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HAVen
The
winter 2013
magazine
Embrace the
Possibilities
LHU advances vision, helps alums unlock success
“To Follow Your Passion
and Embrace Your
Possibilities ...
Come Home to
The Haven!”
Message from the president and chair
Lock Haven University is on the move. We’ve launched our new
print, Web and television advertisements featuring our new tagline:
“To Follow Your Passion and Embrace Your Possibilities … Come
Home to the Haven.” As we work to build our brand, we reflect and
celebrate the accomplishments of our past. We will also embrace
changes taking place in higher education today to build strategies for a
solid, exciting future.
As we look ahead five, ten or even twenty years from now, what we
will say when we reflect on our journey today? How will Lock Haven
Michael Fiorentino, Jr.
University be recognized? What can we learn and glean from our
history to help us move forward?
Even from our earliest beginnings, Lock Haven University was on
the move. At our inception as the Central State Normal School, our
sole mission was to train teachers to work in central Pennsylvania. In
the early 1900s, we added four-year degrees in education. Hundreds
of graduates followed their passions and became teachers, filling
classrooms across the Commonwealth. To meet the growing demands
of the time, we added a robust liberal arts curriculum and were
acquired by the state and renamed the State Teachers College. In
1983, we proudly became Lock Haven University.
Our past continues to shape who we are today, as education and
liberal arts remain among our popular majors, and we have grown
to house more than 50 areas of study. We expanded into Clearfield
in 1989 with just a nursing program. Now Clearfield has a variety of
Guy Graham
programs for learners of all ages, ranging from certification courses to
masters degrees.
Lock Haven University is a leader in science. Through our nanotechnology partnership with
Penn State University, students learn to fabricate structures from the microscale to the nanoscale,
transforming capabilities in technology and medicine. Before long, we will cut the ribbon on our
new science center, just one of many building projects we are proud to showcase.
Our physical structures, however, do not define us. Lock Haven University is in New York
City, performing in the finest entertainment halls. Lock Haven University also is in Europe, Latin
America, Asia ­— more than 20 different countries in all — where students follow their passions
and gain world experience in their fields of study. International students from all over the globe
come home to The Haven to receive a great education.
Similar to the trends of our past, nearly 91 percent of our incoming students live in
Pennsylvania, predominantly in counties near Lock Haven. Technology, however, has made it
possible for students to earn masters degrees online. We increased our online graduate offerings
and just added Sport Science and Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters programs last year.
Our continuing education opportunities are growing as we strive to meet the needs of a diverse
student population.
Over the next few months, we will implement a new academic structure that includes three
colleges. We have established a university-wide marketing plan that incorporates a strong
community involvement strategy, and a vigorous enrollment management system, including an
aggressive way to attract and retain our students — making the student experience more rewarding.
When our students come home to The Haven, they follow their passions, and step into endless
possibilities. We have a global reach and our alumni are making an impact all over the world in
education, business, science, technology, and the arts. Help us continue to move Lock Haven
University forward, as we celebrate our past and prepare our students for the future.
No matter where they are in the world, our students are always home at The Haven.
— University President Michael Fiorentino, Jr. and Council of Trustees Chair Guy Graham
1
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
winter 2013
2
what’s happening at the haven
Inside this issue
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Board of Governors
Guido M. Pichini, Chair
6 LHU student plays at Steinway
Hall in New York City
Acting Chancellor
Dr. Peter H. Garland
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Michael Fiorentino, Jr., President
Dr. Donna Wilson, Provost and Senior Vice President for
Academic Affairs
Dr. Linda Koch, Vice President for Student Affairs and Assessment
William T. Hanelly, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Rodney Jenkins, Executive Assistant to the President for External
Relations and Communications
Council of Trustees
Guy A. Graham, ’63, Chair
Margery Krevsky, ’66,
Vice Chair
Christian B. Dwyer, ’65,
Secretary
Brent Barge
Krystjan Callahan, ‘02
Mary Coploff
Dr. George Durrwachter, ‘61
Daniel Elby, ‘71
Donald Houser, Jr.
Deborah M. Suder, ‘81
Jerry Swope, ‘66
Alumni Association Board of Directors
Paul M. Walison, ’70, President
Joseph V. Koehler, Jr., ’84, President-Elect
Allen E. Urich, ’85, Past President
Nicole Rall-Miller, ’90, Treasurer
Lisa G. Korman, ’92, Secretary
Elected Members
Carmen A. Banfill, ’71
Jennifer K. Bell, ’03
Michael K. Flanagan, ’84
Michael J. Heck, ’95
Francesca M. Kline, ’93
James V. Manser, IV, ’01
Melissa V. Matchock, ’91
Jennifer L. Mellinger, ’03
Theresa M. Merkel, ’63
Laura J. Moore, ’07
George J. Rusczyk, ’03
Richard B. Trout, ’56
Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events
Dr. Tammy Rich
Executive Director of Lock Haven University Foundation
Keith Barrows
The Haven Magazine staff
EDITORS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rodney Jenkins
Dena Cipriano
Elizabeth Regan
Dena Cipriano
Erin Pawlak
Robert McCool
Island Photography
WRITERS
Dena Cipriano
Elizabeth Regan
Doug Spatafore, Jr.
Tyler Rumsey
Alyssa Wherry
DESIGN
David Kubarek, Eye-On Design
The Haven magazine is produced by Lock Haven University
External Relations and Communications, 301 Sullivan Hall, Lock
Haven, PA 17745. News submissions may be sent to lhualum@
lhup.edu.
Lock Haven University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer committed to excellence through diversity.
3
Features
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
Jessica Walizer is the first recipient of the
Krevsky Scholarship for the Arts, and as
such, the LHU Foundation awarded her a
$12,000 scholarship, and cast her in a
commercial and a performance at Steinway
Hall.
8 President’s house turns 100
You won’t believe what used to exist at 25
West Water Street. The structure’s past
has a unique history, capturing headlines
in the early 1900s.
10 An artist and Army
Reserves specialist
Art major Sara Hamilton temporarily traded
her paint brush for army fatigues and
ventured into the coastal communities
devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Now, her
art reflects her experiences.
12 Football picks up monumental
win; snaps losing streak
Contents
December commencement
On the Cover
Thimporn
The
Limaporn, ’11’,
is originally
from Bangkok,
magazine
Thailand.
She earned a
bachelor’s degree
in international
Embrace the
studies and
Possibilities
a minor in
Lock Haven University debutes new tagline,
2
political science.
Limaporn, known
as “Apple,” is now
living in Hanover, Md. and working for AFS
Intercultural. “I had a very great experience
at LHU,” she says. Read more stories
about recent LHU grads who’ve followed
their passions on page 22.
HAVen
winter 2013
Lange hired for Enrollment Management post
LHU will have three colleges instead of
two — a structural change made to achieve
its current mission in accordance with the
strategic plan.
The three colleges will be: Liberal Arts and
Education; Natural, Behavioral and Health
Sciences; and Business, Information Systems
and Human Services. Open meetings have
been held this winter to discuss changes with
faculty, staff and students.
The new structure will take effect in July.
The University is currently advertising for
three dean positions, one for each of the
colleges. The descriptions reflect common
themes that emerged in faculty open meetings,
and all faculty and staff had the opportunity to
provide input.
The founding deans will have responsibility
for academic quality and the intellectual
and administrative affairs of each college.
They will help create a shared vision for
each college, aligned with the University’s
commitment to teaching excellence and highquality programs.
Ms. Tyana Lange was
hired as Assistant Vice
President for Enrollment
Management, a new
position at LHU
beginning in February.
Lange will develop
annual and longterm comprehensive
enrollment plans aligned
with the University’s
Strategic Plan. She will oversee the offices of
the Registrar, Financial Aid, Admissions, OneStop Enrollment Services Center and develop
an office to coordinate academic initiatives for
student success.
Lange comes to Lock Haven from Indiana
University Kokomo, where she was Director of
Enrollment Management. She has also served
as Marketing Manager for Graduate Programs
at Kettering University. She brings more than
20 years of academic experience in admissions,
financial aid, records, marketing, academic
advising and student success. She holds a
Master’s degree in Leadership from Central
Michigan University and is currently writing
the dissertation for a doctorate in Leadership
and Organization Development from Lawrence
Technological University in Michigan.
Multiple LHU programs at both main and
Clearfield campuses are recognized for their
quality and commitment to standards.
The National League for Nursing Accrediting
Commission (NLNAC) concluded its initial
review of the Clearfield Campus’ Bachelor
of Science in Nursing last fall. The program
was found in compliance with all six NLNAC
standards - mission and administrative capacity,
faculty and staff, students, curriculum, resources
and outcomes. The nursing department received
a recommendation for its RN-to-BSN program
for a full five-year accreditation, which is the
maximum awarded for initial accreditation.
The accounting and business programs at the
main and Clearfield campuses were awarded
initial accreditation by the Accreditation Council
for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP),
certifying that the teaching and learning processes
meet rigorous educational standards. The
accreditation process was a comprehensive twoyear undertaking that involved not just faculty
and administration, but students, alumni and the
business community as well. All stakeholders
engaged in examining the current business
programs and putting steps in place to increase
the excellent educational experience inside and
outside of the classroom. This accreditation has
been granted for a 10-year period.
LHU hosts its first student from brazil
Governor appoints two new LHU trustees
Trustees name campus building after Willis
The Bald Eagles break college football’s
longest losing streak at 52 games. The
triumph comes exactly five years to the day
of the program’s last win in the 2007 finale
at Clarion.
14 Volleyball goes dancing for 15th time
16 LHU readies grads for success at
LHU colleges to be restructured effective July
17 Class Notes
23 Haven’s Achievers
The Haven expands online
Recognizing that many
readers today use the web to
get their news and information,
The Haven’s online presence
is increasing. In this issue, we
launched our online version,
using web technology to make
our magazine more readerfriendly on our website. Now
you may enjoy reading The
Haven anywhere you go!
If you did not receive a print
copy and would like to request
one, please let us know by
emailing [email protected] or
calling 570-484-2586.
The Council of Trustees designated the
Health Professions Building as the “Willis
Health Professions Center.”
Situated on Railroad Street, this building
currently houses the health sciences and
physician assistant programs and is the home
of the Greenberg Auditorium. The trustees’
resolution honors former President Dr. Craig
Dean Willis for his contributions to the growth
of the University.
Willis served as president of Lock Haven
State College and Lock Haven University
from July 24, 1982 through July 31, 2004,
retiring with President Emeritus status. During
his tenure, enrollment doubled. In addition,
the budget of the university grew from
$15 million to nearly $60 million, creating
an increase in the economic impact of the
university on the surrounding communities
from $9.5 million to $50 million.
Willis also was instrumental in changing the
landscape of LHU. The number of buildings
built or acquired increased from 24 to 48, and
there were 55 campus renovation projects.
Willis is one of the founders of the Clearfield
Campus.
There was an increase of 20 undergraduate
programs and the introduction of four new
graduate degree programs during Willis’ 22
years of service.
Lock Haven University is now one of the few
universities in the United States to host student
recipients of Brazil’s
new prestigious mobility
program, an exclusive
year-long study abroad
opportunity for Brazilian
science students.
Camila Hermes, a preveterinary student from
the University of Passo
Fundo, is attending LHU
in the spring and fall
2013 semesters through the Brazilian Scientific
Mobility Program. She is LHU’s first BSMP
student, and among an exclusive group of
students chosen for the opportunity.
The BSMP is an initiative by the
government of Brazil to “grant 100,000
scholarships for the best students from
Brazil to study abroad at the world’s best
universities,” according to the program. BSMP
allows students to study in academic fields
related to science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM) for one year.
programs receive accreditation recommendations
Trustee Krystjan Callahan currently serves
as the Chief of Staff to the Majority Leader in
the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
He has served the caucus since 2003; prior to
that post he served as the Executive Director
to the House Republican Whip and as the
Executive Director of the House Republican
Policy Committee. Callahan has also worked
on the Commerce Committee in the House
Republican Research Department and staffed
several caucus task forces. Callahan, a 2002
LHU graduate, his wife Megan, and daughter
currently reside in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Trustee Jerry Swope is a resident of Lock Haven
and a 1966 LHU graduate. He earned a Master’s
in Education from East Stroudsburg State College.
He is a lifelong educator, beginning his career at
Warrior Run High School in 1966 and retiring in
2002 from Millersville University. The wrestling
enthusiast is a member of LHU’s Wrestling Hall
of Fame, the Clinton County Sports Hall of Fame,
Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the
West Branch Wrestling Hall of Fame. Swope and
his wife Darla Weaver Swope raised two children,
Todd J. Swope (deceased) and Tana Swope Fake.
winter 2013
4
features focus on the arts
First Krevsky scholarship recipient
plays at Steinway Hall in New York City
Talents shine
A
By Elizabeth Regan
single note lingers in the great hall--then a
played through her fingertips, resonated from the piano
thundering crash of chords, fingers striking,
chords, and found their way into the listeners’ souls.
building tension ... easing into a melodious
consonance.
As Lock Haven University student Jessica Walizer’s nerves
calmed, the crowd of 70 at Steinway Hall in New York City
5
melted into the rich tapestried background and her emotions
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
As the first recipient of LHU’s Krevsky Scholarship for
the Arts, Walizer played the Chopin Scherzo in Bb minor,
op. 39 as part of her hour-long performance at Steinway
Hall on November 29, 2012.
Indeed, earning the Krevsky
Scholarship has allowed
Walizer to more fully embody
these musical virtues. The
LHU Foundation awarded
her a $12,000 scholarship,
and cast her in a commercial
advertisement and a
performance at Steinway Hall.
In honor of the University’s
1966 graduate and Council
of Trustee member Margery
Krevsky, LHU established the
Krevsky Scholarship for the
Arts, an annual scholarship
awarded to a student studying
in an arts-related field,
with preference granted to a student studying piano
performance.
Because LHU is an All-Steinway School, designated
by Steinway & Sons, the music department has ties to
Steinway Hall, Dr. Curtin explained. LHU is equipped
with Steinway-designed instruments that fill its
classrooms, practice rooms and performance venues.
When Walizer walked into Steinway
Hall at New York City, she saw the
tremendous glowing chandelier
illuminating the ornate room.
It was, as she put it,
“gorgeous.”
Krevsky chose to adapt
a Shakespeare quote for
the event’s description:
“(It was) such stuff as
dreams are made of.”
She praised Walizer for
tackling such masterful
pieces, and also noted
Dr. Curtin is a Steinway
artist, an internationally
recognized credential.
With Walizer’s talent,
“I know we’ll see more
of her in the future,”
Krevsky said. She was
also impressed that
the arts at LHU are
“an integral part of
education.”
Even though it was
Walizer’s first highpressure performance,
she just let go of her nerves
and thoroughly enjoyed it,
particularly the 10-minute
scherzo that, as a Romantic
era piece, was charged in
“Music is part of
the vision of what a
university is — it’s
beyond training for a
career. A true education
is well rounded.”
~ Dr. David curtin
emotion.
The crowd was largely composed
of LHU alumni, students and
faculty, which also gave her
courage. Walizer felt as though they
“brought Lock Haven University
there.”
The Paganini Etude No. 3 (“La
Campanella”) was another crowd
favorite. Written by composer Franz
Liszt, it was the auditioning piece
that won her the scholarship. The
other two Steinway performance
songs were Chromatic Fantasy and
Fugue, BWV 903 (Johann Sebastian
Bach) and Sonata no. 23 in f minor,
op. 57 “Appassionata” (Ludwig Van
Beethoven).
A senior double majoring in Music Education and
Piano Performance, Walizer plans to attend graduate
school, and would like to teach piano and music theory
at the college level.
Now 29, after having played piano since age 8, her
experience and competitive spirit has given her the edge
toward excellence.
But her goal, she said with a wry grin, is for
her 3-year-old son Zobie to eventually play all the
Beethoven sonatas for piano and cello.
She sees the piano as her “best friend and worst
enemy,” as the instrument is an extension of the player’s
emotions. And while she does enjoy composing music,
she prefers to study the “old masters,” and recognizes
that “it’s hard to write when you have so much to learn.”
But she’s not just a classical pianist. She rocks out
with her husband in the band Portraits by Candlelight,
playing keyboard, sometimes sporting pink hair. She
strives for excellence while maintaining her individuality
and personality.
Dr. Curtin described Walizer as “an ideal music
student” and “self-motivated.” Walizer has mastered
the technique, and he mostly works with her on the
interpretation aspect, noting she has a good sense of
style. She relishes practicing piano — and those who
visit Sloan can hear her fingers flying across the piano.
Dr. Curtin noted, “If practicing is a drudgery, you’re in
the wrong business.”
“Music is part of the vision of what a University is —
it’s beyond training for a career. A true education is well
rounded,” Dr. Curtin said.
To the university and all those involved in her
education and scholarship, she said she can’t adequately
express her appreciation.
“I wish I could thank them — LHU, Keith Barrows,
Margery Krevsky — but I could never thank them
enough. They’re like an extended family to me,” Walizer
said. “If I ever make money, I’d like to help out, like
(Margery) Krevsky has. I’d like to give back someday.
They’ve done so much for me.”
Making a
difference
at Lock Haven
University …
Joseph Nawrocki,
Margery Brown
Krevsky and Keith
and Carol Barrows
Joseph Nawrocki
was the founder
and significant
donor of the Krevsky
Scholarship for the
Arts. Nawrocki is
a 1977 graduate
of LHU, with a
degree in secondary
education. He was
a member of the Phi
Mu Delta fraternity
and Phi Kappa Phi.
He is a national
account executive
for Liberty Mutual
Insurance, and
resides in Boston,
Massachusetts.
The scholarship
was established in
honor of Margery
Brown Krevsky,
LHU 1966 alumna
and member of the
Council of Trustees.
Krevsky is also a
founding donor for
the scholarship. She
is founder and CEO
of the largest premier
full-service talent
management agency
in the Michigan,
Productions Plus–The
Talent Shop.
LHU Foundation
Executive Director
Keith O. Barrows
and his wife Carol T.
Barrows complete
the trio of founding
donors.
winter 2013
6
features living history
President’s Residence turns 100
Property had one of ‘most modern private hot houses’ of its time
A
dorned in crimson holiday décor just in time
for the historic homes tour last December,
the Lock Haven University President’s
Residence was difficult to imagine as the host of
a tropical fruit garden.
But step back 100 years ago, and 25 West Water
Street had one of the “most modern private hot
houses,” complete with 500 rose bushes, 10,000
potted plants and lemon, orange and pineapple trees.
“Built of brick, iron, steel and concrete, it is
fireproof while every convenience necessary is
being installed, including electric lights and a
splendidly regulated system of heating which is
now in operation,” states a January 1913 article
in the Lock Haven Express, one of multiple news
updates on the construction project.
story and photos By Elizabeth Regan and Dena Cipriano
7
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
Now the home of LHU President Michael
Fiorentino, Jr., and his wife, Pam, the
colonial revival style house celebrates 100
years. The residence’s storied past offers a
glimpse into its cultural significance during
that era, and of lives of those who lived and
worked there.
The site originally housed an 1859 Italian
villa owned by Judge C. A. Mayer that was
bought in 1909 by Calvin R. Armstrong. The
original Italian villa temporarily functioned as
Lock Haven Hospital when it burned down.
Armstrong, president of the Lock Haven
Trust Co., was an important figure in this onemill town at the beginning of the 20th century.
His father, Lewis Armstrong, helped found
the Hammermill Paper Co. He razed the villa
to pave way for the new structure (the current
home), which was completed in 1912.
Eugene Byrol, an expert gardener from
the king’s estate in Germany, tended the
sizable orchard after the new structure was
built, coaxing to life the fragrant oranges,
lemons, bananas, pineapples, lush greens and
earthy mushrooms. The lettuce plants alone
numbered 2,000. Byrol’s living apartments
and workshop were on the second floor
of the “modern” hot house (greenhouse),
situated northwest behind the house. The hot
house appears in maps in 1914 and 1925; it
became a garage, and the last mention of the
The site of the President’s House originally hosted this
1859 Italian villa owned by Judge C.A. Mayer. When
the property was purchased by Calvin Armstrong in
1909, he razed it to pave way for the current home.
structure was in 1983.
On August 5, 1966, the C.R. Armstrong
house was sold to the General State Authority,
and has housed LHU presidents since 1967.
After the 1972 flood, it was remodeled due
to water damage, which went up to the
wainscoting. In 1992, as construction for the
dike levy was underway, an archeological
dig unearthed a large hearth that predates the
Egyptian pyramids in the yard. In 2004, the
University upgraded and remodeled the house
to be ADA compliant and added central air.
Now, the Fiorentinos — and their two
cats — treasure living at the century-old
structure with its historicity. They enjoy
hosting various University and alumni events
and being part of the community’s rich past,
present and vibrant future.
“My wife and I appreciate the uniqueness of
the structure and its long history. It is a showcase
for the University and an integral part of the
Lock Haven community,” Fiorentino said.
While the orchard is no longer there, in the
rare quiet moment, the couple enjoys sitting
on the patio, watching birds splash in the
birdbath, and the quick, brilliant flashes of
fish in the pond.
Historical facts for this piece were
obtained from the Lock Haven Express,
Clinton County Historical Society, Annie
Halenbake Ross Library, and Stevenson
Library at Lock Haven University.
winter 2013
8
features focus on the arts
An artist and
aid worker
From art gallery to Hurricane devastation, Army Reserves Specialist’s life experiences shape her work
By Dena Cipriano
informed her she was on stand-by to assist victims of Hurricane
In the middle of art history class last fall, Lock Haven
Sandy. How long would she be gone? No one knew for sure. The
University Senior Sara Hamilton glanced down at her cell phone
LHU graduating senior was in the midst of preparing artwork for
when it vibrated. She immediately recognized the number.
her exhibit at Sloan Fine Arts Center Gallery — the culminating
Hamilton’s Army Reserves unit administrator previously
9
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
project of an art major’s LHU education.
She had little time to prepare for
the mission, packing cold-weather
gear, snacks and supplies as fast as
she could.
And with that, the artist
temporarily traded her paint brush
for army fatigues and ventured into
the coastal communities devastated
by Hurricane Sandy. She pumped
water out of structures and helped
many New York City residents get
back on their feet.
Two weeks later, she returned
to campus and picked up where
she left off on “Dad’s Bookcase,”
her last painting for the exhibit.
The oil on canvas was still drying
when it was hung on display in
Sloan, but she finished the project
on time. It features trinkets on
her father’s bookshelf, items that
remind her of home, and a place
she dearly missed while serving
in Iraq for a year before arriving
on campus in 2008 to further her
education at LHU and embrace her
artistic passions.
“I think I reflect or focus on things from
home because I was away from home for so
long,” she said.
Hamilton, 25, grew up in Mill Hall,
graduated from Central Mountain High School
and enlisted in the Army Reserves. She spent a
year in Iraq and was known by her colleagues
for her interest in art. In the middle of the
desert in Iraq, she always stopped to take
pictures of sunsets. “Oh, that’s just Sara,” her
comrades would say.
After her service, she wanted to stay close
to home and receive a good education. Lock
Haven University turned out to be the perfect
fit.
Her professors describe her as hard
working, sweet and diligent. She’s thoughtful
about her work and responsible to the core.
“In some ways, Sara is really fortunate
in that she has had some experiences, some
really special experiences, that have had an
impact on her,” said Jason Bronner, associate
professor of visual and performing arts.
“Those have all helped her to put herself into
her work.”
Back on the coast after Hurricane Sandy,
Hamilton used a combination of pumps,
including 600- and 125-gallons-per-minute
machines, to rid feet of water from multiple
homes and a school. Her unit teamed up with
another group from Greensburg to help dozens
of residents get back on their feet.
“I was thankful we could help them out,”
she said. “It was worse than I’d imagined.
“Dad’s Bookcase” marked Hamilton’s final painting for her senior exhibit. In the midst of her work on the painting,
she was called to duty in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. When she returned to campus, she put the finishing
touches on this piece just in time for her exhibit at Sloan Fine Arts Center Gallery.
On the web
View Sara Hamilton’s portfolio at
www.sarabagara88.wix.com/bagaras-studio#!
They just had all of their (belongings) piled
out on the side of the road.”
As Hamilton experiences life in ways
that others can only imagine, she’s found
it shaping her art. Several paintings depict
reflection. One oil on canvas on display, for
example, featured her friend’s baby, Joshua,
looking at his own image reflected on an
acoustic guitar.
“A lot of my pieces are about
contemplation,” she said. “It’s something I’ve
noticed that’s recurring.”
Making a personal connection to one’s own
art is a skill that every art professor hopes to
instill in students. It’s a trait you can talk about
and observe, but is difficult to teach, said Ray
Heffner, Hamilton’s advisor and associate
professor of visual and performing arts. To see
students like Hamilton embrace those skills is
inspiring.
“When it really becomes personal and part
of you, it takes the art to another level because
you definitely have more feeling for what you
do and what you get out of a project,” he said.
At the time Heffner talked with Hamilton
about her exhibit, she expressed a desire
to complete the still-life painting. “Dad’s
Bookcase” became more than just a painting;
it became a connection to the things that
remind her of home. Now it’s a story in and of
itself, a reminder of the time she spent serving
victims of Hurricane Sandy.
“That is learning in motion,” Heffner said.
Sara Hamilton, a 2012 LHU senior art graduate and army reserves specialist, pumps feet of water from homes during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
winter 2013
10
will
sports on the field
The
to
WIN
Football picks up monumental win; snaps losing streak
By Doug Spatafore
J
ohn Allen could only think about
the water’s frigid temperature.
The second-year head coach did
his best to dodge his players, but in the
end, they doused him.
For Allen, there was no better feeling
than the shock of ice-cold water on that
picturesque early-November afternoon.
His Bald Eagles had just beaten Cheyney 157. The win snapped college football’s longest
losing streak at 52 games. The triumph came
exactly five years to the day of the program’s
last win in the 2007 finale at Clarion.
The feeling was overwhelming for Allen, the
players and the entire Lock Haven University
community. The students rushed the field.
People cried. It was the moment Haven Nation
11
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
had longed for.
“The feeling was incredible, watching senior
Jarrett Kratzer take that final knee as time ran
out,’’ Allen said. “It was a special moment,
watching the team start to celebrate and the
students preparing to rush the field.
“We finally finished after being so close the
last few weeks of the season.”
Allen can’t express how proud he was at that
moment. He thanks the players, coaching staff,
fans, administration and alumni for all their
support.
“It’s not easy to overcome such a burden, but
we accepted the challenge and it means a lot to
me personally,” Allen said.
The win helps the program move forward,
and Allen calls it a major step as now they can
focus on the things that matter.
“The negativity of the streak took a lot of
energy,” he said. “But now we can focus on what
is important, like developing our student-athletes
on and off the field and renewing the excitement
in our student body, community and alumni.”
Allen also credits his strong senior class for
enduring some near misses.
“The seniors stuck with us and worked to change
the culture within the program,” Allen said. “The
seniors laid the foundation for this win.”
Because of this senior class, Lock Haven
University football is in a better place.
“The win was great for everyone,” Allen
added.
Making a difference at Lock Haven University … Rob mccauley
For Rob McCauley, Lock Haven
University holds some of his most
special memories: football and
friendship. From 1979 to 1982, he
played football at LHU alongside his best
friend Bruno DiMartile; they had also
played together through Cedar Cliff High
School. McCauley graduated from LHU
in 1983.
Six years ago, DiMartile passed
away suddenly. In honor of his memory,
McCauley endowed $120,000 to LHU,
establishing the Bruno Anthony DiMartile
Scholarship for offensive linemen.
“I wanted Bruno’s legacy of being a
great person, friend (and) supporter
of LHU and of course, a great football
player, to live on,” McCauley said. “Bruno
and I loved and still do (love) LHU — it
was the best years of our lives where we
made lifelong friends, many of whom I
stay in close contact with to this day.”
McCauley, president of LHU’s football
booster club, Extra Point Club, and LHU
Foundation Board member, said his LHU
football experience was highlighted by
coaches Jack Fisher and Dave Bower,
now two of his closest friends.
Now, he sees a “change in the air”
with head coach John Allen, breaking the
52-game losing streak. “The program is
on its way back under John’s leadership
and the leadership of (President) Dr.
Michael Fiorentino, who I and many
others are pleased to have at the
helm of LHU,” McCauley said. “Now is
the time to garner support to turn the
program around.”
He encourages others to support the
football program. “I did it for Bruno,
the program and the kids. The players
are respectful, dedicated, courteous
young men whom I am proud of. We
need more alumni support to continue
the momentum; it’s unfortunate but a
reality that without scholarship money
from alumni and supporters we cannot
compete,” McCauley said.
winter 2013
12
sports on the court
LHU Head Volleyball Coach Dan Kreiger explains the game plan to setter Alex Garrity as the team huddles up between sets.
Building on
success
Volleyball goes dancing for the 15th time
By Doug Spatafore
13
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
They did it again.
In November, the volleyball team ended its
season in the NCAA tournament. It marked
the 15th time in the program’s history
that the Lady Eagles volleyball team was
selected to the NCAA field.
Even more impressive this fall,
however, was that LHU did it under firstyear head coach Dan Kreiger.
Since the program’s inception in 1991,
the Lady Eagles had been nothing
short of dominant, winning 485
matches while collecting a winningpercentage of .662. LHU won six
PSAC Tournament titles, seven NCAA
Division II Atlantic Region titles, made
14 NCAA Tournament appearances and
added seven NCAA Elite Eight trips.
When Kreiger accepted the position in July,
he knew it wouldn’t be an easy task because
of the successful accomplishments of his
predecessor.
Twenty-six wins, a fifth-straight PSAC
East regular season-crown, a PSAC
tournament runner-up trophy and NCAA
appearance later, Kreiger continued to build
upon the victories.
Kreiger gave full credit to his players,
including a stellar senior class that won 101
matches.
“It was definitely a good feeling to see
this team play its way into the tournament,”
Kreiger said. “It was a goal since last January
and we overcame some bumps in the road to
get there.”
He said the success the team saw this
season is huge for the program’s future and
gives the Lady Eagles a confidence boost.
But, like any coach, first-year or not,
Kreiger knows there is more to come and
LHU can improve.
He’s hopeful that the Lady Eagles continue
their PSAC dominance, but also return to the
top of the Atlantic Region and make more
Elite Eight appearances.
It doesn’t end there.
“I came to Lock Haven as an assistant with
the plans of helping the Lady Eagles reach
the Final Four,” Kreiger said. “When I took
over as head coach, that responsibility fell
completely on my shoulders.”
It’s not only a goal, but a possibility.
“We are not afraid of the work that is
necessary to achieve these lofty
goals and it is exciting to take the
program to an even higher level.
“I appreciate the opportunity
and we look forward to bringing
more championships to Haven
Nation,” Kreiger added.
Haven Highlights: A look at the Fall Season
By Tyler Rumsey
Monroe running wild: Junior
Lady Eagles walk off with multiple
post-season honors: Multiple
standout Alex Monroe led the Lock Haven
men’s cross country team to some
extraordinary feats this season. Not only
did Monroe win the individual PSAC and
NCAA Atlantic Region titles for the second
consecutive year, but he also finished fifth
at the NCAA Championships. Monroe’s
fifth place finish was the best finish for a
Bald Eagle at the NCAA Championships
since Ryan Blood finished fourth in 2006.
Monroe was named the USTFCCA Atlantic
Region Men’s Athlete of the Year, the
PSAC Cross Country Male Athlete of the
Year and became Lock Haven’s first ever
three-time cross country All-American.
members of Lock Haven’s field hockey
team earned post-season honors this
season. Nakira Downes, Stephanie
Ebersole and Nikki Weaknecht all
earned All-Atlantic 10 honors. Downes,
who ranked second in the A-10 with 10
assists, earned second team honors.
Ebersole joined Downes as a member of
the All-Freshman Team and Weaknecht
earned Academic All-Conference
status. Junior Kelly Harsh earned 2012
Longstreth/NFHCA Division I All-Region
Team. Harsh led LHU with seven goals on
the year and she added five assists. Four
of Harsh’s goals were game-winners.
Oldaker posts impressive
freshman campaign: Jacob Oldaker
Taylor and Hunter etch names into
LHU women’s soccer records: Junior
had an outstanding freshman season
for LHU’s men’s soccer team. Oldaker
led the team with six goals on the year,
including one game-winning goal. The
freshman standout recorded back-to-back
two-goal games in early October, including
two goals in a 3-0 shutout of rival East
Stroudsburg. Oldaker’s stellar season led
to him being named the PSAC Freshman
of the Year and to the NSCAA All-Atlantic
Region Team.
