September 2015 - Blue White Scholarship Foundation

BWSF NEWSLETTER
PO BOX 412, VILLANOVA, PA 19085
TEL: 610-519-0777 WWW.BLUEWHITECLUB.ORG
Blue White Scholarship Foundation
September 2015
Here Ye, Here Ye, Blue White Scholarship 2015-2016 Recipients
Sign Inaugural Pledge to “Pay It Forward” for another BWSF
Student In the Future
100% of the Scholarship Recipients
and their families and friends were
present for the Inaugural Franklin
Pledge“ Pay It Forward” Ceremony
held in Philadelphia, the birthplace
of our nation. The students were
excited to meet Benjamin Franklin
in person who was gracious enough
to do some time traveling for us. He
explained about his life back in the
1700’s and rattled off some of his
many inventions and philosophy.
One such notion was the concept of
helping another in need and having
that person repay the favor not back 2015—2016 Blue White Scholarship Recipients pose with Ben Franklin
during the Pledge Ceremony on September 20.
to
Dr. Franklin, but to another in need. In this case it was a sum of money to
a friend. Franklin asked that he re-pay the debt by lending another the
same sum and that person should do the same
In This Issue
good deed for another
 Executive Director’s Letter (p 2)
etc. and there you have
 Pope Francis Makes History (p3)
it, Franklin invented the
 Meet Our Scholars (p 4)
concept of “Pay It For Thank You - Scholar Gregory Branigan (p 4)
ward.” The program be Football Tailgating (p 5 & 6)
gan with a prayer by Fa Donor of the Month & Act of Kindness (p 8 )
ther Judge followed by
 Donor of the Month (p 9)
the National Anthem
 Pictures -Last Year’s Loyalty Dinner (p10)
sung by four-time Gram Homecoming Dinner Dance Invitation (p11)
A Tour of Independence Hall
my Award Winner, Walter
followed after the “Franklin
 Calendar of Events (p 12)
Pledge” Ceremony
“Bunny” Siegler.
The Blue White Scholarship Foundation (BWSF) is a private 501(c)(3) organization that is composed of and operated by Villanova Alumni and
friends. We are- “Villanovans Helping Villanovans” Although the Scholarship Awards are sent directly to Villanova University, BWSF is not affiliated with VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY ®. The following words are marks registered with the United States Federal Patent and Trademark Office for Villanova University: VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY ®, VILLANOVA ®, WILDCATS ™. The Villanova "V" is also a registered service mark that is copyright
and trademarked by VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY ®. All other content is subject to copyright and may not be copied or reproduced. Copyright © 2015
Executive Director’s
Message
September has been spectacular! We have
had our first ever “Franklin Pledge” Pay It Forward Ceremony witnessed by the Board of Director members, Jeff Lipson ‘92, John Maguire ‘61,
Kevin Scanlon ‘81 and Michael Stephano ‘90
with Ken Christovich ‘76 as commentator and
Joe Hare ’72, ’78 as Master of Ceremonies.
In October we will be hosting two Football Tailgates. We will be
having a “Pumpkin Carving Contest for the October 31st tailgate. Please send pictures to us of your children’s pumpkins or
your grand children’s carved pumpkins. To enter send $10 with picture.
There will be a cash prize of $50 for the “Best Carved
Pumpkin” and $50 for the “Best Costume Cutie”
Dogs count too, you know!
We will also be hosting a rumpus Road Rally. What do you ask is a “Road Rally?” It is a treasure
or scavenger hunt by car. We are excited to have several of the Villanova Greek community Sorority &
Fraternity houses both participate and run this event! Students will be helping raise money for the Blue
White Scholarship Foundation. All
are invited. So grab your Sherlock
Holmes Hat and magnifying glass for
Sunday, October 25th from 11 am to
2 pm. Details are on the web-site.
The most exciting news is happening
on Friday,
November 13th.
Come home to Nova and
meet old friends and make
new ones at our HOMECOMING
DANCE .
