MARCH 2026
In the News: Dennis ’71 and Karen Campbell to Receive Take Hold Award at A Night for DeSales
On Saturday, April 25, DeSales University will honor Lehigh Valley residents Dennis and Karen Campbell with the Take Hold Award at the University’s annual A Night for DeSales gala at 5:30 p.m. in the DeSales University Center in Center Valley.
A Night for DeSales is held annually and is one of the University’s largest fundraising events. All proceeds benefit The DeSales Fund, which supports academic activities, scholarships, and financial aid. The Take Hold Award celebrates exemplary individuals whose lives and work reflect the values and mission of DeSales University. Last year’s inaugural award was presented to Lee and Dolly Butz.
Dennis Campbell, a 1971 graduate of then-Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales, has maintained a nearly 60-year relationship with the University. Over a distinguished career in finance and marketing spanning more than 45 years where he held leadership roles with Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, the Federal National Mortgage Association, DeSales University, and Nationwide Mutual Insurance. He also served on the University’s Board of Trustees under Fr. J. Stuart Dooling, OSFS and later as chief development officer under Fr. Daniel Gambet, OSFS.
Karen Campbell began her professional career at Fidelity Bank before dedicating her time to raising the couple’s four children. A devoted volunteer, she has supported parish adult and youth retreats, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Cay Galgon Life House, and numerous school and community initiatives. She also served with Women for DeSales, strengthening her family’s enduring ties to the University.
Together, the Campbells have invested significant time and energy in service to both Church and community. Dennis has coached youth sports for many years and served in leadership roles with the Allentown Catholic Beneficial Association (ACBA), the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council, and the Father Judge High School Advisory Board, among other organizations.
The Campbell family’s connection to DeSales spans generations. All four of their children attended the University, three of whom married fellow DeSales graduates, and one of their grandsons is currently enrolled. In gratitude for the impact DeSales has had on their lives, Dennis and Karen established an endowed scholarship to help future students access a DeSales education.
Dennis and Karen met in high school and married shortly after college. They will celebrate 55 years of marriage in June and are proud grandparents to their 11 grandchildren. Their investment in community service and life-long dedication to their Catholic faith and family embodies the values celebrated by the Take Hold Award.
This year’s event marks the 45th A Night for DeSales (formerly Dinner Dance) and will be a cocktail attire gathering which includes a cocktail hour, dinner, entertainment, and a festive after-dinner atmosphere. The gala gathers alumni, family, friends, and donors of DeSales University. For more information on tickets, sponsorships, or how to contribute a congratulatory message in the evening’s program for the Campbells, visit desales.edu/anightfordesales.
A Night for DeSales is held annually and is one of the University’s largest fundraising events. All proceeds benefit The DeSales Fund, which supports academic activities, scholarships, and financial aid. The Take Hold Award celebrates exemplary individuals whose lives and work reflect the values and mission of DeSales University. Last year’s inaugural award was presented to Lee and Dolly Butz.
Dennis Campbell, a 1971 graduate of then-Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales, has maintained a nearly 60-year relationship with the University. Over a distinguished career in finance and marketing spanning more than 45 years where he held leadership roles with Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, the Federal National Mortgage Association, DeSales University, and Nationwide Mutual Insurance. He also served on the University’s Board of Trustees under Fr. J. Stuart Dooling, OSFS and later as chief development officer under Fr. Daniel Gambet, OSFS.
Karen Campbell began her professional career at Fidelity Bank before dedicating her time to raising the couple’s four children. A devoted volunteer, she has supported parish adult and youth retreats, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Cay Galgon Life House, and numerous school and community initiatives. She also served with Women for DeSales, strengthening her family’s enduring ties to the University.
Together, the Campbells have invested significant time and energy in service to both Church and community. Dennis has coached youth sports for many years and served in leadership roles with the Allentown Catholic Beneficial Association (ACBA), the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council, and the Father Judge High School Advisory Board, among other organizations.
The Campbell family’s connection to DeSales spans generations. All four of their children attended the University, three of whom married fellow DeSales graduates, and one of their grandsons is currently enrolled. In gratitude for the impact DeSales has had on their lives, Dennis and Karen established an endowed scholarship to help future students access a DeSales education.
Dennis and Karen met in high school and married shortly after college. They will celebrate 55 years of marriage in June and are proud grandparents to their 11 grandchildren. Their investment in community service and life-long dedication to their Catholic faith and family embodies the values celebrated by the Take Hold Award.
This year’s event marks the 45th A Night for DeSales (formerly Dinner Dance) and will be a cocktail attire gathering which includes a cocktail hour, dinner, entertainment, and a festive after-dinner atmosphere. The gala gathers alumni, family, friends, and donors of DeSales University. For more information on tickets, sponsorships, or how to contribute a congratulatory message in the evening’s program for the Campbells, visit desales.edu/anightfordesales.
Salesian Spotlights: Kelsey Elliott ’17 Embraces the Unknown Throughout Her Career in the Sciences
For Kelsey Elliott ’17, the winding path that led to her career was filled with some unpredictable twists and turns. Yet one element was always clear to her – DeSales was the place she was meant to be. “I knew I wanted to attend DeSales the second I stepped onto campus,” says Kelsey. “I originally was looking at the Computer Science program, but I had a health scare in high school that led me to a physician who started me on a career in the sciences. This physician showed me my own blood under the microscope and I was completely sold on biology!”
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science from DeSales, she went on to complete two internships through the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida while working on her Master of Science in Molecular Biology online through Lehigh University. “While my internship had nothing to do with science, I learned invaluable guest service, leadership, and communication skills that propelled me into my future leadership roles.”
Today, Kelsey serves as the Laboratory Supervisor in Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics for St. Luke’s University Health Network. Once she returned to the Lehigh Valley in 2019, she began as a laboratory aide, and after finishing her master’s program, transferred to the COVID-19 Molecular Laboratory where she became Technical Coordinator within eight months. Just a few short weeks later, she became a Supervisor and then had the opportunity to bring the COVID-19 testing back together with the Microbiology Department, which lead to the joint role she occupies today. “A career path in the sciences is all about a thirst for knowledge. There’s always more to learn, more to discover, and more changes on the horizon.” While she may not see patients in person through her work in the laboratory, she considers each specimen a patient and finds the most rewarding part of her job to be providing actionable results that lead to improved outcomes for patients every day.
For Kelsey, it’s not just the lab skills she learned at DeSales that she carries with her. “Of course, there’s the technical skills from a degree in biological sciences like pipetting, reagent preparation, ways to prevent contamination, etc., but there’s also skills in communication, patience, and compassion.” Although her path may have been unpredictable, she encourages the next generation to welcome the unknown. “My advice specifically for students graduating in the sciences is to not be afraid to try new things because there’s more avenues out there for the sciences than I could have even imagined when I graduated.” The embodiment of Salesian values lived out in her career, Kelsey hopes that anyone starting their career will “embrace humility in the workplace and take pride in all of your work, regardless of the task. There is no task that is too big or too small when done in the service of others.”
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science from DeSales, she went on to complete two internships through the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida while working on her Master of Science in Molecular Biology online through Lehigh University. “While my internship had nothing to do with science, I learned invaluable guest service, leadership, and communication skills that propelled me into my future leadership roles.”
Today, Kelsey serves as the Laboratory Supervisor in Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics for St. Luke’s University Health Network. Once she returned to the Lehigh Valley in 2019, she began as a laboratory aide, and after finishing her master’s program, transferred to the COVID-19 Molecular Laboratory where she became Technical Coordinator within eight months. Just a few short weeks later, she became a Supervisor and then had the opportunity to bring the COVID-19 testing back together with the Microbiology Department, which lead to the joint role she occupies today. “A career path in the sciences is all about a thirst for knowledge. There’s always more to learn, more to discover, and more changes on the horizon.” While she may not see patients in person through her work in the laboratory, she considers each specimen a patient and finds the most rewarding part of her job to be providing actionable results that lead to improved outcomes for patients every day.
For Kelsey, it’s not just the lab skills she learned at DeSales that she carries with her. “Of course, there’s the technical skills from a degree in biological sciences like pipetting, reagent preparation, ways to prevent contamination, etc., but there’s also skills in communication, patience, and compassion.” Although her path may have been unpredictable, she encourages the next generation to welcome the unknown. “My advice specifically for students graduating in the sciences is to not be afraid to try new things because there’s more avenues out there for the sciences than I could have even imagined when I graduated.” The embodiment of Salesian values lived out in her career, Kelsey hopes that anyone starting their career will “embrace humility in the workplace and take pride in all of your work, regardless of the task. There is no task that is too big or too small when done in the service of others.”
Campus Connections: Meet Ontaria Kim Wilson, Assistant Professor of Theatre
Ontaria Kim Wilson joined DeSales as an Assistant Professor of Theatre in August of 2025. She earned her BA in Theatre and her MFA in Theatre Directing from Temple University.
Ontaria has worked professionally in the entertainment business for over 35 years as an actor, choreographer, director, and writer. She is a founding member of Rennie Harris Puremovement Hip Hop Theatre Company and has choreographed and toured with recording artists: Gina Thompson, Eve, and Teddy Pendergrass. Ontaria’s work has been performed regionally at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Wilma theatre, Arden Theatre, Theatre Horizon, Theatre Exile, Interact Theatre, Egopo Classic Theatre, Shakespeare In Clark Park, and Recent international exchange: The Ramayana in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (EgoPo Classic Theater, Kalanari Theatre Movement, Papermoon Puppet Theatre).
As a Philadelphia native Ontaria bleeds green “GO BIRDS!” but outside of sports, community is at the heart of who she is. Her motto is, “If God downloaded into your spirit, you have a responsibility to see it through because someone is depending on your YES”.
Ontaria has worked professionally in the entertainment business for over 35 years as an actor, choreographer, director, and writer. She is a founding member of Rennie Harris Puremovement Hip Hop Theatre Company and has choreographed and toured with recording artists: Gina Thompson, Eve, and Teddy Pendergrass. Ontaria’s work has been performed regionally at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Wilma theatre, Arden Theatre, Theatre Horizon, Theatre Exile, Interact Theatre, Egopo Classic Theatre, Shakespeare In Clark Park, and Recent international exchange: The Ramayana in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (EgoPo Classic Theater, Kalanari Theatre Movement, Papermoon Puppet Theatre).
As a Philadelphia native Ontaria bleeds green “GO BIRDS!” but outside of sports, community is at the heart of who she is. Her motto is, “If God downloaded into your spirit, you have a responsibility to see it through because someone is depending on your YES”.
- What has been your favorite part about joining the DeSales community and working closely with our students? I love the community that DeSales fosters. From the moment I stepped foot on to campus I was engulfed in warmth, support, and authentic connection with staff, faculty, and students here at DeSales. The students that I have had the pleasure of teaching and encountering are really the highlight for me. Their desire to grow and their execution of the DeSales motto “Be who you are and be that well” is on full display.
- You’ve worked for many years as a multi-faceted artist in the industry – what excites you about being an educator at this point in your career? I have been afforded many opportunities in the entertainment industry; and in those opportunities there were people who poured into me, mentored me, believed in me, and equipped me with the tools I needed to succeed. Well, it's my turn. It’s been my turn actually. I’ve had a passion for teaching young people for many years. I hope that in all of my sharing they surpass me and create a world that has their stamp on it. I consider it a passing of the torch.
- If you could give one piece of advice to young artists, what would it be? You are enough! You are your own competition! Life is a marathon, take your time and know that all things work together for your good.
Bulldog Buzz: Four Field Hockey Players Named NFHCA Scholars of Distinction
Each year, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) recognizes undergraduate student-athletes and scholastic junior and senior student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.90 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) through the first semester of the current academic year in the Scholars of Distinction program. Four DeSales student-athletes were named to this year’s list – Abigail Antipas, a sophomore Criminal Justice major from Allentown, PA; Morgan Benner, a senior Early Childhood Education major from Coopersburg, PA; Meghan Dahl, a senior Nursing major from Lake Villa, IL; and Sierra Margut, a sophomore Medical Studies major from Lebanon, PA. The NFHCA proudly honored 543 outstanding undergraduate Division III student-athletes on this year’s list. Notably, Meghan Dahl (with a cumulative GPA of 3.93) has received this honor for all four years of her career at DeSales.
