Alpha Sigma Nu Magazine Issue # 4

and

that exists in the universities that form this network.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALPHA SIGMA NU

When I talk about the impact my experiences in Jesuit education have had on my life, in some ways, it can be difficult to explain; it is both so tangible yet elusive. The four undergraduate years at Santa Clara afforded me a transformative, high quality college experience that prepared me to do vocational work at Chicago Jesuit Academy, then in Student Affairs at Marquette. These roles gave me the opportunity to examine the meaning and presence of God in all things. Now, serving as Executive Director

of Alpha Sigma Nu, I have the honor to share your pursuit of intellectual development, deepening Ignatian spirituality, and service to others. I am thrilled to be part of this community of collaborators who share a commitment to Jesuit education and desire to advance the mission and vision of Alpha Sigma Nu.

In the time that I accepted this position in May and began the day-to-day in June, I was reminded of the work that we, as a society, must continue to do as concerned, compassionate, Jesuit-educated citizens. The terrors of war, mass shootings, and brutal acts of hate plague our world, our country, our psyches. My personal fear is my own desensitization, paralysis to act, and simultaneously not allowing myself to feel hopeful. I am challenged by and wrestle with the question of our greater purpose and the purpose of God.

experience can also contribute to the richness of our organization. This possibility is what makes me most excited to be in this role; I have the privilege of learning what gets you up every morning, and what impact you are making in the world.

At Santa Clara I was given the prayer, Patient Trust, by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ. As we continue to face challenging times as a society, I hope you will pray with me (see back cover).

I look forward to walking reflectively with you. Please remember your membership in Alpha Sigma Nu is an invitation to partner with us in advancing the tenets of scholarship, loyalty, and service. I personally invite you to become more engaged and to ask questions as we discern towards greater meaning and to see God in all things.

I trust there is something bigger than us at play. I am grateful to continue the good and diligent work that Kate Gaertner has dedicated to Alpha Sigma Nu, and in doing so, the opportunity to know your purpose, the Spirit that lives in each of you, and how your Jesuit educational

With gratitude, Clara Dwyer, Marquette ’19 Executive Director of A∑N

ON THE COVER

From left to right: Former A∑N Executive Directors Kate Gaertner (Marquette ’04) and Peg Fennig (Marquette ’51) with Executive Director, Clara Dwyer (Marquette ’19)

Evolution of Alpha Sigma Nu

Outgoing Executive Director, Kate Gaertner, reflects on the changes of the Alpha Sigma Nu organization from 2002-2022.

Meet the New Alpha Sigma Board Members

Read the bios of A∑N’s four new board members

CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Announcing

Meet the New Young Alumni Advisory Council

Introducing the new cohort of the A∑N Young Alumni Advisory Council

Serving Alumni

Alpha

Meet the New Alpha Sigma Nu Board Members

Richard Lindquist, CFA Boston College ’81

Richard is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley Investment Management and the lead Portfolio Manager on the High Yield team. He joined the firm in 2011 and has 39 years of investment experience. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Richard was a managing director and co-head of U.S. High Yield at Guggenheim Partners responsible for portfolio management, asset gathering, client service, and overseeing all high yield trading. Previously, he was a managing director and head of the U.S. and Global High Yield Fixed Income team responsible for managing the firm’s high yield assets for pension funds, mutual funds, and insurance companies, as well as global marketing the strategy and servicing existing high yield clients at both HSBC Halbis Partners (HSBC Global Asset Management) and Credit Suisse Asset Management. Richard holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Boston College and an MBA. in finance from the University of Chicago. “I have always been very appreciative of the Jesuit education that I received at Boston College and the many lifelong benefits that it has bestowed.

When I was approached about joining the Alpha Sigma Nu Board I was simultaneously honored and pleased that I could give back to the community that I admired and that has given me so much.”

Jennifer Lorentz, JD Marquette ’17

Jennifer currently serves as in-house counsel to Mastercard in New York where she advises globally on regulatory issues around the use of crypto, blockchain and other novel technologies in financial services. One of the main draws to working for a company like Mastercard is its commitment to human decency and “doing well by doing good.” Previously, Jennifer advised Mastercard and other public companies globally on cybersecurity, privacy, data protection, antitrust and international trade laws across a range of industries. Jennifer graduated from Marquette University with bachelor's degrees in Political Science and French, as well as a master's degree in International Affairs. Her studies at Marquette instilled in her a deep sense of community and desire to improve society, which led Jennifer to pursue her law degree at Indiana University in Bloomington. While at Marquette, Jennifer served as President of Marquette's Student Chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu and had the pleasure of working at the A∑N national office alongside the former Executive Director, Kate Gaertner. Jennifer has participated in several alumni chapter events over the years in St. Louis, Milwaukee, and New York, and is excited to now serve as a member of the board.

