Class notes

65

Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. McSweeney was honored with the Service to Journalism Award at the Golden Quills in Pittsburgh on May 30. This is the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the National Press Club and McSweeney will be the first person outside of Pittsburgh to win the award. After several years as leader of The Christophers in New York City, McSweeney, who built Gannon’s theater and communications program, was summoned back to Erie by the Bishop at that time. Aided by Anne-Marie Welsh, he greatly improved communications in the Erie Catholic Diocese.

70

Kevin K. O’Connell is seeking a seat on the Town Board of Hanover, N.Y. O’Connell, a former small business owner with a degree in political science from Gannon University, spent 30-plus years as a public school teacher working in both general and special education. He has a history of community involvement in community service organizations, church groups and teachers’ associations while serving in leadership roles throughout.

71

Suzanne (Rohaly) Richard, Ph.D. helped organize an event at the Madaba Regional Archaeological Museum in Madaba, Jordan. This workshop offers schoolchildren and the local community an opportunity to engage in their heritage preservation. Richard is a professor in the History and Archaeology Department, as well as in the Theology Department at Gannon University. She also serves as the director of the Collins Institute for Archaeological Research. 

Joan T. Salchli and her husband, Stuart, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28 at Walt Disney World where they had their honeymoon.

73

Judith M. Lynch, Ph.D. ’73M has been a board member of the Jefferson Educational Society since its inception and served as its first chairwoman.

David P. Marino received the Outstanding Adjunct Award for CHESS in the Computer and Information Science Department from the College of Business and Engineering at Gannon University.

Save the Date: 2024 Homecoming and Family Weekend October 4 to October 5

74

Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O. was awarded the Robert A. Kistner Award from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. This award is presented annually to one individual in recognition of their significant contributions to osteopathic medical education throughout their careers. 

76

Miguel A. Sague Jr. is a board officer and speaker with the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center in Pittsburgh. Sague finds value in reenactments involving Native Americans. “I think reenacting these battles is a good thing. It’s something that allows for history to come alive in front of people who haven’t researched it themselves.”

78

Donna R. (Morgan) Jansen, Ph.D. has been appointed to the Board of Directors of EMulate Therapeutics, Inc. located in Bellevue, Wash.

William “Ed” Seeley has been promoted to president of Polymer Valley Chemicals. In his new position, Seeley will oversee the company’s entire operation, including their corporate headquarters and sales staff in Akron, Ohio and production facilities in Macon, Ga. He will be responsible for the company’s overall strategy in terms of customer service, efficiency and growth.

79

Michele B. (Cunningham) Campbell, Ed.D. ’79M has been appointed to the New Castle Library Board in New Castle, Pa., to fill a term to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Campbell holds a doctorate in psychology and currently serves as an adjunct lecturer for Gannon University in Graduate Outreach Education, Administrative Certificate and Education.

82

Mary Anne Albaugh, M.D. presented at the Orlando Biomedical Ethics and Catholic Social Teaching Lecture Series on Sept. 13. Albaugh presented “Caring for our children, families and community – Challenges, disparities and opportunities for making a difference.”

James F. Heagy, Ph.D. has been included in the Marquis Who’s Who. He is celebrated for his dedication to the defense industry. Heagy channels years of experience into his work with the Institute for Defense Analyses. 

Michael J. Stafford was featured at the Martz-Kohl Observatory’s lecture series, “The Origin and Evolution of Galaxies,” which was held on Oct. 18.

Rev. Thomas J. Whitman is the new pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Corry, Pa. and St. Teresa of Avila parish in Union City, Pa.  

83

Charles H. Dougherty Jr. is the director of intellectual property and operations at Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Technology Transfer Creation and Enterprise Creation. When Carnegie Mellon University’s students and staff want to turn their new tech ideas into startups, he is there to help them obtain patents and protect their ideas. 

David A. Muha and his classmates from the Class of 1983 celebrated their 40th reunion by returning to the Gannon campus in early September. They received a campus tour and said they had a great time.

Charles “Chuck” P. Stefanosky is the supplier diversity director at Independence Blue Cross. In this role, he develops and executes strategies to enrich Independence’s 30-plus year commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. His work helps to create opportunities for growth among businesses that are owned and controlled by women, veterans, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Stefanosky is a sought-after advisor and speaker on best-in-class supplier diversity programs.