DeSales has now had 22 players earn this honor since the 2014 season. This achievement reflects the philosophy of the DeSales Athletics Department, which embraces the concept of the student-athlete and recognizes participation as an integral part of the educational experience. The philosophy reflects the central theme of the University, which is to impart knowledge about, and develop talents for, personal, familial, and societal living.
Congratulations to these four stellar student-athletes on their achievements on the field and in the classroom!
DeSales has now had 22 players earn this honor since the 2014 season. This achievement reflects the philosophy of the DeSales Athletics Department, which embraces the concept of the student-athlete and recognizes participation as an integral part of the educational experience. The philosophy reflects the central theme of the University, which is to impart knowledge about, and develop talents for, personal, familial, and societal living.
Congratulations to these four stellar student-athletes on their achievements on the field and in the classroom!
Bulldog Buzz: A Championship Weekend for the Bulldogs
It was a banner weekend for our DeSales student-athletes! On Friday and Saturday, the Women’s Track and Field team brought home three MAC Championships from the Indoor Championships held at Alvernia University. Sophomore Ellie Kozich finished first in the 5K with the second-best time in team history. Sophomore Brooke Signorella broke the school record in both the long jump and triple jump earning first place in the triple jump. And Sophomore Kay Wiscount broke the school record in by the 400 and 800 meters and finished first in the 800 meters. The entire team earned a fifth place finish overall. AARTFC Championships will take place next weekend at the NY Armory.
On Saturday, the Women’s Basketball team became the 2026 MAC Freedom Champions with a win over Stevens. This is the 13th MAC Freedom championship for the Women’s Basketball team with senior Mikaili Donmoyer earning tournament MVP, and Head Coach Fred Richter reaching his 700th career win. Richter becomes the 13th coach to win 700 career games in NCAA Division III women’s basketball coaching history. The Bulldogs will go on to the NCAA Tournament with their first face off at Ohio Wesleyan on Friday, March 6th.
Congrats to our Bulldogs! And good luck moving forward!
On Saturday, the Women’s Basketball team became the 2026 MAC Freedom Champions with a win over Stevens. This is the 13th MAC Freedom championship for the Women’s Basketball team with senior Mikaili Donmoyer earning tournament MVP, and Head Coach Fred Richter reaching his 700th career win. Richter becomes the 13th coach to win 700 career games in NCAA Division III women’s basketball coaching history. The Bulldogs will go on to the NCAA Tournament with their first face off at Ohio Wesleyan on Friday, March 6th.
Congrats to our Bulldogs! And good luck moving forward!
FEBRUARY 2026
In the News: DeSales Community Celebrates Feast Day with Service Project
In honor of the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, the DeSales University community marked the day by banding together to make a difference for those in need. An annual embodiment of the values of our patron Saint, the Feast Day celebration brings together our University community to impact our larger community.
This year’s service project benefited two neighboring organizations; Bethlehem Emergency Shelter and Lehigh County Conference of Churches. Each organization serves those in need throughout the Lehigh Valley with varied services including shelter, meals, food support, warming centers, and more. In times of increased food insecurity, severe cold, and power outages, service organizations like these continue to be stretched thin.
The afternoon project began with a brief prayer service and a reading from Matthew 25 – "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" – teaching that serving the vulnerable, hungry, or needy is akin to serving Jesus himself. More than 300 DeSales faculty, staff, and students gathered to assemble 600 care packages of non-perishable food or warming bags with everyday essentials that would go on to these organizations for those who are unhoused or needing assistance. In delivering instructions to the group, Executive Director for Community Service and Advocacy Jamie Gerhart shared that a reminder that those gathered were not just completing a task, “we are building community.”
Groups of helpers were assigned to stations where they gathered food items, made sandwiches, assembled bags, and organized finished packages to be shipped to our community partners. “What a rich day to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis de Sales,” shared Fr. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, Chief of Staff & Vice President for Mission. “Since he’s known by the Church as ‘the Doctor of Divine Love,’ we are grateful for the opportunity to show love by serving our neighbor.”
In addition to the service project, the University marked Feast Day with a special Mass, French treats at lunch time in the University Center, and a Senior Soiree.
This year’s service project benefited two neighboring organizations; Bethlehem Emergency Shelter and Lehigh County Conference of Churches. Each organization serves those in need throughout the Lehigh Valley with varied services including shelter, meals, food support, warming centers, and more. In times of increased food insecurity, severe cold, and power outages, service organizations like these continue to be stretched thin.
The afternoon project began with a brief prayer service and a reading from Matthew 25 – "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" – teaching that serving the vulnerable, hungry, or needy is akin to serving Jesus himself. More than 300 DeSales faculty, staff, and students gathered to assemble 600 care packages of non-perishable food or warming bags with everyday essentials that would go on to these organizations for those who are unhoused or needing assistance. In delivering instructions to the group, Executive Director for Community Service and Advocacy Jamie Gerhart shared that a reminder that those gathered were not just completing a task, “we are building community.”
Groups of helpers were assigned to stations where they gathered food items, made sandwiches, assembled bags, and organized finished packages to be shipped to our community partners. “What a rich day to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis de Sales,” shared Fr. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, Chief of Staff & Vice President for Mission. “Since he’s known by the Church as ‘the Doctor of Divine Love,’ we are grateful for the opportunity to show love by serving our neighbor.”
In addition to the service project, the University marked Feast Day with a special Mass, French treats at lunch time in the University Center, and a Senior Soiree.
Salesian Spotlights: Ryan Leadership Institute Students Undertake Senior Service Projects
Now in its twentieth year at DeSales, the Ryan Leadership Institute (RLI) is a uniquely designed two-year initiative to provide students with a program of personal growth and leadership training in the context of Catholic spirituality. The institute emerged in collaboration with the Catholic Leadership Institute in Philadelphia and students are eligible to apply in the final two years of their undergraduate education at DeSales. Members of the Ryan Family Foundation – namely Carolyn, Bill, Chris, and Laurie – established an endowment to honor the founding role in this Institute played by their parents, Jane and Frank Ryan, and to provide a stable financial foundation for its future.
Cohorts are typically 15-20 students who are selected through a nomination and application process. Once chosen, RLI students are required to attend retreats, meet 11 times for BE-IT Year in their first year in the program, and take an active role in a campus organization of some kind — a team, a club, a committee, etc. – as part of their DO-IT (Discovering Opportunities and Implementing Them) Projects completed their final year. The purpose of these service projects is to put into practice the valuable tools that students have learned throughout their RLI journey and to make a positive, lasting impact on their community.
Each year, RLI holds an Alumni & Family Dinner where current students gather with program alumni and the Ryan Family to present progress on their DO-IT projects. At this year’s dinner, held on January 11th, RLI students reported on these projects, both completed and upcoming. Among them were Joyce Hanna’s “One Voice” project – a unity-based initiative that included a worship night held on campus at the beginning of December as well as a service project in Egypt, where Joyce educated children in underserved church communities about exercise, healthy diets, and dangers of smoking. Jac Cuozzo, a member of Student Government Association, paired with Colleges Against Cancer for a Christmas Card making night to spread holiday cheer to those in local hospital oncology units. Mary Frances McNulty hosted a leadership panel discussion with the Deans of DeSales’ four schools/colleges, and also established a Youth Leadership Award in her hometown of Doylestown, PA which recognized youth in her local community who have made a positive impact.
Evan Colburn, an Executive Member of Colleges Against Cancer on DeSales’ campus, is setting out to raise over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society and organizing the “Relay for Life” on campus in late April. Banding together to make an impact, Mary McAleer, Adam Perone, and Maggie Evans are partnering with the Mercy School for Special Learning. Their initiative “Mind in Motion” is designed for adolescents with cognitive and physical disabilities and will use movement, technology, and calming strategies to reduce anxiety while encouraging participation, fitness, and connection.
These are just a selection of the impressive projects undertaken by the students in the RLI program that they will complete during their senior year. Through hands-on opportunities like this, students are able to gain practical experience while embodying the faith-based Salesian values in representation of our University community throughout the world.
Cohorts are typically 15-20 students who are selected through a nomination and application process. Once chosen, RLI students are required to attend retreats, meet 11 times for BE-IT Year in their first year in the program, and take an active role in a campus organization of some kind — a team, a club, a committee, etc. – as part of their DO-IT (Discovering Opportunities and Implementing Them) Projects completed their final year. The purpose of these service projects is to put into practice the valuable tools that students have learned throughout their RLI journey and to make a positive, lasting impact on their community.
Each year, RLI holds an Alumni & Family Dinner where current students gather with program alumni and the Ryan Family to present progress on their DO-IT projects. At this year’s dinner, held on January 11th, RLI students reported on these projects, both completed and upcoming. Among them were Joyce Hanna’s “One Voice” project – a unity-based initiative that included a worship night held on campus at the beginning of December as well as a service project in Egypt, where Joyce educated children in underserved church communities about exercise, healthy diets, and dangers of smoking. Jac Cuozzo, a member of Student Government Association, paired with Colleges Against Cancer for a Christmas Card making night to spread holiday cheer to those in local hospital oncology units. Mary Frances McNulty hosted a leadership panel discussion with the Deans of DeSales’ four schools/colleges, and also established a Youth Leadership Award in her hometown of Doylestown, PA which recognized youth in her local community who have made a positive impact.
Evan Colburn, an Executive Member of Colleges Against Cancer on DeSales’ campus, is setting out to raise over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society and organizing the “Relay for Life” on campus in late April. Banding together to make an impact, Mary McAleer, Adam Perone, and Maggie Evans are partnering with the Mercy School for Special Learning. Their initiative “Mind in Motion” is designed for adolescents with cognitive and physical disabilities and will use movement, technology, and calming strategies to reduce anxiety while encouraging participation, fitness, and connection.
These are just a selection of the impressive projects undertaken by the students in the RLI program that they will complete during their senior year. Through hands-on opportunities like this, students are able to gain practical experience while embodying the faith-based Salesian values in representation of our University community throughout the world.
- Bobby Dingell – Best Buddies Campus-Wide Pickleball Tournament
Bobby organized and executed a campus-wide Pickleball tournament in the fall to raise money for Best Buddies on campus. Best Buddies’ mission is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The tournament raised over $800 for the Best Buddies DeSales Student Organization. - Grace Lawrence – Native Plant Initiative
Grace is focusing on sustainability and wildlife with her DO-IT project. She is educating the Lehigh Valley, namely Allentown, about the benefits on the ecosystem and planet of planting native plants. - Braeden DeGrazia – Oblate Prayer Night
Breaden’s project will be organizing a “prayer service night” for the retired Oblates of St. Francis de Sales living in Childs, MD.
Salesian Spotlights: There’s Still Time to Join Women for DeSales
There’s still time to become part of Women for DeSales in our current funding year!
Women for DeSales is a philanthropic giving circle of special interest to women with a passion for higher education and a love for the DeSales University community. Launched in 2016, this group seeks to fund innovative programming and projects at DeSales University that typically exceed or do not fall under department or student organization budgets.
On Friday, March 6, 2026, members of Women for DeSales will gather in our conference center as over a dozen campus partners present projects for the next fiscal year for which they are seeking funding. Women for DeSales members will then vote on the initiatives they’d like to fund this year—making a direct impact on our university community!
For the first time, we’re inviting young alumni (graduates from 2016–2025) to join this inspiring group with a gift of $500 or more. Alumni who graduated before 2016 and community members are welcome to join with a gift of $1,000 or more.
Your involvement helps shape the future of DeSales and our students. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!
For more information, please contact Carrie Gradin, Director of Annual Giving, carrie.gradin@desales.edu or 610-282-1100 x2556.
Exciting Projects that were Funded through Women for DeSales in the 2025-2026 Academic Year:
Women for DeSales is a philanthropic giving circle of special interest to women with a passion for higher education and a love for the DeSales University community. Launched in 2016, this group seeks to fund innovative programming and projects at DeSales University that typically exceed or do not fall under department or student organization budgets.