Francisco de Borja Martin Garrido, PhD Loyola Andalucía ’16

Bennie D. Williams

Le Moyne ’19

Bennie D. Williams currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Multicultural Student Center at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Prior to this, for seven years he worked at Le Moyne College in a variety of roles and ended his tenure there as the Director of Inclusive Excellence and Global Education. Bennie holds a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College. Bennie shares, “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as a board member for Alpha Sigma Nu. I believe firmly in the value of education and see how a Jesuit education is what is desperately needed in this world. I look forward to using my skills and knowledge to enhance the goals of A∑N.”

Francisco de Borja Martín Garrido is Director of International Relations at Universidad Loyola Andalucía. Reporting to ULA President, Borja has contributed to the founding process of the first southern Spain private non-profit university. He works directing and facilitating global strategic partnerships in this Jesuit higher education institution. He is also part of the steering committee of International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) and chair of Magis Exchange. He joined this vibrant project after eight years working in international trade at Williams and Humbert. He is Director of Extenda Chair in Internationalisation at Loyola Andalucía. Borja is part of the Leadership of European Association of International Education (EAIE), and serves at the Conference Program Committee. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, a master's degree in International Trade, and is a registered lawyer in Spain. He also holds an International PhD in Economics from Universidad de Córdoba, Spain with a research stay at Loyola Marymount University.

Last October we welcomed four new members to our Board of Directors to begin their six-year term.

ADVANCING THE UNIVERSAL APOSTOLIC PREFERENCES THROUGH THE A∑N NETWORK

CHRISTOPHER

KERR

(John Carroll ’04) Executive Director, Ignatian Spirituality Network

SEEKING TO INSPIRE “A LIFETIME PURSUIT” of Jesuit mission has motivated A∑N to evolve and collaborate with partners throughout the Jesuit network. Partnerships with Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network (JFAN), the Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN), and many others have created opportunities for current student A∑N members as well as alumni of all ages to deepen their commitment to spiritual growth, intellectual understanding, and service through community engagement and action for justice. Examples include student members who annually attend the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, ISN’s national social justice conference in Washington, D.C., to learn, network, educate, and advocate for justice. And in local communities, A∑N alumni members network and grow in their understanding of Jesuit values through participation and leadership of JFAN chapters that convene the Ignatian community for educational and social events. The continuity of Jesuit values over the course of A∑N members' lives aligns with the broader vision of Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy, as well as the Universal Apostolic Preferences. These invite members and all people of goodwill to continuously reflect on their experiences, find the presence of God's love, and discern how to act to build a more just and loving world.

MICHAEL A. WILLIAMS, SJ (Spring Hill ’01)

Alpha Sigma Nu Board Adviser and Spring Hill College Chapter Adviser

WHEN I BECAME CHAPTER

ADVISER at Spring Hill College 21 years ago, Alpha Sigma Nu was an honor society that inducted the best and brightest students who exemplified its core values of scholarship, service, and loyalty. Then something happened. Guided by the Holy Spirit, as I firmly believe, A∑N embarked on a discernment process that has resulted in a renewed vision of its primary identity and mission within The Society of Jesus. A∑N grew to understand that its primary purpose was formation-the deepening of Ignatian spirituality in its members to prepare them for their lifetime role as active collaborators with The Society of Jesus in its mission of service to faith and promotion of justice. To that end, I assisted in the revision of the induction ritual to stress Ignatian vision and values, so that this became more of a missioning ceremony than simply the honoring of student achievements. A∑N has created alumni clubs to continue the spiritual formation and enrichment of its alumni members as active collaborators in the Jesuit mission. A∑N has also embarked on the creation of international chapters – a global network of apostolically dedicated and active students united in mission. A∑N has continued to reflect upon its evolving identity and mission with Jesuit higher education. The organization has indeed become a dynamic fellowship of lifetime leaders imbued with Ignatian vision and values.

DEANNA HOWES SPIRO (Fordham ’17)

Alpha Sigma Nu Board Member and VP of Communications, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities

OVER THE PAST FIFTEEN YEARS, I have had the honor and joy of collaborating with Kate Gaertner through my work at the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU). I have always felt a particular affinity for Alpha Sigma Nu as a fellow tiny Jesuit organization with a big and bold mission!

