PA Program holds inaugural white coat ceremony

44 Pages·2014·8.96 MB·English

W I N T E R 2 0 1 4
Misericordia University
CELEBRATES
13
th
presidency
Pages 9-13
Charisms spring to life through actions and deeds of alumni … Pages 16-24
Nursing pass rates exceed
state and national averages
Nursing students who graduated
from the Bachelor of Science degree
program achieved a pass rate that was
16 percentage points higher than the
national average for pass rates on the The first class of
National Council Licensure Examination students in the
for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for Master of Science in
baccalaureate degree students during Physician Assistant
the past year. Studies Program
Recent BSN graduates achieved a received white coats
98.08-percent pass rate for first-time at a special ceremony.
test-takers who took the NCLEX-RN
PA Program holds inaugural white coat ceremony
examination between Oct. 1, 2012 and
Sept. 30, 2013. Graduates exceeded
The first class of students in the the MU Bachelor of Science in Medical
both the average national pass rate of
Master of Science in Physician Science (BSMS) 3+2 program.
82.07 percent and the average pass
Assistant Studies Program (MSPAS) The white coat ceremony signifies the
rate in Pennsylvania of 85.31 for
baccalaureate degree programs. It received their white coats at a special completion of the didactic year of study.
marks the third year in a row that the ceremony. The students, members of the inaugural
nursing program’s pass rates surpassed More than 100 family and friends Class of 2014, then moved into the
the state and national averages. attended the event, which included clinical phase of their training.
The pass rate percentages are welcome messages from Scott Massey, The students will don a longer coat
particularly significant since the exam Ph.D., PA-C., professor and founding when they graduate and take the
was made more rigorous, as seen by a chair and program director of the Physician Assistant Professional Oath,
10-point decrease in the national Physician Assistant Studies program, and which reminds them to always put the
average for baccalaureate programs. Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., president. health, safety, and privacy of their
The complexity of the exam also The 20 students were presented with patients first and to act in a professional
resulted in the state average dropping their symbolic white coats and recited the manner at all times.
by 5.48 percentage points, from 90.79 pledge of a physician assistant, promising First-year students are accepted into
in 2012 to 85.31 in 2013. MU’s pass rate to adhere to the core values of honesty, the BSMS program at Misericordia each
decreased just slightly more than integrity, altruism, and empathy of the fall in cohorts of 20. To receive the BSMS,
two-tenths of a percent from 98.3 in profession. students complete a curriculum of 125 to
2012. The MSPAS degree is offered through 131 semester hours. In the upcoming
In addition, the May 2013 graduate the College of Arts and Sciences. It is an clinical year, this class of students will
degree nursing students in the Nurse intensive 24-month, year-round program perform nine five-week clinical clerkships
Practitioner Program also received a designed for students who hold a in a variety of professional settings to
100-percent pass rate on the American bachelor’s degree and meet other ensure that they amass a wide range of
Academy of Nurse Practitioner Exam. entrance requirements or are enrolled in learning experiences.
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Winter 2014 Volume XVI, No. 1
Misericordia Todayis published by the Office
of Marketing Communications.
Misericordia University
301 Lake St. Dallas, PA 18612-1090
33
ADMINISTRATION
Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D.
President William desRosiers ‘09, ’11 is
the external affairs coordinator
Susan Helwig, M.S.
for Houston, Texas-based Cabot
Vice President, University Advancement
Oil & Gas Corp., which is
Mari P. King, Ed.D., M.P.A., A.A.S. extracting natural gas reserves
Vice President, Academic Affairs from the Marcellus Shale in
Susquehanna County, Pa.
Eric R. Nelson, M.B.A.
Vice President, Finance and Administration
11 18
Barbara Samuel Loftus, Ph.D.
Vice President, Planning, Assessment, Research
Jean Messaros, RSM, M.S.
Vice President, Mission Integration
Kathleen ‘Kit’ Foley, M.S.
Vice President, Student Affairs
Jane Dessoye, M.S.
Executive Director, Enrollment Management
Inauguration Day of Service Jodi Kozlevcar Gaunt ’08
takes campus community to spreads the spirit of goodwill
MISERICORDIA TODAY STAFF
three social service agencies with Operation Christmas Child
in the region. in Ndola, Zambia.
