Class Notes – Autumn 2023

1970s

Dr. Mary Antoinette (Gallo ’70) Sunyoger recently retired as chair of the Department of English and from full-time teaching at Franciscan University, but she will continue to teach as an adjunct. Upon her retirement, Dr. Sunyoger was named professor emerita in the Department of English. Dr. Sunyoger began her teaching career in 1970 and taught both high school and higher education. She is married to Richard A. Sunyoger ’71, now a retired CPA. She has one son, Richard M. Sunyoger; one grandson, Landon; and one granddaughter, Gabriella. Dr. Sunyoger resides in Steubenville.

Jerry Madden ’71 recently published a novel, Steel Valley: Coming of Age in the Ohio Valley in the 1960s—A Love Story. Jerry says, “I am sure the University will welcome this book because it touches on its founding in 1946, the College in the 1960s, and up to present day.”

1980s

Deacon Matthew David Menard ’82

Matthew David Menard ’82 was ordained to the diaconate by Cardinal Gregory at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., June 3, 2023. He was one of 12 men ordained that day in the Archdiocese of Washington.

Dr. Michelle (Dellaria ’83) Doas recently published a textbook, Increasing Emotional Competence in Nursing and Healthcare, with DEStech Publications, Inc. Michelle is an associate professor with the Chatham University Nursing Program.

1990s

Sister Joan Paule Portenlanger ’90 joined Franciscan University alumni and students at Annunciation Heights Camp in Estes Park, Colo., for a week of ministry in June 2023.

Sr. Joan Paule Portenlanger ’90 with Franciscan University alumni and students at Annunciation Heights Camp in Estes Park, Colo.

Paul Fisher MA ’97 was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on June 10, 2023, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Paul and his wife, Maria MA ’97 MA ’98, are licensed professional counselors in private practice.

Lisa (Pugliano MA ’98) Koslosky and her husband, Randy, are the proud grandparents of their first grandchild, Theo William Rosinski, born February 5, 2023.

2000s

Father Peter Wingerter ’02 was ordained to the holy priesthood for the Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton, Mass., on September 11, 2022. His oldest son, Peter, was also tonsured a reader at Vespers the night before the ordination.

Matt ’03 MA ’05 and Erica (DeBlasi ’04 MA ’06) Englefield have started a Catholic psychotherapy practice in the D.C. metro area. They live in Alexandria, Va., with their four children. Visit englefieldtherapy.com for more information.

Father Dwight Schlaline ’03 is pastor at Sacred Heart Basilica in Hanover, Pa. He says, “We are doing a massive interior restoration project on our historic church, which dates to 1787. Fellow alumni are welcome to stop by on pilgrimage and say, ‘Hello!’”

David Hickson ’06, his wife, Linda, and their three children, Therese, John Paul, and Josef, live in Düsseldorf, Germany, as FOCUS missionaries. David says that, after graduation, he finished USMC Officer Candidate School, went to seminary, and then left seminary and pursued teaching. He felt called to be a FOCUS missionary at age 28. In his 11 years in FOCUS, he’s served at various military academies and universities, both within America and abroad. A year ago, he began serving as director of Mission Development/Philanthropy for FOCUS Europe.

Danielle (Constant ’07) Prince and her husband, Brian, welcomed their seventh child, Isabella Therese, on November 4, 2022. Isabella joins big brothers, Matthew, 12, Noah, 10, Christopher, 7, and big sisters, Mariana, 5, and Anastasia, 2. Their oldest daughter, Abigail Grace, watches over them all from heaven. They live in Pittsburgh where Danielle is a stay-at-home mom and president of the parent volunteer group at their children’s school, and a volunteer coordinator for the boys’ tackle football team. They try to make it back to Franciscan once a year for a home basketball game. “Go, Barons!”

