spring/summer 2009

the changing face of saint vincent

q u a r t e r l ys p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 0 9

saint vincent

Silver Anniversary of Coeducation Highlights ’08-’09 Year

Twelve of Saint Vincent’s finest students might have become a bit homesick in Calcutta, India as they spent a week thousands of miles from our campus. But as they gathered last month in the refectory only two blocks

from Mother Teresa’s tomb to discuss the day’s volunteer work with her nuns, they were in for a bit of nostalgia and a big surprise. They met a fellow volunteer from America named Marisa DeYoung - and discovered to their astonishment that her dad, Donald, was a Saint Vincent grad, Class of 1973! Two days later, as I waited in Calcutta’s airport to depart, I was approached by a stranger who saw the Saint Vincent logo on my jacket. He introduced himself as Jeff DeAngelis, Class of 1979. His training at Saint Vincent and his career as an engineer have taken him around the world to oversee the construction of facilities that produce bearings and employ thousands. He was overseas in his capacity as an executive of the Timken Company (whose web site says “friction management” is their specialty; sounds like a good description of a college president’s, too!). He told me his brothers, Jack and Jim, sent a total of 5 of their kids to Saint Vincent. One could simply attribute these chance meetings to coincidence or recite the tired refrain, “It’s a small world.” But with God there are no coincidences and our students are discovering that the world is in fact immense, and that continents and countries harbor unique beauty and diverse cultures and peoples. These ever-expanding horizons of Saint Vincent open up new possibilities and renewed friendships. This issue of The Quarterly looks at how much has changed on campus and how our cherished traditions forged over 163 years continue to bear fruit. We spotlight some superstars – Chris Donahue, this year’s commencement speaker, who had our graduates laughing and left them thinking; Marianne Reid Anderson, also a member of our Board of Directors and a member of the first Saint Vincent class to admit women 25 years ago; and members of our faculty, administration, and undergraduates. Enjoy this issue and come see for yourself how much has changed and remained the same at Saint Vincent!

Message from P r e s i d e n t J i m t o w e y

Find President Towey’s blog at www.stvincent.edu/president/blog

Sophomore Clare Gates with one of Calcutta’s beautiful children.

Saint Vincent College quarterly

Spring/Summer 2009Volume 7, Issue 2

ArchAbbot And chAncellorRt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.

PresidentH. James Towey

vice President for institutionAl AdvAncement

Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B.

Alumni directorJames D. Bendel

the stAffmAnAging editor

David SafinDirector of Multimedia and Marketing

lAyout/designApollo Design Group Inc.

George FetkovichArt Director

contributing writersJim Berger

Julia CavalloSherrie Dunlap

Donald A. OrlandoAliesha PocratskyTheresa Schwab

Sara Tedde

Alumni news coordinAtorMary Ann Dunlap

Secretary, Office of Alumni Relations

PhotogrAPhs courtesy ofMultimedia and Marketing

Public Relations OfficeSports Information OfficeOffice of Alumni Relations

Archabbey Public Relations OfficeAlex Byers

Fineline MultimediaBecki Polaski

Saint Vincent Quarterly (United States Postal Service Publication Number USPS 5144-8000) is published by Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania for alumni, parents and friends. Third class postage paid at Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Alumni Office, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690.

Saint Vincent College subscribes to a policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability in any of its programs, admission or employment decisions.

contents

Changing Face of Saint Vincent New construction gives the campus a different look and lays the foundation for the future.

16 Commencement 2009 The College graduates its largest class.

20 Celebrating 25 Years of Coeducation Marianne Reid Anderson.

22 Mary Towey’s Road to Saint Vincent Profile of the College’s first lady.

25 I.S. Focuses on Service Higher education goes hi-tech with the help of Information Services.

31 A Literary Tradition Student expression crosses many disciplines in Generation magazine.

43 Alumni News

ON THE COVER: Visitors have a new perspective as they enter campus.

2 F e A T U R e

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The Changing Face of Campus

2 saint vincent quarterly

by T H e R e S A S C H w A B

V isitors and returning alumni cannot help but notice the extensive changes

to the campus in recent years and how something great became even greater.

The Changing Face of Campus

spring/summerer 2009 3


A visit to Saint Vincent these days is an encounter with rich traditions and new beginnings. The entrance to the Saint Vincent community winds along a newly constructed roadway, which leads in from U.S. Route 30. Visitors now come up the road to see the new Fred M. Rogers Center on the left, the Archabbey Basilica off to the right and

the campus straight ahead. The stone pillars next to Wimmer Hall mark the old entrance to campus. Trees have been planted along the new roadway, and these maples—Red Sunset—are known for their vivid scarlet color in the fall. Not too far away from the new entrance,

visitors may spot a very green field and wonder—is that artificial turf? Yes, this spring the College installed an artificial turf field that will increase the opportunities for play by the College teams as well as intramural players. Forget those soggy, western Pennsylvania spring days—now the opportunities have been expanded for all the student sports no matter the weather—and there can even be an exercise break from studying at night under the lights. Adjacent to the new field is Chuck Noll Field, which this fall will enjoy its third season as site of the reestablished football program. Thanks to help from the Steelers, Field 3 (directly across from the Field) was enlarged to regulation size this spring and a retaining wall now runs along the base of the slope under Skyline Drive. For more signs of change, just look up the hill at the science center. The

Many sports enjoy the home court advantage of playing in the beautiful Robert S. Carey Student Center.


“We’re fortunate because we have a tremendously dedicated base of

alumni and friends.”- Jim Towey, President


biggest construction project in the College’s history was kicked off with a groundbreaking in April that marked the start of the construction of the Sis and

Herman Dupré Science Pavilion, which will house the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing. The names Dupré and Boyer honor outstanding alumni and family—noted inventor and entrepreneur Herman Dupré, C’53, and his wife, Sis, a teacher; and biotechnology pioneer Herbert Boyer, C’58, co-founder of Genentech, the first company to develop products through genetic engineering. The Dupré family pledged $7.5 million toward the project, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation $7 million.

Careful stewardship of College resources has resulted in a plan that calls for work on the project to proceed in phases. This ambitious project will also

provide endowment for science faculty professorships, student scholarships and research, and ongoing facility operation and maintenance. Already over $27 million has been raised. The first phase of this project is nearly completed: the demolition of the former core building—containing the science center amphitheatre—as well as relocation of utilities and the building of a rear service road for construction vehicles (to avoid heavy truck traffic across campus). The project will continue in phases, working on each of the other

A three-story glass atrium anchored by the dome of the planetarium offers a spectacular welcome to the new science center.


buildings that surround the new core—an overarching three-story glass atrium which serves as a “welcoming gateway” into the building. The dome of a new planetarium will be a hallmark within this gleaming atrium. The project seeks to renovate nearly 60,000 square feet of space and add 45,000 square feet of new construction. More than 60 percent of the space will be dedicated to labs and lab support. The work is expected to be completed by the time students show up for class in August 2011. The architects, MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni, Inc. of Pittsburgh, say they

want to create “inviting, open spaces” which nurture opportunities for interaction and collaboration across disciplines. All the disciplines—natural sciences, mathematics and computing sciences—will share classrooms, computer labs, conference rooms, lounges and a 75-seat lecture hall.

This project is providing labs for the long list of sciences—cell genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, astronomy, electronics, digital imaging, anatomy and general biology, physics and chemistry. There will also be specialized labs for research in biochemistry, physical chemistry, environmental science, anatomy and other areas. Faculty are eager to see the completion of this project. Dr. John Smetanka, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, says “the new science center is going to have a huge impact on the quality of student

work. All the sciences require capstone projects, and the new labs in the science complex will afford students opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had.” Chemistry Department chair and Associate Professor Dr. Matthew Fisher, a recent Carnegie Scholar, has

A front perspective of the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion.


noted that “the new building will allow faculty from three different programs—biochemistry, cell biology and bioinformatics— to share both research and lab space. That arrangement will provide opportunities for informal conversations that are often starting points for interdisciplinary collaboration.” Also voicing her support is Jennifer Koehl, Assistant Professor of Biology, who is known for her strong

interest in mentoring students who love research. She says the new state-of-the-art facility will provide a high-quality environment that will allow Saint Vincent to continue to attract the best students. Former college president Jim Will, who heads the project’s Advisory Committee, promises a world-class facility when it is finished. Executive Vice President and Dean of the Boyer School, Br. Norman Hipps, O.S.B., sees this as a tribute to so many of the great

Benedictine teachers in the sciences—many now gone but still fondly remembered by alumni for the brilliance of their teaching and commitment to their disciplines. Fond remembrance is also reflected in the new Fred M. Rogers Center, especially its interior, which has drawn raves. The Center includes offices for the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media administrative

staff and Center Fellows, along with the Fred Rogers Archive, a lab workshop, and the Fred Rogers Exhibit featuring artifacts and multimedia displays. The building also houses a conference center, as well as the Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Collection. “The addition of the Rogers Center is a very positive change for the College in two ways,” says Academic Dean, Dr. Smetanka. “First, as a venue for conferences and talks and other activities, the conference center has

The Fred M. Rogers Center


Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., talks with wilma Ucker, widow of william C. Ucker, and Claudia watson, niece of Mr. Ucker, after the dedication and blessing of Headmasters Hall and The william C. Ucker Center on April 1, 2008.

had a huge impact on the kind of events and the quality of those events, and the other is that the Rogers Center allows our faculty in business, communication and education to partner with nationally prominent Advisory Council members and Rogers Center Fellows.” Work on these partnerships is already beginning. Also adding to educational opportunities is the new Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, a project established by the Arnold Palmer family as a heartfelt tribute to a beloved wife and mother. This nearby 50-acre reserve, under the direction of Angela Belli, serves as a natural sanctuary for plants and wildlife, includes nature trails and serves as a site for the Environmental Education Center, located in a renovated barn. A variety of public nature programs is offered at the Center, which also

serves as the site of some College environmental education classes and student research projects. A popular draw is the Tiny Tots nature program, and maybe these laughing youngsters enjoying the activities here, will be back in a number of years as students in the Boyer School. The nature programs for youngsters are part of a whole host of math and science collaborative programs for students of all ages that have involved the College over a number of years. For alumni who return for fall homecoming, there are other changes to notice. Headmasters Hall (the former Benedict Hall) and the William C. Ucker Center now contain memorabilia as a tribute to the beloved faculty of prep school days. There is renovated classroom space on the fourth floor of


Alfred Hall, including a new computer classroom. Even the Melvin Platz walkways are improved (thanks, in part, to a gift from the Student Government Association).

