Transcript
Page 1: Patches: Summer 2011

patches

Career Educati

on Benefits

Students & Com

munity

W H Y C A R E E R E D U C A T I O N M A T T E R S N O W I A L U M N I S H A R E E N T R E P R E N E U R I A L S P I R I TR E M E M B E R I N G H E N R Y K L E I N

HITTING

THE GROUNDRUNNING

The Magazine for Alumni & Friends of Harcum College � SUMMER 2011

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Harcum students, faculty, staff and friends thank all thosewho helped restore the Kevin D. Marlo Little Theatre. TheCollege's official "thank you" party is covered on page 9.

WE DID IT!

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EDITORIAL GUIDELINESThe Office of College Advancement publishes Patches.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The comments and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of Harcum College. The editorial board reserves the right to edit and select content for Patches that adheres to Harcum’s commitment to maintaining the high standard of integrity that has always been characteristic of Harcum College.

Harcum College is an equal opportunity institution and, as such, does not discriminate in its educational and employment practices with regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, applicable veteran status, or any other legally protected classification.

features

c ntentsThe Magazine for Alumni & Friends of Harcum College SUMMER 2011

10 Hitting the Ground Running: Why Students & Community Benefit fromCareer-Focused Education

12 The Entrepreneurial Spirit; Alumni ShareStories of Self-Made Success

2 President’s Message and Campus Highlights

4 Athletics

6 Spring ’11 Events:Commencement 2011Golf TournamentLittle Theatre Opening

16 Faculty/Staff Notes

19 Class Notes

21 Remembering Henry Klein

departments

Suzanne [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORS

Andy BackDirector of Public Relations & [email protected]

Susan FriedlandDirector of Foundations & Special [email protected]

Carol GreenwoodOffice of College [email protected]

Sachiko MallachVice President of [email protected]

Melissa SamangoDirector of Alumni Relations &Individual [email protected]

Harry SaylorAssociate Director of AnnualGiving & Special [email protected]

Special Events PhotographyKevin Nash of KSN Images

DESIGN

AcquireVisual.com............................................Comments, questions andopinions can be directed to:

Office of College AdvancementBedford Hall750 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010610.526.6060 or [email protected]

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on campusThe Occupational TherapyAssistant (OTA) Programreceived full accreditation bythe Accreditation Council forOccupational Therapy Education(ACOTE). Accreditation was grant-ed for seven years—the maximumamount for a new program, award-ed only in cases of outstandingquality. ACOTE requested usingHarcum’s written accreditationreport as a resource for other pro-gram directors "as an example ofexcellent documentation.” Harcum’s OTA program is one of onlytwo such programs in the Philadelphia region.

The Histology Program received full accreditation by theNational Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Accreditation was granted for a full five years, one ofthe highest periods allowed for a program by NAACLS.Accreditation is a requirement for graduates to become certified as histotechnicians.

Total enrollment during the Spring 2011 semesterremained strong at 1,360 students. We welcomed 104 new students and housed about 185 students in our residence halls.

Dear Friends,As we round out an exciting academic year, I’m happy to

report that our theme of Constant Improvement

was carried through. We’ve made major strides

in the areas of enrollment, academics, financial

strength, campus facilities, and athletics—and

we’re not finished yet!

As you’ll read in this issue, the College is

emphasizing its unique strengths as an institu-

tion providing distinct possibilities for our stu-

dents. Not only do we applaud the many suc-

cesses of our highly-skilled and motivated alumni, but we

also recognize our graduates’ contributions to their local

economies and communities.

In these challenging economic times, providing opportuni-

ties for quality jobs in growth occupations within two years

of education and training is a cost-effective way for stu-

dents to build viable futures. Now more than ever, Harcum

is relevant.

Having said that, our focus at Harcum is to provide our stu-

dents with more than just career preparation. The Little

Theatre donor appreciation event kicked off our renewed

commitment to arts and humanities initiatives on campus.

What puts Harcum graduates a cut above the rest is that

they’ll graduate with tangible exposure to the fine arts; it’s

in keeping with our history and, more importantly, it’s the

right thing to do. We aim to provide our students with an

enriching college experience—including a balance of aca-

demics, arts, extracurricular opportunities and a strong

support system.

We’re open through the summer so if you’re in the neigh-

borhood, stop in and say hello. We’re always happy to wel-

come alumni and friends back to campus.

Wishing you and your families a fun and safe summer,

Jon Jay DeTemple, Ph.D.President

Genesis Rehab Services —a leader in the long-term care rehabili-tation industry—gave two $5,000 scholarships to Harcum studentsthis year. The scholarship committee, comprised of representativesfrom Genesis and Harcum, selected Michael Seal ’11 (PhysicalTherapy Assisting) and Joan Bini ’11 (Occupational TherapyAssisting) based on their academic merit.

Michael SealJoan Bini

Genesis Rehab Services

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HARCUM COLLEGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 3

Regional Articulation Agreement Signed for the EarlyChildhood Education Program - Arranged by the PA Office ofChildhood Development & Early Learning and the EarlyChildhood Education Articulation Committee of SoutheasternPennsylvania, the signing was the culmination of four years ofcollaboration on a unique agreement between nine two-year andfour-year institutions of higher education.

Project to Upgrade, Renovate and Enhance the Library The Harcum College Library is slated to receive much-neededrenovations and technology upgrades to better meet the changingneeds of our student body. The project will include the additionof group study areas for collaborative work, ADA compliantentrance and ramps, upgrades in furnishings including study andcomputer stations as well as several technology enhancements.The total cost of this project is estimated at just under $600,000.

Several generous gifts from Harcum’s Board of Trustees totaling$140,000 have kick-started the campaign. In addition, the 2011-2012 Harcum College capital budget includes $100,000 forlibrary improvements. College leadership will be prioritizing andaddressing the most immediate library needs while developing aneffective fundraising strategy to complete the project.

Look for details on this developing project and ways to getinvolved coming soon. If you’d like more information, contact the Office of College Advancement at 610.526.6060.

Foundations and Grants• The Nursing Program received grants from the

Pennsylvania Higher Education Fund to distribute to students for scholarships: $36,020 from the Nursing Education Grant and $5,868 from the International Blue Cross Supplementary Fund. This is the final year of this Fund.

• The Cohen Dental Center at Harcum College received a$90,000 grant from the Connelly Foundation and a$9,800 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank ofPittsburgh for renovations to the main clinic area.

In the 2011-12 academic year Genesis plans to increase their supportto provide $20,000 in scholarships. “Genesis Rehab Services hopes thatthis financial support will be of great benefit to the students’ professionaldevelopment and future career goals,” said Diane Durham, MS, OTR,Senior Director of Education/Staff Development at Genesis. “We valuestudents and hope to expose them to the real specialty of working withclients in our clinical environments.”“Our relationship with Genesis began in 2009 when they donated a

fold-out mat table to Harcum’s occupational therapy assistant program,”explained President Dr. Jon Jay DeTemple. “It is evolving into a mutually

beneficial workforce development partnership. Harcum provides training and education and Genesis provides scholarship support and employment opportunities.” Corporate leaders from Genesis have also become trusted advisors

to the College, as Durham has recently joined Harcum’s OccupationalTherapy Assisting advisory board. In addition, Genesis president andnationally-recognized healthcare leader Dan Hirschfeld, became a member of the Harcum Board of Trustees in October 2010. He currentlyserves on the Development and Academic Affairs committees

PRESIDENT JON JAY DETEMPLE (CENTER) SIGNS AGREEMENT WITHEARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR JOANN THAMES(CENTER TOP)

Celebrating a year of acadmic partnerships, students, faculty and members ofGenesis Healthcare staff gathered at the Genesis Headquarters in Kennett Square,Pa. In attendance were (top, from left to right) Michael Seal; Ellen Rosenberg,Academic Fieldwork Coordinator; Kerstin Potter, OTA Program Director; (bottom,from left to right) Gary Pezzano, VP of Clinical Operations, Genesis Rehab Services;Jacki Kopack, PTA Program Director; Joan Bini; Melissa Samango, Director of AlumniRelations; and Dan Hirschfeld, President of Genesis Rehab Services.

A new 8-minute Harcum College promotional video(plus a bloopers video) was released this pastyear! If you haven’t seen the videos yet,you can watch both atYoutube.com/HarcumCollege.

