- DeSales University

DeSales University
50 Years of Memories
This DeSales University 50th Anniversary
Memories Edition of the Magazine Includes:
The Faculty and Staff Who’ve Inspired You
Photos Through the Years
Your Memories of Your Time on Campus
letter from the president
I attended the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s
performance of Les Misérables—it was the finest produc-
Fall 2015
tion in the history of DeSales University and it vividly
announced that the University has “come of age” just
Editor
in time to celebrate 50 years of excellent contributions
Laura R. Zielinski
to the people of the Lehigh Valley (and beyond). As our
Photographers
50th Anniversary Year continues, here are the upcoming
events for the spring semester:
January 24 - 28, 2016:
Amy Hertzog ’10
Phil Stein
Printing
Alcom Printing Group, Inc.
A special Heritage Week celebration honoring our 50th
On the Cover:
anniversary hosted by the Salesian Center for Faith and
The sun breaks through
the clouds in the late
afternoon sky over the
DeSales University
Center. 50 years in
and the Center Valley
campus just gets more
and more beautiful.
Culture. The week will include Mass with the Bishop of
Allentown, a forum featuring CEO’s from local hospital
networks, a seminar on law and society, a town hall on social communications,
and a lecture by the editor of Civilta Cattolica & papal interviewer. Visit www.
desales.edu/salesian for the complete schedule.
Spring 2016:
We will dedicate a new statue, Jesus the Teacher, and we will honor the bishops,
clergy, and people of Allentown as having called us into being from the “Heart
of the Church” (Ex Corde Ecclesiae). The date will be announced in early 2016.
March: The annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 19, 2016.
April: The Marcon Lecture will be held on Wednesday, April 6, with Michelle
Malkin, journalist and Fox News contributor.
President
Fr. Bernard F. O’Connor, OSFS
Vice President for Institutional
Advancement
Thomas L. Campbell
Executive Director of Communications
Tom McNamara ’92
May: On May 21, Commencement will begin with a parade of the flags for
each graduating class carried by alumni from each class. The Most Reverend
Joseph Kurtz, D.D., Archbishop of Louisville, Ky., and president of the American
Bishop’s Conference will offer the address. Bishop Kurtz is a native of the Lehigh
Valley and an early member of the Board of Trustees of Allentown College.
June: The Annual Convocation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales will be held
from June 20-23, 2016. We will officially conclude our year of celebration with
the dedication of the statues in front of the Connelly chapel to the world-wide
congregation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and in particular to the members of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province for responding to the gracious
invitation of Bishop Joseph McShea to create our University. Fr. Aldino Kiesel,
OSFS, and his general council will be present.
Bernard F. O’Connor
President
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The DeSales University Magazine is published twice a year
by the Institutional Advancement Office for the alumni
and friends of the University. Comments and suggestions
are welcome. Please address all correspondence to Laura
Zielinski, editor, DeSales University Magazine, DeSales
University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034.
Phone: 610.282.1100, ext. 1359; fax 610.282.2059; or
e-mail laura.zielinski@desales.edu.
Contents
4 The Faculty and Staff Who’ve Inspired You
We asked our alumni to tell us about the faculty and staff who have touched their lives. Enjoy these beautiful
tributes to the men and women who’ve given so much to DeSales.
12 A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words
View the photos and captions submitted by alumni documenting their college years.
16 Your Memories
Get nostalgic with memories submitted by alumni about their time in Center Valley.
23 Your Dreams for the Next 50 Years
24 Message From the Alumni Office
24 Class Notes
29 DeSales Creates New Monthly Giving Program
33 Help Us Find our Lost Alumni: over the years, we’ve lost touch with some of our alumni. If you have
contact information for any of these alums or are still in touch with them, help us reconnect!
Dooling Hall under construction.
3
faculty & staff who’ve inspired you
De Sales Faculty and Staff Who’ve
The following tributes were submitted by our alumni in honor of DeSales faculty and staff, past and present, who inspired their
students. Would you like to add your voice to the discussion? E-mail 50Years@desales.edu and your submission will be added
to our anniversary web page—wwww.desales.edu/50.
Dr. Gregg Amore, student life staff and
psychology faculty
I signed up for Organic Chemistry in a crazy, accelerated sixweek format at another university. (When I eventually earned
Submitted by Colleen Gavin ’13
an A in this—by far, the hardest class I had yet taken—I right
Dr. Gregg Amore is passionate about
away wrote a note to Dr. Berg thanking him for being such a
his job. He cares about the students
great professor and for giving me such a solid foundation in
and strives to build character in
chemistry that he helped me ace a class 20 years later). Halfway
each person in his classes. I am lucky
through OChem, though, my fellow students were starting to
enough that I had the opportunity to
complain:
take several of his classes. He became a
mentor and life role model for me. He
is not only successful, but he embodies the values taught at
DeSales University.
Ted: This isn’t fair, they’re expecting us to remember stuff
from Intro to Chem. That was way back, like last
semester!
Will: That’s nothing. It’s worse for me, I took Chem 101
Dr. Rodger Berg, chemistry faculty
Submitted by Teresa (Messineo) Manidis ’95
Dr. Roger Berg is a wonderful professor
who positively impacted my life.
It had been 20 years since I earned
my bachelor’s degree from DeSales
(in English, biology, and theology)
the semester before last. There’s no way I should be
expected to remember what we learned back then.
This is just nuts. We’re never going to pass.
Me: How old are you?
Will: [Proudly, puffing out his chest, this lady thinks I’m just
a teenager, I’ll show her] I’m twenty.
Me: I took Intro to Chem the year before . . . you were born.
and now I was taking pre-requisite
classes, again at DeSales, toward a
second career in medicine. The courses I took back in the
’90s were serving me well—even after my long hiatus, I found
myself getting As in classes like Microbiology and Anatomy &
Physiology.
1965 -2015
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Leon Bolich, economics faculty
Submitted by The Hon. Stanley C. Wisniewski, Ph.D., J.D. ’69
While there were a number of faculty and staff who made
a positive impression on my life—initially as teachers or
Inspired You
counselors and later as colleagues—
there is one in particular I would like to
acknowledge: Leon Bolich.
Bolich was my first economics
professor. He was also the first
chairman of the economics department
while simultaneously serving as the
treasurer for the college, all at an age not so far removed from
my own. He earned his Ph.D. in economics at the Catholic
University of America (CUA). With his encouragement and
support throughout my student years at the college, I followed
in his footsteps, earning my Ph.D. in economics at CUA, and
he welcomed me back to the college as a faculty member.
Later, when I became chair of the economics department, Bolich
provided encouragement and support for the various new
initiatives I proposed that ultimately led to the establishment
of the new accounting and business programs at the college (as
described in Fr. Pocetto’s faithful history of the early days at the
college, Drawing Out The Goodness (2005) at pp. 110-111).
What Leon Bolich did for me was not accompanied by stern
lectures or great fanfare; rather it was marked by quiet generosity
and a simple willingness to help someone. I can only hope that
everyone has the opportunity in their lives to be on the giving or
receiving end of such genuine caring—it makes a real difference.
Dr. Rodger Berg, chemistry faculty
& Dr. Joseph Colosi, biology faculty
Submitted by Gregory Roth ’88, MD, CPE, FACEP
I entered Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales in the
Spring of 1985 as an accounting/business major. Shortly
after that, my career choice changed to medicine. For
various reasons, I decided to keep my business track but
focus all of my electives on the sciences.
Dr. Rodger Berg and Dr. Joseph Colosi immediately
became extremely influential in and supportive of my
decision to essentially create a dual-major. Both of them
challenged me tremendously (even more than many of
my medical school professors) and provided personalized
Ruth Butler, music and English faculty
Submitted by Michael Episcopo ’71
Affectionately known as Mrs. B, Ruth Butler’s Music
guidance as issues arose. It seems the more they expected
of me, the more intent I was in proving that I could
succeed and meet their expectations.
Appreciation class not only made you appreciate music other
Not only were they excellent educators, but I truly feel
than Rock-n-Roll, it made you appreciate the teacher herself.
that they treated me as a future colleague. They could
have just as easily presented their lectures, tested me,
and never shown an interest in my future. That certainly
was not the case. I don’t think I’d be where I am today if
it wasn’t for the encouragement and support of these two
wonderful people.
I think about them often (especially since Dr. Colosi is a
Facebook friend and I have a framed letter from Dr. Berg
hanging in my office) and hope that all DeSales students
realize what a huge honor it is to learn under Drs. Berg
and Colosi.
5
faculty & staff who’ve inspired you
She loved classical music and she had
asked that question all my life: to be a veterinarian. Well, in
a way of instilling the finer points
two weeks, he drove me and another girl with similar interests
of music into her students. You may
to the dean of admissions of the University of Pennsylvania
not have liked everything, but I’ll bet
of Veterinary Medicine! It was then I realized this was indeed
every student came away enjoying
possible. I just had to take one course and a GRE test.
one piece of music they thought they
never could.
Later, Dr. Colosi said to sign up for a student research position.
I had no idea what it entailed but I trusted him. The letters
But outside of class Mrs. B was the person a student could turn
of recommendation from the science department helped me
to with questions or problems and never be turned away. She
get chosen for a national student summer research project
enjoyed interacting in student affairs and shared herself, her
in South Carolina. I’m positive this research experience was
time, and even her home to help create an enjoyable college
instrumental in my acceptance to the U of P the first time I
experience. For four years it was a pleasure to interact with her
applied to be the vet I wanted to be all my life.
and it continued for many years after graduation for myself
and many of my fellow graduates.
I always will speak highly of this University and repeat the roll
that wonderful Dr. Colosi had in my life to many.
God bless Mrs. B!
Submitted by Teresa (Messineo) Manidis ’95
Submitted by Marc Bobish ’74
Dr. Joseph Colosi was the finest instructor I have ever had,
Ruth Butler trained me in the love of classical music, and I
anywhere, at any time.
play it in my classroom today. She and her husband were great
supporters of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in which I
was affiliated.
I never knew my professors had office hours. Sure they posted
something on their doors and there were a few numbers listed
on their syllabi, but that didn’t pertain to me. At least, I never
thought it did.
Dr. Joseph Colosi, biology faculty
Submitted by Kelly (Mullen) Crouthamel ’88
1965 -2015
6
Looking back, their patience amazes me. Anytime, without
warning, I’d barge into their offices, they’d turn away from
I came to Allentown College on a part-
their research papers, their professional projects, the essays
time schedule, unsure of my future.
they were readying for peer review, and sit and chat until I was
Dear Dr. Warren, after a year of physics
done. I’d talk to my science professors about poetry and my
fun, pointed me towards the biology
history professors about science; my English professors about
department, my original major.
social justice and my theology professors about Carnegie Hall.
Dr. Joe Colosi asked me what I wanted to
The professor I tapped the most was Dr. Joseph Colosi—
do. I answered the same way whenever
ostensibly our biology instructor but, more, our sounding board
for life. He would read us poems by e.e.cummings and psalms
from the Bible; he would answer all our questions during lecture
(no matter how off-topic); and, above all else, whatever was
Fr. Thomas Dailey, OSFS ’81, theology faculty
Submitted by Michelle Khawam ’12
I met Fr. Dailey six years ago
going on in our lives, wherever we were, he would listen to us.
during my sophomore year in his
Fast-forward 20 years. I was taking pre-requisites for a second
class As Jesus Speaks. At the time,
career in medicine and had signed up for a class at my alma
I would have never imagined I
mater without even checking who was teaching it. And there
would take three more courses
was Dr. Colosi. And he was just the same. His hair was white
with him. His courses were
but he was the same— no, even better than I remembered him:
not easy! Although they were
a refined teacher, engaging in class, by now an expert in his
challenging, they left me yearning
field. As always, I marveled at this professor whose wonder,
to learn more about theology.
whose awe of creation was so contagious it infected us; who
brought everything to life for us all over again.
