Click on names for bio information

LOL Class of 2004 Christopher Franklin  ‘87 Todd Richman  ‘92  Barbara Lappano '67 Quincy Stephens  ‘94  Cynthia Threatt  ‘91  Carolyn Keefe Michele Banks Murphy ‘91  Michael DePrisco  ‘92 M.S. '95 Peter Galloway

LOL Class of 2004 Biographies

Mr. Christopher Franklin, Class of 1987
After attaining his B.S. from West Chester University, Chris received his M.B.A. from Villanova University.  Currently, Chris is the Vice President, Public Affairs and Customer Operations at Aqua America Inc.  He is responsible for the company’s federal, state and municipal legislative affairs, investor and shareholder relations, communications, community relations, employee and customer communications and graphics and printing as well as playing a key role in the company’s growth-through-acquisition program.  He is also responsible for the customer service operations of Aqua Pennsylvania.  Prior to working for Aqua America, Chris was employed at PECO Energy company where he was Regional, Civic and Economic Development Officer.  Prior to PECO, he was Vice President, Government Affairs of the Delaware Chamber of Commerce. 

While at WCU, Chris held a variety of leadership and paraprofessional positions. He was a Resident Assistant in Tyson Hall as well as the President of Tyson Hall.  He was a member of the Friars society.  He was the Vice President and then President of IGA. (Currently SGA).  While in college, Chris was a staffer for US Congressman Richard Schulze (R) Chester County.

Chris resides in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania with his wife Jennifer and two children Jack and Isabella.

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Mr. Todd Richman, Class of 1992
Todd’s attained his BS in History Education twelve years ago.  In 1994 he received a Masters in Public Administration at Baruch College City University of New York.  He is currently a Financial Advisor for Bernstein Investment Research and Management in New York City.  Prior to this position he served as a campaign manager and finance director for members of Congress and was a delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention.  Todd has served on many boards including the WCU Alumni Association, and Surgical Aid to Children of the World.

Todd’s involvements while a student at WCU were varied and included Student Government Association, President, Hillel/Jewish Student Union President, and held offices with Theta Chi Fraternity.  He was a member of the Traveling Children’s Theater and was selected as a US student representative for a trip to Israel wit the Institute for students and Faculty.  Todd was a leader in showing campus support for troops in the 1^st Gulf War by initiating many events including providing flags to the basketball teams to wear on their uniforms. 

Todd and his wife Vera have two children, Billy and Benjamin and make their home in Manhattan.

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Ms. Barbara Lappano, Class of 1967.  Assistant Professor Department of Kinesiology and Coordinator of the Dance Minor Program
After teaching at Central Dauphin East High School for three years, Barbara taught her first course at WCU in 1970, and by 1980 had successfully implemented the Dance Minor into the curriculum.  She has been the choreographer for all WCU Musical Theatre programs from 1976 to 2003.    She is widely known as the Advisor and Director of the Dance Production Workshop which presents an annual concert for the campus and community. 

She contributes to campus and community by serving as Swope Foundation Trustee, University Cultural Arts Committee, and Departmental Advisory Committee to name a few.  She has served on the executive board of the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education and Dance.  She is know for her choreography not only at WCU but also for her work with Downingtown High School, Montgomery, and the Savoy Company of Philadelphia. 

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Mr. Quincy Stephens, Class of 1994
Quincy Stephens attained his B.S. degree in Business Management from West Chester University in 1994.  He also received a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance from St. Joseph’s University in 2000.  Currently, Quincy is employed at State Farm Insurance Companies as an Agency Recruiter.  He has bee with State Farm in a variety of positions since 1995. 

Since graduation, Quincy has given of his time and to his community as the WCU Black Caucus Alumni President, Kappa Alpha Psi WCU Advisory and as a Big Brother for the Chester Charter School. 

While at WCU Quincy held a variety of leadership positions including the Kappa Alpha Psi President and Regional Officer, SGA representative, and Sanderson Hall desk assistant.  Quincy was recognized for creating programs such as Crimson Day and Feed-A-Family Day.

Quincy resides in Downingtown, Pennsylvania with his wife, Kia (WCU Alumnae) and their 3 year old son Mehkhi.