Initiates Scholarship Program at Harcum

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talking sportsCharles Okwandu ’08 recently

earned his place in college basketballhistory as the center for the UConnHuskies, who beat Indiana’s ButlerBulldogs in the NCAA tournament’schampionship game in April duringthe Final Four.

“It’s a really big feeling,” said Charlesabout stepping onto the court at thatmomentous game. During his 16 min-utes of play, he supported the win withfour points, one rebound, one blockand two steals. “Being there is everycollege basketball player’s dream.”

“It’s great to see one of our formerstudent-athletes in the national spot-light,” said Harcum Coach Drew Kelly.

“Charles has come a long way in four years. His time at Harcumprovided a good foundation for that success."

Charles grew up in Nigeria and came to BrynMawr in 2007. After a year and a half at Harcum,having demonstrated strong skills on the court andearning a solid academic record, he was admitted tothe University of Connecticut (UConn) with achance to play NCAA Division I college basketball.Charles graduated from UConn in May with a bache-lor’s degree in political science.

Now that he’s won a national championship, his sights for theupcoming years are set high: “I have the same dream every bas-ketball player has—to go to the NBA.” He said that if he doesn’tmake it right away, he’ll find other opportunities to play but hewon’t ever give up.

Still riding high after an exhilarating season, Charles cameback to Harcum in June to visit former coach and mentor Drew

Kelly. Though busy meeting with recruiters from professionalteams, he took time out to reflect on his experiences since travel-ing more than 5,300 miles from his home and family. He hasn’tbeen back to Nigeria since he left in 2007.

“I had to find a mentor,” Charles said about struggling withhomesickness during his first semester at Harcum. He eventuallyfound a mentor in Drew Kelly. “You do get a little depressed. Iwent to [Coach Kelly]’s house a lot, and they’re like family…”

When asked about Harcum’s impact on his success, Charlescredits Coach Kelly a lot. “Coach was really helpful, and some-times tough. Sometimes coaches have to be tough—like a father-figure—so he pushes us. But that’s a good thing.”

Charles now knows the value of his Harcum experience wentbeyond the classroom or the basketball court. “During that time I learned from my mentors and my mistakes,” he said. “I strug-gled a lot, but I also learned how to overcome that struggling. I learned how to be a man.”

Coming to the U.S. for an opportunity to make a name forhimself, Charles says theinitial move from a smallschool like Harcum toUConn—with a studentbody totaling 30,000 and amembership in the Big EastConference in basketball—proved very challenging. “Itwas very different,” he said,

“the demand was different and it was a big change, but good.” In the midst of all his recent success at UConn, Charles still

takes great joy from being part of a team. “I love [basketball]because of the people it brings around you,” he said. “Both thegood and bad experiences help you to grow. I like to travel, too,and I really like the love I feel from the fans.”

– Suzanne Cotter

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Making Headlines: Former Harcum Basketball Star plays for NCAA DI National Champion UConn Huskies

Track & Field Pulls in First at #8

For the first time in Track & Field history,Harcum earned an overall record of 36 points and anational ranking at 8th place this season—all whilecompeting as the only two-year College in atten-dance at many meets.

The season started at Kutztown University wherefreshmen Devaughn Swain and Morlai Bangura placedhigh in the 55 Meter Dash. Harcum traveled to BucknellUniversity, Widener University and Ursinus College for a series

of multi-day meets during which freshmenTyrone Clayton debuted his strengths inthe 60 Meter Dash, sophomore Kemmel

Wright upheld his record in sprints, andQuentin Walker placed strong in the HighJump.

At the final Dickinson Ducharme Invite,Wright placed first in the 55 Meter Dash and

Walker placed first in the High Jump. Additionalhigh scores from Clayton, Swain and Bangura pushed

Harcum into 8th place out of 20 teams.

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“Coach was really helpful, andsometimes tough. Sometimescoaches have to be tough— like a father-figure—so he pushes us. But that’s a good thing.”

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HARCUM COLLEGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 5

Lady Bears Rank #8 in the Nation During an exciting season for Women’s Basketball at Harcum,

The Lady Bears earned record-breaking regional and district titlesas well as an invitation to the national quarterfinals in East Peoria,Illinois.

Sophomores Sironda Chambers and Ana Cruz led Harcum to avictory over Lackawanna College in late February, capturing theteam’s second consecutive NJCAA Region 19 title and the thirdregion title in school history. Both women surpassed 1,000 careerpoints during these games becoming the first Lady Bears to everreach this milestone.

Harcum, the 8th ranked Region 19 champions, later won apair of games in mid March against Community College of RhodeIsland (CCRI) and Region 15 champion Monroe College to cap-ture the NJCAA District N Championship.

During March Madness—and for the first time in school histo-ry—the Lady Bears advanced to the NJCAA Division II NationalTournament and took the spot as one of 16 junior colleges fromaround the nation.

The team battled into the quarterfinals and eventually made itto the Elite Eight, and Sironda Chambers earned a spot on the2011 All Tournament Team. The Lady Bears finished with astrong 29-3 record.

Men’s BasketballSeason Recap:Bears DominateRegion 19Opponents

The Bears wrapped up their 6thstraight 20-win season in lateFebruary with an impressive 22-7record and a 9-0 record against theirRegion 19 (NJ, PA, DE) opponents.Harcum won 30 consecutive games against the Region 19teams, putting their regional record at 80-4 since the start ofthe 2006-07 season.

Other impressive accolades this year were received byfreshman guard Sandy Burgos, who set a new single-seasonschool record for three-point field goals. Burgos now had 90on the season, surpassing the previous record of 79 set byAntonio Bumpus last year.

Come out to support the Bears!2011-2012 Women’s Basketball Schedule11/1 Harford 5 pm OMGC11/10 @ LSU-Eunice Tournament tba Eunice, LA11/11 @ LSU-Eunice Tournament tba Eunice, LA11/12 @ LSU-Eunice Tournament tba Eunice, LA11/19 @ Mercer 1 pm West Windsor, NJ11/22 Burlington 5 pm OMGC11/29 USMAPS 5 pm OMGC12/3 @ Morris 1 pm Randolph, NJ12/6 Delaware Tech-Stanton 5 pm OMGC12/8 @ Salem 5 pm Carney’s Point, NJ12/10 @ Lackawanna 1 pm Scranton, PA12/13 Manor 6 pm OMGC12/17 @ Raritan Valley 1 pm Somerville, NJ12/20 @ Essex 6 pm Newark, NJ1/5 Union 6 pm OMGC1/7 Monroe 2 pm OMGC1/17 Salem 6 pm OMGC1/19 @ Manor 5 pm Jenkintown, PA1/21 Raritan Valley 1 pm OMGC1/24 @ Union 5 pm Cranford, NJ1/26 @ Burlington 5 pm Pemberton, NJ1/28 Essex Noon OMGC2/4 Mercer 1 pm OMGC2/7 Lackawanna 5 pm OMGC2/9 @ Delaware Tech-Stanton 5 pm Stanton, DE2/11 Morris Noon OMGC2/25 Cecil Noon OMGC

2011-2012 Men’s Basketball Schedule10/29 Alvernia (scrimmage) Reading, PA11/1 Harford 7 pm OMGC11/4 Monroe Tournament tba New Rochelle, NY11/5 Monroe Tournament tba New Rochelle, NY11/11 vs. Brunswick @ CFCC 6 pm Wilmington, NC11/12 @ Cape Fear 3 pm Wilmington, NC11/19 @ Mercer 3 pm West Windsor, NJ11/22 Burlington 7 pm OMGC11/29 USMAPS 7 pm OMGC12/3 Monroe Tournament tba New Rochelle, NY12/4 Monroe Tournament tba New Rochelle, NY12/6 Delaware Tech-Stanton 7 pm OMGC12/8 @ Salem 7 pm Carney’s Point, NJ12/10 @ Frederick Tournament tba Frederick, MD12/11 @ Frederick Tournament tba Frederick, MD12/17 @ Raritan Valley 3 pm Somerville, NJ1/9 Frederick 7 pm OMGC1/14 Westchester 2 pm OMGC1/17 @ Globe 7 pm tba1/19 @ Manor 7 pm Jenkintown, PA1/21 ASA 2 pm OMGC1/26 Monroe 7 pm OMGC1/28 Essex 2 pm OMGC1/31 Williamson Trade 7 pm OMGC2/2 Globe 7 pm OMGC2/4 Westchester 2 pm Valhalla, NY2/7 Lackawanna 7 pm OMGC2/11 Morris 2 pm OMGC2/16 @ Monroe 7 pm New Rochelle, NY2/23 @ASA 7 pm Brooklyn, NY2/25 Sullivan 2 pm OMGC3/3 Region 15 Tournament tba3/4 Region 15 Tournament tba

*OMGC – Home games are held at the OMGC Gym on the corner ofPennswood Road and Lancaster Avenue

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Commencement 2011Harcum’s 95th Commencement ceremony, held at the Bryn Mawr

Presbyterian Church on May 14, brought family and friends to campus in recognition of the Class of 2011.

