2017 – 2018 Crandall Challenge
2017 Citation Winners
Charles Decker, WG’64
New York City and Dominican Republic
Charlie had a notable career in advertising and marketing with BBDO Advertising, Quaker Oats and Warner Brothers.Upon ‘retirement’, he started living in the Dominican Republic half-time in 2004 and noted many indigent, often abandoned young children in the streets. First volunteering at an orphanage near his home, he eventually started a foundation to help care for them.
From the beginning, The Decker Foundation supports more than 1,000 children in three orphanages and a children’s activity center and mini school. they range in age from six months to 18 years and the results ae encouraging. Four students are in medical school, two are studying la, two in civil engineering and on in the arts. Charlie’s foundation is now developing a college scholarship program and starting job training opportunities.
Mike Wallace, WG’65
Paris and Laos
Mike created a foundation that funds scholarships to students for Laos-American College; mentors graduates and supports their career development; innovates with startups and business plans — international. Since 2010, lives in Laos 10 months a year, running a nonprofit that helps educate children and encourages would be entrepreneurs to develop small businesses
Sponsoring students from poor rural areas includes school fees, books, food, health-care and even sleeping accommodations to Lao-American College in Vietnane.
Mike meets the criteria for a Crandall Challenge — high level of commitment and personal involvement. Translates into involving any others and focuses on impacting the business economy and community in Laos. Provides tangible results in terms of students who are involved, graduate and become an important element of the development of Laos a part of the wide world economy
Malcolm Bund, WG’74
San Diego, CA
My private equity group bought Precision Alternator and Starter. Thereafter I started a private/public sector non-profit to provide transportation to the needy, Vehicles for Change (VFC). VFC has been a home run. Today, 22 years after inception in 1998, we have provided over 8000 vehicles to the needy, who have achieved 30% higher wages as a result of having their own transportation. In addition VFC trains released prisoners to become auto mechanics through training and ASE certification. Since 2015 VFC has placed 150 mechanics in gainful employment with several graduates earning six figures. Key Advisor to Kitchens for Good (KFG), which trains ex-cons to work in the food service industry. Trainees take donated commodities and prepare meals donated to the homeless and the disadvantaged.
David Nevins, WG’70
State College, PA
2018 Citation Winners
Anthony ‘Tony’ Gallo, WG’63
Washington, DC
Following a 40 year careers a federal research economist, Tony re-invented him self as a playwright, a lyricist, book writer, director, predictor, odor, screenwriter, publisher and theatre owner. The “Seventh Street Playhouse” that he established in Washington, Dc has had over 160 performances in 45 venues in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York City. He has written and produced 24 dramas. He is also a librettist and lyricist for several musicals on musicals and has produced motion pictures. 17 of his drama publications are available from Amazon. He is known as the “Wharton School Playwright” and is active professionally in a number of dramatic associations.The vast majority of this effort is devoted to the message of religious tolerance and upholding basic Judeo-Christian ethics.
Tony’s second public service focus is that of a journalist and has made contributions to the National Press Club for the past 15 years.
Gordon Dowsley, WG’69
Oshawa, Ontario
Gordon’s career was in Financial Reinsurance for Crown Life Insurance of Canada. During his work years, he held a number of positions in a Canadian political party which brought business and government closer together to understand each other’s views. He also volunteered for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and “Eva’s Place”, a homeless shelter for teenagers. Gordon was also active in the Quebec separatist referendum focused on keeping Quebec in the Canadian government. Other volunteer efforts led to appointments in the Board of Canada’s Council for the Arts and the Ontario College of Art and Design.
His professional work involved international assignment which led to his being a founding member of the Japan society, working with orphans & homeless children in Mongolia and Afghanistan, as well as organizing programs to build and support artists in both countries. Hi assignment in Moscow led to the creation of a Rotarian Club which provided advanced hearing aids for children.
In his ‘retirement” he remains active in the Rotary Clubs of Canada which provide books for children of ‘aboriginal peoples’ of northern Ontario which had to be delivered by ‘aid drops.” He is also on the National Board of the Canadian Landmines Foundation and active for the past few years as a delegate to several international conferences celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Oxford Manifesto devoted to the abolishing human rights abuses worldwide.
John ‘Jack’ Smith, WG’52
Lafayette Hill, PA
When attending a Wharton Graduate Reunion Luncheon between 1998 and 2002, you’d undoubtedly find Jack Smith meeting informally with the 50 year Class. He loved a good time, but also had something on his mind — spreading the world about the ‘tea’ principle.
