History of the Founders Gala

Helen Ralston '52

There are few families more embedded in the history of Wilkes University than the Ralstons.

The Ralstons serve as true examples of what it means to ”Be Colonel,” through their leadership, mentorship and volunteerism at the University. The heart of their campus and Colonel spirit is best represented in the facility that bears their name, the Ralston Athletic Complex.

The Ralston family’s nearly 80-year connection to Wilkes started with George Ralston, affectionately referred to as the "Father of Wilkes Athletics.” George served as dean, athletic director, coach, professor and mentor to generations of Wilkes students and student-athletes for 60+ years.

George Ralston

George met his wife, Helen, at Wilkes, and she earned her music degree from the University in 1952. As the informal “Queen of Campus,” Helen would appear in Wilkes and community stage productions and would often lead in the singing of the alma mater at university events. She used her Wilkes degree to share her love of music and give vocal lessons to students out of her home. For nearly 75 years, she was a soloist at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Wilkes-Barre, a congregation to which she continues to belong.

The four Ralston sons, David ’69, Ph.D., John ’79, Tom ’80 and James ’88, were “born Wilkes Colonels.” In fact, three generations of Ralstons earned degrees from Wilkes, spanning from 1952 to 2014. Tom is a long-standing member of the Wilkes alumni association and board of trustees, using his passion for Wilkes and knowledge of the University to help shape the campus and experience for others.

Prior to Wilkes, George completed his military service and was a World War II veteran. He received an array of honorary degrees, including from Wilkes in 1997. Though Wilkes students were the couple’s top priority, George was dedicated to several community organizations. In honor of that work, he was the recipient of the William Booth Award, the Salvation Army’s highest honor. For Helen, her focus was and continues to be on church, education and her family.

In addition to their four sons, there are five grandchildren: Breanne '12, Alyssa '14, Nancy, George and Shane, and three great grandchildren. Helen Ralston, 97, resides in Wilkes-Barre. George Ralston passed away in 2007 but lives eternally in the heart of his children and in the spirit of Wilkes University.

Tara Mugford Wilson & Robert A. Mugford '58

Power Engineering is a family-owned mechanical construction firm specializing in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, humidity control, refrigeration and process pipe projects in the commercial, industrial and institutional arenas.

Bob Mugford started as a sales engineer at Power Engineering in 1965, purchasing the company and becoming the organization’s board chair in 1979. Bob continues to consult as owner and board chair of the company he built. Bob, a first-generation college student, earned his associate degree in engineering from Wilkes College in 1958 and went on to receive his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State in 1961, earning his professional engineering license in 1967. Bob joined the Wilkes board of trustees in 1995 and, in 2011, was named trustee emeritus.

Tara Mugford Wilson succeeded her father as president of Power Engineering in 2016. She has served on the Wilkes University board of trustees since 2020. A leader in the local community, Tara received the 2019 Athena Award for her community service and professional excellence. She serves as a trustee at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, is vice chair of both the United Way of Wyoming Valley and the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry. In 2022, she became the first woman to serve as chair of the Luzerne Foundation. Tara is also the owner of Shooze Contemporary Boutique in Kingston.

Through the legacy and leadership of Bob, Tara and their dedicated team, Power Engineering Corporation has helped transform the Wilkes campus for more than four decades. The company was a dedicated partner on the construction and renovation of some of the most notable buildings on campus, including the Henry Student Center, Chase Hall, Stark Learning Center, Breiseth Hall, the Cohen Science Center and the Karambelas Media and Communications Center.

Through their careers, Bob and Tara have served an array of community organizations, including, the Institute for Economic Development and Public Policy, the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts to name just a few.

Bob resides in Dallas with his wife Cathy. In addition to Tara, they are parents to Jennifer Necessary, a graduate of the inaugural class of the Wilkes Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, and Susanne Reeves.

Wilson is a graduate of Wyoming Seminary and Drexel University. She resides in Dallas with her companion, Dan Petrishin, and her children, Robert (21) and Alexandra Wilson (19). In addition, Bob and Cathy are grandparents to William (13) and Catherine Necessary (17) and Robbie (15), Olivia (13) and Jackson Reeves (11).

