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Paul A. "Skipper" Knights, History Department

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Paul A. "Skipper" Knights, History Department

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Allegheny College was my first choice of the three to which I applied; the other two were The College of William and Mary and Penn State. When I applied to Allegheny and submitted my decision to be a member of the Class of 1966, I declared history as my major. Before I arrived on campus in the Fall of 1962 I was already known to a professor in the History Department. Skipper Knights had gone to high school with my father's younger brother in Herkimer, New York, and made sure I was one of his new advisees. That was the beginning of an incredible journey of intellectual pursuit, warm and encouraging words, and a lifetime of memories.

Skipper had a special relationship with all of his students whether they were History majors or not. He taught us how to use primary sources not for just what the author was thinking, but what it meant in a wider and broader context. An example of Skipper's mentorship which he imparted to me was how to study for one of his exams. He called it "The Jockey Short Approach to the Study of History." You can imagine my reaction when I heard him say that to me in one of his office visits. What Skipper meant by this approach to the study of history, and the preparation for his exams, was that I had attended every class, taken notes on the lectures, read the assigned and supplemental readings, and studied all of the material while lying in bed in my underwear staring at the ceiling. Then and only then was I ready to study and do history. For then I distilled all of the information presented and argued by multiple historians, and came up with my own interpretation of historical events and people.

Skipper's words of advice served me well throughout my working career in the museum field. Skipper never published though he did have tenure. Instead he decided to be a teacher and a mentor to hundreds of undergraduates.

Skipper's legacy lives on in the accomplishments those undergraduates achieved after they graduated from Allegheny College, and symbolize what Allegheny College has stood, and continues to stand, for today and into the future. Thank you Skipper and all of the other faculty past, present, and future who exemplify the spirit of Allegheny College.

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Scott tossing a grape into the air while my friend and future grad school roommate Kira Yerofeev (Class of ‘20) took our photo in Colorado during the Summer of 2019

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Scott Wissinger, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Science

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Scott Wissinger, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Science

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My first-year roommate expected to graduate early because she already had her Associates degree, so I joined her for a meeting about Junior Seminars. I had read about Dr. Scott Wissinger's research on freshwater ecology and ephemeral ponds and knew I wanted to dive into aquatic science. I was hoping to build a connection early. I was terrified, but I mustered the courage to introduce myself and shake his hand. That following semester, in the Fall of my sophomore year, I was sitting in his Wetlands Ecology class. Then, that following summer, I was a research assistant for his lab at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. And the summer after that, I had the incredible honor of being the final NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) student researcher that he would bring to RMBL; he knew I had fallen in love with biogeography, so we developed a project that aimed to summarize the 30 years of range shift data he had collected for the montane caddisflies that lived on the West Elk Mountains around Gothic, Colorado.

Scott was an earnest mentor. He was deliberate about who he invited to RMBL, not because he was worried about how a student might impact the work, but because he wanted to make sure the work would impact the student. Hands ever clasped behind his back, he pointed out every plant on every hiking path and told us each one's common and latin names (my favorite was elephant's head, Pedicularis groenlandica, and he liked finding shooting star, Primula pauciflora, his wife Sue's favorite wildflower). And when the botanizing classes were exhausted, he told us stories about two fictional miners from the silver rush of the late 1800s -- stories he had originally developed a few decades prior to tell his son during hikes. He skipped dried cow pies across ponds and slid down snow banks on insect sampling trays. He gave us each one piece of candy in the mornings before particularly grueling field work (Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Miniatures). He gave me his old hiking boots when I showed up to RMBL with thrifted, dry-rotting boots whose soles crumbled apart almost immediately. There was often a mischievous twinkle in his eye; he convinced us that one of his most serious colleagues used to be a professional monster truck driver (current students can ask Dr. Demi about Dr. Brad Taylor). He called me "Sighly Kylie," because I do sigh a lot (it stimulates the vagus nerve), and he put a sticky note above my desk in his lab with the nickname scrawled across it. He literally hugged trees. He said he didn't mind what any of us ended up doing after college as long as we loved it so much that it didn't feel like work.

Scott passed away unexpectedly during my senior year at Allegheny. Everything after that felt like one pivot after another, and every time something worked out, it felt like Scott had a hand in it. People used to joke to him that he had undiagnosed ADHD; there were books about living as an adult with ADHD in his office library, which he said were gag gifts from loved ones. Once, when I was struggling to finish an overdue paper about trout that just kept growing and growing, he sat me down and repeated some advice that his graduate advisor had once told him while in a similar boat: "Just finish it." I finally got diagnosed with ADHD this past summer. I wonder what his reaction would be!

I was able to secure a Master's project related to GIS and sturgeon habitat suitability right before the Covid-19 pandemic hit (thank you, Chris Shaffer!!!), and now I work as an aquatic biologist and analyst for PA State Parks, where a lot of people recognize his name and the work he did at Allegheny. But I want to get my PhD somewhere, someday. Right before he died, he encouraged me to look for PhD programs abroad in Aotearoa NZ, and even connected me with some colleagues there -- or, he said, maybe I'd love Costa Rica. I'm becoming very interested in both aquatic insect egg morphology and aquatic moth ecology. There are so many unknowns in these fields. I started a project for aquatic macroinvertebrate egg observations on iNaturalist, and people are asking for help with identifications all over the world. My anxious side tells me to stay here. Six years after his death, I still find myself thinking, "What would Scott tell me to do?" Sometimes it's easy to guess. I worked with Kelly Boulton to put up a Little Free Library on campus in his memory (go see it in the Carrden), and I know he would have been bashful about the idea. He would have said something like, "I'd rather you just read more books."

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Rodney Clark, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience

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Rodney Clark, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience

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Dr. Rodney Clark (or simply Rod as his long list of mentees refer to him) had such a profound impact on my life that I (Josh Johnson, class of 2005) couldn’t miss the opportunity to wish him well at his retirement party at the 2024 international meeting for the association for behavior analysis. The same meeting where this shining example of a mentor brought me almost 20 years ago to present my research, which gave me a running start to my now career in Pharmaceutical research and development.

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Phillip Wolfe, Faculty of Modern Languages

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Phillip Wolfe, Faculty of Modern Languages

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Professor Wolfe was one of the first members of the Allegheny community that I met as a prospective student. As a high school senior, I had just returned from a summer homestay in southern France. When I met Professor Wolfe, he immediately extended his hospitality by inviting my mother and me to French Table for lunch. We quickly connected not only over all things French but also over music—he a violinist and I a cellist. I was incredibly excited to be able to find a community to speak French with! It felt like so many of my favorite things were coming together at once, and then, weeks later, I even ran into Professor Wolfe and his family at a regional orchestra event while I was a high school senior, as his son was also participating in the event. At each encounter, Professor Wolfe took time for me. It was through him that I quickly learned that at Allegheny I would not be "treated as a number" but would receive individualized attention.

While a prospective student, Professor Wolfe exhibited a warmth about him that immediately put me at ease. His hospitality made me feel like Allegheny was home. He opened my eyes to the language and cultural possibilities I could explore during my studies at Allegheny, and I quickly listed Allegheny as my number one college choice.

Professor Wolfe made an impact on my life by always having an open door. When I would hit a stressful patch or scheduling snafu, he would graciously assist by lending not only a listening ear but also bits of wisdom. Stepping into his classroom immediately transported me to France, whether modern-day France or medieval France. He required students to speak in French during class and had an open invitation to all to attend the weekly French Table. He helped me grow confidence in my language proficiency, both written and verbal.

In a nutshell, he always had time for me, and at that time in my life, that meant the world to me.

Let's fast-forward numerous years—Professor Wolfe still has time for me. My relationship with Professor Wolfe and his wife, Kathryn, has grown as an alum. We keep in touch throughout the year, and I cherish the advice they share. Even now, he graciously assists me in improving my French proficiency. What patience he has! I am not alone; he also keeps in touch with other students, past exchange students, and even continues to help people improve their language skills.

While I now live in the Boston area, when I return to Pennsylvania to visit family, I try to also visit Professor Wolfe and his wife. They even once sat with me while I waited as my mother underwent surgery. They brought joy to me during a difficult time.

I value my friendship with Professor Wolfe. I look forward to reading the letters that he sends, and I adore hearing about the adventures he and his wife have on their travels. I continue to learn from him and am truly blessed that Professor Wolfe stepped into my life so many years ago and continues to be part of it. It is friendships like these that make the world a better place. Taking the time for one person at a time can make a world of difference—and Professor Wolfe does just that!

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We met my freshman year when he was my freshman and then the director of the first of many plays I performed in at Allegheny. I may have been a Bio major, but I probably spent more time in Arter Hall rehearsing and performing than I did in the lab! He was a demanding, but excellent, director… and at times less than gentle: "Acting is difficult, make it a personal challenge" was heard when you were not up to his standard. But he was a strong mentor, teacher, advisor, and friend. I was his Freshman Advisor Assistant for three years. Oh, he was also a wonderful actor. The attached photo shows him in the foreground as Kit Carson in The Time of Your Life (I am the fellow in the background).

As is often the case, the value of a relationship develops over time. The skills I learned from Professor Walton have served me for over 50 years. They have helped me with theatre, public speaking, game show appearances (I was on $25,000 Pyramid and Jeopardy!), teaching, and in my 30 or so years of work doing mostly background work in film and TV.

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Paul “Skipper” Knights, Faculty of History

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Paul “Skipper” Knights, Faculty of History

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I took just two courses with "Skipper Knights": his Colonies to Nation course and 20th Century U.S. History course, both requiring students to analyze history through primary source documents. Although I was a Bio major, Skipper invited me to his 20th-century class to bring a non-history major perspective. Although I was last to register, he promised to hold a punch card for me, which he did.

These two classes had me adapt my science-based skills to this subject and triggered a lifelong interest in history.

My formal relationship with Skipper ended with Allegheny, but his encouragement and mentorship has led to my 35-year avocation as a Civil War living historian and to my career in historical preservation. I am currently the Program Director at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

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His oil painting and photography classes not only taught me draftsmanship and composition, respectively, but also helped me consider the foreground and background—in many ways—of everything I wanted to create. He always explained, in an encouraging manner, how my artwork could be improved. He and his wife even looked after my cat when I hitchhiked out to the West Coast one summer.

Though my vocation turned out to be corn and soybean farming and conservation over the last 50 years, I have done better agribusiness work thanks to the qualities he passed on to me: seeing the value in farming practices and farm workers through a holistic lens—even though we didn’t use that word back then. Mr. Kleeman made you want to be a steward of the subject matter you were going to try to express. He grew up on an Indiana farm and, as Andy Warhol said, “I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could want.”

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Fifty years ago, I was a freshman Psychology major acclimating to my new academic home in the department. While the faculty was overwhelmingly warm and welcoming, a special friendship quickly developed between me and Dr. Ken King. I would pop into his office a couple of times a week, and we would have conversations ranging from brief, traditional mentoring issues to long, rambling talks about everything from relationship drama to family issues, world events, and lighthearted fun. I will never forget watching Ken casually pick up a pair of scissors and cut a fly in half mid-flight during one of these conversations—astonishing us both.

It wasn't long before I was invited to Ken's home, where I often babysat his delightful young sons, and where his incredibly beautiful and kind wife, Linn, made delicious home-cooked meals that nurtured me on so many levels.

The friendship between Ken and me happened so naturally and was always so comfortable and easy. It was almost like we had known each other in a previous life and were just picking up where we had left off. It was such an integral and much-appreciated part of my Allegheny experience.

Ken and I have continued to remain friends over the decades. We talk on the phone a few times a year, have visited in person a couple of times, and one of the consistent highlights of my Christmas holidays is receiving Ken's newsletter and card in the mail. Even with months between communications, we always immediately fall back into effortless conversation, as if we had just spoken the day before—our shared connection intact and a joy to both of us. My friendship with Ken King has been one of my life's great blessings, and I am immensely grateful for it. It's one of Allegheny's many gifts that just keeps on giving.

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Herbert S. Rhinesmith, Faculty of Chemistry

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Herbert S. Rhinesmith, Faculty of Chemistry

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Dr. Rhinesmith was my advisor for my junior and senior years. We would meet, and I was asked to be a teaching assistant to cover one of the organic chemistry labs. I had determined that I wanted to do my senior project in oceanography and had contacted several oceanographic institutions about possible topics. As it turned out, I ended up working at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the summer of 1967. My research in the origin of oil, organic geochemistry, was completed, and we published a paper in Science. I returned over Christmas break, 1967, with the encouragement of Dr. Rhinesmith and completed my second project, which was published in Deep Sea Research. The support, encouragement, and laboratory experiences that I received in Carr Hall allowed me to reach heights that I had only dreamed of achieving.

The Rhinesmiths moved to Sanibel Island when they retired. Dr. Rhinesmith took on the project at the local drinking water treatment plant, and I would visit from Miami and mentor him in water quality analysis, as I was the Director of the Drinking Water Research Center at Florida International University. Roles were reversed, and we both enjoyed it immensely. By that time, I also had two young boys, so after talking water quality we would climb into the boat, and the four of us would go fishing. Dr. and Mrs. Rhinesmith were like grandparents for the boys.

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I got to know Chaplain Skinner by serving as a campus deacon. Each Friday, the deacons had lunch in the Campus Center dining hall and would make plans for Sunday worship. Discussions were wide-ranging and provided an invaluable forum for growth. Chaplain Skinner cared about us deeply. His genuine, unwavering support of me made Allegheny feel like home and gave me the security to take on new challenges and try out new ways of thinking.

I visited Chaplain Skinner at his then-retirement home in Oregon a few years after graduating, where they welcomed me like family. We stayed in touch through emails and letters for many years, and often exchanged Christmas cards. He has remained a fierce champion of me, a blessing for which I am deeply grateful.

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I always wondered about my recurring dream of chasing my advisor, Dr. Paul Zolbrod, around campus to ensure I had enough credits to graduate. Strange, because Paul's interdisciplinary approach helped me become culturally literate and a lifelong learner. He was always available throughout my checkered career of teaching, vocational counseling, job placement, and technical writing. I was excited to connect in person again at our 50th reunion.

Over the years, he also offered feedback for my poetry and novel writing. In appreciation, at our reunion, I initiated the Dr. Paul Zolbrod Interdisciplinary Communications Fund, which supports humanities speakers and internships for practical career exposure. Paul passed this last year, and I truly miss his wisdom and humor. I'm grateful to all his supporters who continue to fund his impactful legacy.

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One of the most important lessons I learned at Allegheny was not a typical classroom item—although it came as an adjunct to the classroom. It was a “gift” to us from the math teacher. (I regret that I cannot remember his name.)

His philosophy in preparing any exam was to have each exam begin with a question he knew every student would be able to answer. His theory was twofold: 1) He believed that he needed to know his teaching sufficiently to know what he had communicated sufficiently to every student. 2) He believed he owed it to every student to offer a first question that would allow each student to begin the exam on a positive note.

Not only was I impressed in my Allegheny days with this professional and intellectual commitment to his students, but I also remembered it and sought to duplicate it when I myself became a professor late in my career.

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Dave Roncolato, Catholic Campus Lay Leader

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Dave Roncolato, Catholic Campus Lay Leader

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During my days as a Catholic college student in Meadville, from 1987 to 1991, Dave Roncolato served as campus lay minister for Allegheny Newman. Newman provided a welcoming, safe space for us Catholic Allegheny students to discuss and engage in our Christian faith. By his constant example and jovial friendship, Dave gently encouraged each of us to answer God’s call and to put Christ’s teachings into action in our own lives. I remember being reminded frequently, “Be gentle with yourself,” as we sometimes struggled to discern our paths in life. I also remember the lesson, delivered as a parable about tree husbandry: “Be careful what you tend to, for what you tend to will grow.”

It makes my heart glad to see the numbers of doctors, counselors, teachers, campus ministers, missionaries, and others committed to lives of service who once benefited from Dave’s guidance as attendees at Newman Nights, weekend off-campus Catholic retreats, or summer mission trips to Appalachia. It also makes me glad to see the impressive people that Dave and Sarah’s children have grown to become.

When I think about Dave Roncolato, the four words that come to mind are: hospitality, fellowship, commitment, and service. As Allegheny’s Director of Community Service, Dave has continued to set that example for the rest of us. As Dave’s friend, I am proud of him. As Dave’s student, I am grateful to him. As he now enjoys a well-deserved retirement and spends more time with his growing collection of grandchildren, I have no doubt that his will continue to be a life of faith and service. Thanks, Dave, and God bless you!

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Dave Roncolato (Single) (CAMPUS MINISTRY)

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Professor Wu helped me a lot as my mentor while I was at Allegheny College. When I was short on some credits during my senior year, he helped me find a path forward, which helped me graduate on time. He was also kind enough to let me take a course where I would essentially act as a teaching assistant to his freshman seminar class. His kindness and assistance are something that I will never forget.

I still hear from Professor Wu from time to time. I usually keep in contact with him via email. We use this opportunity to talk and see how the other is doing. We even discuss certain topics via email, such as events that affect Chinese history (his area of expertise). I also subscribed to his YouTube channel, where he shows some foods that he has made or encountered. While we don't talk too much, I still enjoy our conversations. All in all, Professor Wu is a nice man and a person whom I consider a friend.

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I came to Allegheny, age 17, from Washington, DC, where I had attended segregated public schools. I was a pre-med major; we could do that then. On my first chemistry exam, I scored the lowest grade in the class, since the scores were posted on the blackboard. I picked up my books and went to Baldwin Hall and cried my eyes out. How would I get into medical school if I couldn't even pass the first-year chemistry class?

I went back down to the chemistry building and met with Dr. State. He sat me down and showed me mathematically how, even with this hour exam score, with two more hour exams, lab exams, and final exams, I could pass his class. I did get a 72 as a final semester grade.

The rest is history. I was accepted back home to Howard University Medical School, completed internship, OB/GYN residency, and a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. I had a private practice in OB/GYN for 53 years before retiring on July 31, 2025. I have served on the Allegheny College Board of Trustees for over 30 years and, in 2015, received an honorary degree from my alma mater.

This is all because Dr. State gave me the understanding of my abilities, supported my dreams, and gave me the confidence to acquire my medical degree. I and my seven children and seven grandchildren will be eternally grateful.

Dr. State has passed away, but I visited him several times during college reunions.

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Dr. Van Horn was my academic and research advisor for my first three years at Allegheny. I had come to college wanting to work in polymer science, and I was able to get some valuable research experience in Dr. Van Horn's lab. After graduating, I pursued my PhD at Carnegie Mellon in materials science, which led me to attend the annual meeting of the American Physics Society (APS) every year of my PhD (and a couple of years after in my job as a research scientist at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center). I knew Dr. Van Horn usually attended these meetings, so the first year I went, I figured I would send an email and see what happened.

That led to us meeting up at three of the APS national meetings (he even came to my first talk EVER as a PhD student at APS Chicago), one of which took place in Gordon Ramsay's Burger on the Las Vegas Strip! Although we were both no longer at Allegheny, we still always had a lot to catch up on and chat about, even though I was no longer in the polymer world. It was also great to hear about how there were students still working on research I had started as an undergrad in Dr. Van Horn's lab. It sounds kind of sappy, but it's always nice for someone who has watched you grow to see what you've done and how far you've come.

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Spent 5 years co-writing THE POE ENCYCLOPEDIA with Fred thirty years after my graduation. The book was published in 1997. Talk about a mentor having a prolonged impact!

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Wayne R. Merrick and Robert Seddig, Faculty of Political Science

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Wayne R. Merrick and Robert Seddig, Faculty of Political Science

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As a transfer student in the fall of 1973, I was fortunate to have a class in constitutional law with Dr. Seddig and an introductory course in international law with Dr. Merrick, who introduced me to writing papers and committed a remarkable amount of time to review the first I wrote, with neat handwritten notes that covered the title page. Wayne and Bob offered me structure and encouragement to complete coursework that led to admission to Duke Law School. Wayne spent many hours helping me structure a senior thesis that was a factor in my admission to Duke. Bob introduced me to reading case law involving the Constitution. I have had an interest in the Constitution since Christmas 1962, when my mother, Margo, gave me a book and explained that family physician John S. Witherspoon, MD, was a descendant of Rev. John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. At Duke, I had the great fortune to learn constitutional law from Professor William W. Van Alstyne (1934–2019) and enjoy a friendship with him. Without Wayne and Bob, and their guidance in learning academics and developing an interest in constitutional law, I might not have known Bill.

They also met with me in Meadville to work on a difficult, compelling matter that greatly concerned U.S. Senator John Heinz, for whom I worked from 1983–85 as a legislative aide. In the intervening years, they met with me again and offered invaluable advice. Now, more than 42 years after staff for Sen. Heinz began the legal matters that the late legal scholar Judge Eunice L. Ross (1923–2018) completed, I will soon complete a book that legal scholar Michigan Law Professor Emeritus Ted St. Antoine and his son Arthur recommended three years ago. I cannot overemphasize how much Wayne and Bob did for me, as mentors and friends, or express adequately my gratitude for them, other Allegheny College faculty, classmates, and fraternity brothers, with friendships that continue.

