
she was commissioned as a Lieutenant Mercyhurst Seminary. She professed
her final vows as a Sister of Mercy
in Military Intelligence. Among
in 1970.
her military accomplishments,
7
The Mercy Award is an honor
presented to an individual who
has demonstrated exemplary
commitment to the MPS mission.
This year’s recipient, Peg Aste, has
worn many hats in her 34 years
at MPS. She has served as faculty
member, International Baccalaureate
coordinator, assistant principal,
principal, and currently director of the
International Student Program.
Bridget Whalen ’78 (sister), Sr. Patricia Whalen, RSM ’59, Thomas Whalen
(brother) and Julie Ann Whalen (niece.)
In addition to her elementary education degree, she earned a master’s, a postbaccalaureate certificate and a certificate in theology, spirituality and scripture.
She began the McAuley Scholars
Program for 8th graders and the
International Program at MPS, which
are both in sync with our mission
statement.
Sr. Pat taught at various schools, held administrative positions, and served in
various ministries at Mercyhurst University, where she currently works as the
registrar, a position she has held since 1999.
Sr. Pat’s volunteerism record is impressive: for over 30 years, she has served on
the Sisters of Mercy Prison Visitation Team, offered her services at the Sisters
of Mercy Hope House, now Mercy Center for Women where she has served on
the Center’s board, chaired its development committee, volunteered as a house
manager, and was ultimately named a Woman Making History.
She is currently serving her fourth term on our MPS Board of Trustees, where she
is its current secretary and member of the executive committee.
Seth Hartmann (son-in-law), Myrrah Pardini,
PA-C ’94 (daughter) and Peg Aste
She was named a Woman Making
History for Mercy Center for Women
and also received the Friend of the
Environment award from MPS.
The Hartwig/Wachter family l to r: Dan Hartwig (brother), Danna Hartwig
(mother), Katie Hartwig ’95 (sister), Emily Hartwig Wachter ’99 (husband),
Dave Wachter and Becky Wachter (mother-in-law).
The recipient of the Young Alumni Award for this year, Emily Hartwig Wachter,
was chosen because she has exhibited leadership in her personal, professional,
and volunteer accomplishments as well as involvement with MPS. Emily is a
1999 MPS graduate and is currently in her fifth year as a consultant for Decision
Associates, where she implements marketing and strategic planning for profit
and non-profit sectors. She previously worked for a direct marketing firm in
Louisville, KY, with clients including BMW, Mercedes and Shell Corporation.
The Laker Legend Philanthropy
Award is presented to an individual,
family or business representing
the true spirit of philanthropy in
their support of the MPS vision and
the Mercy charism benefitting our
students and community. This year’s
Laker Legends Philanthropy award is
presented to Marlene Mosco and
PNC Bank.
In her role as regional president of
PNC Bank, Northwest Pennsylvania,
Marlene influenced the distribution of
PNC Bank’s charitable giving. Through
the Pennsylvania State Tax Credit
She has held numerous leadership positions and is the recipient of the
Generation E Leadership Award and was named the Media Buyer/Planner of Erie. programs and under her direction,
She annually donates over 100 hours to nonprofit clients.
8
tennis team to its third PIAA state team championship! She continues
to be a great role model to all our athletes – onward to a potential fourth
state championship!
Accepting for Marlene was Vickie Lampe
(right), VP client & community relations, PNC,
Financial Services Group. Emily Mosco Merski
’00, (Marlene’s daughter) & MPS president
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper ’69.
MPS has received nearly a quarter of a
million dollars of tax credit donations
over the last decade!
Kelly Erven Maslar (center), poses with friends at the Gala: Lorie Panitzke, Don Blenner,
Julie Loader, Kelly Erven Maslar, Beth Hawkins and Lisa Corsale.
Marlene has given countless
hours in service to her community,
has numerous professional and
community accomplishments and is a
proud parent of alumna, Emily Mosco
Merski, class of 2000, and is a doting
grandmother to a future Laker.
Marlene’s efforts have truly made a
difference for many of our students,
who may not have otherwise been
the beneficiaries of an MPS education.
Marlene talks about why Mercyhurst
Prep is such a great “investment”.
Kelly Erven Maslar ’87, this year’s
recipient of the Laker Legends Sports
Award, began to collect accolades for
her athletic talent, at age 9.
She was a five-time District 10 tennis
champion and two-time PIAA singles
champion.
She has been the tennis director at
Pennbriar Athletic Club since 1993 and
the MPS girls’ tennis head coach since
1998.
She has the honor of being the coach
of the first-ever PIAA tennis team
championship from District 10 as well
as the first to coach the MPS girls’
Members attending from the Dammeyer family included (l to r): Shawn Newport,
Olivia Newport ’16 (granddaughter), Anne Dammeyer ’91 (daughter), Jim Dammeyer,
and Thomas Dammeyer ’90 (son).
Honorary Alumni status was bestowed upon Kathy & Jim Dammeyer, who have
been volunteering their time and talents to Mercyhurst Prep for over 25 years.
Even though they themselves are not graduates of the school, their children
attended and now, as grandchildren are moving through the halls of MPS, we
see Kathy and Jim attending plays and rooting at athletic events on a regular
basis.
This couple has served as MPS board members and officers, committee
members and chairs various strategic planning groups.
In addition to giving countless hours to MPS, they have been involved in serving
the Erie community as well.
Congratulations to all of our 2015 Laker Legends!
9
ALUMNI
alumnsipotlight
Three Generations
There is much love, history, and pride for the Mercy mission in the
Scalise/Bressan family. Geraldine Scalise Bressan ’46 began her
education as an 8th grader at Mercyhurst Seminary, the predecessor
to Mercyhurst Preparatory School. The school was located in the Main
building on the campus of what is now Mercyhurst University. Her favorite memory is of the Sisters of Mercy: “They were so kind and
loving as well as great leaders. They created a family-like environment
and placed the love of God in us. It was a blessing to have them in our
lives.”
While in high school she participated in Sodality of the Blessed
Mothers, a charitable organization, field hockey and retreats with the
Jesuits. Every May, students participated in the huge celebration of
May Day.
Gerri graduated in 1946 with 17 girls in her class and is still close to
them as a result of the close bond they developed in high school.
At last year’s Baccalaureate Liturgy, three generations
sat for a family photo: (seated l to r) Ben Glennon
’17, Geraldine Scalise Bressan ’46, Emily Glennon ’14;
(standing) Sarah Bressan Glennon ’87 and Maggie
Glennon ’15.
She encouraged her four daughters, Anne Bressan Francani ’68,
Kathy Bressan Borelli ’69, Gerri Bressan Ruef ’70, and Sarah
Bressan Glennon ’87, to attend Mercyhurst Prep because, “I wanted
them to have an outstanding education and experience the happiness
I had there.”
