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James HandlanAssociate Professor Emeritus of Mathematics There was a time when computers were giant, stationary machines housed in small noisy rooms, and when accessing information meant running punch cards. James Handlan remembers that time. He also remembers the first computer science class offered at Susquehanna, and when PCs first arrived on campus. Of those early years, Handlan recalls, “We did a lot of bootstrapping in those days. There was simply nowhere to go to ask.” Handlan came to campus in 1967 during a large expansion at SU. He recalls that the department was very welcoming and always open to change – which helped keep his job fresh for 39 years. “If you wanted to venture off and explore something new that hadn't yet been taught, you were given the freedom and support to do that. You could bring it back, give it a try and hopefully, watch it grow.” Ken Brakke, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, says, “Jim created a course in cryptology, building on his own experiences in Army Intelligence before he came here. That course proved very popular, and we are continuing with it.” Brakke adds, “He also created a course in Windows programming, which also made it into our permanent curriculum.” Other endeavors that kept things “fresh” for Handlan were in coaching. He coached men's soccer alongside Neil Potter, started up SU's first ice hockey club, and most recently coached men's and women's rugby clubs. Sarah Richards '07, who has played for Handlan since 2002, says, “We call him and (his wife) Carol our rugby parents.” She recalls the unique way Handlan would try to get the team motivated by performing bluegrass songs about the team: “Every once in a while he'd turn his hat backwards and attempt to rap his little rhymes. It was hilarious.” Richards' musical opinion that Handlan should stick to bluegrass seems to be advice he'll follow, as his retirement plans include tending to his musical side. This past summer, Handlan attended the Augusta Heritage Festival in his home state of West Virginia where he began harmonica and blues guitar lessons. –Mary Cammarata Markle
George O. MachlanProfessor Emeritus of Accounting Throughout his 40 years on the Susquehanna faculty, George O. Machlan was content to “work down in the trenches” and “stay behind the scenes.” “I was never the running back,” says Machlan, explaining his humble but effective strategy for teaching and colleague relations. “I was more of a lineman kind of guy.” That low-key approach to education, which kept students and other faculty in the focus, made Machlan a tough-but-popular and effective teacher. Along with serving as an informal ambassador for the business school who reached out to meet faculty from every department, Machlan was also spotted frequently in the crowd at sporting and entertainment events, cheering on SU's teams, musicians and actors. He believes supporting students in their extracurricular activities was a good way to develop stronger student-teacher relationships. “I don't think there was a team that he didn't go to see at least once a year,” says Jerrell W. Habegger, the Allen C. Tressler professor in accounting and chairman of the Department of Accounting & Information Systems. “There are a lot of alums who know him, even though they never had him in class.” Machlan, who served as department head for nearly 18 years, also worked – literally – to keep his classroom material up-to-date in light of rapid changes in the business world. Three sabbaticals with organizations including Bell of Pennsylvania and Graham Capital Management allowed him to maintain a familiarity with current accounting practices. “I always vowed, if I ever got into teaching, I'd remain on top of things,” says the Penn State grad, who started his career as an accountant in Philadelphia before earning his master's degree in 1966 and joining the SU faculty. “I always had teaching in the back of my mind,” he says. “I thought I could make a difference in young lives.” Habegger says Machlan helped launch many successful careers, and in particular excelled at linking students to work experience as an internship coordinator. Even in retirement, Machlan engages young minds. He and his wife, Faye, spend two days per week taking care of two grandchildren, ages one and four. “I certainly enjoy it, but it's a challenge,” he laughs. –Beth Fantaskey Kaszuba
G. Edward “Ged” Schweikert
Intending to stay one year while he conducted research, G. Edward “Ged” Schweikert accepted his first teaching job at Susquehanna University before he even finished his doctoral dissertation. That was about 36 years ago. And even today, while officially retired, Schweikert is still teaching a few courses this year – and plans to continue as swimming coach for six more years. “I'm not going to try to outlast Joe Paterno,” Schweikert jokes. “But I'll coach until I'm 70 – my 37th or 38th year.” Schweikert, a graduate of The College of Wooster and Kent State University, recalls that his first visit to SU for a job interview was “the trip from hell,” complete with bad weather and missed flights. However, the school and the area quickly won over Schweikert and his wife, Mary Louise. “This is a great place to raise a family,” he says. For Schweikert, the only thing Susquehanna lacked back in the mid-1970s was a swim team. But the addition of a pool on campus allowed him, whose primary research interest is biopsychology, to pursue another passion: coaching. The time-intensive practice sessions have enabled Schweikert to develop bonds with many team members and their families. “Seven months a year, I'm with them at least two hours a day,” he says. “You get notes from parents, thanking you for what you've done for their child. I keep in touch with some of the parents. We've really connected.” Schweikert has also connected with students in the classroom and faculty colleagues. “Ged loves the psychology department, he loves Susquehanna University, and he's dedicated half of his life to making them a bit better,” says M.L. Klotz, associate professor and head of the Department of Psychology. “I couldn't ask for a better colleague.” Although Schweikert is still working almost full tilt at the university, he also enjoys having a little more time for his hobby, woodworking in a workshop he built in his Mifflinburg barn. “SU's been really good to my wife and me,” he says. -Beth Fantaskey Kaszuba
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