On Friday, March 6, 2026, members of Women for DeSales will gather in our conference center as over a dozen campus partners present projects for the next fiscal year for which they are seeking funding. Women for DeSales members will then vote on the initiatives they’d like to fund this year—making a direct impact on our university community!
For the first time, we’re inviting young alumni (graduates from 2016–2025) to join this inspiring group with a gift of $500 or more. Alumni who graduated before 2016 and community members are welcome to join with a gift of $1,000 or more.
Your involvement helps shape the future of DeSales and our students. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference!
For more information, please contact Carrie Gradin, Director of Annual Giving, carrie.gradin@desales.edu or 610-282-1100 x2556.
Exciting Projects that were Funded through Women for DeSales in the 2025-2026 Academic Year:
- Knock Out Parkinson’s – Support a unique boxing program led by Doctor of Physical Therapy students to improve wellness for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
- Opening Doors to Medicine – Provide MCAT preparation funding for aspiring medical students, helping them take the next step toward their dreams of helping others.
- Launching Careers – Offering a summer internship stipend that give students hands-on experience and a competitive edge in their fields.
- CARE Grants – Deliver emergency financial assistance to students in need, including vital support for our on-campus food pantry.
- Innovating Healthcare Education – Enhance training with advanced tube-feeding simulators, ensuring future healthcare professionals are prepared for real-world challenges.
- Empowering First-Generation Students – Fund events and workshops that build confidence and community for those blazing new trails in higher education.
- Expanding Horizons – Make life-changing travel experiences possible, from Ireland and Rome to California and the Southwest.
- Cultivating Empathy in Healthcare – Bring senior citizens to campus to work directly with students, fostering compassionate and patient-centered care.
Campus Connections: Meet Ron Spaide, Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President of Information Technology
Ron Spaide joined DeSales University in January 2026 as the new Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President of Information Technology. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Technical Management from DeVry University.
Ron spent the last eight years as the Chief Information Officer at Bergen Community College. He was a member of the President’s Cabinet and was responsible for all Information Technology operations, infrastructure, technology strategy and planning, and project/program management. Prior to joining Bergen in 2018, Ron served as the senior vice president and chief information officer at The Institutes, a nonprofit training and risk management organization. He also worked at various institutions of higher education for more than 20 years.
Ron resides in Havertown, PA with his wife, Lolly, their son, Ron, and daughter, Brianna. Ron is a very passionate Philly sports fan who loves the Eagles and Phillies, attending many sporting events every year, and playing golf.
Ron spent the last eight years as the Chief Information Officer at Bergen Community College. He was a member of the President’s Cabinet and was responsible for all Information Technology operations, infrastructure, technology strategy and planning, and project/program management. Prior to joining Bergen in 2018, Ron served as the senior vice president and chief information officer at The Institutes, a nonprofit training and risk management organization. He also worked at various institutions of higher education for more than 20 years.
Ron resides in Havertown, PA with his wife, Lolly, their son, Ron, and daughter, Brianna. Ron is a very passionate Philly sports fan who loves the Eagles and Phillies, attending many sporting events every year, and playing golf.
- You’ve worked in information technology in educational settings for many years. What is exciting to you about serving a University campus like DeSales? I am very excited to be here at DeSales especially at this time with the new Strategic Plan which began last year. There are many opportunities throughout the plan to leverage technology and continue the University’s digital transformation to improve student experiences, streamline processes through automation, support faculty in teaching and research, and the use and support of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Is there advice you got from a teacher or mentor that you still remember today? Always treat people with respect. Be kind. Be humble. Constantly be open to learn. My parents instilled this in me and it has shaped the way I lead others, reminding me to stay grounded, listen first, and value every person I work with.
- What’s your philosophy for leading a team, especially one where problem solving is so important? Working closely together as a team is critically important in both solving issues/challenges and creating opportunities. I want to create an environment of trust, open communication, and shared ownership amongst each team member. When problem solving is critical, I encourage diverse perspectives and make sure everyone feels safe to speak up and challenge ideas. By supporting collaboration and continuous improvement, the team is able to solve complex problems more effectively and confidently.
Bulldog Buzz: Men’s and Women’s Basketball Celebrate Alumni Day
On Saturday, January 31st, the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams both celebrated Alumni Day during back-to-back games in Billera Hall. More than 200 alumni joined in the festivities to cheer on the Bulldogs against Delaware Valley University. The 1989-1990 Allentown College Centaurs Men's Basketball Team were honored at halftime of the Men's Basketball game. Coach Jim Hutnik, Neale Boyle '89, Bill Gardiner '90, Stephen Van Natten '90, Frank Yasunas '92, Larry Lowry '91, and Dennis Csensits '91 represented the trailblazing team. Alumni enjoyed food and fellowship together throughout the day while watching both teams emerge victorious in their matchups. The men’s basketball team donned their throwback Allentown College uniforms to honor the Centaurs from decades past. After the games, men’s basketball alumni gathered in the O’Connor Commons of the DeSales University Center for refreshments and the presentation of an award to the members present from the 1989-1990 team.
The athletic department also observed Mental Health Awareness Week during that day’s games through a partnership with the DeSales chapter of Active Minds. Student athletes spoke to the importance of mental health care in sports and wore “Human > Athlete” warm-up t-shirts prior to the game. More information on mental health awareness was available throughout Billera that day.
The athletic department also observed Mental Health Awareness Week during that day’s games through a partnership with the DeSales chapter of Active Minds. Student athletes spoke to the importance of mental health care in sports and wore “Human > Athlete” warm-up t-shirts prior to the game. More information on mental health awareness was available throughout Billera that day.
JANUARY 2026
In the News: “Tales from DeSales” Podcast Launches with First Episode
“Tales from DeSales” is an in-studio conversation series hosted by President Fr. Jim Greenfield, OSFS '84. Each episode features thoughtful interviews with DeSales alumni and notable leaders from the Lehigh Valley, exploring their personal journeys, professional paths, and the experiences that have shaped their lives and leadership. The show offers meaningful insight into the impact of a DeSales education and the stories that continue to strengthen the University’s extended community.
In Episode 1, Fr. Jim sits down with Tom Shirley, who has a long history with DeSales University. Tom Shirley served as the Director of Athletics and Head Women's Basketball Coach from 1981-89. He garnered a 148-73 (.670) winning percentage in his eight years as the women's basketball coach and was the first coach to guide a DeSales team to the NCAA Tournament when his women's basketball team advanced to the "Big Dance" in 1988-89. Overall, he won 20+ games six times, was named NAIA District 19 Coach of the Year four times and was honored as the National Coach of the Year in 1986-87.
You can watch the interview on YouTube or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
In Episode 1, Fr. Jim sits down with Tom Shirley, who has a long history with DeSales University. Tom Shirley served as the Director of Athletics and Head Women's Basketball Coach from 1981-89. He garnered a 148-73 (.670) winning percentage in his eight years as the women's basketball coach and was the first coach to guide a DeSales team to the NCAA Tournament when his women's basketball team advanced to the "Big Dance" in 1988-89. Overall, he won 20+ games six times, was named NAIA District 19 Coach of the Year four times and was honored as the National Coach of the Year in 1986-87.
You can watch the interview on YouTube or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
In the News: Hit the Road with “Bulldogs in the Buggy”
“Bulldogs in the Buggy” takes the show on the road...literally! Each episode of this new podcast begins with a drive around campus, visiting a student guest’s favorite spot, followed by an in-studio conversation. Hosted by DeSales University President Fr. Jim Greenfield, the show features candid, unscripted conversations as students share their personal journeys to DeSales, their academic and personal growth, and the moments that have shaped their experience as Bulldogs. Designed for prospective students, families, alumni, and friends of the University, the show offers an authentic look at the people, values, and purpose at the heart of the DeSales community.
In Episode 1, Fr. Jim takes our first guest, senior and student body president Bobby Dingell, to Bobby's favorite place on campus and learns about what it means to be a Bulldog from a student perspective.
You can watch the first ride on YouTube or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
In Episode 1, Fr. Jim takes our first guest, senior and student body president Bobby Dingell, to Bobby's favorite place on campus and learns about what it means to be a Bulldog from a student perspective.
You can watch the first ride on YouTube or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Salesian Spotlights: Get Involved! Join the Alumni Volunteer Network!
DeSales Office of Alumni Relations is excited to introduce the Alumni Volunteer Network, which brings together alumni and friends of DeSales who are passionate about sharing their time and talents while staying connected to the University and supporting its mission. Rooted in service, connection, and collaboration, this program offers meaningful opportunities to stay engaged with DeSales and make a positive contribution to our community. Through shared experiences and ongoing involvement, members help shape the future of DeSales while celebrating the spirit that connects us all.
Volunteers who join the Network can make an impact and help strengthen the DeSales community. Opportunities include supporting alumni events and programs, assisting with special on-campus projects, serving as an ambassador to their region, and being a part of initiatives that matter. The commitment is flexible, allowing volunteers to choose when and how to get involved. The Alumni Volunteer Network will meet a few times virtually to share plans and information, making it easy to participate from anywhere. Interested volunteers should be: a DeSales graduate or someone affiliated with the University, such as a friend, parent, or supporter; enthusiastic about promoting the values and mission of DeSales; able to participate in events and activities throughout the year; able to stay in touch and informed via email and attend quarterly virtual meetings.
Interested volunteers can use our online form to apply. For questions, please contact Melissa Ciment, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at melissa.ciment@desales.edu or 610-282-1100 x1899.
Volunteers who join the Network can make an impact and help strengthen the DeSales community. Opportunities include supporting alumni events and programs, assisting with special on-campus projects, serving as an ambassador to their region, and being a part of initiatives that matter. The commitment is flexible, allowing volunteers to choose when and how to get involved. The Alumni Volunteer Network will meet a few times virtually to share plans and information, making it easy to participate from anywhere. Interested volunteers should be: a DeSales graduate or someone affiliated with the University, such as a friend, parent, or supporter; enthusiastic about promoting the values and mission of DeSales; able to participate in events and activities throughout the year; able to stay in touch and informed via email and attend quarterly virtual meetings.
Interested volunteers can use our online form to apply. For questions, please contact Melissa Ciment, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at melissa.ciment@desales.edu or 610-282-1100 x1899.
Salesian Spotlights: Submissions are Open for Calliope Volume 4
A single page can hold a memory. A poem can capture a season. A photograph can tell a story without words. The DeSales University Creative Writing Club is currently preparing Calliope Volume 4 (formerly Weal) and invite all alumni to submit original work for this spring’s literary arts magazine. Published each spring, Calliope showcases a wide range of creative work, including short stories, poems, essays, scripts, photography, and visual art. Submissions are open to all members of the DeSales community—alumni, current students, faculty, and staff.
You can participate by submitting written pieces of up to five pages, as well as original artwork or photography. Submissions will be accepted through February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. All submissions will be reviewed by the Creative Writing Club and Discourse to ensure each piece aligns with Calliope’s guidelines. If needed, feedback or suggestions for minor edits will be provided.
Submissions can be sent to AA7256@desales.edu and wk3633@desales.edu with “Vol. 4 Submissions” in the subject line.
You can participate by submitting written pieces of up to five pages, as well as original artwork or photography. Submissions will be accepted through February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. All submissions will be reviewed by the Creative Writing Club and Discourse to ensure each piece aligns with Calliope’s guidelines. If needed, feedback or suggestions for minor edits will be provided.
Submissions can be sent to AA7256@desales.edu and wk3633@desales.edu with “Vol. 4 Submissions” in the subject line.
Campus Connections: Meet Ted Kocher, Major Gifts Officer
Ted Kocher joined the University Advancement team in July as a Major Gifts Officer. He earned his BA in Communications from The University of Findlay.
With more than 33 years of experience spanning fundraising and financial services, Ted partners with alumni, parents, and friends who wish to make meaningful and lasting gifts to DeSales University. His career includes work across nearly every area of advancement, including alumni relations, annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving. In addition, Ted brings experience from the financial sector, having worked as a financial advisor—providing him with a strong foundation in helping donors align their philanthropic goals with their personal values.
