MPScapades: Spring 2014 - Mercyhurst Preparatory School

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF MERCYHURST PREP
In this issue:
Introducing your 2013
Laker Legends, pg. 5
A NEW way to find your
classmates, pg.3
Going back to your Mercyhurst
Seminary/MPS roots, pg. 9
SPRING 2014
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
2
to interact and collaborate with others
regardless of gender. Coeducational
learning builds confidence and introduces a wider variety of ideas and
opinions. MPS graduates are socially
well-adjusted and better prepared to
excel in post-secondary education and,
ultimately, the workforce.
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper with her MPS
graduate sons (l to r): James Razanauskas
’01, Ed Razanauskas III ’94, and Phillip
Razanauskas ’97.
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
B
ecoming president of Mercyhurst
Preparatory School has given me new
insights and renewed appreciation
of the profound influence the MPS
experience has on its graduates.
“Unparalleled Preparation for Life” –
timeless words reflect what has always
described Mercyhurst Prep. This vision
created by the Sisters of Mercy in
1926 has not changed over times. Our
outstanding faculty and staff continues
to ensure that every student acquires
the educational and personal tools
needed to thrive in the real world
beyond high school. This means
equipping students with the skills to
adapt to our ever-changing world.
No wonder that our forebears wisely
transitioned MPS from all-girls to
coeducational a few years after I
graduated – thankfully, my three
sons were able to attend! The Sisters
wanted MPS to prepare students for
real world situations by learning how
Diversity and real world experiences
do not end with gender – this year,
93 international students attend MPS
from countries around the globe
including Korea, Spain, Rwanda, Belize,
Russia and China. Our international
students provide a rich world view and
multi-cultural experience for the entire
MPS family.
Our students also represent diverse
socio-economic backgrounds. Thanks
to generous corporate and individual
support, MPS offered over $710,000
in scholarships and financial aid this
year. Our Mercyhurst education is
life-changing and we want to make
it available to as many deserving
students as we can.
Not only is MPS the exclusive
Catholic coeducational high school in
our region, it is the only International
Baccalaureate (IB) World School with
its challenging curriculum designed
to create lifelong learners. IB diplomas
and courses are valued by universities
world-wide and often translate into
college credits.
Unparalleled preparation for life also
means the latest in technology. MPS is
currently in the second year of the Bill
& Audrey Hirt Education &Technology
Initiative. Each freshman receives an
iPad that stays with him or her all four
years and beyond. Our teachers and
students are creating and accomplishing amazing work with this cutting
edge educational tool inside and
outside the classroom.
The investment that parents make in a
Mercyhurst education is more valuable
than ever, paying huge dividends with
100% college and university acceptance of MPS graduating seniors, many
with generous college scholarships.
Award winning visual and performing
arts, speech and debate, and sports
round the experience of a Mercyhurst
Laker. Every year our students compete at the highest level in the three
“A’s” – academics, arts and athletics.
Going to state championships is a
regular MPS event.
Mercyhurst provides incredible
opportunities for service learning,
extracurricular activities and a wonderful social life. Friendships made here
last a lifetime – my own class of 1969
reunites from across the country every
5 years and recently established our
own named scholarship. A half dozen
of my classmates remain my best
friends today. In this issue you will read
about an alumna who has returned to
volunteer and work at MPS, paying it
forward with her special talents.
We who are employed at MPS see
our work as a ministry. We have the
distinct honor of witnessing daily
Catholic faith formation of our students
in word and action. Before our very
eyes, our students grow and mature
within the values of the Mercy Charism
– compassionate service, hospitality,
justice, presence, and respect for the
dignity of all persons. Unparalleled
preparation for life and the Mercy
Charisms – these core values never
change.
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, ’71
MPS President
Unparalleled Preparation For Life • www.mpslakers.com
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CONTENTS
A NEW ALUMNI DIRECTORY IS IN THE WORKS!
2
President’s Letter
5-8
Laker Legends
Scholarship Gala Recap
13
Upcoming Reunions
14-23
Class Notes
24 & 28 Alumni Spotlights
MPS has contracted with PCI: not the big company to publish a new, accurate
and comprehensive directory.
The directory will include a listing of graduates, their spouses, children, degree
information, job title and company and a history of our school including
photographs. The hardbound alumni book will be listed in four sections:
Alphabetically (by student and married names), Geographically (city and
state), Occupation, and Class Year.
Purchasing a directory is a great way for you to reconnect with old friends
and classmates and see the career paths they have taken. This is also a very
powerful business and networking resource. A print version, CD version and
a combination of a print and searchable CD version of the directory will
be offered.
It is important that you respond when you receive a post card in the mail, an
email message or a phone call in regard to the MPS directory. This is NOT a
fundraiser for Mercyhurst Prep; however, there are costs involved with PCI in
undertaking this project including printing and mailing, so please keep that
in mind. Many alums were disappointed that they did not purchase the last
directory since they saw the value of this tool after the fact. Please take a
moment to respond when you receive a card, email or phone call in regard
to the new MPS Alumni Directory.
Thank you.
Cover photo:
Jessica Horan-Kunco ’89 was
honored with the Distinguished
Alumni Award for Career at the
2013 Laker Legends Scholarship
Gala.
Editor
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer ’71
Photography
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer and Tina
Piano Espin ’87
Contributing Writers
Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, George
Blakeslee, Natalie Dwyer-Haller ’70,
Dan Perfetto ’92, and Lisa Nietupski
Graphic Designer
Michele A. Martin
MPScapades is published two
times a year for the Mercyhurst
Prep community. We welcome your
articles, suggestions and comments.
Please direct your correspondence
to its editor, Marcia Izbicki
Gensheimer at 814-824-2067 or
[email protected].
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
538 East Grandview Blvd.
Erie, PA 16504-2697
mpslakers.com
Volume 33, Number 1
SPRING 2014
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From the Desk of the Alumni President,
Natalie Dwyer-Haller ‘70
The Golden Anniversary
Luncheon was held on
August 26 at the Erie Yacht
Club, honoring Mercyhurst
Seminary graduates from
1963 and earlier. More
than 80 alumnae attended,
including Margaret
McMahon ’33 who was
celebrating the 80th
anniversary of her
graduation! Fourteen
Natalie Dwyer-Haller members of the Class of 1963
attended as the newest honorees. The number may
not sound large but considering there were only 22 in
that graduating class, two of whom are deceased, that
was an impressive turnout!
Well over 200 alumni, administrators, faculty, parents
and friends of MPS were on hand for an incredible
evening at the Laker Legends Scholarship Gala on
October 4 at the Ambassador Banquet Hall. The
Alumni Association welcomed its first two honorary
alumni, Sister Maura Smith, RSM, and Sister Mary
Ann Bader, RSM, and presented Alumni Association
awards to Jessica Horan-Kunco ’89 (Distinguished
Alumni Award for Career), Caitlin Welsh ’97 (Young
Alumni Award) and MPS faculty member Carla Betti
(Mercy Award). The MPS administration honored Rev.
Dr. Donald Baxter, Jr. and U.S. Magistrate Judge
Susan Paradise Baxter (Laker Legends Philanthropy
Award) and Jovan Johnson ’02 (Laker Legends Sports
Award). (See the related story on the next page, page
5). Host couples were alums Dan ’78 and Annette
’81 Cullen and MPS parents John and Barbara
Weber, parents of Max ’12, Jacob ’15, Kyle ’15 and
Nicholas ’15 (yes, triplets!). Brian Sheridan ’83 and
Proud Laker grandfather/supporter Brady Louis
served as co-emcees for the event, which included
music provided by Nick Nasibyan ’12, a creative iPad
video produced by Caleb Payne ’13, a silent auction,
a live auction with Tim Rocco, and a delicious dinner
prepared and served by the Ambassador staff. The
success of the evening was attributable not only to
the support of those in attendance and the generosity
of sponsors and those who donated auction items,
but also to the incredible effort put forth by the Gala
Committee headed by Tina Piano Espin ’87, including
alums Dan Cullen ’78, Dave Geiger ’87, Marcia
Gensheimer ’71, Kim Hill ’76, Bill Lillis, Jr., ’99 and
Emily Mosco ’00, and parents Karen Beardsley-Petit,
Teresa Corso and Barbara Weber. Our hats of off to
you, Tina, and to your committee, for putting on
a tremendously successful gala!
Alumni turned out in great numbers for the annual
Black Friday Bash held on November 29 at Calamari’s.
A good time was had by all, especially those who
left with door prizes, many of which were donated
by Dan Cullen ’78. Ken Regenor ’81 won the 50-50
and graciously donated his proceeds to the Alumni
Association! We welcomed many members of the Class
of 2008 who held their five-year reunion in the upstairs
room at Calamari’s while also spending time and
enjoying delicious food with the larger group. Thanks
again to Calamari owners Jay Honard ‘86 and Marcie
Honard who always go above and beyond for MPS.
March marks the beginning of terms for newly elected
members of the Alumni Association Board of Governors
Suzette (“Sue”) Marofsky Quinn ’83 and Emily
Schultz ’12. We thank Sr. Joan McCabe, RSM ’51 and
Ken Regenor ’81, whose terms expired, as well as
immediate past president Pat Genung ’67, for their
years of service on the Board.
We are always looking for enthusiastic alums to become
involved either as board members or members of one
of our committees. If you would like information about
becoming involved, please contact Marcia Gensheimer
at [email protected].
Natalie Dwyer-Haller, ‘70
Alumni President
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INTRODUCING YOUR 2013 Laker Legends
Mercyhurst Preparatory School and the Alumni Board of Governors
hosted the Laker Legends Scholarship Gala on October 4th at the
Ambassador Crystal Ballroom. The event recognizes outstanding alumni and
friends of MPS who have in some way made a contribution, not necessarily
monetary, to Mercyhurst Prep through their career or service. Recipients are
nominated by their peers.
Investment Committee. She is a
member of the City of Erie Aggregate
Pension Board, the Officers and
Employees Pension Board, the City
of Erie Audit Committee, the City of
Erie Finance Committee, and St. Luke
School and Parish.
Distinguished Alumni
Career Award
Jessica Horan-Kunco graduated from
Mercyhurst Preparatory School in
1989. She earned her undergraduate
degree as a political science major in
1993 from the University of Pittsburgh
at Johnstown and received a Master
of Science degree in organizational
leadership from Mercyhurst University
this past May.
She was the founding member of
the Anti-Graffiti Task Force and Skate
Erie Association, where she served as
treasurer. Additionally, she volunteers
for the Crohn’s Colitis Foundation Walk
and Day of Caring.
