2020 LYCOMING COLLEGE SPRING MAGAZINE

WALTER MANNING ’64, PH.D. (Swimming; Sociology major) Professor Emeritus, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Memphis “During my first years as a student, I was living at home, and being on the Lycoming swimming team made me feel connected to the College. I began as a diver and quickly discovered that I was a much better swimmer. My connection with the other members of the team resulted in many good friendships during my time at Lycoming and the years following graduation. I think the discipline required to swim many laps in the pool early in the morning and in the late afternoon not only led to my breaking some of the swimming records, but more importantly prepared me to achieve my master’s degree at Penn State and my Ph.D. at Michigan State. Although my high school guidance counselor informed me that I ‘wasn’t college material,’ my time at Lycoming prepared me for a very enjoyable career as a professor at the University of Nebraska for five years and The University of Memphis for 39 years. I had a wonderful time working with students, publishing articles and books, and giving presentations in my field throughout the U.S. and Europe.” MELISSA MARCHETTI ’00 (Softball; Chemistry major) Business Development Manager, BASF Corporation “Playing softball at Lycoming allowed me to be part of a great team culture. I remember having the freshman nerves of hoping to meet people that I fit in with. Being part of a team led to an immediate group of supportive teammates who quickly became friends. The friendships and skills learned have far surpassed the softball field. Time management and learning to work together toward a common goal have translated beyond the field and into my day-to-day life. Currently, I am a global category buyer for BASF Corporation. I’m part of a global team where we are tasked with developing purchasing strategies and implementing them on a global level. This requires working with my colleagues in all regions to ensure success. As an African proverb says, ‘If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’” ROBERT BRODISH ’14 (Football; Psychology major) Emotional Support Teacher, Football and Track & Field Coach, Middletown Area High School “Along with being a teacher, I am also a football and track and field coach for the high school. What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing my students learn from their experiences and grow into unique individuals over the course of their time in high school. I often share my Lycoming experience with my students because of the meaningful relationships I built with the staff while I was a student-athlete at the College. The relationships I formed with the football program, education and psychology professors, the building and grounds crew, and Play by Faith at Lycoming were genuine, honest, and all very heartfelt. Members of each of those groups welcomed me into their homes, took time to get to know me, and made me feel like a part of their family. I remember as a student thinking that this is how you should make someone feel if you truly care about their future success, and I want my students and athletes to feel like this after their interactions with me.” 18 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2020 SPRING MAGAZINE