More than 150 graduate and undergraduate students—including the first graduates of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program—donned their caps and gowns to process in Carlow University’s Commencement ceremony for August and December 2010 graduates on Friday, December 17, 2010.

Foreground: Rosalie Marie Bergman. Second Row: (left to right) Lisa M. Bratton-Henry, Joan M. Latsko, Heidi Ann Clawson, and Kelly Michelle Rock. Third row: (left to right) April Leigh Chaney, Janet J. Colville, and Mary Jane Alexander Miskovsky. Back Row: (left to right) Marcelia Albert Radakovich and Deborah Young.

This was the first year that Carlow granted doctoral degrees in the DNP program, and 10 students received their doctorate in this ceremony.

Marcee Radakovich, who, along with Lisa Henry and Joan Latsko, was one of three recipients of the premiere Anne Denardo McGowan DNP Leadership Award, gave the student address. She indicated that she, Henry, and Latsko, agreed to decide the question of who received the honor of giving the address by drawing names out of a hat. 

“Chance brings me to the podium tonight however it is hard work, sacrifice, and a continuous pursuit of academic enrichment that has earned each of us the right to have our names forever etched onto the Carlow University graduation rolls,” said Radakovich. “Your degree signifies your readiness to be leaders in your professional and personal lives. You have learned to think clearly and creatively, to pursue intellectual endeavors, and to engage in service to others with competence and compassion. Lisa, Joan, and I congratulate each of you on your achievement.”

Susan Everingham, director of the RAND Corporation’s Pittsburgh office, gave the commencement address.
In her address, Everingham reflected on the journey that she took in her career, telling graduates they shouldn’t worry if they don’t know what their life’s work will be. Hard work and pursuit of doing what you love will provide the necessary direction.

Sister Mary Paul Hickey, RSM, receives her honorary doctorate during the Commencement ceremony on Friday, December 17, 2010.

Sister Mary Paul Hickey, RSM, the founder and longtime director of The Campus School of Carlow University, received an honorary doctorate degree at the ceremony as an acknowledgment of her dedication and devotion to all the students who attended the school, as well as the student teachers she mentored. In regard to the honor, Sister Mary Paul told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "I was quite surprised. I never expected anything like this. I hung up my cap and gown many years ago, and I figured that was it."

In a touching tribute to beloved faculty member Martha Ezzell, PhD, the professional leadership graduate students wore buttons with her picture. Ezzell’s health would not permit her to attend the ceremony, but her students wanted her to be part of it anyway.

“After two years of hard work, it was disappointing—but understandable—that she couldn’t be there to celebrate with us,” said Dawna Horton, who was awarded her master of science degree in professional leadership, and had the idea to make the buttons. “All of the PRL teachers are special, but Martha is one of
the teachers who makes a real connection to the students. We wanted her to be there and be celebrated
at graduation.”

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When Kristen Zawacki, the only women’s basketball coach in the 27 years St. Vincent College fielded a team, died unexpectedly on Christmas Day, more than the St. Vincent community felt the loss.

“Kristen was a graduate of the professional leadership program,” says Sandie Turner, PhD, the director
of the Professional Leadership program at Carlow University. “She is remembered as fun and funny, competitive, smart, very well liked, and was a good part of any team project the students had.  She used her humor to be appropriately assertive—even with teachers—and she was a good model for other students.”

“Coach Z”—as she was called by her players—attained a 512-276 career record, and was one of just 13 coaches in the nation to enter the 2010-11 season with at least 500 career wins. During her tenure as coach, St. Vincent reached the postseason 23 times, including nine District 18 titles, four American Mideast Conference titles, and eight trips to the NAIA National Tournament. Along with the athletic director and assistant athletic director, Zawacki helped the school successfully complete the transition from the NAIA to the NCAA Division-III level, as Saint Vincent was granted full NCAA membership in 2010.

In addition to her achievements on the basketball sidelines, she was also integral in establishing the school's softball team in 1985, while she successfully guided the school's athletic department during her tenure as associate athletic director.

