Saint Mary's Magazine - Winter 2011 by Saint Mary's College of California

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M A G A Z I N E

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S A I N T

M A R Y ’S

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Volume 31

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Number 2

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W I N T ER 2 0 1 1

C A L I F O R N I A

SAINT MARY’S

CREATIVE SPIRIT

Letter from the editor publisher

Michael Beseda ’79 Executive EDITOR

J. Elizabeth Smith creative director

Bob Ciano art director

Karen Kemp Graphic designer

Gail P. Johnston staff writerS

Teresa Castle Mike McAlpin Poetry Editor

Christopher Sindt contributors

Christine Fort Caitlin Graveson ’11 Ben Peterson Linda Peterson Jo Shroyer ADVISORY BOARD

Brother Dominic Berardelli, FSC Chris Carter ’97 MA ’02 Rich Davi Heidi Donner Gina Meneni ’99 Lisa Moore ’96 Ron Olowin Ed Tywoniak ’75

CREATIVE SPIRIT

In the world of psychology, most examinations of creativity place it in one of two categories: “Big-C” creativity, which describes the work of the creative genius or renowned innovator, and “little-c” creativity, the everyday inspiration we all call on for such simple activities as home décor or inspiring a rapt audience with a story of the day’s events. But creativity is not only something that results in the great American novel, attractive flower arrangements or a game-changing discovery. Creativity has been called the world’s most important economic resource, particularly in the 21st century, and we benefit from our own and others’ creativity in everything from the blazing fast computer we use to the inventive routes we come up with to circumvent rush-hour traffic to the tasty morsels we serve up for dinner.

What’s the secret to creativity? How do we cultivate it

in ourselves and in others? (Saint Mary’s professors think about this one A LOT in their research and teaching.) And how do we ensure that our creativity takes wing in the form of personal growth or value in the world? As if we’re poised around a seminar table, we explore the multitude of answers to these and other questions in this issue of Saint Mary’s.

eLIZ ABETH SMITH The Saint Mary’s College of California experience inspires learning that lasts a lifetime. The College’s rigorous education engages intellect and spirit while awakening the desire to transform society. We are all learners here — together, working to understand and shape the world. For more information see stmarys-ca.edu. Saint Mary’s Magazine is published quarterly. Please send comments to news@stmarys-ca.edu or call (925) 631-4278. Please submit name and address changes to Joan Goularte at goularte@stmarys-ca.edu or write Saint Mary’s College, P.O. Box 4300, Moraga, CA 94575-4300.

EXECUTIVE Ed i tor

P.S. With this issue we bid farewell to former Saint Mary’s editor Erin Hallissy and welcome Jo Shroyer, who will step into the role with the next issue. Have your own creative ideas for her? Drop Jo a line at news@stmarys-ca.edu.

Cover illustration by Olivia Wise

Volume 31

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Saint Mary’s faculty and alumni dive deep into the creative process

17 At Play in the Fields of the Mind Telling the brain it’s time to “go outside and play”

21 Dorm Sweet Dorm Grayson Hurd ’11 expresses his creativity at home

22 The Craft of Mentorship How the right teacher at the right time can change everything

17 The Artist’s Life One dancer, one day, one dawnto-dusk saga

21 Music to Our Ears Why it’s great to say, “I’m with the band”

2 feedback | events 4 the arcade

36 the quad

40 Years of Women | Mario Alioto and the Giants | Alumni Profile: Marolt Brothers

0 gael glimpses 4 44 in memoriam 45 endnote

CONTENTS Illustrations from the sketchbook of Carl Detorres

SAINT MARY’S Number 2

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12 Creativity Unbound: The Power of the Imaginative Spirit

W I N T ER 2 0 1 1

contents

f e e d b a c k

F E B RUA RY 16 M.F.A. in Creative Writing Reading Series 7:30 p.m. Hagerty Lounge, DeLaSalle Hall Peter Trachtenberg, author of “7 Tattoos: A Memoir in the Flesh” and “The Book of Calamities: Five Questions About Suffering and Its Meaning.” For more information: stmarys-ca.edu/creative-reading-series or (925) 631-4457.

THE MAGIC BUS Dear Editors, Regarding the picture on pages 14 –15 in the most recent Saint Mary’s magazine (Fall 2010) ... On most every Saturday night in the late ’60s-early ’70s, there was a hootenanny in Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. A group of us would regularly fill up a friend’s Volkswagon bus and head into the city for a night of music ... pretty innocent times back then! Pictured in the second row from the left are Brian Sullivan, myself, Mike Malloy and, standing, Bob Mitchell (he had the bus!). All of us were, like John Blackstock, in the class of 1971. Unfortunately, both Brian and Mike have passed away. Bob lives in Walnut Creek. I live in Louisville, Ky. Not sure but I believe the woman standing in front of me may be Susan Tanaka (she taught French at SMC) and next to her may be Daniel Baedecker (government). Someone else might have to confirm that, but I do recall them joining us sometimes. Pat McBride ’71 Dear Readers: We welcome your comments. Please send letters to news@stmarys-ca.edu, or mail to the Office of College Communications, Saint Mary’s College, Box 5165, Moraga, CA 94575. Please include your class year and hometown. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.

winter 2011

From Moraga’s Hills to the Emerald City 6–8 p.m. The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle Join fellow Gaels from the Pacific Northwest for an evening of laughter, libations and literature in Seattle, Wash. Cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by presentation at 7 p.m. by Mary Volmer ’01 M’05, English professor and director of the Honors Program, about her debut novel, “Crown of Dust,” a gender-bending story of friendship, love and redemption during the Gold Rush. Includes hors d’oeuvres and hosted bar, $20 per person. RSVP by Feb. 15: (925) 631-4200 or alumni@stmarys-ca.edu.

Peace Corps at 50: Realizing the Promise of Its Next 50 Years 7 p.m. Soda Center Kevin F.F. Quigley, president and CEO of the National Peace Corps Association, an international advocate of civil society and expert on Asia and democratization, looks to the next half century for this force for peace and friendship. For more information: Nancy Clark, (925) 631-4111 or nclark@stmarys-ca.edu.

23 Ninth Annual Expressions of Blackness 6 p.m. Soda Center One of five Cultural Nights that are a spring semester student tradition, focusing on history, culture and customs of underrepresented groups. See information below about Asian Cultural Night, the Bash, Latino Cultural Night and the Lu’au.

e v e n t s

24 Gael Basketball Pre-Game Party in Moraga 6 p.m. Soda Center Join fellow Gaels to show your support and gear up for the game. Tickets, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, include a dinner buffet; beer and wine are extra. SMC Cheer Team will be there, plus raffle prizes and more. Then Saint Mary’s vs. Gonzaga at 8 p.m., McKeon Pavilion. For more information: (925) 631- 4200 or alumni@stmarys-ca.edu.

34 th Annual Car Drawing 5 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. drawing Soda Center Alumni, family and friends are invited to participate in the 34th Annual Car Drawing, presented by SteadAuto. com. Then join us for Saint Mary’s vs. Portland men’s basketball, 8 p.m., McKeon Pavilion. For more information: (800) 800-ALUM.

M A RC H

16 M.F.A. in Creative Writing Reading Series 7:30 p.m. Soda Center Steven Church, author of “The Guinness Book of Me: A Memoir of Record,” “Theoretical Killings: Essays and Accidents,” and “The Day After The Day After: My Atomic Angst.” For more information: stmarys-ca.edu/ creative-reading-series or (925) 631-4457.

17 Cultural Night: 6th Annual BASH, LGBTQIA Community 6 p.m. Soda Center For more information: (925) 631-8545 or TheIC@stmarys-ca.edu.

17 Annual St. Patrick’s Luncheon in Sacramento 11:30 a.m. The Dante Club Celebrate the tradition and the rivalry with your fellow Sacramento-area Gaels at the Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon with SCU Broncos and USF Dons. RSVP: (800) 800-ALUM or alumni@stmarys-ca.edu.

19 The Civil War: A Living History Day in Moraga, on the fields in front of campus Civil War re-enactments and living history activities bring to life the experience of the common soldier. Part of a National Endowment for the Arts-sponsored exhibition, Lee and Grant re-examines the lives, careers and impact of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. Saint Mary’s College is the only California venue for this nationally touring exhibition, here through March 30.

From Moraga’s Hills to the Biggest Little City 6 - 8 p.m. Reno Acclaimed Saint Mary’s author Mary Volmer ‘01 MFA ‘05 will be on hand to discuss her debut novel, “Crown of Dust.” For more information: (925) 631-4200 or alumni@stmarys-ca.edu.

Cultural Night: 11th Annual–Latino Cultural Night 6 p.m. Soda Center For more information: (925) 631-8545 or TheIC@ stmarys-ca.edu.

Annual Alumni Awards Celebration 6 p.m. Lafayette Park Hotel We honor fellow Gaels and friends with six awards for outstanding service to SMC and the community. More information: (800) 800-ALUM.

M.F.A. in Creative Writing Reading Series 7:30 p.m. Hagerty Lounge, DeLaSalle Hall Kathryn Ma, author of “All That Work and Still No Boys,” named a San Francisco Chronicle Notable Book. For more information: stmarys-ca.edu/creative-readingseries or (925) 631-4457.

Southern California Gael Classic Golf Tournament, shotgun start at 12 p.m. West Covina Country Club Join other southern California Gaels for the 15th annual SoCal Gael Classic. All proceeds benefit the Athletic Scholarship Fund. Entry deadline: Monday, April 11. RSVP (800) 800-ALUM or alumni@stmarys-ca.edu.

