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M I L L E R S V I L L E U N I V E R S I T Y M A G A Z I N E â– 2013 FA L L
New library opens
Library's view from the inside looking out At the corner of North George and West Frederick streets, the building's brick wall has been replaced with expansive glass windows to let in natural light.
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table of MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Fall 2013
Vol. 127
The Review is published by Millersville University of Pennsylvania of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and mailed free to Millersville alumni, faculty, staff and other friends of the University.
President Dr. John M. Anderson
Millersville Review Staff Janet Kacskos, Executive Editor Patricia Coulson, Editor Ethan Hulsey, Sports News Mike Saraka, Alumni News
Contributors Kelly Smedley '93 Laura Knowles Madelyn Pennino Frost Imaging Linda Forte Creative
Printed by Pemcor, Inc. Alumni Association Lori Dierolf '91, president Scott Bailey '96, president-elect Stephen Focht '70, treasurer Cassandra Karamanos '94, secretary Jennifer Bertolet '92, Sandra Brown '76, Nathan Claycomb '01, Jenna Craig '10, William Dewan '93, Catherine Glass '53, John Held '02, Amy Hoffman '94, Patrick Leahy '97, Sean O'Donnell '99, Greg Ortlieb '09, Katie Petermann Breit '02, Carroll Staub '72, '90M, Kristin Waters '05, Tamara Willis '99, Jerri Anne Johnson '76, '87M, past president.
PASSHE Board of Governors Guido M. Pichini (chairman), Marie Conley (vice chair), Aaron A. Walton (vice chair), Sen. Richard Alloway II, Rep. Matthew E. Baker, Jennifer G. Branstetter, Governor Tom Corbett, Sara J. Dickson, Laura E. Ellsworth, Rep. Michael K. Hanna, Ronald G. Henry, Bonnie L. Keener, Jonathan B. Mack, Joseph F. McGinn, Harold C. Shields, Robert S. Taylor, Ronald J. Tomalis, David F. Wolfe, Sen. John T. Yudichak
Millersville University Council of Trustees Michael G. Warfel '84 (chairman), Caroline M. Hoffer, Esq. '77 (secretary), James P. Argires, Gibson E. Armstrong, Julianne Dickson, Robert A. Frick '66, '69M, Kevin F. Harley '86, William B. McIlwaine, Olayinka Osibodu (student), Brian A. Rider '87, Gerald S. Robinson, Esq., Frank Brogan, chancellor, State System of Higher Education, ex officio.
A library for the 21st century The newly renovated library features an airy openness, comfortable furniture, group study areas and the academic resources and technology for today's and tomorrow's students.
Bringing theater to everyone In addition to wonderful programming for families, Barry Kornhauser is providing creative outlets to young people and others who previously have not had access to the arts.
Going to the dogs Dogs and humans make a great combination. And now they can experience the coolest dog park ever, thanks to Angela Bauman '06.
Cultural events A four-page insert, highlighting events from September through December, is located in the back of this issue.
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Campus News Sports Alumni Interest Class Notes Why We Give
Millersville University Foundation Board Robert Laskowski '74 (president), David Thompson '09P, '13P (vice president), Tamara Willis '99 (secretary), Amanda J. Shaw '01 (treasurer), Daniel Biemesderfer '71, Beverly Hacker Breniser '69, '73M, Judith Carter '60, '76M, Ximena Catepillan, Kenneth DeLucca, Benjamin Del Tito '77, Robert A. Frick '66, '69M, Richard A. Glenn, Jan L. Graybill '80, Albert Hoffman, Sarah M. Holland '15 (student), Patrick J. Hollowell '13 (student), Anne Jackson '78, Thomas Janke '11P, Eric Liddell '71, F. Perry Love '58, Elizabeth Martin, William B. McIlwaine, Barry E. Miller '77, Robert Patterson, Gerald Robinson.
Review online Experience the digital edition of the Review at: www.millersvillereview.com
Millersville University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.
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A library for the 21st century By Madelyn Pennino
"The way the library is set up now offers students a deep, more intentional learning experience.�
Designed for how students actually sit, the furniture is comfortable and has rollers to easily change configurations.
here's a great deal of chatter around campus about a new chapter in Millersville's history—a completely renovated library that will no doubt change the academic and social structure of the University. The new library is, and will probably remain, the talk on campus for quite some time. As word spreads about its superior academic resources and carefully considered architecture, the library will undoubtedly draw attractors from far outside the school community. "Everyone is buzzing about it," Millersville senior Rose Chiango said. Chiango is especially excited about the refurbished library because she has spent so much time there in her years at MU, as a student and library employee. In fact, she helped to move tens of thousands of books back into the library from Gerhart Hall and the Student Memorial Center, which had been temporary libraries since renovations began in summer 2011. "It went pretty well, there was a lot to do," said Chiango, an English major from Pottstown. "It was a conveyor belt kind of process…very intricate." Sixteen students were hired to help the library staff and volunteer faculty
members with the move, including members of the Marauder football team. The entire renovation process has been extremely complex, from the initial design stage to completion. One of the major goals of the renovation was to shift the emphasis from using the library solely for individual research and study and make it a social space where collaborative learning is not only welcome but encouraged. Its new name reflects this transformation. The Francine G. McNairy Library and Learning Forum is named in honor of Millersville's 13th president, who retired earlier this year. The building will be rededicated as the Helen A. Ganser Hall for Millersville's first librarian from 1911-52. A dedication ceremony will be held October 24, during Homecoming weekend. Dr. Marilyn Parrish, special collections librarian and University archivist, said the library research model has changed and moved from the individual researcher to shared learning. The library will now be more conducive to peer-to-peer learning. "It's more about the creation of knowledge," Parrish said. "The way the library is set up now offers students a deep, more intentional learning experience."
Junior Michael Stewart believes the library will help him achieve more in his studies, especially when writing papers. He said materials were limited at Gerhart Hall. "I resisted ordering books because of the wait time for transfers," Stewart said. The library now offers more resources and more space that has been totally transformed from top to bottom. On the lower level of the library, The academic area featuring children's literature is just one of the areas that was able to be expanded.
V Viewto view a video of view Click the new library. vvvvvv
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Gone are the days when talking in the library was frowned upon. The library's public spaces and group study areas encourage interaction and collaboration.
there are staff offices and collections space with a new compact shelving system that will allow space for many more books in a specific area. Dr. Greg Szczyrbak, assistant professor and learning technologies librarian, said because of the new shelving system, students and faculty will be able to access books more conveniently. "It's a whole new academic library," Szczyrbak said. Almost every floor of the library is set up with the opportunity for students to work together, especially the first floor of the library, which houses a café, common areas with pods of computers and three classrooms equipped with technology from a mobile cart. One of the largest differences to the library is its open space with chairs
that replaced entire walls. Laptops are available for loan at the library (above). Szczyrbak said putting in Student workers (next page) unpacked and more windows was one of the reshelved thousands of books over the summer. main objectives in the design phase of the project. "Light really motivated while they are in the library. how we wanted to renovate," he said. Also on the first floor are a Writers' "This is definitely not a traditional Room and Digital Learning Room, library," said Stewart, who is impressed where students will assist other by its openness. "It's a great social students in preparing projects involvspace. There's something here for ing technology such as power-point everybody." presentations. Student Alicia Morrissey, a comChiango, who plans to work in the munications major, describes the new Digital Learning Room, is excited library simply as "awesome." about the prospect of students learn"From the paint to the pictures to all ing from each other. "It's important furniture, it's all really cool and modto know your peers," Chiango said. ern," Morrissey said. "People are going "Even if you are strangers, you are to like what they see." helping one another in reaching a The library's impressive architecture common goal." is equal to the techTo encourage such collaboration, nology in it. Technolthere are 12 to 14 group-study rooms ogy is now mobile to located throughout the library. suit the needs of the The third and fourth floors of the students of today and library house the juvenile collection tomorrow. and related materials. For those who "We didn't want desire individual study time, the sixth technology tied down and seventh floors are quiet areas. to anything, because there will be Faculty too will have a research changes in the next 20 years," Erin space of their own on the fifth floor, Dorney, outreach librarian said. where the Center for Academic ExcelTucked into tables and study areas lence is located, as well as faculty meetare pop-up electrical outlets that allow ing space and technology room. users to recharge their laptops, cell "It's one-stop shopping for profesphones and other electronic devices sional development and for research-
"This is definitely not a traditional library. It's a great social space." and couches that make it easy for students to study together. The library is a much more inviting place to be, compared to the previous space, which was dark and even a bit foreboding in some of its areas. But now there are huge windows 6 Review Fall 2013
it takes a ville... ...to move an extensive academic library. Before the renovation project could begin in summer 2011, the library needed to pack and remove all resource materials from the library, as well as shelving and furnishings.
Here's a snapshot of the project:
ing grant possibilities," Szczyrbak said. While the library has been completely reconfigured, students and visitors will not have trouble finding what they are looking for. The library has employees and volunteers, including student library ambassadors and greeters who will help people navigate the library. "It's going to be a sort of concierge service," Szczyrbak said. The library renovation and expansion cost about $25 million, and was one of the priorities of Millersville's recent Soar to Greatness capital campaign, which raised $88 million for the University. One of the most significant improvements to the library is accessibility. All of the floors in the library are now accessible by the two elevators and are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A garden room on the first floor is available for student groups to reserve on a first-come first-served basis. This lovely room features a gas fireplace and back-lit stained glass windows from the original Old Main building. It opens directly out to one of the library's most unique attractions—a reading and sculpture garden. While work on the garden has begun, it will be a work in progress during the school year, as students and staff will continue developing the garden. The garden will feature native Pennsylvania plants such as sassafras, marigolds and native golden aster. The theme of native plants is very popular now in horticulture. "It's a big movement in landscaping," said Dr. Chris Hardy, biology professor. Before renovations began, Hardy was approached by Parrish about the concept of a garden. Hardy charged his fall 2010 Plant Systematics class with coming up with the theme and design of the garden. "Students paid great attention to detail and design," Hardy said.
350,000+ items were moved offsite into storage. They filled 460 pallets (13,800 boxes) and it took 63 truckloads to move. It took 5 weeks and 2 days to box and move items from the old library using a unique conveyor belt system in the stairwells. 40,500 feet of bubble wrap was used. Special Collections items filled 2,700 boxes. 10,000 linear feet of shelving was set-up offsite for the reclassification of 100,000 books from the Dewey Decimal system to the Library of Congress system. The temporary library housed at Gerhart Hall contained more than 10,000 items. Fountains with filtered water encourage people to refill reusable bottles. The water station features a counter that shows the number of bottles filled, saving consumption of plastic bottles.
"It's good to have students participate in something with lasting value," Hardy said. "Students will use this as an outdoor laboratory." Plants will be configured according to evolution, with vines and branches planted along the garden path, leading to more complex plants like conifers. The space will be somewhat of an outdoor art museum as well and feature the work of regional sculptors from
"I know it's going to be my home away from home." Work stations are equipped with computers, Internet and work space for books and other resource material.
Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Associate professor of art and design, Line Bruntse, is involved in selecting sculptures for the garden. Bruntse's students also played a role in the design of the garden by creating group seating areas, including a concrete bench in the shape of a flower. "The fact that this garden is conducive to learning is greatly inspirational," Bruntse said. "It is students deciding for other students, which is a great way for them to be involved." Her students will also have the chance to feature their semi-permanent juried work in the garden. "Students will be honored to have a place there," Bruntse said. Parrish said the garden will be a spectacular site that is certain to attract many visitors. "It will draw people from the region to see," Parrish said. "No one has anything like this."
