Ten alumni received the IUP Alumni Association’s highest award for career achievement at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala on Saturday, April 27, 2013, in John Sutton Hall’s Blue Room.

The gala was held in conjunction with this year’s inauguration of university President Michael Driscoll, whose inauguration ceremony took place the previous day. During the ceremony, the IUP Alumni Association presented Driscoll with a gift to the Sutton Scholars fund. “Our experience at IUP has been a key to our success, and we wish to provide that same opportunity to future students. We believe IUP and its students are worthy of our support,” said Michael Staub ’80, president of the association.

In the photo, seated from left are Sharon Cowden, Patricia Koch, and Susan Snyder. Second row, from left, are Driscoll, Jack Thomas, Bryan Putt, Esther Kepplinger, George Hood, and Staub. John Paul and John Gilly are standing in the back row. Lisa Schlosser was unable to attend Saturday’s gala. Her photo appears below.

“I want to thank the IUP Alumni Association for hosting this great evening and for so graciously allowing the inauguration to be a part of it,” Driscoll said to gala guests. “I saw it as a natural fit, because we wouldn’t be what we are as a university without our alumni—it’s your university, after all. But, I recognize we borrowed your event, and I appreciate your sharing it. I must say that I am inspired by those who have received awards this evening. I congratulate you all—and I am so proud to have an official association with you through this university we share and together support.”

The list below provides a biographical sketch of each award winner.

2013 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Sharon Tahl Cowden ’71, College of Health and Human Services. A Sewickley, Pa., resident, she is a pediatrician with Children’s Community Pediatrics–Pittsburgh Pediatrics and was nominated by Charles Winwood ’69 and Ronald Lunardini ’69.

John Gilly ’79, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Nominated by Bonita Juliette, he is director of the SAIC, Inc., Vaccine Clinical Materials Program. He lives in Frederick, Md.

George Hood ’80, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Aurora, Ill., resident is known for his pursuits for world records in various exercise settings. He is group exercise director of the Five Seasons Family Sports Club and a certified personal trainer/ultra endurance training and performance consultant. He is retired as a vulnerability assessment expert and Chicago law enforcement professional and as a supervisory special agent of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, he served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was nominated by Patricia Klausing Simmons ’72 and Yaw Asamoah.

Esther Massung Kepplinger ’71, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. A Washington, D.C., area resident, she is chief patent counselor for Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich, and Rosati. She was nominated by Deanne Snavely.

Patricia Barthalow Koch ’72, College of Education and Educational Technology. She is a professor of biobehavior health at Penn State University and was nominated by Robert Heasley.

John Paul ’72, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. Nominated by Sandra Hoover Diefenderfer ’67, he is president of the provider division and executive vice president of Highmark. He lives in Presto, Pa.

Bryan Putt ’86, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. The Venetia, Pa., resident is CEO of AIRes and was nominated by Wally Putt ’69.

Lisa Schlosser ’86, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is the U.S. federal government’s deputy associate administrator and considered among the nation’s foremost authorities on cybersecurity. She was nominated by William Balint ’88.

Susan Snyder ’85, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. A reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, she received the Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for her work on a series about violence in schools. She was nominated by Patricia Heilman.

Jack Thomas D’90, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Nominated by Yaw Asamoah, he is the president of Western Illinois University.

Sharon Tahl Cowden '71, John Gilly '79, George Hood '80, Esther Massung Kepplinger '71, Patricia Barthalow Koch '72, John Paul '72, Bryan Putt '86, Lisa Schlosser '86, Susan Snyder '85, and Jack Thomas D'90 will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. A list of the alumni, what college each represents, and brief biographical information appear below.

In addition to several invitation-only events, including a black-tie gala, the alumni will make scheduled classroom visits to speak with students. The recipients also will be inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honors society.

“The Distinguished Alumni Awards program is a true reflection of what IUP stands for. Our alumni leave IUP and make great strides in their respective industries or have a grand impact on society, and honoring them at an event not only reflects well on our university, it also gives us the chance to tell them how proud we are of them,” Mary Jo Lyttle, director of Alumni Relations, said. “Of course, IUP can’t survive without the volunteer support and generosity of our alumni, and so being able to honor those who have helped us also is an honor and joy to us.”

Over the past 31 years the Alumni Association has honored 331 alumni with the Distinguished Alumni Awards. Members of the university community are invited to nominate alumni for the award and can find nomination materials on the Office of Alumni Relations website.

2013 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Sharon Tahl Cowden '71, College of Health and Human Services. A Sewickley, Pa., resident, she is a pediatrician with Children’s Community Pediatrics-Pittsburgh Pediatrics and was nominated by Charles Winwood ’69 and Ronald Lunardini ’69. 

John Gilly '79, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Nominated by Bonita Juliette, he is director of the SAIC, Inc., Vaccine Clinical Materials Program. He lives in Frederick, Md.

George Hood ’80, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.The Aurora, Ill., resident is known for his pursuits for world records in various exercise settings. He is group exercise director of the Five Seasons Family Sports Club and a Certified Personal Trainer/Ultra Endurance Training and Performance consultant. He is retired as a vulnerability assessment expert and Chicago law enforcement professional and as a supervisory special agent of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, he served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was nominated by Patricia Klausing Simmons ’72 and Yaw Asamoah.

Esther Massung Kepplinger '71, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. A Washington, D.C., area resident, she is chief patent counselor for Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich, and Rosati. She was nominated by Deanne Snavely.

Patricia Barthalow Koch '72, College of Education and Educational Technology. She is a professor of Biobehavior Health at Penn State University and was nominated by Robert Heasley.

John Paul '72, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. Nominated by Sandra Hoover Diefenderfer '67, he is president of the provider division and executive vice president of Highmark. He lives in Presto, Pa.

Bryan Putt '86, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. The Venetia, Pa., resident is CEO of AIRes and was nominated by Wally Putt '69.

Lisa Schlosser '86, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is the U.S. federal government's deputy associate administrator. She was nominated by William Balint '88.

Susan Snyder '85, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. A reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, she received the Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for her work on a series about violence in schools. She was nominated by Patricia Heilman.

Jack Thomas D'90, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Nominated by Yaw Asamoah, he is the president of Western Illinois University.

To achieve class balance, we are looking for primarily first- or second-semester freshmen or sophomores; however, upperclassmen will also be considered. The students you nominate will receive a letter telling them of their nomination and explaining the organization, the application, and the interview process. The students selected through the interview process will have the opportunity to become a member of the IUP Ambassadors.

The IUP Ambassadors work regularly with the Office of Alumni Relations, administrators, alumni, and special guests of the university. Specifically, they play an important role in Homecoming, alumni events, the Young Alumni Achievement Awards, admissions, and career networking programs. Nominated students should be those who you believe would enjoy and benefit from being an Ambassador.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from our website. As a reminder, the nomination forms are due by March 8 to either the Alumni Offices or online.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Some branches of the U.S. Postal Service were able to stop the mailing, but many magazines have already been delivered with the error in address.

In response to the problem, the vendor is readdressing and mailing new copies of the magazine to the affected households.

The university’s Office of Advancement Services maintains all constituent records for IUP Magazine’s audience and supplied the vendor with correct addresses. If you would like to confirm your address with IUP, you may do so by completing this form.

IUP Magazine is published by the Office of Communications and Marketing and mailed to more than 100,000 alumni and friends of IUP.

According to Mike Staub, president of the Alumni Association, the service was adopted so alumni have the opportunity to retain a visible connection to IUP and at the same time experience the convenience of having 7 GB of cloud file storage via SkyDrive, which can be used for storing files, videos, and photos and is accessible from any web browser or smart phone.

"We are really glad to be offering this great service at no cost to alumni. For our newest graduates, in particular, it's a great convenience, because they will be able to retain their folders and contacts from their IUP student accounts," Staub said. "For IUP, the benefit is visibility. Our alumni will show how proud they are of their IUP connection every time they send e-mail, because IUP will appear right in the address."

Alumni are encouraged to enroll in IUP Live Mail by following the instructions available within the IUP Alumni Relations website.

Seated from left: Mary Weidner '07, M'09; Jessica Bush Warman '03; and Jennifer Franko Vasquez '01. Standing from left: IUP President Michael Driscoll, Scott Roades M'06; Justin Polyblank '09; and Bryan Moore '07.

Six alumni visited campus recently to share their experiences with students and to accept the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Sponsored by the IUP Ambassadors, students who provide volunteer support to the Alumni Relations Office, the award recognizes extraordinary career achievement for alumni of the last 15 years. Each recipient, listed below, visited at least one class, attended a reception open to students, and in some cases, spent additional time interacting with students.

Jennifer Franko Vasquez '01, associate professor of Mathematics, University of Scranton
Armed with both a master's and doctoral degree, she is a member of the Association for Women in Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America.

Justin Polyblank '09, ceremonial band saxophonist, U.S. Army Pershing's Own Ceremonial Band
He has won numerous music competitions and recently earned his master's degree before joining Pershing's Own.

Mary Weidner '07, M'09, speech-language pathologist, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
In addition to being active in speech-language-hearing associations, she is the cofounder of the interactive MC Speech Books, used by teachers and parents of children with speech difficulties.

Scott Rhoades M'06, Prehospital Medicine and Aviation Medicine coordinator, Indiana Regional Medical Center
As a graduate student, he coauthored a grant for disaster nursing education, and as an alumnus, he often returns to campus to guest lecture Nursing and Allied Health Department majors.

Jessica Bush Warman '03, award-winning young adult fiction author
Having published four books with a major publishing house, she has written novels that were nominated for the 2012 CBC Teen Choice Young Adult Book and recognized by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults.

Bryan Moore '07, senior private equity officer, South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission
In addition to his professional success, he actively volunteers as a guest speaker at colleges and charter schools and with Junior Achievement.

Nomination materials for future Young Alumni Achievement Awards may be found on the Alumni Relations Office website.

The student-run Ambassadors organization is associated with the IUP Alumni Relations Office and sponsors numerous activities, including the Young Alumni Acheivement Awards program that will bring outstanding alumni to campus on November 5, 2012.

Tuition raffle winners were announced at half time of Saturday's football game. Proceeds of the raffle benefit scholarships and other philanthropic initiatives of IUP.

The raffle's runner up, Marjorie Parish, a student in the College of Fine Arts, received a $500 gift certificate for the Co-op Store.

As part of the day’s festivities, the IUP Ambassadors are honoring six notable young alumni with the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

This year’s recipients are:

• Jennifer Franko Vásquez ’01, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Bryan Moore ’07, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
• Justin Polyblank ’09, College of Fine Arts
• Scott Rhoades M’06, College of Health and Human Services
• Jessica (Bush) Warman ’03, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Mary Weidner ’07, M’09, College of Education and Educational Technology

The recipients are asked to speak to classes within their respective colleges on Monday morning, followed by an awards luncheon in the Blue Room in John Sutton Hall. After lunch, a Meet the Young Alumni Achiever’s Reception will be open to all members of the university community who are interested in meeting this year’s accomplished class.

Please join the IUP Ambassadors in honoring the Young Alumni Achievers from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Breezedale Alumni Center. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

High-achieving high school seniors still have time to qualify for the Sutton Scholars program, IUP’s premier scholarship award. Those who wish to considered for eligibility must apply for admission by October 31, 2012.

IUP now offers recruiting scholarships to students through the Sutton Scholars program. Two types of scholarships are offered through the program: the Sutton Scholarship and the Board of Governors Scholarship. The Sutton Scholarship is renewable for up to four years for students who maintain academic standards.

More details appear on the Sutton Scholars program page.

Alumni who are interested in sustaining the Sutton Scholarship should visit Support IUP to find information on how your gift to this fund will make make a big difference in the lives of many IUP students.

The IUP Office of Alumni Relations will host a pregame reception at Duffer’s Tavern on Saturday, September 8, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. before the IUP vs. Cheyney football game. All members of the IUP family are invited to stop by and network with fellow Crimson Hawk fans.

Duffer’s Tavern is located along Route 352 in Glen Mills, Pa., near Cheyney’s campus.

General admission tickets can be purchased at the gate for $10. For all other details, please visit the Cheyney University ticket website or the Cheyney University athletics website.

Register online today for this exciting event!

Don’t forget to wear your favorite IUP gear!

Office of Alumni Relations

IUP now offers recruiting scholarships to students through the Sutton Scholars program. Two types of scholarships are offered through the program, the Sutton Scholarship and the Board of Governors Scholarship.

More details appear on the Sutton Scholars program page, but it's important to note that intererested students must apply for admission to IUP by October 31.

Alumni who are interested in sustaining the Sutton Scholarship should visit Support IUP to find information on how your gift to this fund will make make a big difference in the lives of many IUP students. 

Stephanie Lambidakis ’81, Suzy Kuhn Teele ’82, and Jim Wansacz ’94 have fulfilled their terms, while Tim Burns ’90, Ward Johnson ’80, and John Ninosky ’93 have joined the board.

For the 2012-13 year, Michael Staub ’80 has moved into the board president position. Sandra Koeppl Barsotti ’87 serves as vice president, Matthew Konetschni ’95, M’98 as secretary, and Phillip Carrai ’83 as treasurer.

See biographical information about the entire board’s membership.

“Staying connected can help alumni in their professional careers and assist with advancing the goals of the university,” Staub said. “It is important for alumni to engage with current students and faculty, and it’s common for board members, while on campus, to interact with students, faculty, and staff members. This allows us to stay informed on current issues that affect the university and, more important, begin dialogue with our future graduates.”

The IUP Alumni Association concentrates on several key initiatives, according to Staub, who professionally serves with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General as deputy chief of its Bureau of Investigations. Association initiatives include increasing alumni involvement, fostering lifelong relationships between alumni and the immediate campus community, and strengthening pride in affiliation with IUP.

“In the absence of a strong alumni association board, the Alumni Relations Office would not be able to accomplish what it does each year—including our awards programs, our outreach efforts, and our efforts to mentor students and assist with recruiting new students,” Mary Jo Banks Lyttle ’86, M’89, IUP’s Alumni Relations director, said. “These board members are among IUP’s very best volunteer advocates, and we appreciate their time and talent.”

For online purchases, use the code “ALUM” at Kovalchick Complex from Wednesday, July 18, through Friday, September 28.

Alumni who wish to purchase their tickets in person at the Kovalchick Complex Box Office can do so beginning on the public on-sale date of July 20 at 10:00 a.m., straight through until show time on Saturday, September 29. Simply state that you are an IUP alumnus at the box office, and the $3 discount will be applied to your $30 ticket!

Pennsylvania icons such as the Clarks (IUP graduates and IUP Distinguished Alumni) plus Donnie Iris and the Cruisers will headline the show, which also includes performances by the Badlees, NOMaD, and TheFIVE6.

Office of Alumni Relations

All groups are invited to be a part of the pre-game celebration at the Crimson Huddle and the post-game party, the Fifth Quarter. Participating reunion groups will have a reserved table or area so members can meet and enjoy the day together. To include your group in the fun, just e-mail alumni-relations@iup.edu to let us know to include your group in Homecoming activities.

Homecoming 2012 is scheduled for October 6. The Crimson Huddle begins at 11:00 a.m. at Kovalchick Complex, and the Fifth Quarter will start at 6:00 p.m. downtown in the Coney’s upstairs banquet room and in the first-floor Dubliner Room.

Office of Alumni Relations

The IUP Alumni Association welcomes all members of the university family—employees, students, and alumni—to be a part of the fifth annual IUP Day at Kennywood.

Scheduled for Sunday, July 22, the day includes an all-day ride pass for just $20 per person and a complimentary ice cream social, where we will award exciting prizes.

Grand prizes:

• Troy Polamalu jersey (autographed)
• Two family four-packs of tickets to an upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game
• Children’s Sidney Crosby jersey

Mark your calendar for July 22! Here are some details:

• Gates Open: 10:30 a.m.
• Rides Open: 11:00 a.m.
• Ice Cream Social: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
• Ice Cream Social Site: Pavilion 8
• Parking: Free! Alternative preferred parking costs $6, and you may pay that at the park.

Registration deadline is July 13, 2012.

Tickets will be sold at the July 11 and 18 Picnics in the Grove.

Event Date: July 22, 2012

Register online today, or visit the IUP Alumni Association table at any of the July Picnic in the Groves, weather permitting. Get your tickets today!

According to Jim Wansacz ’94, IUP Alumni Association president, “We are always looking for the best products and services to offer IUP alumni, and we are excited that next month we will announce our new partnership, unveiling an exciting IUP alumni credit card that offers better rewards, no annual fees, and competitive rates.”

If you currently carry the IUP alumni credit card issued by Bank of America, upon your annual renewal you will be mailed a regular Bank of America credit card that no longer carries the IUP logo. We thank current card holders for your support over the years, and encourage you to considering making the switch to the new IUP Alumni Association endorsed card.

Complete details will be in your July edition of IUP Alumni Connections.

A doctoral student is conducting the survey on our behalf, and she will use the results as part of her doctoral dissertation. So, your response will have double impact.

Watch your e-mail in the coming weeks for our announcement about how to do the online survey. The message also will tell you about several great prizes that participants will have a chance to win as a thank-you for your time and input.

Scheduled for Sunday, July 22, the day includes an all-day ride pass for just $20 per person and a complimentary ice cream social, where we will award exciting prizes.

• Grand prize: Troy Polamalu jersey (autographed)

Mark your calendar for July 22. Here are some details:

• Gates Open: 10:30 a.m.
• Rides Open: 11:00 a.m.
• Ice Cream Social: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
• Ice Cream Social Site: Pavilion 8
• Parking: Free! Alternative preferred parking costs $6, and you may pay that at the park.
• Registration deadline: July 13, 2012

Register online today, or visit the IUP Alumni Association table at any of the July Picnics in the Grove, weather permitting. Get your tickets today!

From left: Jennifer Zanoni ’12, current students Sarah Brumbaugh, Caitlin Lyons, Carly Lewis, Shawn Trout ’12, current students Amanda Ocando, and Madison Sabo

IUP alumni may find information on assisting IUP and PASSHE by contacting legislature members on a special web page dedicated to government advocacy.

Who are the septuagenarians and octogenarians you’ll see wandering around the campus on Friday, May 4?

They are IUP Pioneers. Annually, the Alumni Relations Office hosts a luncheon for IUP alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more. This year, alumni from 1962 and earlier are eligible to receive Pioneer Medallions, awarded to those who attend the luncheon sponsored by the Alumni Association. Sutton Hall occupants, in particular, notice the Pioneer class members.

“Every year on the day of the luncheon, at least a few roam the halls, looking for their old rooms,” said Susan Kirchner, who has worked in the Communications Office for the last decade and in Sutton Hall nearly three decades. “Sometimes, we are able to help them, and sometimes we help them figure out their rooms no longer exist. Either way, we enjoy their visit. They have such great memories of their years here, when IUP was Indiana State College or State Teachers College.”

According to Mary Morgan of the Alumni Relations Office, 42 alumni and guests will attend the luncheon, which takes place in the Blue Room on the first floor of Sutton Hall, IUP’s original building, which served a residence and classroom facility.

“Hosting the Pioneer alumni on campus each year is such a rewarding experience for the staff and the students. Students learn from these alumni about a very different campus life in the 1940s through the early 1960s, and they also learn that IUP was committed to teaching excellence then as it is today. The staff is in awe of the accomplishments and life experiences these alumni have had since graduation,” Morgan said.

The alumni will also enjoy a tour of Sutton Hall, a tour of campus, and an afternoon tea.

The Class of 1962 will also celebrate its 50-year reunion next week. Festivities include members of the class participating in the morning Commencement ceremony in Kovalchick Complex.

Seated from left: Keene, Rizzo, A. Madia, Anderson, and Brown. Standing from left: Settle, Olson, Mauchant, Wansacz, Weston, B. Madia, and David Werner, interim president of IUP.

Eleven alumni were honored at the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala, held in Sutton Hall's Blue Room on Saturday, April 28.

The black-tie event annually honors those who have reached pinnacle career achievements or have provided service to IUP. This year's honorees also spent Friday visiting classrooms and speaking with students, and a group of the awardees participated in a women's leadership panel discussion in Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. 

The Alumni Relations Office invites nominations for future awardees from faculty, staff, students, alumni, or friends of IUP. Nomination materials may be found on the Alumni Relations Office's website.

This year's honorees were:

Bonnie (Harbison) Anderson ’80, cofounder and chief executive officer of Veracyte, a molecular diagnostics company.

Francie Brown ’82, a dialect coach who has worked with actors from films such as Remember the Titans, Fight Club, Holes, The Chamber, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Blind Side, The Fighter, and Inception.

Monica Rizzo ’87, senior writer, People magazine. Television is her main beat, and Dancing With the Stars is just one of the programs she covers.

Nancy (Vetakis) Keene ’72, founder of the Perfect Fit, a blog and corporate leadership consultancy, and developer of the Changeometer (TM), a framework for strategic decisionmaking.

Florence Mauchant M’85, managing director of HT Capital Advisors LLC and former vice president for Generale Bank (now Fortis), the largest Belgian bank, where she directed a marketing program to Fortune 500 and European clients and supervised a loan portfolio of approximately $2 billion.

Gary Olson D’80, professor in the department of English and Philosophy at Idaho State University, former provost, and writer for the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Tracy Settle ’80, a colonel in the U.S. Army and chief of International Engagements, National Guard Bureau.

Marla (Prizant) Weston ’80, chief executive officer of the American Nurses Association, which represents more than 3 million nurses nationwide and is instrumental in developing the standards and scope of practice for registered nurses.

Jim Wansacz ’94, who has served as president of the IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors and has assisted the university in numerous ways, including serving on the search committee that sought IUP's new president, received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Service. He is former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a current Lackawanna County commissioner.

Bill Madia '69, M'71 and Audrey DeLaquil Madia '70 were honored as Volunteers of the Year. She operates an interior design firm, and he is chairman of the Board of Overseers and vice president for the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University. They have organized and hosted alumni events on the West Coast and have provided career expertise by speaking with current students at IUP.

Bonnie (Harbison) Anderson ’80, Francie Brown ’82, Nancy (Vetakis) Keene ’72, Florence Mauchant M’85, Gary Olson D’80, Monica Rizzo ’87, Tracy Settle ’80, and Marla (Prizant) Weston ’80 will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. Jim Wansacz ’87 will be recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award for Service and during the weekend will receive the Friend of Higher Education Award, an honor for which he was chosen last fall by IUP and the local chapter of APSCUF. Audrey DeLaquil Madia ’70 and Bill Madia ’69, M’71 will receive the Volunteer of the Year Award. A list of the alumni, what college each represents, and brief biographical information appear below.

In addition to several invitation-only events, including a black-tie gala, the alumni will make scheduled classroom visits to speak with students. Keene, Mauchant, and Audrey Madia, along with alumna Marla Sabo ’79, currently partner in a private equity firm and former retail executive who is a previous Distinguished Alumni Award winner, will present a panel discussion about women in business.

The recipients also will be inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honors society.

“The Distinguished Alumni Awards program is a true reflection of what IUP stands for. Our alumni leave IUP and make great strides in their respective industries or have a grand impact on society, and honoring them at an event not only reflects well on our university, it also gives us the chance to tell them how proud we are of them,” Mary Jo Lyttle, director of Alumni Relations, said. “Of course, IUP can’t survive without the volunteer support and generosity of our alumni, and so being able to honor those who have helped us also is an honor and joy to us.”

Over the past 30 years the Alumni Association has honored 322 alumni with the Distinguished Alumni Awards. Members of the university community are invited to nominate alumni for the award and can find nomination materials on the Office of Alumni Relations website.

2012 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Bonnie Harbison Anderson ’80, College of Health and Human Services. She is cofounder and chief executive officer of Veracyte, a molecular diagnostics company.

Francie Brown ’82, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, a dialect coach who has worked with actors from films such as Remember the Titans, Fight Club, Holes, The Chamber, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Blind Side, The Fighter, and Inception.

Monica Rizzo ’87, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, senior writer, People magazine. Television is her main beat, and Dancing With the Stars is just one of the programs she covers.

Nancy (Vetakis) Keene ’72, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is founder of the Perfect Fit, a blog and corporate leadership consultancy, and developer of the Changeometer (TM), a framework for strategic decisionmaking.

Florence Mauchant M’85, School of Graduate Studies and Research. She is managing director of HT Capital Advisors LLC.

Gary Olson D’80, School of Graduate Studies and Research. He is a professor in the department of English and Philosophy at Idaho State University and writer for the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Tracy Settle ’80, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. He is a colonel in the U.S. Army and chief of International Engagements, National Guard Bureau.

Marla Prizant Weston ’80, College of Health and Human Services. She is chief executive officer of the American Nurses Association, which represents more than 3 million nurses nationwide and is instrumental in developing the standards and scope of practice for registered nurses.

Distinguished Alumni Award for Service

Jim Wansacz ’87, who has served as president of the IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors. A former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a current Lackawanna County commissioner, he also will accept the IUP/APSCUF Friend of Higher Education Award during the weekend’s festivities.

Volunteers of the Year

Audrey DeLaquil Madia '70, who operates an interior design firm, and Bill Madia '69, M'71, chairman of the Board of Overseers and vice president for the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University, will be recognized for their volunteer support of IUP, which includes organizing and hosting alumni events on the West Coast, as well as providing career expertise by speaking with current students at IUP.

Friday's activities include tours of campus and a dinner, at which members of the class will receive their Pioneer Medallions.

Saturday features processing with the Class of 2012 at commencement, which takes place at Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. A luncheon follows commencement. 

Shuttle service is available throughout the reunion. 

For a full schedule of events and details, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 724-357-7942 or send e-mail to alumni-relations@iup.edu.

About Commencement

Two commencement ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 12. The reunion class will participate in the 9:00 a.m. ceremony.

Clyde McGeary '54 will serve as the keynote speaker and will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. McGeary served as chief of the Division of Arts and Sciences in the Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction in the Pennsylvania Department of Education from 1975 to 1991. During that time, he created Pennsylvania’s Governor’s School of the Arts and the complex of Governor’s Schools of Excellence, including the schools of science, health care, business, agriculture, teaching, and international studies.

He worked as a fine arts adviser and senior fine arts adviser for the Pennsylvania Department of Education from 1964 to 1975.

His early work with the Educational Television Network resulted in hundreds of classroom programs on architecture, environment, music and art for schools and colleges across the nation.

In photo: The Class of 1961 led the procession at the 2011 commencement ceremony.

“The ranks of IUP alumni number more than 115,000, and in the Pittsburgh area the number is more than 30,000 alumni. Helping each other and helping current students can be gratifying ways for alumni to give back to their alma mater,” Morgan said.

The event is being organized in conjunction with the Career Development Center. Students across the university are invited to attend and meet successful alumni. The students learn about networking in a reception setting and have the opportunity to build leads for internships and job opportunities.

While the deadline has passed, the Alumni Relations Office is still taking registrations for those who would like to participate.

Students and alumni may register for the upcoming Pittsburgh by visiting the Alumni Relations website. Bus transportation has been arranged for participating students.

Sponsored by the Geoscience Department, Cejka's lecture drew a full room and press coverage by local media.

See the Indiana Gazette's coverage for a brief overview of the lecture, or see the full 38-minute talk in this video, made available on IUP's YouTube Channel.

Cejka has more than 35 years of experience in geological exploration, development, and energy management.

His career as a geologist began in 1973 when he graduated from IUP with a B.S. in Geology, and it came full circle in 2005 when he was awarded an IUP Honorary Doctor of Science degree. His career with Exxon began in 1975 as an exploration geophysicist working offshore California. Later, he was promoted to geological and geophysical manager of the Gulf of Mexico. He then moved on to positions in strategic planning and as advisor to the upstream director for Exxon Corporation.

In 1993, when Exxon created the Exxon Ventures Company, he became the vice president of Exploration and traveled extensively in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. After the merger of Exxon and Mobil, he became vice president for the Caspian/Middle East Region for ExxonMobil Exploration Company.

In 2001, Cejka assumed the position of executive vice president for ExxonMobil Exploration with responsibilities for exploration and geosciences in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and the Caspian Region. He was named president, ExxonMobil Exploration Company, in May 2004.

Cejka is a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, a member of the Baker Institute Energy Forum Advisory Board, a member of the Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, and a member of the University of Houston Energy Advisory Board.

A native of Pittsburgh, Cejka is married to Debra Phillips Cejka '73.

See the System's stance on the proposed state budget and suggestions on how you can help advocate support for IUP and the other schools in PASSHE.

Enjoy highlights from the day in this slideshow set to the alma mater.

Seated, from left, are Rebecca Brenner '98, Mileah Kromer '03, and Lindsay Rosenfeld '00. Standing from left are Ryan Renz '05, Alumni Association board member; Joel Goodling '04; Joseph Kopko '04; Stephanie Britton '02; and David Werner, IUP interim president.

Earlier this week, on November 7, 2011, six alumni from the last two decades were honored for their career success with the Young Alumni Achievement Award. The program is sponsored by the IUP Ambassadors and the IUP Alumni Association.

The recipients visited classrooms of their respective colleges and were honored at a lunch in John Sutton Hall's Blue Room.

The following were honored.

Rebecca Brenner 
College of Fine Arts
Editor and regular contributor, nutritionist, yoga instructor
Park City Holistic Health

Stephanie Britton 
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Principal Research Chemist
Air Products and Chemicals

Joel Goodling 
College of Education and Educational Technology
Freelance Television Producer/Writer/Director
MTV Networks

Joseph Kopko
College of Health and Human Services
Safety Director at Large
Scalise Industries, Mechanical & Electrical Construction Organization

Mileah Kromer 
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Assistant Professor of Political Science; Assistant Director of the Center for Public Opinion Polling
Elon University

Lindsay Rosenfeld
Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
Senior Manager
Deloitte & Touche LLP

Office of Alumni Relations 

As part of the day’s festivities, the IUP Ambassadors are honoring six notable young alumni with the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

This Year’s Recipients Are:

• Dr. Rebecca Brenner ’98, College of Fine Arts
• Dr. Stephanie Britton ’02, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Mr. Joel Goodling ’04, College of Education and Educational Technology
• Mr. Joseph Kopko ’04, College of Health and Human Services
• Dr. Mileah Kay Kromer ’03, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Ms. Lindsay Rosenfeld ’00, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

The recipients are asked to speak to classes within their respective colleges on Monday morning, followed by an awards luncheon in the Blue Room. After lunch, Meet the Young Alumni Achiever’s Reception is open to all members of the university community who are interested in meeting this year’s accomplished class.

Please join the IUP Ambassadors in honoring the Young Alumni Achievers from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Breezedale Alumni Center. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

As part of the day’s festivities, the IUP Ambassadors are honoring six notable young alumni with the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

This Year’s Recipients are:

• Mr. Joseph A. Kopko ’04, College of Health and Human Services
• Dr. Stephanie Britton ’02, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Dr. Mileah Kromer ’03, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Mr. Joel Goodling ’04, College of Education and Educational Technology
• Dr. Rebecca Brenner ’98, College of Fine Arts
• Ms. Lindsay Rosenfeld ’00, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

The recipients are asked to speak to classes within their respective colleges on Monday morning, followed by an awards luncheon in the Blue Room. After lunch, a Meet the Young Alumni Achiever’s Reception is open to all members of the university community who are interested in meeting this year’s accomplished class.

Please join the IUP Ambassadors in honoring the Young Alumni Achievers from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Breezedale Alumni Center. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

This is an exciting time to be at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. IUP continues to experience enrollment growth due to stimulating new programs and new facilities to better serve students. As a result of the unprecedented popularity, the Office of Admissions is seeking alumni volunteers.

Interested alumni who want to share their IUP experiences with prospective students and to help the Admissions Office with their recruiting efforts are asked to fill out the online alumni volunteer form, or e-mail Elisa Goserud in the Admissions Office at egoserud@iup.edu, or call (724) 357-2665.

Office of Alumni Relations

Any interested convertible owners are encouraged to e-mail alumni-relations@iup.edu.

