The Haven - Fall 2022

Fall 2022
8Haven Homecoming:
The Tradition Continues
10
A History of
Transformative
Education

CAMPUS VIEW
A Message From the president
Alumni from across the
decades took part in Lock
Haven’s annual Golf Cart
Parade. A beloved tradition
on campus, the event unites
students, alumni, employees,
and the local community
to kick off The Haven’s
Homecoming activities.
History has a lot to teach us if we let it. Our Fall issue of The Haven focuses
on the transformative power of education—a topic I’ve been thinking a lot
about the past few months. Our institutions have undergone many changes,
positioning us to continue our mission of educating tomorrow’s leaders.
Perhaps what’s most striking when considering the transformation we’re currently
undertaking is that this process of evolution is not new to our institution. In fact, taken
together with our mission of serving students and placing their needs at the center of
all we do, it may be the one constant in our history.
Our cover story takes a deep dive into our history while looking to the future of
teacher education. Lock Haven, like all of Pennsylvania’s State System universities,
began as a Normal School with a mission to educate the Commonwealth’s future
teachers. As we boldly reimagine public higher education in Pennsylvania in order to
continue the legacies of our centuries-old universities, there is much to learn from
examining our history. A lot has changed in the world and in the ways we deliver and
experience education. But innovation, progress, evolution—those have remained
central to who we are. Our highest aspiration as educators has always been to change
lives. To make a difference. That’s the power of education.
That word, transformation, doesn’t just denote the shifts happening across
institutions. It’s most meaningful when viewed through the lens of our students
and their experiences. What we hope for them is that education will serve as a
transformational force in their lives. Many of our students are first-generation.
The skills, knowledge, and career preparation they gain in their time with us is life
changing. It’s why we have a responsibility to offer them an affordable education
and the goal of allowing them to graduate ready to begin a career without financial
burden.
In these pages you will read about one of the ways we’re putting this promise to our
students into action through partnership agreements with 50 Pennsylvania school
districts in the communities Commonwealth University calls home. These agreements
guarantee admission, merit-based scholarships, and on-campus housing to qualified
students in our backyard—ensuring they have access to an affordable, high-quality
education close to home.
As we enter the holiday season, I wish you and your families all the comforts this
time of year brings. I want to thank you for your ongoing support of our students
and their goals—you are a key partner in ensuring our students have the resources
and mentorship to achieve their professional goals. I hope you enjoy this issue of The
Haven magazine and wish you a wonderful holiday.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bashar Hanna
President

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL Bill 2022 Crowell 1

lock haven university’s Alumni Magazine
contents
PENNSYLVANIA’S STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Chancellor—Dr. Daniel Greenstein
Board of Governors—Cynthia Shapira, Chair
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Bashar Hanna, President
Dr. Diana Rogers-Adkinson, Provost and Senior Vice President for
Academic Affairs
Dr. Ron Darbeau, Vice President for Faculty Affairs and Academic Operations-
Lock Haven Campus Administrator
Dr. Stephen Lee, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Dr. Marty Wygmans, Vice President for Student Success and Campus Life
Erik Evans, Vice President for Advancement
Timothy Shuey, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs, Chief Financial Officer
Suzanne Williamson, Vice President for University Affairs, Chief of Staff
Jennifer Umberger, Associate Vice President for Marketing
and Communications
Albert Jones, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
John Wetzel, Chair
Karen Russell, Vice Chair
Michael Hanna Jr. BA ’05, MA ‘08, Secretary
Daniel Elby ‘71, Trustee at Large
Amy Brayford
Krystjan Callahan ‘02
Steven Crawford
Patrick Henderson
Susan Kefover
Brian O’ Donnell
Angela Smith ‘07
Ray Zaborney
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amee Lewis Vance ’75, President
COL John Newcomer ’84, Vice President
Matt Henry ’18, Secretary
Kyle Losch ‘15, Treasurer
Elected Members: Dr. Dave Bower ’75, Paul Brennan ’01,
Phillip Burlingame ’78, Michele Charmello ’91, Dan Cruttenden ’73,
Norman Gordon ’73, Christopher Harris ’99, Zakiyah Ingram ’15,
Terri Koehler ’85, Andrew Kremser ’09, Jason Madigan, ’98
Brandon Pardoe ’92, Emilee Sassani ’15 & ’17, LaToya Smith ’98,
George Way ’78
Ex-Officio Members:
Ashley Koser, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement
Dr. Bashar Hanna, President
LHU FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jennifer Riter ’96, Foundation Board Chair
Robert Maguire, Vice Chair
Jeffrey Parker, Treasurer
James Berkebile ‘59, Secretary
MEMBERS: Milton Stan Allen ’87, Wayne Allison ’67, Donald Calcagni
’98, Barbara Collins ‘90, Frank Condino ‘72, Annette Davis, Gary Laubscher,
Robert Lomison ’77, Bill Miller, Gail Nestlerode ’77, Jeffrey Parker, Jennifer
Riter ’96, Polly Spangler ’87, Thane Turner ‘89
Executive Editor: Elizabeth Arnold
Contributing Writers: Julie Stellfox, Doug Spatafore, Adam
Kaylor, Joby Topper, Tom McGuire, Eric Foster, Ashley Koser, John
Vitale, Andrea O’Neil, Tom Schaeffer
Photography: Bill Crowell, Chris Valdez, Mike Dickie, Scott Pilutik,
Jaime North, Eric Foster
Design: Kayla Waldron
The Haven Magazine (ISSN-2474-932X) is published biannually by the Lock Haven University
Office of Marketing and Communications in partnership with the Lock Haven University
Foundation, free of charge for alumni, supporters, and friends of LHU.
The Haven connects alumni, parents, and donors with LHU and aims to support, enhance, and
advance the University’s image by publishing news and stories about LHU alumni, students,
faculty, staff, and stakeholders. The magazine’s feature stories intend to motivate, inspire, and
inform readers about issues relevant to LHU through content that is both entertaining and
intellectually engaging.
6A Partnership in Water
Ecology
on the cover
Do you know this student and
teacher?
A search of Lock Haven’s archives
uncovered this photo of a student and
teacher from the 1960’s reading together
at the Akeley School. Help us identify
the individuals in this photo and win Lock
Haven gear. Email names to lhualum@
lockhaven.edu with the subject line
Haven Mag Cover.
Alumni news items should be identified by class year and may be sent to the Lock Haven University Office of Alumni Relations, 10
Susquehanna Ave, Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven, PA 17745. You may email news items to lhualum@lockhaven.edu.
Please contact us by phone at 570.484.2586
Not all news submissions will result in coverage in The Haven. The Haven staff reserves the right to edit submissions used in the magazine or
through other means of publication by the University.
Lock Haven University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to
excellence through diversity.
2 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY

letter From the editors
Departments
4 haven happenings
17 Alumni feature
18 Sports Corner
23 news & Notes
connect with us
Hello Bald Eagles!
Happy fall from Lock Haven.
We are so thankful that many members of The Haven family were able to
return “home” for our Homecoming 2022 activities. Tailgating, our Annual
Alumni Golf Classic, and the Annual Golf Cart Parade were all big hits.
This year, several alumni groups aked if they could decorate golf carts and
participate. These groups joined in on the fun with our students and even
had a social media contest to determine the best decorated cart. On Friday
evening, we had our Annual Alumni Mix and Mingle along with the 50th
reunion for the Class of 1972. The band and cheerleaders really got us into
the spirit! We are already planning ahead and thinking about Homecoming
2023. Save the date and join us, September 21-24, 2023!
The annual James C. Reeser Scholarship Brunch took place on October 9.
We recognized our donors for their generosity and they were able to meet
their student recipients, many for the first time. We also recognized two Bald
Eagles for their support, Norm Gordon, who received the Wagner Volunteer
Award, and Paula Bell, who received the Philanthropy Award.
Our team is gearing up for Giving Tuesday, which will take place on
November 28. We hope that you will join us and make a gift to the LHU
Foundation during the National Day of Giving and support our students.
Gifts of any size can be designated to the area of your choice by visiting
www.givetolhu.com or calling 570-484-2586.
The Alumni Office will be planning several affinity and regional events this
winter and spring. Please continue to check our website at www.lockhaven.
edu/alumni and our Alumni Association social media accounts for the latest
information.
If you are ever in the area, please stop in to visit us. The Alumni Office is
located on the 3rd floor of the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center.
We hope that you and your family have a happy and safe holiday season!
Elizabeth Arnold
Executive Communications and Editorial Director
Ashley Koser
Executive Director of Alumni Engagement
@LHUalumni
@LHUalumni
@lhualumni
P.S. If you have a class note that you would like to share for
an upcoming issue of The Haven Magazine, please email it to
lhualum@lockhaven.edu.
@Lock Haven University Alumni
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
3

