Saint Francis Magazine Winter 2018

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message from our president Dear alumni and friends, Fall semester brought accolades to the University of Saint Francis, as we continued to honor the responsibilities with which we have been blessed—instilling values in our students and preparing them for meaningful vocations. Our football team demonstrated once again how commitment and working together for a common goal benefit everyone. After earning a second consecutive NAIA national championship, they made time to speak about their success to students in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Cougars encouraged the students to work hard, trust one another and put the group effort before individual needs and glory. Our alumni continued their unique legacy to our students and community through many efforts—mentoring, community service, occupational guidance and monetary support. A new mentoring program through the Office of Alumni Relations allows graduates to not only contribute valuable leadership to students enrolled at USF, but to receive mentoring themselves from fellow alumni to refine and accelerate their professional contributions. USF alumni set themselves apart by seeking out opportunities to serve our community, showing the gratitude that flows from servant hearts. Their generous contributions to scholarships and campus projects underscore their desire to benefit those following in their steps at USF. I enjoyed an opportunity to directly participate in a School of Creative Arts fall production of the musical, “Sister Act,” in our USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center downtown. Several USF Sisters joined me in making cameo stage appearances throughout the play’s run, to the delight of our audience. But while we enjoyed unique blessings last semester, we also experienced some sorrows. Dr. Shawn Ambrose passed away unexpectedly, leaving a real void in the hearts of the campus community. His enthusiasm for teaching and his love for students will be forever missed throughout the university and the city. University donor and patron Jim Shields has also left us, but his contributions to university plans and projects will continue to shine, and his gifts will enrich the lives of others for years to come. We are so grateful to our alumni for their support, stewardship and generosity. No matter the need, our graduates step up with time, talent or treasure. They are the keepers of our values, and the beacon for all of which we stand in our communities. Because they believe in giving back some of their blessings, we can continue to educate graduates steeped in our traditions and willing to perpetuate our service history for the benefit of others. Please visit us on campus and downtown to view for yourself the continued work and commitment of the University of Saint Francis. God’s blessings,

Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, President University of Saint Francis 2

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Magazine | Winter 2018

Office of Institutional Advancement Dr. Matt Smith

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Phil Bastron

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Kathy Calvin

Administrative Assistant

Melissa Eastman

Director of Alumni Relations

Lynne McKenna Frazier

Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Matthew Hall

Assistant Director of Career Advancement

Tammy Oakes

Senior Gift Officer

Sister Marilyn Oliver, BSE ’62 Planned Giving and Missions

Sandie Phalen

Director of Marketing and Development for USF Crown Point

Matthew Rowan

Director of Development

Mary Timm-Zimmerman Donor Relations Specialist

Natalie (Mason) Wagoner, BBA ’07, MBA ’09 Director of Employer Relations

Tatiana Walzer, MBA ’13

Assistant Director of Advancement Services

Magazine Staff MARKETING AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carla (Satchwell) Pyle, BA ’00

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Rob Hines

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Melissa Eastman Sister Marilyn Oliver, BSE ’62 Matthew Rowan SPORTS WRITER

Bill Scott

FEATURE WRITER

Yvonne Schroeder

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jeff Dollens, BA ’99 Brooke (Stauffer) McGee, BA ’05 Rachel Weaver, BA ’16 PUBLISHER

University of Saint Francis 2701 Spring St., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 260-399-7999, sf.edu/magazine WINTER 2018

SERVE ONE ANOTHER SOCIETY, and THE CHURCH

The magazine of the University of Saint Francis is published twice annually by the USF Marketing Department and distributed without cost to alumni, faculty, staff and other friends of the university.


in this issue features 6 Believe 8

Living Through Giving A perfect balance for alumna

10 Giving is Circular Mentoring Program offers two-fold service opportunity

12 The Gift of Giving Back 14 Medical Alumni Praise USF Blake and Chelsey (Caldwell) Weil credit USF with so much

16 Living on a Mission Vocation, Leadership and FYE Inspire USF’s West

18 Twice as Tough The USF Cougars show resilience, grit in their journey to back-to-back national championships

22 Giving Back Makes You a Winner

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26 One Terrific Sister Act 28 The Gift of Friendship Kevin Donley remembers Jim and Margaret Shields

29 USF Respects Creation with Downtown

Doctor duo heading home. Blake and Chelsey (Caldwell) Weil met in pre-medical studies at USF. They have since married and are returning to Fort Wayne to deliver dual medical services to their community, Chelsey as a pediatrician and Blake as a dentist. They credit USF with bringing them together as partners for life.

Site Clean-up

30 Senior’s Ministries Comfort Homeless Some people talk the talk. Some walk the walk. Justin Davis does both.

32 All About the Students Osborne is passionate about USF’s DNP program

34 Dr. Ambrose’s Impact, Spirit Live on in Lives He Shaped

sections

Athletics

24-25

Campus News

36-38

Alumni News

39-43


Song and dance, Sister-style. USF Sisters, including President Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, made cameo appearances in “Sister Act,” the School of Creative Arts fall musical production in the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center in November. Smoking vocals, witty dialogue, dazzling sets and light shows contributed to the fun sensory feast.

6 Joy to the world. Christmas at USF continued to enchant the community with the much-loved Living Nativity, presented annually by USF students. The event reproduces the first re-enactment of Christ’s birth by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century, the influence of which is still seen today in the display of the traditional Christmas crèche.

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16 Aficionado of freshmen. Whatever first-year USF students need to engage in their studies and academic community is crafted and tended by Aaron West. The 2012 communication grad completed USF’s Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) in December. He supports a meaningful undergraduate experience directing the First Year Experience.

30 Bettering lives. Spring 2018 communication graduate Justin Davis has put USF values into action by planting a street ministry named Be Better, Do Better, a resource network for Fort Wayne’s homeless population. He also founded the Homes for Our Heroes 5K walk-run at USF in November to help veterans facing the holidays on the street.

On the cover: USF’s Cougars claimed their second consecutive NAIA national football championship by defeating No. 2 Reinhardt University in Daytona Beach, Florida in December. The remarkable opportunity to excel at the national level made them want to help others succeed and thrive, so they took time out to speak in local school classrooms during their stay.

Photos by Christopher K. George, Tim Brumbeloe, Jeffrey Crane and Steve Vorderman. Cover photo by Jeffrey Crane.


BELIEVE “Everything is possible for him who believes.�- M A RK 9:23

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Photos by Tim Brumbeloe


“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.�- M AT T H EW 2: 10

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Marcy Rogers knows the importance of giving back to others a portion of what she’s been given. If not for help from her family, friends, faith and supportive organizations, the 1998 USF nursing alumna could not have become the healthcare professional she is today — Vice President of Surgical and Ancillary Services at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

A PERFECT BALANCE FOR ALUMNA She learned early she could rely upon the character and compassion of those around her, as the child of parents who were sick throughout her childhood. “I had the most incredible parents,” she said. “They were both chronically ill when I was growing up, and we spent many vacations at Mayo Clinic. They tried to make it fun, but my father was in a lot of trials and we’re lucky to have had him to age 71. My parents passed away six weeks apart.” Marcy relied upon important anchors during those difficult times. “I went to St. Jude, and my mom was Eucharistic minister at Parkview, where I was a ‘candy striper’ volunteer,” she said. “I talked about being a physician, but in high school my dad was really ill so I rethought my goals, investigated USF and knew the nursing program was a good direction. It’s the best choice I ever made.” For her, many qualities set the USF experience apart. “You could express your faith any time,” she said. “That’s integral to who I am and what has led me down my paths. Going to USF was one of my best experiences because of the education, class sizes and the compassion of the faculty. They gave so much of themselves, and listened. Here at the hospital, you can tell when someone is from USF. They expect to be good stewards and use their education for the good of others.” One instructor particularly influenced her career. “Dr. Dave Johnson was outstanding. He held students accountable for their work. The class was difficult, but truly rewarding. He is such a strong influence at USF, within our community and at Parkview.” As a Parkview professional, the enrichment continued. “I started a nursing career in surgery and then became an educator, mentoring and training all new surgical coworkers 8

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at Parkview on new technology, process changes and our new electronic medical records,” she said. “Then I became a manager for a few years, and embraced building a new facility. We had a vision for Parkview Regional Medical Center, and worked collaboratively with so many people. It was incredible to see something written on paper come to life. I can’t describe the ribbon cutting and then transporting the first patients from the Randallia facility, with all of us working together. I was fortunate to move into a director’s position then, with oversight for Allen County surgical and endoscopy departments. A year later I was promoted to vice president, which has been my role for the past three years. It allows me to support and influence change to better help patients and families.” Servant leadership is part of her commitment. “It’s helping others and also taking care of myself by cultivating what brings out my joy and compassion, so I can be the best version of myself for the people who need support.” Her achievements, and giving, are broad. After graduating from USF, Marcy earned a master’s degree in business at Indiana Wesleyan in 2003. She was a 40 Under 40 achievement award winner in 2012, and is a member of this year’s class for Leadership Fort Wayne. She also serves on the Allen County YMCA and Sexual Assault Treatment boards. Marcy chooses to support USF through the Annual Fund. “I’m giving back to USF because I didn’t have funds at one time, and was supported emotionally, physically and monetarily. I want to do for others as they have done for me,” she said. “I want to show my support for USF’s programs and buildings like the new chapel on campus. I want others to also think of giving because of the great work they do. Like many, the university needs help, too.” Photo by Steve Vorderman


