Class Notes

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1973

Tana Reiff, a longtime author of fiction for older new readers and English language learners, has recently published a series of photography books through Amazon: Windows & Doors, Earth & Sky, and Wildflowers & More. She is also the author and photographer of Signs of Lancaster County: A Photographic Tour of Amish Country. 

1987

Janice Wible Earley has written and published a book about Kutztown University art professor, Mary Grace Wible. Portrait of Grace takes you on Professor Wible's journey from 1911-2010. 

1990

Roger Jackson served as commencement speaker at his alma mater, John Bartram High School, 40 years after he walked across the stage as a graduate. 

1993

Daniel Donaghy, professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, was awarded a Connecticut State University (CSU) Professorship in recognition of his professional accomplishments, creative works, and contributions to Eastern and the greater Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. No more than four faculty members receive this honor in a given year, and no more than 12 serve the role at a given time. Each recipient is recommended for the award by their respective university president and approved by the president of the Connecticut Board of Regents. Donaghy will retain the title of CSU Professor for the remainder of his tenure within the system. 

1994

Louis Blair M’ 04 defended his dissertation: "They Don’t Care About Us Here! The Intersectionality of Implicit Bias, Stereotype Threat, and the Need for Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy" as part of his Education Doctorate in Transformational Teaching and Learning degree. Blair tutors most elementary and secondary subjects for Online SAT Coach since 2020. 

1996

Carl Franke is the author of two novels, Blizzard 96, which takes place in Kutztown and surrounding Berks County communities, and Be Home By Dinner. Both novels are in the hyper-realistic suspense genre. 

2000

After an early career as a middle school English teacher, Amy Giuffrida is now a literary agent who helps authors find homes for their work. Her love of literature drew her to KU’s education program, and building on the skills she developed led her to a unique career path. Giuffrida lives in the Lehigh Valley. 

Dermatology Partners, a privately owned, physician-led dermatology group serving the Mid-Atlantic region, has named Amber Mault vice president of People. Mault brings more than 25 years of human resources leadership experience across high-growth, multi-site organizations to her new position. She specializes in building scalable people strategies that attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent while supporting outstanding patient care. 

Joe Zagorski recently published his sixth book, From the Outhouse to the Penthouse: The Football Journey of Hall of Famer Larry Little, about the life and legendary career of the legendary Miami Dolphins offensive guard. Another Hall of Famer, Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese, wrote the book’s foreword.  It was published by Indigo River Publishing in Pensacola, Fla.   

2001

Vaneesa Cook M’04 recently published her latest book, Empire and Liberty: The Tied Histories of Two American Landmarks, a sweeping cultural history of two iconic landmarks that reflect the spirit, character, and values of the United States — the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty -- and the role they play in shaping American culture, U.S. history, and international relations. She received a Ph.D. in U.S. History from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2015, and lives and works in Wisconsin. 

2002

Theresa Spencer is the founder of Vintage Green Communications, a communications agency rooted in equity, clarity, and creativity. Spencer brings more than 15 years of experience guiding brands, leaders, and organizations through moments of growth, challenge, and transformation. 

2008

Charisma C. Groomes was honored with a 2025 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, recognizing excellence in promoting student learning and development in the School District of Philadelphia. Selected as one of just 60 recipients from approximately 10,000 educators, she received the award in recognition of outstanding dedication and impact in the classroom. 

2009

Jessica Jolly is the director of counseling services at St. Mary's College of Maryland. After graduating from KU, Jolly married William Stevens and earned a MSW from West Chester University. She also currently serves as a board member for the National Association of Social Workers (Maryland chapter).   

Dr. Andrew Smouse, co-director of bands and orchestras at Valley High School in Las Vegas, was named a Yamaha 40 Under 40 Music Educator of the Year. 

Kevin Williams Jr. was recently promoted to vice president of Barclays Bank Delaware's Community Reinvestment Act team. In 2025, he was also featured in Barclays' "Celebrating Black Talent" campaign, including a billboard in New York City's Times Square. 

2010

Since earning a master's degree in Education with a Student Affairs and College Counseling Licensure Track, Lindsay N. Capobianco has built a career supporting students and individuals through counseling and nonprofit leadership. After serving as director and vice president of CAPofPA College Aid until the organization closed in 2024, she transitioned to a full-time role with Mind Matters in Allentown, where she provides mental health services to individuals, couples, and families. Capobianco credits the education and experiences at KU with helping prepare her for this rewarding next chapter.  

2011

Allen Leiby was promoted to lieutenant on May 23 after more than 11 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, including six years as a sergeant. 

Maria Molina recently self-published two works of fiction, All Souls' Day, a coming-of-age novella, and Bendito, a suspense novel. A B.A. in English degree graduate, she credits the KU community with helping shape her writing journey. Both books are available through Amazon and M&D Books in Wyomissing, Pa. 

Eva Marie Wasko, senior vice president of public relations at A&G, was recognized as one of Chief Marketer's Top Women in Marketing, earning honors in the Experiential Agents category for her leadership and innovation in strategic communications. 

Eva Marie Wasko, senior vice president of public relations at A&G, was recognized as one of Chief Marketer's Top Women in Marketing, earning honors in the Experiential Agents category for her leadership and innovation in strategic communications. 

2012

Stephen Wasilewski is an award-winning author and winner of the 2026 Regal Summit Book Award for his debut novel The River Between Us, – an historical fiction set in Vietnam spanning from the 1930s through the post-war era. The book follows the lives of two women whose friendship endures through war, political upheaval, and personal loss, exploring themes of resilience, memory, and survival. The novel has been shaped by extensive historical research and a deep interest in how global events affect ordinary lives across generations. 

2014

Jacob Thomas Austin’s debut short story anthology, Menagerie, a 10-story collection of creature-themed horror fiction was published in late 2025 and debuted at #2 on Amazon’s New Horror Anthologies and Collections chart. 

2015

Matthew Assad M’26 has been appointed chief financial officer and vice president for administration and finance at Kutztown University. 

2016

Dr. Joe Scoboria was appointed supervisor of student services for the Muhlenberg School District, effective July 1. After five years as a building-level administrator, he looks forward to serving the district's K–12 students, families, staff, and community in his new leadership role. 

2017

Philip Smith works in New York City as a senior editorial designer at Forbes, where he creates layouts, infographics, and digital content. He credits his time at KU with providing the creative foundation for his career. Outside of work, he enjoys running, playing pickleball, and reconnecting with his SAE brothers. 

2018

Megan Ray earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine in June 2025 and successfully passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination to become a licensed veterinarian. 

Fikir Wordofa, who earned dual degrees in biology (pre-med) and psychology, is a staff data privacy engineer at Intuitive, a global medical technology company specializing in robotic-assisted surgery. Her career spans more than a decade in healthcare, privacy, and compliance, leading cross-regional initiatives across the U.S., EMEA, and APAC. She recently reconnected with KU and looks forward to sharing her professional experiences with current students. 

2021

Traci Schanewolf, a teacher at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem, Pa., was selected to participate in the Teacher Innovator Institute at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. This highly selective professional development program is designed to help middle school educators bring museum-based learning into their classrooms. 

Other (multiple class years)

Martha L. Hafer ’02, Fred D. Hafer ’86, and Laura J. Crocona ’30 represent a lasting Kutztown University family legacy. Crocona also follows in her mother’s footsteps, former KU women’s basketball player and alumna Jen L. Crocona ’95, into the Golden Bear family tradition.