HAVEN
HAPPENINGS
COMMUNITY
SCHOLARS PROGRAMS
LEND ACCESS AND
AFFORDABILITY TO
REGION’S STUDENTS
Agreements guaranteeing admission
and up to $28,000 in merit-based
scholarships, as well as on-campus
housing at any location, were recently
signed with 50 school districts
from Northeastern and Central
Pennsylvania.
The agreements guarantee admission
for qualified graduates who enroll in a
bachelor’s degree program.
Graduates will be eligible for four
tiers of academic merit scholarships
according to the following academic
preparedness of the student applicant:
Tier 1
95% or above
or 3.8 to 4.0
cumulative GPA -
$28,000; $7,000
annually
Tier 3
85-89% or above
or 3.0 to 3.49
cumulative GPA -
$16,000; $4,000
annually
Tier 2
90-94% or above
or 3.5 to 3.79
cumulative GPA -
$24,000; $6,000
annually
Tier 4
80-84% or above
or 2.5 to 2.99
cumulative GPA -
$12,000; $3,000
annually
The scholarship is renewable for
up to four academic years, or eight
consecutive fall and spring academic
semesters.
Multicultural
Resource Center
Opens
Lock Haven celebrated the grand
opening of the new Robert and
Dolores Lynch Multicultural
Resource Center (MRC) on
September 16.
During the opening event, several
attendees offered comments
about the impact Dr. and Mrs.
Lynch had on their lives. An open
house also was held for students
earlier that same week.
The Multicultural Resource Center,
located in 103 Raub Hall, has
been over a year in the making.
In the spring of 2021, Lock Haven
students, staff, faculty, and alumni,
reached out to President Bashar
Hanna regarding the need for a
multicultural center on campus.
Then, in the fall of 2021, Albert
Jones ‘99, Chief Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion Officer, was charged
with bringing the center to life.
The MRC is designed to foster
healthy relationships and
community on campus by focusing
on student success, leadership, and
engagement. It is open to all students
and will serve as an inclusive place
where students can feel welcome, safe,
and respected. In addition, a wealth of
programming will be created to introduce
students to different cultures, ethnicities,
and religions.
“We want nothing more than to lead with
love and provide a sense of community
and support for students,” said Mia
Swales ‘19, MRC Director. “We strive to
advocate for student needs and to be a
liaison when needed. We want all students
to feel at home and have a sense of
belonging here at The Haven. Within the
center, we want students to be engaged
and at home as they create the community
and relationships they want and need.”
Students Plant Orchard
to Combat Food
Insecurity
In a hidden patch of space outside the
Fairview Suites, grows a solution to help
combat food insecurity.
In September, Lock Haven Biology
faculty member Dr. Heather Bechtold,
along with Biology faculty from two
other PASSHE universities, Cem Akin
from the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
(FTPF), and 46 volunteers planted 40
fruit trees to help combat food insecurity
4 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN

on campus and in the
community.
“The idea of an orchard
is an easy sell since it
beautifies the campus,
provides fresh food,
and makes an instant
outdoor classroom.
It was hard to resist!”
Bechtold said.
The orchard will also
help stock the Haven
Cupboard food pantry,
which provides food
and other necessities
to current Lock Haven
students in need.
Each orchard contains
varieties of apples,
plums, and sour
cherries.
Bechtold hopes to
use the orchard as an
outdoor classroom
to teach students
about horticulture,
grafting, pruning,
and provide career
skill development.
The space can also
be used for research
projects including plant
pathology, horticulture,
and pollination issues.
“I hope it will create
a greater sense of
community and draw
students and others
to this courtyard area
by Fairview Suites,”
Bechtold said.
“This initiative is a
phenomenal example
of faculty and students
from across our
State System coming
together in ways that
benefit our community.
The orchard will
provide valuable
outreach and learning
opportunities for years
to come,” said Bashar
W. Hanna, President.
Academic
Leadership Team
Set to Lead
As part of the Commonwealth
University academic structure
several new individuals have
been hired to lead the new
integrated university.
Dr. Kara Shultz has been
named as the Vice Provost of
Undergraduate Education and
Dean of the Honors College.
“Many of our high-performing
students come to college
with a large number of credits
already earned through AP
and early college courses,”
Shultz said. “In support of this
we are designing a program
that will enhance the learning
experiences of our most
motivated students, while
allowing them to design their
honors college program to fit
their needs”
Two new deans have also
been added to the academic
leadership team. Dr. Ann
Elisabeth Larson is the inaugural
Dean of the College of
Education and Human Studies
(CEHS) and Dr. Leo-Felix M.
Jurado as the founding Dean of
the College of Health Professions
(CHP).
Dr. Kara Shultz
Dr. Ann Elisabeth Larson
“I look forward to supporting,
growing, and advancing
academics, research, and
service in education and human
studies, a diverse student body,
student services, commitment
to students’ personalized
education through quality
real-life experiences, and key
academic priorities and initiatives Dr. Leo-Felix M. Jurado
including strengthening current
quality programs and developing new pathways for regional and
community,” Larson said.
“I am committed to supporting the integrated university’s
strategic initiatives especially in fostering student success and
career readiness; promoting academic innovation, excellence, and
expansion; and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in
all areas,” Jurado said. “I envision seeing more interprofessional
education to promote interdisciplinary collaboration; facultystudent
scholarly partnerships; faculty-student-alumni civic,
community, and professional engagement; and establishing a
stronger alliance with healthcare networks in the region.
COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
PARTNERSHIPS
CREATE PATHWAYS
FOR SUCCESS
Commonwealth University
leaders swiftly developed key
partnerships with community
colleges throughout the
region. The newly established
agreements embody
Commonwealth U’s mission to
provide life-changing education
access to Pennsylvania’s future
leaders—ensuring they can
pursue their academic and
professional goals unencumbered
by concerns about affordability.
The creation of Guaranteed
Transfer Admissions Agreements
with multiple community colleges
across the state guarantee
graduates of the partner
community college full juniorlevel
standing at Commonwealth
University. The agreements
offer four tiers of guaranteed
scholarship awards based on the
students’ academic performance
at community college. The
renewable scholarship is awarded
for up to $5,000 per year.
THE HAVEN FALL 2022 5

A Partnership in Water Ecology
In a move that wouldn’t
have been possible
without integration,
five Commonwealth
University faculty members,
representing each of the
main campuses, Lock
Haven, Bloomsburg, and
Mansfield, are collaborating
to create a Watershed
Ecology Center. In addition
to creating a resource to
help preserve Pennsylvania
watersheds, this future
Center of Excellence
expands students’ research
opportunities and career
networks.
“About five years ago,
we were noticing a bit of
burnout in the students
who were not getting to
do what they wanted for
careers related to water,
water conservation and
ecology in general,” says
Dr. Steven Seiler, professor
of Biology at Lock Haven.
“So, we developed
coursework and did a lot of
small research projects with
freshmen and sophomores,
that would continue until
the time they graduated,
just to get them excited,
engaged, and retained. We
like to include students on
our research projects with
agencies and conservation
groups like Trout Unlimited
and the PA Fish and Boat
Commission to build
connections to future job
opportunities.”
Seiler was joined in his
efforts by Lock Haven
biology colleagues Drs.
Heather Bechtold and
Daniel Spooner. With the
integration of Bloomsburg,
Mansfield, and Lock
Haven as Commonwealth
University, they were
joined by Dr. Steven Rier,
professor of Biology at
Bloomsburg, and Dr.
Gregory Moyer, associate
professor of Biology at
Mansfield. In addition to
representing a variety of
campuses, the faculty bring
a variety of specializations
to the Center. Bechtold
specializes in contaminants
and algae, Rier specializes
in algae and microbial
6 FALL
FALL
2022
2022
THE
THE
HAVEN
HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY
PHOTO: Dr. Daniel Spooner takes students into the field to survey freshwater mussels.