When Jesuit Superior General Arturo Sosa, SJ issued the Universal Apostolic Preferences in 2019, Kate immediately saw to it to that students, alumni, faculty and staff were made aware of their importance and how A∑N could help to incorporate them into their studies and work. When the International Association of Jesuit Universities was founded in 2018, Kate made sure that all A∑N members learned of its existence and potential as a collaborator in mission.

Kate’s innate understanding of Ignatian spirituality naturally complemented her skills and talents as executive director of Alpha Sigma Nu.

She has made a tremendous impact on Jesuit higher education in upholding the Universal Apostolic Preferences and the work of the Jesuit mission.

Evolution of

2002 – 2022

KATE GAERTNER (Marquette ’04) Former Executive Director, Alpha Sigma Nu (2004–2022)

ON MAY 1, AFTER TWO DECADES , I completed my time as Executive Director of Alpha Sigma Nu. It is with the deepest gratitude that I thank you, the Alpha Sigma Nu members, for the opportunity and privilege to lead A∑N and to foster both the Alpha Sigma Nu and Jesuit missions.

These past 20 years have seen great changes in our honor society. And while I am humbled and grateful to those inclined to lay the credit for A∑N’s progress at my doorstep, in truth, a number of key factors have contributed to the evolution of Alpha Sigma Nu. Thus, with a nod toward true Jesuit reflection, I would like to briefly illuminate several of these perhaps less-seen indicators of progress for our honor society.

the students and student organizations.” Fr. Danihy urged the students, “To band together those alumni who most fully understand and appreciate the ideals of a Jesuit education and to impress these ideals upon their fellow men.” With this dictate, the inaugural class of A∑N members, as well as those inducted over the next 75 years, saw the call to service and mission as specifically, but understandably home-campus focused.

Jesuit Higher

Education Mission Focus

In 1915, Alpha Sigma Nu founder John Danihy, SJ (Marquette 1915), informed the first inductees they were chosen based not solely on their academic record, but because they best exemplified a dedication to scholarship in the search for truth, loyalty to the cause of Jesuit education, and service in promoting “all the various activities of the University and all laudable activities of

While this approach aligned with the times, as the U.S. Jesuit universities united under the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) flag and communication improved between the Curia, provinces and university leaders, the Jesuit higher education mission became more clearly defined, broader, and more intentionally communicated and promoted. In 2000, Santa Clara University hosted the conference, “Commitment to Justice in Jesuit Higher Education,” where then Superior General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, SJ (Marquette ’86), offered the now historic keynote address entitled, “The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice in American Jesuit Higher Education.” Fr. Kolvenbach's address marked a renewed commitment to justice and inspired a more intentional focus on mission at the U.S. Jesuit colleges and

Alpha Sigma Nu 34th Triennial Conference 2018, Seattle University

universities when he challenged, “The real measure of our Jesuit universities lies in who our students become...and the adult Christian responsibility they will exercise in the future towards their neighbors and their world.”

At the 2010 meeting of Jesuit College and University presidents, Father Kolvenbach’s successor, Adolfo Nicolas, SJ (Marquette 1915), took this challenge one step further when, citing the power of the network, he called for international collaborations among the nearly 189 Jesuit colleges and universities.

For Alpha Sigma Nu, this was a time of selfreflection. Considering Father Kolvenbach’s message, what does the A∑N tenet “loyalty to the Jesuit ideals” ask of members? At the time of his address, A∑N had articulated a purpose, but not a mission. Beyond bestowing the honor of induction, what was the mission of A∑N? The A∑N Board responded, coming together to write a mission statement and committing itself to review that statement at each future Triennial Conference. Alpha Sigma Nu is the Jesuit honor society; the Jesuits do not share that name easily. What responsibility, indeed calling, must A∑N answer if we are to call ourselves Jesuit? As Executive Director, I felt, and continue to

feel today, that A∑N as the Jesuit honor society must contribute to the Jesuit mission as part of pursuing its own.

As one of Jesuit higher education’s only crossinstitution student and alumni organizations, and one possessing a member database, Father Nicolas’ call to harness the power of the Jesuit network to serve the marginalized broadened the A∑N Board and staff views of how A∑N could create a member network to serve the A∑N and Jesuit missions.

