Robert F. Hagans, 85, of Overland Park died May 21 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 4, 1926, in Augusta to Frank A. and Velma Morris Hagans. He attended school in Marion and graduated from Marion High School in 1944.

He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Ocean for two years and graduated from Kansas State University in 1950. His working life included a wide variety of jobs and finished as chairman and CEO of Unitog Company in Kansas City.

He married M. Joanne Wright on Dec. 26, 1950. She preceded him in death in 1993. Hagans later married Marcia Naughton.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; two daughters, Robin Maupin and Karen Reyes; one sister, Jean Case; two stepchildren, Cathy Holefelder and Marc Naughton; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; two nieces; and one nephew.

Hagans funeral was Thursday in Kansas City. Burial will be at a later time in Marion Cemetery.

Funds have been established for Rotary Youth Camp in care of Rotary Club of Kansas City, 1219 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO 64105, and the KSU Alumni Association, 1720 Alumni Center, Manhattan, KS 66506.

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Robert F. Hagans

TRENTON A critical group of Essex County lawmakers will present a laundry list of demands to Senate President Stephen Sweeney tomorrow that must be satisfied before they will support a controversial overhaul of the states higher education system, The Star-Ledger has learned.

The potentially long and expensive list which includes granting Rutgers-Newark unprecedented autonomy and pumping millions of state taxpayer dollars into Newarks University Hospital and medical school was laid out in a conference call today headed by Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) and Newark Mayor Cory Booker, according to sources familiar with the demands.

The sources requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak for the delegation.

The last-minute demands add yet another layer of complexity to a political drama that was already beset with uncertainty and a deadline of July 1 that was imposed by Gov. Chris Christie, who is intent on rearranging the structure of several hospitals, universities and medical institutions in the state.

Oliver told the group of lawmakers that if the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark were going to lose revenue-generating assets, it must not be left to wither and die.

Under the current proposal, Rutgers University would absorb UMDNJs Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, public health school and cancer institute in New Brunswick-Piscataway. Most of the remaining pieces of UMDNJ would be renamed New Jersey Health Sciences University, while University Hospital would remain tethered with UMDNJ but come under control of a public-private partnership.

Oliver also told the group today that UMDNJ is saddled with debt that must be lightened or else the institution is doomed for failure, sources say. She said Rutgers University must pick up some of the debt service along with state taxpayers in the form of annual appropriations, sources say.

She also said a portion of UMDNJs debt also must be refinanced through the budget or as part of a broader higher education capital plan currently under consideration and the state must also boost its subsidies to University Hospital, sources say.

Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said, There is wide spread support across New Jersey for education centers of excellence and it is our hope that we can work for all of New Jersey, not just northern New Jersey in getting the reorganization accomplished.

He added, We can not just consider parochial interests.

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Essex County lawmakers to present demands regarding N.J.'s higher education overhaul

- Attorney General of Pennsylvania William Schnader, a Republican candidate for governor and a Shamokin native, was among the 653 people in attendance at the Shamokin High School alumni reunion. That number of people was the second best in the event's history. The festivities were held at the American Legion Hall on Independence Street.

- The Shamokin Legion itself was bursting with pride. The American Legion magazine, which had 850,000 readers nationwide, cited the Shamokin Legion Clubhouse, which had cost a quarter of a million dollars, as the best in the entire U.S. as far as legion posts were concerned.

- Citizens of Shamokin in general took pride in hearing the news that Anthony Clerwinski of West Pine Street had become a medical doctor, earning his M.D. at the University of St. Louis, Mo. For 12 years, young Tony Clerwinski had been one of the best known newspaper boys in Shamokin.

- At St. Mary's Church in Kulpmont, 60 priests were on hand for the 25th anniversary of the church, as well as the ordination of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Petrovits.

- The main speaker at the Lithuanian-Catholic conference in Shamokin was a popular labor figure, Mart Brennan, of the United Mine Workers Union. He was president of District 9, which included Shamokin. His message was short and clear. He said, "Don't buy your coal from companies based in the big cities."

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The Time Machine for May 30, 2012: Back in 1934

by Robin Burridge

WIKWEMIKONGWikwemikong High School (Wasse-Abin) alumni Melissa Shigwadja received her Doctor of Medicine earlier this month from the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University, earning her the status of the first Wikwemikong High School graduate to earn a distinguished medical degree.

After graduating from high school, Ms. Shigwadja attended Laurentian University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing before attending McMaster.

Ms. Shigwadja has already landed her residency with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and will begin in Sudbury starting in July.

Melissa is the very first graduate from Wikwemikong High School to go on to complete a Doctor of Medicine degree, proudly commented Dominic Beaudry, education director with the Wikwemikong Board of Education, who is also Ms. Shigwadjas father. She is truly a role model for First Nations youth in Wikwemikong and Canada. As well, this is a high benchmark for First Nations school success. First Nations schools have produced, and continue to produce, high quality students that do well at high levels of learning in colleges and universities.