ecology; Seiler is an
expert on fish and
invasive species;
Moyer focuses on
fish and conservation
genetics; and
Spooner is an expert
on freshwater
mussels.
“The idea is to give
students experience
with hands-on skills
so that they are
easily employed,”
says Bechtold.
“Before they leave
our campuses if they
have experience
electroshocking
or taking water
samples, or if they
know those sorts
of methodologies,
agencies are going to
scoop them up real
fast.”
Water ecology is
particularly relevant
to Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvania has
the second highest
density of streams
in the entire country
next to Alaska,” says
Rier. “And there’s a
range of conditions of
the streams — from
super pristine and
rich to systems that
have been seriously
impacted. We’ve got
this natural laboratory
right here. We can not
only do research and
understand it better,
but we can also
educate our students
so they understand
how ecosystems
should work and
how humans have
impacted them.”
“Once students
have their own kind
of projects and
participate in these
research activities,
there’s more buy-in
from the student in
terms of their own
education,” says
Spooner. “I have
students whom I’ve
done research with
and now they find
really interesting
articles and bring
them to me. They own
their own science.”
In addition to
involving students
in research on their
home campuses,
they also envision
having students
work together across
campuses, particularly
during summers.
Dozens of students are
involved in research
courses and projects
at each campus every
semester. And this
fall, faculty have
begun interacting
with students across
campuses.
“Steve Rier had me
join a committee for
one of his master’s
degree students,”
says Bechtold. “That’s
an opportunity for
me to help shape the
student’s project and
get involved in the
creeks and streams
near Bloomsburg.”
“Connections and
networking are
an important part
of getting a job,”
Bechtold added. “With
our connections across
three campuses, we
have a large network
where we can place
students. We’ve
tripled the network of
any given student on
any given campus. We
can let our contacts
know about our
students, what their
interests are, and they
will get hired.”
What is Your Favorite Haven Tradition?
-Shannon Louszko ’25 - Jasmyne Kymer ’23
-Moira Mihan ’23
-Thomas Kaikai ’23
-JD Wright ’26
-Anthony Day ’26
-Evan Sylstra ’26
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
7

haven homecoming
Lock Haven University celebrated its 2022 homecoming
from September 15-18.
The festivities began with The Haven’s 11th annual Lawn
Party and Golf Cart Parade. This year’s parade theme was
“Adventure Awaits.” A total of 55 golf carts, decorated
by campus clubs and organizations, as well as alumni
groups made their way down North Fairview Street before
transitioning to Ivy Lane and parking on the Poorman
Commons to enjoy food, lawn games, and music with the
rest of the campus community.
The annual Alumni Classic Golf Tournament took place at
Belles Springs Golf Course. The winning golfers were Brian
Deutsch, Thomas Foley, Kevin McGarry, and Dalton Kephart.
More than 70 alumni gathered at the Durrwachter Alumni
Conference Center for an alumni Mix & Mingle that included
performances by the Lock Haven marching band and
cheerleaders.
There was tailgating in the Hubert Jack Stadium parking
lot before the Bald Eagle football team took on Clarion
University. During tailgating, the class of 1972 celebrated its
50th reunion.
Nine athletes, coaches and alumni, and four teams from the
2020, 2021, and 2022 classes were inducted into the Lock
Haven Athletics Hall of Fame.
Haven Homecoming 2023 dates are set for September 21-24,
2023. We hope to see you there!
8 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
9

cover story
A History of Transformative Education
by Andrea O’Neill, Elizabeth Arnold, Eric Foster
eginning with Ben
BFranklin’s library
system, well before the
United States even existed,
there has never been a
shortage of education
innovation in Pennsylvania.
In 1834, Thaddeus Stevens
championed a bill that
established a public-school
system in the commonwealth.
The resulting demand
for teachers created the
foundation for Pennsylvania’s
State System of Higher
Education (PASSHE) 130
years later. Today, three of
those schools have integrated
to form Commonwealth
University and continue that
tradition of innovation.
The PA Normal School Act of
1857 originally established 12
teaching, or “normal” schools
A student teacher assists a student circa
1988-1994.
that would set the “norm”
for teacher education in the
coming centuries. Normal
Schools were designed
primarily for teacher education
and were considered the most
affordable option for working
class students at the time. By
1927, PA Normal Schools had
all been purchased by the
state, renamed State Teacher’s
Colleges, and given authority
to grant bachelor’s degrees.
Nearly 30 years later, in 1960
they were again renamed as
State Colleges with the ability
to confer advanced degrees.
On July 1, 1983, the now
14 former Normal Schools
became full universities under
the umbrella of PASSHE.
These institutions of higher
education have been evolving
and growing ever since;
adding new majors and using
A student teacher in front of the class in an
unidentified photo.
Elementary School students broadcast the news at the Akeley School circa 1963-1976.
new methods, expanding and
contracting to meet the needs
of their students.
And while the strict and rigid
rules upheld in the 19th
century would be challenged,
shaped, and relaxed by the
world around them, the goal
of providing an affordable
education to Pennsylvania’s
students has not. First year
students are no longer
required to wear beanies.
Men are no longer required to
wear a jacket and tie to dinner,
and women are allowed to
wear shorts to class. Today’s
students are no longer
forbidden “amusements, visits
of pleasure, [and] noise” on
Sundays and rather than study
penmanship and elocution,
they major in digital forensics
and instructional technology.
Over time, PASSHE
institutions like Bloomsburg,
Lock Haven, and Mansfield
have hosted speakers like
Booker T. Washington and
Susan B. Anthony, and
performers such as Billy Joel,
and Johnny Mathis. They’ve
educated a vast array of
professionals, including four
Pennsylvania governors and,
since 1987, 20,000 teachers
who have impacted the
lives of more than 500,000
students. They’ve adapted
to social and technological
changes and most recently,
a worldwide pandemic.
From paper catalogues to
mainframes and servers,
from cable to wireless, and
desks to Zoom, educational
and social traditions have
changed dramatically. So
too have the needs of
10 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY

Focus on Curriculum and
Community Partnerships
students as they not only become teachers, but also scientists,
graphic designers, cyber security professionals, accountants,
nurses, writers, and financial advisers. And while faculty are no
longer called “professors of pedagogy,” the goal is the same:
to provide Pennsylvania’s students an entry into a profession
that will elevate them and their families to a secure and stable
future.
Which leads us to question—what is “normal” anyway, when
taking a look at nearly 200 years of education and education
preparation in the United States and Pennsylvania?
Partnerships with school districts and enrollment
growth, along with establishing new curricula,
represent strong areas of focus as Larson begins
her role. In October, CommonwealthU signed
partnership agreements with 50 local school
districts guaranteeing admission, merit-based
scholarships and on-campus housing for qualified
students. The agreements will help to solidify
CommonwealthU’s campuses as strong choices
for prospective students and their families who
are focused on both affordability and high-quality
education.
We need teachers.
Now more than
ever. Sitting down
with Dr. Ann Larson, Dean for
Commonwealth University’s
College of Education and
Human Studies, it’s clear that
she’s passionate about the
field of education. “I want to
share with young people that
teaching is the profession
of all professions,” she said.
“Our three universities share a
rich history of education as a
bedrock of civic education and
democracy.”
Look back nearly 200 years
and follow the course of our
evolution as institutions and
you’ll see teacher education
at the core. With that focus
came a pioneering spirit for
innovation and cutting-edge
programs and practices that
have worked to propel the
field of education forward
through the decades.
The image on our cover shows
a teacher and student from
Lock Haven’s Akeley school, a
Model School which helped to
train teachers on campus from
Perhaps most appealing to future students is
the fact that, across programs and departments,
CommonwealthU is rapidly responding to
changing demands. Provost Diana Rogers-
Adkinson cites the curriculum review process as
unique to CommonwealthU and a benefit of the
integration process. She said, “We are currently
engaged in a process to completely design new
curricula for all programs. Meaning, that soon we
will likely have the most updated curricula of any
University in the world.”
1929-1977. No doubt,
the teacher or teacher-intraining
is intently focused
on her young student.
Though the methods and
pedagogies may have
evolved, her goals and
motivations as an educator
are likely not too different
from those of today’s
future teachers. It’s safe
to bet that she wanted to
make a real difference in
the lives of the students in
her classroom—to inspire
greatness and foster a love
for learning. Perhaps the
answer to what is normal—
is just that—the one
constant through decades
of education. Those early
educators likely asked
themselves, are we putting
students first? Are we
preparing them for lives
of meaning and success in
their profession?
It’s a question we’re still
asking today and it’s
what’s driving our mission
to remain relevant for
today’s students and
generations to come.
“So many young people
today have a calling to
make the world a better
place,” said Larson.
Equipping students to
follow their calling is a
mission that’s carried
our universities through
nearly two centuries
of transformative
education—empowering
students to earn the skills
necessary to make a
difference in the world.
Larson’s excitement for
moving the college into
the future is grounded in
a respect for the schools’
LHU student teacher circa 2015.
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
11

