WCN

Class of 2013 Encourged to Get a Job

WCN Staff and The Westminster College Communications Office — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Kelly Matune received her B.A. in Public Relations. She is one of several members of the Westminster Class of 2013 to secure a job well before graduation.

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.-- The sun shined down on the Class of 2013 at the 159th commencement at Westminster College where Distinguished Faculty Award recipient and faculty chair Dr. Terri Lenox lovingly nudged the graduates to now get a job.

More than 300 students earned diplomas during the annual Westminster College commencement ceremonies Saturday. Undergraduate degrees were conferred on 330 students with an additional 17 receiving master's degrees.

You can access the telecast of the commencement ceremonies online from the WCN Live archives by clicking here.

While waiting for the graduates to appear for the 2:30 p.m. Commencement ceremony, parents and friends were treated to music by Dr. Nancy Zipay DeSalvo, associate professor of music, at the organ and the Westminster College Faculty Brass Quintet: Robert Antonucci on tuba; Terry Gale on trumpet; Dr. R. Tad Greig on trombone; Jon Nickel `09 on trumpet; and James Scanga on horn.

Bagpiper Latta led the grand march and Zipay DeSalvo played "Pomp and Circumstance" as the graduates, faculty, trustees, and platform party entered. Dr. A. Dwight Castro, professor of classics, was the mace bearer and Dr. Gary Lilly `69, associate professor of sociology, and Dr. Pamela Richardson, associate professor of mathematics, were faculty marshals. Students were led by marshals Dorita Bolger, professor and librarian, Dr. Jamie McMinn, associate professor of psychology, and Dr. Richard Sprow, professor of English

The opening declaration was made by Thomas A. Tupitza `79, chair of the Board of Trustees, and the Rev. Mohr gave the invocation. President Dorman offered greetings.

An honorary degree, doctor of business administration, honoris causa, was presented to Leonard M. Carroll, chairman of Seneca Capital Management Inc. of Sewickley, and former chairman of the Westminster Board of Trustees. Carroll served 20 years on Westminster's Board.

Westminster College has benefitted greatly from Carroll's involvement and leadership. During his term as chair of the board (2008-2012) he helped develop the vision and goals of Westminster's current $50 million comprehensive campaign Ever Higher: The Campaign for Westminster College, and has supported that effort significantly.

In addition to the role of chairman of Seneca Capital Management Inc., a venture capital firm he co-founded in 1996 focusing on the growth and development of northwest Pennsylvania businesses, he served as president and chief operating officer of Integra Financial Corporation in Pittsburgh, and served in executive positions with Pennbancorp in Titusville and First Seneca Bank of Oil City.

Carroll shared his thoughts on "Working with Westminster" with the audience.

"I have spent many years volunteering at the College. At first, I viewed my volunteering efforts as one more social obligation in a busy career. As time passed, it became more than an obligation. It became a passion. I have said and will continue to say that Westminster College is a special place and deserves to be respected, watched after and supported with our time and treasure," Carroll said. "I've never worked for any non-profit organization where so many people spend so much time and effort trying to do the right thing."

Carroll also addressed the graduating class.

"You have and will benefit greatly from your stay at the College, but the benefit you have received comes at a price. You now have a life-long duty to help keep Westminster strong and on the right track so that the next generation of students will be able to enjoy the same life changing experience you had here on campus."

Lauren Gaynord, an English major from Valencia, was the senior class speaker.

"It recently occurred to me that we all answer, Why Westminster? in our own way, but the answer comes down to the education we received and the people we met while receiving it. Some of you, I have never met on a personal level. Others have become my greatest friends, people I have happily watched change and grow as we have gone through our education together. What matters is not whether or not I know you; it is that we are all Westminster graduates, and will go on to change the world with like-minded ideals and goals. What's more, we will always remember the people who held the door for us," Gaynord said.

Gaynord continued, "Whatever you choose to do when you walk off this campus today, I am as sure as I have ever been that you will do it well. We are confident, we are young, we are all well-trained, and we are all compassionate towards one another. The reason coming to Westminster feels like coming home is obvious to me now; everyone here knows that Westminster is something special."