Paul Krzywicki, Editor
38 43
Assistant Director, Marketing Communications
Marianne Tucker Puhalla
Staff Writer
Jim Roberts
Director, Marketing Communications
Kayley LeFaiver
Layout and Design
Student Activities unveils a Friedman Art Gallery bringing
ONLINE new challenge course for Pablo Picasso limited edition
students and members ceramics to campus in May.
Read this edition and other publications produced of the regional community.
by the Office of Marketing Communications online at:
www.misericordia.edu/publications. For bonus
Misericordia Todayis published in February and August by
material, please log on to Misericordia Today Extended
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parents and friends of the University. To request a subscription, please
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Office, Misericordia University, Dallas, PA 18612-1090. Copyright
HONORS
Misericordia University 2013.
Misericordia Todayis a winner of
the 2014 gold CUPPIE AWARD
ON THE COVER
in the cover category for the Winter
John Metz, chair of the Misericordia University Board of
2013 edition.
Trustees, places the Presidential Chain of Office on President
Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., during the inauguration of
Have a story to share?Contact Misericordia Today Misericordia University’s 13th president on Friday, Nov. 15.
by calling [phone]or by e-mailing at
[email protected].
T Inauguration Week
N
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SI reveals exciting future
E
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T We recently completed one of the most exhilarating and

M
exhausting weeks of my life with my presidential inauguration. It
O
R was all that I had hoped for – and more – as we celebrated the
F
R many accomplishments of Misericordia University over the years
E
T and looked forward to the excitement of the future.
T
E The week featured a wide range of scholarly activities, beginning
L
with the Dr. Midori Yamanouchi Lecture Series featuring Ishmael
Beah, a former child soldier from Sierra Leone. Mr. Beah’s
inspirational message of how his spirit, and the gifts of many who
supported him in his move to the United States and away from war,
provided him with both the physical and psychological space to
recover fully his humanity and sense of purpose. Many of us were
also rewarded with original poetry and the presentation of scholarly
works by both students and faculty. Students also highlighted the
week with presentations of their service projects and a day of service
at the Catherine McAuley House, Habitat for Humanity, and Mery
Services Center. Finally, the Tambur Family and the Tambur Family
Foundation were recognized for dedication to the University at the
2013 Trustee Associates Gala and Inauguration Celebration dinner.
Our students were active on campus as teams of student chefs
competed against my team in a culinary competition. Although our
creations were wonderful, we failed to prevail against the students
– an outcome that was repeated in a student video game
competition. We all enjoyed the visit by Father Leo Patalinghug,
host of Grace Before Meals, who taught us about how to make
extraordinary pasta with vodka sauce along with lessons of how to
strengthen our community with shared meals. Add in several
dinners and receptions, and we can be sure that all were fed well
and content.
Friday’s inauguration day began with a liturgy that featured the
wisdom of Monsignor Jack Bendik, a former Misericordia chaplain
and member of our Board of Trustees. The inauguration ceremony,
featuring our campus community in full force and spirit, was joined
by more than 50 delegates from other colleges and universities. I
was so pleased to have my family in attendance, as were friends
dating all the way back to my grade school days and early years of
my professional career. In my address, I attempted to capture the
spirit of the Sisters of Mercy and the four charisms: Mercy, Service,
Justice, and Hospitality. We are a young University, with challenges
and successes, struggles and victories, and are just learning how to
expand our reach beyond the borders of our campus and our local
community. My hope is that we can continue to talk with each
other, and more importantly listen to each other, as we find our way
into an even more exciting future.
In closing, I am so grateful to the Misericordia University community
for the warm welcome they have given to my family and to me. We
are very blessed to be a part of this wonderful community.
President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D.
4 M I S E R I C O R D I A T O D A Y
Couple’s generosity P
R
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‘solidifies’ their ILE
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IN

relationship with MU G
IV
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F
rank ’93, ‘03 and Liz Kovalchik projects,” says Frank,
Carden ‘03 completed multiple who works for the federal
“tours of duty” at Misericordia government.