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Christine Nebiolo taught a Cell Biology class in my senior year and was my Allegheny mentor for my Comp (I did much of the research at a Pittsburgh hospital). She was a great mentor on the comp, but what I recall most is a method of assessment she used in the Cell Biology class. Instead of giving a standard essay exam, she gave us the exam questions and said she would include X number of questions on the formal exam. As we didn't know which questions she would choose for the exam, we had to be prepared for all of the questions. This was an outstanding way to learn the material and prepare for the exam. It had such an impact on me that I have used this method of assessment often over the past 30 years when I teach graduate or resident courses as a faculty member at LSU Health—New Orleans.

Sadly, I have had no contact with Christine since graduating in 1984. I also don't know how long she served as a faculty member in the Biology department. I never saw her at any reunions. But I have mentioned her often when describing the assessment method and give her all the credit.

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Herbert Silas Rhinesmith, Faculty of Chemistry

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Herbert Silas Rhinesmith, Faculty of Chemistry

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My first introduction to Dr. Rhinesmith was when I wanted to change my major from pre-theo to pre-med. The semester was five days old when I approached him for permission to join his Chem 1 class. It was a Saturday morning when I asked him for his approval and signature. Somewhat gruffly, he said that I was already two lectures behind and that I would need to play catch-up. I replied, “Yes, Sir! I will do that,” whereupon he gave me his approval and signature. I finished his class with a grade in the 90s. And I won the James Bennett Porter Prize as the class valedictorian my freshman year.

Dr. Rhinesmith is long deceased, and I am 83 years old, but he lived into his 80s, and we corresponded during his retirement years on Sanibel Island, Florida, and then with the Moynihans in Oxford, Ohio, where his son-in-law was Professor of Philosophy. When he was still active at Allegheny, he invited my wife and me, who were in medical school at Ohio State, to give “pep talks” to the pre-med students.

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Dr. Whitenack was there for me as a professor and advisor in many capacities. Whether I had questions about class material, future career pathways, or college life — she was always happy to listen and answer. She never failed to make time for me even when I could tell she was stressed over a deadline. Truly, she was my first step towards finding my place in the Biology department.

I’ve continued growing my love for marine biology and now work at the Cleveland Aquarium. I find myself still wanting to share big moments with Dr. Whitenack. She was one of the first people I told when I got my current job.

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I have enjoyed a very long-tenured friendship with Dr. Anthony LoBello for many years, both during my wonderful time at Allegheny and in the many years and decades that have followed. He was an inspiration to me, and still is to this day.

Dr. LoBello instilled in me a profound appreciation for mathematics and my strengths in the discipline, and helped fuel my desire to reach new heights and follow a path that has led to an amazing career over 26 years as an actuarial consultant in the employee benefits field. He also, of course, instilled in me an appreciation for Dubonnet as well. :)

Among my fond memories are, of course, the time spent learning from him in his classes and from many of his wondrous experiences in his career and life, but also the many dinners and personal discussions we enjoyed together over the years, both during school and long after graduation. I had the wonderful opportunity to see him periodically when I would be back on campus recruiting for my firms, and he was always quick to offer his time and hospitality to catch up over a meal at his home.

My fondest memory, though, was Tony's attendance at my wedding in 2007. While the attendance that day of so many family and friends overjoyed us, the fact that Tony was so gracious and generous to travel to Saxonburg on a wide-open farm in the country to witness my nuptials was humbling and filled a special place in my heart and does to this day! We made sure there were two bottles of Dubonnet reserved for him, and to this day his presence was sincerely appreciated and still means the world to me.

Dr. LoBello always referred to us as Professors and by our full names, something I will always remember and hold dear. In fact, I still see many fellow "professors," and we often reminisce about our time with him. He shaped who I am as a person, an academic and fellow mathematician, a professional, and most importantly as a mentor and a friend. He is an Allegheny Legend for good reason and is by far the most intelligent person I have ever known. I will always be grateful to him!!! God bless and thank you, Dr. LoBello!

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It was in my early years as a student at Allegheny, a Biology major, when I encountered Dr. Wohler in a class on freshwater biology. I took the class along with a good friend and fraternity brother. One of the exercises in the class was to sample the water of Lake Pymatuning to determine what microflora was present in the lake. It was during the trip to Pymatuning that I learned something about Dr. Wohler—about his personality, not his smarts—that put me on the path of friendship, even after I graduated. Once we got to the lake and found our tiny rowboat, Dr. Wohler suggested we play a round of rock, paper, scissors. The loser would row the boat while the others collected the water samples. And guess what? As luck would have it, Dr. Wohler lost to both me and my friend Tom. He, without hesitation, grabbed the oars of the boat and rowed us to our sampling point. His knowledge and his personal style helped direct me to a career in environmental science.

When I came back to Meadville as a member of Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Resources, after attending graduate school in Maryland, I reconnected with Dr. Wohler, who by this time I was able to call Rick. His teaching style and personality helped propel me onto a career that I still treasure. Without that rowboat trip to Pymatuning, I'm not sure I would have embarked upon the educational and work-related paths that I took. To this day, I remember my times studying under Dr. Rick Wohler as a positive experience.

Dr. Wohler passed tragically many years ago. Since then, I have communicated periodically with his wife and daughter, always recalling what a great mentor and friend he had become. Those fun-filled educational days as an Allegheny Gator continue to live on in my mind.

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Michael and I really did not start working together until junior year when I started taking his classes. I had always been aware of him during my time in the department, working on shows and hearing him throw out words about lights and tech. But junior year, as I became more involved in productions and took his junior seminar, we really got to know each other. Sometimes, you find that you and a professor just click. Don't get me wrong, I loved all of the professors in theatre, but Michael and I were in sync. So much so that when it came time to pick a comp advisor, he was a natural choice despite the fact that he was not the resident director. Michael and I shared the same thoughts, the same writing habits, the same over-commitment habits. I never hesitated to ask him a question, to share my frustration, or to look for support. I felt like Michael and I were a perfect duo.

After graduating, Michael and I stayed in contact, and he remained a strong support and adviser. He helped me with an interview project in grad school, had hours-long conversations with me when I came back to town, and even made an effort to reach out to me when he journeyed to my grad school with his son on college tours. Plus, when the annual USITT conference made its way to my city, we made time to grab dinner together with the other Allegheny members and catch up. I always knew I could reach out to him, no matter what the issue or question.

Now, I am honored to be able to call him a coworker as I join the admissions team as an Admissions Counselor with an arts recruitment focus. He and I will work together as that duo once again to combine efforts and recruit the next group of aspiring Allegheny artists. Hopefully, I can show them just how much my time as an arts student with Michael and all the other wonderful faculty changed my life for the better.

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Chaplain Skinner was one of the greatest gifts that came from my time at Allegheny. I still regularly share with others the wisdom that he imparted to me decades ago. And I continue to love receiving his Christmas cards or a brief email check-in. Now in his 90s, "Chappie," as we call him, is still one of the wisest, most insightful, and inspirational people that I know. He looks for the gratitude and joy in every day. While we each have gone through trying circumstances, he has shown the ability to persevere and appreciate the journey, even when it is hard. I remember once we were moving to a very rural area of PA, and I was not terribly excited. He said, "My dear, we bloom where we are planted." I remembered that every day and lived accordingly. I had a wonderful experience in this quiet little town. I befriended the Amish, took painting classes with a live rooster as a model, and learned to fully appreciate the spring smell of manure on the farm fields behind my house. He always helped me see that life was a gift worth living to the fullest.