She received the Bradley Foulk Public
Service Award from GECAC and the
Outstanding Commitment Award from
Parade Street Community Center in
2011. Jessica was the recipient of the
Generation E Award from the Young
Erie Professionals and was named
one of the Women Making History
Dynamic Dozen by Mercy Center for
Women in 2008.
In addition to her City Council duties,
Jessica assists in the operation of her
family business, Kunco Landscape, Inc.,
and also finds time to work part-time
as a bookkeeper for Mercy Terrace
Apartments. She worked as special
events coordinator for MPS during the
2011-12 school year.
When asked how her Mercyhurst Prep
education and experience affected
her life, Jessica responded, “I have felt
strongly connected to MPS since my
days as a student. As an adult, I have
continued to feel the circle of support
from the Mercyhurst community
that surrounds me. The positive
atmosphere of encouragement
and acceptance is a blessing in our
community. I am proud to be a
Mercyhurst Prep alumna and can’t
wait for my children to experience the
Laker way in the near future.”
Horan-Kunco began her tenure
on Erie City Council in 2004 and is
currently serving her third consecutive
term as an elected official. She is
responsible for passing laws and
ordinances, working on creating
initiatives and programs, reviewing
city finances, adopting the city budget,
responding to citizen concerns and
calls, and serving as a liaison to city
departments, boards and authorities.
She served as Council President in
2011 with additional duties that
included setting agendas, assigning
liaison duties to council members,
acting as liaison to government
offices and planning and conducting
study sessions.
Currently, Jessica serves as
chairwoman of both Erie Area Council
of Governments and the City of Erie
Pictured here are sons Adam and Jeremy, husband Ron, Jessica and daughter Rachel.
6
She stated, “Because my time at
Mercyhurst Prep has changed my life
in so many ways over the years, it’s
extremely difficult to limit a response
to a few sentences. However, I should
include the three major ‘life changers’
that come to mind immediately.
First, I would be remiss if I did not
mention Sister Maura Smith, RSM
and Sister Bertha Michalik, RSM, two
important mentors who relayed many
insightful thoughts to me, especially
MPS social studies chair, Carla R. Betti,
early in my career. Sister Maura, who
received the Mercy Award for demonstrating
influenced me in so many ways, always
an exemplary commitment to the school
told me to “never forget that they are
mission. Carla is pictured here with family
just kids.” Along with much other
members l to r: (front) Lauren Skrypzak
important advice, Sister Bertha shared
’11, (back) Carrie Skrypzak-Post ’99,
how important it is to “always be
Stephen Skrypzak ‘85, Jay Skrypzak ‘83,
Tony Oprendek, Carla R. Betti, Kathy Betti patient with your students,” no matter
Skrypzak and Morgan E. Jacox. Missing
what. Those are just two women in the
from photo was Linda Kuzma Skrypzak ’85. MPS community who taught me a lot
about how we should treat each other.
There have been many others.
Mercy Award
Although Ms. Betti is not an MPS
Second, since a number of my
graduate, she has spent all 36 years of
her teaching experience at Mercyhurst colleagues and I began our careers
here at a young age, we had the
Prep, sharing her talents in the social
extraordinary benefit of watching
studies department and positively
each other grow up along with all the
affecting the lives of numerous
students we’ve taught. We still share
students. She graduated from Niagara
stories about working and playing
University with a B.A. in secondary
together in the early days. Although
education/social studies and a
our lives change, we still maintain
Master’s Equivalency from the State of
a unique bond that I treasure. I’ve
Pennsylvania.
learned so much from them as well.
Carla completed Project TEACH, a
Finally, and certainly the most
three-year professional development
program for American History teachers important to me, are the many MPS
that included travel to historical sites in students who’ve taught me a few
lessons themselves over the years.
Pennsylvania. She also attended the
Taft Institute for Teachers and the Mercy They are by far the most important
reason that MPS has changed my life.
Leadership Institute.
I can’t imagine being able to teach so
long without having absorbed some
Foreign travels have included Ireland,
of the energy, emotion, excitement,
England, USSR, Germany and Italy.
exuberance and especially the desire to
Twice named recipient of the MPS
keep learning that MPS students offer
Outstanding Service Award, Carla is a
member of the National Honor Society and instill in me. I admit that I always
want summer to continue, but after
for High School Teachers and a former
meeting my new students each year,
Academic Challenge Coach.
I always looking forward to growing
with them again.”
Carla was honored as a 2009 Golden
Apple Award winner. She has been
an advisor for the Women in Motion
Club at MPS and is the school
representative for Making Strides
Against Breast Cancer.
Caitlin Welsh (third from left in back
row) received the Young Alumni
Award for exhibiting leadership in her
personal, professional, and volunteer
accomplishments and also for her
involvement with Mercyhurst Preparatory
School. Family members in the photo include
(front): Ellie Welsh, (back): Tim Welsh, Mary
Anne Flecken Welsh ’69, Caitlin, Ashley
Hughes Welsh ’93, Christine Welsh Blake
’69 and Adam Welsh ’94.
Young Alumni Award
Caitlin Welsh graduated from
Mercyhurst Prep in 1997 and earned a
B.A. with a major in foreign affairs and a
minor in French from the University of
Virginia in 2001. She pursued a Master
of Public Administration and graduated
from Columbia University’s School of
International and Public Affairs in 2009.
She currently serves as the Foreign
Affairs Officer at the United States
Department of State, Secretary of State’s
Office of Global Food Security. Caitlin
assists in the coordination of all aspects
of U.S. diplomacy related to global food
security and nutrition, particularly in
African countries. Her portfolio covers
the U.S. government’s global hunger
and food security initiative, Feed the
Future, as well as global food security
initiatives of the G-8 and G-20.
In 2012, Caitlin helped ensure that
the United States fulfilled President
Obama’s commitment at the 2009 G-8
Summit – to mobilize over $3.7 billion
toward global food security over three
years. She also assisted in the launch
of a new global initiative, the G-8 New
Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition.
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Before joining the State Department,
Caitlin worked at the U.S. African
Development Foundation, where
she managed the $6m Nigeria grants
portfolio, the foundation’s largest.
She was a Peace Corps volunteer in
Morocco and speaks Arabic and French.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church who also
has a thriving dermatology practice,
is a member of the MPS board of
trustees. He serves as chairman of
the advancement committee and
chairs the campaign to build the
MPS Technology Endowment. She received a U.S. government
Presidential Management Fellowship in
2009-2011 and a full-tuition fellowship
to Columbia University School of
International and Public Affairs in
2008-2009.
Caitlin is a member of the Board
of Directors of the Washington
Area Community Fund, a nonprofit
community development loan
fund whose mission is to empower
underserved communities and
individuals in the DC metropolitan
area by providing access to capital
and technical assistance, small
businesses, childcare centers,
affordable housing developers, and
community organizations.
While speaking about her Mercyhurst
Prep experience, this International
Baccalaureate Diploma holder said,
“Some of my teachers regularly
challenged the way students thought
and the things we held to be true. They
taught us about their own experiences
outside this city, state, and country
– which made us want to explore
our world and push our limits – and
helped keep us grounded at the same
time. In addition, the International
Baccalaureate program helped prepare
me to study global issues in college
and graduate school.”
Laker Legend Philanthropy
Award
Even with very busy professional lives
this Erie couple always finds time to
help their children’s alma mater. The
Honorable Susan Paradise Baxter
and Rev. Dr. Donald Baxter, Jr. are this
year’s recipients of the Laker Legends
Philanthropy Award.
Emily Baxter ’07 is pictured here with her
parents Rev. Dr. Donald Baxter and Hon.
Susan Paradise Baxter, who received
the Laker Legend Philanthropy Award for
representing the true spirit of philanthropy
in their support of the MPS vision and the
Mercy charism to the benefit of our students
and community.
Jovon Johnson ‘02
The Baxters are Marked by Pride
& Spirit as proud parents of MPS
graduates Emily ‘07 and Eddie ‘11. While their children attended MPS, the
Baxters generously helped in many
ways but were especially active in
their support of the arts. Susan and
Don both served as theater boosters,
filling roles as needed from working
with costumes and manning the
concession stands to helping build
sets. Susan, a federal magistrate
judge for the western district of
Pennsylvania, served 2 years as booster
club president.
With Eddie and Emily well on their
way to successful higher education
and careers, the Baxters’ support of
the school continues and in many
ways has increased. Both have helped
to host MPS open houses answering
questions of potential new
MPS families. Susan has served as
a guest speaker relating her very
positive experiences and helping to
encourage parents to consider an
outstanding MPS education for their
children. Don, a minister at
Laker Legend Sports Award
While at Mercyhurst Prep, Jovon
Johnson was the all-time scoring
leader in football with 17 TDs, 4 PATs,
and 106 points.
After high school graduation,
Jovon attended the University of
Iowa, majoring in health and sports
administration, and graduated in 2006.
Currently, he is a professional athlete
with the Canadian Winnipeg Blue
Bombers football team in Manitoba.
Jovon has been named an NFL, CFL
4-year All Star player. He is the first
defensive back to win Defensive
Player of the Year for his team and
also the Canadian Football League.
He holds the punt return and most
interceptions records for the Blue
Bombers.
Jovon has “paid it forward” by starting
a scholarship fund at the University of
Manitoba. He has also helped coach
football at MPS and hosted a camp in
Erie and in Manitoba. In addition he
8
donated to breast cancer awareness
and a children’s hospital.
In reference to his MPS education,
Jovon stated, “First, let me say there
is a wide range of people who have
helped me get through the trials and
tribulations as a student. I’d like to
take a moment to thank them - Mrs.
Ennis, Mr. Bengel, Mr. Curtin, Mr.
Cancilla, Father Mike, Ms. Betti, Mr.
Perfetto, Mrs. Potthoff, Ms. Aste,
Mrs. Dworakowski, and Mrs. DiTullio
just to name a few. There are many
others in case I forgot a few. MPS
prepared me for (life) after football,
although I am still playing. I have my
own business (retail sales), two youth
football camps and a college degree.”
Honorary Alumni
For the first time, the Alumni
Association awarded honorary
alumni status to individuals who
are not alumni of Mercyhurst
Seminary or Mercyhurst Prep,
in recognition of their proven
friendship and service to the school.
Sister Maura Smith, Principal
1978-1987
During the administration of Sister
Maura, who had long been considered
an innovator in Mercy Catholic
education, several new programs
were initiated. In 1985 Mercyhurst
Prep became the first, and remains
the only, International Baccalaureate
World School in northwestern
Pennsylvania. She was instrumental
in launching the MPS crew team, the
only internationally competitive high
school crew team in area, which will
celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2014.