It was not too long ago that alumni came back and admired the dramatic renovation of Aurelius Hall as home

to the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government, and other programs, as well as the new reception area/entrance to Alfred Hall, and the renovated and renamed Latimer Family Library, following a gift from the Dale and Darlene Latimer family that helped with the library and its collections. In the fall of 2003, students, who had patiently watched the construction, were eager to begin to use the facilities of the new Robert S. Carey Student Center. The Carey family honored the late prepster, who had family ties to the Benedictine community, with this impressive building project that provided a new Shack, book center, fitness center, athletic offices, student lounge, and, at the heart of campus, the Mary, Mother of Wisdom Chapel. Now the fitness center bustles with activity, and the student lounge remains a popular place to hang out. Some evenings, a student will offer some impromptu music on the Steinway piano, a casual performance adding to the ambiance of this popular spot. Music and theater performances, both professional and student, found a beautiful home when the Performing Arts Center also opened within the Carey Center. When the student population reached the goal of 1,800, more housing was needed and that prompted another recent project—the addition of rooms to Saint Benedict and Rooney Halls, which continues to earn high marks from students for its first-year, pod-based experience, and apartments for seniors in the latter. The growth at the College is not only reflected in the physical changes


to campus, but in other areas as well. The academic landscape began to change a number of years ago with the establishment of the four schools as part of a strategic objective to enhance academic excellence and to continue to burnish a growing national reputation. In addition to the schools, endowed professorships have been created including the James F. Will Professor in Engineering Science in the Boyer School, the Philip M. McKenna Professor of American and Western Political Thought in the McKenna School, and The Archabbot Boniface Wimmer Chair in Benedictine Studies in the humanities. Growth in the number of students has also meant an increasing number of faculty. The 50 percent increase in student enrollment has resulted in a 44 percent increase in full-time faculty, but the College has maintained its 13-to-1 students-faculty ratio (ever mindful of the benchmarks required in the College’s Strategic Plan). The College has recently added four new faculty members, a replacement in philosophy for retiring, Fr. Justin Nolan, O.S.B., and others in communication, business management and mathematics. The additions have brought new areas of research and expertise, which are being shared with students. “As new members continue to join the faculty they continue to bring an energy and enthusiasm to the College that we’re very proud of,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, Dr. Smetanka. In recent years, there have also been new programs of study added such as the Health Services Leadership Master’s Degree and a Nurse Anesthetist program (offered with Excela Health

School of Anesthesia). This year the first bioinformatics major graduated from the College.

A new division within the College is the Service Learning and Community Outreach Program, headed by director Kelly King. Combining community service with academic work has proven of value to both students and community members. “Service

Melvin Platz offers beauty and serenity at the heart of campus.

Visiting nursing homes is one of the many opportunites provided through the Service Learning and Community Outreach program.


learning,” says King, “is a collaborative teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach social and civic responsibility and strengthen communities.” In the spring and fall semesters of 2008, some 230 students were enrolled in courses that included community service. The College also appointed a director to work exclusively on study abroad because of the strong belief in the value of international travel and study as part of a liberal arts education. Study Abroad Director Bessy Bennellick was pleased to report by the end of 2008 that enrollment in the College Study Abroad program had grown by more than 60 percent with students traveling all around the world. Students are taking advantage of opportunities to intern in London, work with children in India, practice their Spanish in Argentina or learn about doing business in China. In addition, the trips to Calcutta with President Towey or to Rome and Brazil with Campus Ministry have provided spiritually-rewarding international experiences for students.

The College has also boosted its Career Service division to meet the needs of students. Director Courtney Baum and Associate Director Dennis Gilbert work especially closely with seniors and track post-graduate work and jobs. “Networking and internships, after strong academic performance, are


probably the best ways to get a job these days,“ Ms. Baum points out about the challenging job market. There also have been changes on the web site with continual additions such as the President’s Blog, the BearcatsOnline alumni community, and more. Now, thanks to the Internet, even students from Nepal have inquired

about and enrolled at Saint Vincent. College leaders remain committed to continuing to grow and improve, but there is a realization that it is even more important to be careful stewards. The College has been mindful of the economic pressures some families are experiencing and has sought to keep tuition costs within the reach of as

many families as possible. In fact, an emergency aid fund has been established to help students whose families have suffered the pain of financial setback. Just as family reaches out to family during hard times, the College has embraced and helped students who might otherwise not be able to continue their studies. Despite the challenges, President Towey has promised: “We remain committed to enhancing our essential facilities, strengthening our fine faculty and moving the College forward.” But what will the Saint Vincent College campus look like in 10 years? With private colleges and universities facing the most serious economic downturn in decades, many are struggling with enrollment shortfalls and the consequences of reduced endowment levels. Some seem to

be stepping away from ambitious projects. True to the vision of its founder, Boniface Wimmer, Saint Vincent College is responding to the challenge by looking forward. Joined by the Saint Vincent Archabbey and the Seminary, the College, has commissioned architects MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni, Inc. of Pittsburgh to lead a broad-based committee in developing a master plan for its future needs. This effort, led by Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., will look at interior space utilization, with architects examining the classrooms and answering questions such as “what are our needs, what space do we have now, how is it utilized, what about our future needs and where do we need to grow?” There is also going to be an analysis of the infrastructure—telephones and utilities, and the

technology infrastructure. An important part of the master plan is a “green audit” to look at what the campus can do to be green sustainable. There is already an example in the new Fred M. Rogers Center, which was designed to qualify for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification. The $14 million center features such things as a geothermal heating and cooling system, energy-efficient lights, lots of natural light and systems aimed at reducing pollution. Other issues in this wide-ranging master plan will include reviews of landscaping, parking, traffic flow, even external and internal signage. What future projects could be anticipated? A renovation of the older residence halls, Gerard and Bonaventure, is included in the College’s current Strategic Plan. A feasibility study for a field house and indoor and outdoor tracks could be undertaken at some point in the longer term. The College finds itself well positioned to continue to grow, according to President Jim Towey. “We have to give credit to (past College president) Jim Will, Archabbot Douglas (Nowicki, O.S.B.), and our generous alumni and donors for the successful completion of the last capital campaign,” Towey says. (The Campaign For Saint Vincent College concluded at the end of 2006 and raised $76 million.) “There is much more to be done, but we’re fortunate because we have a tremendously dedicated donor base of alumni who give until it hurts,” he says with a smile.

three Hundred thirty-seven Degrees awarded By saint vincent college

Arriving on campus early on May 9, College officials huddled for a meeting on the new artificial turf field to make an important decision—hold commencement outdoors as planned or transition to the Robert S. Carey Student Center.

Fittingly, the largest entering class in history was also the largest graduating class. For that reason, ticket requests surpassed 2,300 and an outdoor commencement was set to accommodate the Class of 2009 and their guests. But Mother Nature had other plans. A National Weather Service high wind advisory forced commencement to move to the Carey Center Gym. Besides the Gym, families and friends could see their graduates via a live broadcast on large screens in the Performing Arts Center and Student Lounge. Though there was a change of venue and 50-mile-per-hour winds, nothing diminished the high spirits and the accomplishments of the 321 undergraduate and 16 graduate students. J. Christopher Donahue, President and CEO of Federated Investors, Inc. in Pittsburgh and Chairman of the Saint Vincent College Board of Directors, delivered the commencement address. President Jim Towey described Donahue as “an exceptional blend of intellect, humility and humor.” He went on to call him “a dreamer and a doer,” and described him as “a mixture of idealism and pragmatism.” Donahue’s dedication to his family and his integrity as a businessman have been important characteristics of one of the most successful financial management companies in the country, even in times of economic uncertainty. Donahue spoke to the importance of keeping your deals. He illustrated the point with a humorous story about his own deal he kept with his children to get a family dog.

J. Christopher Donahue presented the keynote address at commencement.

Class of 2009 seals the Deal


B Y J U L I A C A V A L L O


“Because of the underlying dignity of all of the players in the community, deals are the very fabric of our society.” Recognizing the many friendships that graduates built as part of the Saint Vincent community, Donahue encouraged students to continue to use that expertise in building their communities after Saint Vincent. “The pursuit of communio is where happiness lies.” He acknowledged the class’ reputation of service and emphasized the importance of

always being professional. “You have the ability to choose both your profession and your approach—this is real power.

If you allow your role in the community to rule, I believe you get happiness in passing. “You may be leaving Saint Vincent, but Saint Vincent will never leave you. I know you will paint your own picture—that’s what drives you. If you infuse it with your decision based on your role in your community, I think you will find happiness. And so at the end, He will say to you, ‘Welcome home from Saint Vincent and beyond.’”

Presiders over commencement included Dr. Susan Sommers, Faculty Council President, Most Rev. Lawrence e. Brandt, Bishop of Greensburg, Right Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.,

Chancellor, J. Christopher Donahue, President H. James Towey and Dr. John Smetanka, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean.

“You may be leaving Saint Vincent, but Saint Vincent will never leave you.”


To watch the 2009 Commencement Ceremony, visit the following link:

http://www.stvincent.edu/multimedia_library/2009_commencement_ceremony

Marianne Reid Anderson, C’87, a member of the first coeducational class that entered Saint Vincent

College 25 years ago in the fall of 1983, says that attending this Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college was “one of the greatest things that ever happened to me.” “I thank God every day for my blessings,” she said. “I always felt so nurtured at Saint Vincent which gave me a strong grounding in my faith. I always felt like I could do anything – my options are limitless.” That optimistic attitude has led to much happiness and success for Ms. Reid, a freelance technical writer and computer consultant, who is also an active member of the Saint Vincent College Board of Directors and the chair of the Coeducation Anniversary Committee. Born in Pittsburgh’s North Hills in 1965, Ms. Reid, 44, is one of four children of Mrs. Carole Reid with a brother, Michael, and a sister, Amy, in Pittsburgh, and an older brother, Frank, in Florida. She has experienced the Benedictine approach to education throughout her life beginning with grade school at St. Theresa and high school at St. Benedict’s Academy. “The Sisters at St. Benedict knew that Saint Vincent was going coeducational and suggested that I apply for admission and for a leadership scholarship,” she recalled. “I visited the campus and fell in love with the architecture. I thought it looked like something out of the movies with its

coeducation pioneer marianne reid anderson: svc ‘one of the greatest things that ever happened to me’B Y D O N O R L A N D O