Even today, we share emails, phone calls, and an occasional visit at Chautauqua Institute or a meal at reunion. I know when I see him that he will be waiting with open arms to receive me, and it brings such peace and joy. We all (the Deacons) think of Chaplain Skinner as a person who had a tremendous impact on our lives.

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I am in the middle, Rob is on the far left, and my former student Sam Solod is between us.

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Rob Manuel '90, Alumnus and Career Mentor

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Rob Manuel '90, Alumnus and Career Mentor

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During my junior year at Allegheny, I applied to be part of an internship program to match me with an internship experience in New York City. I went with a group of Allegheny students to the city for the summer, and I was matched with Dr. Robert Manuel as my mentor. At the time, he was the dean at NYU. I learned a ton that summer in New York, both from the project I completed and also just from watching his leadership style as a dean day in and day out. I am grateful for the internship program that Allegheny provided.

Over the years since then, we have stayed in contact. He has guided and helped me professionally in my career as a K–12 educator. I also continued to do some consulting work for him when he made the move to Georgetown University. We even did a triathlon together when he was in Washington, D.C. Since Georgetown, he became the President of the University of Indianapolis and now is the President of DePaul University in Chicago. Just this past November, I flew out to visit him for the Bears–Steelers game. What made it come full circle was his connection to a former student/mentee of mine who is a senior at his university. All three of us were able to attend the game.

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Mark Reader, Faculty of Political Science

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Mark Reader, Faculty of Political Science

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In the ’90s, I joined an English-speaking book club while serving in the U.S. Peace Corps in what was then called Macedonia. The group was composed of women who were serving in the country working on USAID projects, the UN, and local nationals who spoke English. We had read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and were talking about the book. The leader asked if we had a professor in college who had influenced us, like the author was influenced by his teacher. I went on to describe my Allegheny professor, who challenged my thinking during the Vietnam War and emphasized critical thinking as we studied the politics of our country and the world. This professor inspired me to follow a career in state and local government service. Another member of the group, a lawyer, said that he sounded just like her professor at Arizona State who had inspired her to become a lawyer. She then asked, “What was the name of your professor?” I said, “Mark Reader.” She clapped her hands with glee and said he was her professor too.

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James Hogan, Faculty of the Classics Department

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James Hogan, Faculty of the Classics Department

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I first met Dr. Hogan at the beginning of my sophomore year in a Myths of Hesiod class. I took it as an elective because I thought it might be interesting. I never would have guessed on that first day of class that in three years I would have a minor in Classics as well as a friendship that would last almost forty years. When Dr. Hogan passed away, I felt such loss as you would have for the loss of a close family member.

Dr. Hogan was always there for advice throughout my tenure at Allegheny as well as through life. He was the first educator I ever met who was wholly focused on us learning and moving forward in life; grades were secondary. He had a wry sense of humor and, as his obituary said, “The laughter of Zeus.” He smoked a pipe in class while he not only taught us Greek and Roman history but often life lessons as well. Whenever I smell pipe smoke, I always think of him. He rewarded hard work, and I never wanted to let him down—ever. Dr. Hogan was a rare jewel. I never met his equal at Allegheny and later in law school. Ave et vale, my friend. You are greatly missed.

Although he has passed away, I think of him often.

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James Sheridan and Evan Zuesse, Faculty of Philosophy

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James Sheridan and Evan Zuesse, Faculty of Philosophy

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Jim Sheridan awakened my mind to the world of philosophy in a way that I had never experienced before. I see now that the timing was Providential. Needless to say, public school had never provided me with any form of instruction in philosophy, and in retrospect, I see that I was not ready for that until I matriculated to Allegheny College.

Professor Sheridan made the world of philosophy come alive and, most critically—to me—validated my ability to understand the subject matter at hand. I am confident Jim Sheridan is now basking in the great beyond for the reward he earned in this mundane sphere.

Professor Evan Zuesse taught me about "Primitive Religions." I imagine no one would use such a non-PC title nowadays. Regardless of what such a course might be called today, for me—as a Roman Catholic Christian—that course opened my mind and eyes to the reality that apprehension of The Transcendent Mystery and the connectivity of all Being is a constant across human history.

May God bless you both! You gave me lifelong reasons for my hope.

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Paul "Skipper" Knights, Faculty of History

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Paul "Skipper" Knights, Faculty of History

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Skipper was my comp advisor —my comp topic was "Why We Don't Have a King"—but I had Skipper for several courses too. I was good friends with a student a year behind me—we had a 60-year friendship until he died. Skipper was a dynamic and inspirational teacher. He taught American history. As this other friend and I would often discuss the current state of affairs in our country, we would always end our chats with, "What would Skipper say?" as if we were still hoping for his insight and opinion. As for my comp, I have bought books on that same topic, and I always check to see if their bibliography cites the same sources I used in my comp—there is usually some new material, but I can recognize the ones I used too.

I stayed in contact with Skipper and his wife until their final years and illnesses. They were personal friends with my parents and my husband and me. I (we) attended their retirement celebrations and their memorial services.

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I was lucky enough to be in Paul Zolbrod's English class my senior year, which was way back in 1973–74. I'd returned from a year abroad in England being very curious about the English language, and Dr. Zolbrod's class piqued this curiosity even more. He introduced the class to Black English and J.L. Dillard's book by that name—very new for the time, and it left a lasting impression on me. He also shared with the class some aspects of the Navajo language, an interest he was developing. Several years later, he accepted a professorship at Diné College in New Mexico, immersing himself in the Navajo language and culture.

While I did not have a traditional mentor/mentee relationship with Dr. Zolbrod, he came back into my life nearly a half-century later. I was working on a book on the English language and wanted to include a segment on the Navajo Code Talkers. Although by now many people were aware of them, they weren't necessarily acquainted with the code they developed. I knew who would know, though. Feeling it was a long shot, I nevertheless reached out to Sally Barrett in Allegheny's Regional Advancement Office, who graciously agreed to forward my email to Dr. Zolbrod. He sent me a reply the very same day and suggested I phone him that afternoon.

Speaking with him after so many years, I felt as if I were still in his class—not so much being taught as being guided (the way a mentor would) on how to approach what I was hoping to write, by someone who wanted to see me do well. He also shared with me that he had known several of the Code Talkers and offered some insights on the language overall. Oh, and I was to call him Paul (his only suggestion that I'm still struggling with).

Dr. Zolbrod died just a few months before my book, E Pluribus English, was published. I had already written my thanks to him in the book's acknowledgments—a beloved English professor from an equally beloved alma mater. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to thank him this way, and would be honored to send Allegheny a copy of the book that made it possible for me to experience his wisdom and enthusiasm long after I graduated.

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Bruce Smith, Faculty of Political Science

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Bruce Smith, Faculty of Political Science

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Bruce was an incredibly humble individual who gave himself to everyone around him with compassion and always a smile. I first met Bruce as a prospective student during a 1:1 interview and was stunned to find this worldly and intelligent man could connect with little old me. It was the first time in my life I could really see across the horizon of the teenage years into adulthood and was the biggest factor in my selection of Allegheny so long ago.

I actually never had Bruce as a teacher. I ended up only dabbling in Political Science, but I did not regret my choice in institution and found many other teachers who helped shape my positive experience. However, much later in life, Bruce and I served on a Finance Committee at Allegheny after I had returned to work for the institution I graduated from. Bruce was chair, but once again connected with this relatively inexperienced staff member and opened my eyes to institutional decision-making and how budgets and administrative decisions affected the health of the college, the richness of education for students, and the lives of individual faculty and staff. And once again, I was a student and he finally became my teacher. His perspective continues to inform my own choices after his passing, and his repeated willingness to incorporate mine helps keep me humble in outlook. I hope.

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Robert Seddig, faculty of Political Science

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Robert Seddig, faculty of Political Science

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Ever since I took the "Micropolitics" class with Dr. Seddig, I knew that I would like to go forward and major in Political Science. Dr. Seddig encouraged me to learn more about constitutional law and supported me in my independent study about the Burger and Warren courts and voting blocs.

Dr. Seddig encouraged me with my law school application to the College of Law at Syracuse University. After graduation and subsequent admission to the bar, I worked for many years in a private firm, followed by over 20 years of private practice. Without Dr. Seddig's teaching and guidance, I would not have been able to reach the point where I still volunteer with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, doing pro bono work for those who need legal help but do not have the financial means to hire a lawyer.

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I first met Barbara Lotze as a freshman when I took my first physics course in Fall 1967. She was a Hungarian refugee who completed her doctoral studies in Austria at Innsbruck University in mathematics and theoretical physics, where she met her husband, Dieter Lotze. They immigrated to the U.S. in 1961 and joined the faculty at Allegheny—Barbara in Physics and Dieter in German. I remember her pride as she shared the news with our class that she had become a naturalized citizen in 1967.

Largely due to Barbara's influence, I became a dual major in mathematics and physics, and I also studied German with Dieter. As a senior, I remarked to Barbara that I was beginning to forget the German I had learned. Her response was to order a two-volume Theorie der Elektrizität as the text that she used to teach me—the sole student in a senior mathematical physics course—simultaneously learning the science and improving my German.

Barbara and I remained in close touch for many years, though I saw her only infrequently as my graduate studies and faculty career took me some distance from western Pennsylvania. While she probably would have preferred that I pursue graduate study in physics, she was supportive of my choice to first study library science, then information and computer science, and finally information studies. I became a faculty member in library and information science in 1977, seeking to support and mentor students in ways that Barbara supported me. For many years, I taught science reference, preparing future science librarians, always concluding with a section on the culture (history, philosophy, sociology) of science, technology, and medicine, reflecting Barbara's interest in bridging C.P. Snow's The Two Cultures.

I last saw Barbara in 2010 in Pittsburgh when she was my guest at the Association for Information Science and Technology Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon, where I was recognized with the association's Award of Merit. The guidance that I received from Barbara Lotze while an undergraduate physics major has been key to my career success over decades as a faculty member at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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Mike Cobb '86, alumnus and career connection

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Mike Cobb '86, alumnus and career connection

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I was nearing graduation in the spring of 2006 and was looking for career opportunities in real estate. I reached out to Jim Fitch in the Office of Career Services, and he shared that ECI Development, started by Mike Cobb and Joel Nagel, was looking for their first intern to start that summer. It just happened that their office was in Managua, Nicaragua, and I’d never been out of the country, besides an overnight trip to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. I can’t say that I wasn’t nervous, but I jumped at the chance and had a great summer living overseas, working with Mike’s team, and expanding my worldview.

Mike and I have kept in touch over the years, initially through occasional emails and at events in the Washington, DC, area. More recently, we discovered that we were both living in the DC area and have been meeting up a couple of times a year for meals and to catch up on life and work. Mike’s been a great resource and sounding board while I continue my quest to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

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Ruth Williams Knight, Associate Dean of Students

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Ruth Williams Knight, Associate Dean of Students

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In 1959–60, four of us junior-year women had the privilege of being “student counselors,” aka RAs, to freshman women in Caflisch Hall—two of us in Section One and two across the way in Section Five. Every week, we would meet with Dean Williams in her home, off campus, to review the happenings, look ahead to what might be happening, discuss difficulties, and discuss possible scenarios. Such a treat to be off campus!! Such a treat to look forward to a snack. Our favorite was the newly developed Pepperidge Farm turnovers, warm from the oven. Mrs. Knights was always warm, gracious, and friendly. She treated us as peers and gently, but firmly, shared her wisdom and expertise.

The following year, I served as AWS president and had much more interaction with Mrs. Knights.

As I look back, I cannot remember specific teachings or lessons, but I'm fully aware that her leadership and genuine friendship helped me become the person I am today.

We exchanged Christmas cards throughout the years. I'm sure she did with many. We'd have quick visits if I was on campus. I hope I conveyed to her how much I admired and learned from her.

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Morten J. Luvaas, Faculty of Music and Founder of the Allegheny Singers

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Morten J. Luvaas, Faculty of Music and Founder of the Allegheny Singers

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Dr. Morten J. Luvaas adopted me as a student at Allegheny, not just as a singer but as a rising choral conductor, composer, arranger, and music teacher. He gave me extra instruction in music theory, and when my work pleased him, he saw that some of my student works got published! We remained very close after I graduated. Following my military service and graduate education, he recommended me for the choral music (and more!) position at Wells College, where I spent my career.

A week never went by during my 51 years of teaching (and many more in church music) that I did not think of “Luvy” with gratitude and appreciation. I carry an indelible memory of him pulling himself up the stairs to the Chapel at 8 a.m. to give me individual tutorials. It was such a vivid demonstration of his devotion to his students, as he worked for years with ALS (then called Lou Gehrig’s disease). He truly was a role model for me and so many others.

After starting me off as a published arranger and composer in the 1950s, I didn’t pursue that path for decades. Taking it up again in the 1980s, I ended up with nearly 200 works issued by 15 firms over 40 years. I always remembered Luvy’s stellar example and careful guidance in composing and arranging quality music for amateur singers, and tried to honor his legacy in sharing my work worldwide.

I hope it may be helpful for current and incoming students to know that the mentoring relationships that Allegheny College fosters to this day can nurture and enrich a life for over 70 years.

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I first met Professor Jim Bulman when I took his Modern Drama class in my junior year at Allegheny—he had a great reputation among the students. He had a way of making the plays come off the page for me and ignited my passion for theater. I had always gone to Broadway shows in my younger years, but Jim taught me new ways of looking at dramatic plays. He took our class to a Chekhov play in Pittsburgh so we could see how the actors made the play come to life. Jim’s classes inspired me to do my senior comp on George Bernard Shaw. After Allegheny, we kept in touch, and at one point, when I was at a career crossroads, Jim shared his perspective with me and encouraged me to take a role in performing arts administration. I would often send him copies of Playbills for shows I had seen on and off Broadway, and I looked forward to hearing his point of view and comparing notes. While our communication has waned, I still feel a connection to our School because of him. I always make an effort to see him when I attend a reunion.