Gannon Celebrates Homecoming & Family Weekend 2023

2023 Distinguished Alumni

Gannon University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration returned to campus in September, combining the traditional activities of both Homecoming and Gannon’s Family Weekend to bring together current students and family members in addition to old friends and classmates throughout the weekened festivities.  

Five distinguished alumni were also honored during the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards, Including: Chanel M. Cook ’00; Kristal Ambrose ’16, Ph.D.; Col. David R. Fabian ’63; Michael A. Fetzner, Esq. ’69; and Msgr. Henry A. Kriegel ’66. 

84

Rev. Msgr. Edward M. Lohse has been appointed as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo, Mich., as of July 25. He previously served as the vicar general of the Erie Diocese and pastor of St. Julia Church in Millcreek Township.

Diane M. (Sain) Marzula has been promoted to senior vice president, manager for global accounts by Federated Hermes, Inc., a global leader in active, responsible investment management, with $701 billion in assets under management as of March 31.

Carl R. Nicolia presented at the Gannon University’s Dahlkemper School of Business Speaker Session on “Entrepreneurism: An Intellectual Journey with PSNergy” on April 18 on Gannon’s Erie campus. Nicolia is the CEO and president at PSNergy.

87

Arnaldo A. D’Ambrosio is the new chief development officer at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Mich. Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion.

88

Honorable Joseph E. Sinnott has been hired as the new director of the Erie County Economic Development Department. The department seeks to invest, leverage and maximize returns on American Rescue Plan funds. It works toward high impact regional projects, business attraction, small business development and municipal engagement through its fusion cell. Sinnott previously served as the mayor of Erie.

Gerald “Gerry” M. Van de Merwe ’01M retired from the position of CEO at the YMCA Greater Erie after 35 years of service.

90

Carlo J. Pelino, OD was named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Eye Doctors for 2023. Pelino currently serves as chief of the Eye Institute of Salus University in Philadelphia.

91

Dr. Diane (Rao) Harman is a playwright, director and professor of the theatre at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. Harman grew up mostly in Erie, and completed her graduate work in theater at Bowling Green State University.

Lori A. (Rape) Joint is one of the women who make it their business to help the Erie area thrive. She is the CEO of the Manufacturer & Business Association in Erie, which is helping businesses look at new ways to attract and retain employees by evaluating processes, services and technology to not only survive but also grow.

Kelly M. (Malloy) Lazzara is the new president for the all-girls Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. Lazzara will be responsible for the development, fundraising and overall financial management of the school.

Mark E. Muenzer is the new planning and development director of Culver City, Calif. He started this position on Jan. 30. He will lead the restructuring efforts of the Planning and Development Department.

We want to hear about your alumni experience and what's important to you. We look forward to your input through our alumni engagement survey coming in January 2024.

92

Troy E. Bingham, M.B.A. is hosting the development of the veteran’s village project in which duplexes or townhomes would be built for veterans. Organizers expect to submit a formal development plan for the veterans’ village project to the township this past spring. Bingham is the owner of the Erie Sports Center, where he will be opening Erie Preparatory Academy to students in grades 9 through 12 this fall. The Academy will be located on the campus of Erie Sports Center and will feature five high-level developmental athletics programs that will attract students from around the globe.

Gregory A. Caldwell, O.D. was named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Eye Doctors for 2023. Caldwell is an ocular disease consultant with Enhanced Eye Care in Duncansville, Pa., and is a well-respected lecturer. He has given over 300 lectures in numerous U.S. cities and in over 12 countries. Caldwell has been a participant in multiple FDA investigations.

Denise L. (Lombardo) Sommers, R.N. and John R. Sommers, CPA would like to congratulate their daughter, Nichole Sommers, who received her master’s degree in the physician assistant program from Gannon in 2023.

Staci L. (Cuddeback) Thompson is serving as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Bassett Healthcare Network in Cooperstown, N.Y., effective May 2023.

94

Annette Franklin, Ph.D. ’03C spoke about “‘That’s Personal...’ : An Invisible Topic - The Stigma of Mental Health Today” at the Jefferson Education Society in March 2023. She is a retired social worker and serves as lecturer, social work field coordinator at SUNY Fredonia.