In 2019, when I read of Father General Arturo Sosa’s presentation of the Universal Apostolic Preferences, I was struck by how they strongly connect to the A∑N values and how much they would resonate with both our alumni and student members. After the discernment of over 16,000 Jesuits and Jesuit mission partners, these preferences are a guide to the Society of Jesus’s apostolic work for the next ten years:

• SHOWING THE WAY TO GOD: Show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment

• WALKING WITH THE EXCLUDED: Walk with the poor, the outcasts of the

A∑N Faculty Adviser Conference: James Voiss, SJ, Peg Fennig, and Kate Gaertner

world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice

• JOURNEYING WITH YOUTH : Accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future

• CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME: Collaborate, with Gospel depth, for the protection and renewal of God’s Creation

As the mission of the Jesuits, and more specifically the mission of the Jesuit higher education apostolate, adapts to the needs of the Church and world, so must Alpha Sigma Nu respond to the call of the Father General. A∑N’s work, both with students and alumni, has included encouraging student chapters to address the Preferences in their programs, creating alumni programs on Preferences themes, and sharing opportunities from our Ignatian and Jesuit partner organizations focused on the Preferences.

Technology

The year is 2002. Jerris Leonard (Marquette ’55) and future A∑N Board President David Ralston (Georgetown ’76) have contacted the Central Office about starting an alumni club in Washington, D.C. The Office sends a paper mailing to all members in the D.C. metro area. The A∑N office agrees to send out one all-D.C.-member mailing per year due to cost. Separately, the Georgetown A∑N adviser and chapter e-board have their own program plan for the year.

Flashforward, the year is 2022. Washington D.C. A∑N alumni are informed of the Alumni Club’s annual lecture via targeted emails.

Universidad del Pacífico Induction Ceremony 2022: Cecilia Montes Corazao and Kate Gaertner

Club president Jack Landers (Rockhurst ’62) connects to Georgetown’s A∑N student leaders and advisers via email. Student leaders share the details of these events on their monthly chapter presidents Zoom meetings as well as on social media. In addition, the A∑N staff shares news of D.C. area Jesuit and Ignatian opportunities with area members via emails and on social media.

The juxtaposition of the two scenarios above, in just a single alumni community, beautifully demonstrates the advances in technology that have made such a difference to Alpha Sigma Nu’s mission. Social media, video conference capabilities, targeted e-mails, and improved websites…we use them all to communicate with members and to connect them to each other. A∑N now has the capability to reach members inducted in the United States, Canada, South Korea, Spain, and Peru and who live and work all over the world. Here are just some of the ways A∑N uses technology to advance mission:

• Alumni focused webinars feature speakers discussing current topics in Jesuit higher education, the Church, and the world

• Interactive programs for students address career networking, the skill set of the Jesuit educated, Ignatian spirituality, and student mental health

• Monthly video conferences for chapter presidents provide a platform for A∑N program brainstorming, sharing best practices, and building a community of student leaders from four continents

• Alpha Sigma Nu uses the A∑N member database and website to share opportunities and resources from our Jesuit and Ignatian collaborators including the Jesuit provinces, Ignatian Solidarity Network, IgnatianSpirituality.com, Jesuit Refugee Service, the Jesuit East Office of Ignatian Spirituality, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Ignatian Volunteer Corps, Ignatian Associates, Contemplative Leaders, and the Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network

• Advances in technology make communication with our chapters in Asia, South America, and Europe more affordable, frequent, and effective

• Connections between A∑N and university leaders, presidents, provosts, and mission officers strengthen the role and stature of A∑N on campuses

I must admit I got a little emotional on the first chapter presidents video conference where we had the chapter presidents from the US chapters, from Sogang University, Campion College, Universidad Loyola Andalucia, and Universidad del Pacifico, all discussing their A∑N programs.

Thanks to this progress, the Alpha Sigma Nu network truly can connect all of us working to promote scholarship, loyalty, and service.

Alpha Sigma Nu Resources

Thankfully, Alpha Sigma Nu is in strong financial standing. Our generous member donors and strong induction numbers mean consistent revenue for the honor society. In addition, growth of A∑N’s investments has made a significant impact on A∑N’s confidence and capacity. Thanks to sound guidance from the A∑N Investment Committee, the honor society’s funds now contribute a revenue stream that supports leadership summits for student chapter officers, technology tools as listed above, scholarships for each A∑N chapter, grants for both student chapter and alumni programming, and production of this very magazine. We have also been able to bolster marketing efforts on campus by improving print pieces, social media posts, and A∑N merchandise, answering the question, “Alpha Sigma Who?”

Investment in staff contributes mightily to the growth of A∑N’s influence and impact.

IAJU 2022 Assembly: Juan Galera Calleja, Clara Dwyer, Kate Gaertner, and Elena Pérez Velasco

A∑N is now a staff of three full time professionals committed to the mission of A∑N and to executing the A∑N vision. This translates to stronger support and connection to our student members, to alumni members, and to our Ignatian and Jesuit collaborators.