Cross Country has solid season:
The Lock Haven women’s cross country
team put forth a solid effort all season.
The Lady Eagles finished 11th at the
PSAC Championships and were led by
Laura Histand and Jessica McDonald, who
finished 45th and 46th, respectively. The
women’s team finished 15th at the NCAA
Division II Atlantic Regionals, which LHU
hosted at the West Branch Cross Country
Course. LHU was led by McDonald, who
finished 36th and posted a personal best
time of 22:23.5.
Football has memorable season:
The LHU football team made the 2012
season one to remember. Not only did
The Haven snap its 52-game losing skid
against Cheyney, but LHU also had three
players earn All-PSAC honors. It marked the
second consecutive season in which LHU
placed three players on the All-PSAC team.
Senior defensive lineman Skyler Wool led
the way for The Haven, earning First Team
Defensive honors. Senior linebacker
James Goins and junior offensive lineman
Anthony Herko joined Wool, as they were
each named to the second team.
Madison Taylor and Sophomore Jamie
Hunter of Lock Haven’s women’s soccer
team both etched their names into the
school record books this season. Taylor
netted a hat trick on September 19 in
a 4-1 win over Clarion. The three goals
moved her into the top 10 on LHU’s
all-time scoring list. Taylor finished the
season with five goals, giving her 20 in
her career, ranking her eighth all-time in
school history. Hunter found the record
books in an entirely different fashion when
she scored the fastest goal to open a
game in school history on September 24
against Ohio Valley. Hunter’s goal came
just 13 seconds into the match, breaking
the old record of 47 seconds set by Holly
Homsher in 2004.
seniors end sensational careers:
The Lock Haven University volleyball
team will say goodbye to one of the most
decorated and successful senior classes
in school history. The group of Monica
Brown, Alexa Garrity, Grace Novacek, Erin
Walsh and Gao Xuan tallied 101 wins
and four PSAC East titles throughout their
careers. Garrity, Novacek, Walsh and Xuan
all earned All-PSAC East honors. Walsh
was named the PSAC East Defensive
Player of the Year and became Lock
Haven’s all-time career digs leader. Xuan
was named the 2012 PSAC East Athlete
of the Year for the fourth time in her
career, becoming the only volleyball player
in conference history to earn Player of the
Year honors four times and was named an
All-American for the fourth time.
winter 2013
14
features
ON
CAMPUS XXXXXX
commencement ceremonies
Business Professor Paul Obenreder, left, and Ray Buynak
LHU Clearfield grad shares life experiences
LHU readies grads for success
By Elizabeth Regan
ooking out at the graduates, 2012
Winter Commencement speaker
Douglas Oliver told them to prepare
for post-college life and stand out in a
L
15
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
crowd of 206 black robes.
Build your brand, he said.
“Be deliberate and focused on what you
want people to see about you,” said Oliver,
senior vice president of marketing and
corporate communications, Philadelphia Gas
Works, and LHU alumnus.
Only by taking advantage of opportunities
with a collective group effort would success
become tangible, Oliver said.
and friends.”
“Look to your left and to
Khamila Baines
your right and at yourself;
demonstrated her grit and
all three of you have heard
determination as she worked
this message, but only two
her way through school with
of you will do it. Be one of
a young daughter, and was
those two. Set yourself apart,”
incredibly grateful to her
Oliver urged.
professors who understood
Lock Haven University
her situation and worked
graduates are ready to do just
with her.
that.
The 22-year-old
Lyndzee Sox said LHU
Williamsport native was
had just the program she
Douglas Oliver
proud and excited to earn
was looking for: an excellent
her B.S. in Disabilities
teaching program. Sox fell in
and Community Services.
love with Special Education
For the next six months, she will be
when she was a student at Bellefonte
in AmeriCorps and will then pursue a
Area High School, and LHU enabled her
graduate degree in guidance counseling.
to pursue that passion.
LHU President Michael Fiorentino,
“When I was looking at different
Jr. praised the over 30,000 LHU alumni,
colleges, I knew I wanted to go where
I could pursue a teaching degree, and
calling them “leaders in their careers and
society.”
I added Special Education. I found
“Continue serving your community
a special place in my heart for the
locally and globally,” Fiorentino said.
curriculum and students,” Sox said.
“My experience here at LHU has been
“Wherever your path may lead, may you
ever be mindful of LHU where you have
wonderful. This is a great place to have
been nurtured...and educated.”
an education and to stay close to family
LHU alumni who attended
commencement were James
Berkebile, Class of 1959; Harry
Crissman, Class of 1962; Jon
Masood, Class of 1967; Carmen
Banfill, Class of 1971; James
Shannon, Class of 1974; Melissa
Matchock, Class of 1991; Paula
Kistler, Class of 1996; Bob Smith,
Class of 2004; Robert Hall, Class of
2006; Dominique Simons, Class of
2009; Mary Gorham, Class of 2010.
Ray Buynak, a 2005 graduate, sensed
a connection with Lock Haven University’s
Clearfield campus from the start. Before he had
even applied, Buynak talked with a professor who
took the time to ask him about his aspirations
and how LHU could help him get there.
“Now I received a ton of information from
other colleges and universities, but as a result
of those conversations, here I stand, 12 years
later, at the only university that received my
application,” said Buynak, now a legislative aid
in state Sen. John Wozniak’s office.
Those caring relationships helped Buynak
learn and grow throughout his four years, and led
him to study abroad in Ireland and helped land
him a career after graduation. Buynak shared his
experiences with current students during LHU
Clearfield’s 23rd annual Founders’ Day Ceremony
on Oct. 3, 2012. Awards were presented to 18
students by a variety of benefactors, including
the Clearfield Educational Foundation and
several community organizations.
“Whether it is at home or abroad, never stop
exploring,” he told the students. “If you have
the will, Lock Haven will show you the way.”
Curley joins as Director of Clearfield Campus
Dr. William Curley joined the Lock Haven University
community on January 14 as
Director of the LHU Clearfield
Campus.
Dr. Curley comes to LHU
from Penn State University,
where he served in numerous
leadership roles in continuing
education, workforce
development and branch
campus management. Dr.
Bill Curley
Curley most recently served
as the Executive Director of
Statewide Continuing Education, and previously
worked as interim campus executive officer at
two Penn State University locations. Dr. Curley
earned his Ph.D. in Workforce Education and
Development and his Master’s Degree in Adult
Education, both from Penn State University.
winter 2013
16
class notes
message to lhu University Alumni
1950s
As graduates of Lock Haven
University, you are part of a distinctive
experience. Whether you began
charting your path last year or 30
years ago, you took with you the
breadth and depth of everything this
great institution had to offer.
Your role at LHU, however, does
not end on commencement day.
As you reach
milestones in
your lives –
starting a new
career, founding
an organization
or growing a
business –
you have the
opportunity
to reflect on
the skills and
knowledge
Tammy Rich
you gained at
LHU. Working
together, we can
continue the
LHU tradition
and help
thousands more
achieve their
dreams.
Our continuous
goal is to
strengthen the
bond between
Paul Walison
the University
and our alumni.
Please continue to keep us informed
of your progress, and help us achieve
our mission of continuing to grow and
expand The Haven’s opportunities for
decades to come.
Tammy Rich
Executive
Director of
Alumni Relations
17
Paul Walison
President of
Alumni Board
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
Several alumni met at the home of
Jean (Moore), ’59, and Tony Mabbatt in
Sun Valley, Idaho. From left to right are
Mary (Keyser) Addis, ’59; Mary Jane
(Osterling) Himmelreich, ’58; Kent
Addis, ’58; Jean (Moore) Mabbatt,
’59, Cathy (Maddock) Gilardi, ’59 and
missing is Bob Himmelreich, ’54.