Over three hundred IUP alumni and university family members had the opportunity to reunite with friends at this year’s IUP Day at Kennywood Celebration. The highlight of this year’s ice cream social celebration was when Brittany Mineard, a guest of IUP alumna Amber Mineard ’09, won an autographed jersey of Pittsburgh Steeler James Harrison raffled off by the IUP Alumni Association.

Please visit IUP Alumni Connections to view more photos from this year’s ice cream social celebration.

 

In the photo: IUP alumni Nick Hrutkay ’11; Kate Smith ’09; Lisa Marie Baker ’97, M’99; Sean Barrett; Amanda Hohman; Joe York; and Briana Brickner gather around the iconic Cowboy Joe at the Kennywood entrance.

The IUP Alumni Association invites all members of the university community—employees, families, students, and alumni—to be a part of the festivities.

Scheduled for Sunday, July 24, 2011, the day includes an all-day ride pass for just $20 per person and a complimentary ice cream social, during which we will award exciting prizes.

• Grand prize: James Harrison Steelers jersey (autographed)
• Runner-up prize: Ben Roethlisberger Steelers jersey

Event Details

Mark your calendar for July 24. Here are some details:

• Gates open: 10:30 a.m.
• Rides open: 11:00 a.m.
• Ice cream social: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Ice cream social site: Pavilion 8
• Parking: Free! Alternative preferred parking costs $6, and you may pay that at the park
• Registration deadline is July 20th, 2011.

Register online today!

See more about Kennywood Park.

In the photo: Dr. Susan Glor-Schieb, a member of the Special Education Department, received an ice cream bar from IUP Ambassador Thea Petrigac at the 2009 IUP Day at Kennywood.

Mark your calendar for July 24.

• FunDay Pass: $20 per person
• Senior FunDay Pass, age fifty-five and over: $15 per person
• Child FunDay Pass, age two and under: Free

Cash, check, and credit cards accepted. If paying in cash, please provide exact cost.

Event Details

• Gates Open: 10:30 a.m.
• Rides Open: 11:00 a.m.
• Ice Cream Social: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Pavilion 8
• Parking: Free! Alternative preferred parking costs $6.00, and you may pay that at the park.
• Registration Deadline: July 15, 2011.

Stop by the Alumni Relations table, or visit the IUP Alumni Connections website for more information about IUP Day at Kennywood!

Scheduled for Sunday, July 24, the day includes an all-day ride pass for just $20 per person and a complimentary ice cream social, at which we will award exciting prizes.

• Grand prize: James Harrison Steelers jersey (autographed)
• Runner-up prize: Ben Roethlisberger Steelers jersey

Event Details

Mark your calendar for July 24. Here are some details:

• Gates open: 10:30 a.m.
• Rides open: 11:00 a.m.
• Ice cream social: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Pavilion 8
• Parking: Free! Alternative preferred parking costs $6, and you may pay that at the park.
• Registration deadline is July 15, 2011.

Register online today!

See more about Kennywood Park.

Scheduled for Sunday, July 24, 2011, the day includes an all-day ride pass for just $20 per person and a complimentary ice cream social, during which we will award exciting prizes.

• Grand prize: James Harrison Steelers jersey (autographed)
• Runner-up prize: Ben Roethlisberger Steelers jersey

Event Details

Mark your calendar for July 24. Here are some details:

• Gates open: 10:30 a.m.
• Rides open: 11:00 a.m.
• Ice cream social: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Ice cream social site: Pavilion 8
• Parking: Free! Alternative preferred parking costs $6, and you may pay that at the park
• Registration deadline is July 15, 2011.
  

Register online today!

See more about Kennywood Park.

In the photo: Dr. Susan Glor-Schieb, a member of the Special Education Department, received an ice cream bar from IUP Ambassador Thea Petrigac at the 2009 IUP Day at Kennywood.

Alumni are considered pioneers on or after the fiftieth anniversary of their IUP graduation.

Any of those alumni who have not yet been inducted into the Pioneer Society—which includes awarding of a bronze medallion and lapel pin—are invited to campus to receive those honors during the Pioneer Celebration Luncheon.

As part of the celebration, pioneer classes are invited back for reunions in five-year increments. This year’s celebration welcomed the classes of 1931, 1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, and 1956.

In addition to the luncheon in Sutton Hall’s Blue Room, pioneers attending Friday’s event were invited to tour Sutton Hall and the campus.

The induction ceremony for pioneer classes takes place the day of Spring Commencement. Members of the Class of 1961 were inducted into the Pioneer Society on Saturday, May 7, and took part in the Commencement ceremony that day. See photos from the Commencement ceremony.

Seven alumni were inducted into the Pioneer Society on May 20, 2011. Front row, from left: Janet (Hutzel) Krich ’53, Nancy (Hill) Cotton ’56, Doris (Leibfreid) Siehl ’56, Mary (Bohren) Petchar ’56. Back row: James T. Forsha ’58, Earl J. Mostoller ’56, Ronald W. Siehl ’56, M’66.

Several members of the Class of 1951 attended the Pioneer Celebration Luncheon to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of their graduation. Front row, from left: Elizabeth (Stewart) Woods, Jo-Anne (Couch) McQuilkin, Jean (Wick) Kuntz, Lucille (Bowser) Klingensmith. Back row: Dolores (Miller) Nizinski, Marjorie (Wolter) Seelhorst M’70, Joanne (Mauchline) Rowley.

Some members of the Class of 1956 marked the fifty-fifth anniversary of their graduation at the Pioneer Celebration Luncheon. Front row, from left: Ronald W. Siehl M’66, Doris (Leibfreid) Siehl, Mary (Bohren) Petchar, Nancy (Hill) Cotton. Back row: William J. Dawson, Eugene A. Abplanalp, Earl J. Mostoller, George F. Glarner.

Photos by Keith Boyer, university photographer.

Selections will be made by the IUP Alumni Association’s alumni communications committee.

Alumni are encouraged to send a photo of themselves and their family or friends in IUP gear, a photo showing them doing something unusual—skydiving, attending a celebrity event, or a unique occasion in your workplace—or a photo of themselves with family and friends on a special vacation.

The Office of Alumni Relations reserves the right to use its discretion in posting photos. All approved photos will be posted each month in the IUP Alumni Connections photo album, while the committee’s favorite photo will be prominently featured in the newsletter.

Get your camera and get ready to take some great photos. Submit your favorite digital or scanned photo to alumni-relations@iup.edu. Include your name, class year, and a brief explanation of what is happening in the photo, as well as listing anyone featured in the photo.

Just for participating, you will be included in a drawing to win an authentic, autographed Pittsburgh Steelers Troy Polamalu jersey. The drawing will take place on September 1, 2011, and all who make submissions from May through August will have a chance.

All groups are invited to be a part of the pre-game picnic—the Crimson Huddle. The post-game party, the Fifth Quarter, meets Upstairs at the Coney.

Each reunion group will have a reserved table or area so members can meet and enjoy the day together.

To include your group in the fun, just e-mail alumni-relations@iup.edu to let us know to include your group in the Homecoming activities.

Homecoming 2011 is scheduled for October 1. The Crimson Huddle begins at 11:00 a.m. in the tent behind Miller Stadium, and the Fifth Quarter will start at 6:00 p.m.

Office of Alumni Relations

• Steve Miller Band tickets are on sale now for $48 and $40, but are only $28 and $20 when using the Alumni Promo Code ALUM at the Kovalchick Complex box office or online.
• Stone Temple Pilots tickets are on sale now for $49.50, and $39.50, but are only $29.50 and $19.50 when using the Alumni Promo Code ALUM at the Kovalchick Complex box office, or online.

Steve Miller Band

Book of Dreams was released in 1977, and it followed the equally successful Fly Like an Eagle, which was released the previous year. These two multi-platinum-selling albums launched the Steve Miller Band to superstardom in the mid-70s. Now, the Steve Miller Band has booked a national tour with Gregg Allman and will play the Kovalchick Complex in Indiana, Pa., on April 27.

Let Your Hair Down followed the number-one blues album Bingo! with the second new Steve Miller Band album of the twenty-first century. Steve Miller started the progression of open-highway rock in the late 1960s, making his way to chart toppers like “Take the Money and Run,” “Rock ‘n Me,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Jet Airliner,” “Jungle Love,” “Swingtown,” and “The Joker.”

As a founding member of the one and only Allman Brothers Band and in his own storied solo career, Gregg Allman has long been a gifted natural interpreter of the blues, his soulful and distinctive voice one of the defining sounds in the history of American music. Low Country Blues marks the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s seventh solo recording, and the first in more than thirteen years.

Stone Temple Pilots

A dominant force in rock music since their inception, the group’s impressively extensive and top-selling music has cemented their standing as one of the most successful rock groups of all time. Stone Temple Pilots (STP) will play the Kovalchick Complex on April 22 at 8:00 p.m.

Since the moment they appeared on the scene in the early 90s, Stone Temple Pilots dominated the decade from start to finish, racking up fifteen singles on the Billboard Top Ten, winning a Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy in 1994 for Plush, and having their five albums sell more than 35 million copies worldwide.

At first, the ironic swagger of Sex Type Thing brought them onto MTV and radio, but it was Plush that blew the doors wide open for the band, establishing them as multiplatinum act in 1993. A pair of subsequent singles were released from Core—“Wicked Garden” and the spooky, acoustic “Creep”—before they delivered Purple in 1994.

A large, eager fan base snatched Purple up upon its opening week, sending it to number one, but Purple wasn’t a one-week wonder: it grew as the record spun off hit after hit. First there was the majestic, cryptic “Big Empty,” taken from The Crow soundtrack, then there was “Vasoline,” which was followed by the modern rock classic “Interstate Love Song,” a radio smash that stayed on the top of Billboard’s Album Rock charts for fifteen weeks, besting the record set by the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up.”

Global Spectrum—the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field, with more than ninety facilities throughout the United States and Canada—manages the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex at IUP in Indiana, PA. The 5,000-seat, multipurpose venue is home to the IUP Crimson Hawks.

Office of Alumni Relations

McDonald is a marketing and advertising expert with specialization in generational marketing and multicultural marketing. She has helped companies understand the differing work styles various generations bring to work, as well as how to manage associates and get the most out of each and every employee.

She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune as a generational expert.

McDonald knows that one of the most important transitions you’ll make in your lifetime is that from student to professional worker. Yet nothing in school—or life—really prepares you for the magnitude of this transition. You spend the first twenty years of your life in school, then are thrust into the work world, with no “training” on how to act, cope or put your best foot forward to maximize your professional opportunities. It’s like throwing people into a pool and expecting them to know how to swim. It’s not realistic and a lot of people end up drowning this way.

For students: Prepare yourself. You’ve studied for years. Take an hour to attend this session to learn tips and insights on how to shift from student to professional employee without making rookie blunders. For faculty, this session can help you guide your students on to their next level of success.

