News
Alumni Notes | February 2022
Career Updates
Sandra E. Fostano ‘12 (ModRN) Nurse Practitioner at WellNow Urgent Care. Graduate of Roberts RN to BSN program Group 58. Sandra has graduated from the Urgent Care Medicine APP Fellowship Program at WellNow Urgent Care in January 2022 and has been hired as a full time core provider for WellNow Rochester Region.
Dr. Michael Loete ('14 OM; '16 MSL) opened a business called MGL Enterprises, LLC. The business is available for individuals, groups, and businesses and develops professionals, leaders, strategic planning, and work/life balance (among other things). The business has also assisted in editing dissertations and published novels. The business is headquartered in Rochester, NY, but serves clients all over the world. Mglenterprisesllc.com.
Julio Saenz ‘14 (Strategic Marketing, M.S.) is now the Manager of Corporate Communications at RG&E.
Dr. Kimber Shelton ‘02 (Psychology) is the coeditor of the recently released text, A Handbook on Counseling African American Women: Psychological Symptoms, Treatments, and Case Studies. It is currently available on the Praeger website, http://www.abc-clio.com/product/a6308c/. Dr. Shelton is a licensed psychologist and owner of KLS Counseling & Consulting Services in Dallas, TX. She specializes in cultural diversity, LGBTQ issues, trauma and relationship concerns.
Jennifer McCarter Lefler '83 is a nursing manager in pediatrics at St. Joseph's Hospital in Indiana. Her husband, Mark, is an associate manager for Fazolis, as well as a minister. They have four children: Mark Jr., Matthew, Jeremy, and Jason.
Obituaries
Betty Mason Arthurs ‘67 (Nursing) Our dear Lois Elizabeth (Betty) Arthurs has finished her race and is now in her true home, leaving us on the morning of Saturday 1/22/2022. Betty was a degreed registered nurse from Roberts Wesleyan College. She left her profession due to rheumatoid arthritis at age 27. She became a wonderful mother and homemaker, a true CEO of her home, as she called herself. She became an accomplished and published freelance writer, and functioned with her cherished writers group, Tuesday’s Children. Her church family was precious to her where she participated in SouthGate Church’s Women’s Ministry, and as a Deacon. She loved animals, especially cats and birds, and had a unique talent of observing them in an empathetic and caring way. She had a great sense of humor, and many were the recipients of her practical jokes. Her Arizona Cardinals provided many shouts of glee as well as quiet dissatisfaction. Her smile was infectious, and she was a friend to all who came her way. She was a woman of the Word, and her Faith brought her through so much regarding her many health issues. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the light of her life, whom she loved to no end. Gammy always seemed to be able to provide something special for them…particularly donuts, (which she loved as well). She was a loyal support to her husband in his career and loved the Discount Tire Family. She will be sorely missed by her husband John, daughter Julie Gaun and husband Mike and their three sons, Kyle, Austin, and Hayden, and great grandchildren Noelle and Brenna. She will likewise be dearly missed by her son Rob Arthurs and wife Heather and their children Emmalee, Preston, Trevor, and Donovan, as well as her brother, Don Mason.
Brady T. Bermingham ‘17 (Physics) of Eden, NY, died suddenly on February 15, 2022. Loving son of John and Elizabeth (Mulkern) Bermingham; caring brother of Kristyn (Andrew) Williams; grandson of Shirley (late Thomas) Bermingham and late Thomas and Elizabeth Mulkern; uncle of Reagan and Carson Williams; also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Live streamed funeral and words of sympathy at www.LaingFuneralHome.com.
Rev. Marcus R. Briggs ‘72 (Religion-Philosophy), 71, of Russell, Pa., died peacefully, Sunday morning, Jan. 23, 2022, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, Pa. Marc was welcomed into the healing arms of Jesus after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Marcus was born April 10, 1950, in Jamestown, N.Y. Marc was the son of Arthur Roy Briggs and Joyce A. Sadler Briggs McNaughton. He was a resident of Russell, Pa., most of his life. Marcus was a 1968 graduate of Eisenhower High School.