Unlike her sisters, Sarah attended MPS after it became a
co-ed school, with nearly 200 in her class. She said, “It
was and still is a very accepting environment where every
student has a place to feel like they belong.” Sarah has three children: Emily, who participated in
tennis and graduated last year; Maggie, a current senior,
who is interested in theatre; and Ben, an International
Baccalaureate Diploma candidate from the class of 2017,
who is a member of our rowing team. The Bressan sisters (l to r): Gerri Bressan
Ruef ’70, Anne Bressan Francani ’68,
Kathy Bressan Borelli ’69 and Sarah
Bressan Glennon ’87.
According to Sarah, “I think that Mercyhurst has remained
true to its core values over the years, but has allowed
changes that keep the school current. It has expanded
athletics, updated the facilities including the gym and
theater, and given us the latest technology. I feel like
the faculty has an even stronger bond with the students
today. There’s a definite connection there. It seems more
diverse now, which is wonderful. I have had nothing but positive
experiences here with my children and am so proud of all that they’ve
accomplished as a result of such an amazing school.”
The Scalise/Bressan family embodies the Mercy charism and
certainly appreciates the value of a superior educational experience.
10
MPS PROVIDES INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMAS SINCE 1985
With 30 years of academic excellence,
Mercyhurst Prep is proud to have the longest
credentialed International Baccalaureate
program among private Catholic schools in
the USA. To receive the prestigious diploma,
candidates must complete specific requirements in six
subject areas, delve into a unique Theory of Knowledge
course, devise and finish a creative, action and service
project, and write a 4000 word essay.
Student members of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Society of
MPS include (left to right, bottom to top): Robert Sharkey,
Jay Cooney, Gianluca Ianiro, Daniel Rathburn, Thomas Picotte,
Braden Barnett, Leroy Gasseller, Daniel Fitzgerald, Joey
Magrum, Anthony Roth, James Zimmerman, Jacob Barilla,
Matthew Baldwin, Ryan Gavalier, Joseph Rapela, Gaetano
Carvelli, Adam Beaufort, and Nicholas Praetzel.
The St. Joseph of Arimathea Society is open
to any young man attending MPS. Obedient to
the Gospel command to love our neighbor, and
in the tradition of the Mercy Core Values, the
ministry seeks to:
•
•
•
•
Affirm the value and dignity of every human
being, especially at the time of death.
Be a compassionate presence to those who mourn.
Provide pallbearer services free of charge to those
in need.
Honor and pray for the dead.
Thanks to MPS chaplain Fr. Steve Schreiber,
who created this ministry in collaboration with
Austin Brugger of Brugger Funeral Homes, our
young men provide pallbearer services to individuals
who have died indigent or alone or simply have
few remaining relatives or friends. The mission is to
provide compassion, prayer, hope, and love in a time
of death and mourning.
2014 Mercyhurst Prep graduates returned to school in December
to receive their International Baccalaureate diplomas. (l to r, top):
Colin Magerle (Sarah Lawrence College), Anna Dzuricky (University
of Pittsburgh) and Allison Ganger (Allegheny College); (middle) Zach
Zhao (Johns Hopkins University), Carolyn Waldee (Wheaton College,
IL), and William Greenleaf (Georgia Institute of Technology); (front)
John Miraszek (Pennsylvania State University), Alexa Wawrzyniak
(University of Rochester), Katie Elia (College of the Holy Cross) and
Marc Parnell (Case Western Reserve University).
11
TENNIS TEAM RULES!
Pictured here are (front l to r): Taylor Levinson ’15 and Lauren Petrella ’15: (center) Ruthie Golden ’17, Alexandra Ferretti ’15, Josie Barcley ’18,
Sophia DiNicola ’17, Alex Baldwin ’17, Audrey Bell ’16, Anna Bruns ’17, Alice Squeglia ’15, Francesca Kern ’18, Nicole Freeman ’16, Caitlyn Schultz
’16 and Coach Kelly Erven Maslar ’87. Also, Lauren Petrella ’15 and Caitlyn Schultz ’16 won the PIAA State Doubles Championship.
Our girls tennis team and Coach Kelly Maslar and Assistant Coach Jenny Wilson, won their 3rd straight PIAA State
Championship this year by defeating Scranton Prep with a score of 5-0 in the final.
KUDOS TO ALYSON AMENDOLA AND ADAM WELSH
Congratulations to two Mercyhurst
Alumni honored at the Annual Erie
Arts & Culture Appreciation Awards
ceremony on November 12 for their
outstanding dedication to arts and
culture in the Erie region.
Erie Reader, a biweekly publication
whose editor-in-chief, Adam Welsh,
graduated from MPS in 1994, received
the distinguished Leadership Award
for major contributions in promoting
the diverse artists, performers,
entertainment venues and cultural
groups and organizations that make
our community thrive and enhance
the quality of life for all citizens.
The Young People’s Chorus of Erie,
under the leadership of Executive
Director Alyson Amendola, MPS
Class of 1989, received the Imagine
Award for promoting personal and
artistic growth and cross-cultural
understanding for children of diverse
abilities and diverse racial, ethnic,
religious, and socio-economic
backgrounds from over 40 public
and private schools in the region.
Children are inspired and encouraged
to develop their skills while making
life-long friendships as they perform
throughout our community.
WE ARE ALL A PART OF
THE LAKER STORY!
If you have news or photos
concerning past, present, and
future Lakers, let the world know
by helping us feature it on our
social media pages.
Contact community relations
assistant, Amanda Hill '05, at
ahill@mpslakers.com, and don't
forget to follow us on Twitter,
Instagram and Facebook!
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12
SCHOOL MURAL EXEMPLIFIES CROSS-GENERATIONAL ART
Mercyhurst Preparatory School dominated the local media and had the Erie
community buzzing when the largest linear environmental outdoor mural
in Northwestern Pennsylvania was revealed to the public this past summer.
The enormous mural project is 8200 square feet of illustrated environment
including 26 pillars and 177 – 8-foot vinyl panels that cover 1416 square feet
of the schools brick façade.
International artist and owner of Higherglyphics, Todd Scalise ’91, who
was featured in the MPS Alumni Spotlight summer issue, looked to the
Mercyhurst Prep family to define the images that eventually became the
visual representation of our MPS story. He and school administrators sifted
through 600 submissions from alumni, students, faculty/staff, and friends that
included drawings, photographs, video and personal quotes to illustrate
the 26 themed pillars.
