October 29, 2015

Black & White Buzz, Fall 2015

DAVID J. D’AVERSA ’82, a 19-year Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation employee, is sold on the College’s diverse curriculum and its value to business students in particular. An avionics subcontract manager in Sikorsky’s Combat Rescue Helicopter Program, he has volunteered at student-alumni career programs and recently offered to do more for the School of Business. In a note to the school, D’Aversa said recent PC graduates who work for Sikorsky have broad skills that other graduates lack. His own job necessitates interaction with numerous departments — from finance and accounting to contract law and international affairs. PC graduates are able to “bridge” multiple departments, accept challenges beyond the 40-hour work week, and “are prospering here,” he said.

The study abroad segment in the “Traditions” package of the Spring 2015 magazine stirred memories — and gratitude — for Gregory V. Powell, Esq. ’69. He went to Fribourg during the 1967-68 academic year with several PC peers and the late Dr. Laurent Gousie ’60, professor emeritus of German and the resident director of the PC in Fribourg program. Powell said the trip on a converted cargo ship with about 1,000 other students “was crazy and wonderful,” and he actually met his future wife onboard. Dr. Gousie was one of several “great teachers” who prepared him for a career in foreign service, law, and banking, he said. He also was strongly influenced by two English professors, the late Dr. Rene E. Fortin ’55, the director of the Liberal Arts Honors and Development of Western Civilization programs, and the late Dr. Rodney K. Delasanta ’53, another longtime director of the Liberal Arts Honors Program.

branham-1Branham-2The fact that most of the runners in the Friar 5K were two generations removed didn’t stop Dennis and Frances Branham, ages 85 and 82, respectively, from giving “masterful” efforts in the Oct. 3 race. The oldest participants among 801 finishers, they officially won the 80-and-over male and female categories. Dennis, who completed his third Friar 5K in a time of 29:26, actually is ranked No. 1 in the 85-89 age group of the World Masters Rankings in the 800- and 1,500-meter runs. He’s been a runner for 47 years. Frances, who ran her first Friar 5K, was clocked in 43:32. She’s been running 40 years but, according to their daughter, Dr. Joan R. Branham, professor of art history and associate dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, Frances is even more competitive on the tennis court.