1960s
written two books on teaching, “The
Hunter Model and its Application to the
Teaching of Foreign Languages,” and “The
Teacher’s Playbook: A Guide to Success
in the Classroom,” as well as four
novels, “A Hint of Jasmine and Lavender:
An Erotic Romance,” “Susquehanna
Odyssey,” “In the Shadow of Allah,” and
“The Awakening of Annie Hill.” His fifth
novel, “Letters Late: Things Better Not
Left Unsaid,” will be available through
amazon.com later in 2012. Dr. Remaley
lives with his wife of more than 50
years in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and in
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Dr. Thomas B. Lane, ’62, has completed
his third book. It is titled, “Reading and
Understanding the Acts of the Apostles,
the New Testament Letters, and the Book
of Revelation.” This book and the other
two, “Reading and Understanding the Old
Testament: the Foundation of Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam, and Reading” and
“Understanding the Gospels: Who Jesus
Is, What He Teaches, and the Beginning
of Christianity” are available on amazon.
com. All three books can be purchased
in paperback or in Kindle. Tom teaches
religious studies at the State College of
Florida-Bradenton/Sarasota.
1970s
Sigma Kappa Sisters
Seven of the original 12 Sigma Kappa
Sisters met for lunch at the Shady Maple
Restaurant. The sisters have been
getting together since 1999. From left to
right are Pat (Cheek) Sheffer, ’66,’ Pat
King ’66, Pat (Turnbaugh) Taylor, ’65,
Pam (Swartz) Hamaday, ’66, Margie
(Oberheim) Stoner, ’65, Ginny (Nye)
Burtnett, ’65, and Kaaren (Eckhart)
Grossman, ’66.
Dr. Allen R. Remaley, ’64, retired after
37 years teaching at the secondary and
university levels in foreign language
instruction. Dr. Remaley is a former
Marine, the recipient of the New York
State Outstanding Teacher of Foreign
Languages Award, 1984, and has
Joan Wheal Blank,
’78, published her
first book, “Around
Hughesville” — a
postcard history
of Hughesville,
Pa., in September
2007. Her second
book, “Around
Montgomery,” was
released March
2008. Her third
book of local history, Joan Blank
“Around Montgomery
1940-1980,” was released in 2011.
She and her husband, Steve, moved to
Summerville, S.C, in February 2012.
Walter “Bud” James, ’78, states: As
I enter my 35th year as a teacher and
coach, I look back at my days at Lock
Haven where I received my foundation
for my profession and realize that I
did choose the correct school. Lock
Haven gave me a great foundation for
a long and happy career as a physical
educator. I have been fortunate to be
able to stay in my chosen field where
many of my college friends have turned
to other areas. During my last 25 years,
I have been at the University of Chicago
Laboratory Schools where I have had
some of the most intelligent children
anywhere in the U.S. to work with. I
even was lucky enough to have Malia
Obama as one of my students in 2008
when her father was elected president.
Countless of my other former students
have gone on to do some very great
things in the fields of law, medicine,
technology and other areas. I am really
lucky to be at such a great internationally
known institution. I write this to remind
future teachers and coaches of the high
responsibility that they have to ensure
that they are educating the total person
and that the journey is as important as
the final destination. Lock Haven was
a step in my journey which was a great
place to stop.
Steve Blank, ’77,
retired June 4,
2010, after 30
years of employment
in the corrections
field with Lycoming
County, Pa. A former
counselor with the
county Alternative
to Prison program
and manager of
the county Work
Steve Blank
Release and PreRelease Center,
Steve became deputy warden of
operations and security for the county
prison in 2005. His plans include golfing
as much as possible and working
part-time at Dick’s Sporting Goods (in
the golf department). Steve resides in
Summerville, S.C, with his wife, Joan.
Robert McCracken, ’77, recently retired
from the Methacton School District
(Montgomery County, PA) after 35 years
of service. He fulfilled the duties of:
department chair for health/phys. ed.,
driver education instructor, sponsor
of Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
chairperson for the Wall of Honor and
various coaching responsibilities. His
wife, Kim (Schrack) McCracken, ’77,
also teaches at Methacton, and they
have become grandparents. Their eldest
daughter Meghann (Kutztown, ’05) gave
birth May 25 to Shaun Robert Permar.
They have two other children, Erin (PSU,
’07), a reporter for the York Daily Record
and Ryan (Univ. of Delaware, ’09), an
employee at BSN Sports.
Donald Leaman, ’75, has a son William
who is a freshman at LHU. He is in Smith
Hall just like Don was in 1972. Though
definitely different, on the surface, things
look a lot like they did when he was here.
Paula (Narke) Swartz, ’75, retired after
32 years with Mount Carmel Area School
District. She worked as a Title I reading
specialist, second and most recently
third grade classroom teacher. Her
roommate of four years at Lock Haven
State College, Valerie (Stello) Pachuski,
’75, happened to be her grade partner at
Mt. Carmel Area. Paula has always felt
that Lock Haven did a great job preparing
her for teaching. The Elementary Block
program was a unique way to introduce
undergraduates to an elementary
classroom before student teaching.
Alpha Sigma Tau alums reunite
In June 2012, 16 Alpha Sigma Tau
sisters from the early 1970s spent
a long weekend at Sea Isle City, N.J.
enjoying many beach activities while
sharing many college memories. The
Tau’s first reunited in April 2011 for
a weekend in Lock Haven and plan to
continue the yearly reunions. Those
sisters in the front row: Denise (Elchak)
Widener, ’72, Susan Heckendorn,
’72, Dori (Trimmer) Shervanick, ’72,
Suzanne (O’Connor) Smith, ’74, Deb
(Gore) Shaeffer, ’72, and Vickie (Auker)
Morgan ’72. Back row: Judy (Zeiters)
Hepford, ’71, Jane (Aiken) Wrisley,
’74, Gail (Simpson) Watson, ’74, Deb
(Burris) Fralick, ’72, Wendy (Dodson)
Miller, ’72, Linda (Rothenberger)
Homa, ’73, Karen (Lewis) Wagner, ’72,
Max (Cordrey) Hoffner, ’72, and Darla
(Charles) Zimmerman, ’72. We all would
like to thank Judi (Shive) Hauck, ’72 for
taking the wonderful photo to capture
that Tau Sisters.
Lou Chilemi, ’71,
was inducted into
the Howard County,
Md., Sports Hall of
Fame in October.
He has been a
softball umpire
for almost four
decades. Chilemi
has worked multiple
ASA national fast
pitch tournaments,
Lou Chilemi
multiple high school
championships, NCAA
regional championship tournaments,
and women’s professional fast pitch
games. He served as the Maryland fast
pitch umpire in chief for five years and
was also the founder of Howard County
Officials, Inc. In 2009, he was also elected
to the Softball Umpires of Maryland Hall
of Fame. He continues to be on staff and
umpires in several Division 1 collegiate
softball conferences, including the Atlantic
10, Atlantic Coast Conference, The Big
East, and the Colonial Athletic Conference.
He is retired from the Howard County
Maryland Public School System where he
was a school-based administrator for 32
years. He and his wife, Carol, have recently
moved to Greencastle, Pa., to be closer to
their daughter and grandchildren. Chilemi
is presently the chief operating officer for
Instant Medical Testing, a company that
works with collegiate and professional
athletes.
Gerald “Jerry” Hendricks, ’71, posted:
After 26 years working for the government
and earlier teaching math for 12 years in
Maryland, I will retire in March and move
to Creedmoor, N.C., to be closer to my
grandkids. Jason, my oldest son, lives
in Richmond, Va., where he has been an
architect since he graduated from Virginia
winter 2013
18
class notes
Tech. He is married and has two sons.
Ryan, my youngest, lives in Greensboro,
N.C., where he works for a mapping
company since he graduated from UNC.
He is married and has two daughters.
My wife, Barbara (Baker), ’72, is looking
forward to moving closer to our kids and
grandkids. We have been married 41
years this May.
The National Speakers Association (NSA),
the leading organization for experts who
speak professionally, has presented
Stephen Tweed, CSP, ’70, with the 2012
Cavett Award at the NSA Convention in
Indianapolis, Ind. The Cavett Award is
the highest honor bestowed by NSA on
its members. It is presented annually
to one professional speaker whose
accomplishments over the years have
reflected outstanding character, respect,
honor and service to NSA and the
speaking profession.
1980s
Donbaughs
Vicki Jo (Smith) Stambaugh, ’86,
married David Donbaugh on April 14,
2012. She is a learning support teacher
for the Northeastern School District
where she has
taught since 1986.
Col. John
Newcomer,
’84, completed
the Richmond
Marathon in
Richmond Virginia
on Nov. 10, 2012.