Founder

• Black Horse Foundation, Inc./Ronald Simms '60 & Rhea Politis Simms '78
• Joanne Schreibmaier Schoonover '72 & Kenneth Schoonover

Blue & Gold

• Aramark

Colonel

• Anonymous
• BSI Corporate Benefits/Tony DaRe '00
• Raymond Dombroski '78 & Colleen DeMorat
• Geisinger
• William Miller '81 & Talbot Logan
• PNC Bank
• Power Engineering Corporation

Doctorate

• Benco Family Foundation
• Carol Gusgekofski Besler '76 & Philip Besler '76
• Fellerman & Ciarimboli
• Green Valley Landscaping
• Luzerne Foundation - Anonymous
• Melberger & Romanowski Families
• William Raub '61 & Joyce Raub
• John Sickler '65 & Doris Sickler
• Sordoni Family Foundation
• UGI Utilities

Masters

• Berkshire Asset Management, LLC
• Community Bank
• DiscoverNEPA Powered by Mericle
• Endler Architecture & Collaboration
• Lisa Isbitski Golden '90
• John Kerr '72 & Renate Dargel Kerr '72
• Panzitta Enterprises, Inc.
• Richard J. Pape '76
• Robert & Karen Taylor
• Robert L. Zeglarski '69 & Donna-Su Brown Zeglarski '70

Bachelors

• A. Pickett Construction, Inc.
• Baker Tilly
• Edward Burke '70, MS '73 & Nancy Burke
• Daniel Cardell '79 & Ann Marie Booth Cardell '79
• Betty DeCosmo Dean '81, '82, 'MBA '85 & Barry Dean '84
• Fahmy Hudome International/Randa Fahmy '86
• Harry Hiscox '51
• Independent Graphics
• Theresa Karambelas
• McCarthy Tire
• John & Melissa Parente/Dave & Tracey Selingo/Liz Graham
• Thomas & Margaret Torbik

The Melbergers' philanthropic support of Wilkes University is best illustrated in the students who have benefited from the Ruth Boorom Melberger '62 Scholarship, established in 1998. To date, more than 100 students have benefited from this scholarship, making their Wilkes education possible. The couple was inspired to give in recalling the assistance they each received as college students: Ruth at Wilkes as an art major and Cliff at Bucknell University, the institution from which Wilkes University was founded. The Melberger Courtyard near Stark Learning Center bears their name in recognition of all the ways they continue to support Wilkes students.

In 2020, the Melbergers made an extraordinary unrestricted gift as a result of the challenges faced during the global pandemic. Unrestricted gifts are unique in that they allow the University to apply the funds where they are most needed for operating expenses and other priorities.

Cliff Melberger founded Diversified Information Technologies, now EDM Americas, a national and international data and document information management company, that was headquartered in Scranton, Pa. He is also the owner, founder and chairman of the board of GreenSpace Properties LLC, a real estate management and development company. He served on the Wilkes University Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2007.

Ruth Melberger taught art for school districts in West Pittston and Harrisburg. Together, the Melbergers have served on various boards, including the West Pittston Library and YMCA of Greater Pittston. They received numerous business and community service awards, including the Distinguished Community Service Award of the Anti-Defamation League of Greater Wilkes-Barre in 2006 and the Arthritis Foundation Community Leader of the Year Award for Northeast Pennsylvania in 1998. Ruth is also involved in the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre, the Wilkes University Alumni Association and various committees in West Pittston. She serves as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

The Melbergers reside in West Pittston, Pa. They have two children: Erica, married to Tom Romanowski, and Mickey, married to the former Amy Fetch. They also have six grandchildren: Thomas, Ann and Kate Romanowski and Dylan, Kari and Evan Melberger.