McDonald is the author of How to Market to People Not Like You: Know It or Blow It Rules for Reaching Diverse Customers.

Don’t miss the Six O’Clock Series on Monday, April 4, for this dynamic session.

Her client experience includes brands such as Toyota, Sherwin-Williams, Kimberly-Clark, Budweiser, Harley-Davidson, Mattel, Ace Hardware, and Nike.

In 2006, McDonald was named number one on the list of “26 Hot Speakers” by Successful Meetings Magazine.

In 2007 and 2009, Advertising Age named her company one of the top ad agencies in the U.S.

In 2008 and 2009, Inc Magazine named her company one of the fastest-growing, privately owned companies in the country.

In 2010 and 2011, McDonald was named one of the “Top Five Speakers in Marketing,” based on expertise and original contribution to the field.

McDonald has been featured on CNBC, in BusinessWeek, on CNNMoney.com, and on XM Radio.

If you live in Pennsylvania, you’re probably aware that the governor’s proposed budget for 2011–2012 contains a reduction of more than 50 percent for IUP and the other state-owned universities.

At IUP, we had anticipated a decline in funding and had prepared various scenarios to deal with it. However, nobody expected a cut this big.

Essentially, if it takes effect, this reduction will change the character of the university as we have known it. It will change the programs and services we can offer students; it will affect their ability to graduate in four years; and it will jeopardize their ability to secure an education they can afford.

We have been good stewards of the taxpayers’ money. While the State System Board of Governors has increased tuition every year since 1998, the rate of increase has been well below the rates found at other universities. In four of the last five years, the increase has been below the rate of inflation.

If you happen to have been a student at IUP in 1983–84, about 63 percent of your education was supported by the commonwealth. By 2010–2011, that support had fallen below 34 percent. The cuts now proposed would turn the clock back to 1983 in terms of dollar amount of state appropriations—only those dollars are even fewer when adjusted for inflation, and they would have to cover 38,000 more students. According to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, this “would be the biggest one-time percentage cut to state higher-education funds in history.”

If you’re a Pennsylvania resident and you want to safeguard students and their families, please contact your state legislators. Please speak up for IUP and the State System. Your voice is needed now more than ever.

David Werner
Interim President

This award is given annually to alumni who have achieved distinction through sustained performance in their chosen professions or to alumni who have provided outstanding service to IUP. Of the more than 110,000 IUP alumni, only 304 have received this award.

This year’s award winners include leaders in fields of business, journalism, state government, international security, education, and other professions.

You can read more about the 2011 award recipients at Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The IUP Alumni Association is pleased to recognize and thank the members of the awards selection committee.

2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards Selection Committee

Mike Staub ’80, chairperson, deputy chief, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

Greg Joseph ’85, recording artist and musician, the Clarks

David Mawhinney ’86, adjunct professor of Entrepreneurship, Carnegie Mellon University

Tom Murry ’64, professor of Speech Pathology in Otolaryngology and director of Voice Therapy, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College

Stephanie Lambidakis ’81, reporter, CBS News

Steve Skorija ’69, manager, Walt Disney Entertainment Music Department

Patrick Wallace ’85, owner/principal, Covington Investment Advisors

Through the support of alumni and friends, each year the nomination pool continues to grow with highly accomplished candidates.

If you know of an outstanding IUP alumnus or alumna you would like to nominate for a Distinguished Alumni Award, please complete the online nomination form.

IUP-TV Sports Productions will broadcast on the Web and on IUP-TV all IUP men’s basketball games during the NCAA Atlantic Region tournament at West Liberty University in West Virginia.

IUP will play in the opening round at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011, against West Virginia Wesleyan.

In addition to airing that quarterfinal, IUP Sports Productions will do a webcast of the preceding Mansfield vs. Bowie State game Saturday at noon.

New this year, IUP-TV Comcast Channel 6 will air the webcasts of the IUP games. IUP-TV will take the webcast feed from PennAtlantic.com and convert it for broadcast on IUP-TV, giving fans the option of watching on the Web or on TV.

If the Crimson Hawks win their quarterfinal Saturday, they will advance to the semifinals on Sunday, March 13, at 5:00 p.m. The championship game will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 15.

All Atlantic Region tournament games will be aired on PennAtlantic.com.

Office of Alumni Relations

The Office of Alumni Relations and the Career Development Center invite all students and alumni to join Dr. David Werner, IUP’s interim president, as the host for this year’s Nights for Networking in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

• Meet the IUP President at the Philadelphia Career Networking Alumni Event
  Pyramid Club, 52nd Floor
  1735 Market Street
  Philadelphia, Pa.
  Monday, March 7, 2011
  5:30–7:30 p.m.
• Meet the IUP President at the D.C. Career Networking Alumni Event
  City Clubs of Washington-Columbia Square
  Chesapeake Room
  555 13th Street Northwest
  Washington, D.C.
  Wednesday, March 9 2011
  5:30–7:30 p.m.

Register online today for these complimentary events by setting up a non-member account at the IUP Alumni Connections website.

Contact Sara Lawer in the Office of Alumni Relations for further details regarding the events at slawer@iup.edu. Bring plenty of business cards, and business casual attire is appropriate.

We hope to see you there!

IUP-TV Sports Productions was recently recognized as a finalist in the College Broadcaster’s, Inc. awards for Best Live Sports Production. They also received the National Broadcasting Society’s Region One Award for best play-by-play.

Wednesday night’s game will also be webcast live on PennAtlantic.com. Tape-delay broadcasts of the games will be Thursday at 8:00 p.m. and Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Office of Alumni Relations

To achieve class balance, we are looking for primarily first- or second-semester freshmen or sophomores; however, upperclassmen will also be considered.

The students you nominate will receive a letter telling them of their nomination and explaining the organization, the application, and the interview process. The students selected through the interview process will have the opportunity to become a member of the IUP Ambassadors.

IUP Ambassadors during the 2010 Homecoming festivities

The IUP Ambassadors work regularly with the Office of Alumni Relations, administrators, alumni, and special guests of the university. Specifically, they play an important role in Homecoming, alumni events, the Young Alumni Achievement Awards, admissions, and career networking programs.

Nominated students should be those who you believe would enjoy and benefit from being an Ambassador. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Ambassadors’ website.

See scenes from IUP every day with this complimentary screen saver. The campus—and those college days—will seem a little closer!

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Director, IUP Alumni Relations 

The Young Alumni Achievement Awards program is sponsored by the IUP Ambassadors student alumni association, and it recognizes recent graduates as emerging leaders in their chosen professions. These outstanding graduates exemplify your alma mater’s deep tradition of educating and developing future leaders in diverse fields around the world. Learn more about the honorees, or recommend a recent graduate for future consideration.

While the Alumni Association offers programs and services for everyone, did you know the association offers programs specifically designed to assist our recent graduates? If you are a recent graduate, you may be interested in the following:

IUP Alumni Connections: Social networking is a great way to expand your professional network, stay in touch with friends, and stay connected to your alma mater. With IUP Alumni Connections, a free online community, you can create your own personal profile, access the IUP online alumni directory, learn about and register for networking events in your area, view the IUP alumni photo gallery, and stay connected with your friends. IUP Alumni Connections is connected to Facebook. Once you log in, you can use your Facebook login for future visits.

Regional Networking Events: If you are looking to expand your professional network, these events are the place to go. Meet IUP alumni who are business leaders in your area, and learn about opportunities for you to advance your career at upcoming events in your area.

Group Discount Insurance: The association offers discounts to alumni on auto, homeowners, and renters insurance through Liberty Mutual. In addition, short-term medical insurance is available to all alumni under the age of sixty-five through GradMed. This is great for when you switch employment, or for when you no longer qualify for coverage under your parents’ policy but have not yet been added to an employer’s policy. See more information on all alumni insurance services.

The IUP Alumni Association recognizes the importance of assisting recent graduates as they begin building your careers. Staying connected is easy! Simply update your e-mail address, and the IUP Alumni Association will keep you connected.

Again, I extend my sincere congratulations to our 2010 Young Alumni Award recipients.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Director, IUP Alumni Relations

As part of the day’s festivities, the IUP Ambassadors are honoring six notable young alumni with the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

This year’s recipients are:

• Dr. Douglas R. Bolster ’95, College of Health and Human Services
• Dr. Abid Ali Fakhri ’03, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Mr. Howie Z. Fitzgerald ’97, College of Humanities and Social Sciences 
• Mrs. Epryl King ’01, College of Education and Educational Technology
• Mr. Shannon Kitelinger ’00, College of Fine Arts 
• Mr. Mark Selinger ’07, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology 

The recipients are asked to speak to classes within their respective colleges on Monday morning, followed by an awards luncheon in the Blue Room. After lunch, the Meet the Young Alumni Achiever’s Reception is open to all members of the university community who are interested in meeting this year’s accomplished class.

Please join the IUP Ambassadors in honoring the Young Alumni Achievers from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Crimson Event Center. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

As part of the day’s festivities, the IUP Ambassadors are honoring six notable young alumni with the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

This year’s recipients are:

• Dr. Douglas R. Bolster ’95, College of Health and Human Services
• Dr. Abid Ali Fakhri ’03, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Mr. Howie Z. Fitzgerald ’97, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Mrs. Epryl King ’01, College of Education and Educational Technology
• Mr. Shannon Kitelinger ’02, College of Fine Arts
• Mr. Mark Selinger ’07, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

The recipients are asked to speak to classes within their respective colleges on Monday morning, followed by an awards luncheon in the Blue Room.  After lunch, Meet the Young Alumni Achiever’s Reception is open to all members of the university community who are interested in meeting this year’s accomplished class. 

Please join the IUP Ambassadors in honoring the Young Alumni Achievers from 2:00–3:30 p.m. at the Crimson Event Center.  Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

To assist in marketing your reunion or event, the Office of Alumni Relations would like to include your activity in the full Homecoming Weekend Schedule of Events. In addition, we are encouraging you to post your unique event on the Central Calendar. By using these resources, everyone will be able to access the weekend schedule on the Homecoming website.

By following these simple steps, you can market your event through IUP Daily and the IUP Alumni Connections newsletter. Don’t miss this opportunity to be included.

If You Have a Website on the Content Management System...

If you have a website and you are a web maintainer, add the event to your unit calendar. See How to Work with Events/Calendar. Under Event Types, be sure to select Homecoming and Central Calendar.

If you have a website, but you are not a web maintainer, please ask one of your maintainers to post the event, following the directions above. See a list of web maintainers, organized by site.

If You Do Not Have a Website on the CMS...

Members of student organizations, clubs, and other groups do not have websites on the CMS. If you do not have a website, but you have a Homecoming event you wish to post, please complete the Register Your Homecoming Event Form.

Thank you for your help in creating a comprehensive list of Homecoming events.

