Madelon Callen
Distinguished Volunteer

Madelon (Delp) Callen (’65 and ’86) is an outstanding volunteer for Clarion University.

Callen’s efforts include three years on the Clarion University Foundation Board; three years on the Spring for Scholars Auction Committee, chairing it twice; and as a member of the Capital Campaign Celebration Committee.

Callen retired following a 31-year career as a teacher including service at Sligo Elementary School and North Clarion High School in Clarion County, and the Hollywood, FL, school district. Retirement left her free to pursue other interests, including volunteering.

"I really believe in Clarion University, what it has done for the community," says Callen. "The surrounding area wouldn’t be what it is without it."

Callen’s roots go deep into Clarion University history. Known by the nickname "Pinky" when she was a student, Callen is a third generation Clarion graduate. Her grandmother Alice Riddle, graduated from Clarion Seminary, and her mother Ruth (Riddle) Delp (’31), graduated from Clarion State Teachers College. Two of her sisters, Avalon (Delp) Cordell (’57) and Vivian (Delp) Russell (’90) are also Clarion graduates.

In the Clarion community, Callen is a member of Immaculate Conception Church, the Catholic Daughters of America, the Daughters of the American Revolution (serving as their current regent), the American Association of University Women, Phi Delta Kappa, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She is a past president of the Seneca Reading Council and the Clarion Civic Club.

Callen and her husband, Darl, a retired Delta Airlines pilot, reside in Clarion. She has a son Geoffrey Campbell, and two grandchildren, John Kramer, 10, and Alexandra Campbell, 3.

Dr. John F. Kuhn
Distinguished Service

Dr. John F. Kuhn was Provost and Academic Vice President at Clarion University from 1991 until his unexpected death on September 5, 1999.

Notable among Kuhn’s accomplishments at Clarion were: development of new academic programs, enrollment management and student retention, curriculum reform, applications of technology in the classroom and student’s everyday lives, faculty and staff professional development, championing diversity and outreach activities, and catapulting the libraries into the 21^st century.

Kuhn previously served 25 years at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI.

He was a native of Detroit, MI, and received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and master’s in English from Loyola University of Chicago. He earned his doctorate in philosophy and English at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a teaching fellow.

During spring 2000 commencement ceremonies Kuhn was posthumously named the third recipient of the Clarion University President’s Medallion. Besides his wife, Lynn, Kuhn is survived by a daughter Deb, and a son, David.

Contributions to a Clarion University scholarship in John Kuhn’s memory may be made by contacting the Clarion University Foundation at 814-393-2572.

Dr. Brian Dunn
Distinguished Faculty

Dr. Brian Dunn (’71), professor of history and chair of the history department, has more than 30 years of association with Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He came to Clarion as a student in 1967 and returned as a faculty member inn 1978.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Dunn visited several colleges in western Pennsylvania with the ambition of becoming a high school teacher.

He enrolled as a Spanish major, but soon decided to change courses of study and pursue his real interest, history. Dunn went on to earn a BA from Clarion in 1971. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy then went to graduate school at Bryn Mawr where he earned a Ph.D.

Dunn returned to Clarion University in 1978 when offered a temporary teaching contract. The position became permanent.

He came to teach English history, but department chair Suzanne Van Meter ordered him to design and teach courses on Nazi Germany. Dunn continues to teach the German history course and speaks frequently about the Holocaust.

This is Dunn’s second teaching award this year. In February, he received the "Faculty Member of the Year Award" during the tenth Annual Scholar Athlete Luncheon. The award is voted upon by the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and is based on outstanding support and guidance of students.

Ray Schwabenbauer
Venango Campus Distinguished Alumni

Ray Schwabenbauer of Oil City, an area computer and technology entrepreneur, was honored with the Venango Campus Distinguished Alumni Award at commencement ceremonies Saturday, May, 13, 2000.

A native of Oil City, Schwabenbauer attended Venango Campus of Clarion University in Oil City from 1972 to 1974. He earned his accounting degree from Clarion University in 1976.

Following graduation, Schwabenbauer earned a master’s degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He intended to pursue a law enforcement career, when U.S. Steel offered him a job as an accountant.

While working at U.S. Steel, he returned to IUP to earn a second master’s degree in business administration. Following a short stint as business manager for Robinson’s Wallcoverings, he joined Hardware Designers Inc. (HDI) in 1990 as vice president of operations.

HDI is a national manufacturer of furniture hardware with annual sale of about $14 million. As vice president of operations, Schwabenbauer has total responsibility for the manufacturing facility in Marienville and all accounting functions.

Schwabenbauer is a partner in both USA Choice Internet Services, LLC., founded in 1996, and Lexstar Communications, founded in 1997.

USA Choice Internet Services is an internet service provider based in Oil City, which serves more than 9,000 customers in seven countries in northwest and central Pennsylvania.

Lexstar Communications is a wireless communication company bringing broadband capabilities to western Pennsylvania.

Schwabenbauer and his wife, Janet, reside in Oil City with their four children, Bridget, Andy, Matt, and Scott.

Chuck Weir
Distinguished Alumni

From corporate vice president with Owens-Illinois to cattle ranching, Chuck Weir (’56) of Kingsville has used its Clarion University education to perfection, including in his current role as a member of the Clarion University Foundation Board of Directors.

The Beaver Falls native first came to Clarion State Teachers College in1948. Weir completed his education degree in 1956, following two tours in Korea with the U.S. Navy. He also played football and baseball in two decades with the Golden Eagles. He played football in 1949-50 and in 1955 for Coach Waldo Tippin.

Weir planned to teach history, biology, and English after graduation, but never reached the classroom. Instead, he accepted a position with Owens-Illinois.

Weir’s career took him to assignments in Indiana, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia, and California, where he served a variety of positions. In 1981, Weir was named a vice president of the corporation, responsible for all 25 plants in the glass container division.

Weir retired in 1986 and started a cattle ranch in Texas, which he operated for 13 years before returning to the Clarion area.

Weir and his wife, Shirley, reside in Kingsville. They have four children, Susan Everett of East Alton, IL; Mike Weir ’75 of Lorena, TX; Mark Weir ’77 of Tyrone, GA; and Lynn Meyer of Austin, TX; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Weir has also served as a teacher, deacon, and elder, for various Presbyterian churches.

2001

Peter Mervosh
Distinguished Volunteer

Peter Mervosh (’53), a lifelong educator, a Golden Eagle athlete, a former assistant director of admissions, and the organizer of one of Clarion’s largest semi-annual alumni gatherings is one of the recipients of the "Distinguished Volunteer Award" from the Clarion University Alumni Association.

"This is the nicest honor I’ve ever received," says Mervosh. "Nothing I have won in the past can compare to this. It tops them all."

Mervosh and four friends originated the semi-annual alumni parties held in Natrona Heights.

"It started with a party at Bob Coury’s (’52) house and grew to an invitation list of 100 people," says Mervosh. "The response to the invitations is tremendous. We have a hall donated to hold the gathering. In the off years, I have a party at my home for 20 to 25 alumni."

"It is a fun way to keep in contact. The Clarion University Alumni Office is very helpful with these gatherings. President Diane Reinhard has given us her support and attended twice. I never knew that a person could get to know the president of the university so well."

Clarion’s Alumni Office doe the mail invitations to the gatherings. Mervosh and his friends, through various connections, receive donated materials, food, and decorations for the alumni events. A $15 admission and a raffle of donated items have helped support the semi-annual event since 1992.

Mervosh, originally from the Pittsburgh area, came to Clarion as a Penn State freshman in 1949. Then, Penn State sent some of its freshman class to other state related institutions. Coming in as an engineering student, Mervosh liked the campus and decided to stay.

"I liked it here," he says. "I made many friends and switched my major to education. I think I was here during a great time period. Campus was small and I knew everyone. The returning World War II veterans were also here and I think they added a lot to campus."

Mervosh majored in English.

"I loved all of my teachers," he says. "Marie Marwick, Margaret Boyd, and Bertha Nair were great teachers."

He was also a forward on Clarion’s only undefeated basketball team in 1951. That team went on to play in the National Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament in Kansas City, MO. He was president of both his junior and senior classes, and president of Alpha Gamma Phi Fraternity during his senior year, and was a member of the Varsity "C" Club.

Following his graduation in 1953, Mervosh spent 1953-55 in the U.S. Army. Returning to civilian life in 1955, he taught 14 years in the Penn Hills School District. Clarion called Mervosh back to campus, hiring him as assistant director of admissions, working for Walter Hart in 1969. He left Clarion again in 1971 to join the Highlands School District, where he retired in 1992 with an accumulation of 39 years in education.

Mervosh lives in Lower Burrell with his wife, Glenna (Rose ’53). Glenna received her degree in elementary education and taught three years in Cleveland, OH, and the Penn Hills School District in PA. She also was a substitute teacher for 25 years in Pennsylvania.

They have two children, Kristin (’82) Melville and Peter. Kristin resides in Orlando, FL, with her husband, Edward, and children Eddie and Emily.

Kristin received her degree in business/marketing from Clarion and later earned an R.N. in nursing. She is a substitute teacher in Orlando, FL.

Peter resides in Harrison City, with his wife, Dorothy, and children, Claire, Sean, and Katherine. Peter, a Penn State graduate, is a mechanical engineer in the environmental division at Bechtol Bettis Works in West Mifflin.