University. Liz cites her involvement
Frank earned his bachelor’s and in athletics as formative. Frank ‘93, ‘03 and
master’s degrees 10 years apart “Coach (Robyn) Fedor Liz Kovalchik Carden
separated by an enlistment in the U.S. (Stahovic) and the field ‘03 reside in the
Army and U.S. Marine Corps as an hockey team helped instill Lehigh Valley, near
infantryman deployed around the world. the values that I use today. Allentown, Pa., with
Liz competed in both field hockey and I cannot thank them their son, Michael.
lacrosse, earning selection to the athletics enough. Giving back
Hall of Fame for field hockey in 2013. financially is one way to help do that.” you up for future success,” adds Liz,
Now, they feel it is their duty to give Frank is quick to point out the impact who earned a B.S. degree in biology.
back. “It’s as if it were a thank you – a of donor recognition. “We have donated Frank’s first “tour of duty” at
thank you for the life lessons we were a bench in the Shakespeare garden, and Misericordia came as the son of long-time
taught and what Misericordia has done we have two pavers on campus. Seeing business faculty member Mary Carden
for us as people,” says Liz, who works as them helps to solidify our relationship to ‘62. “I no longer live in the area, but
a behavioral marketing strategist. Misericordia,” he says. every time we visit campus we never
The interest in giving to MU started Liz believes MU still maintains its feel like strangers. People are genuinely
early. “I’ve given since I first graduated, traditional strengths. “The faculty interested in how we are doing,” says
and put funds toward business members provide personal attention. Frank, who earned his undergraduate
department efforts. As a couple, we’ve They do not just check off a box to say a degree in accounting and his master’s
expanded our giving to more MU student completed a course. They set degree in organizational management.
Alumna helps others to realize their dream
N
ancy Smith Lynch ‘68 exchange Since then, Lynch joined Council
has plenty of reasons to Christmas and Misericordia (CM) in 2009 and has
be thankful. birthday cards with remained truly engaged in a leadership
It was her aunt who provided some of her and philanthropic role. She worked with
her with the guidance and direction to classmates and she fellow classmates to establish the Bettsi
seek a career as an educator. That career routinely made an E. Jaeger ‘68 Scholarship, and continues
path enabled her to meet her husband annual donation to to offer guidance and support worthy
and fellow educator, A. Robert Lynch, in her alma mater. initiatives in her role on CM.
1969. They married in 1971. After she retired, Misericordia was an all-women’s
“I knew I wanted to be a home the relationship college when Lynch and her classmates
economics teacher,’’ says Lynch, whose between formed that lasting bond. MU’s influence
Nancy Smith Lynch ‘68
aunt also was a teacher and she Misericordia and has grown considerably since then as a
and husband, Robert.
respected her tremendously. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch record number of male and female
Lynch realized her dream and lived it began to blossom as she contacted the students work toward their degrees
for 33 years, teaching home economics in college to make a generous donation. A today. The demand for an MU degree
the middle school of the Jericho Public few years later, though, a serious health may have grown, but the mission on
Schools on Long Island, N.Y., before scare reminded her about what makes which it was founded remains true.
retiring in 2001. Her husband taught the Misericordia family so special. “I “I think of the goodness and generosity
sociology, psychology and economics to needed hip replacement surgery and of everybody on campus throughout my
high school students in the same district. ended up for some time with a MRSA four years,’’ Lynch says, recalling her
Through the years, the couple staff infection,’’ she recalls. “Bettsi found fondest collegiate memories. “The
remained somewhat engaged with out I was sick and word went out and I students just look happy and content to
Misericordia as they established their received gifts, Mass cards and get-well be there. I would not have enjoyed the
careers, furthered their educations, and cards. Every class should have a Bettsi success I have without Misericordia. We
built a life together as a married couple in Jaeger (‘68). She is the one who holds have been very fortunate and this is an
Glen Head, N.Y. Lynch continued to us together to this day.’’ opportunity for us to say, thank you.’’
W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 5
CAMPUS VIEWS
Two elected to
Board of Trustees
Misericordia University and the
Conference for Mercy Higher Education
elected Marjorie Henry Marquart ‘85 of
Dallas Twp., Pa., and Mary Helen Nugent,
RSM of Dallas Borough, Pa., to the Board
of Trustees.
