From the past to space—DAAs cover it all

Once again talented alumni were honored at the Alumni Days luncheon on Saturday, June 4. Among the day’s events was the presentation of the Jesse S. Heiges Distinguished Alumnus Award. This year’s honorees are Carmen F. Bria Jr. ’73, Mark S. Denke ’78m, Michael H. Hady III ’80, and Patricia A. Rainey ’71.

Garnet Schellhase ’48, first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, is joined by Distinguished Alumni honorees Mark Denke ’78m (left) and Michael Hady III ’80 (right). The awards were presented during the Alumni Days luncheon. Unable to attend were Carmen Bria Jr. ’73 and Patricia (Poltrack) Rainey ’71.

Carmen F. Bria Jr. ’73

A degree in chemistry and interests in art and history have led to a very successful career as an art conservator for Carmen Bria. Currently Carmen is president/owner and chief conservator at the Western Center for the Conservation of Fine Arts (WCCFA) in Denver, Colorado. He joined WCCFA in 1983 after earning a master’s in art conservation from the University of Delaware/Winterthur Museum. For their clients, the WCCFA provides a wide range of conservation services including evaluation and assessments as well as actual conservation work. Current major projects include the restoration/conservation of a Frank Lloyd Wright mural, conserving the paintings and murals in the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, and the restoration of a 2000-year old mosaic on the Oklahoma University campus.

Mark S. Denke ’78M

In January 2004, Mark assumed the duties as assistant executive director of the Arizona Board of Regents for Academic and Student Affairs, which is a component of the Arizona University System that includes the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University. In his position, Mark is responsible for policies, projects, initiatives, etc. with an emphasis on student affairs. His previous position as assistant vice president for student affairs at Colorado State University prepared him well, as did his years at North Carolina State and University of Kansas where he worked with student housing and resident life. While earning his master’s degree at Shippensburg, he was a graduate counselor for a male residence hall under the Dean of Students office.

Michael H. Hady III ’80

Michael’s career has been in the health care industry since his graduation from Shippensburg where his first job was with Capital Blue Cross as a marketing representative. In 1983 he moved to Meyersdale Community Hospital as an assistant administrator/controller, before finding a home at Memorial Hospital in York. His first position there was as director of marketing and development. Nine years later he became the executive director of the Healthy York County Coalition, a position he held for five years. In 1999, he was named to his current position as the vice president of business development at Memorial Hospital. Michael is very involved in community affairs running the gamut from local school board, Leadership York, the Hahn Home, United Way of York County, Rotary Club of York, to his church, to name but a few.

Patricia A. Poltrack Rainey ’71

Teaching gifted and talented students in Johnstown was the stepping stone to a career connected to the space program for Patricia. After teaching she joined Bendix Field Engineering as a spacecraft systems analyst in 1980. Two years later she moved to CTA Inc., as program manager and technical lead in their space division where she managed several contracts. She was appointed manager of the Goddard Program Office that provided support for NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), and was acting director of the space division for a year before becoming the deputy director of Washington Operations and Director of Space Development. Patricia left CTA for Boeing in 1997. In September 2002 she was named director of GSFC Field Marketing, Integrated Defense Systems where she is responsible for all aspects of NASA/GSFC customer communication across the Boeing Company that includes Delta Launch Services, Boeing Satellite Systems, NASA Systems, and Homeland Security and Services.

Award added

A Lifetime Achievement Award was added to the honors handed out by the Alumni Association during the Alumni Days luncheon. The first recipient of this honor is Garnet Schellhase ’48, a retired businessman whose life history is one of service. Garnet’s education was interrupted by World War II where he served as a staff sergeant in the European Theater, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. Before joining the business community, Garnet finished his bachelor of science in education degree, then taught for four years at Littlestown High School. In 1952, he joined Doubleday Publishing Company at its Hanover plant. He began as a supervisor in the proofreading and typesetting department and worked his way through a number of supervisory positions until, at the time of his retirement in 1987, he was the vice president and plant manager. He has been active with the Lion’s Club and his church, often in leadership roles. Most recently his service has been his involvement with the Cora I. Grove Spiritual Center. He was an instrumental member of the feasibility team who went on to work tirelessly on the steering committee, including assuming a leadership role upon the passing of the chair, President Emeritus Gilmore Seavers. Garnet and his wife, Leona, are active participants in campus events and remain dedicated to their commitment to the university.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees.