Class Notes

1970s

Elinor Mattern ’73 married Joseph Brennan January 10, 2026.

John Robinson ’71 says, “I’ve published three books! More Later: Lyle’s Letters From the University are comic fictional letters loosely based on my 36-year career as a manuscript editor and course developer at Ohio University. My Photos Can’t Talk (Fortunately, I’m Verbal) is a collection of over 50 one-page essays, each based on one of my photographs. The tone of the essay might be humorous, serious, or even profound, depending on my reaction to the photo when I look at it. Also, every weekday for six years, I posted one of my own photos with a funny title and caption on my photo blog. At the time I ended the blog, it had over 1,000 followers. Graffics is a collection of 100 of the readers’ favorites.” For samples from each book, visit JohnArthurRobinson.com.

Elinor Mattern ’73 married Joseph Brennan January 10, 2026, at the Philadelphia Baha’i Center. Elinor says, “Love is a great gift whenever it enters your life but having a friend from high school reach out after 55 years and having him go from long-distance beau (he lived in Mexico) to fiancé to husband in two years is a remarkable delight!” They will split their time between New Jersey and Baja California, Mexico.

1980s

Deacon Rob Krall ’87 and Dr. Peter Colosi ’87 at Deacon Rob’s ordination.

Deacon Rob Krall ’87 was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Wheeling– Charleston, June 7, 2024, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Deacon Rob says, “We had a great celebration with many Steubie U alumni traveling to Wheeling to celebrate. I am grateful for this late calling to serve Christ through his Church. I wouldn’t be Catholic or a deacon but for having been at Franciscan University. Grateful!”

2000s

Allan Wirfel ’01 and Bridget (Behrend ’04) Wirfel with their seven children.

Allan Wirfel ’01 and Bridget Behrend ’04 were married June 19, 2010, in Akron, Ohio. Bridget says, “We have been blessed with seven beautiful children, Gemma, Gianna, Daniel, Stella, Michael, Sabrina, and Cecilia.”

Abbie Halpin ’03 says, “My illustrations appear in a new edition of Grimms’ Fairy Tales published by Votive, the children’s imprint of Word on Fire.”

Father Peter Tremblay, OFM Conv. ’03, graduated with a doctorate of ministry in preaching degree from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Mo. His thesis was titled “Podcast Preaching: Proclaiming Catholic Social Teaching to Generation Z,” and his podcast is called Peace and Good.

Faith (Hickey ’03) Tripp recently earned her doctor of education in educational leadership for diverse learning communities from Molloy University. Faith says, “My doctoral research investigated the implementation of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy program across Long Island public high school districts. Grounded in social justice, my work calls for more equitable, intentional program implementation to ensure that all multilingual learners have access to meaningful recognition of their linguistic assets.” She currently serves as director of World Languages and English as a New Language at East Williston School District and is an adjunct instructor in Molloy’s Graduate Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program.

The Prince children before a Barons basketball game in January 2026.

Sister Madeleine Marie Van Dillen ’03 recently graduated with a master’s in theology from the Augustine Institute. She says, “Since 2019, I’ve been teaching and promoting the Come, Follow Me catechesis in the U.S.”

Danielle (Constant ’07) Prince and her husband, Brian, live in Pittsburgh with their six earthly children, Matthew, Noah, Christopher, Mariana, Anastasia, and Isabella. Daughter Abigail Grace intercedes for them in heaven. Danielle is a bookkeeper for the Pittsburgh Oratory and volunteers as the musical events coordinator at the kids’ school. They are constantly driving someone to practice or other activities but make time every year to head back to campus to see a Barons basketball game. Their family loves watching the program grow and thrive as Brian served as an assistant coach during the inaugural year in DIII. Returning to campus each year always feels like coming home.

2010s

James Kresta ’11

Rachel (Rinn ’10) Miles recently collaborated with Brother Francis/Herald Media to create a Catholic card game called Choose!, a “would you rather” type of game that can be played in different ways. For more information, visit brotherfrancisstore.com.

James Kresta ’11 recently joined Butzel Attorneys and Counselors in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he will counsel and represent clients in business disputes concerning countless issues, such as breach of contract, real property, shareholder oppression, construction, automotive suppliers, dispute resolution, including contract review, negotiations, pleadings, discovery, substantive motions, trials, and appeals.

Dr. Jim Mello MSE ’13 accepted a new role as senior director of Data and Insights at Milton Hershey School, where he will lead efforts to strengthen the use of information and analytics to support continuous improvement, improve decision-making, and advance the school’s mission to nurture and educate children in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Jim and Denise (Chamberland ’95) have relocated to Hershey, Pa.

Philip Martin MA ’15 has taught for nine years a St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala., and will serve as assistant principal there for the 2026–2027 school year.

Sarah Seyed-Ali ’18 is opening a home for pregnant mothers in crisis situations in southern California, and she asks for your prayers. Please visit the Abba Father Maternity House website for more information.

2020s

Brooklynn Miller ’23 married Maxwell Snow.

Brooklynn Miller ’23 married Maxwell Snow July 12, 2025, in Millersburg, Ohio.

In Memoriam

Catherine (Vatrella ’59) Oliveti died January 5, 2026.

We have just learned Thomas Carissimi ’64 has died.

Larry Jones ’64 died January 11, 2026.

Jessica “Lee” (Young ’66) Daugherty died November 28, 2025.

We have just learned James “Jim” McMonagle ’66, Tau Kappa Epsilon brother, died September 30, 2020.

Arthur “Art” Coates ’68 died January 22, 2026.

Robert “Bob” DiBacco ’68, Tau Kappa Epsilon brother, died March 26, 2026.

We have just learned Rev. Dr. Carroll Meyer ’68 died February 19, 2025.

David Mushrush ’68 died November 29, 2025.

John “Jack” Suscovich ’68, Alpha Phi Delta brother, died January 23, 2026.

June Turner ’73 died March 13, 2026.

Kathryn “Kathy” (Marshall ’74) O’Leary died December 29, 2025.

John Fenton ’75 died unexpectedly January 13, 2026.

Sherry (Shuman ’75) Palmer died January 26, 2026.

We have just learned Gregory Perciak ’76 died October 21, 2023.

Dana Joyce ’79 died February 17, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Deborah “Debbie” Lane ’87 died January 28, 2026.

Paul Rose ’08 died December 28, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Ryan (Erickson ’09) Grimm died unexpectedly January 5, 2026.

Fr. Giles Dimock, OP, former professor at Franciscan University, died February 28, 2026.