The Archives and Special Collections area occupies two floors and runs on its own temperature system to ensure the preservation of materials and includes a vaulted space where materials are securely stored. Chiango, who has worked in Archives and Special Collections, hopes more people will take advantage of such a rich resource. "I think before, a lot of people didn't use the archives; they didn't know what it had to offer. With displays and artifacts, I think more people will use the materials there." "I'm excited to welcome students back [to the library]," Dorney said. "It's going to change their perspective about what a library is." Chiango agreed. "It is going to be the hub of campus," she said. "All will come together at the library." "I know it's going to be my home away from home," Morrissey said.
illersville was a leader among Normal Schools in its initiative for a separate building dedicated as a library. 1895 - The library opened in 1895. The building is now known as Biemesderfer Center and houses the president's and other administrative offices. Millersville was the first Normal School to have a building dedicated as 1922 - The library was wired for electric lights. a library. Photo is circa 1900. The building is now known as Biemesderfer 1940s - A small restroom, for faculty use only, was inCenter and is the second oldest building on campus. stalled in the basement. 1950s - There were no screens on the windows, so stuthe temporary student union building before the Student dents had to swat flies away as they studied. Memorial Center (SMC) was built. 1961 - Part of Old Chapel and other rooms in Old Main were 1997 - Millersville's library began using the Library of Conused as an annex to main library. gress Classification system for new materials. 1965 - The library had outgrown the space and plans were 2011-13 - While the library building was being renovated, underway for a larger, modern building. At the time, Millcataloging faculty and staff took on a major reclassification ersville enrolled approximately 2,500 students in 26 underproject. Before the project, books had been separated into gradate programs. It now serves about 8,300 graduate and two collections: The Dewey Decimal System and the Library undergraduate students in 119 academic programs. of Congress. Although the library has used the Library of Congress system since 1997, there were approximately 1967 - Old Main was demolished and the library was built on 100,000 volumes still classified in Dewey Decimal and the site. It was named for Helen A. Ganser, Millersville's first these were transitioned to the Library of Congress system. librarian who served from 1911-52) and founded the library The search for books will be much easier, with one overall science program. hierarchy of order. 1967 - Millersville's famous "book walk" took place in 2013 - The new library opened and is being rededicated as September 1967 when students and faculty carried more the Francine G. McNairy Library and Learning Forum in the than 90,000 books from Biemesderfer Library to the new total complex of Ganser Hall. Ganser Library. The "old" library [Biemesderfer] was used as In 1967, students and faculty carried more than 90,000 books from the "old" library to the new library.
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Barry Kornhauser knows theater. With a career that spans decades, he has joined Millersville University to spearhead the Family Arts Collaborative. In his newest role at Millersville, Kornhauser is doing something important, working with youth and the community to give underserved, underrepresented and persons with disabilities the opportunity to express themselves through theater. As Kornhauser notes, it has been a very busy year since he started at Millersville. Fam Fun Fest is a new series of performing arts events for families and social service agencies, offering free tickets so that they can attend theater productions. It's a unique program, covering the theater arts, including theater, dance, music, puppetry, storytelling, circus and more.
Bringing theater to everyone By Laura Knowles
(Above) Passionate about the arts, Barry Kornhauser is the creative force behind the family arts collaborative program. The summer theater camp stressed hands-on creative activities, including communication skills and building trust among your fellow actors.
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"We try to bring real diversity in a number of ways, not just in the variety of genres presented," says Kornhauser, noting that an example is a bilingual musical in Spanish and English for the area's Latino community. "Dancing Wheels" is a physically integrated dance company that features wheelchair performers, while several performances in the program did not use the spoken word, making it possible for deaf audiences and those with limited understanding of English to comprehend the visual shows. As Kornhauser adds, an hour before each performance, hands-on creative activities are presented to audiences. The activities were developed by Millersville University education students in Dr. Richard Kerper's creativity class. In many cases, work-
shops followed performances and were conducted by the guest artists themselves. "We also started a school-day matinee program featuring work of genuine substance," says Kornhauser, noting that the inaugural year brought a company from Australia called Monkey Baa, presenting the powerful and moving play "Hitler's Daughter." The Studio for Students program for area students in grades K through 12 gives the youth a chance to exhibit their artwork at the exciting new Winter Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. "I have been working with the new M-Uth Theater built on a program I developed at the Fulton [Theatre] that has won recognition ranging from nine NEA grants to the PCA's Keystones of Accessibility Award for its inclusion of youth with disabilities," says Kornhauser. Working with city teens, the M-Uth Theater provides a venue for creative expression. Students have been working on a production about gun violence, a fitting topic in today's world of tragic shootings. One group of teens has written a play based on the real-life story of an innocent youngster who died after being shot by gang members while looking out a window. The play is being presented in Washington, D.C., as part of the Coming Up Taller Award given by the President's Committee on the Arts & Humanities at a White House ceremony led by First Lady Michelle Obama.
Kornhauser is surrounded by his young performers.
In Lancaster Kornhauser's name has practically been synonymous with theater. For more than 30 years, Kornhauser worked with the Fulton Theatre in a variety of capacities, from director of theater for young audiences to playwright-in-residence. He wrote 17 plays for the Fulton, as well as collaborations with the youth theater ensemble. He has also written Tony award-winning shows for The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian Institute. Kornhauser has received so many awards for his work that it's hard to keep track of them all. A few include the Distinguished Play Award of the American Alliance for Theatre & Education, the Helen Hayes Best Play Award, the Ivey Playwriting Award and the Bonderman Award. "One of the wonderful things about my life in the arts is that it has been so varied, that I have been blessed to work with so many smart, talented and passionate people," says Kornhauser. "It means a great deal to me to enrich people's lives through the arts, particularly young people who have faced some seriReview Fall 2013 11
Theater and the arts provide a creative channel for self-expression and a positive method of acting out and being heard for the disabled, young people and others who society has traditionally ignored.
ous life challenges." Kornhauser has worked with the Kennedy Center, starting with the One Theatre World Festival, directing a South African play. Later, he wrote "Power Play" for the New Visions/ New Voices Festival. He was then commissioned by the Kennedy Center to write the book for a new musical based on newly found children's songs by Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway composer Frank Loesser of "Guys & Dolls" and "How To Succeed in Business." "Then just as I came to Millersville, the Office of VSA and Accessibility at the Kennedy Center invited me to attend the very first International Convening of Thought Leaders in Theater, Dance, Disability, Education and Inclusion, a gathering of 50 amazing people from all around the globe brought together to assess the future of the field of inclusive arts," explains Kornhauser. A native of Newark and neighboring Elizabeth in northern New Jersey, Kornhauser has learned about theater by "doing." Growing up without a lot of money, travel usually meant visits to the Smithsonian museums and the Jersey Shore. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Franklin & Marshall College with a degree in special studies, a major he basically invented for himself. "It combined psychology, anthropology and education, with a bit of English and theater tossed in for good measure," recalls Kornhauser. "I called it 'Child Development and Behavior,' which has always intrigued me." Kornhauser has been making full use of his self-tailored degree now that he is at Millersville University. He is ardent about giving all young people a true voice in theater, no matter what their challenges or disabilities. 12 Review Fall 2013
"The first thing to understand about disability and the arts is that it should be about the arts, not the disability. People with disabilities should be given the opportunity to be full participants in the cultural life of their communities," says Kornhauser. Kornhauser explains that the stage can provide a new platform for the creative output of people with disabilities and a way of reaching out to the nondisabled by building awareness and appreciation. "This year, we will bring the only deafhearing theater company from Mexico to campus. Sena y Verbo will do a performance for adults, another for children and conduct a master class," says Kornhauser. "This will speak loudly to deaf audiences, and also to the Latino audience." Off stage, Kornhauser's real-life cast of characters includes his wife Carol and adult children Ariel, Sam and Max. As a young, adventurous married couple, they set out to expand their horizons with a cross-country trip in an old VW van. Amid numerous breakdowns, the couple explored New Mexico, Texas and the Wild West. Through his work, Kornhauser has had the opportunity to visit Israel, the Netherlands, Italy and Norway. The couple has also visited their son Max and his wife Sena
Pieces is an original play that deals with issues of gun violence in our communities.
in her native Turkey on several occasions. Still, Kornhauser likes nothing better than to work on renovations to the family's 1822 home, be in the garden and explore wildlife trails like Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preserve. "The word 'drama' comes from the ancient Greek and translates loosely as 'to do.' I have learned much by doing over the years," says Kornhauser.
Picking up the "Pieces" at M-Uth Theater Few issues have stirred as much emotion in America as guns and violence. In "Pieces," an original drama presented by the M-Uth Theater program at Millersville University, the reality of violence in society is being explored by youth of ages 13 through early 20s. "The M-Uth Theater program gives at-risk, handicapped and disadvantaged Lancaster youth the opportunity to stage an original production with true significance," says Barry Kornhauser, who directs the M-Uth Theater program. In light of national news, such as the Aurora movie theater shootings, Newtown school shootings and the Trayvon Martin shooting, Lancaster has had its own issues with gun violence. And in "Pieces," a page is taken out of the news, looking back to the tragic story of a young boy who peered out of a window and was shot and killed by teens who were after his brother. "He was a victim of violence and was doing nothing more than looking out of a window in his own home," says Kornhauser. The subject matter of "Pieces" rings true for many of the teens involved in the the M-Uth Theater program. More than a few of the 30 young people deal with disabilities, homelessness, abuse, criminal records and language barriers in their own lives. They were referred to the program through social welfare agencies and counselors, and spend their summer days conceptualizing and rehearsing for the performance of "Pieces" at the Ware Center. "With the number of refugees and non-English speakers in the show, Spanish, Nepali, Swahili and other languages are spoken in the production, as well as American Sign Language," says Kornhauser, noting that the performances are intended to cross over boundaries. He is awed by seeing how the teens bloom under the creative inspiration of the M-Uth program. They build selfconfidence and achieve a sense of accomplishment. And while "Pieces" made its debut right here in Lancaster, the next stop was an impressive one. They performed at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education's 2013 conference in Washington, D.C., in July to rave reviews. Review Fall 2013 13
Going to the DOGS
by Kelly Smedley '93
So what is it about dogs that
makes them so fetching to humans? Dr. Debra VredenburgRudy, associate professor of psychology at Millersville, has spent years studying our complex relationship with man's best friend.
Millersville is going to the dogs—in more ways than one. From therapy pets to help ease the stress of final exams to an alumna who won a $500,000 dream dog park for her furry friend, Millersville's canine craze has been unleashed in many forms.
Human/animal bond
Winning dog park designer Angela Bauman '06 tosses a ball to her dog Beau. Behind her is a faux tree trunk that mechanically throws tennis balls. The dog park is divided into two sections to separate small and large dogs.
"There is a lot of research that suggests people form strong attachments to their pets," said Vredenburg-Rudy. "There is a physiological response that lowers heart rate and blood pressure." Vredenburg-Rudy recently developed a course for students on the human/animal bond. She explained that her passion for animals was formed at a young age. "I always had pets as a kid…some I wasn't even supposed to have," laughed Vredenburg-Rudy, who currently has four dogs in her care, including some who are fostered. "Research shows pets now rank as high as other family members. There is so much comfort that comes from that bond." Her understanding and appreciation of animals led her to form Pet Guardians, an organization whose mission is to find permanent homes for the pets of people who are terminally ill. She finds families who are willing to foster the pet until a permanent home can be found.
"I've known a lot of people who were dying that would hang on until they knew their pets were going to a good home," said Vredenburg-Rudy. "It gives them a sense of peace when they are placed in a home." Vredenburg-Rudy has also conducted a great deal of canine-related research. Her latest exploration is on the phenomenon known as Black Dog Syndrome. "Shelters and rescue groups have anecdotally found that black dogs are the least adoptable and frequently euthanized," she explained. "There is very little research regarding why this occurs." Vredenburg-Rudy worked with Dean Fischer '13 and Daniel Albohn, a graduate student in clinical psychology, to study Black Dog Syndrome through cognitive association. "We show positive and negative words next to images [of dogs] and test reaction times," said Vredenburg-Rudy. "We found the reaction time was much slower when we showed a black dog next to positive words." Vredenburg-Rudy and her research assistants presented their findings at the Eastern Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science conferences this
year. The findings revealed an implicit fear in darkness, which people associate with things that are evil or scary. Her mission is to help break down those barriers and encourage those who have the means to do so to consider adopting shelter pets regardless of their color, shape or size. "There are five to eight million pets that enter the shelter system each year, and only half are adopted," said Vredenburg-Rudy, who also campaigns to have pets spayed or neutered. This spring she worked with the student group Helping Paws to hold a pet-day vaccine clinic for Pet Guardians' participants. The student group, led by Dr. Ken Smith, associate professor of economics, and Kristen Pelenskij '13 recruited 25 students to help more than 90 families, many with multiple pets, receive the necessary vaccinations for their pets. Vredenburg-Rudy believes the human/animal bond is not a one-way street. She noted, "There is a mutual relationship that exists between animals and pets. Something is lacking when they are not around."