His focus: MBA’s 50 years out have acquired so much talent, experience and accomplishment, it’s a terrible waste to put them “out to pasture.’” Both Wharton and Senior Alumni could benefit by creating a vehicle to increase contact and turn close relationships into good works Thanks to Jack, the result was the Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society (WGES), established in 2003. As our initial Chair of the WGES Steering committee, Jack helped shaped and guide the Society as it grew in programs, activities and membership.
Jack was dedicated and caring, full of good ideas, and had a love of Penn and Wharton. He was a strong mentor and contributor. Everyone involved in WGES had the good fortunate to work with Jack in building the unique Society and strengthening Wharton continually.
Richard Tecca, WG’58
Hebron, CT
Richard’s volunteer work devoted to strengthen the arts and culture of his community began early in his professional career (1965) when he organized and direct a 70 voice volunteer ‘Collegiate Choir’ at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul in Philadelphia, where he was served a Director of Music. This choir, now renamed The Adult Cathedral Choir, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014.
Later in his career, when he worked in Connecticut and on into his ‘retirement’, he was a participant and active in two well-known and established choral groups:
- The Hartford Chorale: Founded in 1972, the Hartford Chorale is a volunteer not-for-profit organization that presents masterpieces of great choral art on a symphonic scale for listeners throughout Southern New England. in addition singing with the chorale, Dick has served as Vice-President and a Member of the Governance Committee for several years
- Connecticut Gilbert & Sullivan Society which has present annual shows of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operates in Connecticut since 1981. In addition to be a member of the cast each year in their performances, Dick served on the Society’s board and managed their Marketing program
Challenge Honor Roll
Alan Ahrens, WG’63
Lynchburg, VA
Alan has devoted himself to being a “Business Mentor” for SCORE (a nonprofit dedicated to providing experienced ‘retired’ business executives to provide face-to-face help for new businesses as business counselors and mentors.) The Lynchburg SCORE chapter has provided business counseling to over 600 clients from several large counties in Central Virginia.
Alan was also a founding director of the central Virginia Academy for Nonprofit Excellence (CVANE), which is affiliated with the Central Virginia Community College and has established a Certification in Non-Profit Management.
John Baker, WG’68
Wallowa, OR
When John and his wife retired to a 63 acre ranch in Oregon, in 2001, they devoted their talents, time and energy as Founders, Board member and Treasurer of the “Joseph Branch Trail “ consortium which is a $20,000,000 trail restoration project in Wallowa County, Oregon. In addition to walking/biking/hiking/riding trails, a major goal is also to improve the fish habitats of Steelhead and Chinook salmon. In addition to working with Oregon and federal agencies and the Bonneville Power Administration, John works closely with the sovereign nation of the New Pierce Tribe to restore Fish Habitat in the Wallowa River in Oregon, which is part of the coho salmon 600 mile journey that includes the Pacific Ocean, as well as the Columbia and Snake Rivers
Alan was also a founding director of the central Virginia Academy for Nonprofit Excellence (CVANE), which is affiliated with the Central Virginia Community College and has established a Certification in Non-Profit Management.
Nancy Barns, WG’76
Austin, Texas
Nancy has devoted her time and energy in three Austin nonprofit’s activities: the Ballet Austin Guild, which promotes growth an involvement in ballet cultural arts in the Austin metropolitan area. She also is involved with the Assistance League of Austin’s Thrift Shop which provides clothing for needy children and teens and the Hays County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Roger Blood, WG’63
Chestnut Hill, MA
A Private mortgage industry pioneer, Roger worked to increase affordable housing in Boston. He was Chair of the HAB (Housing Advisory Board). Trustee for Brookline’s Affordable Housing Trust) with 200 affordable apartments.
He is a Co-founder of the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum, which preserves a historic structure in Boston – Metro Waterworks Museum of Chestnut Hill — an Educational venue for the Boston area’s schools. It is also used for weddings.
Annually, it attracts tens of thousands children and adult visitors.
Jon Brumley, WG’63
Fort Worth, TX
on has provided a wide range of scholarships for business and Hi-tech students and funded the Texas Venture Labs, a startup accelerator at the University of Texas, Austin (known as the Jon & Rebecca Bromley Business Accelerator.) He has also funded the Bromley Next Generation Graduate Fellows at the Robert Strauss Center at the University of Texas.