Joanne Vavrek
Distinguished Volunteer

Joanne Vavrek has found a calling in volunteering. In more than 20 years of volunteer efforts, she has been successful at completing, "whatever the need might be." The Clarion University Alumni Association is honoring her efforts with the "Distinguished Volunteer Award."

"It is flattering to know that people feel I did a good job," says Vavrek. "Many people have encouraged, helped, and worked with me on various projects. Most of my work, both on campus and in the community, has been a joint effort. The people ultimately provide the results."

Vavrek has tackled several projects for Clarion University and will co-chair the 2002 Spring for Scholars Auction. She served on the auction committee the last two years. During the first four years of the Clarion University Alumni Association sponsored auction, more than $184,000 was raised for student scholarships.

"Co-chair Mary Louise asked me to help with the auction and I accepted," recalls Vavrek about her initial involvement. "It is a challenge to raise money for a specific cause. I was president of the Clarion Free Library Board in the 1980’s when we held a fund drive to build an addition to the building."

Vavrek came to Clarion in 1971 with her husband Dr. Bernard Vavrek, current chair of Clarion University’s Library Science Department. Joanne met her future husband while she was a student at Carnegie Mellon University and Bernard was a student at the University of Pittsburgh. Joanne was working at the Hunt Library.

"I was a stay-at-home mom for many years," says Vavrek. "When the children got older and I had free time, I was approached to help with community activities."

It was something Vavrek continues to do so with much success. She was recently elected to the board of the Sawmill Center for the Arts, and is back for another term on the Clarion Free Library Board. She was also elected to the Clarion Borough Council, where she is serving as vice president. She was also a member of the committee to elect Jim Arner as judge of Clarion County.

Vavrek is also currently on the Governor’s Advisory Council, representing rural library users.

"The council work in an advisory capacity, holding quarterly meetings in Harrisburg," she says. "It serves as a sounding board for library users in the state and other issues involving PA libraries."

During the past 20-plus years, Vavrek has also served as president of the Clarion Free Library Board, the Clarion County Library System Board, the Clarion District Library, the Clarion County Historical Society, and the Clarion University Sandford Gallery Board. The Clarion County Chamber of Commerce honored Vavrek as its "1986 Chamber Citizen of the Year."

"Most of what I have done for libraries is being a fund raiser," she says. "It started with raising money for the addition to the Clarion Free Library. Once we raised the money for that project, I felt we should be able to raise money yearly on a lesser scale. Now I chair the library’s annual phonathon and the library’s annual Autumn Leaf Festival reception. Many people in the community respond to our needs."

Joanne and Bernard Vavrek live in Clarion. They have two grown children, Chris and Jennifer.

Chris (’94) lives in Oakdale with his wife, Judy (’94). He is a network engineer for the TrueFit Solutions in Cranberry Township and she is a sales manager of WCDK/WEIR radio in Wintersville, OH.

Jennifer (’96) and her husband Jeff Burns (’94) reside in Bridgeville. Jennifer is a financial aide director at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute. She has a M.B.A. from Robert Morris College and is currently working on an Ed.D. in higher education. Jeff is a senior financial analyst for American Eagle Outfitters.

Lois Albrecht
Distinguished Achievement

Lois (Kindelberger) Albrecht (’52), an innovator with the State Library of Pennsylvania, will receive the Clarion University Alumni Association "Distinguished Achievement Award."

Currently president and chief consultant for FORESIGHT Inc. of Greensburg, Albrecht previously worked for the State Library of Pennsylvania, now called Commonwealth Libraries. While working in this capacity, she chaired the committee that developed the Access Pennsylvania program, allowing PA residents to borrow from any library in the commonwealth.

Albrecht was working for the Washington County Board of Education, Hagerstown, MD, as a systems librarian/school library adviser on automation programs when she became interested in technology. "We worked on an automated media catalog and interlibrary delivery between the local junior college and high school," she says. "The computer systems then, only second generation, had problems handling the information."

"When that project ended, a friend recommended I look for a state job. There was job open at Harrisburg and I was hired. I commuted 85 miles each way to Harrisburg until my late husband, Charles, got transferred into the same area."

Joining the State Library of Pennsylvania, Albrecht worked as a consultant with institutional and public libraries on planning, continuing education, administration, programming of library services, development and evaluation of LSCA grant proposals and projects, resource sharing, and interlibrary cooperation, trustee responsibilities and working with Friends groups. Three years later, in 1975, she became coordinator of advisory services for the Pennsylvania State Library.

Albrecht was responsible for initiation, planning, leadership and direction of all programs of library development, including state aid, LSCA, continuing education, interlibrary cooperation, academic libraries and advisory services to public and institutional libraries. She provided impetus to library and citizen groups to initiate an annual library legislative day and worked on the first Governor’s Conference on Library and Information Services.

"Access Pennsylvania came from a comprehensive plan," she says. "This was before mini-computers became a main stay, but we knew computers would have to be involved. A person on the staff pursued it to implementation after I left."

Albrecht left the job because, "I had no desire to be an appointed bureaucrat. I liked the civil service aspect of the job and changes were planned to make more higher level positions appointed rather than civil service." She decided to establish her on consulting firm, FORESIGHT, Inc.

"We have worked with libraries in PA, NY, VA, and FL on a variety of library projects including collection development, cataloging, personnel services, strategic planning, planning for new library buildings or renovation, and for library director searches and hiring," she says. "If I don’t have someone on staff who can handle the problem, I find others to help as needed." While directing FORESIGHT activities also served as acting director of the Cumberland County Library System, Carlisle, and interim director of the Pennsylvania Library Association.

Born in Wheeling, WV, Albrecht grew up in Oil City. She came to Clarion in 1948 because, "It was affordable, close to home and I liked it. I also had a good friend coming here to take library science and mathematics and urged me to do the same thing. I’m glad I listened to what she said."

Albrecht graduated from Clarion with a double major in library science and mathematics. "I was good in mathematics in high school," she recalled. "I worked as a volunteer page in Oil City Public Library before I came to Clarion. I just loved libraries. The mathematics and the library were a natural combination to me."

She also had help at home and on campus to achieve her goals. "Along with my mother, the biggest influence on my education was my grandfather," says Albrecht. "He was always there for me and my brother. He paid for my first year of college and after that I worked at Continental Can in Oil City to earn my tuition."

On campus, Albrecht found other encouragement. "George Keener of the geography department was a mentor to me," she says. "He encouraged me to do all sorts of things. I learned a lot about libraries and made visits to them during my junior year with Charlie Flack. Galen Ober was a tremendous mathematics teacher and once Dr. George Lewis got me through calculus, I was on my way."

Albrecht continued to earn a master’s degree in library science at the University of Pittsburgh and did additional graduate work in educational technology at the University of Maryland. She was a librarian at Richland Township High School, Johnstown, from 1952-62, and head of technical services for the county system of the Washington County Free Library, Hagerstown, MD, before joining the Washington County Board of Education.

"My mother and brother and later my husband helped me in many ways to succeed in achieving my career goals," says Albrecht. "My family has always been there for me, including my sister-in-law, who is my best friend, and my two nephews and my niece."

Marlin Hartman
Distinguished Service

Marlin Hartman (’59) credits Clarion University for setting him off on the road to success. He has returned the services by helping the University in a variety of fashions, most recently through the establishment of the Marlin and Cleva Hartman Scholarship. The Clarion University Alumni Association will recognize these achievements by presenting Hartman with the "Distinguished Service Award".

"This is a bit of a surprise because I am being recognized for doing something that I enjoy and wanted to do," says Hartman. "Recognition by your colleagues is the best recognition you can receive."

Hartman did not expect to attend college, let alone be honored for his service to a university. He was working in a mill when he was drafted, eventually spent two years in the U.S. Army, including a stint in Korea.

Following his discharge Hartman returned to the mill for a year before getting his chance at college through the G. I. Bill. He made the most of it. Besides earning his degree in mathematics, Hartman participated in athletics and met his future wife, Cleva (Haight ’59).

"I had great professors while I was at Clarion," says Hartman. "George Lewis was the one-man mathematics department, and Galen Ober, John Mellon, Marie Marwick and Margaret Boyd were all tough, but encouraging for their students."

"The way they taught and the time they devoted to us made me want to teach like them and really take an interest in my students. I tried to do for all of my students what my teachers had done for me."

Receiving his mathematics degree in 1959. Hartman went on to earn a master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. His first teaching job was in the Apollo School District. He moved from there to the Gateway School District in Monroeville, serving six year as a teacher and a year as secondary mathematics supervisor. He was also Gateway’ baseball coach for four years, leading them to the WPIAL title game at Forbes Field in his last season, where the team lost 4-2.

In the fall of 1967, Hartman joined the mathematics department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He spent 25 years, including six years as assistant department chair, before retiring in 1991.

Hartman’s retirement marked his return to Clarion University.

"I met alumni director Jean Wolf at an Indiana function for Clarion graduates," recalls Hartman. "She asked me about getting involved with the Clarion Alumni Association. The request came at the right time. When I was working at IUP, I couldn’t be involved with Clarion."

Hartman joined the Alumni Association Board of Directors in 1994 and served six years, 1997-99 as its president. He was also the Alumni Board’s representative to the Clarion University Foundation for two years.

"From my observations, I saw the playing field in the State System of Higher Education as not being level," says Hartman about his view of jointing the Alumni Association Board. "I felt I wanted to do something for Clarion that would tilt it back the other way."

He based his Alumni Association Board efforts on similar experiences he had with the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics. By involving more people, the mathematics association grew into a truly statewide organization.