There is even a crew boat named the
Sister Maura!
Sister Maura is an avid sports fan
and regularly follows MPS athletic
competitions. She is proud to say that
in 1986 during her tenure, the girls
AAA basketball team, coached by
implemented in 2004 for eighth
grade students recommended by
their schools, enabling grade school
students to take and earn credit for
high school science, algebra and
language classes at MPS. In 2006,
Sister Mary Ann traveled to Dublin,
Ireland, the birthplace of the Order of
the Sisters of Mercy, to join with Mercy
educators from all over the world
for the first ever Mercy education
conference of its kind.
Sr. Maura Smith and Sr. Mary Ann Bader
display their honorary Alumni awards.
Mr. Bill Bengel, captured the first ever
state championship for any Erie girls
team when MPS won the state title
in 1986.
She was on board from the very
beginning of the Mercy Secondary
Education Association, keeping
Mercyhurst Prep among those Sisters
of Mercy schools throughout the
country that collaborated in the field
of Catholic Mercy education.
Campus ministry holds a very
prominent place at MPS. This, too, was
founded by Sister Maura. It is plain to
see that her influence remains strong
today at the school. At the 2007
dedication of the newly renovated
science wing named in her honor, she
said, “You will recall the song I Left My
Heart In San Francisco…well, I left my
heart at Mercyhurst Prep.” For your
strong and steady support of all that
is MPS, we are most grateful and we
thank her for all she has been to MPS.
Sister Mary Ann Bader, President
2002-2013
The beginning of Sister Mary Ann’s
tenure at MPS coincided with the
inauguration of a $3,000,000 capital
campaign that attained its goal in
2006. The monies raised provided
a $1,000,000 endowment for
scholarships, a $1,000,000 endowment
for salaries, a newly renovated science
wing and a new heating system.
With Sister Mary Ann at the helm,
the McAuley Scholars program was
In 2009, Sister Mary Ann engaged
in discussions with Pennsylvania
International Academy that
culminated in an affiliation with PIA
and has led to an increase in the MPS
international student population to its
current level of more than 90 students.
During Sister Mary Ann’s eleven years
as president, MPS has seen a marked
increase in the amounts awarded
annually for scholarships and financial
aid. In 2012, with the generous
support of Betsy and Bill Vorsheck,
MPS was able to provide one-to-one
iPad deployment for every student and
teacher in the building. This cuttingedge technology has kept MPS at the
forefront of Catholic education in Erie
as its only co-ed Catholic School.
It was Sister Mary Ann’s love of the
school and its Mission that was the
driving force of all her decisions during
her time at MPS. She is thrilled to be
named an honorary alumna and we
are thrilled to bestow that status
upon her.
Editor’s note: Since leaving the office of
president at Mercyhurst Prep, Sr. Mary Ann
has concentrated on improving her health
and I’m happy to report that she has made
great strides toward that end. Sr. Mary Ann
accepted a new position on January 1 as
Sisters Services Coordinator of the Sisters
of Mercy in Erie. This was previously two
positions (motherhouse coordinator and
local leader) that were combined into one.
We wish her continued good health
and guidance and blessings in her
new position. 9
Sisters who attended the Foundation Day celebration included (seated l to r): Sr. Catherine Edward Delaney, Sr. Rita Kartavich,
Sr. Pierre Dembinski; (middle): Sr. M. Matthew Baltus, Sr. Maria Lucia Serrano, Sr. Bernadette Bell, Sr. Phyllis Marie McDonald,
Sr. Edith Langiotti, Sr. Patricia Whalen and Sr. Rita Panciera; (back): Sr. Rita Brocke, Sr. Michele Marie Schroeck, Sr. Mary Ann Bader,
Sr. Lisa Mary McCarthy, Sr. M. Felice Duska, Sr. M. Mark McCarthy, Sr. Joan McCabe, Sr. Domenica DeLeo, Sr. Kathleen Ann Kolb
FOUNDATION DAY Our Mercyhurst Prep administration,
faculty and staff celebrated
Foundation Day along with the local
Sisters of Mercy on December 12th
at the high school. Foundation Day
commemorates the founding of the
Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland in
1831 by Catherine McAuley.
The foundation celebration included
visiting with the sisters, a performance
by the MPS Show Choir, and a special
sit-down luncheon served by our
National Honor Society students. The
sisters were delighted with their gift
of a money card to be used toward
the purchase of a porch glider for the
Motherhouse.
Foundation Day makes us aware of the
foresight of the Sisters of Mercy who
carried the ministry to America and
spread their charism - compassionate
presence, justice, service, hospitality
and concern for the dignity of all
persons - worldwide within their
numerous ministries.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
was founded in 1926 as Mercyhurst
Seminary by the Sisters of Mercy.
Additional local Mercy Ministries
include Mercy Center of the Arts,
Mercy Center for Women, Mercy
Hilltop Center, Mercy Terrace
Apartments, and the House of Mercy.
Erie is fortunate to have so much
contact with the Sisters of Mercy and it
is impressive to know that the mission
that began with Catherine McAuley
in 1831 is not only thriving but
touches people around the world.
COMING IN MAY…
The Show Some Alumni Love Campaign
If you have a special place in your
heart for Mercyhurst Prep/Mercyhurst
Seminary, please take a moment
right now and send an email to:
[email protected] with
the words “Alumni Love” on the
subject line.
Include your name and mailing
address and we will enter you in a
drawing for an alumni merchandise
prize package. Four winners will be
chosen.
Then, in May, watch out for some
special messages from MPS students
and some of your favorite faculty
members!
Thank you for showing some
Alumni Love!
10
50 years: Then & Now
The Mercyhurst Preparatory School building that opened in the 1963-1964 school
year is celebrating its 50th year. Members of the class of 1967 were freshmen and
have the distinction of being the first class to spend all four years of their high school
career in this building.
Graduate Nicholas Nasibyan performed
an original composition on the piano.
Abby Hakel played the violin to “Jesse’s
Waltz.”
CONCERT HONORED
MEMORY OF JESSE
EDWARDS-BOROWICZ
A concert honored the musical life of
Jesse Edwards-Borowicz on February
16 at the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Erie. Jesse, a member
of the class of 2016, passed away
unexpectedly last spring. The concert
was given by the members of the
piano studio where he belonged and
studied under Linda Kobler.
There was no admission charge but
donations were accepted and directed
toward a fund to purchase a piano
for the MPS music department. In
addition to the pianists participating
in the concert, there were several
guest artists. The concert included
the premiere of a work for violin and
piano, written in remembrance of
Jesse by Nick Nasibyan ‘12. Nick is
an MPS alum who is currently a music
composition major at Mercyhurst
University. About $2400 towards a
new piano was raised at the concert.
A new piano costs about $8000, so
there is still a need.
If you are interested in making
a donation, please contact Lisa
Nietupski at lznietupski@mpslakers.
com or 814-824-2408.
11
BLACK FRIDAY BASH!
Our annual Black Friday Bash is always a fun night out for just gathering with
friends from MPS or celebrating a landmark reunion. Thank you to alumnus
Jay Honard ‘86 and Marci Honard for hosting our alumni at Calamari’s.
Contact Tina Piano Espin ‘87 at 814-824-2161 or [email protected] for
additional information.
PLEASE NOTE:
In order to help reduce waste,
you are receiving one issue of
MPScapades per household.
If you would like an
additional issue, please
contact the alumni office
at 814-824-2067 or email
[email protected].
PLEASE REMEMBER
TO SEND US YOUR
UPDATED CONTACT
INFORMATION IF YOU
HAVE ANY CHANGES.
EMAIL: mgensheimer@
mpslakers.com with “ALUMNI”
as the subject line
OR CALL: 814-824-2067
OR USE FACEBOOK:
Send a message through
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
or Marcia Gensheimer
ALUMNI WELCOME:
DAILY MASS
Mass is celebrated every morning
from 7:45-8:05 in the chapel.
Parents, students, faculty, alumni
and staff are always welcome.
12
Golden Anniversary CLASS REUNIONS
Joan MacKenzie Eastman, Mary Ree Theuerkauf Travers,
Mary Lou Ritter Wieczorek and Annette Straub Bailey
from the class of 1951.
Erie’s WICU reporter Paul Wagner interviewed Margaret
McMahon ’33 who had the honor of celebrating her
80th high school class reunion at the Golden Anniversary.
Classmates from 1953 met up at the Golden Anniversary:
Mary Lou Miller Scully, Joan Hartman Koppelman and
Alberta Hain Jobczynski.
Members of the class of 1963 were our special honorees
for the Golden Anniversary Luncheon. Seated l to r are:
Kate Weber, Hollis Heidt McGuire, Mikey Crotty Martin
and Christine Pontoriero; (back): Mary Whalen Whitney,
Kitty Seigel Hurlburt, Connie Fuhrman Haibach, Jane
O’Brien Bauschard, Kathy Kosmala Nichols, Diane Trocki
Turner, Carol Dwyer Simmons, Carleen Maya Eden,
Mariette Hanhouser McCarthy, and Mary Jo Roll Poole.
Jeannie Jackson McGinley, Patty Przychozien Pedano
and Mary Ellen Dymski Brown from the class of 1958.
13
CELEBRATING CLASS REUNIONS
REUNIONS 2013-2014
If your year of graduation ends in a “4” or a “9” this is
an anniversary year for your class but any year could be
a “reunion” year! Class officers typically plan reunions,
but anyone is encouraged to gather a group and plan a
gathering. If you have questions, please contact Marcia
Gensheimer at [email protected] or call
814-824-2067.
UPCOMING REUNIONS 2013 – 2014
Class of 1964 – 50th Reunion
Friday, August 15 – Golden Anniversary Luncheon at
Erie Yacht Club
12:15 p.m. Sponsored by Mary Ellen Dahlkemper
Class of 2003: Here is a large group of some of members
of the class of 2003 celebrating their 10th reunion over
Thanksgiving vacation.
The Class of 2003 celebrated their ten year reunion on
Friday November 29, 2013 at 21 La Rue Dix in downtown
Erie. They had 56 people in attendance, which included 38
alumni and 16 spouses and significant others. Everyone
enjoyed the chance to reminisce, catch up, eat, drink, and
have some laughs. Attendees shared news about people’s
jobs, marriages, children, travels, and more. They honored
deceased classmates Jason Albert, Jon Billingsley, and
Jeremy Quezada. They had a raffle of items that included
MPS apparel and we even got in a circle and sang the Our
Father for old times’ sake!