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Mentoring Program offers two-fold service opportunity 10

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Giving is Circular. The more you give, the more you receive, as those who routinely help out will attest. That circularity guides the new USF Mentoring Program offered by the Office of Alumni Relations and Career Outreach Center. Alumni can become mentors to USF students and also receive mentoring for themselves, if they choose. Connecting with students and fellow alumni through an online platform, USF grads can create profiles, receive mentoring matches, schedule meeting times and sign up for training workshops. The free and completely online program allows alumni from around the world to participate. Mentor Nicole Satalino, business administration 2016, highly recommends the program after her successful match with USF freshman Sarah Lewis. A business development coordinator for Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, Satalino helps to grow the regional economy through lead generation and research to attract businesses to northeast Indiana.

incredible experience, and I got the maximum quality from my education because of involvement and community outreach. I wanted to pay that back and help a student have a similar experience.” As a result, Sarah has grown from a freshman with an undecided major to a student with evolving goals. “Within three to four months of the relationship, she has her major narrowed down to business. Seeing her grow, identify her passion, narrow things down and make her decisions is powerful,” Satalino said. While she waits for her own mentor match, she has solid ideas about what she needs from the relationship. “For me, a mentor should be someone who can help with professional development,” she said. “You have all these opportunities throughout college, but what does that look like after graduation— how do I apply that and navigate through my career? He or she should provide valuable feedback and knowledge to help me grow professionally.” For Sarah, the mentoring relationship has provided direction, energy and self-confidence in her journey toward selfhood.

“It’s easy to sign up for the USF Mentoring Program,” she said. “You go online and fill out a profile, and through that you create a bio of your workplace, when you graduated and your interests and passions. At the end, you can select whether you want to be a mentor, mentee or both. I selected both. The pairing is based on interest and availability.”

“This program has been a huge benefit, helping me to discover my major and giving me connections in the community,” she said. “Working with Nicole has shown me that I want to go into business, but I am still job shadowing to narrow down exactly what I want to do.

Since her positive experience as an engaged USF student has impacted her professional life, she wants to guide Sarah into an active student life. “During my USF time, I was involved in campus organizations, and I think it makes for well-rounded alumni. Being engaged on campus makes you then engage with your workplace and community. Working in teams gives you a better perspective.”

“She has played a key role in this, arranging multiple job shadows and meetings with faculty members at USF, and encouraging and guiding me as I chose to join the student newspaper. I can honestly say my confidence has skyrocketed through my meetings with Nicole. She has been a role model for me as I journey toward the real world, and shown me what happens when hard work and perseverance pay off.”

That insight informs her interaction with Sarah. “I go into meetings and try to keep topics centered on how to make her time at USF easier, how to navigate courses and activities the easiest way and get the most out of her experience,” she said. “We talk about career opportunities like job shadowing to help her really figure out her direction.”

It’s almost a match made in heaven. “I can truly say that it was God working in my life to match Nicole and me in this program. She has played, and will continue to play, an instrumental role in my development as a young adult, leader and student. I am so excited to continue learning from Nicole as she works toward her goals and encourages me to do the same,” Sarah said.

Sharing her experience feels good. “What’s rewarding is being able to give back in a unique way. I had an

For more information, visit alumni.sf.edu.

Photo by Jeffrey Crane

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GIFTOF GIVING BACK THE

DONLARAY REESE BA SOCIAL WORK, 2006

2006, 2016, 1960 & 1967 At first glance, nothing links these numerals except the recurrent 6. But look again, and you see a numerology exemplifying what USF graduates are all about. Across the decades, they have taken the service mission absorbed at USF to their communities, profoundly impacting the world around them. Three USF alumni, whose graduation years these numbers represent, show that, whatever the year, a constant remains—the drive to help, to change lives and to give back to a world and school by which they feel so blessed.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” -1 Corinthians 16:14 12

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Donlaray Reese gives back to families and his alma mater because “it brings out the heart and light of your community, when they know you care.” A defensive cornerback for the Cougars football team, he returned to USF for a stint as a receivers’ coach after graduation. Now he’s the “day of” guy for the Cougar Classic golf outing. “The main part is making sure everything’s there and where it should be and everyone’s having a good time,” he said. “I do it because it’s a family at USF. Every time I drive by, I smile. “At USF I was in student government, and we did lots of things that gave back—to kids at Christmas, or help with shelters. It was part of the degree program to give back and do special work. I did and found it very enjoyable. It’s how I was raised anyway. It matched my own family’s culture.” Since 2013, he’s been bringing that smile to his job of healing families as a case worker for Fort Wayne’s Park Center. He had begun a successful sales career, but a chance experience as a substitute teacher opened up a new world for him. “The more I taught, the more I realized what I wanted to do. It’s very, very rewarding to work with young people and their parents. As a case worker, I do in-home case work, assess situations and coping skills, teach parenting skills, advocate at school or court—whatever’s needed. I help them manage crisis and daily life and help them find resources they may need in order to manage.” Giving back defines him. “One of the most important things you can do is to engage with your community. When children see this, they get a sense of gratitude through service. I took that away from USF, being a servant leader.” Photos by Emma Anger (BA ’16)


MADELEINE RICHEY

LEANNE MENSING

BA HISTORY, 2016

BSE 1960, MSE 1967

“I was 18 when I first stepped off a plane in East Africa. The journey took more than 32 hours, but when I stepped onto the red dirt roads, it felt like home,” Richey said.

For some alumni, giving to others just comes naturally. Leanne Mensing’s earliest family memories include Friday night spaghetti dinners for college students stretching every penny just to make it through school. “We were taught to be good to people. Our house was always full,” she said.

Although she taught English in a nursery school, she left knowing she must do more. “I worked weeks in Uganda, but when I left I couldn’t measure the difference I had made. I hoped to return, but most of the students I knew never did.” Return she did, with great impact to a village. “I asked my friend Joseph Kkonde to find me a project that would help me repay some of the kindness the village had shown during my last visit. Joseph spoke to the community, and they asked for help with a well. “We raised the funds among friends and family, and hired skilled laborers. We traveled around the region to purchase bricks, sand, gravel and concrete, and when we showed up to break ground, the village of Kilemba waited to lend a hand. I am still awed by their willingness. It’s their well, and they built it. The concrete steps were drying when I left for home. “When I can connect my community with their community, I think we start to change the landscape of both our worlds. It is people helping people. “The USF people inspired me to give back, because I have so many advantages in life that others don’t, clean water being just one of them. Dr. Jackisch and Dr. Gernhardt made my first trip to Uganda possible, even though we didn’t have an established program for working/studying abroad. Sister Anita encouraged my interest in mission work and shared some of her experiences with me.”

Her Catholic heritage led her to USF, which was already part of her family’s world. “I lived two miles from USF, so it was in our realm and we went out there to look at the animals. Then when it became a school, the mothers started the guild and my mom was a member and president for 15 years. Some windows in the USF Chapel are in her memory. You could say it’s been in our blood. I had a sister at USF for two years, and a great-niece is starting in the School of Creative Arts next year. I’m so excited about that,” she said. Leanne now leads the Brookside docents and represents the guild and its scholarship. But her giving influence is felt by many others, beyond the sphere of her alma mater. She presides over the Central Catholic High School Alumni Association, which just established a plaza at the site of the former school. A new project will renovate the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. She chaired the committee for the 60-year St. Charles Parish directory, and volunteers for the reading service for the Allen County Public Library radio line. Leanne’s also an Embassy Theatre Festival of Trees sponsor. “I help with whatever comes along,” she said. “You should always help others any way you can. Giving is exciting,” she said. “The blessings work both ways. Paying it forward is great. I will be 80, and people will often come and tell me someone has already paid for my meal when I am in a restaurant. Giving back is a very strong influence.” saint francis magazine | winter 2018

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MEDICAL ALUMNI PRAISE USF


“I can truly say my four years at USF were some of the best years of my life.” -Chelsey (Caldwell) Weil, ’11

Blake and Chelsey (Caldwell) Weil credit USF with so much—a strong education, great friendships, successfully launched medical careers and bringing them together as husband and wife. As they now progress professionally, Chelsey in her final year of pediatric residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and Blake in his final year of dental school at Chicago’s Midwestern University, they do so with the USF mantra of service to others on their lips. “I have accepted a position as a pediatrician back in northeast Indiana, which I will be starting in August,” said Chelsey, a 2011 USF biology grad and 2015 Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) alumna. “While I’ve enjoyed traveling to big cities to study, I can’t wait to be back in our hometown to serve others!” “I have only four months remaining in my training, and I am beyond excited to start my career as a dentist back home in Fort Wayne at Family Dentistry and Aesthetics,” said Blake, who earned a BS in biology in 2014. “I can’t even begin to explain how wonderful it is to provide healthcare to others on a daily basis.” Shared career goals and a passion to serve others through Formula for Life, USF’s mission in Haiti, brought them together, and they reflect upon that with gratitude. “Chelsey was in Formula for Life a few years before me, so I had heard a lot about the club and its mission,” Blake said. “I knew I wanted to be a part of something that special, so through USF’s Dr. Obringer, I was able to volunteer for the annual 5K run fundraiser. I journeyed to Haiti in 2014, and it changed my life and made me realize how much I wanted to help others through medicine. I saw the start of the new orphanage we were building, and even got to lay a few concrete blocks. Once I graduate from dental school, I would love to go down with fellow USF colleagues and provide dental care to our orphanage and the local hospital.” “I got involved in Formula for Life when I was a junior at USF, and I loved organizing the event to raise money for such a great cause,” Chelsey said. “A 10-day mission trip to Haiti in 2011 to see the orphanage and children was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I just traveled back in 2017 with Dr. Obringer’s class for a medical mission trip. In three Photo by Christopher K. George

days, I treated almost 200 children, suffering everything from malnutrition to heart failure. I am already looking forward to the next trip. Blake and I plan to continue making trips with Dr. Obringer’s group to serve God through our work.” USF’s rigorous pre-medical program served them well in advanced medical studies. “Most of the education I was receiving at IUSM I had already learned at USF. Because USF has a cadaver lab, I was way ahead of the game in anatomy, the hardest class of the first year. I had already dissected and learned from real humans! It was a great advantage, and I think my USF education was a large reason why I was able to graduate medical school as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society,” Chelsey said. “I was more prepared than most dental school classmates from huge, renowned Division 1 universities. Studying in the USF cadaver lab really set the tone for my anatomical and physiological studies during the first part of dental school,” Blake said. They stress USF’s influence on their lives. ”I’ve never met such a fantastic group as the faculty in Achatz Hall of Science. Their impact on me is priceless,” he said. “They didn’t just teach me subject matter, they taught me how to be a great person, a clinician and a professional. They were always there for me throughout my undergrad journey.” “I can truly say my four years at USF were some of the best years of my life,” Chelsey said. “I met many of my best friends there, as well as great mentors. I was always busy with my 18-hour pre-med schedule and labs, but I also was part of many organizations. “The professors are outstanding and truly know you as a person. It makes USF so different. I remember meeting in Dr. Obringer’s office about applying to medical school. As I waited impatiently for my acceptance letter, Dr. Matt Hopf encouraged me to have patience and faith. They never doubted me. And because of that, I never doubted myself.” saint francis magazine | winter 2018

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LIVING ON A MISSION VOCATION, LEADERSHIP AND FYE INSPIRE USF’S WEST

THE IDEA OF VOCATION—HAVING A CALLING RATHER THAN JUST A JOB—HAS MOTIVATED AARON WEST IN ALL OF HIS USF ROLES. The 2012 communication grad, already a USF admissions counselor and event coordinator, broadened his selfawareness and impact by completing USF’s Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) in December. He now supports a meaningful undergraduate experience in a relatively new role—directing the First Year Experience (FYE) for Student Affairs. Aaron’s search for meaning and a will to set things in motion translated to the job in USF admissions directly after graduation. “Relationships at USF allowed me to be deeper and creative beyond the surface level of completing classes. I had a junior year internship in Atlanta, Ga., taking online classes and working full-time in another state. That was transformative, and allowed me to see what I can do. I took the steps to contact people and make things happen. My ability to make my coursework and experience unique translated into a job here right after school. All of that informed how I do my job now,” he said. Landing back at USF launched an odyssey into what drives him, what drives others and what really matters. He learned a lot about operating as a professional in his year as an admissions counselor. “But then I wanted to add more creativity and leadership to my work,” he said. “So I spent the next three and a half years in admissions event coordination, and that changed the scope, introducing organization and working with the university on campus visits and putting down roots with the community. It was fun to see my work impacting the new students. “Looking back, it was about being in touch with vocation,” he said. “My liberal arts education included different courses across the board, which strengthened and

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THE END OF THE DAY, “ATI RECOGNIZE IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE, AND THAT’S A MANTRA I’VE DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS.

broadened my world view and skill set. That informs beyond technical understanding. I didn’t know it then, but something beyond a paycheck was driving me toward what I wanted.” He connected the dots during grad school, moving from admissions to Student Affairs and the First Year Experience (FYE). “The work with FYE is very new. The strategy has not existed, yet I found my grad school complemented what I was doing with FYE through the leadership theories I had learned. Some courses were technical and some were broad, ranging from higher education law and strategic planning to ethics and non-profit financial management. I liked the servant leadership model, which resonated with me, but so did strategic planning, which is technical and provides a framework for organizational leadership. Through that framework, I created the FYE matrix that establishes a mission-driven and student-centered FYE at USF. Seeing those elements in my coursework, and then having it play out in my work, is motivating and positive.” But the end game is mission. “What I’ve tried to emphasize with FYE is that all we do ties to the mission of USF. We are studentcentered and mission-driven, focused on learning, leadership and service in the Catholic and Franciscan traditions. We deliver that to students through intellectual, social and spiritual engagement. The question always raised is, ‘How are we being student-centered and mission-driven?’ That’s been really cool.” But while strategy and technical models can help drive action, Aaron ultimately applies a gut recognition of people and their needs. “At the end of the day, I recognize it’s all about people, and that’s a mantra I’ve developed over the years,” he said. “Beyond being strategic, it’s more important to connect with people. I want to serve people well and love them well. That’s what Jesus did, and the way I do that day to day depends on whatever the job is.” Positive change is the end reward. “During grad school, I found this quote: ‘Change is the ultimate goal of the creative process of leadership.’ I’m motivated to lead because of the change I see. It inspires me. I am seeing positive change at USF as a whole, which is really exciting. I believe we, as a campus community, are directly impacting the success and transformation in the lives of our students and one another. And yet, I believe the best is still ahead for all of us.”

Photo by Jeffrey Crane

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TWICE AS

41 WILMER COLE

9 PIERCEN HARNISH

22 STAN JACKSON

6 ROCKY JAMES

13 NICK FERRER NAIA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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S TOUGH THE USF COUGARS SHOW RESILIENCE AND GRIT IN THEIR JOURNEY TO BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Photo by Jeffrey Crane

There might be no tougher task in college sports than repeating as champion, and no better feeling for the winners when it happens.

30 SPENCER COWHERD

21 RYAN JOHNSON

39 ERIC DUNTEN NAIA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

99 KYLE MAY

17 JUSTIN GREEN NAIA OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

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“Winning the first one is not easy, and the second one’s even tougher.”

The University of Saint Francis Cougars entered the 2017 football season ranked No. 1, coming off their first NAIA championship. They wore a target on their backs that could BLUE 287 be figuratively seen from coast to coast, and they finished the WHITE GRAY 427 season where they started, as the best in the country. BLACK

“Winning the first one is not easy, and the second one’s even tougher,” Coach Kevin Donley said. “Unless you’re part of it, you have no idea what’s involved—the time and the hard work by players and coaches. It says a lot about the character of the kids and their passion to be the best.” The commitment Donley inspired in those players and coaches, along with the camaraderie accompanying that commitment, pushed them to raise their performance even more.

“A lot of times, we could have faltered if we weren’t mentally tough enough to withstand everything thrown our way,” senior quarterback Nick Ferrer said. They were more than mentally tough enough. USF remained No. 1 in the nation, from start to finish, beating Reinhardt 24-13 in the NAIA championship game 20

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-KEVIN DONLEY, HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

on Dec. 16 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Cougars finished the season 14-0, the best championship-season record in Indiana college football history at any level. The goal was to repeat winning the national championship, and the goal was achieved in impressive fashion. “It was better the second time, actually,” junior defensive back Willy Cole said. “People said, ‘You guys are losing Seth (Coate) and (Lucas) Sparks and you’re probably not going to make it.’ At the end of the day, we did make it, and that made it that much better.” In 2016, Coate, a wide receiver, and Sparks, a defensive end, were named the most outstanding offensive and defensive players of the NAIA championship win over Baker. In the 2017 championship, running back Justin Green and linebacker Eric Dunten earned the honors. Green and Dunten are juniors who will be back for another season in 2018. Donley was named NAIA Coach of the Year and Ferrer was named NAIA Player of the Year. It was as close to a perfect season as any team could achieve.


“This year was incredibly special,” Ferrer said. “We did everything we set out to do.” Along the way, the players on the 2017 Cougars team etched their names all over the school record books. Ferrer set USF records for total offense in a season (4,019), total offense in a career (11,970), yards passing in a season (4,195), yards passing in a career (12,535), touchdown passes in a career (136), passes completed in a season (307), passes completed in a career (874), passes attempted in a season (453), passes attempted in a career (1,397) and completion percentage in a game (.868, 33-of-38 vs. Marian). Green set eight records: rushing yards in a season (2,031), rushing yards in a career (4,460), touchdowns in a season (33), rushing touchdowns in a season (26), rushing attempts in a season (351), rushing attempts in a career (689), points in a season (198) and all-purpose yards in a season (2,708). USF also had two 1,000-yard receivers in the same season for the first time with sophomore Dan Ricksy’s 1,172 yards and senior Sean Boswell’s 1,014 yards. Dunten tied Brian Kurtz’s record for tackles in a season with 133. Statistics are part of the story, but championships are won through dedication, hard work and heart. “Breaking records on a personal level doesn’t matter as long as you’re winning,” Ferrer said. “What mattered were the teammates, coaches, relationships and memories that we’ll take in life going forward.”

USF’s resilience was on display throughout the season. The Cougars came back from a 17-3 first-quarter deficit at rival Marian to win 31-24. After trailing 18-15 heading into the fourth quarter against Concordia, the Cougars scored 20 straight points to win 35-18. Saint Francis trailed at halftime in the playoff opener against Benedictine before rallying to win. In the championship game against then-undefeated Reinhardt, the Cougars jumped to a 24-7 halftime lead, thanks in large part to a dynamic 80-yard Green touchdown run and a threepass drive, with Ferrer hitting Ricksy once and Duke Blackwell twice, including Blackwell on the touchdown. Green’s 144 yards and two touchdowns earned him the most outstanding offensive player award and Dunten’s 17 tackles (10 solo) earned him the defensive award. Great individual performances abounded, but like a year earlier, the championship reflected the incredible team performance. “It was sweeter, not just because of the championship, but the way we did it,” Ferrer said. “Being able to go 14-0, there’s really nothing anybody could say to us.” There is one thing everyone can say: USF remains the NAIA football champion.

FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT: saintfranciscougars.com

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GIVING BACK MAKES YOU A

NATIONAL CHAMPION COUGARS TELL KIDS IN DAYTONA BEACH Forward momentum. It’s what propelled the University of Saint Francis Cougars to become 2016 and 2017 NAIA national football champions. But the Cougars weren’t content to just play it forward when they defeated No. 2 Reinhardt University in Daytona Beach on Dec. 16. They combined their efforts to “pay it forward”—make a difference in the lives of others—by speaking to students during their stay in Daytona. The remarkable opportunity to excel at the national level made him want to help others to succeed and thrive, said Eric Hemmelgarn, business management major. “I was once in their shoes, and I remember all of the help I received when I started college in 2014,” he said. “I gave the students helpful advice, like not to take anything for granted. Also to take school seriously, because the more you learn now, the more you know for the future.”

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Community service is an integral part of the USF student experience, whether as part of a classroom experience or as a member of an extra-curricular service group. “It makes me feel good. I went on a mission trip to El Salvador in 2016, and while we were down there we did activities like feeding the homeless. Experiences like that really make you feel thankful for what you have,” he explained. The discipline will stand him in good stead in his planned profession as an estimator for Weigand Construction in Fort Wayne. “Time management and football have taught me never to be late for anything,” he said.


“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

-GALATIANS 6:9

Ryan Johnson feels the USF football program helped him to grow as an athlete by showing hard work pays off and nothing good comes easily. “I believe those same things have helped me grow as a student also,” he said.

community vibe, and it really just stresses the importance of relationships. With all of the great people I have met in my four years here, it makes me want to spread that happiness to everyone I meet.”

“In Daytona I went to schools and talked to the children. Community service is woven into the culture here at USF because students are always helping out whenever they get the chance, and making a difference. I feel that’s what the Cougars did in Daytona, and hopefully the children really listened to some of what was said and it made an impact in their lives,” Johnson said.

He takes helping the younger students seriously. “We went to an elementary school to talk with the students and share our stories about how school and athletics have shaped us as men. It was really cool to get to talk with young kids, and hopefully make their day by visiting them.

“My time here at USF makes me want to help others, because I feel I was blessed with the opportunity to come to USF and play football, and hopefully one day I can help others feel as blessed as I do." Business management major Sean Boswell said an extended sense of family developed through the football program drives the team culture. “Our program really stresses the importance of family, and it has been a great experience getting close with the coaches and players over the years,” he said. “Coach D is at the center of it all. He is the key to everything and all of the success this program has seen. USF has a really close Photo by Rachel Weaver (BA ’16)

“It’s a great feeling serving other people and bringing joy to them,” Boswell said. “I have always had a great respect for people who dedicate their lives to serving others before themselves. Selflessness is a character trait that our world is lacking, so it is always nice to see it at work.” He praises the USF program and its impact. “Football has taught me almost everything I know about how to be a man. Competition, teamwork, brotherhood and hard work have all made me into the person I am today, and I would like to think that is an overall good person. The lessons I have learned from athletics will stick with me through my whole life. I have a sports management/marketing concentration, so if I can find a job in that field, I will be happy.” saint francis magazine | winter 2018

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FALL 2017 SPORTS

VOLLEYBALL

MEN’S SOCCER

The Lady Cougars came on strong toward the end of the season and advanced to the 2017 Crossroads League championship match. USF finished 10-8 in regular-season CL action, tying for fourth place.

A very young, inexperienced Cougars’ 11 took the pitch and won three non-Crossroads League games and one CL contest in Coach Mitch Ellisen’s 19th season as head coach. Sophomore goalkeeper Braden Conn finished 18th in NAIA saves with 99. He was 28th in saves per game at 5.8. Crossroads League Academic All-Conference selections included juniors Colin Barker, Nico Cardosa, Graham Denney, Nideo Foster and Alex Lowe. USF finished 10th in the CL with a 1-8 record, 4-14 overall.

Five members of the team earned post-season CL recognition. Junior outside hitter Cassidy Rammel was All-CL First Team and setter Maria Pelak was named CL Freshman of the Year in voting by the coaches. Junior Valorie Flick and freshman Kendra Siefring were All-CL Second Team selections. Sophomore Anne Clark was honorable mention and Siefring joined Pelak on the CL All-Freshman Team. Flick and Pelak were both back-to-back CL Players of the Week. Rammel was All-CL Second Team in 2016 along with Flick, who was also on the CL All-Freshman team in 2016. In 2017, Rammel finished with a career high 420 kills, led the CL in kills, and was 29th in NAIA kills. In three seasons, Rammel racked up 921 kills. In CL-only matches, Rammel had 240 kills, 37 more than the No. 2 attacker. Pelak led the CL in assists with 800 in CL-only play and finished second in CL overall assists with 1,335 in 132 sets, a 10.1 average.

WOMEN’S SOCCER Sophomore centerback Alexa Siegel was CoSIDA Academic AllDistrict and was named All-Crossroads League honorable mention. Freshman center-mid Brey Baltazar was also All-CL honorable mention. CL Academic All-Conference selections included senior Hannah Elzinga and junior Paige Berg. The Lady Cougars’ youth movement won six non-conference matches to finish 7-11 overall, but finished ninth in the CL with a 1-8 record in Christy Young’s 10th season as head coach.

MEN’S TENNIS USF won four non-conference matches, one in CL action under Head Coach Kristen Harrow (BBA ’05). The Cougars finished ninth in CL standings with a 1-8 record, 4-9 overall.


WOMEN’S TENNIS The Lady Cougars finished 7-7 overall, seventh in CL action with a 3-6 record to qualify for the CL Tournament. USF lost in the quarterfinals at No. 2-seed Marian University.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Freshman Trey Springer was the top finisher for the Cougars with a time of 28 minutes, 4.4 seconds for 52nd in the field of 128 runners at the Crossroads League Championship. USF junior Joseph Wohlfert finished 75th with a time of 29:02.7.

USF 2017 FALL NAIA DAKTRONICS SCHOLAR-ATHLETES USF student-athletes earned 21 selections to the 2017 NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete Teams recently announced by NAIA. USF Football led with eight selections while Men’s Soccer had five. Seniors Sean Boswell, Connor Holcomb and Zach Gegner were repeat football selections while Hannah Elzinga was a repeat selection for women’s soccer.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Lady Cougars finished seventh out of 10 teams for the best finish in program history. Senior Cadence Faurote finished 20th, one spot out of qualifying for the NAIA Cross Country National Championship. Faurote finished with a time of 19:51.9 at the Northview Church course. Junior Caren Hernandez finished 28th with a time of 20:15.9 under Head Coach Kyle Allison.

2017 USF NAIA SCHOLAR-ATHLETES

In order to be eligible to be named an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status at their current institution.

FOOTBALL

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Sean Boswell, Sr. Connor Holcomb, Sr. Zach Gegner, Sr. Blake Blaker, Jr. Devin Green, Jr. Eric Dunten, Jr. Piercen Harnish, Jr. Adam Hoffer, Jr.

MEN’S SOCCER

Hannah Elzinga, Sr. Paige Berg, Jr. Corinne Tester, Jr.

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY Katlin Robinson, 5th Year Sr. Cadence Faurote, Sr. Caren Hernandez, Jr.

Colin Barker, Jr. Nicholas Do Valle Cardosa, Jr. Nideo Foster, Jr. Alex Lowe, Jr. Graham Denney, Jr.

VOLLEYBALL

Cassidy Rammel, Jr. Sarah Hosinski, Jr.

A FIRST-CLASS EVENT USF BASKETBALL TIPS OFF WITH ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL GALA “Back and better than ever” was how USF men’s head basketball coach Chad LaCross summed up the second annual USF Tip-Off Gala at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation. “We are so pleased and thankful at the response to the gala,” LaCross said. “It’s been an overwhelming success thanks to Parkview and their ability to put on such a huge event. The majority of proceeds help us bring in players who can continue the success we’ve had and want to build upon.” Glenn Marini, WANE-TV Channel 15 sports director, served as emcee for the second consecutive year—doing an outstanding job—and Doug Noll, former head basketball coach at Grace College and IPFW, served as auctioneer and “really made that auction go,” LaCross observed. “It was fun to work it out and get former head coach Jeff Rekeweg back here as guest speaker.” More than 300 attended the 2017 gala to help build on the success of the last seven seasons with LaCross at the helm for the Cougars. Photos by Steve Vorderman, Bill Scott and Jeff Dollens (BA ’99)

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ONE C I F I R R TE

e R s S

Smoking vocals, witty dialogue, dazzling sets, light shows and a cameo by a real USF Sister combined for “one terrific Sister Act,” in SOCA’s November theatrical production at the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center. Local rhythm and blues singer Fatima Washington shone in the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier, the bad girl chanteuse whose identity and health police hope to protect by disguising her as a nun. Cloistered in Philadelphia’s Queen of Angels Cathedral as Sister Mary Clarence, she dons a full habit and proceeds to turn the lives of the sisters, and Mother Superior in particular, upside down with her frank, worldly and bawdy persona. On the run from her bad guy boyfriend and his gang after bumbling onto the scene of a murder he commits, the lounge singer with a heart of gold and unhealthy romantic inclinations takes over the leadership of the church choir. As the discord begins to take shape as beautiful music, Deloris adds decidedly secular lyrics and choreography to create a sensation in the run-down neighborhood with a church about to close for good. Inevitably, donations pour in to save the church, loving connections form between Deloris and the nuns, and Mother Superior herself steps in to protect Van Cartier in a final showdown with her criminal boyfriend and

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gang. Meanwhile, the choir is thrilled to receive an invitation to perform for His Holiness, the Pope, and Van Cartier ends up with the good cop she dubbed “Sweaty Eddie” in high school. On hand opening night as the show’s set designer, retired SOCA dean Rick Cartwright lent his expertise to a show with plenty of scene changes and lights. Multi-layered painted panels gave height, depth and space to the cathedral set, while the final Pope show pulled out all the stops, with lots of purple disco balls, patterned lights and purple-and-gold-glitter habits for the performing sisters. In one scene, USF’s Sister Jacinta Krecek, philosophy and theology professor, appeared on stage in her order’s brown habit, surrounded by a group of black-clothed nuns. “Didn’t you get the memo?” one actress ad-libbed to Krecek. Adding even more class, professionalism and beautiful singing to the cast was Anthony and Arena awards-winner Pam Good in her USF stage debut as Mother Superior. Continually at loggerheads with how to address the ravages of Sister Mary Clarence on her nuns’ daily routines, she effectively vented her problems in numbers such as “I Haven’t Got a Prayer,” in which she grieves, “I’ve got celibate nuns out there shaking their buns.” USF junior Sydney Shuherk did a fine job as the sweet and naive Sister Mary Robert, who finds her wings and flies to the defense of Deloris. Pam Karkosky as grumpy Sister Mary Lazarus provided another highlight in a rap number with breakdance floor moves.

Key male roles were played by Ennis Brown, III, as Van Cartier’s bad guy boyfriend, Curtis; Kibwe Cooper as Eddie, the cop who has loved Deloris since high school; Albert Brownlee as TJ, Curtis’ dim-witted nephew; and Louis Soria as gang member Pablo. The musical was directed and choreographed by Brad and Leslie Beauchamp, who brought the excellence of their long USF history to the production. Watching the show with Krecek and other faculty members, Sister Mary Evelyn Govert recalled the orchestra pit being student seating when she attended USF. “I never thought then we’d go from the orchestra pit to this, and we’d own it,” she said of the theatre’s position as anchor of the presentday USF Downtown. Photos by Tim Brumbeloe

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By USF Head Football Coach Kevin Donley

THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

USF HEAD FOOTBALL COACH KEVIN DONLEY REMEMBERS HIS LONGTIME FRIENDS AND USF SUPPORTERS JIM AND MARGARET SHIELDS Some of the greatest blessings the good Lord provides come in the form of other human beings. Jim and Margaret Shields were two such blessings. Not only were Jim and Margaret generous, devoted supporters in multiple areas within this great Fort Wayne community, they were friends to the university, to the Cougar family, to the community—and personally, to me. A shrewd businessman and active philanthropist, Jim always had a colorful character and lively spirit. He was a frequent visitor in my home, enjoying his Limburger cheese and onions, along with his cigar, as we’d talk about life. About the Cougar football program. About anything and everything. We were friends and I will forever be thankful for our relationship and am humbly grateful for how his generosity assisted my players and the students at USF. Jim was a guy who knew the good Lord blessed him with financial success in his life, and was always on the “lookout” for what he could do to assist others—whether at USF, Bishop Dwenger High School, the Community Harvest Food Bank or at multiple other area organizations for which he had passion. He had a brilliant business mind and a giving heart of gold. 28

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At times he’d ask, “What do you need?” And at other times, he told me what I needed and then provided the resources to complete his vision. Some years back, he walked into my office with a stogie in his mouth and said, “You need a new carpet!” And the Cougars soon had new turf. It was his generous giving that also provided the great workout facilities we now have for our athletes—and it was Jim and Margaret’s generosity that provided all the land across from the football field. Jim and Margaret were always involved and aware; they were supportive, generous, loving souls. Each week I’d visit when he and Margaret were at the care facility. After Jim passed, I continued to visit Margaret regularly—she was the love of Jim’s life. During our last visit (the week before she passed), she shared with me a Christmas gift made by her granddaughter Katie. It was a photo album, documenting the family history back to Jim and Margaret’s wedding, nearly 70 years ago. I was very excited to see I made the family book! Jim and Margaret were like family to me—and they created such a wonderful family of their own; they’re all wonderful people. What a blessing the Shields family has been to the community, to USF—and to me. Photos by Jeffrey Crane


USF RESPECTS CREATION WITH DOWNTOWN SITE CLEAN-UP To build up, we must often first tear down. USF honored its Franciscan tradition of respecting creation by cleaning up a blighted area of Fort Wayne and recycling nearly 95 percent of the Peerless Cleaners building recently demolished on its property at 515 W. Main St.

several insurance companies that ensured the environmental contamination would be cleaned up after the building was demolished. “The contaminated soil is being removed to avoid any impact to groundwater or vapor intrusion into surrounding businesses,” he said.

The university acquired the property last year after it completed the purchase and renovation of its original downtown properties—the Mizpah Shrine building, Scottish Rite Auditorium and Chamber of Commerce building.

The effort not only cleaned up the area, but also created value from the recycled materials. Working with a Chicago demolition expert with a focus on sustainability, the University of Saint Francis reduced the amount of debris that actually went to a landfill site.

“It’s contiguous to our downtown property, and we felt securing it was critical for future expansion and development of USF Downtown,” said Rich Bienz, USF Vice President of Finance and Operations. “We first hoped to use the building as a workshop to build sets for the performing arts center and for operations storage. Unfortunately, the building was beyond repair, and needed to be demolished.” But to reclaim the positive, the negative needed to be eliminated. “In addition to a deteriorating building, the soil also had contamination from petroleum products and dry cleaning chemicals,” Bienz said. Before purchasing the property, USF secured an agreement with the seller and

Photos by Dan Vance of News-Sentinel.com

A total of 2,608 tons of materials, or 94.5 percent of the building, was recycled. This included 2,358 tons of concrete and brick and 250 tons of metal. “They did everything they could to recycle the material, including crushing the concrete to get the metal rebar out of it,” Bienz said. Non-recyclable materials like drywall, ceramic tile and roofing accounted for just over five percent of the demolition. “We will backfill the excavated area and turn the lot into parking to serve our downtown events. Meanwhile, we are starting discussions to determine the best long-term development strategy for the property,” Bienz said.

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Some people talk the talk. Some walk the walk. Justin Davis does both.