This was his fourth
marathon run.
Newcomer
19
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
Joseph Skarbowski, ’84, was recently
promoted to the rank of Colonel in the
U.S. Army Reserve. He is currently
assigned as a Mission Command Training
Branch Chief with the 2nd Brigade,
Atlantic Division of the 75th Training
Command, located at Naval Station
Newport, RI.
Jeffrey Fleishman, ‘81, a Harvard Nieman
fellow and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize,
is a foreign correspondent for The Los
Angeles Times who is currently serving
as the newspaper’s Cairo bureau chief.
He has covered wars in Kosovo, Iraq,
Libya, and Afghanistan. His first novel,
“Promised Virgins: A Novel of Jihad,” was
published in 2009 and his newest novel
is titled “Shadow Man.”
1990s
Chris McPhee,
’99 and Melanie
(Murray) McPhee,
’99, married on
June 30, 2012. The
couple will reside in
Orange, VA.
Denise Brown
Holohan, ’95, and
Brian Holohan, ’94,
welcomed their third
child, Ainslie Quinn, McPhees
on Feb. 22, 2012.
She joins her big brother Liam, 12 and
her big sister Caeleigh, 7. Brian is a
special education teacher for Selinsgrove
Area School District. Denise is a child
development and instructional manager
for Northumberland County Early Head
Start. The family resides in Mifflinburg,
Pa.
Susan Hauser
Darney, ’94, would
like to announce
the release of her
third CD with band
Viva la Venus.
The new release,
Bleeding on the
Edge of Happiness,
is available online
at iTunes and
CDbaby.com or from Susan Darney
In Memoriam
the bands website www.vivalavenus.
com. Darney received her BFA in music
performance from LHU.
Don Houser, ’94,
was nominated by
Governor Tom Corbett
on Feb. 3, 2012 to
serve a 6-year term
on the Council of
Trustees of Lock
Haven University.
Don’s nomination
was confirmed by the
State Senate by a
49-0 vote on April 2, Don Houser
2012.
Maribeth (Linsinbigler) Fedak, ’90,
posted: On May 4th, 2012 our family lost
our Matriarch, my Mother Dolly. She was
very loved by my three remaining siblings
and I and our spouses. She was also
loved by her 12 grandchildren and 7 great
grandchildren. We miss her every day,
and we hope that she is looking over my
Dad, Robert. He misses her desperately.
2000s
Kenneth Mains, ’11, is currently a
detective with the Lycoming County
District Attorney’s Office with an
emphasis on cold case homicides. He
has recently branched out into crime
scene assessment. Mains is obtaining
graduate certificates in criminal profiling
and forensic psychology while pursuing a
master’s degree in that field.
Colton
Myers, ’11,
married
fellow
LHU alum,
Adrienne
(Spring)
Myers, ’08,
on Oct.
8, 2011
in Muncy,
PA. LHU
graduates in
their wedding Myers
were Emily
Nace, ’08, and Michael Phillips, ’12. The
Myers reside in Muncy, Pa.
Angela Pisano
Angelo “Jello” Pisano, ’11, began
a career in EFL Teaching in Istanbul,
Turkey.
Brianne
(Lutz)
Brown,
’10,
married
Zachary
Brown,
’10, on
July 7,
2012, but
their civil
service
took place
Brianne Brown
on Oct.
21, 2011.
Brianne graduated with a degree
in secondary education (social
studies) and Zachary graduated
with a criminal justice degree and
was commissioned into the U.S.
Army as a 2LT. They are stationed at
Ft. Hood, Texas. Zachary is serving
in his second tour in the Middle
East. They met at LHU during their
freshman year in a psychology
class.
Brandon
Mendoza,
’08, and
Jacinta
Lovenduski,
’08, were
married
on Oct.
20, 2012.
Many fellow
LHU Alums
were in
attendance. Mendozas
William Gomola
William Gomola, ’08, married Krista
Creuzberger on June 9, 2012 in
Hollidaysburg, Pa. Gomola teaches
health/phys. ed. and Cruezberger is
a nurse. They reside in the Charlotte,
N.C., area. LHU alums who attended
the wedding were best man Joe
Gomola, ’03, Brian Kochik, ’12, Matt
King, ’09, Tony Zucco, ’09, and Matt
Pullen, ’08.
Todd Smoker
Todd Smoker, ’08, married Jennifer
(Leedy) Smoker (Millersville
University) on June 16, 2012 in
Lancaster, Pa. Todd teaches health/
phys. ed. at Warwick High School in
Lititz, Pa. and is an assistant varsity
football and baseball coach. Jennifer
is a behavioral specialist. LHU alumni
in the wedding were Dan Hagerman,
’08, Dave Show, ’07, Matt Shealy,
’07, Adam Andrasko, ’08, and Brian
Tomasovitch, ’09.
Lindsay (Kelley) Tarantella, ’08, and
her husband Raymond announce the
birth of their daughter Ava Claire,
born on June 24, 2012. She weighed
7 lbs, 4 oz and was 20.5 inches long.
The family resides in Woolrich, Pa.
Jean (Kunes) Stevenson, ’38, 8/18/2012
Ruth (Simon) Boyd, ’39, 9/28/2012
Dene H. (Hocker) Beule, ’41, 7/31/2012
Henry H. “Hank” Blake, ’42, 12/8/2012
Evelyn Jean (O’Connor) Pankuch, ’42, 10/12/2012
Lois S. (Seitzer) Judd, ’43, 1/17/2011
Worth J. Randall, ’43, 10/19/2012
Lenore T. (Tidlow) Horn, ’44, 8/26/2012
Frances (Slenker) O’Leary, ’47, 10/7/2012
Thomas G. Yost, ’49, 11/14/2012
Arthur C. Aubel, ’50, 12/20/2011
John E. Bressler, ’50, 12/15/12
M. Virginia “Ginny” (Clemens) Lashendock, ’50,
11/5/2012
Alice E. (Yoxtheimer) McLaughlin, ’50, 12/3/2012
Joseph R. Kohler, ’51, 10/21/2012
Edward R. Konkol, ’51, 10/29/2012
Gerald George “Tic” Rathgeber, ’53, 1/28/2012
George P. Rolley, ’54, 10/9/2012
Dawn V. (Miller) Barner, ’59, 12/30/2011
William Robert Lew “Bill, Wild Bill” Stoudt, ’59,
6/12/2012
Janet C. (Lamey) Schreckengast, ’61, 11/15/2012
Maureen Dolan (Dolan) Dincher, ’63, 10/13/2012
Robert E. Stroble, ’63, 11/22/2012
Bonnie Jane Shultz, ’64, 10/10/2012
Barbara H. (Hagan) Tobias, ’64, 7/23/2012
Christine Ann (Spacek) Bard, ’65, 7/15/2012
Iris H. (Hill) Evans Yohe, ’65, 1/27/2012
Duston L. Ricker, ’67, 10/12/2012
Louise B. (Brown) Richey, ’69, 11/4/2012
Jerry E. Fuller, ’70, 9/17/2012
Donna C. (Blesh) Paloskey, ’70, 4/23/2012
Lynne A. (Stearns) Pennington, ’73, 8/2/2012
Stanley H. Leavy, Jr., ’74, 10/28/2012
William M. Gibb, ’76, 7/18/2012
Scott D. McCoy, ’77, 11/26/2012
Scott M. Sentz, ’80, 10/28/2012
Julia Ann (Wrench) Crowther, ’82, 7/7/2012
Leonard F. Parucha, ’86, 11/26/2012
Ross A. Moyer, ’87, 12/5/2012
Frankie J. Soult, ’94, 10/2/2012
Phillip A. Moore, ’02, 8/25/2012
Abigail R. (Hartlein) Green, ’13, 8/24/2012
Emeriti
Virginia A. Martin, 9/25/2012; Associate Professor,
passed away at her residence in Lock Haven. She
joined the English faculty in 1969, retiring in 1999.
She was the founder of the Women’s Studies Program.
William J. Powell, Jr., 8/24/12; Associate Professor
in Geoscience. He was appointed in 1963, retiring in
1986.
Robert C. Scherer, 8/3/2012; Professor in Biological
Science. He was appointed in 1965, retiring in 1987.