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I didn't get serious about my English major until I met Dr. Jeanne Braham well into my junior year, which is how I found myself in need of a passing grade in American Lit survey in my last term on campus. Two days before the final exam, the class learned that the test would primarily focus on Moby-Dick. I was on page 16 with no hope of finishing the classic in time.

On exam day, I wore a fisherman's knit sweater to class and did my best to channel Ismael. I filled two blue books with I do not know what, and turned them in, sure that I would be coming back to campus to finish my degree. A few days later, I crossed paths with Dr. Braham in the post office. She wrapped me in a hug, then walked on. When I got my grades, I had passed the course—barely. I made a promise to myself that I would honor Jeanne's grace by reading Moby-Dick in full.

To read Moby-Dick was my New Year's resolution for 35 years. A few years back, I was heading for a long international flight and spotted the book in the airport bookstore. I read on my way to Australia, then read more on a trip to London, and more and more on every flight that year, finally finishing the last line on a trip in late November.

When I got home, I wrapped the book and mailed it to Jeanne for Christmas, finally returning her favor. And I've not made a New Year's resolution since.

Jeanne and I have maintained a close friendship for more than 40 years. We have had a robust email correspondence, and I see her whenever I can. She continues to encourage my writing. I continue to be inspired by her warmth and kindness.

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Michael Cobb '86, Alumnus and Internship Sponsor

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Michael Cobb '86, Alumnus and Internship Sponsor

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Michael Cobb hosted me as an intern initially for 10 weeks at ECI Development in Nicaragua during the summer of 2009, and later during graduate school for three weeks over the winter break of 2010–2011. Besides me, he has hosted countless Allegheny students for summer internships in Nicaragua and elsewhere, and his impact as a mentor reaches far and wide in the U.S. and abroad. Mike's dedication to mentoring Allegheny students is only matched by his dedication to his family; he is not only an astute international businessperson and real estate developer, among many other accomplishments, but also a loving husband and father.

Mike opened my eyes to global opportunities and new possibilities, and he created an awakening within me about myself and my career, thanks to his mentorship and continued friendship. My internship in Nicaragua proved to be the catalyst to the start of what has developed into a fulfilling career. Mike's example of leadership, his cool demeanor, and personal qualities carry with me today.

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Taken in March of 2024 at Boca Grande Beach in Florida

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Linda DeMeritt, Faculty of German and Provost & Dean of the College

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Linda DeMeritt, Faculty of German and Provost & Dean of the College

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In the fall of 1997, I was a junior at Allegheny College, majoring in German and minoring in Sociology/Anthropology. Having recently returned from a sophomore semester abroad in Cologne, I was, on the one hand, eager to share my love of the language and culture and, on the other, struggling with the myriad emotions one faces when coming of age.

I signed up to be an upperclassman advisor for Prof. Linda DeMeritt’s freshman seminar. I don’t recall the title of the course, but I know it focused on post–WWII German literature. Advising incoming freshmen through this particular course felt like the perfect opportunity to weave together my deep connection to German culture with a desire to pay forward some of the wisdom I had gleaned abroad.

And the course proved to be just that—a way to integrate my love of German literature into real life, while simultaneously and quite unexpectedly becoming the catalyst for one of my deepest and dearest lifelong friendships.

One day after class, likely sensing that I wasn’t feeling my best, Linda asked how I was. I said something like, “I’m tired of this life.” She smiled gently and said, “How about a coffee?” She bought me a coffee and listened to my woes, and that was the beginning of our friendship. Throughout the remainder of the semester, we met regularly for coffee, lunch, or dinner. She gave me space to vent what was troubling me. She gave advice sometimes and, other times, simply listened with an open heart.

Linda offered me a lifeline: genuine care and concern for my well-being, a love that oftentimes felt maternal but without the tangles that so often complicate the biological mother-daughter bond—a kind of mothering I deeply needed. She offered an unconditional acceptance that allowed me to work through my challenges, knowing that I was not alone.

That spring, I traveled to Austria to spend spring break with her while she was on sabbatical. In May of 1999, she greeted me with a broad smile and loving embrace at my graduation. After graduation, we continued to stay in regular contact. She attended my first wedding and later talked me through the struggles of divorce (well, two divorces, actually). She came to see me after the births of my sons. I have spent time at her Michigan home and travel each spring to Florida, where I am warmed by both the sunshine and the love that always awaits me.

Linda has been a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration in my life for nearly 30 years. I have regarded her intellect, her integrity, her dedication, and her success as inspiration for what women can be and, more importantly, what humans can be. She is witty and driven, but most of all, she is guided by love: love for friends and family, love for learning, love for democracy, and a deep love for humanity. I don’t know how I got so lucky to be graced by that love, but I am surely grateful to be held within her generous heart.

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Rodney Clark, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience

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Rodney Clark, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience

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Dr. Clark's mentorship came to me entirely by accident. When my freshman-year advisor announced her retirement, I found myself in need of another faculty member's support…and just so happened to be in the lab that semester with Dr. Clark. I reached out, and he was happy to bring me on…and what ensued was more than I ever could have hoped for.

Whether in taking more of Dr. Clark's courses, TAing for his Intro class, or all those basement chats with him and my classmates, I not only found success as a student of the Psychology Department with Dr. Clark's support, but discovered a new way of understanding human behavior. That exposure and guidance ultimately led me to a career in special education, one that I never imagined for myself but now cannot imagine my life without!

Dr. Clark and I have kept in touch since my graduation, and his support and mentorship are so special to me. From celebrating my first poster presentation (and 21st birthday, coincidentally!) together in Chicago, to honoring his legendary career in Philadelphia with so many of his former students and colleagues at his retirement party, to just grabbing tacos whenever we're both in town, our friendship made it out of Meadville and only continues to grow. I can always count on him for advice, a laugh, and to save the day when I can't find “that one article” I want to share with my grad students, and I am so grateful to have had—and continue to have—such a fantastic mentor in my life…THANK YOU, DR. CLARK!

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Norm Sundstrom, Golf Coach, Basketball Coach, and Athletic Director 

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Norm Sundstrom, Golf Coach, Basketball Coach, and Athletic Director 

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Norm Sundstrom was focused, had a vision, and executed on that vision: to build nationally competitive athletic programs while supporting the student athlete to pursue and become successful in whatever they chose.

Coach Sundstrom helped focus me on what mattered most—representing myself in the best possible way, working hard to achieve my goals, and never, ever losing sight of the positivity necessary to be successful.

I now coach college golf and high school hockey, and apply ‘Norm Sundstrom’ lessons every day, in pursuit of success for each of the young men I coach.

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Dr. Seely was my advisor. He truly cared about his advisees. He had a tradition of May Wine and Dinner during senior year at his house. The night before my comp oral exam, he called the dorm and told me to stop studying and go to Teddy’s for a beer, as he knew I had an A. Dr. Seely encouraged me to go to graduate school in the Midwest, explaining how the atmosphere there was more conducive to a healthy lifestyle. He related his own experience in the East Coast rat race and his return to Iowa for a doctorate.

Having married and raised children in St. Louis, MO, I agree with him. When I accompanied my husband to stuffy Ivy League reunions, I always gave thanks to Dr. Seely (who went to both) for sending me west.