European style. I didn’t apply to any other school.” In high school, she was a shy but active student who participated in the Drama Club, Glee Club, school newspaper and the National Honor Society. “The Sisters were strong role models for me and let me stay with them after school to attend their vespers,” she said. “I thought about becoming a nun and think that was one reason why I was attracted to Saint Vincent.” She graduated from high school in 1983 with highest honors, one of the top ten in her class. “I wanted to go to college so badly I could taste it,” she recalled. “I was very shy and had never previously had a conversation with a boy. All the girls brought so much stuff! I didn’t know how it would ever fit into those small Aurelius Hall rooms.” A Business Systems Analysis major in the Business Department, she particularly remembers the influence of Colleen Carr, Dr. William Hisker and Fr. Rene Kollar, O.S.B. “Ms. Carr had a huge impact on me because she was really smart and taught me that it is ok to be soft spoken. I discovered that I could be myself. Fr. Rene was a great mentor and friend to this day.” Outside of class, she continued to be active in theater under the direction of Joseph Reilly and the late Fr. Tom Devereux, O.S.B. “I met my lifelong friend, Joe Greiber, doing “Cuttings from Mark Twain,” and loved being around the theater where we did “You Can’t Take It with You,” “Three Men on a Horse,” “The Good Doctor” and “Room Service.” She was also active in Campus Ministry which was directed at that time by Fr. Stephen Honeygosky, O.S.B. “Fr. Stephen taught me how to make sauce and meatballs for meatball hoagies we used to sell as fundraisers. The secret was putting some brown sugar into the sauce.” After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree with highest honors, she accepted a position in Connecticut with the Forehan and Wakefield Group, a small document training firm and traveled extensively. After just two years and recognition as “rookie of the year,” she

moved to Seattle as a technical writer to work on a new project at Microsoft called Windows. Later, she worked on their Excel product and then was assigned to work in a division which investigated companies trying to illegally duplicate their software. “I witnessed awful conditions for children making computer hardware in Japan and Korea,” she commented. She met her husband, Tom, who was originally from Seattle, at Microsoft. They moved back to Pittsburgh in 1995 and formed a new company which developed software used in amateur sports that was named “best on the web.” Later, they formed another company that developed pharmaceutical software called TechRx which became very successful. They now have another new company called Maritom LLC that produces educational software. But both Marianne and Tom now spend most of their time in their home offices doing what they really want to do: Tom teaching for the Pennsylvania Cyber School, and Marianne doing freelance writing for a host of national firms. “I have clients in Chicago, St. Louis and New York. I never leave the house,” she explained. As she looks to the future, she hopes to be able to take Tom’s educational software to the next level and complete her first creative writing novella. In addition to her freelance work and volunteer activities, she is extremely involved in remodeling and decorating her home which she dubbed “Ro’s Garden.” It includes an authentic Celtic pub in the basement which is only open on the weekends to entertain her invited friends. She is also developing a website, www.enterrosgarden.com, that will sell handmade crafts and jewelry. She and Tom also enjoy spending time with their nieces and nephews, drawing, doing crafts and putting on puppet shows and playing golf at Diamond Run Golf Club. She is a member of St. Theresa of Avila Church in Ross Township. “I am very happy with my life,” she concluded. “I have a great husband, great family, rewarding work, and opportunities to stay connected to Saint Vincent. I am so blessed.”


22 saint vincent quarterly20 saint vincent quarterly


ou’ve seen her in the fitness center, at daily Mass in the Mary, Mother of Wisdom Student Chapel, playing tennis on campus or cheering like a true Carey Crazy at the basketball games. This involved member of the Saint Vincent community is Mary Towey, the College’s own first lady. A full-time mother and wife, Towey dedicates her time to her five children and husband, College president Jim Towey. If asked 20 years ago where she would be today, she might have answered, “a Sister in Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity order.” The road leading to her present life in Latrobe, Pennsylvania was not a typical one, and she joked, “God draws straight with crooked lines.” The daughter of a three-star general, Towey said, “I was an Army brat.” Her father’s assignments took the family to Washington, D.C., Ohio, Alabama, Texas, and Korea. His tour of duty in Vietnam left her mom in charge of all six Griffith children. These experiences gave Towey an appreciation for the importance of strong family ties. When it was time for college, she decided on Davidson in North Carolina where three siblings attended, but her collegiate journey would not end there. Approximately two-thirds of the way through her studies, she left Davidson to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India. She remembered, “I just had to get some things together. I had a spiritual emptiness and needed spiritual shock treatment.” The two months she spent there in 1987 were a godsend as she shared Mother Teresa’s work. “It was definitive grace for me,” she added. Towey referred to the time as a “precious pearl experience” which inspired her to want to join the order. Upon returning to Washington D.C., she went to live with the Missionaries of Charity and entered Mother Teresa’s convent in the Bronx. After a year, the vocations director discerned for her that a life in the Missionaries of Charity was not her calling. “They know,” Towey said. “They pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance.” Being told to leave the Bronx was not easy, however. “I grieved having to leave the Sisters. But I kept volunteering with the MC’s, and finished up my degree at Catholic University.” ”Now that I was out of the convent, I was open to the possibility of marriage.” She had met Jim Towey while volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity. He

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mary towey’s Journey to saint vincent

had lived and worked with the Missionaries of Charity Fathers in Tijuana, Mexico and discerned that he too, did not have a vocation to the religious life. The two were brought together through their service to the poor and when they wed, Mother Teresa, who was unable to attend, sent 30 of her sisters to celebrate with the couple. After their marriage, the Toweys moved to Florida and eventually returned to the Washington, D.C. area. Moving is becoming a part of her children’s life too, she explained. “I’m glad I grew up that way. It teaches you to be adaptable and to make new friends.” She finds that her

family grows closer with each move, reminiscent of her own childhood experience. Now living in the fifteenth house of her life, she added, “I always wanted to live in Pennsylvania and here I am. Saint Vincent and Latrobe are perfect for our family. There is a lot of decency in the area, and family values are important here.” When describing the campus, Towey notes that there are great students here. “I have a mother’s love and that is how I try to love the students. I can’t get to know them all, but for the ones I do, it is the greatest joy.” Towey and her husband have opened their home to hundreds of students each year. On campus she is often seen

talking to students, greeting them with hugs and smiles. With her iPod on shuffle, you are likely to hear anything from Jason Mraz, U2, Bruce Springsteen, show tunes, and R&B to classical music. Monks of the Archabbey are frequent dinner guests. “Having the Archabbot or one of the Benedictines over is a real treat for our five kids. It really reminds us why we’re here.” She continues to draw on her experiences with the Missionaries of Charity. Last year she was asked to be the College’s keynote speaker during the World AIDS Week prayer service

in the Mary, Mother of Wisdom Student Chapel. During the talk, she shared stories and lessons learned, and showed photos from her volunteer service to people with AIDS at the Sisters’ D.C. home. Mary Towey knows the pressures and confusion felt by students preparing to graduate and face the world. “The Lord has a plan for you,” she advises. “Pray, grow in faith, grow closer to the Lord. When you live in the will of the Lord, it’s exciting and all of those pressures begin to fall away.”


Mary welcomes Saint Vincent honor students into her home at one of the many student gatherings held there.

information services stays Focused on service

In today’s ever-evolving world, technology is an essential part of the college experience. In fact, it would be hard to envision the campus without students working on laptops, “texting” on cell phones or listening to their iPods as they study. With a user base this savvy, keeping up with the rapid pace of the information age is the primary

focus of the Information Services (IS) department, which works to ensure Saint Vincent’s daily operations are faster, more efficient and more cost-effective. Located on the ground floor of Alfred Hall, IS serves as the College’s “nerve center” by managing the flow of information all over campus. Aside from maintaining Saint Vincent’s network, internet service and technology infrastructure, the department also oversees the Help Desk (an almost entirely student-run tech support center). The team, lead by Chief Information Officer Eddie Dejthai, has been particularly productive over the past year. To improve campus communications, IS converted Saint Vincent’s two e-mail systems (Zimbra and Exchange 2000)

into a single e-mail system: Microsoft Exchange 2007. Not only does

Exchange 2007 offer improved service, but this innovative

by A L I e S H A P O C R A T S k Y

Higher education goes High-tech With the Help Of information services


eddie Dejthai is making campus communication innovative and efficient well into the future.

e-mail system also allows users to receive their e-mail on “smart phones,” such as iPhone or BlackBerry. Coupled with Exchange 2007, award winning Barracuda spam filters were installed, and blocks approximately 250,000 unsolicited “junk” e-mails each day. To facilitate learning beyond the classroom, IS recently upgraded BlackBoard to the latest release. With this cutting-edge online tool, instructors can create an account for each course, post the syllabus and assignments, administer timed exams and even post discussion questions. Not only is BlackBoard helping students engage in course material, but

it also cuts down on paper usage – an environmentally friendly initiative that IS hopes will gain strength on campus. The internet also served as an important tool when the College issued course evaluations online for the first time this past fall. Students were very receptive to the new format, and professors were pleased to be able to review the results within five days (instead of 45 days, as is the case with paper). The process will continue to be refined over the next few semesters using students’ feedback. Additionally, IS works to save resources by streamlining. To date, the College has saved nearly $40,000 by creating a bidding process for many of its purchases (such as campus technology and printing done by outside vendors) and hopes to save at least another $60,000 per year by developing a centralized printing and copying solution that will greatly reduce the wide variation of printers and copiers (which currently number more than 100). Within the next four years, all desktops on campus will be replaced, and 250 computers have already been exchanged for newer models. These savings and the new efficiencies make this well worth the effort. The department has also recently introduced SupportSuite, user-friendly ticketing software that tracks all issues or requests that are presented to the Help Desk. The program assists administrators with delivering timely responses to a wide range of support situations, while a Director of User Services position has been created to aid in the resolution of tech support issues. “Our most important objective is to create a better user experience, since it ultimately affects both the academic and social lives of students,” said Dejthai.

i n f o r m a t i o n s e r v i c e s



Using the results of last semester’s technology satisfaction survey as a guide, IS is targeting improvements that are important to students, such as increasing wireless access and doubling bandwidth (for a faster internet connection). And although the campus may be wonderfully scenic, its location has been known to cause problems with cell phone reception. The College is currently examining several ways to enhance signal strength, and according to Dejthai, “the outlook is promising.” A significant challenge that lies ahead is the replacement of the 27-year-old database management system that retains all important records for the College,

Seminary and Archabbey. A committee of administrators, faculty and students carefully explored many options before narrowing the field to two vendors, each of which made a presentation on campus. Ultimately the software giant Datatel prevailed. “The College has selected a world-class program that can accommodate its current needs, but also allow for future growth” said John Smetanka, who oversaw the selection committee’s work. The transition to the new platform over the next eighteen months will be accompanied by a full integration of other existing databases, resulting in a central source for all information. It will also minimize the accuracy issues that occur with manual data re-entry and heighten

the security of confidential archives (such as student or financial records) by allowing more granular control access to the data. For a college intent on cutting edge technology and services Saint Vincent has fearlessly entered the 21st Century and put technology in its service.