USF SENIOR’S MINISTRIES

COMFORT HOMELESS

When the Angola native, Justin Davis, transferred to USF to play baseball and to major in communication his sophomore year, he brought his faith arsenal with him. A youth pastor at Pleasant Lake United Methodist Church for several years, he has also substituted as interim pastor when needed since age 13. “I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and I adopt the Franciscan values,” he said. “Some of the biggest are respecting the unique dignity of each person, respecting creation and serving one another, society and the church. Those are the ones I connect with.” USF provided a fertile ground for the planting of those values in a street ministry Davis named Be Better, Do Better. Through a God-driven tenacity he has established, often with his own funds, a resource network for Fort Wayne’s homeless population. “I started Be Better, Do Better my first year here,” he said. “The idea is to be better and do better for the community that helped raise me, whether it’s through the homeless outreach 30

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or helping the students around me. So far, the homeless outreach is the biggest. “I went out and spoke with homeless people over lunch, and we set up a day to meet. If they need a place to stay I offer that, or I purchase them a cheap hotel room for a week. I get help through the food bank with my local church and help get them employment as soon as possible. I put together Christmas homeless kits of hygiene essentials, a couple nonperishable food items, water and warm clothing like socks, gloves and hats to reduce the misery when they’re trying to survive out there. I worked and saved my money, sold my own items on the side and did odd jobs for anything I could scrape together. After six months, I spoke at local churches from Fort Wayne to Angola and got donations locally. But there’s no government aid or funding from anyone but me and the churches.” He walks the walk and talks the talk because he’s seen hard times. “I didn’t always have the nice things and I couldn’t do Photo by Steve Vorderman


all the stuff my friends could do, but my family introduced me to Jesus,” he said. “Sometimes we didn’t know how we’d pay our bills, but I have a relentless purpose for the life I’ve been given, and I push every day to try to make a difference. I understand feeling forgotten in the eyes of the world, like everyone’s turned their back on you. I can relate to that, and that’s one of the biggest reasons I do this.” When you walk and talk, sometimes you end up running, too. With cold weather and hardship coming to many homeless veterans facing the holidays on the street, Davis established the Homes for Our Heroes 5K walk-run at USF in November with the help of his SOCA Communication Senior Project advisor, Kristin (Jones) Miller (BA ’09). “This will help homeless veterans and families who are in poverty with rent, utilities and food,” he said. A week out from the event, he had raised $2,000, with the registrations and donations open until the day of the event. “I’ve reached my goal, but now I’m pushing to stretch it farther.”

To help impoverished families at Christmastime, he’s also volunteering as a driver for the Adam Blakey Foundation, established by a USF alum to deliver Christmas gifts to kids. His mission extends way beyond graduation day. “I’m establishing Be Better, Do Better as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization after college,” he pledged. “I love personal connections. I’ve seen the homeless people at The Rescue Mission, and I’ve been under the bridges handing out resources there. I’ve never been scared, but my family worries about me because I work with people with PTSD and mental issues. “People say I’m going to get hurt or taken advantage of. I don’t think that; I think this is a purpose I’ve been given and will keep doing. I will love as Jesus loved, and will be as passionate in my love as he was. I don’t fear for myself.” To connect with Justin Davis and become involved with Be Better, Do Better or any of his ministries, contact him at 260-316-8580 or DavisJH@cougars.sf.edu. saint francis magazine | winter 2018

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ALL ABOUT THE STUDENTS Osborne is passionate about USF’s DNP program

Those who have learned well often want to give back through education. USF alumna Lisa Osborne has earned numerous awards and honors across a broad spectrum of learning and professional leadership, landing back at USF last year to assist in directing its new Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, with a specialty in Nurse Anesthesia. The Fort Wayne native completed a BS in Nursing at the University of Saint Francis in 2007, moving on to earn an MS in Nurse Anesthesia at the Gooding Institute of Nurse Anesthesia six years later. In December, she earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Chamberlain College of Nursing. Osborne is certified as an RN with the Indiana, Arizona and Florida boards of nursing. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and earned the Irving Holzman Award for Clinical Excellence at the Gooding Institute. Lisa’s impressive credentials bring even more recognition to USF’s first doctoral program, one of only two such education opportunities in the state. But to her, the focus rests squarely 32

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on two sets of people: patients and the students she is preparing to enter the field she dearly loves. “For me, everything centers on the students,” she said. “I am here to help them transition into autonomous, compassionate members of the nurse anesthesia profession. I teach them to treat each patient with dignity and respect, as if they were their own family. Our nurse anesthesia students hold the keys to the future of anesthesia, and I look forward to helping them unlock their potential.” Discovering a patient’s needs and bringing the exact skills needed for each case fascinates her and creates a passion to pass those skills on to students. “I love the variety,” Lisa said. “On any given day, each patient presents a challenge, based on the physical condition and scheduled surgical procedure. I enjoy building a relationship with each patient and family, while providing exceptional anesthesia care. Our students not only learn how to deliver anesthesia safely and effectively, they learn to do so while compassionately respecting each patient as an individual.” That ties to her own USF student experience, and how the mission and values absorbed there affect her as a professional and teacher today. “I began my collegiate career at Indiana University in Bloomington,” she said. “Once I settled on a nursing major, I applied for a transfer to USF. The program had an excellent reputation, and I am so glad I transferred Photos by Jeffrey Crane


back to attend USF! The integration of the Franciscan values into my nursing education set the stage for the type of nurse that I am today. As assistant program director and faculty member, I observe those same Franciscan values interwoven throughout the doctoral curriculum.”

Since life is about wholeness and balance, Lisa has other passions. “I love the Chicago Cubs, University of Alabama football and Indiana basketball. I enjoy music of all kinds, traveling and spending time with my husband, son and two dogs. I am passionate about helping those less fortunate than me, and enjoy participating in community volunteerism,” she said.

The professional opportunities for DNP graduates excite her. “They can deliver anesthesia care in a variety of settings, from urban to rural. The doctorate prepares nurse anesthetists to function as community and healthcare leaders, educators and change agents within their communities. The DNP graduate is well equipped to charge into the next phase of healthcare and promote positive change to improve patient outcomes.”

Finding her vocation has energized her, fitting her well for her educator role. “I thrive in a critical care environment. I worked in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units as a new graduate nurse and loved it immediately,” she said. “I had some exceptional mentors who helped me grow and develop into a leader within our unit. Nurse anesthesia is the one advanced practice role I could see myself in for the rest of my days.”

“I am here to help them transition into autonomous, compassionate members of the nurse anesthesia profession. I teach them to treat each patient with dignity and respect, as if they were their own family. Our nurse anesthesia students hold the keys to the future of anesthesia, and I look forward to helping them unlock their potential.” - LIS A O S BO RN E, BS 2 007

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DR. AMBROSE’S IMPACT, SPIRIT

LIVE ON IN LIVES HE SHAPED Present and former students and colleagues describe him as more than a teacher and a contributor—he was a presence, in the classroom, the school, the community and his family. But while the loss of his blithe, kind and learned essence leaves a deep void in the hearts of the people who loved him, his impact lives on in the people he inspired to go forward with lives of purpose and meaning. Senior business administration major Jake Garrett remembers well Dr. Ambrose’s infectious enthusiasm and his will to give. “He was a man like no other,” Garrett said. “He always lit up the room, and his radiating presence brought out the best in everyone. He was the most selfless person I have ever met, and would always strive to benefit his students before himself. Even at 8 a.m., he was full of energy and passion, and made learning something that you looked forward to. He taught me to always work hard, be passionate and try to make a positive impact on the lives of others.” Paige Rockett, an accounting major in the EPIC program, will graduate in 2019. She described Dr. Ambrose as the champion of students. “Dr. Ambrose cared deeply for his students,” she said. “He always remembered everyone’s name, major, internships and little things about them. He made a huge impact on the lives of everyone he met, and I can say that, because I had the privilege of knowing him, I am a better person. No matter how hard life and school get, I know that I need to keep pushing and fighting, because Dr. Ambrose believed in us, and would want us to keep pushing through.” Graduates once in Garrett’s and Rockett’s shoes now use Dr. Ambrose’s lessons as moral and professional guidelines. 2016 Distinguished Young Alumna Award recipient Paige Adamo, 2012 B.S. business administration, now works as a product director for DePuy Synthes Companies of Johnson & Johnson. “He taught my senior capstone course, which 34

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was the only B+ I ever received at USF, and I just missed a 4.0,” she said. “However, he always reminded me that a grade is earned, not given. This stuck with me as I started my professional career, earning support, recognition and jobs since graduation. Not to just expect things to be given is a life lesson I have continued to share with others.” Casey (Loshe) Dynako earned business and accounting degrees in 2014, and is an assurance supervisor with RSM US LLP Certified Public Accountants. She remembered Dr. Ambrose’s faith in her when she most needed it. “During my junior year, I was on the verge of switching majors because my accounting classes were becoming very challenging. Dr. Ambrose told me I should only switch because I truly wanted to do something other than accounting—not because I doubted my capabilities. In 2014, I graduated with a double major. Dr. Ambrose’s encouraging words helped me persevere. Now, I work for the fifth largest accounting firm, and love it. Without Dr. Ambrose’s encouragement, my career could be quite different.”

Dr. Shawn Ambrose demonstrates the energy and love for teaching that made him such a mentor to students like Casey (Loshe) Dynako, left, and Grace Geha, who are now USF alumnae.


Only those touched by the spirit of USF associate professor of business, Dr. Shawn Ambrose, can completely understand the loss felt by the university community when he passed away on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the age of 52.

Nicole Satalino earned a BBA in marketing and management in 2016. The 2017 recipient of the USF Distinguished Young Alumna Award, she now supports business development as a coordinator for Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. “Dr. Ambrose was always one of my biggest fans, supporters and motivators,” she said. “I will never forget when he told me, ‘One of the things I learned early in management is that the good Lord gave you two ears and one mouth, and that you should spend twice the time listening that you do talking to be an effective leader. I have found this statement to be true. He told me my willingness to take time to listen and then go out and act on that was a real strength. I will never forget his Photo by Steve Vorderman

encouraging words and the impact he had on my education and the lives of many. He was one of the most selfless people I have ever met. I am invested in giving back to USF and making our community better, in the same way USF and Dr. Ambrose were and are still invested in me today.” Dr. J. Andrew Prall, vice president for academic affairs, described Dr. Ambrose’s impact. “As the former chair of the Faculty Senate, Dr. Ambrose represented the faculty well and with pride, advocating for improvements that serve our students better,” he said. “Shawn Ambrose was fearlessly true to himself, and in that truth he was consistently compassionate, giving and always in service to others.” saint francis magazine | winter 2018

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Community Leaves Mark on Construction Projects USF invited the community to sign two of the final beams on the two major construction projects on campus. The beams were placed in the new St. Francis Chapel and the renovated Achatz Hall of Science and Research Center. Sister Elise Kriss said it’s a proud moment on campus and she hopes the chapel will strengthen the faith and education of students. The new chapel is expected to be completed in October 2018, and the Achatz addition will open in the fall, but renovations will continue in other parts of the building.

First Doctoral Class Begins The USF doctoral cohort began classes in fall 2017. The Doctor of Nursing Practice/Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) degree prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills to translate research into practice and improve patient outcomes across populations. The program is designed to provide graduates with the essential skills to serve society as compassionate clinicians, leaders and educators. The CRNA, along with a Post-MSN DNP track, are both currently enrolling new students.

St. Francis Statue Joins USF Downtown A bronze statue of St. Francis was installed on October 3 at the new downtown parking lot outside the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center, 431 W. Berry St. Installation of the statue was one of the final steps to get the lot ready for students and faculty using USF’s downtown campus. The statue is a replica of the one standing outside the Brookside administration building on USF’s main campus on Spring Street. That statue was designed by the late Sufi Ahmad, former USF art professor and sculptor.

Guest Speaker Discusses Sacrament of Confirmation USF welcomed guest speaker Dr. Nicholas Denysenko on February 20 in the Historic Woman’s Club in the USF Business Center. Dr. Denysenko’s presentation, “Confirmation: A Sacrament Out of Time and Place?” examined how parents, pastors, catechists, teachers and even bishops struggle in the Roman Catholic Church over when and why kids should be confirmed. He offered practical, pastoral suggestions to some of these issues drawn from Eastern Orthodox experience.

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USF CP Dean Dr. Marsha King Received Athena Award Dr. Marsha King, DNP, MS, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, dean of USF Crown Point, received the 2017 Athena Award from the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Indiana. The prestigious Athena Leadership Award honors individuals who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, who provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and who actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.

Student Record Label Signs First Artist Marble Lounge Records, the new record label launched by USF students, announced the first artist who will record an album with the label. The band Rosalind & the Way was introduced on February 8 at a news conference in the Historic Woman’s Club at USF Downtown. Rosalind & the Way were one of ten finalists in consideration for the label’s initial artist. Now the band will start working with USF students as well as Grammy-nominated producer Rob Mathes to prepare for their album release in April.

USF Celebrates MLK Day Through Service While schools and businesses in the area were taking the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday off as a holiday, USF students, faculty and staff took a different approach. Paying tribute to him through “A Day On, Not a Day Off” allows the USF community to commemorate through action the values of compassion, dignity, justice and service that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. embodied in his leadership. All USF students, faculty, staff as well as local community members were invited to join for the day.

USF Partners with St. Elizabeth School of Nursing St. Elizabeth School of Nursing (Lafayette, Ind.) officials signed an education partnership agreement with USF. The partnership allows for the continuation of St. Elizabeth’s cooperative nursing program that currently serves 164 students. Graduates will seamlessly receive a diploma in nursing from the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from USF. St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and USF are both sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration of Mishawaka, Indiana. saint francis magazine | winter 2018

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Education Lab Named for Longtime Supporter After completing her BSE in 1971 and MSE in 1972 at USF, Toni Murray devoted 39 years to teaching and giving to change young lives. She’s still going strong today, with her most recent project affecting a broad spectrum of “kids”—USF teacher candidates and the children who will one day benefit from their education skills. The Dr. Seuss-themed Antoinette V. Murray Cougar Classroom in the Pope John Paul II Center has ripened from an idea a year ago to a rich repository of classroom teaching resources to help USF students hone their skills using the best of materials.

2018 Servus Omnium Examines “Faith and Business” USF welcomed Dr. Andrew Abela, provost of the Catholic University of America, as the keynote speaker at the 2018 Servus Omnium. Dr. Abela’s presentation, titled “Faith and Business,” looked at the ways faith can co-exist in a business world that often neglects ethics in favor of profits. Dr. Abela spent several years in industry as a brand manager at Procter & Gamble, a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, and managing director of the Marketing Leadership Council of the Corporate Executive Board.

USF Names Pay It Forward Scholarship Winners USF and WANE-TV announced the recipient of a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to USF on February 27 at Concordia Lutheran High School. Crystal Grunawalt, a Concordia senior, was given the largest award of the Pay It Forward scholarships for incoming USF students who exhibited a commitment to service and helping others. The other two finalists, Luis Manubes from Angola High School and Taylor Stahl from Leo High School, will each receive half tuition in a four-year renewable scholarship.

Jesters Program Receives NEA Grant The National Endowment for the Arts awarded an Art Works grant of $10,000 to the USF Jesters program. The Art Works category is the NEA’s largest funding category and supports projects that strengthen communities through the arts. “It’s truly an honor for our program to be recognized by the NEA once again,” said Jesters Program Director Allison Ballard. “This is the third consecutive year the Jesters have received this grant from the NEA, and I believe it speaks to the depth of this program and how it has touched both the participants and the community as a whole.” 38

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M A R K YO U R C A L E N DA R

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS F R I D AY, A P R I L 2 7, 6 P. M .

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL OF NURSING REUNION NORTH CAMPUS GYMNASIUM, 6 P.M. • CASH BAR, DINNER AT 7 P.M. The Class of 1968 will be honored at this All Years Reunion. Look for your reservation form in the mail. S A T U R D AY, M AY 5 , 1 1 A . M .

50TH REUNION CELEBRATION COMMENCEMENT, ALLEN COUNTY WAR MEMORIAL COLISEUM, 2 P.M. The 50th year reunion for graduates of the St. Joseph School of Nursing, Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing and Saint Francis College begins with a brunch at Brookside, recognition at Commencement and a post celebration reception. All alums are welcome to join us at the 2018 Commencement as we welcome a new group of graduates. S A T U R D AY, M AY 1 9 , 2 P. M .

ZOO DAY FORT WAYNE CHILDREN'S ZOO Make plans now to attend USF Zoo Day in a new location, the African Pavilion. Enjoy a catered lunch, discounted zoo admission, and a complimentary ride ticket per person. F R I D AY, J U N E 8 , 7 : 0 5 P. M .

TINCAPS GAME PARKVIEW FIELD Gather with friends, family and fellow alumni at Parkview Field for a night of baseball! Enjoy all your ballpark food favorites and more.

Tracking Success

Bastron’s athletics background provides model for engagement As USF’s new Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Phil Bastron brings to the role a fresh and multi-layered view of how students connect with their university. As a former college track athlete and coach, and most recently an employee of USA Track & Field, he’s seen first-hand how relationship-building can lead to friendships that benefit alumni and their alma mater for a lifetime. Bastron became involved in the track and field world as a track athlete at the University of Saint Thomas. From there he went directly to graduate school at the University of Minnesota, where he was an assistant track and field coach for the women’s team. After completing that degree, he coached full time as an assistant track and field coach for two years at Carthage College. He finished a year-long stint as an assistant track and field coach at Kent State University before taking a position managing support programs for elite, Olympics-bound athletes for USA Track & Field. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Saint Thomas. After graduating in 2009, he completed a master’s degree in public policy at the University of Minnesota. “Economics and public policy can be broadly applied, and I have used them as the foundation for all of my professional experience,” he said. “I can sense the quality of education at USF. The USF alumni I have met so far have been very impressive and prepared for the real world. They are giving back to the community in a lot of great ways.” Photo by Steve Vorderman

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alumni news

class notes keeping connected with alumni and friends 1970s

1990s, continued

Dr. John Buckley (BS ’74) completed his 50th 100-mile bike ride. Jim Pickett (BSE ’72, MSE ’78) authored a historical fiction book: The Bones of Kekionga. Focusing on Fort Wayne history, the short novel covers the Battle of Kekionga, also known as “Harmar’s Defeat” that took place in the Lakeside area of Fort Wayne in 1790. Published through Oak Creek Media, the book was launched in August 2017. n

Erin Tuttle (BA ’99) is the nursing home administrator at The Laurels of DeKalb in Butler, Indiana, and received the Health Care Administrator of the Year award from Greater FW Business Weekly. n

2000s Amber (Colderbank) Penuel (BS ’01, MS ’04) welcomed Lydia Faith to the world on November 14. She was 9 lbs., 1 oz. and 20.5 inches. Rachel (Stauffer) Pritz (ASN ’02) started a life coach business called Rachel Pritz Coaching. Learn more at www.rachelpritz.com. Jenni Doolittle (AS ’03) and husband Andrew welcomed their second child, Mason James, on August 1. Jeremy Dutcher (BBA ’03) married his wife Brittany on November 4 in Cancún, Mexico. Melissa (DeWitt) Omlor (BSN ’06) is an informatics research nurse for Parkview Research Center. Sara “Nikki” (Castillo) Quintana (BBA ’07) has been hired as the executive director of The Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission. Heather (Weddle) Bontempo (BA ’06, MBA ’08) began a new position as Retail Relationship Officer for Salin Bank. Amanda (Wiley) (’09) and William Knepper (’07) welcomed their second son, Maddux, February 27. Kara Mankey (ASN ’05, MSN ’15), wrote a book titled Chase Your Destiny. It is available for purchase on Amazon. n

1980s Richard Cook (’81) recently retired from ministry and nursing and opened a tailoring business in Rolla, Missouri. Alan Nauts (BA ’82, MA ’06) who is USF’s program director for graphic design, exhibited a retrospective of his graphic design, illustration and studio work in the Lupke Gallery at USF from October 30 to December 15. Sharon May (BS ’85) is a practicing physician at the VA hospital in Fort Wayne. She and husband Jeff have been married 25 years with three children, and they are still having fun raising chickens! n

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Trisha J. Paul (BBA ’93) has been elected to serve as Chair of Barrett McNagny’s Executive Committee for 2018. Trisha is an attorney in the area of Estate Planning and Administration for Barrett McNagny LLP. Damita J. Williams (MSN ’97) was named by Medical City Fort Worth, in Fort Worth, Texas, as its new chief nursing officer. Angela (West) Hudson (BS ’98, MA ’03) presented her Beauty from Brokenness Art Exhibition, which opened January 27 at The Gallery at PranaYoga in downtown Fort Wayne. Justin Johnson (BA ’99, MA ’12) opened an exhibition at the Artlink gallery in Fort Wayne. “Elegies of the Past” ran from November 3 through December 8. Amy (Coffman) Knepp (BSN ’99, MSN ’03) is a nurse practitioner at Parkview Physicians Group. n

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2010s Clarissa (Gleason) Burkett (’11) is a physical therapy assistant at Parkview. Janelle (Mankey) Drysdale (BSW ’11) and Tony Drysdale (BBA ’09, MBA ’13) welcomed Cecilia, weighing 6 pounds and 13 ounces. Ashley (Scare) Toy (BS ’11) received the 2017 Indiana Middle School Art Educator of the Year Award. Nick Kelley (BBA ’13) and Jacquelyn Laws (AS ’12) were married on August 5 in Auburn, Indiana. Paige (Schroeder) Osterman (BSN ’13) was promoted to RN - telemetry orientation coordinator and recruiter at Lutheran Hospital. n

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HAVE A CLASS NOTE? To update information, simply go to alumni.sf.edu and click on “Stay Connected” or send information to alumni@sf.edu or mail it to the University of Saint Francis Alumni Office, 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, Ind. 46808. Thanks for keeping in touch with your alma mater!


alumni news

2010s, continued Cassey (Hurtado) Suthers (BA ’13) won 2017 UPCEA Marketing Awards in three categories as part of the IPFW Division of Continuing Studies. Her team won two Gold and one Bronze. Stephanie (Goebbert) Smith (BA ’14) is a Case Manager at Ash Brokerage. Paul Hernandez (BA ’15) is the Associate Director of Admissions for the Graduate Business Programs at the University of Notre Dame. Camille Krouse (MBA ’15) is teaching art at Bloomingdale Elementary and Washington Elementary in Fort Wayne. Arsène Pinguelo (BS ’15) is studying at the University of Toronto for a PhD. He won the 2017 Kirk Weber Research Award. Brad Hartman (BA ’16) is featured in the Choose Northeast Indiana campaign. Sydnee (Peterson) Isch (BSN ’16) is an RN at Lutheran Hospital Child Birth Center. Gretchen Klinker (BS ’16) is a physical therapy assistant for Fort Wayne Community Schools. Cassidy Marshall (BS ’16) is a second-year emotional disabilities teacher at Prairie Heights Middle School in LaGrange, Indiana. Nicole Satalino (BBA ’16) was hired as a business development coordinator at Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. Michael Sorenson (BS ’16) is the state field director for the Senate Majority Campaign Committee. Mary Jo Hayes (BS ’17) is a critical care nurse at Franciscan Health. Jordan Krock (’17) is a customer service representative at Ortho Northeast. Kaleb Long (BA ’17) is a promotions producer for WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW. Drew Millier (MS ’17) is a site safety manager at P.J. Dick, Inc. in Saratoga Springs, NY. Angel Colon Santiago (’17) lives in Puerto Rico and is an Environmental Scientist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Megan (Colchin) Workinger (MS ’17) is a high school counselor for Adams Central Community Schools. Jamie Schueler (BA ’17), Quila Jackson (BA ’17), Paul Hernandez (BA ’15) and Maggie (Badders) Emenhiser (BA ’14) participated in a panel discussion for a public relations class at the University of Saint Francis. n

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in memoriam 1940s Irene (Gepfert) Mertz (’42) Madelyn (Clark) Anderson (’45)* 1960s Roxie (Kreigh) Bole (’64)** Glenna (Kearns) White (’65)*

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Marjorie J (Neuenschwander) Culbertson (’66)* Doris R Dykhuizen (’66)

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Margaret (Broderick) Slater (’67, ’70) Mary Kay (Nill) Doepker (’68)

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Martha Yohe (’69)

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Patrick Carter (’69)

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1970s Mary J. Thompson (’70) Roger Carey (’72) Loren K. Myers (MS ’73)

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Deborah Coney (’78)**

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1980s Ronald Gerber (’89) 2000s Yvonne Sue Stuckey (’00)

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Photo by Tim Brumbeloe

Renee J (Neuenschwander) Andrews (’09)

Don Robert Evans (former USF professor) Dr. Shawn Ambrose (USF associate professor and director of the MBA program, Keith Busse School of Entrepreneurial Leadership)

* From Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing—Lutheran College of Health Profession ** St. Joesph School of Nursing

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Homecoming a HUGE Winner USF welcomed back alumni and friends for Homecoming and Family Day on September 22 and 23. Visitors enjoyed a variety of athletic events and tailgate activities. The fun started Friday with an Alumni Happy Hour at Deer Park Irish Pub, followed by the Alumni Awards ceremony at the Historic Woman’s Club. On Saturday, a special ceremony was held to dedicate the Lawson-Wiedman Prairie before families gathered for the Cougar Block Party. Finally, the crowd moved to Bishop D’Arcy stadium where the top-ranked Cougars dominated Saint Xavier with a 48-23 win.

Students Connect at Network for Success USF students, alumni and friends of the university packed the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center on February 1 for the annual Network for Success event. Students had the opportunity to practice their networking skills as alumni and community members mingled and added to their own professional networks. Everyone enjoyed a presentation from local experts who discussed relationship building, first impressions, online presence and job-search networking—all in this FREE event for USF students, alumni and friends. Students also had the chance to mingle and network with local professionals, and a few students even found internship opportunities that night.

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Breakfast with St. Nicholas Delights On Saturday, December 9, alumni, families and friends gathered in the USF North Campus gymnasium for the annual Breakfast with St. Nicholas. Grandparents, parents, kids, grandkids and neighbors enjoyed learning about the European tradition of St. Nicholas. After a delectable breakfast, participants moved about the room enjoying crafts, games and activities. Children were able to take a photo with St. Nicholas and decorate Christmas cookies. This event is a tradition for many families, and those who attended for the first time cannot wait to return next Christmas!

A Tradition Continues at Yuletide Gathering With Brookside dressed to the nines for the Christmas season, alumni, friends and families of USF gathered to celebrate on December 7. Scattered throughout the mansion were hors d’oeuvre stations paired with beer and wine samplings (with wine courtesy of Vino Indiana) that were enjoyed while visitors took in the splendor of the décor created by local florists and designers. The event was a truly wonderful opportunity to begin the joyous Christmas season. Those in attendance agreed that they would be back for this special event next year.

Photos by Emma Anger, BA ’17; Zack Kittaka, BA ’16

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Make a Difference

CALENDAR

EVENTS

Our students are learning how to use their talents to give back to their community. Your gift will help make their goals a reality. Visit giving.sf.edu to learn more.

April 8

National Champion Football Ring Ceremony

May 5

Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement

April 15

Lecture: “Karl Marx at 200: Who Cares?”

May 5

50th Year Brunch Reunion—Brookside

April 15

Formula for Life 5k Run/Walk

May 19

Zoo Day

April 24

Lecture: “An Introduction to Social Ontology”

June 8

Alumni Event—TinCaps Game

April 25

USF Scholarship Luncheon

October 13

Alumni Awards and Homecoming

April 27

St. Joseph School of Nursing All Years Reunion

For event information, visit alumni.sf.edu/events.


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