n every institution, values play an important role. In addition to being a promise, they are essential guiding principles that can help to shape not only its culture but also its future. It is easy to see our University’s values reflected in the exceptional work of our students, faculty, staff and alumni throughout the latest issue of Wilkes.

Wilkes has always been dedicated to advancing knowledge through scholarship across all disciplines. This past spring, we received the exciting news that this commitment has been recognized as the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership earned accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — an honor shared by less than six percent of business schools worldwide.

When it comes to innovation, Wilkes continues to meet the growing demand of our students and our community through the introduction of new academic programs, reimagined spaces and updated curriculum. This works hand in hand with mentorship, demonstrated by our Wilkes Adventure Education program as well as Theresa Karambelas and Kerry Miscavage ’95, who have offered Wilkes students valuable internship experiences.

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Student government was seeking a new home on campus and facilities helped it come to life. Ross Hall was transformed into a dedicated space for student development, clubs and organizations. The building houses Wilkes Adventure Education (WAE) as well as a multitude of gathering spaces for meetings and events. An open first floor creates a sense of unity for the new occupants.

Additionally, Hollenback Hall serves as the new home for Air Force ROTC Detachment 752, continuing a tradition of support and growth for AFROTC students that spans over five decades. Hollenback Hall has seen many inhabitants over the years. From a women’s dormitory to the founding site of The Beacon, the list of previous tenants is extensive and proves the long-standing quality of the building.

Hollenback Hall’s updated facilities include study rooms, computers, a conference room, planning spaces for leadership, offices and a lounge area with a pool table dedicated in memory of Major Candice Adams Ismirle ’03.

Two alumni who were anchors to their teammates, Anthony Dattolo ’12 and Melanie (Nolt) Hamely ’13, were inducted at this year’s ceremony for wrestling and women’s tennis, respectively.

Dattolo, a legend of the 149-pound weight class, scored over 100 wins in his four-year wrestling career, and earned All-American honors for his junior and senior year. He held a 33-1 record, with his only loss occurring at the National Finals. A two-time Metropolitan Conference Champion, Dattolo earned his bachelor of arts in business administration, proving his talents for strategy on and off the mat.

Ann Marie Bartuska ’75 delivered the commencement address at the morning ceremony and was awarded an honorary degree. After graduating from Wilkes College with a bachelor of science in biology, Bartuska went on to earn her master of science in botany and ecology from Ohio University and her doctorate in biogeochemistry and ecosystem ecology from West Virginia University. Currently, Bartuska serves as a senior contributing scientist for the Environmental Defense Fund and as a senior advisor at Resources for the Future.

Tributes to the couple’s generosity stand across campus: the pergola on the Fenner Quadrangle, the atrium in the Henry Student Center, the digital marquee on the corner of River and South Streets and the grand staircase in the Cohen Science Center. “Everything was important to him, so he was always trying to help in whatever way we were able to at the time,” says Theresa Karambelas.

“Hockey is such a global game,” said LaBaff. “There’s big teams in the U.S. that are really good but we couldn’t recruit with where the program was at.” Faced with the challenge, he pursued increasing Wilkes’ global reach. Today, there are seven different countries represented on the team: the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Serbia, Norway, Finland and Slovakia.

The women’s ice hockey team is incredibly diverse with more than 60% coming from outside the U.S. Those from the U.S. represent a variety of states ranging from Alaska to Florida. LaBaff shared that the team has more international players than any other team in the conference combined. Though the team has unique experiences and playing styles, he has successfully used the strengths of each player. When asked how he balances it all, he answered with a hard chuckle and said, “Patience.”

My major at Wilkes is business management with a minor in legal studies. I expect to graduate in May 2026. I play on the women’s soccer team and I’ll be going into my third season this upcoming semester.

What is your favorite thing about Wilkes?

My favorite thing about Wilkes is the campus. It creates a great atmosphere for school, especially in the early fall and late spring when it’s warm out. There are lots of places to do schoolwork outside. It’s a lot easier for me to get my work done when I actually want to be in the place that I’m doing it, and Wilkes makes that easy.