An archival pencil drawing of a tree created by a 1969 alumna, Maria
Alvarado-Gomez, when she was studying as the first international student at
MPS, became a symbolic watermark in the mural project on each of the pillars
that connect the two entrances of the school. Scalise said, “This is a fantastic
metaphor for the basis of a creative project.”
Each pillar features a
unique aspect of MPS,
creating a lasting
testament about what
makes Mercyhurst Prep
specific.
Scalise engaged students to help
in the project, many from Dr. Jamie
Borowicz’s art seminar class. The
next step involved making Sharpie
drawings of the selected pieces using
a light box. Students were taught by
Scalise how to perfect this process
and they were able to turn out 100
drawings in just three weeks.
13
It took Scalise, along with five MPS
students working eight hours a day,
five days to complete the 177 panels.
Each panel was printed on vinyl and
mounted to steel roofing panels with a
fluorescent numeral printed at the top
so installers would know how to place
them in the proper order to create the
desired picture. The 8’ panels were
produced in reverse order, which had
to be determined ahead of time. Correct stacking order was crucial to
matching the images. The paneling work was completed at McCreary
Roofing, another alumni family connection. It took installers four days
to affix the panels to the facade.
Bishop Persico with artist Todd Scalise ‘91
These days it is not uncommon to see folks walking among our pillars
reading the quotes, studying the drawings and gazing at the 8’ panels
from afar. The team at Mercyhurst Prep is delighted to see so many
Erie residents heading up the hill to view this one-of-a-kind outdoor
mural and hope you will find some time to visit us too when you are in
town. Be sure to check out the 8” square drawings of the MPS chapel
Stations of the Cross on the north side of the 14 pillars in the main
colonnade created by 2014 MPS graduate, Zach Little.
This $55,000 project was funded through generous gifts from MPS
board members and donors. If you would like to donate please visit
www.mpslakers.com/mps-community-mural. Mural inspired tees,
pins and tote bags are available in the MPS Spirit Store.
MPS president, Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, Sister Joan Sherry, Sisters of Mercy
Sponsorship Council liaison to MPS, and Sister Patricia Prinzing, Sisters of
Mercy vice-president and leadership team liaison to MPS
14
MPSLAKERS.COM GETS A MAKEOVER
After months of planning, designing, organizing and editing, the dynamic
new Mercyhurst Prep website is live and generating a lot of buzz in the
MPS community. We are so proud of our new Laker web presence and
hope you take a look and let us know what you think – especially with the
Alumni pages. A website is meant to be organic and we plan to continue
to populate it with photos, videos and more. There are so many exciting
and unique aspects to a Mercyhurst Prep education and now more than
ever mpslakers.com is the perfect place to learn and share.
Please check back often as things are always changing. Our online Spirit
Store is coming soon!
Kristin Steger Lynch is the brains behind our new
website! Over the past year and a half, she clocked
over 1,000 hours developing a new version of
the mpslakers.com website and now acts as the
school’s online services director in addition to her
responsibilities as iPad Director. ​ Her biggest challenge was reorganizing and
updating content from the previous website to
provide concise and easily accessed information
to new visitors while keeping the MPS community
Kristin Steger Lynch, ‘85 wired and informed. Given our international
audience, she ensured that the new site could be
accessed multilingually in over 30 languages. Since the new website went
live in October, it has had 220,000 page views from 121 countries.
WIN LAKER GEAR
Seniors Nick Praetzel and Claire
Lichtenwalter show the spirit wear
and merchandise that you could
win, just by updating your contact
information.
We want to be in touch with you and
share your stories! To be sure you and
your classmates are on our list we are
holding a raffle of MPS spirit wear and
merchandise.
A 1990 graduate of Gannon University, Kristin majored in Management
Information Systems. A self-ascribed “code poet”, Kristin was greatly
influenced by MPS teachers Chuck Stachera, Elizabeth Stage and
Penny Kurre.
Email us your updated or current
address, phone number, email (even
if you think we have it already) to
ahill@mpslakers.com and you will
be entered to win. CC the MPS friends
with whom you are still in touch and
get multiple chances at the prize! Be
sure to like us on Facebook, follow us
on Twitter and Instagram, and hashtag
your Laker life with #iamalaker. We are
all part of the Laker story!
Kristin has worked as a professional technology consultant, solutions
developer and Internet specialist with more than​18 years experience
in Internet marketing and web development, and more than 22 years
experience in technology service and technical support. She previously
acted as a technical consultant for Saint Vincent Health System, was the
liaison between hardware/software vendors and the Regional Cancer
Center, and managed GoErie.com as producer and interactive operations
manager for 12 years.
In order to help reduce waste, you are
receiving one issue of MPScapades
per household. If you would like an
additional issue, please email
ahill@mpslakers.com.
Kristin was hired three years ago to manage the MPS one-to-one
iPad program, which involves coordinat​ing faculty and student iPad
functionality, while ​manag​ing the hardware and software inventory
and configurations. She also develops the ancillary services required to
support the initiative, such as end user technical support and training
materials. mpslakers.com
PLEASE NOTE:
15
YOU CAN TURN YOUR PA BUSINESS TAXES INTO MPS SCHOLARSHIPS!
Business owners who take part in the
Educational Improvement Tax Credit
(EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs will
tell you – these programs are a wonderful way to help deserving students
receive an outstanding MPS education
for little or no additional cost to you!
Now is the time to consider taking
part in the EITC and OSTC tax credit
programs. If the business you own or
work for is eligible, a very short and
easy process allows you to redirect
your business tax dollars from Harrisburg to Mercyhurst Prep scholarships.
Note:
• All applications are accepted online
• EITC tax credits are typically
exhausted in just a few days’ time
Thank you to these wonderful area
businesses that have participated in
the EITC and OSTC programs in 20132014 and 2014-2015. In this time period alone, the Pennsylvania state tax
credit programs have allowed for more
than $660,000 in Mercyhurst Prep
scholarships. You are changing lives!
Baldwin Brothers Inc.
Bensur Creative Marketing Group
Bianchi Motors Inc.
C.A. Curtze Co.
“Companies, such as PNC, that participate in the
Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program see their
money well spent. I would encourage businesses to
participate and support education and scholarships
for young students. I’ve seen the results, first hand, and
the impact these dollars make to help kids achieve their
goals and be successful in life. Using the PA Tax Credit
Program is a great way businesses can put their money
to work for them.”
Marlene Mosco- PNC Bank Regional President
TIMELINE:
May 15, 2015:Businesses in the second of their 2-year commitment, or beginning a new 2-year
commitment can apply.
July 1, 2015: First time applications are accepted on a first come first served basis.
Composiflex
Felix & Gloekler, P. C.
Glenwood Beer Distributors Inc.
HRI Supply and Design, Inc.