Eric G. LaPrice, MS ’97C, ’99M has accepted an offer from the National Park Service to be the deputy superintendent at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in W.Va. He has spent the last 20 years with the Forest Service and the last eight years as the district ranger of the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

John C. Melaragno has been named the new judge for the Erie Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Karen A. Surkala is one of the new members of the United Way of Erie County’s Board of Directors. She also works as the chief operating officer for Saint Vincent Hospital.

95

Christine R. (Giangiuli) Eddy has been hired by the Erie Downtown Partnership as the new development director.

Melanie L. (Smith) Hake is the new executive director for Stairways Behavioral Health. Stairways focuses on mental health and substance use and misuse, two significant health needs in the Erie region. 

Bernice “Bee” D. (Miles) Martin Lee has been appointed the new president and chief executive officer of the Epilepsy Foundation, effective July 17, 2023. She brings more than 25 years of diverse experience in the nonprofit and health care sectors, including?OhioHealth, the?Ohio State University?Wexner Medical Center, American Red Cross, Hands On Network, and the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities. 

96

Brian R. Kightlinger received two first place and one runner-up awards from the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association. He received these awards for his articles, “Scoring Big Bucks: Pirate,” and “Kids, Sports, Hunting and a Proud Father,” that were published in Crossbow Magazine and Global Outdoors.

99

Col. Stacey E. Harring was promoted to colonel, U.S. Army in a ceremony on July 6 at Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. She is a graduate of Oil City High School and 1999 graduate of Gannon University, where she commissioned from Army ROTC as a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. During her 23 years of service, Col. Harring has served in a variety of assignments in the active and reserve components. Currently she is mobilized as the executive officer for the Chief of Staff G3, Army Materiel Command. Harring earned a Bachelor of Science in general science and biology, and Master of Arts in Procurement and Acquisition Management. In her civilian career she is a supply chain program manager for the Sentinel Program at Northrup Grumman. Harring is a very active volunteer in the community, holding leadership positions at American Legion Post 229, Girl Scout Troop 10329 and Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. 

Christina M. (Zook) Lukasiak was the keynote speaker at the All For Her event this year located in Washington, Pa. Christi hopes to inspire other women to be their most authentic selves by sharing her personal experiences and focusing on three pillars – practicing self-love, practicing self-care and having a passion project. The reality television alum turned motivational speaker, social media influencer and podcaster now travels across the country to share her message with young women. 

00

Heather L. (Greer) Evans ’00M has been appointed to the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s Board of Trustees. Heather currently serves as the human resource manager at Port Erie Plastics?in Erie.

Brent L. Segeleon, OD was named on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Eye Doctors for 2023. He is an optometrist at Colonial Eye Care in Williamsburg, Va.

02

John M. Cavanagh, Ph.D. ’02M, ’03C, ’06C, ’12M has been hired as the new Millcreek Township School District superintendent. John previously served the district as the director of K-12 Education, and also served as principal of McDowell Intermediate High School and director of secondary education/principal for Wilson Middle School.

Leighann S. Forbes Ed.D. ’02C, ’13C was asked to represent the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators and became a contributing advisor of the nine competencies that make up the PDE’s new Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining Education (CR-SE) guidelines. She currently serves as an associate professor and associate dean for Gannon’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences.

Stay connected with  your Gannon family. View our events at  www.gannon.edu/alumni.

04

Alicia N. DePasquale Harrison is one of the winners of the 2023 SIA Women in Biometrics Awards. She is the chief of stakeholder engagement, Office of Biometric Identity Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

05

Zachary M. Flock ’19M has been named the new executive director of the Erie Playhouse. He studied at Gannon University and he has spent more than two decades as part of Erie’s theater community.

Douglas R. Kramer was promoted by the Pennsylvania State Police to lieutenant and assigned the commander of the Western Pennsylvania All Hazards Fusion Center within the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

James M. Timm is participating in a contest through Mr. Health & Fitness magazine and is currently in the quarter finals. He is hoping to win so he can give back to the Homes for Wounded Warriors program and raise awareness for this cause.

07

Sean R. Lysowski is the new baseball coach for Loris High located in S.C.

Kevin J. Otteni ’21M is one of the new members of the United Way of Erie County’s Board of Directors. Otteni currently serves as the regulatory compliance manager at Parker Lord, where he has worked since 2002.