Originally from outside Cleveland, Ohio, Ted proudly maintains his lifelong loyalty to the Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Outside of work, he enjoys being outdoors—especially golfing—and spending time with his wife and two adult children.
With more than 33 years of experience spanning fundraising and financial services, Ted partners with alumni, parents, and friends who wish to make meaningful and lasting gifts to DeSales University. His career includes work across nearly every area of advancement, including alumni relations, annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving. In addition, Ted brings experience from the financial sector, having worked as a financial advisor—providing him with a strong foundation in helping donors align their philanthropic goals with their personal values.
Originally from outside Cleveland, Ohio, Ted proudly maintains his lifelong loyalty to the Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Outside of work, he enjoys being outdoors—especially golfing—and spending time with his wife and two adult children.
- What is your favorite part of getting to work with alumni and donors? I most enjoy meeting with individuals who are passionate about supporting a cause that is meaningful to them. Hearing their personal stories—and understanding why a particular charitable interest matters to them—is incredibly rewarding. Having spent most of my career in higher education, I’m always struck by how professors, mentors, and campus leaders shaped students early in their lives in ways that still resonate decades after graduation. Connecting those formative experiences to the success they later achieved, and ultimately to their desire to give back and support today’s students, is the most fulfilling part of my work.
- What has surprised you most about the DeSales community over the past few months since you started? What has stood out to me most is how genuinely warm and welcoming the DeSales community has been. From my colleagues in Advancement to faculty and staff across campus, I’ve encountered people who truly care—not only about their work, but about one another and, most importantly, about the students they serve.
- What’s the most important lesson you learned in college that you still carry with you today? As a first-generation college student, I loved every part of my undergraduate experience. One lesson that has stayed with me came from being “forced” to take courses outside my major. An astronomy class, in particular, opened my eyes to how vast and remarkable the universe truly is. That experience taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone, staying curious, and remaining open to learning new things—lessons that continue to shape how I approach both my career and life.
Bulldog Buzz: DeSales Dance Team to Perform in 76ers Pre-Show
From Center Valley to the NBA! Our very own DeSales Dance Team will be part of the pre-show performance prior to the Philadelphia 76ers game on January 29th at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. If you happen to be in the area and looking to check out a game, this is a great chance to see our Bulldogs showing off their skills and hyping up the crowd. Congrats to the Dance Team on all their hard work, and for this special opportunity to represent DeSales University on a larger stage while spreading their Bulldog pride. Stay tuned to our social media channels and follow the Dance Team (@desalesdanceteam) to catch photos and videos of their performance that night. Good luck to our Dance Team, and Go Bulldogs!
DECEMBER 2025
Salesian Spotlights: Chris Mecleary M’23 Connects Passion and Skill to Strategic Thinking
After obtaining his bachelor’s at Penn State University, Chris Mecleary M’23 began his career in the aerospace and space metals industry working in sales. Over the course of ten years, he advanced to a Senior Sales Leader role, managing relationships with some of the world’s most innovative organizations, including NASA, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. It was during that time that he earned his MBA from DeSales University, which gave him the foundation and confidence to make a major career shift. Today, he serves as the Vice President of Strategic Growth at Liquid, a Marketing, Creative, and Technology company, where he focuses on driving meaningful partnerships and helping businesses evolve through innovative strategies.
“I’m really passionate about people - the connections we make, the teams we build, and the collaboration that drives real progress,” Mecleary shares. “My career path has led me to the leadership team of a prominent company in the Lehigh Valley, and it’s given me a deeper appreciation for how business growth and human connection go hand in hand. I’ve learned that success comes from empathy, communication, and shared purpose.” At this point in his career, he finds it most rewarding to be able to take everything he has learned over the years and use it to mentor others, contribute to high-level discussions, and help guide the strategic direction of the company.
Mecleary credits his time at DeSales with strengthening many of the core skills that he relies on daily, like strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, ethical leadership, and effective communication. “I always knew I wanted to pursue an MBA, and I have to give a shout-out to a great mentor and former boss, Mike Hiller. He was an MBA alumnus from DeSales and encouraged me to explore the program when I shared my goals with him. I was already familiar with DeSales and had always regarded it as an institution with strong values and a great reputation. His encouragement, combined with the school’s culture and focus on leadership, made it the perfect fit for me.”
Mecleary’s advice to current students is to “stay curious, stay connected, and never stop learning.” He shares that while an MBA gives graduates a toolkit for success, it’s more about how you use it, and who you stay connected with, that truly defines your path. “Keep in touch with your classmates, professors, and anyone you meet along the way. You never know when those relationships will lead to new opportunities, great friendships, or even business partnerships down the road. Most importantly, approach every challenge as a chance to grow, both professionally and personally!”
“I’m really passionate about people - the connections we make, the teams we build, and the collaboration that drives real progress,” Mecleary shares. “My career path has led me to the leadership team of a prominent company in the Lehigh Valley, and it’s given me a deeper appreciation for how business growth and human connection go hand in hand. I’ve learned that success comes from empathy, communication, and shared purpose.” At this point in his career, he finds it most rewarding to be able to take everything he has learned over the years and use it to mentor others, contribute to high-level discussions, and help guide the strategic direction of the company.
Mecleary credits his time at DeSales with strengthening many of the core skills that he relies on daily, like strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, ethical leadership, and effective communication. “I always knew I wanted to pursue an MBA, and I have to give a shout-out to a great mentor and former boss, Mike Hiller. He was an MBA alumnus from DeSales and encouraged me to explore the program when I shared my goals with him. I was already familiar with DeSales and had always regarded it as an institution with strong values and a great reputation. His encouragement, combined with the school’s culture and focus on leadership, made it the perfect fit for me.”
Mecleary’s advice to current students is to “stay curious, stay connected, and never stop learning.” He shares that while an MBA gives graduates a toolkit for success, it’s more about how you use it, and who you stay connected with, that truly defines your path. “Keep in touch with your classmates, professors, and anyone you meet along the way. You never know when those relationships will lead to new opportunities, great friendships, or even business partnerships down the road. Most importantly, approach every challenge as a chance to grow, both professionally and personally!”
Salesian Spotlights: Jessica Bedford ’05 Brings Acclaimed Play Home to DeSales Campus
It was back in 2017 that Jessica Bedford ’05 and three of her fellow theater makers in Philadelphia began brainstorming a script that would eventually travel around the globe and lead her back to her artistic home. At the start, the writing process consisted of wine and lots of laughter alongside her co-writers Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast, and Meghan Winch who all shared a love for Jane Austen’s works and an incisive sense of humor able to lovingly send up the tropes of her stories. Out of this collaboration was born The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged – a fast-paced romp for the stage that tasks three actors with satirizing and adapting some of the greatest tales in the English language with modern jokes and updated retellings.
Bedford, who also serves as an assistant professor in the DeSales theatre department and artistic director of the Act 1 theatre productions, recalls her love of these stories reaching all the way back to her youth. “I was the type of student who really enjoyed doing homework, so by the time I reached study hall periods, I had nothing to do. I decided to start reading all the books that weren’t already on our reading list,” she shares. This led her to Jane Austen’s works where she recalls, “I had never seen myself to that extent in something I had read before.”
What began as a project that Bedford couldn’t be sure would resonate with an audience who may or may not be as passionate “Janeites” as she was, became a local sensation. The original staging at Tiny Dynamite, a Philadelphia theatre company, in 2019 was remounted multiple times by popular demand. It wasn't long before many other theatres nationally began to take notice. The writing team licensed the script to companies all over the United States in the coming years and were even invited to do a reading for the Jane Austen Society of North America.
The widespread popularity of the light-hearted satire led to its first international production in 2024. Bedford was lucky enough to witness this staging at the Alma Tavern Theatre based in Bristol, UK, which she admits to having some nervousness about. “I mean, Jane Austen is on their currency over there, and there I was, an American who had co-written this comedic take on those classic stories. I had no idea how it would be received.” Not only did the British audience love it, the company still tours a version of that staging. Not long after their first international production, the writing team had their play published, with a book signing, reading, and Q&A at The Drama Book Shop in New York City, a mecca for theatrical literature.
This summer, the work of Bedford and her collaborators comes full circle with a production of The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF), the resident theatre company at DeSales University, in their 2026 summer season. This will be her first time directing the show. “It means a lot. PSF and DeSales are my artistic home. I trained here, I was an actor here, I was a director here, and now I get to be a writer here.” Along with the production in Center Valley, theatre companies across the country still continue to stage the comedic script by Bedford and her collaborators, delighting audiences with Jane Austen’s works more than two centuries after their genesis.
Bedford, who also serves as an assistant professor in the DeSales theatre department and artistic director of the Act 1 theatre productions, recalls her love of these stories reaching all the way back to her youth. “I was the type of student who really enjoyed doing homework, so by the time I reached study hall periods, I had nothing to do. I decided to start reading all the books that weren’t already on our reading list,” she shares. This led her to Jane Austen’s works where she recalls, “I had never seen myself to that extent in something I had read before.”
What began as a project that Bedford couldn’t be sure would resonate with an audience who may or may not be as passionate “Janeites” as she was, became a local sensation. The original staging at Tiny Dynamite, a Philadelphia theatre company, in 2019 was remounted multiple times by popular demand. It wasn't long before many other theatres nationally began to take notice. The writing team licensed the script to companies all over the United States in the coming years and were even invited to do a reading for the Jane Austen Society of North America.
The widespread popularity of the light-hearted satire led to its first international production in 2024. Bedford was lucky enough to witness this staging at the Alma Tavern Theatre based in Bristol, UK, which she admits to having some nervousness about. “I mean, Jane Austen is on their currency over there, and there I was, an American who had co-written this comedic take on those classic stories. I had no idea how it would be received.” Not only did the British audience love it, the company still tours a version of that staging. Not long after their first international production, the writing team had their play published, with a book signing, reading, and Q&A at The Drama Book Shop in New York City, a mecca for theatrical literature.
This summer, the work of Bedford and her collaborators comes full circle with a production of The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF), the resident theatre company at DeSales University, in their 2026 summer season. This will be her first time directing the show. “It means a lot. PSF and DeSales are my artistic home. I trained here, I was an actor here, I was a director here, and now I get to be a writer here.” Along with the production in Center Valley, theatre companies across the country still continue to stage the comedic script by Bedford and her collaborators, delighting audiences with Jane Austen’s works more than two centuries after their genesis.
Campus Connections: Meet Dr. Joshua Schulz, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program
Dr. Joshua Schulz has taught at DeSales since 2009. His research is in the area of normative and applied ethics in the Thomistic-Aristotelian Catholic tradition, focused on Bioethics, Technology Ethics, and Political Philosophy. He has published in the American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly, the Linacre Quarterly, Religious Studies, Global Ethics, and The New Atlantis, among others.
Dr. Schulz is a certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant through the American Society of Bioethics and Humanities and works as a Clinical Ethics Consultant and co-chair of the Ethics Committee at Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Dr. Schulz recently became the director of the Tony and Norene Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program, a transformational course of study for DeSales students. Made possible by the generous support of Tony Salvaggio in honor of his late wife, Norene, the program provides fifteen gifted students per cohort the opportunity to engage in advanced seminars, community service, and a plethora of unique experiential learning opportunities like spiritual retreats, public debates, research projects, field trips, and more.
Dr. Schulz is a certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant through the American Society of Bioethics and Humanities and works as a Clinical Ethics Consultant and co-chair of the Ethics Committee at Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Dr. Schulz recently became the director of the Tony and Norene Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program, a transformational course of study for DeSales students. Made possible by the generous support of Tony Salvaggio in honor of his late wife, Norene, the program provides fifteen gifted students per cohort the opportunity to engage in advanced seminars, community service, and a plethora of unique experiential learning opportunities like spiritual retreats, public debates, research projects, field trips, and more.
- What’s something you enjoy about teaching that you didn’t expect to? The passion and creativity of our students. They are constantly surprising me with their interests, talents, and ideas.
- What’s your favorite part of working with the students in the Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program? What sets the students in the Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program apart is their willingness to stretch outside their comfort zones. I’ve put them in some very uncomfortable situations—e.g., eating fried crickets in Mexico City, debating climate change in front of judges, hiking through NYC in the rain on the way to the MET, presenting research in front of students from other universities. They really step up to engage with these activities! They are often surprised not only by how much fun they have, but by the friends they make along the way and their own personal growth.