Over 250 students received diplomas during the ceremony, led byDr. Jon Jay DeTemple; several members of the Board of Trustees; Dr.George Thornton, Dean of Student Life; Julia Ingersoll, Vice-Presidentof Academic Affairs; Astrida Kahley, Student Government AssociationPresident; and guest speaker, Congressman Chaka Fattah.

President Jon Jay DeTemple conferred the honorary degree ofDoctor of Humane Letters upon Congressman Chaka Fattah, whoreminded students of the importance of savoring milestones, seekingopportunity, and maintaining a “thirst for knowledge.”

Awards were presented to this year’s student and faculty recipi-ents, and after the official conferring of degrees Susan Zises Green ’64welcomed all graduates to the Alumni Association. New graduatesand guests recessed to enjoy a lively celebration on Harcum’sAcademic Center Lawn.

See additional Commencement photos onmyHarcum.com.

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harcum events

Vice-President for Academic Affairs Julia Ingersoll (right) announces this year’sLindback Award recipient Kathy Koar (left) of Harcum’s Veterinary Technologyprogram. “She has been an active and enthusiastic faculty member,” saysIngersoll, “and a dedicated supporter of her profession and the College. Sheprovides her students with leadership, advice, encouragement and humor.”

Congressman Chaka Fattah, this year’s Commencement speaker,delivers a well-received message to the graduating class. “Life isabout choices and chances,” he said, “and this is one of the mile-stones of your life. We should all have a thirst for knowledge thatcan’t be easily quenched.”

Graduates file into the ceremony togreet cheering family and friends.

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HARCUM COL L EGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 7

Student Government Association PresidentAstrida Kahley ’11 describes the pride shefeels for her fellow classmates—congratu-lating all soon-to-be graduates for theirwell-deserved success.

Led by mace bearer Ray Rogers, Program Director for Business Administration, the Class of 2011begins their procession across Montgomery Avenue and into the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.

Trustee Alex Klein presents this year’s PhillipKlein Award to Dental faculty member JanGreenlee. “[Greenlee] is known for her com-mitment to Harcum and her creative and chal-lenging teaching methods,” says Klein. “Withover twenty years of teaching experience, sheconsistently encourages and motivates stu-dents, and provides them with many opportu-nities to express their talents and interests.”

The President’s Award for the best all-round studentin the graduating class in both academic and co-cur-ricular achievement is presented to BusinessAdministration graduate Brittany Clark ’11. Brittanywas an active member of the Student Government, a“Who’s Who among College Students” award recipi-ent, a member of this year’s nationally-ranked LadyBears Basketball team, and a recipient of the 2011NJCAA Award for Superior Academic Achievement.

Trustee Beatrice Blackman ’55 recognizesthis year’s Academic Excellence Award recipient Elizabeth Barr ’11, a FashionDesign graduate and member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society who maintained a 4.0 grade point average during her entire Harcum career.

Pride-filled students watch on and awaitthe conferring of degrees.

Dean of Student Life Dr. George Thornton presentsthis year’s Student Leadership Award to BusinessAdministration graduate and “R.A. of the Year”award recipient Marquisa Howard ’11. She waschosen for her demonstration of outstanding leadership, service and contribution to the Harcum community.

The Harcum Award, given to the student who most promotes the ideals of the college,is received by Raheem Shaw ’11—EarlyChildhood Education graduate, AdmissionsAmbassador, and President of Harcum’s localchapter of the Delaware Valley Associationfor the Education of Young Children.

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(from left to right) Dr. Barry Cohen, Harcum VP Finance &Operations; John Darr; Pat Moser; Kurt Lund; Dennis Marlo,Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Karen Marlo; Christine Marlo ’00; and Jennifer Triemstra

Bert McKay of First Trust Bank sizes up hisshot

Golfers take a shot at the putting contest The Marlo family and volunteers keep watchof the game at the 4th hole gazebo

Student volunteers (from left to right) BrittanyClarke, Emily Lawry Thompson, Luteisha Shelton,Malasia Clarke, and Jessica DeShields pitch in during the event

(from left to right) John Cipollone, HarcumTrustee Denis Boyle, and Mike McNamara

Foursomes head out at the start of thetournament

The Annual Kevin D. Marlo Golf Classic Raises a Record$48,000 for Scholarships

The resounding success of the 11th Annual Kevin D. Marlo GolfClassic will allow Harcum to provide more scholarships for studentsin the allied health sciences for the 2011-12 academic year. Thisevent has grown into our largest annual fundraising event.

The Tustin Group, together with more than 30 sponsors andcontributors, helped to make this a record-breaking year. For thefirst time, an online auction was added to allow non-golfers toalso support Harcum students… and to buy cool stuff, too—trips, memberships, and restaurant certificates.

About 65 golfers enjoyed a fun-filled day at Llanerch CountryClub in Havertown, PA starting with a luncheon and putting contestfollowed by a round of golf. The day concluded with dinner andprizes and the exciting, down to the wire close of the online auction.

See more Golf Tournament information and additionalevent photos at MyHarcum.com

SAVE THE DATE: May 21, 2012 at Rolling Green Country Club in Springfield, PA

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Merrie Forstein ’63 reminisces over photosfrom past Little Theatre events

The Marlo family: (from left to right) Jennifer Triemstra, NAB member Christine Marlo ’00, Karen Marlo, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dennis Marlo

(from left to right) Mary Harcum ’81; Terri Groody,Director of Professional Studies, and Heidi Techner,Interior Design Program Director

Bobbi Wolf (center) of the Wolf PerformingArts Center is recognized by the crowd forher early consulting contributions to theLittle Theatre project

Chairman of the Board of Trustees DennisMarlo speaks of the joy he feels meetingaspiring actors. Through his son Kevin’smemorial, Dennis hopes the Little Theatrewill offer students and community membersan opportunity to recognize and share theirown talents

The newly-renovated Little Theatre awaitsdonors and guests at the start of the DonorAppreciation reception

HARCUM COL L EGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 9

Donor Appreciation at the Kevin D. Marlo Little Theatre

Donors to the Little Theatre Campaign were invited on May 20,2011 to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a Harcum space that,only a year ago, was just a vision on an architect’s blueprint.

President DeTemple, trustee Ted Rosen and the Marlo familyexpressed thanks to the attendees whose contributions guaranteed thesuccess of the restoration.

A ribbon cutting on March 2 officially opened The Little Theatre, and campusevents were immediately booked: the Dental Hygiene Program’s pinning and awards ceremony, theInterior Design Program’s portfolio show, the Fashion Show reception, the NeurodiagnosticTechnology Program’s pinning ceremony and a Medley Music School recital. The GreaterPhiladelphia Chamber of Commerce also used the space in May for an orientation event.

“This simple, welcoming space, punctuated by its signature seven arched windows, has renewedthe legacy of the arts that is a Harcum tradition,” remarked Heidi Techner, Interior Design ProgramDirector. Heidi graciously lent her talents to the planning of the design details, finishes and furnish-ings for the theatre.

Bringing arts events to campus will be the job of Laurie Plaza, newly hired Little TheatreCoordinator.

“For the first year, I plan to bring events to campus to promote the theatre, such as dance groupsand small bands,” said Laurie. “Café, poetry nights and other art related events are also planned. Bynext year, I hope to be able to have Harcum students using the theatre to showcase their own indi-vidual talents.”

It was little more than a year ago when an annual fund appeal challenged Harcum alumni, facul-ty, staff and friends to contribute $100,000 by the end of the fiscal year to be eligible for a matchinggift in order to fund renovation. In a few short weeks, the Harcum family rallied, the goal wasexceeded, and construction began in the fall of 2010.

“This is a special day at Harcum,” Dr. DeTemple said. “Now our students have the theatre to usefor a multitude of purposes, across all academic areas.”