Founder

• Blackhorse Foundation, Inc.
• Melberger Family
• Joanne Schreibmaier Schoonover ’72 & Kenneth Schoonover

Blue & Gold

• Aramark

Colonel

• Anonymous
• BSI Corporate Benefits/Tony DaRe ’00
• Davidowitz Foundation
• Ray Dombroski ’78 & Colleen DeMorat
• Geisinger
• Emilie Roat Gino ’60
• Jason Griggs ’90
• Kathy Price Kautter ’72 & David J. Kautter
• Panzitta Enterprises, Inc.
• PNC Bank
• Power Engineering Corp.
• Douglas W. Weber '67
• Bruce R. Williams '82

Doctorate

• Annette Evans Trust
• Charles P. Baker ’73
• Benco Family Foundation
• Carol Gusgekofski Besler ’76 & Philip Besler ’76
• Blasi Printing Corp.
• Fellerman & Ciarimboli
• Green Valley Landscaping Inc.
• Highmark
• Barbara Repotski Lach '72
• William R. Miller '81
• William Raub '61 & Joyce Raub
• Sordoni Family Foundation
• Matthew Sordoni
• UGI Utilities
• Robert T. West M ’78 & Maureen G. West ’72

Masters

• Alumni Association Board of Directors
• Baker Tilly
• Clark Companies
• Fiducient Advisors
• John Kerr ’72 & Renate Dargel Kerr ’72
• John J. Sickler '65
• Michael J. Zeto '96

Bachelors

• A Pickett Construction, Inc.
• Josephine Bugusko
• Edward F. Burke ’70, MS ’73 & Nancy Burke
• Greg Cant & Angela Cant
• Donald J. Chick '69
• Rosella Fedor
• Mary Lou Garrity & Norman Garrity
• Harry Hiscox ’51
• Maarv Waterproofing, Inc.
• MAC Sign Systems, Inc.
• McCarthy Tire
• Richard J. Pape ’76
• Thomas N. Ralston '80
• RCM&D
• John Squeri ’70 & Barbara Morrison Squeri ’70
• Robert R. Taylor & Karen A. Taylor
• Thomas F. Torbik & Margaret M. Torbik
• J. Bruce Weinstock '74
• Xfinity
• Robert L. Zeglarski '69 & Donna-Su Brown Zeglarski '70

Esther B. Davidowitz has been a dedicated leader and supporter of Wilkes University for nearly 50 years. She is a long-time advocate for culture and education at Wilkes, in the Wyoming Valley and throughout the world.

Mrs. Davidowitz was a member of the Wilkes Board of Trustees from 1973 through 2006 when she received emerita status. During her tenure on the board, Mrs. Davidowitz served as the treasurer and secretary, and was the chair of the academic program committee and executive board. She was a key player in the institution’s growth, most notably its evolution from Wilkes College to Wilkes University in 1990. Mrs. Davidowitz has been a close advisor and friend to the each of the University’s President's and co-edited the writings of Wilkes’ founding president, Dr. Eugene S. Farley, in “Essays of an Educator.”

In addition to her Wilkes service, Essy has served in leadership positions for the Osterhout Free Library, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Ethics Institute, the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging, Temple Israel of Wilkes-Barre, John Heinz Institute, the Jewish Community Center, King’s College, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, WVIA, the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic and the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.

Mrs. Davidowitz was a non-governmental representative to the local chapter of the United Nations for the National Council of Jewish Women. She was also a co-chair and delegate to the “Faith in Humankind Conference” of the United Nations Holocaust Memorial Council in Washington, D.C. In 2002, she was appointed as a delegate to the Global Peace Initiative of Women in Geneva, Switzerland. As a member of the advisory board, Mrs. Davidowitz was involved in creating courses at Wilkes that trained women on running small businesses and becoming financially independent. She developed similar courses for UNIFEM of the United Nations, the Afghan Women’s Business Council and the Kabul University working with Anne Friedman Glauber.

A prominent figure in the Wyoming Valley, Essy has received numerous accolades for her professional, civic and community efforts. She was awarded the Distinguished Community Service Award by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith and was the recipient of the Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council of Jewish Women. Essy and her family have also been recognized by the borough of Kingston, Temple Israel and Generation2Generation for their work in the community. 