Industrial Sales & Manufacturing
Keystone Health Plan
MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton LLP
Maplevale Farms Inc.
Marquette Savings Bank
McManis & Monsalve Associates
Metz Enterprises
Northwest Savings Bank
PNC Financial Services Group
Porreco Nissan, Inc.
Printing Concepts Inc.
Reddog Industries
Sixsome LLC
United Concordia
UPMC Health Plan
Waste Management
For more information about how you
can redirect your Pennsylvania state
business taxes to Mercyhurst Prep
scholarships for little or no out of pocket
cost, please contact Lisa Nietupski
at lznietupski@mpslakers.com or
814-824-2408.
Basketball Camps • Ceramics Camp
Football Camp • Learn-to-Row Camp • SAT Prep
Speech & Debate Camp • Volleyball Camp
Plus so much more!
538 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504
www.mpslakers.com/summer
P: 814-824-3870 or E: twyman@mpslakers.com
for more information
16
olden
The Golden Anniversary luncheon was celebrated last August at the Erie Yacht Club with
record attendance. Below is a collage of some of those in attendance.
Class of 1933
Class of 1962
Class of 1955
Class of 1961
Class of 1964
Golden AnniversaryAlumnae Luncheon
Honoring Mercyhurst graduates from 1926-1965 on Friday, August 14, 2015
At Mercyhurst Preparatory School, 10:00 a.m. Tour/11:00 a.m. Liturgy/12:00 p.m. Lunch
Hosted by Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, MPS President, Class of ’69
Reservations by August 1, 2015 to Amanda Hill, at 814-824-2066
or ahill@mpslakers.com with ALUMNAE on subject line
Graduates from 1926-1965 attend for FREE. Graduates from 1967-2015
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 ofPhoneEmail
Address
CityStateZip
Number AttendingAmount Enclosed ($15.00 per person, unless you are from classes 1926-1966)
Luncheon choice of: Cobb Salad
Roasted Vegetable Wrap
Chicken Salad Croissant
17
REUNIONS 2015
LAKERS REUNITE
DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO SEE OLD FRIENDS AND
SHARE NEW MEMORIES
Class of 1965 – 50th Reunion
Friday, August 14 –
Golden Anniversary Luncheon @ MPS
10:00 tour
11:00 a.m. Liturgy
12:00 p.m. lunch
Hosted by Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, MPS president
Contact Steve Fabin, legends1driver@yahoo.com,
814-602-9447
or
Sharon Winiecki Dressler, atc_girl16@yahoo.com,
814-397-1455
Class of 1990 – 25th Reunion
Saturday, July 18
Sluggers Bar and Grille
8pm-whenever
Class of 1995 – 20th Reunion
Saturday, June 13
Tom Habursky, thabursky@neo.rr.com
or Katie Hartwig, hartwigk@umich.edu.
11:00 a.m. tour of MPS
1:00 p.m. picnic at Skibinski Grove
Sunday, July 19 (Family day)
Presque Isle State Park Cookhouse Number 5
11:30am until dusk
Class of 2010 – 5th Reunion
Friday, November 27, as part of MPS Black Friday
Bash @ Calamaris
CLASS NOTES:
1960
Sue Sutto ’64 is congratulated on
retiring from her business, Sue Sutto
Realtors, Inc. She is looking forward to
the next chapter of her life.
Maureen Barber-Carey ’68,
executive vice president of the Barber
National Institute, received the 2015
Temple Grandin Award. The award
is presented annually by the Autism
Connection of Pennsylvania.
Elli Kapsiak Baker ‘69 is the director
of marketing for the Indianapolis City
Ballet which hosts a master class series
for local dance students and places
those with greatest potential in leading
ballet companies or schools worldwide
including the John Kranko School in
Germany, San Francisco Ballet, Ballet
West, School of American Ballet, the
North Carolina School of the Arts,
the JKO School with American Ballet
Theatre and Mercyhurst University
Dance Program. Elli reports that
“99% of the time it’s hard to believe
I get paid for what doesn’t feel like
work at all!” Among her many other
responsibilities. Elli plans the Annual
Evening with the Stars, bringing the
finest dancers from all of the world to
dance their best repertoire in a one
night Gala. The class of 1969 (above) celebrated its 45th
reunion this summer. (l to r):
Nedra Dwyer Lehrian, Barb Cox Murnane,
Emma Lee McCloskey, Susan Sontheimer Louth,
Maureen O’Connor Plunkett, Denise Duval
(sunglasses), Maria Alvarado Gomez, Christine
Welsh Blake, Janet Chaffee Kerner, Mary Grace
Ciotoli Shannon (back), Becky Schultz Smith,
Gretchen Pfadt Beck, June Pozzutti Johnson,
Cori Flower Holmes, Sandy Miller Hoitinga,
Jane Steinbaugh Hynes (sunglasses), Mary Beth
Sullivan Wachter, Kate Feehley Allison, Mary
Ellen Dahlkemper.
18
CLASS NOTES:
Emma Lee McCloskey ’69 recently
retired from her position as president
of The Catholic Foundation in
the Diocese of Erie. She led the
foundation since 2008 and grew
four endowments valued at $6 million
to 40 endowments valued at nearly
$10 million.
1970
Roy Hollis Jr. ’70 sang at the Erie
Music Awards at the Erie Bayfront
Convention Center in the fall.
hired by Mission Viejo High School
in the Saddleback Valley Unified
School District in California to teach
and direct the theater program. This
fall, the Orange County Department
of Education honored her with
the Outstanding Contribution to
Education Award 2014, and the
California Educational Theater
Association presented her with a
the 2014 Leadership Award.
Bishop Cynthia Gardner, JD, MDiv
’74 was recognized as an “Amazon
Best Selling Author.” Her recent Kindle
book, Castaway Cradles, reached the
best-selling list in two categories in
September.
During the Christmas season, several
MPS alums from the class of ‘75,
volunteered at St. Martin Center to
assist in organizing donated Christmas
presents to be delivered to the
children in the Erie community.
A few members of class of 1971 gathered
one evening for good company and dinner:
(seated) Peggy Beresky Brabender, Tia Peters
and Sue Barry; (standing) Evelyn Bogdanski
DePalma, Janice DiLuzio and Marcia Izbicki
Gensheimer.
Shirley Passel Helminski ’72 received
a second place and a Friends of
the Tom Ridge Center award at the
Winterfest’s Panorama exhibit.
Kathleen Cannarozzi Harris ’73,
former MPS teacher, recently accepted
a job as the visual and performing arts
coordinator K-12 for the Saddleback
Valley Unified School District where
she will be working with all of the arts
teachers as part of the Arts Advantage
Program. SVUSD has seven high
schools, five intermediate schools
and 26 elementary schools. After
leaving Erie in 1991, Kathleen was
of humor. Classmates departed and
immediately began planning a return
visit with additional class of ‹75 friends.