08

Tessa E. Mosier, DPT ’11M is the clinic director for the new Drayer Physical Therapy Institute outpatient clinic, located in Warren, Pa.

09

Rev. Tyler J. Bandura celebrated his tenth year ordination anniversary. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 2013 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Father Bandura served as parochial vicar at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg (2013-2016), Episcopal Master of Ceremonies and Associate Director of the Office for Clergy Vocations and Religion instructor at Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School. In 2016, he was named pastor of St. James Parish, New Alexandria. In 2022, he was named administrator pro tem of St. Rose Parish and St. John the Evangelist parish, while remaining pastor of St. James Parish. He also serves as the Diocese as director of priestly vocations.

Jessica A. Coleman ’09M, ’06C has joined Agresti Real Estate as a real estate agent. She studied elementary education at Edinboro University and received her Master’s in Education from Gannon University. Coleman knows that buying or selling a home can be a complicated and emotional time, so she relies on her teaching experience to help with the process.

Brian P. Hahn has been appointed as principal of Goochland High School (GHS), effective July 1. Hahn has served as the assistant principal at GHS since 2019. 

Dr. Michelle L. Young ’09M, ’12C has been hired to serve as a high school program principal of Fox Chapel Area High School, located in Pittsburgh, Pa., effective Aug. 14.

10

Emily P. Cummings just had her debut novel published. The Senator’s Daughter is a work of historical fiction and follows Julia Webster, the daughter of renowned senator Daniel Webster, in 1830’s America. Cummings currently serves as the student services & communications specialist in the Dean’s Office of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences.

Anthony B. DiPasqua and a silent partner are the new owners of The Lavender Rabbit, which is now called La Bella Vita. The foodie haven stocks more than 50 kinds of infused olive oils as well as kitchen-related gifts. They also own a high-end Erie-centric gift shop called Lake Erie Variety. Both shops are located in Village West.

Zane N. Polack has been hired as the head coach of women’s soccer for Owens Community College.

Elizabeth “Beth” A. (Bocan) Wilhelm is the new Cardiology Nurse Practitioner and ACS Coordinator at the Durham VA Health Care System in Durham, N.C.

11

Anjali Sahay, Ph.D.  ’11M wrote a book review of Here to Stay: Uncovering South Asian American History, which was recently published in the journal, South Asian Diaspora. Sahay is an associate professor of political science & international relations at Gannon University. 

12

Erin Liptak ’12M completed her 14th year of teaching kindergarten at Bennetts Valley Elementary School in in Weedville, Pa. before transitioning to teaching at Fox Township Elementary School in Kersey, Pa. for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Stephen Piotrowicz returned as the assistant coach of the men’s basketball team at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Katie E. Ralston ’12M was selected as the 2023 New York State Middle School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State. She was named the new superintendent of the Silver Creek Central School District as of July 1.

13

Heidi J. Neely ’13M was the recipient of this year’s outstanding Adjunct Award for Gannon’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences.

Donald E. Trapp is a strength and conditioning coach for the Erie Seawolves baseball team.

14

Samantha L. Fugagli was appointed as general counsel and secretary of Burnham Holdings, Inc. She joined the company in June after previously serving in roles at McNees Wallace & Nurick and Deloitte Tax LLP. 

Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe ’14M officiated Ascension Day at St. John the Baptist (Episcopal) Church in May. Rowe was ordained Bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 and was the youngest bishop in the Episcopal church for almost twelve years. He became the provisional Bishop of Western New York in 2019.

15

Jessie M. Milliken, D.O. will be relocating his practice to the Independence Health System new location in Connellsville, Pa. Milliken is a 2023 graduate of the Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine residency program. He completed his undergraduate degree at Gannon University and remained in Erie for medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Gerald M. Stumpff ’16 completed the licensing process to become a funeral director and is now employed at Loutzenhiser Funeral Homes in Greenville and Jamestown, Pa.

17

Brianna A. Brennan is the new head coach of the women’s basketball program at Hillsdale College in Mich.

Kathryn L. Kapp, Ph.D. successfully defended her doctoral dissertation “Plasma Proteomic Factors Associated with Sepsis Survival Outcomes,” in August,” and will receive her Ph.D. in chemistry from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. She was appointed as a Propel Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University School of Medicine in September.