M.F.A. in Creative Writing Reading Series Rosemary Graham and Rashaan Alexis Meneses Graham, a professor of English at Saint Mary’s, is the author of “Thou Shalt Not Dump the Skater Dude,” “My Not-So-Terrible Time at the Hippie Hotel” and “Stalker Girl.” Meneses earned an MFA from Saint Mary’s College and has recently published in Pembroke Magazine and Growing Up Filipino II: More Stories for Young Adults. For more information: stmarys-ca.edu/ creative-reading-series or (925) 631-4457.

Cultural Night: 5th Annual Lu’au 6 –8 p.m. Soda Center Celebrate Hawaiian Culture. For more information: (925) 631-8545 or TheIC@stmarys-ca.edu.

M.F.A. in Creative Writing Reading Series 7:30 p.m. Library David Lau, author of “Virgil and the Mountain Cat,” co-editor of A Journal of Poetry and Opinion. For more information: stmarys-ca.edu/creative-reading-series or (925) 631-4457.

APRIL 10 Contin u es through J u ne 19 Gift of the Gods: Exploring Maize, Culture and Indigenous Art in the Americas, Hearst Art Gallery The exhibit examines the historic influence and sacred role of maize in the cultures of the U.S. Southwest, Mesoamerica and Northern Andes. Includes Navajo rugs, Hopi Kachinas, baskets, clothing and more, plus drawings, photos, videos. Curated by Museum Studies students and Prof. Lynn A. Meisch.

M AY 30

14 th Annual Asian Cultural Night 6 p.m. Soda Center For more information: (925) 631-8545 or TheIC@ stmarys-ca.edu.

L ive S impl y , P ra y D eepl y , T each P assionatel y FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE BROTHERS’ VOCATION AND LASALLIAN volunteers, PLEASE VISIT:

WWW. BROTHERSVOCATION.ORG or lasallianvolunteers.org D e la salle christian brothers

www.stmarys-ca.edu 3

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Hearst Gallery Welcomes Civil War Exhibition

rom January 30 to March 20, the Hearst Art Gallery will be home to Lee and Grant, a detailed examination of Generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. Photographs, paintings, prints, coins and handwritten documents are among the many artifacts on display, giving visitors a much deeper understanding of the two generals who personified the struggle between North and South. “Each of these two men became an iconic representation not simply of military valor but also of the contrasting images that northerners and southerners projected about their histories and values,” says SMC professor of history Carl Guarneri. “Since their careers spanned the tumultuous decades from the Mexican-American War to post-Civil War Reconstruction, their experiences provide prisms for viewing westward expansion, the sectional struggle over slavery, the brutal experience of civil war and the challenge of reuniting the nation under a new commitment to freedom for all.” Guarneri, who is working on a book about Charles A. Dana, the assistant secretary of war sent by President Lincoln to accompany General Grant’s Vicksburg, Chattanooga and Virginia campaigns, will present an illustrated talk, “An Inside View of Grant’s Campaign Against Lee.” Guarneri is also teaching a spring course on the Civil War and Reconstruction, and he plans to use materials from the exhibit to explore questions about war’s origins, battles and aftermath. THIS EXHIBITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH NEH ON THE ROAD, A SPECIAL INITIATIVE OF THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES. IT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MID-AMERICA ARTS ALLIANCE. LEE AND GRANT WAS ORGANIZED BY THE VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

Carl Guarneri, SMC professor of history, with students at a 2009 Civil War reenactment in San Ramon. 4

winter 2011

General Ulysses S. Grant’s military binoculars, GalenaJo Davies County Historical Society and Museum Grant at his headquarters tent, Cold Harbor, June 1864, Mathew Brady photo, Library of Congress

Senate Candidates Go Head-to-Head on Campus There’s nothing like a hotly contested political race to keep the conversation moving. On Sept. 1, the LeFevre Theatre at Saint Mary’s played host to a lively debate between Democratic U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and Republican challenger Carly Fiorina. More than 350 guests were in attendance, including 70-plus reporters from local and national media “Let Us Have Peace,” 1865, oil on canvas (1920), by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris — Virginia Historical Society Robert E. Lee’s travel writing set and pince-nez glasses, c. 1850 – 1860, from the exhibition “Lee and Grant” — Washington and Lee University Collection Reproduction of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln January 1, 1863 — National Underground Railroad Center

outlets. Hagerty Lounge offered overflow seating and a big screen TV showing the debate in real time.

Co-sponsored by KTVU, KQED,

the San Francisco Chronicle and Saint Mary’s, the debate provided a forum for the candidates to present priorities and points of view on a variety of social and economic issues. Key topics included the environment, Proposition 8 (same-sex marriage), immigration and strategies to bolster

SMC Helps Graduates Rake It In

tudents looking for just the right college take a number of factors into consideration. For some, it’s the right academic program. For others, maybe it’s school spirit and a sense of community. But with the economy still struggling, students may be taking a closer look at colleges offering them the best chance to end up with more resources at their fingertips. According to one prominent magazine that knows all about financial resources, more students might want to turn their eyes to Moraga. Saint Mary’s was recently included in a Forbes Magazine story, “Colleges That Will Make You Rich.” Natalie Doss writes that while Saint Mary’s might not be as well known as others on the list, it

a struggling economy. Saint Mary’s professors were among those offering opinions during on-camera inter-

certainly shouldn’t be overlooked and that it “does such a good job helping students thrive in their careers, the school ranks fifth on our list of colleges that will make you rich.” Saint Mary’s earned a higher ranking than Georgetown, University of Chicago, and UC Berkeley, just to name a few “also-rans.” Shirley O. Griffin, executive vice president for Wells Fargo’s commercial real estate group in San Francisco, is quoted as saying, “My experiences as a Saint Mary’s College student and member of its Board of Regents provided me with the knowledge and many different perspectives to be even more successful in my career.” To see the full list, visit Forbes.com.

views, and the SMC Macken Speech & Debate Team analyzed the tactics and performances of each candidate.

Protestors made their voices

heard before and during the debate at the SMC campus entrance. Former U.S. poet laureate, Pulitzer Prize winner and 1963 SMC alumnus Robert Hass, and Saint Mary’s English professor Brenda Hillman were among the protestors demonstrating for peace.

After winning re-election to a

fourth term on Nov. 2, Boxer called the race against Fiorina the toughest of her career. www.stmarys-ca.edu 5

A r c a d e

The Arts Are Hot at Saint Mary’s

Liam Callister, standing, with Andrew Galindo, in SMC’s fall 2010 staging of “Angels in America,” honored as an “outstanding production” by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

hose who follow the performing arts know that Saint Mary’s dance

Dancer Antoine Hunter (below left) received a 2011 CHIME grant.

and theatre programs

deserve center stage. Recently, the performers in those disciplines got opportunities to take their bows.

Ashley Jackson was named a

recipient of a Princess Grace Award for excellence in dance. She is enrolled in the Saint Mary’s College Liberal Education for Arts Professionals Program (LEAP) and is in her fourth year with the Alonzo King LINES Ballet Company.

Jackson is one of six dancers to

receive the award in 2010 from the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, an arts organization committed to Austin Forbord/Rapt Productions

“identifying and assisting emerging talent in theater, dance, and film by awarding grants in the form of scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships.”

Matt Kemp Photography

winter 2011

Antoine Hunter, another LEAP

dance to poetry, acting to teaching.

the play at the regional Kennedy

performer, was also in the news

He has performed with numerous

Center festival held February 14-18

for receiving a 2011 CHIME grant,

dance companies and traveled the

at Humboldt State University in

presented annually by the Marga-

world to share his art and a mes-

Arcata, Calif.

ret Jenkins Dance Company. The

sage: People with disabilities can

CHIME program provides support

and should follow their dreams.

fall at Saint Mary’s, the spring pro-

for one year to pairs of profes-

duction “Sera” was a standout as

sional choreographers — a mentor

Mary’s Theatre Department has

well. Written by SMC alumna Ange-

and mentee — to enhance and

made some news of its own. The

la Santillo ’05, the play is a national

explore a working relationship that

school’s fall 2010 production of

finalist for the KC/ACTF David Mark

includes work in studio. Hunter,

“Angels in America” has been

Cohen Award, which recognizes

the founder/director of Urban Jazz

honored as an “outstanding

outstanding new scripts premiered

Dance Company, was awarded his

production” by the Kennedy Center

by a university. The ”Sera“ cast will

grant to work with his mentor, Kim

American College Theater Festi-

present a staged reading at the Ken-

Epifano, artistic/executive director

val (KC/ACTF). The Saint Mary’s

nedy Center festival in Humboldt.

of Epiphany Productions.

presentation of Tony Kushner’s

Six student actors from “Angels”

contemporary classic is one of just

and “Sera” were nominated for their

is noteworthy: He’s deaf. Physical

four college productions selected

outstanding performances and will

challenges never stood in Hunter’s

from a region covering nine states.

compete in the Irene Ryan National

way, as he pursued ambitions from

The cast has been invited to perform

Acting Scholarship competition.

Just one reason Hunter’s award

Not to be outdone, the Saint

While “Angels” was a hit in the

$2.1 Million for “Reading Recovery”

The U.S. Department of Education

20 weeks,” says program director

to pass along the Reading Recovery

and private foundations awarded

Adria Klein.

approach to 3,750 instructors in per-

Saint Mary’s $2.1 million to expand

sistently underperforming schools.

the efforts of “Reading Recovery,”

has been a University Training

a teacher training and literacy

Center for Northern California

School of Education can expand

intervention education program in

teachers participating in Reading

teacher training capacity in reading

the Kalmanovitz School of Educa-

Recovery. Saint Mary’s is working

courses, covering costs like tuition,

tion. Saint Mary’s was the only

with 15 other institutions as part

training stipends, supplies and

California institution to receive

of the “Reading Recovery: Scaling

travel for new leaders and teachers

that support.