Dream dog park Angela Bauman '06 demonstrated her unequivocal commitment to her dog Beau by winning him a new dog park worth $500,000. Bauman was the winner of Beneful's 2012 Dream Dog Park Contest, which was completed in August at Lancaster's Buchanan Dog Park. It has undergone a tranformation into a real dream park for dogs and the people who love them. "Last summer I went to the dog park and it was really dirty and messy," Bauman said. "I saw the Beneful contest on Facebook and decided to enter." Bauman, who works and lives in Lancaster, said her dream park was inspired by nearby Hershey Park amusement and water park. "I wanted it to have an amusement park theme that also had water rides, since my dog loves the water." The dog park includes "roller coasters" where dogs can run over hills and under bridges, a water park for splashing and fetching toys and an arena that can shelter dogs and owners during rainy days. Bauman was one of 800 entrants, who were quickly narrowed down to 12 finalists. To remain in the running, Bauman had to create a two-minute video showcasing why her town deserved a new dog park. The video was posted on Beneful's Facebook page, and it was up to the fans to decide who would win by voting for their favorite dog park story. Bauman's communications degree from Millersville came in handy. "All my classes from MU came back to my head," said Bauman, who focused on radio broadcasting as a student, but also took a lot of video production classes. "I had to be in front of the camera at Millersville…so it was helpful for when I had to do that for the video and other interviews." Bauman also did a lot of extra work promoting her video. She created her own Facebook event page that included a link where people could vote. Bauman shared the page through other social media channels, including Twitter and Instagram. "I also held a community rally at a pavilion near the dog park," Bauman added. "Unfortunately nobody came because it was during Hurricane Sandy." The storm did not deter Bauman or the thousands of fans who rallied their votes and brought her the win. When the dog park is completed, it will be featured in an episode of Desperate Landscapes, which airs on the DIY Network. "When I heard it was a national competition, I thought it would never happen," said
The dog days of summer are much more enjoyable since Lancaster's new dream dog park opened in August. A dog enjoys a refreshing water mist from one of the park's two splash pads.
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There's a new dog in Millersville... This spring, the president's house on campus became home to new residents John and Vivien Anderson, and their golden doodle named Emma.
Emma enjoys quality time over coffee with her "dad."
What is your favorite treat? Whatever you're willing to share, but my family prefers that I stick with things marked "healthy" like Omega Treats. Do you have any nicknames? I have been called many things—Miss Emma and Emmy are my favorites.
What are some of the fun things you like to do? I'm a pretty typical 4-year-old. I like to run, play, jump, play, chase, play, eat, play, sleep, play, cuddle, play, go biking with my "dad," play. Do you like to play with other dogs? I like to play… period; students, faculty, staff, administrators, visitors, community leaders, mail carriers, dogs, ducks (though that didn't really work out the way I thought it would). What is your best trick? Whew! It's hard to say which is my "best" trick. I am quite accomplished at "Speak," "Sit" and "Roll Over." My favorite trick is conning treats out of the staff at Biemesderfer Center. Who is your favorite dog celebrity? I've had a crush on Snoopy since I was two years old. He's so cool as Joe Cool, so suave and debonair as the Flying Ace. He's playful and sophisticated by turns. He's a team player but independent enough to have his own writing career. He's the kind of dog you can admire. What do you think about our resident swans Miller and S'ville? We get along beautifully. Initially, we had a bit of a communication problem, as my "swan" is pretty rusty, but we've worked through that now. They give me an elegant nod of greeting as they sail past me, and I dance a little in acknowledgement. How would you compare the squirrels in Millersville to those in New York? They seem to be chubbier. I've seen Miss Emma some of the goodies they retrieve from the trash cans, so it's no wonder they've developed a bit of a weight problem. I've made it my mission to see that they work off some of that extra weight by chasing them. One squirrel in particular doesn't play fair. As soon as he sees me he runs up a tree and complains vigorously until I go back indoors. I've outwitted him, though, by going out several times a day. At least he gets some exercise running up that tree.
16 Review Fall 2013
Howard Bauman, Angela's father and deputy chief of police for Millersville University. "But she put a lot of effort into it, and her MU communications major really helped." Deputy Bauman, who said he conducts a lot of investigations as a police officer, took time to research his daughter's competition. "I checked out the other locations, and what they were doing wasn't as much as Angela was doing here. When I saw she was leading in the voting, I got really excited." Bauman's love of dogs goes beyond her Beau. She volunteers at Pet Pantry, which provides food and supplies to low-income pet owners. "A lot of people will buy food for their dog instead of feeding themselves," said Deputy Bauman. "I'm really proud of her volunteer work." Beau and Angela on opening day of the dream dog park. The park is all about canine friends playing and having fun.
Students raise funds Two current Millersville students with a passion for pets decided to hold a fundraiser this past spring for the Humane League of Lancaster County. Kara Weber and Jordan Unroe, who will both graduate in December, organized a 5K race on May 11 and raised Jordan Unroe and Kara Weber more than $1,000 for the shelter. "I'm crazy about animals," said Weber, who served as a marketing intern for the Humane League earlier this year. "We are going to try and keep this run going and continue to grow with it." Weber said the money will directly benefit medical services for animals in need. "After interning there I saw all the medical attention these pets need," she explained. "It's amazing what the vets will do to help some of these animals. The medical costs are really high."
Therapy dogs work magic
whose organization operates entirely on community donations and fundraisers. "It's a win-win-win situation. We get to show off our dogs. The dogs get the Millersville University decided to capiattention they crave. And the people get talize on the human/canine bond even the unconditional love they need when further by bringing therapy dogs on camthey need it most." pus to help stressed-out students cramShe has seen dogs bring out the best ming for final exams. in people where doctors or therapists Working with Keystone Pet Therapy couldn't. "I've seen children walk who Dogs (KPETS), the University brought couldn't, and people talk who could not several dogs to the Student Memorial speak. Dogs are nonjudgmental and Center during finals week, giving stuthey can often do things people can't." dents the chance to interact with the Therapy dogs are part of a grow"Come pet the dogs." Therapy dogs dogs and take a break from their studies. ing national trend. These days when a have become a regular attraction on "It really lowers their stress," said Kartragedy strikes, like the deadly wildfires campus during finals week. en Girth, founder of Keystone Pet Therain Arizona or the elementary school py Dogs. "They might be missing their dogs at home, and this shooting in Newtown, Conn., a team of Golden Retrievers gives them the opportunity to focus on something else. It's and their handlers are often deployed to the site. Known as very relaxing." the K-9 Comfort Dogs, they console and comfort victims and Several hundred students take advantage of getting a those in need. The dogs are able to ease some of the intense furry dose of pet therapy during finals. In fact, it's been so grief and raw emotion felt by the children and adults. successful that there are plans in the works to have Pet PartOperated through the Lutheran Church Charities in Ilners bring a dog to campus on a monthly basis. linois, the K-9 Comfort Dogs have individual Facebook and "Students have loved having the therapy dogs on campus, Twitter accounts, and carry business cards tucked in their and now eagerly await the next visits," said Dr. Kelsey Backvests so people can stay in touch. els, a licensed psychologist who is chair of Millersville's DeThe deep connection between people and dogs doesn't partment of Counseling and Human Development. "KPETS seem to have a downside. Scientific research now confirms and Pet Partners volunteers have supplied us with great dogs the numerous benefits to humans' health and well-being. and people." Simple acts such as petting a dog lowers the person's blood Girth founded KPETS a decade ago and works with more pressure and cholestrol. than 300 volunteers to provide pet therapy services to a The late Roger Caras, who hosted the Westminster Kennel wide range of people, including children with special needs, Club Dog Show for many years, may have summed up the elderly, terminally ill, brain injury patients and at-risk teens. human/dog bond best when he said, "Dogs are not our whole "We use the dogs wherever we can to help out," said Girth, life, but they make our lives whole." Review Fall 2013 17
Campus News Sužiedėlis receives international honorary degree Dr. Saulius Sužiedėlis, a prominent scientist, historian and professor emeritus of history at Millersville University, was awarded an honoray doctorate from Lithuania's Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in June. A specialist in East European and Soviet history, Sužiedėlis joined Millersville University's Department of History in 1990, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in Russian and European history, Nazism and the Holocaust, and intellectual history in the Honors Program. Between 2007 and 2010, he served as director of Millersville's Conference on the Holocaust and Genocide. Sužiedėlis retired in 2008 but has remained active in teaching, research and public service. As a bilingual citizen of Lithuania and the United States, Sužiedėlis delivered lectures on the Holocaust and issues of tolerance to college professors in Lithuania as part of a program cosponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the United States Embassy in Vilnius in 2011-12. In November 2011 the Lithuanian Ministry of Education and Science recognized his scholarly work with the annual prize for Lithuanian scholars living abroad. Sužiedėlis completed his bachelor studies in modern
In a special ceremony at Vytautas Magnus University in Lithuania, Dr. Saulius Sužiedėlis (right) was presented with an honorary doctorate.
18 Campus News 2013
European history at Catholic University of America in Washington in 1967 and then served as a teacher in Ethiopia with the Peace Corps. In the 1970s, he studied Polish language and literature at Adam Mickiewicz University, did an internship at the Warsaw University Institute of History and received his Ph.D. in Russian and East European history from the University of Kansas. Between 1982 and 1987, Sužiedėlis worked as a research historian for the U.S. Department of Justice. He then worked as a radio journalist and commentator for the Voice of America. Sužiedėlis has been a member of various scientific associations and the editor-in-chief of the scholarly quarterly The Journal of Baltic Studies. Since 1998 Sužiedėlis has been a member of the International Commission for the Evaluation of the Crimes of the Nazi and Soviet Occupation Regimes in Lithuania. In 2006, Sužiedėlis and historian Christoph Dieckmann published a historical study titled "The Persecution and Mass Murder of Lithuanian Jews during Summer and Fall of 1941."
PASSHE chancellor appointed
In the rankings
The Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) selected Frank T. Brogan, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, to serve as PASSHE's next chancellor, effective on October 1. The search focused on recruiting an "experienced leader who, from day one, can guide the System through the rapidly changing higher education landscape," said Board of Governors Chairman Guido M. Pichin. "Frank Brogan will be that leader." Prior to serving as chancellor of Florida's 335,000-student public university system, Brogan was president of Florida Atlantic University, lieutenant governor of Florida and Florida's Commissioner of Education. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of Cincinnati and Florida Atlantic University. "I am excited to join PASSHE in its commitment to provide high-quality, affordable higher educational opportunities for Pennsylvania's families. Balancing quality and accessibility has been my top priority in Florida and should be the mission of every good public university," said Brogan. "An important role for the chancellor is to be the system's number-one advocate for securing the resources that our faculty and staff need to deliver the world-class experience our students deserve," Brogan said. "That means making a case for reinvestment in our university system." PASSHE is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth, with about 115,000 students, and Millersville University is one of the 14 universities in the system.
Top 100 Best Colleges
Costume rental shop Millersville University's Costume Rental Shop, offering more than 25,000 costumes, has moved to larger quarters in Jefferson Hall (by the water tower). It is open to the public for costume rental needs, including costume parties, birthday parties, murder mystery parties, theatrical shows, dances, classroom projects, events, themed conventions, themed cruises, weddings, proposals, prom/ formal dresses, tuxes, camps, Halloween, Santas, Easter Bunnies, chicken barbecues, singing telegrams, etc. The fall hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.; call 717-872-3767 for an appointment. Evening and Saturday hours will be added in October for Halloween. Email
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranked Millersville University No. 81 in the category of Best Regional Universities in the North region for its 2013 issue. It was No. 2 in the state, behind only West Chester University, which was ranked No. 74 in the North region ranking.
