Alumni Making Headlines: November 2012

University of Scranton alumni are often in the headlines. Here is a list of links to news stories highlighting their recent accomplishments.

A memorial park in Tampa, Fla., was named in honor of the late James M. Basta ’61, who helped establish the site. Basta completed 24 years of active military service, including tours of duty in Germany, Taiwan and Vietnam, earning numerous medals and commendations. To view the ceremony program, click here. 

Ed Stanak ’71, a Progressive Party candidate, is running for Vermont Attorney General. To read more, click here.

John Houston, Ph.D. ’72, an associate dean of graduate education at Fordham University, is one of three people seeking Clifton school board seats. To read more, click here.

Alan Peslak, Ph.D. ’76, associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Worthington Scranton, was recently named IST Statewide Faculty Member of the Year for 2012-13. He received the honor at the recent All Campus IST Meeting. To read more, click here.

Terrence O’Connor, J.D. ’84, a commercial lawyer, specializing in the construction industry, is challenging incumbent Democrat Mike Carroll for the second consecutive election in the 118th District. O’Connor wants to challenge Congress on health care, gun control and environmental rules on industry. To read more, click here.

Kalanithi Maran G’87, owner of Sun Group which won the Hyderabad franchise of the Indian Premier League, has come a long way from being a student leader in the prestigious Loyola college to turning into South India's biggest media baron. To read more, click here.

Richard D. Padula ’91 has been promoted to First National Community Bank’s assistant vice president, mortgage loan originator supervisor, where he is responsible for the daily management and overall performance of the mortgage originators. He is also responsible for the origination of residential mortgage loans and guiding applicants through the mortgage loan application and approval process. To read more, click here.

Incumbent board of education member Karyn White, J.D. ’92, a legal consultant for the law offices of Thomas G. Smith and provides legal assistance to the firm’s practice which involves insurance defense of municipalities, is one of four vying for three seats on the Northfield (N.J.) Board of Education. To read more, click here.

Jennifer Hopkins ’93, president of Sustainable Energy Fund, was elected to CAN DO Community Foundation’s board of directors. Hopkins is also a certified public accountant and a certified renewable energy professional. To read more, click here.

Robert Keefrider Jr. ’93 has been named chief financial officer at Onesource Water. Keefrider, who has worked nearly 20 years in the finance and corporate development field, he most recently spent 10 years with FuelEnergy. To read more, click here.

Staci Wille ’93 recently opened Heritage Health and Physical Therapy, LLC., in Sparta, N.J. She has 19 years of experience treating orthopedic and neurological conditions. To read more, click here.

Roger Bishop G’96 is one of three individuals vying for Maine’s House District 123 seat in South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. To read more, click here.

Cory Adams G’03 was named South Middleton Township’s new township manager. Adams spent eight years as a lobbyist with the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors and is very familiar with issues affecting townships. To read more, click here.

Lawrence T. Mattern ’05 has completed requirements for certification as a certified public accountant by the Pennsylvania state board of examiners. To read more, click here.

Patrick Ehnot ’07 has been promoted to First National Community Bank’s electronic banking coordinator, where he will oversee all electronic banking projects to ensure the installation of products are completed on time and all terms and conditions are met. To read more, click here.

Jeffrey Passetti ’10, Nanticoke, has been named assistant director of campus ministry at Misericordia University. To read more, click here.

Pat Casterline ’12 finished fifth in the 17th annual Steamtown Marathon in October. It was his first marathon. To read more, click here.