Distinguished Faculty Award
Lenox received the Distinguished Faculty Award. Lenox, who serves as chair of Westminster's Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, joined the faculty in 1999. She earned an undergraduate degree from Grove City College and master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

The Distinguished Faculty Award is given to the faculty member who has, over a sustained period of time, demonstrated characteristics of the most outstanding faculty - intellectual vitality, effective communication skills, the ability to motivate or inspire compassion and concern for student success, collegiality, and leadership. Nominations come from students, faculty, and alumni.

Bolger, Dr. Linda Domanski, Lilly, Dr. Gail Miller and Dr. David Twining Honored with Emerita Status
Bolger was honored with designation as professor/librarian emerita. Bolger, who has been with Westminster since 1981, earned her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and master's from Clarion University.

Domanski was honored with designation as professor of education emerita. Domanski, who has been with Westminster since 1996, earned undergraduate and master's degrees from Slippery Rock University and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. She served as the Westminster education department chair from 2005-2010. Most recently she has taught the Legal Issues and Assessment and Instructional Strategies methods courses required for special education certification, and supervises student teachers

Lilly was honored with designation as associate professor of sociology emeritus. Lilly, who was a 1969 graduate of Westminster College, has been a member of the faculty since 1977. He earned his master's and Ph.D. from Kent State University. He was chair of PSS for 10 years, chair of the faculty for three terms, and director of institutional research since 1985. His work with students has included being adviser to a fraternity from 1981-2008, women's cross-country coach from 1989-2002, and cross-country head coach from 2002-2008. He also helped establish the women's track club and helped create and was the first faculty adviser for the Black Student Union.

Miller was honored with designation as professor of business emeritus. Miller, who has been with Westminster since 1983, earned his undergraduate degree from Otterbein College, master's from the University of Georgia and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky.

Twining was honored with designation of professor of history emeritus. Twining, who has been with Westminster since 1990, earned his undergraduate degree from the College of Wooster, master's from the University of Virginia, and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. He was one of the founders of the National History Day Program. He coordinated the First-Year Program, the History Program, and has offered summer workshops for social studies teachers. He was chosen as the Henderson Lecturer for 2010, an honor to encourage and recognize original and continuing research and scholarship among Westminster College faculty, and to afford the opportunity for faculty to share their learning with the academic community.

Alexandra Patterson, a music performance major from Saxonburg, sang the Westminster College Alma Mater to end the ceremony.

The ceremony began with baccalaureate service at 10:30 a.m. in Orr Auditorium. The Rev. Dr. John B. "Mike" Loudon `70, senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, Fla., shared "How Do You Measure Success." He was introduced by the Rev. James R. Mohr II, College chaplain.

The service included music by Westminster organist Kathryn Miller and the Rev. James Latta, bagpiper and pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City; the Senior Choir under the direction of Dr. Robin Lind, associate professor of music and director of choral activities.

Guests received a welcome from Dr. Jesse Mann, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, and closing thoughts from Westminster College President Dr. Richard Dorman. Prayers were offered by the Rev. Mohr and Father Thomas Lewandowski, of St. Camillus Church in New Castle. Senior worship participants included: Tawni Darby, who read the call to worship; Simmone Bell and Jane Larson, who read Scripture; Eric Dennis, who did a Gospel Reading; Caitlin Rozgonyi and Stephanie Gasser, who led the litany of faith; and Hannah Jaskiewicz, who lead the singing of the hymns.

Commemencement 2013 live on TV and online

WCN Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.-- The chairs are in place on the Weisel Senior Terrace in front of Old Main at Westminster College for the graduating class of 2013. Physical Plant crews have also set up hundreds of chairs on the Quad for the large gathering of proud parents, family members and friends. It's all part of the set-up for an outdoor commencement that WCN will televise live on cable and online beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

This is the second year WCN has televised commencement on TV as well as streamed it live on the web. To watch online, log on to wcnlive.com. Cable TV viewers can watch on Comcast channel 183 in Lawrence County. Armstrong viewers can watch on digital channel 204 in Lawrence and Mercer counties. New Wilmington features WCN on Armstrong channel 72.

More than 300 students will receive degrees at Westminster's 159th commencement ceremonies. This will be the final commencement ceremony to feature Academic Dean Jesse Mann announcing the name of each graduate. Mann is stepping down from the Dean's office to return to the faculty.

Nine Westminster Cable/Titan Radio staffers will also be among the grads participating commencement. We want to congratulate Ashley Durham, Courtney Crown, Connor Kobis, Adam Carswell, Liam Halferty, Jordan Greer, James McCallion, Andrea Tice and Hannah Paczkowski.