Up What Works” project, aimed at

in the Reading Recovery program.

helping low-performing schools in

combines oral language skills,

40 states.

Saint Mary’s demonstrated success

reading and writing intensive

and ongoing commitment to lead-

instruction at an early point in a

partner institutions in the Read-

ership in the field of early childhood

child’s learning, before they fall far

ing Recovery Program will train

education,” says Jerry Brunetti,

behind their classmates, and closes

15 new teacher leaders, who will

interim dean of the Kalmanovitz

the gap quickly, usually in less than

then join current teacher leaders

School of Education.

“The Reading Recovery program

For nearly 20 years, Saint Mary’s

Over a five-year period, the 15

The extra funding means the

“This award acknowledges

New Leadership for School of Science

Gabrielle Diaz ’11

oy Wensley, professor of physics and astronomy, was appointed dean of the School of Science at Saint Mary’s. After a national search, Wensley, who had been serving as interim dean, was named to the permanent position. “Roy is an accomplished scholar who is recognized for his integrity and commitment to the College’s mission, particularly in promoting the success of students in the sciences,” says Provost Beth Dobkin. “He is a respected advocate for both faculty and staff, and I’m confident he will be successful in helping secure the necessary resources for science education in the 21st century.” A Saint Mary’s faculty member for more than 20 years, Wensley was named Professor of the Year in 2009. His roles on campus have ranged from chairing the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Academic Senate to serving on the board of the Bishop John S. Cummins Institute for Catholic Thought, Culture and Action. “[The School of Science] has an excellent reputation because of its highly qualified faculty, commitment to undergraduate research and scholarship,” says Wensley. “I look forward to the opportunity to enhance the resources necessary to expand our great educational programs.”

www.stmarys-ca.edu 7

A r c a d e

The Art of the Athlete Sports skills are often referred to as a “science” since excellence requires precise calibrations of motion in space. While this may be true, the comparison overlooks the creativity and finesse behind mastering skills.

when no one is in front of you. But when you incorporate the block — when someone is in your face — it doesn’t come down to skills. It’s about what you are doing, where you want to put the ball and where the defense is.” Jolly started out as a basketball player, but as a sophomore in high school decided to focus on volleyball competitively. Since coming to Saint Mary’s she says she has continued to develop more shots and has gotten better to reacting to the defense. “I have gotten better at figuring out when it’s appropriate to swing away and when to tip. The best part is knowing what to do in certain situations.”

The Art of … the Attack

elizabeth lee

TODD FIERNER

Sophomore middle blocker Gabby Jolly had a breakout season for Gaels’ volleyball. She was named to the West Coast Conference First Team. She led the Gaels in hitting percentage with .327. Jolly explained that the attack is complicated. “It looks like we are just going up to hit, but it’s all very technical.” The four-step approach is a slow-to-fast motion. The first two steps are slow, the first a directional step and the second a timing step. The last two steps are about power and explosiveness. The fundamentals of the attack are essential, but Jolly notes that reacting to the defense is also important to the art. “It is easy to attack

The Art of … Rowing

“It is a leg sport — that’s probably

the most misunderstood thing. The

it feels like you are suspending your

in the water at a specific time, at a

Every year Saint Mary’s women’s

seats slide and it’s a squat-type

body weight,” Younts said. The

specific place, at a specific depth.

crew team welcomes girls who have

movement, which starts with the

stroke ends with moving the oars.

This moment in time, the catch, is

no rowing experience and works to

legs. The legs drive the stroke,”

Rowing is a fitness sport, requiring

something Olympians still work on to

teach them the art of rowing. First-

Younts said.

an athlete to be in top shape.

get everything perfect,” said Younts.

year head coach Nicole Younts knows

that it is a steep learning curve.

sion,” meaning they are in a tuck

rowers must perform in sync. The

making progress when they move

Most people think rowing

Rowers begin in a “full compres-

“When you are really good at it,

To add to the complexity, eight

a boat. “You have to put the blade

Younts knows her novices are

position. The stroke begins by driv-

catch, the moment the blade enters

smoothly together. “When you are

requires arm strength, but the

ing the legs, and the rower’s core

the water, must occur at exactly

rowing well, it looks really, really

motion actually begins in the legs.

stabilizes the stroke.

the same time for all the rowers in

good,” she said.

winter 2011

Gaels’ Fall Season Sees Struggles and Success

aint Mary’s women’s volleyball finished 18-7 overall with a 10-2 record in West

Coast Conference play. The Gaels finished in second place in the WCC. Seven players recorded All-Conference honors for Saint Mary’s, including four notching First Team honors, two Honorable Mentions and one All-Freshman team award.

Head coach Kai Edwards

returned for his second season with the Saint Mary’s women’s soccer team. The Gaels finished with an 8-7-4 regular season record, going 2-4-1 in conference play. They earned five All-Conference awards, the most since 2002. Freshman midfielder Jordan Marada was named to the All-WCC First Team. Saint Mary’s earned one Second Team placement and three Honorable Mentions.

The men’s soccer team

finished with a 10-8-1 overall record, 6-6-0 in WCC play. The Gaels notched a school record, allowing only 20 goals in 19 games. The men also TOD FIERNER

earned six-All Conference Honors including an All-WCC First Team, two Second Team awards, two Honorable Mention awards and an All-Freshman selection.

The Art of … the Three-Pointer

For McConnell, the art of the

Not only does it take confidence

Cross-country wrapped up

three-pointer is mental. “The three-

and a natural shot, for McConnell, a

its first season with new head

point line can mess with you men-

high percentage requires a deeper

coach Marty Kinsey. The men’s

Senior guard Mickey McConnell

tally. You just have to try to think of

understanding of the game. It’s bet-

team placed 25th overall in the

shoots 46.8 percent for his career

it as any regular shot, and over time

ter to take a longer shot that is open

NCAA Western Regional. Junior

from behind the three-point line.

you will develop a natural feel,” he

than a closer shot that is defended,

Rob Van Wyck set a Saint Mary’s

Last season, he lead the nation,

said, also noting that confidence is

he says. “There are good shooters

record for a 10k with 31:10.57.

making 51 percent of his three-point

a key factor. “When you make your

who have bad percentages because

The men finished 30 seconds

attempts and is having another

first shot in a game, it raises your

they shoot tough shots. My main

faster than last year. The women

great year behind the arc, shooting

confidence level, and success in the

focus is to get a good shot.”

competed for the first time since

46.3 percent.

past can help your mindset.”

2008 and finished in 29th place.

www.stmarys-ca.edu 9

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Truth Takes Center Stage Dan Cawthon

winter 2011

winni wintermeyer

ow do you move performing arts from a nice-to-have extracurricular activity to the place it belongs — at the center of the liberal arts curriculum? You need a champion or two, people who believe that something like theatre is at the heart of human experience. In the mid ’90s, that move from nice-to-have to center stage took place because Dan Cawthon advocated for it. “With the support of Brother Mel Anderson, former Dean Paul Zingg and a few others, we were able to make the performing arts into a real academic discipline,” says Cawthon, now professor emeritus. That transformation helped recruit talented students, and today, observes Cawthon, “we offer as many as 21 scholarships each year — seven each in music, dance and theatre.” And thanks to Cawthon, the approach to theatre that evolved was entirely consistent with Saint Mary’s way of seeing art as transformative. On stage, a performer takes another name, sometimes a different manner of speaking, an altered appearance. Is it all artifice? Not the way Cawthon teaches it. Now retired after 28 years at Saint Mary’s, Cawthon took an approach to acting that challenged his students to discover the truth of themselves and the characters they played. “In doing so they are led to the perennial questions that have plagued humans from the beginning,” he says. “And that’s what liberal arts education is all about — wrestling with those questions.” For his students, those lessons lingered long after the final bows were taken. “With Dan, an exercise in theatre was an exercise in the biggest and most important themes in life,” says former student Andy Bouvier-Brown. “Under Dan’s direction, I learned about the human condition.” Though Bouvier-Brown no longer plays to the back row of LeFevre Theatre, he’s found a new audience to engage, as an attorney. “You can’t win for your client by sitting back and questioning the Faculty prosecution’s case,” he says. “Instead, I try to mimic what I learned from Profile Dan about performance. It’s about putting forward your client’s narrative and convincing your audience it is real — and that’s theatre … at least, theatre as Dan taught it to me.” With a Ph.D. in theology and a rich history as a working actor and director, Cawthon offered a unique constellation of skills to bring truth-in-performance to his students. Over the years, he kept the marriage of spirituality and drama strong with his performances of “Damien,” a one-man play celebrating the life of Father Joseph Damien de Veuster, the fearless missionary who cared for those exiled to Molokai because they suffered from leprosy. “Saint Mary’s was very supportive of my performing “Damien,” says Cawthon. “In many ways, that play embodied the values and mission of the College.” Cawthon worked with wave after wave of students — some with serious theatre aspirations, others just curious to explore something new. There were moments of magic along the way, when his young actors would connect the power of a play with something within themselves. While the productions and students changed over the years, Cawthon’s overarching message remained the same. “In the performing arts, a student has to risk going into the unknown,” he says. “The creative process requires that they put faith in the darkness within. It is there that the Muses speak and something unique and wonderful is born. In the theatre, that’s when magic happens.” The message was received loud and clear. Though the curtain has fallen on Cawthon’s time as a Saint Mary’s professor, his legacy of connecting deeply and honestly lives on. “You cannot fake the ability to connect and empathize with people,” says BouvierBrown. “If I come across as a ‘likeable’ person in the courtroom, and therefore can help my client’s case, I owe that in significant part to Dan’s mentorship.” – Ben Pe terson

N UBOUND:

Creativit

The Power of the Imaginative Spirit

We all know how the creative process looks in movies. A painter attacks the canvas as music swells. A writer punches keys furiously, his novel pouring out of his fingers as time and space recede around him. A wildhaired mad scientist shrieks to the heavens, “Life, do you hear me! Give my creation LIFE!” Okay, so maybe it doesn’t always happen quite as dramatically as it did in Young Frankenstein. But is there a pattern in the creative process? And, are there similarities in the process that crosses disciplines — from business to the arts to education, science and more? Can the journey be tracked and measured? And what role does Saint Mary’s play in giving that process a chance to succeed? Creativity: From point A to point Z?

Many experts find it absurd to even try to map the creative process. With so many variables from person to person, from culture to culture, how could a sequence of steps be identified? Still the idea of understanding, deconstructing and replicating the process is so appealing that over the years, a brave few have tackled the task of theorizing a model. One of the first was Graham Wallas, whose four-step model proposed in 1926 was elegant in its simplicity: Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, Verification. Joseph Rossman’s 1931 study, The Psychology of the Inventor, extracted results from surveys completed by 710 inventors and expanded the Wallas model from four steps By Ben Peterson to seven. Many others would follow, but they all reflected a shared Illustrations by Olivia Wise

winter 2011

What became clear … is that a balance of analysis and imagination is usually at play.

Putting it into words, Saint Mary’s style

While researchers in disciplines from neuroscience to psychology have studied creativity, Saint Mary’s faculty and alumni have uncovered some of the secrets through their own paths to creative expression. Associate Professor Peter Freund chairs Art and Art History at the College and is a practicing new media artist as well. Defining his creative process begins with what art is and what it can be. “The creative process is a way for me to get out of my head, out of my clichés and into the material world of expressive means,” says Freund. “I think of art as a special and sometimes peculiar form of experimental research into expressive means, the limits of the rote and the emergence of the impossible. In this way, if you like, art can become a form of spiritual practice.” His creative steps are launched by content. “Typically, I start from an ethical impulse, from some vague but nagging sense of urgency about a subject,” he says. “Then I begin exploring how this subject is commonly expressed, depicted or explained through language, images, sound, movement, space and time.” Next he identifies what appears to be missing from that expression, and that’s when he takes action. “My goal is arriving at a new form, one that embodies the defining blind spot inside the existing expression.” Camille Rose, who earned her B.S. in business administration at Saint Mary’s, has started six businesses and learned from each one of them. She’s the founder of Pink Purse, a company offering venture services, seminars and start-up grants for women. When it comes time for Rose to get creative, it’s all about going off the deep end. “When I’m inventing a new business, I become a crazed lunatic,” she says. “I’ve wondered at times if Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet and countless others experienced the same state when painting their masterpieces.” 14

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The creative process is a way for me to get out of my head, out of my clichés.

assumption — that the mystery of creativity can’t be completely broken down into basic sequencing. What became clear, however, is that a balance of analysis and imagination is usually at play.

While “going mad” is a starting point, there’s much more to it than that for Rose. “I use ‘linking’ a lot,” she continues. “As soon as I have an idea, I quickly think of several things that can be associated with that idea, and then I associate things with those things, and so on. I don’t write down much in this state because I’m a little too manic. My mind is racing.” While Rose knows the path well, finding the destination is more of a mystery and a miracle. “Intuitively, I know when I’ve found what I’m looking for,” she says. “When I do those deep dives into creativity and I go a little insane, it’s in a good way. In the end, I’m thinking something into reality.” Teaching creativity and creatively teaching

At an institution like Saint Mary’s, where teaching is front and center for faculty, there’s a passion for thinking creatively about teaching itself. Freund has a practical approach when it comes to stimulating the creativity of his students. “Creative freedom, generally speaking, springs from stipulated structure,” he says. “I like to give assignments that call for my students to be at the same time conceptually rigorous and creatively adventurous. I present a concept or pull a concept from a reading and then ask my students to apply or transform it in an unpredicted way. One of the great lessons of life is how to express oneself freely through an adopted structure.” Sometimes a teacher needs to rethink the approach to a subject in order to get students engaged and ready to spark new ideas. Case in point: Saint Mary’s Associate Professor of Economics Kara Boatman, who developed her 2011 Jan Term course, “Introduction to Economics Through Sports.” “I’ve always told my students that coaches are among the best practicing economists anywhere,” says Boatman. “Substituting players, preparing for opposing teams, changing strategy — those ideas are at the core of economic theory. I figured I might be able to encourage sports fans, who might be intimidated by economics, to try it

www.stmarys-ca.edu 15

When I do those deep dives into creativity … I go a little insane. 16

out. I really wanted to demonstrate that the decisions people make every day are based in sound economic principles.” Eureka! Now what?

Once an idea has taken hold, that’s just the beginning. After all, without the “tush-in-chair” discipline, the best story idea will never turn into the next great American novel. There’s work to be done if a finished product of any kind is ever to be achieved. Saint Mary’s Professor of Finance Tom Cleveland spent more than 17 years as partner and CPA with Deloitte & Touche. This Jan Term, he’s teaching “How Entrepreneurs Succeed with a New Venture.” The class description? Helping students understand the “best practices of ‘rethinking, reliving and remaking’ innovations” in business. “A creative idea gets you 75 percent of the way there,” he says. “But there’s a whole process to execute, that last 25 percent required in order winter 2011

to make that idea a reality and a success. You need quiet time to think about your idea. Usually you come up with four or five ideas and need to choose which one to pursue. Once you have it up and running, how do you maintain it? In the end, if you’re spending all your time planning and not doing, you won’t be successful. The point of this course is figuring out how to get to that finish line.” Dan Del Grande established Bison Brewing in 1997, but it was after he earned his MBA at Saint Mary’s in 2006 that the business really took off. “When I started at Saint Mary’s, I just had the idea that I was an organic brewer,” says Del Grande. “What the school did for me is help me focus and refine my approach to the idea and the business as a whole. I scaled my idea to become ‘beyond organic’ as a business and brand.” And business is good. Bison is now distributing to 15 states and Del Grande is developing more effective ways to stay committed to sustainable and ecologically sound brewing practices.

ary True, professor of psychology, says that when her children find milk in the cupboard or cereal in the refrigerator, they say, “Oh, Mom must be thinking big thoughts.” It’s because, she says, the most critical part of her creative process is “following an idea with ‘light thinking,’ free of goals, worries and a ‘to do’ list.” And light thinking sometimes sends her into a different kind of consciousness, wandering around the house as she puzzles through her research findings. For True, there’s a yin and a yang to creativity in research. “The scientific process is analytical — systematic observations,

PLAY FIELDS MIND IN THE

By Linda Peterson

OF THE

Illustrations by John Hersey

www.stmarys-ca.edu 17

hypothesis, data collection, analysis, conclusions. This is necessary, but not as much fun as figuring out what it all means. It’s taken me a long time to let go and trust that good things will come of this process. In many ways, it’s playful!” Creativity configured by chance

There are countless theories about the psychology of creativity — from those who hypothesized links between madness and creativity to physician-philosopher-psychologist William James, whose ideas informed Dean Keith Simonton’s “chance configuration theory.” Consider the invention of Post-its, a failed adhesive developed by one scientist at 3M and its “aha” use by a fellow scientist who wanted to mark places in his choral music without permanently altering the music or sending little loose marking slips cascading to the floor. It is the story of a “failure” finding success through accident and repurposing. But whatever the theory, the idea of playfulness or some period of letting go seems central to any creative process. True also brings a sense of playfulness to creativity in her teaching. “It differs from research because I know the concept I want to get across, but … how best to do it? I try to develop a process that engages the students’ brains in different ways: thinking, feeling, sensing.” To teach emotional contagion — how we “catch” emotions from each other — she creates an experiential opportunity for students. “They face each other in pairs, make eye contact and then I give the signal to smile for one in each pair. The partner smiles back and soon the room is filled with laughter. They have caught happiness from each other.” The ‘tango high’ and other mysteries of the mind

Hiroko Nakano, associate professor of psychology, is intrigued by what happens when people get in the kind of zone or flow top-performing athletes experience, and why that experience is addictive. She taught a Jan Term class in Argentine Tango to explore why the “tango high” is addictive in that same way. “We say ‘it takes two to tango,’ and that’s technically true. Dancers have to connect instantly, communicate back and forth, right there in the moment.” Her next step? To measure brain activity during the dance. She’s already discovered that the trancelike state experienced during meditation is similar to what happens in athletes’ brains. In “Tracing the Spark of Creative Problem-Solving” [New York Times, December 7, 2010] Benedict Carey reports on something we know intuitively — all the processes, all the preparation, still need that sudden flash of insight to make some magic. Neuroscientists are discovering that the pleasure of “I’ve got it!” in solving a word puzzle or Sudoku moves the mind to a more nimble state. All of which may explain why puzzles are so irresistible. Carey quotes “The Puzzle Instinct: The Meaning of Puzzles in Human Life” by Marcel Danesi, professor of anthropology at the University of Toronto. “It’s imagination, it’s inference, it’s guessing; and much of it is happening subconsciously. It’s all about you, using your own mind, without any method or schema to restore order from chaos.” www.stmarys-ca.edu 19

The argument for playfulness is one that’s been attached to many out-of-the-box thinkers, including the Nobel Prizewinning physicist Richard Feynman. Famous for his insistence that any theory, no matter how complex, had to be explainable to a freshman in college, he used humor and play in his own research as well. He was unapologetic about the sheer joy of the pursuit of the unexplored. Or, as he once observed, “Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.”

winter 2011

What is “it?” It’s the inexplicable combination of rigor and discipline — and then the moment of abandonment, when imagination transcends facts and figures and takes wing. Whether that looks like an improvisational moment at a Saint Mary’s Jazz Band rehearsal, an alum’s breakthrough idea for a new business or what True calls “daydreaming my way to a research insight,” the brain is making new connections. It is nothing less than human creativity at play in the fields of the mind.

DORM SWEET DORM Step into the Ageno West room of Grayson Hurd ’11, and it’s as if you’ve been transported to an alternate rock ’n’ roll-themed universe. “I’ve actually wanted to decorate my room like this ever since my freshman year. It’s always been an idea of mine to completely cover the walls and ceiling of my room and I finally got around to completing it this year,” says Hurd, who is a double major in music and business administration. Hurd acquired his collection of music paraphernalia during his first three years at Saint Mary’s. It not only reflects his aesthetic, it’s also a constant reminder of his aspirations. “The room shows my passion for music and where I would like to be in my future career,” he says.

Craft

The

Mentorship By Ben Peterson

Photography by Winni Wintermeyer

hat does

it mean to own and embrace the life of a writer? Is there an aha! moment in which the possibilities of a writer’s life become clear? Or validation and guidance from a mentor? Mary Volmer experienced both.

To learn more about Mary Volmer and “Crown of Dust,” her debut novel released in the U.S. by SoHo Press in November, visit maryvolmer.com.

As a sophomore biology major at Saint Mary’s in 1999, Volmer used Jan Term to explore an interest she’d mostly kept to herself. The class was “The Art of the Personal Essay,” led by Rosemary Graham, Saint Mary’s professor of English and critically acclaimed author of novels for young adults. “Before that class, my writing had just been a form of private release,” says Volmer. “Suddenly, I had the opportunity to write under the guidance of someone who had this skill, talent and experience.” A gesture from Graham proved to be a pivotal moment for Volmer, leading her to switch her major from the sciences to English. “She wrote a comment on one of my essays,” Volmer recalls. “It simply said ‘I think you could do this if you wanted to.’ Nothing flowery. Just a quiet affirmation. I guess I knew I wanted to be a writer, but no one had given me the go-ahead. I needed someone to say, ‘Yes, you can.’” Graham remembers Volmer as a standout student who demonstrated talent from the very beginning. “She had an engaging voice that continues to be a strength of her writing,” says Graham. “She was able to make very distinct characters. I encouraged her because I felt she was a strong enough writer and a sensible enough person to pursue her art and see where it could take her.” Inspired and guided by Graham, Volmer went very far indeed — and then came home again. After graduating from Saint Mary’s, supported by a Rotary Scholarship, she traveled to the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, for a master’s in writing. Then she returned to Saint Mary’s for an MFA in creative writing. During her second year in the program, she sold her first novel, “Crown of Dust,” to HarperCollinsUK. She is quick to credit Graham’s suggestions on the book before it was submitted for publication. Now at work on her second novel, Volmer spends her days teaching the next generation of Saint Mary’s

writing students and leading the Saint Mary’s College Honors Program. “She’s doing for our undergrads what we did for her,” says Graham. “And she’s a great example, for both our undergraduate and MFA students, of the success of someone who started in the writing program here.” Volmer continues to acknowledge Graham and other members of the MFA writing program faculty, including Naomi Schwartz and Carol Lashof, for strategies that supported her success. And Graham says she learned from Volmer, too. “Seeing her drive and dedication was a good reminder for me,” says Graham. She speculates that Volmer’s experience as a basketball player contributed to her disciplined approach. “And she’s not afraid to take risks, not afraid to start writing something that might not pan out.” It’s no surprise that Graham and Volmer share views on teaching. Both stress the importance of developing strong fundamentals and maintaining focus in an age of constant interruptions and instant gratification. “I don’t give my students free rein,” says Graham. “I give them constraint. Instead of a blank page, I give specific prompts. I believe in structure and the wonderful inspirational power of a deadline. “Distraction is always right there, since most of us are writing on computers,” Graham adds. “I encourage my students to turn off their Internet access. For all that new media tools do to help writers, they also serve as an obstacle to the creative process.” As for the student-turned-teacher, Volmer walks the fine line with her students, encouraging their strong voices while urging them to put in the work necessary to develop technique and structure. “It’s fantastic to see such talented students here on campus,” she says. “Many don’t even know how talented they are. A goal of mine is to help these young writers say what they mean well. It’s about helping them develop control and learn how to shape a story. Any artist studies for years to get the rudiments of the craft, which then allows for the possibility of improvisation.” With Graham and Volmer powering a vibrant creative writing program, Saint Mary’s provides a nurturing environment for the next wave of promising authors. “Saint Mary’s fosters artistic expression by exposing students to the arts and thinkers of the past,” says Volmer. “Because it’s a liberal arts college, even if you’re a business or science major, there’s an opportunity to explore so many different directions. There’s a creative spirit here I felt as a student and continue to feel today.”

Rosemary Graham is the author of “Thou Shalt Not Dump the Skater Dude” and “My NotSo-Terrible Time at the Hippie Hotel.” Her most recent novel for young adults, “Stalker Girl,” was published in 2010. For more on her life and writing, visit rosemarygraham.com.

ARTISTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The

Life

Photography

by Toby Burditt

6:00 a.m. Up before dawn, sophomore Harmony Negrin faces a full day of school, work, practice and study.

t’s dark outside on winter mornings, as sophomore Harmony Negrin — dancer, harpist, yoga enthusiast, dance team member for the basketball team, problem solver at the library — knows firsthand. She’s up early to get to her 7:30 job in computer technology services at the Saint Mary’s library. With a name like Harmony it might seem inevitable that this young woman, the first in her family to go to college, would be a music lover. Sure enough, she’s

played the harp since she was five and danced since she was 12. By 10:30, Harmony takes advantage of a free period to practice the harp. “My schedule is so full, I practice whenever I can,” she says. Early afternoon study, work on a paper and catch up with friends. By 3:30 she’s relishing her music and performance class. And by 5:30 she’s at yoga or dance. “When I came to Saint Mary’s I had the dancer mentality, thinking I’d always be sore and tired. Dance is much healthier here at Saint Mary’s. My body is getting stronger instead of breaking down.” And what keeps her going through these long days? “The emotion and expressiveness of dance.”

7:30 a.m. At work in computer and technology services at the library

10:30 a.m. Taking advantage of free time to practice the harp

winter 2011

1:30 p.m. Working on a paper and catching up with friends

3:30 p.m. Music and performance class

5:30 p.m. Ending the day with yoga and dance

Music to our By Linda Peterson Photography by Toby Burditt

Rachel Neubert

ow does a musician know he or she is a musician? Here’s one gauge: musicians make music. Music has always been an important part of Saint Mary’s — from the Jazz Band to the allcommunity choir to visiting groups performing in the Chapel. But new partnerships with the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra (CCCO) and the Diablo Wind Symphony (DWS) mean music-loving Gaels have assets any musician would welcome — more venues, more professional colleagues and more audiences. It’s one of those rare partnerships that truly benefits everyone. Saint Mary’s students have the opportunity to play in larger ensembles, to enjoy learning from more fellow musicians and get academic credit

www.stmarys-ca.edu 33

for their participation in the performing ensembles. As for DWS and the CCCO, they relish access to talented young performers and having the opportunity to collaborate with a selective academic partner with deep roots in music. Lino Rivera, Performing Arts Department chair, says, “Our music program was strong in history, appreciation and theory, but up until eight years ago we didn’t even offer private music instruction. With music, you can’t just talk about it, you must do it. This new partnership with CCCO gives students a semi-professional experience, and the chance to play with more experienced musicians, in a wider range of performing venues.” “Our program basically became too big for its old package,” explains Martin Rokeach, composer and music program director. “We have many more fine musicians and we needed to expand the range and number of performance opportunities available to them.” Saint Mary’s has attracted more serious musicians in recent years, with the addition of performing arts scholarships and growing faculty reputation. Adds Rokeach, “When prospective students arrive for a private lesson and their teacher is, for example, the principal trumpet for the San Francisco Opera, they realize Saint Mary’s is offering the same caliber of teacher as the conservatories.” Freshman Rachel Neubert, now a violist in the CCCO, came to Saint Mary’s as an alumna of Portland, Oregon’s Metropolitan Youth Symphony. “The CCCO isn’t as big, but it offers plenty of benefits,” she says. “Going from one of 12 to one of five means I get more individual attention.” She likes the mix of ages as well. “The people who lead the violas are amazing — they have been really kind to me.” As an engineering student with a demanding course load, Rachel acknowledges that making time for music in her life is difficult — but worth it. “I enjoy the company of musicians. I would miss them if I weren’t involved with music. But I also would miss it for me. Music is such a stress reliever.” Conductor Tim Smith calls Rachel a “very fine viola player” and values the partnership both for the students and Saint Mary’s faculty. “Being associated with a college of such high academic standing means a lot, especially when I have such regard for the faculty musicians.” He’s enjoyed conducting Rokeach’s compositions and looks forward to featuring faculty as soloists in future performances. John Maltester, director of the Saint Mary’s Jazz Band and artistic director of the Diablo Wind Symphony, says the DWS relationship offers students real advantages. “They benefit from the performance opportunities, master classes we have and retreats with the band. They also play with very talented high school and college students.” Composition student Stephanie Webster was a percussionist without a performance home until the DWS opportunity arose. “As a Saint Mary’s composition student, the opportunity to study with Martin Rokeach was a huge attraction. Plus, Saint Mary’s makes you a well-rounded musician. I have private classes in piano, voice, percussion and composition. I’m also in Chamber Singers, Jazz Band and the NightinGaels. We used to be limited in how many music classes we could enroll in, and now we can take as many as we want without paying extra fees. And with the Diablo Wind Symphony, I have a place to play. It’s helpful for my composer’s ears to hear large ensemble performance from the inside. Plus, since I teach percussion to high school and middle school students, in DWS I get to see how young students approach things, and that brings a new perspective to teaching.” Last fall, the CCCO concert series celebrated composer milestones — the 100th birthday of Samuel Barber, the 200th birthdays of Chopin and Schumann, among others. What could have been saluted as well during that series was a first birthday — a brand-new partnership with Saint Mary’s College, with plenty of promise ahead.