Clara Bauer ’07 MA ’13 (“Clara from the Pub”) married Jeffrey Kautz from Reno, Nev., on April 29, 2023. Clara says, “I always wanted to be surrounded by people, and God gave me a family that fit that description! I work in the Reno area and can be reached at [email protected].”

Daniel Garland Jr. MA ’08 has accepted a tenure track assistant professor of theology position at Ohio Dominican University, which began this fall.

2010s

Kirsten Orzolek ’10 started a new position as associate software support specialist with Tyler Technologies, providing remote assistance to public sector employees in their everyday operations.

Jonathan Campbell MA ’12 has written and launched a retreat ministry for parishes called Be Retreat. He says, “I would love the opportunity to communicate about the program to alumni working in parish ministry.” Visit beretreat.org for more information.

Joseph Murray ’14 was named athletic director at Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School in Tyler, Texas.

Taylor Bettencourt ’15 MA ’21 was named the first headmaster of the Chesterton Academy of Atlanta, Ga. He and his wife, Abby (Lucy ’16), live in Kennesaw, Ga., with their three children, Francis, 6, Patrick, 2, and Mary Felicity, 1.

Ryan Turner ’15 says, “While in college, I took two mission trips to Ecuador in 2014 and 2015. After graduating, I felt called to serve more. Catholic Medical Missions Board (CMMB) allowed me to travel to Kenya for six months. With my background in pediatric nursing, they placed me in the newborn unit. My time in Kenya was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I found such joy and peace—a peace I believe only came from God. When I was leaving, I felt I made some personal gain but didn’t fully grasp the impact I had made. A few weeks later, CMMB nominated me for the 2023 Global Nurses Impact Award for Rising Stars, and I was humbled to accept it in May at the United Nations. I wanted to let Franciscan University know and give credit to the institution that not only gave me an incredible nursing foundation but also sparked a fire in me to provide international service. Thank you!”

Sarah Negri ’18 started the PhD program in philosophy at Baylor University in August.

Father Isaiah Schick ’18 was ordained a priest by Bishop James Powers of the Diocese of Superior on May 28, 2023. His first parish assignment is as parochial vicar to the Four Parishes One Faith community in Rice Lake, Wis.

Fr. Isaiah Schick ’18 (far left) after his priestly ordination.

Sister Miryam Taranée Karimpour ’19 is a junior novice with the Daughters of Holy Mary. She will be professing first vows at the motherhouse in Galapagar, Madrid, Spain.

2020s

Adam Boyle ’21 MA ’23 married Francesca Zanotelli ’22

Adam Boyle ’21 MA ’23 married Francesca Zanotelli ’22 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., June 17, 2023.

Thomas Hong MA ’21 is the chair and professor of the Academic Department Contract and Fiscal Law at the U.S. Army’s The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Va. He also volunteers at St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish in Charlottesville in their Edge Program as a core team member.

In Memoriam

John Romanoski ’51 died July 23, 2023. John has been posthumously awarded the 2023 Dr. John J. Carrigg Alumni Award, which is given to an alum in recognition of success in the field of education.

Robert Ruppel ’54, Omicron Alpha Kappa brother, Barons basketball, died May 16, 2023.

Dr. Margaret (Williams ’64) Betlyn died May 6, 2023.

Marjorie (Modarelli ’67) Herrmann died May 23, 2023.

Lois (Hill ’67) Orlando, Delta Zeta sister, died September 25, 2022.

Dr. Patrick Macedonia ’68, Alpha Phi Delta brother, died August 16, 2023.

Monsignor Gerald Calovini ’69 died June 24, 2023.

We’ve just learned Sharon (Cowles ’70) Snippel, Delta Zeta sister, died November 2, 2018.

Patti (Sherman ’74) Travers, Delta Zeta sister, died May 5, 2023.

Sister Raphael Baker, OSB, MA ’83 died July 25, 2023.

Georgieann (Davidson MA ’98) Darter died January 2, 2023.

Gilfred Robertson ’98 died April 2, 2023.