WCN 2013 Senior Sendoff from WCN 24/7 on VIMEO on Vimeo.

To help kick off the graduation school spirit, we also offer Adam Carswell's production of the Dub-C Remix! Turn up the volume with Carswell and his crew!

DUB-C &' the BC!

See the world of Pittsburgh Pride through an extremely personal journey

WCN Staff — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

PITTSBURGH-- Were you aware that many local Democratic politicians like Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl support the gay community? Ravenstahl was among the speakers featured during Pittsburgh Pride in 2012? While the local media failed to cover the public support of local politicians, the news also offered little in-depth coverage of the festival that celebrates the gay, lesbian and transgendered community.

However, cameras were rolling during Pittsburgh Pride as this annual event featured a major parade through the city. Documentary producer Ashley Durham had her camera handy as she set out to tell a very intimate story about her personal journey to Pittsburgh Pride.

Durham, a Beaver County native and WCN staffer, admits she has spent most of her life identifying herself as a lesbian. As she got older she found it easier to accept who she was. She wanted to showcase the LGTBQ community in Pittsburgh and introduce some brave individuals who wanted to share their pride and stories.

The highlight was the 2012 PrideMarch featuring nearly 130 organizations. The March rolled down Grant Street &' the Blvd. of the Allies, on to Grant Street and then onto Fifth Avenue, and finally a right onto Liberty Avenue. Organizers claim it is a major parade that rivals Pittsburgh's Veterans Day Parade in size.

The March does draw controversy and protesters. Some of last year's protesters made for some tense moment's in Durham's documentary.

You can watch the documentary here and share it online.

Durham says she learned so much about herself and what it means to be gay today as she went “Over the Rainbow” at Pittsburgh Pride.

Over the Rainbow from WCN 24/7 on VIMEO on Vimeo.

Employees honored for 1,020 years of combined service

The Westminster College Communications Office and WCN Staff — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College honored 49 employees for 1,020 years of combined service at a luncheon May 8 in the McKelvey Campus Center's Witherspoon Rooms.

Employees who are retiring are: Kay L. Allison, secretary/bookkeeper in McGill Library, after 20 years; Dorita F. Bolger, professor and librarian in McGill Library, after 32 years; Gloria C. Cagigas, vice president for institutional advancement, after 19 years; Dr. Linda P. Domanski, professor of education, after 30 years; Elizabeth E. Hines, director of adult and graduate studies, after 33 years; Daniel G. Hockenberry, painter, after 25 years; Dr. Gary D. Lilly, associate professor of sociology/director of institutional research, after 36 years; Dr. Gail L. Miller, 30 years; Jerry W. Tetrick, custodian, 20 years; and Dr. David C. Twining, professor of history, 23 years.

Those honored for years of service were:

40 years - Ferne Layton, baker for Sodexo Dining Services.

35 years - Roberta Flynn, cashier for Sodexo Dining Services; Jackie Meade, director of the career center; Ronald J. Pennington, custodial supervisor; Dr. Grover A Pitman, professor of music; and D. Scott Renninger, Jr., professor of physical education.

30 years - Dr. Gail L. Miller; Carol L. Shibler, administrative assistant for Sodexo Dining Services; Dr. Sandra K. Webster, professor of psychology; and Gerald E. Yeager, utility in Sodexo Dining Services.

25 years - Dr. Neal A. Edman, vice president of student affairs; and Daniel G. Hockenberry, painter.

20 years - Kay L. Allison; Pearl A. Eaton, custodian; Dr. Charlene Klassen Endrizzi, professor of education; Dr. Martha R. Kellner, associate professor of chemistry; Connie L. McGinnis, director of celebrity series; Dr. Kristin Park, professor of sociology; associate professor of physical education/assistant athletic director; and Bradley P. Tokar, director of admissions.

15 years - Dr. John P. Bonomo, associate professor of computer science; David S. Cohen, groundskeeper; Denise M. Guthery, receptionist in admissions office; Richard P. McConnell, custodian; Christine A. Miller, controller; Jeffrey G. Morton, carpenter; Dr. Kang-Yup Na, associate professor of religion; Deborah Parady, graphic designer; Barbara I. Quincy, counselor; Ruth M. Renko, custodian; Deborah M. Sewall data entry clerk in the physical plant; Tracey L. Sinopoli, custodian; and Girish Thakar, head men's and women's soccer coach.

