THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY
FAL L 2017
From Cancer Patient to Medical Researcher GABRIELA SALINAS (’11) uses her innate curiosity to learn, to discover, to overcome…
ROSA DEAL SCHOOL OF ARTS DERRICK BROWN: HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED CBU AT CROSSTOWN
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CAREER CLOSET You can provide professional attire to currently enrolled CBU students, free of charge, and help them set positive first impressions for an interview, career fair, office visit, or on the job!
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Donations can be dropped off at CBU Career Services in Buckman Hall (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) by February 15 — or — CBU will pick up donations at your workplace. Contact Amy Ware at aware1@cbu.edu or (901) 321-3331 for a February 10 pick-up.
AS AN ALUM, YOU HAVE THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH CURRENT STUDENTS, AND CAN PROVIDE VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT.
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We invite you to CONDUCT A WEBINAR for your fellow Buccaneers. Webinars will cover a wide variety of themes to help alumni be more successful in their lives and careers, including strategies for job search, professional branding, workplace best practices, and more.
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HOST AN EXTERN
An externship is a short-term, unpaid experience in which students shadow and observe a “day in the life” of a professional. If you are interested in hosting an extern at your organization, please contact Cathy Lantrip at clantrip@cbu.edu.
FROM THE PRESIDENT:
arlier this year, we watched with much pride (and a little bit of wistfulness) as the Class of 2017 crossed the stage at Commencement and entered the next phase of their lives. I can’t help but notice every year how much our undergraduate students have grown and matured during their time at CBU. They’re not just four years older; they’ve also grown in knowledge and experience and confidence, not only in their minds but also in their hearts. We often use the term transformational education when we speak of our mission. It’s a concept that is familiar to all of us at CBU, and certainly one that is familiar to the Christian Brothers. The order’s founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, was a 17th-century educator who aspired to share the benefits of education with everyone, devoting his life to teaching students of all means and backgrounds. This commitment, radical for its time, made De La Salle an innovator. He was not afraid to challenge prevailing models or to pursue ideas that others considered risky or impractical. Rather than conforming, he responded boldly to the needs of his community. The result was an educational model that worked for everyone, not just a select few. It is in service of that legacy — that ministry — that CBU operates today. We remain PHOTO BY CORY DUGAN
committed to providing transformational opportunities to everyone. Ours is a welcoming, supportive community that seeks to unlock each student’s potential, no matter the pathway that brought them to our door. In the pages ahead, you will read about a few of the recent initiatives CBU has undertaken in the spirit of De La Salle. I am especially proud of our newly opened Rosa Deal School of Arts building, which embodies transformational education through a variety of learning and study spaces that are designed to meet the needs of today’s student. We’ve also begun investing in exciting educational concepts such as Project-Based Learning, additional avenues for nontraditional students, and increased support for our commuter students. We’ve opened our new location in the Crosstown Concourse, a space designed for collaborations with the community, particularly with our partners in the healthcare arena as we expand and improve our offerings in this burgeoning career field. Not only have we begun to offer the new MBA in Healthcare Management, we’ll also launch our new and improved Physician Assistant program in January — which was quickly granted Accreditation-Provisional status by ARC-PA and already has more applicants than we expected. Our RN to BSN Nursing Program is under new
leadership and is modernizing its delivery systems, and our graduates in the sciences are already prepared to enter the highest-quality medical schools and other post-secondary tracks in the biomedical field — as exemplified by the Distinguished Young Alumna who graces the cover of this issue. These efforts and many others create a clear pathway to a valuable degree and a rewarding career. Part of CBU’s mission is a commitment to serve all our community’s students and learners. It is an effort, I like to think, of which John Baptist de La Salle would be proud. As you read this issue, I ask that you reflect on your own experience with CBU. How did CBU transform your life? If you were changed in some way by your alma mater and by the Brothers who founded it, then transformational education is as much a part of your story as it is a part of ours. We just welcomed the Class of 2021 to our campus —the largest freshman class in our long history and the class who will graduate in our sesquicentennial year. I look forward to seeing how CBU transforms each of them, and how it will continue to transform us all.
JOHN SMARRELLI JR., PhD, President B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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FA L L 2 0 1 7 Published by the CBU Office of Advancement Non-profit postage is paid at Memphis, TN.
CBU NEWS
CBU joins the “vertical village” of Crosstown Concourse with a new flexible, multiuse satellite facility… CBU launches Surface Water Institute… Board of Trustees introduces new members, new leadership
STEM + HBCUs
CBU joins National Science Foundation partnership to promote STEM success at historically black colleges and universities
TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN
The Rosa Deal School of Arts building comes to life, reflecting both tradition and the future.
NO EXCUSES, NO LIMITS
Derrick Brown (MAT ’13) goes beyond teaching his students how to succeed in school; he’s teaching them how to succeed in life.
CURIOUSER & CURIOUSER
Gabriela Salinas (’11) developed a curiosity about science while being treated for cancer as a child. Today, she’s doing research on malaria and working on her PhD in pharmaceutical sciences.
CBU LASALLIAN FELLOWS CLASS OF 2018
Meet this year’s Lasallian Fellows, the five seniors who best embody the values that make CBU unique.
CLASS NOTES
News from your Classmates ............................................................... 28 Baby Bucs...................................................................................................... 30 Wedding Bells ............................................................................................ 31 Buc Notes.......................................................................................................34 In Memoriam ............................................................................................. 35
PHOTO ALBUMS
Bell Tower Gala 2016 .............................................................................. 38 Homecoming 2017 ................................................................................. 40 Athletic Hall of Fame .............................................................................. 42 Legacy Dinner.............................................................................................44 Alumni & Parents Weekend ............................................................... 45 September of Service..............................................................................46
LAST WORDS ............................................................................. 48 SEND NEWS FOR CLASS NOTES to CBU Alumni Office, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis TN 38104. Or visit www.cbu.edu/class-notes. SEND YOUR PHOTOS, TOO! Digital photos should be a minimum of 1200 x 1800 pixels. 2
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POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: CBU Office of Advancement, Attn: Bell Tower 650 East Parkway South, Memphis TN 38104 ——————————————————— BELL TOWER EDITOR / DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES Cory Dugan DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI & VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT Terez Wilson DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES Jacob Edwards EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Bob Arnold (MBA ‘15), Robin Gallaher Branch Dr. Paul Haught, Deborah Hyatt ——————————————————— UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT John Smarrelli Jr., Ph.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Mark Billingsley VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Deborah Blanchard BOARD OF TRUSTEES Stephen T. Dunavant (’83), chairman Emily Sawyer Greer (’84), secretary James L. Reber (’82), treasurer Louis F. (Bo) Allen Jr. (’95) Robert H. Buckman Brother Francis Carr, FSC Judge J. R. (Bobby) Carter (‘77) James C. Collins Jr. (‘84) David Cunningham Jr. Leslie L. Daniel (’90) Tyree Daniels (‘01) Brother Chris Englert, FSC (’77) Richard Erickson (‘90) John Mitchell Graves (’83) Russell J. Hensley Dr. Margaret Hodges James J. Isaacs Christopher Koch Jr. (’87) Maria Lensing (’01, ’07) James Maclin Jr. (’96) Douglas J. Marchant Fr. Robert W. Marshall Jr. (‘80) Harold G. McNeil (’79) Rev. Keith Norman Lynnefer Perry (‘98) Paul Posey Jr. (‘89, MBA ‘08) Brother Michael F. Quirk, FSC Cathy Ross (’78) Brother Larry Schatz, FSC Joshua Shipley (’01) Bemetra Simmons (’97) Christopher Singer (‘83) Dr. John Smarrelli Jr. Stephen L. Waechter (’71) Greg Wanta Laurel C. Williams, JD (’82) COVER PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
SAVE THE DATES UNIVERSITY EVENTS
CAREER SERVICES
ART EXHIBITS
November 14, 2017
BEVERLY & SAM ROSS GALLERY Opening Receptions are held 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the first day of the exhibition. More info at cbu.edu/gallery
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: SOFT SKILLS Montesi Executive Center • 12:45 p.m. November 16, 2017
PIZZA & PROFESSIONALS: FEDEX SERVICES Montesi Executive Center • 12:30 p.m.
Through December 6, 2017
JIMMY CROSTHWAIT / TOM MURRAY
November 29, 2017
CUPCAKES & CAREERS: CITY OF MEMPHIS APPRENTICE PROGRAM
December 7, 2017
CBU CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Alfonso Dining Hall • 5:00 p.m. More details at cbu.edu/Christmas
Montesi Executive Center • 3:30 p.m.
February 3, 2018
LIFE AFTER COLLEGE: BUDGETING & SAVING
November 28, 2017
HOMECOMING
Buckman Hall 112 • 12:30 p.m.
Canale Arena • Games begin at 1:00 p.m. More info to come!
November 30, 2017
April 8-14, 2018
Montesi Executive Center • 12:30 p.m.
PIZZA & PROFESSIONALS: CHARTWELL
FOUNDER’S WEEK
January 12 – March 1, 2018
NILES WALLACE / METAL MUSEUM
January 18, 2018
More info to come!
PIZZA & PROFESSIONALS: PEACE CORPS
April 13, 2018
Montesi Executive Center • 12:30 p.m.
ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME BANQUET
January 25, 2018
PIZZA & PROFESSIONALS: VISION PREP
Sabbatini Lounge • 6:00 p.m.
Montesi Executive Center • 12:30 p.m.
May 10, 2018
LEGACY SOCIETY DINNER
February 1, 2018
PIZZA & PROFESSIONALS: CBIZ
Sabbatini Lounge • 6:00 p.m. May 11, 2018
March 9 – May 2, 2018
Montesi Executive Center • 12:30 p.m.
CLAUDIA TULLOS-LEONARD / MIDSOUTH WOODTURNERS GUILD
February 20, 2018
May 18 – August 1, 2018
BACCALAUREATE Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception • 6:00 p.m.
CAREER & INTERNSHIP EXPO Canale Arena • 11:30-2:00 p.m. May 12, 2018
CBU ATHLETICS
Signaigo Field • 10:00 a.m.
Visit www.cbubucs.com for up-to-theminute schedules of Buccaneer action!
COMMENCEMENT
CONNECTING MEMPHIS by CINDY McMILLION
Check www.cbu.edu/events for a complete calendar of events at CBU. FOLLOW CBU ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
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CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY officially opened its new “satellite” location in Crosstown Concourse in October, but actually began using it at the beginning of the fall semester. Currently known simply as “CBU at Crosstown,” the space is a 4,000 square foot facility located in Suite 462 on Level 4 of the Central Atrium of the Concourse. Often referred to as a “vertical urban village,” Crosstown Concourse is a $200 million renovation and re-imagination of the Sears Crosstown building that was built in 1927 in the western area of Midtown Memphis. The 1.2 million square foot structure is now home to more than three dozen commercial tenants — including art galleries, restaurants, fitness centers, educational institutions and support organizations, healthcare facilities, high-tech services, places of worship, and banks — plus 165 residential living spaces. “CBU’s space at Crosstown Concourse was designed to provide learning experiences and collaboration opportunities in a concentrated space that does not presently exist on the main campus,” says Dr. Paul Haught, vice president of academics and student life. “Part
of the design concept was supplied by the innovations in K-12 — and arguably K-16 — pedagogy, that feature interdisciplinary and intergenerational collaborations, flexible classroom designs, and an emphasis on projects where team members use classroom and similar built environments to plan, critique, and brainstorm. These innovations push the built environment to support learning by doing.” The space is laid out in four main zones of activity. On the north side of the facility is a large classroom that can be divided in half by a portable partition as needed. Both sides of the room are set up to allow traditional and nontraditional presentation/classroom activities. It is furnished with tables and chairs that can be easily moved to open up the room or can be arranged in a traditional classroom design. The room is also equipped with two laser
projectors and a speaker system that allows the presenter to be heard at equal volume by every member of the audience. On the south side of the space is a “flex classroom” that features living-room-style furniture that can be easily moved to suit the needs of whatever session is taking place. This room is ideal for collaboration, brainstorming, or any activity that seeks active participation and creativity from those in attendance. Both spaces are surrounded by writeable surfaces (dry-erase walls) and one wall with a “tackable” surface. In between these spaces is a kitchen that is also a collaboration space. CBU at Crosstown is also equipped with office space for two, with one office reserved for a permanent staff member. “CBU at Crosstown is designed to emphasize that we learn best by working together, sharing ideas, in a space that
CBU JOINS THE “VERTICAL VILLAGE” OF CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE WITH A NEW FLEXIBLE, MULTI-USE SATELLITE FACILITY
MOVING UP PHOTOS BY CORY DUGAN (LEFT) & CHAD RICHARDS (ABOVE)
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discourages passivity and encourages active participation,” Haught says. “That said, CBU at Crosstown can also accommodate the traditional instructor/student formats that have been effective in higher education for decades, and CBU at Crosstown is equipped with the education technology suitable for both traditional and non-traditional modes of teaching and learning. We just know that we can do more with a space that can be flipped to stimulate active learning.” At present, the new MBA in Healthcare Management (HMBA) program is anchoring CBU’s presence at the Concourse, perfectly placed to further the education of the employees of many of its new Crosstown neighbors — such as Church Health, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Methodist LeBonheur, and Southern College of Optometry. “Crosstown represents a unique intersection of healthcare and education,” says David Archer, former CEO of Saint Francis Hospital/Tenet Healthcare and current lead faculty member in the HMBA program. “The HMBA is at that same intersection, combining a rigorous business education with real world healthcare challenges and cases.
David Archer with his students in the Healthcare MBA Program at Crosstown Concourse
Our students are able to take the Crosstown CBU HCMBA experience to work each day — long before graduation.” CBU also provides corporate leadership training workshops for the City of Memphis, and eventually many of those sessions will take place at Crosstown. In addition, CBU’s teacher training and teacher development programs will utilize the space, which will streamline CBU’s collaboration with Crosstown High
(opening in Fall 2018). In the long term, the space will support collaboration with other Crosstown tenants and will be available to all CBU programs as it fits their curricular needs. For example, one of CBU’s chemistry professors is currently planning to offer a special “Chemistry of Cooking” course that will utilize both CBU at Crosstown and the instructional kitchen at fellow Crosstown tenant, Church Health. n
Surface Water Institute at CBU Opens Institute will perform as the watershed agency of choice for the region THE GADOMKSI SCHOOL OF Engineering at CBU has partnered with a number of national and regional agencies to create the Surface Water Institute at CBU, which officially opened its doors in October. The institute will work on complex surface water issues and provides a platform for addressing critical surface water resource challenges facing the Greater Memphis Metro-Region and will provide proper educational tools to the public. This will be done through collaboration with other agencies, research, and project development. Directed by Dr. L. Yu (Louie) Lin, CBU professor of Civil Engineering, the Institute is set up to perform as the watershed agency of choice for the region and to provide a leadership platform for organizing water governance programs that promote sustainable water balance, quality, and health. As a part of the Science 6
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and Water Resource Board, the Institute will work with local municipalities and the Shelby County Health Department, along with the United States Geological Survey, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Weather Service, to define watershed stewardship and management criteria for the area’s environmental, social, and economic benefit. The goal is to improve basic knowledge of the environmental processes in aquatic systems such as rivers, lakes, oceans, estuaries, wetlands, and soil, and the interface between surface and ground waters. It will also work to consolidate flood maps currently in use from various soutces and use GIS mapping for floodplain management and educational purposes. The Institute is currently engaged in two projects. It is working with the City of Memphis on its Drainage Plan Study, providing quality assurance for
its stormwater modeling, mapping, and analysis. It is also working with the US Army Corps of Engineers on the town of Arlington’s floodplain mapping, response, and education effort. The Surface Water Institute is staffed by Dr. Lin, Barry J. Bruchman (US Army Corps of Engineers), Dr. Roger A. Gaines (US Army Corps of Engineers), Dr. Robert H. Hunt (US Army Corps of Engineers), Thomas Lawrence (Water Quality Consultant), Jittapong Malasri (Malasri Engineering), and Emmanuel Tuombe (ABES Engineering). Its board of directors is comprised of Manny Belen (City of Memphis), Jim Belles (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), David P. Berretta (US Army Corps of Engineers), Edward P. Lambert (US Army Corps of Engineers), Dr. Lin, Tom Needham (Shelby County), Greg Parker (Shelby County), and Hugh Teaford (City of Memphis). n PHOTO BY CHAD RICHARDS
PHOTO BY JOSH COLFER
CBU Board of Trustees Introduces New Members, New Leadership THE CBU BOARD OF TRUSTEES welcomed three new members for the 201718 academic year — James Maclin Jr. (MBA ’96), Cathy Ross (’78), and Greg Wanta — as well as new leadership, with Steve Dunavant (’83) assuming the role of board chairman. James Maclin Jr., is the former senior vice president and director of corporate support at MAA (MidAmerican Apartment Communities). Maclin has served on various civic boards including Junior Achievement USA, Leadership Memphis, the Housing Authority of Memphis, and the University of Memphis Alumni Association. He is an alumnus of the CBU MBA program and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Memphis. Cathy Ross is the former CFO and EVP at FedEx, now retired. Ross has endowed a scholarship in the CBU School of Business and has freely given of her time as a volunteer mentor to CBU students. She holds a BA degree from CBU and an MBA in Finance from the University of Memphis. Ross has won numerous awards including the Black Enterprise “Woman of Power Legacy Award,” the Memphis Tri-State Defender Women of Excellence Award, and the FedEx Five Star Award, FedEx’s most prestigious award for service and leadership. Ross has also served as a board member of the Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis and the Board of Directors for the Memphis Food Bank. Greg Wanta currently serves as senior vice president of North American Container at International Paper. Wanta has worked in various capacities since joining IP in 1991, including positions as mill manager at several mills; vice president of manufacturing for coated paperboard; vice president of manufacturing for printing and communications papers; vice president of food service; and vice president of central region for Container the Americas. Wanta has also served on the company’s Diversity Council, the International Paper Foundation board, and as Chairman for the International Paper Memphis-based United Way Campaign. Steve Dunavant takes the helm of the board from Mitch Graves (’83), who served as chairman since 2013. Graves, president and CEO of HealthChoice LLC., a physician
TOP: Steve Dunavant (’83) has been elected to the position of chairman of the CBU Board of Trustees. BOTTOM: New members of the Board of Trustees are (l-r) James Maclin Jr. (MBA ’96), Cathy Ross (’78), and Greg Wanta.
hospital organization (PHO) that is a joint venture between Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and MetroCare Physicians, remains an active member of the board and chairs the Advancement Committee. Dunavant, who has served on the board since 2010 and as vice chair since 2013, was named CBU’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2015. He has over 25 years of public accounting experience with both local and international accounting firms and currently serves as managing director for the Memphis office of CBIZ MHM. He was one of the founding members of its predecessor firm, Thompson Dunavant PLC. Dunavant provides counsel
on a variety of financial and taxation matters involving: business operations, entity selection and formation, borrowing and capitalization, acquisitions and divestitures, joint venturing, succession planning, the utilization of tax incentives, and healthcare reform. The members of the CBU Board of Trustees constitute the legal directors of the University with general responsibility for its management. The board sustains the mission of the University within the traditions of the Christian Brothers, approves the budget and the educational program, confers honorary degrees, assists in fundraising, and acts as a court of final appeal. n B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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CBU Joins NSF Partnership to Promote STEM Success at Historically Black Colleges and Universities BY BOB ARNOLD Dr. Reo Pruiett, the director of programs for Educate Texas, delivers the keynote address for the launch of the new partnership.
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In April and September of this year, CBU hosted conferences in conjunction with three other universities in the region: LeMoyne-Owen College, Rust College, and Lane College. The events, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, explored an NSF initiative encouraging Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minorityserving institutions to develop research projects and apply for NSF funding. LeMoyne-Owen, Rust, and Lane are recognized as Historically Black Colleges and Universities. CBU’s commitment to diversity and its exceptional STEM programs earned it an invitation into this prestigious partnership. Together, the four universities were awarded a $75,000 planning grant from the National Science Foundation. These funds enabled the partners to host two joint sessions in which scientists and educators from inside and outside the partner institutions gathered to share ideas and study best practices relating to proposal development, undergraduate research, minority persistence in STEM, and other similar topics. Some 50 participants from the four universities attended the April conference, held on CBU’s campus. The event attracted STEM faculty, representatives from each university’s Academic and Academic Services offices, student support staff, and more. The partners saw the gatherings as an opportunity for sharing— and sparking—ideas. This initial conference launched on the evening of Friday, April 7 and continued through Saturday, April 8. Presenters included Dr. Reo Pruiett, the director of programs for Educate Texas; Dr. Dina Stroud, executive director of a “Bridge to the Doctorate” program at Vanderbilt University; Dr. Ashton Hamme, professor and interim chair of Chemistry at Jackson State University; and Dr. Henry Bart, professor of Ecology and Evolution Biology at Loyola University. These speakers have all developed strong minority-serving programs supported by PHOTOS BY CORY DUGAN
the National Science Foundation and other major governmental entities. In June, at the invitation of the National Science Foundation, four representatives from CBU—Dr. Pong Malasri, dean of the Gadomski School of Engineering; Dr. Jeffrey Sable, associate professor of Behavioral Science; Dr. William Peer, associate professor of Chemistry; and Bob Arnold, senior
LeMoyne-Owen, Rust, and Lane are recognized as Historically Black Colleges and Universities. CBU’s commitment to diversity and its exceptional STEM programs earned it an invitation into this prestigious partnership.
President Smarrelli with Dr. Logan Hampton, president of Lane College; Dr. Andrea Lewis Miller, president of LeMoyneOwen College; and Dr. Fred Johnson, consultant for Educate Texas.
director of grants—attended a related NSF conference in Atlanta. The NSF hosted several of these regional conferences, again targeted at HBCUs and minorityserving institutions, introducing them to underutilized grant programs and funding opportunities. The conference delved deep into NSF proposal guidelines and procedures. The other partner organizations attended similar conferences throughout the summer. On September 30, the four partner institutions reconvened on CBU’s campus for a follow-up conference to finalize planning and develop a road map for the collaboration’s future. A more targeted group of 30 participants attended this meeting. Speakers and guests included
Dr. Celeste Pea, program officer with the National Science Foundation; Dr. Arnold Burger, creator of the Fisk/Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. program; Meredith Rucker, coordinator of the Moving Forward program at LeMoyne-Owen College; and Dr. Rorie Harris, strategist and former director of research for Shelby County Schools. As a next step, representatives from each of the four universities will continue developing research projects, both individually and in collaboration, based on the knowledge they gained from the conferences. The ultimate goal is to develop these projects into high-impact funding proposals to the National Science Foundation. n B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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TWO SIDES OF
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THE SAME COIN ROSA DEAL SCHOOL OF ARTS BUILDING COMES TO LIFE, REFLECTING BOTH TRADITION AND THE FUTURE
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key element of Christian Brothers University’s longterm strategic plan, introduced in 2016, is the physical transformation of our campus through facility upgrades and new construction. In January, CBU celebrated the first such change—and the initial results of our ongoing Faith in Progress Capital Campaign—with the grand opening and dedication of the Rosa Deal School of Arts building.
“This new building reflects our traditions but also our modern campus,” says Dr. Paul Haught, vice president for Academics and Student Life. “It’s designed for 21st century education in the liberal and visual arts.” The appeal of the 45,000 square-foot facility begins with its unique exterior. The west side of Deal, which faces East Parkway, B Y D E B O R A H H YAT T
echoes the traditional look of the campus. On the east side of the building, however, a glass “curtain wall” reveals a towering three-story interior staircase. Illuminated day and night, the staircase is clearly visible from pedestrian plazas on the south and east sides of the building – and the visual impact is both immediate and memorable. More importantly, the steps and landings of Deal’s western staircase have quickly turned into favorite meeting spots and study corners. The effect is enhanced by the existence of multiple gathering spaces, many with modular or built-in seating, throughout the building. “Deal was intentionally designed to make it almost impossible not to run into other people,” 12
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PREVIOUS PAGES: PHOTOS BY CORY DUGAN & DAN BALL
Dr. Scott Geis, dean of the School of Arts, explains. “It’s really been successful in providing opportunities for people to come together and interact with one another.” Haught concurs, saying, “Density and connectivity are real values we are trying to promote. We wanted to create an academic environment where students and faculty could interact with one another spontaneously.” A gathering spot is located right outside of Geis’ office, and he enjoys watching the constant activity and getting to know students who use the area for study, meetings with faculty, or just hanging out. “Sometimes they’re loud,” he says, “but I don’t care. There are signs of life and energy and enthusiasm. They love this space. They absolutely love it. And I do, too!” Faculty have also welcomed the change. Before Deal, full-time School of Arts faculty were spread out over Kenrick Hall, Buckman Hall, and Barry Hall, and adjunct faculty were located as far away as the Nolan Engineering Center. Now, everyone is housed in either Deal or Barry. This is having the desired effect of heightening the sense of
Cutting the ribbon for the new Rosa Deal School of Arts on January 23, 2017 (l-r): Steve Dunavant (’ 83), then-vice chair of the Board of Trustees; Dave Nelson, co-chair of the Faith in Progress capital campaign; Maria Dopico (’17) president of the SGA; Dr. Scott Geis, dean of the Rosa Deal School of Arts; Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell; President John Smarrelli Jr.; Mitch Graves (’83), then-chairman of the Board of Trustees; Memphis City Mayor Jim Strickland; Dr. Paul Haught, vice president for Academics and Student Life; Brother Dominic Ehrmantraut, director of Mission; and Dick Gadomski (’62), co-chair of the Faith in Progress capital campaign.
PHOTO (ABOVE) BY CORY DUGAN; FOLLOWING PAGES BY DAN BALL & STEPHANIE NORWOOD
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connection between people and creating an environment that encourages both planned and impromptu interactions. School of Arts evening classes, often taught by adjuncts, have also moved from Buckman to Deal, further solidifying the sense of collegiality and community. Designed to house undergraduate programs in the arts and humanities as well as graduate programs in Education and Catholic Studies, the Rosa Deal building mixes multi-modal suites, conference rooms, laboratories, and classrooms with dedicated spaces for the various departments. Adaptable technologies throughout the facility provide the flexibility to create truly transformative educational experiences. “All rooms are fitted with smart technology, which is what students expect these days,” Geis explains, “but this facility does much more, and that’s a huge draw for prospective students.” Key features that are particularly exciting to students and visitors are the Psychology Lab and its cutting-edge APRS-EEG brain imaging research suite, the Writing and Communications Corner (which features special rooms for foreignlanguage instruction and conversations), Modern amenities in the Rosa Deal School of Arts include built-in (and wired) study nooks on the main stairwell, state-of-theart classrooms with adaptable technology and flexible layouts, and an array of new art studios designed for different media.
the Honors Program Suite, the Theater and Green Room Suite, and an array of art studios designed for different media. Plus, for the first time, senior Visual Arts majors enjoy 24-hour access to individual studios housing their special projects. Geis, who often works six days a week and has been known to stop by at night after attending nearby events, notes that providing 24-hour access to specific areas is working well. Students are taking care of the new building by turning off lights and computers and leaving spaces clean and ready for the next user. “They really see it as their space, which is the way it should be,” Geis says. “I think students are excited because there’s something new on campus that they get to enjoy,” Haught says. “This is their university. This is a facility that is built for them.” n 14
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A transformative education leads to a life helping others succeed. ow in his fifth year as an instructional resource teacher at Riverview Middle School in Memphis, Derrick Brown (MAT ’13) works with struggling eighth-graders, some with learning disabilities, who may be four or five grades behind in reading. “I may have to bring them forward from an elementary reading level,” Brown explains, “but it can be done. A lot of times it’s really about motivation and connecting with the students.” Connecting with students is one of Brown’s strengths. In addition to teaching his eighth-graders, he mentors a few students each year, helps coach the football and girls softball teams, and spends a good deal of his free time keeping in touch with a growing cadre of former students and mentees. Principal Latasha Harris praises his involvement, saying, “Mr. Brown is a tremendous asset to our students, especially our young men. He serves as a constant mentor to many students, often keeping them busy with participating with his non-profit or
other side gigs to keep them out of trouble.” Located in Riverside, a blighted neighborhood that runs west of US 51 from South Parkway down to West Mallory, Riverview Middle School students face many challenges and few opportunities. For most of them, part-time jobs, applying to college, and other teen experiences simply aren’t on the radar. Because many of his students don’t have a father or other strong male role model, Brown seeks to provide emotional as well as academic support. “Whatever I have to do, I do to motivate these kids. Be in their corner, tell them they can do it. That may be the first time they heard it that day or the first time they heard it that week.” But he also pushes them academically, and challenges them to be better. “They see me wearing a suit every day, or almost every day, and that means something. That stands for something. I tell them about my struggles, and they say if Mr. Brown can do it, if Mr. Brown can be the CEO of a nonprofit, can be a doctor with a PhD, then maybe I can do it, too.”
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PHOTO BY CORY DUGAN
“I struggled through school, and I know what it’s like to be afraid for the teacher to call on you. I wanted to help students who feel that way. I know all the defensive mechanisms, and use those experiences to help other students in similar situations.” — Derrick Brown (’13) B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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rowing up in Mitchell Heights, a north Memphis neighborhood between Jackson and Summer Avenues, Brown struggled with reading and other fundamental skills, and avoided engaging in classroom discussions. His learning challenges were exacerbated by frequent changes in schools. “I was always the new guy,” he says, “going from school to school each year until I got to Treadwell. There, I finally had some stability.” High school sports helped Brown gain a better sense of himself, but his greatest advantage was the continuing support of his parents and grandparents, who did everything they could to help Brown and his five siblings overcome difficult circumstances and find the best in themselves. “We may have struggled coming up, but the one thing that was constant in our lives was we were loved, we were always together, and my mother prayed for all of us.” Brown’s parents, Rev. Henry and Evangelist Patrice Turner, are both ministers, as was his paternal grandfather, Rev G. G. Brown of West Helena, Arkansas, who passed away this spring. A well-known community leader, Rev. Brown received multiple public honors, including a key to the city. He remains Brown’s greatest role model. “My grandfather had mentees that followed him for years as I do now,” Brown says. “I am carving my own path, but I look at him and see that I am just like him.” The values with which Brown was raised helped him find a way through the difficulties of his youth — and stand out as a leader at an early age. “Mitchell Heights really showed me something about myself because I was put in a situation to be a big brother to a whole neighborhood,” Brown says. “I embraced the role and did what I had to do to help my neighborhood. I made sure gangs stayed in place, and I made sure the kids were safe because I believed in hitting the streets and calling out wrong.” is inner drive to make a difference led Brown to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis (BCGM) where he worked for eight years. As a supervisor, Brown helped teens and preteens improve their interpersonal and academic skills. He credits his early success to manager Gene Velloff, who worked hard to train his staff. In one memorable meeting, Velloff presented Brown and the other 18
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“Add No E.”
FOUNDED BY DERRICK BROWN in 2013, the nonprofit Academy Memphis provides educational and job opportunities to at-risk youth through an inclusive approach that mixes special education and general education students. “This creates a good climate and culture as self-respect and self-esteem is concerned,” Brown says, “because no one is singled out for being behind or ahead. They are all working together.” A key focus is job shadowing and training. Pryme Tyme Grillers, a catering company, and other local businesses bring the teens in for “short-term gigs that allow them to experience being workers, being on time, listening and following instructions, getting paid.” As an added benefit, the teens visit neighborhoods and venues that are outside of their usual experience. In 2016, Academy Memphis partnered with CBU to host the week-long Jarmelle Jo-Jo Jones AddnoE Youth Leadership Camp each summer. Teens age 13 to 17 are invited to apply, and selected participants get to spend the week on campus — sleeping in the dorms, eating at Alfonso, painting the rock — while taking classes on personal finance, entrepreneurship, community service, and other topics. At week’s end, teams create skits and plays to share their learning with one another and answer the question, “What Can I Do to Make Memphis Better?” The camp is named in honor of Jarmelle “Jo-Jo” Jones, a close friend of Brown’s who was killed in a home invasion and robbery. Jones was very active in the community and known for saying “add no E” — an abbreviation that stands for “add no excuses,” just do what you should be doing, what you know is right. “That’s what the Academy is about,” Brown says. “My vision is to create a place where students can get help with school work, or if they want to get into a technical field, or with sports. I want them to be comfortable no matter what level they are on because they know that someone has their back. When kids know that someone has their back, they can move mountains.” n
employees with a scenario: Two youths at a pool table are arguing over the pool cues. What do you do to end the disagreement? Everyone had ideas, Brown says – all focused on the kids and the cue sticks they were fighting over. But Velloff advised a different response: Pick up the cue ball.
“It’s really the cue ball that they both want,” Brown explains. “If you have what someone wants, you have that person’s attention.” As a teacher, Brown likes to focus on “figuring out each student’s cue ball. If I know what you want, what excites you and motivates you, then I know that I can tell
DERRICK BROWN: HONORS & AWARDS • The Superior Teacher Bolton-Bellini Award for Special Education, Southwest District, Shelby County Schools (2014)
• Special Education Teacher of the Year, Tennessee, The Council for Exceptional Children (2015)
• Teacher of the Year, SPARK Awards (2016) • Outstanding Education Alumni Award, Christian Brothers University (2017)
you things. I know that I can teach you.” Brown’s time at BCGM satisfied his ingrained desire to help others — but his mentees also challenged him to be his best self. “Part of the mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to encourage kids to go to college, but those kids knew I didn’t have a degree. They turned my words around and challenged me to go to college, too. I had to back up my words with action.” Enrolling at University of Memphis, Brown completed his BA in Liberal Arts in 2010. Still, something was missing. “I had not come to the realization yet that I could be great one day,” he says. “I went to U of M, graduated, and didn’t do anything after that. The real change for me came at CBU.” rriving at CBU in 2011 “with baggy jeans on, dressed any old way,” Brown knows he didn’t look like anyone’s idea of a teacher. He had no formal background or training. But he had a plan and made it clear to Education Department chair Dr. Samantha Alperin. “I think’s it’s fair to say we weren’t entirely convinced Derrick would do well in the program.” Alperin explains. “But he came in and announced that he was going to get a master’s degree in special education, and that was that.” The Master of Arts in Teaching program at CBU is designed for adults with undergraduate degrees in other fields. About half of MAT students are looking at a second career — but Brown had barely had a first career, leaving him with a longer way to go than most. “We didn’t know PHOTO S BY JIM HARDING
what he was capable of,” Alperin says. “He had no foundation. He didn’t know theory, had none of the vocabulary. But he was insistent. And he was amazing.” Assistant professor and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation coordinator Nancy Wilder agrees, “Derrick just hit the ground running. He never failed to succeed in his classes. He never disappointed.” “He was always one of the first to raise his hand,” Alperin recalls. Acknowledging how far he had come from being the boy in school who was afraid to be called on by the teacher, Brown singles out Alperin, Wilder, and associate professor Dr. Wendy Ashcroft for their encouragement and support. “They pushed me, believed in me. They brought out what was deeply embedded in me.” Inspired to change the way he saw himself, and the way the world saw him, Brown “started changing the way I dressed, the way I talked, the way I think.” Now, working with eighth-graders in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Memphis, he makes a point of wearing a suit to school most days. “I dress up for school to show the students you can still be cool and hold yourself to a higher standard.” n 2015, Riverview Middle School earned the unwanted distinction of being the worst-performing school in Tennessee. In response, Shelby County Schools designated Riverview an Innovation Zone (iZone) school. The nationally recognized I-Zone program
focuses on turning around high priority schools, with a goal of moving the bottom five percent of schools in the state to the top 25 percent within five years. Practices include “hiring highly effective teachers and empowering principals, extending the learning day for students and delivering dedicated central support and ensuring strategic partnerships to support student achievement.” Tennessee ranks schools every other year, and the 2016 results are not in yet, but Principal Harris notes that iZone scoring has demonstrated “drastic improvements over the last three years” with double-digit gains in both reading and math proficiency. “This year, we were among the top 10 percent of all schools in Shelby County Schools to demonstrate the most growth in reading,” she says, “and came very close to the top 10 percent in growth in mathematics on the NWEA Map assessment administered by the district.” Brown credits his colleagues for Riverview’s continuing improvement. “We’re getting better because of good teaching and the care that people feel for the students, and because Principal Harris supports the staff and trusts us to do our jobs.” A belief in the transformative power of education continues to inform Brown’s life as he pursues a PhD in Transformational Leadership from Concordia University — and is key to his love for the teaching profession and special education in particular. “I like to work with at-risk kids because when the light bulb comes on for those kids, the room just lights up. The moment when they actually realize that they can do it — that moment when they are not afraid to answer — that’s why I’m in that classroom.” n B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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Being curious is one way Gabriela Salinas (’11) — known to her Christian Brothers University friends simply as Gabby —describes herself. This “curiosity gene” or part of her brain, as she laughingly dubs it, has been noticeably present since age seven and has shaped her life. uriosity proved a good companion through three serious bouts with cancer, through her years as a biochemistry student at CBU, into her professional life as a chemical biologist, and now in her work on her PhD in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Kentucky. Her story is both fascinating and a reflection of a valuable educational experience at CBU. Salinas currently serves on CBU’s National Alumni Board and was named Distinguished Young Alumna at the 2016 Bell Tower Gala, in recognition of her dedication to her alma mater as well as to her career and to the hospital that saved her life. She begins her story, with its emphasis on curiosity, with her medical history. “I’ve 20
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BY ROBIN GALLAHER BRANCH
always loved science,” she says. “I grew up at the hospital. At age seven, I was diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to know about all the tests. The blood work fascinated me.” That was in 1996, and young Gabby was a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. “I had a type of bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma,” she said. The treatment was radiation and chemotherapy. As a patient and undergoing various tests, treatments, and procedures, she constantly questioned her nurses, techs, and doctors. “I pestered them, I guess,” she laughs. However even as a child, she knew that there was a world in those tests and in their results beyond what she could see.
“It was fascinating to me,” says the young woman who now wears her brown hair in bun. “It was awesome.” No doubt her questions and pleasing manners and health needs endeared her to those who served her. The cancer returned when she was 15 in 2003, this time in a different form, thyroid cancer. It came back yet a third time at age 19 in 2007. “I had radiation again,” Salinas sighs. The treatment for thyroid cancer differed from that for bone cancer; it involved taking a pill with radioactive iodine. As one with a curious mind, this interested Salinas. “You are radioactive then,” she says with a smile in her voice. “You have to be isolated in a leadlined room. A sign is posted on your door ST. JUDE PHOTO/ANN-MARGARET HEDGES
Gabby Salinas worked as a research technologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital following her graduation from CBU in 2011. B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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Gabriela Salinas receiving the Distinguished Young Alumna Award at the 2016 Bell Tower Gala, with President John Smarrrelli and Analice Hosey Sowell (’02 & ’05), the 2014 award recipient.
that says ‘Radioactive Material’ and no one is allowed to enter.” She takes a breath and laughs about that period in her life. “It was weird and comical at the same time. It’s weird when you’re going through it and comical because the floors are covered in special paper and everything in the room is in Saran Wrap,” she says. In addition to her health struggles that she and her family went through together, tragedy struck the family. Gabby’s father and sister were killed in a car crash. The family now has her mother, Jacqueline; and Gabby and her twin brother Alejandro; and Fernando, now a CBU senior; and the youngest, Danny Thomas, who is named for the founder of the hospital where she received treatment. Although she describes herself as being “pretty healthy” for the last several years, there are struggles she faces regularly. “I still have to deal with the side effects of having cancer,” she says. “I wear a brace on my left leg. There are some memory 22
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problems. Cancer patients refer to it as ‘chemo brain.’ I work at it all the time.” In spite of all that has happened, Salinas, now 29, describes herself as resilient and happy. Others like Dr. David P. Dawson, associate professor of Chemistry and one of her CBU professors, agree. Remembering her as a student, Dr. Dawson says, “She has been thrown a tough life and her outlook was always positive.” He adds that she never let her illness be an excuse, even when it would have been normal to do so. Salinas explains resilience this way: “Resilience means that you don’t give up. You are always trying to overcome whatever obstacle is in your way and work through it, without losing stamina or hope.” She believes resilience is a very useful quality in science. “There are so many things in science that do not want to work. You have to make sure you don’t get frustrated and you don’t get discouraged but still try to gather all the information,” she says. Coming back to being curious she adds, “In science, you’re working on things nobody understands and it’s easy to see you don’t have all the answers. Science is an art. It uses the curious part of your brain.” With her lovely smile and friendly
laugh, Salinas definitely is a happy person. “People are amazed at that because my family has been through so many tragedies and hardships. But we enjoy living life and we are a very happy family. We have been very, very blessed.” Salinas attended Catholic schools and is still a practicing Catholic. “I have been in Catholic education almost all of my life. It has played a big role in my life. There is a certain discipline that comes with practicing your religion. I’m very comfortable with the Lasallian tradition of ‘Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.’” Her connection with CBU is strong, ongoing, and productive. “I came to CBU in 2007. I had just finished radiation. I was very sick and very weak but determined to start school and be with my peers. I didn’t want a gap year,” Salinas says. “CBU gave me normalcy. I was in the dorms and moved in when everybody else moved in. I had the same classes. I was very excited about starting college.” She also received scholarships. “I was very fortunate to receive funding,” she says. “The support from the university made a difference.” She lived in Maurelian Hall, a campus dorm, for three years and then PHOTO BY CORY DUGAN
moved home for her fourth year. What does she remember about dorm life? Salinas first mentions the noise. She then pauses for a moment and laughs at the memory of something special. She remembers an animal. “We had a fish. His name was Bob. He was a beta fish and blue. He would help us study.” Salinas is currently in her third year of graduate school at the University of Kentucky. She is in the College of Pharmacy and doing research on malaria; she hopes to graduate with her PhD in pharmaceutical sciences in two or three years. When asked about her undergrad classes at CBU, she mentions two in particular. The first was advanced organic chemistry with Dr. Dawson. The subject is known as a killer class throughout academia. People say that getting a “C” in organic is like getting an “A” in any other class. What Salinas liked about this CBU class in particular shows her curious nature. “Dr. Dawson gave us six unknown chemicals. We had to figure out what they were and make a derivative using each unknown,” she says. “It was great detective work.” She commends Dawson as a professor. “Organic chemistry is a very hard subject. PHOTO S COURTESY OF GABRIELA SALINAS
He took time to come up with different ways for the students to understand it. He always answers questions and tries to rephrase things. The way he teaches it helps the students, but it is still a hard class.” For his part, Dawson recalls her as a top student. “Gabby has a sharp and inquisitive mind. She was always asking probing questions in class which showed that she was very engaged,” he says. Dawson is very proud of his former student. He saw early on that she would excel in science and is “excited to see her progression as she continues her studies.” Salinas also greatly appreciates CBU’s emphasis on encouraging students to be wellrounded. “I could take upper level classes in other departments,” she says. This led her to take Dr. Emily A. Holmes’ class on Women in Christianity. “It was awesome,” Salinas says. “The role women have had in religion is often not explored in history. To have a whole class devoted to that was very stimulating. It was a very academic class.” The class met at night. “That meant I could take it,” she says. Salinas could finish a lab, have dinner, and get to class. Salinas highly commends her professor. “Dr. Holmes
A fundraising team of cancer survivors named Danny’s Dream Team was founded by Salinas in 2010. Each year since then, the small group of St. Jude survivors raises funds and participates in events during the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend as “St. Jude Heroes.”
really cares about the community. She tries to bring in new things like the role of food in spirituality. She makes you think.” Dr. Holmes, associate professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy, adds insights on Salinas as a CBU student: “Before enrolling in my class, Gabby came to me to discuss adding a minor in Women’s Studies to her already demanding course schedule and major requirements. She was focused and driven, and I admired her ambition. We immediately hit it off and have kept in touch ever since.” Recently Holmes helped out at the St. Jude Farmers Market. “I was overjoyed to see Gabby’s photo on the wall! It’s not surprising that she is one of the faces of St. Jude, and I am so proud that she is also one of the faces of CBU,” Holmes said. Salinas actively raises funds to help finance St. Jude research and travels the country as a champion for its work and its mission. She’s a founder of “Danny’s Dream Team,” a B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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From New York Daily News Archive… NO FUNDS AND GIRL, 7, COULD DIE BY MIGUEL GARCILAZO, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1996
A 7-year-old Bolivian girl may have just weeks to live because her family has neither money nor insurance to pay the $250,000 needed to have a cancerous tumor removed from her spine. Ironically, had little Gabriela Salinas entered the country illegally, she would be eligible for Medicaid-paid treatment, according to medical experts. Instead, the child is effectively being punished for coming to the U.S. with a valid tourist visa, says her father, Omar Salinas. Salinas, a 39-year-old one-time military helicopter pilot who claims he flew interdiction raids for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for six years, said he risked his life many times for U.S. interests and now begs for help for his daughter. “I’ve come 4,000 miles for Gabriela and I’m willing to do whatever I have to to see that she gets the help she needs,” he told the Daily News. Gabriela came to New York two weeks ago after doctors in South America misdiagnosed her cancer as a pinched nerve. Today she lies in a bed at Mount Sinai Medical Center as hospital officials ponder
fundraising team composed of pediatric cancer survivors who now participate in the annual St. Jude Marathon as “St. Jude Heroes.” Salinas openly praises CBU and talks of its impact on her life. “CBU is where I got my start on my career journey. It will always be a special place because it is at the formation of my career,” she says. She explains this by saying she realizes that science can be wonderful—with its great discoveries and advances in knowledge; but science must be applied. “But at the end of the day, there has to be value. Research has no value if it is not working for people,” Salinas says. She currently works as a graduate research assistant for Dr. R. Kip Guy, dean and professor of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Kentucky. She met Guy in a standard academic way. In 2010, she asked Dr. Dawson for help in finding a research position for the summer. He suggested working for Dr. Guy because Guy was then at St. Jude, and (of course) Salinas knew St. Jude very well. Salinas and other lab assistants moved from the Memphis area when Guy became a dean at the University of Kentucky. Guy describes Salinas as “wonderful to 24
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her case. “She knows she’s sick but she doesn’t understand just how sick,” said her father. Doctors have told him that, without proper treatment, Gabriela will die in a matter of weeks. The child desperately needs chemotherapy to halt the malignant spinal tumor that has already numbed the feelings in her legs. “I miss my twin brother, Alejandro, and my mother too,” Gabriela whispered yesterday as she tried to complete a borrowed Disney jigsaw puzzle. “I miss my home very much.”… continued at bit.ly/gabby01
GABRIELA’S ANGEL - MARLO BY MIGUEL GARCILAZO, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1996
Little Gabriela Salinas will get the lifesaving medical treatment she needs thanks to actress
Gabriela Salinas, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Christian Brothers University, 2011
work with as a student and scientist. She brings a strong passion to her work, is highly motivated by the medical problems of the underserved, and digs into her science with the same intensity she brings to the rest of her life.” Noting that “Gabby seems to have a gift for turning up the unexpected,” Guy
Marlo Thomas. The 7-year-old Bolivian child and her family will board a plane this morning bound for Memphis, where officials at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have pledged to treat her deadly spinal tumor free of charge. “I’m beyond words,” an overjoyed Omar Salinas said last night. “My daughter is going to be so happy.” Saying she was “very moved” by the Daily News accounts of the tragedy, Thomas said she contacted St. Jude to see if it could help Gabriela. “I faxed a copy [of The News’ article] to Dr. Arthur Nienhuis, director of St. Jude, and asked if anything could be done,” Thomas said yesterday. Thomas’ father, the late comedian Danny Thomas, was a major fund-raiser for St. Jude. Using cash from St. Jude’s fund-raising wing, the hospital will fly Gabriela, her father and aunt to Memphis to begin her examination and treatment, hospital officials confirmed yesterday. Once the diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma a tumor in the base of the spine is confirmed, Gabriela will begin immediate chemotherapy under the supervision of Dr. William Meyer, chief of St. Jude’s tumor clinic, hospital officials said.... continued at bit.ly/gabby02
shares a story about her that highlights the joys of science. Salinas has been working on a new class of drugs for treating malaria, a particularly catastrophic disease for children. “We knew that the drug could kill the parasite that causes malaria quickly in vivo (reaching maximum effect within hours of dosing) but was much more slowly acting in the laboratory (taking four-plus days to reach maximum effect,” Guy begins. “Gabby was digging into the underlying mechanism to try and tease this out. We had a hypothesis that the drug somehow ‘primed’ the infected red blood cells for clearance by the immune system. Gabby was able to show—quite unexpectedly—that while the drug took days to kill the parasites in the lab, it almost instantly made them stop growing. This pointed to a mechanism causing a recognizable change early and ultimately let us show that the drug works by hijacking the normal mechanism the body uses to get rid of red blood cells. It was the combination of Gabby’s attention to detail and her tenacity in following up an unexpected result that really broke this open.” Maybe credit goes as well to that “curiosity gene” or the curious part of her brain. n PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRIELA SALINAS
Giving Thanks... “For of those to whom much is given, much is required” s we begin to see the days of 2017 winding down and preparations for Thanksgiving and Christmas beginning, many of us will reflect on the past year by giving thanks. As a new leader at Christian Brothers University, gratitude and thankfulness are expressed daily. I enjoyed the great privilege of meeting freshmen as they moved into the dorms for their first university experience. Our new students and their parents were greeted by positive resident assistants eager to lend a helping hand. Our RA’s offered the parents many words of assurance that their sons and daughters were in excellent hands. The parents then departed our campus expressing great gratitude for our CBU team being so welcoming and competent. CBU is certainly not known for being a mediocre university. If you achieve a bachelor’s or master’s degree, it has come with hard work, sacrifice, and support from a host of faculty, staff, and even fellow students. In the last few weeks, students and parents have shared with me how grateful they are for the members of the faculty who arrive early or stay late to be sure they are available to any student who needs assistance. There is a real gratitude from our students for their teachers who personally know their names and want them to excel. In talking with faculty, they are equally grateful to the students who are well-prepared for class and fully engaged in their area of study. There is a sense of mutual appreciation for each other, everyone giving their best. Grateful alumni visit CBU for planned events with fellow classmates, as well as those who might be passing through Memphis and just want to see the campus after many years of being away. Each alum, young or old, has such an immense gratitude that many are are moved in their emotions as they recount a Christian Brother or a faculty member who made a life-long impression on their university experience. So many of these alumni have become amazing leaders in their own families, in the business world, and are giving back to their own communities all across the United States and even the world. Their appreciation for CBU is extraordinary. I know how the Christian Brothers and a good education have shaped my own life. I know that without the influence of the Brothers, I wouldn’t have formed the same foundation on which I have built a family, a career, my commitment to service, and my own faith-formation. My gratitude and thankfulness is immeasurable. As you reflect on your own CBU experience, I would ask that you also reflect on the words, “For of those to whom much is given, much is required.” CBU’s mission and vision is active and growing as we host the largest freshman class in the history of the university, with 381 members of the Class of 2021. Our Schools of Engineering, Sciences, Arts, and Business and our College of Adult Professional Studies are also growing, and we want to provide the very best experience for all of our students. Many of us will be making charitable gifts between Thanksgiving and December 31 to show our gratitude. Charitable giving is a personal investment in making the world a better place. If you are grateful for CBU, and you have “been given much” from CBU, join me in making a gift of thanks. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas,
MARK BILLINGSLEY
Vice President for Advancement Mark Billingsley joined CBU on August 15, 2017 as Vice President for Advancement. Mark has a successful history of raising major gifts for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare for over a decade, has served as an executive director of a nonprofit organization, and is a “Brother’s Boy” by way of Christian Brothers High School (CBHS), where he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. Mark is married to Diana Walker Billingsley, and they have two children, an eighth-grade daughter at Holy Rosary Catholic School and a freshman son at CBHS. We welcome Mark to CBU!
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KENNETH GUY
HANNAH SCHULTZ
SERVANDO MIRELES
is a Business Administration major, is a Mathematics major with minors in is a Business Administration concentrating in Management. Outside Biology and Global Studies. She is an major, concentrating in of class, he is a Resident Assistant, a CARL excellent student but uses her gifts not Finance. As a President’s (recognized in 2016 as CARL of the Year), only to learn but also to help others; Ambassador – a group he led a Peer Counselor, an active SGA Senator, this has made her an outstanding last academic year – Servando and a member of the Judicial Board. He tutor in the Language Lab and Math has given over 200 campus serves as a Peer Mentor for at-risk students Center. She was also selected by tours. Recently, he was part and also works with Admissions as an fellow students to receive the 2015-16 of a small delegation sent by interviewer for various scholarships. Last Student Choice Peer Tutor award. Admissions to recruit new students year, Ken planned and carried out a week Hannah is a well-respected and wellin the Atlanta area. As an elected of events on sexual assault awareness. liked Resident Assistant and has held Tau Kappa Epsilon officer, Servando He’s been a group leader in the summer officer positions, including president, was instrumental in animating Lasallian Youth Gathering, has taught in the CBU chapter of the Mathematics members to embrace the TKE ethos Sunday School to four-year-olds for the Association of America and the CBU of “a better man for a better world.” last seven years, and also participated in Honors Program. She is a member of Servando served as SGA Vice President the Bridge Builders program. Ken revived the Career Services Student Advisory of Communications during the 2016-17 CBU’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, Board, as well as a constant source academic year and returned this fall as working with national headquarters to of volunteer support to the Student Vice President of Finance. He has been a recharter the chapter, recruiting members, Life staff. “I am very blessed and September of Service student leader for the and serving as the chapter’s Philanthropy grateful to have been named a CBU last two years, responsible for all aspects of Chair. “I feel speechless, grateful, and Lasallian Fellow, as there are so planning, publicizing, and implementation honored to be named one of this year’s many deserving candidates. I am of CBU’s largest service initiative. (By the way, Lasallian Fellows. Thinking back to my very honored the staff here felt I “Servando” is Spanish for “to serve the ones in freshman year, I never would’ve thought represent the Lasallian values, as need.”) “I am pleased, honored, and humbled that I would be a member of such an I strive to integrate those values to be named a CBU Lasallian Fellow and to incredibly accomplished community of into my decisions, actions, and join past recipients who I have long admired people. During my last year at CBU, the personality. In the next year, I hope and respected. During my last year at CBU, I thing that I’d like to accomplish the most to continue growing as a leader, as would like to make the most of it. College flew is to leave the campus better than I found a person, and in my faith, and I want by so fast, and I want to make this year the best it by working for the current and future to get even more involved in the yet. During my last year, I want to make a big incoming classes through SGA.” Memphis community.” impact in the community.”
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ALISON ALLENSWORTH
ROBERT TWOREK
EMBODYING LASALLIAN VALUES…
is a Psychology major. She is a Civil Engineering major. He served as the MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD… has served in leadership second Regent of the Omega Delta chapter Each year, five senior students are selected for the roles as a member of Zeta Tau of the Theta Tau Professional Engineering distinction of CBU Lasallian Fellow. Students are Alpha sorority and mentored Fraternity at CBU, and currently serves as the nominated by CBU faculty and staff in recognition of incoming freshmen as a CBU Peer Professional Chair. During his time as Regent, their commitment to the underserved; their sensitivity Counselor. She’s been a President’s Robert was instrumental in establishing the to social and community needs; the active nature Ambassador since 2014, served by-laws of the newly created chapter. Robert of their faith; and a demonstration of leadership, on the Board of Directors of the participates in Theta Tau’s philanthropy, innovative or creative problem solving, and changeLasallian Collegians, a member of Habitat for Humanity, recently building a making. The CBU Lasallian Fellowships are made the Student Activities Council, and an wheelchair ramp for an elderly woman. He possible through the generosity of Joyce A. intern for CBU Career Services (where also served as treasurer and vice-president of Mollerup and Robert (Bob) Buckman. Please visit she manages the Career Services the American Society of Civil Engineers and cbu.edu/lasallian-fellows for more information Student Advisory Board). As a Resident as a member of the Judiciary Committee. on the Class of 2018 — and every class of Fellows Advisor, she has developed programs, He is a member of Tau Beta Pi, the national since 2010. encouraged community involvement, engineering honor society and recently and provided paraprofessional advising received a Tau Beta Pi scholarship. Outside to dorm students. Alison has volunteered the world of engineering, Robert serves as at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital sacristan and is responsible for setting up for for many years — where she’s has even the Sunday night Masses on campus and took trained new volunteers — and is a threeon the responsibility of acquiring volunteers year September of Service (SOS) leader. If to be lectors, gift bearers, and Eucharistic that wasn’t enough, Alison took the helm ministers. “I am truly grateful to have been as the team leader for SOS 2017. “Being chosen to receive such a distinguished named a Lasallian Fellow was one of the award. I never thought I would even be most surprising and humbling honors that I considered for this honor during my time could have received. It’s so remarkable to be here at CBU. As for the rest of this year, a part of an outstanding group of individuals I hope to strengthen relationships with who are committed to the mission of St. John my friends and pass the Fundamentals of Baptist de La Salle. I hope to continue serving Engineering Exam, while also continuing to my community, and I hope to inspire others to grow in my Catholic faith and to spread the commit themselves in the same way!” Lasallian tradition.”
PHOTOS BY JIM HARDING
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PHOTO BY ALLEN GILLESPIE/UTHSC
Raymond Oschger “knocked an item off the bucket list” and drove to Alaska from Park Ridge, IL —7,738 miles round trip. “Awesome scenery, very few people,” he says. Michael Wurth moved to Louisville, KY last September to be near his kids and grandkids.
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Dr. Walter Howard Delashmit Jr. has been named a Lifetime Achiever by Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles. Walter has been an engineering executive, researcher, consultant, and application developer for the U.S. defense, space, and signal/image processing industries. He served for 25 years with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, worked closely with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, and received a letter of commendation in 1979 from Rear Admiral Jackson of the U.S. Navy for his work developing advanced torpedo systems. For dedication to the engineering discipline and achievements from the oceans to the reaches of space, Walter was welcomed for inclusion in five volumes of Who’s Who in America, two volumes of Who’s Who in Finance and Business, two volumes of Who’s Who in Science in Engineering, the 1986 to 1987 volume of Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, and the 1987 to 1988 volume of Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America.
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Mike McGillicuddy serves as an Ignatian Volunteer Corps member in Chicago. He serves as a counselor and group facilitator in the HOPE family services program at St. Pius V Parish and conducts workshops on conflict management. You can read a blog post Mike wrote last year on retirement and life as a volunteer at bit.ly/ mikeIVC.
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James Enright has been happily retired for two years and has lived in Dallas since 1974.
Judge J. Robert “Bobby” Carter is a new member of the CBU Board of Trustees. He has been a judge of Criminal Court Division III since 2010. He was an Assistant District Attorney General for 26 years prior to his election.
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Dr. Altha Stewart was named president-elect of the American Psychiatric Association in February — the first African American named to the position in the association’s 173-year history.
She will assume the position of president in May 2018. She is an associate professor of Psychiatry at University of Tennessee Heath Science Center and director of the Center for Health in Justice-Involved Youth.
Dennis Foley wrote and produced not a Stranger, a dramatic film about a downand-out, 50-year-old former high school teacher with a dark secret who befriends three 12-year-old boys, and helps one come to grips with his father’s death. The film was directed by and stars James Russo, and was filmed on location on on the Far Southwest Side of Chicago (where Dennis lives). Not a Stranger was screened at CBU last October, and Dennis was present to discuss it with the audience. Read a film review from
the Chicago Sun-Times at bit.ly/foley-film, and watch the video interview with Dennis at youtu.be/jhDDi_v_j3s.
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Cathy Ross is a new member of the CBU Board of Trustees. Cathy is the former CFO and EVP at FedEx. She has recently endowed a scholarship in the CBU School of Business and has freely given of her time as a volunteer mentor to CBU students.
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James Reid, president of Memphisbased homebuilder Reid Homes Inc., is currently board president of the West Tennessee Home Builders Association.
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Mike McNamee has been elected to the board of Directors for the Ferrari Club of America. Mike currently lives in The Woodlands ,TX and has two daughters, Katy and Casey.
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Christopher Singer is a new member of the CBU Board of Trustees. He is the deputy chief engineer for NASA, responsible for integrating engineering across the agency’s ten field centers. Prior to this appointment in April 2016, he served as the engineering director at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Lyle Beck passed the 35-year mark of service in 2016, both in the U.S. Navy and in U.S. Naval Civil Service. Paul J. Volpe is now the chief financial officer for Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
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James C. Collins Jr. is a new member of the CBU Board of Trustees. He is executive vice president at DuPont, with responsibility for the DuPont Agriculture
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segment, DuPont Pioneer and Crop Protection, in Wilmington, DE. Wayne Bullard is an actively practicing project professional since 1996, earning his PMP through PMI in 2005. He earned his Lean Bronze and Silver Certification through Lennox Residential in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Wayne is a certified coach and presents at symposiums and offers business and nonprofit sector professional development coaching. Watch a recent presentation at the University of Texas Dallas Applied Project Management Forum at youtu.be/8ueWg2E1IgA. Roch Byrne has been named the deputy to the commander at the Pine Bluff (AR) Arsenal. In this position, he will serve as chief executive and chief engineer for all operations involving approximately 700 employees and a $100 million annual budget.
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David Martin has moved into the new role of vice president of sourcing and accounting at TruGreen, Inc. TruGreen merged with Scotts LawnService in 2016, making it the largest lawn care company in North America.
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Jerry Knauss, founder and president of Arlington, TN-based courier service Laboratory Express, was the subject of articles in McClatchy-Tribune, Bloomberg. com, and The Commercial Appeal about the company’s specialization in transporting blood, urine and other laboratory specimens between clinical and lab sites across the nation. Read the article at bit.ly/LabEx.
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Monica Cole has been named Head of North Region for Middle Market Banking at Wells Fargo. Cole has led the Southern Division of Wells Fargo Middle Market Banking since 2014. In her new role, Monica has relocated to Chicago and oversees more than 350 team members in six states, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Lt. Lawrence J. Riedel was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief with the Shelby County Fire Department in 2016. He joined the Shelby County Fire Department in 1994 and in 1996 married Leigh Ann Mills (’90). They have three daughters and reside in Lakeland, TN.
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W. Scott Booker is CEO of Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Prior to joining Healthgrades, Scott held leadership roles at e-commerce and consumer websites, including as president of Hotels.com and Stella
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& Dot. Scott has also worked at Citigroup and Accenture, where he built CRM solutions for hotels and casinos. Brett Lowie has been named as director of Americas Operations for DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc., an affiliate of leading global automotive supplier DENSO Corp. headquartered in California. Col. John Verhage has been promoted to Vice Wing Commander, 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base, GA.
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Aimee Lewis was recognized as the Planned Parenthood 2017 Fundraiser of the Year. Chosen from nominations by CEOs of 56 affiliates, the Fundraiser of the Year Award recognizes the energy and art that goes into building personal and lasting relationships with stakeholders, and the vision, tenacity, and passion that drives success in the field. Aimee is vice president of external affairs at Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region. Fawn Sachleben is the executive banking director at Citizens Bank of Edmond in Edmond, OK. The position oversees treasury services, manages commercial loans, and specializes in concierge banking. In this position, Fawn caters to the medical community by leading the bank’s health care services. Vicki Walk joined Paragon Bank as vice president, mortgage consultant. In this position, she originates and closes residential mortgages, as well as guides clients through the mortgage process by analyzing appropriate loan programs. Louis “Bo” Allen Jr. has been named president of First Tennessee Bank’s West Tennessee banking business. Bo also serves on the boards of ArtsMemphis, CBU, and the Orpheum Theatre. Joe O’Callaghan was recently recommended for promotion to the rank of Colonel in the US Army after having spent five years in Armored units, and 18 years with Airborne and Special Operations forces. A veteran of multiple combat and peacekeeping deployments recently returning from Operation Inherent Resolve-Iraq, he was selected for the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. Joe will attend this course for approximately one year and then will be placed in a strategic level of operations position within the government or receive a Brigade Command. Joe was also recently recognized by the French Government with the National Defense Medal (Gold) for his efforts in support of French Forces in Iraq.
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Andrew Rike is vice president of the engineering division at Harbor Environmental and Safety in Little Rock, AR and has been appointed as secretary on Harbor’s Board of Directors. James Maclin Jr. (MBA) is a new member of the CBU Board of Trustees. Jim is the former senior vice president and director of corporate support at MAA (MidAmerican Apartment Communities). He has served on various civic boards including Junior Achievement USA, Leadership Memphis, the Housing Authority of Memphis, and the University of Memphis Alumni Association.
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Torrus Brooks was the subject of a March High Ground News article entitled “The Barber School brings needed job skills to North Memphis.” Torrus began his career as a barber, graduated from CBU and became an engineer, and then returned to barbering. He eventually founded the Memphis Institute of Barbering on the southern edge of the Klondike community in Memphis. You can read the article at bit.ly/ Torrus.
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Stephanie Cole-Farris is the director of the Youth Villages Boys Center for Intensive Residential Treatment in Memphis. The center helps more than 70 boys who are overcoming physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges and need help in an intensive, secure setting. Stephanie began her career with Youth Villages in 1999 as a family specialist with Intercept intensive in-home services. She served as an assistant director of clinical services before becoming director of the Boys Center in 2015.
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Dawn Rodgers has joined Pendleton Square Trust and Family Office in Chattanooga, TN as relationship manager. In this role, she develops multigenerational family relationships and serves families and their advisors to deliver trust and family office services. Toni Bennett was selected as a member of the Stamats Adult Student Marketing Conference Advisory Board. The nine members of this board provided expertise across a wide range of topics and disciplines specific to the 2017 Adult Student Marketing Conference in February in Huntington Beach, CA. Toni is dean of the College of Adult Professional Studies at CBU.
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baby
Kyra Sanchez Clapper (’13) gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, FRANÇOIS MICHAEL MANSOUR. Julia Hanebrink (’01) and Dave Lewis (‘99) welcomed their bundle of joy, NOVERA ROSE, into the world on January 8. Kimberly Norville (’00) welcomed a son, JETT MATTHEW, on March 6, 2016. Jett joins older brothers, Christian and Jaxon. Dr. Lewis Takashi Pearson (’01) and his wife Angela welcomed their new daughter, HELEN SETSUKO, on February 21. Helen joins her five siblings, Samuel Kiyoshi, Lucy Ayako, Thomas Yujiro, James Makoto, and Lewis Akira.
After getting engaged in September 2014 on a hot air balloon over San Diego, Lorraine Delgado Amador (’02) and Javier Santiago where married in Puerto Rico in August 2015. This past October, they welcomed ISABEL VALENTINA SANTIAGO DELGADO.
Bala Menon is senior vice president of global operations and services for ReachLocal, a digital advertising and marketing firm providing online marketing services to small and medium sized businesses globally. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Jennifer Murphy Menon (’99), and their two kids, Ava and Sophia. Elaine Newbaker-London completed a six-month detail for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Management and Budget office in the Pentagon in Washington, DC in 2015. She also served as the deputy chief for the Operations and Regulatory office and Readiness and Contingency Operations office for the Southwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for eleven months. Outside of work, Elaine and her husband, Ricky, stay busy with their three children. Dr. Tammy Nguyen opened Mahji, a restaurant specializing in Korean-style fried chicken in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY and works as an anesthesiologist at NYU Langone Medical Center Hospital for Joint Diseases. Check out the restaurant at mahjinyc.com.
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Kimberly Norville is currently living in Augusta, GA where she works as a career transitions counselor at Fort Gordon, GA as well as guidance counselor for
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Dr. Ashley Salvaggio (’07) and Daniel Salvaggio (’06) welcomed JACK SALVAGGIO (above) on February 6.
Evans Christian Academy. Beth Branigan Hock was chosen as a member of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Task Force to support the opening of the newest property, the Shanghai Disney Resort. She is one of 400 cast members worldwide who was relocated to China for six months to assist with this opening. As the HRIS analyst, she assisted the local Human Resources Information Solutions team with configuring the system infrastructure. Maria Lensing (also MEM ‘07) shared her thoughts on hard work, family, and success in an April 6 blogpost on TheHuffingtonPost.com entitled “Making Your Moments Matter.” Read Maria’s post at bit.ly/mariaCBU. Dr. Lewis Takashi Pearson is an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Saint Francis, and is program coordinator for their bachelor’s degree in philosophy. His most recent publication is a book chapter in the anthology Science Fiction and The Abolition of Man: Finding C. S. Lewis in Sci-Fi Film and Television (Pickwick, 2016). Zac Scott is the vice president for devices at Experitec, Inc. in Memphis. Alison Welch is manager of JA BizTown, a program of Junior Achievement of Memphis
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and the Mid-South. The program is designed for 4th-6th graders, combining in-class learning with a day-long visit to a fully interactive simulated town facility. Richard Moore is the global director for quality logistics at Getinge, an international medical technology company with offices in Memphis. Dr. Dayan Perera has been appointed Extension aquaculture specialist for the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
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Michael S. Belk (MEM) was honored with the 2016 Craig Blackman Graduate Engineering Alumni Award. Currently, Michael is senior information technology manager at Flextronics. Dr. Jyoti Gupta has been appointed to the position of president of Volk Optical, where she will be responsible for providing strategic and tactical direction to support the future growth of Volk’s global sales and operations. Prior to her new position, Jyoti was vice president and general manager of advanced drug delivery systems at Unilife Corporation. Ray Karasek successfully defended his dissertation on “An Assessment of College Tuition Increases and Retention” at the University of Memphis on November 4 and earned his Ed.D in Higher and Adult Education (with a concentration in Higher Education). Congratulations, Dr. Karasek! Ayana Clinton Lawson is director of player services and appearances for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. She and her husband, Ed, have two sons. Ayana was the subject of a profile in The Oklahoman in January, entitled “Of Character: Lawson links Thunder players to community.” Read it at bit.ly/ayanaOKC Bryan Williams (MAT) was named as one of Memphis Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” for 2016. Bryan is head of school at Christ Methodist Day School.
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Taylor Grisham Bland is an account manager with Godfrey, a marketing firm based in Lancaster, PA. Taylor has over 10 years of experience in the marketing and advertising world, on both the agency and the client sides, most recently with Oden & Associates in Memphis. Taylor and her husband Jim now live in Mechanicsburg, PA. Shelby Williams Long completed the Teacher continued on page 32
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Tony Kreager (’08) and Kaitlyn Schubert were married on April 22 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Memphis.
Laura Washington (’07) married Matthew Dugan, an airline pilot from Ontario, Canada, in Kirkland, WA on June 31. They currently reside in Houston, where Laura is a director of academics at YES Prep Public Schools. At CBU, Laura was a star on the women’s volleyball team led by In-Sik Hwang, 200307. She was named Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year in 2003, and Player of the Year in 2005. She is still holds CBU career records in kills, kills per set, blocks per set, total points, and points per set. The bride (pictured at center above) is flanked by Bob and Susan Wilson, supporters of CBU and the Wilson Family’s “Wilson Scholars Program” at CBU. The Wilsons were volleyball fans and the “Memphis parents” for a group of transplanted women athletes who played on the 2003-2007 Lady Buccaneer volleyball
and soccer teams. Also pictured above are (at left) volleyball players Kim Sohacki (‘07) and Lauren Amundson (‘07), plus (at right) soccer player Cara O’Hern Scharer (‘07) and volleyball player Krista Gyarmati-Harris (‘07). Kim, an Indiana native, is back on home turf working in construction engineering in Indianapolis. Lauren, who (along with Laura) originally hails from Washington State, is currently head women’s volleyball coach at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. Cara is the proud mother of two sons in her hometown of Atlanta. Krista, who came to CBU from Phoenix, AZ, is now a program coordinator at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville. LaQuitta Bell (’13, MBA ’17) and Mario Carruth (’14) met as students at CBU in 2009. They were married on May 12 in Memphis in front of an intimate group of friends and family. “We said our ‘I dos’ in front of a judge, but it didn’t make our day less meaningful than having a big ceremony and reception,” LaQuitta said. Read all about their courtship and wedding in a Huffington Post “Listen to America” article — and look at more great post-wedding photos (by photographer Amy Hutchison) — at bit.ly/carruths.
