86 Jim Minick released his new book, “The Intimacy of Spoons: poems by Jim Minick,” in March 2024. 88 Steve Neetz shares that he published a book, “The Nameless Path – A Philosophy of Freedom,” available on Amazon.com. His book is primarily a critique of the severe limitations of the currently popular trend toward group membership and identity and the negativity and hatred it is creating. As people retreat into their own political, social, and religious groups, they seem oblivious to the fact that this is not solving their problems or the problems of the world. By contrast, discarding this failed practice in favor of actions based on intelligent personal freedom and independence leads the individual toward real progress. In this way, progress is ultimately realized for the world as well. In short, Steve presents the argument that you make the world a better place by making yourself a better part of the world, not by demanding the world provide you with that better place. 89 Thomas Speicher wrote and published his second illustrated children’s book, “A Day With Waffles and Alexis.” This is a follow-up to his 2022 book, “A Week With Waffles,” named the Best Children’s Picture Book in the Reader Views 2022-23 Literary Awards competition. Tom is also the co-author — with the late Bill Byham — of the 2021 young adult novel, “Bucky Deacon’s Dilemma.” All three books are available on Amazon.com. Tom is serving as a writer/video producer at Pennsylvania College of Technology. 90 Chad Lohman was appointed by the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) as the statewide mental health director. He will be responsible for planning and assisting in the development and implementation of mental health-related policies and procedures. In addition, he will assist in planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the delivery of mental health services in GDC facilities and will oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the GDC’s robust mental health programs. A full press release can be read at https://gdc.georgia.gov/pressreleases/2023-08-01/dr-chad-i-lohmanappointed. Alumni gathered at alumnus-owned Rams Pint House and Rooftop Lounge (Joe Wade ’90) in July 2023 to enjoy music by The Mike and Brian Project (Michael Saulnier ’96 and Brian Clayton ’93) 94 Michael Bell was named the recipient of the 2024 National Supervision & Administration Art Educator Award from the National Art Education Association (NAEA). This award, which is the highest national honor for arts education leadership, was presented during the 2024 NAEA National Convention in Minneapolis in April 2023. In his role as supervisor, Michael oversees the development of QACPS curricular resources, state and federal grants, and professional learning experiences for teachers. At the state level, he serves as a selected member of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Superintendent’s Fine Arts Advisory Panel. Michael founded and created QACPS’ ArtScene, the district’s largest K-12 art exhibition on the Eastern Shore, helped bring Advanced Placement 2-D and 3-D Art and Design courses to both high schools, inspired National Art Honor Societies and National Honors Societies of Dance Arts at both high schools, created an annual Faculty Art Show, an “Arts Teens of the Week” column to spotlight talented students in the local newspaper, and ArtScene | the Podcast to share stories of the talented teachers who have won numerous local, state, and national awards under his leadership. He currently serves as the supervisor of instruction for the visual and performing arts/media for the department of curriculum and instruction in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, Centreville, Md. Laura (Wood) Meisl graduated from PA College of Health Sciences in June 2023. She received a certificate in surgical technology. She is employed at Orthopedics Associates of Lancaster as a certified surgical technologist. 97 Alison Gregory was recently promoted to dean of libraries and assistant provost for special projects at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. In this role, Alison continues to lead and grow the libraries, in addition to managing projects in support of academic initiatives. She was elected to serve as chair of the Virginia Independent College and University Library Association, in addition to continuing her role as chair of the board of the College Library Director Mentoring Program. 30 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2024 SPRING MAGAZINE
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