Fr. Dailey became more than just a professor, he became a
mentor and a role model. For his continued guidance in my
I was pulling an A in his course. I was at the top of my class.
academic and professional endeavors and for teaching me to
But after all the other students had shuffled out of lab I was
constantly seek and love God, I am forever grateful and blessed.
there, in the back, still hanging around. Just as in years past, Dr.
Colosi asked casually over his shoulder, erasing the board:
“Do you have a question, Teresa?”
“Well, actually, I do.”
It was a Saturday afternoon in July, and he’d been teaching
since 8:00 a.m. His wife was waiting for him, his friends; he
had papers to grade, research projects to finish; odd jobs to
do around the house. If he hurried he’d still have time for
gardening, for hiking, for a life of his own.
“You see, Dr. Colosi, I’m at a cross-roads in my life, really. There
are just so many things I don’t understand and so many things
I still want to do and all I’m searching for is truth and beauty
and the meaning behind absolutely everything and . . .”
Three hours later he locked up the lab.
Here are some words of wisdom from Fr. Dailey that I will
always carry with me: “Maybe real happiness is not in doing
what you picture but in listening to and following what God is
calling you to be an do.”
In the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Dailey truly lives Jesus.
Submitted by Susan Roehm ’95
I admire and respect Fr. Dailey on the deepest level. From
the day I first met him to the day I last sat in senior seminar,
The Life of Leisure, Fr. Dailey was someone for whom I had
developed the deepest regard.
At the time in my life when we first met, I was anti-organized
religion (I am still not fond of organized religion). I was spiritual,
but had no need to be involved in religion. Fr. Dailey assured me
that organized religion would never be forced upon me. Rather,
I would become more fully human, or so it was his hope. His
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faculty & staff who’ve inspired you
hope manifested itself within me, and indeed, I became a better
human. He prepared me for what was to come: my career.
Lessons learned from Fr. Dailey include, but are not limited to:
• Do not expect the answer, seek it for yourself.
• Think critically. Search, research, and then search again.
• Do not be late. I was NEVER late to class, because on the
first or second day of my Theology 100 class, a young
man strolled in late. Fr. Dailey said, “You’re late.” Before
the young man could answer, Fr. Dailey simply said,
“Don’t be.” His tone spoke volumes. I am not late.
• Bad things happen to good people. I choose how I will
respond.
Fr. Mike DOnovan, chaplain
Submitted by Patrick Murphy ’92
After a few semesters at college, I joined the Army. I
was working full-time and going to night school when I
decided, in 1990, it was time to go back and get my degree
from Allentown College. I called Fr. Mike Donovan and he
provided guidance as I re-enrolled and completed my BS
• Be kind.
• Stop. Understand and appreciate the grandeur
surrounding you in nature.
I recently retired from 18 years of public service as an at-risk
educator in secondary public and private schools. I taught
the “‘cast away” teens that society deemed unreachable and
unteachable. Fr. Dailey had a hand in preparing me for that
calling, and I am grateful to him.
in marketing. Fr. Mike was a mentor and a friend!
This photo of myself and Fr. Mike was from graduation
day in 1992. In October 1991, Fr. Mike married my wife
and I at St. Mary’s Church in Delphi, Pa.. I could not have
accomplished all that I did without the support of Fr. Mike.
He was an important part of my days at Allentown College.
process, and you promote that process; and there is a dying
process and it is acceptable to also promote a dying process.”
Fr. James Finnegan, OSFS, theology faculty
Fr. Finnegan had it right.
Submitted by John Hist ’69
I now work as director of community relations for D’Anjolell
Fr. James Finnegan was way before his
Memorial Homes. I establish relationships with senior
time. I remember his start to Theology
communities, hospice groups, non-medical and medical home
101. “I’m going to teach you what’s in
care, churches, and other areas where we touch the boomers
the book for 20 minutes and the real
and seniors. The focus is on advance planning education,
world for another 20.”
including the financial, emotional, and family peace of mind
Imagine a Catholic priest 50 years ago
acknowledging that “there is a living
1965 -2015
8
aspects thereof. The “death care” industry is complex yet quite
simple. It is the common denominator for us all.
Dr. Lois Gadek, English
faculty
Dr. Stephen Loughlin, philosophy faculty
Submitted by Teresa Winter ’14
Submitted by Marc Bobish ’74
I’d like to give a shout out to Dr. Stephen
Dr. Lois Gadek was new to Allentown
Loughlin and his wife Carol. They really
College, and we were freshman. She
took students under their wings with a
influenced me greatly in the joys of
hospitality and care that really inspired
reading and writing papers.
me. They had us over for Sunday brunch
discussion groups at their home and also
Fr. Daniel Gambet, OSFS, President Emeritus
Submitted by William McGurrin ’71
As a junior year transfer student in
1969, I was still a newbie by graduation
in 1971. I will always be grateful for
Fr. Daniel Gambet’s advice to me to
for tree decorating and Christmas carols.
They came to DSU one evening and spoke to students about the
vocation of married life. They are an amazing married couple,
and Dr. Loughlin is one of the best professors I ever met, even
though I was never able to take one of his classes!
to begin what would become a 40-year
Fr. Dennis Murphy,
chemistry faculty
career in education.
Submitted by Stephen Opresko ’69
pursue graduate studies as I was about
Thank you, Fr. Gambet, for the guidance, advice, and time
you spent just before my graduation to guide me through the
grad school application process. DeSales was the third college
I attended as an undergrad and you were the only person
who ever took the time to call me into your office and let me
Fr. Dennis Murphy was “Steady Eddy.”
He didn’t always understand (or did
he?) but he always helped set the path.
God, I miss him.
know what opportunities would open up to me if I followed a
Fr. Thomas O’Connell, Spanish faculty
graduate program of study.
Submitted by Nick Nardo’71
In my retirement years, I supervise young teachers pursuing
their graduate studies and certification requirements. I try to
give to them the interest and support that Fr. Gambet gave to
me in that very brief but important meeting in his dean of
studies office.
Back in the fall of 1969, the campus
peace movements were gearing up
for The Great Moratorium that would
hit the nation. Among other events,
there would be the protests against
the war raging in Vietnam. This was
all well and good, but my most vivid
recollection of that November of 1969 was Spanish class.
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faculty & staff who’ve inspired you
Spanish class? Fr. Thomas O’Connell, a most widely traveled
cleric, gave us pause to reflect upon this new catch-phrase
called “moratorium” and asked us, his students, if this is really
what the purpose should be. You see, the meaning of the word
Fr. Alexander Pocetto, OSFS , French and
theology faculty
Submitted by Stephen Opresko ’69
When you are a young male just starting
moratorium is “a temporary cessation,” not the ending of the
to see what life is all about, you stumble
conflict that the news media was suggesting.
and fall a lot. And sometimes you can’t
A life lesson learned, and since then I have been very leery of
pick yourself up. Fr Alexander Pocetto
new fads as they have come and gone. ¡Gracias Padre O’Connell!
would give you the strength to get up
without being judgmental. This world
could use more of his type.
Fr. Bernard O’Connor, OSFS, president
Submitted by Frank McBride ’92
One of the best teachers I had at Allentown College was Fr. Bernie O’Connor.
His philosophy classes taught you
Maggie (Karpovich) Riggins ’99,
student life staff
Submitted by Michelle Khawam ’12
how to think, formulate an argument,
First and foremost, I wouldn’t
and then present that argument to
be where I am in my career as a
the class. He also had this ability to
campus minister if it wasn’t for
confront you with a completely op-
Maggie. I e-mailed Maggie about
posite position that pushed you to defend yourself—in class
opportunities to be involved in
and in the final oral exam. These skills really helped me after
campus ministry before I even
graduation.
started at DeSales. Since then, she
has become a mentor, a role model,
Dr. George Oeste, history faculty
Submitted by Marc Bobish ’74
Dr. Oeste was the greatest. He was not
only our professor but our friend.
and above all, a friend. Maggie always had faith in me;
she helped me recognize my passion and love for campus
ministry and for God. There is no doubt that Maggie made a
special impact on my life and my career.
He invited our group to his home for
Maggie, thank you for allowing me to practically live in your
supper many a times and his wife was
office those four years at DeSales, because if it wasn’t for you,
right there with us. He was a great
my years at DeSales would not have been the same!
teacher, but more importantly, a great
mentor! He is missed.
Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio ’07
I have so many fond memories of my time at DeSales. I credit
DSU with who I am today, mostly because of my experiences
1965 -2015
10
inside and outside the classroom that have prepared me for my
In Philadelphia, I met many wonderful artists, learned
career. The best memories though were meeting my best friends
how to function in a major metropolitan area, and met the
and my mentors who still work at DeSales changing student lives.
love of my life. While I’ve since moved to New York (less
Maggie Riggins is the director of campus ministry and I was
her work study student. Maggie was always there to give me
advice, direction, or even listen to me cry and complain about
college problems. She was my life line at school, and she
continues to be my mentor today.
haphazardly this time), I will always treasure my time in
Philadelphia, and it wouldn’t have happened without Fr.
Schubert.
Harry Warren, chemistry faculty
Submitted by Stephen Opresko ’69
Fr. Gerard Schubert, OSFS, theatre faculty
Submitted by Julie Grega ’07
While many theatre alumni will point
to Fr. Gerry Schubert as someone who
impacted their lives while at DeSales, I
would like to say that it was only after
I graduated that Fr. Schubert had his
most profound affect on me.
I was not fortunate to have him as a
Harry Warren is a gentleman and a
scholar who makes you feel like you
are someone. We used to joke about
him (typical for students), but he
always had our interests and welfare
at heart. We named his office “Happy
Harry’s Hacienda For Helpless Honeys”
and said “How’s Your Beehive?” What we didn’t realize was
that we were the helpless honeys and he was helping us
prepare to make our own beehive. Youth can be so ignorant.
professor, as he had retired from teaching by the time I was
a freshman. After graduation, I spent nearly a year working
at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. When I knew my
time in Center Valley was drawing to a close, I set my sights
(haphazardly, I’ll admit) on New York City. But my plans to
move fell through and I felt rudderless.
Linda Zerbe, student life staff
Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio ’07
Linda Zerbe actually set me in the
direction of working in higher
education. One day I was meeting
One Sunday morning, I attended the special Mass offered in
with her and she recommended I look
the summer for the PSF folks, and Fr. Schubert happened to
into higher education as a career. Sure
be celebrating that day. He invited the few attendees back
enough, I took her advice and have
to the Wills Hall dining room for breakfast, and it was there
been fundraising for higher education
that I spoke to Father about my current lack of direction. He
institutions for the past seven years.
suggested I move to Philadelphia, praising the city and its
great theatre community. I took his advice, and I will forever
be grateful to him for his suggestion.
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A Picture’s worth a thousand words
(but we’ll include some of those, too)
On the following pages, you’ll see photos and captions that our alumni submitted of their time in Center Valley. If you’d like to
share any of your photos, we’ll publish them on our 50th anniversary website (www.desales.edu/50). Send photos and captions
to 50Years@desales.edu.
12
When Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, the campus lost power for days. Teresa Winter ’14 rode out the power
outage with a group of friends at the home of Corey Purcell ’12. In the photo on the left, Chuck Kustan ’13
and Teresa play Guess Who by candlelight. In the photo on the right, Rachel Castellan ’14,
Teresa, Nicole Fantauzzo ’14, Sarah Bridge ’16 and Chuck anticipated the storm with games and
flashlights. Submitted by Teresa Winter.
