News Release

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Suki Deen, University Relations Associate
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New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 295-1164
FAX (302) 295-1137
suki.r.deen@wilmu.edu

Wilmington University Holds First Alumni Celebration of Education

May 2, 2008—New Castle, DE. Wilmington University's Alumni Relations Department, in coordination with the Division of Education and the Division of Doctoral Studies held the first Alumni Celebration of Education yesterday, May 1, 2008 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Audrey Kohl Doberstein Admission Center on the New Castle Campus.

Education alumni, Delaware state dignitaries, and current and former faculty members were in attendance at the event that was held to celebrate 20 years of teaching excellence and Wilmington University's profound impact on K-12 schools throughout the region. Many alumni participated in poster presentations, showing interesting events in their school districts or presenting their recent doctoral dissertations.

Dr. Thomas Cupples, Assistant Vice President of Wilmington University welcomed alumni, special guests and educators saying he was pleased that so many alumni had returned to Wilmington University for this special event.

Next, Dean of the Division of Education, Dr. Richard Gochnauer, discussed the progress Wilmington University and the Education division have made saying, “In just over 20 years, Wilmington University has certainly made its mark on the educational community.” Starting in 1987 the Education Division began offering their first associate’s degree, now the Education Division offers one associates, four different undergraduate degrees, eleven master’s degrees and one doctoral degree. “And we couldn’t have done it without the people in this room,” said Dr. Gochnauer, thanking the faculty, staff and alumni.

Notable guests attending the event include Dr. Chuck Staropoli, former Vice President, Dr. Jim Spartz, former Vice President, Pat McCarthy, former Program Coordinator, Sid Collison, Founding Chair of the Education Program, Dr. Barbara Raetsch, former Dean of Education, and Dr. Fred Raetsch, former coordinator of the Master of reading and literacy programs.

Also in attendance were some esteemed alumni including 2007 State of Delaware, Superintendent of the year, Dr. Tony Marchio, and 2007 State of Delaware Principal of the year, Dr. Bruce Curry, who are both graduates of Wilmington University’s doctoral program. Triplets Judy Good, Jackie Szcerba and Patty Vattilana were also present at the event. They were part of the first graduating class of the Education Division in 1992.

Dr. Jack P. Varsalona said he was pleased at how far the Education Division had come, and of the graduates. “When we began offering degrees in this division we wanted to make it practical, and we wanted to make it convenient,” he said. As a small institution many people didn’t think the Division of Education could make it, but the popularity of the program proved them wrong. “This Division is designed for teachers who want to be teachers and want a real, hands-on experience,” said Dr. Varsalona, “From our humble beginnings we now have over 7000 education alumni, and I am very proud of each and every one.”