Kara Marie Jones (’12) and David Allen Vaughn (’12) were married on October 22, 2016 at Wilson Chapel of Christ United Methodist Church in Memphis. Kara is a teacher at New Hope Christian Academy, and David teaches at Christ Methodist Day School. DO YOU HAVE A WEDDING TO ANNOUNCE? Send your info to the CBU Alumni Office: 650 East Parkway South, Memphis TN 38104 Or visit cbu.edu/class-notes and send it online — and don’t forget to share your photos!! B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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Alternative Preparation Program at Wesleyan College, graduating with an M.A. in Early Childhood Education in 2008. She taught for Bibb County (GA) Public Schools for 11 years, inlcuding Alexander II Math & Science Magnet School, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School. In 2016, Shelby began teaching at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Macon, GA. She says, “I am positive that my time at CBU and my interactions with Lasallians like Brother Allen, Brother Kevin, and Brother Francisco helped prepare me for this role.” Julie Newman started her own company called Give Her Six, which creates and markets stylish women’s sports team apparel. Look it up and go shopping at givehersix.com — and while you’re online, read the cool article on Julie in Style Blueprint at bit.ly/GiveHer6.
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David Ryan Bunting (MEd) received the Educator Award from the Washington (PA) School District, where he teaches 5th-6th grade at Washington Park Elementary School and is a professor of Education at Washington and Jefferson College. Marly Hazen has been elected to the City Council of Elkins, WV where she is a member of the Planning Commission, Personnel Committee, and Recycling Committee. Jordan Reed was confirmed into the Catholic Church at the 2017 Easter Vigil.
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Ryan Blankenship graduated with a Master of Science in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Burton Bridges received a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Memphis in May 2016. Sister Mary Juliana Cox (MSEL) is the principal of St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater, MN and was named Educator of the Year for 2017 by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. Read more about her at bit.ly/SrMaryJ. Kelly Summons Crow was the subject of a profile in the February 4 edition of The Daily News, entitled “With a Mind for Math, Crow Finds Fit as CPA at Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck.” Kelly, who started her career at RGB as a CBU intern, is now the firm’s tax manager. Read the Daily News article at bit.ly/kellyRGB. Mandi Pitt-Reed is now the director of religious education at St. Ann Catholic Church in Nashville.
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Rachael Reese Covington coauthored the article “Video-assisted genetic counseling in patients with B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
What if it’s too hard? I’m gonna push through! What if it’s too tough? I’m gonna push through! Jasmyn Wright (MEd) had no idea that the daily mantra she and her 27 third graders at Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter School in Philadelphia recited would go viral on social media — much less in mainstream advertising and the news media, and on national television. Jasmyn posted a video to her Facebook page, and it has (thus
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ovarian, fallopian and peritoneal carcinoma” which was published in the October 2016 edition of Gynecologic Oncology. Christopher Peterson and Dr. Emily Holmes (Religion & Philosophy) co-authored a chapter entitled “Race, Religion, and Justice: From Privilege to Solidarity in the Mid-South Food Movement” published in Food Justice in US and Global Contexts: Bringing Theory and Practice Together (Springer, 2017). You can read more about Chris’s thoughts on our food system and his life as a farmer on his blog Farmlosophy (farmlosophy.com). Amanda Alberti is a news producer at WMC Action News 5 in Memphis. Adrian Bishop has been appointed as vice president of sales for the East Region for InMode Aesthetics. In his previous position with Syneron-Candela, he was the top-producing director of sales for both fiscal year 2015 and fiscal 2016, breaking sales records both years. InMode specializes in radio-frequency, laser, and pulsed light technologies for in-demand aesthetic procedures. Anthony Maranise, OblSB (also MACS ‘17) addressed the Inaugural Global Congress on Sports & Christianity in York, England in August 2016, presenting two major papers on the
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far) gained more than 3.7 million views. She appeared on NBC’s Today show and BET, and was featured in Essence; she was interviewed by Huffington Post and BuzzFeed. Gap (the clothing retailer) approached her to lead the chant for its “Back to School” ad campaign. The 30-second commercial shows Wright walking through her classroom as the students chant and move their hands in a pushing motion. Check out the video at youtu.be/ZR451_EZYs0 and an article on Jasmyn in The Philaelphia Inquirer at bit.ly/ jasmyngap.
intersections of sports and Christian spirituality before more than 250 delegates from 26 countries. At the Congress, Anthony also formally launched The Foundation for the Study of Sports & the Christian Spiritual Life (FSSCSL), a grant-funding organization to promote the scholarly investigation of and publication of research in sport-spirituality, sport-theology, sport-ethics, and sport-philosophy. Interested parties can join the FSSCSL by visitng amaranis. wixsite.com/amjm/fsscsl. Additionally, Anthony was featured in the September/October 2016 issue of Southern Writers Magazine. Jayme McKeever is a digital marketing specialist/designer at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. J. Michael Metz was ordained as a transitional deacon, a milestone toward serving as a Catholic priest, at Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta on May 27. He holds the rank of first lieutenant in the Army Reserve but is excused from military drills during his studies at seminary. Rev. Mr. Metz hopes to become a military chaplain when fully ordained. Kyra Sanchez Clapper recently passed her comprehensive exams for her Modern European History
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UNIVERSITY AWARDS: CLASS OF 2017 q The Alumni Academic Award, which
leadership to the student body, the Student Life staff, and to the University community. e The Thomas Lipsmeyer Award was presented to Maria Dopico, as the graduate considered by fellow classmates as the “ideal senior student” and the student who has most actively contributed to the senior class and to the University.
is presented to the graduate with the highest academic average, went to John Buttross (who graduated with a 4.0 in Biology). w Sean Rowland received the Brother I. Leo Outstanding Student Leadership Award, presented to the outstanding graduating senior who has provided distinguished student
doctorate at the University of Memphis. Her doctoral dissertation on early French Romanticism and the writings of François-Rene de Chateaubriand builds on her earlier research for her dual Master’s degrees in French and History from the U of M. Michalyn Easter was selected to The Memphis Flyer’s “20<30: The Class of 2017,” an annual list of 20 young Memphians who are making a difference. Michalyn is a history teacher at Overton High School and founder of the nonprofit Our Grass Our Roots in North Memphis, an organization designed to inform the community of resources and opportunities, resist gentrification, and assist progressive development in the Memphis area. Tavares Floyd graduated from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA in May 2016 with his Doctorate of Jurisprudence. Patrick Graham coauthored an article entitled “Oyster reef restoration: substrate suitability may depend on specific restoration goals” that was published in Restoration Ecology. Danielle Hobbs was named Embarker of the Week last November by the New Memphis Institute. Embark is bringing together and shaping Memphis’ next group of young professionals. Alumni from the Institute’s Embark program are high-performing PHOTOS BY CORY DUGAN
20-something change-makers who work together to make a meaningful mark on Memphis. Danielle is the human capital recruiter for Green Dot Public Schools. Elton Banks has been accepted to the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL. Julia Kueter is working with CBU Campus Ministry as a Lasallian Scholar and is pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching. Melanie Horne is a digitial media coordinator at the Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, in Arlington, VA. Melanie graduated last year from George Mason University with a Master of Science in Peace Studies and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Kevin Pham has been accepted to University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy.
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Jonathan Aristorenas has been accepted to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center School of Medicine. Lauren Dahlke has been awarded a Van Vleet Memorial Doctoral Award at the University of Memphis. This is a university-wide fellowship — the top offered by the University, and two
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awards were made this year. Each doctoralgranting department nominates candidates, which then compete at the university level. James Dres is a civil engineer in transportation at Pickering Firm, Inc. in Memphis. Hannah Evon is a communications specialist at Memphis Brand Initiative, a newly formed organization created to promote the city as a destination of choice for tourists, talent, businesses, and families. Yuki Namba passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and has become an Engineer Intern. Since his graduation in May of 2015, Yuki has worked for FedEx Express as an associate aircraft interiors engineer. He maintains and improves the reliability, safety, and airworthiness of aircraft fire protection and oxygen systems. John Austin Tubbs is a first-year Lasallian Volunteer, serving at Cathedral High School in El Paso, TX. John is teaching freshman Religion and serving both as the school’s El Otro Lado coordinator and as its community service coordinator. Ian A. Boyd is an educational assistant with Shelby County Schools at Levi Elementary School, located in the Westwood area of Memphis. continued on page 35
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Emma Lenoir (‘20) was named Volleyball Freshman of the Year for both the Gulf South Conference and the NCAA South Region. Emma finished fourth in the GSC with 3.38 kills and 3.88 points per set, and her 0.34 aces per set ranked fifth in the conference. For the season, she had 396 kills, 251 digs, 40 aces and 33 blocks in 117 sets played. Emma was also named GSC Freshman of the Week three times during the season.
Baseball Casey Goodwin (‘17) was named to the Academic All-District Team. Goodwin hit a team-high .320 for the Bucs, tying for the team lead with six home runs and finishing second on the team with 30 RBI, 22 runs and eight doubles. He also led the team with eight stolen bases and a .434 on-base percentage. He set CBU’s school record for career fielding percentage at .996, and he finished second in school history in career chances and putouts. Also strong in the classroom, he has a 3.73 GPA in Business Administration. Peyton Sanderlin (‘18) was named GSC Pitcher of the Week in May after a three-hit shutout against Shorter University. Sanderlin struck out a career-high 11 batters in the three-hit shutout, allowing three singles and a hit batter. His shutout was CBU’s first against a GSC foe since 2014, and his 11 strikeouts were the fifth-most in the GSC this season.
Basketball Adam Dieball (‘19) earned a spot on the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-South Region Second Team. Adam averaged 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.0 blocks per game as he led the Bucs to an 18-13 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II South Regional. Adam was also named to All-GSC First Team and to the All-Tournament Team after leading the Bucs to the semifinals of the VisitSpaceCoast.com Gulf South Conference Tournament, and was named Player of the Week in January. Brad Miller (‘19) was named GSC Freshman of the Week twice this past season. Brad ended the season averaging 10 points per game, with a .498 field goal percentage and a .872 free-throw
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percentage. Jeff Larkin (‘18) was named to the Academic All-District Five team. Jeff carried a 3.84 GPA and averaged 16.7 points. 3.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for the Bucs. Jeff was also named to the All-GSC Second Team. Joe Laravie (‘20) was named GSC Freshman of the Week three times during the season. Joe ended the season averaging 9.4 points per game. Mitch Mays (‘20) was named GSC Freshman of the Week in December after he led the Bucs to an 82-73 win at Mississippi College, scoring 14 points with a career-high 11 rebounds, and adding two assists and two steals. Samantha Reeves (‘17) was named to the Academic All-District Five team. Samantha carried a 3.42 GPA and led the Lady Bucs with 17.8 points and 7.1 rebounds to go with 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. She was named to the All-GSC Second team, ranked third in the GSC and 49th in the nation in scoring, and her 19.9 points per game in GSC play ranked second in the league. Samantha was also named Player of the Week by both the GSC and Tennessee Sports Writers Association in December and January.
Bucs’ win over Lindenwood University. Bernado Ferreira (‘19) was named GSC Player of the Week in October after he led the Bucs to a 3-0 week with two GSC road wins. Andrew Forrest (‘18) was selected to the AllGSC Second Team. Forrest started all 16 games and played a team-high 1,476 minutes at center back for a CBU defense that finished third in the GSC with a 1.50 goals against average. Andrew was named Second Team All-GSC as a freshman in 2014. Xavi Lao (‘19) was selected to the All-GSC Second Team after leading the Bucs with eight goals and 16 points in 14 games. He was also named First Team All-GSC as a freshman last season. Ingrid Mello (’17) took top female honors in the 2017 Class of Buccaneer Scholars, with the highest cumulative GPA of any CBU women’s athlete (3.94).
Softball Jenna Cotter (’19) earned a berth on the Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete list announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association last October. To be eligible, studentathletes must carry at least a 3.50 GPA.
Cross Country/Track & Field Hannah Owen (‘18) became CBU’s first-ever female All-South Region runner as she finished 17th in the NCAA Division II South Regional in November. Hannah ran the women’s 6k course in 23:22. She was also CBU’s first female First Team All-GSC performer in cross country.
Tennis Daniel D’Alto (’17) took top male honors in the 2017 Class of Buccaneer Scholars, with the highest cumulative GPA of any CBU men’s athlete (3.83).
Volleyball Soccer Brendan Bennett (’18) was named GSC Player of the Week in September after scoring the game-winning goal in the 68th minute of the
Jessica Reber (‘17) was named GSC Player of the Week twice during the regular season. Jessica averaged 9.18 assists, 1.01 kills, 2.5 digs and .47 aces per set for the season. n
continued from page 33 Chelsea Courtney is a medical education project specialist at Wright Medical. José Ferraz has joined Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc. in Chattanooga, TN as a civil designer, where he is involved in civil site design services for industrial, commercial, park, and residential sites. He also assists surveying crews with boundary, topographic, and construction staking. “Zeca” is also a star striker for the Chattanooga Football Club. Daniel Gabriel is in the Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Memphis. Alma Godoy is working on a Doctorate in Physical Therapy program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Morgan Granoski is enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jacob Rowland (MSPAS) and Erin Mattox were married on May 27 at First United Methodist Church in New Albany, MS. Jacob is a physician assistant at Northeast Orthopedics in Tupelo. Stephen Russell passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and is now an Engineer Intern. He is a packaging technician at International Paper.
Alumni 1940s EDWARD B. EBBING JR. (’49) September 1, 2017; Memphis, TN RICHARD LEE WHITE (’43) May 30, 2016; Memphis, TN JOSEPH ROGER WALSH JR. (’49) December 28, 2016; Memphis, TN
Sara Swisher has been accepted into the Master of Public Service program at the University of Arkansas’s Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock. Becky Wauford is employed in technical services at Epic Systems Corporation in Madison, WI. Miranda Anderson is studying at the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University. John Buttross won the Kathryn Hoyle Bradley Prize in Health Sciences for his presentation titled “Quantification of Amyloid Beta Plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Models” at the Alpha Chi national convention in April. Jumari Callaway is serving as a Lasallian Volunteer for the 2017-2018 service year at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, MN. Nuti Desai has been accepted to BOTH the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy and Union University College of Pharmacy. Taylor Flake is attending the University of Tennessee College of Law. Stephanie Galella is an upstream manufacturing engineer at Smith & Nephew in
’17
May all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. RAYMOND C. GUNTI (’65) June 14, 2017; Mt. Pleasant, SC
GARY J. SCHAEFFER (’66) July 10, 2016; Ft. Myers, FL
DONALD F. HAYES (’67) March 30, 2017; Coatesville, PA
PAUL G. SIEBEN (’67) April 23, 2017; Memphis, TN
1950s
ERNEST FRANK HEEB (’62) December 17, 2016; Friendswood, TX
ANGELO JOSEPH CIARAMITARO (’51) January 24, 2017; Bartlett, TN
CHARLES INGRAM (’62) June 30, 2016; Harriman, TN
JON ALBERT KNICKREHM (’58) January 14, 2017; Huntsville, AL Father of Marjorie Knickrehm Bishop (’86)
RALPH LEWIS LAUKHUFF JR. (’64) October 7, 2016; Lafayette, LA
RONALD F. LINDSAY (’59) June 15, 2017; Dallas, Tx MARVIN EDGER WICHER (’59) February 20, 2017; South Houston, TX
Memphis. Ellen Garner will be pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Patrick Gurley has been accepted to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Phramacy. Charlotte Hare passed the ISTA CPLP Technician Exam, making her one of about 300 ISTA Certified Packaging Lab Technicians worldwide. She is currently a packaging intern at Komatsu and coauthored “Bulging: Soda vs Water Bottles” and “Insulation Effectiveness of Coconut Fiber” in the Proceedings of PACKCON 2015 and PACKCON 2016 Conferences, respectively. Abigail Lockard will be attending William and Mary Law School in Williamsburg, VA this fall. Joel Moore is attending Syracuse University College of Law in Syracuse, NY this fall. Joel was also admitted to the Suffolk University Law School in Boston, MA. Samantha Reeves is an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Rhodes College in Memphis. Mary Margaret Vollmar is a travelling leadership consultant for Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and will be attending graduate school at Roosevelt University in Chicago. n
BRIAN J. SPLAN (’69) April 2, 2017 Englewood, FL Former Trustee Father of Lisa Splan Bracken (’92)
PATRICK F. McGLADE (’69) March 22, 2016; Cape May, NJ
JAMES FRANCIS THAIS (’63) December 25, 2016; Greenfield, IN
EDDIE L. MIDDLETON (’68) April 21, 2017; Memphis, TN
1970s
1960s
WILLIAM PHILIP MOGRIDGE III (’63) October 26, 2016; Keller, TX
ROBERT THOMAS CARROLL (’65) April 26, 2017; Dunnellon, FL
PAUL BRUCE NESBITT (’68) January 15, 2017; Memphis, TN
DR. JOHN CLARK JR. (’62) August 6, 2017; Houston, TX
JAMES NEWELL RHODES (’62) August 26, 2016; Memphis, TN
RAYMOND CULLARI (’69) August 17, 2017; Lincoln Park, NJ
NIRANCHANDRA B. ROY (’67) July 18, 2016; Spring City, TN
DANIEL J. BANASZEK (’70) March 29, 2017; Chicago, IL KENNETH “RAY” BROWN (’72) July 2, 2016; Memphis, TN CHESTER B. “COTTON” CARMER (’74) October 1, 2016; Dyersburg, TN JOSEPH ANTHONY CASACIO JR. (’70) March 15, 2017; Jenkintown, PA continued on page 36 B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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May all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
continued from page 35 ALBERT PRESTON DANIEL, JR. (’71) August 29, 2017 ; Memphis, TN Father of Emily Daniel (’07) JAMES A. FAIRLEY (’70) August 3, 2016; Gulfport, MS ROBERT S. MARSDEN (’70) January 4, 2017; Stockbridge, MA WILLIAM HAROLD POSEY JR. (’75) September 5, 2017; Memphis, TN FATHER MARTIN SMITH-SOUCIER (’73) June 19, 2017; Cincinnati, OH
1980s BONNIE ALDRIDGE BUTLER (’82) August 2016; Castle Rock, CO ELLEN NASH MCCORMICK (’89) August 31, 2017; Marion, AR JAMES JOHN NUDO (’85) April 29, 2017; The Woodlands, TX
BRIAN AMPFERER WARD (’90) July 15, 2016; Nashville, TN
BUFORD J. “RED” HOGGATT (Former Coach) April 25, 2017; Hattiesburg, MS
2000s
THOMAS ROBINSON JAMES (Former Faculty) January 1, 2017; Memphis, TN
DEBORAH S. ALLISON (’00) May 11, 2017; Holly Springs, MS WINFRED EARL BLANKENSHIP (’06) December 31, 2016; Millington, TN ERICA LATRICE BROOKS (’00) July 30, 2016; Memphis, TN TOYA SHANTE BUTCHER (’01) January 17, 2016; Nashville, TN RYAN PAUL GASTON (’02) March 8, 2016; Memphis, TN SANDRA GAY BUSBY MARTIN (’11) April 18, 2017; Memphis, TN HOWARD D. ROBINSON (’05) May 15, 2017; Memphis, TN CHRISTOPHER ALLEN SMITH (’03) February 20, 2017; Memphis TN
RUFUS IVAN JONES (Former Staff) September 9, 2017; Germantown, TN WILLIAM H. MORRIS JR. (Former Faculty) September 20, 2017; Memphis, TN REV. JAMES W. MURPHY JR., AFSC August 11, 2016; Cordova, TN ROBERT LEE PUCKETT August 7, 2016; Memphis, TN BOBBY SCOTT RUST (Former Staff) September 13, 2016; Conway, AR JEANETTE M. SAINO September 26, 2017; Memphis, TN JANE WEAKLEY SHARPE (Former Staff) April 16, 2017; Memphis, TN
Faculty, Staff & Friends
THELMA PIERONI SIGNAIGO March 28, 2017; Germantown, TN
BARBARA ALLARD (Former Staff) April 18, 2017; Randolph, TN
GARY LYNN STRONG (CBU Physical Plant) April 16, 2017; Memphis, TN
BRADFORD HOOPER HANSOM (’93) April 27, 2017; Memphis, TN
SALLY A. BIRMINGHAM (Former Staff) June 5, 2017; Memphis, TN
GERALD “JERRY” SWANBERRY (Former Staff) September 5, 2016; Memphis, TN
RICKY JOE HOPPER II (’98) June 6, 2016; Southaven, MS
ANN PETTIT CICALA August 22, 2017; Memphis, TN
TROY NORWOOD (’93) December 30, 2016; Memphis, TN
DR. ROBERT L. DRAKE (Former Faculty) February 8, 2017: Hickory Withe, TN
DR. JOHN GRAVES SHELBURNE (’80) February 7, 2017; Spartanburg, SC.
1990s
DR. ROGER EASSON, retired professor of Literature & Languages, passed away on October 22, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. After teaching at Illinois State University, State University of New York at Buffalo, and Memphis State University (as well as stints in the corporate world in technical writing and communications — and as director of the Arkansas Writing Project, for which he was honored with the designation of “Arkansas Traveler” by Governor Bill Clinton), Dr. Easson found his academic home at Christian Brothers University. At CBU, he directed the Writing Center, assisted in establishing the English for Corporate Communications degree, and guided students through internships at Memphis businesses. With his wife, Kay, he edited an international academic journal entitled Blake Studies, dedicated to the art and poetry of William Blake, and wrote and edited five academic books about Blake’s work. With Robert Essick, Easson wrote the two-volume William Blake: Book Illustrator. He collaborated with Robert Sigafoos on the corporate history of Federal Express, Absolutely, Positively, Overnight; with Sidney Davis on Delta Airlines: Debunking the Myth; with Dr. Luther Crabb on I Can See: The Story of Radial Keratotomy; with Gordon Osing 36
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on Town Down River, and with D’Army Bailey on The Education of a Black Radical. The star of Easson’s writing career is his seven-volume fantasy novel, Song of the Storm Rider, because he wrote all seven novels during the years he fought the advance of his cancer and because he filled them with the enormous range of his interests and knowledge. DR. PETER LIMPER, professor emeritus of Philosophy, died on June 7, 2017. He is survived by his sister, Mary Joy Leaper of Norwalk, CT, and innumerable friends and colleagues. He received his degrees in Philosophy from Yale University and began teaching at CBU in 1977. Over his many years of service, in addition to teaching a range of courses in Philosophy, Dr. Limper served as Dean of the School of Arts as well as chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy. He received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award in 1999 and will long be remembered for the many roles played in university theatre productions. He retired from teaching in 2006. He was passionate in his knowledge of and love for trains and railroads. Among his many loves, his friends always remained the greatest. (See “Last Words” on the next page.)
DR. ROGER EASSON
DR. PETER LIMPER
JAMES McWILLIE, AFSC
JAMES McWILLIE, AFSC passed away on February 11, 2017 at the age of 101. Over his very full life, Mr. McWillie was a decorated veteran of World War II, a business executive, the first financial director of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, a civic leader, and volunteer extraordinaire — including 25 years as a volunteer at the CBU Archives following his retirement. His many awards included a Papal Knighthood (by His Holiness Pope Paul VI), the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Medal (by His Holiness Pope John Paul II), the Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Service Award (Associated Catholic Charities), the Martyrs of Memphis Award (Diocese of Memphis), Award of Merit for Civic and Community Service (City of Memphis), the George F. Hixon Award (Kiwanis Club), and the Ladle Award (Memphis Food Bank). McWillie was elected to the Christian Brothers High School Hall of Fame in 1979. He became an Affiliated Member of the Christian Brothers in 1993. At CBU, he was awarded the Brother Lawrence Egbert Service Award in 1998 and the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2005. He leaves his two daughters, Judith McWillie and Betty McWillie, retired director of Career Services. DR. JOHN EDWARD MEGLEY III, retired professor in the School of Business, passed away on November 8, 2016 at the age of 84. He was born in Avon, MA and separated from the US Army in 1952 as a lieutenant. He attended the University of Illinois-Champaign and received a BA in Biochemistry. He worked for Encyclopedia Americana as an editor and Abbott Laboratories as a cancer researcher in the Chicago area. He subsequently received an MBA from Roosevelt University and a PhD in Management/Labor Studies from the University of MissouriColumbia. Prior to CBU, Dr. Megley taught at Bowling Green University, Southern Illinois University, Sangamon State University, University of Scranton, and Grand Valley University. At CBU, Dr. Megley served as chair of the Department of Management and Marketing, and Director of the MBA program. Additionally, he was a labor arbitrator listed with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. He is survived by his wife Barbara Havey Megley, retired CBU registrar. BROTHER KEVIN RYAN, retired professor of Physics & Natural Science, passed away on August 20, 2017 at age 78, and in the 61st year of his religious profession as a De La Salle Christian Brother. Brother Kevin was born in St. Paul, MN in 1938 and first encountered the Christian Brothers as his teachers at Cretin High School in St. Paul. He entered the Brothers in 1956 and received his BS and MEd degrees at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He taught in schools in Illinois, Nebraska, and Tennessee, as well as at Bethlehem University in Palestine-Israel. He came to CBU in 1978 and taught physics, chemistry, the history of science, and astronomy. He announced his retirement from the classroom teaching in May of 2017 and had planned to begin a less-structured life to begin this present school year. His particular interest was astronomy, and at times he could be seen at night with groups of students in his residence yard studying various phases of the moon and varying star formations. He died the day before the solar eclipse, an event he must have awaited
BROTHER KEVIN RYAN
BROTHER ROBERT STAUB
DR. FRED TERRY
with great interest and enthusiasm. He was an avid sports enthusiast — golf being his personal game of choice, the Twins and Vikings his celebrated teams, and all CBU and Christian Brothers High School sports (but especially football at CBHS). BROTHER ROBERT STAUB, professor emeritus of Biology, died on January 10, 2017 — 19 days before his 95th birthday. Brother Robert was born in Chicago and joined the Christian Brothers in 1939. Brother Robert came to Memphis in 1950, and except for five years in his doctorate studies at the University of Minnesota, he spent 60 years teaching in Memphis. Brother Robert first became interested in environmental studies when he received his college degree at St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN and pursued these studies in his MA and doctoral work at the University of Minnesota. He remained active in his chosen field through further study at St. Louis University, De Paul University, and in many professional associations such as the National Association of Biology and the Tennessee Academy of Science. Brother Robert was an active volunteer in the city of Memphis and beyond on some key issues, including working with the Department of the Interior on water study and pollution issues; with federally-sponsored programs for science teachers; on the advisory board of Ava Maria Home; and as an active member of the Citizens to Preserve Overton Park. He is remembered by students for using the beauty of nature as a learning tool. He wanted his students to have a life outside the textbook and lab, and they realized through his approach to his subject that there was a clear connection between God’s gift in nature and their responsibility to respect this creation. DR. FRED TERRY, professor emeritus of Electrical & Computer Engineering and former dean of the School of Engineering, passed away on September 6, 2017. He was born in 1940 in Bedford, IN and attended Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honors. Upon completion of the degrees in electrical engineering, he enrolled at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, OH and completed his PhD in bio-medical engineering, graduating with honors. He moved to Memphis in August 1968 to teach electrical engineering at Christian Brothers University and began also to do heart research at the University of Tennessee medical school, where he worked for several years. Dr. Terry was dean of the School of Engineering for 20 years. In 2004, he was honored by the CBU Alumni Association with the Brother Lawrence Egbert Distinguished Service award. He retired after 40 years teaching and challenging students and became very active in causes including Race and Reconciliation, Servant Leadership, the Vanderhaar Symposium, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and More Than a Meal at Idlewild Presbyterian Church. His focus was on social justice; he was a man who sought understanding of others. He was a kind, compassionate man who wore snappy bow ties, flashy socks, and stylish hats. He rode his bicycle all over the country, and is remembered by many for having an infectious laugh and a “keen eye for the ridiculous.” n B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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PHOTOS BY JOSH COLFER & CORY DUGAN
BELL TOWER GALA 2016 The fifth annual Bell Tower Gala was held November 12, 2016 at the Hilton Memphis. This year’s Gala honored David Berges (’71) as its 2015 Distinguished Alumnus and Gabriela Salinas (’11) as the Distinguished Young Alumna. David Berges graduated from CBU in 1971 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He joined General Electric’s Manufacturing Management Program and spent 15 years in a variety of manufacturing and management roles. He later moved to positions of increasing responsibility in Barnes Group, and Honeywell. In 2001, he became chairman and CEO of Hexcel, an advanced composite materials company with a market capitalization of $200 million focused on aerospace. He is married to Debra Kendall, and they are generous contributors to CBU. Dave says that his “charity of choice” has always been education. “It is my firm belief that more educated people will contribute more to society. I don’t donate to big universities so they can build bigger buildings to attract professors who rarely see students. I donate to schools who work to improve student body diversity because I believe desperately-needed tolerance is more likely to result. And I donate to schools who work to give kids a chance.” Gabby Salinas is a 2011 CBU graduate of the Biochemistry program with a Microbiology degree from UTHSC and is currently seeking her PhD at the Kentucky College of Pharmacy. 38
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GALA HONOREES: Board chairman Mitch Graves (’83) with Dr. Emily Holmes, President John Smarrelli, Gabriela Salinas (’11), David Berges (’71), and Dr. Ray Brown (’62)
In addition to her studies and research, Gabby travels the country as a champion for the work of St. Jude. As an advocate for St. Jude’s work, she has founded a fundraising team, Danny’s Dream Team, composed of pediatric cancer survivors who now participate in the annual St. Jude Half Marathon. Herself a three-time bone cancer survivor, Gabby too, is a participant. Also honored was Dr. Ray Brown (’62), who was the recipient of the Brother Lawrence Egbert Award for Distinguished Service. Dr. Brown has been active in the CBU community ever since he began as a student in the early ’60s. During his college career, he was nominated sophomore class president and later president of the Student Government. After graduating, he rejoined
CBU as an assistant professor in 1967 and gained tenure in 1974. Dr. Brown was the chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department for several years and served as Dean of Engineering from 1992 to 1999. Dr. Brown received the Distinguished Service Award from the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers in 1997 and the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award from CBU in 1999. Dr. Brown has now been teaching at CBU for 49 years. The National Alumni Board presented Dr. Emily Holmes with its Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Holmes joined the Religion and Philosophy faculty at CBU in 2008. Her research interests include medieval theology and mysticism, women’s writing practices, feminist theory
ANNOUNCING THE GADOMSKI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING: Flo Gadomski, Dick Gadomski (’62), Jay Healy (MBA ’11), Dr. Regina Gadomski Healy (’88), and President John Smarrelli
and theology, and food ethics and the spirituality of eating. She is faculty advisor to the CBU Gay Straight Alliance, and received the New Advisor Award in 2010. She has served on the Vanderhaar Symposium committee, chaired the Faculty Assembly Policy Committee, and chaired the CBU Safe Zones Committee. She currently chairs the newly-formed CBU Food Committee. Also recognized and honored at the Gala were the co-chairs of the Faith in Progress capital campaign, Dave Nelson and Richard Gadomski, AFSC (’62). To honor Gadomski for his service and generosity over the years, it was announced that CBU’s engineering school is now officially named the Gadomski School of Engineering, n
3 LEFT, PRECEDING PAGE Dave Nelson and Donna Nelson are recognized by board chair Mitch Graves and President Smarrelli for Dave’s service as he steps down as co-chair of the Faith in Progress capital campaign . RIGHT, ABOVE 5 Burton Bridges (’09) and Kaci Murley (’10) go “Honors Program Crazy” with Dr. Maureen O’Brien (Behavioral Sciences) and Dr. Tracie Burke (Behavioral Sciences) RIGHT 4 CBU Lasallian Fellows Class of 2017: John Buttross, Trey McGinnis, Lauren Jeu, Taylor Flake, and RaKesha Gray
MORE PHOTOS! bit.ly/CBUflickr
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HOMECOMING 2017 Last spring’s CBU homecoming continued
many longstanding traditions — such as Wacky Olympics, All-Sing, Trivia Night, Banner Competition — and (of course) culminated in the big games, the presentation of the Homecoming Court, and the Dance! One new event this year was the Jason Motte Foundation softball tournament, in which five Buc baseball and five Lady Buc softball players took on 10 students in a five-inning softball game — all for for the benefit of the Jason Motte Foundation. The foundation, started by and named after MLB pitcher Jason Motte (currently with the Atlanta Braves), has a mission to provide comfort and care where there is a need for those affected, either directly or indirectly, by cancer of all kinds. A big shoutout goes to the teams, who raised $2,000 to #KCancer — and to Motte himself, who showed up to cheer on the effort. Another shoutout goes to Taylor Flake (History ’17) and Joseph “J.J.” Jameson (Visual Arts ’19) for being selected as Mr. and Ms. CBU for Homecoming 2017. 40
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ABOVE: Homecoming 2017 King and Queen: Taylor Flake (’17) and J. J. Jameson (’19) BELOW: Atlanta Braves pitcher Jason Motte with Brother Ryan Anderson (back to camera) and Ray Karasek (’01) at the Jason Motte Foundation softball tournament (which raised $2,000 for the foundation)
Taylor is a Lasallian Fellow, founder of the CBU Chapter of the NAACP, and winner of the Vanderhaar Student Peace Award. J.J. is a student leader for STARS (Students Tackling Autism-Related Syndromes). Shoutouts are also due the ladies of Theta
Pi Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta on winning the
week-long Homecoming Championship. And of course, to the CBU Buccaneers and Lady Bucs for their victories over West Alabama! n
PHOTOS BY JOSH COLFER & CORY DUGAN
MORE PHOTOS! bit.ly/CBUflickr
ABOVE: The ladies of Theta Pi Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta, shown here at All-Sing, were the Homecoming 2017 Champions. BELOW: Alfonso Dining Hall was its usual packed house for Homecoming Alumni Trivia Night, but the crowd was kept in line and on its toes by CBUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own trivia quizmaster, Brother Ignatius Brown (pictured at right).
MORE PHOTOS! bit.ly/CBUflickr B E LL TOWE R fall 2017
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ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
ABOVE: (l-r) President John Smarrelli Jr. congratulates Class of 2017 inductees Lisa Harper Schaefer (’00), Frank Rozaitis (’69), and Anna Thorsdottir (’02). BELOW: The Class of 2017 is joined by a few previous Athletic Hall of Fame inductees (l-r) Taneisha Lenon Wynn (’00, Hall of Fame ’15), Lisa Harper Schaefer, Frank Rozaitis, Al Cash (’65, Hall of Fame ’10), Anna Thorsdottir , and Earl Gillespie (’65, Hall of Fame ’11).
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The CBU Athletic Hall of Fame celebrated its Class of 2017 in a ceremony on April 7 in Sabbatini Lounge inducting Lisa Harper Schaefer (’00), Frank Rozaitis (’69), and Anna Thorsdottir (’02). Lisa starred in basketball from 1996 to 2000, earning All-GSC honors as a sophomore and as a senior. In 84 games, she scored 1,255 points with 564 rebounds. She ranks eighth on CBU’s career scoring list and 11th in rebounds. She ranks third in career scoring average and seventh in rebounding average. Frank starred in baseball from 1966 to 1969 and in basketball from 1967 to 1969. In basketball, he scored 657 points with 175 rebounds, averaging 13.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. On the baseball
field, he played in 80 games, hitting .345 with 98 hits, 14 doubles and 46 RBI. He ranks 11th in school history in career batting average and ninth in triples. His five triples as a sophomore are still second-most in school history. Anna starred in soccer from 1999 to 2001, earning First Team All-GSC honors all three seasons. As a freshman, she won both GSC Freshman of the Year and GSC Player of the Year honors. In 60 career games, she finished with 42 goals, 38 assists, and 122 points. She ranks second in career assists and third in career goals and points, earning a spot on the GSC All-Time Team. She led CBU to two GSC championships, a South Regional championship, and a trip to the national finals as a senior. n
PHOTOS BY CBU ATHLETICS
BROTHER’S JUBILEE The Brothers Community of Memphis gathered in June to celebrate the 50-Year Jubilee of Brother Walter Schreiner (Mathematics), his half-century as a De La Salle Christian Brother. The celebration was led by Brother Larry Schatz, Provincial of the Midwest District (and CBU trustee). Also marking his 50th anniversary this year is Brother Michael Schmelzer (Education), who celebrated at CBU in October and was recognized at the District Days celebration at Lewis University along with a dozen other Jubilarians from the Midwest District. n PHOTO BY RAY KARASEK
ART GIFT Contemplation, a 15-panel, 40-foot clay wall installation by artists Dale and Brin Baucum, was recently gifted to CBU by Frank Jemison and Dr. Jeanne Jemision. The artwork has been installed on two facing walls in Barry Hall in the hallway outside the President’s office. PHOTO BY DEBORAH BLANCHARD (INSET COURTESY OF BAUCUM POTTERY)
At the formal presentation of Contemplation as a gift to CBU are (l-r) artists Dale Baucum and Brin Baucum, donors Frank Jemison and Dr. Jeanne Jemison, and President John Smarrelli.
The artwork was created in 2012 as part of the artists’ “Double Vision” retrospective exhibition at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens.
Baucum Pottery, as their studio is named, has been operated by the husband-and-wife team in Memphis since 1973. n
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LEGACY DINNER During Commencement Week in May, CBU celebrated its history and the heritage of its alumni with the annual Alumni Legacy Dinner. This event honors the 50-year “Golden Graduates”— in this case, the Class of 1967 — with induction into the Half-Century Society. It also recognizes current graduates and their CBU alumni family members (parents, siblings, etc.) who preceded them by inducting them into the Legacy Society.
HALF-CENTURY SOCIETY: Members of the Class of 1967 inducted into the Half-Century Society this year were (l-r, with President Smarrelli at left): Mark Burkot, John Dlouhy, Lloyd Franke, Daniel Poje, Pravin Thakkar, Bill Lyons, Dr. Chad Baker, D Lyn McWhorter, Edward Stec, James Abell, and Vincent Bené.
LEGACY SOCIETY: Members of the Class of 2017 inducted into the Legacy Society this year were (l-r, with President Smarrelli at far right): Rebecca McLaughlin, Hunter Parker, Lauren Jeu, Taylor Flake, Justin Crone, Reggie Raney, Eric Nelson, Angelica Brown, Charlie Oswald, and Lakeila Kennedy. (Not pictured: Mauricio Ramirez-Ortega)
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PHOTOS BY CORY DUGAN
The Class of 1962 held its 55-Year Reunion during Alumni & Parents Weekend. Pictured above are Denis Ledgerwood, Barbara and Kurt Knuth, Ray Brown, Dick and Flo Gadomski, President John Smarrelli, Dick Thais (’61), and Katherine and John Ofenloch. Other classmates at the reunion were Paul Hanson, Jerry and Marsha Olds, Art and Brenda Schmidt. and Stan and JoAnne Stack.
ALUMNI & PARENTS WEEKEND October’s Alumni & Parents Weekend combined events for both alums and parents of current students, including Friday afternoon with Career Services and/ or the Brothers and early evening receptions by all four academic Schools. Saturday was more festive, with afternoon family fun activities on Nolan Field, Alpha Xi Delta’s annual sand volleyball tournament, and World of Beers and Family Movie Night closing out the weekend. n
5 ABOVE: Lizzia Parr (’18) found a new friend at the Petting Zoo on Nolan Field. 5 LEFT, ABOVE: Melody Allensworth-James (’09) and David James (’09) try their luck with the CBUnited Dice Roll at World of Beers on Saturday evening. 3LEFT: Morgan Alexandra Harrell (’12), Mike Muchmore, and Veronica Love (’12) at World of Beers.
MORE PHOTOS! bit.ly/CBUflickr
PHOTOS BY CORY DUGAN
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Lichterman Nature Center
SEPTEMBER OF SERVICE The sixth year of September of Service proved once again that Bucs might enter to learn, but they leave to serve (even before they graduate). This year’s “30 Days of Good Deeds” put CBU’s Lasallian values of faith, service, and community into action to benefit Memphis agencies and the clients they serve— a different one each day. Beside the ones pictured here, CBU also helped out great services such as LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Wolf River Conservancy, Catholic Charities, Manna House, the Salvation Army, Ave Maria Home, Memphis City Beautiful McKellar Lake Cleanup, and MIFA. n MidSouth Food Bank
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Collierville Animal Shelter
C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa Word of Faith Christian Academy
Habitat for Humanity Target House (St. Jude Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research Hospital
Memphis Tilth
MORE PHOTOS! bit.ly/CBUflickr
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LAST WORDS
In September, 150 artists contributed their talents to Paint Memphis, a one-day festival that celebrated covering an entire city block — Willett between Central and Lamar, two buildings east of the underpass, and the Altown Skatepark —with grafitti, street, and mural art. The brainchild of Dr. Karen Golightly, CBU professor of Literature & Languages, Paint Memphis was created to show the city that graffiti and murals done with permission could be just as powerful as art in traditional settings, such as museums and galleries. “They really are the most uncensored voices of a city,” Golightly has said of graffiti writers. The first two Paint Memphis events in 2015 and 2016 created a mural on the floodwall along the Chelsea Greenline, spanning about .3 miles (on both sides) from North Evergreen to Chelsea. One of the artists contributing to Paint Memphis 2017 was Yancy Villa (’99), who took on the task of producing a mural in honor of her alma mater (and one of the sponsors of the festival). Based on a design created by CBU creative director Jacob Edwards, the mural is prominently located on the corner of the building at Lamar and Willett. “Paint Memphis wants to thank CBU for helping us form community among artists, businesses, schools, and neighbors by creating the largest collaborative mural in Tennessee,” Golightly says. “CBU was not only the platform to refine my skills,” adds Villa, “but also, expanded my horizon by meeting people with different backgrounds and ways of thinking.” n More information at paintmemphis.org
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PHOTOS BY CHAD RICHARDS (TOP) & BILL SIMMERS (MIDDLE)
Make Gifts Now.
Reduce Taxes Next Year. With the end of 2017 approaching, it is the perfect time to reevaluate gift and estate plans, complete gift pledges, and arrange year-end gifts to CBU. There are many different situations to consider when planning your gifts so that they are advantageous for you. Some gifts made with assets other than cash â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as appreciated stocks, bonds, or retirement plan distributions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; may offer extra tax benefits. To be eligible for additional tax savings next April, you need to complete your charitable gifts by December 31.
contact: MARK BILLINGSLEY Vice President for Advancement (901) 321-3270 mark.billingsley@cbu.edu
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CLASS OF 2021: Largest freshman class ever!