18

Kimberlie S. Aldrich accepted a new role as an RN in neurology at the Cleveland Clinic.

Matthew Barto became the first-time winner of the Erie District Golf Association Marquette Savings Bank Match Play Tournament in June.

Andrew D. Berger ’19M was sworn in as a new police officer for the Erie Bureau of Police in June.

Dr. Susan D. Johnson ’18M was given the Teaching Excellence Award, which is given to an extraordinary faculty member who significantly contributed to the intellectual life at Mercyhurst. Johnson has been a member of the Mercyhurst faculty for the past 13 years, currently serving as the director of undergraduate education and chair of the department of education.

19

Lisa D. Goddard McGuirk ’19M was a speaker at the Jefferson Education Society in April discussing the importance of “Sports in Developing Business Leaders.” She currently serves as Gannon’s athletic director.

Rev. Andrew J. Hamilton earned both the Master of Divinity, summa cum laude, and the Bachelor of Sacred Theology, summa cum laude, from St. Vincent Seminary. He studied at St. Vincent College, then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Gannon University in 2019. He was ordained into the priesthood on June 3 in the Diocese of Greensburg.

David J. Koma ’19C was named superintendent by the Girard School Board. He spent 27 years as an educator, which included four years as a teacher at Rice Ave. Middle School. He served as the school’s principal since 2008.

Rachel M. Loper is the new associate in the Banking & Real Estate and Business Transactions Practice Groups at MacDonald Illig, Jones & Britton, LLP.

Brett T. Rehrer is an associate underwriter with Old Republic Surety Company based in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Chemistry Colleagues Reunite 

Dr. Leslie E. Edinboro, Eric S. Lavins, Douglas E. Rohde ’86 and Dr. Carl E. Wolf II ’86 are proud Gannon chemistry alumni who recently met up at the Society of Forensic Toxicologists that was held in Cleveland, Ohio in 2022. Edinboro currently serves as the executive director of toxicology and PDM for Quest Diagnostics, Inc. and owns Edinboro Consulting LLC in Glen Allen, Va.; Lavins is a forensic toxicology supervisor for Cuyahoga County, Ohio; Rohde is a senior forensic chemist/toxicologist for Lake County Crime Laboratory in Painesville, Ohio; and Carl is the supervisor of forensic sciences for Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. 

20

Kennedie J. Ebersole ’20M accepted an internship with the Indianapolis Colts as an athletic trainer. Ebersole joined Presbyterian College in South Carolina as an assistant athletic trainer with its football program, taking on the interim head football athletic trainer position less than a year later. She looks forward to living out her dream with the Colts. 

Bennett W. McCoy is a new Cathedral Preparatory School faculty member teaching theology classes for juniors and seniors this year.

21

Beth A. Kropf started a new position as assistant director for student programs at Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y.

Gabriela C. Palombo, PA-C ’22M is a pediatric hematology/oncology physician assistant currently serving her patients at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

Kylee J. Proudfit-Shirey ’21M achieved her goal of returning to her hometown of St. Marys, Pa. As the clinic director at Drayer Physical Therapy, which recently celebrated its grand opening.

22

Hailey B. Connors is a new Erie police officer. Connors is a graduate of Girard High School who earned a degree in criminal justice and a minor in social work from Gannon and previously worked for the university’s Police & Safety.

Hannah R. Kondrlik, MSN, FNP-BC ’22M is employed as a wound care nurse practitioner in Erie. 

Erik J. Konwinski joined the Marksmen hockey club in Fayetteville, N.C., as its communications & broadcasting coordinator.

Gannon Alumni Honored with Erie’s 40 Under 40 Distinction

Erie's 40 Under 40(Photography by Jessica Hunter, Erie Reader)

Five Gannon alumni were recognized as part of the Erie Reader’s annual 40 Under 40 list of young professionals who are leading Erie into the future through their respoective professions and causes. These individuals include: 

Kyle A. Churman ’23

Kyle A. Churman ’23, co-owner of Werner Books. 

Shateria A. Franklin ’14C

Shateria A. Franklin ’14C, assistant grant administrator for the City of Erie, owner of Materialistic Boutique and the founder of Destiny of Our Daughters Inc. 