Technology is a fast-paced, ever-changing field. One constant in Saint Vincent’s world of technology is Database Administrator Roberto wisnesck, who has worked at the College since June of 1977. “It is amazing to see how fast technology changes,” said wisnesck. “It is a challenge to stay ahead of the curve, because as soon as you learn the current technology, something new is thrown at you.”

New Director of User Services

“If you don’t know what the problem is, you can’t solve it,” said Abdul kazi, Saint Vincent’s new Director of User Services, who understands that tech support issues can be extremely frustrating for students and faculty to work through. kazi joined

the Information Services team this spring, and hopes to facilitate communication not only among the department’s staff, but also between the department and its user base. kazi received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and is working to complete his M.B.A. from Ottawa University in kansas City. He had been working at Bethany College (in kansas City) when he first discovered Saint Vincent online. “Now that I’m here, I have experienced how this community feels like a family,” said kazi. “It is motivating to be with people who want to know you and want to work with you.”


Dr. Bradley C.S. Watson, Associate Professor of Political Science, has had his fifth book, Living Constitution, Dying Faith: Progressivism and the New Science of Jurisprudence, published by ISI Books in partnership with the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University.

Dr. Dawn Edmiston, Assistant Professor of Management, received the 2009 Quentin Schaut Faculty Award in April in recognition

of the contributions, leadership and achievements of a junior faculty member to the curriculum and life of Saint Vincent. Also, her article entitled, “An

Examination of Integrated Marketing Communication in U.S. Public Institutions of Higher Education,” was published in both the

International Journal of Educational Advancement and the Journal of Marketing for Higher Education.

Dr. Drew Bell, Assistant Professor of Biology, attended the National Conference on Undergraduate Research at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he gave a presentation on Saint Vincent College’s perspective on the student research program of the Biology Department. Joining him were six biology majors including: Allison Hammill, Stacy Patrick, Elisabeth Talamo, Stephen Witmer, Tim Violante, and John Bozek.

Faculty HighlightsBy J u l i a C a v a l l o

Dr. Daniel Vanden Berk, Assistant Professor of Physics, recently was awarded a $224,325 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Astrophysics Data Analysis Program to study the evolution of galaxies. Dr. Vanden Berk will involve Saint Vincent College students in the research.

Dr. Cynthia Walter, Associate Professor of Biology, received the 2009 Boniface Wimmer Faculty Award at Honors Convocation in April. The award recognizes senior faculty for continuing, distinguished achievement and loyal service to the College.


Ben Schachter (above right), Associate Professor of Fine Arts, recently served as an Artist-in-Residence at the American Jewish Museum in Pittsburgh. In addition, he attended the Conney Conference on Jewish Art at the University of Wisconsin in April where he presented a paper entitled, “Talmudic Law as Conceptual Art: Recent Work by Ben Schachter.”

Dr. Steven Gravelle, Associate Professor of Chemistry, chaired the Benedictine Pedagogy Conference Planning Committee. Saint Vincent College hosted 55 participants from nine Benedictine institutions during the third annual conference held May 28-30 at the Fred M. Rogers Center. The theme of the conference was, “How Do We Orient New Members to Our Benedictine Communities?” Saint Vincent will host the fourth annual conference in 2010.

Dr. Tim Kelly, Professor of History, published a book entitled, “The Transformation of American Catholicism:

The Pittsburgh Laity and the Second Vatican Council, 1950-

1972.” The book examines the transformation

in American Catholicism in the

last century.

F A C u l T y B R i e F S

Dr. Matt Fisher, associate Professor of Chemistry, takes over as the new faculty council president and will serve a two-year term. He started teaching at Saint vincent in 1995 and is the chairperson of the Chemistry Department. in addition, he is a senior fellow with the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement and a scholar in the Carnegie academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and learning.

The alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government presented a special public education three-part series on current financial issues and concerns entitled, “Personal Financial Planning in Times of uncertainty,” in March and april. Mark Abramovic, instructor in Finance, Nicholas Racculia, instructor in Finance, and Dr. Carla Zema, assistant Professor of Economics, each served as a moderator.

Dr. David Grumbine, associate Professor of Physics, along with co-authors alain Phares and Francis Wunderlick from villanova university, published an article entitled, “adsorption on Nanutubes Having Equilateral Triangular Geometry with First- and Second-Neighbor interactions: attractive First Neighbors” in the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids.

Dr. Tina Phillips Johnson, assistant Professor of History, secured a Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation Junior Scholar’s Grant to complete her book about midwifery in early 20th-century China. in addition, she attended the Second ambassador’s Conference on Higher Education in vietnam this past spring.

Dr. Mark Rivardo, associate Professor of Psychology, and Dr. Doreen Blandino, Professor of Modern and Classical languages, along with psychology major Samantha Zbur, co-authored an article entitled, “Spanish language Training for law Enforcement officers: Study aid use, Motivation, and Need to use Predict vocabulary Retention,” that will appear in the upcoming edition of Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology. in addition, Dr. Rivardo along with senior psychology majors Tara Karns, Sara irvin, and Samantha Suranic, published an article entitled, “Collaborative Recall Reduces the Effect of a Misleading Post Event Narrative,” in the North American Journal of Psychology.


PEriPhEral ViSionThe campus literary magazine,

Generation, crosses over many disciplines

B y S A r A t e D D e , C ’ 0 9

Generation, the campus literary magazine, is an ever-evolving tradition at Saint Vincent College. The annual publication

has certainly come a long way from its beginnings as a thin packet of 8.5 x 11 paper, stapled down the middle, which is still floating around the halls of the English Department. However, one thing has always remained constant: Generation is a showcase of the talent harbored in every corner of the campus. Every aspect of the magazine, from its conception to its content, is controlled and contrived by the students who creatively contribute to it. The staff members of the magazine are just as diverse as its pages; this year, the English majors, who typically develop Generation, shared the experience with classmates who found their way to the magazine from disciplines such as math, communication and business. Each member played a role in deciding on the content of the magazine and its presentation. They even came up with new approaches for collecting material. This year’s cover came to the staff of Generation through an art contest—the first of its kind. After the cover was selected, and the theme of “peripheral vision” was decided on, the staff selected, from countless submissions, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and art that interacted with each other and within the theme. Fortunately, the online issue, which is distinct from the print issue, in tone and content, made room for all of the wonderful pieces that did not fit into the theme for the print journal.



i the online issue can be found at: http://facweb.stvincent.edu/academics/english/generation/index.htm

Bearcat athletics provide year-round thrills

By J i M B E R G E R

lady Bearcat soccer coach Becky Stewart makes her debut behind the bench a memorable one, as she guides Saint vincent to a 3-1 win over Hiram College in a season-opening tournament hosted by Case Western Reserve university in Cleveland, oH.

Junior Luis Rodriguez scores four goals to lead the Bearcat soccer team to a 7-1 win over Pitt-Bradford. Meanwhile, in Washington DC, the Bearcat football team earns its first win since the return of the program in 2007 with a 23-22 comeback victory over Gallaudet university.

Maryellen Baverso scores in sudden-death overtime to lead the lady Bearcat field hockey team to a dramatic, 1-0 win over Grove City on Homecoming Day. Baverso ended the season as the team’s leading scorer, with 13 goals, while the lady Bearcats finished the year with a team-record seven wins.

The Bearcat men’s golf team finishes first, out of 11 schools, at the Westminster College invitational. Matt Bronkar leads the way with a two-over 74, good for second overall individually, while Doug Mehall takes fifth (76) and Ben Lenhart and Jeff Varga tie for sixth (77).

With a 6-3 win over Waynesburg university, the Lady Bearcat tennis team finishes the season with a program-best record of 13-3-1, including a 7-1 record against Presidents’ athletic Conference competition. The team recorded four 9-0 shutout victories, and had a team-record nine-match winning streak between Sept. 13 and oct. 3.

Another year for Saint Vincent College Bearcats athletics has come and gone, and it should be no surprise that it was yet another successful one across the board. From record-shattering individual performances to first place finishes, Bearcat athletes gave the Saint Vincent faithful

plenty of things to cheer about over the past year and a lot of high hopes for the years to come.

AUG 20

SEP 13

OCT 4

OCT 5

OCT 18



The Saint vincent women’s volleyball team clinches its fourth straight 20-win season with a 3-2 victory over Waynesburg university. The lady Bearcats won their final 10 matches of the season, concluding the year with a 25-7 record.

Kylie Simonini scores two goals in Saint vincent’s 3-0 win over Chatham university to become the all-time leading goal-scorer in the history of the lady Bearcat soccer program. She led the lady Bearcats in goals in all four of her seasons in the green and gold, finishing with 44 career tallies. She is also just the second player in team history to graduate with over 100 career points, as she finished her tenure with 108.

For the third straight season, Adam Smith captures the individual gold at the Presidents’ athletic Conference cross-country championship in Cincinnati, oH. He covers the 8-kilometer course in 25:24, nearly 45 seconds faster than his closest competitor. Smith’s teammate, Kevin Wanichko, finishes third individually with a time of 26:05, the fastest 8-kilometer time ever recorded by a freshman in Saint vincent history.

The Bearcat men’s swimming team records a dramatic 135-127 home win over Mount union College. Trailing by seven points entering the final event of the day, the 400-yard Freestyle Relay, SvC’s foursome of Jon Okonak, Adam Thomas, Troy Linebaugh, and Andre Maldonado team up to win the event by .06 seconds to give SvC the meet victory. later the same evening, the Bearcat men’s basketball team opens the regular season with a 126-39 rout over Penn State-Fayette, setting a school record for points in a game and for margin of victory.

The Lady Bearcat basketball team defeats Saint John Fisher College 75-57 to win the Courtyard-Marriott Tip-off Tournament in Rochester, NY. Saint vincent point guard Ashley Campbell is named the tournament’s Most valuable Player, while Janelle Reed and Maria Baroffio were each named to the all-tournament team. The team goes on to begin the year by winning six straight games, and finishes with a 16-8 overall record, marking the 20th time in the 25-year history of the program in which the team finished with at least 15 wins.

OCT 23

OCT 29

NOV 1

NOV 15

NOV22

JAN21

FEB11

FEB21

MAR10

MAR21

MAR31

Forty-one student-athletes from Saint vincent College are named to the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll for the Fall 2008 semester. The 41 students are the second most from any of the 10 PaC institutions to be honored.