CHRIS GROUZES
Empowering Students to
Understand the ‘Why’ and ‘How ’
“Teachers are not the owners of knowledge,”
said Chris Grouzes ’07 (Lock Haven), an English,
communications, and theatre teacher at Rose Tree
Media School District and a 2023 Pennsylvania
Teacher of the Year nominee.
“The task of the teacher has changed—it’s more
important to teach media literacy. Students live
in a world where they can find information at
their fingertips. My job is to help them filter it.
Just because you have access to information
doesn’t mean you’re an expert in navigating that
information.”
Grouzes first attended Lock Haven for journalism.
While taking a Spanish class, one of his fellow
students was on the “struggle bus.” “I helped
him and that was my first taste of an ‘I got it’
moment.” A job at the campus writing center
further validated education as a career for
Grouzes.
Grouzes understands students’ struggles. He’s
been there himself. In high school, he struggled to
memorize his lines for school plays and discovered
he had ADHD. In the Advanced Tutoring Network
(advancedtutoringnetwork.com) forum that he
founded, Grouzes also helps coach other adults
in working with ADHD. “I work with adults as
well and give them permission to be weird or
different,” he said. “The atmosphere is ‘here’s why
your brain works the way it does.’ That experience
validated that I care deeply for the art of teaching,
the science of teaching. The people part of it.”
“My teaching philosophy is always progressing,”
said Grouzes. “I really like to help the people
around me break down the barrier between
teacher and student. Students are internet
natives. They don’t know a world where they
can’t find the fact online.” Technology has
made today’s students “a lot more socially
aware, in terms of society and their friends,”
said Grouzes. He emphasizes the need to see
students as individuals. “Students aren’t walking
scores or grades. They are people with specific
experiences.”
long and successful histories of
teacher preparation. “Each school
has a solid heart and foundation
with diverse programs. I’m eager to
build on their legacies and continue
recruiting teachers to our programs,”
she shared.
Larson has spent her career in
education, beginning as a classroom
teacher for middle and high school
English and Language Arts. After
earning a Ph.D. in Curriculum
and Instruction and Educational
Policy Studies, she went on to the
University of Louisville where she
served for nearly three decades as
a faculty leader and administrator.
“At CommonwealthU, I saw three
universities with strong reputations
for education. Integration presented
an opportunity to be part of building
something new and to serve as a
model for the transformations that are
certain to take place in colleges and
universities across the country,” said
Larson.
Recognizing and rising to
meet workforce needs
has proven central to the
University’s mission. Even before
the pandemic, teacher shortages
have garnered headlines. According
to a national survey by Education
Week, nearly 75% of principals and
district officials said they did not
have applicants to fill open positions
going into the 2022-23 school
year. While the pandemic seemed
to exacerbate the rate of teachers
leaving the profession, the reasons
for nationwide shortages are
complicated and highly dependent
on location, institutional support,
and demographics. “We know since
the pandemic that workforce needs

“We have a
responsibility
to deliver high
quality, cuttingedge
programs
that produce
classroom-ready
teachers who
are prepared to
meet students’
needs and foster
a lifelong love
for learning.”
An LHU student teacher assists a student with
technology.
have profoundly and urgently
changed. There are shortages
in all areas. It’s crucial that
our teacher candidates are
strongly prepared in all
disciplines,” said Larson
Commonwealth U’s unique
charge to focus on building
workforce development
programs is one way that
the college of Education
and Human Services is
poised to meet the growing
workforce demand while
addressing the complexity
of current issues. According
to Larson, employing a
range of strategies to
reach and educate future
teachers will prove key.
Teacher education is now a
registered apprenticeship
with the Department of
Labor. “We need to have
a portfolio of pathways for
certification. Traditional
routes are important, but so
too are alternative routes to
teacher preparation through
models including compressed
programs and apprenticeships
that allow students to be
employed while taking
courses.”
She went on to say that,
“Developing and launching
those programs while
following licensure and
Pennsylvania Department
of Education requirements
will allow us to be part of
the movement to continue
transforming education.
Workforce initiatives won’t
supplant our traditional
programs, but will enhance
our array and allow more
pathways for teachers to enter
the profession and receive
high-quality preparation.
Teacher education has to be
responsive,” Larson added.
“We’re already looking
at ways to partner with
school districts and create
apprenticeship programs
where students don’t need
Cathy zavacki
Dedicated to ‘All kids can learn’
Cathy Zavacki ’99 (Bloomsburg) may teach
chemistry in the Hillsborough (N.J.) School
District. “But my joy is being a teacher and
teaching students how to learn. I just do it
through chemistry. My passion is inclusion
and including all students of all abilities,
and the idea that all kids can learn. I
use the hashtag ‘All Kids Can Learn’ on
Twitter.”
Her message is gaining traction among
fellow educators. Zavacki’s honors
include 2019 New Jersey Coalition for
Inclusion Education Teacher of the Year,
2017 Excellence in High School Teaching
winner for the ACS Division of Chemical
Education Middle Atlantic Region, and
2016 Outstanding High School Chemistry
Teacher from Princeton and Trenton
Sections of the American Chemical Society
“My favorite students are the ones who
don’t believe in themselves. When they
walk in your room, they’re already head
down. They say, I’m not good at science,”
said Zavacki, who is a member of the
Bloomsburg Alumni Association Board.
“One year, I had a girl who at the end of
the year said, ‘you believed in me more
than I believed in myself.’”
For nearly the past 15 years, Zavacki’s
secret weapon in the classroom has been
kinesthetic education, a method in which
students move during lessons instead of
sitting. For example, they may be asked to
stand and step left or right to indicate the
answer to questions.
“No matter their academic ability, every
student is engaged. Every student
interacted with each other,” said Zavacki,
who teaches graduate courses on
kinesthetic education. “We are creatures
that are meant to move. It creates a sense
of belonging.”

brendan cregan
Our students have always
come to us eager to make
a difference in the world.
Together we will continue
forging new paths for
innovation and empower our
students to do the same.
impacting a community through
education
Brendan Cregan ’89 (Mansfield) never
envisioned becoming a school administrator.
“I’ve always liked school,” said Cregan,
secondary principal at Hempfield School
District. “As a student, I only missed one
day in four years of high school. I liked the
camaraderie. I liked the teachers, even in the
classes in which I didn’t do well.”
This made education a natural fit for Cregan.
For college, he chose Mansfield, one of the
campuses of Commonwealth University, after
visiting his older sister, who was studying
education. “Everybody was genuinely friendly.
My three sisters and a brother graduated from
Mansfield, and two became teachers.”
“I could have never done the big school scene.
The smaller setting was exactly what I needed,”
said Cregan, president of Mansfield’s Alumni
Association Board. “At Mansfield, I learned that
the details matter—when you’re preparing a
lesson and when you’re meeting with parents.
In my role as principal, the details matter.”
“I taught social studies for 10 years. It was
always about building relationships with
students and helping them find the best path
for themselves. It wasn’t about the content. It
was about the student. I was teaching students.
You’re using the content to teach the person.”
The importance of building relationships has
been a cornerstone of his career. “It’s very easy
to get stuck behind your desk, to get away
from being involved. Even as an administrator,
I try to spend as much time in the hallways and
classrooms as I can.”
“In administration, you’re trying to make a
change in the who system to help students.
Each step impacts a different level of the
community,” he said. They’ve all had different
rewards. As a principal, I get to see a broader
spectrum of what students do.”
to drop out of the workforce to
become certified to teach.”
Larson is encouraged by the
ongoing work of alumni teachers
and the ways they’re embracing
innovation to meet students’
needs. “We have deep traditions
and a strong alumni base who
have long careers as master
teachers, principals, counselors
and superintendents. They are
our best ambassadors to recruit
new students to our programs
and the profession.”
“The demands on teachers
are a lot,” she said. “It takes a
broad spectrum of knowledge
and skills to be a great teacher.
Children have complex lives
and issues. They come to us
facing issues of poverty with
complex social and emotional
learning needs. As teachers,
we have to understand how
to help students with those
needs. It’s why understanding
human development along
with technology is so important
LHU student teacher circa 2015.
to our teachers meeting the
demands they’ll face in the in
the classroom.”
“The education of our
future leaders is important,”
said Larson. “We have a
responsibility to deliver high
quality, cutting-edge programs
that produce classroom-ready
teachers who are prepared to
meet students’ needs and foster
a lifelong love for learning.”
Amazingly, in nearly 200
years of education and
transformation, our mission has
remained constant. Perhaps
transformation rests at the heart
of that fact—when institutions
embrace change and rise
to meet the challenges of
their time, students and their
aspirations remain central. Our
students have always come to
us eager to make a difference
in the world. Together we will
continue forging new paths for
innovation and empower our
students to do the same.