Class of 1969 – 45th Reunion
Friday, August 8 – “Girls Only” at Neddy Dwyer Lehrian’s
home, Sat., August 9 – Bliss Room of the Erie Yacht Club
Class of 1974 – 40th Reunion
Plans are in the works for the weekend of May 16-17
Contact Janice Kubinski at [email protected] or
Sue DiPlacido Shickler at [email protected]
Class of 1999 – 15th Reunion
Class of 1999 15 year Reunion
When: Saturday, August 30th 3 pm
Where: Picnicana – Summit Township Picnic Grove located
on the west side of Old French Road
Details: Kids are welcome to attend the reunion;
Dinner and drinks will be provided; Cost is currently TBD
Email: Emily Hartwig-Wachter if you are interested in
attending: [email protected]
Some members of the MPS office staff celebrating St. Valentine’s day.
Amy DeMauri Chiodo, Katie Arnson, Christy Goodrich and
Steve Fabin enjoy spending time together.
14
CLASS NOTES:
1950
S
Sr. Mary Felice Duska, RMS ’52 was
named the 2013 Woman Religious of
the Year by the Serra Club. She is the
manager of Mercy Terrace Apartments
in Erie.
Joan Szymanski Mancuso ’52 has
been instrumental in helping to
restore the Fort LeBoeuf Museum,
which was closed in 2010 due to
budget cuts. The museum is located in
Waterford, PA., and plans are to reopen
it sometime in 2014.
Big news, little moments or just a friendly hello…we would like
to hear from you. Email [email protected].
Janet Liebler Plavcan ’57 and
husband John celebrated their 50th
anniversary on Thanksgiving Day.
They treated themselves to a cruise
in late October.
1960
S
Annmarie Bernadowicz George,
Ph.D. ’62 has been selected to serve
as the chairwoman of the Daemen
College Alumni Board of Governors for
a two-year term.
Sr. Charlene Schaaf, CDP ’68 recently
celebrated her 40th anniversary as a
Sister of the Divine Providence. She
currently lives in Erie while taking care
of her mother and works as a part-time
chaplain at Hamot UPMC. She also
directs the choir at St. Lawrence Parish
in Albion, PA, and teaches music at the
Inner-city Neighborhood Art House.
Corrine Flower Holmes ’69 decided
to teach a fifth grade talented and
gifted class one day a week instead of
retiring this year.
Sisters Barbara Heibel Nason and Marilyn
Heibel outside the State Hermitage Museum
in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Marilyn Heibel ’57 and her sister,
Barbara Heibel Nason ’61 took a
Baltic cruise in August. They visited
Berlin, Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St.
Petersburg, Russia; Estonia; Stockholm,
Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; and
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Denise Illig Robison ’57 received
the Legacy Award from the Niagara
League for promoting Commodore
Oliver Perry’s Niagara for three
decades.
1970
S
Janice DiLuzio ’71 is a Psychological
Services Associate-Mental Health and
pre-doctoral intern at Warren State
Hospital in N. Warren, PA. In addition,
she is completing her Ph. D.
in Counseling Psychology from
Gannon University and will graduate
sometime this year.
Bishop Cynthia Bolden Gardner
’74 has authored several books
including the more recent release
of CrumbSnatchers and Echoes
of Unrequited Love. You can
find more information at www.
theeaglespeaksgoodnews.com and
www.newmercyseatministries.com.
Rebecca Martin ’78 was appointed
CEO of Pittsburgh’s North Regional
Chamber of Commerce.
Paul Smith ‘78 lives in Montclair
NJ with his wife, costume designer
Chelsea Harriman. Their daughter
Mabel is a freshman at McGIll
University in Montreal, and their
son Hudson is a Junior at Montclair
HS. Paul works in New York City as
editorial director for the cable TV
channel BBC America. He has written
theme songs and music for shows
on A&E, Nickelodeon, MTV and the
Disney Channel. He recently broke his
23-year moratorium on acting when
he appeared in the short film “Two
Grown Men,” written and directed by
his friend Bruce Bernstein. You can
find it on YouTube. Paul’s the one
with no hair!
1980
S
Greg Guelcher ’81 was promoted
to full professor of history at
Morningside College in Iowa.
John Schultz ’81 is the chief
executive officer of New River Health
Association in Charleston, West
Virginia. He previously served as the
CEO of Community Health Net in Erie
for eight years.
Bill Doupe ’84 has been
instrumental in helping to organize
a non-profit called Winds of Change,
Inc. It is an environmental charity
that constructs accessible pathways
with a focus on the disabled. A
conceptual plan calls for replacing
the existing boardwalk at Asbury
Woods in Erie with a new boardwalk
and an enlarged teaching deck.
15
Jodi Staniunas-Hopper ’85 recently
had a one-woman show, “Concealed/
Revealed” at Mercyhurst University,
where she is head of the graphic
design department. The show
featured her signature Luchadora
masks, altered wedding wear and
photographs.
Chip Dufala ’89 was the Keynote
speaker at the 2013 Commitment
to Erie Award ceremony held in
September. As executive vice
president, services, at Erie Insurance,
Chip is responsible for sustaining
and improving the company’s
commitment to services.
1990
S
Ruth Thompson Carroll ’90 is the
owner of Rosebud Flower Shop and
also Anna’s Shelter, both in Erie.
Melissa Helsley Melfi ’91 acquired
ownership of Motordrome Speedway
in Smithton, PA with co-owner Todd
Melfei. The Speedway is 30 minutes
southeast of Pittsburgh.
Denise Golino Kitchen ‘91 has
joined Morris Coupling Company
as human resources manager. She
earned a bachelor’s degree from
Gannon University and a master’s
degree in human resources and
employee relations from Pennsylvania
State University. Most recently, she
was employed as human resources
administrator for Erie Bronze and
Aluminum.
material to X-Ray Crystallography,
he confirmed a process involved
in Parkinson’s disease. He then
assembled a team of scientists from
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
the Hartwell Center for Bioinformatics,
Cornell University, Argonne National
Laboratory, and the University of
Dundee, Scotland. The resulting
scientific paper, entitled Structure
of HHARI, a RING-IBR-RING Ubiquitin
Ligase was published in the journal
Structure. David’s paper has already
been the basis for research by other
teams looking into the mechanisms of
Parkinson’s disease.
Kelly Heekin ’98 is a somatic
psychotherapist trainee at The
Center for Somatic Psychotherapy
in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is
working on a masters in counseling
psychology with a concentration in
somatic psychology toward the goal
of becoming a marriage and family
therapist with a focus on children and
children’s issues.
Jackie Kozak Thiel ‘98 has been
named the sustainability coordinator
by Governor Neil Abercrombie of
Hawaii. As an island state, Hawaii
presents different sustainability
challenges. Plans are in the works that
will be presented to President Obama
within the next year. Thiel stated, “This
is about celebrating the fusion of our
multicultural cuisine with things we
can grow here that truly nourish us.”
Nicky Oleski Lavery ’98 and husband
Jason are the owners of Lavery Brewing
Company at 128 West 12th Street in Erie.
The brewpub offers a limited menu.
Emily Matson and husband
Emily Matson ’99 married Ryan
Onderko on the beach in Negril,
Jamaica in June. Travis Matson ’03,
brother of the bride, and his wife
Sarah Crandall Matson ‘04 traveled to
Jamaica for wedding. Emily is a graduate of LaRoche College in Pittsburgh
and is an anchor and reporter for
WICU 12News. Her husband is a
police officer for the city of Erie.
Anjeli Jana ‘92 writes in Splash, a Los
Angeles paper, and also participated
in November as Miss India USA during
the Miss Asia USA pageant in West
Hollywood, LA. Here is a link to her
published features in Splash Magazine:
http://www.lasplash.com/user/43947Anjeli_Jana/articles
David M. Duda, Ph.D., ’95 noticed
something very interesting in one
of the molecular structures he was
studying to probe the causes of cancer.
After splicing the gene, cloning the
DNA sequence and subjecting the
Kate Neubert-Lechner ’98 has
returned to Erie after living in New
York City and Pittsburgh. She works
as a wish coordinator for Make-aWish Foundation and teaches musical
theatre, acting and dance at Erie
Dance Conservatory and Triple Threat
Studio, which is owned by alumna
Rachel Sherr Rudd ’97. She also
teaches private voice lessons. Kate
recently starred in the Erie Playhouse
production of “Mary Poppins” expertly
playing the lead. She has two
daughters Laila and Mira.
Jackie Kozak Theil is second from left.
Jason Fidorra ’99, an avid
outdoorsman and world traveler,
was recently interviewed by Outside
Magazine (outsideonline.com) for
a story about how to incorporate
birding in your next adventure.
16
Penny Wiggers Shaut ’99 has her own
business, Penny Shaut Photography in
McKean, PA. Visit pennyshaut.com for
more information.
2000
S
Joshua Bengel ’00 married Karen
Cusimano ’07 on October 6, 2012.
Josh is working as a PC consultant at
UPMC Hamot. Karen is a physician’s
assistant at Your Pediatric Connection/
UPMC Hamot. John is the son of
former teacher, coach and assistant
principal Bill Bengel (Jill).
The Mosco/Merski wedding party
L to r: Jerry Cusimano Paula Bauda, Karen
Cusimano Bengel, Josh Bengel, Jill Bengel
and William (Bill) Bengel.
Jeremi Leasure ’00 is the director
of Northern California’s premier
biomechanics lab, on the St. Mary’s
Medical Center Campus in San
Francisco, California. Under his
direction, the Taylor Collaboration was
formed as a nonprofit consortium of
clinicians and engineers. He also serves
as faculty for the SF Orthopaedic
Residency Program and Stanford
University Neurosrugery/Spine
Fellowship Program. His lab specializes
in working with entrepreneurs and
healthcare professionals on the design,
development, and safety testing of
medical devices. Jeremi attributes
Mercyhurst Prep with giving him
the fundamental technical skills he
needed to succeed in college and
helping him choose his path as a
mechanical engineer.
Emily Mosco ’00 married Robert (Bob) Merski in November. Attendants
included Angela Merski Stankiewiz ’95 and Rebecca Merski Hill ‘00, sisters
of the groom. Serving as groomsmen were Gregory Merski ’99 and Douglas
Merski ‘02, brothers of the groom. Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in English
and Spanish and a master’s degree in intelligence studies from Mercyhurst
University. She also holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Penn State Dickinson
School of Law. Emily is an attorney with the Vendetti & Vendetti law firm. She
is an assistant public defender for the County of Erie and a member of the
adjunct faculty at Mercyhurst University. Her husband holds a bachelor’s degree
in education and religious studies from Mercyhurst University. He is a special
education teacher at East High School and a member of Erie City Council.