- If you could give one piece of advice to yourself in your undergraduate years, what would it be? Read, read, read! This is the only way to get smart. Your mind is a sponge at this age, and the books you read now will stay with you and shape you for the rest of your life. Also: take the opportunity to study abroad. Once you’ve had real Italian tomatoes, there’s no going back.
Bulldog Buzz: Two DSU Student-Athletes Compete at the NCAA Cross Country Championships
DeSales University was represented by two distinguished student-athletes, sophomore Ellie Kozich and junior Joey Wilson, at this year’s NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships in Spartansburg, SC on Saturday, November 20th.
Just a week earlier Kozich placed fourth individually leading the women's cross country team to a 12th place finish at the NCAA Division III Metro Region Championships. She placed fourth for the second straight year, finishing the 8K course in a time of 21:21.3. She also earned All-Region honors finishing among the top 35 runners.
At the National Championships, Kozich had an outstanding showing posting a time of 22:29.1 to finish 70th out of 290 runners. It was the eighth best finish at the National Championships for a women's cross country runner, bettering her performance last year by 114 spots. It was the 12th time DeSales sent a runner to the NCAA Division III National Championships as an individual runner and Ellie was the fourth person to earn a spot at Nationals as an individual more than once, joining Beth Dauer ’17, Gina Lucrezi ’05, and Veronica Wheeler ’18.
Wilson placed eighth overall leading the men's cross country team to a tie for sixth place at the NCAA Division III Metro Region Championships. This marks the fifth straight year the Bulldogs have finished inside the top eight at the Metro Region Championships. This is the eighth time a runner has advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championships and the first since the 2023 season when Shane Artis ’24 advanced for the second time.
Wilson earned All-Region honors with his eighth place finish, finishing in a time of 24:49.3 to lead the Bulldogs. His time was a personal record and is the top time for a Bulldog at the Regional Championships. At the National Championships in the men's 8k race, he crossed the line in 223rd place overall, with a final time of 26:11.2. Joey was the fifth runner to represent DeSales at Nationals, recording the fifth best finish at the Championships.
Congrats to these exceptional student-athletes on their impressive accomplishments!
Just a week earlier Kozich placed fourth individually leading the women's cross country team to a 12th place finish at the NCAA Division III Metro Region Championships. She placed fourth for the second straight year, finishing the 8K course in a time of 21:21.3. She also earned All-Region honors finishing among the top 35 runners.
At the National Championships, Kozich had an outstanding showing posting a time of 22:29.1 to finish 70th out of 290 runners. It was the eighth best finish at the National Championships for a women's cross country runner, bettering her performance last year by 114 spots. It was the 12th time DeSales sent a runner to the NCAA Division III National Championships as an individual runner and Ellie was the fourth person to earn a spot at Nationals as an individual more than once, joining Beth Dauer ’17, Gina Lucrezi ’05, and Veronica Wheeler ’18.
Wilson placed eighth overall leading the men's cross country team to a tie for sixth place at the NCAA Division III Metro Region Championships. This marks the fifth straight year the Bulldogs have finished inside the top eight at the Metro Region Championships. This is the eighth time a runner has advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championships and the first since the 2023 season when Shane Artis ’24 advanced for the second time.
Wilson earned All-Region honors with his eighth place finish, finishing in a time of 24:49.3 to lead the Bulldogs. His time was a personal record and is the top time for a Bulldog at the Regional Championships. At the National Championships in the men's 8k race, he crossed the line in 223rd place overall, with a final time of 26:11.2. Joey was the fifth runner to represent DeSales at Nationals, recording the fifth best finish at the Championships.
Congrats to these exceptional student-athletes on their impressive accomplishments!
NOVEMBER 2025
Salesian Spotlights: DeSales University Veterans Day Ceremony — Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Shared Purpose
Veterans Day at DeSales University is more than a ceremony—it is a living expression of our Catholic, Salesian mission to serve with faith, humility, and gratitude. Each year, students, faculty, alumni, and community partners gather to honor those who have served and to remember those who continue to serve our nation.
At DeSales, Veterans Day also provides a special opportunity to honor, thank, and recognize our student veterans, faculty, and staff members who have served in the Armed Forces. Their leadership, experience, and commitment to service enrich our university community every day. DeSales is proud to be home to an active chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA), whose members exemplify perseverance, camaraderie, and servant leadership in both their studies and campus involvement.
This year’s ceremony will take place on November 11 at 11 a.m. in the DeSales University Center. One of the guest speakers featured will be Sgt. Dr. Ben Iobst ‘15, a DeSales alumnus and Allentown Police Department Sergeant, who saved a man’s life in 2022 during a rooftop crisis—an act that earned him recognition as a First Responder Veteran Hero. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iobst now leads the department’s Crisis Intervention Team and co-founded the Lehigh Valley Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Officers’ Wellness Group. Dr. Iobst is also the author of Restoring the Warrior: A Guide to Veteran and First Responder Wellness (Second Edition, 2025), a comprehensive manual offering practical strategies for physical, mental, and spiritual recovery. The book introduces a framework for Tribe of the Restored Warrior Meetings—peer-led groups centered on connection, accountability, and growth—and includes weekly reflections from veterans and first responders. It stands as both a guide and a call to action: proof that warriors are not broken, but changed—and that through faith, community, and purpose, healing and growth are possible.
The ceremony will also honor the late Coach John Compardo Sr., a World War II Navy veteran and the first athletic director of Allentown College/DeSales University. The program will also feature additional speakers, the awarding of Veterans scholarships to current DeSales students, a flag folding ceremony, the POW MIA Empty Chair presentation, music from the Southern Lehigh AHS Band, and an invocation from DeSales faculty member Fr. Doug Burns, a Navy veteran.
The DeSales Veterans Day Ceremony is a living demonstration of how education, faith, and service unite generations. Each participant, student, veteran, faculty, staff, alumae, and community leader represents a generation guided by faith and united by purpose. Together, they embody Pope Leo XIV’s call that “educational communities guided by Christ do not build walls, but bridges.”
At DeSales, Veterans Day is where service meets gratitude, where faith and education intertwine, and where generations come together to honor, remember, and relaunch, building bridges of hope for the future.
At DeSales, Veterans Day also provides a special opportunity to honor, thank, and recognize our student veterans, faculty, and staff members who have served in the Armed Forces. Their leadership, experience, and commitment to service enrich our university community every day. DeSales is proud to be home to an active chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA), whose members exemplify perseverance, camaraderie, and servant leadership in both their studies and campus involvement.
This year’s ceremony will take place on November 11 at 11 a.m. in the DeSales University Center. One of the guest speakers featured will be Sgt. Dr. Ben Iobst ‘15, a DeSales alumnus and Allentown Police Department Sergeant, who saved a man’s life in 2022 during a rooftop crisis—an act that earned him recognition as a First Responder Veteran Hero. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iobst now leads the department’s Crisis Intervention Team and co-founded the Lehigh Valley Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Officers’ Wellness Group. Dr. Iobst is also the author of Restoring the Warrior: A Guide to Veteran and First Responder Wellness (Second Edition, 2025), a comprehensive manual offering practical strategies for physical, mental, and spiritual recovery. The book introduces a framework for Tribe of the Restored Warrior Meetings—peer-led groups centered on connection, accountability, and growth—and includes weekly reflections from veterans and first responders. It stands as both a guide and a call to action: proof that warriors are not broken, but changed—and that through faith, community, and purpose, healing and growth are possible.
The ceremony will also honor the late Coach John Compardo Sr., a World War II Navy veteran and the first athletic director of Allentown College/DeSales University. The program will also feature additional speakers, the awarding of Veterans scholarships to current DeSales students, a flag folding ceremony, the POW MIA Empty Chair presentation, music from the Southern Lehigh AHS Band, and an invocation from DeSales faculty member Fr. Doug Burns, a Navy veteran.
The DeSales Veterans Day Ceremony is a living demonstration of how education, faith, and service unite generations. Each participant, student, veteran, faculty, staff, alumae, and community leader represents a generation guided by faith and united by purpose. Together, they embody Pope Leo XIV’s call that “educational communities guided by Christ do not build walls, but bridges.”
At DeSales, Veterans Day is where service meets gratitude, where faith and education intertwine, and where generations come together to honor, remember, and relaunch, building bridges of hope for the future.
Salesian Spotlights: Announcing the 2025 Alumni Award Recipients
We’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 DeSales University Alumni Awards! These are outstanding individuals who embody the values and spirit of our DeSales community. Through their professional excellence, service to others, and commitment to living out our mission, these alumni truly reflect what it means to “be who you are and be that well.”
Like many prospective DeSales students, he felt at ease on campus while touring with his parents, encountering students in Dooling who were engaging and hospitable – namely Tim Henes, John McKenna, and John Nardi – welcoming him as if he was already a classmate who they had known forever, and who he happens to remain friends with to this day, decades later.
This year’s award recipients:
The Alumni Achievement Award: Danny Bader, Class of 1985
The Alumni Service Award: Brett Feldman, Class of 2007
The Alumni Salesian Spirit Award: Beth Ritter-Guth, Class of 1995
The Young Alumni Achievement Award: John Bayeux III, Class of 2015
The Young Alumni Service Award: Brynnlee Pavlovich, Class of 2017
The Young Alumni Salesian Spirit Award: Matthew Trovato, Class of 2018
The Dr. John “Coach” Compardo Impact Award: Nick Nardo, Class of 1971
The DeSales community will gather to celebrate this year’s Alumni Award recipients at our annual Alumni Award Banquet on Friday, December 5, 2025. More details can be found below in event listings.
Like many prospective DeSales students, he felt at ease on campus while touring with his parents, encountering students in Dooling who were engaging and hospitable – namely Tim Henes, John McKenna, and John Nardi – welcoming him as if he was already a classmate who they had known forever, and who he happens to remain friends with to this day, decades later.
This year’s award recipients:
The Alumni Achievement Award: Danny Bader, Class of 1985
The Alumni Service Award: Brett Feldman, Class of 2007
The Alumni Salesian Spirit Award: Beth Ritter-Guth, Class of 1995
The Young Alumni Achievement Award: John Bayeux III, Class of 2015
The Young Alumni Service Award: Brynnlee Pavlovich, Class of 2017
The Young Alumni Salesian Spirit Award: Matthew Trovato, Class of 2018
The Dr. John “Coach” Compardo Impact Award: Nick Nardo, Class of 1971
The DeSales community will gather to celebrate this year’s Alumni Award recipients at our annual Alumni Award Banquet on Friday, December 5, 2025. More details can be found below in event listings.
Campus Connections: Meet Dr. Ethan Hood, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director
Ethan Hood, PT, DPT, Ed.D., MBA recently moved into the position of Program Director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, as well as serving as Assistant Professor. He earned his Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physical Therapy from St. Joseph’s University (formerly the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science). He went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University, a transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Florida.
With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Hood has worked in acute care, sub-acute, and outpatient settings. He is a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and Geriatric Clinical Specialist through the ABPTS. He is a member of the APTA's geriatric and neurologic sections, has served as an item writer for the geriatric credentialing exam, and has helped produce podcasts on vestibular-related topics. He has co-authored multiple articles on concussion management, stroke rehabilitation, and gait speed in older adults and served on the Concussion Clinical Practice Guideline Knowledge Translation Taskforce for the Neurologic Academy of the APTA.
Originally from just outside Philadelphia, Dr. Hood is an avid fan of Philly sports. When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys exercising, watching movies, being outdoors, and spending time with his wife and three children.
With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Hood has worked in acute care, sub-acute, and outpatient settings. He is a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and Geriatric Clinical Specialist through the ABPTS. He is a member of the APTA's geriatric and neurologic sections, has served as an item writer for the geriatric credentialing exam, and has helped produce podcasts on vestibular-related topics. He has co-authored multiple articles on concussion management, stroke rehabilitation, and gait speed in older adults and served on the Concussion Clinical Practice Guideline Knowledge Translation Taskforce for the Neurologic Academy of the APTA.