Ms. Marquart
graduated magna cum
laude from Misericordia
with a Bachelor of
Science degree in
elementary education in
1985. She also graduated
with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Marjorie Henry
business management Marquart ‘85
from the University of
Tampa, Tampa, Fla. The Department of Physical Therapy graduated Cassandra Fumanti, Peckville, Pa.; Jennifer
Sister Mary Helen has been a member its first class from the entry-level Doctor of Brown, Hawley, Pa.; Amanda Stahl, Sunbury, Pa.;
Physical Therapy program during the 3rd annual Megan McClary, Sayre, Pa.; Erin Schaller,
of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
winter commencement ceremony in December. Stroudsburg, Pa.; Sarah Hanlon, Scranton, Pa.;
since 1989. She holds a
Members of the Class of 2013, first row from Kimberly Swartz, Frackville, Pa.; Emily Getz,
Doctor of Ministry in
left, are Marrianne Mullarkey, Rego Park, N.Y.; Kunkletown, Pa., and Christine Clark,
pastoral counseling from
Samantha Dunleavy, Dunmore, Pa.; Renee Noll, Stroudsburg, Pa.; third row, Alexandra Goble,
the Graduate Theological
Hopewell Junction, N.Y.; Joshua Hundley, Bradford, Pa.; Jeffrey Clark, Middletown, N.Y.;
Foundation, South Bend,
Binghamton, N.Y.; Leah Conant, Exeter, Pa.; Gregory Massie, Stroudsburg, Pa.; Gary
Ind.; a Master of Science
Marcie Cusatis, Hazleton, Pa.; Meghan Kane, Koncewicz, West Wyoming, Pa.; Timothy
in community counseling
Mullica Hill, N.J.; Mallory Gagliano-Barnhart, Dymond, Dallas, Pa.; Justin Huff, Montrose, Pa.;
from the University of Sciota, Pa., and Mailee Haas, Nanticoke, Pa.; Neil Dorman, Larksville, Pa.; Michael Holder,
Scranton, Scranton, Pa.; second row, John Giampietro, Dallas, Pa.; South Orange, N.J., and Nathan Powers,
Mary Helen
a Master of Arts in health
Nugent, RSM
care administration from
the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, ASHFoundation presents national
and a Bachelor of Arts degree in
psychology from Saint Mary’s College, scholarship to graduate SLP student
Notre Dame, Ind.
The American Speech-Language- receive a scholarship funded by the
Medical imaging student Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation) ASHFoundation’s Minority Scholarship
earns national scholarship has awarded one of 16 graduate student Fund. One-hundred and eighteen
scholarships to Midori Rodriguez ‘14 of applications were received for the
Samantha Weikel ‘15 of Shamokin, Pa.,
Stroudsburg, Pa., a second-year prestigious award. Rodriguez received
was awarded a competitive 2013 Lambda
graduate student in the Speech- the $5,000 scholarship at the
Nu Scholarship, the national honor
Language Pathology Program. ASHFoundation’s Annual Founders
society for the radiologic and imaging
The ASHFoundation presents 16 Breakfast at the American Speech-
sciences. The scholarship award will assist
scholarships annually to audiology and Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Weikel in completing the 18-month
speech-language pathology graduate Annual Convention in Chicago, Ill.
certificate program in diagnostic medical
students across the country. Most of the Among her accomplishments,
sonography at MU after earning her recipients are doctoral students from Rodriguez co-founded the National
bachelor’s degree in medical imaging. major research universities. Stuttering Association’s Northeast
More information about the medical Rodriguez was one of the few Pennsylvania Chapter on campus.
imaging program can be found at master’s level students to receive an With Hunter Manasco, Ph.D.,
www.misericordia.edu/mi. award and was the only student to assistant professor, they conducted a
6 M I S E R I C O R D I A T O D A Y
CAMPUS VIEWS
First degrees awarded
The Princeton Review
in DPT program recommends MU
Misericordia University has been
recognized as one of the top colleges
and universities in the northeastern
The Department of Physical Therapy at
United States, according to The
Misericordia University graduated the first class from
Princeton Review.
the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program
MU is one of 226 institutions of higher
during the 3rd annual winter commencement
education The Princeton Review has
ceremony in the Anderson Sports and Health Center
recommended in its “Best in the
on campus.
Northeast’’ section of its website feature,
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at
“2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region,”
Misericordia University is a 6½-year professional
that is posted at PrincetonReview.com.
program in which students receive a bachelor’s
degree and a doctor of physical therapy degree.
U.S. News rankings
Undergraduate students complete the requirements
recognize Misericordia
for their bachelor’s degree during their first 3½ years
of study in programs such as biology, business Misericordia University ranks in the top
administration, health care management, psychology, tier, 43rd out of 139 colleges and
Towanda, Pa.; fourth row, Ashlee sport management, and more. Students accepted universities, in the Best Regional
Zeigler, Weatherly, Pa.; Mickey into the Misericordia program as first-year Universities – North category of U.S.