Sadly, Madeline passed away on
November 13, 2014 before that return
visit.
Much accomplished, Madeline was
the Founder and Executive Director of
Michael’s House for Grieving Children
in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. She was a
member of numerous professional,
civic and charitable organizations
and was the recipient of the 2001
Mercyhurst Prep Distinguished Alumni
Award, The Greater Cleveland Woman
of Achievement Award and Cleveland
Magazine’s Most Interesting People
Award.
Pictured in photo with Madeline from left to
right are: Karen Bukowski, Roselle RandazzoWalkiewicz, Cyndie Filutze-Zahner and
Carolyn Travers-LaFata.
Also, on speaker phone
was May Joy Casale, who
resides in Florida.
In an effort to
remember and honor
Madeline's memory,
the Sivak family and
many members of the
class of '75 who loved
Pictured in photo from left to right are: Sheila Dwyer- Grove, Sue her, will establish a
Emling, Heidi Zurn-Williams, Karen Bukowski, Roselle
Randazzo- scholarship fund in
her name.
Walkiewicz and Cyndie Filutze - Zahner.
In Memory of Madeline Sivak
1975 MPS classmates visited
hospice patient, Madeline Sivak, on
November 1, 2014 in Bay Village, Ohio.
They shared a fun afternoon
reminiscing about moments at MPS
and, despite her discomfort, Madeline
remained alert, never losing her
wonderful wit and side-splitting sense
The Sivak Family is currently defining
the criteria and details for the
scholarship, which will be awarded
to future, deserving MPS students in
Madeline's honor.
Donations can be made to MPS in
Madeline's name.
19
Tina Anthony ’75 recently retired
from the U.S. Steel Corporation in
Pittsburgh.
employed by the Millcreek Township
School District as a physical therapist.
Stephen is the son of Ruth Alberstadt,
our MPS Spirit Store manager, and
step-son of Jay Alberstadt, a member
of our Board of Trustees.
Amy Gensheimer Patsy ’75 was
recently hired as the vision screener
at the Sight Center in Erie. She works
with young children who might need
eye care or surgery.
Laurie Root ’75 is senior vice
president of resource development
for the United Way of Erie County. She
serves on the governing board of the
Erie Athena program, the board of
directors of the Rotary Club of Erie,
and that of the Northwest Institute of
Research. She is also a member of the
Women’s Roundtable and recipient of
the 2013 Athena Leadership award.
1980
Matthew Robaszkiewicz ’82 was
recently appointed executive director
of the Center for Faith Justice. Lisa Kaczenski-Cope ’88 is a behavior
specialist consultant. She earned a
master’s in special education from
Mercyhurst University.
1990
Ray Schlaufman ‘98 has been living
in Las Vegas for the past eight years.
He recently became the beverage
manager for the D Las Vegas and
Golden Gate Casinos on the Las Vegas
Strip. He and his wife are the proud
parents of four and two-year old
daughters and a 7 month old baby
boy.
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Nemenz
Stephen Nemenz ’98 married
Elizabeth Beckman in June. Melissa
Nemenz ’99, sister of the groom, was
a bridesmaid. Paul Scanlon ’98, friend
of the groom, was best man. Stephen
graduated from Mercyhurst University
with a degree in secondary education
science. He received a master’s
degree in curriculum and instruction
as well as k-12 principal certification
from Gannon University. He is the
principal of Our Lady's Christian
School in Erie. Elizabeth is a graduate
of Pennsylvania State University with
a degree in kinesiology. She received
her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
from Slippery Rock University. She is
Tamara Yaple ’98 owns and operates
Yum Yum’s Pizza in Erie, PA.
Justin Ferko ’99, a first-year seminary
student, was awarded a full-tuition
scholarship from the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America through
the ELCA Fund for Leaders. He is
at the Trinity Lutheran Seminary in
Columbus, OH.
Classmates from 1999, Jason Fidorra,
Elena Carson Arnold and Bill
Lillis, participated in the Young Erie
Professionals Annual Gift Wrapping
Party this December. It’s an event
where people buy and then get
together to wrap them and have a
fun Christmas party for less fortunate
children. Missing from the photo was
Matt Wiertel.
Rob Meister and wife Stephanie at Stonehenge
Robert Meister ‘95 won a $10K grant that enabled him and his wife, Stephanie,
to spend 30 days traveling the UK, from London to the Lake District, to Wales
and to Edinburgh, Scotland. 20
CLASS NOTES:
Renee Koprowski Gordon ‘99
received her doctoral degree
in organizational learning and
leadership from Gannon University
in December 2014. Her dissertation
was a descriptive study on the social
and educational services available
to refugees during resettlement. Dr.
Gordon is currently a high school
principal and an adjunct professor at
Gannon University. 2000
Captain (Dr.) Dave Matteson ’01 deployed to the Middle East and southwest
Asia in 2014 with the United States Air Force as a Critical Care Air Transport
Team (CCATT) physician. His three-person team transformed military cargo
and passenger planes into flying intensive care units capable of transporting
critically ill or injured U.S. and Coalition armed service members thousands
of miles from their areas of deployment to higher levels of care. When not
deployed, Dave is a board-certified anesthesiologist at San Antonio Military
Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He was promoted to the rank of Major
in April 2015. Mary Ellen Leisering ’02 earned a master’s in liberal arts from Houston Baptist
University in August. She is in her seventh year at HBU as the assistant director
of athletic media relations at the NCAA Division I school.
Melissa Gervase ’00 is a clinical
pharmacist at Cook Children’s Medical
Center in Fort Worth, TX.
John Simon ’00 has joined the United
Way as assistant vice president of
investor relations. He serves on the
advisory panel for the Athena Power
Link program and is a board member
of Young Erie Professionals and the
Church of the Nativity. He is
a graduate of Leadership Erie.
Jovon Johnson ’02 recently stopped in at MPS for a visit with his fiancé. L to r: Jovon,
Ms. Margaret Aste, Director of International Student program, Yodanna Guzman,
(front)Julian Walker.
Dave Matteson (left) & teammates, who
include a critical care nurse (middle), and
respiratory therapist (right)
The Gensheimer-Newman wedding reception included many MPS alumni: (back) Amy
Waldinger ’03, Lauren Waldinger ’05, Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer ’71, Patti Izbicki Gray ’67,
Joanne Przybyszewski Kubinski ’71; (front) Ann Gensheimer Wilkes ’73, Amy Gensheimer
Patsy ’75, Bethany Shaffer ’00, Beth Gensheimer Newman ’03, Emily Gensheimer Ferko ’99,
Jared Ferko ’01, Rachel White ’04 and Mariah Zielinski Scott ’03.