Essy is a graduate of Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pa., and Simmons College, Boston, Mass. She was recognized by both institutions as an outstanding graduate. A resident of Kingston, she and her late husband, William, were married for 62 years during which time he encouraged and supported their mutual endeavors. Mr. Davidowitz founded Penn Footwear in Nanticoke and was an integral partner, supporter and facilitator of the couple’s involvement in the community. They have four sons, Jeffrey, a member of the University’s board of trustees married to Sherry; Steven; Ivan, married to Cheri; Ben; and nine grandchildren.

Mrs. Davidowitz compiled, edited and contributed to a variety of books, essays and poetry collections. She was also a flutist and harpist who performed throughout the region. She helped establish the Muriel Bravman opera library collection housed in the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. Her service, leadership and contributions have been vital and true to the values of Wilkes University, and as such, she is a deserving recipient of the 2020 President’s Medal.

Founder

• William Bush ’68
• Davidowitz Family Foundation
• Joanne Schreibmaier Schoonover ’72 & Kenneth Schoonover

Blue & Gold

• Aramark

Colonel

• Annette Evans Trust
• Elizabeth F. Bartle '59
• BSI Corporate Benefits/Tony DaRe ’00
• John Cefaly ’70 & Jane Cefaly
• Ray Dombroski ’78 & Colleen DeMorat
• PNC Bank
• Power Engineering Corp.
• Gene Roth ’57 & Connie Roth

Doctorate

• Anonymous
• Charles P. Baker ’73
• Philip Besler ’76 & Carol Gusgekofski Besler ’76
• Fellerman & Ciarimboli
• Kathy Price Kautter ’72 & David J. Kautter
• Gregory MacLean '78 & Susan Levens MacLean '78
• William R. Miller '81
• William F. Raub ’61 
• Kristen Kolensky Waterfield ’88

Masters

• John Kerr ’72 & Renate Dargel Kerr ’72
• NRG Controls North, Inc.
• Richard J. Pape ’76
• Paul Wender ’69 

Bachelors

• Dean Arvan ’55 & Joan Arvan
• Edward F. Burke ’70, MS ’73 & Nancy Burke
• Louis Citron
• Fahmy Hudome International/ Randa Fahmy, Esq. '86
• Harry Hiscox ’51 & Beverly Hiscox ’58
• Barbara Repotski Lach ’72
• Kelly J. Mather ’58
• Renee J. Mathur ’89
• McCarthy Tire
• Ruth Boorom Melberger ’62 & Clifford K. Melberger
• Joseph Panzitta ’48 and Rose Marie Panzitta
• James J. Sandman, Esq.
• Sickler Foundation /John Sickler '65 and Doris Sickler
• UGI Utilities

Eugene Roth, Esq. ’57 is the longest-serving attorney at Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP, rising through the ranks from law clerk to partner during his 60-year tenure. A prominent figure in northeast Pennsylvania, Gene has received numerous accolades for his professional, civic and community efforts with awards from the United Hebrew Institute, the Boy Scouts of America and the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He has also been featured in a variety of Who’s Who publications. He has served on the board of directors for Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, RCN Incorporated, Wachovia Bank and was chairman of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital Advisory Council.

Gene has the distinction of serving under each of Wilkes University’s six President's, first as vice president of his undergraduate class, then as president of the alumni association and eventually as a member of the University’s board of trustees, a role he serves to this day. He was the chairman of the board from 1993 to 1998, helping to establish the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy.

A first-generation college student, Gene closely identifies with Wilkes University’s mission of providing educational opportunities to all who show potential. His philanthropic support is apparent across campus, especially in Lawrence W. Roth Hall, a standout residence for first-year students, and the Max Roth Center, home to the Center for Global Education and Diversity.

