published by Highlander Press in Baltimore. Renowned Philadelphia sportswriter Ray Didinger wrote the foreword for the book. Jennifer (Gilbert) Goss ’02 was recently promoted to director of Echoes & Reflections, the largest provider of professional development for educators in the field of Holocaust and genocide education. After 19 years in the classroom (during which she taught high school history and courses on the Holocaust), Goss has been with Echoes & Reflections since 2021. Sean McLaughlin ’03 writes, “During my time at KU, I developed a strong passion for helping others, particularly through philanthropic efforts in Greek life and the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. That passion has guided me throughout my life, and I’ve channeled it into my role as a volunteer firefighter (with the Narberth Fire Company in Lower Merion Township) for the past five years. It has been an honor to serve my community in this way. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to teach fire prevention/safety to elementary school students and share what it’s like to be a volunteer firefighter. I remember when I was in elementary school and firefighters would visit my school and I’m honored to be able to continue this tradition.” Caroline (Brown) Ralston ’04 was named associate vice president for marketing and communications of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Previously, she led marketing, communications and membership at Mt. Cuba Center, a botanic garden in Delaware specializing in native plant conservation, research and education, and at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Utah, one of the largest aquariums in the United States. In these nonprofit roles, Ralston is most proud of how her work connects people with nature and inspires conservation. Anne Ryan ’04 was named deputy secretary of tourism for Pennsylvania, a position on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s cabinet. Ryan began her career in financial services developing marketing programs for Citibank and Capital One before moving to agency work, where she created record-breaking campaigns for brands such as IKEA, xfinity, Wawa, Humana, DuPont and Peloton, to name a few. Kutztown Area School District music educator and director, Dustin Shirk ’05, M’22, was recognized by the National State Teachers of the Year-PA Chapter as an Apple Award recipient. This prestigious award is presented to educators for exceptional efforts in teaching and for making a positive difference in the lives of students, school districts and communities. Charles Huettner ’05 is co-creator of “Scavengers Reign,” an animated sci-fi series that debuted on Max in 2023 to huge critical acclaim. The series won an Emmy Award in 2024 for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation for its background design. Kern Haynes ’06 is CFO of Greater Philadelphia Health Action Inc., the largest nonprofit medical organization in the city. In 2022, he was named CFO of the year by Philadelphia Business Journal. In addition to working at GPHA, he also owns Haynes Syndicate, LLC, a real estate development and property management company. Matthew Good ’07 received the John Philip Immroth Memorial Award, which honors notable contributions to intellectual freedom and demonstrations of personal courage in defense of freedom of expression. Dr. Lisa Grabowski M’07, retired director of KU’s New Student Orientation, is currently the center director at the St. Christopher Catholic Newman Center in Kutztown. She works with Fr. Matthew J. Kuna ’16 (chaplain) who was an academic planner for the orientation program while he was a student. Nine years later, their offices are once again side-by-side. Sammy Julian ’07 returned to the Olympics for a third time as a wrestling official for the 2024 Paris Olympics. There are only three wrestling officials from the U.S., out of the total 50. Julian wrestled at Blue Mountain School District and spent 11 years as an assistant coach at Pottsville Area High School. Cary Vargo ’07 has been appointed town manager of Fort Hill, Pa. He previously served as township manager for Thornbury and Upper Uwchlan for a combined 12 years. His most recent role was as chief executive officer of ARRO Consulting Inc. in the private sector. The North Carolina Community College System named Dr. Torry Reynolds M’09 the new associate vice president of student services. She has 18 years of experience in higher education, including her current role as AVP of Student Success Services at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem. 2010s Dr. A.J. Merlino ’10, who earned a bachelor of arts in music at KU, has had a celebrated career as an educator, workforce strategist and arts innovator. As a professional percussionist, Merlino performed with renowned artists and was nominated for multiple Grammy awards. As a strategist, he was the executive director of Learning Innovation & Workforce Solutions at Thinking Through AI. As an educator, Merlino held multiple positions at Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg University and Albright College. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Merlino has been recognized among “The 10 Most Visionary Leaders in Education” and honored as Educator of Note by the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame. Philadelphia Police Lieutenant Allen Leiby ’11 was promoted May 23, 2025. Leiby is an 11-year veteran of the force and was previously a sergeant for over six years. FALL 2025 | TOWER 29
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