What I will miss most about this job is the people I have met and the mission we serve together. Not only have the over 500 student leaders inspired and energized me, they give me great hope. As I have attended over 100 inductions, I have often wished I could share with you the experience of hearing the accomplishments and service of new inductees and witnessing their excitement upon induction. A∑N’s dedicated Chapter Advisers serve as university presidentappointed volunteers, embracing their role as mission promoter while ensuring the ongoing health of A∑N via annual inductions. A∑N’s alumni leaders and Young Alumni Advisory Council facilitate the encouragement of A∑N membership as a lifelong commitment.

Their time and dedication translate to meaningful, mission-focused, and topical programming for students and alumni.

I want to thank especially the Board and Staff of Alpha Sigma Nu, 2002-2022. Thanks to their strong leadership, wisdom, mission focus, and generosity, Board Presidents Mark Kadzielski (John Carroll ’67), David Ralston (Georgetown ’76), Becky Cates (Gonzaga ’81), Patrick Cain (Loyola Marymount ’78), Kerry Dziubek (Marquette ’90), Tom Nolan (Saint Louis ’01), and Sean Michaelson, SJ (U. of San Francisco ’09), A∑N enjoys a rock-solid foundation and has gone from strength to strength under their guidance. I have gained treasured friends.

No leader succeeds without an incredible team. I thank my predecessor Peg Fennig (Marquette ’51), Director of Development and Alumni Relations Amy Venables O’Neil (Marquette ’18), Director of Operations and Communications Sarah

Craine, and Sarah’s predecessors Kristina Tadeo (Marquette ’15) and Mary Wacker (Marquette ’08). These fine women have dedicated their talents, skills, gifts, and commitment to A∑N and our honor society is far better for it.

Going Forward

Alpha Sigma Nu’s growth and evolution comes at a critical time in Jesuit higher education. In the past three years, 60% of U.S. Jesuit university presidents have turned over, and many of the new presidents are lay persons. While their influence and presence are so important, the numbers of Jesuits on campuses are diminishing. More and more, the mission of Jesuit higher education rests on the shoulders of committed, mission focused, Ignatius-inspired lay colleagues. In this regard, Alpha Sigma Nu plays three important roles:

• Chapters on campuses reinforce the values of Jesuit higher education and strengthen the Jesuit identity on campus

• Alpha Sigma Nu provides a model to which Jesuit university students can aspire

• Alpha Sigma Nu shares resources to members who seek to live the A∑N values over their lifetimes

As you will read, Alpha Sigma Nu’s new Executive Director, Clara Dwyer (Marquette ’19) is well ready to carry the A∑N mission forward with her background in student affairs, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and Ignatian spirituality. It is with happy anticipation that I look forward to A∑N’s next chapter. I believe Father Danihy would be proud of today’s Alpha Sigma Nu and would celebrate the important role it plays in promoting the Jesuit mission, not just on any given member’s home campus, but truly on a global scale.

Universidad Loyola Andalucía Induction Ceremony 2016

Meet the New Young Alumni Advisory Council

Luke Bausch

Fordham ’20

Luke Bausch holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Accounting and Finance. During his senior year at Fordham, Luke served as the A∑N Chapter President. Despite restrictions, Luke worked with his executive board to provide engaging and comprehensive programming. Luke is currently pursuing his J.D. at Columbia Law School where he serves as the J.D. Chair for the Corporate Responsibility Association.

Jessica Olszyk

Saint Joseph's ’18

Jessica Olszyk holds a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Food Marketing and Leadership, Ethics, and Organizational Sustainability from Saint Joseph’s University. She is currently employed by Tropicana Brands Group after working with PepsiCo for two years in a sales development program.

Elena Pérez Velasco Loyola Andalucía ’19

Elena Pérez Velasco is a Spanish International Relations and business student at Universidad Loyola Andalucía (class of 2022) and a business graduate from Loyola University of Chicago (Class of 2020). She is a current member of the International Association of Jesuit Universities Global Citizenship Fellows Program 2021 cohort. With a strong commitment to social justice and equality, Elena has had the opportunity to hold a wide range of leadership positions such as the Chapter President of Alpha Sigma Nu at Loyola Andalucía (2019-20) and of the Loyola Club of Spain (2018-19). She is always trying to build bridges and generate synergies between people from different cultures and backgrounds towards a common mission. Elena seeks to pursue a career in European public policy with a focus on social and economic development.