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
15

current student spotlight
Christian
good
Drawn to The Haven for its accelerated
Physician Assistant (PA) and Army ROTC
programs, as well as its proximity to
home, senior Christian Good, of Muncy,
is a proud member of The Haven Family.
Good, who will complete his
undergraduate degree in May 2023,
plans to continue his education at Lock
Haven to receive a Master’s in Physician
Assistant Studies and be commissioned
as a military officer in May 2025.
With a career goal of becoming a
certified physician assistant and an
officer in the U.S. Army, The Haven was
a perfect fit.
“My time at LHU has been great—
meeting amazing peers, professors,
club advisors, and ROTC Cadre who
have all helped me to complete my
education, while making memories
along the way,” Good said. “ROTC
puts you in a position where you
have to make quick decisions in
stressful situations. It has really
helped me to become more
organized and to become better at
thinking on my feet.”
Active in the campus community,
Good is a member of The Boxing
Club, intramural volleyball, and loves
the levee along the Susquehanna
River, where he also enjoys fishing.
He is the recipient of the John F.
Curico Scholarship and Perna Family
Memorial Scholarship for the 2022-
23 school year. He has made the
dean’s list multiple times and boasts
a 3.82 GPA.
“I am incredibly thankful for the
financial assistance receiving the
scholarships provides, and for the
way they enable me to focus on my
academic and ROTC requirements
that ultimately make my college
experience more enjoyable,” Good
said.
“I thank God for the opportunity to
go to school here and for all friends,
family, and staff who made that
possible to make attending LHU
such a phenomenal experience and
how greatly they have impacted my
life,” he added.
16 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY

ALUMNI feature
Investing in
the Future
A college degree can change
the future for a graduate and
their family for decades to
come.
First-generation college
graduate, Don Calcagni, is
a real-life example. Calcagni
graduated from Lock Haven
University (LHU) in 1998
with degrees in History and
International Studies, along
with minors in Economics
and Spanish. Fast forward
24 years, and Calcagni is
the Chief Investment Officer
and partner for the wealth
management firm, Mercer
Advisors.
Now as a member of the Lock
Haven University Foundation
(LHUF) Board of Directors,
he hopes to impact the
lives of students and future
generations.
“First-generation alumni
like Don are a testament
to the way state-supported
universities like Lock Haven
can truly change someone’s
life,” said Dr. Bashar W.
“I’m a firm believer that it’s now
our time to pay it forward to the
next generation.”
Hanna, Commonwealth
University president. “I thank
Don for his commitment to
paying it forward to the next
generation of Bald Eagles and
applaud his vision for helping
business students gain realworld
insight into financial
management.”
Calcagni’s volunteer service to
the University began in July
2021, when he was elected to
the LHU Alumni Association
Board of Directors. With a
professional resume boasting
nearly a quarter century
of financial management
experience and more than 70
corporate acquisitions and
mergers under his belt, he
transitioned to the LHUF Board
of Directors in June.
“Since joining the LHUF
board of directors, I have
been impressed with the
commitment demonstrated
by each board member to
make the Lock Haven campus
a better place for faculty and
students,” Calcagni said.
“Our LHUF chairperson, Jen
Riter ’96, has a powerful and
motivational vision for the
future of the foundation.”
Along with his volunteer service
to the University, Calcagni
is also a foundation donor.
He is especially passionate
about supporting students
in need of tuition assistance
and tutoring services and
helping them combat food
insecurity. He sees retaining
students as essential to the
university’s mission, not
only for the vibrancy of the
university, but to ensure all
students overcome obstacles
on their way to graduating and
achieving their professional
goals.
“I believe that each of us has
a responsibility to give back
so that future generations can
have the same educational
opportunities that we had,”
Calcagni said. “Every Lock
Haven alumnus is a direct
beneficiary of the university
and the wonderful faculty,
staff, advisors, and peers that
cared enough to invest their
time and talents into each of
us.”
“I’m a firm believer that it’s
now our time to pay it forward
to the next generation,” he
added. “The Haven needs us
now more than ever.”
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
17

sports corner
ATHLETIC NEWS & NOTES @lhuathletics @havenathletics
Coach Hammaker in action during his record-breaking
career at Lycoming College.
Jerry
Hammaker
Named Head
Women’s
Swimming
Coach
Prior to the start of
the 2022-23 season,
Jerry Hammaker was
named the new head
women’s swimming
coach.
The Williamsport,
Pennsylvania native
enjoyed a recordbreaking
career at
Lycoming College
from 2001-2018 and during his 17 seasons at Lycoming,
Hammaker coached both the men’s and women’s swim teams.
“I’m proud to join the Lock Haven family,” said
Hammaker upon his hire. “I’d like to thank President
Hanna, Dr. Ron Darbeau, and Dr. Tom Gioglio for
giving me this opportunity. I’m excited to get
started and I can’t wait to help these women
achieve their goals in and out of the pool.”
During his first season (2001-02) as the head coach at
Lycoming, Hammaker led the women’s program to the
only undefeated season in school history. The Lycoming
women were 11-0 in dual meets. In his second season
(2002-03) at Lycoming, he led a male swimmer to All-
American honors.
Hammaker holds the program record for overall career
dual meet wins (220), most wins with the men’s program
(107), and most wins with the women’s program (113).
The Warrior women posted 15 straight winning seasons
under Hammaker from 2001-16.
Lock Haven opened the season on October 8. To read
more about Coach Hammaker and view the Bald Eagles
full 2022-23 schedule, visit GoLHU.com.
Haven Athletics
Hits High Mark in
Classroom
During the 2021-22
academic year, Lock
Haven student-athletes
continued to hit high
marks in the classroom
and 15 different teams
achieved a cumulative
GPA of 3.0 or higher
as academic success
remained the top priority
for the Bald Eagles.
On the women’s side, the
Lacrosse team posted
the top overall team
GPA of 3.405 and on the
men’s side, the Men’s
Soccer program hit the
highest mark with a team
GPA of 3.281.
Other programs with
a team GPA of 3.0
or higher included:
Women’s Basketball,
Baseball, Men’s Cross
Country, Women’s
Cross Country, Field
Hockey, Golf, Women’s
Soccer, Softball,
Swimming, Tennis,
Men’s Track and Field,
Women’s Track & Field,
and Volleyball.
Individually, the
Bald Eagles saw 169
student-athletes
named 2021-22
Pennsylvanian State
Athletic Conference
Scholar-Athletes.
To be eligible, a
student-athlete must
have maintained a
cumulative GPA of
at least 3.25 upon
completion of the
academic year.
The Lock Haven Lacrosse team was all smiles before a game last
spring. The Bald Eagles’ excitement extended to the classroom as
they achieved high academic marks during the 2021-22 academic
year.
18 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY

Athletics Hall of Fame
Classes of 2020, 2021 and
2022 Enshrined
The Lock Haven Athletics
Hall of Fame Classes were
celebrated and inducted
during Homecoming Weekend
2022 festivities.
One of the many great events
of Homecoming Weekend
2022 included the return of
the Lock Haven Athletic Hall of
Fame Induction Ceremony.
On September 17, the Bald
Eagles honored, celebrated,
and officially enshrined the Hall
of Fame Classes of 2020, 2021,
and 2022.
The Class of 2020 featured
nine individual inductees:
Billy Arre (Men’s Basketball,
athlete ’09), the late Tim Davey
(contributor ’74), Golden Era
Inductee, the late Maylouise
Dixon (coach/administrator),
Shannyn Gillespie (Men’s
Wrestling, athlete ’94), Sandy
Hess (Softball, athlete ’89),
Ron Insinger (Men’s Basketball,
coach/contributor ’74), Leigh
(Titus) Leaf (Lacrosse, athlete
’10), Michael Parker (Men’s
Soccer, coach) and Steve
Podgajny (Men’s Cross Country
and Track & Field, athlete).
The Class of 2021 featured the
1966 and 1967 Men’s Wrestling
teams and the Class of 2022
showcased the 1981 and 1982
field hockey teams.
The Hall of Fame Committee is
looking for nominations as the
group prepares to select the
Class of 2023. To nominate,
and for more information on
the Lock Haven Athletics Hall
of Fame, visit GoLHU.com.
THE HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2020
Ron Darbeau, Billy Arre,
Sandy Hess, Leigh Titus,
Steve Podgajny, Shannyn
Gillespie, Ron Insinger,
Joby Topper (accepted in
honor of Maylouise Dixon),
Mike Davey (accepted in
honor for Tim Davey), and
Tom Gioglio (Director of
Athletics, representing
coach Michael Parker).
THE HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2021:
Members of the 1966
and 1967 Men’s Wrestling
teams. Led by Hall of Fame
head coach Gray Simons
(not pictured), the Bald
Eagles won back-to-back
national championships.
THE HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2022:
Members of the 1981 and
1982 Field Hockey teams.
Led by Hall of Fame
head coach Sharon Taylor
(pictured, center), the Bald
Eagles won back-to-back
national championships.
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
19