Teresa Winter ’14 and her friends took on “The Volcano”—billed as
the largest sundae in Pennsylvania— at the Inside Scoop on Rt.
309 in Coopersburg. Pictured are Joanna Miller ’14, Kathy Stimpfle
’13, Theresa Seibert ’15, Joseph Marlin ’13, Chuck Kustan ’13, Max
Potts ’12, Kelly Morgan ’15, Liz Fry ’12, Arturo Mondello ’15, John
Gerritzen ’13, Teresa, Allyson Cashdollar, and Melissa Buttner ’14.
Submitted by Teresa Winter.
Ireland 2007: Mike Eastlack ’07, Tim
Gallagher ’10, Christa Cordero ’09, Maggie
(Marshall) Rousis ’10, Amanda Fabrizio ’07,
Amanda (Miner) Conklin ’09, Molly (Motley)
Jazefowski ’08, Amanda Reese ’08, Jill
Yapsuga ’07, Fr. Joe DiMauro, Mike and
Linda Zerbe and their sons, Patrick and
Christopher, Ryan Gallagher ’04 and Tracy
Gallagher ’05, Kristen (Prange) Hall ’07, and
Marci Tom. Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio.
In Welsh getting ready for
Homecoming 2010. Pictured from
left to right: Molly Yildiran ’14, Taylor
Greene ’12, Colleen Gavin ’13, and
Melissa Degenhart ’13. Submitted
by Colleen Gavin.
Teresa Winter ’14, Theresa Seibert ’14, Rachel Castellan ’14, Grace
O’Connell ’14, Nicole Fantauzzo ’14, and Melissa Buttner ’14 at
the March for Life in January 2011. Submitted by Teresa Winter.
DeSales got waterlogged after
a hurricane (Irene?) hit the East
Coast in fall 2011. Submitted by
Teresa Winter ’14.
Amy (Ward) Rhine ’07, Amanda Fabrizio
’07, Matt McMahon ’08, Alissa DeVito
’07, Christina Cucchiara ’08, and Rachel
Wamba Yadrnak ’07 during a night of
sledding. Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio.
Friends relaxing during the Valentines Day
snow day in 2007. Amanda Fabrizio ’07,
Christina Cucchiara ’08, Amy (Ward) Rhine
’07, Alissa DeVito ’07, and Kara Merancy ’ 09.
Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio.
13
your photos
Five dorm mates Mike Gerchufsky ’91, Nate
Hunsinger ’92, Todd Mazurick ’92, Darren
Rogers ’91, and Brian Uglione ’92 saw a photo
op with St. Francis and took it! Submitted by
Nate Hunsinger.
Students celebrate the last day of class in May 2014 after daily
mass at Wills Hall Chapel, putting into practice the Oblate
motto “Tenui Nec Dimittam” - I have taken hold and will not
let go”. In the photo: Katie McCarthy ’15, Marlo Collina ’14,
Carla Burns ’14, Emily Ickes ’14, Caetlyn Mackey ’14, Bethany
Wall ’14, Alexandra Romanyshyn ’15, Melissa Buttner ’14, and
Joseph McDaniel ’14. Submitted by Joseph McDaniel.
2012 Nursing Pinning
Ceremony. Submitted by
Melissa Juchno ’12
Amy (Stocker) Guth ’07, Lisa (Yingling)
Tkachenko ’07, Rachel (Miller) Morcrette
’07, Susan (Pavusik) McGovern ’07, John
Patch ’07, Ryan Connolly ’07, and Matthew
Ottinger ’07 as freshman in Spring 2004.
Submitted by Lisa Tkachenko.
Jenna Stampf ’08, Kelly Magrann
’10, LeighAnn (Burke) McGovern
’09, Kirby (Lutz) Hendershot ’07,
and Kaila Wiand ’10 in Ireland
with the DeSales women’s’
basketball team 2008. Submitted
by LeighAnn McGovern.
Photo submitted by Elizabeth (Altomare) Boyd ’13
Senior Night at Dave-n-Busters
in Philadelphia. Amanda Fabrizio
’07, Alissa DeVito ’07, and Melanie
McGregor ’07. Photo submitted by
Amanda Fabrizio.
Members of the DSU Women’s Basketball team
with Coach Fred Richter. Submitted by LeighAnn
(Burke) McGovern ’09.
14
The 2007-08 women’s basketball team
in Brownwood, Tex., for the NCAA Sweet
16. Submitted by LeighAnn (Burke)
McGovern ’09.
SGA Trip to Washington, D.C.: Spencer
Marte ’10, Maureen Leeson ’08, Diana
Boutros ’08, Brian Radziwill ’07, Erin
(Begley) Ellis ’06, Pat Kilcur ’06, Ernie
Justice ’07, Achille Scache ’07, Jaime
Gerhart, Kevin Gardner ’07, Sarah (Ball)
Lumi ’09, Mary DiFebo ’06, and Amanda
Fabrizio ’07. Submitted by Amanda Fabrizio.
Helene Kosciolek ’09 and her
best friend Victoria Kroll ’09 in
front of the DUC. Submitted by
Helene Kosciolek.
First day of college: Johnny Manidis
’17 gets a kiss goodbye from his mom,
Teresa (Messineo) Manidis ’95 outside
Conmy Hall—her old and his new dorm.
Submitted by Teresa Manidis.
Emily Hoffman ’10, LeighAnn
(Burke) McGovern ’09, Jenna
Stampf ’08, Kelly Magrann ’10,
Kirby (Lutz) Hendershot ’07, and
Elyse (Kutsop) Kay ’10 while in
a DSU basketball tournament
in Ireland in 2008. Submitted by
LeighAnn McGovern.
Four photos submitted by Cathy Powell ’96
The women’s basketball team winning
the 2008-09 MAC Championship.
Submitted by LeighAnn (Burke)
McGovern ’09.
The 2007
championship
cross country team.
Submitted by Andrew
Ferretti ’ 10 M’11.
The 2011
Championship track
and field team.
Submitted by Andrew
Ferretti ’ 10 M’11.
15
your memories
Each of the following stories were written by alumni. If you have a memory you’d like to share, e-mail it to 50years@desales.edu
and we’ll add your memory to our website: www.desales.edu/50.
Why Not Start a Campus Carnival?
By Peter Grande ’73
Well not 50, more like 44 years ago, in February 1971, four
AC sophomores and juniors were eating cheesesteaks at the
Hellertown Hotel one Thursday night around 11:00 p.m.
The discussion turned from our favorite topic—the addition
of females to the AC campus—to “doing something.”
Doing something. Life at AC had gotten a little monotonous
for all of us. (I know you find that hard to believe.) As we
washed down the last bites with another bottle of Schmidt’s,
Bob Zeccardi ’74 said, “We should do a carnival for MS.” My
godmother had recently been diagnosed with MS, so I thought
that was a great idea. Drawing on napkins and making lists on
the check, we began to craft the strategy that resulted in the Allentown College Carnival for MS.
The next day, I contacted the MS Society of the Lehigh Valley,
and soon after two representatives came out to visit us on campus. After listening to our presentation that was more enthusiasm than business plan, for whatever reason they gave us $4,000
in seed money to hold the event in the first week of May.
We sprang into action, soliciting the help of the various “warring”
factions on campus—CRABS, Owls, O’s, WGASA and whatever the
ungroup was that Tom Durkin ’73 and Augie Lawler ’73 formed—
everyone pitched-in and did their part. People who didn’t have a
kind word in three years for the other person found themselves
on work teams producing for a common cause.
ond year to include a broader base of stakeholders. There was
a beauty pagent directed by Sylvia (Stubits) McBrinn ’74 with
12 to 16 high school contestants. There was a basketball all-star
game that featured the Philly Big 5 All-Stars against the Lehigh
Valley All-Stars. My roommate, Fred Fenselau ’73, said it was the
best college basketball game he’d ever seen. I think the Big Five
squeaked out a victory, but AC’s Dennis Ramella ’73 was named
We were driven. Actually we were driven by the fear of the Morn-
MVP. WSAN broadcast live from the Carnival and brought Todd
ing Call headline: “College Students Lose $4,000 for MS.” I think
Rundgren to perform the first profit-making concert at AC.
Fr. Gambet and Fr. Pocetto were clutched by a similar concern
when two weeks in, someone figured we better clear this with
them. Fr. Gambet’s parting comment to me was, “You know,
this needs to be a success.” (This fear is probably why Fr. Pocetto
missed the Carnival in his book about the history of AC.)
From those humble beginnings the carnival had a three or four
year run at AC (I graduated after year two)—expanding in its sec-
16
The view of the stage for first Carnival at AC from atop the Ferris
Wheel, where Wayne Rizzo ’73 and Mike Moclouch ’73 blew the doors
off on opening night.
We didn’t lose money (Whew!). Over the years, the Carnival
made more than $30,000 for the fight against MS. What we
didn’t realize at the time was that it helped mold us into the
doers, team players, and leaders our parents hoped we would
become when they sent us to Allentown College…skills that
served all of us well over the last 44 years.
An Unfortunate Occurrence in the Organic Chemistry Lab
By Stephen Opresko ’69
It was a Wednesday afternoon, and those of us who were chemistry majors in the class of 1969 were taking Organic Chemistry.
This was lab time, and Fr. Dennis Murphy “shuffled” into the lab
(second floor of what used to be called Wills Hall) where we all
were beginning a laboratory experiment. The teaching text chosen by Fr. Murphy was Organic Chemistry by Morrison & Boyd,
and the laboratory text was Organic Experiments by Fieser.
We were preparing to run the experiment from Chapter 8,
Extraction using a Soxhlet extraction apparatus. It consists of
a heated flask (using an electric heating mantel) topped by a
reflux condenser that is open to the atmosphere (see p. 54 in
Feiser if you’re interested).
One chemistry major’s (who won’t be named) lab station was
next to mine. Apparently, his experiment was not working fast
enough for him, so he removed the heating mantel, corked the
reflux condenser, and used a Bunsen burner in place of the
different lab bench. I ran for the CO2 fire extinguisher and put
the fire out, but not before the ceiling tiles were blackened with
heating mantel. That created a closed system building pressure.
soot (which remained for numerous years).
Well the Soxhlet apparatus exploded and spread the fire along
The moral of this story: the experimenter was wearing safety
the entire lab bench. Smoke and soot erupted. Fr Murphy was
glasses, which protected his eyes and they were not damaged.
stunned and couldn’t shuffle anymore, being in awe of the
So pay attention to government regs. And yes, the experimenter
spectacle. The rogue experimenter was on the floor against a
now works for the government making regs!
Fraternities of the Class of ’69
By Stephen Opresko ’69
In the early days, our class numbers were few. And as the first
4 years progressed, our numbers became fewer. Speaking from
experience, there were about 200 students at the start, and
about 40 were chemistry majors. In 1969, at the end of four
Well, to build camaraderie, several “fraternities” were started.
Alpha Beta Chi (biology), Circle K (service), Pi Alpha Delta
(politics), Sigma Chi Phi (chemistry & physics) and of course
the infamous “CRABS” (Christian Revival Of Alcohol BeverageS—open to everyone).
years, there were 112 in our class and only 6 graduating chem-
And we had hazing (shudder). In fact during the pre/post-
istry majors.
