ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV

January 2025

Awards & Accomplishments

• Dr. Don Gibbon ‘86, from Indiana, PA, recently competed in the INBA-PNBA Natural Olympia in Las Vegas on Nov. 8-9. He won the amateur Grand Master (50+) category, earning the title of amateur world champion, and placed fourth in his professional debut in the same category. At age 60, Dr. Gibbon returned to bodybuilding in 2023 after a 35-year hiatus, during which he competed in triathlons and endurance events. Read the full story here.
• Brent Scarpo '84 has achieved a significant milestone with the release of his book, The Red Balloon – Transforming Your Life One Inspirational Story at a Time, after a decade of writing. The book is now available for purchase at , with partial proceeds benefiting the Betty Scarpo Scholarship at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV.
• John Langer ‘95, president of H. Jack's Plumbing & Heating Co., has made a significant impact through his dedication to community support and philanthropy. Partnering with organizations like the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, his efforts have provided over 500,000 meals to those in need. He has also appeared on HGTV's Celebrity IOU, showcasing his commitment to giving back locally.
• Kali Beutler '22 received the LocalEdge 2024 President's Circle Award for her outstanding work as a social media account manager. She was recognized for building strong client relationships, exceeding campaign expectations, and mentoring peers.
• Grace Knopfel ‘23 and Jared Camp ‘24 were recognized for their outstanding contributions during internships at Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute (SEI). Their efforts were instrumental in CMU receiving the prestigious Jack Donnelly Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence.

Career News

Rita Bajura '63 was honored for her pioneering leadership as the first Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), the research arm of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. At a celebration on December 5, marking 25 years of NETL's accomplishments and growth, Mrs. Bajura shared reflections on her tenure alongside her successors.

Marriages & Engagements

Congratulations to Amelia Kraus '19 and '18 and Ryan Dombkowski '15, who were married on Nov. 2, 2024, at Christ the King Chapel at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV University.

Births

Tim Gilbert '17 and Sarah (Creighton) Gilbert ‘16 welcomed their first child, a baby girl, Alzie Rose Gilbert on Nov. 24, 2024.

Alumni Deaths

• Marlene (Del Canton) Lucas '59
• Marsha Fronzaglia ‘83
• Martin Pushchak ‘05

Condolences

Condolences to Austin M. Shinhearl '18 on the passing of his mother, Kathreen Shinhearl.

December 2024

Awards & Accomplishments

• Kelsey (Mader) Kleiner '17 at OneTen The Studio was selected through a competitive process to partner with a rural manufacturer in the PA Wilds region, collaborating with the PA Wilds Center to create products aligned with its brand values.
• Jeffrey Haft '07 conducted a study at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV University on the effects of a 12-week NeckX® cervical stretching and strengthening program, involving 162 collegiate athletes in high-concussion-risk sports. The research measured cervical strength, range of motion, and concussion incidence, providing valuable insights into athlete health and injury prevention.
• Mary (Kirk) Barber '84, a fifth-grade teacher at St. Egbert Catholic School in Morehead City, NC, received the 2024 Monsignor Gerald Lewis Award for Teaching Excellence from the Diocese of Raleigh during a special Mass at St. Egbert Church, celebrated by Msgr. Lewis and Bishop Luis Zarama.

Career News

• Emily Mohr '10 was appointed President of the New York Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute. This organization is a networking and professional development group for emerging leaders in investor relations.
• Barbara Harkins '22 landed on the tailoring scene in Erie after graduating from ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV University's fashion merchandising program in 2018 and apprenticing as a tailor at Isaac Baker Tailoring.
• Anthony Prusak '90 recently joined Questex Travel, a leading events and publishing company for luxury travel advisors and meetings/incentive planners, as Business Development Director.

Alumni Deaths

• Alice (Feehley) Crotty '49
• Patricia (Cavanaugh) Kirk '60
• Audra Alexander '18

Condolences

To the family and friends of John Wolper, former Chair of the Hospitality Management Department.