Stephanie Webster

For performance schedules, please call the SMC Performing Arts Department office at (925) 631-4670.

www.stmarys-ca.edu 35

Q U a d

Celebrating the history of SMC alumnae On Nov. 6, the SMC Women in Philanthropy Committee hosted “40 Years/One Night: A Gaela Celebration.” The evening honored the achievements of women from the 1975 class (first to include female students) all the way through the most recent graduating

class in 2009.

“It was an overwhelming feeling of

pride at not only what these women had accomplished but also the role Saint Mary’s College had played and continues to play in each of their lives,” said SMC Assistant Vice President of Development and class of ’96 graduate Lisa M. Moore. “It was inspiring to hear their many stories and for Saint Mary’s to publicly recognize alumnae in such a

significant way. The event also made many of us who are more recent graduates realize what a short time ago women weren’t accepted as students and just how thankful we are for the women who forged ahead of us.” Dan Rosenstrauch

Highlights from the evening included a

reception, dinner, drawing, a silent auction and words of inspiration from the honorees. More than $32,000 was raised for the Sister Clare

Worth the wait

success, after working his way from bat boy in

When Mario Alioto first joined the San Francisco

senior vice president responsible for all revenue-

Giants as a kid in 1973, he couldn’t know he’d

generating areas of the Giants organization.

have to wait 37 years for a World Series win. After

near misses in 1989 and 2002, his team finally

Giants business operation for many years and

broke through in 2010, taking down the Texas

offered me my first front office job after I graduated

Rangers in five games to capture the team’s first

from Saint Mary’s,” says Alioto. “He always told

title since 1954.

us that the ballpark experience was critical and

“It’s still sinking in,” says the 1982 Saint

to remember that we were in the ‘fun business.’

Mary’s graduate and member of the College’s

We constantly ask ourselves: what can we do to

Board of Regents.

appeal to the casual fan? How do we keep the

ballpark the place where everyone wants to be?

“My mentor was Pat Gallagher, who ran the

thinking something special just might be hap-

pening. Before we knew it, the Giants were World

selling rubber chickens when Barry Bonds was

Champions and we were walking down Mont-

walked intentionally or developing a Tim Lince-

gomery Street in the victory parade.”

cum wig last season. But, the best promotions

are the ones that developed organically in the

Alioto was certainly invested in the team’s winter 2011

“I like to try new and crazy concepts like

missy mikulecky

“It wasn’t until September that we started

the early ’70s all the way to his current position as

Career Center Seeks Alumni Volunteers FEBRUARY 21 Speed Mock Interviews The SMC Career Center invites employers and alums to take part in the popular Speed Mock Interview

Wagstaffe Endowed Scholarship. The

event. Help graduat-

night also marked the formal launch of

ing seniors cope with

Women in Philanthropy, a group dedicated

challenging interview

to “inspiring, encouraging and promot-

questions. For more

ing female philanthropic leadership and

information: Vicki

participation at Saint Mary’s College.”

Davis: (925) 631-8281

To connect with the Women in Philan-

or vdavis@stmarys-ca.

thropy Committee, find them on Face-

edu.

book by searching “Saint Mary’s College Women in Philanthropy.”

MARCH 1 – 25 On-Campus Interviews SMC Career Center offers on-campus interviews to employers seeking to hire students for full-time jobs after graduation. If you’re hiring, here’s your chance to recruit the best talent. Give a Gael a job. For more information: Vicki Davis: (925) 631-8281 Mario Alioto ’82, SMC Regent and San Francisco Giants executive vice president, center, with his wife, Kelly ’83, and their eldest son, Tony, left, celebrate the team’s 2010 World Series win.

clubhouse. Who would

These values, plus a mindset that we can accom-

or vdavis@stmarys-ca.

have thought that ‘Fear

plish anything if we are passionate enough, have

edu.

the Beard’ would have

been critical to my success, both in business and

taken on a life of its own?”

in life.”

Alioto’s rise has

One way Alioto is helping Saint Mary’s

MARCH 31 Senior Year Experience: “Life After Graduation”

been marked by his

stand out is by serving on the advisory board

passion for the game of

for the Professional MBA with Sport Manage-

baseball and a set of

ment concentration, the only one of its kind in

Panelists needed

values that grew stronger

Northern California.

for discussion titled

during his years on campus.

“Workplace 101:

from changes in marketing and how we com-

Employers Weigh In on

present throughout the Saint Mary’s College

municate with fans, to the challenge of utilizing

What Graduates Need

experience, and the benefit of an education at

the stadium for more than just sports events to

to Know.” For more

Saint Mary’s based in Catholic principles can’t

financial management.”

information, contact

be overstated,” says Alioto.

Patty Bishop: (925)

with all this complexity in business and in life?

631-4793 or pbishop@

has been a commitment to bring the core values

Just ask Alioto: an education at Saint Mary’s

stmarys-ca.edu.

of integrity and honesty into every decision.

grounded in rigor and a commitment to values.

“The influence of the Christian Brothers is

“What stayed with me after all these years

“The business of sports is complex today,

And what’s the best preparation for dealing

www.stmarys-ca.edu 37

Q U a d

Twins Steve (left) and Mike Marolt are highaltitude skiers who claim more descents above 7,000 meters than any other skier.

Look out below

– Ben Pe terson

winter 2011

BRYCE DUFFY

hen climbers begin making their ascent up the tallest peaks in the world, they probably don’t expect to see two identical twin brothers heading down on skis. But among those who ski the high altitudes known as the “Death Zone,” these Saint Mary’s grads stand above the rest. “When you grow up in a mountain town like Aspen and the skiing culture is ingrained in your family, it’s just a natural progression,” says Mike Marolt ’87 when asked how he and his brother Steve ’87 ended up with such an unusual pastime. “I always tell people it’s similar to kids who grow up on the North Shore of Oahu and end up surfing the monster waves. Just the human spirit living free in whatever the natural surroundings are.” Sons of 1960 Olympic skier Max Marolt, these brothers have been at it for years and have tallied more descents from above 7,000 meters than any other skiers. But looking back, their opportunity to begin taking these adventures can be traced to Saint Mary’s. “My brother and I earned our accounting degrees at Saint Mary’s,” says Mike. “Now we’re both CPAs. We worked together to make our trips possible, but we ended up loving our profession. Saint Mary’s gave us the tools and skills we needed and kept us grounded. Our education and careers are critical to allowing us to do what we do in the mountains.” In addition to the professional preparation Saint Mary’s offered, Mike learned a lot during his undergraduate years about how to excel athletically through baseball. “Going from playing seven games a year in Aspen to making the Saint Mary’s team helped me understand what it takes to compete at a higher level,” he says. Another passion grew out of the Marolts’ skiing madness: filmmaking. “Skiing Everest,” filmed by co-director Mike, was released in 2009, documenting skiers who “climb the highest peaks in the world in pure alpine style, carrying their skis and declining to use supplemental oxygen.” Mike is now working on the sequel, “Beyond Skiing Everest,” and another film profiling the late Jimmie Heuga, one of the first Americans to earn an Olympic medal in an alpine event. “Not long after Jimmie won the bronze in ’64, he came down with multiple sclerosis,” says Marolt. “He helped revolutionize how MS was treated by stressing physical exercise and mental training. He was my friend and I’m looking forward to telling his story.” Whether at work during tax season, filming a new movie or conquering yet another mountain, the spirit of Saint Mary’s remains present in all the brothers do. As Mike says, “Saint Mary’s strengthened the bond between Steve and me and really opened the doors to do everything we love doing today.”

Q U a d

2009 Sarah Henry went off in Nov. 2009 to work for a Barrick Gold Corporation / NovaGold Resources, Inc., joint venture based in Vancouver and Toronto. In March 2010, she was promoted to finance and accounting analyst, and in May she was named a member of the investment committee.

2008 Lorna Contreras, on top of working full-time as a case manager for pregnant and parenting teenagers in Contra Costa County, has returned to school, attending the Wright Institute in Berkeley. She plans to take her M.A. in counseling psychology and become a marriage and family therapist. Daniella Gilmartin, now art director at Art Space 712 in San Francisco, is hosting emerging artist and SMC alum Craig Thompson’s first solo exhibition. This is the fourth show Daniella has curated since her promotion to director. Craig, who comes from a well-established art family in the Bay Area, has been pursuing his passion since childhood — though a lot of his work shows a strong influence from his time at Saint Mary’s. There was a cocktail reception on Sept. 9, and the exhibition remained on view through that weekend. For more on the gallery, visit 712artspace.com.

2006 Matt Walker married Lindsay Ferguson on Oct. 10, 2009, in the Saint Mary’s Chapel, attended by his former SMC soccer teammates Derek Youpel, Joaquin Jaime and Alex Christlieb ’07 as groomsmen. The reception, for close friends and family, was held at the Round Hill Country Club. Matt and Lindsay first started dating in high school and continued to see each other while Lindsay attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Now they live in Walnut Creek; Matt works as a named account manager for Avaya, and Lindsay works as a school psychologist for a local district. Chris Vogt has been hired as science teacher and varsity pitching coach at Ayala High School in Chino Hills, Calif. The multitasking educator will complete his ME at Chapman University in December.

2004 Michelle Luk has been busy: she received her master’s degree in accountancy from Golden Gate University in 2006, earned her CPA license in 2010 and now works for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan as a senior business consul40

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tant. And on July 31, she married Danny Lean at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, surrounded by other SMC alumni. Kehli Kankelborg, ’05 was a member of the wedding, and so were Allison Robertson and Cammie (Morris) Wollner. Vanessa Wong wrote a song about the couple especially for the occasion. Michelle and Danny honeymooned in the Caribbean before returning to their home in Mountain View. Ryan Keenan and Jeannine (Fitzpatrick) Keenan joyfully announce the birth of their second baby girl, Gabrielle Marie, born on Jan. 15, 2010. In August, Ryan began his own law firm, Keenan Law Offices, P.C., in Saint Charles, Ill., dedicated to helping those with financial difficulties through bankruptcy and consumer protection.

2002 Diane Reboy MS became the grandmother of Maralyn Ann Reboy on Oct. 4, 2010. Maralyn is the first girl born into the Reboy family in 110 years—and shares a birthday with the last one, her great-great-grandmother Reboy!

2001 Doug Allshouse Jr. received the 2010 Pepsico President’s Ring of Honor (best of the best), a distinction he shares with just 242 individuals from Pepsico’s five divisions worldwide. Doug is a district sales leader (DSL) for Frito-Lay in Brisbane and traveled to corporate headquarters in Purchase, N.Y., to receive his award. He started with Frito-Lay in 1997 while attending Saint Mary’s, working part-time during the summer and on weekends, and remained with them after graduation, even though he had accepted a full-time position with Young’s Market Company. He subsequently left Young’s to pursue a management career with Frito-Lay and attained his Ring of Honor in his very first year as a DSL, overseeing sales at chain retail stores in San Francisco and on the Peninsula. Leslie (Crouse) Ranoa ML ’04 and her husband, Josh, are the proud parents of Olivia Jo Ranoa, born Jan. 15, 2010. Leslie and Josh are loving every minute of being Olivia’s mom and dad!

1997 Tyler (Rosenfield) Quinlan and Thomas Quinlan were married in San Francisco on April 25, 2009. The ceremony and reception were held in the Presidio. Several Saint Mary’s alums attended the wedding, including bridesmaids Amy (Jaure) O’Leary, Ashley (Wire) Mazaisz and Catherine (Marovich) Gore. Tyler and Tom now live in San Diego.

1992 Baby Paul Michael Dini joined big brother Robert Golfredo Dini and parents Erin (Triebsch) Dini and Mike Dini on July 20, 2010.

1987 Julie Finch spent the past 13 years working as a registered nurse in the operating room at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in fabulous Boise, Idaho. Now she is excited to be starting a new chapter in her life, in Baker City, Ore., as the bride of Mike Hindman—and also as surgical services supervisor at St. Elizabeth’s Health Services.

1986 Nancy Wilson MS was named Citizen of the Year by the Garberville Redway Chamber of Commerce. Nancy serves as the community service chairperson for the GRCC and has contributed greatly to the southern Humboldt community for 20 years. She is also current chairman of the board of governors of the

1 Sisters-in-law Rachel (Neustadter) Mino ’02 and Alicia (Mino) Rocha ’07 both welcomed beautiful babies into the world. Rachel and her husband, Carlos Mino, welcomed Belen Sophia Mino on July 11, 2010. Alicia and her husband, Javier Rocha, welcomed Belen’s cousin Christian Noe Rocha just a few weeks earlier, on June 18. Everyone is happy and healthy and thrilled at the arrival of the newest family members!

Community Heath Care District and president of Friends of the Garberville Library and Rotary. Nancy truly embodies the Saint Mary’s tradition: “Enter to learn, leave to serve.”

2 Pete Constant ’05 EE ’05 ML ’07 was reelected to the San Jose City Council in June 2010 with over 66 percent of the vote. He continues to be one of the council’s leading advocates for balancing the budget and reforming public employee pensions. Pete also serves as an adjunct professor of leadership at Saint Mary’s.

3 Garrett Vanneman ’03 married Nicole Duplantis on July 31, 2010, at the Flower Farm in Loomis, Calif. Matt Wade ’03, Weston Borba ’03, C.J. Daft ’03, Mike Croghan ’03 and Nick Zarcone ’03 ECR ’07 were there to cheer them on. Garrett is a financial planner and lives with his wife in Roseville.

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4 Jessica (Cook) ’03 married Marvin Millonida on May 30, 2010 in San Jose, Calif., where they reside. Family and friends shared in their joyous day.

5 Michael Cullen ’09 is serving his second year with City Year Little Rock/North Little Rock. City Year, a nonprofit organization, brings together young people aged 17–24 for twelve months of full-time service, much of it in schools, where the recent high school and college graduates do their part to combat the national dropout crisis. Michael is a team leader for the Senior Corps Literacy Initiatives at Mabelvale Elementary. 6 Edward J. Primasing ’07 EE ’07 ML ’09 recently accepted a position with O’Keeffe’s Inc. as vice president in charge of sales, after six years as a sales manager for Pacific Coast Building Products based in Sacramento. He says he’ll miss his old firm, but he is excited about the opportunity to work for O’Keefe’s, one of the Bay Area’s most enduring and respected companies.

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1975 Tom Torriglia reports that one of his original compositions, “The Pasta Song,” was selected as the music for a new TV commercial for the Carrabba’s Italian restaurant chain. Here’s a link: carrabbas.com/see-our-ads.aspx. Tom’s contact info: tom@ladyofspain.com

1972 Ron Montoya has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2011 National High School Principal of the Year award. Ron is currently the principal at Valley High School in Las Vegas. Valley was recently named a High Achieving– Exemplary Turnaround School. Ron has been in Las Vegas for 36 years. For more information on his award, go to www.principals.org.

1964 After 40 years as a trial attorney, John “Jack” Murray retired this year as a partner in a San Francisco firm. (He says he’s semiretired.) He and Marie, his wife of 37 years, love spending time with their granddaughter, Amie, in Arizona, where son Brian and his wife, Lauren, live. Amie visits Jack and Marie’s Newport Beach condo, too—to go to Disneyland! In his fourth year at the San Francisco Archdiocese Diaconate Program, Jack is enjoying small classes and the Socratic method once again. (Sound familiar?) Against all odds, Jack’s golf is steadily improving; he finally broke 100 (once) this year. Next year, Erin, Jack and Marie’s daughter, will be married. Life, as they say, is good, very good.

1963 Jim Collins was just named EPA District 9 (California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Southwest tribal lands) Legal Enforcer of the Year. He is being very gracious about all jokes.

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1955 Patrick O’Brien has accepted the position of California regional admissions counselor for Stonehill College, in Boston. A lifetime Lasallian educator who retired as a counselor from Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, Pat formerly recruited for Marquette University. Now that he has joined Stonehill—a campus and student body about the size of SMC’s— Pat feels he has worked with the three finest teaching orders: the Christian Brothers, the Jesuits and now the Congregation of the Holy Cross, who also teach at Notre Dame.

1934 After losing everything in Hurricane Katrina, Clay McElroy moved from Pascagoula, Miss., to New Braunfels, Tex. Luckily, he recovered his Saint Mary’s diploma from the wreckage and was very thankful that he had not lost this valuable reminder of his alma mater. Clay is enjoying his new home and actively supports the New Braunfels arts community. In 2008, Clay made a $500 donation to the New Braunfels Art League, which provides scholarships for local children to attend art camps. As a retired Chevron employee, McElroy was also able to secure a matching $500 grant from his old company to further support the league.

winter 2011

7 Briana (Pierce) Rawlinson ’06 and Aaron Rawlinson were married on June 12, 2010, in Folsom, Calif. The bridal party included Saint Mary’s alumni Michelle Kujawski ’06, Alex Long-Smith ’06 and Elizabeth Meister ’06. Aaron and Briana recently purchased a home in Pleasant Hill and are enjoying their newest family member, a Rhodesian ridgeback puppy named Lincoln.

8 Elizabeth Steele ‘01 married Greg Teshara ‘02 at San Francisco’s historic Saint Ignatius Church on Jan. 16, 2010. It was quite the Saint Mary’s affair with Gaels both in the wedding party and in attendance, including maid of honor Sara Steele ‘05, bridesmaid Erin Hamer Allen ‘01, best man Miguel de Ocampo ‘96 and groomsman David Holquin ‘03. Danielle Holquin ‘03 participated in the Mass, sharing the Prayers of the Faithful. Gaels who celebrated with the newlyweds and their families included: Bishop John Cummins, Richard DeLuna, Tom Bruce, Jim Togneri, Phil Herndon, Cindy (Neander) Cooper, Daniel Lewis, Jim Sciuto, Geoff Allen, Erin (Moss) Wurster, Noah Cowen, Heather (Zimmerman) Walsh, Bill Porter, and Colleen (Redmond) and Sean Dietterle.

9 Virginia Klaas, MD ’79, a practicing radiologist in Auburn, Wash., was honored as a “Top Doc” by Seattle Magazine in 2010. She has also been recognized by the International Association of Radiologists and will be included in the 2010 edition of “The Leading Physicians of the World.” When she’s not busy helping patients, she’s fast on her feet pursuing her other passion: ballroom dancing. A participant in regional and national contests, she and her partner reached the finals in both the American Smooth and American Rhythm categories in a competition last April.

10 On May 22, 2010, John Smead ’02 graduated from Pepperdine with a masters in psychology. John retired in 2005 from his career in aerospace manufacturing management, then decided to go back to school in the field he originally majored in at Saint Mary’s. He found Pepperdine while helping his youngest daughter look for colleges. He will start his doctoral program in forensic psychology in the fall.

13 Wheels with a heart: Jim Wood ’70 completed his third 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in support of AIDS Life Cycle and has just started his training for next year’s 10th anniversary ride. He was just named for the seventh consecutive year a Northern California Super Lawyer for his work in products liability and pro bono representation.

14 Tina (Hartung) Fenton ’84 (tinafenton@ earthlink.net) writes that several families from the class of 1984 headed out to Murphys, Calif. (home of the John Krpan ’84 family) for their annual summer trip. Also attending this year were the Hemmenways, Mottas, Mills, O’Sullivans, Fentons, Mulrooneys and Ghilottis. 15 Melisse (Duley) Aiello ’99 ECR ’01 earned her single-subject credential in English from Saint Mary’s in 2000. After teaching in Benicia and then San Diego for a few years, she moved back to the Bay Area and began teaching at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill, where she met her husband, Tim, whom she married in 1997. Melisse and Tim welcomed their daughter, Olivia Ray, into their Martinez home in 1998.

16 Christine (Hauser) ’95 and Geoff Reimer ’95 welcomed their third child, Marisa Elizabeth, on September 16, 2009. Marisa joins Caitlin, 8, and Justin, 2. The Reimer family lives in Clayton, Calif. Geoff is a systems engineer for Avaya, and Christine teaches history, leadership and dance at Clayton Valley High School in Concord.

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11 Darren Davidson ’97 and Becky Rice were married on July 10, 2010, at Rice & Son Orchards in Hood River, Ore. Darren is the vice president of a real estate financing firm and Becky is a special education teacher. Brad Campbell ’97 was best man and gave the toast. Also attending the wedding were fellow alumni Andy Kraus ’97, Edie Payne ’97 and Keri (Rose) ’97 and Greg Hubbard ’97. Darren proposed to Becky at the finish line of the Hood to Coast Relay in 2008, after their team completed the race. The couple spent their honeymoon in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. They live in Portland, Ore.

12 Ken Rocha ’00 ECR ’02 ’07 ME ’05 has been named principal of Harvest Park in Pleasanton, one of California’s top middle schools. Ken earned his BA, MA and three credentials from SMC. He looks forward to continuing in a new learning environment with a long tradition of success and progress, while bringing a little Saint Mary’s spirit to his daily interactions there. Ken is also enjoying spending time with his wife, Keri (they married at Saint Mary’s in 2004), three-year-old Kaylee, one-year-old Karlie and faithful dog Scout.

degree key ECR Education Credential EdD Doctor of Education EE Extended Education EMBA Executive MBA HON Honorary MBA Graduate Business MC Counseling ME Graduate Education MFA Fine Arts ML Leadership MLS Liberal Studies MS Science N Nursing P Paralegal Certificate

Saint Mary’s magazine will publish one Glimpse per year for any graduate of the College. To post more frequent updates, go to www.stmarys-ca.edu/alumniand-friends/gael-glimpses.

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m e m o r i A m

Alumni Barbara R. Chriss Matt Hachman ’97 Antonia M. Hardy ’86 Gary W. Hazelhofer ’85 Sandra l. Hill ’91 Thomas Joseph Kane ’99 Paul Micallef ’80 Dennis J. Oliver ’96 Albert Gabriel Ratto ‘42 Lloyd V. Schine, Jr. ’73, MA ’81 Leandro Soto Leo A. Vonseeburg ’81 William Wogan ’78 Margaret J. York ’81

Lloyd Vernon Schine Jr. ’73, MA ’81 and Lorna Ros Schine

Saint Mary’s director of alumni relations from 2004 to 2009. Inspired by the example of his father and his mother, Louise Schine MA ’91, who was also an educator, he now teaches language arts and literature at Northern Light School in Oakland.

Lloyd III recalls his father as “an enor-

mous influence” in his life. Both his father and his grandmother, Mabel Schine, who was an honorary Saint Mary’s alumna and a member of the Gael Sports Board, encouraged him to attend SMC. In fact, he says, there are pictures of him at less than a year

Family and Friends Delmo Abatti

old wearing a “Future Gael” t-shirt, and he and his parents spent many days watching Gael football games.

Patricia Bartolero

Anna G. Carlin James R. Dixon Mary Torrey Dooms Mario Michael Ghilotti William C. Gilmore Elwood “Bud” Greist Donald R. Harriss Charles E. Hoonan John J. Kirschner Ruth Marie McVann, mother of Brother Mark McVann Nathan Oliveira

“He was always there for me — at all the

football games, the clarinet recitals, the Boy Scout meetings, the track meets,” Lloyd III Lloyd Vernon Schine Jr. & Lorna Ros Schine

says of his father. “He was a phenomenal

passed away following a car accident on

father. He was so supportive, but he also

Nov. 11, 2010, in Newberry Springs, Calif.

taught me to be independent, my own man.

Both were 59 years old.

I can’t say enough about what an amazing

person he was.”

Lloyd was a longtime supporter of Saint

Mary’s College and was a member of the

Alumni Board of Directors. As a student, he

May 26, 1951, were residents of Pleasant Hill,

played on both the football and rugby teams

where they were involved in Christ the King

and served as a resident advisor. As an alum-

Church — Lloyd as a lector for more than 30

nus, he was a member of the President’s Club

years and Lorna as a choir member. Traveling

and the Black Alumni Chapter and often met

and entertaining were passions they shared.

with students as a mentor and at Dine With

Alums events.

late Mabel and Lloyd Schine, Sr. Lorna was

born in Manila to the late Josefina and Jaimie

He was also an esteemed educator

Both Lloyd and Lorna, who was born on

Lloyd Jr. was born in San Francisco to the

for more than 30 years in Vallejo and San

Ros. She had a successful career in social

Charles Owens

Francisco. As an affirmative action officer,

services for more than 20 years.

Flavio Perfumo

he recruited teachers for the San Francisco

School District. Later, he served as principal

survived by Lorna’s children, Darlene Waga

Lola Sanders

of Brett Harte Elementary School and as a

and Carl Chan; their son-in-law Mel Waga;

Lorna Schine

fifth-grade teacher at Alamo Elementary

daughter-in-law Cri Campbell-Schine;

School, both in San Francisco.

grandson E.J. Chan and Kaleb and Kaden

Schine, the twin sons of Lloyd Schine III and

Ruth P. Schorer Virginia Ann Slater

Lloyd and Lorna are survived by Lloyd’s

son, Lloyd Schine III ’98 MA ’04, who was

Besides Lloyd III, the Schines are also

Cri Campbell-Schine.

Mary V. Souza Rick Thomas, husband of Pamela Thomas Richard Louis Valli

winter 2011

Saint Mary’s magazine runs the names of recently deceased alumni, Christian Brothers and friends who have given to Saint Mary’s. Names of other friends of the College, as well as family members of alumni, faculty and staff, appear in the online version of the magazine.

e n d n o t e

The Negatives Christine Fort

Sounds pretty, seems implausible. Dumb girl waits for bastard on the subway platform—where does he get off? At any other stop, you know this sound ain’t Rattlesnakes, you write it off as shit, but in the thick tar where you are, the backbeat catches in your throat. Your lover liked this album till you did, left its white shell in your room. “It’s accessible,” he said as you crossed

Christine Fort (MFA ’04) writes

that awful bridge. A little starlight if not honey. You sing along enough, you’ll start to get the fact you’ll

in the Boston area, where she works

let a clear-voiced man fool you: a boyish good-for-nothing’s good for crying. Good for driving too.

is the name of an album by Lloyd Cole.

music reviews for the online journal “Caught in the Carousel.” She lives

as an intellectual property practice systems specialist. “The Negatives”

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID OAKLAND, CA PERMIT NO. 1788

P.O. Box 4300 Moraga, CA 94575-4300 www.stmarys-ca.edu Address Service Requested

One influential alumna. 29 years of giving back. “Live it. Enjoy it. And then give back so that others can do the same.” As one of the College’s “40 most influential alumnae” and its director of finance and controller, Jeanne DeMatteo ’83, knows just how critical the support of our alumni, parents and friends is to Saint Mary’s. Through donor support we can provide a unique, whole-person educational experience to all our students. So for the past 29 years — since her $10 senior class gift — Jeanne has given back to the place that has been such a formative and integral part of her life. No matter the amount, your annual support is the greatest gift of all. Help make an impact.

Make Your Gift Today

Click: stmarys-ca.edu/donate