Singh, Rahway, N.J.; Ozcan students are guaranteed to progress into the News and World Report’s 2014 edition of
Dalgic, Bordentown, N.J.; graduate program as long as they are in good Best Colleges, which includes institutions
Christopher MacIntosh, Toms academic standing. of higher education in the northern
River, N.J.; Kaila Augustine, United States that offer master’s degrees.
Misericordia also accepts transfer students into the
Kulpmont, Pa.; Kathryn Hingley, The University’s 43rd ranking is up 24
doctoral program. Academically qualified students
West Chester, Pa.; Rachel Orifici, places from 2007, including a four-point
with a bachelor’s degree can complete the doctorate
Miller Place, N.Y.; Marisa Evans, improvement from 2013. In the latest
degree in three years.
Conklin, N.Y.; Erika Hartzel, rankings, MU is included in a tight
Watsontown, Pa.; Jessica Lee, For more information about doctor of physical grouping of 11 colleges and universities
Thompson, Pa., and Katelyn therapy program, please log on to that are separated by two points for the
Kilmer, Nicholson, Pa. www.misericordia.edu/pt. rankings of 37 through 43, respectively.
‘Best Bang for the Buck’
study using cutting-edge Motion Rehabilitation
Capture Technology (MCT) to obtain Agency to Pay for awarded by magazine
rare normative data on labial and Services for Misericordia is ranked among the top 39
mandibular movement during speech. Persons who percent of all master’s degree-granting
The results were co-presented at the Stutterand institutions in the country by Washington
2013 ASHA Annual Convention. They Starting a Monthly magazine in a survey that stresses
will also present their findings at the University-Based community service and social mobility of
Pennsylvania Speech-Language- Stuttering Support students.
Hearing Association (PSHA) Annual Group: A MU is ranked 264th overall among 684
Convention in Pittsburg, Pa., in April. Sustainable other colleges and universities that were
Later, she developed a proposal to use Approach, at NSA’s Midori Rodriguez ’14 recognized in the “2013 Master’s
MCT for stuttering treatment and 2013 Convention Universities’’ category. The rankings
assessment. MU’s Institutional Review in Scottsdale, Ariz. The latter also was appear in the September/October issue.
Board approved her independent study presented at the ASHA Convention. In a separate “Best Bang for the Buck’’
using human subjects. The results She also submitted a research paper listing, MU is ranked 233rd overall and
will also be presented at the about the establishment and 97th among master’s degree granting
PSHA Convention. sustainability of a university-sponsored colleges and universities in the nation.
She made two presentations, stuttering support group to the journal, In the traditional rankings, Misericordia
entitled, Funding for Stuttering: How to Perspectives on Fluency and Fluency ranks 13th in the nation for student
Use Your State’s Vocational Disorders, for peer review. participation in service.
W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 7
Martha
Hanlon
RSM, Ed.D.
B o a r d o f T r u s t e e s
Educators shape lives and thereby institution in Luzerne County. However,
shape the future. Misericordia Trustee they needed the support of business
Martha Hanlon, RSM, Ed.D., ‘60 knows leaders in the community.
this well. A combined 40 years as an “The Sisters could not have done it by
elementary school teacher, principal, themselves. It was the Sisters who came
college administrator, and college faculty forward with the idea to start the
member have given her opportunities college, but it is important to note that
and insights to help shape the future of we have always counted on the support
Misericordia University and its students. of the men and women in the
“As a Sister of Mercy, I believe in the community. We still count on the
mission and goals of Misericordia businessmen and businesswomen of the
University. I strongly support the area to provide support and leadership
charisms,” says Sister Martha. for Misericordia,” Sister Martha says.
A 1960 graduate of College At the college’s founding, The Sisters
Misericordia, Sister Martha spent years of Mercy were meeting the needs of
as a classroom teacher before ascending society by providing opportunities for
the ranks to become principal of St. young women to escape the city and
Kevin’s School in Flushing, N.Y. Many find “true beauty and nature.” Although
alumni will remember her as the student population has changed
Misericordia’s dean of students between much since 1924, Sister Martha says MU
1978 and 1989. She held a leadership is still effective in creating societal
role with the Sisters of Mercy regional change and preparing students to
community for eight years before succeed in today’s fast-paced world.
spending nearly a decade as an “Misericordia links the needs of
associate professor of education at society with the educational offerings at
King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She the University, all in an academic climate
earned a doctorate in education from of leadership,” she says.