Despite high praises, the 28-year-old Wikwemikong graduate was modest when asked of her achievement and reiterated her father in crediting her success to her strong education foundation rooted in education and Anishinabe culture from Wikwemikong High School.

I am truly honoured to be the first Wikwemikong High graduate to compete a Doctor of Medicine degree, added Ms. Shigwadja. I cant say enough positive things about the high school, from my amazing teachers to the supporting community. I am so grateful to the teachers who provided me with such an excellent foundation for learning.

Throughout medical school, Ms. Shigwadja returned home to share her passion with her communitys youth, leading workshops during Wikwemikongs annual career fair and talking about her program.

When I lead workshops I bring with me other aboriginal medical students, hoping to show the high school students that they too can make their dreams come to fruition, said Ms. Shigwadja. I was very fortunate to have been able to attend Wikwemikong High School and have that experience, instead of being shipped off to neighbouring communities, as was the case in the past.

Besides Ms. Shigwadjas foundation at the high school, she also shared that she owed her success to her mother, a nurse practitioner, and her father.

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by Robin Burridge

The Durfee Alumni Association held its annual meeting on Friday where a pair of distinguished graduates were honored and 25 members of the class of 2012 were awarded scholarships.

Joseph Sabik, graduate of Durfees Class of 1979, and Irving Picard, Class of 1959, were the honorees. Sabik is the chairman of the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgical Heart and Vascular Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and Picard is a partner in the New York law office of Baker Hostetler.

Picard is leading the efforts to investigate and recover funds for investors from the Ponzi scheme organized by Bernie Madoff. Both honorees said the educational foundation they received in the Fall River school system laid the groundwork for future success. Picard graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Boston University School of Law and New York University School of Law. He is a member of the New York and American Bar Associations.

Sabik praised the students for their academic success. He explained to the students that future success boils down to opportunity, success/failure and risk.

Theres no better gift you can give someone than opportunity, Sabik said. What determines our future is what we do with the opportunities we are given. I was fortunate to be raised in a community where education is valued.

Sabik admitted to not being the best student when he was a young child. To motivate him, Sabiks father offered him and his sister 75 cents for every A they got on their report card. They received a quarter for a B and got no money for a C or lower. On the first grading period, his sister got about $7 while he received 25 cents.

I was very upset, Sabik said. My father motivated me. I didnt like losing, didnt like coming in second.

Sabik was able to turn his academic career around, graduating in the top 10 of his class. He went on to earn degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology followed by Harvard Medical School. Through his distinguished academic career, Sabik learned he was passionate about medicine. He encouraged the students to pursue a career they have a passion for.

I love my job, Sabik said. I love what I do. Find things you enjoy doing. Finds things you are passionate about and pursue them.

Sabik told the students to take thoughtful, educated risks and dare to dream big.

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Durfee grads make the grade; top 25 students awarded scholarships

Theater legendAngela Lansburyis helping to call attention to the California Dance Institute, an in-school and after-school arts education program that serves over 1400 children in public schools throughout Los Angeles (and an affiliate ofJacques D'Amboise's National Dance Institute), as it prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The five-time Tony winner is serving as the honorary chair of a special two-day event that aims to raise funds for the program, which "teaches life and learning skills through dance and music."

VIDEO: 'The Best Man' With Angela Lansbury Sneak Peek

On Thursday June 7 (at 7 p.m.) and Friday June 8 (at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.), over 280 students from local elementary schools (Carthay Center, Eagle Rock, Robert F. Kennedy, Middleton, Plymouth, Saturn Street, and Third Street), middle schools (John Burroughs, Emerson, and Monterey Hilland), charter schools (Excel and New L.A.), magnet schools (Bravo Medical), and high schools (Eagle Rock) will perform the play10!at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. The youngsters will be joined on stage by over 30 CDI alumni, dating back as far as the class of 2001.

Then, on Friday at 8 p.m., a special benefit reception will be held to help raise funds for the program. (All donations and ticket purchases made before June 8 will be matched dollar for dollar by a CDI board member who wishes to remain anonymous.)

For more information or to purchase tickets, visitCaliforniaDanceInstitute.org.

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Angela Lansbury Fundraiser to Benefit California Dance Institute

PINE GROVE - The auditorium at the Pine Grove Area High School was filled with alumni and their friends and family Saturday evening for the dedication of the Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame that featured their classmates.

"It really is a privilege for me to represent the Alumni Association and the many people who made this project possible," said Dr. Jack Kline, Class of 1955 and chair of the Wall of Fame Committee.

Members of the wall of fame are past graduates that received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Alumni Association. The case houses each individual plaque with a picture and a brief biography of the award winner.

"The achievements on this wall are as varied as they are impressive," Kline said.

The display case is located in the hallway just in front of the auditorium as a way to inspire students as they walk by the awards.

"We hope that this wall to be an inspiration and a reminder to all students that the Pine Grove Area Educational system provides a strong platform for a successful academic and professional career," Kline said.

Kline noted that the plans for the display were almost abandoned as it cost more than the association originally expected.

"We were just about to scrap the idea when a member of the Class of 1966, who wishes to remain anonymous, came forward to fund the program," Kline said. "We cannot emphasize our thanks enough."

Alumni Association President Barbara Wiggins also appreciated the donation and efforts of everyone involved in getting the display case.

"No one can imagine just how much it took and how much it means to us," Wiggins said.

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Pine Grove dedicates alumni wall of fame

Saturday, May 26, 2012

WITH its mission of promoting the social, economic and moral welfare of its members, the Board of Directors of Capitol University Alumni Association Inc. (CUAA) who were elected during the 40th Alumni Homecoming last February 14, 2011, is proud to share its accomplishments for the first 15 months of its operation.

CUAA Inc. is an association registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and duly recognized by the Capitol University administration.

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The association already completed two sets of medical and dental missions; supported the 2011 and 2012 CU Job Fair; sponsored and coordinated at least seven bloodletting activities, tree planting activity and led more than 2,500 volunteers in home-building activities for Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity.

The association also had two gift-giving activities to the school children in Puntod and to the survivors of Tropical Storm Sendong in Navaro Amakan Village Relocation Area.

The first medical and dental Mission was held in Puntod village last year which served at least 500 patients.

The second medical and dental mission was in collaboration with the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Sons and Daughters Inc. held at SM City Cagayan de Oro which served more than 700 patients.

With the immediate objective of strengthening its governance, the Board of Directors meet at least a month to discuss activities to invite participation from the Alumni, CU Communities, students and the general public and create linkages of stakeholders, companies, other associations and media personalities.

While the CUAA supported the various relief operations for Sendong survivors, they focused on the re-building phase by helping in the installation of 45 ShelterBox Tents at the Lumbia Elementary School.

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CU Alumni bares projects

Yosemite High athletic physicals

Physicals will be offered to Yosemite High athletes in the school cafeteria this evening, May 24.

Physicals for returning YHS athletes will start at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for incoming freshman.

The cost is $15 per student and checks should be made out to "YHS," and a completed and parent signed medical history form needs to be submitted. Forms can be picked up in the school office or printed from the YHS website. The forms will also be available at the physicals.

The public summer swim season has started at the Yosemite High School Baker Swim Complex noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Closed on Sunday.

SwimAmerica is providing swim lessons for pre-school and older children as well as "Baby N Me" classes.

Recreational swimming, water aerobics and lap swimming are also being offered.

Admission fees for recreational swimming are $4 per person before 5 p.m. ($3.50 with senior discount) and $3 per person after 5 p.m.

Swim lesson dates, times and prices, see swimamericafresno.com or stop by the school front office.

Yosemite High School senior, Riley Cooks, has been named to the Fresno Bee's second team All-Star soccer team.

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Sports Briefs for May 24, 2012 edition

Public release date: 23-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: John Easton john.easton@uchospitals.edu 773-795-5225 University of Chicago Medical Center

Donations from Jim and Karen Frank and others will endow the Janet Davison Rowley, MD, Professorship in Cancer Research at the University of Chicago Medicine. This new named professorship will honor one of the University's most distinguished scientists and alumni, Janet D. Rowley, MD'48, the Blum-Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, and Human Genetics.

Rowley, 87, a pioneer in understanding the connections between genetics and cancer, remains an active member of the faculty. She rides her bicycle to work every day.

In the early 1970s, Rowley made the first of a series of fundamental discoveries demonstrating that specific chromosomal changes caused certain types of leukemia. She then struggled for years to convince fellow researchers that cancer was essentially a genetic disease.

Her discoveries eventually gained acceptance. They brought her widespread recognition, including the Lasker Award, the National Medal of Science and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In the last six months, she received the Ernest Beutler Prize and the Japan Prize for Healthcare and Medical Technology.

"Dr. Rowley, a graduate of the University's Laboratory Schools, the College and the Medical School, has long been a shining example of the power of a University of Chicago education," said medical center trustee Jim Frank, of Winnetka. "She is also a model of what that kind of training, combined with enormous talent and dedication, can do. Karen and I are proud to help celebrate her accomplishments and support the outstanding researchers who will be honored to hold this endowed chair."

"All of us in the Cancer Center are excited to see Janet's remarkable career recognized in this enduring way," said colleague Michelle Le Beau, PhD, director of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, who trained under Rowley. "She has received just about every imaginable honor. Now someone with extraordinary promise will benefit from this support, from the history of Janet's discoveries and the immediate recognition that comes with selection as the Rowley Professor."

Rowley was born Apr. 5, 1925, in New York City. At age 15, she won a scholarship to enroll in the University of Chicago's Hutchins College, which combined the last two years of high school with the first two years of college. "The U of C," Rowley later recalled, "taught me to stick to my convictions if I really thought that I was correct even when others disagree."

She completed a bachelor of philosophy degree in 1944 and graduated from medical school in 1948. The next day, she married fellow medical student Donald Rowley, MD, now a professor emeritus of pathology at the University. She spent the next 20 years raising their four boys while working three days a week at various sites, including a Chicago clinic for children with Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome.

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Named professorship to honor cancer researcher Janet Rowley, MD