10 years - Dr. Andrew W. Ade, associate professor of English; Robert D. Frazier, Jr., supervisor for Sodexo Dining Services; Evann G. Garrison, lecturer in the department of English and public relations; Debra L. Jones, cook for Sodexo Dining Services; Barbara L. Linebaugh, Titan card coordinator; Terri L. Lunsford, cook for Sodexo Dining Services; Dr. Jamie G. McMinn, associate professor of psychology; Renay L. Montgomery, bookstore clerk; and Dr. Shannon I. Smithey; associate professor of political science.

Language in Motion Serves 1,300 Area Students

The Westminster College Communications Office and WCN Staff — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College’s Language in Motion (LIM) program reached more than 1,300 area students during its seventh year.

Language in Motion is an innovative outreach program that gives study-abroad returnees, international students, and upper-level language students the opportunity to create language and cultural activities for presentation in K-12 language, social studies, and other classes where culture can be studied.

This year’s team of 16 Westminster students, led by Milagros Swerdlow, Spanish lecturer and coordinator of Language in Motion, gave 85 presentations at area schools this spring and hosted 115 high school language students for Intercultural Day, which focused on the issue of immigration around the globe.

“Critical awareness of global issues is increasingly important in our world. That starts with a basic understanding of other cultures, so it is important for high school, middle school, and elementary teachers to have their students exposed to innovative lessons on international subjects,” Swerdlow said.

In areas schools, LIM team members gave presentations on the following topics: yoga and tea in India; graffiti art in Chile; climbing seven summits of the world; connecting with communities in the Dominican Republic; South Africa and freedom; exploring France through animal sounds and music; bullfighting in Spain; Andalucía; Costa Rican culture; Scottish culture; Irish culture; Peruvian culture; Brazilian literature and dance; and the Mayan society today.

“My students had wonderful opportunities to explore and discover a variety of cultures through the Language in Motion program. Sharing the similarities and differences among cultures provided my students with a better understanding of the world in which they live,” said Dawn Marcantino, first grade teacher at New Wilmington Elementary School.

Westminster’s Language in Motion program is sponsored by Westminster’s Department of Modern Languages, Drinko Center for Experiential Learning, and the Heritage Chair of Humanities.

Coach Showcases Hidden Talent

Connor Kobis — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.-- Titan assistant basketball coach Bob Kerr also devotes time coaching the three-time PAC championship track and field team. However, when Kerr isn't coaching you'll find him at the firing range where he's known as a crack shot.

This New Castle native who once worked for the NFL's Los Angeles Raiders is a skilled rifleman. Reporter Connor Kobis shows us how Coach Kerr' handles himself on the firing range.

Meet an unofficial campus celebrity

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.-- What's 200 pounds, furry and has celebrity-status around the Westminster Field Station? Meet Champ. He's an Alaskan Malamute mix who makes an appearance now and then around campus. He lives with his owners at the Little Neshannock Stables on the east side of town near the Field Station.

Reporter Ashley Durham introduces us to this lovable canine who's become a popular character among the college crowd.

Champ: Our Big Furry Friend from WCN 24/7 on VIMEO on Vimeo.

Police: Man reported dead in Lawrence Co. shooting lives

Associated Press — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

MAHONING TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — State police say a Lawrence County man earlier reported killed in a Lawrence County shooting stemming from a domestic dispute is alive but in critical condition.

Troopers from the New Castle barracks said 50-year-old Joseph Lupo had been reported dead Monday of a gunshot wound to the head in the 11:15 p.m. Sunday gunfire in Mahoning Township.

But police said Tuesday that he was listed in critical condition at a Youngstown hospital.

Fifty-year-old Caroline Lupo is also hospitalized at the same facility after surgery for gunshot wounds to the leg and abdomen.

Police have not said whether the two are married or who is believed to have fired the shots.

Habitat for Humanity sponsors BLITZ BUILD in Lawrence Co.

WCN Staff — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NEW CASTLE, Pa.-- Habitat for Humanity organizers in Lawrence County are putting out the call for volunteers to participate in a weekend effort to build a home for a deserving family in our area.

The local chapter will stage a three-day "Blitz Build" in New Castle. The "Blitz Build" runs from May 16-18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. They're calling for volunteers who can help with construction. No experiences is necessary for laborers.