He was appointed Chair of the Texas State Board of Education in 1984. Together with his wife, he founded the Red Oak Foundation that in addition to providing scholarships for students planning to become public school teachers in Texas as well a funding books and programs focused on reading readiness, has been devoted to a large number of nonprofit human services and education nonprofit organizations.
Jon was inducted into the Petroleum Hall of Fame and recognized by Forbes Magazine in 2005 as “Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Marc Cooper, WG’66
South Boston, MA
Marc sold his ice cream business but her turned over his separate desert toppings business to a non-profit (WOW – Working Opportunities for Women) which employs disadvantaged women. In the greater Boston area.
Maryfrances Davis, WG’70
Greater Philadelphia
MaryFrances is responsible for the rejuvenation of the Philadelphia Mortgage Plan which made tens of thousands mortgages to stabilize housing in North-Central Philadelphia. Her focus has been, and continues to be corporate-community initiatives, which focuses on renovating low-income apartments and houses. For example, in Bristol County, she help set up Better Homes, Inc. for fund raising, construction management training and homebuyer training.
Woodrin Grossman, WG’68
Fort Worth, TX
Ten year effort as campaign chair and fund raiser to purchase and renovate an overnight camp for those with physical and mental disabilities Camp Summit – nonprofit overnight camp for people of all ages with physical and developmental disabilities.
Camp Summit, Texas Worked as a volunteer with this nonprofit overnight camp for people of all ages with physical and developmental disabilities. Was campaign chair and worked with our CEO to acquire, renovate and raise $13 + million to fund the purchase and renovation of the camp on 460 acres A ten year journey which established our forever home to replace a camp that was on leased property.
David Gingras, WG’75
Bala Cynwyd, PA
Served as President of the Manhattan Council, BSA serving the mayor of New York City. He served as President of LuLu Shriners and the Shriners Hospital of Philadelphia. He served as President of the Philadelphia University Alumni Association and Trustee of the University. He is also a Colonel in the New York National Guard and was active in response and recovery to the World Trade Center incident.
Bob Killebrew, WG’64
Cockeysville, MD
Chairs substantial capital campaigns for a wide variety of non-profit organizations which have raised in excess of $200m. Some of the Maryland community institutions he has played a major role in include the Enoch Pratt Library and the Red Cross. Bob also served on the Board of the Baltimore Parks and Recreation Department.
Harold (Hal) Kurfehs, WG’64
Brookfield, CT
Both during his career as a banker and in “retirement”, Hal has devoted his professional talents and experience, time and energy into the economic and community development of the fastest growing region of Connecticut – southwestern Connecticut. He is Chair of WCEDA (Western Connecticut Economic Development Alliance) — a partnership between public and private leaders seeking to expand the economy of Western Connecticut. This includes a large number of municipalities in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties. He is active in his community, as Chair of the Brookfield (CT) Economic Development Commission, his region (WCEDA) and the Cultural Alliance of Western CT and for the State of Connecticut as creator of the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, which promotes CT as an economic basis for a large number of corporations.
Hal is listed in Marquis Who’s Who and contributes regularly to professional journals and newspapers on economic and community development. He is also a lecturer for the Ancell School of Business for Western CT State University.
Charles Kurz, II, WG’69
Bryn Mawr, PA
Charles has provided leadership in the capital campaigns, scholarships and endowments in a number of colleges, churches and summer camps that include Trinity College and Asylum Hill Congregational church in Hartford, CT, Camp Tecumseh in New Hampshire and the Valley Presbyterian Foundation in Arizona. Charles also created a scholarship fund at Wharton that annually supports Kurz Family Scholars.
Campbell Johnson, WG’73
Washington, DC
Both during his professional career as a senior management consultant and during “retirement Campbell has devoted himself to fighting displacement of low and moderate income residents from being forced our o their homes due to gentrification of their established neighborhoods. Starting a Tenant Association Director and then as Executive Director of the Urban Housing Alliance(UHA), he has created a wide range of programs to expand affordable housing options for low and moderate income residents of the District of Columbia. UHA is incorporated under Collaborative Alliances of America, which also focuses on sharing their expertise to split disadvantaged communities in other countries. Due to Campbell’s efforts, the Housing production Trust Fund was created as major tool to produce and preserve affordable housing in the District. He focusses all of his talent, experience and energy to make Washington, DC a better place to work and live.
Wyn Lydecker, WG’76
Darien, CT
I helped found a local nonprofit, At Home In Darien. The organization’s original name was Aging In Place in Darien. Its purpose is to empower older adults remain in their homes and the community as they age. The organization provides transportation, handyman services, a list of vetted professional service providers, and connection to community. It has grown and flourished over the past 12 years, even during the pandemic, providing truly essential services to more and more seniors in Darien, Connecticut, with no fees for membership or services provided by volunteers.