Lehigh University and a master’s degree Sister Martha has retired from her duties
in elementary education from the at King’s College, but is a leader in the
“Misericordia links University of Scranton. community. She volunteers at Catherine
“As a board member I have an McAuley House, the Ethics Institute of
the needs of society opportunity to contribute with other Northeast Pennsylvania, Sisters of Mercy
trustees who believe in quality Sponsor Council, McGlynn Learning
education,” she says. “Just as in the Center, and the planning committee for
with the educational
past, today’s board members continue to the Nativity Miguel School in Scranton, Pa.
contribute time, money and talent to When asked about her thoughts on
offerings at the
Misericordia and, in turn, to society.” the future of MU, she shared a keen
Sister Martha sees an important vision. “Misericordia needs to continue
University, all in an leadership parallel between the to enable students to study for their
founding of Misericordia and where the chosen profession. However, we should
academic climate of University stands today. She referred to never lose sight of our liberal-arts based,
several important historical details as high-quality education. As a University, I
described in At the Edge of Centuries: hope we can expand the fine arts, reach
leadership.”
College Misericordia 1913-1999by Dr. out more to international students,
Regina Kelly, RSM ‘43 and Dr. Agnes provide for students to engage in
Toloczko Cardoni ‘69. The Sisters of international-learning experiences, and
Mercy had the vision and drive to found provide online learning with an emphasis
– Martha Hanlon, RSM, Ed.D.
College Misericordia, the first four-year on quality,” Sister Martha adds.
8 M I S E R I C O R D I A T O D A Y
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John C. Metz, chair of the Board of Trustees, left
and center, officially inaugurates Dr. Botzman by
presenting him with the Chain of Office. President
Botzman, right, begins his inaugural address.
Inauguration celebrates Inauguration Week — Nov. 11-16
Misericordia University held the following
events for Inauguration Week:
founding principles and
MONDAY, NOV. 11
The Dr. Midori Yamanouchi Lecture Series: Ishmael
Beah – A Long Way Gone: A Story of Redemption
reimagines the future
and Hope.
TUESDAY, NOV. 12
Student Cooking Competition – President Botzman
and his team of chefs competed against teams of
students.
BY PAUL KRZYWICKI
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13
Presentation of Student Service Projects – Students
revisit volunteer efforts locally and internationally.
M
isericordia University Poetry Reading – Faculty members read excerpts
of their latest writings.
inaugurated Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D.,
during a formal installation service on THURSDAY, NOV. 14
Friday, Nov. 15 before more than 1,000 Scholarly Work – Students and faculty presented
highlights of their research and scholarly work.
faculty, students, staff and honored
Father Leo Patalinghug – Host of Grace Before
guests in Lemmond Theater in Walsh
Mealsused a cooking demonstration to show meals
Beyond Harmony performs at the
Hall and in classrooms on campus via can strengthen families and communities.
inauguration ceremony for President Botzman.
simulcast and by streaming on the World
FRIDAY, NOV. 15
Wide Web.
Inauguration Liturgy – Monsignor John J. Bendik
“Inaugurations are important in that faculty, staff and neighbors. In his and Father John Dakes celebrated Mass.
they symbolize a new beginning,’’ said remarks, he recognized Catherine Dignitary Luncheon – Special reception for
John C. Metz, chair of the Board of McAuley, the foundress of the Religious delegates, trustees and ceremony participants.
Trustees. “The ceremony gives us time to Sisters of Mercy, and the countless sisters Inauguration Ceremony – Formal ceremony was in
pause, to reflect on the past, and to who have continued her mission “to Lemmond Theater in Walsh Hall.
imagine the future. We use tradition and serve people who suffer from poverty, Inauguration Reception – Campus community and
friends greeted President Botzman following his
ceremony to remind us of the important sickness and lack of education.”
inauguration.
work of the University and the trust we His address reflected upon his
place in its leadership.’’ undergraduate years and how a lesson SATURDAY, NOV. 16
Dr. Botzman’s inaugural address was a learned long ago can be applied to his Inauguration Day of Service – President Botzman,
students, faculty and staff volunteer at a Habitat for
celebration of the principles on which first presidency. The ill-chosen words, Humanity building site, Mercy Services Center and
Misericordia was founded in 1924, what it “learning is suffering,’’ still resonate with at the Catherine McAuley House.
has become, and what it can become. He President Botzman to this day. He took Trustee Associates Gala and Inauguration
provided a glimpse of his vision for the that statement and turned it into a theme Celebration – University honored Tambur family
and the Tambur Family Foundation with the Trustee
not-too-distant future and somewhere
Associates Award and commemorated the
down the road for alumni, students, Continued next page inauguration of President Botzman.