Hartman set about to expand the Alumni Board’s influence, involving younger members, and increasing the member’s involvement, including missions to the state legislature in Harrisburg. "I thought it was important to get more people involved and then step aside and let them work," he says. "I felt that people who were giving up their time to volunteer should have input into what was happening. Various members wrote messages to the alumni, helping to change the view that the Alumni Board was just the president. Everyone had a chance at leadership positions."

True to his beliefs, Hartman stepped aside, leaving the Alumni Board in June 2000. But, his work on behalf on Clarion University was not finished.

Marlin and Cleva recently established the endowed Marlin and Cleva Hartman Scholarship at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. The new scholarship is for a son or daughter of a U.S. veteran. They felt this scholarship would help children of veterans attend college, much as the G. I. Bill helped Marlin to attend college in 1955.

"I see the need for the alumni to become involved with their university through personal time or financial help," sums up Hartman. "Financial support is a big way of leveling the playing field. It is really necessary to contribute at a level that is comfortable for the individual."

Marlin and Cleva Hartman, who are retired from the Indiana Area School District, reside on Indiana, PA. They have three grown daughters, Johanna Harris, Gretchen Nester, and Ariane Urschler.

Dr. Anne Day
Distinguished Faculty

Dr. Anne Day, professor of history at Clarion University at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, is the 2001 recipient of the "Distinguished Faculty Award" from the Clarion University Alumni Association.

"I am overwhelmed by this, it is like a lifetime achievement award," says Day. "It is most gratifying to receive this at the end of my teaching career."

Day retired prior to the beginning of the Fall 2001 semester. She has taught at Clarion University since 1972.

"I have always loved history," says Day about her life’s pursuit. That love is reflected in her teaching. One of Day’s particular passions is orienting students to the larger world. From her initial year at Clarion she has helped students toward that goal.

"Preparing teachers is part of my teaching experience," says Day. "Therefore, I try to model good teaching in my classroom. I want to engage and involve students in the subject matter. I hope my students will be able to think and learn for themselves, so that they become their own learners, thinkers, and teachers…and stand on their own intellectual feet."

One of her early efforts in this area was her participation in Project Flourish, a Clarion program intended to train faculty members to help with the freshman year experience. Two of Day’s teaching efforts pointed to helping students understand history and its context in the modern world. In her popular History in the Headlines, she examined with her students the historic context of ongoing events, affording students the opportunity to learn the background history of contemporary events, how to learn about history, and how history is written. Using a cooperative setting so that students work and learn together, she integrated the use of the Internet in the class for reading international newspapers.

She was one of the founders and continued to be an active participant as a team teacher in Clarion University’s Making Connections program. It was founded in 1992 as a way for first-time college students to become acclimated to their collegiate life. The program helps first-year students establish important connections among the subjects they study, themselves, and the faculty members teaching the courses.

Day enjoys the relationships that developed during these courses.

"The courses involve field trips, and those trips helped build more personal relationships among the teachers and the students," she says. "This carries over into the classroom. Clarion’s students are very conscientious, cooperative, and give me joy. I have also had wonderful colleagues both in the history department and other departments to work with during my time at Clarion."

Besides the previously mentioned courses, Day also taught U.S. To 1877, U.S. Since 1877, American Approach to Foreign Policy, History of the Cold War, Teaching Social Studies, Supervision of Student Teachers, Consumer Economics Workshop, and The Student in the University. She is the author of two texts, History Behind the Headline and Consumer Economics for the Classroom and eight articles.

"I have always enjoyed the students," says day. "They are very conscientious and cooperative, which makes for a pleasant classroom experience. I like them to be their own teachers and because of their feedback, they have helped me to change my teaching. I hope that I have helped them to change and expand their horizons."

Originally from Salem, MA, Day earned her B.A. in history from Emmanuel College, Boston, MA; M.Ed. from Salem State College, Salem, MA; and Ph.D. in history from St. Louis, MO. She has also attended the University of Mexico, Boston State College, and the University of Connecticut Law School. She first taught at Memorial Junior High, Beverly, MA, and at the college level has taught at the University of Hartford, Hartford, CT; University of CT, St. Joseph College, CT; Sacred Heart University, CT; and Niagara University in NY.

This is the second major award for Day this year. In the spring, she was the 2001 recipient of the statewide Suzanne Brown Excellence in Teaching Award from the State System of Higher Education. The Suzanne Brown Excellence in Teaching Award is awarded annually to on of the 5,500 faculty members in the State System.

"This should be an exciting day," says Day looking ahead to Homecoming. "I will enjoy meeting with the alumni and attending the dinner with them."

Malachy McMahon
Venango Campus Distinguished Alumni

Malachy McMaon, (’72) Oil City mayor and businessman, received the Venango Campus Distinguished Alumni Award during commencement ceremonies, May 12.

"This is quite an honor," says McMahon. "For many years when I served on Clarion University’s Alumni Board I helped select award recipients. You never look as yourself as a potential candidate for an award. I see myself as involved with family, work, community, and school, and I accept it as part of everyday life. It is nice to know others look at this as an accomplishment."

McMahon, a lifetime Oil City resident, enrolled at Venango Campus in 1968.

"Although my parents never had an opportunity to go to college, they always stressed the importance of education," recalls McMahon. "I had seven brothers and sisters, so finances were important. Clarion allowed me to attend at a reasonable price."

Like many other students attending Venango Campus then, McMahon worked part-time at Continental Can. The factory had a split shift, allowing campus students time to attend classes and still earn money to pay for their education.

"Venango Campus provided a great opportunity with a great staff of educators," says McMahon. "It was certainly different from high school and a real eye-opener for me at the time. When I was there, campus was Montgomery Hall and Frame Hall. Montgomery was filled with education was at a high level, partly because of the Vietnam War."

Following two years at Venango Campus, McMahon commuted to Clarion for another two years. He received his B. A. degree in social studies in 1972

In the fall of his senior year, 1971, McMahon also married Bernice "Dolly" Campbell, who received her education degree from Clarion in 1973. Locating in Oil City, McMahon started working at Nationwide Insurance and Bernice found a teaching job in the Oil City School District. Both have kept their original jobs with Malachy going on to gain his Pennsylvania Real Estate License and Insurance Broker’s License. He is now the owner and operator of Nationwide’s Oil City office.

McMahon was elected to the Oil City council in 1988 and served two terms. He successfully ran for mayor of Oil City in 1966 and was re-elected in 2000. He was also active on the parish council of St. Stephen Church in Oil City.

He also returned to help Clarion University, serving 1992-98 on the Clarion University Alumni Association Board of Directors.

"I was asked to serve on the board," he says. "I felt my years of attending college were somewhat different from the experiences of other students. I thought I could bring a little different view to the board. It was quite an experience. It is very interesting to see the workings of the university, attend its functions, and meet people on the staff from educators to the president."

McMahon has also volunteered for many years as a fundraiser for the Clarion University Venango Campus Annual Fund drive.

Looking back at his Venango Campus experience, McMahon says, "My hat goes off to the original founders, leaders, and educators who thought that education was important enough to establish the campus. It has afforded a quality education for thousands of local and out-of-town students. I can’t stress enough the importance of the faculty and what they give back to the community. Venango Campus has changed to meet the needs of the students."

McMahon thanks his family for his success.

"I have two great children, Cole and Logan, and an understanding wife, Dolly," he says. "This award is quite an honor and surely caps off a great year. My son, Cole, has selected Clarion as his school of choice for this fall."

Lawrence Cirka
Distinguished Alumni

Lawrence "Larry" Cirka (’73), is in a second career as CEO of UltraBRIDGE, an information technology and data solution for the long term care and assisted living industries. He was successful in the health care administration business before forming his new company.

This success earned Cirka the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from the Clarion University Alumni Association.

"This is quite an honor,’ says Cirka. "It adds more responsibility to my response to young adults, helping them to find their way into real world and achieve success. Clarion is a big part of my life. I received good values and good roots that formed a big part of my life."

College was a new experience for the Cirka family when Larry left Moon Township to attend Clarion.

"My dad worked for J & L Steel, and I was the first member of my family to go to college," he recalls. "The only reason I went is that I wanted to play football.’

Al Jacks, retired Clarion football coach, had much to do with Cirka’s decision.

"Several colleges pursued me to come play for them and were in contact with me, but Al Jacks sent me handwritten notes," says Cirka. "I liked him and the personal attention of the notes, so I picked Clarion."

Jacks also proved beneficial in sending Cirka off on the right career path.

"I had to declare a major as a freshman an I had no idea what I wanted to do," he recalls. "Coach Jacks recommended I try business and it was the right choice."

Arriving early for fall football practices also led Cirka to a meeting with his future wife, Judy (Strachan ’82). Strachan was also on campus for her freshman orientation. By Cirka’s sophomore year, they were married.

The marriage led to immediate problems and experiences that would shape Cirka’s future.

"I was taking college courses, playing football, and I was married," he says. "I needed a job to support my wife and pay for my education.’

The Clarion unemployment office helped Cirka find a match for his needs as maintenance man for the Grandville Nursing Home. During his junior year, he was promoted to assistant administrator overseeing supplies.

"When I graduated with my degree in business administration, I was qualified for the state board test to be a licensed health care administrator," says Cirka. "I passed and received my license. I was hired to operate a newly built health care facility in Warren."