“I met Kristen back in the early 80’s when she first joined St. Vincent and I was an Assistant Volleyball Coach here at Carlow,” says George Sliman, the director of Athletics at Carlow. “She was a caring, competent coach and administrator, and I considered her to be a friend. Later, when I took over as Carlow’s AD, she became a mentor and was someone I could turn to for advice. She understood the workings of small college athletics and always focused on the whole person, not just the ‘athlete part’ of her students. This is a huge loss at so many levels. It is still a shock.”

Zawacki's achievements with the basketball program hardly went unnoticed. She was named District 18 Coach of the Year seven times, and was honored as the top coach in the American Mideast Conference three times. She was selected to the Saint Vincent College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.

It’s a mark of a special person who is memorialized not just by her friends, but also by her competitors. For the rest of this season, all the teams in the President’s Conference, of which St. Vincent is a member, will be wearing memorial patches on their uniforms bearing the initials “KZ.”

Her funeral service on the St. Vincent campus—which was standing room only despite freezing rain that day which caused a temporary shutdown of the Pennsylvania Turnpike—ended with everyone in attendance participating in her signature rallying cry to her team.  During team huddles, Coach Z would say the first part, “If you want it, you have to get it …” and the team would respond in unison, “Together!”

“She obviously ‘walked the talk’ of what a good coach and leader is,” says Turner.

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Carlow’s New Minor in Human Development for Non-Psychology Majors Open for Fall 2011

It’s no secret that courses in psychology are rated as some of the most popular by college undergraduates, and Carlow’s students are no exception. To answer this demand and to strengthen its curriculum, Carlow’s Department of Psychology and Counseling designed an 18-credit minor in human development for
non-psychology majors effective fall 2011—one of the few in the area.

Taught by part-time and full-time faculty, the minor is open to any student interested in learning how human beings develop, grow, and change from childhood through adulthood. By taking such courses as “Adolescent Psychology,” “Psychology of the Exceptional Child,” and “Death and Dying,” students learn the biological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and social factors that shape human development. 

Ideal for students seeking careers in education, nursing, social work, social sciences, or the health professions, this minor will give students a competitive advantage in their fields and especially in applying for graduate studies.

Stephanie Wilsey, PhD, director, undergraduate psychology program in the Department of Psychology and Counseling says, “This new minor gives students a foundation of knowledge that will enable them to relate to people of all ages—children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens—and from different cultural and life experiences. What I hope students will gain from this program is a deeper understanding of the total human experience so that they can become more compassionate and knowledgable educators, nurses, social workers—or just more compassionate in whatever field they choose.”

“What makes our program so strong is the balance between theory and practice,” Wilsey says. “Students won’t just learn why and how people grow and change the way they do through readings and classroom discussions, they will also have opportunities to apply what they’re learning in a meaningful way.”

In addition to non-psychology majors benefitting from this minor, psychology majors can now take
lifespan development as a concentration within their major. For more information, please visit www.carlow.edu/academics/schools/sch-soc-change/humandev-minor.html.

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Office of Student Activities Hosts Second Get Involved! Pittsburgh Service Summit

Carlow University Office of Student Activities hosted the second annual Get Involved! Pittsburgh Service Summit on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Rosemary Heyl Theatre, located in Antonian Hall on the Carlow campus. Dr. Mary Hines, president of Carlow University, was the honorary chair
of the Summit, and a presenter.

The Service Summit, which was founded by Tom
Baker of Baker Leadership, was open to all aspiring community leaders who are looking for ways to give back and make a difference within the Pittsburgh region. In addition to Dr. Hines, attendees heard from nine other civic leaders, including WTAE's Andrew Stockey; Pennsylvania State Sen. Kim Ward; and Bill Flanagan, executive vice president of Corporate Relations for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. They shared their expertise on topics such as overcoming obstacles, achieving a successful work-life balance while serving the community, the importance of mentoring, and impacting the lives of your neighbors.

Carlow sophomore, Rebekah Stern, as part of an internship with Tom Baker, served as the campus coordinator for the event. A corporate communication major and president of the Campus Activities Board, Stern led the outreach effort to local colleges and universities. Stern also coordinated Carlow’s student involvement in all aspects of the summit from stagehands to the hospitality room.