Amy Bauschard ’01 has been
named director of the Mercy Center
of the Arts. She is the director of
Mercyhurst University’s Carpe Diem
Academy and adjunct instructor
of early childhood education. She
earned a master’s in curriculum
and instruction with principal
certification and a reading specialist
certificate. She has more than
six years of teaching at the early
childhood level.
Nick Adams ‘01 (right) pictured with
Art Martone ‘80.
Nick Adams ’01 assumed the role
of Fiyero in the North American
tour of “Wicked.” Nick adds this to
his repertoire of Broadway Shows
including “A Chorus Line,”“Chicago,”
“La Cage aux Folles,”“Guys & Dolls,”
“The Pirate Queen,” and “Priscilla,
Queen of the Desert.”
17
Brian Donovan ’01 is the snow sports
operations manager at Peek’n Peak
Resort and Spa in Findley Lake, NY.
He holds the highest certification
available to teach adults and children
from the Professional Ski Instructors of
America and the American Association
of Snowboard Instructors. Brian is a
member of the AASI Eastern Division
Examiner Training Squad and was
among the top instructors in the
country to be invited to try out for the
PSIA-AASI National Team.
Amanda Tech Hurd ’01 has been
named director of development
for Saint Mary’s Home of Erie. She
previously worked as fundraising
director for the Greater Pennsylvania
Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
and as a fundraiser for WQLN television.
In addition, she volunteers at the Erie
Playhouse.
Erik Reitinger ’01 participated in
the Ironman World Championship
Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii this past
fall. He finished 270th among all men
in the triathlon and 77th in his age
division. He operates a training facility
for triathletes – TriBy3 Performance
Coaching in Brooklyn, NY.
Drew Harris ’02 married Valerie
Carroll in June at the Harris residence
overlooking Lake Erie. Tim Barry ’03
and Steve Walkiewicz ’03 served
as best men. Other attendants
included Katie Sherwin ’02 and
Jamie Miller ’02. Drew completed
his BA in peace and conflict studies
at Colgate University and earned an
MS in organizational leadership at
Mercyhurst University. He is pursuing
his doctorate in social science at
Syracuse University with a focus
on civic engagement and higher
education. He is currently working
as a program coordinator at Colgate
University in Hamilton, NY. His wife is
employed as a fourth-grade teacher
in Sherburne, NY. She earned a BS in
elementary and special education
and an MS in literary education from
Syracuse University.
Jovon Jonson ’02 placed first on the
Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg
Blue Bombers all-time punt return
yardage list with 2769 yards. He
just completed his sixth season as a
defensive back and was named by
MPS 2014 Laker Legend in sports.
Maggie McNamara Schmid ’02 is an
associate in the health law practice
of Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C.
in Boston. MA. She is a graduate of
The Catholic University of America,
Columbus School of Law. Maggie is
a member of both the Boston and
Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
Taylor Baker Rogan ’03 is a first-year
fellow in the Leadership Education in
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and
Related Disorders (LEND) Center at the
University of Pittsburgh; a program
of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
of UPMC. On an unrelated note, she
appeared in the final episode of The
Joe Schmo Show (Spike TV) dressed as
Lady Liberty, describing the experience
as “crazy surreal!” Her husband, Chase
Rogan starred on the show this past
spring as well.
Karli Hurst ’03 married Daniel Becker
on October 20. Danielle Snow ’03
served as a bridesmaid. Karli is a
graduate of Daemen College and is
employed as a private duty nurse.
Her husband is a graduate of Penn
State Behrend . He is employed at Key
Bank in Cleveland, OH, and is also a
member of the Air Force Reserves.
Brittany Erb ‘04 received a bachelor’s
in biology in 2008, and a master’s in
education in 2010 from Mercyhurst
University. She has been teaching 5th
and 6th grade science at St. George
School for three years. She recently
received the Golden Apple Award. Claire Natale ’04 worked as a voice
actor for the ADR loop group on The
Michael J Fox show’s sixth episode.
Alexa Richards ‘04 married
Benjamin Frazier in June. Taylor
Baker Rogan ’03 served as matron
of honor. Lexi earned a bachelor’s
degree in corporate communications
from the College of Charleston
in South Carolina. She is a senior
coordinator in marketing and
communications with Treliant Risk
Advisors in Washington, D.C. Her
husband earned a bachelor’s degree
in business administration with a
concentration in global logistics and
transportation from the College of
Charleston in South Carolina. He is an
assistant project manager for Shirley
Contracting in Washington, D.C. They
reside in northern Virginia.
Liesel Wagner ’04 completed her
master’s degree in Spanish linguistics
and pedagogy at Middlebury College.
She previously taught at MPS and
has studied in Costa Rica, Mexico,
Spain and Argentina. Liesel currently
teaches both pre-IB and IB classes
in Virginia.
Karli Hurst Becker (right) and her dad,
Tim Hurst. Tim is our 9th grade guidance
counselor.
18
Laura K. Godlewski ’05 is working
in the Investment Office at Notre
Dame for McDowell grad, Erie native
and Chief Investment Officer, Scott
Malpass. She works as an investment
accountant and is engaged in the
construction of business intelligence
analysis for the investment team.
She has been with the university
since March of 2012 and previously
worked for the public accounting
firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLP in
Chicago and Boston.
Tracey Lucas ’06 accepted a new
position as an account executive
for Strauss Media Strategies in
Washington, DC.
Veronica Joy ’07, a music teacher at
the Robert Benjamin Wiley School,
came back to MPS with her glee club.
She and students visited Mr. Art
Martone’s class to learn some songs
and dance steps from our high school
Show Choir.
Veronica Joy is on the far right.
Gabriella Bensur ’08, IB Diploma
recipient and Cornell University
graduate, has accepted an offer from
White and Case LLP, currently ranked
as the number two global law firm.
Gabriella will work in the White and
Case corporate office in New York City
next summer. She plans to join the firm
after graduation and the completion
of a successful internship. Gabriella
is currently in 2nd year Law at Cornell
Law School and had the great honor
of being selected for the Cornell
Law Review this past spring. She is a
contributor to the Legal Information
Institute’s Supreme Court Bulletin,
an officer for the Cornell Law School
Association, President of the Italian
American Law Student Association and
founder of the Saint Thomas Moore
Catholic Society at Cornell Law School,
currently serving as Co-President. She
was selected to compete in Chicago
in March with Cornell’s Alternative
Dispute Resolution team and is also
an active participant in Cornell’s Moot
Court. In addition to her studies and
extracurricular activities, she is
a member of the Cornell Annual
Fund management team and
continues to write prose and poetry,
which has have been published in
several national works.
Lindsey Cox ’08 was hired as assistant
director of alumni relations and annual
giving at Mercyhurst University, where
she is completing her master’s degree.
Lauren Frey ’08, a second year
speech pathology graduate student
at the University of Pittsburgh, is the
recipient of this year’s Department
of Communication Science and
Disorders Lisa Levy Memorial Award.
This award recognizes outstanding
clinical performance, personal qualities
and leadership among students. As
part of this honor, Lauren’s name
will be added to a plaque in the
reception area of the main office of
the Department, she will receive a
monetary award, and she will also be
invited to participate in the Honors
Convocation at the University of
Pittsburgh.
Andy Rettger ’08 received UPMC
Hamot’s Guardian Angel award.
He was nominated by two fellow
nurses for outstanding service, and
a monetary donation was made in
his name to the Hamot patient care
services.
Sarah Srnka ’08 exchanged wedding
vows with Christopher McDonald in
May. Bridesmaids included Alison
Vanwinkle ’08, Nicole Campbell ’08,
and Julia DeLuca ’08. The best man
was Steven Srnka ’03, brother of
the bride. Sarah earned a bachelor’s
degree in business management from
Gannon University. She is employed
as an export compliance specialist at
Logistics Plus. Her husband earned a
bachelor’s degree in communications
from Saint Vincent College, Latrobe.
He is the director of operations
and merchandising with the Erie
SeaWolves.
John Storey ’08 is an equity capital
markets analyst at Morgan Stanley
Wealth Management in NYC. He
earned a bachelor of business
administration in finance from
Villanova University in 2012.
Maria Rita Vento ’08 is attending
law school at American University
and is the 2013 recipient of the Chief
Justice Samuel J. Roberts scholarship.
She graduated from the University of
Pittsburgh in 2012 with Bachelor of
Arts and Science degrees in political
science and Italian studies.
Chawn McCowien ’09 wed Amanda
Harrison last May. Chawn is attending
the Pennsylvania Gunsmith Academy
of Pittsburgh and is employed by
Victory Security Services. His wife is
a student at Bradford Medical School
and is employed as a medical assistant.
Kirsten Olowinski ’09 claimed the
MVP award for her pro basketball
league in Portugal this season. She
closed her college career with a Miami
of Ohio record of 1,154 rebounds, the
second-highest total in Mid-American
Conference history, and finished ninth
on Miami’s scoring list with 1,311
career points.
Elizabeth Dolan ’10 made the
Dean’s List at Gannon University for
three years. She currently attends
the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary
Science.
19
Colleen is on the left.
Colleen McClung ’10, past recipient
of the Katie Sheriff Scholarship,
returned to Eckerd College in St.
Petersburg, FL for her senior year,
where she has been on the Dean’s
List all four years. She served as
team captain of the varsity sailing
team which ranked 12th in the
nation. She is completing her
environmental studies degree with
a dual minor in Spanish and coastal
management. Colleen also serves
as vice president of the StudentAthlete Advisory Committee, a
group of representatives from
each athletic team that work year
round to help give back to their
surrounding community. She
travels for school regattas and also
sails Snipes, traveling all around
Florida competing on available
weekends. She competed in
both the 2013 Snipe Florida
State Junior Championships and
Snipe Women’s Nationals. She hopes
to continue sailing after graduation
and may be accepting an offer to
work on one of the Hawaiian islands
with nesting shore birds.
Emily Olszewski ‘10 is a junior at
Catawba College in Salisbury, NC,
where she is working toward a BFA
in theater arts and a minor degree
in musical theater. She has been on
the Dean’s List for four semesters.
Last September, she was selected to
participate in Catawba College and
God’s Appointed People Gospel Choir,
which performed at the Democratic
National Convention, singing: “You’re
All I Need to Get By” with American
Idol runner up Jessica Sanchez. Emily
has appeared in two major theater
productions in the role of Mary Jane
Wilks in a Catawba original production
of “Huck Finn” and as Susanna
Walcott in the spring production
of “The Crucible. “ In April, she was
inducted into the National Theatre
Honor Society: Alpha Psi Omega, an
American recognition honor society
for participants in collegiate theatre.