Christmas period, the members of Alpha Beta Chi tied the
Being on an all-male campus out in the corn fields, it was
different. Who remembers the trips into Allentown to Hess’s
president of Sigma Chi Phi to a lamppost with strings of Christmas lights (all in good fun, we hope).
department store on Thursday nights to stand at the bottom of
All in all it was a good crew. The class of ’69 picked a Centaur as
the first floor escalator to watch the Hess female models come
the mascot (but where could we get one?). And more recently we
down the escalator in their “attire?”
are Bulldogs. But we will always be “one for all and all for one.”
17
your memories
From Theatre Fan to a Two-Time Graduate
By Joe Lazorik ’86 M’97
My first memories of the college were back in the 60s. I was in
of college. My computer skills were dated.
grade school and accompanied my parents to plays held in base-
Then one Saturday morning in August, I was eating breakfast
ment theatre of the classroom building. I was quite impressed
and reading the newspaper and saw an ad that Allentown College
with the performances and went as often as I could.
was offering a master’s degree in information technology. I said
As a freshman in high school, I had an Allentown College graduate (a guy by the name of George Kelly ’69) as my social studies
teacher—this was the first time I met anyone connected to the
college. Once I could drive, I started taking my dates to different plays and musicals at the school. There were several shows
that I liked so much (Dracula was my favorite) that I purchased
“That’s it!” I went to the school, talked with Dr. Julius Bede, and
signed up. Because I had a business background, I needed to take
extra courses—some courses were harder than I expected, and
some were easier. I had to adapt, research, and adjust to the nonstandard classroom/teacher approach. This stage of my education was invaluable in an unexpected way: I learned how to learn.
another ticket and went back by myself on a weeknight to watch
As my last graduate elective, I took Organizational Behavior.
the performance again!
The first night, the instructor told us that it was the only evening
After I graduated from high school, I started college but left early to enter the workforce. After a few years I decided it was time
to go back to school at night and get my degree. I tried another
school, but they didn’t have a formal evening program and be-
she would teach: starting week two, students would take turns
researching topics on a subject (coordinated by her) and presenting our findings to the class. She said we could use whatever
presentation form we wanted.
ing treated like a traditional day student while working full time
As luck had it, the class was large and my presentation was sched-
made it difficult to meet with faculty and with other students
uled for the last class. By going last, I was hoping to learn from
for group projects. Out of frustration, I quit school again. That
the mistakes of others and, at the same time, coming up with a
would have been it until I heard AC had a convenient evening
unique way of presenting. Most people gave lectures. Some had
program—I signed up for their ACCESS program (ACCESS was
handouts or PowerPoint presentations. In the last week, the teach-
once an acronym for Allentown College Continuing Education
er asked if I was ready, and I said, “Yes. But we have to go down to
and Summer Sessions).
the auditorium. I wrote a song.” That may have been a first!
I remember going into the library before tests to study and
We went downstairs to that old theatre I was so familiar with.
finding some nook in the library’s unique 3 floor layout. Often
The teacher got Dr. Bede to come along, too, and I did my thing.
during my evening class breaks, too, I’d walk the building and
I rolled the piano out and handed out the words to the song
go downstairs to look in at the old theatre that was by then
to the crowd so they could sing along and help me with the
primarily a lecture hall. The new theatre had opened and it was
chorus! It was titled “Organizational. Organizational” and went
beautiful. I saw a few shows but still remembered that old the-
over amazingly well. Dr. Bede enjoyed it so much he actually
atre and the logistics the cast and crew dealt with to put on per-
posted the words in the hall on the bulletin board outside his of-
formances. I took four courses a year for five years and proudly
fice, where it remained for more than a year. The last class of my
received my BA in business management in May 1986.
last course ended in the same auditorium where I had my first
I thought I was done with AC, though I returned to take a few
experience with the college.
MBA courses at the school through the Wilkes College program,
In May 1997, I proudly received my MSIS degree, a unique cer-
but I quit because I didn’t enjoy the courses.
emony because, due to construction and inclement weather, the
Five years removed from my degree, I had a successful career
in technology, but I was having a difficult time having work-
18
related conversations with new employees who were right out
graduation ceremony was actually held at Lehigh University. I
looked back at the AC chapter of my life with great memories.
I never had the chance to use the new library, but I’m proud to
opened long after my tenure as a student. I’ve made an effort to
know a copy of my graduate thesis is permanently housed there.
re-connect with the school as a supporter and to attend alumni
I still see the Oblates regularly as they often fill in at different
functions when I can.
churches I attend. Most don’t know me, but I always make it a
point to introduce myself and tell them I am a two-time graduate of the school. It’s a privilege when I can catch Fr Gambet, as
he still has the best sermons, and I make it a point to thank him
for all he has done for the school every time I see him.
I visit whenever possible and marvel at the beauty of the
A few years back, I crossed paths with George Kelly again. I
hadn’t seen him in about 40 years. I walked up to him with my
name badge intentionally covered and said hello. He immediately looked at me and said my name. Like that theatre, my connection from decades ago lived on, and so will my memories of
the school.
DeSales University Center and the Gambet Center—both
Bringing the Robber Bridegroom to Stage
By Catherine Logan ’08
The greatest memory I have of DeSales University was our 2007
production of The Robber Bridegroom. It was Performing Arts
Chair John Bell’s first show directing at DeSales. The students
had no idea what the show was about, what to expect, and if we
would even like this rarely done bluegrass musical.
From the first rehearsal, we all knew that we were part of
something unique and special. The show presented a feeling of
community and ensemble. The greatest day of rehearsal was the
day John Bell took us to the woods near DeSales’ campus to help
us get a feel for the setting of the
musical. We told stories, listened
to the creek, took a ton of photos, and performed some of the
dance numbers in the grass.
Our little show received a great
review from The Morning Call,
and the second week of our run
Catherine Logan with John Bell
was completely sold out. The cast, crew, and band remained
very close and we still reminisce about our incredible experience. I will always be grateful for this show with John Bell.
Friends, Career, and Family All Started at DeSales
By Elizabeth (Altomare) Boyd ’13
My time at DeSales resulted in many life-long friendships
and the start of my career in media production. I was blessed
with wonderful faculty members like Chuck Gloman, Susan
Lehman, Jen Suwak, Mike Wagner, and Jack Lerch who were
all dedicated to our education and success. I also studied
abroad in England through DeSales and experience traveling
around Europe!
By the time I graduated, I collected countless memories to
last me a life-time. Most importantly, I met my husband Sean
Boyd ’14!
Thank you, DeSales University, and Happy 50th Anniversary!
Elizabeth (Altomare) Boyd ’13 at
Stonehenge and with her husband
Sean Boyd ’14
19
your memories
Friendships to Last a Lifetime
By Henry (Doc) Gertzen ’69
I have always said that college life is 50% academics and
50% social. When we first arrived at Allentown College
of St. Francis de Sales, the faculty and administration
were still building an academic environment for us
to enter as freshman. However, as the first incoming
freshman class, we had to create our own social environment where one did not exist. Established institutions
have fraternities, clubs, and other opportunities to help
new students to meet and bond as a class. None of that
existed when we arrived. So we created our own.
In the 1969 yearbook, you see a picture of a group of
guys (CRABS) that came together as individuals in
our freshman year from many different areas of the
northeast. By our senior year we were a group of friends
who met in the cornfields of Center Valley and formed
friendships that would last 50 years!
I think we can take credit for forming the first social fraternity on the campus of Allentown College (not recognized
by the college of course). While our fraternity, know as
the CRABS, did not stand the test of time at DeSales, our
friendships have. Many of the people you see in these
pictures are still in touch. Our bond is the friendships we
made—the experiences we shared of bringing a University
out of the ground; our gym classes held in a barn, our
Sunday Masses celebrated in a small chapel shared with
the faculty in residence. We made the best we could of
three buildings that made up the campus.
Today we can count among our group successful physicians, dentist, judges, government leaders, lawyers, educators, etc., that came from our FRATERNITY. I believe
not one of them regrets making the decisions they made
as graduating seniors in 1965.
I don’t have any pictures showing our academic experiences, but then what young man is taking pictures of
his first biology class with Fr. Barnes or music class with
Mrs. Butler?
20
At the Heart of DeSales
By Joseph McDaniel, OSFS ’14
At the heart of every great city lies a structure that defines it
and symbolizes it—gives it its stamp of uniqueness and identity
around which the entire city appears to turn. St. Louis has its
of visits made to the chapel. What I discovered through my
encounters with the Oblates was that this was simply a means
to holiness: holiness is about interior union with Jesus Christ,
which can then be expressed in many different ways.
Arch. Toronto has its Tower. DC has the Capitol. If it were a city,
I came to appreciate the central tenet of Salesian spirituality—
DeSales University would have Wills Hall.
that there is no truly human action that cannot be sanctified. I
Unlike other great landmarks, Wills doesn’t attract much attention from passersby or frequently serve as the background
for photo-ops or marriage proposals. It is not an imposing
architectural marvel; its exterior matches other buildings on
campus. Notwithstanding its peculiar shape and its stained
glass windows, it’s not the building’s outward appearances that
makes it stand out at DeSales University. What makes it special
dwells inside.
saw that there is no real division between the chapel, the classroom, the weight-room, or rec room: each is a place where we
should be able to be authentically ourselves, with God and with
others. It was heartening for me to know that the same Oblate
who gave an intense lecture or exam in Dooling at 8:00 a.m.
could be a gentle and merciful listener in the confessional at
Connelly at 7:00 p.m. It inspired me to see an Oblate laugh boisterously at dinner and then sit quietly in meditation afterwards,
knowing he was being truly himself in both situations. It was
At 7:20 a.m. on weekday mornings, as many students still sleep
reassuring that I could walk into an Oblate’s office and, even if
or groggily make their way out of the residence halls, the doors
he was swamped with grading, he would listen attentively to a
of Wills Hall Chapel are opened and about a dozen men gather
new idea I wanted to share.
to praise God in the words of the psalmists and prophets of old.
Some are clad in a black suits and white collars, ready for the
office or boardroom. Others wear t-shirts and sweats—having
finished their morning workout—still others wear workboots,
ready for the next maintenance call. Some have been ordained
for nearly six decades, others for less than six years. They
may not wear a distinctive habit like the Franciscans or enjoy
popular recognition like the Jesuits, but they too belong to
an international religious community. They are Oblates of St.
Francis de Sales.
I first met the Oblates as a bright, enthusiastic, but timid freshman philosophy major, away from home for the first time and
looking to regain confidence in myself and discover my calling.
As I watched the procession into the first weekday mass, accompanied by Fr. Pete’s earth-shaking organ, I had an inkling
that there was something special about this group of priests
and brothers. Over the next three years as a student at DeSales
University, I discovered what it was: their Salesian spirituality
and their authenticity.
Like many people, I came to DeSales with the idea that holiness
is directly proportional to external actions, such as the number
The number of Oblates at DeSales University is modest
compared to the number of students and lay faculty and staff,
just as Wills Hall now stands in humble comparison to new
buildings like the Gambet Center. But I firmly believe that the
presence of this devoted group of men acts as salt and leaven
in the midst of the campus community, bringing out and
enriching the gifts that everyone brings. Whether preaching at
Mass in Connelly, running a lab in Hurd, or greeting students
at the formal, they are a witness that, as the Second Vatican
Council states, nothing that is genuinely human is foreign to
the hearts of followers of Jesus Christ.
As we Oblates remain committed to the value and power of
Catholic education at DeSales University and the other colleges, high schools, and middle schools at which we minister,
please pray for us that we may remain faithful to who we are as
Oblates, and that young men may continue to join us in serving
God and the Church.