21
Mike Storey ’04 went on to Ohio
Northern and graduated with a
Pharm.D. and then to The Ohio State
University in Columbus, OH, where he
earned an M.S. in Hospital Pharmacy
Administration. He is a Pharmacy Manager in Hematology/Oncology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in
Columbus, OH.
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Newman
Beth Gensheimer ’03 married Brian
Newman in August in Texas. Emily
Gensheimer Ferko ’99, sister of
the bride, served as maid of honor.
Beth and Brian are both graduates
of Duquesne University, where
they first met. She graduated with
an elementary education degree
and teaches special education in
the Coppell School District. Brian
graduated with a dual degree in
psychology and classics. He is also a
graduate of Baylor Law School and
owns his own law practice in Ft. Worth.
Danielle Snow ‘03 entered into the
Navy in 2009. Her first duty station
was in Colt's Neck, NJ, at a small
weapons station called Earle, where she
participated in the Veterans Day Parade
and was named Junior Sailor of the
Year for the base. In 2012 Danielle was
selected for the US Navy Blue Angels,
where she was the Event's Coordination
Leading Petty Officer, in charge of
putting together the itineraries for
the show, as well as coordinating
special community events and school
recruiting visits. In December she
moved to Sicily, Italy, to work with the
Defense Courier Service, which sends
classified and sensitive material around
the world.
Mark Upton ’03 is a physician in the
Philadelphia area an frequently travels
back home to Erie to visit family.
Andrew Storey ’04 graduated from
the College of Wooster and is nearing completion of his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry at Indiana University in
Bloomington, IN.
Francesca Fetzner Price ’05 recently
moved to Louisville, KY and was hired
in December as and adjunct professor
by the department of communication
at Spalding University to teach effective
speaking. She earned a BA in communication and journalism from Duquesne
University and a master’s in communication and leadership studies from
Gonzaga University.
Mark Peelman ’05 is the owner of
Peelman Production, Inc. in Raleigh, NC.
His company provides special event
lighting.
Aleks Von Korff ’05 lives in L.A.,
where he works as a recording
engineer and music producer for
Woodshed Recording.
Alan Currie
’06 is currently
working offshore as an
MWD Field
Engineer with
Schlumberger
in the United
Kingdom after
Alan
Currie ’06 and Hank completing his
Bink
’06 visiting MPS
masters in
mechanical engineering at Heriot Watt
University in 2012.
Emily Baxter ’07 is a research
assistant for women’s economic
policy at the Center for American
Progress. Additionally, she serves as a
non-resident fellow at the Center for
Internet and Society at Stanford Law
School. Her work has focused on the
intersection of gender, religion, politics,
and power. Her articles have appeared
in ThinkProgress, PolicyMic, Sojourners
and Religion Dispatches.
Kevin Hirst ’07 is the national account
manager on “Wicked” for the Serino
Coyne media department. He received
the Serino Coyne’s Rookie of the
Year award in 2012. Nick Adams ’01
is starring in the touring group of
“Wicked” playing the role of Fiyero.
Jessica Annunziata ’08 is a member
of The Deconstructive Theatre Project
that performed The Orpheus Variations
at an internationally recognized festival
in NYC called Under the Radar. They
raised money on KickStarter to rent
rehearsal space.
Gabriella Bensur ’08 is a third year law
student at Cornell University, where
she is involved in Law Review, Moot
Court, Legal Information Institute, the
Cornell Law Student Association, Italian
American Law Student Association and
the Student Leadership Council. She
worked at White & Case LLP this past
summer in New York. Gabriella headed
up the Cornell Law delegation that
competed in Paris, France in February.
Derek CraneHuston ’08
participated in
the “White Coat
Ceremony” at
Slippery Rock
University. He
started his clinical
rotations and
graduated in May
with a doctorate in
physical therapy.
Dr. Crane-Huston
Kat Kerman ’08 studied at The Theatre
School at DePaul, one of the top 20
acting programs in the world, after high
school graduation. She is applying to
acting master’s programs in London.
kat.kerman@gmail.com
John Storey ’08 graduated from
Villanova School of Business and is
currently employed by MorganStanley in Manhattan.
22
2010
Eddie Baxter ’11 was accepted at Yale
Divinity School.
Ally Burke ’11 was named to the
Allegheny Mountain Collegiate
Conference women’s basketball AllConference team. This season, she
led the league in scoring with 20.2
points per game and was third in free
throw percentage. Ally scored 20 or
more points in 13 games and was
the leading scorer in 21 of 25 games
played.
Shengtong (Candy) Chen ‘11
graduated in three years from the
University of Rochester this past
May, with a BS in optical engineering
and two minors in mathematics and
economics. She is currently studying
at Stanford University for a master’s
degree in materials science and
engineering. She hopes to launch
a career in the field of lens design,
designing camera modules and
imaging systems for entertainment
devices, such as the Google Glass and
head-mounted displays. Becca Costello ’11 became the first
player in Edinboro University’s history
to receive Division II All-American
honors in women’s soccer. She was
named a third-team selection by the
NSCAA and a third-team selection
by Daktronics. Becca was named the
PSCA defensive athlete of the year
and earned a spot on the All-PSAC
first team. She was given first team
NSCAA All-Atlantic Region honors for
the second straight year. She was also
named to the first team Daktronics
All-Atlantic team.
Alethea Gaarden ’11 received
the Bishop’s Award for Academic
Excellence at the 2014 graduation
ceremony from Mercyhurst University.
This award is presented by the Catholic
Diocese of Erie to the graduating
senior, traditional or adult, who is
judged to have the most superior
academic record in the class. Criteria
for selection include grade point
average and academic program rigor.
She earned a dual BA in English and
political science. Kaleigh Hubert ’09
earned the same award in 2013, so
for two consecutive years, MPS alums
were recognized for their outstanding
academic performance.
Samantha Heller ’11 attends
Duquesne University in a 2 + 4
program working towards a Doctor
of Pharmacy degree. She works parttime at Wegmans in Erie.
Andrea Mazzocchi ’11 is in a five year
engineering program at Rochester
Institute of Technology and is
beginning the application process to
graduate schools in order to obtain
a PhD in biomedical engineering,
specifically, tissue engineering. She
is involved in technical writing
and research at the biomedical
engineering research lab at RIT. She
was recently published as a first author
on a stem cell paper and is working
on a second and third paper as a
continual study. Nora Pertz ’11 graduated Summa
Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University
last year. She auditioned and obtained
an internship at an opera house as
well as a master’s program in Vienna,
Austria. Nora, an International
Baccalaureate Diploma holder from
MPS, is the only English speaker on
the administration staff. Fluent in
German and proficient in French, she
acknowledged the importance of
knowing a second language.