Service awards were presented by the 2010 Get Involved! Man of the Year, Jim Roddey, the former Allegheny County executive. This year's winners were:

• Man of the Year: Sen. John Pippy
• Woman of the Year: Kate Dewey
• Male Emerging Community Leader: Tim Lessick
• Female Emerging Community Leader: Alyssa DiLoreto
• Dr. Tom Baker Community Leader Award: Dr. Carol Utay
• "The Patty Award" Patty Verostko Award for Child Advocacy: Liz Healey

The Class of 2011 Western PA Rising Stars was also recognized at the Service Summit. The honorees, ages 21-27, were selected for their service to the community and commitment to helping others. The Class of 2011 consists of an exclusive group of Western Pennsylvania's rising stars in the non-profit, business, and governmental communities. The honorees were: Pam Coudriet, Raquel Davila, Marissa Doyle, Megan Good, Judy Feldman, Kelsey Halling, Raymar Hampshire, Alexa Jennings, Katelyn King, David Landes, Chris Metz, Katie O'Malley, Mike Palcsey, Jordan Pallitto, Alma Roberts, Les Scales, David Slusarick, Abe Taleb, RJ Thompson, Danielle Tyson, Andy Walz, and Sarah Welch.

Summit attendees also had the opportunity to network with and learn about local programs and organizations to help them get more involved. Participants included: CORO Pittsburgh, IMPAQT, Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, and Passavant Hospital Foundation.

Baker Leadership was founded by Tom Baker, a sought-after speaker and author who has inspired thousands to give back and make a difference since his first book Get Involved! Making the Most of Your 20s and 30s was released in February 2008. Tom has spoken with over 14,000 students and civic leaders at over 100 colleges, companies, and community organizations. Baker Leadership organizes the monthly Power Hour series, the Fast Track Service and Leadership program, Get Involved! Pittsburgh on PCTV 21, and the annual Pittsburgh Service Summit. For more information, please visit bakerleadership.com.

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Nursing Student Saves a Member of Steelers Nation

As many college students do each year, Carlow University sophomore Alexandra Bushee decided to switch majors after her first year. Any lingering doubt about whether her switch to nursing was the right decision, disappeared for good on Sunday, December 19, when Bushee’s quick actions helped save the life of a man from Valparaiso, Ind.

Bushee was working in a 7-11 store in Downtown Pittsburgh on that Sunday, when one of three brothers who had come to Pittsburgh to see the Steelers’ game later that afternoon collapsed on the floor of the store. Bushee immediately went to his aid.

“It was a gut instinct from something that my mother taught me at a very early age: help those in needed,” says Bushee. “She has taught me to have a great respect for life and along with that respect is a want and desire to help others.”

While a customer in the store called 911, Bushee, who had quickly determined that the man was not breathing, began to administer CPR with the aid of another customer in the store. 

Alexandra Bushee

“I couldn’t do the chest compressions as hard as they need to be, so the gentleman stepped in and continued with the chest compressions,” Bushee told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

In a few minutes the paramedics arrived and took the man to UPMC Mercy, where he underwent heart surgery.  He survived but still has a long rehabilitation ahead.

“I’ve stayed in touch with his family via Facebook,” she says. “He is doing well and trying to stay positive.” 

His family, however, credits his survival to the quick thinking of Bushee and the others in the store that day. To thank her, the family invited her to the hospital just a few days following the surgery—a reunion that was documented in the December 23 edition of the Post-Gazette and in subsequent television reports.

The resultant publicity from her heroic actions has both flattered and embarrassed her. She received applause in one of her classes when the instructor praised her, and one student went a little further.

“She asked me for an autograph,” admits Bushee, a tad sheepishly. “She said I was an inspiration for her to pursue nursing.”

There is plenty of inspiration to go around in this story. What is the chance that a Steelers fan from Indiana and a Carlow University nursing student would encounter each other? Before calculating the odds, consider the fact that Bushee does not normally work in the downtown store and, moreover, usually works different hours.  She was there because another employee called off and her boss didn’t know who else to call. Would another employee have acted so quickly? Maybe, but maybe not.

For her part, the inspiration Bushee is drawing from these events is that her decision to switch majors was the right one.

“Acting in the moment and getting appreciation for my actions has definitely affirmed for me that [nursing] is what I should do.”

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The Campus School of Carlow University hosted its Second Annual "Think Pink" Day as a fundraiser for the Young Women's Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation (YWBCAF) on Saturday, January 22 at 8:00 a.m.

The event consisted of basketball games at the Developmental, JV, and Varsity level for both boys and girls. All Carlow teams and visiting squads from other area Catholic schools wore pink clothing to help raise awareness and funds for the YWBCAF. Spectators were encouraged to also dress in pink.

"This event is a fantastic opportunity for our students to get involved with such a worthy cause," says Patricia Cooper, principal of The Campus School. "It not only benefits the foundation, but also teaches the kids that charity work can be fun and rewarding."

In addition to the basketball games, the event honored breast cancer survivors, collected donations for the YWBCAF, and a basket raffle was held.

Last year's "Think Pink" day raised nearly $1,000 for the YWBCAF, and this year more than doubled that total as $1,800 was raised. Among those in attendance last year was former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback DeShea Townsend who lost his mother to breast cancer in 1999.

The YWBCAF's mission is to provide education about breast cancer in women under 45 and to support younger women diagnosed with the disease. Monies raised by the YWBCAF have funded clinical trial grants and benefitted both the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program and the Magee Women's Hospital Patient Navigator program. The foundation also works with the Magee Women's Research Institute to study the benefits of emotional support for breast cancer patients.

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Carlow University's SNAP Chapter Named 2010 Chapter of the Year
Student Nurse Association Chapter Awarded Gold Achievement
at State Convention

Carlow University's Student Nurses' Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) chapter was recently named Chapter of the Year and received the Gold Achievement for Membership for 2010. The awards were handed out at the 58th Annual State Convention in Lancaster November 17-20, 2010. Five of Carlow SNAP's student officers attended the convention.

In the past year, Carlow's SNAP chapter grew from one registered member to 71 members. The chapter's incredible expansion was the largest growth of any SNAP chapter in 2010 and earned them both awards. "This is a tremendous achievement for Carlow SNAP," says Cari Reidmiller, a senior nursing student and president of Carlow SNAP. "I never thought that we could make such a difference in just one year."

The student-run organization is involved with charity and volunteer work as well as educational and leadership opportunities for its members. This spring, they plan to walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Walk on Mother's Day and will work with the National Kidney Foundation to screen community members for kidney disease.

SNAP is part of the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA), which represents more than 5,000 nursing students from various Pennsylvania nursing schools. SNAP is one of the NSNA's largest branches, making the Carlow chapter's achievements even more impressive.

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MacArthur “Genius” Award Recipient and a Nationally Acclaimed Speaker to Honor Women’s History Month and Black History Month on Campus

In celebration of Women’s History month and Black History month, chemist and environmental activist, Wilma Subra, and national speaker, Kemba Smith Pradia, will speak on Wednesday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 22, respectively. Both events, free and open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. in Kresge Theatre in
Grace Library.

A collaboration between Katie Hogan, PhD, director of the Women’s Studies program, and Barbara Johnson, director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives, made these events possible.

Subra, a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Award, has appeared on CNN’s, “Toxic Towns in America,” hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and in highly regarded documentaries, Fenceline and Gasland . Terrence J. Collins, the Teresa Heinz Professor of Green Chemistry, and a recipient of a 2010 Heinz Award for his extraordinary green chemistry achievements, will introduce Subra.

According to Hogan, “Wilma Subra epitomizes Carlow University's commitment to social justice for all people and the earth. She uses her expertise as a chemist to educate people and to help them in their efforts to stop various forms of environmental injustices that are destroying our bodies and communities.”

Johnson adds, "I am always excited to support Women's History Month and having been to New Orleans for a service project following the Hurricane, I am eager to learn of Wilma Subra's place in this historical time of rebuilding New Orleans with reverent attention to the environment. "

Subra’s talk is co-sponsored by the Division of Humanities, the Rachel Carson Institute of Chatham University, and the East End Food Co-op. To learn more about Subra, please visit: http://web.princeton.edu/sites/pei/ejconference/bios/bio_subra.html.