A native of Wilkes-Barre, Gene and his wife, Connie, are parents to Joan Kleinman, Stephen Roth and Jeffrey Roth, and have 13 grandchildren. In memory of their son, they have established the Lawrence W. Roth Memorial Scholarship, granted annually to a deserving Wilkes student with an interest in the law, politics or community service. Gene was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wilkes Ancestral Colonels and the Eugene S. Farley Memorial Alumni Award. He is also a long-time member of the prestigious John Wilkes Society. His vision, leadership and contributions have been vital and true to the values of Wilkes University, and as such, he is a deserving recipient of the 2019 President’s Medal.

Founder - $30,000+

• William Bush ’68
• Joanne Schreibmaier Schoonover ’72 & Kenneth Schoonover

Blue & Gold - $20,000+

• Anonymous
• Aramark

Colonel - $10,000+

• Anonymous
• Benco Dental Co. & the Cohen Family
• BSI Corporate Benefits/Tony DaRe ’00
• John Cefaly '70 & Jane Cefaly
• Jason Griggs '90 &Tamara Griggs
• Dr. Patrick F. Leahy & Amy Leahy
• The Maslow Foundation
• Jerry Mohn '63 & Rowena Simms Mohn '63
• Panzitta Enterprises, Inc.
• PNC Bank
• Power Engineering Corp.
• Gene Roth '57 & Connie Roth
• Dr. Anne Skleder
• The Sordoni Family Foundation
• Ken and Caroline Taylor & Tom and Margarita Taylor

Doctorate - $5,000+

• Annette Evans Trust
• Philip Besler '76 & Carol Gusgekofski Besler '76
• Blasi Printing Corp
• Ronald Bonomo ’72 & Carol Bonomo
• Borton-Lawson
• James & Florence DePolo Family Foundation
• Ray Dombroski ’78 & Colleen DeMorat
• Ferrario Real Estate Development
• Emilie Roat Gino '60
• Hirtle, Callaghan & Co.
• John Kerr ’72 & Renate Dargel Kerr ’72
• Gregory MacLean '78 & Susan Levens MacLean '78
• William R. Miller ’81
• Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, L.L.P.

Masters - $2,500+

• Alumni Association Board of Directors
• Charles P. Baker ’73
• Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP
• Fellerman & Ciarimboli
• Geisinger Health Foundation
• Green Valley Landscaping
• Kathy Price Kautter ’72 & David J. Kautter
• Ruth Boorom Melberger '62 & Clifford K. Melberger
• Billy Rinaldi
• Bo Ryan '69 & Kelly Ryan
• S.R. Wojdak & Associates

Bachelors - $1,500+

• ALP Supply
• Joan Arvan  & Dean Arvan '55
• Edward F. Burke ’70, MS ’73 & Nancy Burke
• Daniel Cardell ’79 & Ann Marie Booth Cardell ’79
• Eastern Time, Inc.
• Fahmy Hudome International LLC/Randa Fahmy, Esq. '86
• Harry Hiscox ’51 & Beverly Hiscox ’58
• JP Lilley & Son, Inc.
• Clayton Karambelas ’49 & Theresa Karambelas
• Marc M. Levey, Esq. '69
• MAC Sign Systems, Inc.
• McCarthy Tire
• Lois Schwartz Nervitt ’61 & Ronald A. Nervitt
• New Era Technologies, Inc.
• NRG Controls North, Inc.
• Past President's Christopher N. Breiseth, Tim Gilmour and Francis J. Michelini
• RCM&D
• Thomas F. Torbik & Margaret M. Torbik
• UGI Utilities
• VFT Solutions/Wayne Lonstein ’82 & Julie Lonstein
• Wayne Bank
• Wyoming Seminary

Lawrence E. (Larry) Cohen ’57 joined Benco Dental in 1959, when the organization served a handful of dentists in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. Over the next three decades, Benco grew into one of the largest dental distributors in the United States, with sales of more than $100 million. Since the ’90s, Larry has worked closely with his sons to build Benco into the nation’s largest family-owned dental distributor, serving dentists from coast to coast. He pioneered many innovations now considered commonplace in the industry. More importantly, the organization never lost its family-owned, customer focused culture. Currently, Larry serves as Benco’s chairman and chief customer advocate with a focus on prompt customer resolution and support. Larry and his wife, Sally, are proud parents to Chuck and wife Rebecca, and Rick, as well as proud grandparents of Benjamin and Leah.