Nora Pertz and Samantha Heller on a visit
at MPS
Maria Scrimenti ’11 is the general
manager at Nautilus I Rock in Erie, PA.
Lindsey Stamp ’11 completed her
senior season with the Indiana,
PA women’s basketball team. She
was named the Atlantic Region
Player of the Year by the Daktronics/
Division II Conference Commissioners
Association. She was the first player
in program history to earn that honor.
Lindsey led the PSAC and ranked 19 in
Division II with 19.9 points per game.
She closed her college career with
1,498 points.
Julia Yurkovic ’11 is graduating from
the University of Rochester with a dual
degree in brain & cognitive sciences
and psychology with a minor in
American Sign Language. She will be
doing research on Autism Spectrum
Disorders through the Donald J. Cohen
Fellowship in Developmental Social
Neuroscience at the Marcus Autism
Center and the Emory School of
Medicine in Atlanta, GA.
Michael Yurkovic ’11 will graduate
from the University of Rochester
with a dual degree in mathematics
and business and a minor in Spanish.
He will be working as an actuary at
Milliman in Seattle, Washington.
Amanda Berchtold ’12 is now the
junior point guard for the Gannon
Knights. At 5’5” Berchtold averages 4.3
assists per game, fourth in the PSAC.
She played for the MPS Lakers in the
state championship of 2010-11. InJung Cho
‘12, a native of
South Korea,
who spent
her junior and
senior years
at Mercyhurst
Prep, has
published
a book that
chronicles her
journey as an
international
InJung Cho’s book cover
student. The title
literally translates to “Timid InJung,
Bold Decisions.” The book, written in
23
Korean, includes many photos from
her high school experience. InJung
asked her former MPS English teacher,
Mrs. Nicole Wojciechowski, to
write the foreward which appears in
both Korean and English. The book
is about all of InJung’s experiences
in the United States, including her
sophomore year spent in Wisconsin.
InJung is currently a student at a
world university in Japan.
Claire Pomorski ’14, a freshman at
Penn State Main Campus, interviewed
for the dynamic dozen Public Relations
Committee for the campu’s annual
Relay for Life. Not only did she make
the committee, but she also was
given the position of “Visual Public
Relations Captain” because of her
art background and work on the
MPS Mural with Alum Todd Scalise/
Higherglyphics. Claire will oversee
“visually displaying Relay for Life,”
which includes creating visuals to let
the campus know of events, helping
with designs for merchandise, and
advertising the Relay for Life April 4-5.
Throughout the year until the actual
Relay, her visual public relations work
will help to raise money through
various campus events for the
American Cancer Society.
Sympathy
The Mercyhurst Prep community
of alumni, students, faculty, staff
and parents extends sympathy to
the following members of our
extended family:
Alumni:
Mary Mahoney McMahon ‘33
Adele Trippe Karle ‘40
Helen Kuebler Eastman ‘41
Doris Carlin Shade ‘48
Maryann Robaszkiewicz Adsit ‘51
Mary Kay Koehler Malamphy ‘57
Geraldine Janowski Farina ‘58
Susan Sonoga Moore ‘65
Barbara Piper Lynch ‘66
Ann Gent ‘67
Jacqueline Schley Halas ‘67
THOUGHTS OF SR. AUDREY “PETER” CLAUSS (1927-2015)
By Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, Class of 1969
For MPS alumna privileged to have studied French I-IV with Sr. Audrey “Peter”
Clauss, it was not surprising that she worked up until the day she passed away.
She was a ball of energy throughout her amazing life -- 32 years teaching and 35
years working with disabled children and adults and caring for the elderly.
At Mercyhurst Prep, she was a vibrant presence not only as a teacher, mentor
and friend, but also as the director of our first theater performances and the
coach of Forensics, known now as Speech & Debate. She was one of our first
faculty to plan and chaperone trips to Europe. We loved her wit and joie de
vivre.
She was humble and brilliant. None of us knew that she was working on her
Ph.D. in French from Case Western Reserve while she taught us at MPS. Nor
did we know that she was a Fulbright Scholar earning an additional language
diploma from the Sorbonne in Paris.
Following her death on February 6, her beloved Sisters of Mercy discovered
two faded documents in her dresser drawer that reflect what she loved most
about her life. One was the May 1982 issue of the Mercyhurst Prep newspaper
Shorelines that featured her in a story about religious vocations. She died in her
68th year of religious life.
The Class of 1963 dedicated its yearbook to her – a copy of that page featuring
her photos and dedication was the second document she kept in her drawer of
treasured memories.
At her request, her body was buried wearing her moccasins – so she could tread
lightly as she sought her loved ones in heaven. Bonjour, Soeur Pierre. Merci
beaucoup pour les souvenirs!
Anne Berry Earls ‘69
Julie Samick Van Volkenburg ‘70
Deborah Laird ‘71
Linda Bauman Obleski Callahan ‘72
Madeline Sivak ‘75
James Sekula ‘81
Mark J. Glennon ‘93
Nick Aquino ‘03
Abram Sorek ‘09
Husband of:
Irene Mszanowski Ropski ‘43
Mary Ann Stupek Brugger ‘53
Mary Jo Pontoriero Jack ‘69
Mother of:
Susan Veihdeffer Vogt ‘65
Carolyn Shade Larson ’69,
Diane Shade Flook ’73,
Eileen Shade McGuire ’74
and Annette Shade ‘78
Denise Karle Parker ’71 and
Lynne Karle Wright ‘76
Charlene Ciotti Phanco ‘71
Barbie Twiss Loeslein ’72 and
Anne Twiss Dolan ‘75
Kathy Fessler Hersch ‘75
Laurie Root ‘75
Elaine Pulakos ’76,
Diane Pulakos ’79 and
George Pulakos ‘82
Brian Koeberle ‘79
Marc McAndrew ’84 and
Brian McAndrew ‘85
Kristy Kelly ‘86
Julia Dembinski Burton ’90 and
Joseph Dembinski ‘92
Michael McCormick ‘92
Emily Earls Ghiorse ‘97
Jennifer Halas DeCenzo ‘97
24
Jillian Moore Hinton ’97 and
Courtney Moore ‘99
Julie Obleski ’98, Christina Obleski
Cook ’00, Catherine Obleski
Wetherington ’01, and Kaitlyn
Callahan ‘14
Jennifer Van Volkenburg ’99 and
Joanna Van Volkenburg ‘05
Carly Fischer ‘13
Father of:
Eunice Greiner Dovey ‘65
Denise Gerbi Leath ‘67
Mary Lou Giermak Nexsen ’71 and
Pat Giermak Millea ‘73
Eileen Lorei Talbot ‘87
Chad Santos ’92, Jason Santos ’95
and Jamie Santos ‘95
Matt Anderson ’94, Brent
Anderson ’97, and
Laurie Anderson Glass ‘04
Mark Tupek ‘03
little lakers
Send us a birth notice and we will send your baby a special MPS tee.
alumni@mpslakers.com
CONGRATULATIONS!