DINNER
Pope Francis made his first visit to the
United States, where there are 77 million Catholics. Millions gathered as the
leader of our Catholic Church came to
say mass and to partake in The World
Meeting of Families. The theme of the
World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia
2015 is - "Love Is Our Mission: The
Family Fully Alive," emphasizing the impact of the love and life of families on
our society,"
As Catholic Americans, we have been showing the love by giving back to all Catholics and nonCatholics alike in our communities, by providing medical care where there was none and
education to millions. The facts below were provided by Gerald Corrigan. He points out some of
the wonderful acts of kindness and love provided by the Catholic Church.
It was The Catholic Church that provided help for medical care:
When the Catholic Church was founded, there were no hospitals. Today, one out of five people
in this country receive their medical care at a Catholic hospital.

In the 1930’s a Charity Hospital run by the Sisters of Charity in New Orleans, along with the
Upjohn Company developed the plasma system. This plasma system saved many lives in WWII,
Korea, Vietnam and even in the Middle East now.

Looking back to the Civil War, most of the nurses who cared for those fighting for our country
were nuns.

It was the Catholic Church that provided education to millions:
When the Catholic Church was founded, there were no schools. Today, the Catholic Church
teaches 3 million students a day, in its more than 250 Catholic Colleges and Universities, in its
more than 1200 Catholic High Schools and in its more than 5000 Catholic grade schools.

Most importantly it was the Judeo-Christian values that has allowed all religions in America to
worship and practice freely.
Every day, the Catholic Church feeds, clothes, shelters and educates more people than any other organization in the world. We hope Pope Francis will be proud of our good works and deeds as
Catholics. As Villanovans, we recite the words Unitas (Community), Veritas (Truth), Caritas
(Love). Community, another word for family and love are two of the goals of The World Meeting
of Families. In spirit of the football team, I guess that means “Touchdown, for Villanova!”
These students are what drive the Blue White Mission year-in and year-out. We
understand that not everyone can attend Blue White’s events and it is hard to meet the
scholars, so we are bringing them to you. Each month we will feature two of our
outstanding scholars. Sharing their background and showing you how your contributions
are assisting them. Our goal is to inspire you to share our mission and continue to help
these students and our future scholars.
LIANA BENJAMIN
GREGORY BRANIGAN
Hometown
Hometown
Perryville, MD
Majors
Biochemistry & Spanish
Minors
Biology & Chemistry
Norristown, PA
Major
Accounting & Finance
Extra-Curricular Activities: Beta Alpha Psi, Black
Cultural Society, Women in Business, Ladies Flag
Football, Accounting Society
Career Aspirations: To pursue a career in public
accounting, that would allow me to travel and interact with extraordinary individuals.
Favorite Quote: “ Never give up on what you really want to do. A person with big dreams is more
powerful than one with all the facts” Albert Einstein
“BWSF is allowing me to focus on my degree and
give back to my school. If it weren’t for this grant, I
would need to work close to full-time during the
school week and limit my community service .”
Extraordinary circumstances: Liana’s family is
unable to help pay the cost of her education so she
pays 100% of her tuition. Liana worked for one year
to save funds to attend community college. She
then applied for a degree at Villanova and was
working her way through college when she suffered
a severe ankle injury that led to surgery and
months of costly physical therapy.
Extra-Curricular Activities: Faith and Learning
Scholar, Chemistry, Biology & Spanish Tutor,
President and Assistant Conductor of Villanova Pastoral Musicians, Villanova Band Drummer, Blue Key
Society, Sigma Delta Pi President
Career Aspirations: To pursue a career in medical
research as a researcher-physician specializing in
neuroscience or genetics, and teach, conduct research, and practice medicine at a leading hospital
Favorite Quote: "Genius is the ability to put into effect what is on your mind" -F. Scott Fitzgerald
“BWSF is helping me to afford my education and
pursue a graduate career in medicine and bio-medical
research without the fear of an immense financial burden from my undergraduate education.”
Extraordinary circumstances: Gregory’s dad had
a heart attack and required a major surgery. Gregory
had his gallbladder removed. His uncle fought bladder
cancer and both his grandparents suffered long illnesses so his mother took a leave of absence from
work to care for them. The family went from a dual to
a single income family with large medical expenses.
You Saved Our Students!! The Judges and our Ambassadors this year received individualized personal
“Thank you” notes. Here is one such letter by this month’s featured scholar,
Gregory Branigan, to one of our Donors/Judges:
My name is Greg Branigan and I am a rising junior at Villanova University majoring in Biochemistry and
Spanish Language and Literatures from Perryville, Maryland. My family is originally from the Philadelphia Area (my
mother is from South Philly and my father is from Kensington in North Philadelphia) so I really enjoy coming back to
the area for my schooling.
At Villanova I am involved in a variety of different groups and organizations. Through my involvement with the
Spanish Department I was given the amazing opportunity to volunteer as a tutor with a nonprofit foundation in
Guayaquil, Ecuador called the Starfish Foundation. The foundation provides educational resources to at-risk youth
through scholarships and tutoring. My job as a tutor was to teach English and tutor biology, chemistry, and mathematics in Spanish to the students. Since then, I have stayed extremely active with the foundation and have helped
to expand its connections with Villanova through the Spanish Department and Campus Ministry.
At Villanova, I am a Biochemistry major with minors in chemistry and biology. The ability to figure out a problem, work out a hypothesis, and then explain potential solutions or outcomes has long fueled my interest in the sciences. In high school I participated in a STEM program that gave me access to high-level science and math courses. I learned about working in the scientific community and the practice of reasoning and examining the world from
a scientific viewpoint. When choosing my major, biochemistry was of great interest to me because it combined my
interest of examining life at a molecular level with the ability to learn about the implications of molecular interactions
on cellular processes and thus understand disease at the molecular level.
My current career plan is to pursue a career in medical research as a researcher- physician specializing in
neuroscience or genetics and to teach, conduct research, and practice medicine at a leading hospital. My curiosity
for understanding the underlying mechanisms of biomedical interventions designed to prevent and treat disease led
me to explore the laboratory. As I learned to ask targeted scientific questions and design experiments to uncover
answers, I became excited by experimental investigation of disease processes and the potential for discovery of
therapeutic interventions. The laboratory offers the opportunity to have large-scale impact on treating disease. The
potential long-term implication of conducting biomedical research satisfies my curiosity and also fulfills my passion
to care for people and contribute to positive change. I aim to fuel my enthusiasm for scientific research and to help
address important topics in molecular biology through cross-disciplinary research in a leading laboratory or hospital.
I intend to pursue a MD/PhD program where I can continue cross-disciplinary research needed to understand the
mechanisms of development and function of molecular systems in the body. I would like to work in the areas of molecular biology focusing in neuroscience, biochemistry, or genetics. This summer I received a fellowship to conduct
research at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego, CA. I worked in the Jerold Chun Lab in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience working on understanding a disease called hydrocephalus.
I am honored to be a member of the Blue & White Foundation and consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to study and grow at Villanova University. Thank you for your time and support. I hope that we might be able
to meet each other in the near future.
Sincerely– Gregory Branigan
Parents’ Weekend Tailgate
Nova takes down the Hens!
Join Us at Home Football Games
Food and drinks are donated for all to enjoy with a
Pay As You Wish “Contribution” jar on the table.
Come by and meet the students. For each game,
five students will be present. Proceeds from the
Football Raffle tickets sold go to cover the cost of
parking spaces #123, #124 and #125 located behind the stadium in the Pavilion parking lot. We
don’t provide football tickets, but we do have the
best chef in town. His name– Chef Ken seen in the
picture on the left. Come grade his cooking and
bring an item or two to complement the fare.