Natalia Pozuelo-Arbide

John Carroll ’20

Ernesto Chacon

Seattle ’20

Ernesto Chacon is a proud first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences. During his time at Seattle University, he served as A∑N Chapter President. Currently, he is volunteering at local organizations where he wants to give back as part of his journey to enroll in law school. He is planning to study constitutional law to further nurture and help his community. He is excited to continue his work with A∑N and further engage in Jesuit values.

Kristin Lee

Santa Clara ’20

Kristin Lee holds a bachelor’s degree with a major in Accounting and a minor in Religious Studies. During her senior year at Santa Clara University, Kristen served as the A∑N Chapter President. Her involvement in A∑N was one of the most meaningful experiences in her undergraduate career. She currently works in the Audit & Assurance practice at Deloitte and is pursuing her CPA. Kristen is looking forward to deepening her involvement in A∑N through her participation on the Young Alumni Advisory Council.

Natalia Pozuelo-Arbide is a Spaniard-American national, who holds a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University with a double major in Communication, concentrated in Integrated Marketing, and in Spanish and Hispanic Studies, along with a minor in Political Science. During her time at John Carroll, Natalia was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu and a student intern at Cleveland Clinic, where she learned how healthcare communications can positively impact patients. Natalia’s dedication to adaptive fashion awareness and promotion of disabled person consumer access earned her recognition as a 2019 NBC Universal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship recipient. Natalia is seeking her first position in communications focused in social media advocacy or visual design communications.

Alena Stankaitis

Loyola Chicago ’20

Alena Stankaitis is currently a Research Assistant at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago in their gap year before law school. Alena holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and International Studies from Loyola University Chicago. While attending Loyola, Alena was a member of A∑N, served as the President of the Philosophy Department’s student organization, tutored local Rohingya elementary school students, and participated in several undergraduate conferences. Their research interests include ancient philosophy, linguistics, and the intersection of technology and human rights.

Serving Alumni

AMY VENABLES O’NEIL (Marquette ’18) Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Alpha Sigma Nu

The Alpha Sigma Nu induction ceremony welcomes new A∑N student members into the honor society. Today, there are over 90,000 A∑N members across the world. Once inducted, they are members for life, and at graduation, students transition to becoming A∑N alumni. At induction, A∑N members pledge to use their intellect, experience, and heart in the service of faith and the promotion of justice.

As the mission of Jesuit education has evolved over A∑N’s 100+ years, the pledge’s focus has moved from an internal campus focus to a wider commitment to caring for local and global communities. The foundation of the A∑N pledge is found in the mission of the Society of Jesus, “a mission rooted in the belief that a

new world of justice, love, and peace needs educated persons of competence, conscience, and compassion….” Today, the Jesuits look to members to be collaborators because of a renewed theological vision of mutuality and partnership with the people of God.

Alumni efforts have also evolved, and the global pandemic forced us to reimagine how to connect members to continue to live the tenets of scholarship, loyalty, and service. Webinars such as our Lunch and Learn and Lenten series provide members with spiritual and educational programming exclusive to the A∑N community. Member feedback has helped guide programming for both in-person and virtual programming.

The Young Alumni Advisory Council (YAAC)

The Young Alumni Advisory Council (YAAC) has been meeting virtually since its inception in March 2020. An example of connecting in innovative ways, this group consists of members on multiple continents who meet quarterly to tackle some of A∑N's most important issues. The first cohort of ten members was led by Morgan Menzzasalma (Fordham ’18) and Joshua Madrid (Regis University ’16). The group made proposals to the Board on several important areas including a discernment program that brings alumni and students together to deepen their connection and loyalty to Jesuit values, a communication

Alpha Sigma Nu Denver Alumni Club service event

plan that addresses Alpha Sigma “WHO” on campuses, alumni programming, a guide for chapter e-boards and chapter advisers and coordinators, society-wide recommendation on diversity and inclusion, and more. The final recommendation helped shape the next cohort of the YAAC which began in March 2022. Madrid adds, “Since the YAAC’s initial inception in 2020, it has blossomed into a dynamic council that provides invaluable input into the direction of the entire society. In my tenure as Chair, I saw the evolution of the council from what was initially meant to provide input and perspective on pressing issues to one that sought to provide innovative solutions to the problems presented. I was encouraged

by the energy of each council member and how they worked beyond the original remit of the council, which eventually led to the restructuring of its charter to better reflect the work its members did. I am excited to see what direction the new cohort will take the council to continue contributing to the future of A∑N.”