Coach Rudy, Haven Alumnae Power Team USA at World Cup
Pat Rudy, Lock Haven’s
Division I head field
hockey coach led Team
USA to the Bronze Medal
at the 2022 Masters
Field Hockey World Cup
in October.
In early October, current
Lock Haven Division I
head field hockey coach
Pat Rudy ’77 helped
lead Team USA at the
2022 Field Hockey World
Cup in Cape Town,
South Africa, as part of
the United States 0-65
Women’s Masters Team.
As the team’s co-captain,
the Bald Eagles’ coach
turned player guided
the United States to the
bronze medal.
Coach Rudy was
joined by fellow Lock
Haven alumnae Denise
Gobrecht ’78, who
served as manager for
the 0-65 team.
“The trip to the Master’s
World Cup Tournament
in Cape Town, South
Africa, was an amazing
experience,” Rudy said.
“It was an honor to be a
part of this team and play
Lock Haven Division I head field hockey coach Pat Rudy.
the sport that we all love. I
was inspired by everyone who
participated in this event and
it was truly an opportunity of
a lifetime. Cape Town is one
of the most beautiful places
on the Earth.”
The 0-65 U.S. team went 2-1-
1 at the tournament.
Additionally, former standout
Left-to-Right: Jane Cygan, Pat Rudy, Pam Sherry and Denise Gobrecht. The
group is pictured after a game at the 2019 Grand Masters Hockey European
Trophy tournament in Antwerp, Belgium.
players Jane (Shaw) Cygan
’81 and Pam (Whittaker)
Sherry ’78 represented the
United States on the 0-60
team. The 0-60 team picked
up a win over one of the
squads from England during
the tournament in October.
Previously, the four helped
power the U.S. Women’s
Masters Team to the gold
medal at the 2019 Grand
Masters Hockey European
Trophy tournament in
Antwerp, Belgium.
For Rudy, it’s another
impressive honor in what’s
already been a storied
career. During the 2018
season, she collected her
600th career head coaching
victory and that milestone
win came after she was
inducted into the National
Field Hockey Coaches
Association (NFHCA) Hall
of Fame in January 2018.
Among many awards, Rudy
is a three-time national
coach of the year.
LHU Foundation,
Alumni Association
Volunteer Boards
Announce Newly-
Elected Leadership
The Lock Haven University
Foundation and Lock Haven
University Alumni Association
announced newly-elected
volunteer board leadership
effective July 1.
The LHU Alumni Association’s
Board of Directors consists of
20 alumni from the 1970s to
the 2010s. The board is divided
into four committees: legacy,
relationships, campus events, and
professional engagement. The
foundation board is comprised
of 20 alumni, community
members, and local business
people who collectively form
three committees: advancement,
finance, and governance.
Jennifer Riter ‘96 is the Chair of
the Foundation Board. A member
since 2016, Riter is the first female
chair in the foundation’s 39-year
history.
Joining Riter in leadership
positions are Bobby Maguire (Vice
Chair), Jeff Parker (Treasurer), and
Jim Berkebile ‘59 (Secretary).
Amee Lewis Vance, a 1975 Lock
Haven State College alumna,
is the LHU Alumni Association
board’s new President as of July 1.
Joining Vance in elected
leadership roles are retired U.S.
Army Col. John Newcomer ’84
(Vice President), Kyle Losch ’15
(Treasurer), and Matt Henry ’18
(Secretary).
20 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY

alumni news
Doyle '19
wins YWCA
Community
Service
Volunteer
Award
Kylee Doyle ’19
is the winner
of the 2022
YWCA of Greater
Johnstown Community Service Volunteer
Award for her continuous efforts to
improve her community.
Since 1987, The YWCA of Greater
Johnstown has honored women and
leaders who work and reside in Cambria
and Somerset counties with the Tribute
to Women Awards. Each year, individuals
in the community nominate women who
have demonstrated leadership qualities
in their workplace, their personal lives
and for their commitment to community
service.
After earning her Communication degree,
Doyle wanted to pursue a career with a
non-profit organization.
Through AmeriCorps,
she took on the role of
Project Coordinator of
the Cambria County
Backpack Project, where
she provided 118,386
meals to 782 children
in Cambria County
during her two years of
service. She then became
Program Director at
Camp Harmony.
Outside of work, she
volunteers as the advisor
for the Technology
Student Association Club
and the assistant junior
high school volleyball
coach for Conemaugh
Township. She is on
the board of Common
Grounds Outreach and
serves as a deaconess,
helping with the youth
group at her local church.
Tau Kappa
Epsilon Alumni
Return to
Campus, Raises
Over $9k for TKE
Scholarship
Forty Lock Haven University Tau
Kappa Epsilon alumni returned to
campus in August, raising more than
$9,000 during their annual TKE alumni
reunion.
The brothers enjoyed a golf outing
at Belles Springs Golf Course and
the 31st Annual Richard Weede Golf
Classic at Clinton Country Club.
In total, $9,010 was raised over three
days with $5,010 going to the TKE
Alumni Scholarship and the remaining
$4,000 going to the TKE’s Friends of
Finken fund, named in honor of TKE
brother Gary Finken ’71. Finken died
in 2009 butt is widely recognized
among the TKE’s as the driving force
behind maintaining their alumni
brotherhood over the last five
decades.
The $5,010 added to the TKE
Alumni Scholarship pushed
their endowment above
$115,000. Established in 2013,
the TKE Alumni Scholarship
has traditionally been awarded
annually to one outstanding
student-athlete known for
their leadership, character,
and integrity, who also has a
demonstrated financial need.
This year, for the first time,
the scholarship was awarded
to three student-athletes:
sophomore softball player
Bella Schmitt, junior basketball
player Jackie Fetsko, and junior
lacrosse player Abby Hampson,
each receiving $1,000.
Klinefelter '22 Named
WTAJ-TV's Newest
Reporter
Nexstar Media Group’s CBS affiliate for the
Johnstown-Altoona-State College market,
WTAJ, hired 2022 Lock Haven University
graduate Tristan Klinefelter as the station’s
latest news reporter.
Klinefelter is responsible for writing,
reporting, shooting, and producing
engaging multimedia news content, for
the station’s broadcast, digital, and social
platforms.
Klinefelter landed the position with the
station one week before earning his degree
in Communication with a focus in Electronic
Media and Journalism in May.
During his time at LHU, Klinefelter was a
part of the Radio Club, WLHU Radio, and
served as Vice President of LHU’s television
club, Havenscope—helping, along with
Communications faculty member, Matthew
McKeague ’06, and a fellow classmate, to
grow the club from
two to 18 members in
a single semester.
Klinefelter said the
hands-on learning
experienced through
participation in those
clubs directly aided
him in earning the
position at WTAJ. His
ultimate career goal
is to work his way to
becoming a lead news
anchor.
Kappa Delta Rho
Alumni Reunion
Weekend
Generates More
Than $9K for KDR
Scholarship
In June, more than 50 Kappa Delta
Rho alumni returned to campus,
raising over $9,000 for the Kappa
Delta Rho Alpha-Alpha Scholarship
during their KDR alumni reunion
weekend.
Organized by eight alumni committee
members, this year’s event aimed to
generate funds for the scholarship
through various initiatives like a golf
tournament and silent auction. Their
goal was $5,000. In total, the group
raised $9,360.
Along with the tournament and silent
auction, the group also took time to
pay their respects to 65 Lock
Haven KDR brothers who have
passed away.
The KDR Alpha-Alpha
Scholarship awards $1,500
annually to a KDR Alpha-Alpha
Brother or KDR Alpha-Alpha
Legacy Brother and was
awarded for the first time in the
2021-22 school year.
In addition to raising funds
for the scholarship, the group
is also focused on recruiting
alumni involvement and finding
additional ways to support
students, perhaps by providing
future housing assistance for
students who pledge to join the
fraternity.
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
21

