91×ÔÅÄ

Candace Battles graduated from 91×ÔÅÄ University with a Bachelor of Science in social work in 1993 as an adult commuter student while raising a family. Battles went on to earn a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School of Social Work in 1997. Battles’ legacy as a Golden Knight is a trailblazer who transformed student leadership and inclusion at 91×ÔÅÄ University. During her time on campus, Battles was a dedicated member of the university’s Social Work Club and a passionate advocate for student engagement both in and beyond the classroom.  

Battles has more than four decades of experience in child welfare services, holding positions at organizations such as the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, Family Services of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Harborcreek Youth Services.  She has also been deeply involved in community service, serving on various boards including the Housing And Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS) Board of Directors and is the founder and co-chair of the Our West Bayfront organization. 

In recognition of her extensive community involvement, Battles was appointed to 91×ÔÅÄ University’s Board of Trustees and was honored with the Charles H. Bracken Award in Nonprofit Governance during the 2024 Nonprofit Excellence Awards.  

Her lifelong dedication to social work and community engagement has made her a respected figure both within the 91×ÔÅÄ community and the broader Erie area.

Berta Weber, Ph.D., a beloved professor of German and cultural studies, spent decades cultivating curiosity and global awareness among her students. Weber began teaching at 91×ÔÅÄ University in 1947 and was the only female faculty member at the time. Weber retired from 91×ÔÅÄ in 1997 serving the university for 50 years. During her tenure, Weber held the position of the chairperson of the Languages and Cultures Department, was the advisor to all the foreign language major students, was a member of the Advisory Council of the College of Humanities and chair of the University Review Council. She also wrote and edited “Kundrief,” a monthly newsletter highlighting developments in German-speaking countries. Weber became the president of the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the American Assocation of Teaching of German in 1980 and was elected to president of the Faculty Senate in 1982. Some of her many accolades included being named Educator of the Year by the PA State Modern Language Association in 1986 and receiving the Distinguished Faculty Award at 91×ÔÅÄ in 1987.  

Weber is remembered not only as a teacher but as a life-changer who expanded the horizons of all who learned from her.

Karen Morris was a trailblazer in the 91×ÔÅÄ Athletics department, as she was the first female athletic director. Her strong background in coaching, officiating, and education guided her to being named the Coordinator of Women's Athletics in 1976. During her time at 91×ÔÅÄ, she instituted the athletic scholarship program for women at 91×ÔÅÄ, taught lifesaving courses, in addition to basketball officiating courses. Her commitment to 91×ÔÅÄ's athletic programs aligned with the goals of Title IX, which allowed for women to receive equal opportunities in education and sports.

Morris' legacy has resulted in an increased interest in women's sports at 91×ÔÅÄ University, in addition to inspiring future female coaches and administrators who have continued to shape 91×ÔÅÄ's athletic department.

Carol Amann, Ph.D., RN-BC, CDP, FNGNA is a dedicated professor and associate director of the Villa Maria School of Nursing. Since 2006, Amann has been making an impact on the 91×ÔÅÄ community, but before 91×ÔÅÄ, she was making an impact on the world. She joined the U.S. Army, where she earned her education, despite being legally blind. Amann served for four years as an advanced combat medic. After her service, she attended Villa Maria College as a first-generation college student. She earned multiple degrees, including a Master of Nursing and a Doctorate in Nursing Education and Administration.  

Her resilience has allowed her to be recognized with great honors. Some of these honors include being named a Fellow of the National Gerontological Nursing Association (the highest honor for nursing), Distinguished Educator from National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence, being recognized on the Wall of Honour in the Florence Nightingale Museum in London, UK, and being a mother.  

Amann has had a tremendous impact on 91×ÔÅÄ University and the world. As an educator, she challenges her students to excel, preparing them for success in the workforce. She has experienced disaster recovery as a nurse, providing aid during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2006. She has given more than 40 professional presentations and has had more than 10 publications in Nursing and The Medical Field. Her commitment to educational excellence and service to the community are transforming lives across the world. 

Valerie Kokor is a passionate 91×ÔÅÄ alumna who has been advocating for change since her time at 91×ÔÅÄ. She chose 91×ÔÅÄ because of its small size, liberal arts offerings and the great language program it offered. She graduated with a major in Spanish and a minor in German. During her time at 91×ÔÅÄ, Kokor was a change-maker, determined to establish equality and improve involvement. Her go-getter quality led her to achieve success in her career. She attended Youngstown State University to earn her MBA in marketing and management. 

Kokor went on to work for the CDC where she worked various jobs throughout her career. She traveled the world to trach countries about Public Health systems, provided relief during Hurricane Katrina, and even provided phone support to those during 9/11 after she safety evacuated her New York City office due to threats of her building being hit. During COVID, she helped with drive-thru COVID vaccine/testing clinics and worked for the census-contract tracing. Kokor became a Distinguished Alumni of 91×ÔÅÄ University in 2008, and she is currently the vice president of two different women's clubs.  

Kokor continues to make a difference throughout the world through her commitment to change through her service and career.