Toni Platte Payner ‘92 and husband
Ian welcomed son Christopher James
in June. Big brothers Michael and
Ryan are very excited to have another
brother. Sister of:
Rosie Sonoga Omniewski ‘67
Lisa Bauman Sullivan ‘71
Rebecca O’Leary Devine ‘71
Brother of:
Dr. Floyd Csir ‘86
Sisters of Mercy:
Sr. Audrey (Peter) Clauss, RSM
Sr. Mary Edith Hirsch, RSM
Sr. Mary Dolores Jablonski, RSM
Other:
Mother of former advancement
assistant, Linda Hoover
Former English teacher,
Betty Louise Kelly
Mother of former board member,
Christine Laughlin Willey and
recently retired maintenance
supervisor Patrick Laughlin
Former teacher, Patsy Capps Root
Nathan and Abigail Bentley
Roan McQuillen
Anthony Cuzzola ’96 and wife Jen
on the August birth of their first child,
Arianna.
Carolyn McQuillen ‘93 married her
first online date, Sascha Meyer, on
August 11, 2013. She is a Dialysis RN
and a Certified Massage Therapist.
They welcomed son Roan on May
22, 2014. Roan is the grandson of
former Mercyhurst College President
& Professor Michael McQuillen and
his wife, Joy. They reside in the Rocky
Mountains in Evergreen, CO.
Michael Thieman ’95 and wife Tory on
the October birth of Margaret Avery.
She has two big brothers.
Keith Bentley ’96 and Rebecca
Kovacs Bentley ’00 welcomed Abigail
Capri in August. She joins big brother
Nathan, who is two.
Mrs. Paula Dworakowski "shines" with the MPS umbrella.
Ally Clark
Kate Brabender Clark ’97 and her
husband, Chris, announce the birth
of their first child, Alexandra (Ally)
Elizabeth Clark on March 9, 2014.
They reside in Annapolis, MD, where
Kate is a clinical psychologist for
Johns Hopkins University’s Center for
Talented Youth. Chris is an internal
auditor for the United States Air Force.
25
25
Jill Eck Myers ’03 and husband Justin
on the July 1 birth of Jenna Summer.
She joins big sister Julia.
Sarah Burchard ’05 on the January
birth of Soren Alivia.
Olive and Lincoln Ferko
Emily Gensheimer Ferko ’99 and
Jared Ferko ’01 on the October birth
of Olive Irene. She joins big brother
Lincoln, who is 2 ½.
Isabella Matczak
Michael Matczak ’02 and Stacey Szoszorek Matczak’02 on the June birth
of their third child, Isabella Kathleen.
Her older sisters are Abigail, 4, and
Madison, 3.
Aubrey Wieczorek
Steve Wieczorek ‘05 and wife Maria
on the birth of their first child, Aubrey,
on September 22. The family resides in
Las Vegas, NV. Aubrey’s uncle is David
Wieczorek ‘15.
Charlotte and Maggie Wachter
Emily Hartwig Wachter ’99 and
husband Dave on the October 7 birth
of Maggie Marie. She joins two-year
old sister, Charlotte.
Atty. Emily Mosco Merski '00 and
husband Bob on the April birth of their Abigail and Madison Matczak
first child, Robert Alexander.
Amber Krumpe Pische ’01 and
husband on the October birth of their
first child, Everett.
Kamal and Rania Sharif
Kamal Sharif ’07 and wife Asha on
the August birth of their daughter,
Rania. She joins big brother Ali. The
family resides in Kent, Washington,
where Kamal is an officer on the
University of Washington Police Force.
26
James Will ’07 and wife Veronica on
the December birth of a son, John
Afton Will.
Then & Now
Featured here are four sophomores from 1990 sporting their dress
uniforms with a white cardigan! Fast forward to 2015. Here are
some sophomores in their dress uniforms after a class mass with
Fr. Steve Schreiber. Although the uniforms may evolve, the true spirit
of a Laker remains the same.
The McCowien men
Chawn McCowien ’09 and wife
Amanda on the August birth of
Chawn Jr.
Megan, Alanna and Mark Fluegel
Mark Fluegel ’00 and wife Megan,
current MPS English teacher, on the
July birth of daughter Alanna
Margaret. If you have news for Class Notes,
please email Amanda at ahill@
mpslakers.com or call 814-824-2066.
27
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Dear Readers,
Much has been happening at MPS and we hope you are staying in touch with us via
email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, phone or visit.
You will want to read about our alumni and friends of MPS, who were honored at our
Laker Legends Scholarship Gala in February (page 6-8). We have set the date for next
year’s Gala on March 4, 2016, so please mark your calendars as you will not want to
miss this celebration. You, as a reader, have an opportunity to nominate an alumna or
alumnus for the Distinguished Alumni for Career or Service Award, the Young Alumni
Award, and the Mercy Award. Please visit mpslakers.com/alumni and send in your
nomination(s.)
We pay tribute to the Scalise/Bressan/Glennon three generational families on their
Friends from the class of 1971,
tribute to Mercyhurst Prep (page 9). If you are from a family with three generations of
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer and
graduates, who have not been featured in MPScapades, please contact me at
Joanne Przybyszewski Kubinski,
mgensheimer@mpslakers.com.
working at the Laker Glow 5K.
Our 2015 Alumni Directory Project is completed and we thank you for your participation since this helps us update our
records with accurate information. If you are still interested in obtaining a book or CD, please contact PCI’s client
experience team: customerservice@publishingconcepts.com or 800.982.1590 (toll free).
You may have heard the buzz about our very successful Laker Glow Run that was held at the school on April 18. This was a
real community, family event with over 500 registered runners/walkers. A special thank you goes out to our major donors:
PNC Bank, WJET TV, Fox 66, Your Erie.com, Classy 100, 104.3 The Vibe, Coca-Cola, Smith’s Provisions & the Weber
Family, Erie Reader and UPMC Health Plan. Next year’s Laker Glow is on the calendar for April 16, 2016.
Happy spring and summer. Please stop by to visit us if you are in the area.
Marcia
MERCYHURST PREP
Stop by to check out our
NEW mural items!
spirit store
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAI D
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 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)
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