Smith Pradia will share her personal story about a disrupted college career, an abusive relationship, and the consequences of current drug policies as a springboard for educating and inspiring young people. Smith Pradia has appeared on CNN, Nightline, and The Early Morning Show, and her story has been covered in the Washington Post, The New York Times, Glamour, People Magazine, JET, Emerge, and Essence. For more information about Kemba Smith Pradia, please visit www.kembasmithfoundation.org.

"As the advisor to our Black Student Union, we are excited about hosting a Nnational speaker on our campus and feel that Kemba Smith is a dynamic role model for young women as she shares her story of pain, struggle and inspiration,"
says Johnson.

Hogan adds, “Kemba Smith Pradia is an eloquent, empowered young woman who draws on aspects of her own difficult personal narrative in an effort to help young people think more carefully and deeply about the choices they make. She also uses her story to generate more critical reflection on current U.S. drug policies.

“Both of these women are committed to using their talents and abilities to build a more just and and
merciful world.”

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Carlow Celebrates the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Annual Luncheon

(left to right): Sylvia Rhor, PhD, assistant professor of art and keynote speaker; Chanessa Schuler, junior communication major and mistress of ceremonies; Trenecia Carroll, sophomore, psychology and creative writing major who sang the National Anthem; Dr. Mary Hines, president of Carlow University; and Barbara Johnson, MEd, director of Diversity Initiatives.        

Carlow University honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at its annual formal luncheon on Wednesday, January 12, at The St. Agnes Center of Carlow University.

Dr. Mary Hines, president of Carlow University, made opening remarks before attendees enjoyed traditional Southern fare in honor of Dr. King's cultural roots. Assistant professor of art history Sylvia Rhor, PhD, gave the keynote address based on King’s quote, “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”

Carlow students involved in the program were: Chanessa Schuler, junior communication major who served as mistress of ceremonies, and Trenecia Carroll, sophomore, psychology and creative writing, who sang the National Anthem.

According to Barbara Johnson, director of Diversity Initiatives, “The annual Martin Luther King program at Carlow University has grown into a moment for connections. Our program includes performers/presenters/speakers from Carlow and the local community. We’ve added a warm winter accessory drive to donate local and national non-profits. This year, proceeds from our warm winter accessory drive benefited the Latino Family Center of Squirrel Hill.”

Going Bowling for the Hungry

The annual pottery marathon known as “Bowls in the Night” took place on Thursday, January 27, and more than 200 bowls were made for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and Just Harvest’s “Empty Bowls Dinner,” which is scheduled for Sunday, March 6, at Rodef Shalom Congregation in Oakland. Tickets are $20 and can be ordered by calling 412.431.8960.

Nominations Open for Third Annual Carlow Laureate Awards

Carlow is accepting nominations for the third annual Carlow Laureate Awards, the University’s prestigious academic honor for alumnae/i. Nominations will be accepted through February 15, 2011.

Carlow University Provost Margaret McLaughlin, PhD, says, “The Carlow Laureates exemplify high achievement and remarkable accomplishments, both professionally, and in service to the community.
By honoring alumnae/i with this award, we recognize their success and demonstrate to our current students that embodying Carlow's mission and values after graduation enables them to become strong and
well-respected leaders.”

This year’s Carlow Laureates will receive their awards at a luncheon at the 20th Century Club in Oakland
on Friday, May 13, and will be recognized at the University’s spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14.

Last year, the University celebrated its second class of Carlow Laureates: Arlene Myers Morris (’74), Grace Johannette Mushrush (’57), and Janet DiPasquale Simon  (’67). First year Carlow Laureates included: Georgia Morello Decker (‘68); the Honorable Stephanie Domitrovich (’76); Marianne Felice (‘66); Jeanne Adamson Gleason (’60); Sister Margaret Hannan, RSM (’65); Beverly Kowalski Kaniecki (’80); Lynda Ruffo Katz (’63); and Sister Ida Mularikal, HC (’69).

For more information and a nomination form, please visit Carlow’s Web site or contact the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@carlow.edu.