My daughter, Lori, delivered my first granddaughter into the world May 6, 1989 during the running of The Kentucky Derby. Sunday Silence won the Derby and Nicole Rebecca won our hearts. She was a petite little girl with striking blue eyes, curly brown hair and a winning personality. The memories of her childhood came rushing back as I sat watching West Chester University hold their 139th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Sunday December 16, 2012 at The Hollinger Field House in West Chester at 10 a.m.. The Guest speaker was Cheryl Fulginiti, (class of 1980), Vice President of Engineering, United Parcel Service, Inc.

Nicole Rebecca Vanszl, of West Chester, PA, formerly of Muhlenberg, PA graduated magna cum laude with her degree from the College of Education. Her parents Craig and Lori Hevalow of Muhlenburg, and Vincent and Hallie Vanszl of Mt. Penn, proudly watched with me, her friends, and family members. Ellen Vanszl, her other grandmother and a former teacher who served forty years in the classroom, was cherishing each moment.

An only child, when she first went to school she wanted to hug all the children. She was always a very loving and giving child. I had a local TV show and she would marvel,”Mom Mom how did you make yourself little and get in there. How do you do that?” When I took her to the studio she begged, “Please please let me go on the air. I will bring all my toys and give them for Toys for Tots and people can call me and donate more for the children.” I should have known her love for children would persist.