State University.com's Safe University
Millersville University received a score of 92.56 out of 100 on StateUniversity.com's second annual Safest Public State Universities list, ranking it as the 16th safest college in Pennsylvania and the 219th safest college in the country out of the 450 featured on the list.
Honor Roll
Millersville was named the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, with distinction, by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Millersville was the only school in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to receive the noteworthy recognition of "with distinction" for this year.
Princeton Review
Millersville University earned a spot in the 2013 Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges for its sustainability efforts and environmental initiatives.
Best Colleges Safety Ranking
BestColleges.com named Millersville University as one of the safest college campuses in America. The website ranked Millersville No. 8 out of 23 schools listed for excellent campus safety.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org (AC Online), which identifies the Pennsylvania colleges and universities with the greatest lifetime return on investment, ranked Millersville University 25th in the state.
College of Distinction
CollegesOfDistinction.com, a website that highlights the best colleges to learn, grow and succeed, named Millersville University as one of the 2013-2014 Public Colleges of Distinction. Millersville is one of only two Pa. public universities featured on this year's list, the other being Slippery Rock University.
Campus News 2013 19
Football staff (L-R): Tom Mayersky, Nate Hinkle, George Love, Matt Sutjak, Greg Breitbach, Jon Ramos, Jeff Richter, Ralph Clark, Aubrey Kelly, Ron Rankin.
New faces of football leadership A head football coach is the face of the program, the direction setter and the final decision maker. But a football team carries 90 young men, and each player needs specific instruction and attention not only on the field but off the field. Game planning, training, teaching, developing, recruiting and marketing: It's a job impossible to accomplish alone. For first-year Marauder football coach Greg Breitbach, surrounding himself with energetic coaches familiar with his philosophies and plans was essential. "A key ingredient to being successful as a head coach is hiring good people and good coaches," said Breitbach. "Coaches who have a passion for coaching and a desire to help players reach their goals are critical to a healthy football program. Their effort, their input and their investment in the program shapes the future of the players and the program." Entering the 2013 season, four new assistant coaches join Breitbach on the sidelines. Jeff Richter takes over as the offensive line coach; George Love was hired to coach inside linebackers and serve as the special teams coordinator; Ralph Clark coaches the wide receivers and 2010 Millersville graduate Matt Sutjak leads the outside linebackers. "Having coaches and players who know what the program expectations are, who know what the daily operation should look like and who are willing to preform both, give the
Nominations sought for Hall of Fame Millersville University Athletic Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for its 2014 class of inductees. Submissions can be made via online form, by mail or by fax. To access the easy-to-use online form, visit www.millersvilleathletics.com/hof and click on "How to Nominate." On the Hall of Fame page is a complete list of inductees with bios as well as an up-to-date list of current nominees. To submit a nomination, either fill out the online 20 Sports Fall 2013
program an advantage," said Breitbach. "Hiring George and Jeff gave our football program a chance to have the consistent coaching instruction from quality people who will help our players achieve their goals. Both Jeff and George have an unquestioned work ethic. I'm very excited to have these two great guys joining Marauder football." Richter, a 2008 graduate of North Dakota, coached the tight ends on Breitbach's offensive staff at North Dakota in 2012. Originally from Minnesota, Richter played on the defensive line for UND. Love also coached with Breitbach at UND but most recently coached the linebackers at his alma mater, Eastern Illinois. Love helped Eastern Illinois to two Ohio Valley Conference titles as a defensive back. Clark and Sutjak were added to the staff at the end of July. Clark is a 16-year coaching veteran who has served as a defensive coordinator at the Division I FCS level. Marauder fans remember Sutjak as a smart, productive free safety. He led Millersville in tackles in 2008 and 2009 and led the PSAC in interceptions in 2010. Since graduation, Sutjak has coached on the defensive side of the ball at Lycoming and Rhode Island. Ron Rankin, Aubrey Kelly and Jonathan Ramos also return to the coaching staff. Nate Hinkle coaches the tight ends.
form or print the PDF version and mail it to the Millersville sports information office. All nominees must fit one of three criteria to be eligible. The nominee must have participated in a varsity sport at Millersville for two years and earned a baccalaureate degree from the University. The time period since receiving his/her first degree will be at least five years. The individual may also be an alumni, employee or friend of the University who has made significant contributions to MU athletics and has not been a student or been employed by the University for five years. Once nominated, candidates stay eligible for five years. Nominations close on March 31, 2014. No late entries will be accepted. For more information on the nomination process, contact Ethan Hulsey, Director of Athletic Communications at email@example.com.
Tim Mayza:
Making his way up the pro ranks
im Mayza spends 10-12 hours each day practicing, training, traveling and playing a game that he now calls an occupation. Yes, Mayza is a professional baseball player. And it's a dream come true even if it isn't the glitzy, glamorous life of the big leagues just yet. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft, the Millersville All-American, who went 11-3 with a 1.55 ERA in 98.2 innings pitched for the Marauders in 2013, is currently a member of the Rookie affiliate Bluefield Blue Jays after a short stint with the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Blue Jays. Mayza left the Marauders after three years in the program. Now a shared, off-campus dorm room in Bluefield, W. Va., is his summer home. Bowen Field, first built in 1939 and renovated in 1973 is nestled into the Appalachian Mountains with a backdrop of thick forest beyond the outfield fence. It is one of those classic, undeniably minor league ballparks and a stark contrast to the massive, futuristic Rogers Centre, where the Toronto Blue Jays play their home games. Toronto and the major leagues might seem an impossible journey after taking in an evening game in Bluefield. But the game's biggest stars start their careers in towns like Bluefield every year. And Mayza's journey is just beginning. A typical weekend crowd at Cooper Park dwarfed the handful of coaches who stood behind the backstop in the GCL games. Mayza now receives only 60 pitches per appearance to showcase his ability—often just two or three innings. Some days he may start; others he may come in relief. The mentality of the game is different. The competition is certainly different. "In the first stop in the GCL, basically everyone's job is just to get out of Florida," said Mayza. "There are only four or five people watching each game, but they are coaches and scouts. Really, the focus is all on yourself and how quickly you can move up." Mayza made it out of the GCL in a hurry, earning a promotion to Bluefield after just seven innings of action. After three seasons as a workhorse for the Marauders, being limited to only a few innings was a big change.
"It is different because everything is magnified," said Mayza. "In a game where you have six or seven innings, you can give up a couple of runs and still have a good outing. Now if you give up a couple of runs, the numbers can get inflated since you are only able to pitch a couple innings at a time. There isn't time to bounce back after a bad inning." "A lot of it is not focusing on the results," Mayza said. "You can have bad results but have a good outing. The coaches emphasize focus on what we can control. A lot of times guys will have mediocre numbers but move up in the organization because they make good pitches. You come from a place, in college, where it is all about winning and the team, and now it is an individualized system. We have meetings after every outing to discuss what we need to do individually and what the Blue Jays organization wants us to do." In his first professional season, Mayza is relying more on his change-up, refining his slider and working on cutting the strike zone in half. Talent is commonplace in the professional ranks, and every hitter can hit a fastball. The game becomes less about overpowering the competition physically and more about the game between the ears. Mayza believes his three years at Millersville give him an edge.
"Millersville did a great job preparing me for professional baseball, especially mentally," said Mayza. I've pitched over 100 innings this year, but I feel fine physically. The professional game is more of a mental toll. There 's a lot of ups and downs. There are a lot of changes, but Millersville really prepared me for this." Stops on the way to Toronto include places like Vancouver, Lansing, Dunedin and Buffalo. Mayza may crisscross the continent multiple times before his baseball career is complete, but he knows that it all started at Millersville.
Sports Fall 2013 21
Field hockey: A complete team effort To call the field hockey team's 2012 season a banner year would be an understatement. Just take a look at all of the firsts and program records that the team accomplished: first victory over Kutztown in a decade; first winning season in 14 years; first win against Bloomsburg since 1989; first PSAC Tournament appearance in 19 years; most conference wins in program history; second most wins in team history; first PSAC championship appearance in 23 years. Needless to say, the Millersville field hockey team had a breakout season in 2012. The challenge now is for Coach Shelly Behrens and her veteran team to continue to push forward in 2013. The Marauders lost only three of their top-15 scorers from last season and welcome back All-PSAC Second Team goalkeeper Lauren Sotzin and AllAmericans Rachel Dickinson and Sarah Bomberger. Expectations are high for the Marauders after the success of 2012, but handling those expectations will be crucial as the Black and Gold play in the best conference in all of Division II. "No one has higher standards for this team than me and these players," said Behrens. "We will continue to build, grow and elevate our play at all levels. I won't let expectations or things that I cannot control get in the way of what I can."
22 Sports Fall 2013
What Behrens has controlled over the past several years has been the motivation, leadership and energy that she brings to her practices and games. Her work ethic has been a deciding factor in the success of the field hockey program since her arrival in 2008. Her players would concur that she has been one of the most constant forces for the team; however, it was what she changed last year that turned the tide in favor of Millersville. "Last year I knew we were ready to turn the corner and push it to the next level," continued Behrens. "I pushed them a little harder and they reacted perfectly, and our results on the field reflected their preparation and dedication to our team." After concluding the 2012 field hockey season as the third-ranked team in the entire nation, the team has an ultimate goal of winning both a PSAC championship and a NCAA Division II championship. "I want to see how far I can push the team to pursue and excel on an individual level, but also as a collective group," stated Behrens. "My thoughts as a coach will also remain the same. I am going to outwork my team and prepare them as best I can to be their best so we can play together far into the postseason in 2013."
A team from the PSAC has won the national championship in all but three years since 1982, so who would choose Millersville to come out on top with so many national contenders? It is safe to say that there are very few who would have predicted that the Marauders would reach the PSAC championship game in 2012, and only a handful of individuals outside of Millersville are choosing the Black and Gold to get back to the pinnacle of the PSAC in 2013. "Now that we have turned the corner, these players have had a taste of competing in the postseason, and they are continuing to give so much of themselves for each other," observed Behrens. "I am excited to get back to work with them and see how great we can be together this year." The Marauders must prove to the rest of the PSAC that they are a legitimate contender and that last year was no fluke. It will be a total team effort and one that the field hockey team is eager to begin. "We want to be a consistent competitor in the PSAC," said Behrens. "We want to grow and enhance our abilities individually and as a team. We want to attack every day, and no matter what the scoreboard says, it will be our best team and together effort in that moment, for that day."
Millersville players after the game with Barnsley Academy.
Men's soccer takes a leap across the pond Soccer is by far the world's most popular sport. In England, this statement reigns especially true. In America, however, soccer lacks in popularity. Many soccer players in the United States dream about the opportunity to travel to Europe to get to experience firsthand the culture and hype that comes with soccer at the highest level. The Millersville men's soccer team lived out that dream in a 10-day
The team toured Conisborough Castle and other sites.
journey in which it competed against club teams, watched professional and academy soccer training sessions, and visited many tourist spots. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," commented head Millersville men's soccer coach Steve Widdowson. "For some of our players this will be their only trip to England, and it will be great for them as they will get an inside look at how soccer is run in a different country." Widdowson himself is a native of England, growing up
in the streets of Sheffield just 40 miles east of Manchester. The seventh-year head coach was eager for the opportunity to show his players what it is like to play soccer in England and to motivate them with the dedication of the players and clubs across the pond. "Our players definitely learned a lot more about me as a coach, where I come from and the things that I demand from them," continued Widdowson. "They see what it takes to train and compete in England and at the highest level. They observed the pressures that are on those kind of players and the intensity at which they train and compete. This will be a fantastic soccer education for our team." Each of the soccer players certainly relished the 'futbol' that awaited them in the United Kingdom, but they also traveled to multiple tourist locations to learn more about England and the rich historical culture that it celebrates. As the Marauders try to return to PSAC cChampionship form after a 9-9-1 record in 2012, the trip offered a chance to develop a stronger chemistry and connection, both on and off the field, especially with a shortened preseason in 2013. "We know that this trip will help form a foundation as we go into the regular season," added Widdowson. "It will be great for the chemistry and the camaraderie of our team. It will push each athlete out of their comfort zone by being in a different location. This is a perfect platform for developing a strong-knit team that will support each other throughout an entire season." Widdowson hopes to use the time with his team in his homeland as a catalyst to another successful season. The benefits that the players receive from this incredible experience may not be recognized until later in the season or even later in life. For the Marauders, it is certainly 10 days that they will never forget. "This journey is a fun and rewarding opportunity that will create lasting memories for a lifetime."