Cirka moved from that job to another with American Medical Affiliates. His first job was in Clearfield, but during a 12-year career, he also worked in Pittsburgh, Florida, and one year in Spokane, WA. before he made a lateral move to join newly-started Integrated Health of Baltimore, MD, in 1987.

Cirka grew with the company, which went public in 1991 and joined the New York Stock Exchange listings in 1994. He was president and CEO when he retired from the firm in 1998. "I was in charge of the nuts and bolts of the daily operation," he says. "The firm grew from a $20 million a year operation to one with 450 facilities with 100,000 employees and $4 billion in revenue," says Cirka.

Retiring in Florida, Cirka found himself still attracted to Baltimore because of the roots his children established in that area. He bought a 50-acre farm in Maryland and started spending part of each year in the area. He left retirement to start UltraBRIDGE.

"I learned leadership, management, and pulling a team together from my time at Clarion," says Cirka. "I was married, going to college, and participating in extracurricular activities, so I learned discipline, time management, and to list things that needed to be done. That has been part of my life from then on."

Cirka says he still uses the knowledge gained from his Clarion business law and business tax classes in his current position.

"Clarion has a great business school," he says. "The professors brought the real world into the classroom. I wouldn’t do anything different if I had it all to do over."

Larry and Judy Cirka split their time between Baltimore, MD, and Bonita Springs, FL. Judy earned her degree in elementary education from Clarion in 1982. She is retired after a career in teaching in Florida and Baltimore.

The Cirkas have three children. Kelly is a healthcare attorney for a hospital; Allysia owns and operates a pet boarding facility; and Benjamin is an accountant working in health care in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

2002

Wayne Norris
Distinguished Volunteer

Wayne Norris (’65) has a goal of giving back to Clarion University and getting others to help in the process. Two years ago, Norris was instrumental in forming the Alpha Gamma Phi Alumni Association. He researched and funded the expenses to organize a core group, which has grown to over 200 members.

"During my time on campus, fraternities were a larger part of the campus life," says Norris. "I made many lifelong friends from the fraternity. Alpha Gamma Phi ceased to exist on campus after 1974, so I decided to start an alumni association. Our membership includes Thomas Wilson, an original founding member of the fraternity from 1930 and former Clarion professors now retired."

Norris' goal was to revive the old traditional Gamma spirit that was so much a part of Clarion's past. By getting the scholarship fund going he felt this would show those not familiar his fraternity what they were capable of achieving, even though they are no longer on campus.

Initially the goal was $25,000, but $40,000 is already collected. Norris feels certain that they will be over $50,000.00 by the time their reunion rolls around in October. "We want to keep it going and have the scholarship fund grow as much as possible," says Norris. The Gammas have issued a challenge to other fraternities to start their own scholarship drives.

Norris helped organize homecoming reunions for the Gammas in 2000 and 2001. It is now an annual event where scholarship money is raised through a variety of raffles and events. There is also a winter golf outing in Florida to raise money and involve alumni from that area.

Norris also gives to the University by serving as a director on the Clarion University Foundation." Harry Tripp, the Foundation's managing director has done a great job seeking money for the University"' he says. "This is a good strong board with strong leadership. Many positive things are being planned for Clarion."

Originally from Export, Norris says, "I came to Clarion because several other people from my town attended Clarion and liked it, the cost was right, and I liked the outdoors environment. It allowed me to combine my interests."

Entering college as a history/geography major, Norris credits Dr. Edward Grejda for changing his direction to English." I unknowingly transferred to Dr. Grejda's class that was comprised of all English majors, he recalls. "I was struggling to keep up and he helped me get on track. I appreciated his help so much that I switched my major to English."

Norris taught for several years, but found out he didn't enjoy the classroom. "My father had just started his own business and I decided to join him full time" He is now the President of Dura-Bond Industries of Export, Pa. Dura-Bond owns and operates a steel fabrication business; pipe coating plants; a railroad and various real estate investments.

Summing up, Norris said, "In the end, Clarion is the winner We want to give back for what it gave to us, a great education. Going to Clarion was a great experience for me. I had a great time"

Norris and his wife, Jackie, live in the Greensburg area. They have four children, Jason, Ryan, Sara, and Adam. Jason and his wife, Jenifer (Sopher), both 1991, and Ryan (’97) are Clarion grdautes. Both sons work with their father in his business. A nephew, Derek Norris will be a freshman at Clarion starting with the fall semester.

Brigadier General (US Army Retired) John Schmader
Distinguished Achievement

John Schmader (’70) has converted his Clarion education and a Vietnam-era draft notice to an outstanding career in the U.S. Army. Schmader received a Distinguished Service Medal during his recent retirement ceremony that ended his 32-year Army career.

At the end of 2001, Schmader was one of the early leaders in the War on Terrorism, following September 11 attacks. He was detached from his post as assistant Chief of Staff for Training-West, Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., to U.S. Army Central Command and helped in the development of the operation concept that led to the air and ground operation plan used during the first three months of the campaign. He went to Afghanistan, met with the senior anti-Taliban leaders, viewed the extent of the bombing campaign, and was a block away from the Mazar-e Saharif prison uprising.

Schmader believes the war hinges on a law of physics, which he learned at Clarion. "Physics teaches that there is a center of gravity that holds forces together," he says. "There is a cascading effect if it is gone. Most countries have a tangible center of gravity that is linked to the state. Afghanistan's center is their allegiance to tribes. They see war as an allegiance to people not to a country. Some inter-tribal problems are emerging now and they will fight for control regardless of what the government tells them to do."

Schmader came to Clarion University to wrestle. He joined head coach Bob Bubb's early teams and had a 7-6-2 record with three pins. His degree is in natural sciences with a concentration in physics. Graduating at the height of the Vietnam War he had the lowest draft number in Clarion in the first draft lottery.

One he enlisted, the army appealed to Schmader. He went to airborne school and become a paratrooper, completed officer's candidate school at Ft. Benning, Ga., served with an armor division in Germany, and attended officer advance school eventually served 12 years in the 82nd Airborne Division. He continued his education, receiving a master's degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University, and a master's of military arts and sciences degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

During the 1991 Gulf War, Schmader was commander of the 1st Battalion 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, one of the lead elements in Operation Desert Storm. In 1995, Schmader accepted a joint assignment at Norfolk, Va., setting up a training program for advance decision making. He returned to the 82nd Airborne as a one star general and most recently was director of collective training for the U.S. Army.

"I feel it is not only an honor for me but a recognition of the contribution of our Army to this great nation of ours," says Schmader. "It is the latter rather than the former that makes old soldiers such as myself proud to stand up and be recognized for any contributions we have made to the cause for freedom."

Schmader and his wife, Kathleen, have three children, Trevor, Mary, and Anne. Trevor graduated from Clarion University in 1999 with a degree in molecular biology and is pursuing his masters degree in molecular biology.

Dr. Diane L. Reinhard
Distinguished Service

President Diane L. Reinhard is receiving one of many honors that will come her way prior to retiring on July 1, 2003. She has served as president since June 1, 1990.

"My time at Clarion has been the high point of my professional career," said Reinhard. "I have been privileged to work with an outstanding group of students, faculty, and staff and have enjoyed the dedication and support of a fine Council of Trustees."

Reinhard has presided over some of the most dramatic changes in the institution’s history. Among the achievements were: increased enrollment; affirmation of Clarion’s academic strengths by specialized accreditations; improvement of facilities through renovation of Founders and Harvey Halls and construction of a student recreation center and the new Carlson Library; and the completion of Clarion’s first fund raising program which brought in $11.34 million, 40 percent over the goal. She also took a leadership role in community-university relations.

Clarion’s 14^th president, came to campus in 1990 from West Virginia University, where she was serving as dean of the College of Human Resources and Education. She also served as acting president of West Virginia University from July 1985-April 1986.

Reinhard received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. She taught at every level from elementary school through college. She also was an assistant/associate dean for the College of Education at the University of Oregon, prior to joining West Virginia University.

"It has been an honor to serve this institution and I would be pleased to continue my service any way I can after my retirement," said Reinhard. "I’m also looking forward to attending the Autumn Leaf Festival on a regular basis as a private citizen."

Dr. Kathleen A. Smith
Distinguished Faculty

Dr. Kathleen Smith (M.Ed. ’69, M.S. ’81), interim dean of the College of Education and Human Services and the director of field services, is the recipient of the 2002 Distinguished Faculty Award.

Smith, a veteran educator, entered the profession so that she could be a part of "changing" it to make learning better for students. "I wanted to make learning more enjoyable and fun for students," she said. Over the past 36 years, 30 of them at Clarion, she has had to opportunity to teach thousands of future teacher educators.

Graduating in 1966 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Smith’s first classroom was 33 third graders in the Punxsutawney School District. "This first group of students inspired me so much," she recalls. "They made me realize how important I was as a teacher in their lives. They inspired me to teach and to teach well."

Smith started her association with Clarion University in 1967, joining the college’s first master’s of education degree program. In 1973, she returned to Clarion again, at the invitation of Dr. John McLain, to become a faculty member in the Flexible All Year School.

"That was a magnificent experience," said Smith. "We developed our own curriculum, team taught, and functioned like a non-graded primary. Students progressed at their own academic rates. The school was a novel concept, ahead of its time."

When the school closed in 1980, Smith joined the faculty of the special education department, teaching classes while also working toward a M.S. degree in special education. Subsequently, she enrolled in a doctoral program at the Pennsylvania State University and obtained her Ph.D in instructional design and technology, with an emphasis in computers in education.