Above all, Marc’s true calling was ministry and spreading the word of God. He earned his bachelors degree in religion and psychology in 1972 from Roberts Wesleyan College. He was a graduate of the Nazarene Theological Seminary. From there on, he devoted his life to being a messenger of the Lord and spreading God’s truth. Marcus always said he had the best job in the world telling people that God loved them.
The Rev. Briggs started his time in ministry as a pastor in Gettysburg, Pa., and then Annapolis, Md. In 1984, he moved back to Warren, Pa., where he was employed for over 30 years as chaplain of Warren General Hospital and Rouse Warren County Home. He had also worked part time as a chaplain at the Warren State Hospital. For the past four years he has served as chaplain of the Warren County Prison, to which he was very dedicated. Marcus was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene, Warren, Pa. He was active with the Men’s Prayer Time, the Crossing, the Warren County Men’s Ministry, Wednesday morning Bible study, and numerous other bible studies. He was gifted at forging connections between members of the community and, more importantly, his community and heaven.
Aside from his ministry, one of his greatest loves in life was being a farmer on his family farm. Marc loved being outdoors and in touch with nature and all of God’s creation. A true steward of the earth, he enjoyed gardening, tending to his farm animals, reading, and spending time wit his family. Up until his brief illness, he raised sheep, goats, pigs, steers, chickens, and bees in the pastures of his family’s land. Marc lived his life with enthusiasm and was called to heaven after fully giving all he had to being a devoted disciple.
He is survived by his wife, Lucinda L. Seiz Briggs, whom he married March 6, 1997, in Russell, Pa.; three children: Daniel R. Briggs and wife, Jennifer of Scottsville, N.Y., Monica Backstrom and husband, Donny of Warren, Pa.. and Michael Briggs and wife, Janine of Pottstown, Pa.; two stepchildren: William Shultz and wife, Lynn of Sheffield, Pa., and Matthew Shultz and wife, Susan of Golden, Colo.; half-sister, Rebecca Schwarz and husband, Bill of Austin, Texas; a niece, Emily Wachter and husband, Ramie of Pittsfield, Pa.; a nephew, Nathan Sherman and wife, Regi of Edinboro, Pa.; 11 grandchildren: Ethan, Julia, Levi, Micah, Braxton and Ivy Briggs, Jordon Clark, Adam and Tristan Backstrom, Lillian and Haven Shultz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dianne A. Sherman; as well as stepfather, Velmour “Mac” McNaughton.
Henry D. Emilio ‘52 (Comprehensive Social Studies) passed on January 17, 2019 of Oceanside, NY. Beloved husband of the late Alice. Devoted father of Henry Jr. and Lorraine Frank. Loving grandfather and great grandfather. Retired teacher from the Oceanside School District. Longtime member of the Oceanside Fire Department Hose Company #1 and Veteran of the US Army.
Ruth S. Hotchkis ‘46, 93, formerly of Gerry, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing. Ruth was born June 8, 1926 in Wellsboro, Pa., a daughter of the late John and Emma Anderegg Schwab.
She was a graduate of Wellsboro High School in 1944, Roberts Wesleyan Junior College in 1946 and received her license practical nursing degree from Jamestown School of Practical Nursing in 1969. Ruth was employed as an license practical at Heritage Village from 1972-81 and was director of public relations at Gerry Homes Retirement Campus until her retirement in 1990.
She was a member of the Gerry Free Methodist Church, had previously served as a Sunday school teacher and was involved with World Missions International and Christian Youth Crusaders.
Wife of 53 years to the late Rev. Robert D. Hotchkiss (Jan. 7, 2000) whom she married Sept. 4, 1946; mother of Dale (Dottie) and Roger (Bonnie) Hotchkiss, all of Rochester, Leroy (Rose) Hotchkiss of St. Paul, Minn., and JoAnn (Joel) Marsh of Sinclairville; grandmother of Todd, Ryan, Rob, Josh and Andy Hotchkiss, Krista (Andrew) Bushnell and Meagan and Emily Marsh; great-grand mother of Austin Hotchkiss, Logan, Leah and Mason Bushnell; sister of the late Viola Hunt, Clarence, Roy, the Rev. Herman, John and the Rev. Harold Schwab. Also survived by nieces and nephews.93, formerly of Gerry, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing. Wife of the late Rev. Robert D. Hotchkiss; mother of, JoAnn (Joel) Marsh, Dale (Dottie), Roger (Bonnie) and Leroy (Bonnie) Hotchkiss.