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Ms. Cynthia Threatt, Class of 1991
Cindy graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.  She continued her education at West Chester University and received a Master of Science in Counseling-Higher Education in 1995.  Cindy is currently employer at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ as the Director of Residence Life.  Prior to her work at Rider University, Cindy has worked at Intermedia Marketing,  the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland, College Park. 

Cindy held a variety of paraprofessional roles as an undergraduate.  She was an Orientation Leader, a Resident Assistant, a Library Aid, and a Student Union Manager.  She also was employed as a summer conference staff and a summer facilities staff member.  Cindy also was a member of the Residence Hall Association.  While in graduate school, Cindy worked as a Graduate Assistant in McCarthy Hall.

Cindy and her partner Jennifer Widdis currently live in Ewing, NJ close to Philadelphia, Cindy’s hometown. 

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Dr. Carolyn Keefe, Professor Emerita of Communication Studies
Dr. Keefe’s distinguished teaching career at WCU (1969-1991) included the initiation of five courses now a part of the curriculum.  During her tenure she was a motivator in the advancement of Forensics which is now a nationally ranked student organization.  She trained students to compete in speech/debate tournaments and accompanied them to many competitions.

She is an honorary member of the service organizations The Abbe’ Society and Phi Sigma Pi. She was an advisor to the Students For Life group as well.  Her experiences at WCU led to publishing and editing opportunities in her academic field as well as leadership positions in professional organizations.  She continues to be connected through the WCU Alumni Chapter of Pi Kappa Delta (Forensic Honorary).

Dr. Keefe was awarded the WCU Distinguished Teaching Award in 1980 and the Pennsylvania Professor of the Year in 1990.

Dr. Keefe makes her home in Malvern, Pennsylvania

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Ms. Michele Banks Murphy, Class of 1991|
Michele received a B.A. degree from West Chester University in Speech Communications.  She continued her education graduating with a M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Development from Penn State Great Valley.  Following her graduation, Michele was employed by MBNA America as a First Vice President.  She held many different positions within the company including Customer Satisfaction, Personnel, Marketing, and Quality Education.  In 1999, Michele took a leave of absence from MBNA to raise her children. 

Currently, Michele is involved in a great deal of community service.  She has chaired several committees for the Wilmington Flower Market and is actively involved with the Hockessin M.O.M.S. club and the Independence Parent’s Association.  Her list of community involvements is extensive.  She also works as a freelance customer service consultant for several local and national businesses.

While at WCU, Michele was just a busy.  She was the Vice President of the Abbe Society and the Communication Club.  She was a University Ambassador ,as well as a Resident Assistant in Tyson Hall.  Michele was also the 1991 commencement speaker. 

Michele lives in Hockessin, Delaware with her husband Greg and their two children Ryan, 5 and Cailey, 2.

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Mr. Michael DePrisco, Class of 1992, M.S. 1995
Mike graduated from West Chester University with a B.S. in Education.  He continued his education at West Chester and received a M.S. in Counseling and Higher Education.  Mike is currently employed as the Vice President for Student Affairs for Education Management Corporation and is on the Board of Trustees at the Art Institute of Dallas, Texas and the Art Institute of Seattle, Washington.  Michael was previously employed as the Dean of Students (1998-2000) and the Housing Director (1996-1998) at the Art Institute.

While at WCU Mike was actively involved in his fraternity, Alpha Chi Rho serving as the Treasurer and Vice President.  He was a freelance reporter for the Quad as well.  He worked as an Orientation Leader, PRIDE (Wellness Center) Peer Educator, a Desk Assistant and a Graduate Assistant in Residence Life and Housing.

Mike just recently relocated back to West Chester with his wife Tina (WCU Alumnae, 1992) and his three children Michael (7), Madeline (4) and Grace (8 months). 

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Mr. Peter Galloway, Director of Housing Services
Arriving in 1988 his duties and title have progressed to this date, serving as liaison to new construction and renovation to campus housing.  The latest efforts will result in housing a significant number of students in new facilities for the fall of 2004.  He has been active in the regional association of his profession, holding executive offices including that of President in MACUHO (Mid Atlantic Association of College and University Housing Officers).  He has also received the MACUHO Outstanding Service Award.

For eight years he served as advisor to Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity  and currently serves as advisor to Theta Chi Fraternity.  In the community he is actively involved in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, serving on the board, and most importantly as a mentor to a child.

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