Joseph McDaniel made his first profession of vows as an Oblate
of St. Francis de Sales in August 2015 and is studying at the
Oblate house of Formation in Washington, DC.
21
your memories
Hellooooo Ladies...
By Walt Pfeil ’73 & Susan (McCandless) Pfeil ’73. This popular telling about the impact of the college going coed in 1970 is reprinted
from the Summer 1999 Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales Report.
“Don’t you feel old, being in a time capsule?” asked our oldest
daughter when she heard that we were writing this article. Little
does she know that it was just yesterday that we were her age
and about to enter our senior year of college.
By then, Allentown College had been coed for two years and felt
as if it had always been that way. Our mission is to tell you about
that glorious time when women first came to the quiet and
peaceful (?) campus in Center Valley. Since Walt was there first,
let’s begin with his story...
It was sometime during my freshman year (1969-70) that rumors
started flying around that we were going coed. Of course, they
were just rumors and at that time rumors had also circulated
about Paul McCartney’s death. So why get excited by rumors?
Daily life at the college continued as it had been, that is men
(possibly older male adolescents or grown boys) going through
Thirty-five dazed coeds showed up on
the everyday routines of a male college.
campus the following September. The most notable immediate
These routines included: changing your bed sheets once a
semester; changing your clothes a bit more frequently, but not
much; combing your hair for parents weekend only; playing flag
football on the fields of glory; attending class; never missing a
meal (including food in the lounge); and, in nice weather, strolling out to the quad in your BVDs for a little sunbathing.
Life was beautiful with no women to impress on a daily basis.
Edna the maid didn’t seem to frown on our rather relaxed
lifestyle. Who needed coeds? Nursing students from the local
hospital where easily imported for weekend bonfires by the railroad tracks or an occasional date for a frat party or CRABS feast
(Christian Revival of Alcoholic BeverageS).
In the spring of 1970 the rumor was confirmed. There would
be women attending Allentown College in the fall. At first, I
thought this was no big deal. Thirty-five women and 350 men,
how could this possibly have an impact on our college life? I was
soon to find out!
change was the improved appearance and manners of the male
students, some becoming unrecognizable from their previous
state. There was no more sunbathing in BVDs, jeans and fatigue
jackets were being laundered on a regular basis, and stylish, long
locks of hair were being combed daily, and in some cases, more
frequently.
Pinochle cards and hearts games virtually disappeared from the
campus as the male students spent more time pursuing coeds.
It was even decided that the only fair way to determine who
would go out with whom was to create Allentown College’s own
version of the Dating Game. Fashioned after the popular TV
show and hosted by Allentown College’s own Jerry Wilkenson
’72, this concept did not offer a long-range solution.
The following year, out of necessity, Allentown College was in
the forefront of pioneering the concept of coed dorms. Because
of the lack of buildings on campus, the women students had
to move into the all-male dorms. Being a Catholic college with
high moral standards, there was a twist in the way this was
accomplished. The Allentown College version of coed dorms
22
included a wall (taller, wider, and stronger than the one that
meet people since I just went to class and left right afterwards to
existed in Berlin at the time) that separated the male and female
go to work.
students. We never could figure out how Father Dooling trained
those guard dogs on such short notice.
All that changed the following year when I was asked to be a
“dorm proctor” and got to move onto campus. The women
During the second year of the coed experiment, more women stu-
were given a section of the first floor of each of the two existing
dents enrolled and the male/female ratio improved. Allentown
dorms. Carol Armelin and I became fast friends as she strove to
College was truly on its way to becoming a coed institution. We
help guard the wall in Tocik, and I too did my best in Conmy.
had learned to share our college equally with women! Speaking
Now we really became part of the college community 24 hours a
of which, I used up all the space allotted to this article and Sue
day, 7 days a week.
hasn’t had her say yet! I guess it’s time to give her a chance...
Although we felt “equal,” there were some areas where we had a
How symbolic! I guess it’s the word “equal” that needs to be
long way to go. We had no women’s sports program. Gail Roney
defined. Yes, women (are they still coeds?) were somewhat estab-
and I decided to organize a women’s basketball program. We
lished at the College by the second year, but finding our niche
“recruited” a group of brave and enthusiastic women who were
was not always easy. The first year was especially difficult since
willing to form a team.
we weren’t living on campus.
We asked Wayne Rizzo and Walt to be the coaches and got the
My initial social function as an Allentown College coed was ladies
approval of Coach Compardo. We were thrilled when Coach got
tea, hosted by Ms. Kathleen Wagner, the newly appointed Dean
us gray Allentown College T-shirts and navy blue shorts for our
of Women. As one of four sophomore transfer students, I felt a bit
first official uniforms. Our budget was tight. We managed to ar-
out of place and wondered what I had gotten myself into.
range games with schools such as Moravian, Muhlenberg, Cedar
My fears were not calmed when classes started the following
week and I was the only female in three out of five classes. I
Crest, and Gwynedd-Mercy. We won’t talk about our record, but
we sure did have fun!
remember math class the most. I sat next to Wayne Rizzo and
As you can see, Allentown College women have come a long
I thought I had made a new friend the day he leaned over and
way since 1970. Walt and I still disagree at times with the defini-
told me my long hair would look nicer in a ponytail, but then I
tion of the word equal, but we both agree that our memories
realized he was just trying to get a glimpse of my math paper.
of our college days in Center Valley are filled mostly with the
I kept pretty much to myself that first year. It was difficult to
smiles and laughter of great times and great friends!
Your Dreams for DeSales’ Next 50 Years
“I’d like to see DeSales move from D-III sports to D-II or D-I. If not,
“My dream for DeSales is that it may always continue to grow
I would like to see DeSales offer football. Football would bring
in its Catholic identity, because apart from that, it cannot be
in a large male population and it would help the University grow.”
the unique and life-changing place that it ought to be. I grew
spiritually while I was at DeSales, and I hope that through the
– Colleen Gavin ’13
“My dreams for DeSales is to see the school grow and to not be
afraid to take risks to get the school to the next level. I also hope
the culture of philanthropy grows with students, faculty, staff,
and alumni.”
efforts of the administration, campus ministry, faculty, staff, and
students, many more will begin and grow their relationships with
Christ there. In Him, the future will be bright beyond belief.”
– Teresa Winter ’14
– Amanda Fabrizio ’07
23
class notes
• 1969
Stephen Opresko is working on a contract
for the Army Corps of Engineers and has
successfully completed the first phase of a
project to improve the safety of USA Embassy structures in foreign countries.
Dear Alumni
Message from the Alumni Office
It’s finally here­­—DeSales’ 50th Anniversary
celebration year! This special edition of
the DeSales Magazine is all about you,
our alumni: your memories, your photos,
and your hopes for the future of DeSales
University.
The official kickoff of the 50th Anniversary
year began with the opening Mass on
August 23, where we welcomed the Class of
2019 onto campus and also featured for the
first time our Parade of Flags showcasing all
of our graduating classes.
Just one month later we celebrated Homecoming. It was an amazing weekend
with so many of you coming back to campus to join us for a number of
events including the Athletic Hall of Fame, departmental receptions, family
fun activities, and the Alumni Party. The Parade of Flags before the men’s
Bill Curcio was named Sparta Township’s Citizen of the Year by the Township
Council in Sparta, N.J. Currently executive
vice president of Eastern Propane Corporation, Bill has lived in Sparta for more than
40 years. He and his wife of 36 years Marion
raised their children Marisa and Christopher
there as well. Bill has a long history of serving the community in various ways; everything from running Sparta Little League to
leading Sparta Township as town manager.
He also served at the state level as president
of NJ Propane Gas Association. Then on
June 20, 2015, the Sparta Elks hosted their
annual Grand Marshal Dinner, honoring
Bill as “Distinguished Citizen of the Year,”
as well as this years’ Sparta Township 4th of
July Community Parade Grand Marshal. Bill
was chosen for his longtime commitment to
the community, always taking the town to
heart, and participating in both business and
community outreach to the Sparta citizens.
soccer game at Homecoming was beautiful, and having alumni represent
their classes made the event extra special. Save the date for next year’s
• 1975
Homecoming—September 23 and 24, 2016, and join in on the fun!
Callan (Lizzy) White-Hinman was awarded
full professorship at Montreat College near
Asheville, N.C. She is the chair and head of
the theatre/communication department and
still balances that with her performing career.
She performed in the world premiere of
Stalking the Bogeyman, which was nominated
for the Outer Critics Circle “John Gassner
Playwriting Award” in New York.
As we celebrate 50 years, we’ll take a look back at our past so we can see how
much the University has grown over 50 years. What’s even more exciting is
looking ahead and envisioning where DeSales will be in another 50 years!
Make sure to take a look at the event calendar (inside back cover) of exciting
celebrations for the 50th anniversary year and find a way to join us for one,
two, or all of the celebrations!
Sincerely,
Nikki (Ferraro) Gingrich ’06, M’12
Director of Alumni Relations
24
• 1977
On January 21, 2015, Paul Yakshe and his
wife Linda became first-time grandparents.
Their daughter Christine and her husband
Tyler welcomed a daughter, Kinley Jade.
Paul was also honored in the July 2015 issue
of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine as a Top
Doctor in Gastroenterology.
• 1984
Juliet Geiger M‘95 is engaged to Robert
Altenburg. The couple is planning a
November 2015 wedding.
• 1986
John Creveling is one of 13 artists whose
artwork was selected to appear in the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation’s (PDF) 2015
Creativity and Parkinson’s Calendar. His
painted flag shutter is the featured image
for the month of July in PDF’s nationally
distributed, free calendar that helps to raise
awareness. John is a career and leadership
consultant and veteran of the US Army.
Shortly after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, he began to paint. He says his
art became “a part of who I am” and serves
as a therapeutic outlet.
• 1988
In April 2015,
Lauren (Kuemmerle) Machita’s ’93 three kids attend Holy Cross Regional Catholic
School in Collegeville, Pa., and she’s noticed there are a lot of DeSales families there—
impressive, considering it’s a small school. Other parents who are DeSales graduates
include J.P. Azar ’82 and Madelyn (Eichler) Azar ’82, Jennifer (Braun) Breslawski
’95 and Bill Breslawski ’95, Alice Ann (Wichner) Schiele ’95, Rob Battisto ’97
M’02 and Erin (Lister) Battisto ’98, Karen (Trojanowski) Owens ’94 and Denny
Owens ’94, Bryan Connor ’95, and Nicholas Veneziale ’99 and Kelly (Dickinson)
Veneziale ’99. In the photos, left to right: J.P. and Madelyn Azar, Alice Ann Schiele,
Kelly and Nicholas Veneziale, Jennifer Breslawski, and Lauren Machita.
Dr. Gregory Roth
was awarded the
“Commitment to
Care” award—EmCare Inc.’s highest
honor—at the
annual Leadership
Conference in
Orlando, Fla. This is equivalent to the
Physician of the Year in Emergency
Medicine. Dr. Roth was recognized for
helping to build a brand-new emergency
department, implementing team triage, and
helping improve care at all of his facilities.
EmCare, Inc., contracts with hospitals across
the country to staff their emergency
departments with approximately 9000 high
quality emergency physicians. Watch a video
about Dr. Roth’s accomplishments on
EmCare’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.
be/nxEwd-5nxiA
Christopher Smith had his Broadway debut
on June 25 with his original musical Amazing
Grace, based on the true life experiences of
John Newton, the man who authored perhaps the world’s most loved and recognized
song. Chris authored the music and lyrics of
the piece and co-wrote the Libretto with his
mentor Arthur Giron. The show stars Tonynominee Josh Young and Tony-winner
Chuck Cooper, along with Erin Mackey,
Chris Hoch, Laiona Michelle, and a cast of
31. Learn more at amazinggracemusical.com.
• 1989
Louise Diehl M’89 published a book,
Healing from Divorce, Separation & Abandoned
Love: A long Journey to Healing!, available on
Amazon.com and her own website, www.
nursesaregreat.com. The book helps people
heal from the dismantling process of divorce
using Biblical references.