W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 9
KG Misericordia inaugurates 13th president
EN
WENI
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TIO-LE Continued from page 9 “Our work is to join
AE together to ensure that
URVIC for moving forward with the the success continues far
GR Misericordia mission. into the future. That
UE
AS “Perhaps we can learn a little from success is, in part,
N thinking about learning and suffering,’’ he financial and facilities.’’
I
said. “In just a few months, I’ve observed His third vision is more
students teaching children, providing idealistic and vague, but
food to those in need, sharing concern no less important. He
for the rights of immigrants, visiting the asked the Misericordia
elderly, supporting returning veterans, community to look ahead,
and demonstrating the charisms in a to use their imagination
number of ways. to dream a little, and
“They see the challenges and often to ask themselves,
witness suffering. So, perhaps, the clearer “What should higher
view is that suffering is learning. It is my
hope that we can learn to live the charisms
at Misericordia University and then take
our good works into the world to address
the suffering of others,’’ he added.
President Botzman also outlined goals
for each of his initiatives – expanding
opportunities to provide service abroad President Thomas J. Botzman, above
and to those most in need, advancing center, prepares to process to his
scholarship support, and imagining the inauguration with state Rep. Karen
future of higher education. Boback ‘73, left, and the Most
“This is a safe place,’’ he said. Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D.,
“However, our history and mission call us J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton; and, at
to take risks, to walk away from our safe left, he receives congratulations from
well-wishers. To watch the ceremony,
place in the service of others. It is a
please log on to
joyous day for me when I get to hear
http://bit.ly/botzmaninauguration.
from our students about their adventures
beyond the borders of campus, some in education become?” what it should become, a space where we
nearby Noxen or Plymouth, and some far “Misericordia University is, by many can think about things that we have not
away in Guyana or Jamaica. My hope is measures, wildly successful at what we thought about yet,’’ President Botzman
that we can continue to strengthen our do,’’ he acknowledged. “Our students said. “Our imagination of the future,
work outside the campus borders in graduate at levels beyond those of many guided by our storied past, is both
service and in learning.’’ other higher education institutions. The exciting and enticing.’’
To accomplish those goals, it will students log countless hours of service to President Botzman assumed office July
require the University to reinforce its core others. Our faculty colleagues publish 1, the beginning of the 2013-14
programs through the study of foreign and teach and mentor and do anything academic year. In a few short months, he
languages and to provide more and everything in support of our made a lasting impression.“You have
opportunities for international and students. I note that many of those things already proven yourself as an advocate
off-campus study, he said. that we do, and do well, were not even for the students,’’ said Catie Becker ‘14,
The second part of his vision relates to envisioned when College Misericordia president of the Student Government
opportunities in higher education. He was founded.’’ Association. “You want to hear us, to
wants every academically qualified Therefore, he stated the Misericordia know our names and our concerns, and
student to be able to reap the rewards of community needs to challenge itself “to help in any way you can.’’
earning a college degree – no matter build capacity for the future that exceeds In attendance at the ceremony were
their financial circumstances in life. In our present levels of success.’’ How does delegates from more than 54 educational
order to realize that dream, Misericordia he propose to accomplish that? He wants institutions and associations, including
must continue to build its endowment so Misericordia to provide the best possible representatives from the regional
it can provide additional institutional aid. facilities in support of scholarship; dare to colleges and universities, as well as from
“If we want Misericordia University to explore new fields of inquiry, and to seek around the country, and the University of
continue to be the place where all are truth in ways that are new and unclear at the Americas in Mexico City, Mexico.
welcome, we will need to build an present, he said. Sixty-nine other colleges and universities
endowment that provides the long-term “That’s a very roundabout way of sent greetings of congratulations to
base for scholarship support,’’ he said. thinking of what higher education is and President Botzman and the University.
Inauguration Week photo sets capture volunteerism, academics — http://bit.ly/MUinauguration
10 M I S E R I C O R D I A T O D A Y