Sports Fall 2013 23
Alumni Interest Call for nominations The Millersville University Alumni Association (MUAA) is seeking nominations from alumni to identify candidates for both the alumni awards program and to serve on the board of directors. Distinguished Alumni Award is given to a living alumnus of Millersville University who has been distinguished in such a way to bring honor to the individual, for their professional achievements, contributions to society, to the University and/or the MU Alumni Association. Nominations for the award may be submitted by any person familiar with the achievements of an individual's distinguished endeavor. Honorary Alumnus/na Award is an award presented to individuals (non-alumnus) who have performed continuous exemplary service to the University or made significant contributions of time, talent or wealth to the University. Young Alumni Achievement Award recognizes Millersville graduates identified as being outstanding in their professions and are examples of exemplary achievement. Those who have graduated from Millersville University within the past 5-20 years who have recorded notable accomplishments in their chosen professions are eligible. The young alumni achiever will be invited to hold seminars, presentations and/or panel discussions on topics related to their profession. Outstanding Volunteer Service Award recognizes one volunteer annually who has devoted significant time, effort and outstanding service to the alumni association or the University. Millersville University Alumni Association Board of Directors In January, the Nominations and Awards Committee (N&A) meets to review upcoming vacancies. Alumni are notified of existing board and officer vacancies via the alumni website. On April 12, 2014, nominees are invited to give a brief introduction to the existing board prior to the official board meeting. Elections are held and results are shared within one week of the election. All alumni are invited to nominate someone to serve on the board; self-nominations are also acceptable. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, February 21, 2014. Nominating materials should be sent to: Nominations and Awards Committee/MUAA, c/o Office of Alumni Engagement, Millersville University, P.O. Box 1002, Millersville, PA 17551-0302, Email: email@example.com, FAX: 717-871-5050
24 Alumni Interest Fall 2013
(L-R) Ashley Tose, Ashley Ayers, Matt Storm '12, Maggie Johnson, Alicia Good and Kelly Davis '95, assistant director of alumni engagement.
Student alumni leaders In August, representatives of the Student Alumni Association (SAA), formerly called the Student Ambassadors, and two advisors attended the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education Affiliated Student Advancement Programs' National Convention in New Orleans. Sessions offered ideas for programs and activities to improve school spirit, encourage philanthropy and build strong bonds between students, alumni and the University. "Attending the conference provided us with the opportunity to gain valuable information from a variety of successful groups similar to ours. We left New Orleans with a new appreciation for the potential of our own organization," said Ashley Tose, president of SAA.
October 25-26, 2013
ALUMNI EVENT REGISTRATION For event information:
Call Millersville University's Office of Alumni Engagement at 800-681-1855 or 717-872-3352, or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
To register for an event online: www.villealumni.com Click on Event Calendar; locate the event and click Register.
Presidential meet and greet Since arriving at Millersville University in April, President John Anderson has been out and about meeting alumni, students and community leaders. His inauguration ceremony as Millersville's 14th president is scheduled for Friday, October 25, during Homecoming weekend. (R-L) Vivien Anderson, John Anderson, Lois Gartner and Dr. Joseph Rubin '51 at a reception July 10 at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia event.
Pre-Phillies game fun President John Anderson (left) and Millersville alumni enjoy themselves at McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon prior to the Phillies game on August 2.
Alumni directory project The average person moves every five years and changes careers three to five times in a lifetime. Phone numbers change more frequently than in years past and, with mobile phones, each person has more of them. Beginning in January 2014, the Office of Alumni Engagement, in conjunction with Harris Connect, will conduct a survey of all Millersville University alumni using a combination of mail, phone and email to contact alumni. Done every five years, this comprehensive directory project gives us a more accurate picture of alumni successes after graduation. The information collected assists us in many ways, including: Ensuring that contact information is up to date; Providing accurate telephone information and mailing addresses; Finding lost constituents; Updating career and additional school information; and Assisting alumni in getting in touch with fellow classmates. Alumni will be able to purchase a print directory, CD or online directory. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 800-681-1855 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS October 25 - Alumni and Friends Golf Outing, Crossgates, Millersville, 7:30 a.m. 25 - Inaugural ceremony of President Anderson 25-26 - Homecoming
November 2 – Alumni Legacy Breakfast, Old Main Room, Gordinier Hall, 9 a.m., and Family Weekend 13 – MU After Work, McCleary's Pub, Marietta, 5:15 p.m. 16 – 1993 Football Championship Team Reunion, Biemesderfer Stadium, 11 a.m.
December 4 – Marauder Career Networking Mixer, Oak Leaf Manor, Millersville, 5 p.m. 15 – Commencement
January 25 – Alumni and Friends NYC Theater Bus Trip (choice of Wicked or Avenue Q) Keep checking the alumni website for updates to these and other events at www.villealumni.com.
Phonathon discontinued We wanted to let you know that you will not be receiving a call from a Millersville student this year. For a variety of reasons, both financial and based on feedback from our supporters, we are discontinuing our phonathon. Don't worry though, there are still many easy ways to support Millersville students! To make a gift or for more information, please visit www.mville.us/give or call 877-872-3820.
Alumni Interest Fall 2013 25
Alumni remember 50 years after the death of JFK Millersville alumni recall the day they were stunned and shocked at the terrible news.
n November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Everyone who was old enough remembers where they were when they received the horrific news that our nation's President was dead. Millersville State College was no different.
I was student teaching at McCaskey High School. It was a Friday afternoon. The boys in the industrial arts class were busy working on their proj-
From the 12/4/63 Snapper: "The Long Wait - Students queued up on the steps of Old Main Nov. 22 listening to radio reports from the SNAPPER office a floor above on the shooting of President John F. Kennedy. Many remained for the long hour of broadcasting that preceded the news of the death of the President."
26 Review Fall 2013
ects. The vice principal called me into the hallway and told me the President had been killed. I took the boys into the drawing room, where I told the class. It was quiet. It remained quiet. We listened to the radio. We cried. The halls were quiet as the students passed. Cars stood still at green lights in Lancaster as I drove back to Millersville that Friday afternoon. Did this really happen? What will our country do? Why? Why? It seems like this just happened yesterday. It was a day you will never forget. -John Williams '64, retired industrial arts teacher I was in my second year of teaching American history at Penn Manor Junior High School. I happened to stop in the school office prior to my last class of the day and heard the news. I had a feeling of complete disbelief. When I entered my classroom of gifted 8th-graders, they immediately knew I was very upset. Their first thought was that they were in trouble. To this day, a former student recounts my reaction to it [the news] and to the class in which he was a student. The assassination was a real jolt. For days, everything seemed to come to a complete standstill. -Fay Kramer '62, education professor at Millersville 1971-2000
In November 1963, I was a social studies teacher at William Penn Sr. High School in York, Pa. It was just after 1 p.m. and my students were returning from lunch when the school public address system announced that JFK had been shot in Dallas. Of course, I was shocked, as were the students. As a social studies teacher, I changed my original lesson and we discussed this calamity and the other two presidents who were assassinated. Most students knew about Lincoln, but very few had heard of, or remembered, McKinley. The '60s were not a peaceful time in many cities in the USA, and I was concerned that there may be major unrest or even riots in York City, as there had been in recent months. Luckily, while there was great distress and much coverage of the assassination, York remained calm. Since Washington, D.C., is only hours away from York, many citizens, including a number of my students, went to the capital and viewed several ceremonies. I know that I was glued to the TV for days and remember Kennedy's son saluting his father's casket as it was driven by, behind the riderless horse with the boots reversed in the stirrups. -Dr. F. Perry Love '58, education professor at Millersville 1967-96
class notes • 1950s
• Renee (Genbauffe) O'Leary '50, Newark, Del., was featured in the News Journal for performing in her 50th year in the Chapel Street Players FUNdraiser.
• 1960s • Richard Rissmiller '63, Middletown, celebrates 45 years of marriage to Joyce Ann. Another important milestone is 50 years since graduation from Millersville University, making it "a red banner year." • CORRECTION: Barry Sussmann '67, Maple Glen, revisited China 34 years after his original visit, finding it a modern and bustling country, much changed through the years. He originally studied in Taiwan and taught Chinese culture for 30 years. • Carol (Robertson) Little '69, York, was selected by the York Art Association to exhibit her oil paintings in the Sally Little Danyo Sales Gallery.
• 1970s • Ronald C. Burger '70, Tallahassee, Fla., retired after 34 years with the Centers for Disease Control. He is now a contractor with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Health Affairs. • Donald W. Miller '70, Harrisburg, is a retired library
technician and freelance writer who writes under the pen name Donald Motier. He edited The Collected Poems of Charles Penrose Patton 1962-1991, published by Outskirts Press. Patton was a professor of English at Millersville University who died in 1992. • Robert J. Spong '72, '91M, Waynesboro, retired as the director of facilities management and planning at Hagerstown Community College. • Judy Anttonen '73, '76M, Millersville, recently competed in the National Senior Games in Cleveland, Ohio. She entered four swimming events. • Brian E. Wilkes '74, Pickneyville, Ill., dedicated his book, ESCAPE From The Darkroom, to Millersville University's Department of Art and Design, especially former faculty members Sheba Sharrow, Bob Lowing and John Dengler.
• Wanda (Dietz) Craner '75, Boyertown, an ordained minister with the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ, received the 2013 Moss Award for Excellence in Specialized Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary in May. • John Bieber '77, North Port, Fla., retired from the CIA Central Intelligence Agency and started his own security company, Bieber Enterprises. • Linda (Lutz) Ahern '78, Elizabethtown, was appointed athletic director at the Elizabethtown Area School District. She has worked in the district since 1975. • Thomas H. Shuey '79, Greencastle, was honored as one of the 2013 James R. Martz Teachers of the Year at the Greencastle-Antrim High School. Since 1980, he has taught industrial technology and was the cooperative supervisor from 1998-2004.
• 1980s • Karl "Dan" Armstrong '82, Telford, is a senior IT project manager for the American International Group. He holds professional certifications in project management (2012) and Six Sigma (2009). • Thomas L. Saltzer '82, Lancaster, has been promoted to vice president at GeoDecisions, an information technology company specializing in geospatial solutions. • Edward J. Delaney Jr. '83, Hastings Hudson, N.Y., was named executive vice president of operations for the Fox Sports Media Group. • Frances (Massaro) Dennis '83, Lancaster, received an award of excellence from the Contestoga Valley School Board. An educator for 18 years, she teaches special education in a multi-age classroom at Leola Elementary School.
Friends forever Sue (Bare) Kurtz '74, Leola; Sue (Hutchinson) Walkowiak '75, Millersville; Bev (Marshall) Das '75, Lafayette Hill; Joanne (Elden) Beale '75, Centerville, Va.; Sue (Ferguson) Albright '75, Mountville; and Pam (Sees) Beardsell '75, Warminster, had a reunion this year. Five of the six women met the first day of freshman orientation in 1971, and they are still friends today.
Class Notes Fall 2013 27
class notes When "The King" took stage with "The Boss" [the real one] He's from Philly. He impersonates Elvis. But it took 24 years and an encounter with Bruce Springsteen for Nick Ferraro '83 to be coined "The Philly Elvis." Ferraro received a communications degree from Millersville and it's served him well over the years, as he's channeled the spirit of the King of Rock and Roll to crowds large and small. "I really liked Elvis as a kid," said Ferraro, who now calls Harrisburg his home. "I watched him on TV and loved how passionately he sang." Ferraro first got the idea to impersonate Elvis after performing as The King for a talent show in Philly. He and four friends formed an impromptu band called "The King and Company," with Ferraro performing in full Elvis regalia. "We won the contest," Ferraro recalled. "After the show people came up to us and asked where we were playing next. I couldn't believe people were willing to pay to see us play." Ferraro and his friends committed themselves to learning 40 Elvis songs and began touring.
A few years later, Ferraro joined The Fabulous Heart Band and hit the road as a serious performer. The band opened for some of the greatest acts of the '50s and '60s, including The Coasters, The Drifters, The Platters and Bobby Rydell. They played on cruise ships, always with Ferraro in his signature, sequined white jumpsuit complete with high collar and cape. "The Platters asked me to be their permanent opening act in Vegas," said Ferraro. "But I turned them down because I had a family back here." After a decade of touring, Ferraro left The Fabulous Heart Band but continued to perform as a solo act. Ferraro has always held a "day job" in addition to playing Elvis by night. He currently serves as national sales manager for BW Limited in Harrisburg. He was also a franchise owner of The Philly Pretzel Factory, which he opened in nearby Lititz in 2007 before selling it in 2010. "I wanted to introduce the Philly pretzel to Central Pa.," Ferraro noted. Later in his career, Ferraro became heavily involved in philanthropy and began using his popular persona as a vehicle for good. "I always want nonprofits to benefit from my act," Ferraro explained. "I enjoy helping make the world a better place." Ferraro raised more than $44,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society during a two-day concert in April 2011. He has
28 Class Notes Fall 2013
also held benefit concerts for the American Cancer Society, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as well as his local church. Ferraro's admiration for The King is rivaled only by The Boss. Growing up in South Philly, Ferraro has been a die-hard Bruce Springsteen fan since he was a kid. "He was my idol," said Ferraro. "When I began singing, I said one day I want to sing with Bruce." Ferraro has attended dozens of Springsteen concerts, many of them wearing his Elvis costume and holding a sign reading "Can The King sing with The Boss?" Ferraro explained how difficult it is to even get near the stage of a Springsteen concert, let alone have Bruce agree to let him on stage. "You have to get to the concert early in the day and enter a lottery to see if you're in front of the stage," said Ferraro. On October 19, 2009, the stars aligned for Ferraro during a concert at the Spectrum in Philly. Standing center stage, wearing his Elvis gear and waving his sign, he heard Bruce and the band break into "All Shook Up." "All of a sudden I hear Bruce say 'Come on up, King'," said Ferraro. "I was picked up by the crowd and Springsteen handed me the mic." Ferraro said he dropped to his knees and began belting out the tune. Unfortunately his knee drop was not intentional; he had pulled a hamstring on his way up to the stage. "I was kicking out my legs and people thought it was an Elvis move." Ferraro was on stage less than a minute, but his time with The Boss became a life-changing moment. As he walked off stage, Springsteen yelled "Let's here it for the Philly Elvis," which remains the moniker for his alter ego to this day. Ferraro was also featured in the recently released documentary "Springsteen and I," which chronicles the lives of dozens of Springsteen fans and their personal encounters with him. Ferraro's experience with Bruce was voted as the fans' favorite moment. "It was my ultimate dream to sing in front of thousands of people with Bruce," said Ferraro. "It's a testimonial to Bruce for him to hand me that mic."
• CORRECTION: Karen (Schannauer) Richie '83, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., is a national board-certified teacher at Menomonee Falls High School. • Craig L. Kauffman '85, Landisville, will serve as the president of the Safari Club International (SCI). He has been a member of the SCI Executive Committee since 2008. • Johnna (Pinney) Taylor '85, Noank, Conn., accepted a position as senior vice president and chief credit officer at Dime Bank in Norwich, Conn. • Wendy L. (Orner) Young '85, Leesburg, Va., received her doctorate degree in education from George Mason University in May. • Dara E. (Blank) Trout '87, Glenmore, opened a Seniors Helping Seniors office, providing in-home services to seniors in western Montgomery and upper Bucks counties. • Allen Boyer '88, Palmyra, has written three young adult novels for Perfection Learning, a national publisher out of Iowa. He is currently writing an adult mystery series for Cozy Cat Press. To learn more about his publications, visit www.allenbboyer.com. • Ned Bustard '89, Lancaster, published a new book called It was Good Making Music to the Glory of God. It is published by Square Halo Books, Inc. • Luanne Lawrence '89, Columbia, S.C., was hired as the associate chancellor of strategic communications at the University of California at Davis. • Melvin L. Sensenig '89, Reading, received a doctorate degree in religion (Hebrew Bible) from Temple University in May. He credits his academic success to his advisor at Millersville
Forecasting for the Susquehanna Valley Meteorologist Christine Ferreira '04 worked in nearly every type of climate throughout the country before returning to Lancaster County to work for the local news station…and raise chickens. "Yes, I have nine chickens and love them dearly!" said Ferreira. "They all have different personalities and are funny to watch. Also, I have a guinea pig named Skipper." Ferreira, who hails from Chester County, decided to become a meteorologist after the Blizzard of '93. "I remember being stuck inside and watching the weather nonstop," said Ferreira. "I was fascinated that people could know what (weather) was coming. I became interested in forecasting." Ferreira's first job out of college was in Victoria, Texas. She arrived just as one of the biggest weather events of the decade was about to hit. "After Hurricane Katrina a lot of the people who lost their homes came to Texas," said Ferreira. "Then Rita hit. It was like a one-two punch for those people." Despite the mandatory evacuations, Ferreira stayed to cover the hurricane. "It was a minute by minute situation," she explained. "When a category five is headed towards your tiny town, you begin to think doomsday is here." Fortunately, Rita shifted her course and was downgraded to a category three before making landfall. Ferreira spent two years in Texas before landing a job in Portland, Oregon. After three years in Portland, she was tapped to work in a different climate known as Cleveland and experience lake-effect snow. "I love day-to-day forecasting," Ferreira explained. "I walk outside and the first thing I do is look up! I love the excitement of daily weather. It always changes and there's always a challenge." After nearly a decade of experience in three different cities, Ferreira felt it was time to come home. She had completed three internships at the local WGAL-TV station while she was a student at Millersville and jumped at the opportunity when a position became available. "This area has every kind of weather—Nor'easters, tornadoes, hurricanes," said Ferreira. "Everything I experienced around the country is right here." Ferreira lives in Millersville and enjoys jogging around the campus. She also returned to Lancaster just in time to enjoy her "fair share" of Lancaster County sweet corn. Ferreira said she appreciated the hands-on experience she received from Millersville professors and felt it better prepared her to become a successful meteorologist right out of the gate. "I loved all of my meteorology professors. We still keep in touch and it's great that they care and follow up with alumni," Ferreira added. "My class was very close-knit, too. Everyone reminisces about their time at MU. It was really one of the best experiences of my life." Ferreira said her favorite type of weather is snow, although she rarely gets to enjoy it because she usually has to work. "I think the only weather I don't like is a super windy, cold day. I instantly freeze!" She also enjoys going out into the community and teaching both the young and old about her passion for meteorology. "The thing about weather is it's always something people want to talk about," Ferreira noted. "It's a great way to start a conversation."
Class Notes Fall 2013 29
class notes University, Dr. Mark Leuchter. • Todd Umstead '89, Lancaster, received a 2013 Distinguished Civic Leadership Award from Millersville University in April. He is a lieutenant with the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.
• 1990s • James L. Cassarella '90, Sugarloaf, is the new U.S. property and fiscal officer for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Fort Indiantown Gap. He assumed responsibility in a ceremony held in April. • Shawn S. Serfass '90, East Petersburg, was appointed vice president of finance and treasurer at the Lititz Mutual Group and Lititz Mutual Insurance Companies. • Stephen Rimby '91, Mt. Penn, celebrates 20 years of service at Berks Community Action Program, Inc. He is the senior energy auditor and quality assurance inspector for the weatherization assistance program. • Jennifer L. (Foley) Mulroney '92, Lancaster, started a new position as the assistant district court administrator of the criminal division with the Lancaster County Court Administration. • Melissa D. Patschke '92M, Birdsboro, was appointed to the board of directors of the National Association of
30 Class Notes Fall 2013
Elementary School Principals and will represent principals in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. She is the principal of the Upper Providence Elementary School. • Stephannie (Block) Brown '94, Ashville, N.C., relocated to Shanghai as the business and market development project leader for special resins at Momentive Specialty Chemicals. • Haley (Haldeman) Hardenstine '94, Pine Grove, received certification in infection prevention and control from the Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. She is a nurse with the PinnacleHealth System. • Julie (Crossan) Lyons '94, Marlton, N.J., published a young adult novel, Chasing Hope. For more information, visit BooksForTeensByJulie.com. • Brian M. Troop '94, Lititz, was appointed superintendent of the Ephrata Area School District. • Kathy (Funt) Weller '94, Fredericksburg, Va., is a kindergarten teacher in Fredericksburg, Va. She was chosen the Hugh Mercer Elementary School Teacher of the Year for 2013-14. • Vance E. Antonacci '96, Lancaster, was selected as one of Central Pennsylvania's Forty Under 40 for 2013. The award, which is given by the Central Penn Business Journal, recognizes professionals for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence and the community. He is a member of the law firm of McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC, and chairs the asset planning and federal taxation practice group. He also has been
Joys of mentoring "My mentor is the BEST mentor ever. Without her, my life, my school performance and my aspirations would have disappeared," said Rocio Torres Cortez '10, '12M about her mentor, Jerri Anne Johnson, '76, '78M. For 10 years, the Millersville Mentoring Alliance Program (MMAP) has been engaging students in meaningful, fun and mutually beneficial mentoring partnerships with Millersville alumni, faculty/staff and community members. The goal of mentoring is to help students realize their unique strengths and passions, and encourage them to strive to reach their full potential in all areas of life. The MMAP is currently seeking mentors for the 2013-14 academic year. Mentors commit to attending a training session in early fall and meeting face-to face with their mentee at least 10 times during the academic year. If you are interested in becoming a mentor to a Millersville University student, or would simply like to learn more, visit the MMAP website at www.millersville.edu/mmap. Click on "Apply Here" to complete an online application. You may also contact the MMAP staff at 717-871-5361 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
recognized as a "Pennsylvania Rising Star" and a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer." • Carin (Swartz) Vena '96, Philadelphia, received her master's degree in education from Holy Family University in 2007 and has been teaching kindergarten since then. • Lynette (Reavis) Waller '97, Lancaster, was named director of elementary education for the School District of Lancaster. • Joel M. Baron '99, Bloomington, Ind., was awarded the 2012 Big Ten Video Coordinator of the Year by the Collegiate Sports Video Association.
• 2000s • Amy Kehm '00, Philadelphia, returns to WHTM abc27 to host and produce "Good Day Pa.!," a
lifestyle program showcasing midstate Pennsylvania. • Christopher D. Marschka '02, Shorewood, Wisc., is the senior vice president of corporate and institutional banking market manager for PNC Bank in Milwaukee, Wisc. • Jennifer M. Oravecz '02, Landisville, was promoted to Medicare program consultant at Capital Blue Cross in Harrisburg. • Justin Rule '04, Lancaster, received a 2013 Distinguished Civic Leadership Award from Millersville University in April. He serves as the education director at Manos House Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitative Services and as the executive director of Heads-Up Lancaster. • Tracey Lynn Arriola '05, Millersville, was named the 2013 Democrat of the Year by the
n cut e e b e v a h r Millersville o f s atter d m n u o f n e t — a t n s , io Since 1983 your donat g in k a m , an ever. n 56% h a t h t t n e a r t r o o m p by —more im t n u o m a e th
Please consider giving the next generation a helping hand at mville.us/give or call 1-877-872-3820 This is 9 pt type Millersville University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. 5115-0413
Lancaster County Democratic Committee. She is also a Columbia precinct committee person and has been the office manager at the committee's headquarters for 10 years. • John "Greg" Pizzoli '05, Philadelphia, has written a new children's book titled The Watermelon Seed. This is one of many books that he has written and illustrated. For more information, www.gregpizzoli.com. • Marlene E. Jordan '06, Lancaster, is the director of the residence program at YWCA Lancaster's Kepler Hall. She retired from Armstrong in 2006 after 32 years of service. • James I. Hague '07, White Marsh, Md., is the coordinator of student success in the Office of Residential Life at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. • Michael Sickmeier '07, Akron, received a master's degree in business administration from Lebanon Valley College in May.
He is employed as a sales associate officer at Fulton Financial Corporation in Lancaster. • James K. Deng '08, Upper Darby, received a master's degree in finance from Wilmington University in January. He is a revenue examiner for the City of Philadelphia. • Tom Gorman '08, Saylorsburg, was hired as the vendor resources coordinator with Godfrey, a B2B agency in Lancaster. • Barbara (Sheeley) Stottsberry '08, Manassas, Va., received a master's degree in forensic science from George Mason University in May. • Deborah C. Boyd '09, Lancaster, traveled this summer to Goa, India, with an organization call Rahab's Rope, a rehabilitation and preventive care program for women and children at risk for human trafficking.
• Brett Fitti-Hafer '11, Baltimore, Md., received his master's degree in industrial and applied mathematics from Towson University in May.
• 2010s • Philip J. Vonada '11, Spring Mills, received a master's degree in theater from Villanova University in May. • John Watts '11, Lancaster, was named executive director of the Lancaster Mediation Center. • Emily Ashlin '12, Chambersburg, was hired as an account executive for Donovan Advertising & Marketing Services.
• Marriages • Kara Fenton '92 and Robert Mullarky, 10/20/12. • Scott Herbein '94, '04M and Melissa Hoffman, 6/16/12. • Robert Clark '95 and Helen Hagerty, 3/9/13. • Kimberly Anne Graham '97
and Jason Pfeffer, 4/27/13. • Melissa Bredlow '01 and Mark Daisey, 1/28/12. • Krista Dankiw '05 and Tyler Ludwig, 5/15/12. • Jonathan Egger '06 and Ivy Cohen '07, 10/10/10. • Lindsey Bicksler '08 and Brandon Moyer '08, 9/8/12. • Harmony Adler '12 and Kieran Todd, 3/1/13.
• Births • James Medina '95 and wife Stacie (Amoroso) '97, twins, Alec Joseph and Taylor Madison, on 5/1/13. They join brothers Christian and Adrian, and sister Aubrey. • Janet (Danenhower) Graczyk '98 and husband Thomas '98, a son, Evan Daniel, on 11/10/12. • William Tomlinson '00 and wife Melissa (Geesaman) '01, a daughter, Emma Lynn, on 1/8/12. • Meghan (Venella) Helzlsouer '02 and husband William, a son, William James, on 7/26/12.
Class Notes Fall 2013 31
class notes • Pamela (Whitaker) Trainor '02 and husband Joseph '02, a daughter, Caroline, on 3/5/13. • Stephanie (Erb) Taylor '03, '07M and husband Jon, a son, Andrew James, on 2/26/13. • Allison (Appler) Wagner '03 and husband Jeb '04, a daughter, Elle Lucille, on 3/5/12. • Elizabeth (Gillette) Rood '04 and husband Jeff '04, a daughter, Kella Rena, on 4/28/12. • Katie (Venella) Skonier '04 and husband Jeffrey, a son, Kyle David, on 4/14/13. • Julie (Esek) Bradley '05 and husband Tim '04, a son, Ian Fire, on 7/4/13. • Matthew Kerper '05 and wife Karen (Moss) '07, a son, Brayden Matthew, on 4/3/13.
• Deaths • Mildred Redlus '29, Boca Raton, Fla., died on 8/7/13, at the age of 103. She taught elementary school for many years. • Edith (Rohrer) Ankrum '36, Quarryville, died on 3/28/13, at the age of 97. She served as a librarian at Solanco High School from 1957-1977. She was also the coordinator of Solanco School District Libraries and established libraries and librarians in each elementary school. • Hazel (Martin) Yeagley '37, Quarryville, died on 4/2/13, at the age of 96. She taught first grade for West Lampeter Township and then for the School District of Lancaster for many years at the Eichholtz and John Price elementary schools. • Barbara (Ayrscott Heenan) DeStefano '38, Honey Brook, died on 6/30/13, at the age of 97. In 1959 she took a position as a social studies teacher at Archbishop Prendergast High
32 Class Notes Fall 2013
School in Drexel Hill until 1975. When she stopped teaching she volunteered as an English teacher to new American citizens. • Charlotte (Throne) Hively '39, York, died on 3/8/13, at the age of 95. She retired in 1977 after 39 years as an elementary school teacher for the Central York School District. • Joseph "Joe" Winogrodzki '42, Thompsonville, Mich., died on 1/27/13, at the age of 92. A veteran of World War II, he was an industrial arts teacher for many years. • Lorna Jene (Eshleman) King '45, Millersville, died on 5/25/13, at the age of 90. She specialized in human interest stories as a resident correspondent of Lancaster Newspapers, a writer for the Columbia News, contributor to various journals and the Lancaster Life Writers' Group. During World War II, she was a corporal in the United States Women Marines. She was buried with full military honors. • Marion Ann (Ledgard) Mulholland '46, Rockville, Md., died on 6/1/13, at the age of 87. She taught in Lancaster, Japan and Germany. Residing in the Washington, D.C., area since 1956, she traveled the world and enjoyed reading, gardening, bird watching, the piano and spending time with her family. • E. Jerry Brooks '49, Lancaster, died on 7/7/13, at the age of 88. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and landed on Utah Beach in Normandy, France. He taught at his alma mater, J.P. McCaskey High School, and coached track, cross country and wrestling. For decades, he served as an official for football, swimming and diving, and track and field. He
was a principal at Hand Junior High and Penn Manor High School, and assistant superintendent at Penn Manor School District. He was the president of the Lancaster City Teachers Association and president of the Southern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. When he retired in1984, he was appointed as the first executive director of District III, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA). • George L. Gold '49, Watsontown, died on 4/28/13, at the age of 90. He was a retired educator who taught in the Milton and Southern area school districts. • Robert J. Tuckey '49, Lancaster, died on 4/5/13, at the age of 86. He was a World War II veteran and taught for 27 years as an industrial arts teacher at Exeter Township High School. • Doris (Brown) Church '52, York, died on 11/3/12, at the age of 82. She was an elementary schoolteacher who retired from York City School District. She was also a past president of the Young Women's Club of York. • Ruth E. Shank '54, Middletown, died on 3/12/13, at the age of 82. She worked as a first-grade teacher for the Middletown Area School District, retiring after 35 years of service. • Pauline Bruckner '57, Ambler, died 3/14/13, at the age of 77. She played the piano for many events at Spring House Estates, where she lived. • Charles R. Goudy '57, Earleville, Md., died on 4/7/13, at the age of 78. He began his career as an industrial arts teacher at Ogletown Middle School, now Kirk Middle School,
Ivy Cohen '07 and Jonathan Egger '06 were married on 10/10/10.
retiring in 1987 after 30 years of teaching. • Georgine Royce Pieper '58, West Chester, died on 7/7/13, at the age of 76. She taught elementary school for 40 years. Upon retirement she volunteered frequently to teach English as a second language to new immigrants to the U.S. She enjoyed travel and made numerous trips to France.
In order to ensure that your news will appear in a given issue, please submit it according to the schedule below:
Winter 2014 issue: November 1, 2013 Spring 2014 issue: February 1, 2014 Please send news to: Alumni Services Office P.O. Box 1002 Millersville, PA 17551-0302 Phone: 800-681-1855 Fax: 717-871-5050 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Alumni website: www.villealumni.com
Stephanie Gehman '10 and Craig Leister '08 were married 6/29/13, at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York. Their alma mater was well represented by a number of Marauders on the guest list. The bride is a third grade teacher in Solanco School District and the groom is a technology education teacher in Radnor Township School District.
Krista Dankiw '05 and Tyler Ludwig, 5/15/12. (l-r): D.J. Manderachi '05, Kristen (Maze) Manderachi '05, Randi (Stern) Martin '04, Cameron Martin '04, Krista Dankiw '05, Tyler Ludwig, Kate Czar '05, Andrew Adams '05, Becky (Wieand) Madden '05, Joe Madden '06, Doug Leister '06, and Steve Richards '06. Krista works as a reproductive endocrinology nurse practitioner.
Justine Davis '13 and Nate Campbell were married in Windsor, Pa., on 7/12/13. The couple resides in Fresno, Calif.
Robert Clark '95 and Helen Hagerty were married on 3/9/13.
Nash Doud '13 and Talia Frantz (right) were married on 6/1/13 at Pine Ridge Farm, Pine Grove. Doud's Millersville University buddies ham it up at the reception (photo far right, l-r): Mike J. McGuirk '13, Matthew Levin, Jessica Do '12, the groom Nash Doud '13, Blake Davis '12, Rory Hardenstine '12 and Chad Wagner '13.
Class Notes Fall 2013 33
class notes • Jean (Hall) Ferich '59, Gainesville, Fla., died 5/20/13, at the age of 91. She taught first and third grades in the Manheim Township School District for 25 years. She worked as a volunteer guide at Wheatland, the Lancaster home of former U.S. President James Buchanan. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women. • Robert Charles Resch '59, Lancaster, died on 7/2/13, at the age of 77. He was an educator at Eastern York High School for 36 years, where he taught government, economics and driver's education. He was a 32-year charter member of the Lancaster Chapter of Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA). In 2006 he was awarded the J. Richard Millhouse Memorial Award for actively promoting and portraying dedication to the continuing advancement of the American Softball Association of Pa. Program. • Joan R. Sipe '61, Ephrata, died on 4/28/13, at the age of 74. She worked as an elementary school teacher for the Lebanon School District for 22½ years. She was a member of the ABWA, Rec Center Auxiliary and Mt. Lebanon Fellowship. • Berthold (Bert) Kramer '64, Cherry Hill, N.J., died on 5/5/13, at the age of 71. He taught biology at Neshaminy School District for 28 years. He won numerous biology summer grants from various universities and was a longtime member of many environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club. • Pauline E. Copp '65, Hershey, died on 4/11/13, at the age of 89. She served as an educator
34 Class Notes Fall 2013
and librarian for both the former Hershey Junior College and the Derry Township School District. • Patricia (Fleming) Schultze '65, Broomhall, died on 4/4/13, at the age of 69. She worked in the acquisition branch of the San Antonio College Library, always surrounded by books, which she loved. • Patricia L. (Orr) Ely '66, Reading, died on 3/14/13, at the age of 69. She was an English and English literature teacher at Reading High School for more than 30 years. • Ronald E. Snavely '66, Elizabethtown, died on 5/13/13, at the age of 70. He taught industrial arts and industrial technology for many years. He was also owner/manager for Lancaster Caterers Inc. He enjoyed biking, cross-country skiing, gourmet dinner group, his Mountain Men weekend and Action Unlimited Girl Scouting trips. •Gordon P. Symonds Jr. '66M, Millersville, died on 6/25/13, at the age of 78. In 1963 he joined the English department at Millersville University, where he taught for 35 years until his retirement as an associate professor in 1998. In keeping with his wishes following his diagnosis in early 2010 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (known as Lou Gehrig's disease), his body was donated to the ALS Center for Hope at Drexel University. • Margaret (Cole) Gerberich '66, '71M, Lebanon, died on 3/25/13, at the age of 92. She had been an elementary school teacher for the Northern Lebanon School District.
Remembrances • Jill M. (Sholley) Coleman, Millersville, died 5/30/13, at the age of 54. She worked as an administrative assistant at Millersville University until her retirement in February 2012. For 10 years she was involved with the Lancaster County Relay for Life and was its first honorary chairperson. • Judith Ann Fuller, Lancaster, died on 5/28/13, at the age of 73. She had worked in housekeeping at Millersville University. • Beth H. Greenough, Lancaster, died on 7/9/13, at the age of 83. She worked at Millersville University from 1963 to her retirement in 1989 as a payroll supervisor. • Irene Jarvis, Columbia, died on 5/26/13, at the age of 86. She worked for Millersville University in the housekeeping department for many years. • Dr. Michael G. Kovach, Millersville, died on 7/12/13, at the age of 94. Ordained in 1943, he served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army during World War II. During his lifetime, he enjoyed a dual career—as a priest of the Orthodox Church of America for 69 years and as a faculty member at Millersville University for 26 years, beginning in 1959. He established two degree programs: philosophy and Russian studies. He was serving as dean of Millersville's graduate school when he retired. • Stanley B. Snyder Sr., Lancaster, died on 6/20/13, at the age of 91. He retired in 1984 from his position as a security police officer at Millersville University. A veteran who served in World War II, he received four medals and three bronze campaign stars for the Normandy (France) and German campaigns.
• Frederick F. Lawman '69, Massillon, Ohio, died on 3/16/13, at the age of 69. He was a retired Secret Service agent. • David R. Shertz '75, Redwood City, Calif., died on 2/23/13, at the age of 63. He was a software engineer and talented musician who loved to visit Hawaii. • Virginia (Faulkner) Emerson '76, Townsend, Del., died on 4/2/13, at the age of 58. She taught for 32 years in the Appoquinimink School District. • Susan E. Huck '81, Lancaster, died 5/29/13, at the age of 61. She taught at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design and also worked in the fashion industry as a manager, buyer and consultant.
• Lawrence J. Nowlan Jr. '87, Cornish, N.H., died on 7/30/13, at the age of 48. He was a renowned sculptor whose bronze likeness of Harry Kalas welcomes Phillies fans to Citizens Bank Park. His passion for Philadelphia sports led to an effort to memorialize Kalas, the longtime Phillies broadcaster. At the time of his death, he was working on a sculpture of the heavyweight boxer Joe Frazier, commissioned by the City of Philadelphia. • Christine "Tina" (Feola) Gutekunst '90, Douglassville, died on 12/21/12, at the age of 44. She was a teacher in the Pottsgrove School District in Pottstown from 1991 until 2002.
Why we
Matt '83 & Leah '84 Hepler with their daughter Courtney
Leaving a legacy for their MU family Few things could make Matthew '83 and Leah '84 Hepler prouder than to see their daughter Courtney follow in their Millersville University footsteps. The couple first met at Lyle Dining Hall, when Matt boldly walked up to Leah and invited her to a weekend party—while his friends cheered. "I first saw Leah running up the steps from Lyle Dining Hall to the dorm, and I told my buddy I was going to marry that girl. And almost six years to the day, I did," says Matt. The two were engaged in room 101 of Lyle Hall the night before Leah's graduation in May 1984. "Matt first proposed to me during my freshman year at a party at Cottage Place," she says. "But I laughed and told him that I didn't want to be engaged during college. When he came up for my graduation, he surprised me by getting down on one knee and proposing." Like many Millersville couples, they had their first date at the pond where the gazebo now stands. Not only does Millersville have a place in their hearts, but it is where their daughter, Courtney, is a senior majoring in communication and public relations with a minor in studio art. Her first visit to the campus was in a stroller as a baby. "Courtney is following in our footsteps and is very active in Greek life with her sorority, Delta Zeta," says Leah, adding that their daughter participated in a study abroad program
in London and a public relations internship with the Mayor's Office of Special Events in Lancaster. And that is the reason they give to Millersville University. For Leah and Matthew, it is a sense of family—their own and the extended MU family— that has made a big difference in their lives. The Heplers have been loyal supporters of Millersville's annual fund, now called the Impact Fund, since they both graduated. "We feel it is important to give to the University so they can provide the same educational opportunities in the future that we personally received in the past," says Leah, who serves on the Impact Leadership Council as an alumni and parent representative. Both have been very active in Greek life, she in Sigma Phi Omega Sorority and he in Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. Leah is involved in helping to plan the 50th anniversary celebration of Greek Life at Homecoming 2013; Matt, who was the the first 'Ville Idol champion in the alumni division in 2007, serves on the board of directors of Sigma Tau Gamma alumni association and assisted with organizing the 40th anniversary as the first national fraternity at Millersville as well as the 50th anniversary of its founding fraternity, Tau Gamma Lambda—the actual first Greek organization at Millersville. The Heplers are grateful for the foundation that their Millersville
educations afforded them in their careers. Both graduated with degrees in business administration; Matt with a concentration in marketing and Leah, in accounting. Matt started his career in sales, then moved to materials management and purchasing. He is the purchasing director for Analytical Technology, Inc. (ATI) in Collegeville. Leah is a CPA and received her MBA from Villanova University. She is the director of accounting and financial services with ASTM International. "I volunteer on a number of not-forprofit boards," adds Leah. "And I know that every dollar donated helps more than you realize." At Millersville University, the Heplers know that their donations provide funding for research, educational and scholarship opportunities. And they remind alumni that small donations are just as important as the large ones. "No matter what amount you can give, it counts," says Leah. "With the cutbacks in the state budget, donations from alumni are more important than ever."
Why we give 35
Cultural events
September Sept. 5-Nov. 9 - American Qur'an Exhibition: Works by Sandow Birk Winter Center Art Gallery, Millersville Sept. 9 - Oct. 3 - Art exhibit: Brian Giniewski "Being Silt, Becoming Stone," Ceramics Sykes Gallery, Breidenstine Hall, Millersville Monday 23 - Film: "Homegoings" with special guests director & producer Christine Turner and composer Daniel Roumain 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Wednesday 25 - Innovator-in-Residence: Joan Blades, A Living Room Conversation 7 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Thursday & Friday 26-27 CCERP International Policy Conference: Human Rights Across the Globe Policy Conference Thursday 26 - Michelle Angela Ortiz, presents her documentary "Auqi' Y Alla" 2:30 p.m. Lehr Room, Gordinier Hall, Millersville Thursday 26 - Keynote: Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide 7 p.m. Lehr Room, Gordinier Hall, Millersville Saturday 28 - August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville
Tickets call: 717-872-3811 or Visit: muticketsonline.com | Learn more about our 2013 events at millersville.edu
October Tuesday 1 - Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats 7 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Thursday 3 - Carter G. Woodson Lecture: Aaron McGruder, cartoonist and creator of the comic strip, The Boondocks 7:30 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Saturday 5 - Cabaret: Comedy Night (ages 21 and older) 7:30 p.m Ware Center, Lancaster
Aaron McGruder
Sunday 6 - Wind Ensemble and Concert Band 2:30 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Monday 7 - Film: "Ain't In It For My Health," a film about Levon Helm 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Monday-Thursday 7-10 - Education on Location: National Issues at Home Monday 7 - Keynote: Dr. Jay Smink, retired executive director of the National Dropout Prevention Center at Clemson University 12 p.m. Lehr Room, Gordinier Hall, Millersville Wednesday 9 - Maria Corley Presents "Ride the Chariot: African American Songs" 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Thursday 10 - Anna Funk Lockey Lecture: Dr. Milton Chen, former executive director at the George Lucas Education Foundation 7 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Saturday 12 – Jazz in the Sky: Roseanna Vitro, Vocalist 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Wednesday 16 - Grace Kelly (Jazz/Saxophone) 7 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Friday 18 - OperaLancaster: Opera Macabre 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Tuesday 22 - Melva S. McIlwaine Concert featuring Beatrice Rana, 2013 Van Cliburn Silver Medalist, Classical Piano 7:30 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Tuesday 29 - Lecture: Dr. Theresa Alfaro-Velcamp, "Middle Eastern Immigration to Mexico: The Making of the Good Foreign National" 7:30 p.m. Student Memorial Center, Millersville Wednesday 30 - Conrad Nelson Lecture: Pepon Osorio 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster
Tickets call: 717-872-3811 or Visit: muticketsonline.com | Learn more about our 2013 events at millersville.edu
Friday & Saturday 1-2 - ACMO'S Fall Musical Showcase Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. & Nov 2 at 2 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Tuesday 5 - "Sounds of Desire" by Heather Raffo 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Wednesday 6 - Melva S. McIlwaine Master Class with Eleni Calenos and Charles Austin 3 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville
Heather Raffo
Wednesday 6 - Stephen A. Smith, ESPN sports journalist 7:30 p.m. Reighard Multipurpose Room, Student Memorial Center Stephen Smith
Thursday 7 - Brossman-Frisbie Science Lectureship: Dr. Michael Mann, "The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars" 7 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville
Nov. 8-10 & 14-17 - University Theatre: The Venetian Twins Rafters Theatre, Dutcher Hall, Millersville Sunday 10 - Central Pa. Friends of Jazz present Freddy Cole 3 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Nov. 11-Jan. 23 - Metals Invitational Exhibit: Becky McDonah Sykes Gallery, Breidenstine Hall, Millersville Thursday 14 - The Newstead Trio 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Saturday 16 - Jose Garcia "Twenty Six Italian Songs and Arias" 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Wednesday 20 - Fall Percussion Extravaganza, James Armstrong and LOOP 2.4.3 7:30 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Thursday 21 - Atzilut "Concert for Peace" 7:30 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Friday 22 - Jazz In the Sky: Fred Hughes Trio 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Saturday 23 - Fam Fun Fest: Billy Kelly and the BLAHBLAHBLAHS 11 a.m. Ware Center, Lancaster
Tickets call: 717-872-3811 or Visit: muticketsonline.com | Learn more about our 2013 events at millersville.edu
Wednesday 4 - Lancaster Symphony Orchestra Holiday Brass 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Saturday 7 - Glorious Sounds of the Season 7:30 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Sunday 8 - Glorious Sounds of the Season 2:30 p.m. Winter Center, Millersville Monday 9 - Irish Christmas in America 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Friday 13 - Cabaret: Christmas Show with Erin Cruise 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Saturday 14 - Fam Fun Fest: Hip Hop (Happy) Festival 11 a.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Saturday 14 - OperaLancaster: Amahl and the Night Visitors 7:30 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster Sunday 22 - Jazz in the Sky: The Next Generation concert 5 p.m. Ware Center, Lancaster
Millersville University has more than a hundred events and performances scheduled at the Ware and Winter centers, and other campus venues during the fall semester. Check online for detailed information including costs. New events are added throughout the semester. The public is welcome. Millersville.edu/MUArts Ask about our FLEX PASS and receive a 15% discount when you mix and match 5 eligible events.
Three Convenient Ways to Order Tickets: The Series at the Ware Center offers performances in Art, Cabaret, Dance, Jazz, Film, Lecture, Music, OperaLancaster For more information on these series, visit millersville.edu/lancaster The Ware Center 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster
The Winter Visual and Performing Arts Center is located at 60 West Cottage Avenue on Millersville University's campus. Free parking is available at the parking garage located at Cottage Avenue and North Prince Street.
In person Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at: Student Memorial Center Ticket Office located in Room 103 of the Student Memorial Center on Millersville's campus or at the front desk of the Ware Center, Lancaster.
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Over the phone by calling 717-872-3811, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Online at Millersville.edu/MUArts or muticketsonline.com
Winter Center events require advance tickets, but, in many cases, are free. All events are subject to change.
Tickets call: 717-872-3811 or Visit: muticketsonline.com | Learn more about our 2013 events at millersville.edu
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Welcome, Freshmen Student orientation leaders greet freshmen and their families on move-in day, August 21.
Magazine for alumni and friends of Millersville University.
Published on Oct 17, 2013
Magazine for alumni and friends of Millersville University.