Her first performance and her love
of theater began on the Mercyhurst
stage 13 years ago (at the age of 8)
in the All-School Summer Musical
Production of “The Music Man.” This
summer, she returned to the Erie
stage in the role of Dorothy in the 13th
Annual All-School Summer Musical
Production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Julia Yurkovic ‘11 is majoring in
neuroscience and psychology at the
University of Rochester.
Andy Pregler ’11 is a contributing
writer for Stadium Journey Magazine.
Jonny DiPrinzio ’12 worked as a
narrator aboard the Lady Kate tour
boat on Lake Erie this past summer.
Lauren Elia ’12, a Providence College
sophomore, was named to the
collegesportsmadness.com Big East
preseason all-conference second team.
Emily Schultz ’12 came back to
talk with Athena Club members
(formally Ophelia club) on January
15. She spoke about how we,
ourselves determine our self-worth
and the three Rs of participating in
a safe social environment: Respect
for yourself, Respect for others, and
taking Responsibility for
your actions.
Micala Migneault ’10 recently
selected her first ship assignment at
a ship selection ceremony at the U.S.
Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
She will graduate from the Academy
in May as a surface warfare officer
and is scheduled to report to the USS
Carl Vinson in San Diego, CA.
Emily Olszewski playing the part of
Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz”.
20
Gannon Dance Team members Michen
Dugan and Chelsea Cox.
Chelsea Cox ’13 and Michen Dugan
’13 tried out for the Gannon University
Dance Team in the fall. They were two
of only four freshmen who made the
team. They perform at the men’s and
women’s basketball games during
halftime. They have also performed
at the Woman’s Expo for Teens at the
Convention Center and have danced at
the Bayhawks’ and Eriesistable’s games.
Ellie Hill ’13 is pictured fourth from the left. The photo was taken at the
Head of the Charles. Maggie Cavanaugh ’13 (Villanova) and Ellie Hill
(Boston College) rowed as novice members of their respective college
teams. Corrine Kickel ’12 is a sophomore at Canisius College and is a
varsity eight rower. Her team placed fourth among the colleges at the
Head of the Charles Regatta.
Chelsea Czerwinski ’13 was named
Newcomer of the Year in women’s
tennis at Penn State Behrend. She
was also named to the first team.
Sarah Kupniewski ’13 was awarded
the Natalie Pacileo Fortuna Memorial
Scholarship.
Sarah Kaiser ’13, a Cleveland State
freshman soccer player, was named
the Horizon League women’s soccer
offensive player in September.
Sympathy
The Mercyhurst Prep community of alumni, students, faculty, staff and parents extends sympathy
to the following members of our extended family:
ALUMNI:
Mary Alice Griffin Kern ‘31
Margaret Quinn Dwyer ‘38
Katrina Quinn Weschler ‘40
Sally E. Quinn ‘43
Mary S. Schultz Blakeslee ‘44
Maryann Held Young ‘46
Helen Eleanor Sulkowski
Sokolowski ‘46
Elinor Strohm Matts ‘47
HUSBAND OF:
Sr. Donna Marie Orton, RSM ‘49
Virginia Arbuckle Gilmore ‘52
Linda J. Samick O’Connor ‘72
Norma Nientimp Desser ‘55
Elizabeth Mulkie Nelson ‘74
Cynthia Barbaro Candau ‘80
Mary Jo Koziorowski Justka ‘75
MOTHER OF:
Mary Beth Weiner Thom ‘75
Brian P. Sweeney ‘81
Jennifer Robin Singer ‘92
Nicholas W. Estes ‘10
Carol Dwyer Simmons ’63,
Maureen Quinn Dwyer ’65,
Natalie Dwyer-Haller ’70 and
Sheila Dwyer-Grove ‘75
21
Roberta Glowacki Palmisano ‘65
Anne Sitter Markowitz ‘98
June Spader Klins ‘69
Jeremy Hoover ’09 and
Daniel Hoover ‘10
Leah Stifinger Woytek ‘69
Dr. Kathleen Fearn ‘70
Evelyn Bogdanski DePalma ‘71
DAUGHTER OF:
Karen Pietrzak Powell ‘83
Rochelle Rautine Rasberry ’71 and
Rebecca Rautine Savo ‘75
SON OF:
Elizabeth (Betsy) Piotrowski ’72,
Krista Piotrowski Gray ’76 and
Kara Piotrowski Britt ’83
Julie Hermen Vanwinkle ‘81
Mary Young Lubowicki ‘73
Christina LaJohn ‘77
Anne Poux ‘79
Jeanne Wurst Kidder ‘56
SISTER OF:
Mary Quinn Scolio ’45 and
Frances Quinn Buseck ‘48
Patty Przychodzien Pedano ‘58
Michael Matczak ’90, Renee Matczak
Trost ’91, Kelly Matczak ’95,
Lee Matczak ‘99
Marilyn Mango Blocher ’60 and
Carolyn Mango Kacprowicz ’67
Christopher Hay ‘06
Emily Schmitt ‘08
STEP-MOTHER OF:
June Tullio Pintea ’61 and
Marilyn Tullio Krahe ‘69
FATHER OF:
Roberta Glowacki Palmisano ‘65
Eileen Olevnik Rappaport ’65,
Elaine Olevnik Frank ’67 and
Jan Olevnik Alexiou ‘71
Barbara Radov ‘73
Carolyn Rowinski ’73 and
Kathleen Rowinski Driggers ‘75
Janice Kubinski ‘74
Karen Bukowski ‘75
Mary Ann Baer Noel ’84,
Mark Baer ’87, Sean Baer ’99
and Maureen Baer Parker ’03
Denise Golino Kitchen ’91 and
Danielle Golino ‘92
Dana Desser ’94 and Edward
Desser ‘97
If you send us the birth notices,
we will send your baby a special
MPS tee.
Email
[email protected].
Margaret “Peggy” Quinn Kelsey ‘47
Tracie Alexander Maurer ‘81
David R. McCandless and
Daniel C. McCandless ‘04
Big news, little moments or just
a friendly hello…we would like
to hear from you.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Julie Samick VanVolkenburg ’70,
Chris Samick ’86 and Rebecca
Samick Hilling ’89
Anne Weiner ’67, Cathleen Weiner
Cubberly ’70, and Nancy
Weiner ‘78
Mariah Zielinski Scott ‘03
BROTHER OF:
Roberta Glowacki Palmisano ‘65
Timothy Sweeney ’79 and
Michele Sweeney ‘80
Noelle Estes ‘15
OTHER:
Sylvia Swartzfager, former
Mercyhurst Prep math teacher
Carolyn Neuburger Gott,
former MPS cafeteria manager
Stella Rounsley
SISTERS OF MERCY:
Sr. Donna Marie Orton, RSM ‘49
Sister Jeannette Mary Denslinger,
RSM
Correction: We apologize for the
error in our last issue and provide the
correct information below.
Bob Rounsley ’99 and wife Gera on
the April birth of Stella J.
22
Kristen Hiegel Wieczorek ’02 and
husband Ron on the February birth of
their first child, Cornelia Grace.
Tammy Rettger ’02 on the October
birth of Noah.
Molly Shea Robbin ’95 and husband
Matthew on the December birth of
Evelyn (Evie) Grace
Matt Fabian, Annie Schleicher Fabian with
their daughter Jane Anne at the fountain
in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., where
they live.
Christopher Campbell 02’ and wife
Sarah on the October 2012 birth of son
Scott Dana Campbell.
Annie Schleicher ’89 and husband
Matt Fabian on the March 2013 birth
of their first child, Jane Anne. (a note
from Anne: “Interestingly, when I met
Matt I found out that he had served
in Armenia in the Peace Corps with
fellow MPS grad Michelle Gallagher
’90. I served in Mongolia at the same
time that Michelle was in Armenia and
we would email each other. What a
small world indeed!”
Kenny Rettger ’00 and wife Jessica
on the May birth of Christopher
Robert. He joins big sister Ariel.
Kenny ran the “Beast on the Bay”
marathon this summer.
Ryan Corle ’03 and wife Sara on
the October birth of their first child,
Georgiana Kay.
Jeremy DiTullio ’95 and wife Amy
on the September birth of Dominic.
He joins big sisters Mariela (6) and
Nora (4).
Travis Matson ’03 and Sarah Crandall
Matson ’04 on the September birth
of Jack Thomas. He joins big brother
Brody.
23
Francesca Fetzner Price ’05 and
husband John Dylan on the October
birth of Leo Edward. He joins big
brothers Isaac (2) and Connor (5).
Our Girls Tennis Team claimed the PIAA State AA Championship for the second year
in a row. Pictured here are (front): Alex Baldwin ’17, Alex Feretti ’15, Sophia
DiNicola ’17, Ruth Golden ’17; (back): alumna and Coach Kelly Erven Maslar,
Caitlyn Schultz ’16, Brittany McBride ’14, Katie Elia ’14, Taylor Levinson ’15,
Nicole Freeman ’16, Audrey Bell ’16, Lauren Petrella ’15, Alice Squeglia’15,
and Maura Chrostowski ’14.
Kayla Ferrare ’06 on the March birth
of Carter Michael Ferrare.
Our Speech & Debate team has had an amazing year thus far. Compared with
most competitors, the MPS group is small but mighty with high placement and
trophies being the norm. We have had district champion qualifiers in the National
Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament, placement in the Laird Lewis
National Lincoln Douglas Debate Invitational Challenge, and even participants
in the octofinal rounds in Original Oratory at the Harvard Speech and Debate
Tournament. Pictured here are (front): Libby Federici ’15, Annabelle Nietupski
’17 and Jacob Barilla ’17; (back): Dan Fitzgerald ’15, David DeFelice ’15 and
Alex Kruszewski ’15.
24
MPS Alumni Spotlight
Celebrating 70 years of Memories of the Mercyhurst Seminary
Class of 1944
By George Blakeslee
My mother Mary Schultz Blakeslee,
Class of 1944, Mercyhurst Seminary,
was one of the 5 remaining living
graduates of the class, prior to passing
away on September 3, 2013. She was
also the second oldest contributor
to the most recent 2013 Mercyhurst
Prep Annual Fund Drive. She attended
Villa Elementary for 8 years, and after
graduation, enrolled at Mercyhurst,
even though the vast majority of her
classmates enrolled at Villa Maria
Academy. At both schools, she
participated in piano performance,
riding exhibitions and interscholastic
competition in basketball and
field hockey. She matriculated at
Trinity College in Washington D.C.,
where she studied for 3 years, prior
to leaving to marry Jerome “Bus’’
Blakeslee and raise 5 children, who
provided her with 9 grandchildren
and 10 great-grandchildren. Mary
supported many local nonprofits
and volunteered considerable time
in support of charitable activities,
including the start-up of the original
“Festival of Trees.” She was a loyal,
active supporter of Mercyhurst Prep
for her entire life, and she would have
truly enjoyed celebrating her 70th
graduation anniversary.
