Legacy of Leadership 2011

Ms. Nicole Barkley, Esq., Class of 1999

Nicole, a dean's list student, earned her B.A. in communication studies and was recognized as Who's Who Among American College and University Students. Nicole then pursued her law degree and graduated in the top third of her class at Widener University School of Law where she was a member of the Widener Law Review. While there, she served as a research assistant, a legal information center student assistant and a legal intern in the Pennsylvania governor's office.

At WCU, Nicole was an engaged student leader holding offices in many organizations. She is a member and was president of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She served as the vice-president for SGA, the president of the Black Student Union and a member of the Abbe Society. Nicole also worked as a paraprofessional in residence life (RA), orientation (OL), and Sykes Student Union (SD).

Nicole makes her home in Norwood, PA with her daughter, Madison Moore-Barkley (4). Nicole's brother, Nathaniel, and mother, Donzella McLaughlin, are instrumental to her success. Outside of work, Nicole is involved with the Red Cross; Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America; Make Your Name Great and RunFar.

Mr. Greg Burris, Class of 1986

Greg earned a degree in liberal studies and entered the insurance business immediately upon graduation. For the last 11 years, Greg has been an insurance agency owner with Allstate Insurance Company. He also served as the assistant executive director of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

While at West Chester University, Greg was a student leader and a member of the Black Student Union as well as the Student Government Association. He was also a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. Following graduation, Greg served as the alumni advisor for his fraternity and has also remained active in the Philadelphia alumni chapter. This past homecoming, Greg spearheaded an effort to bring back multicultural alumni. His efforts yielded a great response. Many multicultural alumni and their families attended the event, sponsored by the Black Alumni Caucus, reengaging them with their alma mater. Greg is an active member of the WCU Black Alumni Caucus.

Greg makes his home in Elkins Park, PA with his wife, Claire, and two daughters, Kamaryn (12) and Kamille (9). He is an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. Greg is an active member in his church, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, currently serving on the deacon ministry of the 14,000 member church in Philadelphia, PA. In communication with WCU about this event Greg wrote, "I like to model my life after the passage of scripture in Philippians 4:13.... 'I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me'."

Ms. Kate Cipriano, Class of 2000

Kate graduated with a B.A. in American studies and minors in literature and political science. Upon graduation, Kate worked at WCU as the assistant director of annual giving. She left WCU to pursue a degree in hospitality management at the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, and returned to WCU in 2005 as the Director of Alumni Relations (now Alumni Engagement).

In 2008, Kate left WCU to pursue two passions. As the executive director of the KatherineAlexandra Foundation, she has helped to develop and fund "works and programs that promote an improved quality of life by enhancing the whole person—through the arts, education, traditional and complementary medicine and eco-friendly practices." Most recently, Kate was instrumental in creating the In My Body project—an exploration of the body image and pride, working towards understanding, accepting and respecting body diversity. Kate has combined her experiences to launch her company, Touch of Blush, a full-service beauty business. In 2010, Kate won the award for best makeup artist at the Philadelphia Image Awards. Her company has provided the make-up for WCU's Miss WCU.

As a student, Kate was the executive board secretary of Alpha Phi. She was also a member of honor societies Phi Alpha Theta (history) and Pi Sigma Alpha (political science). She has volunteered with The Art Ability Program at Bryn Mawr Rehab, Bournelyf Special Day Camp and served as the advisor for Alpha Phi at WCU. Currently, she serves as a trustee on the West Chester University Foundation Board.

Kate currently resides in West Chester with her husband, Frank '07, and her puppy, Bruno Ravioli. Her parents, Lis and Mike Kalogris; her sister and brother-in-law, Ali and Chris McCloud; nephew, Finn; mother-in-law, Roseann Cipriano; and friends, Melissa and Aubrey Hays, have been a constant support to Kate and her work.

Ms. Nancy Gill, Class of 1991

Nancy graduated with a B.S. in early childhood education and was recognized as Who's Who Among American College and University Students. Nancy held a number of positions in Maine, New Hampshire and Virginia prior to her employment at the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County in Florida. There she worked with at-risk youth ages 5-18, first as extension director and later as program director. In 2000, Nancy moved back to the area, to work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware as education director at the Appoquinimink Club and then the Claymont Club. Nancy then took a position working with pre-school age children as a center coordinator for New Castle County Head Start, Inc. in Delaware. She continued to work part-time with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware as a 21st Century grant assistant where she worked with academically at-risk students in collaboration with the local school district. The pull to work full-time with at-risk youth, brought Nancy back to her passion and she is currently the program director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware at the Clarence Fraim and Claymont clubs. She has served on the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Northeast Youth Development Conference Planning Committee and is a member of the Association of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals—1st State Chapter.

At West Chester University, Nancy served as a floor representative for RHA in Ramsey Hall, then moved on to be the program coordinator, hall president and executive director of RHA. She was a member of SGA, SAC, and OCCA. Nancy also was a desk assistant, summer orientation leader and conference assistant.

Nancy makes her home in Wilmington, DE. She is a former member of the Lions Club of Port St. Lucie and a former board member of the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children.