Maeve V. Kirby ’23M

Maeve V. Kirby ’23M, mental health professional for the Achievement Center of LECOM Health. 

Lauren E. Shoemaker ’12M

Lauren E. Shoemaker ’12M, co-owner of Werner Books and an assistant professor of English at Slippery Rock University.  

Mary K. Wassell ’23

Mary K. Wassell ’23, marketing and communication director of Parker Philips. 

Births

Carly (Lyons) Bieler ’11 and husband, Alex Bieler ’11, welcomed son, Noah Alexander Bieler, on June 5. 

Jessica (Ferris) DiMarco ’16 and husband, Giona DiMarco ’17, welcomed daughter, Gemma Capri DiMarco, on March 5. 

Leanna (Derrick) Engstrom ’11 and husband, Jarret Engstrom ’11, welcomed son, Rylan Patrick Engstrom, on March 11. 

Nathan A. Kruluts ’10 and wife, Miranda, welcomed daughter, Addison Mae, on April 16. 

Brianna (Kingston) Patterson ’14, ’15M and husband, 2nd Lt. Ethan Patterson ’14, welcomed daughter, Emery Grace Patterson, on March 6. 

Jess L. (Domis) Paul, DPT ’10, ’13M and husband, Benjamin R. Paul, DPT ’11 ’13M, welcomed daughter, Charlotte “Charlie” Ann Paul, on March 16. 

Kathryn ‘Katie’ (Demetriadis) Swope ’11 and husband, Ethan Swope ’12, welcomed son, Reece Swope, born on March 24. 

Kariann (Kozlowski) Tarquinio ’12 and husband, Brian, welcomed son, Thomas Joseph Tarquinio, born on April 4. 

Christa (Blose) Ward ’08, ’09M and husband, Matthew Ward ’09, ’11M, welcomed daughter, Chloe Marie Ward, on April 23. 

Ronee (Yasher) Woodley ’02 and husband, Chris, finalized the adoption of son, Sean Patrick Woodley (born Feb. 6) on July 28.

Marriages

Alizabeth R. Leng ’17 married Thomas P. Barton III ’17 on Jan. 2, 2021. 

Kaitlyn M. McLaughlin ’18 married Evan M. Szablewski ’18 married on Oct. 7, 2022. 

Thomas R. Puckett ’96 married Ann M. Carberry Miller on Sept. 23, 2022 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. 

Victoria C. Quagliana ’16 married Corrie M. Olson ’16 in 2021 and the couple welcomed a daughter in Aug. 2022. 
 

Kaitlyn N. Szparaga ’20, ’21M married Zachary R. Taylor ’21M on June 30, 2023.

 

Kaitlyn N. Szparaga ’20, ’21M married Zachary R. Taylor ’21M on June 30, 2023.

The Reverend Joseph C. Gregorek
March 14, 1940 - May 14, 2023

Reverend Joseph C. GregorekFather Joseph Gregorek touched the lives of many students over his decades-long career as a college professor - and was a shining example of the dedicated bonds of faith and reason at Gannon. He served as the Dean of Gannon University's Priests, resident priest of the Catholic Parishes of St. Ann, St. Casimir and Holy Family, and taught histology, embryology, human gross anatomy, physiology and pathology. Many alumni are quick to note Gregorek's classes were challenging, but that they played a pivotal role in setting them up for holistic success in their academic and health care careers.

His honors were many, including the Darbaker Award for most outstanding research in photomicroscopy from the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (1977), the Dr. Edward E. Rosenbaum "Humanism in Medicine Award" from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (1992), and even saw the Gannon University Annual Physician Award named in his honor: "Rev. Joseph C. Gregorek Ph.D. Award for Service to Humanity in Medicine." He was honored as a distinguished professor of biology by Gannon University in 2011.

