Arcadia Magazine

Four years ago I chose Arcadia University because a global experience was a top priority. 

It’s a decision for which I will be forever grateful.

by Ryan Hiemenz ’23

In 1988, Dr. Shekhar Deshpande started a communications segment of the Beaver College English department program called English, Theater, and Communication with a single camera and VCR in a room on the second floor of Murphy Hall. To assist students in their future careers, he’d invite artists and filmmakers from places as far as Hungary, India, and Hong Kong through his networks to visit campus and speak to students.

Max Finkeldey ’26 first came to the United States with a few bags and no idea who was going to pick him up at the Philadelphia International Airport. 

The Namibia native came to the country looking for an opportunity – any opportunity – to play ice hockey, a rarity for someone from the sub-Saharan African country that prides itself on its prowess in inline hockey. 

Finkeldey, a former member of the Namibian national inline hockey team, was looking for a new challenge – this time, on the ice. 

A year and a half later, Finkeldey is now a member of the Arcadia University men’s ice hockey team.

Dear Arcadia University Alumni,

When each of us enrolled in Beaver College or Arcadia University, we benefited from the students, faculty, and staff that came before us and built this beloved institution. The same can be said for the Arcadia University Alumni Association (AUAA), and in my first letter to you as the new President of AUAA, I want to thank my predecessor, who also became my friend, Maya Basu Johnson ’97. Maya’s commitment to Arcadia and its alumni is inspirational, and her success as President was remarkable. She will continue to be active in her alma mater, and we will continue to be the beneficiaries of her participation. Thank you, Maya. 

Decades ago, I enrolled at Arcadia as a first generation college student, and soon discovered many of my friends and peers held the same distinction. We succeeded because Arcadia provided the resources and support that students needed, both academic and social. The global viewpoint of the institution and its faculty launched my desire to live and work abroad, which I did for several years after graduate school in Poland (where I met my husband), Israel, and the Republic of Georgia. Arcadia’s focus on critical thinking, writing, problem-solving, and collaboration were transferable to all professional disciplines and continue to serve me today. 

The Alumni Association serves you today, too, and vice-versa. The AAAU is enhancing its opportunities for professional development and networking, along with lifelong learning and leadership experiences. We continue to enhance the opportunities for you to mentor today’s students and become active in their professional lives and the social life of the campus.  

My invitation to you is to seize these opportunities to benefit yourself and the alumni of tomorrow. Consider attending a University event like the Women Who Lead Forum or Alumni Reunion Weekend to reconnect with your peers, or attend an Athletics competition to cheer on your Knights. Perhaps you’d enjoy serving on an AAAU committee or working group to share your voice and ideas in person and/or virtually, or serve in some other capacity. You can always contact me at alumni@arcadia.edu to learn ways you can become active in our alma mater. I’d be happy to offer suggestions and I know that our AUAA committee chairs would love to have you share your time and talents with us. Please submit your current contact information by using this link so that we can be in touch with you about all of the University’s exciting events. 

Our beloved Beaver College and Arcadia University boasts more than 36,000 alumni across the nation and around the world. These alumni range in age from centenarians to folks who just graduated, and their careers are equally varied. What each of us has in common is this one touchstone: we were educated, and therefore transformed, by and through the same Beaver/Arcadia traditions. 

Let’s continue that tradition together as active Arcadia University alumni. 

Fling High the Scarlet and the Grey!

Stacey Downey ’88
President, Arcadia University Alumni Association

Lynda Spielman ’64, PhD and Carolyn Hodges ’69, PhD do not know one another well, but they agree: An Arcadia education remains a good investment for future generations. That’s why both recently endowed scholarships at Arcadia, for History majors and international travel experiences, respectively. And if that weren’t remarkable enough, unrelated to their scholarships, Dr. Spielman celebrates her 60th Beaver College/Arcadia University reunion this year, and Dr. Hodges ’69 is celebrating her 55th. 

Arcadia University’s lived values make a difference for our campus community, but they’re at work in the local area, too. Thanks to relationships with many nonprofit organizations and schools, Arcadia students gain valuable work experience, preparing students for successful careers and civic life after graduation. Within walking distance of campus, three key partners provide opportunities for students through community engagement.

Editors
Christopher Grosso
Emily Horowitz

Alumni News Editor
Rachel Fox ’15M

Creative Director
Rachana Sheth

Designers
Morgan Glista ’23
Dan Brumbach

Photography
Ashley Selig ’19

Contributors
Scott DeBell
John DeRosier
Ryan Hiemenz ’23
Stacey Downey ’88
Adam Planamento
Nicole Steiner
Alison LaLond Wyant, Ed.D.
Jaisy Omollo
Aoife Samuelson ’24
Frankie Arnold ’27M

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President
Ajay Nair, Ph.D.

Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement
Brigette A. Bryant

Interim Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Dan DiPrinzio

Arcadia magazine is published by the Division of University Advancement and the Office of Marketing and Communications. The opinions and views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily express the official policies of Arcadia University. Arcadia is mailed free of charge to Arcadia University alumni, trustees, friends, graduate students, and families of undergraduate students. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of published information.

Arcadia University
450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038
215-517-2566
arcadia.edu/magazine