• 1990
In May 2015, Sam Verniero was elected first
vice chairman to The Republican National
Hispanic Assembly of Georgia at their annual
meeting of approximately 200 members. Sam
was elected as a non-Hispanic member, and
as such, to the highest Board seat a nonHispanic member has filled. Also, Sam was
appointed to the Dekalb County, Ga., Clerk
of Superior Court, Dekalb Mental Health
Action Coalition as a Board Member; elected
to the Dekalb County, Ga., GOP Executive
Governing Committee as a Board Member; The State of Georgia for United States
Senator and 2016 presidential candidate Ted
Cruz; member of the Executive Committee
and Georgia County Leader, and as chairman
to the Georgia Family Policy Council.
• 1992
Cherie (Colver) Young’s daughter Emily graduated from American University
in August 2014 and walked with her class
in May 2015. She is employed by Summit Ventures at Sugurbush Ski Resort in
Vermont. Cherie’s son Peter graduated from
Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pa., in
June 2015 and began attending West Chester
University this fall.
• 1995
Richard Masi has started his own company, Magneto Mechanical, Inc (www.
magnetomechanical.com). He specializes
in control systems for green energy, waste
25
class notes
• 1996
• 1998
Joe McGinley and Maria (Slog) McGinley
’97, M’99 welcomed their son Isaiah on
Edward Haas was appointed as the new
June 28, 2015. He joined his siblings Joseph,
Hannah, Noah, Joshua, Sarah, and Leah.
Day Lily and Hydrangea Division Director
Mike Brown was named the Home Care
Association of N.J.’s 2015 Carol J. Kientz
Member of the Year for going above and
beyond in both his involvement and devotion to the association. Mike currently serves
on the Board of Directors, the Executive
Committee, and the Government Affairs
Committee, and he leads the Medicaid
Workgroup for the Association. He recently
was elected chair of the newly formed Home
Care and Hospice PAC of the Association.
Teresa (Messineo) Manidis ’95 sold her
historical fiction novel to HarperCollins
this summer. Her 90,000 word manuscript sold overnight, in a rare pre-empt
deal (hardcover edition to be published in
Winter 2017). The novel was a featured
highlight this month at the Frankfurt Book
Fair, the biggest international book fair in
the world. Teresa also took a two week
trip to Europe this summer with her teenage daughter, Grace, where they studied
Italian in a language school in Tuscany.
Teresa begins her 18th year home schooling this Fall. In the photo above, Teresa is
with her four children, Johnny Manidis
’17, Grace, Nicholas, and Sophia. Jaye
Pierce ’95 snapped the photo.
water treatment, and food plant manufacturing. Richard says he would not be where
he is today by only using the engineering
training he received in the Navy. If it were
not for the strong biology and chemistry
background from his biology degree, he
wouldn’t be able to add to the conversations
concerning activated sludge morphology, ion
reaction chemistry, or process analysis. Of all
the classes, microbiology and instrumental
chemistry have given him a unique skill-set
unmatched by his engineering peers.
26
In January 2014, Kristine (Neumayer)
Jenkins and Jim Jenkins ’98 welcomed son
Samuel Joseph. Big brother Kaden was very
excited. The family re-returned to Southwest
Florida in the summer of 2015.
• 1997
Wendi Maio-Achey has been promoted
to professor of business marketing at
Northampton Community College (NCC)
in Bethlehem, Pa. Before joining NCC,
Wendi worked at B. Braun as a marketing
manager and at Integrated Biosciences as the
director of marketing and advertising. Her
work garnered several awards, including
the ADDY Award, presented to designers
in the advertising field. She has presented at
conferences and published numerous articles
on medical device manufacturing. She helped
make NCC one of the top digital community college in the country, according to
Community College Journal, and piloted the
college’s Innovation Lab as a model for future classrooms that enhances computer labs
with touch screen lap tops.
West Sadsbury Township supervisor (one
of three on the board) and the township’s
representative to the Keystone Valley Fire
District, replacing his father who passed away
on March 20. Edward continues to serve
on the West Sadsbury Township Planning
Commission.
Dominic Leperi and
his wife Deanna
welcomed a son,
Dominic Daniel, on
April 11, 2015, one
day shy of his
mommy’s 30th
birthday. Dominic
joins big brother
Dylan and cannot wait to become a future
alumnus of DeSales University!
Susan Bella (Benner) Linski’s business,
Susan Bella Jewelry, LLC, has been given
the honor of receiving the “Excellence in
Business Awards” (EIBA) for a small business
numbering 1-25 employees. Susan’s company was honored at a ceremony in June 2015.
The award was one of six awards presented
to companies and individuals that exemplify
excellence in business, supported by their
mission statement, chamber and community
involvement, customer satisfaction, and their
Nico Madaffari is an insurance broker
specializing in auto, home, business, life,
health, and pet insurance. He received an
award (nominated by clients) for Excellence
in Customer Service.
Robert Pica Jr ‘08 and his wife Richele
(Kolcun) Pica ’08 welcomed their first
child, Colton James, on May 1, 2015.
demonstrated commitment to quality, leadership, marketing, training, and development.
• 1999
Mike Kuemmerle
and his wife Chrissy
welcomed a second
son, Owen
William, on March
31, 2015. Owen’s
big brother Cooper
Michael was born
on April 29, 2013.
Mike, Chrissy, and their boys live in Somers
Point, N.J.
• 2000
On June 6 2015, Michael Halamar and his
wife, Jennifer, welcomed their third little
girl. Coralette Aisley weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz.,
and measured 19 inches long. Sisters Brielle,
5, and Isabella, 3, are so happy!
Carolyn Ann Debuque has 27 years of
service in the Air National Guard in the rank
of Master Sergeant. She is currently the coordinator for Veteran’s Court and has 10 years
experience as a victim witness specialist with
Bucks County Juvenile Probation.
• 2001
John Gribowich was ordained a Roman
Catholic priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn,
N.Y., on June 27, 2015.
• 2002
Sylvia Steigler-Hahn is proud of her
DeSales University experience. Her husband
Several DeSales alumni were nominated
for Philadelphia’s Barrymore Awards
for their work in theatre: Matt Pfeiffer
’99 for directing To the Moon and The
Whale; Kim Carson ’05 for Lead Actress in a Musical and Leading Actress
in a Play; Stephen Casey ’89 for Choreography for Ragtime; and Michael
Ogborn ’82 for Original Music.
Louis Corominas ’06 and Kristina Cherrier were married on July 18, 2015. DeSales
alumni and staff in attendance included Mike Vigil ’06, John Nastus ’08, Nicole
(Ferraro) Gingrich ’06 M’12 and Ryan Gingrich ’03, Tom Pescatore ’03 and Jess
(McMahon) Pescatore ’05, Kyle McHugh ’04, Chris Laveglia ’06, Frank McClatchy
’08, Jon DiLuzio ’05, Scott Karwacki ’96, Heather (Katz) LaRocco ’08 and Pierre
LaRocco ’06, John Henry ’04, Al Weiner, and Mike Vidumsky ’05. Louis and Kristina
live in Chester Springs, Pa.
Mark Hahn is now going for his second
master’s degree in the DeSales Master’s of
Science in Information Systems program in
the Health Care Information Management
concentration.
• 2003
Theresa (Cermanski) Westwood and her
husband Rob welcomed their second child,
Ethan Michael, on March 2, 2015.
Fr. Brendon Laroche was ordained to the
priesthood by Bishop of Allentown John
Barres at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of
Siena, Allentown, Pa. His first priestly assignment will be as assistant pastor of Holy
Infancy in Bethlehem, Pa.
Heather (Sloyer) Stanley and her husband
Glenn welcomed daughter Briana Quinn on
August 11, 2015. Briana was welcomed into
the family by big sister Mackenzie and big
brothers Ryan and Conner.
In fall 2013, Christy (Kennedy) Kistler
was promoted to assistant supervisor of
Autism Connection, a new after-school
therapeutic program for kids ages 6-21 on
the Autism Spectrum in Berks County. The
program runs therapeutic groups working on social, coping, communication, and
listening skills, safety awareness, and frustration tolerance. They are in their second
full school year and it is shaping up to be
another successful year!
Justin Farah was
the recipient of
Seiko Corporation
of America’s
company Store
Manager of the
Year award for the
fiscal year 2014,
which ended March
31, 2015.
27
class notes
Joe Voorhees was named the 2015 Educator
of the Year for Governor Livingston High
School in Berkeley Heights, N.J., where he
teaches television production.
David Button was recently appointed as the
artistic director of the Clear Space Theatre
Company in Rehoboth Beach, Del. His
inaugural season includes productions of Steel
Magnolias, Grease, Rent, Seussical, and Lips
Together, Teeth Apart. David returned to the
Labuda Center this past summer to play the
role of Ellard in the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival production of The Foreigner.
• 2006
On September 6, 2015, Tina Marie Connell ’08 married Michael Harvey at the Aldie
Mansion in Doylestown, Pa. The couple met during a student film shoot on DeSales’
campus in 2006. DSU graduates in attendance included Allison Emmerich ’08, Sydney
Justice ’11, Anthony Connell ’11, Catherine Logan ’08, Amanda Salvatore ’08,
and Paul Pride ’09.
• 2004
One year ago, Ronee (Leibenguth) Welch
became a pediatric sleep consultant and used
the knowledge she gained at DeSales to start
her own company, Sleeptastic Solutions.
Ronee is the only Lehigh Valley, Pa., based
child sleep specialist, helping parents teach
their little ones how to sleep independently
both at night and for naps. Recently, she’s
added lactation services to her portfolio and
will be looking to add adult certification later
this year.
Jennifer Simpson was recruited by Seiko
Corporation of America for the product
development coordinator position. She
previously worked in the customer service
and marketing departments at Movado
Group Inc.
In August 2015, Chris Fulmer was a letter
reader in the production Dear Tamaqua...in a
New Light, reading letters that were written to the town by residents as part of the
28
walk-through experience. He also portrayed
Dr. Bradman in Blithe Spirit at the Strawberry
Playhouse in Tuscarora in June.
• 2005
Elizabeth June Bergman is delighted to
return to Pennsylvania after 10 years of living in various places across the Midwest and
traveling nationally and internationally with
her career of dance-making, performing,
and teaching. Elizabeth has been awarded a
University Fellowship by Temple University in Philadelphia and matriculated into
their doctoral program in dance studies in
fall 2015.
Gina Lucrezi completed her first 100 mile
race—the Western States Endurance Run. “I
was able to conquer adversity and prove to
myself that I can do anything if I want it bad
enough,” she said. Read about her experience at https://gina-lucrezi-p6nk.squarespace.com/gblog.
In June 2014, Kathleen Zamietra received a
Master’s in Library and Information Sciences
from Drexel University. In March 2015, she
moved back to the Lehigh Valley and accepted a position as a senior medical librarian
at the Body Family Medical Library at the
Lehigh Valley Health Network.
After nine years in the athletic department
at Long Beach State as the senior associate
athletics director for external relations, Dedan
Brozino has accepted a job as the executive director of development with the ‘Grandaddy of
them All’—the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
Erin (Begley) Ellis and her husband David
welcomed a son, Peter Michael, on September 8, 2015. He joins big brother Harry
David. Grandmother Alice Begley ’08 can
be found with an ever growing collection of
pictures of her grandsons in her office in the
DSU financial aid department.