We just corresponded through yearly Christmas cards. He wrote about his beachcombing on Sanibel and the wildlife he enjoyed there. One week, when my three-year-old had chickenpox and we had cabin fever from the quarantine, a box arrived in the mail. It was sand and seashells with a note that a little girl in the Midwest needed a beach. (Little did he know we went to the Jersey Shore each summer.) I put a plastic tablecloth on the floor, and we spent time happily “playing beach.”

He taught me that success is more than academic achievement, although it is significant. Rather, it is embracing the joy of life.

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Alton "Captain" Kidd and Stan Wagner, Faculty of Political Science

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Alton "Captain" Kidd and Stan Wagner, Faculty of Political Science

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Both of these were models of how faculty should behave, listen to, and advise young people.  They did so with good humor and empathy, They were the standards by which I conducted myself over 35 years of college and university teaching.

Remarkably, 23 years after my own retirement, I see these two as what I want to be in dealing with former students.

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Dr. Charles "Brownie" Ketcham, Faculty of Religion

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Dr. Charles "Brownie" Ketcham, Faculty of Religion

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Occasionally, I would joke that the only thing I remember from my college education is how to wish a “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” in Hawaiian. My good friend, Tulle Frazer, grew up in Honolulu. As we freshmen were leaving for Christmas break, she taught all of us in Highland Hall how to pronounce “Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Makahiki Hou.” It is intriguing how we tend to remember unique and insignificant details of our experience. Sometimes they serve to keep our memories of connectedness alive.

As a senior Religion major, I did an independent study with Brownie. Once a week, three of us—a Catholic, an Evangelical Protestant, and an Atheist—would meet at a bar downtown to discuss a particular theological work. We would order beers and giant stuffed mushrooms. I can’t say that I remember the name of the theology book, but I can easily recall the warmth of the connection we developed as we argued our points…and the taste of those stuffed mushrooms!

Brownie was my senior comp advisor, guiding me as I wrote on the spiritual development of the Catholic monastic, Thomas Merton. The final version was due on the day after my birthday in February. My friend, Lynn Weissert, felt that it wasn’t fair to have to spend my birthday putting the finishing touches on my comp, so she wrote Brownie a note pleading for a one-day deferment. Her last sentence was, “Don’t you remember when you were twenty-one?” The next day, I got an “official” reply from Brownie granting me a one-day dispensation. He let me know that he and Joyce had spent the whole of their lunchtime conversation sharing memories of when they were twenty-one. I have his missive in my collection to this day.

Brownie passed away on April 15, 2023, at the age of 97. I was fortunate to have had a relationship with him that lasted 53 years. In his retirement, he and Joyce moved near to me in Eastern Massachusetts. In 25 minutes, I could be in Lexington for a visit. We talked politics, art, and theology. He was as sharp, brilliant, and engaged as ever.

Recently, Joyce and I traveled to Newburyport to visit the churchyard where Brownie’s gravestone is set. She just celebrated her 96th birthday in November. During our hour-long drive, I asked her to tell me the story of how she and Brownie first met. She explained that they were both students at Mount Union College, where Brownie’s father was President. Joyce was taken with Brownie on their first date, and the feeling was mutual. When a friend asked her about her feelings for him, she played it cool and replied, “I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket.” When Brownie got wind of this, he carved a little doll with a basket in her hand…full of eggs. They were engaged the next year and celebrated 73 years together before his passing. It is a joy for both of us to keep these memories alive.

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Dr. Richard Devor, Faculty of Religion, and Chaplain of the College

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Dr. Richard Devor, Faculty of Religion, and Chaplain of the College

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While I did an Old Testament independent study so I could take his New Testament course, then took a religion and psychology seminar that he offered with another staff person, and participated in a role-playing group he held at his house, I am most indebted to Dr. Devor because he provided me with three years of counseling that totally changed my life. He also officiated at my wedding in Ford Chapel the day that we graduated.

Dick, as I came to call him, remained a significant person in my life from the day I met him in 1963 till he passed away on 9/20/2022—a 59-year friendship. We visited him in GA, MI, and New England. He visited us in PA and in Ohio. He was always a supportive person, no matter what was going on. I attended his third retirement party, when he finally did actually retire.

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Bob hugging me and my wife, Rebecca Beichner (also a 2011 Allegheny graduate) at our wedding in Meadville in 2016.

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Bob was my professor and comp advisor when I was an undergrad, and he brought me out to western Montana for two summer field seasons looking at rocks and piecing together the history of the region. He is an amazing field geologist, taught me many skills and always took us for root beer floats at the end of long hot days. We took mid-field-season breaks to see folk music at the Montana folk festival and took long walks with the geology dog Trusty. Maybe most importantly he taught me to drink coffee - an essential life skill!! He would fill an open ceramic mug with black coffee and clutch it while driving over gravel roads, saying "Human shock absorber" every time we hit a bump and coffee would spill all over.

I loved it so much I went on to get a PhD in geology and now I'm a geology professor at a liberal arts school, taking students in the field and trying to share some of that same joy.

Bob has been a friend through it all. We still get up to Meadville to visit Bob and his wonderful wife, Marie, at their beautiful farmhouse. He has given me career advice, we talk science, we talk family and music and whatever else. Bob changed my life and I'm forever grateful for his mentorship and friendship!

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I first met Dick Kleeman as I sat with six other freshmen at a round table in South Hall Dining Room on the first day of freshman year 1964. Dick was casually smoking a cigarette, dressed in khakis and a black turtleneck, laughing off and on as he gently quizzed this fresh-faced collection of academic neophytes. Every bit of his presence projected “cool.” As John Vanco observed a few years ago, Dick used the words “those cats” in everyday conversation without the least bit of self-consciousness.

As I recall, most every student sitting politely around that table was a pre-med major, including me. Wasn’t everyone pre-med? But that path didn't work out for me. So at the end of sophomore year, in an elective art history class, I met Dick again. Later I met Ralph Hocking and Carl Heeschen.  And I guess I found my tribe.

Dick taught with passion and lived an artist’s life by example. He and Ralph took a busload of art majors to New York City and gave me my first exposure to art culture, with visits to MoMA, the Guggenheim, The Frick Collection, and an assortment of Midtown and Soho galleries. At MoMA a group of us watched and listened to Dick’s impassioned and animated response to the magnificent works displayed on the Museum’s walls. At that moment, for some of us, the traditional student/teacher relationship rebalanced, a new conversation began, and the lines between faculty and student began to blur. As has my memory.

Dick’s intensity was suffused with kindness and generosity. Over the years we stayed in touch. In 1979, when I began to explore and photograph Jones & Laughlin Steel Company’s closed, abandoned, and moldering Blast Furnace site in Pittsburgh, Dick sent a letter to David Hoag ’60, J&L’s president, asking for special consideration to help me gain access to the site. Over a decade later, Dick wrote a generous and insightful review in Allegheny Magazine of HOPE ABANDONED, a book of photographs I made from 1992-96 documenting Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.

Today, two or three times a year, four of Dick’s former students, Jed Miller ‘69, John Vanco ’68, Bill Owen, ’74, and I, meet for what we informally call “Art Safaris,” daylong visits to Museums and Historic and Architectural sites.  In so many ways, these “Safaris” honor the spirit of Dick’s life and remarkable teaching career.