In 1983, Smith was assigned to teach Clarion’s initial microcomputer for teacher educators course. This was followed by a course for pre-service teachers which, in 1984, became a required computer course for all education majors. Smith designed the education department’s first computer laboratory and also co-authored a computer book.

From 1989-95, Smith was chair of the education department. She returned to full-time teaching and designed an Internet class to teach its applications to graduate students and inservice teachers.

"I am fascinated by the Internet," she said. I believe it is the greatest education invention since the pencil. I feel fortunate that I have been able to see and experience all of these changes in education. Computer technology and the Internet has positively changed education, learning and living."

Two years ago, Smith moved into her present position. She plans to retire at the conclusion of the Fall, 2002 semester and continue her research project of assessing science process skills of students in elementary and middle school. To date, the assessment instruments which were developed for her dissertation, are being used in several schools across the United States, as well as some international sites.

"I love teaching and have a passion for the profession," she concludes. "I have always loved working with students and teachers and I have a special love for Clarion University because it has given me the opportunity to do just that. I am greatly honored to receive the Distinguished Faculty Award."

Dr. Richard Sabousky
Venango Campus Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Richard Sabousky (’84, M.S. ’86) is an assistant professor of special education and rehabilitation at Clarion University, teaching courses at Venango Campus and at Clarion. Clarion led Sabousky into teaching.

The Oil City native started his college education with two years at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville before coming home to Venango Campus. "I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I came to Venango Campus," he recalls.

He first three semesters at Venango Campus were devoted to human service oriented activities with an intention of going into a health field. That changed when he took classes at Clarion. "I wasn’t going to be a teacher until I got to Clarion," says Sabousky. "In my block experience, I got to work with kids and I was hooked."

Sabousky went on to earn both his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Clarion in special education and his Ph.D. in special education from Kent State University in 1996. "I realized how good Venango Campus and Clarion University were academically when I went to other colleges," he says.

Sabousky worked as a full-time substitute and as a learning support teacher in the Keystone School District and as learning support, emotional support, and work skills teacher for Riverview Intermediate Unit #6. In that position, he worked as an emotional support teacher in the DuBois School District, and a work skills teacher at Venango Vo-Tech. He joined the faculty at Venango Campus in 1992.

At Venango, Sabousky played key roles in developing the occupational therapy assistants program and in developing graduate and undergraduate courses for the special education and rehabilitative sciences departments. He served as the secretary and chair for the Venango Campus Faculty Forum, and was a member of the Advising Committee and Perkins Grant Committee.

Sabousky evaluates Venango Campus by saying, "Venango teaches responsibility through its mix of adult and traditional students. You get a feel for problems you did not encounter before. You have to be responsible to yourself and be your own advocate. The small classes provide an intimate educational setting."

Sabousky calls receiving the Venango Campus Distinguished Alumni Award at commencement, "One of the most memorable days of my life. Being able to speak at the commencement ceremony was a wonderful thing for me to do. I want all students to have the best experiences they can have. I am very proud of the students. It is a big thing to watch them move along to success."

In the community, Sabousky helps in the Fund Raising for Huber, Knight, & Heasley scholarships. He and his band provide music for several campus functions such as the 40th Anniversary Celebration and on campus student concerts. He serves on the board of Youth Alternatives and assists Zion Lutheran Church with the City Zion Lutheran After School Program where he tutors children in reading.

Sabousky’s parents, Robert and Helen, live in Oil City.

Anne Smith Herr
Distinguished Alumni

Anne (Smith) Herr (’44) of Lancaster, is a pioneer in the field of television. She graduated from Clarion with a B.S. degree in English.

Working first as a legal secretary, Herr moved east with her late husband, Jacob, and found a 30-year career at WGAL-TV in Lancaster. Her assignments ranged from live commercials and straight announcing to writing and producing.

"I was interested in music and was one of the founders of a theatre group in the Lancaster area," recalls Herr. "Television was in its early stages and they were looking for people to do commercials. I was called and asked to audition."

Herr moved from commercials at WGAL to being their weather girl. She is noted for taking the job from the then current standard of being a pretty face, to becoming a knowledgeable and respected reporter by studying meteorology.

"It was a challenge," says Herr about the massive memorization of material. "Because TV was just starting there were not many rules and regulations. We flew by the seat of our pants."

Beginning in 1963, she wrote and produced her own show, "Herr Today," which presented newsworthy events and personality interviews. Her efforts led to her selection as 1964 "Speaker of the Year" by the Pennsylvania Speech Association.

Herr was named Public Affairs Commentator for WGAL in 1975. She wrote and produced her own show until 1981. From 1978-81, she was also women’s program director and presented "World of Women" dealing with opportunities and provocative problems of women in that time. She retired from television in 1981.

"I am proud I was one of the early women in broadcasting," she says. "Viewers still remember me when they see me in the grocery store. Television then was not as plastic as it is now. We did our own thing as long as it was not in bad taste."

During and following her television career, Herr devoted time to local theatrical productions. She appeared with Harrisburg Community Players, Musicomedy Guild, Kiwanis Productions, The Actors Company of Pennsylvania, Mount Gretna Playhouse, Dutch Apple Theatre, Ephrata Performing Arts, and Rainbow Productions.

Herr performed in high school productions, but got her stage training at Clarion from Marie Marwick. "I performed in several Clarion shows," she recalls. "I thought it was fun and I loved to perform because you are not yourself when you are on stage. Miss Marwick was a good drama teacher and I learned self confidence from her."

A Brookville native, Herr spent two years in college at Indiana, Pa., studying to be a fashion designer, before transferring to Clarion. She switched to English, "Because it was easy and I liked to write. I had very good English courses. A history course taught by Dr. Ralph Cordier also was important when I worked as a tour guide after I retired from television."

Herr also met her future husband, Jacob Herr an Army Air Corp cadet, while she was a student at Clarion

She has served on the board of directors of Ephrata Playhouse and on the board of the Rock Ford Foundation, a group dedicated to the continued restoration and maintenance of Rockford, the 18^th Century home of George Washington’s Adjutant General, Edward Hand, M.D. She still does readings, but no longer acts in theatre productions. She is a member of the board of the Lancaster Summer Arts Festival.

Herr lives in Lancaster. She has a son, Geoffrey.

Lawrence E. "Larry" Richert
Distinguished Alumni

Larry Richert (’81) ascended to the top of early morning Pittsburgh radio January 2, when he took over as host of the morning drive program at KDKA-Radio. He became the stations sixth morning host in its 80 year history, replacing John Cigna.

"Being a part of the morning show is a combination of everything I ever wanted to do in my broadcasting career," said Richert. "I always wanted to do radio . . . and television if I was lucky."

His career has led him down both paths, something he never thought possible when he first hit the airwaves as a teenager at North Allegheny High School, then later at the radio and television stations at Clarion University.

While at Clarion, Richert co-hosted the first television show that the school delivered to the town via cable, "Community Update" – a 15-minute show that provided information on community activities. He also worked spinning records for WCCB, which could only be picked up in the dorms, and WCUC-FM, where he later was named the sports director and then general manager for the student-run station. This hands-on experience motivated Richert to continue to pursue a broadcast career.

"I was one of the first graduates to combine communications with a broadcast focus," says Richert. "The program was so new at the time that I could put all of my energy into radio and television, which really worked for me. It was an excellent platform to learn about the business and get some experience."

His college work landed him an internship and first job at WDSY-Radio in Pittsburgh. After stints spinning everything from country to oldies music at various stations, Richert hosted the "Wake Up with Larry Richert" morning show on KDKA-TV. Finally, he trained to become a weatherman and could be seen in front of the camera every evening on KDKA-TV.

2003

Diane Logan-Wells '79
Distinguished Volunteer Award

Diane (Logan ’79) Wells, one of the leaders of organizing the Black Alumni Reunion and establishing the Minority Alumni Council, is being honored for her volunteer work both at and away from the university.

Even though Wells helped establish a reunion of alumni, she is very future oriented when it comes to the needs of Clarion University.

"I perceive the goals of the Black Alumni Reunion to be an annual opportunity to bring black alumni together to share in a weekend of fun, remembering and networking with one another and the current student population," Wells said of the reunion. "Hopefully, we’ll demonstrate to the current student population a sense of caring and support for one another. Also, I hope this will be carried on by black students for years to come."

The need for the reunion was born out of the cultural changes Wells noticed in the university community.

"I have heard from students in the ’90s and current years that the classes in the ’70s and ’80s seemed so genuinely close, and I’m afraid that some of this is missing and I want to help restore it," Wells said. "I understand that the world has changed, and some of the changes are good and were needed, but I also believe there are definite needs black and minority students have today that need to be nurtured from the sense of family and I perceive Clarion as an extension of my family."

Family is very important to Wells, and Clarion has been very important to her family.

"Without the indescribable depths of love and strong upbringing of my late father, William Logan Sr., and my mother, Shirley, I wouldn’t be who I am today," Wells said. "I don’t know how many families share the love and closeness that my family does, but I’m proud to brag about it. My brother has been my lifelong hanging partner, and it seems like we’ve never been apart, even when miles and lots of water have separated us. My sister, Cindy, is my best friend, even though she let us down and missed the opportunity for a Logan/Wells Family sweep at Clarion, but she always supported us and participated in all the CU events she could possibly make."

Wells met her husband, Reggie, at Clarion University.