Bobby McGowan (Scranton ’18), YAAC alumni, further states “The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated demographic and structural shifts within higher education and the working world. A key collaborator in the Jesuit mission, A∑N must be responsive to these trends while balancing innovation and tradition, and the YAAC is essential in this

effort. In convening a dedicated, diverse, and highly thoughtful group, the YAAC is well-positioned to ensure that A∑N remains responsive to the desires and needs of its ever-changing membership well into the future.”

Alpha Sigma Nu’s Ignatian Discernment Program

An approach to decision-making as one nears retirement, the inaugural A∑N Discernment Program welcomed its first participants in January 2022. This virtual program meets monthly for seven months. The first cohort of eight people was comprised of alums from numerous Jesuit universities who reside all over the U.S. The program leader is Tom Auffenberg, a graduate of St. Louis University, who is the founder and director of The Next Chapter program, which began in 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri, with the help of Christopher Collins, SJ (Saint Louis ’16), then serving as assistant to the president for Mission and Identity at St. Louis University.

The focus of The Next Chapter program is to assist near-retirees and recent retirees to transition well to their retirement chapters of life. The program uses a variety of tools, two of the most important being Ignatian discernment and Ignatian prayer, to help people craft a plan addressing who they want to be as a person and what they want to do with their time in their next chapters of life.

Based on member feedback seeking programming for those in retirement, A∑N and Tom started discussing the idea of offering a virtual program to A∑N’s members several years ago. The Next Chapter program is offered virtually as three Ignatian sections including spirituality, discernment, and prayer.

Why is Ignatian discernment so helpful when dealing with the retirement transition? For those fortunate enough to reach the retirement transition financially set and in good health, retirement offers radical freedom, possibly the most freedom one has ever had with regard to time. The decisions one faces can seem overwhelming and daunting. Who do I want to be as a person in retirement? How do I want to spend my time in retirement? For some, the initial question is – when should I retire? Typically, these decisions involve choosing from several options. How does one go about choosing amongst the options? How can one gain clarity on what choices are the

right ones? Ignatian discernment is a great tool for choosing from many good options in order to live the balanced life one desires. It encourages one to develop a spiritual intuition—an ability to hear God’s voice with respect to one’s options. Why is Ignatian prayer so important? Without taking time for prayer, time for listening and noticing, one cannot develop the ability to hear God’s voice. Ignatian prayer, particularly the Examen, is a great way to develop one’s spiritual healing.

Members during Ignatian Discernment virtual program

TESTIMONIES

Ignatian Discernment Program Participants

The Ignatian Discernment Program will be offered again beginning in January 2023.

If you are interested in the next cohort, contact Amy O’Neil at amy.oneil@marquette.edu

After six months of contemplating life’s thorny passages in the A∑N Ignatian discernment program and discussion group, I found answers. Nothing cookie-cutter, nothing formulaic. Instead, my awareness and lived experience of the subtle process of Ignatian discernment have grown. I recognize myself making better choices. I am learning faster and more fruitfully from my missteps – current and past. With humor, support, and accountability, my spiritual practices of prayer, examen, reflection, study, and counsel dug deeper roots. My trust and serenity have begun to blossom, leaning into Ignatian wisdom. Alongside my peers, I am recognizing how to live as a person of discernment with prayerful intuition, not just follow a discernment process.

LAURA LYNCH EVANS (Boston College ’86), Program Participant

The Next Chapter has provided a rich opportunity to join monthly with eight Alpha Sigma Nu alumni from across the country for some “good conversation” about the values we learned in Jesuit schools. You’ll ask yourself whether you’ve lived by those values over the decades. The assigned spiritual reading and exercises have kept me honest with myself, and more alert to how I might be building or ignoring my spiritual life and my relationship with God. I have moved from perceiving my soon-to-be retirement not as an escape from work or fatigue, but as a call to the next adventures of my life.

WILLIAM BUCKLEY (Le Moyne ’74), A∑N New York City Alumni Club President

Ignatian Collaborators

Stemming out of a need to increase coordination and avoid redundancy in events, the Ignatian Collaborators group was launched in 2019 and met via video conference to start a conversation on how to better communicate and collaborate.