Janet Kay Mason ‘62 (Elementary Education) 80, passed on February 23, 2021, of Oneida. Interment in Valley View Cemetery.
Betty Morton Peterson ‘50 of Peoria, AZ went to be with the Lord on January 16, 2022 at the age of 87. Predeceased by her husband, Alfred Morton, parents Wesley and Mabel Parmerter, brother Stanley Parmerter, sister Jean Adams and granddaughter Rachele Rudd.
She is survived by her husband Duane Peterson; children Susan (Charles) Rudd, Patricia (Robert) Samuelson, Carl (Ramona) Morton and James (Sherilisa) Morton; grandchildren Charles (Kathryn) and Daniel (Amanda) Rudd, Jennifer and Jeremy Samuelson, Justin, Karissa, Jade, Isaiah, and Verzal Morton, Kendra (Timothy) Green, Shaelise (Nekabari) Tor, Chantel and Sharissa Morton; 10 great-grandchildren, brothers- and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews.
Betty shared that the many FM bishops and missionaries entertained in her home during her formative years, had a profound influence on her life. Betty was a long time, active member of Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church (NY) and later with Desert Palms Church (AZ). She loved and served her Lord particularly through music. She was a member of the churches’ choirs and women’s ensemble.
Betty attended Roberts Wesleyan Junior College and received a BS degree from the University of Rochester School of Nursing, worked at Strong Memorial Hospital for several years before obtaining a MS in Health Education from SUNY-Brockport. Married to Alfred Morton for 34 wonderful years they raised four children in Churchville, NY. Following a career of 38 years in nursing and teaching (Spencerport and Brighton Central Schools), Betty retired in AZ where she met and married Duane Peterson, a retired Lutheran Pastor. They enjoyed 26 delightful years together during which they indulged in their love of traveling, hiking, and visiting family throughout the US.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church, 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili, NY on Saturday, March 12, 2022. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Roberts Wesleyan College (https://www.roberts.edu/give/make-a-gift) or Pearce Memorial Church (https://www.pearcechurch.org/giving/) in memory of Betty Morton Peterson.
Ronald E. Tovey ‘59 (English) and Lucia Dunsieth Tovey ‘51 (English) passed in October 2021. Ronald passed away after a battle with Covid and Lucia passed just 35 days later from what family believe to be a broken heart. It was quite unexpected, but the family is comforted in knowing they are both together in heaven.
Nina May (Herne) Walsh ‘68 (English) passed away peacefully on January 7, 2022. She is cherished by her son Gregory, her daughter Karin (deceased), her grandsons Kevin Faulkner, Kien Walsh and Gabriel Walsh, her brother Gary Herne, her ex-husband Grant, and many members of her family and friends.
Nina was a wonderful mother, sister, wife, friend, and Christian example. She was a musician both vocally and as a pianist. She performed with the Cosmopolitan Singers and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, among many of her musical accomplishments. Nina was a Rotarian, librarian, genealogist, writer, ice skater, and world traveler. She earned a BA degree in English and Music from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree from Syracuse University.
Nina Walsh loved her God and was completely devoted to her Faith, family, and friends. She deeply loved her son, daughter and grandsons. Nina's ex-husband describes her as "the ultimate Christ-like lady of impeccable graciousness. Heaven has been upgraded with her presence." Nina was cremated in Norman, OK and will be buried this Summer beside Karin (Walsh) Faulkner in Cary, NC. The Nina (Herne) Walsh Memorial Fund has been created at Nina's alma mater, Roberts Wesleyan College, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624. Rest in peace Nina. Our God is an awesome, merciful God.