The Lady Bearcat swimming team sets 11 school records at the 2009 Presidents’ athletic Conference championships hosted by Grove City College. Freshman Mandie West sets five individual records and classmate Jess Kennedy sets three, while the two teamed up to form half of three record-setting relay squads.

The Bearcat men’s basketball team wraps up the 2008-09 season with an 85-79 home victory over Thomas More College. With the win, the Bearcats finish a perfect 11-0 in home contests, and extend their home winning streak to 26 games, dating back to February 2007. Coach DP Harris’ squad ended the ’08-09 season on a 10-game winning streak, and finished with a 22-3 overall record.

attackman Will DeLanoy scores five goals and five assists in the Bearcat lacrosse team’s 22-9 win over Mount St. Joseph College. With 10 points, Delanoy set a school record for points in a game by a freshman.

The SvC women’s lacrosse team plays the first game ever on Saint vincent College’s brand new artificial turf field, a 13-9 loss to ohio Wesleyan university. The following day, the lady Bearcats redeem themselves by capturing the first win on the turf as they come from behind to defeat Seton Hill 12-7.

The lady Bearcat women’s cross country team, coached by Tom Harbert, is named the 2008-09 Sportswomen Team of the Year by the Westmoreland County YWCa. it was the second such honor for Harbert’s squad, as the lady Bearcats previously received the honor in 2004.


n e w s B r i e F s

Sis and Herman Dupré and their family were honored guests at a luncheon hosted by Archabbot Douglas and President Jim Towey at the Fred M. Rogers Center following the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion on April 22.

Participants included: (Front row, left to right): Heide Hannah, Herman Dupré, Sis Dupré, Renee Dupré; (Back row, left to right): archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, o.S.B., Gretl Galgon, Michele Dupré-Kocher, Sabina Dupré (granddaughter of Sis and Herman, daughter of Janeen Dupré), Denise Nunnelly, anni Santry, Rosi littlefield, laura Rizzo and President Jim Towey.

SCiEnCE CEntEr BrEakS grounD


GretL DUPrÉ GALGON

Honors Convocation Speaker gretl Dupré galgon is the seventh of nine daughters of Herman and Sis Dupré. Like Herman, who navigated the seas of Alaska with the Coast Guard, Gretl was a competitive ski

racer who lived in Regensburg, Germany, and explored mountain ranges throughout the United States and abroad, both as a climber and as a

leader for teen trips. Like Sis, who taught in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Gretl taught school at the Whiteman School in Steamboat

Springs, Colorado, started the Mount Baker Children’s Garden in Seattle, and works with children in many ways large and small.

Joining Herman’s love of science with Sis’s warmth and empathy as a caregiver, Gretl has worked as a physician’s

assistant in both Boston and Seattle. Most importantly, and in the same manner in which Herman

and Sis have placed their family of eleven first and foremost in their lives, Gretl showers her four daughters – Edel, 10, Libby, 8,

Daisy, 5, and Maria, 3 -- and her husband with love and creative inspiration.

After her talk she performed on the violin.

honorS ConVoCation EVEntS hElD aPril 22

2009 PreSIDeNt’S AWArDlauren M. Ziegenfus was named winner of the President’s award by College President Jim Towey, recognizing her as the most outstanding member of the senior class. Ziegenfus has been active as a Campus Ministry volunteer, as a member of the cross country team for four years (co-captain two years), Holy Stitchers’ Knitting Club (a group that knits shawls, afghans and booties for the elderly), and the orientation Committee. The recipient of the Biology alumni and Friends Scholarship, she has been honored by membership in Who’s Who among Students in american Colleges and universities, Dean’s list and the Presidents’ athletic Conference Scholar athlete award. She is a member of Chi alpha Sigma (honor society for athletes) and alpha lambda Delta (freshman honor society). Ziegenfus has been accepted to medical school at the Philadelphia College of osteopathic Medicine.


POetry COmPetItION WINNer Diana J. Petrovich of the Shaler area of the North Hills, a sophomore at Saint Vincent College, won first place and a $500 cash prize in the 14th annual Ragan Poetry Competition at Saint Vincent. The award was presented by Michelle Gil-Montero, assistant professor of English at Saint Vincent College, and College President Jim Towey at the spring Honors Convocation on April 22.Petrovich’s poem was titled “Valentine’s Day.”

Valentine’s Day By Diana Petrovich“Try to be diverse or religious,” my sister advises. This week she explained what cupid is to a priestly Nigerian man after she gave her orange to a homeless woman

i wrote a valentine to my secret, confessed that there is an old family in me that i have not been honest with; him, either. The group cooking lamb out back owns me. They shoot plums and go barefoot romantically into the late hours of the day

i dream about being a seamstress -- for some reason i miss those times way before my own.

This week i scribble:

there’s a tic in my hand i’m a good girl, i’m a good girl will you believe me? all i have is what is in this box suitcase it’s full i want to go home

and then i want to be diverse or religious, so i write:

it is not a sin to be tempted it is not a sin to thirst, to hunger but zu trinken, zu essen, and you are condemned lavender

GUz reCePtION IN FLOrIDA rePOrtOn Sunday, February 8 nearly 20 alumni and friends joined President Jim Towey at Bonnie and Gerry Guz’s, C’63 home in Bonita Springs, Florida. The annual Mass was celebrated by Fr. Paul Taylor, O.S.B., Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Immediately following the Liturgy, Mr. and Mrs. Guz generously hosted everyone for brunch at Rosie Spoonbills in Bonita Springs, Florida.

PreP reUNION JUNe 12-13The Saint Vincent Prep Reunion was held Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13. On Friday an “Offen Hause” German Buffet was held. Saturday had a reminiscing event, Memorial Mass and Awards Dinner. The following Prepsters were recognized this year as Prep Hall of Fame Awardees: The honorable Joseph a. hudock, P’55, James r. rowley, P’64, richard J. Schulte, P’64, rt. rev. robert D. rowley, Jr, P’59, atty.

COmmeNCemeNt A FAmILy AFFAIrCommencement was a family affair for approximately 50 graduating seniors who reported having a relative that has or is attending Saint vincent, strengthening the legacy relationships at the College. Daniel Navarra did not only earn his degree in elementary instruction in May, but became the fourth son of anne and Tom Navarra of New Castle to graduate from Saint vincent College. He joined his older brothers, Tom, C’04, and twins, Chuck and Al, C’07, in the alumni ranks. Their parents are proud that their four sons received a quality, Catholic education. “We have always emphasized the importance of maintaining the Catholic faith to our sons. obtaining a Catholic higher education has been a priority,” Tom and anne stated. “The Benedictine tradition is now a part of our lives.”


William C. Stillwagon, P’55, anthony J. Pesavento, Jr, P’63, Joseph Michael loftis, P’59, John F. Brennan, P’46, Thomas r. Eckenrode, Ph.D., P’53, Br. Benedict F. Janecko, o.S.B., P’56, rev. John g. oesterle, P’59, rev. rene M. kollar, o.S.B., P’65, terrence J. Fitzmaurice Sr., P’61 (posthumously) and rev. Vernon a. holtz, o.S.B., C 58.

mArCh 9 D.C. eVeNtOn March 9, President Jim towey hosted “Bearcats in Washington, D.C.” at the Metropolitan Club of the City of Washington. Nearly 70 alumni and friends learned about the Shaping the Future Campaign. Br. norman hipps, o.S.B., Dean of the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing and Fr. Paul taylor, o.S.B., Vice President for Institutional Advancement, accompanied President Towey, answering questions on how this project will help to advance the mission and vision of the Boyer School. The Shaping the Future campaign is a fundraising drive to

support the planned expansion and renovation of the science center complex and to provide endowment for faculty positions, student scholarships and research, and ongoing facility maintenance and operations. The recent expansion of academic programs, combined with an increasing student enrollment and active faculty and student research agenda, have created a critical need for new campus facilities for the Boyer School.

SeNIOr’S IPhONe PrOGrAm SeLLS ON ItUNeSamber Back, C’09, a computing and information science graduate, has published an iPhone and iTouch software application that is now being sold online at Apple’s iTunes App Store. Ms. Back, 22, developed the

program, called “MyGrades App,” so that students can keep track of all of their grades “quickly and easily.” The idea for MyGrades was born out of necessity. “I bought the phone in August just before school started and began thinking there should be a way to use it to help keep track of grades. There were hundreds of programs to help you do everything you can think of. When I couldn’t find one to monitor grades the way I wanted, I decided to start working on one

myself and to make it my senior research project. I finished the application in March and submitted it to Apple on April 3. Just one week later, it was accepted and

posted for sale on iTunes. My

boyfriend was the first purchaser.”

The application can also be used on an iPod Touch.

m U Lt I m e D I A D e P A r t m e N t h O N O r e D W I t h A W A r D

The Saint vincent College Department of Multimedia and Marketing was honored by the aurora awards with a Gold award in the category of Public Relations / awareness for the “Friendships That last” videos which were produced by David Safin and Fred Findley in the spring of 2008.

The five videos (arnold Palmer, Fred Rogers, Benedictine Community, Pittsburgh Steelers & Mother Teresa) were judged based on execution, content and creativity by the staff of the aurora awards. To watch the “Friendships That last” videos visit the Multimedia library -

www.stvincent.edu/multimedia_library/friendships_that_last_videos.


ALUmNI AND FrIeNDS GOLF eVeNtSaint Vincent College’s Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Event was held on Friday, June 5 at Champion Lakes, Latrobe Elks Golf Club and Hannastown Golf Club. The dinner and awards ceremony were held at Saint Vincent College at the Fred M. Rogers Center. Proceeds from the event will support Saint Vincent College Athletics that gives students an opportunity for physical activity, which the College believes is essential for a well-rounded education. The College has 20 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division III and over a dozen club and intramural sports.

exPANDeD rOLe FOr Fr. PAUL Fr. Paul taylor, o.S.B. was named Special Assistant to the Archabbot/Chancellor for Development. Fr. Paul has served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement during its successful development campaigns for the Herman and Sis Dupré Science Pavilion, the Fred M. Rogers Center and Headmasters Hall. He will continue to assist the College Administration in fundraising, but his efforts will be expanded to include the Seminary Administration along with other major institutions sponsored by the Benedictines of the Saint Vincent Archabbey.

BeArCAtSONLINe memBerShIP reACheS 1000

In less than 6 months Bearcatsonline reached

1,000 members! BearcatsOnline is a Saint Vincent-only community that allows alumni to participate in contemporary

social networking. BearcatsOnline allows

alumni to reconnect with classmates, help current seniors find mentors and keep updated about Saint Vincent. Are you a member of BearcatsOnline? Homecoming will be here before you know it. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect and make plans with your classmates before Homecoming. Contact [email protected] for your log-in information.