• 2007
Kimberly Kreiner married Adam Snyder on
March 14, 2015, in Tampa, Fla.
John Monahan and his wife Megan welcomed their first child, a daughter named
Laughlin Grace, on January 2, 2015.
• 2008
Catherine Logan is thrilled to be working
at DeSales as the box office manager for the
DeSales Creates New Monthly Giving Program
Each year, DeSales welcomes a new class of more than 400 students.
Why? Because DeSales helps students reach their fullest potential. Since
the beginning, DeSales has been offering exceptional academics with a
commitment to personal attention. Students receive strong moral guidance
defined by Salesian values. There is an unmistakable, contagious atmosphere
when you arrive on campus. DeSales has been igniting hearts and inspiring
minds for 50 years.
But as first-year classes get bigger, the needs grow, especially when it comes to financial aid. Today, 97% of DeSales students
receive some form of financial aid.
“Alumni and friends of the University have been very generous over the years in providing annual gifts to support financial aid
for students,” said Thomas Campbell, vice president of institutional advancement. “And this year, we are introducing a way to
make the process easier and better for them.”
DSYou is a new monthly giving program for people
month they are helping their University continue its
who want to support the future of DeSales students
work of education without having to sit down at the
but don’t really want to think about it.
end of the year and decide how much they can (or are
How does it work? Members select a dollar amount
they are comfortable with and their credit card is charged
every month. That’s it. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and
members who wish to do so are able to give at a higher
level because the amount is charged monthly rather than
all at once.
DSYou members become part of an exclusive donor
giving club who receive information, impact reports,
and news from DeSales about what’s happening in the
program and the University.
It’s a win-win.
willing to) support their undergraduate or graduate
school,” said Rev. David A. Williams, D.Min. ’69, class
agent and DSYou member. “In other words, it just
makes busy lives, both for the donor and the receiver,
a lot easier.”
With their commitment to monthly giving, DSYou
members assure students that their financial aid
package is as impactful as it can be over the course of
their time at DeSales.
DSYou was created in partnership with TwelveX, a
Kansas City-based company specializing in monthly
giving programs that has created programs for
“As a member of the DSYou monthly giving club,
organizations like Girl Scouts and Big Brothers Big
individuals can go about their lives knowing that each
Sisters.
To become a member of DSYou or for more information, contact Rebecca Righi, annual giving programs coordinator,
at 610.282.1100, ext. 1789 or e-mail rebecca.righi@desales.edu.
29
class notes
theater department as well as the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.
• 2009
Kathleen (Trilli)
Kulick and her
Brett Smith on April 18, 2015, at Packer
Chapel, Lehigh University. Alumni in attendance included Beth Slaybaugh ’09,
maid of honor, Emily Mulicka ’11, Mallory
(Andrayko) Mulicka ’11, Jennifer (Kline)
Gefvert ’05 and Nathan Gefvert ’07,
George Kline III ’00, JP Kelliher M’11,
Lauren Stimpfle ’10 M’15, Stephanie
Fitzgerald M’12, Wendy Krisak ’98, and
staff member Phyllis Vogel.
husband Shawn
welcomed their first
baby, Adelaide
Marie, on March
17, 2015. Everyone
is doing well.
Victoria (Sinsky) Livingston married
Ryen Livingston on May 16, 2014, at Bear
Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, Pa.
The couple welcomed their first child, a
beautiful baby girl, Shaylynne Virginia, on
March 8, 2015.
Kelly (Goss)
Wolfenden and
Bryce Wolfenden
’09 joyfully
announce the birth
of their daughter,
Avery Lynn, born
on Easter Sunday,
April 5, 2015.
Elizabeth (Mulicka) Smith M’13 married
LeighAnn (Burke)
McGovern and her
husband Matt
welcomed their
beautiful baby girl,
Annie Michele, on
March 14, 2015.
LeighAnn is excited
for Annie to break
all her basketball records one day!
Christopher Brossman is living and working as a performer in NYC. Most recently,
he was a quarter finalist in the Metro Star
Jesse Clancy ’02 married Mary Oropallo on July 10, 2015, at Corpus Christi Catholic
Church in Lansdale, Pa. They were married by their good friend Fr. Alan Zobler, OSFS ’01.
DeSales alumni in attendance included Jim Lawruk ’02, Mark Boyer ’02, Patrick Rebuck
’02, Dave Grubb ’00 and Clare (Laracy) Grubb ‘01 M’03, and Keith Tomson ’00.
30
Sonja (Johnson) Jividen ‘96 and her
husband Eric welcomed their third child,
Avalyn, in November 2014. Big brother
Luis and big sister Maya Rose couldn’t
be more thrilled!
competition at New York’s famed Metropolitan Room. He has since been offered
two solo shows at the venue. The first
will take place December 22, 2015, and is
entitled “Step Into Christmas” the second is
slated to happen on March 11, 2016, and is
billed as “Indulge Me: An Intimate Evening
with Christopher Brossman.” When not on
the cabaret stage, Christopher can be found
teaching pre-school in Manhattan.
On August 28, 2015 Rocco Lacertosa
M’09 stepped into the chief executive role
at the New York Oil Heating Association
(NYOHA), what some consider to be the
heating oil industry’s most influential association. He joined the industry in 1966 as a
technician and delivery driver in a familyowned business, and in the intervening
decades has held numerous leadership roles.
In 22 years with his first company, Rocco
worked in every aspect of the business,
including dispatch and credit and eventually
oversaw all the day-to -day operations. He
then founded and ran his own company in
1990 (Alpha Fuel Oil) before selling it to
Hart Petroleum four years later and becoming Hart’s general manager. In 1999 he was
recruited to run a $25 million division of
a Reading, Pa., company before joining
Blue Diamond Fuel in 2011. Approved Oil
purchased Blue Diamond in 2011 and made
Rocco vice president of operations. Along
the way, he also held senior level positions
with Kaufman Fuel and Paraco Gas.
• 2010
5 Entertainment, LLC, in California. He is
currently producing the world premiere of
his new musical, The Pop Musical Diary Of
A Gay Man, in the Philadelphia Fringe with
hopes of a national tour to follow.
Ted Eckel is working in New York as a
Jon Mulhearn appeared in Biloxi Blues at
producer and editor for Lincoln Square Studios, where he edited an “Inside the Oscars”
special for ABC’s Once Upon a Time.
People’s Light and Theatre Company.
Anthony Aufiero married Jennifer Cusick
on June 13, 2015, in Solomon’s Island, Md.
Jennifer Jacober is the child supervisor for
the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, Minn.
Alycia Kunkle graduated from the MFA acting program at Ohio University in May 2015.
Jeff Lanigan is a theatre arts teacher at
Archbishop Ryan High School, returning
to his old high school to share his love of
theatre.
Chris McGinnis has been working as an
actor, director, and producer in the Philadelphia area for five years with credits at
Walnut Street Theatre, The Arden, and Act
James Nester plays the antagonist in Heroes
of Dirt, a feature film about BMX racing that
was filmed mostly in Allentown, Pa. The
film had its Los Angeles red carpet premiere
in August.
• 2011
Joseph Sulpizio received his Juris Doctor
degree from Syracuse University College of
Law in May 2015. In addition, he was recently awarded the 2015 Onondaga County
Bar Association Award for his work with the
law school’s clinical program.
Amber (Fountain)
Barron completed
the mandated 6
months (822 hours)
necessary to
graduate from the
Fayetteville City,
N.C., Police
Academy. She is
now a proud police officer for the Fayetteville City Police Department.
Anthony Azzolina completed a tour of
Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good
Very Bad Day and did a workshop for its
sequel. He’s now hosting a show at Busch
Gardens for their Halloween season directed
by Broadway’s Baayork Lee.
• 2012
Steffani (Whitmyer) Jacobs and her
Ryan Salandria ’05 and his wife Angela
(Bollinger) Salandria ’07 welcomed
their first baby on May 10, 2015. Garrett
Michael was born in Wilmington, Del.
He’s already wearing his Dad’s DSU
hockey jersey (photo above).
Rocky Urich ’06 and his Emmaus-based
video production company FireRock
Productions won four 2015 Mid-Atlantic
Regional Emmy® Awards categories
from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences on September 19,
2015. They were nominated in seven
categories and took home awards in the
Human Interest (A Will to Survive); Craft
Achievement (Photography); Public/
Current/Community Affairs Feature
(The Bethlehem Story); and Lifestyle Program (DISHcover Lehigh Valley) categories. FireRock Productions previously
won a 2013 Emmy® for Happiness is
Always an Option, a feature on Bethlehem, Pa. native Shane Burcaw. Pictured
above are Rocky and his wife Julia, who
co-owns/operates FireRock Productions.
Jennifer (Duncan) Warner married Jeffrey
Warner II on April 19, 2015.
Julia Salvo received her MA from Villanova
University.
Thomas Kohler
and Vivianne
Nassif ’12 became
engaged on May
25, 2015. The
couple is planning a
summer 2016
wedding.
husband Joshua welcomed their first child,
Catherine Lisa, on May 12, 2015.
Kyle Bedell is currently working on Yukon
Christina Winslow received her Juris Doc-
Alex MacNicoll is living in L.A. and has
tor degree from Rutgers School of LawNewark in May 2015.
been cast in a supporting role in the film Men
of Granite, starring William Hurt and Shirley
MacLaine.
Men in Alaska for the Discovery Channel.
31
class notes
Eric Rossi won an Emmy Award as an associate producer for Best Live Studio Show
of 2014-15 for MLB Tonight from the MLB
Network.
• 2013
Isabel Garcia was cast in the ensemble of
the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s summer
musical production of Disney’s The Little
Mermaid.
Bianca Cavacini
was promoted from
development
associate to
development events
manager at the
National Constitution Center. Her
new duties include
managing traveling town halls across the country and acting as a project manager for the
2105 Liberty Medal Gala and Ceremony, that
includes past recipients Malala Yousafzai,
Hilary Clinton, and Nelson Mendela. This
year’s gala was held on October 26, 2015, and
honored his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Susan (Wolsky) Manela M’13 accepted an
appointment as assistant professor of office
administration at Northampton Community
College, effective August 2015.
Pamela Joy Rutzky earned her SAGAFTRA card and was recently cast as Mary
Anne in the new play After Tartuffe.
Megan Hinkle became engaged to Brian
Young on November 29, 2014. Brian is a
2012 graduate of Kutztown University. The
couple is planning an April 2016 wedding in
their hometown of Fleetwood, Pa.
Danielle Desimone is currently working at
SeaWorld in San Antonio, Tex., as a choreographer for the summer and Halloween dance
shows. She was also invited to join Street
Urchenz, an up and coming hip hop crew.
32
Caitlin (Trovato) Long ’12, M’13 and Derek Long ’12 were married on June 27, 2015,
at Connelly Chapel. DeSales alumni in the wedding party included Sam Hughes ’12,
M’13, Ashley White ’12, M’13, and Cassie Harmon ’12. Fr. Bernard O’Connor was
the celebrant of the Mass. Student activities director Nick Luchko was the DJ at the
reception at the DeSales University Center and even allowed for some DSU Zumba Club
action on the dance floor.
DSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff in attendance included Matthew Trovato ’18,
Liana Hollendonner ’16, John Zerfass ’13 M’14, Amanda Lucas ’12, Justin Zeh
’12, Trevor Vaughan ’12, Tanner George ’12, Claire Murphy ’12 M’13, Kaitlin
Zeedyk ’12, M’13, Philip Jocelyn M’13, Dan Pinero ’10, Tony Aufiero ’10, Amanda
VanSant ’12, M’13, Rachel Singer ’13, Jill Yetter ’11, Emily LaDuke ’10, M’12, Megan (Montchyk) Gildner ’11 and Aaron Gildner ’11, Stephanie Kemp ’11, Meghan
Callahan ’11, M’12, Justine Ciarleglio ’11, M’12, Keith Barry ’10, Katie Dziuma
’12, Lauren Hickey ’12, Jon Devine ’11, Kaila Wiand ’10, Maureen Wilmoth,
Nick Chiovitti ’12, Christian Bet ’12, Ryan Holohan ’12, Ryan Canfield ’12, Sean
Elenchin ’12, Pat Dolan ’12, Matt Germscheid ’12, Dave Chiplonia ’12, Damien
Romaine ’15, Brittany Wilson ’14, Ray Rivera ’07, M’08, Nan Miller, and Lina Barbieri ’94 and George Crampton.
The two will live in their first house in Blandon, Pa. Cait is a physician assistant at St. Luke’s
Critical Care, and Derek is a full-time teacher and varsity soccer coach in Conrad Weiser
School district.
Michelle Kuchinskas became engaged to
Christopher Barron ’13 in August 2015.
ing for their future by studying business and
theology of marriage and the family.
Marc Bitler recently appeared in productions of Julius Caesar, Gypsy, and The Drowsy
Chaperone at Festival 56 in Princeton, Ill.
Philip Engel is the assistant sport information
director at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.
Kevin Wasson and Heather (Witmer)
Wasson ’13 were married on September
debut this September playing the role of
Stephanie Tanner in the National Lampoon
production of Full House, The Musical Parody.
19, 2015, in Lake Harmony, Pa. at the Split
Rock Resort.
• 2014
Alyssa Fernandez is engaged to Anthony
Calvano ’13. The couple is planning an
Danny Drain and Mary Colleen Romendio
’15 and got engaged in May 2015. They met
August 2016 wedding.
at freshmen orientation bingo and are prepar-
Meg Halcovage made her Off Broadway
Sara Barker is engaged to William Trainor
’14. The couple is planning an October 2016
wedding at Normandy Farm in Blue Bell, Pa.
Joseph McDaniel, OSFS, made his first
profession of vows as an Oblate of St. Francis
Help Us Find Your Missing Classmates
We’ve lost touch with some of our alumni and we’d love your help in getting us back in contact. If you know the whereabouts of the
following DeSales University alumni, please call the Alumni Office at 610.282.1100, ext. 2124, or e-mail alumni@desales.edu.
1985
1995
2002
2008
David Bulman
Richard Cox
William Keating
Lynn (Hovick) Cline
Laurie Johnson
Suzanne Stiles
1970
1986
Annette (Clervi) Hickey
Mohamed Jaghar
Debra (Slutsky) Kober
Charles Little
Joseph Reid
Elizabeth (Dailey)
Rodriguez
Yvonne (Pirelli) Steiner
Kathryn Wertman
Kenneth Kociban
Emily O’Neill
Christopher Poloni
Matthew Quigley
Michele (Desilets) Reel
Shioban Siegle
Michael Bingeman
John Burcin
Ana Neve
Mansour Niasse
Isy Tavarez
2003
Michael Bianca
Alyson (Shiffer) Courain
Steven Gasda
Kathleen Glynn
Kevin Kay
Christina Lowe
Brianna (Valasek) Morse
Adam Schiffer
1969
Nicholas Forrest
Efren Gallardo
Gwendolyn (Johnson)
Woodford
1971
1987
Henry Weisenberg
1974
Anthony Romeno
1975
Mary Griffith
1976
Russell Berger
Vanadis (Greenhouse)
Quinn
1977
Ghassan Saoud
1978
Gary O’Guinn
1979
Julie Cavanagh
Timothy Gower
Linda Potosnak
Michele Staley
Rose Ann Svanda
1988
Margaret Everett
Michele Martinez
Thomas Ritter
Diane Vicari
1989
John Mack
James Michael
Charles Rombach
Nancy Smith
Barbara Tracy
1990
James Gallagher
Meghan Haggerty
Lynne Styer
Mary Huxel
Deborah Shea
Michelle Varra
Kimberly Babuschak
Eleanor Engro
Eric Humble
Brian Mee
Brian Rittenhouse
Stephen Wignot
1997
2004
Ann Decker
Colleen Kuebler
George McDonald
Kerry McFadden
Kevin O’Donnell
Kelly (McQuarrie) Powell
Janne Virtala
Enrique Cuevas-Mier
Erica Hartzell
Michael Popek
Elias Villafane
1996
2005
Jamie (Springman) Scotti
Patti Shook
Aimee (Piccirilli) Wein
Mehmet Aydemir
Jessica Baker
Lora (Sheeran) Bucci
Thomas Negron
R. Steven Treible
Meredith (Brucker) Walker
1999
2006
Christine (Kozeniewski)
Carr
Tara Herweg
George Pavlov
1998
2000
Robert Simek
Judith (Walters) Strickland
Ann Marie (Riepensell)
Ganchoso
Micheal Monts
Dawn Marie Morris
Stacy Bach
Stacey Care
Amber Kline
Mary Ann Darrah
Ivelisse (Garcia) De Jesus
Rachel (Coughlin) Foose
Michael Friedman
Kristin Kurek
Christopher Laveglia
Natale Mazzaferro
Cornelius Mwonya
Jeanna Rivera-Smith
1982
1993
2001
2007
1980
Edward Fahrman
Michael Haddad
1981
Debra Monts
Robert Popp
1983
Tracy (Foss) Berlin
Evan Kaufman
Thomas McGuire
Paulette Moyer
1984
Sr. Mary Le Thi
1991
Joseph Krenicky
1992
Joseph Cassano
Lisa McArdle
Nathan Schiesser
George Seager
1994
Margaret Ebert
Odette Mouton
Lucy (Royer) Patterson
Ryan Woodring
Jamal Al Shamsi
Michael Brennan
Rosann Gormley
Guijun Huang
Dawn Jannett
Glenn Meekins
Joseph Meenan
Michelle (Moyer) Nagurney
Scott Shaffer
Terri Everett
Abbey Hogg
Diane Jones
Luis Piris-Santiago
Kristen Prange
Nicole (Korovich) Warner
2009
2010
Sergiu-Viorel Ionescu
Jean Serge Kabengele
Suzanne (Donofrio) Krock
Sara Link
Jeremy Morse
Heather (Duld) Pisulak
Joann Sauceda
2011
Julia Aamoth
Justin Carbonari
Laura Fehrle
Nickeisha Foster
Amber Fryer
Charleen Gonden
Eleanor Heimbach
David Mooney
Elizabeth Robinson
2012
Sabrina Dahlin
Teonee (Dechell) Deshield
Abigail Jones
Alicia Jones
Julianne Wagner
Angela Wambaugh
2013
Johannes Goliath
2015
Giuseppe Esposito
33
class notes
Get Your Class Note in the Next Magazine
Have you recently moved, changed jobs, received a promotion, married, welcomed a child or grandchild,
and/or received an honor or award in your profession or community? Do you have any interesting news to
relay to us about other DeSales University alumni?
Visit desales.edu/alumniupdate to update:
• Your information
• Submit class notes and photos.
Class notes are entered in the field at the bottom of the
form. Please make sure photos are high resolution. We
accept digital photos as well as prints. Digital photos must
be in JPG formats, as close to the original print size as
possible (larger is better) and at a minimum resolution of
300 dpi. Questions about photos? Call 610.282.1100, ext.
1359.
It’s especially important to let us know your new address if you’ve
moved.
In addition to submitted information, DeSales receives press
releases from businesses and organizations and other news alerts announcing alumni achievements.
These items are edited and placed in class notes.
de Sales on August 1, 2015, at Immaculate
Conception Church in Elkton, Md.
Mike Franz started his Master’s of Arts at
Andrew Barr played the role of Harry in a
Emma Lepore completed an internship in
Ecuador with Sinamune, a program with
the International Cultural Youth Exchange.
While there, she helped with movement
classes for children and adults with disabilities. Emma was also accepted into the
Master’s of Arts program and was offered a
graduate assistantship in the dance department at Texas Woman’s University.
production of My Fair Lady and was cast in
the ensemble of Maury Yeston’s Phantom of the
Opera at The Broadway Theatre of Pittman.
Peter Danelski is completing his dissertation
for his M.A. in philosophy of theater from
Trinity College, Dublin.
Tatiana Torres Pagan appeared as the lead
character in a music video released by independent singer Natali Yura about domestic
violence.
Villanova in Fall 2015.
Matt Longua was hired by Ascension Press
as their video editor for online content.
Kevin White accepted an apprenticeship
• 2015
Tony Bender and Victoria Blair ’15 have
both accepted apprenticeships with the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, N.J.
34
with the Arden Theatre in Philadelphia. In
addition, he has signed on with Model Management Agency in Philadelphia.
In Memoriam
Ron Benner
James Blum ’04
James Campbell ’92
Robert Curzi ’94
Scott Decker ’92
John Karp ’71
Lynne Kelley ’98
Matthew Knehans ’96
David Livirrie
Paul McCaffrey ’71
Robert Meixsell ’86
Joel Spira
William Stankus ’84
William Turcan P’95
Jeffrey Williams M’04
Alumni Events 2015-16*
Learn more: visit desales.edu/alumni, call 610.282.1100, ext 2124, or e-mail nicole.gingrich@desales.edu.
DeSales Alumni Night
November 19
The Loft at Sweet Water Country Club, Pennsburg, Pa.
Breakfast with Santa
December 6
DeSales University
Young Alumni Happy Hour (2005-2015)
December 13
Featuring HiJinx Brewery, Colony Meadery & County Seat
Spirits
Presidential Tour: Naples, Fla.
January 8 (details TBA)
Presidential Tour: Sarasota, Fla.
January 12 (details TBA)
Presidential Tour: Tampa, Fla.
January 13 (details TBA)
Presidential Tour: Winter Park, Fla.
January 15 (details TBA)
Presidential Tour: Charlotte, N.C.
Annual Dinner Dance
March 19 • DeSales University
ACT1 Children’s Show Sleeping Beauty and
Luncheon
April 2 • DeSales University, Labuda Center
Marcon Lecture
April 6 • DeSales University, Billera Hall
Presidential Tour: Skippack, Pa.
April 20 (details TBA)
Presidential Tour: Monmouth County, N.J.
May 5 (details TBA)
Young Alumni Night (2005-2015): Lehigh Valley, Pa.
May 19 (details TBA)
Presidential Tour: Allentown, Pa.
June 1 (details TBA)
Annual DeSales Golf Tournament
June 13 • Brookside Country Club, Macungie, Pa.
January 19 (details TBA)
ACCESS Alumni Night
at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Presidential Tour: Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
June 16 • cocktail reception
January 20 (details TBA)
Presidential Tour: Philadelphia
March 10 (details TBA)
Alumni Night at the Phillies
Summer 2016 (details TBD)
Broadway Trip:
Late Summer 2016 (details TBD)
*Schedule is subject to change—visit desales.edu/alumni for the most current list. Most (not all) of these events are free, and some
have limited capacity.
35
2755 Station Avenue
Center Valley PA 18034-9568
Address Service Requested
The Parade of Flags before the soccer game at Homecoming 2015. For more photos of
this wonderful celebration, visit the DeSales flickr page (flickr.com/desalesuniversity)