alumni board spotlight
latoya smith
LaToya Smith, a 1998 Lock Haven University graduate, knows
that both a scholarship and having a mentor can go a long
way in helping a student graduate from college. That’s why
she helped establish the Shades of LHU Legacy Scholarship.
Smith has been a member of the LHU Alumni Association
board of directors since July 2021. She is a member of the
Legacy Committee and prides herself on being an advocate
for students of color.
The Shades of LHU Legacy Scholarship she helped get
off the ground, awards up to $1,000 annually to a black
Commonwealth University-Lock Haven student with a GPA
of 3.0 or higher. It was awarded for the first time in the 2021-
22 school year to Tymir James, a junior mid-level education
major, who received the maximum award.
Along with providing financial assistance to establish the
scholarship, and recruiting alumni to support it, Smith also
works with former Alumni Association President, Ed Wright
’71; Lock Haven’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
Kenneth Hall ’94; and Commonwealth University’s Chief
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Officer, Albert Jones ’99, to
provide mentorship to students
of color.
After earning a degree
in Journalism and Mass
Communication from LHU, Smith
earned a Master’s in Education
and Counseling from Auburn
University, and a Master’s in
Divinity from Drew Theological
School. In 2016, she founded LCS
Counseling & Consulting Agency.
“I work in a helping profession.
Helping people process how
to become better versions of
themselves is what I do,” Smith
said. “Mentoring students is
important because I think about
what I needed back when I was
that age.”
“It’s great to give money if you
can,” she added. “But voices
matter too, and using our
voices to empower students is
something each of us can do to
make a difference.”
donor profile
Emeritus Lew Magent ‘66, Wife
Myla ‘69 Impact Students Through
Philanthropic Support
Lock Haven State College (LHSC) alumni, Lew
’66 and Myla (Bradford) Magent ’69 met on the
Lock Haven campus in 1966. The husband and
wife say their life-changing Haven experience
is the reason they continue to assist students
through philanthropic support to the Lock
Haven University Foundation (LHUF) more than
five decades after graduating.
Lew was in his third year of teaching in the
Lock Haven School District in 1970 when he
was asked to pilot a Social Studies project with
his students. He then was offered a faculty
position at the Akeley Campus School and
in 1975, when Akeley closed, Lew became
a faculty member in the Special Education
Department at LHSC. A year later, he received
his certification in Special Education.
Over the course of his career, Lew
received various honors and distinctions,
including the Commonwealth of PA
Department of Education Certificate of
Excellence in Teaching Award during the
1974-75 school year. In 2002, he received
the Lock Haven University APSCUF Award
and, in 2007, was presented with the Roll
of Service Award from the LHU Alumni
Association. In 1981, he was initiated into
the Phi Delta Kappa education fraternity.
Following his retirement in 2001, he
gained LHU emeritus status.
“Being an emeritus is an honor,” Lew
said. “After working at the University
and seeing the caliber of faculty, staff,
and administrators who worked for one
sole purpose—the students—it is quite
humbling to be included with those
people.”
Myla taught second grade at Woolrich
Elementary for a year, did some substitute
teaching at Akeley School, and was a
teacher and director at The Nurtury
preschool in Woolrich.
“Without Lock Haven University, our lives
would have been totally different,” Myla
said. “LHU was one of those decisions
that molded our entire lives, so how can
we not give back?”
In 2002, Lew and Myla established
the Lew and Myla Magent Education
Scholarship. Each year, the scholarship is
awarded to a student majoring in Special
Education, Early Childhood Education,
or Elementary Education. Students
must have a minimum GPA of 3.4
within their major and 3.2 overall.
Students’ service to the University is
also considered during the selection
process.
“We wanted to help students in one
of these majors realize their dream
of becoming a teacher,” Lew said.
“Hopefully these students will impact
the lives of their future students in
positive ways and the recipients will
realize that giving back is a rewarding
thing to do for everyone involved.”
Along with their scholarship, the
Magents have provided additional
assistance to other University
initiatives including the Student
Retention Fund, the Haven Cupboard,
the Class of 1966 Bald Eagle Statue,
and numerous other scholarships.
“Being involved 50 years later
signifies just how much we value the
education we received, friendships
we maintain, and the opportunities
the university offers to support current
students,” Lew said.
“We are so thankful for donors and
alumni like Lew and Myla, who have a
deep connection to their alma mater
and a passion for helping Lock Haven
students achieve their goals and gain
invaluable college experiences and
a love for The Haven like they have,”
said Bashar W. Hanna, President.
22 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY

News & notes
NURSING HONOR SOCIETY
ESTABLISHES ‘SCRUBS FOR
STUDENTS’ UNIFORM CLOSET
The 2022 Nursing Honor Society at the
Clearfield campus has established an
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
uniform closet to help decrease the
financial strain of nursing school.
The “Scrubs for Students” closet is open
to all nursing students who are in need
of assistance with the purchase of clinical
uniforms.
To launch the closet, scrubs were
collected from the 2022 graduating class
and nursing alumni. The uniforms are
free, but honor society members are
asking for a small donation to help
the Lock Haven Nursing Honor
Society keep this service available
to future nursing students.
The “Scrubs for Students” closet
opened on August 12, during the
ASN nursing student orientation.
Three second-year honor society
members, Stephanie Beck, Elijah
Williams, and Sarah Snyder, assisted
with the launch of the closet.
Approximately 25 new members of
the Class of 2024 visited the closet
with more than $210 in donations
collected to help future Nursing
Honor Society students maintain
this valuable student service.
LOCK HAVEN
STUDENTS, FACULTY
IMPROVE DENTAL
HEALTH IN RURAL
JAMAICA
Lock Haven has been providing students
and faculty the opportunity for mission
trips to the rural village of Harmons,
Jamaica, since 2015.
The program is a cooperative effort
between Dr. Amy Way, health science
professor and international servicelearning
program coordinator; Jennifer
Bell, physician assistant faculty; and
Won by One to Jamaica (WBOTJ), a
nonprofit organization located in the
rural community in south central Jamaica.
The groups have focused on dental
care, providing each of the children who
attend school in the community with a
toothbrush, as well as applying fluoride
varnish to each child between the ages
of 3 and 12 every year, and educating
them about proper brushing and food
choices.
With its emphasis on the care of
underserved populations, Lock Haven
Physician Assistant students regularly
participate in this program.
“Our students have been sponsoring
twin girls through the mission’s school
sponsorship program, and the Health
Science Club has been organizing
vitamin drives for us each year. So,
while we have not been able to be
there as a team since 2019, we are still
engaged with the community,” Way
said.
A new preschool dental program
initiative through the Jamaican
Ministry of Health (MOH) and WBOTJ
began this fall for Harmons students.
The teachers were instructed on the
best way to teach preschoolers how
to properly brush their teeth. Each
child was given their own toothbrush
and toothpaste to be kept at school
and every day following lunchtime, the
teachers have the children brush their
teeth.
“Our students have been working for
years to educate the community of
Harmons on the importance of oral
health,” Bell said. “We are so excited
to be able to have the Jamaican
Ministry of Health recognize that this
initiative for children is an effort worth
partnering with.”
“Thank you to Dr. Way and faculty
member Jennifer Bell for their
leadership in this initiative. It serves
as a wonderful example of service in
action and demonstrates the power
of students coming together and
using their professional skills to make
a difference in the world,” said Dr.
Bashar W. Hanna, President.
A donation page has been created
to help with gathering monetary donations
for the dental health project in Harmons. To
make a donation, visit www.givegab.com/
campaigns/lock-haven-health-science-missionto-jamaica.
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
23