DeCOrAteD ALUmNA SPeAkSThe School of Humanities and Fine Arts and the School of Social Sciences, Communication, and Education, in conjunction with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of coeducation at Saint Vincent College, recently presented Dr. Theresa J. (Soisson) russo, C’87, associate professor of human ecology at the SUNY College at Oneonta, who spoke on “From Boomers to Millennials: The Influence of Culture on Children” in the Fred M. Rogers Center. One of the first women who graduated from SVC to earn a


CAmPUS mINIStry COLLeCtS BOOkS FOr hUrrICANe VICtImSSaint vincent College students have completed a project sponsored by the office of Campus Ministry to collect new or gently used children’s books for those affected by the destruction of Hurricane ike in the Houston-Galveston area in September 2008. Packing books to send to the library at St. Francis of assisi Catholic School in Houston are Fr. Vincent Zidek, O.S.B., left, director of campus ministry, and freshman Julie Pomerleau. The students collected a total of 1,149 books.

Ph.D., Dr. Russo has published on a wide range of topics including childhood obesity, children’s media viewing, disabled children and the millennial generation’s need to connect through technology. She earned a B.S. in psychology from Saint Vincent, an M.A. in human development and child studies from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. in human development and family studies from Kansas State University. She was honored as an alumna of distinction by Saint Vincent in October.

UNIONtOWN StUDeNt AWArDeD ALUmNI COUNCIL SChOLArShIP At eASter BALLalexandria C. Muzika of Uniontown, a double major in communication and psychology at Saint Vincent College, was awarded the 2009 Saint Vincent Alumni Council Scholarship. The announcement and presentation took place during the Council’s annual Easter Ball, held this year

at The Priory in Pittsburgh on April 25. Muzika, a junior who has

been president of her class for two

years, is chair of the Student Government Association’s Academic Affairs

Committee, and is a member and

secretary of the Public Relations Student Society of America. After graduation, she plans to enter the field of broadcast journalism.

three BOArD memBerS COmPLete 12 yeArS OF SerVICe

on June 12, J. Christopher Donahue, Chairman of the Saint vincent College Board of Directors, recognized three fellow board members—Bill isler, Margaret Petruska, and Veronica Morgan-lee, Ph.D.—who completed their 12th and final year on the board. isler currently serves as the Chief Executive officer for Family Communications in Pittsburgh. He is a 1968 Saint vincent alumnus and has contributed greatly to the Fred Rogers Center through his service as the first executive director and on the advisory council. His experience in education as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and as Board

President of Pittsburgh Public Schools has played a vital role during his service to Saint vincent. as the Senior Director of the Children, Youth and Families Program for The Heinz Endowments, Petruska has brought the perspective of the foundation community, the importance of partnerships, and the focus of leadership of women. She has served as the chair of the academic affairs committee, and been instrumental in the maintenance of academic excellence at the College. in addition, she serves on the Fred Rogers Center advisory council. Morgan-lee has provided much leadership to Saint vincent in its ongoing efforts to enhance the diversity on campus. She has shared her knowledge and connections in the areas of social services, interfaith, and intercultural connections. at the present time, she is the executive director of the Crossroads Foundation in Pittsburgh, which serves academically vulnerable and socially at-risk adolescents who reside in allegheny County and come from families with financial difficulties.


1940sJohn P. Capp, C’43, is retired from the u.S. Department of the interior Bureau of Mines, as a chemical research engineer, coal gasification - coal waste material projects located at various stations in alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and West virginia.

Joseph Horvath, C’46, says “life is Great, i’m 88!”

1950sThomas F. O’Connell, P’52, is enjoying retirement and all eleven grandchildren.

William F. Dunn, Jr., C’56, was forced into early retirement in 1986, but continued to do odd jobs until his heart attack and bypass ended his working days.

William W. Ruhl, P’56, and his wife, Connie, are awaiting the arrival of their second granddaughter in June.

leonard e. Demalon, C’58, and his wife, Marie, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 27, 2008, with a gathering of relatives and friends at DeNunzio’s Restaurant, Jeannette. He also reports that his son, Mark Demalon, won an Emmy award for Fox Sports News.

Charles M. Seamens, C’58, has been elected president of the Greensburg Community Development Corporation Board of Directors.

The Honorable Joseph A. Hudock, P’55, C’59, retired on December 3, 2008 as a judge on the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

James P. McCabe, C’59, recently retired from West Jefferson Hills School District, Pittsburgh after 47 years in education. During those years he served as teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist, and personnel supervisor. He resides in upper St. Clair with his wife, Mary ann.

1960sWayne J. DeBlander, C’62, and his wife, Phyllis, announce the arrival of a new granddaughter, olivia Kaitlyn DeBlander, born Monday, March 16.

John M. elliott, esq., ll.D., C’63, has again been selected by judges and lawyers throughout Pennsylvania as one of the top 100 lawyers in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

He and his wife, Eileen, a lawyer, enjoy their ten grandchildren, and reside in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Stephen G. Rodkey, P’63, retired from Department of Defense in March 2008 after 37 years of service in Civilian Human Resources, and is enjoying his retirement immensely! He hopes to attend some alumni meetings in D.C. in 2009.

William J. Switala, Ph.D., C’63, announces the second edition of his book, The Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania (Stackpole Books) recently appeared in bookstores.

William J. Bravin, C’64, although retired, is still coaching at Hollidaysburg area High School. He has served longer than any coach in the district, including 30 years as head coach of boys and girls cross country. This year he is also assistant coach for the boys and girls swim team.

Norman W. Scanlon, Ph.D., C’65, a political science professor at Pitt-Greensburg, has retired. His wife, Karen, the chair of the education department at Pitt-Johnstown, has also retired. The couple has combined 80 years in education.

John F. Chizmar, Ph.D., C’66, and Anthony Ostrosky, C’69, were honored with a new scholarship in their names at illinois State university. The fund was established in the Department of Economics to establish a student scholarship and faculty support.

Kenneth J. Zanca, Ph.D., C’66, a professor of religious studies at Marymount College in Palos verdes, Ca has been honored as “Teacher of the Year” six times by students and “Educator of the Year” by his peers in 2004. Recently, he was a featured speaker at the 10th annual conference of The Surratt Society held in Maryland. His presentation was based on his latest book (2008): The Catholics and Mrs. Mary Surratt: How They Responded to the Trial and Execution of the Lincoln Conspirator.

W. Richard Howe, C’67, was the recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Service award presented by the Pittsburgh chapter of the american Chemical Society, in part for his work with the Chemistry olympics.

Michael J. McDermott, C’69, after 37 years of teaching, is in his third year of retirement and enjoying his three grandchildren, Delaney, Fiona, and luke.

Atty. Gary V. Skiba, C’69, has joined the McDonald Group, l.l.P, attorneys at law. attorney Skiba has served as a Chapter 7 trustee for over 17 years and previously as a Chapter 13 trustee. He has extensive legal experience with a concentration in bankruptcy, personal and business reorganizations, and commercial litigation. He has been in private practice for 35 years.

Richard A. Stillwagon, P’65, C’69, was recently awarded the Fred Funari Mental Health award of Distinction for volunteerism in Mental Health from Mental Health america of Westmoreland County. it was named after Chip Funari’s father who was president of MHa in 1965-68. Chip is a 1972 alumnus of SvC. Chip’s son Bryan is a 1996 graduate of SvC also. it is an annual award presented by MHa and the Funari Family.

1970sGregory A. Good, Ph.D., C’74, an associate professor of history in the Eberly College of arts and Sciences, is the 2008 recipient of the Mary C. Rabbitt award.

George J. Soltis, C’74, announce the new arrival of grandson, Colin Benjamin Namie on November 19, 2008.

Joseph J. Peluso, S 75, is now the chief executive officer of J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital.

Atty. Gino F. Peluso, C’77, was recently appointed as Treasurer of the Duquesne university law alumni association.

Thomas T. Jackson, C’78, writes that his son, Thomas graduated from Harvard university and Notre Dame Masters Program, daughter Moira is a SvC junior and son Dan is a freshman at Saint vincent College.

Jay P. Murray, C’79, and John C. lezo, C’74, attended this year’s Super Bowl and cheered the Steelers to victory!

class notes alumni news


Scott N. Newton, C’79, has published a second book, The Road Less Traveled.

elizabeth H. Todd, S’79, was elected to serve as secretary of the Washington County Community Foundation.

1980sMark R. Miller, C’81, recently rescued an abducted child in South Korea. Mark is the Founder of american association for lost Children. visit the website www.aaflc.org.

Joseph M. yorio, C’86, will serve as Xe’s (formerly Blackwater) president. Most recently a vice president at DHl, Mr. Yorio has extensive business and leadership experience. He is a former army Special Forces officer and holds an MBa from Canterbury university.

Gene M. Battistella, D.O., C’88, was recently elected to serve on the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania osteopathic Medical association (PoMa), a statewide organization for physicians holding the Doctor of osteopathic Medicine (D.o.) degree.

James A. Minteer, C’88, is an executive recruiter in the Pittsburgh area specializing in sales and marketing.

Kimberly Riggs Pelger, O.D., C’88, has opened her own practice on West Main Street in ligonier Borough.

Atty. Michael J. Cremonese, C’89, was promoted by Burnes, White & Hickton, llC, attorneys at law to member status in its Pittsburgh office effective January 1. Mr. Cremonese of Mt. lebanon focuses on construction law and commercial law in the firm’s litigation Group.

Jon livak, C’89, and Stephen (Speedy) Petrus, C’89, recently got together in asheville, North Carolina for a small alumni reunion and Thanksgiving dinner at the Petrus’ home. They were both saddened by the news of the passing of Fr. Tom Devereux, o.S.B., as both Jon and Steve had worked for Fr. Tom building sets for summer theatre. They have provided many laughs and much wisdom over the years while they discussed the time they spent working for Fr. Tom in the summer. Jon and Speedy send their hello’s to all.

Joseph A. Petrella, Jr., Ph.D., C’89, will be assistant superintendent for several more years at Gateway School District.

Mark uebele, C’89, has been promoted to Director of assurance Services by Sisterson & Co. llP, Pittsburgh.

1990sJohn e. Jablonsky, Jr., C’90, and wife, Debra, welcomed their first grandchild, Emma Sanford.

Atty. Richard J. Coldren, C’92, accepted the position of Senior Counsel intellectual Property with Westinghouse Electric Company, legal contracts and environment health and safety, Monroeville.

Timothy M. Knapp, C’92, was recently recognized by the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal in its annual “20 under 40,” feature, which focuses on 20 of the most accomplished and sharply focused individuals under the age of 40 within the circulation area of the Journal.