"I believe that, without Reggie, no one would remember Diane Logan," she said. "I’m proud to say that I’m riding on his coat-tail as we all know the legacy he left at Clarion. When I told my father I wanted to go to Clarion, his initial statement was: ‘For what? To find a husband?’ I didn’t want to disappoint my dad, so I brought home the best man. The degree was just icing on the cake. I made my dad proud with both, even to the point that he referred to my husband as ‘my son Reggie.’"

The Wells family isn’t done with Clarion University. Reggie Wells Jr. and Ryan both attend Clarion. Ryan will start to play basketball in the fall, like his father. Reggie Jr., an offensive lineman for the Golden Eagle football team, was recently drafted by the Arizona Cardinals football team.

Wells added that the reunion and council should be structured in a way to bring Clarion financial support, increase student retention rates, and bring about future leaders of our country.

At Clarion, the late John Shropshire, dean of enrollment management, brought Wells into volunteer work.

"Mr. Shropshire remained in contact with me and my family until his death," Wells said. "He used to call and ask us to participate or volunteer for various activities, or he would simply share the great strides Clarion University was making in various areas, but he always reminded us of our impact at the school. That’s a message that should be communicated more to the alumni. Mr. Shropshire’s respect and dedication to remain in contact touched our lives and was the encouragement we needed to willingly participate in giving back to a school that’s given us so much."

Her work with Shropshire led Wells to Career Services programs such as S.E.E.D. (Students and Employers Enhancing Diversity).

"Connie Laughlin headed up S.E.E.D. and invited me to participate for three years," Wells explained. "The objective of this program is to bring minority students to the Pittsburgh area to meet and network with minority alumni in various careers. As an alumna at the program, I shared employment and academic experiences with the students to help them understand the corporate needs of today and what skills and qualifications would help them be successful."

Wells found this work to be very rewarding.

"I loved working with the students," she said. "In school, students primarily concentrate on completing the academic requirements to get their degree. During the last year or so, Career Services provides opportunities for them to develop an understanding about how to prepare for a job and so on. This program gave them the hands-on opportunity to meet with successful students from Clarion and provide an opportunity for them to ask questions and get a name and number for future network opportunities."

At home in South Park, Pa., Wells has been as busy as she was at Clarion. She is an active member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church as a volunteer, payroll coordinator, trustee board member, praise team member, budget committee member, and substitute teacher for the adult Sunday school. She also volunteers with Inroads Organization in Pittsburgh. Inroads develops and places talented minority youth in business and industry, preparing them for corporate and community leadership.

Born in South Park (formerly called Library), Wells came to Clarion to visit her brother, Bill Logan, who was attending what was then called Clarion State College on a basketball scholarship. She went to the Black Arts Festival, Homecoming, and other special events and "fell in love with the school and the warmness of (her brother’s) friends."

Wells started out as a computer science major, but decided she didn’t like the programming and the punch cards. She switched to management because the major was broad enough to provide her with a variety of opportunities.

"Things I’ve gained from my education and experiences at Clarion are innumerable," Wells said. "Clarion has been consistently top notch in its class with respect to academics. For example, Clarion has been and remains number one in the State System for honor athletes, a statistic I’m very proud of."

"During my years at Clarion, Dr. Francine McNairy, Richard Asbury, John Shropshire, Terri White and others went to great extremes to meet with us and make sure we understood our responsibilities and to make sure we were taking care of our business," Well continued. "They taught us that it was our responsibility to attend class, do work, and to seek necessary help. They were our guides and helped coordinate some of the fun things outside of academics. They helped create some of the best memories of my life."

Having gone to Clarion, Wells also learned how to live in a community.

"One of the first things I learned while visiting my brother is that college is a community of young adults who have a lot of things in common," Wells explained. "It was beautiful because this community included people from all walks of life. If I had never gone to college, I would have missed one of the most rewarding opportunities of my life. College introduced me to the "real world," I had to provide for myself, learn where I was supposed to be, and learn to work with others from different backgrounds."

Now working with Calgon Carbon Corporation in Pittsburgh as the Manager of Corporate Learning, Wells is responsible for working with management to strategically align people skills to business goals. She’s currently managing the implementation of a new Human Resources Information System to manage "human capital." She assesses employees’ skills to continuously develop, and then to make sure learning continuously takes place throughout the organization.

"Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for learning," Wells said. "In part, I attribute this passion to my education at Clarion. Leaving high school, I knew I was an all right student, and I quickly discovered how unprepared I was for college and had to work extremely hard to make it. Thanks to the Clarion support system and the grace of God, I made it. My love for learning led me to receive my master’s degree in business education from Robert Morris University."

Wells credits the Black Student Union for a lot of her success, stating that it contained individuals who made her most comfortable to seek the help she needed to be successful. She was most comfortable getting her help in academics, responsibility, and community-living from this organization.

Wells was surprised at receiving the Distinguished Volunteer Award, but partially because she didn’t know the award existed.

"I wasn’t aware of the award," she admitted. "I never imagined that I could be the recipient of such an outstanding award. As a Christian, I’ve learned that I am to serve others and, through obedience to God I know I’ll receive my rewards in heaven, but I also know that God has blessings for me while here on earth, and I believe this award is a blessing from God, who knows my heart."

Pete Vuckovich
Distinguished Achievement Award

A Cy Young Award.

Ninety-three major league pitching victories.

Membership in the Western Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Cambria County War Memorial Hall of Fame, the AAABA Hall of Fame, and the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame.

Being honored is nothing new for alumnus Pete Vuckovich, Clarion University’s "Distinguished Achievement" award winner. However, he finds this award one that he is, "honored to be receiving."

"I am proud of being recognized for what I accomplished once I was done playing baseball," said Vuckovich. "I believe I was born to play baseball and I am thankful that I recognized it at a young age and pursued the career."

Now, Vuckovich earns his living as a special assistant to the general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. "Many players want to stay in the game when they are done playing, but there are never enough openings for them," he explains. "I am fortunate to still be in the game. I am proud that others still deem me worthy enough to continue. I am respected for my mental knowledge of the game."

As one of six special assistants to the general manager, Vuckovich is in charge of scouting the Pirates’ Central Division rivals, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, and Milwaukee Brewers, plus the Western Division San Diego Padres, and each of these teams’ AAA and AA minor league affiliates.

It involves a grueling travel schedule. From the start of the major league season in late March through July 20, Vuckovich spends at least five days with 18 different teams, evaluating each player on the roster. He prepares a computerized report on each player that is filed with Pirates General Manager David Littlefield. The Pirates use these reports in evaluating potential trades.

After July 20, Vuckovich is considered on special assignment. He is sent to specific teams to evaluate selected players. In August, he visits each of the Pirates’ five minor league affiliates to evaluate their players. In September, he returns to scouting the Central Division teams again. "I have knowledge of 700 players, the equivalent of 18 teams, by the end of the season," he said.

Vuckovich attracted scouts to Clarion University when he pitched for the Golden Eagles between 1971-74.  He left college when he was selected in the third round of the 1974 free agent draft by the Chicago White Sox. He appeared in his first major league game with the White Sox in 1975 and made it to the major leagues to stay in 1977 with the Toronto Blue Jays, who selected Vuckovich in the expansion draft.

He also pitched for St. Louis for three seasons before finding his crowning success with the Milwaukee Brewers. Vuckovich posted an 18-6 record with a 3.34 earned run average for the 1982 American League champion Brewers and appeared in two games in the 1982 World Series against St. Louis. That 1982 performance earned him the American League Cy Young Award, but a rotator cuff injury he suffered late in the season would end his career four years later. Vuckovich’s lifetime major league record is 93-69 with a 3.66 ERA.

Following the end of his playing career, Vuckovich spent three years as a color commentator for Milwaukee baseball broadcasts. The Pirates hired him as a roving minor league pitching coordinator in 1992 and two years later he was promoted to special assistant to General Manager Cam Bonifay. He was the Pirates’ assistant general manager and director of player personnel in 1996 before moving back to the playing field as the Pirates’ pitching coach from 1997-2000.

Calling himself, "basically a small town boy," Vuckovich came to Clarion in 1971 intending to become an elementary school teacher. "I picked Clarion because it was close to home," he said. "Several of my high school teachers were Clarion graduates and I knew Clarion was highly rated as a teacher preparation institution."

Despite losing only one game in four years of high school pitching, Vuckovich said no college recruited him to play baseball. Instead they were interested in him for basketball or possibly football. But, he wanted to pitch and showed up for the baseball team tryouts.

"Coach Joe Knowles kept me on the team as a freshman," recalls Vuckovich. "I loved playing baseball in college. It was more fun playing in college than it was in the major leagues, where there is constant pressure to win. Knowles and athletic director Frank Lignelli were like fathers away from home for me. They kept me in line and showed me the right way."

Vuckovich, who said he doesn’t recall details of most of the games he pitched, recalls throwing a no-hitter at a highly ranked IUP team as a sophomore, and believes he did not give up a run to a Slippery Rock team during his four years at Clarion. But, he said there were two things he gained at Clarion that have helped him the rest of his life.

"I am in debt to the Golden Eagles," he said. "Coming from a small town, I hadn’t had the opportunity to go out and meet people. The college atmosphere helped me to adapt to meeting and working with perfect strangers. When I walked into my first minor league situation at Appleton, WI, I was prepared.

"Clarion also taught me a work ethic in the classroom. That helped me in the transition to professional sports, where you have to work or go home. College prepared me for the real world, even though my world wasn’t as real as many others."