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How Harcum Students

Put Knowledge to

Practice & Why Career

Education Matters Now

B Y S U Z A N N E C O T T E R

HITTING THE GROUND

RUNNING

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HARCUM COL L EGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 1 1

llied-health professionals, business leaders, human serv-ice agents, youth educators, designers; Harcum studentsrun the gamut where relevant post-grad specialty isconcerned.

Every year, these graduates populate a variety of indus-tries with specific talents in tow—talents which often producedirect and measurable contributions to community life. Theywork at hospitals, small medical practices, schools, local business-es, and other service and care facilities, and they often know theropes of the job as soon as they start their first day of work.

Given the state of the current job market—as well as our serv-ice-oriented economy’s shifting workforce needs—it’s becomeclear that students and job-seekers alike are searching for thoseapplicable skills. Prospective students want to know their institu-tion can provide the kind of fresh, in demand education that willgive them a head start at those first post-graduate jobs.

So does a career-focused curriculum matter more now thanever before?

“I think many students have been burned by the recession,”says Dan Hirschfeld, member of Harcum’s Board of Trustees andPresident of Genesis Rehab Services in Kennett Square, PA—anationally-recognized leader in the long-term care rehabilitationindustry. “Students are savvier consumers when it comes to select-ing programs of study… there’s a level of security knowing theycan immediately put into practice whatthey’ve learned as a student. They liter-ally want to hit the ground running.”

Because career-focused institutionslike Harcum need to work within the“here and now” of the local economy,programs always reflect market needsand stay ahead of the curve. “Ourunique charter allows us the flexibilityto add new programs as we see fit,”says President Jon Jay DeTemple.“We’re private, so we’re able to bend tothe needs of the market in ways thatother career institutions can’t. Our stu-dents benefit in the end when they find good employment.”

Aside from a direct advantage to students, the local communi-ty also has a lot to gain from the career education taking place inthe classrooms of nearby colleges.

“The industries where Harcum grads tend to work are staplesin our community,” says Ted Rosen, current Trustee, President ofExpert Business Development, and nationally-recognized salesand technology integration expert. “When you go to the hospital,or to the dentist, or even to a childcare facility or a small businessin your community, Harcum grads are there working with youdirectly. They help local economies to flourish, and they’re animportant part of their neighbors’ lives.”

“[Harcum]’s location in a major metropolitan area gives stu-dents access to top-notch clinical and practicum experiences,”continues Hirschfeld. “Because these students are well-known andwell-regarded in the community, the impact of their education isreally felt within Philadelphia and beyond.”

Program Director for Interior Design Heidi Techner often seesher graduates use design expertise to help enliven local spaces.“They spend so much time getting out into the community as stu-dents through volunteer work, class assignments and special proj-ects,” she says, “that they often end up moving on to jobs withfirms and small businesses in this area. They see they can have animpact right in their own back yard and they want to follow thoseopportunities.”

Location is key for many of these students, as after completionof the program an overwhelming number of Harcum graduatesmove on to jobs located not too far from home—or from theplaces in which they spent time as students.

“Many of our students actually stay in Pennsylvania,” saysDossie Cavalucci ’80 ’93, Program Director for Dental Assisting &Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA). “Usually they findjobs in the Philadelphia and Lancaster areas, and are working asfull-time EFDAs in small practices in these towns.”

“A lot of our grads are working in the Main Line Health sys-tem and around town,” says Beth Gibbs, Program Director forRadiologic Technology. “And about 40% go on to more educa-tion—mainly at Thomas Jefferson University and the University ofPennsylvania—for either their B.S. or an additional modality likeC.T., MRI...”

The opportunity for fluid, uncomplicated transition into post-graduate education is another draw fortoday’s students who often seek fur-ther certification or degrees onlyoffered at larger institutions.

“Our articulation agreementsbecome really helpful for a lot of gradswho want to move on,” says GrahamBottrell, Harcum’s Director of Careerand Transfer Services. “Not only willthese agreements allow a smooth tran-sition to the next College—as a vastmajority of credits will transfer—butsome of these students even find workin offices that offer tuition reimburse-

ment if they return to school for extra credentials. These situa-tions are win-win: students are better educated without too muchextra cost, and employers have better-qualified employees.”

In the end—and despite recent uncertainty surrounding jobsecurity and the ever-evolving intricacies of occupation growth—one thing can be guaranteed: career education will always be cer-tain to go where the jobs are.

“We know that the industry is growing,” says Hirschfeld aboutthe developing field of health care, “and there is a shortage ofqualified health care professionals right now. This translates intoexcellent job prospects in the foreseeable future for those who aretrained and skilled.”

“Business is always changing and evolving,” adds Rosen. “Butstaying current, staying fresh, earning useable skills and alwayslooking ahead for growth opportunities, that’s what will alwaysput career-focused students ahead of the competition.”

A

“When you go to the hospital, or tothe dentist, or even to a childcarefacility or a small business in yourcommunity, Harcum grads are thereworking with you directly. They helplocal economies to flourish, andthey’re an important part of theirneighbors’ lives.”

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12 HARCUM COLLEGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1

GO-GETTING ALUMNI

CONNECT THROUGH FOCUS, PASSION, AND THE CREATION OF SELF-MADE LIVES

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

BY SUZANNE COTTER

Page 15: Patches: Summer 2011

HARCUM COL L EGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 1 3

It took years for Karin (Berger) Walden ’89 to build Walden Line Farm, Inc—a Frederick, Maryland business that combinesher long-time interests as a caregiver and animal lover. Now a thriving operation selling and breeding animals, her facilityhouses over thirty animals: twelve horses—including two poniesand seven miniature horses—three barn cats, five chickens, fivepeafowl, and seven dwarf bunnies—four American fuzzy lopsand three Jersey woolies.

After years of exploring jobs in animal care, camp counseling,private tutoring, and teaching in Baltimore’s public and privateschools, Karin feels she’s achieved a lot. “When I graduated fromHarcum, my classmates gave me the ‘most likely to succeedaward,’ which was nice. I really feel like I’m succeeding.” www.waldenlinefarm.com

Wendy Williams Hartman ’88 started Williams & Co FineJewelry in the basement of her parents’ house in 1989. Withearly help from dedicated mentors and family—including herfather, who also owns a small business—Williams & Co. has been steadily serving the Worcester, PA community for overtwenty years.

“It’s a happy business,” says Williams, “most of the time people come to me for engagement rings or pieces for a specialoccasion. I just love the excitement. I love hearing people say I helped them find exactlywhat they were looking for.”

www.williamsandco.net

Karin (Berger) Walden ’89WALDEN LINE FARM

Wendy Williams Hartman ’88WILLIAMS & CO FINE JEWELRY

As Karin (Berger) Walden ’89 strolls around the lush greengrounds of her Maryland-based business, Walden Line Farm,LLC., she remembers the hard work it took to literally buildher facility from the ground up. “The only things on the prop-erty were the house and the garage,” she explains, waving anarm across the scenic estate. “We built the barn, the fencing—pretty much everything else on the property. We started withonly a few dogs and it just exploded from there.”

Almost 20 years later, Karin now spends busy days board-ing, breeding, showing and grooming dozens of animals at herbustling facility, where miniature horses, ponies, miniatureschnauzers, cats, bunnies and even a few peafowl live like partof the family at the Walden home. “This is truly a labor oflove,” she says with a wide smile. “And it’s become my life.”

Karin’s story speaks to a familiar path chosen by many inHarcum’s alumni community—one where graduates build self-made lives while avidly pursuing niche interests and special-ized passions grounded in their personalities and backgrounds.Their education is often cited as a source of their drive to suc-ceed.

“Harcum is the kind of place that attracts students whodon’t want to follow the traditional four-year route,” saysDirector of Alumni Relations Melissa Samango. “Most of ourstudents already have specific career goals in mind when theycome to us. When I step back to take a look at our alumni, it’seasy to see why so many have their own businesses or proj-ects—our students are independent from the start.”

Jeanne Lawler-Frank ’82 certainly reflects this trend.“From the time I started at Harcum, I decided I was going intoretail merchandising,” she says. “I didn’t know what I wasgoing to do with it yet—I thought I might end up in cloth-ing—but I explored a lot of different options while I was a stu-dent.” Gaining experience through part-time jobs and learningfrom industry-savvy professors, Lawler-Frank graduated withthe drive to use her degree for something bigger.