Originally from just outside Philadelphia, Dr. Hood is an avid fan of Philly sports. When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys exercising, watching movies, being outdoors, and spending time with his wife and three children.
- What are you most excited about as Program Director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program? I’m most excited about the exceptional graduates we’re producing—highly skilled physical therapists who are filling critical roles throughout the greater Lehigh Valley. They’re delivering outstanding care to our community and elevating the profession through their innovation and commitment to service. I’m also energized by the future of our program and the incredible direction our faculty and students will take us over the next five years.
- What connected you to Physical Therapy as your career and now as an educator? For me, it’s the connection to people. As physical therapists, we’re privileged to help individuals recover from injury and educate them on how to prevent future issues. At its core, physical therapy is about teaching—and that’s the part I’ve always loved. As my career progressed, I discovered a deep passion for educating physical therapy students on how to provide the best possible care for their patients.
- What’s your favorite part of working with students at DeSales? It’s hard to choose just one. There’s something truly special about DeSales students. Their Salesian spirit reflects our core values of gentleness, humility, wisdom, gratitude, and hospitality. The collaborative learning environment we share is inspiring, and I often find that I’m learning just as much from them as they are from me.
Bulldog Buzz: Second Annual Bulldog Bark-A-Thon Surpasses Fundraising Goals
This year’s annual Bulldog Bark-A-Thon, held for the second year on October 23rd, exceeded goals and broke records in raising funds to benefit the DeSales athletic department and all athletic teams. The crowd-funding campaign, taking place over 1,965 minutes in honor of DeSales’ founding year, energized DSU coaches, student-athletes, parents, alumni, friends, and family to collectively contribute more than $109,000, far surpassing the original $75,000 goal.
1083 donations combined to make this year’s efforts successful, with every alumni class represented and gifts coming from more than 30 states and countries around the world. “The energy behind this year’s Bark-A-Thon was amazing to watch,” shared Carrie Gradin, director of annual giving. “Our students and coaches found so many creative ways to generate awareness and engage our DeSales family for a great cause. We’re endlessly grateful to everyone who contributed in support of our student-athletes.”
Generous donors stepped up to create challenges for each team, unlocking thousands of dollars in funds for needs like training, travel, equipment, team building, and technology. Supporters also contributed to general athletic funds, with 10% of each gift going toward the Bulldog Athletic Fund, an annual fund to benefit all student-athletes.
1083 donations combined to make this year’s efforts successful, with every alumni class represented and gifts coming from more than 30 states and countries around the world. “The energy behind this year’s Bark-A-Thon was amazing to watch,” shared Carrie Gradin, director of annual giving. “Our students and coaches found so many creative ways to generate awareness and engage our DeSales family for a great cause. We’re endlessly grateful to everyone who contributed in support of our student-athletes.”
Generous donors stepped up to create challenges for each team, unlocking thousands of dollars in funds for needs like training, travel, equipment, team building, and technology. Supporters also contributed to general athletic funds, with 10% of each gift going toward the Bulldog Athletic Fund, an annual fund to benefit all student-athletes.
OCTOBER 2025
Salesian Spotlights: Chris “Critter” Carter '91 Remembers Tim Riggs '91 with Commitment to Memorial Fund
Chris “Critter” Carter’s experience on campus at then-Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales began in his teenage years at a sleepaway soccer camp in the dorm rooms of Tocik Hall. Years later he would inhabit those same rooms as he began his career as a student on the verdant Center Valley campus. Originally from the Fox Chase area of Philadelphia, he credited a number of factors playing a role in his decision. “The ability to live away from home but also at a convenient distance to return, living in a rural setting versus inner City, playing varsity soccer as a collegiate student-athlete, finding synergy with the ‘right’ school where I could harness my writing abilities and embed myself in an English/Communications degree, and not the least of which, arrange an economically favorable situation for my parents and self.”
Like many prospective DeSales students, he felt at ease on campus while touring with his parents, encountering students in Dooling who were engaging and hospitable – namely Tim Henes, John McKenna, and John Nardi – welcoming him as if he was already a classmate who they had known forever, and who he happens to remain friends with to this day, decades later.
But it was later that year at soccer camp tryouts in mid-August 1987, where he would meet his very best friend, Tim Riggs, a management major also entering his first year. “I didn’t know who Tim was, but the entire camp was buzzing with his name and his soccer prowess.” An All-American out of local Salisbury High School, Tim had set league records, and his reputation preceded him. Being a Catholic League upstart and wanting to earn a name for himself, Carter set about challenging Tim every drill, every shift, every moment. “Tim knew what I was doing. He respected that I kept coming and never quit in my pursuit of trying to stop him.” Carter recalls how he and Riggs embodied the same grit, determination, swagger, and tenacity, but Riggs had another level of “God-given talent” to back it up.
After camp, the two were inseparable, sharing meals, social circles, practice schedules, and intense dedication to their sport. This special relationship spanned decades, into their post-college years, respective marriages, and fatherhood.
One day while golfing, Tim uncharacteristically stumbled out of a golf cart. “I noticed on other occasions that he was not as sure-footed as he was known to be.” In time, it was revealed that Tim had developed ALS, a brutal disease which he valiantly fought for an unbelievable 13 years. Through it all, Tim remained a loving husband and father, approaching the physical challenges of his disease as he did his favorite sport, with fierceness and courage. Tim passed away nearly 10 years ago in late December 2015. To honor his best friend and his legacy as a family man, an entrepreneur, a college roommate, teammate, and leader, Carter initiated the establishment of the Tim Riggs '91 Memorial Fund at DeSales University to benefit both the Men’s and Women’s Soccer programs.
“The inspiration to create the Tim Riggs '91 Memorial Fund was easy, frankly,” says Carter. “When I asked Tim’s widow, Karen, about the Fund, she never hesitated and understood that it would have been consistent with Tim’s wishes and desires to help others, particularly student-athletes and those in the DeSales University soccer programs.” Tim fought valiantly to the very end, and his stoicism and uncompromising approach to ALS rivaled his commitment to any competitive soccer match, consequential business deal, or loving family event – he was always “all in.”
Tim was an inspiration to anyone who met him and is deeply missed by all who knew him. His college career soccer accolades have remained untouched in the DeSales Hall of Fame since he was inducted in 2003, but it is Tim’s family that remains his enduring legacy.
“I am so incredibly proud and grateful to those of you who have donated over these years,” adds Carter. “Many people were responsible for organizing this fund and making it the success it has become.” The Tim Riggs '91 Memorial Fund supports both the men’s and women’s soccer teams and the lasting legacy of Tim’s impact on the campus echoes throughout the many students who join those teams to compete, connect, and learn as part of the DeSales family.
To donate to the Tim Riggs '91 Memorial Fund, visit desales.edu/makeagift.
Like many prospective DeSales students, he felt at ease on campus while touring with his parents, encountering students in Dooling who were engaging and hospitable – namely Tim Henes, John McKenna, and John Nardi – welcoming him as if he was already a classmate who they had known forever, and who he happens to remain friends with to this day, decades later.
But it was later that year at soccer camp tryouts in mid-August 1987, where he would meet his very best friend, Tim Riggs, a management major also entering his first year. “I didn’t know who Tim was, but the entire camp was buzzing with his name and his soccer prowess.” An All-American out of local Salisbury High School, Tim had set league records, and his reputation preceded him. Being a Catholic League upstart and wanting to earn a name for himself, Carter set about challenging Tim every drill, every shift, every moment. “Tim knew what I was doing. He respected that I kept coming and never quit in my pursuit of trying to stop him.” Carter recalls how he and Riggs embodied the same grit, determination, swagger, and tenacity, but Riggs had another level of “God-given talent” to back it up.
After camp, the two were inseparable, sharing meals, social circles, practice schedules, and intense dedication to their sport. This special relationship spanned decades, into their post-college years, respective marriages, and fatherhood.
One day while golfing, Tim uncharacteristically stumbled out of a golf cart. “I noticed on other occasions that he was not as sure-footed as he was known to be.” In time, it was revealed that Tim had developed ALS, a brutal disease which he valiantly fought for an unbelievable 13 years. Through it all, Tim remained a loving husband and father, approaching the physical challenges of his disease as he did his favorite sport, with fierceness and courage. Tim passed away nearly 10 years ago in late December 2015. To honor his best friend and his legacy as a family man, an entrepreneur, a college roommate, teammate, and leader, Carter initiated the establishment of the Tim Riggs '91 Memorial Fund at DeSales University to benefit both the Men’s and Women’s Soccer programs.
“The inspiration to create the Tim Riggs '91 Memorial Fund was easy, frankly,” says Carter. “When I asked Tim’s widow, Karen, about the Fund, she never hesitated and understood that it would have been consistent with Tim’s wishes and desires to help others, particularly student-athletes and those in the DeSales University soccer programs.” Tim fought valiantly to the very end, and his stoicism and uncompromising approach to ALS rivaled his commitment to any competitive soccer match, consequential business deal, or loving family event – he was always “all in.”
Tim was an inspiration to anyone who met him and is deeply missed by all who knew him. His college career soccer accolades have remained untouched in the DeSales Hall of Fame since he was inducted in 2003, but it is Tim’s family that remains his enduring legacy.
“I am so incredibly proud and grateful to those of you who have donated over these years,” adds Carter. “Many people were responsible for organizing this fund and making it the success it has become.” The Tim Riggs '91 Memorial Fund supports both the men’s and women’s soccer teams and the lasting legacy of Tim’s impact on the campus echoes throughout the many students who join those teams to compete, connect, and learn as part of the DeSales family.
To donate to the Tim Riggs '91 Memorial Fund, visit desales.edu/makeagift.
Salesian Spotlights: DeSales Sport & Exercise Physiology Lab Named for Fr. Doug Burns, OSFS
Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered during Homecoming & Family Weekend on September 27th to celebrate the blessing and dedication of the Fr. Doug Burns, OSFS Sport and Exercise Physiology Lab in Dooling Hall. The Exercise Physiology Lab was named in honor of long-serving faculty member and advisor Fr. Doug Burns, OSFS, whose years of service, teaching, and genuine care have deeply impacted generations of students and alumni at DeSales. This ceremonial program recognized Fr. Burns for his many years of dedication to the University community and the many lives he has changed as an educator and mentor. The lab was named as a symbol of his ongoing leadership, mentorship, and commitment to Salesian values and academic excellence.
For decades, Fr. Burns has taught in the Department of Natural Science and coordinated the Sport and Exercise Science major. Beyond the classroom, Fr. Burns has served as a spiritual guide to student-athletes, moderated several athletic programs, and led the Ryan Leadership Institute, a uniquely designed two-year initiative to provide students with a program of personal growth and leadership training in the context of Catholic spirituality.
“His expertise and faith have shaped not only how we teach and learn, but how we live out the values of our university,” said Dr. Carrie Ellis, chair of the Sport and Exercise Physiology Department. “Thank you to all of the alumni and friends who joined us to honor Fr. Burns and to celebrate this milestone for our program.”
In his remarks during the program, president Fr. Jim Greenfield, OSFS ’84 recalled early memories of welcoming Fr. Burns into the Oblates, and when attendees were asked to raise their hands if their lives were impacted by Fr. Burns, the dozens of students, alumni, coworkers, and friends who were gathered enthusiastically joined the ovation. Fr. Burns’ legacy will be marked for generations to come by this space bearing his name on the campus where he has meant so much to so many.
For decades, Fr. Burns has taught in the Department of Natural Science and coordinated the Sport and Exercise Science major. Beyond the classroom, Fr. Burns has served as a spiritual guide to student-athletes, moderated several athletic programs, and led the Ryan Leadership Institute, a uniquely designed two-year initiative to provide students with a program of personal growth and leadership training in the context of Catholic spirituality.
“His expertise and faith have shaped not only how we teach and learn, but how we live out the values of our university,” said Dr. Carrie Ellis, chair of the Sport and Exercise Physiology Department. “Thank you to all of the alumni and friends who joined us to honor Fr. Burns and to celebrate this milestone for our program.”
