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Under the Arch October 16, 2006 Volume VIII, Number 8
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MOROSKY, HESCH, AND MINNAUGH HONORED AT SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION Late chemistry professor, coach honored posthumously; wife accepts award and sons give acceptance speech Gannon University on Saturday, Oct. 14 honored three alumni at its annual Scholarship Celebration Dinner. The alumni – Robert Morosky, the late George Hesch, and Michael Minnaugh – were presented the Archbishop Gannon Medal of Distinction. The award annually is given to individuals who have been instrumental in promoting the cause of Catholic higher education. Hesch’s widow, Irene, accepted the award on his behalf. His sons, Daniel J. Hesch and Thomas G. Hesch, gave his acceptance speech. The dinner was held in the Yehl Room of Gannon’s Waldron Campus Center. More about the honorees: Robert Morosky is a 1963 graduate of Gannon (bachelor’s degree in accounting), and in 1964 he graduated, with honors, from the University of Cincinnati with a master of business administration degree. After beginning his career with Arthur Andersen, where he specialized in retail accounting, Morosky became CFO and vice chairman of The Limited, a small clothing chain in Columbus, Ohio. From 1972-1987, Morosky built the business from 15 to 4,000 stores with more than $4 billion in sales. One of his most innovative strategies was “just in time” merchandise delivery, a concept for which he was recognized nationally. Although he retired from The Limited in 1987, he returned to retailing in 1988 when he became president and chairman of Allied/Federated Department Stores and successfully merged Bloomingdales, Jordan Marsh, Bon Marché, Lazarus, Burdines, and others under Allied/Federated leadership. In 1992, Gannon awarded Morosky an honorary doctor of laws degree. The university also previously has honored him as a Distinguished Alumni. In 2005, Morosky and his wife, Dianne, established the Robert H. and Dianne Morosky Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship fund, created with a $1 million gift from the Moroskys, benefits academically and financially qualified students who graduate from one of the six high schools in the City of Erie, as well as city employees also enrolled as Gannon students. Robert Morosky, who grew up on Erie’s lower eastside, worked full-time as a City of Erie employee to pay his way through college. Morosky’s philanthropic efforts extend far beyond Gannon. He provides expertise and financing for more than 50 diocesan foundations nationally, and he incorporated the National Society of Catholic Foundations and served on the board of the National Catholic Stewardship Council. The Moroskys reside in Columbus, Ohio, and Key Largo, Fla.
George Hesch was honored posthumously at the dinner. Hesch created an enduring legacy at Gannon, first as a standout member of the Gannon basketball team from 1951-55, and later as a professor and coach. Hesch graduated from Gannon in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and in 1959 earned a master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. He earned a doctoral degree from Purdue in 1968. From 1955 to 2003, Hesch served on the Gannon faculty, and prior to his death last month, was professor emeritus, chemistry. He was known for his ability to relate to students and go the extra mile for them, as well as his intellect and knowledge of chemistry. Hesch is a past recipient of Gannon’s Outstanding Faculty Award. He also coached the Gannon men’s basketball team. In 1961-62, his first season, the Golden Knights went 16-9 to finish with, at the time, their second-highest single-season victory total. During his two seasons at the helm, he compiled a record of 29-21. In addition to being inducted into the Gannon Athletic Hall of Fame for his scoring ability as a player (1,308 career points, which ranks 16th at Gannon), he also coached two other members of the hall, Bill Alford and Al Lawson.
Michael J. Minnaugh is a graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School and graduated from Gannon in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After graduating from Gannon, he worked at General Electric Transportation Systems until his retirement in 1994. Minnaugh has been active in community and volunteer work, serving as a member of the Millcreek Youth Athletic Association (MYAA) for 35 years and coaching baseball for 20 years. He is still active with the MYAA as a member of the board and as treasurer. His other community service includes volunteering with the AARP as a tax counselor for seniors. He also is active with St. Julia parish. Minnaugh also serves as a board member for the Gannon University Golden Knights Booster Club and for the General Electric Retirees Association. He has supported Gannon and Cathedral Prep through endowed scholarship funds. Two of Minnaugh’s sons, Mark and Matt, both graduated from Gannon with degrees in accounting, and Michael Minnaugh’s grandson, Adam, is currently enrolled at Gannon.
RECENT NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS News of interest on and around campus...
CAMPUS EVENTS
THE PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE Monday, October 16 – WQLN 5th Annual Collegiate Challenge; Pittsburgh Alumni Regional Reception for The Power to Transform Comprehensive Campaign. Wednesday-Thursday, October 18-19 – Oct. 18-19, University of St. Thomas Board of Trustees’ meetings.
PRAYER CONCERNS Please remember all in your prayers as regretfully we announce the death of:
CURRENT BIRTHDAYS Chet LaPrice. Kathy MacMurdy. Ann Oshlick. Danielle Wood. Barbara Roberts. Robert Rawding. Nicholas Pronko. Timothy Laher. Mary Draghi. Michael Latzer. Christine Rudzinski. Patricia Marshall. Thomas Parry. William Colt. Maureen Muckinhaupt. Meredith Schultz. Olga Bovkun. Richard Sukitsch. Kenneth McCurdy. Don Henry. Matthew Yucha. Sharon Dugan. David Hemenger. Lori Jasinski. Lynne Wright. Mahesh Aggarwal. Scott Harrington. Donald McAleer. Janice Greene. Tim Natale. Kenneth Hanas. Richard Jepson. Darlene Hess. Francis Grandinetti. Mary Ellen Simkovitch. Bernadette Hattjar.
FROM THE EDITOR
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