Wyn wrote a blog for the Wharton Magazine about starting a nonprofit.
James McElwee, WG’76
Menlo Park, CA
Thru healthcare industry experience, developed integrated health programs to serve 38,000 homeless in 13 California counties. Revamped board and created bond issue to finance desired organization capabilities. I joined the board of HealthRIGHT 360 in San Francisco six years ago. HealthRIGHT 360 is a family of integrated health programs that provides care and treatment to over 38,000 individuals a year through more than 70 distinct and culturally competent programs in 13 California counties.
As a result of her strategies the organization addresses the whole individual not just subsets of their needs. HealthRIGHT is very good with respect to drug addiction and mental health.
My experience at HealthRIGHT has been very satisfying in that the target customer base of the organization are homeless and others with the most urgent needs.
Avrum Marks, WG’58
Burke, VA
Following 22 years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and 16 years in the private sector, Arum began devoting his time, energy and experience in the community in the following ways:
* Circulation desk of his local library
* Docent at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. Visitors also include members of Congress and business executives.
* As an Usher at the Wolf Trap Farm entertainment National Park
* Welcoming International arrivals at Dulles International Airport. Monthly this includes WWII and Korean War Veterans for a tour of Washington, DC.
Rick Moore, WG’70
Memphis, TN
During his career with Lehman Roberts, and in retirement, Rick Moore, together with wife Cary, ha devoted their talents, time and energy in improving the social, economic and spiritual lives of underprivileged Memphis residents. Their vehicle has been unusual, My Cup of Tea, (MCOT) which they now own and operate, is a small nonprofit business of tea packaging and distribution of 30 varieties of teas that funds the operation of the Center’s programs and activities. However, it operates out of a Center in Memphis’s “Orange Mound” where it houses a number of women who are escaping poverty and neglect. A large number of women work for My Cup of Tea and others use it as a center for vocational training, computer literacy, financial planning, GED preparation and life recovery.
Rick, together with his wife, work closely with a large number of programs and activities of Memphis’s Neighborhood Christian Centers and with Advance Memphis, and organization devoted to economic advancement of the low income residents and families.
Richard Ossen, WG’63
Fort Myers, FL
Leadership positions to maintain and preserve the shellfish and quahog breeding and estuary areas for future generations.
Chairman of our gated community’s Activities and Fitness Committee (CAF) 2016-present Board member of our community’s United Way Committee 2018-present Past President (2007/2008) and active member of Barnstable Assn. for Recreational Shellfishing (BARS) 2004-present.
Provide some for BARS, it is our work with the Town’s Dept. of Natural Resources to insure future generations will be able to continue to enjoy shellfishing as we have. We help propagate thousands of oysters and quahogs every year, insure clean water and make sure residents have a way to reach the shellfish areas.
Jerome F. (Rick) Peck, WG’68
Lovettsville, VA
Following a 30-year career with Price Waterhouse, where he was a Partner, and as CFO for the Army Times Publishing company, Rick made a major career change, and became a Science Teacher in a Sterling, VA Middle School. In addition to teach, he has author professional articles on science & climate for educational journals and website.
Rick summarizes his response to the Crandall Challenge in the following way: “Impact is what motivates me. As it will you. Whether it’s gardening, or being a chef, or music — and whether it’s a few hours here and there, or getting submerged big time, as I have, I go for it – where “it” is a vital part of the person you are, and the “it” improves the lives of others, our environment, just about anything that we care about. Bring the you you’ve become to make a difference.”
Dick Rappleye, WG’65
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Upon retirement from a stellar career, Dick continued having an impact statewide by working to improve Michigan Nonprofit organizations and serving as a business mentor. He served on the Michigan Nonprofit Associations (MNA) Technology Services Advisory Board to provide “realistic technology solutions that allow nonprofits to be stable, secure and able to plan for the future.”
He also serves on the Michigan State’s Bar Foundation that supports civil legal aid to the poor, law relate education and conflict resolution. His also on the University of Michigan-Flint Citizens Advisory Committee to advise the Board and Chancellor on the effectiveness of University services. He participates in business mentoring in both Detroit SCORE ( ), DEC (Detroit Executive Service Corps) and the Collaborative of CEOS Detroit.
Dick acquired an additional degree that led to academic teaching in Miami (Ohio) University where he also sits on the Comparative Religion Alumni Advisory Board. He and his wife established a Scholarship for Miami (OH) students. He draws upon his teaching and training experience to provide transition coaching for seniors in his community. Dick is the WG’65 Class Correspondent for the Wharton Magazine.
Gene Stricjkand, WG’66
Lakeland, FL
After 34 years as Lakeland FL city manager, Gene has promoted affordable housing projects in his community. He also has provided leadership in the Boy and Girls clubs of Lakeland and Mulberry, FL and served as a Trustee of the Lakeland Employees and Fire Fighters Pension . Funds. Gene has also been a Board Member and volunteer for ACE (the Aerospace Center for Excellence.)
- Robert Swartz, WG’67 (Reston, VA)
Bob has focused volunteer activities in six areas: - As a NPS (National Park Service) Volunteer for the National Mall & Memorial Parks in DC, primarily the Vietnam Veterans and the WWII Memorials.
- As a Hospitality Group volunteer for the Wolf Trap Performing Arts concerts and programs.
- A Member of the Reston (VA) Association’s Fiscal Committee
- Financial Advisor Board of VHB that provides linguists to the Federal government particular for the Middle East (e.g. Afghanistan.).
- He is also a Financial Advisor for Quest Digital Interactive which is developing a software game: “Saving the Planet.”
- Collaboration with Tony Gallo on a play about Robert Morris, Financier of the America Revolution.
Robert Swartz, WG’67
Reston, VA
Bob has focused volunteer activities in six areas:
1. As a NPS (National Park Service) Volunteer for the National Mall & Memorial Parks in DC, primarily the Vietnam Veterans and the WWII Memorials.
2. As a Hospitality Group volunteer for the Wolf Trap Performing Arts concerts and programs.
3. A Member of the Reston (VA) Association’s Fiscal Committee
4. Financial Advisor Board of VHB that provides linguists to the Federal government particular for the Middle East (e.g. Afghanistan.).
5. He is also a Financial Advisor for Quest Digital Interactive which is developing a software game: “Saving the Planet.”
6. Collaboration with Tony Gallo on a play about Robert Morris, Financier of the American Revolution.
Richard Veith, WG’65
Devon, PA
Early his career, and on into his “retirement” Dick and his wife Carolyn have been very active in the International House of Philadelphia (IHP) which houses foreign students for Penn and other Philadelphia colleges and universities. This involved being a volunteer for the AFS exchange student Chapter in Philadelphia. After years of ‘hosting’ students, Dick was recruited to be a member of the IHP’s Board of Trustees where he served as Board Treasurer for many years.
Dick’s first experience with a being a Board member of a nonprofit in the Philadelphia area was the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia (BGCP). Initially, he served on the Financial Committee but subsequently he was BGCP’s Board Chair from which he spearheaded several successful capital gifting campaigns. Under his leadership, the Jeremiah Milbank Society, which enrolls individuals making contributions of $10,000 for BGCP. Jeremiah Milbank was one of the founders of the Boys & Girls Club in America.
Since the early 1080s, Dick has been active with Tredyffrin Township where he lives. He was Elected Township Auditor which he serves for several years.
Jerry Wilkinson, WG’69
Atlanta, GA
Provided time and support to the local and national apartment industry associations and community foundation in Atlanta. Jerry has served in several leadership positions for the National Apartment Association and the Atlanta and Georgia Apartment Associations, along with being a Board members of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Duke University’s New School of Engineering has been names in honor of Jerry and his Family’s long time support.
Paul Zantzinger, WG’67
Marietta, GA
Prepares and serves food to addicts.
Trinity House, Atlanta, GA. tcmatlanta.org Preparing and serving food and prayer to recovering addicts. Helping addicts is very challenging because there is a high degree of relapse.
I am helping one human being at a time, to recovery. I cannot help everybody but if I can help one individual to recover, and even if they stumble and fall, I can encourage them get up and walk forward. It is important to have facilities such as Trinity House to help individuals in need to find recovery, love and understanding.
Harvey Jay Zukerman, WG’63
Los Angeles, CA
Harvey is a volunteer docent for the Getty Center in Lo Angeles. He primarily leads students, Kindergarten thru Grade 12. It was a natural devotion on his part since his wife is an artist. He reflects the traditional way in which most WGES members participate in the “Geezer Crusade.” Following ‘retirement”, they select on institution and devote their time and energy to that institution: it generally is a cultural, medical, sports, religious institution in their community and region. These volunteers are vital for all of these institutions.