In his remarks during the program, president Fr. Jim Greenfield, OSFS ’84 recalled early memories of welcoming Fr. Burns into the Oblates, and when attendees were asked to raise their hands if their lives were impacted by Fr. Burns, the dozens of students, alumni, coworkers, and friends who were gathered enthusiastically joined the ovation. Fr. Burns’ legacy will be marked for generations to come by this space bearing his name on the campus where he has meant so much to so many.
Campus Connections: Meet Ben Munisteri, Associate Dean, School of Performing Arts
Welcome, Ben Munisteri! Ben was named Associate Dean of the School of Performing Arts late this summer overseeing the departments of theatre, dance, and TV/film in his new position. He holds a BA in English from Oberlin College, an MA in Dance Education from New York University, and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College, where he studied the nexus of visual art, dance, and theater. His choreography has been presented at venues throughout the U.S. and Europe, including the main stages of Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Dance Theater Workshop, the Joyce Theater, Celebrate Brooklyn, Central Park SummerStage, and Jacob’s Pillow. He has received grants from the National Dance Project (both creation and touring support), the Jerome Foundation, the New York Foundation for the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Performance Network, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (six consecutive annual creation grants), among others. He has taught at Adelphi University, Eugene Lang College/The New School for Liberal Arts, the University of South Florida, Lafayette College, and Alma College.
- What are you most looking forward to about working with the School of Performing Arts (SoPA) at DeSales? I am most looking forward to helping our Act 1 series grow, making our curricula even more robust, and better establishing SoPA’s presence on campus and throughout the Lehigh Valley. Wow—I guess that’s a lot of things to look forward to!
- Is there a piece of theatre, dance, or cinema that you can remember making a big impact on you when you were young? Yes! I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and my parents loved the arts. We regularly saw the New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker around Christmas time, and they took us to see a memorable Broadway production of the musical Three Penny Opera when I was 11 years old. And who can forget The Empire Strikes Back during the summer of 1980? I think I saw that film six times.
- What is the most important lesson you hope our students can take with them throughout their career after graduation? If I had to choose just one lesson that I’d like our students to carry with them, I’d say it’s to remember that DeSales teaches not just how to be a better artist, but also how to be a better person.
Bulldog Buzz: Cheerleading Becomes DeSales’ Newest Varsity Sport
Starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, DeSales Cheerleading has transitioned from a club sport to a varsity sport, marking the first time in the university’s history that Cheerleading is recognized at the varsity level. The first tryouts for the team were held in September which established a roster of 22 student-athletes for the inaugural varsity season. While continuing to support our men’s and women’s basketball teams at their regular season games and performing at events around campus, the team will shift their focus to competition this year with plans to compete at the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Cheerleading Championships.
Along with the establishment of the new varsity team, we also welcome head coach Hailie Bunting, appointed to lead the team. Hailie has been a cheerleader since the age of four and cheered at the collegiate level at Misericordia University where she served as Graduate Assistant for their Cheer & Stunt programs after completing her undergraduate degree. Her goals for the team’s transition are to build a competitive, successful, and sustainable varsity team focusing on growth, skill development, and representing DeSales with excitement. Long-term she hopes to establish DeSales as a respected and competitive cheer program in the MAC and beyond.
Along with the establishment of the new varsity team, we also welcome head coach Hailie Bunting, appointed to lead the team. Hailie has been a cheerleader since the age of four and cheered at the collegiate level at Misericordia University where she served as Graduate Assistant for their Cheer & Stunt programs after completing her undergraduate degree. Her goals for the team’s transition are to build a competitive, successful, and sustainable varsity team focusing on growth, skill development, and representing DeSales with excitement. Long-term she hopes to establish DeSales as a respected and competitive cheer program in the MAC and beyond.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Salesian Spotlights: Zachary Gutherman ’23 Captures the Magic of a Sports Sensation
As a TV/Film major entering DeSales as a first-year student, Zachary Gutherman ’23 had his sights clearly set on training to become a sports videographer. Just a few short years out of graduation, he is living his dream with one of the fastest growing brands in sports entertainment. Originally from Langhorne, Zac serves as a Video Production Coordinator for the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team based out of Savannah, Georgia whose showmanship, trick plays, and fan-centered ethos has led it to become a national sensation. From its founding in 2016 as a collegiate summer baseball team to packing some of the largest sports venues, a ticket to the Bananas has become one of the hardest to come by in sports, and Zac is on the inside of making that happen.
As a Video Production Coordinator, he works up close and personal with the unbelievable choreography and crazy tricks happening on the field that make a Bananas game so incredible to watch. His videography work feeds into their social media channels, their YouTube broadcasts, and other video content used to bring fans into the fun of the game. “Our work week begins on Tuesdays, where we have ‘OTT idea’ brainstorming sessions. OTT stands for ‘over the top ideas,’ and these are the different walk ups, music videos, celebrations, or wacky antics the team performs on the field during the games.” From there, he travels with the team all over the country, participates in meticulous rehearsals, and goes on to capture the jaw-dropping stunts happening during “the show” in front of crowds of up to 80,000 fans. “As a baseball fan, the most exciting thing about my job is getting to visit various MLB stadiums that I'd seen a million times on TV, explore them, and work inside of them! There's so many intricacies to these stadiums that the general fan would never notice, and it's really fun getting an inside look at them!”
Zac credits his time at DeSales with preparing him for the fast-paced and demanding schedule he keeps with the Bananas, and his ability to direct his vision, whether it be the projects he worked on or the people who influenced him. “Filming move-in day taught me so many skills, such as how to direct groups of people for the hill photo and how to vocalize my creative vision, and that's the biggest skill I use daily in my job. Whether it be directing players or special guests at our games, I often find myself using the same phrases or methods of directing that I first learned when directing during Orientation.”
To Zac, two important figures stand out to him in preparing him for his work in his professional career. “I owe a lot of thanks to Nick Luchko for forming me into the person I am today. His belief in me while doing photos and videos at Orientation and his lessons to strive for greatness from myself and all of his student leaders is a lot of what led me to my success with the Bananas.” Along with mentorship, the hands-on learning he got at DeSales plays a big role in his success. “When you already know how to use the equipment to its fullest, you're better able to focus on the creative vision and little details, so a huge thank you to Jack Lerch for providing the students with the best equipment and teaching us how to use it during our time at DeSales.”
Grateful for the opportunity to pursue his dream, Zac urges other DeSales students to know their own goals and stay in pursuit of them. “You are the only person who knows what your dreams, ambitions, and goals are for life, so stay true to them, no matter what. I stayed true to my dream of being a sports videographer and took a risk and a leap of faith to follow this dream, and it paid off. So stay true to yourself, no matter what.”
If you want to follow along with Zac’s journey or ask him any questions about his time with the Bananas, you can do so through his Instagram @zg_films.
As a Video Production Coordinator, he works up close and personal with the unbelievable choreography and crazy tricks happening on the field that make a Bananas game so incredible to watch. His videography work feeds into their social media channels, their YouTube broadcasts, and other video content used to bring fans into the fun of the game. “Our work week begins on Tuesdays, where we have ‘OTT idea’ brainstorming sessions. OTT stands for ‘over the top ideas,’ and these are the different walk ups, music videos, celebrations, or wacky antics the team performs on the field during the games.” From there, he travels with the team all over the country, participates in meticulous rehearsals, and goes on to capture the jaw-dropping stunts happening during “the show” in front of crowds of up to 80,000 fans. “As a baseball fan, the most exciting thing about my job is getting to visit various MLB stadiums that I'd seen a million times on TV, explore them, and work inside of them! There's so many intricacies to these stadiums that the general fan would never notice, and it's really fun getting an inside look at them!”
Zac credits his time at DeSales with preparing him for the fast-paced and demanding schedule he keeps with the Bananas, and his ability to direct his vision, whether it be the projects he worked on or the people who influenced him. “Filming move-in day taught me so many skills, such as how to direct groups of people for the hill photo and how to vocalize my creative vision, and that's the biggest skill I use daily in my job. Whether it be directing players or special guests at our games, I often find myself using the same phrases or methods of directing that I first learned when directing during Orientation.”
To Zac, two important figures stand out to him in preparing him for his work in his professional career. “I owe a lot of thanks to Nick Luchko for forming me into the person I am today. His belief in me while doing photos and videos at Orientation and his lessons to strive for greatness from myself and all of his student leaders is a lot of what led me to my success with the Bananas.” Along with mentorship, the hands-on learning he got at DeSales plays a big role in his success. “When you already know how to use the equipment to its fullest, you're better able to focus on the creative vision and little details, so a huge thank you to Jack Lerch for providing the students with the best equipment and teaching us how to use it during our time at DeSales.”
Grateful for the opportunity to pursue his dream, Zac urges other DeSales students to know their own goals and stay in pursuit of them. “You are the only person who knows what your dreams, ambitions, and goals are for life, so stay true to them, no matter what. I stayed true to my dream of being a sports videographer and took a risk and a leap of faith to follow this dream, and it paid off. So stay true to yourself, no matter what.”
If you want to follow along with Zac’s journey or ask him any questions about his time with the Bananas, you can do so through his Instagram @zg_films.
Salesian Spotlights: Call for Nominations! The 2025 DeSales University Alumni Awards
Each year, the DeSales University Alumni Awards honor remarkable individuals who embody the values and spirit of our community. From excelling in their professions, to giving back through service, to inspiring others in their daily lives, these alumni truly reflect what it means to “be who you are and be that well.”
On Friday, December 5, we will gather to celebrate this year’s recipients of the DeSales Alumni Awards, and we need the help of our alums in identifying those most deserving of this recognition.
We invite you to nominate your classmates, friends, or peers for one or more of the following awards:
Nominations are due by Friday, October 3, at 11:59 p.m. Recipients will be selected based on the criteria of each award and notified between October 17–20.
On Friday, December 5, we will gather to celebrate this year’s recipients of the DeSales Alumni Awards, and we need the help of our alums in identifying those most deserving of this recognition.
We invite you to nominate your classmates, friends, or peers for one or more of the following awards:
- Alumni Achievement Award
- Alumni Service Award
- Salesian Spirit Award
- Young Alumni Achievement Award
- Young Alumni Service Award
- Young Alumni Salesian Spirit Award
- Coach Compardo Legacy Award
Nominations are due by Friday, October 3, at 11:59 p.m. Recipients will be selected based on the criteria of each award and notified between October 17–20.
Campus Connections: Meet Melissa Ciment, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Melissa Ciment joined the DeSales family in July of this year as part of the Alumni Relations team in the Institutional Advancement department. Hear from her on what she’s looking forward to in her new position.
Dear DeSales Community,
I couldn’t be more excited to step into my role as the new Assistant Director of Alumni Relations! I’ve worked in various areas of higher education, particularly in student affairs and alumni relations, with a focus on engagement programming. Building connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating meaningful experiences have always been at the heart of my work, and I’m genuinely excited to bring that passion to the DeSales community.
I hold two bachelor’s degrees from East Stroudsburg University and a master’s degree in Student Affairs and College Counseling from Monmouth University. Most recently, I worked at Lehigh University, where I supported alumni engagement, led the Association of Student Alumni (ASA), and nurtured campus traditions that celebrate alumni pride and strengthen lifelong connections. I’m excited to bring that experience to DeSales, where I hope to continue the amazing work already underway, while also exploring creative opportunities to deepen alumni engagement across generations and celebrate the unique spirit of this community.
It was such a pleasure connecting with alums at reDiscover DeSales: Lehigh Valley, and I’m looking forward to more great moments at Homecoming & Family Weekend in just a few weeks. I hope you’ll join me—and be sure to say hello when you see me! I’m eager to get to know the DeSales community and connect with the incredible alumni who make it so special. I love hearing your stories and learning about your personal connection to the university. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn more about the incredible legacy of DeSales alumni and the lasting impact this university has had on your lives. I feel honored to be part of a team that helps keep those connections strong.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Pat—whether we’re visiting local farmers markets, trying new restaurants, or relaxing at home. I also love curling up with a good book, getting outdoors for a hike or bike ride, and cuddling with our sweet miniature dachshund, Laney.
Here’s to new beginnings and lasting connections—I’m so excited for what’s ahead with the DeSales family!