IUP alumni are being asked to share their advice on Facebook for first-year students about to embark on their college adventure.

On Tuesday, August 24, 2010, a post will be made on the IUP Facebook page soliciting alumni advice, and alumni are asked to share their advice as comments.

Classes for Fall 2010 begin August 30. Please make sure our incoming students start the year with that one nugget of wisdom only you can provide.

The IUP Facebook page, established in early 2009, has more than 10,000 “page likes,” formerly called “fans.”

*Sandy Koeppl Barsotti ’87
Journalism, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Owner/Consultant, Sandy Koeppl Communications
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Micah Johnson ’85
Communications Media, College of Education and Educational Technology
CEO, Media Stars Worldwide
Phoenix, Arizona

Dr. Rebecca Pounds ’01
Natural Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Robert E. Cook Honors College
Partner, Cantor and Pounds Dental Associates
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

*Dave Reed ’00
Economics, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania

*Denotes second term

In addition, congratulations go to the 2010–2011 Alumni Association officers. They include: 

Jim Wansacz ’94 – President
Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Taylor, Pennsylvania

Mike Staub ’80 – Vice President
Deputy Chief, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Matt Konetschni ’95, M’98 – Treasurer
Director of Education, Society for Human Resource Management
Alexandria, Virginia

Sandy Koeppl Barsotti ’87 - Secretary

These volunteer leaders represent various backgrounds, and the entire board’s membership reflects the overall demographics of the 115,000-member IUP Alumni Association. We are thankful for the dedicated service and expertise they provide to guide the strategic objectives and programs of the IUP Alumni Association!

Sincerely,
Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Director, IUP Alumni Relations

For just $20, attendees will receive an all-day ride pass, enjoy a complimentary ice cream social, and be eligible for exciting prizes. A grand prize autographed Troy Polamalu Steelers Jersey will be awarded to one attendee at the ice cream social.

To be a part of the fun, register on line or by calling the Office of Alumni Relations by July 14.

Mark your calendar for July 25!

Here are some details:

• Gates Open: 10:30 a.m.
• Rides Open: 11:00 a.m.
• Ice Cream Social: 2:00 p.m.
• Ice Cream Social Site: Pavilion 8
• Parking:
  • Free parking is available.
  • Preferred parking costs $6.00, payable at the park.

IUP First Thursday in Pittsburgh

Thursday, July 1

Mix and mingle with Pittsburgh-area alumni while enjoying complimentary appetizers, drink specials, and a cash bar. Kick off the holiday weekend early at Buckhead Saloon in Station Square. You may win free tickets to IUP Day at Kennywood!

5:30–7:30 p.m.
Buckhead Saloon
225 Station Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-232-3101

Register on line for IUP First Thursday today or just join us!

Third Annual IUP Day at Kennywood

Sunday, July 25

Make a memory at the third annual IUP Day at Kennywood celebration. Register on line for an all-day ride pass. At the relaxing ice cream social, enjoy an ice cream bar and have the opportunity to win exciting prizes, including the grand prize: an autographed Troy Polamalu Steelers Jersey.

Hurry: The registration deadline is July 15. The cost is just $20 per person.

Register on line for IUP Day at Kennywood today!

Second Annual IUP Day at the Beach

Saturday, July 31

Enjoy the premier Young Alumni event of the season at the private elevated bar in Seacrets at Ocean City, Md. This one-of-a-kind event is reserved for IUP alumni from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and includes Seacrets appetizers, various door prizes, and unlimited beer, wine, and well drinks for two hours for only $35 a person!

Round up your friends and register on line for IUP Day at the Beach today. We hope to see you there!

Indiana County Corn Roast

Wednesday, August 18

Celebrate the start of another school year at IUP at the annual Pig and Corn Roast at the Crimson Event Center. You’ll also enjoy excellent food and exciting news about your alma mater!

Register on line for the Pig and Corn Roast today!

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2010! This spring, more than 1,930 graduates became the newest members of the IUP Alumni Association.

As members, you are now part of a strong network of IUP alumni, with more than 114,500 members throughout the world. Did you know that staying connected to your alma mater is easier than ever and can provide you with lifelong opportunities and benefits? Here are just a few of the benefits and services available to IUP alumni:

• IUP Alumni Connections: IUP alumni can get it all at IUP Alumni Connections. This free, on-line service keeps you connected with your IUP contacts and offers opportunities to network with new business associates, post your résumé, find a networking event in your area, search the IUP alumni on-line directory, and much more. Register now!
• Networking Opportunities with IUP Alumni Events: There’s no denying that when it comes to job searching, whom you know is as important as what you know. Build your network of contacts by participating in IUP alumni events. For a complete listing of upcoming events, visit the Alumni events site.
• Short-Term Medical Insurance: GradMed® is an exclusive benefit designed for new graduates searching for a job or waiting for new employee benefits to begin, as well as alumni in between jobs. After graduation, many students lose their health insurance coverage under their parents’ plans, making them vulnerable to high health-care costs. GradMed® provides protection from the major expenses associated with an accident or unexpected illness.
• Discounted Auto, Home, and Renters’ Insurance: As an IUP graduate, you qualify for special group discounts on your auto, home, or renters’ insurance. Visit Liberty Mutual to learn more.
• Career Planning Services: As a benefit available to all IUP alumni, the Career Development Center assists with lifelong career planning and building job-search skills. In addition, the center provides employment and graduate school information, along with employment resources and services to help you at any stage of your career.

Staying connected to your Alumni Association is just a click away. Register now and you will be eligible for a variety of benefits and services exclusively for IUP alumni! We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Congratulations,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

The IUP Alumni Association invites all members of the university community—employees, families, students, and alumni—to be a part of the third annual IUP Day at Kennywood.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, July 25, 2010. An all-day ride pass is only $20* per person. Attendees will receive an all-day ride pass, enjoy a complimentary ice cream social, and be eligible for exciting prizes.

A grand prize—an autographed Troy Polamalu Steelers jersey—will be awarded to one attendee at the ice cream social.

Mark your calendar for July 25. Here are more details:

• Gates Open: 10:30 a.m.
• Rides Open: 11:00 a.m.
• Ice Cream Social: 2:00 p.m.
• Ice Cream Social Site: Pavilion 8
• Parking: Free parking available; preferred parking costs $6, payable at the park
• Registration deadline: July 15, 2010

Register on line today!

In the photo: Dr. Susan Glor-Schieb, a member of the Special Education Department, received an ice cream bar from IUP Ambassador Thea Petgriac at the 2009 IUP Day at Kennywood.

State and private funding sources are essential to build upon the levels of excellence that IUP has achieved and the impact the university has on the Commonwealth. Alumni can provide invaluable support in promoting funding opportunities that enhance the future for IUP and its students.

On behalf of the IUP Alumni Association, I wish to thank the members of the Government Relations Committee for their leadership and ongoing dedication to advancing the legislative efforts of the association. These dedicated alumni include:

Dave Reed ’00, Cochairperson
Member, House of Representatives
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Jim Wansacz ’94, Cochairperson
Member, House of Representatives
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Jean DePietress Allegrini ’88
Media Specialist
Legislative Communications Office
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Karen Kelly Deklinski ’79
Owner
Perfectly Pennsylvania
Middletown, Pennsylvania

John Ninosky ’93
Attorney
Johnson Duffie
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania

David Reddecliff ’82
Director, District Operations
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

To learn more about getting involved in alumni legislative advocacy or other volunteer opportunities, visit the Alumni Association.

In closing, there are several IUP alumni candidates involved in the May 18 Pennsylvania primary election. To learn more about the IUP alumni candidates, visit the Alumni in Government page. Best wishes to all candidates!

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

The IUP Alumni Association congratulates Coach Joe Lombardi and the men’s basketball team on an outstanding season. The team played in last month’s NCAA Division II national championship game in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Capturing both the PSAC and NCAA Atlantic Region championship titles, the team set a school record for victories during its 33–3 season. In addition, congratulations go to junior Joe Rocco, who was named the recipient of the NCAA Elite 88 Academic Award for Division II men’s basketball. This award is presented to one athlete at each of the eighty-eight national championships sponsored by the NCAA and is based on undergraduate cumulative grade-point average. Rocco, of Northern Cambria, has a 3.949 grade-point average through his first five semesters at IUP. He is a Biology major who plans on attending medical school following his graduation in May 2011.

As IUP alumni, we are proud of the national recognition our alma mater continues to gain. More than three million people watched the NCAA Division II national championship game, and that kind of exposure make an IUP degree even more valuable. Here are just a few more reasons to show and share your IUP pride.

Catch The Run for the Championship, an IUP Magazine Web Exclusive. And watch your in-box for game highlights, which we will be sending next week.

Go, Hawks!

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

Did you know that more than one thousand IUP alumni are living and working in Southern California? The IUP Alumni Association is pleased to host three events in the region to help bring alumni together. Through the years, alumni have found valuable career connections and strong friendships by meeting IUP alumni at university-sponsored events. Consider joining in on more or more of the upcoming events in your area:

• May 1 – Castaway Restaurant in Burbank
• May 2 – Café Hidalgo in Fullerton
• May 6 – Temecula Oliver Oil and Barra Barra in Old Town San Diego

On March 27, 2010, eight outstanding alumni will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award at a black-tie gala held on the IUP campus. This award is given annually to alumni who have achieved distinction through sustained performance in their chosen professions or to alumni who have provided outstanding service to IUP.

Of the more than 110,000 IUP alumni, only 290 alumni have received this award.

This year’s award winners include leaders in fields of business, journalism, state government, international security, education, and other professions. You can read more about the 2010 award recipients at the Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients page.

On behalf of the IUP Alumni Association, I wish to recognize and thank the members of the awards selection committee.

2010 Distinguished Alumni Awards Selection Committee:

The Honorable Jim Wansacz ’94, chairperson; state representative, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Greg Joseph ’85, recording artist and musician, The Clarks

David Mawhinney ’86, CEO and cofounder, mSpoke

Tom Murry ’64, professor of Speech Pathology in Otolaryngology and director of Voice Therapy, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College

Ellen Sylves Ruddock ’66, director, Center for Family Business, IUP

Steve Skorija ’69, manager, Walt Disney Entertainment Music Department

Patrick Wallace ’85, owner/principal, Covington Investment Advisors

Through the support of alumni and friends, each year the nomination pool continues to grow with highly accomplished candidates. If you know of an outstanding IUP alumnus or alumna you would like to nominate for a Distinguished Alumni Award, please complete the on-line nomination form.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association 

We are looking for the 2010 volunteer of the year! At Homecoming, October 9, 2010, the IUP Alumni Association will present a newly established award, the Award for Excellence in Volunteer Leadership. The winner will be recognized and will participate in activities throughout Homecoming weekend.

The Award for Excellence in Volunteer Leadership will be given annually to an alumnus and/or alumna in recognition of exemplary work on behalf of the IUP Alumni Association. Service to the Alumni Association may be a single act, or it may be a long record of participation and involvement. If you know an alumnus or alumna who has exhibited dedicated service to coordinating IUP reunions, regional network events, or other alumni activities, I encourage you to submit a nomination in recognition of that person’s outstanding commitment. Nominations must be submitted by May 15, and nomination forms are available on line or by calling 1-800-937-2487.

IUP Alumni Association volunteers truly make a difference in advancing your alma mater while having fun and building their own IUP networks. To get involved, visit our website.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

This holiday season, I wish to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the many alumni volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to make the programs of the IUP Alumni Association a success.

Each year, thousands of alumni support their alma mater by assisting in recruiting talented students to attend IUP, hosting regional alumni events and reunions throughout the world, providing internships and career support to students and alumni, and providing financial contributions to enhance the quality of education that is an IUP tradition.

To these outstanding volunteers, I extend my sincere appreciation and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year!

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle, ’86, M’90
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

Just this week, the final video recordings from the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Awards have been added for your enjoyment. You will find a separate video for each of the eight recipients—each highlights their achievements and their acceptance speech. They will make you laugh, some bring tears to your eyes, and each will make you proud to be an IUP graduate!

Visit the IUP YouTube Channel, click on the Distinguished Alumni Award playlist, and learn more about these eight IUP alumni:  Charles Cashdollar ’65, Richard Ferguson ’62, Thomas Gathers ’77, Robert Gett ’72, Mary Louise Leipheimer ’66, Susan Mellott ’73, Daniel Radakovich, Jr. ’80, and David Serlo ’68, M’70.

Office of Alumni Relations 

Mary Morgan ’91, associate director (second from right): Mary is a 1991 graduate of IUP with a degree in Business Management. She has been with the IUP Alumni Association for thirteen years. While you often see her at regional alumni events, her primary responsibilities include overseeing IUP Alumni Connections and alumni communications. In addition, she works with IUP reunion groups.

Sara Barnett Lawer ’06, M’08 (far right): Sara is the newest member of the Alumni Relations staff, joining in 2008. Her undergraduate degree is in Special Education and her master’s degree is in Student Affairs in Higher Education. Sara is another familiar face at alumni events, as her primary responsibilities include planning events for IUP on the Road and supervising the IUP Ambassadors, the student alumni association.

Elaine Berringerr ’06 (far left): Elaine is a 2006 IUP graduate with a degree in Business Management. She has been with the IUP Alumni Association for seventeen years. Elaine is the administrative assistant in the office, and she also serves as the secretary to the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Marlene Joyce ’97 (second from left): Marlene is a 1997 IUP graduate with a degree in Business Management. She has been with the IUP Alumni Association for thirteen years. Marlene is the office secretary, and she handles the technical inquiries and support for IUP Alumni Connections.

As the executive director of the IUP Alumni Association (center), I work closely with the IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors to guide the association’s strategic plan. In addition, I work with IUP on the Road events and reunions. I graduated from IUP with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in marketing and marketing education, and I have been with the IUP Alumni Association for twenty years.

Without a doubt, we all enjoy working with IUP alumni, and we look forward to hearing from you! On behalf of the IUP Alumni Relations staff, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

Once again, the Alumni Association is hosting a reception at Bossa Nova on Seventh Street that provides an opportunity for alumni and friends to connect. Complimentary appetizers are provided. Alumni are encouraged to preregister on-line.

In November, the IUP Alumni Association will honor six recent graduates for their outstanding professional accomplishments. The Young Alumni Achievement Award is sponsored by the IUP Ambassadors student alumni association, and it recognizes recent graduates as emerging leaders in their chosen professions. These outstanding graduates exemplify the strong tradition your alma mater continues, in educating and developing leaders in diverse fields throughout the world. Learn more about this year’s honorees, or recommend a recent graduate for future consideration.

While the Alumni Association offers programs and services for everyone, did you know the association offers programs specifically designed to assist our recent graduates? If you are just getting started, you may be interested in the following benefits offered through the Alumni Association:

IUP Alumni Connections: Social networking is a great way to expand your professional network, stay in touch with friends, and stay connected to your alma mater. With IUP Alumni Connections, a free on-line community, you can create your own personal profile, access the IUP on-line alumni directory, learn about and register for networking events in your area, view the IUP alumni photo gallery, and stay connected with your friends. IUP Alumni Connections is connected to Facebook, so once you log in, you can use your Facebook login for future visits.

Regional Networking Events: If you are looking to expand your professional network, these events are the place to go. Meet IUP alumni who are business leaders in your area, and learn about opportunities for you to advance your career at upcoming events in your area.

Group Discount Insurance: IUP offers group discounts to alumni on auto, home, and renters’ insurance through Liberty Mutual. In addition, short-term medical insurance is available to all alumni under the age of sixty-five through GradMed. This is great for when you are switching employers, or when you no longer qualify for coverage under your parents’ policy but have not been added to an employer’s policy yet. Visit our site for more information on all alumni insurance services.

The IUP Alumni Association recognizes the importance of assisting recent graduates as you begin building your careers. Staying connected is easy! Simply update your e-mail address, and the IUP Alumni Association will keep you connected.

Again, as we spotlight our recent graduates this month, I extend my sincere congratulations to our 2009 Young Alumni Award Recipients.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

In today’s tough economy, people will do just about anything to find a job. Search the Internet, and you’ll find articles about people walking the sidewalks of major cities wearing sandwich boards asking for work or wearing T-shirts emblazoned with their résumés or contact information. If these methods seem a bit extreme, maybe you should take a little advice from John, Paul, George, and Ringo, who once said, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”

At some point in your career you’ve probably learned first-hand that it’s not always what you know that gets you the job; it’s who you know. By reaching out to the more than 110,000 members of the IUP Alumni Association, you can network with fellow alumni in every state of the union and in every career field imaginable. And it all starts with your e-mail address.

Simply go to Alumni Relations and click on the IUP Alumni Connections logo. This will link you to the home of the IUP alumni on-line community. If you’re a first-time visitor, follow the easy instructions to create a profile. If you’re a returning visitor, make sure your profile is up to date. Once you’ve created a profile, you’re ready to begin networking.

Find an Event

Click on the “Alumni Events” link to search for an interesting event in your area. If you happen to live in the Pittsburgh area, there’s an alumni event on the first Thursday of every month. Attend one to meet new people who may work in your field of interest or for a company you may be targeting in your job search. Even if it doesn’t land you an interview tomorrow, you can be sure to meet some great new friends who may be able to help you along the way.

Search the Directory

Did you recently hear that someone you knew at IUP got a big promotion, runs her own successful company, or is the hiring manager for a big corporation? If so, why not look him or her up in the on-line directory? Click on the “Alumni Directory” link and find the person you want to connect with using the search tools. Send an e-mail just by clicking on the e-mail icon next to the person’s name.

Searching for a new job is never simple, but with the help of the IUP alumni community, it may just be a little easier. And as those lads from Liverpool said:

When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way,
But now these days are gone and I'm not so self-assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind: I've opened up the doors.

Let the strength of the IUP alumni community help you open a few doors. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

As part of the day’s festivities, the IUP Ambassadors are honoring six notable young alumni with the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

This year’s recipients are as follows:

• Maureen K. O'Connor, D’02 (Psy.D.), College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Kenneth Collins ’97, College of Fine Arts
• Amanda Gordon ’03, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
• Michael Brock Herr, CA’97, ’02, College of Health and Human Services
• Kevin Lyons ’02, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Lance Neeper ’01, M’07, College of Education and Educational Technology

The recipients are asked to speak to classes within their respective colleges on Monday morning, which will be followed by an awards luncheon in the Blue Room. After lunch, the Meet the Young Alumni Achievers’ Reception is open to all members of the university community who are interested in meeting this year’s accomplished class.

Please join the IUP Ambassadors in honoring the Young Alumni Achievers from 2:00–3:30 p.m. at the Crimson Event Center. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

See photos taken by university photographer Keith Boyer of the parade, various alumni events, the football game against Edinboro, and the Homecoming Ball.

The Indiana Mall presented the IUP Homecoming king and queen each with a $100 gift certificate for use for clothing for Homecoming events.

Pictured presenting the certificates is Sherry Renosky, Indiana Mall marketing manager, and Dan Fleming, 2009 Homecoming king. The Homecoming queen, Nicole Buzzelli, was not present for the presentation. The Indiana Mall also is a Homecoming float prize sponsor.

Search the Internet, and you’ll find articles about people walking the sidewalks of major cities wearing sandwich boards asking for work or wearing T-shirts emblazoned with their résumés or contact information. If these methods seem a bit extreme, maybe you should take a little advice from John, Paul, George, and Ringo, who once said, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”

At some point in your career you’ve probably learned firsthand that it’s not always what you know that gets you the job; it’s who you know. By reaching out to the more than 110,000 members of the IUP Alumni Association, you can network with fellow alumni in every state of the union and in every career field imaginable. And it all starts with your e-mail address.

Simply go to the Alumni website and click on the IUP Alumni Connections logo. This will link you to the home of the IUP alumni on-line community. If you’re a first-time visitor, follow the easy instructions to create a profile. If you’re a returning visitor, make sure your profile is up to date. Once you’ve created a profile, you’re ready to begin networking.

Find an Event

Click on the Alumni Events link to search for an interesting event in your area. If you happen to live in the Pittsburgh area, there’s an alumni event on the first Thursday of every month. Attend one to meet new people who may work in your field of interest or for a company you may be targeting in your job search. Even if it doesn’t land you an interview tomorrow, you can be sure to meet some great new friends who may be able to help you along the way.

Search the Directory

Did you recently hear that someone you knew at IUP got a big promotion, runs her own successful company, or is the hiring manager for a big corporation? If so, why not look him or her up in the on-line directory? Click on the Alumni Directory link and find the person you want to connect with using the search tools. Send an e-mail just by clicking on the e-mail icon next to the person’s name.

Searching for a new job is never simple, but with the help of the IUP alumni community, it may just be a little easier. And as those lads from Liverpool said:

When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way,
But now these days are gone and I'm not so self-assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind: I've opened up the doors.

Let the strength of the IUP alumni community help you open a few doors. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle ’86, M’89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

IUP Alumni Connections supports Facebook Connect! When you register at IUP Alumni Connections, you can choose to authenticate between Facebook and the IUP on-line community.

Once the authentication is successful, your accounts are “connected.” You can then login with either your community or your Facebook username and password in the future.

Using the Facebook Connect feature will also allow you to use the Facebook News Feeds. When you register for an IUP event or make an on-line donation these actions can appear as social actions on Facebook. Both the event and hosting site are hyperlinked from Facebook back to IUP Alumni Connections. Soon your IUP friends will be registering for the same events you are attending!