President Dahlkemper reviews memorabilia
from the class of 1944. She is pictured with
George Blakeskee, whose mother passed
away last fall.
boarded several girls who resided
in outlying areas. The four principal
members of the faculty at that time
were Reverend Sisters of Mercy Jean
Marie, Gabriel, Mary Francis and
Martine (who all wore full habit),
along with a few full- and part-time
lay faculty.
Unique Focus of Mercyhurst
Seminary in Its Early Years
The faculty clearly recognized the
need to instill social graces and some
knowledge of homemaking in their
Mercyhurst Seminary, the predecessor students, but from the earliest days,
to Mercyhurst Prep, was founded in
the goal of the education provided
the same year as the College, 1926.
was to prepare young women for
The Class of 1944 began with 19 ladies, college & post-secondary education,
graduating 18. The four classes of
and professions in the work force.
the Seminary were accommodated
Surviving class members Jeanne
entirely within 4-5 classrooms and
Boes Morehouse, Jeanne Massucci
Dworakowski
with the MPS umbrella.
additional spaceMrs.
on Paula
the western
end "shines"
Doyle, Shirley Howland Youngbird
of the first floor of Old Main at the
and Carolyn Brock Minton all recall
College. At that time, the Seminary
the strong emphasis placed on
academics and career preparation. All
4 ladies, along with my mother, felt
they experienced the most important
formative years of their lives at the
Seminary. As Jean Boes Morehouse
explained to me, the Sisters of Mercy
emphasized that each student was
an individual with obligations and
responsibilities, while also possessing
the aptitude, dignity, rights and
freedom to pursue their own course
in life, including higher education
& professional work. Twelve of the
18 graduates attended college,
matriculating at the University of
Texas, University of Michigan, Syracuse
University, Grove City College, Trinity
College (D.C.), Westminster College,
Mercyhurst, McGill University in
Montreal, Mt. Mercy and Lake Erie
College. Some of the ladies also
acquired graduate level degrees.
While all the girls married and most
had children, the majority worked
at least part-time in careers such as
business ownership & management,
counseling, teaching, nursing, art,
language translation, writing, and
speech therapy. That these ladies
experienced the success they did was
quite an accomplishment, for except
during the war years when there
was a shortage of men in the labor
force, women faced considerable
discrimination securing work,
particularly if they had an employed
husband.
Attending Mercyhurst in
the 1940s
While several of the girls came
from well-to-do families, others did
not, and so it was a real sacrifice to
send a child to the Seminary during
25
25
Spring Play
The Music Man
Every year the Mercyhurst Seminary junior class honored the senior class by hosting a tea.
Mary Schultz is seated in the front, fourth from the left.
those tough economic times. For
such a small school, my Mother’s
scrapbook indicated a wide variety
of educational, cultural, social and
athletic activities at the school, and
everyone participated in some fashion.
At the time, the Catholic girls high
schools in Erie fielded an athletic team
in basketball, but for field hockey,
Mercyhurst had to travel to Buffalo,
Cleveland and Pittsburgh to compete
with their local private schools. There
were regular formal teas held in
downtown clubs, and the look of the
day was sweaters, jackets, turned out
collars on the blouse or shirt, pleated
skirts, loafers and bobby socks. At
school, the girls normally wore the
navy blue top and skirt uniform, with
white blouse, which was standard
from the 1920s into the early 1970s.
While life at school may have seemed
like a bowl of cherries, life in the
country and the world, with the Great
Depression gradually winding down
and Second World War raging, was no
picnic. Students experienced the loss
of loved ones and friends, and waited
anxiously for boyfriends and family
members to come home. At school
and in the community, in high school
& college, these ladies volunteered
considerable time in support of the
war effort. And of course, as time wore
on, several members of the Class of
1944 experienced the heartbreaks
that life often provides.
A Final Tribute
It is normally difficult for young
people to reflect on and recognize
the sacrifices made for them by
earlier generations. If these girls and
their parents from the 1920-1950
era had not made difficult sacrifices,
Mercyhurst Prep might not have
survived to become the outstanding
school it now certainly is (this coming
from a Cathedral Prep graduate).
I think we should take the time to
salute the “classy ladies” of 1944 on
their 70th anniversary, and all the other
Mercyhurst Seminary ladies of that
era who preceded and succeeded
them. I’d like to congratulate and
salute: Mary Schultz, Henriette Russell,
Gloria Brenner, June Olsen, Jeanne
Massucci, Betty Lou Ohmer, Bernice
Sproul, Nancy Goodrich, Marybettie
Hanlin, Peggy Johnston, Nancy Martin,
Shirley Howland, Jeanne Boes, Mary
Minnaugh, G. Carolyn Brock, Mildred
Trippe, Ellen Hickmott and Mary Orton.
Girls, you did well, and we all owe you
a considerable debt of gratitude.
April 10, 11, 12 @ 7 PM
April 13 @ 3 PM
Adults-$7, Seniors-$6, Students-$5
Spring Concerts
Dance Concert
May 9 @ 7:00 PM
Music Concert
May 22 @ 7:00 PM
FREE ADMISSION!
26
NOW IS THE TIME to consider
taking part in the PA Educational
Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)&
Opportunity Scholarship
Tax Credit (OSTC) programs.
These programs allow you to
redirect your business tax dollars
from Harrisburg to Mercyhurst Prep
scholarships!
For more information about
tax credits, please call Lisa
Nietupski at (814) 824-2408
[email protected] or
click the advancement tab at
www.mpslakers.com
Thank You!
MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton representatives, Atty.
Jack Mehler (left) and Atty. Jay Alberstadt (right) made
an Educational Improvement Tax Credit donation to
Mercyhurst Prep’s president, Ms. Mary Ellen Dahlkemper.
If you are a business owner, or can
encourage the owner of the business
you work for to take part in this unique
program – it means much needed
scholarship dollars for MPS for little
or no out-of-pocket expense for
the company.
TIMELINE:
• March-April, 2014-Applications for
the 2014-2015 fiscal year will be released
by the state.
Educational Improvement
Tax Credit Program
• July 1, 2014-Applications will be
accepted by the state electronically. They
are processed on a first come first served
basis.
NOTE: Some years the tax credits have
been exhausted in just a few days time.
A generous EITC tax credit donation from Glenwood Beer Distributors, Inc.was made by
co-owner John Stefanik and his wife Cyndie in loving memory of their daughter Shayna
Stefanik, a Mercyhurst Preparatory School graduate from the class of 2004, who passed
Thank you to the wonderful local businesses away shortly after graduation. Pictured here are MPS advancement director, Lisa Nietupski
Business Guidelines and Application | March 2011
which have contributed through the EITC
and school president Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, Mason Kaliszewski, Cyndie Stefanik and
Award
ofprograms
Tax Credits
Firms for
and OSTC
tax credit
so far in to Business
John Stefanik.
2013-2014.
You are helping deserving
Contributions
to Scholarship Organizations,
students receive an outstanding Mercy
Educational
Improvement
Organizations and
education
at Mercyhurst Prep.
You are
changing
lives!
Pre-Kindergarten
Scholarship Organizations
• Baldwin Brothers, Inc.
• Bianchi Motors, Inc.
• Felix & Gloekler, P.C.
• Glenwood Beer Distributor, Inc.
• HRI Supply and Design, Inc.
• Industrial Sales & Mfg.
• MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton LLP
• Maplevale Farms Inc.
• Marquette Savings Bank
• Metz Enterprises
• Northwest Savings Bank
• PNC Financial Services Group
• Porreco Nissan, Inc.
• Printing Concepts Inc.
• Reddog Industries
• Sixsome LLC
• United Concordia
> ready > set > succeed
PNC Bank President Marlene Mosco presents a generous donation for Mercyhurst
Prep scholarships to MPS Principal Deborah Laughlin and MPS President Mary Ellen
Dahlkemper. PNC is one of the most significant contributors of MPS scholarships through
Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, helping to provide full
and partial scholarships to deserving students.
newPA.com
27
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO HELP PROVIDE MPS STUDENTS WITH
UNPARALLELED PREPARATION FOR LIFE
Annual Appeal for the Mercyhurst Prep
Fund: This is one of the best ways you
can help. The MP fund is a major source of
scholarships and financial aid for deserving
MPS students. It also helps to cover the
cost of student programs and services.
Technology Fund/Endowment:
These funds help to ensure that each
future Laker has access to the cutting edge
classroom technology they need.
Dollars for Scholars: All donations to this
fund go directly to MPS scholarships.
Advocate: This is an opportunity to
sponsor a student for one or all 4 of their
years at MPS. There is a $1,000 per year
minimum commitment.
memorial scholarships:
• Adria Stalsky Scholarship Fund
• Alumni Scholarship Fund
• Becky Flaherty Memorial
Scholarship
• Class of 1967 Scholarship
• Class of 1969 Scholarship
• Donald Alberstadt Scholarship Fund
• Katherine Sheriff Scholarship Fund
• Mercyhurst Seminary Scholarship
• Shayna Stefanik Memorial
Scholarship
• Sr. Jean Marie Sullivan Scholarship
• James B. & Margaret Q. Dwyer
Scholarships
• Katrina Quinn Weschler
Memorial Scholarship
• Sylvia Swartzfager Memorial
Scholarship
Specific Scholarships: You can add to
an established scholarship or create one
Planned Gifts: These creative gift giving
in honor of, or in memory of a particular
opportunities help to secure the school’s
individual, family, graduating class, or cause. future. Many do not include an outright
gift today, but instead, a promise of a gift
Existing funds include many individual
in the future by naming MPS in your will or
family scholarships, as well as the
through an insurance policy.
following (partial list) of class and
EITC and OSTC Tax Credits: These are
wonderful “win-win” opportunities for
PA businesses and MPS! Pennsylvania’s
Educational Improvement Tax Credit
and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit
programs allow you to re-direct PA state
tax dollars and designate the funds for MPS
scholarships for pennies on the dollar.
Matching Gifts: Please check to see if
your employer matches donations. Their
generosity adds to yours, doubling the
benefit to MPS students!
