Six WCU alumni visited Dublin, Ireland, in April 2024 for the Intellenet Conference (L-R): Eric De Van ’88, Michael Gallela ’21, Margaret Hunt ’88, Jeffrey Friedman ’94, Laura Taylor ’90, and Jeffrey Stein ’91.

1950s

Iris Gray Dowling '56, M'66 published a family history book titled Days Gone By (Life in 1930s and 1940s) at the end of 2023. It is full of old pictures and takes place in southern Chester County where the Cochrans, Dowling’s family ancestors, established Cochranville and continues near the town of Cream, PA.

1970s

JLawrence A. Dowdy ’73, M’80 was honored with the inaugural Larry Dowdy Community Service Award by The Society at WCU.

1980s

Kenneth D. Sherry ’83 has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Sherry practices in the surgery department at St. Luke’s Miners Campus in Coaldale, PA.

1990s

Rafael Orozco M’91 was named a Louisiana State University Rainmaker by the LSU Council on Research. Orozco was selected as a senior scholar in Arts, Humanities, Social & Behavioral sciences. The awards recognize sustained work with high impact on the academic community and beyond, often in alignment with LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda to elevate lives.

Ina B. Hurst ’94, MSW, LSW, is the administrative deputy director of Chester County’s Department of Human Services.

Nicole C. Barkley-Jones, Esq. ’99 was honored with the Drum Major for Justice Award by The Society at WCU.

2000s

Danielle C. Corrao ’08, M’13 shared her dissertation work at the University of Limerick in Ireland. Corrao spoke to fellow students and professors from both the United States and Ireland about how librarians may influence the ethical use of artificially intelligent writing tools such as ChatGPT.

Lauren (Hower) Nehra ’08 was recently named one of VISTA Today’s Millennial Superstars, celebrating Chester County’s next generation of leaders.

James J. McGurl, III ’09, M’11 and Peter Pijanowski M’11 have successfully launched the podcast “Brutal Dudes.” In July 2023, they reached more than 100 episodes and 300,000 downloads per week.

Milena (Oberti) Lanz M’13 was honored with the Drum Major for Justice Award by The Society at WCU.

Zachary C. Wooten ’14 received the WCU Civility Award at the 30th Annual MLK Jr. Brunch. Presented annually, the Civility Award is given to an individual, office, or department nominated for exemplary behavior reflective of civility, community impact, commitment to student success, and collegiality. Wooten also recently became a tenured faculty member in the Honors College and has been promoted to associate professor.

Abigail Fischer M’15 recently co-authored the children’s book A Kids Book About Foster Families.

Jacqueline Bailey-Davis D’19 made history as she was unanimously appointed as Norristown’s first female Chief of Police in January 2024. Dr. Bailey-Davis, a proud Philadelphian, served 26 years in the Philadelphia Police Department prior to her tenure in Norristown. She rose through the rank and file from the position of police officer to police inspector. Bailey-Davis has received local, national, and international recognition and commendations for her committed and distinguished service in community policing, police reform, and academia.

Kyle Dutch ’20 joined Melick & Porter, LLP as an associate attorney in their Boston office.

Alaina (Sforza) Kearney M’20 hosts a podcast with Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a full-service accounting firm with offices in Media, Delaware County, and Chadds Ford, Chester County, and launched season two of their leadership podcast, “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney.” Their first guest was Kenneth J. Braithwaite, former ambassador to Norway and the 77th Secretary of the United States Navy.

Theresa Spencer M’21 was hired as director of marketing for the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of African Americans.

Future Alumni

Thomas Wandling and Lauren (Bolden) Wandling ’12, M’14 welcomed Oliver Louis in September 2023.

Bryan Ursillo ’18 and Caitlyn (Conroy) Ursillo ’18 welcomed Bryson Ursillo in February 2024.

In Memoriam

1948 Jacqueline Farra Slauch

1957 Mary Ann Stohler

1959 Betty A. Haws

1967 Anne G. Bartow

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