Larry is recognized as a respected philanthropist with significant donations to many organizations, including his alma mater, Wilkes University. His generosity is seen in the Cohen Science Center at Wilkes University, which brings four floors of state-of-the-art laboratories together to encourage interdisciplinary research and study. He also served on the Wilkes University Board of Trustees. His vision, candor and commitment have been vital and true to the values of Wilkes University, and as such he is well deserving of the 2018 President’s Medal.

Founder - $30,000+

• William Bush ’68
• Joanne Schreibmaier Schoonover ’72 & Kenneth Schoonover
• The Benco Family Foundation
• The Black Horse Foundation
• The Weininger Foundation Inc./Bill Perlmuth ’51 deceased

Blue & Gold - $20,000+

• Aramark

Colonel - $10,000+

• BSI Corporate Benefits
• John Cefaly ’70 & Jane Cefaly
• Estate of Attorney & Mrs. Joseph J. Savitz deceased
• Jason Griggs ’90 & Tamara Griggs
• Kathy Price Kautter ’72  & David J. Kautter
• Dr. Patrick F. Leahy & Amy Leahy
• Gregory MacLean ’78 & Susan Levens MacLean ’78
• Panzitta Enterprises, Inc.
• PNC Bank
• Power Engineering Corp.
• Gene Roth ’57 & Connie Roth
• Dr. Anne Skleder

Doctorate - $5,000+

• Aeroflex Foundation/Bill Perlmuth ’51*
• Annette Evans Trust
• Anonymous
• Blasi Printing Corp.
• Ronald ’72 & Carol Bonomo
• Borton-Lawson
• Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
• Ray Dombroski ’78 & Colleen DeMorat
• Ferrario Insurance Agency, Inc.
• Green Valley Landscaping
• Michael Hirthler & Dr. Kathleen Hirthler
• Hu-Friedy
• John Kerr ’72 & Renate Dargel Kerr ’72
• William R. Miller ’81
• Jerry Mohn ’63 & Rowena Simms Mohn ’63
• Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, L.L.P.
• Septodont
• Sordoni Family Foundation
• Twin City Builders

Masters - $2,500+

• Alumni Association Board of Directors
• Charles P. Baker ’73
• Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP
• Philip Besler ’76 & Carol Gusgekofski Besler ’76
• Davis Insurance Agency
• Emilie Roat Gino ’60
• Hirtle, Callaghan & Co.
• Ruth Boorom Melberger ’62 & Clifford K. Melberger
• NRG Controls North, Inc.
• Bo ’69 & Kelly Ryan
• Matthew Sordoni & Stefanie Sordoni
• Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.
• S.R. Wojdak & Associates
• Straub Metal International
• Wyoming Seminary

Bachelors - $1,500+

• Bien-Air Medical Technologies
• Edward F. Burke ’70, MS ’73 & Nancy Burke
• Daniel Cardell ’79 & Ann Marie Booth Cardell ’79
• Carestream Dental
• Chubb Agribusiness
• Dr. &  Mrs. Robert Clements/Dr. & Mrs. Duane Sprau
• The Davidowitz Family
• Eastern Time, Inc.
• Geisinger Health Foundation
• Hillman Security & Fire Technologies, Inc.
• Harry Hiscox ’51 & Beverly ’58 Hiscox
• Deanna Grietzer Jones ’72 & Thomas Jones
• JP Lilley & Son, Inc.
• Clayton Karambelas ’49 & Theresa Karambelas
• Marianne Lyons/Howell Benefit Services/MassMutual
• MAC Sign Systems, Inc.
• Randy Mark ’81 & Robin Mark
• McCarthy Tire
• Lois Schwartz Nervitt ’61 & Ronald A. Nervitt
• New Era Technologies, Inc.
• RCM&D
• UGI Utilities
• VFT Solutions/Wayne Lonstein ’82 & Julie Lonstein

Asterisk signifies  deceased