During the first few years spent post-graduation, Lawler-Frank worked for a department store in Allentown and kepther eyes open for inspiring opportunities. “The economy was-n’t in great shape in 1982,” she says. “I felt lucky to even grad-uate with a job.”

Her introduction to wholesale timepieces came in 1986when she landed a job as a watch buyer at the newly-launchedQVC. She worked for a senior vice president who knew thebusiness well and recognized it as a growth opportunity.

The new mentor recruited Lawler-Frank—a “rookiebuyer”—to help out with the startup of his own New York-based timepiece business. Soon, Lawler-Frank felt the itch tolaunch a start-up business of her own, and Options in Time,Inc. was established less than 10 years later.

Page 16: Patches: Summer 2011

“I knew about the hours and time it would take to get[Options in Time] off the ground,” says Lawler-Frank, “but theidea to run my own shop never went away.”

Fellow retail merchandising alumna Wendy Williams-Hartman ’88 also had entrepreneurial goals in mind at thestart of her education. “My father always had his own busi-ness,” she says, “and I knew eventually down the road I’d havemy own, too.”

At only 20 years of age and armed with a Harcum degree,Williams-Hartman set out to create the life she’d envisioned asa freshman. A week after graduation, she left for theGemological Institute of America with plans to start her ownjewelry business. When she returned home, she drained hersavings account to set up shop at home.

“I started with a cover letter which I sent out to friends andarea businesses.” says Williams-Hartman about the launch ofher store and her mission to make contacts throughout herWorcester, PA community. She also worked part-time underfamily friends and mentors Martin Taylor, a manufacturingjeweler, and Edward Regan, a purveyor of antique jewelry. “I was very fortunate. Antique and estate jewelry is one ofthose family business-type fields, so I had lots of help in the beginning.”

With the support of her mentors as well as her parents,Williams-Hartman started Williams & Co. Fine Jewelry in anearby shopping center with the small inventory she’d beencollecting at home. “They were great role models,” she saysabout her parents. “They offered guidance, built my self-esteem, and gave me independence.”

Unlike Lawler-Frank and Williams-Hartman, some self-starting alumni end up following less linear paths.

“It’s not uncommon for recent graduates to explore a bitbefore they discover dream careers,” says Director of Careerand Transfer Services Graham Bottrel. “Harcum students inparticular are very focused, but the jobs and lives they haveright after graduation sometimes lead to other opportunities—things they might never have considered as undergraduates.”

In the spirit of that unexpected discovery, Heather Rodale’72, Elementary Education graduate and current Harcumtrustee, launched her non-profit website much later in life. “I did not intend to start a business or a not-for-profit organi-zation,” says Rodale. “But after I was diagnosed and treated for

an intermediate stage of melanoma, I felt stuck not knowingwhether I should

work on my bucket list or go back to work.”Rodale had been working in Human Resources and organ-

izing training and development for employees in her family’spublishing company, Rodale, Inc. “I did a lot of soul searchingand realized that I wanted to make changes. I wanted to dowork that was creative. If my life was shorter than expected, I wanted my children to know me as a person, not just a mom.”

She took art classes, attended shows and concerts, and traveled to places she had never seen before in an effort tokeep her mind and body active. “All this inspired me,” shesays. “I began to heal from cancer in ways I hadn’t expected.”

In 2006, Rodale founded “Healing Through The Arts”, a web resource center dedicated to inspiring and informingothers who have been diagnosed with a chronic condition likecancer, and for whom surviving and regaining a quality of liferequires a big change.

“Healing Through The Arts is a passion for me,” Rodalesays. “It has helped me to live a fuller, happier life.”

Much like Rodale, Karin Walden’s journey to formingWalden Line Farm also involved several stops along the way.She studied equine science at Harcum—eventually earningbachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University ofDelaware and Goucher College—but her early career was dedicated to childcare.

“I needed a break from animal care,” she says. “[Child care]can be a very high-stress field, but I needed that time away.”

Walden worked as an educator, counselor and tutor foryoung children before finding her way back to animal careagain in 1992. “I started doing private dog grooming at mynew home in Maryland—just on the side—and it took off. Itwas the spark for the entire business.”

Julia Ingersoll, Vice President for Academic Affairs, believesHarcum’s curriculum offers an exceptional advantage to stu-dents studying these types of specialized industries. “Our goalis to make sure students are prepared. They’re learning fromfield experts and putting knowledge to practice with apracticum in local industry. We want to make sure they reallyknow their discipline—enough to move on and feel confidentabout what they can offer.”

What’s most often necessary for aspiring self-starters, sug-gests Rodale, is a desire to transform one’s experiences. “Inhigh school, I got average grades but I struggled in certainareas. I knew I was an nontraditional student who could bemotivated with the right caring and patient teachers, and I feltreally lucky that a school like Harcum accepted me.” Uponstarting her Harcum education, Rodale took the initiative: “I found that if I had a positive attitude, teachers worked harder to help me. I came in shy, and left with confidence and the desire for leadership.”

Both Williams-Hartman and Lawler-Frank stress the impor-tance of seeking out early skill-building opportunities; “Thefact that [Harcum] brought companies to campus to interview

14 HARCUM COLLEGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1

The fact that [Harcum] brought companies to

campus to interview the graduating class was a big

help,” said Lawler-Frank. “The interviewing process

can be intimidating for a 20 year-old, but I was com-

pletely different when I graduated. A lot of it had to

do with the career-focused environment.”

Page 17: Patches: Summer 2011

the graduating class was a big help,” said Lawler-Frank. “Theinterviewing process can be intimidating for a 20 year-old, butI was completely different when I graduated. A lot of it had todo with the career-focused environment.”

“I participated in the co-op program,” says Williams-Hartman. “That was a nice way to get into my field. I thinkwith that kind of opportunity on your hands, you’re going towork that much harder. I certainly did.”

Once they’re settled, many business-owning graduates seecertain advantages to a self-sufficient lifestyle—includingaccommodating scheduling and family flexibility. “For me,having the ability to spend time with my husband and chil-dren is really important,” said Lawler-Frank.

“I wanted to be able to raise my daughter,” says Walden onthe choice parents sometimes make between work and family.“I didn’t want to have to put her in daycare. So I decided I wasjust going to have to start my own business so I could be athome.”

While field leadership requires hard work, long hours andconsiderable up-front risk, these entrepreneurial alumnae saythat, at the end of the day, it’s all worth it.

“There are days when it stinks,” Lawler-Frank says. “But it’sworth it. I got a lot of satisfaction out of being competitive andgetting out of my comfort zone.”

“There are advantages and disadvantages,” says Williams-Hartman. “You take it home with you every single night—thisis your baby, really, and it’s a big responsibility. But I wouldn’ttrade it.”

When asked if they’d recommend small-business owner-ship to fellow alumni, soon-to-be graduates, or even thoselooking to launch a second career, the alumnae answered “yes”unanimously and enthusiastically—under a few key condi-tions.

“You have to be committed to work hard. And patience,patience, patience! Rome was not built in a day,” saidWilliams-Hartman.

“You have to find something you have a passion for,” saysLawler-Frank, “because you’re going to spend a lot of timewith it. It’s not glamorous at first—you have to work hard andwork often—but once you have an idea, you just keep movingforward.”

Echoing the sentiments of her fellow passion-filled gradu-ates, Walden emphasized her constant inclination to seizewhat energizes her. “If I lived in [Bryn Mawr] and was think-ing of a second career, I would go back to Harcum for a VetTech degree. I’m always looking beyond now—to what I cando in the future.”

At age 18, Walden admits that—though she loved workingwith animals—she wasn’t sure where she’d end up. “I remem-ber my Dad always asking what I’d do when I graduated, and I always tell my daughter to do something she’s going to love—that’s what I did. I am doing what I love and I love what I do.I’m seriously living my dream.”

Jeanne Lawler-Frank ’82 has come a long way from the earlydays of running her Bridgeport, PA business, Options in Time,Inc., out of her sister’s old bedroom. Now approaching almost15 years in operation, Lawler-Frank and her team custom-designunique wholesale timepieces for clients across the country, mostof which are sold on television and through direct markets likeHSN and QVC.

“I always wanted to start my own company. Through myexperience as a watch buyer at QVC, I felt I could focus a busi-ness on items that would sell successfully on television.” saysLawler-Frank. “Now I get up every day and go to a job that Ilove. I tell the people that work for me – especially the recentcollege graduates – that they should find something they can be passionate about.”

www.optionsintime.com

Harcum graduate and current Harcum Board of Trusteesmember Heather Rodale’s non-profit resource center “HealingThrough the Arts” was sparked from challenging life circum-stances. After being diagnosed with melanoma—and witnessingothers pass from the illness—Rodale was worried about herlong-term survival. In an effort to heal and connect to others in a similar situation, she developed her informational website to serve as a resource for individuals, caregivers and families suffering illness, loss and pain. The site offers pathways for living with chronic illnesses and using the arts to create a harmonious relationshipbetween body and mind.

“I love helping others as I help myself,” says Rodale.“Doing work that makes a difference is the best part of what I do.”

www.htta.org

Jeanne Lawler-Frank ’82OPTIONS IN TIME

Heather Rodale ’72HEALING THROUGH THE ARTS

Page 18: Patches: Summer 2011

Mike Buongiorno, Harcum Trusteeand Main Line Health CFO, wasrecognized as one of region’s top CFOs in the April issue ofPhiladelphia’s SmartCEOMagazine.

Sheryl Bullitt, Program Director for Law & Justice, joined Harcum’sstaff in November of 2010, and isresponsible for strengthening theCollege’s Law & Justice program.Experienced in both institutionaldevelopment and law, Sheryl waspreviously employed in variouspositions in schools, cultural cen-ters and legal offices throughoutthe Philadelphia area.

Dr. Barry Cohen, Vice President ofFinance and Operations, recentlyjoined Harcum’s Business Officestaff. Barry’s extensive backgroundincludes budgeting and financialmodeling as well as institutionalturnaround and motivational goal-setting in education-related settings.

Beth McMichael, AdmissionsCounselor, returned to Harcum thispast November after serving as apart of Harcum’s Admissions stafffrom 2002-2007. During her three-year hiatus, Beth worked in boththe Graduate Admissions Officeand the Office for InstitutionalResearch at Drexel University. She will reach out to high schoolguidance counselors and studentspromoting education opportunitiesat Harcum.

Pete Zuber, MS, P.T., Instructor forthe Physical Therapist AssistantProgram, joined Harcum to teachfull-time in January of 2011. Petehas more than 30 years of experi-ence in the physical therapy fieldthat includes working in pediatricsas a clinical director and runninghis own physical therapy practice.

Greetings from the HarcumCollege Alumni Office!Since joining Harcum’s Advancement team in October 2010as the Director of Alumni Relations and Individual Giving, Ihave had the opportunity to meet and work with some out-standing alumni, students and colleagues. I am thrilled tohave this opportunity to share my experience and to learnfrom so many talented and dedicated people as we advancethe mission of Harcum College.

In my 15 years of experience in higher educa-tion, I have never met so many students withsuch clearly defined career paths and personalgoals. They are driven and open to takingadvantage of every opportunity. As a profes-sional it is fulfilling to work to provide them theresources they need to succeed.

Harcum has certainly gone though manychanges since its founding in 1915 and contin-

ues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s students. In thecurrent economic environment, Harcum’s mission is morerelevant than ever. We live up to our tagline as “The Collegeof Possibilities” by offering students unique degree programsthat open doors to higher levels of education and fulfillingcareers in growth occupations. After just two years, studentsare prepared to face a world of possibilities armed withknowledge and skills to build dynamic futures.

I encourage you to stay actively engaged with Harcum. We havemany opportunities for you as an alum to get involved and giveback to the college where your journey began. In addition wehave many services that you can take advantage of.

I hope you are able to join us for Homecoming on October22nd. It will be a fun day for the whole family and a greatchance to see how Harcum has grown. I also encourage youto stop by campus for a visit whenever it fits into your sched-ule. You are always welcome in Bedford Hall and I would lovethe opportunity to meet you and to hear about your Harcumexperience. Also feel free to contact me at 610.526.6196 [email protected]. I look forward to meeting you!

Regards,

Melissa SamangoDirector of Alumni Relations and Individual Giving

16 HARCUM COLLEGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1

Sheryl Bullit

Dr. Barry Cohen

Peter Zuber

Beth McMichael

faculty& staff notes

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Anders Back, Director of PublicRelations and Marketing, has beenelected to the board of directors ofCUPRAP, the Association ofCommunicators in Education.CUPRAP is a statewide associationof 400 higher education communi-cations professionals, representingover 100 universities, colleges andschools in Pennsylvania and neigh-boring states. As a board member,he will represent private institu-tions of higher education.

Dr. Nicola DiFronzo-Heitzer, Deanof Admissions, presented at theMiddle States Association ofCollegiate Registrars and Officersof Admission (MSACROA) confer-ence held in Hershey, PA this pastDecember. The seminar entitled,"How to Make Your Small Office aSweet Success," was co-present-ed with three colleagues from areacolleges and focused on small-office issues concerning limitedtechnology, staff, and budget.

After more than 15 years of service to HarcumCollege, Associate Professor Kerstin Potter—whoserved in many capacities including her time as afaculty member and program director for bothHarcum’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)and Early Childhood Education programs—retired from the faculty at Harcum effective July1, 2011.

Potter will continue to work through 2011 asCoordinator of the International Exchange, work-ing with Harcum’s German exchange studentsand increasing the number of students fromHarcum who participate. She will also work as aninstructor teaching a course in InterculturalCommunications and as a consultant/resourceperson to assist the new OTA program director, Michael Gerg.

Potter, a multi-talented teacher,administrator, musician and artist,spent her early years exploring theworld as the child of a militaryfamily. Her mother, WiltrudPreibisch, left Germany in 1937 asthe Nazis rose to power. Her father,George Potter, was a teacher inJapan when World War II beganand was interned by the Japanese.Released after a year as part of aprisoner exchange, he returned toJapan with the U.S. occupationforces as an interpreter, along with his wife-to-be.They married in 1946, and Kerstin was born thefollowing year, earning her the distinction ofbeing the first American citizen to be born inJapan after the end of the war.

After earning her education degree at theUniversity of Freiburg in Germany, Potter movedto the U.S. and started teaching in preschools andworking with children with learning delays. Shetook a position as an OTA in a hospital inCambridge, MA while working on her M.S. andO.T.R. at Boston University.

Potter was originally hired as Harcum’s OTAprogram director in 1992. The program was dis-continued by the Board of Trustees in 2003 dueto declining market demand and student interest.Kirsten was a valuable faculty member andadministrator and because of her diverse academ-ic background she was qualified to becomeProgram Director for Early Childhood Education,a position which she held for nearly seven years.

As market conditions changed, and thedemand for OTA was on the rise, Potter recom-

mended that theCollege restart the pro-gram. In 2010 her pro-posal for reviving OTAwas approved by theBoard and she became Program Director oncemore. She was instrumental in establishing astrong corporate partnership with Genesis RehabServices, one of the nation’s largest physical reha-bilitation providers. Genesis now provides$20,000 in scholarships to deserving Harcumstudents and career opportunities for graduates ofboth the OTA and PTA (Physical TherapyAssisting) programs. Dan Hirshfeld, President ofGenesis Rehab now serves on the Harcum Board

of Trustees.In 2011, under Potter’s leadership,

Harcum’s OTA Program received afull seven-year accreditation by theAccreditation Council forOccupational Therapy Education(ACOTE), the maximum amount fora new program, awarded only incases of outstanding quality. ACOTErequested using Harcum’s writtenaccreditation report as a resource forother program directors “as an exam-ple of excellent documentation.”

Kirsten is not only a talentedteacher and administrator, she is an

accomplished musician with expertise in musicand dance from the Middle Ages to theRenaissance. She attributes her love of music toher parents, who started her practicing therecorder in first grade. Potter plays many instru-ments including Recorder, Krummhorn, Bagpipe,Dulcian, Rauschpfeife, Cornemuse, Tabor Pipe,Viola da Gamba, Rebec and Hurdy-Gurdy. Herinterest in early music led her and her husbandto form the Pastimes Early Music Ensemble (pas-timesmusic.weebly.com) entertaining at numer-ous events throughout the region as well as inGermany, Switzerland, France, Bohemia andAustria.

“The biggest thing I see at Harcum today is thatthe College is more firmly embedded in the com-munity,” Potter said. “This has allowed a remark-able amount of growth. I appreciate that theCollege is open to new programs, and new deliverymethods that meet the needs of students. Harcumis small enough that faculty and staff can get tobecome friends, and there’s good peer support.”

– Andy Back

Kerstin Potter to Retire from Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

HARCUM COL L EGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 1 7

Anders Back

“The biggest thingI see at Harcumtoday is that theCollege is morefirmly embeddedin the community,This has alloweda remarkableamount ofgrowth.”

Nicola Difronzo-Heitzer

Page 20: Patches: Summer 2011

Kerstin Potter, OccupationalTherapy Program Director—alongwith OTA students Carolyn Best,Aneta Biedron, and JennieTague—will be giving a poster ses-sion at the American OccupationalTherapy Association (AOTA) nation-al conference in Philadelphia. Theposter focuses on the Study-Abroad Experience offered as partof the OTA curriculum. At the sameconference, Ellen Rosenberg, OTAField Coordinator, will be giving apresentation on assessing studentsin fieldwork placements.

Theresa Groody, Director ofProfessional Studies, presented alecture at the Pennsylvania DentalAssistants (PDAA) Annual Sessionon April 2, 2011 in Lancaster, PA.The course, titled “The ABCs ofRestorative Procedures: Adhesion,Bands and Composite,” was sowell received that the LancasterCounty Dental Assistants Societyinvited Terri back in June to con-duct a hands-on course onPosterior Composites andApplication of Matrix Systems.

Theresa Groody and Dossie Cavallucci ‘80, Program Director for EFDA, wererecently elected officers of thePennsylvania EFDA Association.The association creates state-wideeducational programming whichaddresses access to care issues,especially for children, and provides required continuing education courses for its 225 members.

Joann Mirigliano, AdmissionsOffice Manager, and her daughter Michelle, a geologist,spent 9 days touring the Antarcticglaciers during a Penn Statesponsored trip in February, 2011.Professors from colleges and universities throughout the UnitedStates provided information andinsight during the event and alsoheld educational discussions covering topics like the impact of climate change on the environ-ment and wildlife. “It was likebeing in a dream… it was just a wonderful experience,” saidJoann.

Dr. Edward D’Alessio, Harcum’sProvost Emeritus and Director ofGovernment and CommunityRelations, has been reappointed tothe Board of Directors of the MainLine Chamber of Commerce for athree-year term. Harcum has beena member of the Chamber sincethe 1950’s.

Dr. George Thornton, Dean ofStudent Life, was sent to jail inJune of 2011. The charges: havinga really big heart and helping thecommunity. Dean Thornton “didtime” at The Paddock in Wayne,PA in an effort to raise funds forthe Muscular DystrophyAssociation and benefit the

Jerry’s Kids organization. With thehelp of the community he wasbailed out and able to return tocampus. This was a College-sponsored fund-raiser. Dr.Thornton’s good-natured participation in the charity effort was done at the request of the President’s Office.

Beth Gibbs, Program Director for Radiologic Technology, wasinterviewed by Careerbuilders.comin a June 2011 feature about thegrowth of radiologic technologyjobs. The feature appeared in theMorning Call and other Tribunepublications.

18 HARCUM COLLEGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1

Joann Mirigliano (far left) with her tour group Dr. George Thornton “cuffed” and “arrested” by an MDA representative

For Dental/Allied Health Professionals:

“Dental Radiology Review” (3 CEUs)Presented by: Susan Chialastri, R.D.H.,D.M.D., M.S.

“OSHA: Bloodbourne Pathogens”(2 CEUs) Presented by: Jim Spaulding

For Everyone:

“Food and Culture” Experience a culinary journey at this interactive seminar exploringfood as a savory thread joining people, places and events together over time and terrain.

“Basic First Aid” Learn fundamental first aid procedures and tips from trained healthprofessionals during this hands-on seminar.

More course offerings available online.

Dr. Edward D’Alessio

YOU’RE INVITEDTO TAKE ONE OF OUR MANY CLASSES OFFERED

DURING HOMECOMING THIS FALL.There are options for alumni, families and community members. For registration and complete

course listings/descriptions visit us at myharcum.com/coursesH I G H L I G H T S I N C L U D E :

Page 21: Patches: Summer 2011

1930sVirginia Lee (Werth)Hutcheson ’33 recalls: “I wasthe president of my senior class-the last class of Harcum PrepSchool for Girls. I have lived within5-6 miles of Harcum, VA sincecoming to Gloucester, VA in 1948.At that time Bill Harcum had asmall field to land his plane. Heand Jean had his band here for a few weeks in the summers.”

Josephine “Jiggie” (Cobbs Jones) Holt ’38 was featured on the front page of the Lifestyle section ofNewsadvance.com, December 26, 2010. In the section“Surrounded by Angels,” she talks of her faith in God and hercommitment to Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lynchburg, VA.Visit http://media.gatewayva.com/lna/specials/i-believe-personal-portraits-of-faith/ to read the article.

1940sLena Mae (Jacobs) Dulling ’45 reports: “I spoke toGinny Speakman in December.She asked me if I have heard from’the southern girls’ from ourHatcher House. I had not for sev-eral years, so while on vacation inFlorida in January I located GeneConnel’s stepson. He told me thatGene had died about five yearsago, which explained why Istopped hearing from her. Anotherclassmate, Delores Fishel, has hadher phone disconnected. I wasable to find her email address andsent her a message but to date

have not received a reply, which ispuzzling. I don’t understand whyformer classmates don’t keep theircurrent information up to date atHarcum; it would make it so muchsimpler to keep in touch!

I am busy enjoying my family. Myoldest daughter Tracy has justpurchased a Flower Shop. She is afloral designer with at least adozen years of experience andloves the work. My youngestdaughter is a real estate managerin Germantown, MD. She has adegree in education but at somepoint she switched over to realestate. Our son is an operationsmanager for fleet on-site mainte-nance. His wife is a charge nurseat Howard County HospitalEmergency. They have twins: ason and first year student at NCState, and a daughter first yearstudent at Radford University.Their older brother is a graduateof VA Tech and was commissioneda 2nd Lt. in the Army upon gradua-tion. He is stationed at Ft. Hood,Texas. Tracy’s three girls are 28, afreelancer; 25, an art teacher inCarlisle, PA; and 15, a high schoolstudent in Spring Grove who plansto study nursing. We have a goodtime getting together and havebeen on a cruise to Bermuda tocelebrate three graduations.

I serve on several committees atour church and enjoy visiting sev-eral elderly members in nursinghomes. I also enjoy reading, cook-ing and gardening, and have beena member of a Garden Club all mymarried life—which will be 64years in August. I feel very fortu-

nate to have my husband and toshare our daily lives. I sure wouldenjoy hearing from some membersof the class of 1945. That was amemorable time in my life.”

1950sMerle (Berman) Holman ’56 isproudly celebrating 30 years inbusiness at a market researchcompany in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Heryounger daughter “runs the day today” and her older daughter is anauthor who markets and self pub-lishes her books on her website:indiereader.com. “How wonderfulthat the theatre is almost open,”she says. “I loved being on stagein ’55 & ’56.”

Lois (Fromberg) Gomez ’57writes that she speaks to her for-mer classmate Eddy often; Eddynow lives in Costa Rica. She asks“where are you Nadine Gold?”

1960sDiane (Borrelli) Frederick ’62writes that she retired in 2008. Sheis currently the caregiver for herparents and has four grandchil-dren. She’s looking for her formerroommate Carol Lilley.

Sharon (Clements) Hulton ’67reports that she’s having greattime in retirement after 32 yearsteaching high school English. Shenow spends her time playing withher 4-year-old granddaughter, KateHulton, who lives 4 blocks away.“I’m physically having a hard timewith my lupus and amputated leg,”she writes, “but I remain active inChurch and am doing a genealogyof my family.”

1970sGail (Waite) Wasylishyn ’72reports: “I have been in the fight of my life with stage four ovariancancer. I recently had a walk in my home town with nearly 400 inattendance; we were able to raiseover $22,000. Fellow alumni shouldplease go to www.caringbridge.orgto see how one person can makea difference! I am in awe of thesupport my town and friends havegiven me. I was a pre-schoolteacher until my stage four diagnosis. I know that I will be fine because I will never give up the fight!”

Mary (Loughran) McMichael ’75 just finished upanother active year of work, fami-ly, and travel. She also celebrated19 years in her current positionwith GlaxoSmithKline (SmithKlineBeecham) in November. “MyHarcum education was the dooropener for this exciting career,”she wrote, “…albeit I traveled and enjoyed many destinations(working as a waitress) beforebeing hired in 1991.” She is currently recovering from aninflamed appendix and its surgicalremoval in December of 2011. “I am healing slowly and feel very thankful for my job and insurance coverage,” she says.“Parents are both doing well asare my 5 other siblings and theirfamilies.”

HARCUM COL L EGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 1 9

class newsWhen you log on using yourpersonal ID number (printedon your mailing label), you

can find lost classmates and see what they’re up to, browseupcoming events and athletics schedules, receive alumni publica-tions, and make a gift to the Harcum fund!

Submit your class news today at MyHarcum.com

The Harcum Fund – Participation Matters!You don’t have to make a big donation to have a big impact.When you support the Harcum Fund, your gift is combined with gifts from alumni, parents, faculty,staff and friends – and they add up in a big way.

This combined support allows us to continue to enhance our academic programs and to offer deserving students the scholarship support they need to achieve their educational goals.

Support Harcum students by participating with a gift to the Harcum Fund today!

Visit MyHarcum.com to make your gift online

Think yourgift doesn’thave animpact?Think again.

Page 22: Patches: Summer 2011

1980sJane Anderson ’81 reports thatshe has enjoyed being a pre-schoolteacher in various schools. She isnow embarking on a new careerwith a degree in Human ServiceTechnology from Beaufort CountyCommunity College in Washington,NC.

Joanne (Fagan) Owens '83writes that her daughter Jaclyn N. Owens graduated class of 2010 from Harcum’sVeterinary Technology program.Jaclyn was eligible for the LegacyScholarship and the Edith HarcumVet Scholarship.

Sally Bunk ’85 reports that sheis recently divorced and movedback to New York state. She isworking in Labor & Delivery as anRN. She is a volunteer, raisingpuppies for Guiding Eyes for theBlind. She is a single parent toHope, who is a successful collegestudent and pilot. She hopes to do some Vet. Tech. work againsomeday. She notes that shewould love to get in touch withKay M. Muschlitz.

Karin (Berger) Walden ’89says “Thank you so much toMelissa and Suzanne for visitingme in Maryland, and for writingabout me and Walden Line Farm,LLC in Patches Magazine. Some ofmy best memories and educationcome from Harcum!”

1990sCamille Pinketon ’96 is aCertified Veterinary Technicianwith over 10 years experience inthe veterinary profession. She is amember of the North AmericanVeterinary Technician Associationand has taught a veterinary techni-cian lab at Harcum College. Shecompleted a practicum atUniversity of Pennsylvania’sVeterinary Hospital and the largeanimal facility, the New BoltonCenter. After passing the veterinarytechnician licensing exam for thestate of Pennsylvania, Camillestarted her career in veterinarytechnology in small animal practicebefore incorporating her passionfor horses into her unique fieldworking for Henderson VeterinaryAssociates. She has been ridinghorses for over 20 years and enjoysspending time with her AustralianShepherd Fonzie, her husbandKevin, her daughter Jadea, and her son Ty.

David Rabinovitch ’97 reportsthat after 11 years of working atStaples, he has started down anew career path. “I earned adegree in drug and alcohol coun-seling two years ago,” he writes,“but I was unable to attain a job inthis field. Through a family con-nection I have begun working as aproperty manager. It is going reallywell. I will keep you all informed.

2010sAllyson Cole ’10 was married to Tim Holton on August 6, 2010 at the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster, PA. Allyson isemployed as a certified veterinarytechnician for the University of Pennsylvania. They now live in Oxford, PA.

James Eggleston ’10 reportsthat “Nursing pays, so study,study, study!”

Alexis Pew ’10 was recentlyinterviewed on the front page ofthe Home & Design section of thePhiladelphia Inquirer. She is one of the “next generation up andcomers” in the March issue ofPhiladelphia Magazine. She is also the lead designer at BusyBeeHome Store & Design Center inPhila delphia, PA.

Camille Pinketon ’96 Alexis Pew ’10Allyson Cole ’10 with husbandTim Holton

Harcum College remembers the following alumni & friends:NANCY (NICHOLS) MICHELS ’44SUSAN (WHITAKER) HARRIS ’58KAREN (KUSHNER) GOLDMAN ’68

DONNA (LIMBERT) BAUMGARD ’62DOROTHEA (NEAL) AARON ’71

DR. HENRY KLEIN, Former President (See page 21)

inmemory

20 HARCUM COLLEGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1

Page 23: Patches: Summer 2011

A man who combined his experience as a teacher, journalist andpublic relations professional with a long-time association withHarcum as administrator, trustee and president, Dr. Henry Kleinhad an impact on both the College and on the Philadelphiaregion. In his fifty years of service to Harcum he was part of aselect group of individuals—includingEdith and Octavius Harcum, DeanMaud Marren, and his brother Philipand nephew Arthur—whose influenceon Harcum spanned decades.Following his passing on November15, 2010, a memorial service for familyand friends was held on January 2,2011 in Philadelphia.

A native Philadelphian, Henry Kleingraduated from Overbrook HighSchool and earned his bachelor’s andmaster’s degrees from the University ofPennsylvania and a doctorate in educa-tion from Temple University. He servedin the merchant marine during WorldWar II, and after the war started hisown public relations firm inPhiladelphia.

His association with Harcum beganwhen he and his brother Philip, who in1950 assumed leadership of the JuntoAdult School, purchased Harcum at apublic sale for $125,000. The Kleins wanted to create an adultresidential education program. A new board was formed withfive members from the Junto School, including Philip and HenryKlein and educators from Haverford College and Bryn MawrCollege. The board decided that Harcum should continue tooperate as a woman's college.

Henry Klein served on the board of trustees for more than 50years. He became the College's first director of development andpublic relations in 1957. He wrote the popular tag line, “Do youhave what it takes to be a Harcum girl?” which was used inCollege advertisements for many years. He also served as deanof admissions and as interim president in 1982-1983 after theuntimely death of Harcum President Lloyd J. Hubenka.

He founded the American College Admissions Advisory Center(ACAAC) in 1963 which provided college counseling andadmissions advice to more than 25,000 students over twodecades. He also taught at Temple and Villanova Universitiesand St. Joseph’s College (now St. Joseph’s University).

Dr. Klein not only helped countlessstudents get into college, but he alsowanted to make sure they got throughcollege. He did not sugar-coat the chal-lenges. “Getting into a college…required a relatively short burst ofeffort, over a few weeks or months,”he wrote in College In Your Future, abook he authored that was publishedin 1995. “Staying in, once you’re in, isthe long haul, requiring stamina, sus-tained motivation, consistent applica-tion, focus, unshakable determination,good physical health, and, of courseintelligent planning.”

He wrote “Planning for College”columns for the Philadelphia Bulletinnewspaper for 17 years, and laterwrote columns on education andcareers for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

In his 50’s, he taught himself to sail.“He had one dream, to sail the Atlanticsolo, but I wouldn’t let him,” recalls his

wife Naomi. “He always set challenges for himself, and usuallyachieved what he set out to do.” In the decade prior to his death,he learned to use a personal computer and continued to write,composing anonymous restaurant reviews for a column calledthe “Senior Snacker” in Milestones, a publication of thePhiladelphia Corporation for Aging.

“Henry Klein dedicated his life to education and to the growthand success of Harcum,” said President Jon Jay DeTemple at thetime of Klein’s passing. “His leadership at Harcum and in thewider community was instrumental in making Harcum a strong,competitive force in higher education in the Philadelphia regionand beyond.”

inmemoryHenry Klein A Life at Harcum 1918-2010By Andy Back

HARCUM COL L EGE • SUMMER 2 0 1 1 2 1

Official portrait of Henry Klein, which hangs in thelobby of Melville Hall

Page 24: Patches: Summer 2011

TH

E CO L L E G E O F P O S S I B I LI T

I ES

The Magazine for Alumni & Friends of Harcum College � SUMMER 2011

HARCUM COLLEGE750 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010

HOMECOMING, CRAFT FAIR & FAMILY DAY 2011SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21-22, 2011

Reunite with alumni & friends, take a class for fun or credit, watch athletic games, andmuch more!

SAVE THE DATE!


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