Christopher M. Berdnik, C’93, the Pittsburgh School District’s chief financial officer (CFo) has assumed additional responsibilities as the district’s acting chief operations officer (Coo).

Jeffrey l. Rostand, C’94, accepted the position of Controller at volunteers of america. Per their web site volunteers of america is one the nation’s largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, serving more than 2 million people each year, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions.

Michael l. Chaido, C’96, was named vice president and regional branch manager, with responsibilities for the bank’s McMurray market, where he has played a key role in the construction of the bank’s new valley Brook Road office.

Meagan Bilik DeFazio, J.D., C’96, an attorney in private practice with the law firm of loughran, Mlakar & Bilik, has announced that she will seek the office of Judge, Court of Common Pleas, Westmoreland County.

Mary Jo Greubel Sell, C’97, was elected secretary-treasurer of valley Dairy.

The Rev. Christopher D. Rodkey, C’99, received his Ph.D. in philosophy and theology from Drew university. His dissertation was titled “in the Horizon of the infinite: Paul Tillich and the Dialectic of the Sacred.” He passed his doctoral exams with distinction, as well. Chris was invited by the faculty to be the commencement speaker, where he reflected on, among other things, studying philosophy at SvC. on october 26 (two days later), Christopher was ordained by the united Church of Christ at The Community united Church of Christ in Mountain lakes, NJ, his home congregation. Chris is Pastor of Zion Goshert’s united Church of

Christ in lebanon, and also lecturer in Religion at lebanon valley College in annville, Pa.

2000s Anthony R. Marciano, C’00, was selected to fill the seat left vacant on Manor Council.

Matthew H. Kelly, C’01, accepted a position as Pennsylvania’s Regional Director for Guardian investors Services, llC. Matt currently lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Melissa. The couple recently relocated from lebanon, ohio.

Beth A. Troy, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.S., C’01, is involved in private practice for the orthodontic offices of Eric J. Reitz, D.M.D., M.D.S., located in upper St. Clair and Bethel Park. Following graduation from Saint vincent College, she attained her masters degree in public health and dental doctorate degrees from the university of Pittsburgh. Beth then completed her orthodontic residency with a master of science through The ohio State university in Columbus, oH. She currently resides in Bethel Park. Albert B. Ciuksza, Jr., C’02, is vice president of marketing of Eyenovate, a company that produces both consumer goods and software products for opticians located in Pittsburgh.

Anne Marie S. lena, C’02, finished her masters of education while teaching at Norwin School District. She was recently awarded the Teacher of Year award at her school and has decided to continue her education and hopefully become a librarian in the near future.

lisa M. Ochoa, C’02, earned her masters degree from California university of Pennsylvania in 2008 in advanced Studies of Secondary Education.

Traci (lalli) Rodkey, C’03, and her husband, Rev. Chris Rodkey, C’99, have relocated to lebanon, Pa. Traci is assistant Director of the Sylvan learning Center in Palmyra, Pa.

Amy M. Kelly, C’04, D.o., was awarded the Doctor of osteopathic Medicine Degree from Philadelphia College of osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Kelly is currently doing a residency in family medicine at Mercy Suburban Hospital, Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Amanda M. “Mandy” Newcomer, C’04, was recently named Westmoreland County volunteer of the Year for the american Cancer Society.

Scott W. Rowley, C’04, graduated Summa Cum laude during the June 13, 2008 commencement exercises at Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport Campus, in Davenport, iowa.


Janice (Sheffler) Citeroni, C’05, recently moved back from louisiana and is working for CaCi Strategic Communications, Pittsburgh.

Corey, J. Roslonski, C’09, has been hired by Sisterson & Co. llP, Pittsburgh, as a Tax associate.

EngagementsMelissa l. Wolfe, C’01, to Kris Sollid. a 2010 wedding is planned.

Nikki M. Stovich, D.P.M., C’02, to Justin l. Miracle, D.P.M. They plan to be married october 10 in ligonier.

Brianne N. Bogler, C’03, to Ken Bittner. an october wedding is planned.

Annette M. Kaltenbaugh, C’03, to Blair Haldeman. The wedding will be held on June 20.

Melissa l. Pegg, C’04, to David a. Reese.

Elizabeth Moran to Matthew D. Shento, C’03. a June 20 wedding is scheduled.

Gayle-Marie Bender to Guy J. Tarowsky, C’03. The couple has chosen June 12, 2010 as their wedding date.

Amanda l. Doman, C’04, to Steve lucchino. The wedding was held in May.

Nicole R. Martino, C’05, to Walter “Dan” Payne ii on valentine’s Day. Wedding plans have not been announced.

lindsay K. Ross, C’05, to Patrick Brannigan. The couple is planning an august 2009 wedding at St. Bruno Church and will reside in Greensburg.

Arica l. Santucci, C’05, to David DiTullio, C’05. a summer 2009 wedding is planned in Jennerstown.

amy lynn Primm to Benjamin S. Wentzel, C’05. The couple is planning a June 27 wedding.

Marie e. Billy, C’06, to edwin Peters, C’05. a September wedding will be held.

Angela Borosky, C’07 to Matthew J. Fox, C’06. an august 1 wedding is planned.

Denise Koontz to Matthew C. Reiter, C’06. The couple will be married in october. Their wedding will be held in latrobe and they will live in New Jersey.

Avyn A. Bartrug, C’07, to Wescott israel. Their wedding was held in april.

Sara irvin, C’09 to Nathan R. Sylvester, C’07. They are planning an october 3 wedding at Saint vincent Basilica.

Megan A. McCullough, C’08, and Steven J. Calderone. a July 9, 2010 wedding is planned.

Marybeth Quashnock, C’08, to Patrick Bolam.

Holly Seale, C’08, to Joel D. Hawley.

MarriagesJane ann Celecki to James R. Posney, C’79, on august 1, 2008 at our lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, Natrona Heights.

Judy vanderbeck to Patrick D. Kelly, C’86, at the East liberty Presbyterian Church on July 14, 2007. after a honeymoon to Hawaii the couple are making their home in Shadyside.

Colinda Norris to Stephen M. Petrus, C’89. The newlyweds are making their home in North Carolina.

Jamie R. Kunkle, C’00, to Scott C. augenbaugh on March 31, 2008. The newlyweds are making their home in arlington, virginia.

Stephanie A. Szabo, C’01, to Jason Benkowski on May 2, 2008 at our lady of Peace Church in Conway, Pennsylvania. Following a honeymoon in St. Martin, the couple are living in Baden.

Nicole R. Haas, C’01, to Daniel M. Benson on September 18, 2008 at the Grand Floridian Resort in Walt Disney World, Florida.

Debra l. Metz, C’02, to larry Franco, iii on august 30, 2008 at Saint vincent archabbey Basilica. They are making their home in Pittsburgh.

Erica Sobczak to Bryan M. Macuga, C’02 on July 5, 2008. The couple now resides in South Park.

Kristen M. lancas, C’04, G’07, to John R. Manley, C’06, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Belle vernon on august 9, 2008. Following a honeymoon trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico, the couple live in New Stanton.

Margaret M. Poole, C’05, to Donald J. Knobloch, C’06, on July 5, 2008 at Saint vincent Basilica with Rev. Brian Boosel, O.S.B., C’96, S’02, as celebrant.

Kristin l. Hozak, C’08, to Daniel e. Consuegra, C’06, on December 6, 2008 at Saint vincent Basilica with Rev. Myron Kirsch, O.S.B., C’69, S’73 as celebrant.

lauren Weger, C’07, to Anthony T. Fuhrer, C’06, on august 9, 2008 at Saint vincent Basilica with Rev. Brian D. Boosel, C’96, S’02, as celebrant.

Celine Rachelle Haas, C’90, to Thomas Francis Brudnok, on Saturday, october 25, 2008, at Saint Cecilia Church in Whitney, Pennsylvania. Rev. Martin Bartel, O.S.B., S’85, was celebrant; Rev. Justin Nolan, O.S.B., P’47, C’52, S 55, and Rev. Brian Boosel, O.S.B., C’96, S’02, concelebrated. a reception followed at Saint Cecilia School Hall. Tom and Celine reside in latrobe with their 15-year-old son, Shane.

Jason Seidling, C’07, intern for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was on the sideline during the Steelers historic Super Bowl win and is shown with Defensive Coordinator Dick lebeau.


Christina M. Basilone, C’06, to Brent White, C’05, on July 26, 2008 at St. alphonsus Roman Cahtolic Church, Springdale. The couple honeymooned in St. lucia. They reside in oakmont.

Jessica e. Gratosky, C’07, to Stephen D. lowden, C’09, on May 24, 2008 at the Robinson Church of the Brethren.

Katie l. Thorwart, C’07, to Alex Prizzi, C’05, at

Sacred Heart Church, St. Marys with Rev. eric Vogt, O.S.B., P’68, C’73, S’77, as celebrant.

Katie A. McDowell, C’07, to Derrick J. Weir on august 2, 2008 at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Connellsville.

Meghan Krynicky, C’08, to Mark Wasil. The couple was married on February 28 at visitation Blessed virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant.

Jamie l. Beck, C’04, and Nicholas C. Riehl, J.D., C’04, were married Sept. 27, 2008 at St. James the apostle in New Bedford, Pa. Wedding Party included: Charleen Beck, (maid of honor, sister of Bride), David W. Riehl C 10, (best man, brother of groom), Johan Ortiz C’03, Stephanie (Crea) Miller C’03, Tim Kuhn, Jason Hastings. Their wedding ceremony concluded with a beautiful fireworks display.

Jessica R. Stofko, C’04, married Jason R. Stephenson on august 2, 2008 at Saint vincent Basilica with Rev. Thomas Hart, O.S.B., S’88, as celebrant. SvC alumni in the wedding party included maid of honor Desiree R. Craig, C’06, matron of honor lindsey M. (Behrman) Cyprowski, C’05, and groomsman John Vida, C 10. other SvC alumni in attendance were: Jennifer (Stofko) Bailey, C’99, Jack Perry, C’72, Ashley Roppo, C’05, Heather Wasler, C’98, Jamie A. Caridi, C’96, Brealie Caridi, C’96, William Barnes, C’94, and Nicole Killmeyer, C’08.

Krystle eleamos, C’07, to John Burt, C’04, on July 5, 2008 at all Saints Greek orthodox Church, Canonsburg. alumni in attendance were bridesmaids Kimberly Stevens, C’07, and Jennifer uhrin, C’07. Following a honeymoon to aruba, they are living in Canonsburg.