In Memoriam

Alumni

Joseph J. Abrams ’64 
Nancy A. (Welz) Alstadt ’73 
Edward J. Annick ’98M 
Ann M. (Lynch) Bach ’49VMC 
Daniel K. Baldauf ’88 
Frederick W. Barringer ’89 
Dennise E. (Pulvino) Beaumont ’05 
Raymond Bertone ’50 
Pauline C. Bird ’04 
Sister Teresa M. 
Bohren ’60VMC 
Janet E. (Nicolia) Bokoch ’76 
John T. Bonnell ’71 
Sid Booker ’95M 
Gregory A. Bosner ’69 
Robert J. Bowler ’64 
Valerie J. (Gosser) Boyle ’87VMC 
Brenda L. Brozell ’85 
Francis W. Buell ’58 
Allen H. Bush ’73M 
Molly E. Calvert ’21 
Dr. Joseph L. Cerami ’51 
Joanne M. (Simmons) Cherban ’81 
Edward J. Chimenti, Jr. ’70 
Joseph Cicero ’88 
Dennis C. Cipalla ’77 
John T. Coleman, Jr. ’13 
Kevin C. Collman ’74 
Eleanor (Borowski) Conaway ’50VMC 
Betty J. Cooley ’89 
Frank Cummins ’52 
Deacon Joseph K. Curlett ’70, ’86M 
Martell Davis ’18, ’19M 
Glenda Davis ’74VMC 
Lawrence J. Demonaco ’66 
Leslie R. Difrank ’79M 
Beverly A. Dilley ’90 
Mark S. Diplacido ’79 
Mark A. Divecchio ’81 
Lt. Col. Dennis J. Dombrowski ’73 
Austin S. Donoghue ’18, ’20M 
Alcuin C. Dornisch ’58 
Robert A. Doss ’70 
Adam J. Esper ’07 
Clare M. (Morehouse) Farrell ’60VMC 
Joseph F. Felice, Jr. ’82 
Charlotte P. Fitch ’91M 
Edward P. Flagella ’68 
John E. Fleek ’73 
Joseph R. Gallagher ’75M 
Teresa A. Gelormini ’73VMC 
Raymond J. Geyer ’70 
John J. Graney ’68 
Douglas H. Green ’79M 
Thomas L. Haines ’67 
L. Michael Hajtman, CPA ’73 
Thomas K. Hanninen ’68 
Laureen M. Hasbrouck ’85VMC 
Barbara S. Haskell ’05M 
Matthew M. Hawryliw ’10 
Patricia A. (Martin) Heffner ’77 ’77M 
Diane M. (Casper) Heid ’80 
Duane R. Hills ’61 
John M. Hoden ’82 
Robert M. Hoover ’59 
James G. Hrin ’83 
Mary E. Hughes ’78, ’95 
Mary F. Humenay ’70VMC 
Mary K. (Goodrich) Hurlburt ’71 
Ralph F. Husband, Jr. ’58 
Won Y. Hyun-Oh, Ph.D. ’55VMC 
Margaret (Curry) Ignaczak ’67VMC 
Dennis J. Joint ’72 
Barbara Kelley, Ph.D. ’83M 
Robert D. Kesicki ’60 
Thomas J. Kingsley ’67 
Scott L. Kooker ’97 
Susan E. Kotlarz ’73M 
Kevin H. Kramer ’75 
Kathleen (Caryl) Kuhn ’58VMC 
Michele B. (Kutzing) 
Kujawinski ’69VMC 
Roger Kuligowski ’66 
Maryann (Nicolia) Kuta ’71VMC 
Joseph D. Layden ’51 
Norman E. Lee ’75M 
Thomas M. Li ’55 
Frank P. Maglio, D.M.D. ’64 
Jon D. Mallin ’74 
Albert L. Mango ’76M 
John R. Marchese ’72, ’75M 
Theodore P. Marnen ’09 
Cheryl A. Mason ’83 
Terrence B. McCarthy ’63 
Charles A. McCracken ’80 
Todd A. McGee ’04M 
COL John W. McGinnis, Sr., USA (Ret.) ’56 
Patricia E. McLaughlin ’74VMC 
Cynthia E. (Campbell) Mears ’08 
Jean M. (Klein) Merryman ’78 
Sister Mary Miller, O.S.B. ’67VMC 
Constance A. (Wisnieski) Minichelli ’59VMC 
Michael J. Minnaugh ’53 
Mark E. Mioduszewski, Esq. ’76 
James S. Monachino ’75 
Wanda M. Mozdy ’86 
Charles T. Musante ’73 
Daniel A. Nawrocki ’63, ’70M  
Darlene A. Nelsen ’04 
Thomas O. Nelson ’77 
Miss Elizabeth Noone ’67VMC 
Anne C. (Pearson) Nowlin ’75 
Juanita M. (O’Brien) O’Toole ’86VMC 
Dr. Edward J. Owens, Jr. ’59 
George J. Palotas ’70 
Thomas G. Piskor ’79 
Bonita A. (Peters) 
Poust ’73VMC ’84M 
Diana L. (Meyer) Prowell ’96 
Nicholas Radoycis, Esq. ’70 
John F. Regan ’68M 
Kass O. Rhodes ’11 
Frances (McManus) Ricaurte ’92 
Francis A. Riddle ’60 
Alice M. Ritchey ’84 
Thomas L. Roberts ’73 
David H. Rupert ’87M 
Mary L. Scalzitti ’82VMC 
Thomas E. Schaeffer ’65 
Thomas G. Schneider ’63 
Joseph E. Schultz, Jr. ’65 
Sally E. (Schnatter) Schuster ’79VMC 
George J. Semple, Sr. ’59 
Samuel K. Simpson ’63, ’74M 
Deborah F. (Ferretti) Sivillo ’78, ’85M 
Michael J. Skrzypczak ’58 
Don E. Smith ’63 
Leo J. Spaeder, Jr. ’60 
Col. Dennis J. Spiegel, Ret. ’65 
Michael J. Sprague ’72 
Michael S. Stafford ’71 
Debra L. (Coleman) Steiner ’94, ’00M 
Roil J. Strobel ’64 
Daniel E. Tacone ’78 
Sharon J. (Pierce) Thompson, Ph.D. ’94M 
Agnes (Borawski) Tillerson ’63VMC 
Richard A. Tullio ’60 
Joseph F. Turner, Jr. ’63 
Charles F. Wachter ’65, ’73M 
Rev. John A. Walsh ’76 
John A. Walter ’69 
Cynthia L. Weber ’98 
Alphonse E. Wedzik, Jr. ’61 
Mary Dolores Weir ’51VMC ’67M 
Robert J. Werner ’74 
Jeanne A. (Rabe) Westerdahl ’71 
James F. Wilhelm ’79 
Deloris M. (Uplinger) Williams ’89VMC 
Tamerat Worku ’78 
Emma G. Yegiazarova ’98M 