Office of Alumni Relations

Please join me in extending sincere congratulations to the following alumni, who have been elected to serve on the IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors:

Sandy Diefenderfer ’67*

• IUP Education:  Elementary Education, College of Education and Educational Technology
• Residence:  Great Falls, Virginia
• Alumni Volunteer Service to IUP: IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors; IUP Alumni Association Finance Committee; Washington, D.C., Alumni Events Host Committee Member.

Matt Konetschni ’95, M’98*

• IUP Education: Management, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology; Student Affairs in Higher Education, College of Education and Educational Technology
• Current Position: Director of Education Programs, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Washington, D.C.
• Alumni Volunteer Service to IUP: IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors; IUP Alumni Association Finance Committee; IUP Alumni Association By-Laws Committee; IUP Alumni Association Strategic Planning Committee chairperson; 2001 IUP Alumni Ambassador Award recipient; IUP Alumni Association admission recruitment volunteer; IUP Student Alumni Ambassador; Washington, D.C., Alumni Events Host Committee member.

Ryan Renz ’05

• IUP Education: Accounting, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
• Current Position: Finance Officer and Security Administrator, Indiana First Bank, Indiana, Pa.
• Alumni Volunteer Service to IUP: Regional representative for the IUP Alumni Association’s Indiana Regional Network; board member and treasurer of the former Indiana County Alumni Chapter; auditors for the 2008-2009 Alumni Association Board of Directors election; IUP Student Alumni Ambassador president; IUP student representative on the president's Student Advisory Network; IUP student representative on the Search Committee for the University Vice President for Student Affairs; volunteer for several IUP new student Orientation programs.

Mike Staub '80*

• IUP Education: Criminology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Current Position: Deputy Chief, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Camp Hill, Pa.
• Alumni Volunteer Service to IUP: IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors; IUP Alumni Association Strategic Planning Committee; IUP Alumni Association Finance Committee co-chairperson; 2002 IUP Distinguished Alumni Award recipient; IUP Alumni Association admissions recruitment volunteer; IUP Alumni Association Government Relations Committee.

*Denotes second term

In addition, congratulations go to the 2009-2010 Alumni Association officers. They are as follows:

• Suzy Teele ’82, President
  Managing Director, Aceda, LLC
  Pittsburgh
• Jim Wansacz ’94, Vice President
  Pennsylvania House of Representatives
  Harrisburg, Pa.
• Matt Konetschni ’95, M’98, Treasurer
  Director, Education Programs
  Council for Advancement and Support of Education
  Washington, D.C.
• Mike Staub ’80, Secretary
  Deputy Chief
  Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
  Camp Hill, Pa.

These volunteer leaders represent various backgrounds, reflecting the overall demographics of the 110,000-member IUP Alumni Association. We are thankful for the dedicated service and expertise they provide to guide the strategic objectives and programs of the IUP Alumni Association!
 
Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle '86, M'89
Executive Director, IUP Alumni Association

Do you know an outstanding high school student or an adult seeking to further his or her education? By making a referral to your alma mater, IUP, you can make a positive difference in their lives!

IUP continues to be ranked among the best institutions in the region for cost, quality, and comfort by a wide variety of sources, including the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges publications; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine; Arco’s Dollarwise Guide to American Colleges; Barron’s Best Buys in College Education; The New York Times; Money magazine; and U.S. News and World Report, among others.

With more than fourteen thousand undergraduate and graduate students, IUP is the fifth-largest university in the state, offering more than 140 undergraduate degree programs, a nationally recognized honors college, and more than seventy graduate programs, including numerous doctoral programs.

In addition, IUP students enjoy an 18-to-1 student/faculty ratio. Nearly all classes are taught by faculty members, as opposed to graduate assistants. Best of all, IUP students can have all of this at a cost much less than at state-related and private universities.

Clearly, there are many reasons to take pride in your alma mater! I encourage you, as an alumnus or alumna, to continue this legacy of excellence by referring an outstanding, aspiring student to IUP by way of the Nominate a Potential Student Form.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle '86 M'89
Executive Director
IUP Alumni Association

Did you know that IUP alumni can now enjoy reading selections and exclusives from IUP Magazine in the magazine's new on-line format? Keeping up with exciting advances at your alma mater and learning about what your classmates are doing is only a click away at the magazine website.

Current IUP Magazine Web Exclusives give you the opportunity to take a virtual tour of Breezedale Alumni Center or to explore IUP's Second Life through the many ways that the virtual world is becoming part of the classroom experience at IUP. You will enjoy reading these on-line exclusives. Plus, at Alumni Extra you can read information that supplements All about Alumni or submit your own news and photos for an upcoming issue. There is more to read and more to enjoy!

Whether you are a new graduate or a newlywed or are planning an upcoming move, be sure to keep in touch with the IUP Alumni Association. The association continually offers new, exciting programs and opportunities for IUP alumni. By keeping in touch at the alumni website, you will stay connected to the network of more than 110,000 IUP alumni around the world.

Note: The photo used in this newsletter is from the 2008 Southwest Florida Reunion. More photos from this group can be found on line at Alumni Extra.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Lyttle '86, M'89
Executive Director
IUP Alumni Association

The Division II winner was Chuck Broyles of Pittsburg State University.

Other winners were as follows:

• Division IA: Nick Saban, University of Alabama
• Division IAA: Mickey Matthews, James Madison University
• Division III: Larry Kehres, Mount Union College

Winners in each division were chosen through a combination of votes from fans and a selection committee, which included members of the College Football Hall of Fame and the national media.

According to information from Liberty Mutual Insurance, the award honors coaches who best demonstrate sportsmanship, integrity, responsibility, and excellence, on and off the field.

Find more information about competition results on the Coach of the Year website.

Plan to join the IUP Ambassadors on Monday, November 10, 2008, from 1:30–3:00 p.m. in the Crimson Event Center, Folger Hall. The new event honors the winners of the Young Alumni Achievement Awards program and is open to all students, faculty, and staff.  Don't miss the opportunity to mingle with these outstanding members of our alumni community.

Ms. Seema Batra ’94
Eberly College of Business and Information Technology
Regional Manager and Vice President
PNC Bank

Dr. Laurie Cannady, Ph.D. ’06
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Assistant Professor of English
Lock Haven University

Mr. Kirk D. Fleming ’94
College of Education and Educational Technology
Training Manager, Quality Systems Benefit Risk Management
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.

Ms. Jamie Littlefield Kasper ’99
College of Fine Arts
Fine Arts and Humanities Advisor
Bureau of Teaching and Learning Support
Division of Standards and Curriculum
Pennsylvania Department of Education

Ms. Carrie Ortsey ’99, M’00
College of Health and Human Services
Manager, Human Resources
Eaton Corporation

Dr. Christa Ziegler ’01
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Exploration Geologist
ExxonMobil

All are encouraged to attend the Homecoming Pre-game Tent Party and the Fifth Quarter Celebration. Reservations are not required, but plan to check in at the registration table at both events:

• Pre-game Tent Party: 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Saturday, October 4, Soccer Field, adjacent to Miller Stadium ($10 fee)
• Fifth Quarter Celebration: 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 4, Upstairs at the Coney (no charge)

Alpha  Gamma Delta

Breda Cody Kellner (’89) announced plans for alumni of Alpha Gamma Delta to reunite at the upcoming Homecoming activities. Alumni are encouraged to meet at the Homecoming Crimson Huddle Pre-game Tent Party and at the Fifth Quarter Celebration.

Alpha Omicron Pi (Gamma Beta Chapter)

The chapter was commended in 1966 with its first pledge class and was active on campus through the early 1990s. Although the chapter is no longer on campus, all sisters of Gamma Beta and any alumnae of other AOII chapters living in the Indiana area are welcome to join the planned gatherings.

Interested members, and those who can assist with contacting “missing” members, should contact C. Stewart-Miller, 142 Chowning Court, Gibsonia, PA 15044, 724-444-0669 or gem2@connecttime.net.

For those planning to attend the tent party or Fifth Quarter Celebration, please find the area reserved for Alpha Omicron Pi after checking in.

Alpha Sigma Tau

Patti Klausing Simmons (’72) and Lisa Andrus (’97) announced plans for the annual Alpha Sigma Tau Homecoming reunion. Be sure to join members at the Pre-game Tent Party and Fifth Quarter Celebration.

Kappa Delta

Suzy Kuhn Teele (’82)  announced plans for alumni of Kappa Delta to reunite at the upcoming Homecoming activities. Alumni are encouraged to meet at the Homecoming Pre-game Tent Party  and the Fifth Quarter Celebration. No reservation is required—just plan to check in at the registration table at both events and find the area reserved for Kappa Delta.

Kappa Sigma

Oliver Nassry (’89) encourages brothers of Kappa Sigma to participate in the annual reunion activities planned for Homecoming. Reserved tables are secured at both the Homecoming Pre-game Tent Party and the Fifth Quarter Celebration. 

Phi Sigma Kappa

Ed Dalesandro (’78) and Craig Cox (’79) have announced plans for the annual Phi Sigma Kappa Homecoming Reunion. The reunion begins with a Friday night welcome reception at the Holiday Inn Courtyard, then continues with the Homecoming Pre-game Tent Party and Fifth Quarter Celebration on Saturday.

Be sure to spread the word to all of the Phi Sigma Kappa brothers and encourage everyone to visit IUP this Homecoming. Send contact information to Edward Dalesandro at ed@endresultonline.com or Craig Cox at cmc271@gmail.com.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn. If you need a room, contact Craig as soon as possible.

Sigma Phi Epsilon

After the success of the 2007 Homecoming Reunion, Mark Anthony, former advisor to Sigma Phi Epsilon, announced plans to reunite again in 2008. Alumni are encouraged to meet at both the Homecoming Pre-game Tent Party and at the Fifth Quarter Celebration.

Sigma Tau Gamma

Plans are set for the annual Homecoming reunion for the brothers of Sigma Tau Gamma.

Ken Sosnick (’03) announced that activities will start on Friday night and continue through Saturday. On Friday, a celebration for Jack Balderson (’58)—recently inducted into the Society of Seventeen—will be held at the Train Station Restaurant in Indiana. Drinks are at 6:00 p.m. and dinner reservations are at 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, alumni can meet at the Homecoming Pre-game Tent Party and the Fifth Quarter Celebration.

Please contact Kenneth.sosnick@ferc.gov or call 724-422-3564 if you are planning to be a part of the weekend.

The parade route will again begin at 13th and Philadelphia streets and conclude in the Oak Grove. Immediately following the parade, regional area marching bands will gather and perform as part of the Pre-Game in the Oak Grove Festival. The deadline to declare parade participation is September 29, 2008. If you or your office/organization are interested in being part of the 2008 Homecoming Parade (themed “Classic Cartoons”), please contact Rick Kutz or Sam Mucken through the Personnel section.