Class Notes: Fall 2013

1960s

Bernard E. Deichman, MBA business administration ’64, was honored by the German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA as the 2013 Distinguished German-American of the Year.

Charles H. Gonnermann Jr., BS mechanical engineering ’62, wrote “Lessons Earned: Chillers,” an electronic book documenting problem avoidance in the business of commercial and institutional HVAC/mechanical construction.

Thomas A. Leonard, BS business administration ’68, was selected for inclusion in 2013 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. He was recognized for business litigation.

Stephen G. Plotkin, BS commerce and engineering ’63, and his wife Marcia J. Katz Plotkin, BS chemistry ’64, MS library information science ’71, were featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer for their work volunteering on an Israeli military base every year for the past 10 years.

David K. Walter, BS business administration ’68, MBA ’77, wrote “Stars and Bars Over Philadelphia: Lee and Jackson Win Independence,” a Civil War alternative history novel.

Stewart M. Weintraub, BS business administration ’68, shareholder at the law firm Chamberlain Hrdlicka, was named to the Wolters Kluwer Legal Tax Advisory Board and was elected by the American Bar Association Tax Section as its 2013–2014 council director.

Richard N. Westcott, BS business administration ’60, authored his 23rd book, “Philadelphia’s Top 50 Baseball Players.” He is the immediate past president of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.

1970s

Scott Bailey, MBA business administration ’72, wrote the book “Vacations and Libations: Enjoy France and Europe ‘Our Way,’” which is a summary of his European travel notes and experiences.

James F. Coyle, MS urban managment ’75, hosted the first-ever Coyle family reunion in Rockville, Md., with close to 90 extended family members in attendance.

William R. Gellhaus, BS electrical engineering ’78, BS commerce and engineering ’78, MBA business administration ’82, was named vice president for the nonprofit charitable and educational organization Broadcast Pioneers.

Shirley Press, MD medicine ’78, wrote “Pressing My Luck,” a book about the journey of her life from a poor girl in Camden, N.J., to becoming a doctor and a lottery winner.

Susan O. Seidelman, BS communications ’73, Hon. ’91, released a new movie, “The Hot Flashes,” in the summer of 2013, starring Brooke Shields, Daryl Hannah, Virginia Madsen, Camryn Manheim and Wanda Sykes.

1980s

Howard M. Benson, BS metallurgical engineering ’80, received two Grammy certificates at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards for his work producing records for artists Kelly Clarkson and Halestorm.

Kevin R. Blackney, BAR architecture ’85, of Blackney Hayes Architects, was featured in the May/June issue of School Construction News for his company’s work with the Mastery Charter Schools network.

Brett D. Furman, MBA business administration ’88, wrote the book “What You Really Need to Know About Selling Your House.” He is a real estate broker and owner of RE/MAX Classic in St. Davids, Pa.

William J. Leonard, BS accounting ’81, was selected for inclusion in 2013 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. He was recognized for business litigation.

James J. Maddonni, BS civil engineering ’85, successfully completed the requirements for the nationally recognized designated design-build professional certification by the Design-Build Institute of America. He serves as vice president and principal-in-charge for Pennoni Associates’ design-build initiative.

Dave Ramos, BS accounting ’83, wrote “Decide One Thing,” a book which emphasizes the importance of differentiation for organizational success.

Beatrice E. Baldwin Ross, BS information systems ’84, and her husband Gregory proudly welcome their son, Eugene Gregory Ross, BS sports management ’13, to the Drexel University Alumni Association.

H. Theresa Selena Wright, BS home economics ’68, MS ’80, was named one of the Top 10 dietitians of the year by Today’s Dietitian.

Janine A. Sheppard Galen, BS information systems ‘87, transitioned to a position at The Vanguard Group in Malvern, Pa., as senior risk analyst. She previously worked there as business controls manager.

Tracey Welson-Rossman, BS marketing ’88, was named one of Tech Cocktail’s 40 Women to Watch over 40. Tech Cocktail is a media company and events organization for startups, entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts.

1990s

Haley L. Coles Driscoll, BS interior design ’91, was appointed to Interior Design magazine’s 2013 Healthcare and Wellness Advisory Council.

Steven M. Greene, BS accounting ’86, MS taxation ’92, joined the Pennsylvania office of WeiserMazars LLP, as director in its insurance tax services group.

Matthew S. Leopold, BS commerce and engineering ’93, accepted a position at SCA Personal Care North America in Philadelphia as direct consumer interaction director.

Jonathan D. Pavlovcak, BS civil engineering ’96, was appointed to counsel for the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce. He is an attorney at Hill Wallack.

Linda A. Rowan, MS library and information science ’98, joined the Free Library of Northampton Township in Richboro, Pa., as a reference librarian.

Myriam A. Siftar, MBA business administration ’93, is the president and founder of MTM LinguaSoft, a language and cultural services company that celebrated its 10th anniversary in September. The company has twice been recognized as one of the Philadelphia 100, the 100 fastest-growing companies in the Greater Philadelphia region.

2000s

Kaysie L. Daggett, BS biological science ’08, is a lieutenant in the U.S Navy serving in Naples, Italy. She received three combat service medals after having been deployed to the Persian Gulf three times aboard the USS Cape St. George and USS Carl Vinson. She was assigned to the Vinson at the time Osama bin Laden was buried at sea off the flight deck of the carrier.

Christopher W. Dailey, MBA business administration ’02, was appointed vice president for GEI Consultant Inc. He is responsible for expanding GEI’s market presence and operations in southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Yanatha Desouvre, BS business administration ’01, wrote his first children’s book “Big Sister Little Sister” and made Amazon’s Hot New Release list.

Eric A. Dillalogue, MS library and information science ’09, was promoted to director at Florida Keys Community College in Key West, Fla.

Nathan T. Fochtman, BS communications ’08, was promoted to vice president craft and specialty at Ace Distributing in York, Pa. Nate manages the local sales, marketing and distribution programs of more than 25 United States craft breweries.

Amy B. Popp, MS library and information science ’08, is librarian, webmaster, public relations coordinator and technology teacher at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, N.J. Her article “Google Apps for Education Surpasses Expectations” was published in the Spring 2013 NJLA College and University Section/ACRL-NJ Chapter Newsletter.

Cameron R. Wicks, BS film and video production ’06, was the recipient of the 2013 Tomorrow’s Leader Award from the Philadelphia Area Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, as well as the 2013 Superstar Award from the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the International Special Events Society. He was also elected the vice president of communications for ISES Philadelphia, and is the co-chair of PAMPI’s Website and Social Media Committee.

2010s

Vincent M. Campanaro, BS business administration ’12, was awarded one of the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Advancement of Animal Law Scholarships for his outstanding work in animal law.

Daniel B. DiFrancesco, BS business administration ’13, was hired as global equity research associate at Turner Investments.

Paul M. Jacques, BS mechanical engineering ’13, joined the career development program, Foundations for the Future, at Solvay chemical company.

George A. Lesher, MS engineering management ’12, captain in the U.S. Coast Guard, assumed command of the U.S. Coast Guard Yard on June 7. He is the 41st commanding officer in the 114-year history of the shipyard. He was the Yard’s industrial manager from 2011–2013.

Ryan J. Powell, BS mechanical engineering ’13, was selected for the career development program, Foundations for the Future, at Solvay chemical company.

Brittanie Thomas, BS business administration ’11, is a singer and songwriter who released her debut soul album, “Two Chords and a Pen.”

Kento Yasuhara, MS psychology ’10, PhD clinical psychology ’13, under the mentorship of Kirk Heilbrun, professor, psychology at Drexel’s College of Arts and Sciences, was appointed assistant professor of criminal justice, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven.

Baby Dragons

Nathan T. Fochtman, BS communications ’08, and his wife Gina Fochtman had a daughter, Emma Celestina Fochtman, on Oct. 19, 2010. They also welcomed a son, Jack Edward Fochtman, on Nov. 18, 2011.

Brian Kantorek, MS library and information science ’12, and his wife Joselle Palacios had a daughter, Nina Elizabeth, on Feb. 15, 2013.

Christopher Walter, MS library and information science ’05, and his wife Maria had a son, Lucas James, on April 5, 2013.

Friends We’ll Miss

1920s

William Enfield Winans ’28

1930s

Laurence Cooper ’33
George Crosgrove ’39
Ruth Geiger Lutz ’38
May Johnston Macionis ’38
Helen Jones Domenech ’31
Leon Kazan ’39
Howard Martindell ’36
Margaret Rank Haring ’34
Ernest Rohana ’38

1940s

Elizabeth Baringer Barnes ’42
Howard Bicking ’49
Nancy Bowes ’48
Virginia Briner Anderson ’45
Catherine Burns Rauth ’40
Harrison Cassel ’40
Helene Cerankowski Chernoff ’47
Marie Detwiller Wert ’48
John Donohue ’43
Catherine Drobot Diehl ’49
Jeanne Ebaugh Lupfer ’44
Allen Edelman ’47
Mary Felton Price ’41
James Foti ’47
Lewis Gemmill ’40
Alvin Greenspan ’47
Thelma Groveman Steinberg ’48
Wilbur Henderson ’47
Thomas Howe ’40
Frederick Hummel ’40
Robert Inglis ’40
Jaime Irizarry-Perez ’48
Robert Johns ’41
Daniel Kirkpatrick ’43
Sarah Light Glaum ’46
Phyllis Gottleib Shafer ’48
Robert Logue ’48
Orval Lovett ’43
Julia Carroll Matson-Register ’48
William McCamy ’43
Margaret Mccusker McFadden ’41
Helen Minteer Denslow ’46
Charles Morris ’48
William Morrison ’48
Stanley Myer ’47
Katherine Nagele Taylor ’45
Elizabeth Needles Latch ’49
Andrew Neuman ’41
Marion Parker Souder ’42
Virginia Phelps Dollison ’40
Anna Pirscenok Herz ’43
Janet Raughley ’49
John Read ’43
David Roda ’48
Lillian Rosenberg ’43
Charlotte Russell ’47
Jean Sartwell ’40
Edward Simon ’43
Claire Smith Dawson ’49
J. William Snyder ’43
William Steets ’44
Lois Vola Hart ’48
Robert Wagner ’46
Ann Ware ’48
Shirley Watkins Pavich ’43
Luther Zehner ’48
Rose Zucker Thorman ’47

1950s

John Baugh ’57
Mollie Bersin ’50
Frank Betley ’55
Maurice Black ’53
Jack Bradt ’55
George Butler ’59
Dorothy Carlson ’53
Dorothea Daniels Glass ’54
Robert Dettra ’54
Angela DeVito Musto ’55
Merle Easterling ’52
James Esher ’55
Walter Gilmore ’56
Edward Gilvey ’51
Ray Goldstein ’57
Doris Gorka Bartuska ’54
Thomas Gross ’58
Elizabeth Hansen Young ’52
William Higginbotham ’54
Oskar Huber ’59
George Jones ’57
Robert Kaercher ’54
Nancy Kimble Russell ’53
Clarence Kurtz ’55
Nancy Lamancusa ’57
Eugene Lesovsky ’58
John Lynch ’56
Kenneth MacAlpine ’59
William Maher ’54
Ophelia Martino Buehler ’50
Mary Joanne McKelvey ’54
John McKeown ’57
Regina Meek MacArthur ’50
Raymond Middleton ’55
Philip Milowitz ’59
Lawrence Monte ’59
Grace Moore Potts ’54
John Muldowney ’55
Virginia Mullin ’58
Joseph Noble ’55
Robert Orth ’51
William Pearson ’57
Robert Ray ’56
John Roberts ’56
Richard Rummler ’55
William Samuel ’50
Norman Satterthwaite ’58
Hazel Saunders Robinson ’57
Marcia Savill Ross ’53
Leonard Schulze ’55
Ernest Stagliano ’53
Robert Steel ’52
George Strakosch ’53
Harold Talbot ’56
Robert Tershak ’55
Robert Tyndall ’51
Joan Vasey D’Aquila ’55
Richard Weber ’56
David Wiley ’56
Leo Williams ’55
Robert Wolfinger ’51
Allan Wrang ’57
Victor Yanega ’59
Alfred Zaborowski ’53

1960s

David Axler ’69
Sibyl Beckett ’63
Robert Benner ’64
John Clapp ’64
Ralph De Fazio ’67
Robert DiCianni ’69
Theodore Eastland ’63
Robert Egolf ’64
Parker Fernald ’60
Peter Foley ’65
Harry Fromuth ’62
Theodore Gendelman ’65
Florence Graber Geisinger ’63
James Greco ’65
Joseph Haitz ’61
George Harrer ’66
Henry Hennessey ’61
Matthew Hober Jr. ’68
Albert Kaschok ’63
Dennis Kopecky ’69
Albert Marcellino ’69
Francis McKeffery ’68
James Morrissey ’61
Richard Mortimer ’62
Henry Murphy ’65
Andrew Obosky ’65
Lowell Pauli ’64
Robert Pettit ’64
George Pew ’68
Frederick Phillips ’63
Barbara Pilik Torpie ’66
Werner Poelck ’65
Walter Puntel ’66
William Randles ’63
Linda Schuyler Smith ’63
Charles Sohl ’68
Mark Sweitzer ’67
Frank Vinci ’60
William Welch ’64
Richard Wisniewski ’62

1970s

Allan Beck ’70
Rita Bosniak ’71
Susan Brown ’74
Michelle Burylo ’75
Carol Capotrio Green ’71
Harry Cartledge ’76
David Coulter ’70
Dan Davis ’70
Kenneth Erick ’70
Mary Esposito ’78
Gerald Glick ’74
Stanley Gryziec ’72
Raymond Hancock ’75
Joseph Hopkins ’72
Charles MacNeill ’76
George McLaughlin ’70
Timothy Pressede ’78
Teresa Schleich ’73
Carl Schmittinger ’79
Frances Seligman Nobel ’72
Marc Shames ’74
Marcia Sze Chou ’71
John Szigety ’75
Dennis Varhola ’71

1980s

Bohdan Dunas ’80
Hubert Keller ’80
Michael Krulikowski ’83
William McLaughlin ’87
Robert Moyer ’84
Thomas Panunto ’81

1990s

Laura Betancourt Dougherty ’95
Beatrice Chukumba Inyama ’98
Matthew Cohen ’96
Charles Edwards ’93
Maria Kuhn ’91
Harland Macia ’92
Christopher Manuelli ’95
Matthew McGloin ’98
Kathleen McGovern ’96
Mary Mugnier ’99
John O’Connell ’95
Willette Witherspoon-Thomas ’94

2000s

Nicholas DiBlasi ’03
Giocondo Navek ’03
Rio Weikel-Magden ’08
Anastasia Williams ’03

2010s

Theodore Kopec ’12