Vuckovich lives in Johnstown with his wife, Anna. They have three sons, Louis, a University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown accounting graduate; Peter Jr., who has one semester to complete at Clarion University for a degree in communication; and Damian, a computer science major, at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Charles P. Leach, Jr.
Distinguished Service Award

Charles P. Leach Jr. never worked with Clarion University until 1988, but has gone on to lead the Clarion University Foundation Board of Directors, help with a highly successful capital campaign, and acquire property for student housing. He is the Clarion University Alumni Association 2003 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

"This is tremendously humbling," said Leach about the award. "There are so many people who do so many things for Clarion University."

One of Leach’s daughters and a son-in-law graduated from Clarion and a second daughter spent two years at Clarion before transferring, but it was his work with another philanthropic effort that brought him into the university circle.

"I was part of the group that set up the Ginny Thornburgh Foundation," he recalled. "The Foundation awarded scholarships at Clarion University and Bloomsburg University to outstanding juniors or seniors majoring in special education."

Serving on that committee with Leach was Oleta Amsler, a current member of the Clarion University Council of Trustees and the 1992 recipient of a Clarion University Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. "She twisted my arm and said I should work for Clarion University," said Leach. "I saw the need and decided to help where ever I could help."

Much of Leach’s efforts are through the Clarion University Foundation Board of Directors. He has served on the board since 1988 and been its president since 1995. The Foundation’s mission is to assist Clarion University in any way, within the bounds of the organization’s commission.

"I have enjoyed working with the Foundation," said Leach. "The board members and staff are outstanding, committed and aggressive in doing things for the University. Initially, it was concerned with scholarships, camps, and clinics, but the scope has grown."

One of the new focuses was the Investing in Futures Capital Campaign. Leach served on the steering committee for Clarion’s first major capital campaign, which exceeded its goal and raised over $11 million for academic facility renovations and scholarships.

Ongoing projects include the Clarion University of Pennsylvania Health Science Education Center and the acquisition of 69 acres of land, now known as the Diane L. Reinhard Villages at Clarion University. "The Foundation serves as a conduit for these projects," explained Leach. "They would not be possible without Foundation involvement."

The Health Science Education Center on Main Street in Clarion is a grant-funded project to provide health education programs, which meet National Health Education Standards, for school-age students living within a 40-mile radius of the center. In September, the Center expects to move into a remodeled building, formerly occupied by L & R.

Reinhard Villages, previously known as Magnolia Estates, is on Greenville Avenue, in Clarion Township, and will expand the housing options for Clarion University students. This new facility will provide housing for 656 students plus a conference center and various recreation facilities.

"I find the Reinhard Villages project very exciting," said Leach. "Ground will be broken in July and new apartment style housing for students is expected to be completed for the Fall 2004 semester. Housing is one of the major factors involved when competing for college students. If Clarion wants to remain competitive, it has to provide the caliber of housing students currently want."

Leach honored his late father, Charles P. Leach Sr., by establishing a scholarship at Clarion University. The Charles P. Leach Sr. Scholarship is an endowed scholarship awarded annually to an outstanding business student. The Sonja & Chuck Leach Scholarship was also established by Leach and his wife to help students pursue their life goals.

"It is all part of an effort to help students," Leach said. "I am fortunate to be in a position to be able to donate time and money to help Clarion University. All of the Foundation Board members also give tremendous amounts of time and money to the effort."

Leach, the president and owner of the Charles P. Leach Agency, Inc., of New Bethlehem, a large regional independent insurance agency, also has a strong record of community involvement. He is a past mayor of New Bethlehem; member and past president of the New Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and member of the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company, the New Bethlehem Area Jaycees, and the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church where he is currently a ruling elder, treasurer and former trustee.

Leach was one of the founders of Redbank Valley Volunteer Ambulance Co. and its first President. He served as an active EMT for more than 17 years. During that time he devoted many thousands of hours to helping people of his community during their time of medical need.

He is also dedicated to regional development and currently serves as a member of the Clarion County Industrial Development Authority and a board member of the Clarion County Economic Development Council.

Active professionally, Leach is a Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Professional Insurance Agent. He is a member and past president of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) Association of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, Past Chairman of the national PIA Strategic & Long Range Planning Committee, the past chairman of the PIA National Group Insurance Trust Fund and a founding member and past president of the national PIA Services Corporation. He also was active in and past President of the Comprehensive Health Planning Council of Northwest Pennsylvania, a founding member and past president of the Emergency Medical Services Council of Northwest Pennsylvania, and a founding member of the Ginny Thornburgh Foundation.

Leach is co founder and past president of the Pennsylvania Llama and Alpaca Association and Industry Liaison of the Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association.

In 2000, Leach was Clarion University’s recipient of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Eberly Award for Volunteerism for his exceptional leadership as an advocate of Pennsylvania public higher education. In 2002 he was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Clarion Chamber of Commerce. He is also the recipient of a 2002 Clarion University President’s Medallion, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of Clarion University.

Leach accepts the awards but passes out praise saying, "In reality, this is a group effort. The Foundation Board includes outstanding University and business people. They view every job as a challenge and refuse to accept no as an answer."

Leach and his wife, Sonja, reside in New Bethlehem. They have four children, one adopted son and eight grandchildren.

Daughter Lisa and Edward Goth, both 1985 Clarion University graduates, reside in New Bethlehem and work for the Charles P. Leach Agency Inc. They have three children, Michael, Kimberly, and Stephen. Daughter Cynthia and Brent Hetrick reside in Houston, TX, with their children Matthew and Brian. Andy and Stephanie Leach live in Milton, FL, where they own and operate two restaurants. Daughter Andrea and Tom Haines reside in Templeton. Andrea works for CORE as an organ procurement coordinator, matching organ donations with recipients. Adopted son Greg and Danielle Sanchez live in Orlando, FL, with their children Cruz, Brady, and Mykaila. Greg works for a major crane operation company.

Dr. Iseli Krauss
Distinguished Faculty Award

Clarion University inspired the best of teaching from Dr. Iseli Krauss. For her efforts she is receiving the 2003 Distinguished Faculty Award.

The Knox native believes her 1987 return to Clarion County and Clarion University, with its emphasis on teaching, was a personal turning point.

"Receiving this award is especially meaningful, because when I began teaching at Clarion the entire direction of my career changed," said Krauss. "I had worked at major research universities, where teaching was done on the side. At Clarion, teaching was foremost with research running second or third.

"Research at Clarion is providing students with research experiences so they are better prepared for graduate school and a career. Teaching in and out of the classroom is a major focus with an occasional opportunity to go back to research."

Krauss attended the College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, for two years and earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Michigan, M.A. in industrial psychology from New York University, and Ed.D. in educational psychology and developmental psychology from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining Clarion, she taught or conducted research at New York University, Princeton University, University of Southern California, and Syracuse University. She was a visiting professor at the University of Nevada and a visiting scholar to Brandeis University and Princeton University.

Her research areas include cognitive aging, spatial cognition and behavior, working and aging, assessment of adult competence, computers and older adults, applied cognitive aging, bingo expertise in older adults, and athlete retirement. Her research on memory and older adults playing bingo attracted favorable attention to Krauss and Clarion in the 1990s.

"Teaching is a great joy and also frustrating," evaluated Krauss. "There are times I simply want to walk away. But, there are moments, so many of them, when I see a student get it and a different kind of thinking begins. Those are the truly marvelous moments."

"Many of Clarion’s students do not come from an academic tradition. Helping them understand what it means to be educated is very meaningful. Graduation is not the goal, learning how to learn and preparing oneself for a lifetime of learning is the goal. Mental habits for a lifetime of learning should be established. If they have not, it is what a teacher should try to do."

Krauss’ students have appreciated her work. In 2001 several of her former students nominated her for the "Mentor Award" presented by the American Psychological Association (APA). The award is presented to an individual who has consistently provided support, guidance, and strong direction to undergraduate and graduate students in aging and adult development. The APA concurred with the nomination presenting Krauss with a plaque and $2,500. In keeping with her teaching goals, Krauss added part of the prize money to the Dr. Iseli K. Krauss Psychology Scholarship at Clarion University. It is awarded to a sophomore who has a minimum SAT score of 1050 and a 3.2 QPA.

This spring, the Clarion University Student Athletic Advisory Committee named Krauss as the "Faculty Member of the Year," presented for outstanding support and guidance of students. Krauss is an avid supporter of Clarion’s athletes and served for several years as the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative.

"One of my most rewarding experiences at Clarion is working with the athletes," said Krauss. "During their seasons, they practice 20 hours per week and manage to maintain their academic strength. They achieve at amazing levels and develop discipline that carries over to their academics. I am in awe of some of them for their athletic skills and devotion still to come to class. I was proud to represent them at the state and national level."

Krauss, who will turn 70 next year, during her final year of teaching said, "It is important not to let age differences be a critical difference in the classroom. I take great pleasure in entertaining a few graduates and their families at my home each year following commencement. I believe it is good for the families to meet, see the differences in their own backgrounds, and discover how much they have in common."

Reflecting on her many students, Kraus said, "Looking back at the alumni, I am so proud of the students who worked with me to accomplish more than they and their families believed they could or would. Many graduates, from Clarion and the other places I have taught, come back to see me and let me know how their lives have turned out. I know some of them will always be in touch with me. It is really wonderful to see them not as they were, traditional or nontraditional, but what they have become. I try to interact with them as I believe they will be, and they come back as anticipated. This award means some of them remember this."

