Talking with Col. Chris Buckley '99 was nothing less than amazing. What he's seen in his life - and how he approaches gratitude - is unmatched. Take a look at our Q&A session below. We hope it will encourage you to find your own wings.
Looking back at all that you’ve done and accomplished, what are you still in awe of that many people haven’t had the opportunity to experience? The rest of the world. You would be surprised at how many people stay where they are placed or relocate to things very similar to what they grew up knowing. The real world is vast and incredibly different from everything you know. In my opinion, travel destroys ignorance. The more you can experience different ways of life, the more likely you are to accept differences in all mankind. This experience breaks down the barriers that build racism, sexism, and the hateful way lots of people see other people. Those things are born in ignorance, travel destroys that. See as much of the world as you can and experience it from a local’s perspective.
Which of your qualities do you feel were sharpened during your time at Westminster College that have allowed you to go on and do amazing things? Westminster introduced me to several key attributes that have served me well. The first is the concept of a liberal arts education. In my experience, the more focused a person is in their field, the less likely they are to see anything else. A broader understanding opens possibilities. The second is public speaking. Chemistry majors had a weekly seminar where getting up in front of a crowd and talking was a regular occurrence. Those who fear public speaking will always have a limitation to how far they can rise. The last one is leadership. I was privileged to learn how to lead others while at Westminster, under the guidance of some great mentors. Those three things made Westminster worth every penny.
With your life experiences backing you, why do you find it important to give to things that you’re most passionate about, particularly to Westminster? Not all people are good. When you find a place that does good things and is run by and filled with good people, you have to support it with whatever you can. The world that we need is not going to be easy to build, and some people are going to try to stop us from building it. Places like Westminster produce the people that are willing to fight to build it.
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We've highlighted a few upcoming events below, but please keep checking our frequently-updated Alumni Events page for more ways to interact with alumni and Westminster College.
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Tomorrow night (April 8) at 7 p.m., alumni educators are joining together with Nicole Porter '98 M'17, Dar Huey '74 M'77, and Brad Tokar '91 to play a few rounds of Scattergories, hear a word of inspiration from Dr. Huey, and learn about the Jerb Miller Scholarship program.
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On April 17 at 11:15 a.m., we hope you can join us for the Alumni Council's annual association meeting. This general session is open to all alumni where they can hear reports from all five of our working committees, a college update from President Kathy Richardson and ask questions of Council members or the Office of Alumni Engagement.
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Moving to a new area of the country, trying to advance in your career, or desiring to help current students? You can do all of these things when you attend our National Networking Day sessions on April 21 and 22. Broadening your personal and professional network is the best way to make strides and engage with fellow alumni. Visit this page and scroll through 14 different session offerings to find one (or two!) that fit your interests!
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Celebrity Series at Home Presents 50th Anniversary Reflections of WHO’S NEXT starting on Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m. and remaining available for 48 hours. The Rock Project honors the 50th anniversary of The Who’s legendary album WHO’S NEXT along with other greatest hits in a streamed performance shot live from the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, Long Island’s premier concert hall.
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Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson announced the College plans to continue in-person learning and on-campus residency in the fall, citing the College’s strong preparedness plan that enabled students and employees to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic on campus this academic year. Read the full story.
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Alumni are invited to virtually attend any Zoom sessions of interest during URAC on Wednesday, April 21 throughout the day! It's recommended that alumni visit here to search the abstracts by content area and choose what interests you most! Keep visiting this page for updated information.
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Keep those recognitions coming! Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, has recognized Westminster College for its commitment to providing its students with an engaged, experiential education. Read the story here.
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The Westminster College men's basketball team dethroned the reigning conference champions Grove City College with a 73-62 win in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship game at home, claiming their second PAC Title in school history. Read the full story here. |
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A reminder to all alumni!
Your yourname@westminster.edu email account will be deactivated on June 30. Please move those important documents and email the LIS Help desk with questions.
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We spotted Erin Gaetano Persch ’09 on Instagram, showing the world life lessons through TikTok videos. We had to reach out to her to see what prompted her change in communication style!
"I can't control if students will engage on social media, but I can control myself by being a positive force that they can see on the platform."
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Sydney Roach, a Westminster College multimedia journalism major, earned a Broadcast Education Association (BEA) 2021 Award of Excellence for her senior capstone project that explores what it means to be aromantic (having no romantic attraction toward others).
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Kevin Haffics ‘79, CRPC, AAMS was named Director of Financial Planning in addition to his duties serving clients as a Financial Advisor, for Grandview Wealth Management, Bridgeville, Pa.
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Holly Daugherty Gleason ‘02 was promoted to Assistant Vice President for Human Relations and Risk Management at Muskingum University, where she is also the university’s Title IX Coordinator.
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Carly Christofferson '17, third grade teacher, successfully moved from an AaBb schedule in school to four days per week with all students.
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Rick Cesari '78 was named the Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year at the virtual 2021 Westminster Entrepreneurship Center (WEC) Symposium on March 6. Read the full story.
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Emily Wiest Kronenwetter '14 turned pain into purpose when her world was turned upside down. After her daughter passed away, she wrote a book, "God's Right There" - a reminder that everyone "in the good and the bad, God is always right there with you." Read the article, explaining her story of grief and take a look at the book.
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Dave Nobs ‘80, recently wrote an article for O’Dwyer’s, a leading PR trade publication, focused on research, PR, and social aspects of education marketing for colleges and universities.
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Brett Blanchard ‘85, St. Albans first year principal, shares his excitement for a strange first year at Bellows Free Academy. Read more about his experience here.
Mr. Paul D. Flamino ‘57, was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service award by the Army.
Alyssa Falarski ‘12 was accepted into the Mayor’s Civic Leadership Academy.
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Jack Ridl ‘67 was one of the seven poets selected to have their work displayed throughout South Lyon, Michigan during National Poetry Month in April. Jack was additionally invited to the National Wellspring Poetry Festival and requested to be the Poet in Residence for this area’s National “Big Read."
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Kathy Fishburn Miller ‘84, Dan Miller ‘83 and Danielle Giese ‘08 met at Ascension Hospital Inpatient Rehab in Racine, Wisconsin. Danielle aided Kathy in Physical Therapy as she was recovering from two broken ankles while reminiscing about Westminster and New Wilmington.
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Colin Dean ‘07 was recognized at his place of work for his work inside and outside of his employer on tech Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
Brenna Shifflett Guard ‘16 landed her dream job at one of the top Emergency Medical Service agencies in the US.
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Kirstyn Gecina Smith '10 published her first book, "It's a Hard Knock Life...for Teachers" for future, present, and past educators and it was rated the #1 New Release! View the book here.
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Westminster College Office of Alumni Engagement
319 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16172
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