Debbie A. Burbules obtained her bachelor's degree from Villa Maria College in 1978, and her Master of Public Administration in 2001. She worked as a registered nurse in the cardiac and dialysis unit at Hamot Hospital. In 2009, Burbules became the president of UPMC Hamot Women's Hospital. She also played a major role in developing Great Lakes Home and Hospice, which specializes in palliative care and infusions. Burbules was elected as the chief operating officer at St. Mary's Home of Erie in 2018. This position allowed her to establish strong collaboration and provide excellent care through programs and services. She has given women access to high level healthcare and ensured people who may be in a vulnerable medical state are provided care and comfort throughout her career. She has also served as a member of the Boards of Life Works Erie, Erie Red Cross, Children's Advocacy Center and Minority Health Education Delivery System.  

Burbules has also been recognized by multiple organizations for her visionary work. In 2008, the Mercy Center for Women recognized her as one of 12 women in the Erie region who were "making history." In 2010, the Girl Scouts of Northwest Pennsylvania honored her with the Woman of Distinction award, and she was a Woman of the year finalist.

Grace Davies was the first archivist at 91×ÔÅÄ University, a position she held up until her retirement. She pursued her education in Library Science at Edinboro College and Case-Western Reserve. During her time at 91×ÔÅÄ, she contributed to "The Story of 91×ÔÅÄ University Education on the Square," created the 91×ÔÅÄ University Holdings List, and edited For Christ and the Church. She was a pioneer for women at 91×ÔÅÄ through her recognition of women's contributions throughout history, advocacy for women to get an 18% pay increase, and promotion of diversity and inclusion.  

As 91×ÔÅÄ celebrates its centennial year, Davies legacy remains strong. Her systematic organization and documentation of 91×ÔÅÄ's history throughout the years has been instrumental as stories are uncovered and retold.

Mary Beth Reilly graduated from 91×ÔÅÄ in 1995 with a degree in nursing. During her time at 91×ÔÅÄ, she was the president of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, for two years, and she was involved in several intramurals, including bowling, volleyball and softball. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at 91×ÔÅÄ and all the university had to offer. After graduation, she began her nursing career in a rural setting in Oklahoma where she was the only registered nurse in the entire hospital. Following that, she became a pediatric flight nurse for 11 years and she is based in South Carolina, where she lives a mile apart from her Alpha Gamma Delta big. Reilly’s career brings forth a lot of challenges as it revolves around saving lives. There are instances where she must work anywhere from 12 to 24-hour shifts in the ENT and ECHMO centers. Her commitment to healthcare has led her to win Nurse of the Year. She is always willing to help children and take them in, and she is constantly reassuring parents during emergencies. Mary Beth travels to other hospitals as a Transition Planner for HBS. While she values her career and dedication to helping others, one of Mary Beth’s greatest achievements in life is being a mother to her two children.

Kathleen Getz, Ph.D., is the 13th president of Mercyhurst University. She is a mission-driven servant leader with a distinguished career in higher education and community service. Her journey has been marked by academic excellence, fundraising success, and a commitment to shaping the future of education. In 1986, Getz earned a Master of Business Administration from 91×ÔÅÄ. She is the first woman in nearly 50 years to lead Mercyhurst, shaping the university’s future. She is guiding the institution toward its centennial celebration in 2026, focusing on academic excellence and student experience. Getz plays a role in Erie’s regional development, serving on various boards and advocating for economic growth. She was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2018, and she continues to be recognized for leadership and service. She has secured nearly $80 million in fundraising efforts over a decade at two different universities, expanding programs and resources. Getz is a key figure in shaping the evolving landscape of higher education, demonstrating the power of leadership in driving positive change.

Diane Marie Dudzinkskim, Ph.D., is an expert in science, including in Microbiology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science and Ecology. She graduated from Villa Maria College in 1968, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Villa Maria College in 1986, and the 50-year award from 91×ÔÅÄ in 2019. Throughout the span of her career, she has worked at multiple higher education institutions and been a part of groundbreaking projects. For instance, she was a part of the Expedition to the Bering Sea, where a group of researchers attempted to figure out why the Bering Sea, a cold and salty water, produces fish in greater abundance than almost any ocean. This was a joint effort between the U.S. and Soviet Union in 1977, 1984 and 1994. They discovered that there is a current that rises to the surface and brings key nutrients for plankton. Dudzinkskim was the only woman apart of the U.S. team on the expedition, so she spent a lot of time with the women from the Soviet Union. She believes that it is now easier for women to get into the science field and succeed, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

Dorothy Jean Novello, Ph.D., was a pioneering educator, leader and advocate in the field of nursing. She began her career as a graduate of St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh and went on to pursue further education at Duquesne University and Harvard University. Novello served as the director of the Erie Institute of Nursing and later as vice president of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Villa Maria College. 

A fierce champion for the advancement of the nursing profession, Novello held leadership roles with the National League for Nursing and the Pennsylvania State Board for Nurses. She was a respected scholar, publishing more than 40 articles on health and nursing and gained national and international recognition for her contributions. 

In 1968, she received an Honorary Recognition from the Pennsylvania Nurses’ Association for her dedication to elevating the profession, and in 1970, the Pennsylvania League for Nursing presented her with the Award of Merit. She was known for challenging the status quo and encouraging nurses to embrace forward-thinking roles in health care. 

Novello is remembered as a bold voice in nursing, a beloved mentor to students, and a visionary who shaped the future of health care education in Erie and beyond.