October 10th NOVA vs. WILLIAM & MARY
October 31st
NOVA vs. MAINE
Nov. 14th
NOVA vs. RICHMOND
(Homecoming Game-Please join us Friday Night
the night before for a Homecoming Dinner Dance)
The picture on next page is from The Parents
Week-end Tailgate. Our scholars are working
2 & 3 jobs and 90% have kept a 3.5 + GPA .
Our scholars were awarded plaques praising
them for the their “Outstanding Work Ethic &
Superior Academic Ability.”
2015-2016 Plaque’s Awarded @ Tailgate
We know you loved the Mother’s Day Raffle, so we introduce...
1 Ticket - $10
3 Tickets - $20
10 Tickets - $50
25 Tickets - $75
To Buy Tickets Call (610) 519-0777
or e-mail KateCellucci@BlueWhiteClub.com
2015 Football
Raffle!
1st Prize
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
Villanova Chip & Dip Set
(Wilton Armetale)
Villanova Football Griller
(Wilton Armetale)
Villanova Jacket
August: Donor of the Month
Bob McEntee ‘53
Bob was our First Prize Winner for the
Mother’s Day Raffle . This Summer he
chose to donate back to Blue White
$1,000 of his winnings! Bob says, “I
have been married to Ruth for 59
years. We are proud of our five married children, seventeen grandchildren
(four are married) and three great
grandchildren. I had an extensive
business career, CPA, Chief financial
and administrative officer of a pharmaceutical company, a brief stint as
COO for a New York Stock Exchange
company and many years as a corporate financial consultant specializing in
acquisition and mergers and assisting start up and troubled companies; and I also served on the
Board of Directors for several companies. There are many years of services for the Archdiocese of
Newark on its hospital board and for 25 years and still counting on its pension board. I am one of
six Villanovans (two brothers, a sister, daughter and son-in-law) in my family. The number will increase to seven as one of my granddaughters has started her freshman year.” “Thank you” Bob for
your generosity and “Congratulations” on being a part of the Ambassadors Society this year!
September: Acts of Kindness
J. WARD LARKIN
Ward interprets BENJAMIN FRANKLIN over one hundred times a year. He
says it is a blessing for him to portray America's favorite Founding Father in
meticulous Period Attire.
In addition to this avocation turned vocation Ward is president of THE LARKIN GROUP, a commercial real estate firm, and he a single empty-nest dad of
three adult children living in Center City Philadelphia.
He began his career when, ten years ago, his mom told him at Thanksgiving
dinner to "get a haircut - you look like Ben Franklin." After doing a year’s research and performing in a
play for Historic Philadelphia, he now specializes in Corporate Motivation Speaking emphasizing Teamwork and Compromise Concepts. Ward’s donation of his presentation at this year’s Franklin Pledge Ceremony was a “home run”. He brought Ben Franklin to life for students and parents alike, and kept the audience spellbound with his humor and quick wit. Thank you Ben!
September: Donor of the Month
Henry “Hank” Neil ‘61
When Hank Neill entered Villanova in the fall of 1957 he had
two goals. He wanted to be the first member of his family to
earn a college degree and he also hoped to earn
a commission through the Navy’s ROTC program. He soon
learned things don’t always work out as planned as the Navy
scuttled his plans for ROTC due to his poor eyesight. The
physician examining him proclaimed his eyes to be so bad he
should not even have to worry about being drafted. Disappointed by the Navy’s decision he simply pressed ahead to
study for a BS in Economics as an Accounting Major.
Villanova proved to be a good choice as the academics were
challenging, the campus was beautiful and life in the dorms
suited him well. Hank never dreamed of running on Villanova’s championship track team but after a suggestion by a
member of the team, he approached Jim “Tupp” Tuppeny,
the assistant track coach. Tupp told him to suit up and join
the cross country team which was about to head out for a
run. Hank joined the run and finished near the middle of the
pack winning the approval of “Jumbo” Elliott, VU’s legendary
track coach. That run led to a lot of hard work and some
tough competitions, but also to many close friendships and
eventually to a cherished varsity letter.
Hank & Judy Neal
The years at Villanova passed all too rapidly, but on graduation day in 1961 Hank achieved his goal of a
college degree. Not long after graduation a letter arrived from Uncle Sam directing him to report for an
Armed Forces physical. He passed the physical! Hank was about to be drafted.
Deciding to enlist rather than gamble on the draft, Hank volunteered to enter the Army in 1962. After his
initial training, he was sent to an isolated Army Security Agency ( they gathered electronic info now like the
National Security Agency) field station in Turkey. While working there two special events occurred. One
was his selection to join a track team representing units from the Middle East in a military track championship in Europe. The other was that his application for a direct commission in the Army Finance Corps was
approved. His goal to receive an officer’s commission was finally achieved when he was commissioned as
a second lieutenant at that isolated location in Turkey on Christmas Eve of 1963.
Hank’s Villanova education prepared him well for the responsibilities he was assumed in his dual role as an
Army Officer and a U. S. Government Disbursing Officer. During his 27 year military career certain assignments stand out. One was with the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in support of the Third
Marine Division along the demilitarized zone separating North and South Vietnam. Others were a second
tour of duty in Turkey as Comptroller of the Joint U. S Military Mission for Aid to Turkey, and his assignment
as the Finance and Accounting Officer, U. S. Army Japan. His many assignments culminated in his selection as Commandant, U. S. Army Finance School and Chief, U. S. Army Finance Corps (Regiment) before
he retired from active service in the rank of Colonel in 1989.
After the military Hank formed a small consulting business specializing in Leadership and Management
training. He later served as the Executive Vice President of the Association of Military Banks of America
representing the banks on military installations. Much of the good fortune Hank enjoyed in his career can
be attributed to his Villanova education, and that is why he chose to be a longtime supporter of the Blue
and White Scholarship Foundation. He believes others less fortunate should have the same opportunities
he has been blessed to have. As a BWSF Ambassador Hank has offered outstanding advice on how to
improve our fundraising. He has even driven up from Virginia to attend events. We salute Hank for his service and thank him for his ever-lasting positive attitude. Keep the twinkle in those eyes!
Last Year’s Loyalty Awards Dinner Held
Homecoming Weekend
Don’t miss this years event!
Kelly Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Craft &
Barbara Stephano ‘90
Linda & Ed Roehre ‘59, Kate Cellucci ‘84,
Paul Morra ‘59 and his wife Bianca
Patrick Murray ‘08 & Catharine Murray win a
stuffed animal for their son
Trish Pedicone with her father Frank ’60, Mary &
Dr. Bud Russo ‘52, Anne & Joe Fusco ‘81
Professor Colleen Sheehan & other professors
from the Ryan Foundation
Aaron Weems ‘00 & wife Lara,
John Kroos ‘05 & wife Lindsey ‘05
September 2015 NEWSLETTER
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Oct. 31-Pumpkins Nov. 13 Homecoming Dinner Dance
Send $10 & Pictures to
KateCellucci@
BlueWhiteClub.org
PRIZES: $50
Best Carved Pumpkin
Best Costume Cutie
Football Tailgates – Come party!
#123.-125 -Pavilion Parking Lot)
Oct. 10th NOVA vs. WILLIAM & MARY
Oct. 31st NOVA vs. MAINE
(Pumpkin Contest) $50 prizes
Email your children’s / grandkids pictures!
Call to Sponsor the
Nov. 13 HOMECOMING DINNER DANCE
Homecoming Dinner
Dance
Come back to Nova and meet old friends
and make new @ BWSF’s Homecoming
Dinner Dance the night before @
Overbrook Golf Club
Our biggest fundraiser
to
Save Our Students
Nov. 14 NOVA vs. RICHMOND
To Register for our Events and Learn More, Please Visit:
www.BlueWhiteClub.org or Call (610) 519-0777