Staff
Nancy J. (Yoxtheimer) McGowan, 10/8/2012
Annette M. Miller, 12/30/2012; Custodial Supervisor
Joseph A. Sette, 10/21/2012; Custodian
Anna L. Wait, 11/13/2012
winter 2013
20
class notes
Making a
difference at Lock
Haven University …
TurnKey Electric Inc.
Rich Zerby, vice president
of TurnKey Electric Inc., saw
firsthand the success of Lock
Haven University’s Physician
Assistant program when his
niece Maegan Risley put
that degree to work. After
she graduated from LHU
several years ago, she worked
in a Harrisburg hospital’s
emergency room, and now in
an Urgent Care center.
“We knew it took a lot of
hard work” to complete that
degree, Zerby said.
Because he saw the
success and rigor of the
program, he and TurnKey
Electric’s owner and president
Michael Bower established
the TurnKey Electric Student
Scholarship on March 7, 2012
with a $50,000 endowment.
Currently a $3,000 annual
scholarship, it is awarded with
preference to LHU students
in the Physician’s Assistant
program, among other
qualifications.
“LHU is a great campus,
that’s why we support it....If
we’re going to put our money
anywhere, it’s here,” Zerby
said.
TurnKey Electric Inc. is
the electrical contractor for
the Science Center, Fairview
Suites and other projects at
LHU.
alumni haven’s achievers
Carleigh (Wilt)
Johnson, ’06, and
Jeremy Johnson,
’09, married on Oct.
13, 2012 in Lock
Haven. Carleigh
is a major gifts
officer at the Lock
Haven University
Foundation and
Jeremy is an
import specialist
at Woolrich Inc.
Johnson
The couple took
a honeymoon to
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and
Disney World. They live in Mill Hall with
their dog, Ebony.
Jennifer (Hatch)
Miller, ’06, and
Chris Miller, ’05,
welcomed their
first child, Callie
Louise, on May
15, 2012 at 6:39
a.m. at Altoona
Regional Health
System. Callie
was 3 weeks
premature, still
healthy at 7 lbs 1 Millers
oz and 19 inches
long.
Daniella (De Luca) Wiedel, ’06, married
Captain Hans Wiedel of Keedyslville, Md.,
June 14, 2012 in an intimate backyard
wedding in Las Cruces, N.M. The couple
took a mini-honeymoon to Las Vegas, and
then Hans deployed to Afghanistan with
the U.S. Army and is expected to return
this spring. The couple will then take a
celebratory honeymoon to Europe. Daniella
will finish her masters of counseling
and educational psychology degree
this December from New Mexico State
University where she currently works fulltime in Housing and Residential Life as
program coordinator. She also freelances
for The Las Cruces Sun-News and other
publications part-time, mainly writing
features and entertainment pieces.
Tobias Houdeshell, ’05, and his wife Beth
Katz are proud to announce the birth of
their first child, Logan Thomas Houdeshell,
on May 11, 2012. Logan weighed 7 lbs 1
oz and was 20 inches long.
21
The Haven Magazine www.lhup.edu
Renee Doddy, ’04,
and Joel Bynum
married on May 19,
2012. A wedding
surrounded by 100 of
their closest friends
and family was held
in the Cuyahoga
Valley National
Park in Peninsula,
Ohio. They reside in
Indianapolis.
Bynums
Eileen (Gibbson)
Maney, ’11, and Michael Maney, ’04, were
married June 23, 2012 in Chatham, N.J.
Other alumni present were: Mark Maney,
’07 grad program and ’05 undergrad,
Scott Maney, ’09, John Holsinger, ’04,
Carlos Ponce, ’06. They purchased a new
home in Bellefonte, Pa., where Michael
is currently a social studies teacher and
head wrestling coach at Bellefonte Area
High School and Eileen is a physician
assistant with Geisinger in State College.
LHU grad on fast track to big name television production
By Alyssa Wherry
James Blankenfeld
discovered his visual creativity
in high school when he avoided
writing a term paper by creating
a video of the Shakespeare play
instead. When his teacher saw his
ingenuity and rewarded him with
an A grade, it fueled his passion
for film and he brought that to Lock
Haven University where he majored in
Communication.
While at LHU, he maximized an
opportunity to intern on ABC’s production
team filming Wife Swap. This hands-on
experience helped prepare him for work
after graduation by giving him insight behind
the scenes as well as understanding
television show production.
After he graduated in 2009,
Blankenfeld landed a job as a
production assistant for the show
Project Runway. It was an entrylevel job, but one that would
prepare him for his career.
“It’s by no means a
glamorous job. However, the
best production assistants are
the ones that go the furthest,”
Blankenfeld said. He drove the
producers around to scout locations in New York
City, and helped ensure filming ran smoothly,
among other tasks.
His 14-hour days paid off. After filming finished,
he branched out to other shows such as HGTV’s
Design Star and Celebrity Apprentice on NBC,
working as a camera assistant. He also completed
shooting an episode of The Good Wife on CBS and
is working on the NBC show, Infamous.
Blankenfeld worked as a camera assistant
behind the scenes until two years ago when his
interest in acting began to pique. He continues
working in film while pursuing his acting interests.
“You just have to know what it is you want,
and follow that dream until you’ve achieved it,”
he said.
He is also turning his creativity toward
creating and filming his own movies, one a
paranormal thriller and the other an indie
comedy. Filming is set for 2013 and he’s
received industry interest and a guaranteed
widespread distribution.
Blankenfeld said his education at LHU
provided him with valuable tools to succeed.
Specifically, he recalls Dr. Karen Kline’s news
broadcasting class.
“It was a very helpful class,” Blankenfeld
said. “I still catch myself referring back to a lot
of things Dr. Kline taught me in my career four
years later.”
LHU grad starts his own business at age 22
Good triplets
Kaelie (Taylor) Good, ’02, and Amos
Good, ’04, delivered triplet girls on July
25, 2012 and are now the proud parents
of four children under the age of two. The
girls’ names are Molly Maddison, Everly
Layel and Morgan Kate. They are sisters
to the Goods’ son Everett. The triplets
weighed 6 lbs 2 oz, 5 lbs 4 oz and 5 lbs 7
oz. The family lives in Watsontown, Pa.
Megan (Hardie) O’Hagan, ’01, and her
husband Patrick are happy to announce
the arrival of their son Sean on March 18.
Sean joins big sisters Carys and Camryn
at home in Waldwick, NJ. Megan will return
to work this fall at Westwood High School
as a biology teacher.
By Elizabeth Regan
Tyler Walstrom was “always the kid
with the notebook filled with drawings,”
but he thought an art career could only
be a dream. Then he got a tattoo. As he
observed the tattoo artist coloring his skin,
he realized that was something he could
do--and live on.
While the Philipsburg native began an
apprenticeship at Forever Sick Tattoo in
Lewistown, he also started his academic
career at Lock Haven University. Through
those years of hard work living the “double
life” of a student and growing professional,
he had a solid portfolio and a strong
business plan.
In fact, his business professor Dr.
Marcia Kurzynski encouraged him to
enter the PASSHE Student Business Plan
Competition 2011, and out of the 236
students who entered their business plans,
he was a top 25 finalist with his plan of
creating the Living Canvas clothing line. He
graduated in May 2012 with a degree in
business administration.
That August, at age 22, he took what
some might call a radical step. He opened
his own tattoo shop, Rock and Ruthless
Tattoo Parlor. He bought it with the cash
he had earned during college, and helped
paint the walls and carved the counter
out of timber. He is the sole employee,
accountant, marketer and scheduler. His
leap of faith paid off, and after his grand
opening mid-December, business was
booming straight away at 200 N. Second
St., Suite 4, Philipsburg.
Walstrom attributes much of his success
to LHU’s professors. “I learned a lot from
the professors...a lot of my education came
from talking with them after class,” he said.
His world is a blend of art and business,
two sides of the same coin that create
a space where art is not just a hobby, or
only a dream, but a tangible reality thanks
to his creative sense, hard work and solid
business plan.
The beauty of art is it helps give
perspective, he said, and he certainly has a
good one about his work.
“I just figure you keep working hard at it
and eventually it’ll work out,” he said. “And
if it doesn’t work out, at least I tried and
learned a lot in the meantime.”
To learn more about Tyler Walstrom’s business, visit www.rockandruthless.com.
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