For more information on how to match your
interests with an MPS opportunity to help
our students, please contact Lisa Nietupski
at (814) 824-2408, lznietupski@mpslakers.
com or go to mpslakers.com and click on
the advancement tab.
These opportunities truly
change student livesThank You for Your
Consideration and Support!
A SECOND CHALLENGE IS ON!
When Mercyhurst Seminary alumna Louise Courtelis heard
that there was a dollar for dollar match being offered to
raise funds for the MPS Technology Endowment – she and
her daughter said YES in a big way!
First a bit of recent history:
It all started in 2012 with an incredible $500,000 donation
from MPS Alumna Betsy Hirt Vorsheck ’73 and her husband
Bill, which established the Bill & Audrey Hirt Education and
Technology Initiative in memory of Betsy’s parents. The
initiative provided iPads for each MPS student and faculty
member as well as intensive training in the best use of the
cutting edge classroom technology.
The Vorshecks generously pledged an additional $250,000
to match donations to the MPS Technology Endowment
to sustain current and evolving future technology needs.
Donors responded beautifully, including Mrs. Courtelis,
Mercyhurst Seminary class of ’50, and her daughter Kiki,
who blessed Mercyhurst Prep and its students by fulfilling
the balance of the Vorshecks match and then offering a
match of their own.
So here is your new challenge:
Thanks to the Courtelises, YOUR donation to the MPS
Technology Endowment and the MPS Technology Fund
will be matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000!
Please help MPS make full use of this generous offer to
the benefit of our students by making a donation today!
Thank you to Mercyhurst Prep and Mercyhurst Seminary
Alums and MPS families and friends who have so far
contributed to the MPS Technology Endowment and to this
year’s MPS Technology Fund. You are changing lives!
• Bill & Betsy Hirt Vorsheck ‘73
• Kiki & Louise Hufstader Courtelis ’50
• Scott Griebel ’90
• Don & Susan Baxter
• Kathleen & James Dammeyer
• Ed & Christine Dahlkemper
• Carol & Mike Geiger
• William Hilbert, Jr.
• Highmark Health,
in honor of Terry Cavanaugh
For more information about the match offer and
the Technology Endowment/Fund – please contact
Lisa Nietupski at [email protected] or
814-824-2408.
28
MPS Alumni Spotlight
students came in as young girls eager
to embrace high school and all that it
offered. We enjoyed academics, sports,
clubs, mixers and many more of the
high school experiences.”
Julia was an avid forensic club member
at MPS, even winning first place in one
of the Diocesan competitions. This
exposure, along with her leadership
roles, enabled her to become a trained
public speaker, a skill she has used
throughout her life.
Julia’s one regret of high school was
that is only lasted four years. After high
school, she went on to Georgetown
University and not only graduated with
a degree in nursing, but also met her
husband, Joseph Persinger, with whom
she shares a 39 year marriage and four
Julia visits Mercyhurst Prep often and takes time to converse with theology classes. She spoke
children, Emily, Cynthia, John,
to Mrs. Judy Johns’ senior religion seminar classes in February.
and Valerie.
Julia DeMarco Persinger
Class of 1970
Current family update: Emily, a graduate of the University of Montana, is a
property manager; Cynthia is a graduate of the United Sates Naval Academy
and former Naval aviator; Valerie is a Seton Hall University graduate and is
an executive/marketing assistant for the East Coast Hockey League; John is a
graduate of Harvard University and the University of Notre Dame Law School
and works as an attorney for McDonald, Illig, Jones and Britton. He recently
published his first novel, “The Saint Joseph Plot.”
Even as a young girl Julia appreciated
the value of God in her life as well as
the importance of giving back. She
credits her parents, Dr. John and
Dorothy Demarco, for instilling sound,
faith-based foundations as she
grew up.
She and her twin sister Stephanie
attended Villa Maria Elementary School
and then Mercyhurst Prep. (Stephanie
and her husband, Dan DeRose, live in
Olean, NY. They have four children and
two grandchildren.)
In the early years, Joe was an attorney
for the Justice Department in
Washington, D.C., but when their firstborn turned two, they moved to New
Jersey and Joe worked for the law firm
of Milbank, Hadley and McCloy on Wall
Street. They lived in Short Hills for the
next 35 years.
Julia stated, “I have often said that
my formation and the inspiration
for my future began at Mercyhurst
Prep. I loved the Sisters of Mercy, who
nurtured the seeds of faith in me that
were planted by my parents. That
nurturing would manifest itself many
times throughout my life.”
At Mercyhurst Prep Julia was involved
in numerous clubs, activities, and
leadership roles, serving as class
president, treasurer, and student
council representative. She said, “We
Julia and MPS president, Mary Ellen
Dahlkemper ‘69.
29
As you can imagine, life with four
active children was full with parish
and school activities, academics,
sports, volunteer work and
community service. The Persingers
have always been a prayerful family
and Julia considered the ministry of
motherhood her 18 year vocation.
In 1990, Joe was asked by their parish
pastor at St. Rose of Lima Church in
Short Hills, NJ to become a Deacon.
After praying about it and talking
together, the couple realized that
God was calling them and they knew
they needed to respond with
a resounding yes.
This was a taxing four years for the
Persinger parents with a busy Wall
Street law practice, Deacon classes,
volunteer work and the raising of
four children. “It was a sacrifice but
one with many more blessings,”
confirmed Julia.
She worked as a staff member at her
church from 1998-2012, earning a
certificate from the Archdiocesan
Christian Foundation for Ministry in
1999.
At age 50, Julia entered Immaculate
Conception Seminary School of
Theology at Seton Hall University
and four years later earned a master
of arts in pastoral ministry with a
concentration in catechetics.
From 2008-2012 she and Joe
coordinated the Baptism Program
at their parish. In addition, Julia also
facilitated the Mothers Group, joined
the Faith Formation team, lectored
and was named an Extraordinary
Minister of the Eucharist.
Julia has been recognized for her
faithful service to church, family
and community. She has received
the Benedictine Medal for Service,
the Jubilee Medal Pro Meritis from
the Archdiocese of Newark, the
Distinguished Service Award from the
Immaculate Conception Seminary
School of Theology from Seton Hall
University, and she was named Dame
of Malta.
This photo of the Persinger family with former President George Bush was taken in 2006.
L to r: Deacon Joseph Persinger, Valerie Persinger, Julia DeMarco Persinger, former
President George Bush, LT. Cynthia Persinger Lisa, LT. Michael Lisa; (back): John
Persinger and Emily Persinger.
Julia said, “Ministry work has been
exciting, challenging and a blessing.
I have been able to use so many of
the skills that I learned at Mercyhurst
every day. Faith, compassion, public
speaking, organization and leadership
are some of those skills.”
Over the years, she and Joe have
prepared over 1,660 families for their
children’s Baptisms, including three of
their five grandchildren, as well as the
children of many friends. Few couples
can attest to a similar accomplishment.
“Through the Baptism Program and
a Mother’s Ministry that I started,
I was able to use my vocation of
Motherhood in my Ministry life. Joe
and I have been enormously blessed in
life. Our faith has been the core of our
marriage and family,” commented Julia.
The Persingers sold their home in New
Jersey and purchased a new house in
Annapolis, MD. Joe now works in the
Washington, D.C. branch of his law firm
but the couple maintains a residence
in Erie as well. This gives them more
opportunities to visit family members
and friends.
Julia said, “I hope to become more
active at Mercyhurst and give back
some the enormous gifts it provided
me.” She has already begun to payit forward at her alma mater and we
most grateful to have her back.
Unparalleled
Preparation
for Life
30
NOW
AVAILABLE
The History of Mercyhurst Seminary/Preparatory School DVD
1926-2012
After several years of researching data, collecting photographs, and conducting interviews,
the MPS Alumni Association is proud to release this DVD.
Over 150 photos
•
Searchable in four sections
•
Excerpts from 20 hours of interviews
•
45 minutes
$25 includes tax • $29.19 includes tax, shipping and handling
Go to www.mpslakers.com for ordering information.
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
31
EDITOR’S NOTE:
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
Congratulations to our 2014 International Baccalaureate Diploma holders who
achieved the high honor of earning an IB Diploma as well as an MPS Diploma.
They include (back): Emma Weisenfluh (Canisius College – animal behavior,
ecology and conservation), Lauren Kenny (Mercyhurst University – biochemistry or
political science), Mitchell McBride (Bucknell University – biology and international
relations); (front): Catherine McElhinny (University of Pittsburgh – engineering),
Colleen Devine (University of Michigan – anthropology), Caitlin Smith (Wheaton
College – philosophy and mathematics) and Ellen Hill (Boston College). Missing
from photo was Jonathan Getson (Towson University – sports management).
Dear Readers,
We were very excited to call this
edition of MPScapades the spring
issue, since that
hopefully means
the snow and ice
will be replaced by
sunshine, flowers
and chirping birds. I know we are all
ready for a reprieve from winter!
As you read through the newsletter
you will notice the amazing things
our graduates are doing. When recent
grads return for a visit, we ask them
if they felt prepared for their college/ university education, and they
respond with a resounding “yes.” In
most cases, our graduates find it easy
to write college-level papers and
adapt to the expectations of higher
level courses because of the excellent
education they received at MPS.
We are so very proud of their
accomplishments, whether it is
working on a cure for cancer,
becoming a parent, completing a
master’s degree, starring in a
Broadway production, volunteering,
or claiming the MVP award; our
alumni are prepared to make a
difference and leave their mark in
our global world.
Marcia Izbicki Gensheimer ’71
Director of Public Relations/
Alumni Coordinator
TEASER:
The 2014 alumni scholarship recipients include l to r (front): Clare Weisenfluh ’15
and Cassandra Zimmer ’15; (back): Curtis Jones III ’14, Megan Davis ‘16 and
Emily Pedaono ’17. Missing from photo were Abigale Harrington ’16, and
Jacob Barilla ’17.
Watch for an exciting announcement
about a collaboration between
Mercyhurst Prep and our world
renowned alumnus artist, Todd Scalise
‘91. This will be featured in the next
issue of MPScapades.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Erie PA
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A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy
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Erie, Pennsylvania 16504-2606
www.mpslakers.com
814.824.2210
PLEASE REMEMBER TO UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION WITH THE MPS ALUMNI OFFICE.
Please mail this form to Marcia Gensheimer, Mercyhurst Prep Alumni Office, 538 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504
or email this information to [email protected]
www.mpslakers.com
Name: (first)(maiden)(last)
Spouse NameYear of graduation from Mercyhurst Prep
Address
CityStateZip
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Unparalleled Preparation for Life