Dr. Edward Lordan, Class of 1979

Ed graduated from WCU with a B.A. in English literature. He went on to earn his M.A. in communication at Temple University and completed his Ph.D. in mass communication at Syracuse University in 1990. Ed taught at Villanova University (1991-1997) and Temple University (1997-2001) before coming back to his alma mater in 2001. Currently, Ed is a faculty member in communication studies.

Ed teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in public relations, advertising, communication theory, and communication professions in sports. He is the author of three communications-related books, two book chapters and fourteen journal articles in publications ranging from the Newspaper Research Journal to Public Relations Quarterly. He has presented seventeen papers at regional and national academic conventions.

For many years, Ed has served as the advisor for the Students in Communication organization (previously Women in Communication). He organizes the N.W. Ayer Cup, an annual advertising competition in which WCU students compete against Villanova students. WCU's current record is 4-1! Ed serves as the director of the communication studies internship program, on the University's marketing committee, and chairs the WCU annual academic recognition committee.

Ed has received many honors including the Communication Studies Professor of the Year (5 times) and the University's Advisor of the Year. He was also nominated for the WCU's Outstanding Faculty Award in 2008. Recently, he was invited to participate in a panel on Tough but Engaging Faculty.

Ed is blessed with the support of his wonderful wife, Mary Chollet-Lordan, and two stellar sons, Daniel (16) and Brendan (11). He makes his home in Wallingford, PA.

Mr. Spencer Pyle, Class of 1997

Spencer earned a B.F.A., with honors, in student arts and a minor in art history. Upon graduation, Spencer began his career with Bentley Systems, Inc. in Exton, PA. He was initially hired as an administration center supervisor. In 2005, he moved to a new position, sales planning and accountability analyst. Currently, Spencer works as the interaction center supervisor and financial analyst. In October of 2002, Spencer and his partner, George, opened Downingtown Country Gifts in Downingtown, PA.

Spencer was a very involved student leader. He held various roles in the Safe Space Alliance (LGBTQA), most notably, president. He was the student representative to the LGBT concerns committee. He was also an active member of SGA, vice-president of the OCSA (Off Campus Student Association) and he served on the Sykes Union Renovation Design Committee as well. During his time with SGA, he was awarded the SGA Unsung Hero Award.

As an alumnus, Spencer has continued to be involved with WCU. He has served on the Student Affairs Leadership Fund Endowment Advisory Board and is a founding member of the LGBTQA Chapter of the WCU Alumni Association. He was awarded the first Bayard Rustin Alumni Award. He is also the recipient of the Bentley Systems Corporate Achievement Award.

Spencer lives in Downingtown, PA with his partner George Lutz, '84. He is an ordained Presbyterian elder and the president of the Downingtown Commons Condominium Association Board of Directors.

Mr. Charles Schifano, Class of 1990

Charlie graduated cum laude, with a degree in political science. Following graduation, Charlie began his career at Morgan Stanley in 1991 where he assisted in sales of mortgage backed securities to bank clients. In 1993, he moved within Morgan Stanley to the MIS group where he was responsible for liability management for five offshore mortgage backed security hedge funds. In 1995, Charlie left Morgan Stanley for Citigroup Asset Management as a fixed income portfolio manager where he was responsible for managing investment grade mutual funds as well as separately managed accounts such as the government of Guam retirement fund. In 2002 Charlie left Citigroup for UBS Financial Services where he was a senior relationship manager responsible for fixed income sales. Five years later, Charlie re-joined Morgan Stanley as a vice president, fixed income relationship manager. Charlie currently runs fixed income sales for the Southern division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

While at WCU, Charlie was an involved student leader. He was a resident assistant in Killinger Hall for three years and a member of the Friars' Society, serving as secretary for the organization. He was also the president of the political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha, as well as the distribution manager for The Quad. Most notably, Charlie served one year as the student trustee for the WCU Council of Trustees.

Charlie resides in Colts Neck, NJ with his wife Valerie, class of '89, and two boys Andrew (13) and Brian (10). When he is not working, he helps coach his boys' baseball teams and dreams of his days as a student at WCU.

Dr. B. Drew Wellmon, II, Class of 1991

Drew graduated with a B.S. in computer science with additional course emphasis in the sciences and music. While at WCU he served as the president of the University EMS, was active in the Friars' Society, Good Fellowship Ambulance Service and the American Red Cross. He graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1996. He was residency-trained in family practice at the Mercy-Suburban General Hospital in Norristown, PA and during his tenure was elected and served as chief resident.

Immediately after training, he entered private practice in Shippensburg, PA where he remains. Outside his office, Drew treats patients at two nursing homes and the Carlisle Regional Medical Center. In addition to his clinical practice, Drew is also engaged in academic research, having acted as a primary investigator in over 20 clinical trials. Further, Drew serves as a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry on new product development and marketing. Recently, he accepted a position as assistant medical director of Odyssey Hospice of Pennsylvania. Through his recent construction of a full service medical campus, Drew was able to broaden the medical services to the Shippensburg community including an MRI center, sleep lab, physical therapy lab, wound center and specialist services.

Drew is blessed with three wonderful children and a wife of 17 years, Heather, who is a WCU alumna. Outside work, he is active in Rotary International and is presently serving as president of his local club. He is active in music ministry through his local church and enjoys learning how to play new instruments at his leisure. Drew is an avid participant in endurance sports including Ironman and marathon races.

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