Class Notes
60’s
Jerry Swope ‘66 was inducted into the
National Wrestling Hall of Fame on May
1. The induction was held at the Hershey
Lodge in Hershey, Pa.
70’s
Michael Crosby ’79 was chosen to
officiate the New Hampshire Division II
High School Girl’s Lacrosse championship
game on June 8.
80’s
Timothy J. Walter ’80 was selected for
induction into the Pennsylvania State
Athletic Directors’ Hall of Fame as a
member of the 2023 class. Walter served
as director of athletics in the Bradford
Area School District for 18 years, among
numerous other honors and distinctions.
Mark DiPippa
’89, had his Haven
Pride on full display,
while participating
with more than
2,500 Jeeps in the 2022 New Jersey Jeep
Beach Invasion 2022 in Wildwood, NJ
from July 15 to July 17.
Kim (Evelyn) Kidd ’89 was promoted
to Director of TV Programming for QVC,
Inc. and leads the team responsible for
programming and airtime allocation
for both QVC TV channels, as well as
managing the on-air talent scheduling for
TV and streaming platforms.
Michelle (Miller) Rill ’89 & ‘12 was
promoted to Assistant Director for World
Campus Central (WCC) at Penn State
University. The WCC team is an online
one-stop office for enrollment services
management for students enrolled at Penn
State World Campus.
00’s
Douglas Madenford ‘02
received the Emichsburg
Prize for the preservation
of German language
and culture. The prize is
awarded by the Mundart
Tage Bockenheim Verein,
an organization that aims to
protect the Paelzisch dialect and culture.
Madenford, a German teacher at Central
Mountain High School, is the only non-
German to win the award in its more than
50-year history.
Charlie Brenneman ’04
and Amanda (Young)
Brenneman ’04
celebrated their 10th
wedding anniversary
on May 12. The
couple resides in Elizabethtown, Pa. with
their children Gracie and Rocky, along with
their French Bulldog, Josie. Rocky’s name is
partially inspired by Charlie’s former wrestling
coach at LHU, Rocky Bonomo.
Ashley Foltz ’06 & ’08 opened
a second location of her popular
clothing and accessory shop,
Skeleton Key Boutique, at 442
William St. in Williamsport. The
original Skeleton Key Boutique
is still located at 19 E. Main St.
in Lock Haven. Foltz also works
part-time as a physician assistant.
10’s
Jeff Ross ‘15 & ’17 and Haley
(Bridges) Ross ’14 welcomed
to the world twin baby girls
Rosie and Ruby on July 18.
Maria Johnston ’17 recently
joined My Care Now, LLC as
one of its newest Certified
Registered Nurse Practitioners.
Along with her earning
her Bachelor of Science in
Nursing from Lock Haven
University, she also has a Master of Science
in Nursing from Walden University, and she
is nationally certified through the American
Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family
Nurse Practitioner. She is a member of the
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
and Pennsylvania Association of Nurse
Practitioners.
20’s
Alyssa Felty ’21 & ’22 was
named director of events at
Penn State University. In her
role, she will organize the
logistics and facilitation of
athletic events for the men’s
and women’s soccer and
lacrosse teams, and she will
also assist with football gameday duties.
In Memoriam
George Boyce ’65
Melinda J. Cavagnaro ’77
Mrs. Sheila Frankenfield ’91
Timothy P. Hannon ’99
Robert McCauley ’83
Shauna Moore ’13
James A. Morris ’70
Patrick M. Renehan ’66
David M. Richardson ’96
Carl A. Sprock ’57
Carol Lee Swaltek ’61
Col. David L. Swartzlander ’69, USA Ret.
Edward T. Williams ’71
Mrs. Betty B. Witt ’47
LHU emerita, Betty Schantz ’59, passed away
peacefully on June 2, 2022. Schantz earned
LHU’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1975
and LHU’s Distinguished Service Award in 1987.
From 1997 to 2011, she served on the LHU
Foundation Board of Directors, chairing its
Capital Campaign Committee from 1990-94.
She gained emerita status from LHU in 2001. In
2017, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of
Public Service by LHU.
LHU emeritus, Dr. Ira Graybill Masemore
began teaching history at Lock Haven State
College in 1969. Ten years later, he was
promoted to Dean of the College of Education
and Human Services and remained in that role
until his retirement in 1996. In 1997, Masemore
earned emeritus status, and, he and his late
wife, Gillian, established and endowed the Ira
G. and Gillian Masemore Scholarship, which
is awarded annually to a student majoring in
Geology or Teacher Education.
LHU emeritus, Dr. Kenneth Settlemyer
passed away on July 8, 2022. Settlemyer
taught Biological Sciences and Botany from
1966-1996. From 1970-1988, he initiated
and directed the LHU Campus Beautification
Program where over 500 trees and shrubs were
planted and 3,500 to 5,000 annual plants were
grown on campus and planted every year. He
also designed the Sloan Courtyard Project,
the patio landscape at Stevenson Library, and
participated in the design of the LHU Marker
and the Normal School Arch. In 1974, he was
honored with LHU’s Outstanding Educator
Award.
Can’t get enough of
The Haven?
Visit www.lockhaven.edu/thehaven
for extended content.
24 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY

FROM THE ARCHIVES
THE AKELEY SCHOOL,
By: Joby Topper, Library Director and
1929-1977 Assistant Director of CU Libraries
Akeley Hall stands as the third oldest
building on campus, behind Rogers
Gym (1896) and Bowes Hall (1927).
Built in 1929 as a “Training School,”
Akeley served as a public elementary
and junior high school on campus
where our Education majors were
trained as school teachers. This
is where they did their classroom
observations and student teaching.
The Training School was a common
feature at Teachers’ Colleges across
the nation. They were also known
as “Model Schools.” Because they
were so closely tied to a Teachers’
College, where education professors
were regularly conducting research
and experimenting with innovative
pedagogies, these Training/Model
Schools were expected to be models
of effective teaching and learning.
Akeley was not the campus’ first
Model School. LHU had Model Schools
long before Akeley was built. One of
these was a beautiful building, often
Archibald P. Akeley, 1925.
called “the Old Clock Tower Building,”
and it stood close to where Himes Hall
is today. By the mid-1920s, the Old
Clock Tower Building was overflowing
with students, kindergarten through
9th grade. Akeley Hall was built to
solve this problem of overcrowding.
Grades 7-9 were moved to Akeley, so
it became known as the “Junior High
Training School.”
In 1953, all campus buildings and
athletic fields were named in honor
of men and women who had given
distinguished service to the Lock
Haven State Teachers College. The
Training School was named for
Archibald P. Akeley (1886-1972),
a long-time college trustee and
superintendent of schools in Potter
County from 1918 to 1956.
By 1960, the Akeley School had
reduced its enrollment from K-9 to
grades 1-6. In 1971, President Frank
Hamblin called attention to the trend
among former Teachers Colleges to
close their Model Schools. During the
1960s, Lock Haven gradually became
a multi-purpose college for the liberal
arts and sciences. Our number of
Elementary Education majors—the
students who would need the Akeley
School as a training ground—had
dwindled to about 25 percent of our
student body. In short, the cost of
operating the Akeley School was no
longer in proportion with the costs
of supporting the non-Elementary
Education programs. Hamblin and
the Board of Trustees were forced to
make a difficult decision. On March 18,
1977, the Board voted unanimously
to close the Akeley School, ending a
century of Model School education on
campus.
Student and teacher on Akeley steps in 1960.
A teacher assists students with an Akeley School art project
circa 1963-1976.
LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY THE HAVEN FALL 2022
25

Marketing and Communications
Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Q&A
For the past 13 years, Erik Evans ’88 has served as Vice President for
Advancement at Bloomsburg University. On July 1, he officially took the
lead for Commonwealth University’s Advancement Division, serving the
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield communities. Evans is no stranger to
Lock Haven, having previously earned a degree and worked at The Haven.
Q
:Tell us about your role and what it has meant to you to Come Home to
The Haven.
A
:In 1999, I was honored to become Lock Haven’s third Director of
Alumni Relations. During my seven plus years at The Haven, I had the
opportunity to learn from several LHU legends who took a chance on an
inexperienced “kid” from New Jersey. Without those incredible mentors,
I would never have been qualified to serve in my current role as VP for
Advancement for Lock Haven, Bloomsburg, and Mansfield. One of the most
rewarding parts of my new role is reconnecting with dedicated Lock Haven
colleagues, volunteers, and donors. Having graduated from Lock Haven with
a BA in Speech Communications and a Master’s in Business Education from
Bloomsburg, I can proudly say I now get to work at both of my alma
maters!
Q
: As Lock Haven unites with Bloomsburg and Mansfield
under the banner of Commonwealth University, what do you
see as the biggest opportunities to impact student success?
A
: Expanded opportunities for students is what excites
me most about our three universities integrating.
Students will have access to additional programs and
employer partners to assist with their career aspirations.
Q
: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A
:As philanthropists, we have a front row seat in
seeing dreams come true! With each gift, our goal
is to marry a strategic priority with a donor passion. When
this happens, the ultimate impact to our students is simply
magical!
Q
: When you’re not on campus, how do you enjoy spending your
time?
A
: When off campus, my wife Cori and I enjoy spending time outdoors.
We both also love to exercise and recently took up the frustrating,
and sometimes rewarding, game of golf. On weekends and vacations, we
enjoy our downtime with family and friends, often over dinner with a nice
glass of wine.
26 FALL 2022 THE HAVEN LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY