60s
Aurelio P. Lodise, MBA Business Administration ’68, celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 7, 2023. A parade took place at the Villages at Pine Valley in Philadelphia to celebrate Lodise. During the festivities, he was presented with citations from State Senator Jimmy Dillon, City Councilman Brian O’Neill and State Representative Kevin Boyle and with gifts from Warriors’ Watch Riders. The Marine Corps League provided a hat and a plaque and made him an honorary member. Lodise served in the U.S. Navy from 1942–45 and 1950–52.
Alfred M. Sadler Jr., MD, HU Medicine ’66, was featured in a Monterey Herald article, “Local Books: A Pairing of Perseverance and Luck,” with his identical-twin brother, Blair Sadler. The brothers co-authored a book titled, “(P)luck: Lessons We Learned for Improving Healthcare and the World.” Previously, Sadler was a physician who specialized in internal medicine. He and his brother worked together as a medical-legal team, making significant contributions to health care and medicine. From 1967 to 1976, they collaborated with practitioners in their respective fields to modernize emergency medical services, establish the physician assistant profession, write the universal state law authorizing organ donation, and foster the emergence of bioethics as a core principle in health care.
70s
Dalia Corkrum, MS Library & Information Science ’79, retired after a 44-year career in librarianship. Most recently, Corkrum was the library director at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, for the past 17 years.
John J Humphries III, BS Civil Engineering ’76, MS ’81, completed his first book, “The Anti-Aging Revolution,” co-authored with his wife, Lisa West. The book invites the reader to examine our existing beliefs about aging, explains the latest scientific research on the aging process and offers insights on ways aging can be slowed, and even reversed. Humphries draws on his 27-year experience working for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to bolster age-reversing concepts in the book that mirror his observations of how environmental improvements occurred after reasonable regulatory efforts were instituted to reduce human harms on the environment.
Len Lichtenfeld MD, HU Medicine ’71, became a member of the newly established Cancer Business Advisory Board at Anixa Biosciences Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the treatment and prevention of cancer. Lichtenfeld is an experienced medical oncologist and independent consultant with an extensive background in cancer care, cancer research, health care policy and physician payment.
Robert J. McCunney, BS Chemical Engineering ’71, published his first novel, a medical mystery entitled, “Cluster.” The book is listed on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Thomas Zaydon Jr., MD, HU Medicine ’78, was elevated to professor of plastic surgery (voluntary) at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He gave Grand Rounds to an audience including residents in training and local plastic surgeons. He is currently in private practice in Miami, Florida.
80s
Matt Dane Baker, PA-C, HU Physician Assistant ’83, was appointed provost of Thomas Jefferson University after serving in the role on an interim basis for more than a year. Previously, Baker was provost of Philadelphia University and also served as the dean of Philadelphia University’s School of Science and Health, then executive dean of the School of Science, Health and Liberal Arts. In total, he has spent more than 30 years at the combined institution. Baker is a certified physician’s assistant and has 24 years of military service with the Army and Air National Guard. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2009.
Martin G. Belisario, BS Mechanical Engineering ’85, Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP, was named to the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, one of the legal profession’s oldest and most respected peer-reviewed publications.
Joseph Borraccini, BS Electrical Engineering ’85, retired employee of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, was presented with the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award during the division’s Fiscal Year 2023 Third Quarter Awards Ceremony on Aug. 29, 2023. Borraccini performed in a multitude of roles during his 37-year federal government civilian career, including service as program officer for the Office of Naval Research’s Sea Warfare and Weapons Department from 2007 through 2023 and a five-year stint as chair of the Interagency Advanced Power Group’s Electrical Systems Working Group.
David Marks, BS Accounting ’83, retired in October 2023 from his position as vice president of finance and administration after 25 years of employment at BrightFocus Foundation (formerly known as the American Health Assistance Foundation). Previously, Marks served as controller of BrightFocus since 1998 and was formerly the assistant controller of The Cosmetic Center.
Daniel J. Rader, MD, MCP Medicine ’84, received a $1 million merit award from the American Heart Association, one of the highest honors given by the organization. Rader’s research will focus on new genes and pathways altering lipid metabolism and causing cardiovascular disease revealed through large-scale human genetics. He is the Seymour Gray Professor of Molecular Medicine, chair of the Department of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and chief of the Divisions of Human Genetics at Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Mark J. Russ, MD, HU Medicine ’80, was named chief medical officer at Silver Hill Hospital, one of the nation’s premier psychiatric hospitals, to oversee clinical operations of its inpatient, transitional living (residential) and outpatient programs. Drawing on 40 years of clinical and leadership experience, Russ will work to enhance the hospital’s programming, improve access to evidence-based treatments and fulfill its mission to transform the lives of people affected by mental health disorders and addiction.
Dana Dornsife, BS Marketing ’83, HD ’14, was featured in a San Francisco Business Times article about the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Dornsife recently handed the CEO role and daily operational reins over so that she can focus on making cancer services equitably available to all populations, especially the underserved.
90s
Detlev D. Ansinn Jr., BS Electrical Engineering ’95, a founding board member of Startup Bucks, became the president of the nonprofit, effective Oct. 1, 2023. Startup Bucks was launched in 2019 and has been a catalyst for the growth of the Bucks County startup ecosystem, advising hundreds of entrepreneurs, providing them with resources and helping them secure capital. Ansinn is CEO of BrickSimple, a product development firm based in Doylestown that he founded in 2002. He previously served as council president of Doylestown Borough and president of the Bucks County Boroughs Association.
Brandi Ascione, BS Corporate Communication ’98, was appointed executive vice president, managing director at Underscore Marketing. Ascione brings with her 25 years of professional experience developing and commercializing digital marketing and innovation strategies and solutions for the life sciences industry.
Jenna Bachen, BS Graphic Design ’96, creative director at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), was a part of a team, including three other Drexel alumni, who were recognized by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) for their work on two scientific research-based reports. Out of more than 8,000 entries, both the “AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023” and the “AACR Report on the Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Research and Patient Care” were selected as winners of the GDUSA 2023 American Graphic Design Awards in the Designing for Good category.
Nancy Cathers Demme, MS Library & Information Science ’91, author of “The Ride” (2019), has published an anthology titled, “Poems from the Circle of Seven: A Sampler to Savor” (2023) with other distinguished poets. Demme facilitates the Twin Rivers Writer’s Group and is a member of the Sunday Poets, from which this anthology sprung, and is an active member of the Garden State Storyteller’s League.
Brian Connett, BS Information Systems ’99, a retired commander of the U.S. Navy, was appointed as the director of strategy for new hire experience at Amazon.com. Connett is now at the forefront of spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and wellness of fulfillment associates. In this global role, he collaborates with a team of skilled program managers and strategists. His duties span across various continents, requiring his presence in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and India, as he leads efforts to foster a healthier and more productive work environment.
Katherine Devine Sherif, MD, MCP Medicine ’91, gave a lecture at the Henrietta Lacks Symposium at Morehouse School of Medicine on ethnic disparities in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Richard C. Liu, BS Corporate Communication ’94, was renamed to the Performing Arts Board of ArtsQuest after serving as its chair the past two years. Additionally, he was renamed to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and to the Board of Trustees of ArtsQuest. Liu was also named board advisory chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of Valley Youth House.
Angela Danielle Val, BS Hotel and Restaurant Management ’94, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, made the list of this year’s Women of Influence honorees, announced by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This award is given to women who are leaving a mark on Greater Philadelphia in their own unique ways, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the program.
00s
Jeremy Chrzan, BS Civil Engineering ’02, MS ’02, became an owner of Toole Design, a nationally recognized design firm specializing in safe, equitable and resilient streets. Chrzan leads the multimodal design practice where he authors federal, state and local design guidance and oversees design projects across the continent.
Randy J. Cima, CRNA, MSN Nursing, MCPHU ’02, was presented with the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award by The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology during its 2023 Annual Congress. Cima has been a certified registered nurse anesthetist for two decades and is an expert in difficult airways management, specializing in fiberoptic bronchoscopy, jet ventilation and thoracic anesthesia. He has made significant contributions toward educating registered nurse anesthetists at Oregon Health and Science University Nurse Anesthesia Program, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of anesthesia practice by creating an engaging learning environment.
Nancy J. Day, MSN Nursing ’08, has published her most recent book, “Mom Has Alzheimer’s: A Guide for Caregivers,” a powerful account of the author’s experience as a caregiver for her mother as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
Angela V. Harris, BS Information Systems ’02, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in ministry from West Coast Bible College & Seminary. The degree will be presented during an honorary doctorate degree ceremony in May 2024. In June in Orlando, Harris will compete as Ms. NW Washington D.C. in the 2024 Ms. Corporate America Competition, a business-friendly competition highlighting corporate professionals, business leaders and CEOs who are making their mark in “her-story.”
Heather Hoch Clark, BS Graphic Design ’07, lead designer at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), was a part of a team, including three other Drexel alumni, who were recognized by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) for their work on two scientific research-based reports. Out of more than 8,000 entries, both the “AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023” and the “AACR Report on the Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Research and Patient Care” were selected as winners of the GDUSA 2023 American Graphic Design Awards under the Designing for Good category.
Joseph S. Michel, BS Electrical Engineering ’03, was selected for Marquis Who’s Who for his expertise in systems engineering and his contributions as a team lead with the U.S. Navy.
Tracy Schrader, BS Business Administration ’07, president, board of directors, Friends of Bolton Mansion, is pleased to share significant milestones since assuming her role as president, including increased funds and collaboration with a preservation architect to develop a comprehensive plan for restoration projects.
Rajarshi Sengupta, PhD Neuroscience ’09, senior editor and scientific advisor at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), was a part of a team, including three other Drexel alumni, who were recognized by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) for their work on two scientific research-based reports. Out of more than 8,000 entries, both the “AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023” and the “AACR Report on the Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Research and Patient Care” were selected as winners of the GDUSA 2023 American Graphic Design Awards in the Designing for Good category.
10s
Ekwoge Enang Abwe, PhD Biological Sciences ’18, received The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa during the 11th Annual Tusk Conservation Awards in London for his conservation work in Cameroon. The prince personally presented the award.
Mashal Ali, BS Civil Engineering ’12, was interviewed in the blog, Built, about how she used early leadership experience to launch a thriving construction career. Ali is the CEO of Infra Tech Engineering LLC, a multi-disciplined engineering consulting firm.
Monique Bell, PhD Business Administration ’13, a distinguished researcher and business professor at California State University, Fresno, recently published her inaugural report, “Terroir Noir: 2023 Study of Black Wine Entrepreneurs.” Bell is renowned for her work in studying diversity, equity and inclusion within the wine industry.
Megan N. Brown, BS Biomedical Engineering ’16, manager at Herspiegel Consulting, made the list of 2023 Women of Influence: Rising Stars by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This award is given to Philadelphia-area businesswomen 35 years of age or younger who have demonstrated excellence early in their careers.
Shane Cloyd, MBA Business Administration ’12, celebrated the grand opening of his new Coatesville, Pennsylvania, business, Our Dot Art, a unique venture that aims to be a hub for art and STEAM education, on Oct. 7, 2023. Cloyd is currently a principal engineer for Penske Logistics.
Evan Ehlers, BA Entrepreneurship & Innovation ’19, and Sharing Excess’ collaboration with YouTube multimillionaire Jimmy Donaldson aka “MrBeast” was highlighted in an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Donaldson’s Beast Philanthropy organization has been supporting Sharing Excess’ food-rescue efforts in 19 states for more than a year. In November, Beast Philanthropy posted a video on YouTube, “We’re Giving Away $30 Million in Free Food,” that has since gained more than 17 million views.
Daniel F. Flores, MS Library & Information Science ’12, is proud to announce that two of his books, “Los Profetas: The Prophetic Role of Hispanic Churches in America” and “Respectable Methodism: Nathan Bangs and Respectability in Nineteenth-Century American Methodism” are being reviewed and recognized.
Laura R. Gordon, Esq., JD Law ’14, was promoted to partner at BakerHostetler, a national law firm. Gordon focuses her practice on patent prosecution, portfolio management and counseling for clients in the life science, biotechnology and pharmaceutical spaces. She applies her extensive laboratory experience and familiarity with technology transfer at large universities to help clients develop, secure and protect their intellectual property, both in the United States and internationally. Gordon’s areas of concentration include providing support for acquisitions and research collaborations and protecting clinical-stage, commercially significant pharmaceuticals.
Evan T. Hirsch, BS Fashion Design ’19, was a guest on ABC talk show “Tamron Hall,” featured on its Up-and-Coming Designer Series segment. Hirsch is a beauty and style correspondent on the CBS talk show, “The Donna Drake Show: Live it Up!”
Derek Preston, BS Mechanical Engineering ’14, was promoted to director of Northeast Region for T&T Construction Management Group. Preston has spent his entire professional career with the company, serving first as a project engineer, through his latest position as senior project manager before becoming regional director.
Danielle Schroeder, BS/MS Civil Engineering ’17, transportation staff engineer at Gannett Fleming, made the list of this year’s Women of Influence: Rising Stars, announced by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This award is given to Philadelphia-area businesswomen 35 years of age or younger who have demonstrated excellence early in their careers.
Patrick Williams, PhD Molecular, Cellular Biology and Genetics ’17, scientific research analyst at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), was part of a team, including three other Drexel alumni, who were recognized by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) for their work on two scientific research-based reports. Out of more than 8,000 entries, both the “AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023” and the “AACR Report on the Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Research and Patient Care” were selected as winners of the GDUSA 2023 American Graphic Design Awards in the Designing for Good category.
20s
Kathleen M. Princivalle, JD Law ’21, was recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as an honoree on this year’s “Best of the Bar” list, which acknowledges the region’s most impactful lawyers. This year’s class consists of 35 lawyers across nine categories. Princivalle was recognized under the pro bono category for her work at Holland & Knight.
Leila E. Hilal, MD Medicine ’22, wrote an article for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. In the article, she discusses U.S. Sens. John Fetterman, Sheldon Whitehouse and Peter Welch’s proposed legislation to cancel school lunch debt nationwide and how it would allow children in poverty to have access to consistent nutritious meals. Hilal is a second-year family medicine resident at Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Jeannine Cook, MFA Creative Writing ’22, author and shopkeeper of Harriett’s Bookshop and Ida’s Bookshop, was a moderator for a WOMEN’S WAY virtual conversation and Q&A session on Nov. 1, 2023, with author and Washington Post reporter Casey Parks.
Ivy Ochieng, MS Interdisciplinary Health Sciences ’22, was one of 10 recipients of a $10,000 scholarship from a partnership between the National Board of Medical Examiners and National Medical Fellowships. The 10 medical students were selected from among 423 qualified applicants who have demonstrated leadership, perseverance, commitment to service and financial need.
Tom Scanlan, BS Photography ’21, an artist, photographer and filmmaker based in New York, opened his first solo exhibition, “6 ½” on Oct. 2, 2023. A commercial, editorial and fine art photographer, Scanlan currently serves as the in-house photographer for the American clothing company Bode, while his personal work focuses on portraiture and social documentation.
WEDDING
We want your updates! Tell us about your weddings, new babies, promotions, awards, trips or special traditions with fellow alumni. Send information and photos to Sara Keiffer at seb434@drexel.edu for inclusion in the next issue of Drexel Magazine. Please keep your class note to 1–3 sentences, if possible.