Summing up her career, Krauss added, "I am the luckiest woman in Clarion. One of the things that makes Clarion so great is that I never felt I was at a disadvantage because I was female. The leadership of President Diane Reinhard, the deans, department chairs, colleagues, and students, insured that I could be the person I wanted to be."

"I am truly comfortable here and I believe I am doing some good. To be recognized for that is extremely rewarding. I am still a bit stunned by the award because I know the significance of it. Clarion is a teaching university and there are not many ways for alumni, administration, and peers to recognize faculty for good teaching. I hope I have exemplified that for all these years."

Krauss also said that a lifetime family friend and Clarion graduate, Wilma Logue (’37) of Knox is especially excited about the honor. "Wid has been close to me and supported me throughout my life, especially since my parents died," said Krauss.

Krauss has two daughters. Pam Krauss is a corporate vice president for Crown Publications of Random House. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband, Jim Bradford, and children, Maya and Phoebe. Erika Krauss lives in Venice, CA, where she is an artist, dancer, writer, singer, and works for a contemporary boutique in Santa Monica, CA. She has her undergraduate degrees in East Asian language and culture, and photography, and is currently pursuing a degree in speech pathology.

Linda Lusher
Venango Campus Distinguished Alumni Award

Linda A. Lusher, President/CEO, Galaxy Federal Credit Union, is the 2003 Venango Campus Distinguished Alumna. She received the award during the May commencement ceremonies at Venango Campus.

Lusher is a lifelong resident of Venango County. She received an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting at Clarion University–Venango Campus in 1979 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Economics at Clarion University in 1981. She is currently president/CEO of Galaxy Federal Credit Union, a position she has held since 1991.

"Attending Venango Campus gave me the comfort of a small, hometown college, while preparing me for Clarion University and my future," said Lusher. "During my two years at Venango Campus, I met several lifetime friends and formed the foundation of many business relationships. I am proud and grateful that I attended Venango Campus and would highly recommend it to all students."

Lusher, who worked while in high school and college, began her professional career at First Seneca Bank upon her graduation from Clarion. She started as a teller and quickly was promoted to increasingly responsible positions. During her tenure with First Seneca Bank, which is now National City Bank, Lusher served as a new accounts representative, as manager of the student loan department and in the commercial loan analyst department.

When Lusher assumed her current position, the credit union was known as the Joy Federal Credit Union. Under Lusher’s direction, member companies in the credit union grew from less than 40 to more than 120 and individual membership doubled. She oversaw the purchase and renovation of the credit union’s current home on Liberty Street, and in 1993 changed the organization’s name to Galaxy Federal Credit Union. In April 2002, Galaxy continued its metamorphosis by becoming a community credit union, allowing the organization to serve any person who works, worships, volunteers, lives or attends school in Venango County.

Under Lusher’s leadership, credit union assets have grown from $8 million to more than $25 million and staff has nearly doubled. In addition, Galaxy Federal Credit Union has received the top, five-star rating given by Bauer Financial Reports, an independent, national evaluating body that rates all financial institutions within the United States. Galaxy has had a five-star rating since 1996 and is the only financial institution within Venango County that holds this distinction.

"We’re extremely pleased to honor Linda Lusher with the 2003 Venango Campus Distinguished Alumna award," said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Clarion University–Venango Campus. "Her professional success and long-term commitment to improving our community are an inspiration for all of us."

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Lusher is a dedicated and respected community leader. She has served as president of the board of directors for the Franklin Rotary Club, United Way of Venango County and the Franklin Club, where she was the first and only female president. She is currently chairwoman of the Parks Unlimited board of directors. She also is a past treasurer of the Venango Area Chapter of Network Professionals and Business Network Professionals. In addition to these organizations with which Lusher continues to work, she is an active member of the Franklin and Oil City Chambers of Commerce, the Franklin Retail Association, and the Erie Chapter of Credit Unions.

Lusher resides in Franklin with her partner, Jim, and their two daughters, Renee, 17, and Mallory, 14.

Frank DeFina
Distinguished Alumni Award

As a management and marketing undergraduate and communication master’s student at Clarion in the 70s, Frank DeFina had his eye on the future. It turns out the eye is very much a part of his future.

As president of Panasonic Digital Communications and Security Company, one of four large divisions within Panasonic, DeFina is a leading proponent of new technologies like iris recognition, the digital version of fingerprinting.

"Each human iris is different," said DeFina. "We’ve deployed biometrics like iris recognition systems throughout the world, including the border of Afghanistan. Once you acquire the eye’s unique algorhythm, it is stored in a database. This type of human verification is the most reliable available. And the price is coming down. It is a little more expensive than fingerprinting, but much more reliable."

Panasonic’s venture into iris recognition and other security equipment has also expanded with the demands of homeland security. "Homeland security is obviously a big issue," explained DeFina. "We’ve been working with the Federal Government to design homeland security products and our biometrics division is on the forefront of this effort."

Panasonic markets the industry’s leading line of CCTV, video security and Biometric systems products; industrial and medical imaging products such as endoscopes; Mobile Cellular Telephones which have integrated color cameras, RAMSA professional audio products; Astrovision large screen display systems; and the company’s line of integrated Point of Sales systems.

Gradual Climb
Frank went to work for a video dealership in Pittsburgh after graduation (’75 and ’76). He primarily designed and built television stations in Pittsburgh for four and a half years. He later started his 21-year career with Panasonic as a district manager.

He spent 15 years in broadcasting and television, serving as president of Panasonic Broadcast and Television Systems Company (PBTS). Under his leadership Panasonic won 14 Emmy Awards by developing technically advanced products for customers like HBO and CBS. Panasonic also built the worldwide broadcast centers for the Atlanta and Barcelona Olympics under DeFina’s presidency.

"There really isn’t any magical formula for success," said DeFina. "Get a good, solid education. The education quality at Clarion is very, very high. In some ways it doesn’t matter where you go to school…it’s what you do when you get there."

"Over the last decade, Frank DeFina has taken on a number of significant challenges for Panasonic," said Steve Yuhas, Chief Operating Officer of Panasonic System Sales Company last year when DeFina was named president of Panasonic Digital Communications and Security Company. "In each instance, Frank’s mix of strategic vision and intimate understanding of Panasonic has made him the right person for the job. The Internet has emerged as a defining technology of the modern industrial economy and through a thorough understanding of the impact of mobile and fixed installation data networks, PDCS is well positioned to provide total system solutions for its customers."

Challenges are all part of his job. "The most challenging part of the job is a changing market from analog to digital and the rapid pace of technology," said DeFina. "It is also challenging to stay competitive in a global market while shifting production from Japan to China because of the cost of labor."

Active in field, also works with people like Henry Kissinger
In addition to his duties as president of PDCS, DeFina is active in the field. He is a Board Member of the Museum of Television and Radio in Manhattan, serving with such luminaries as Henry Kissinger, Alan Alda, Rupert Murdoch, Steven Case, and others. William S. Palely founded the museum in 1975 to collect, preserve, and interpret television and radio programming and to make these programs available to the public. The museum has an international collection of over 120,000 programs covering more than 80 years of television and radio history including news, public affairs programs and documentaries, performing arts programs, children’s programming, sports, comedy and variety shows, and commercial advertising.

DeFina is a working member of a committee to create the Kissinger Media Center, scheduled for completion later this year and designed as one of the foremost meeting locations for business and industry. He is working closely with the Museum in placing Panasonic’s state of the art media solutions in front of industry and world leaders that will frequent the new center. The Kissinger Center will be completed some time this fall.

"Henry Kissinger is a very impressive and interesting person," said DeFina. "Besides having been Secretary of State under Richard Nixon, winning the Nobel Peace Prize and advising every U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower, Dr. Kissinger is the consummate diplomat. He always finds some way to engage you and bring you into a conversation."

"I tend to prepare as if I were going to a political science class when I get ready for a meeting with Kissinger. He is extremely knowledgeable about many, many things. He is a real treasure for our country."

DeFina is also a member of the New York Friars Club, world renowned as the meeting place of the entertainment industry.

Links with Clarion continue
Frank looks back at his years at Clarion as important ones for his life.

"I enjoyed my years at Clarion," said Frank. "It was a small university with a good learning environment. The quality of education was high, especially in the graduate program."

Along with the courses that would help provide a framework for his future success, he also developed relationships that would continue long after graduation.

He quickly points to the highlight of his years at Clarion as meeting his wife, Patricia Ratkovoich, a 1974 elementary education major. The Clarion couple has two sons, Frank, and James, a student at George Mason University.

As a communication major at Clarion, Frank, developed a lasting friendship with fellow student Bo Polatty. Polatty, a Clarion native, was also well known in the regional music scene, serving as drummer for such groups as the Scarlet Pumpernickel, Mr. Quigley, and the Pa. Rangers which featured Frank as guitarist. Music is still one of their connections, with DeFina talking weekly with Polatty and actually getting together two to three times a year to record their original music.

The Clarion baton was also passed to his son, Frank who attends Clarion. He finished his sophomore year but was deployed to the Middle East with the Air National Guard. Although he is a business major at Clarion he is a meteorologist in the Air Force.

"My two sons have already accomplished much more than me," says Frank. "Frank’s 22 and was pulled out of college for a year to do basic and weather training, so he is attending Clarion, as he is able. Although he’s a business major at Clarion, he is known for his weather forecasting. In elementary school, he was the school weather guy."

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