Henry David to leslie (Jones) Orbin, C’96, and her husband, Paul, on September 25, 2008.

Joseph anthony to Angie (Peskie) Coldren, C’93, and her husband, Atty. Richard J. Coldren, C’92, on February 3.



BirthsColin Benjamin to Amy l. Soltis Namie, C’97, and her husband, adam, on November 19, 2008.

Rowan Edward to lisa (Guskiewicz) Psimas, C’97, and her husband, Rob Psimas on

November 11, 2008. Rowan joins big sister, Kiera, who is 2 1/2.Benjamin Samuel to Rhonda (Dolan), C’99, G’04, and her husband, Joshua Kvocak, C’97, on September 18, 2008. He joins big brother

Joey, 2.aliza Rae to Melissa l. (Berquist) Hruby, C’01, and her husband Jeffrey P. Hruby, C’00, on September 18, 2008. She joins big brother,

austin, 2.

Cora Catherine to Trisha urban and her husband, the late Andrew D. urban, C’00, on February 5. Dennis urban, C’73, is the

grandfather.

Mallory leRae Barnett to Sarah K. (Johnston) Barnett, C’06, and her husband, Shane, on September 14, 2008.

CondolencesWalter Maguire, C’52, on the loss of his bride of 55 years, Gertrude W. Maguire, on February 7.

James A. Sites, C’52, S’56, on the death of his brother, Harry J. Sites, on February 15.

l. Joseph Wittenauer, P’53, on the death of his brother, William A. Wittenauer, P’51, C 55, on January 30.

lawrence A. Ferlan, M.D., C’56, and Mark Ferlan, D.O., C’93, on the loss of their mother and grandmother, respectively, Mrs. Margaret Ferlan, 99, on January 13.

Vince Brogan, C’57, on the death of his son, John iii, on February 23 at the age of 49.

Rev. Bernard B. Costello, C’59, S’63, on the death of his brother, John T. Costello, P’64, C’68, on January 2.

John G. Arch, esq., C’61, and William J. Peters, P’49, C’53, S’57, on the death of Jeanne a. Connolly, their sister and sister-in-law respectively on January 17.

Rev. Msgr. William G. Charnoki, C’61. S’65, on the death of his brother, Joseph Charnoki, on November 2, 2008.

Paul H. Schulte, C’64, Richard J. Schulte, P’64, C’68, and Gregory l. Stock, C’68 on the death of their mother and mother-in-law, respectively, Genevieve P. Schulte, 91, on March 3.

Rev. Msgr. lawrence B. Kiniry, S’65,on the death of his brother, James Kiniry, on March 12.

edmund S. Bronder, Ph.D., P’63, C’68, S’72, on the death of his brother, Rev. Joseph P. Bronder, O.S.B., P’60, C’65, S’69, on November 5, 2008.

Raymond D. Hluska, P 66, C 70, on the death of his brother, Joseph Hluska, age 65, on august 22, 2008.

Victor A. Rehula, C’70, on the death of his mother on November 11, 2008.

Charles J. Beckom, C’75, on the death of his mother, o’labrice Beckom, on February 12.

David l. Haile, C’78, on the death of his father, Walter F. Haile, Sr., 96, on December 10, 2008.

James Ryan to Bethany (Grant) Pistorius, C’03, and her husband, Ryan Pistorius, C’03, on January 7, 2009.

Sydney alexandria to Katherine A. Skopp, C’04, and her husband, Joshua Skopp, C’02, on November 28, 2008 in Harrisburg.

Grant Daniel to laura (Walsh) Alexander, C’02, and her husband, David P. Alexander, C’00, on November 18, 2008. He joins big brother, Conner, 3.

Madeline Elizabeth to Molly Rowles and her husband Clint K. Rowles, iV, C’98, on July 29, 2008.

Mia Grace to Mandy (Thomas) Hritz, C’99, and her husband, Zachary, on June 25, 2008.

Ryan Matthew to Jennifer (Glozer) Muretisch, C’97, and her husband, Michael, on February 11, 2008. He joins proud big brother Justin andrew, 3 1/2.

Michael l. Simko, C’80, on the death of his father Dr. Michael Simko on December 31, 2008.

Rev. Richard ulam, O.S.B., S’80, on the death of his father, Richard ulam, on December 16, 2008.

Francis J. Mazanet, C’83, and Jack Perry, C’72, on the loss of their wife and sister-in-law, respectively, Elaine M. Mazanet, on March 8.

Rev. Martin Bartel, O.S.B., S’85, on the death of his father, Robert J. Bartel, 97, on February 19.

David C. Hails, C 85, on the death of his father, Clair D. Hails, on December 13, 2008.

John R. Mazero, M.D., Sc.D., D’88, on the death of his sister, T. Jean Mazero, on November 25, 2008.

Amy Panebianco, esq., C’88, on the loss of her father, Fred Panebianco, on November 21, 2008.

Deborah Doncals Smallwood, C’88, on the loss of her father, Richard Doncals, on January 27.

Rev. John J. Peck, O.S.B., S’89, on the death of his step-mother, Elva Peck, on January 10.

Anthony T. D’Avanti, ii, C’94, on the death of his father, Anthony T. D’Avanti, C’48, on February 27.

Theodore J. Antoniak, C’95, on the death of his brother, Donald a. antoniak, on January 7.

Rev. Michael P. Ferrick, S’97, on the death of his father, Joseph Ferrick, on January 2.

Michael C. Gerdich, C’98, on the death of his father, Michael P. Gerdich, on March 9.

Robert C. Babb, C’01, Amanda (Morocco) Babb, C’01, and Amy Babb, C 11, on the death of their father, father-in-law, and grandfather, respectively, on January 16.

Suzanne Biciolis Milliron, C’01, on the death of her husband, Ethan, on February 8.

Robert N. Fuhrman, C’08, and Kristen e. Fuhrman, C’09, on the death of their mother, Mary Fuhrman, on august 27, 2008.

Megan M. Sekinger, C’08, on the death of her father, Richard l. Sekinger, on November 16, 2008.

Matthew e. Domyancic, C’09, on the death of his father, leonard Domyancic, on July 18, 2008.

DeathsRev. Paulinus J. Selle, O.S.B., P’31, C’36, D’92, on February 8.

Michael A. Wesner, C’41, on December 2, 2008.

Rev. Harry F. Petrie, C’42, S’45, on September 24, 2008.

William T. Robinson, C’43, on october 5, 2008.

Anthony T. D’Avanti, C’48, on February 27.

William A. Petrosky, P’42, C’49, on January 29.

George J. estok, Jr., C’49, on November 18, 2008.

John R. Harvan, C’50, on February 21.

Vincent P. Kuhn, C’50, on November 11, 2008.

Gustino R. Mauro, C’50, on February 16.

Raymond M. Schmittlein, C’50, on January 28.

Dave R. Hart, C’51, on March 15.

Raymond P. Springer, C 51, on February 14.

James R. lynam, C’52, on December 12, 2008.

Matthew J. Wargovich, C’52, on october 26, 2008.

John e. Dowling, C 53, on November 7, 2008.

edward J. Shimko, C’53, on November 19, 2008.

John J. Alwine, P’54, on November 22, 2008.

John P. “Jack” Beggy, C’54, on January 13.

Bernard S. Malush, C’54, on February 12..Paul A. Schwertner, C’54, on January 5.

Nicholas A. Sottile, D.D.S., C 55, on october 10, 2008.

William A. Wittenauer, P’51, C 55, on January 30.

John F. Morris, Jr., C’60, on November 16, 2008.

Fred A. Bissel, P’61, on December 8, 2008.

Robert J. Coppula, M.D., C’62, on December 20, 2008.

Anthony P. Guerrini, S’62, on December 12, 2008.

Rev. Donald B. Reese, CHC uSN, S’63, on october 15, 2008.

Rev. Joseph P. Bronder, O.S.B., P’60, C’65, S’69, on November 5, 2008.

Blaise A. Widmer, M.D., C’65, on February 2.

edward T. Myal, D.O., P.C., C’66, on December 20, 2008.

Richard J. Bosco, D.M.D., C’67, on october 17, 2008.

John T. Costello, P’64, C’68, on January 2.

Thomas D. Dishinger, C’68, in 2008.

John J. Rastovac, Ph.D., C’68, on January 27.

Shawn Gearing, C’70, S’77, on January 27.

Thomas e. Hand, C’70, on February 5, 2008.

F. David Heinrichs, C 72, on September 1, 2008.

Richard K. Cutrell, C’74, on March 15.

J. Robert Rusbosin, H 79, on November 10, 2008.

John P. Williams, C 88, on December 10, 2008.

Joseph J. Kockelmans, Ph.D., l.H.D., D’92, in october 2008.

Andrew D. urban, C’00, on February 5.

Tami M. Kunst, C’07, on February 3.


JULY 11Saint Benedict’s Day, Solemnity of Saint Benedict, Solemn Profession of Monastic Vows.

27Anniversary of Boniface Wimmer being designated Abbot and President for Life, 1866.

AUGUST1Anniversary of Boniface Wimmer’s Ordination to the Priesthood, 1831.

10Boniface Wimmer embarks for the United States, 1846.

SEPTEMBER15Boniface Wimmer arrives in New York City.

17Boniface Wimmer elected Abbot of the Saint Vincent community for the first time, 1855.

18-20Oktoberfest event, Saint Vincent College Homecoming.

30Boniface Wimmer arrives at Hart’s Sleeping Place, Carrolltown.

OCTOBER2-11Benedictine Heritage Tour, Bavaria. October 9 the tour will visit and participate in a tribute to Boniface Wimmer in Thalmassing, his hometown.

18Boniface Wimmer arrives at Saint Vincent, 1846.

NOVEMBER19Founders’ Day, Mass with Cardinal Justin Rigali, Wimmerfest. Official closing of the Bicentennial year. Bishop, abbots of foundations of Saint Vincent Archabbey, and all entities of Saint Vincent: Archabbey, College, Seminary, parishes, high school, missions.

DECEMBER8Anniversary of Boniface Wimmer’s death, 1887.

29Anniversary of Boniface Wimmer’s solemn profession of monastic vows, 1833.

i Learn more about the Bicentennial Celebration:http://www.bonifacewimmer.org

Boniface Wimmer Bicentennial Celebration

300 Fraser Purchase RoadLatrobe, PA 15650-2690

www.stvincent.edu

Mailed from Zip Code 15650

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 110

super steelers return to CampusPlayers report to training camp on Friday, July 31. The first open

practice is Saturday, August 1. Be sure to visit the campus and salute the Black & Gold — where the road to the Super Bowl begins!

spring/summer 2009

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