"Did you know that to build an average three bedroom Habitat for Humanity house, it takes about 40,790 nails, about 600 pieces of lumber and about 50 gallons of paint," Habitat organizer Sheree Cunningham said." "But more importantly, it takes many, many helping hands from volunteers to build simple, affordable, decent homes for people in need."

If you're interested they ask that you contact Sheree Cunningham at 724-652-3438.

Hearing stayed for boy, 15, accused in killing

Associated Press — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (AP) - A detention hearing has been delayed indefinitely for a 15-year-old Lawrence County boy who was just 11 when he was charged in the shotgun killing of his father's pregnant fiancee and her unborn child in February 2009.

The indefinite delay of Tuesday's hearing means Jordan Brown, of Wampum, will remain in a juvenile detention facility near Grove City, likely while state prosecutors appeal a Superior Court panel's decision last week to vacate his juvenile court conviction. The state attorney general's office is expected to seek an appeal before the entire Superior Court.

The panel ruled last week there was insufficient evidence for a judge to find Brown delinquent - the juvenile court equivalent of a guilty verdict - in the deaths of Benzie Hook, 26, and her unborn son.

Lawrence Co. woman jailed in officer's fatal crash

Associated Press and WCN Staff — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NEW CASTLE, Pa.-- A 26-year-old Lawrence Pennsylvania woman has been jailed at least until her preliminary hearing on charges that she crashed into a police cruiser, killing one officer and injuring another, while running from a traffic stop earlier this month.

Kylee Barletto, of New Castle, faces a preliminary hearing May 23 on manslaughter and other charges in the May 2 crash that killed Shenango Township Officer William "Jerry" McCarthy IV.

Barletto answered "yes" when asked by reporters if she was sorry for the crash, before saying, "I don't want to talk right now" at Monday's arraignment.

New Castle police say Barletto was driving erratically with a suspended license when she refused to pulled over and instead drove away before crashing into McCarthy's cruiser.

Mercer Co. man charged with killing man in burned van

Associated Press — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

COCHRANTON, Pa. (AP)- A Mercer County man has been jailed in the shooting death of another man whose body was found near a burning van in December.

State police from the Mercer barracks have charged 45-year-old Ralph Leroy Young, of Franklin, with first- and third-degree murder and other crimes in the death of 58-year-old David Dignall, of Carlton.

Dignall's body was found when crews responded to a vehicle fire Dec. 20, about 5:30 p.m. in French Creek Township.

Troopers say Dignall was found outside the Ford Aerostar Van and was partially burned.

An autopsy later determined Dignall died of a single gunshot wound and police say they have now connected Young to the shooting, though they didn't immediately say how.

Online court records don't list an attorney for Young.

Lawrence Co. man dead, woman wounded in 'domestic'

Associated Press — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

HILLSVILLE, Pa. (AP)-- State police say a Lawrence County man is dead and a woman has been wounded in a late-night shooting that stemmed from a domestic dispute.

State police have have yet to say who they believe fired the shots that killed 50-year-old Joseph Lupo and wounded 50-year-old Caroline Lupo in a home in Mahoning Township.

State police say they responded to the residence shortly after 11:15 p.m. Sunday to find Joseph Lupo dead of a gunshot wound to the head and Caroline Lupo shot in the abdomen and leg.

She was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, for surgery where police say she remained in serious condition.

Police haven't said whether the victims are married or who shot whom during the incident.

Police investigating alleged assault on school bus trip

WCN Staff — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

NESHANNOCK TOWNSHIP, Pa.-- Neshannock Township police say several juveniles could face charges in an alleged assault of a female NSH student on a bus trip to New York in April.

Police confirm they are investigating allegations that a sleeping girl was gropped on a bus returning from a 9th grade school trip.

The matter will be turned over to the Lawrence County District Attorney's office.

Pedestrian killed by tractor-trailer

WCN Staff — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

PULASKI, Pa.-- State police say a New Brighton man was standing in the way of an oncoming truck on a stretch of Interstate 376 in Lawrence County on Friday when the tractor-trailer struck him.

They identified the man as 46-year old David William Nye. He was pronounced dead at the scene in what investigators are calling an apparent suicide.

The tractor-trailer hit the man near the State Route 208 exit on I-376 eastbound. It happened around 5:30 in the morning. Troopers say Nye had been staying at a nearby mental health facility.