Parents and Friends

Thomas A. Baker, Ph.D.  
Gary F. Bauschard  
Thomas Bendure  
Carol A. Brueckman  
Sherri Campbell  
Richard F. Chessario  
Kenneth J. Coppolo  
Dolores J. Corsi  
William G. DeWitt  
Jeffrey K. Down  
Mary Beth R. Earll  
Jesse Ferraro  
Donald Friedman  
Frank P. Graham  
Very Rev. Joseph C. 
Gregorek Ph.D.  
Jeffery B. Jackson  
Michael L. Kernohan  
Ursula M. Konior  
Joseph R. Lafaro, Ph.D.  
Donald S. Leslie, Jr.  
Michael Mead  
Joseph Nowosielski  
James W. Nutter, Ph.D. 
Cynthia Otto  
Lewis C. Penna  
Thaddeus Rebmann  
Richard R. Robishaw  
Richard C. Schauer, Ph.D.  
Carol J. Schmid  
Edward C. Strong  
John W. Waldemarson  

Gannon University
109 University Square
Erie, Pa 16541
(814) 871-7000
www.gannon.edu

Gannon Magazine is published bi-annually by University Marketing and Communications.

We value your input; please direct any comments, questions or feature ideas to magazine@gannon.edu.

editors

Doug Oathout
Chief of Staff and Director of Marketing and Communications

Mallory (Hedlund) Bottoni ’14
Assistant Director for Marketing, Communications and Content

Paige Penfield
Content Marketing Strategist

design

  • Laura Giannelli
  • Andrew Lapiska ’09M

contributing writers

  • Haley Figurski
  • Jeff Kirik
  • Nicole (Dohoda) Lossie ’11
  • Kristine Rilling

photography

  • student, staff and alumni contributors

exclusive video content

  • Matthew King

online edition

  • Michael Gorski ’11M
  • Nikki Luoma

To submit a class note, please contact:
Office of Constituent Engagement
gannonalumni@gannon.edu
814-871-5310