Sincerely,
Melissa Ciment
Dear DeSales Community,
I couldn’t be more excited to step into my role as the new Assistant Director of Alumni Relations! I’ve worked in various areas of higher education, particularly in student affairs and alumni relations, with a focus on engagement programming. Building connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating meaningful experiences have always been at the heart of my work, and I’m genuinely excited to bring that passion to the DeSales community.
I hold two bachelor’s degrees from East Stroudsburg University and a master’s degree in Student Affairs and College Counseling from Monmouth University. Most recently, I worked at Lehigh University, where I supported alumni engagement, led the Association of Student Alumni (ASA), and nurtured campus traditions that celebrate alumni pride and strengthen lifelong connections. I’m excited to bring that experience to DeSales, where I hope to continue the amazing work already underway, while also exploring creative opportunities to deepen alumni engagement across generations and celebrate the unique spirit of this community.
It was such a pleasure connecting with alums at reDiscover DeSales: Lehigh Valley, and I’m looking forward to more great moments at Homecoming & Family Weekend in just a few weeks. I hope you’ll join me—and be sure to say hello when you see me! I’m eager to get to know the DeSales community and connect with the incredible alumni who make it so special. I love hearing your stories and learning about your personal connection to the university. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn more about the incredible legacy of DeSales alumni and the lasting impact this university has had on your lives. I feel honored to be part of a team that helps keep those connections strong.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Pat—whether we’re visiting local farmers markets, trying new restaurants, or relaxing at home. I also love curling up with a good book, getting outdoors for a hike or bike ride, and cuddling with our sweet miniature dachshund, Laney.
Here’s to new beginnings and lasting connections—I’m so excited for what’s ahead with the DeSales family!
Sincerely,
Melissa Ciment
Bulldog Buzz: Meet Bryan Torresani, Head Baseball Coach
Welcome, Bryan Torresani! Bryan was named the head coach of the DeSales baseball team this summer, after serving as assistant coach under long-time head coach Tim Neiman, who retired following the 2025 season. Prior to DeSales, Torresani took on the roles of assistant coach, recruiting coordinator, and catching coach at the University of Delaware, and spent seven seasons at Arcadia University as the program's head baseball coach. During this tenure with the Knights, Torresani posted a 187-91 overall record, including a 101-34 record in the Middle Atlantic Conference split between the MAC Freedom and MAC Commonwealth, leading to four MAC championships and twice hosting an NCAA Regional. In 2022, Torresani was named the ABCA Region IV, D3baseball.com, and MAC Freedom Coach of the Year. This led to the program reaching the NCAA Regional Finals in the same year. Prior to his time at Arcadia, he held coaching positions at Immaculata University, La Salle University, and Chestnut Hill College.
Torresani graduated from Elizabethtown College in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in social studies education. He also received his master's degree in administration of human services at Chestnut Hill College in 2010. Torresani and his wife, Chelsea, have two children, Paige and Carson.
Torresani graduated from Elizabethtown College in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in social studies education. He also received his master's degree in administration of human services at Chestnut Hill College in 2010. Torresani and his wife, Chelsea, have two children, Paige and Carson.
- What’s your favorite part of coaching baseball at the college level? My favorite part of coaching college baseball is the relationships that I have been able to forge over the last 20 years. Life is a relationship business, and I cherish my interactions with current and former players, recruits and their families, alums, fellow coaches, and even umpires! That being said, there is nothing like the feeling you get when the last out of a win is recorded because you know how hard it is to win a college baseball game and how much work goes into just one win.
- What are you most looking forward to working on with the team this year? I am really looking forward to working with the team on coming together as one over the course of the year. The neat part about college sports is that every year is a fresh start and you have to climb the mountain all over again. We have 13 new players in the program and blending them with the returning players is something that I really look forward to. On the field, I look forward to working with our players to blend their personal goals with our team goals and continue the proud tradition of Bulldog/Centaur Baseball!
- If you could relive one moment from your coaching or playing career, what would it be? This is an easy one! I caught the final out of the 2006 MAC Commonwealth championship game as a senior at Elizabethtown College. I will never forget that moment and I can feel the ball hitting my glove whenever I think about it. As a coach, I have vivid memories of the four MAC championships I have been a part of, and I often relive the memory of seeing the smiles on our players' faces after those proud achievements. I met my very best friends there, as so many college athletes do during their careers. The stats have faded away, but those relationships remain strong, and I am proud of that.
AUGUST 2025
Salesian Spotlights: H. Lloyd Carbaugh ’75 Receives Will Shakespeare Award
Congratulations to H. Lloyd Carbaugh ’75 for receiving this year’s Will Shakespeare Award from Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Presented each year at the Luminosity Gala, the Will Shakespeare Award is given to a person, group, or organization that enriches the world by the sharing of gifts, inspires others through luminosity of spirit, and engages with society in a way that leaves an indelible and beautiful impression.
Lloyd graduated from then-Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales and went on to obtain his MFA in Stage Management from the Yale School of Drama. In his acceptance speech that evening, he credited the strong education he received at Allentown College for preparing him to succeed at Yale and well into his career in the professional theatre. His career eventually led him back to the Lehigh Valley, where he grew up. Now retired, Lloyd serves as a board member and active volunteer for Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the professional theatre in residence at DeSales University, along with extensive volunteer and philanthropic work throughout the Lehigh Valley for organizations that he's passionate about.
“In a very real way, it was my time here at DeSales that made me into who I am today. There, of course, were other influences along the way, but I give back to DeSales and to PSF because they played such a large role in shaping me and give me great hope for the future.”
Lloyd graduated from then-Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales and went on to obtain his MFA in Stage Management from the Yale School of Drama. In his acceptance speech that evening, he credited the strong education he received at Allentown College for preparing him to succeed at Yale and well into his career in the professional theatre. His career eventually led him back to the Lehigh Valley, where he grew up. Now retired, Lloyd serves as a board member and active volunteer for Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the professional theatre in residence at DeSales University, along with extensive volunteer and philanthropic work throughout the Lehigh Valley for organizations that he's passionate about.
“In a very real way, it was my time here at DeSales that made me into who I am today. There, of course, were other influences along the way, but I give back to DeSales and to PSF because they played such a large role in shaping me and give me great hope for the future.”
Salesian Spotlights: Three Generations, One Campus
As we kick off a new school year at DeSales, we welcome our new Bulldogs with pride and celebration as they follow in the footsteps of those who came before them. For one family, the DeSales connection is rooted in three generations of pride as a new member joins the DeSales community this fall.
For the Ford family, DeSales has felt like home for decades. William Ford ’72, a proud member of the fourth graduating class from then-Allentown College, became a trailblazer whose career in law and service left a lasting mark for years after his graduation. William went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps' JAG, worked as a public defender and in the District Attorney’s office, served as a county judge, and later co-founded Ford Law Office. Years later, William’s son, Danny Ford ’98, would join the DeSales family. An academic redshirt majoring in Liberal Studies, Danny went on to dedicate many years to working with kids on both the east and west Coasts—from leading camp programs in the Poconos to supporting young people through the court system in LA County—building a career rooted in mentorship and service. Today, Danny owns a small landscaping business that has been thriving for seventeen years.
The family tradition continues as Finnegan Jenkins-Ford, an incoming member of the Class of 2029, treads the paths of DeSales this fall. Though the campus may have grown since his grandfather roamed the same halls more than fifty years ago, the same Salesian spirit still lingers. Finnegan is looking forward to making lasting memories and building lifelong friendships in the vibrant community that makes DeSales so special, while his family is excited to watch him grow and forge his own path as part of their generational legacy.
We extend a warm welcome to Finnegan and all members of the Class of 2029 and invite our alumni to continue supporting and inspiring these new Bulldogs as they begin their own journeys!
For the Ford family, DeSales has felt like home for decades. William Ford ’72, a proud member of the fourth graduating class from then-Allentown College, became a trailblazer whose career in law and service left a lasting mark for years after his graduation. William went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps' JAG, worked as a public defender and in the District Attorney’s office, served as a county judge, and later co-founded Ford Law Office. Years later, William’s son, Danny Ford ’98, would join the DeSales family. An academic redshirt majoring in Liberal Studies, Danny went on to dedicate many years to working with kids on both the east and west Coasts—from leading camp programs in the Poconos to supporting young people through the court system in LA County—building a career rooted in mentorship and service. Today, Danny owns a small landscaping business that has been thriving for seventeen years.
The family tradition continues as Finnegan Jenkins-Ford, an incoming member of the Class of 2029, treads the paths of DeSales this fall. Though the campus may have grown since his grandfather roamed the same halls more than fifty years ago, the same Salesian spirit still lingers. Finnegan is looking forward to making lasting memories and building lifelong friendships in the vibrant community that makes DeSales so special, while his family is excited to watch him grow and forge his own path as part of their generational legacy.
We extend a warm welcome to Finnegan and all members of the Class of 2029 and invite our alumni to continue supporting and inspiring these new Bulldogs as they begin their own journeys!
Campus Connections: Meet Brian Mauro, Vice President of Student Life
Brian Mauro, Ph.D., an experienced higher education administrator with more than two decades of experience, began this summer as the new Vice President for Student Life at DeSales. In every role Mauro takes on, he strives to improve campus life by prioritizing the well-being of students. In the summer of 2022, Mauro joined DeSales University as the Director of Auxiliary Services. Prior to arriving at DeSales, Brian spent more than 15 years at Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham Campus in a variety of roles including Dean of Students and Campus Executive. He previously held student affairs positions at Muhlenberg College and Penn State – Lehigh Valley Campus. Regardless of his role, Mauro is committed to the continual improvement of the campus, culture, and student life. Brian has been happily married for almost 30 years. He and his wife Marie are the proud parents of two rambunctious 20-something boys. In his free-time he can be found at his farm tending to his three therapeutic mini-horses, caring for his large flock of chickens, maintaining his koi ponds, or harvesting vegetables from the garden.
- What are you most looking forward to this academic year? I am excited about the opportunity of taking on a new role in Student Life at DeSales. We have amazing students, and I am looking forward to getting to know them better while helping them on their journey through the DeSales experience.
- What’s your favorite part of working at DeSales? The people! The DeSales community is wonderful - from the faculty to the staff and especially the students.
- If you could give one piece of advice to yourself in your undergraduate years, what would it be? If I started all over again, I would recommend the younger me got more involved in on-campus activities and asked more questions inside and outside of the classroom.
Bulldog Buzz: Announcing the 2025 DeSales Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees
Congratulations to this year’s Athletic Hall of Fame inductees! The DeSales University Athletic Hall of Fame was created to identify, honor and recognize players, coaches, administrators and teams who have distinguished themselves through intercollegiate athletics or have brought honor to the University through their team's accomplishments in athletics. This year, we are excited to welcome nine new members as well as our 2008-2009 Elite Eight Men’s Basketball team and celebrate their athletic accomplishments.
Class of 2025 Inductees
Mike McCool ’90 - Men’s Cross Country
Amy Yencho ’04 - Women’s Basketball
John Piscitelli ’99 - Baseball
Jackie Fasolka ’03 - Softball
Brian Mauro ’14 - Baseball
Mike Venafra ’05 - Men’s Basketball
Liz Guidon ’08 - Women’s Tennis
Jen (Rautzhan) Saltsgiver ’04 - Track & Field
Dave Glielmi ’75 - Baseball
2008-2009 Men’s Basketball Team
These alums will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday, September 26 as part of Homecoming & Family Weekend. Register at desales.edu/homecoming.
Class of 2025 Inductees
Mike McCool ’90 - Men’s Cross Country
Amy Yencho ’04 - Women’s Basketball
John Piscitelli ’99 - Baseball
Jackie Fasolka ’03 - Softball
Brian Mauro ’14 - Baseball
Mike Venafra ’05 - Men’s Basketball
Liz Guidon ’08 - Women’s Tennis
Jen (Rautzhan) Saltsgiver ’04 - Track & Field
Dave Glielmi ’75 - Baseball
2008-2009 Men’s Basketball Team
These alums will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday, September 26 as part of Homecoming & Family Weekend. Register at desales.edu/homecoming.