The group was co-facilitated by A∑N and the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU). Three years later, the group continues to meet bi-monthly and continues to grow in membership. Events, resources, and comradery are shared at each Zoom call, now led by the Jesuit Conference of the U.S. and Canada. A∑N is better able to inform members of Ignatian programming by this collaboration.

says,

“the benefit of coming together as Ignatian Collaborators is the ever-increasing realization that we are all in this shared mission together— even if we’re doing drastically different work, serving different audiences. Our common Ignatian tradition reminds us that we each have a piece of this really important puzzle, and when we are able to hold each of these pieces up to the light—as I hope we do when we come together—we’re able to better support one another, to encourage one another, and to come together to collaborate with one another, serving the mission all the more. ”

IGNATIAN COLLABORATORS MEMBERS

Eric Clayton (Fairfield ’10), Deputy Director of Communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, who leads each meeting

2022 Chapter of the Year

THROUGH THE 2021-22 ACADEMIC YEAR , Alpha Sigma Nu chapters around the world, often faced with obstacles making it challenging to coordinate and offer spiritual, service and loyalty opportunities, succeeded in accomplishing consistent and enriching mission-focused programming. Student chapters excelled at developing creative, innovative, and exemplary methods to connect with members, partner with campuses, serve their communities, and further the Jesuit mission.

Highlighted below are the six Chapter of the Year winners including the Overall Chapter of the Year, Universidad del Pacífico. Through interviews, leaders from these six winning chapters offer insights and share stories of successful examples of programming and outreach. These examples provide us with Ignatian inspiration.

Read the full Chapter of the Year award winners’ descriptions and interviews on the A∑N website.

ALPHA SIGMA NU CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Universidad del Pacífico

The 2022 overall Chapter of the Year is Universidad del Pacífico. Even though they are the newest chapter and one of the smallest in size, UDP exceeded in executing superior programming and promotion of the A∑N ideals. The executive board of the A∑N chapter at UDP, led by Carla Macedo (Universidad del Pacífico ’21), consistently promoted the A∑N and Jesuit mission. UDP demonstrated the promotion of scholarship by recognizing outstanding students from the previous year at their academic year opening ceremony. The chapter was actively involved in the campus community by writing over four hundred thank you notes expressing gratitude to the Universidad del Pacífico community and leading workshops for university administration children on topics such as robotics, mini chef, and personal finance. Further, the A∑N chapter at UDP leveraged social media to introduce nonprofits and Alpha Sigma Nu to university students. We congratulate this chapter on their efforts to increase visibility of A∑N on campus and build awareness of Ignatian spirituality.

Why is the mission of A∑N and Jesuit values so important to our students and chapters?

The mission of A∑N and Jesuit values play an important role in doing the right thing. Carrying a Jesuit spirit means having a vocation of service that seeks to help and create a positive impact in our community. Having this internalized means that sometimes unconsciously we can be contributing to the transformation of our society, through excellence and commitment, as our vision states.

Can you describe the events and collaboration between organizations, partners, and chapters?

Collaborations with organizations and chapters have given us the opportunity to reach more people in need and make them learn more about A∑N. To give an example, we held our Christmas campaign in Pamplona, Lima, hand in hand with Creeré Peru, an organization dedicated to providing education to children living in vulnerable situations. Together with them, we held an event with the children and their families in which we donated seventy toys, seventy school supplies kits and fifty family food baskets. We also participated in the international student panel organized by the A∑N of John Carroll University student chapter "Caring for our common home: our hoped filled future", in which we, as students, could talk about the importance of paying attention to what is happening in our world. We hope to increase our activities with more partnerships that will help us grow as a chapter.

INTERVIEW WITH CARLA MACEDO

Fordham University

Through the past year, led by chapter president, Jin Lin Chen (Fordham ’21), the Fordham University student chapter demonstrated excellence in scholarship programming. The Fordham University chapter’s strong leadership is exhibited through their consistent programming efforts each year. They participated in an Executive Leadership Series where A∑N members joined the university’s President’s Council for an indepth discussion with Fordham alumni. They partnered with the NYC A∑N alumni club in their annual Career Night. The A∑N Fordham chapter also participated in various lectures including Unearthing Buried Narratives: Reconstructing Experiences of Enslaved People Through Jesuit Records, the 17th Annual Rita Cassella Jones Lecture the Juncture of Worlds: Scholarship as a Way of Life, and Living as a Scholarly Practice, Lenten Forum on Housing Instability, and Immigration Justice, and Covid 19 with Jairo Guzman, President of the Mexican Coalition. This year, the Fordham University A∑N chapter regularly engaged with their campus community and promoted scholarly dialogue on important and relevant global topics including social justice initiatives.

Q: Can you describe how the chapter focused on and incorporated scholarship and a search for the truth into programming?

A: Fordham's A∑N chapter focused on and incorporated scholarship and a search for truth into programming by inviting our members to listen and join in on important conversations. Throughout the academic year, we partnered with Campus Ministry and hosted "Common Grounds Conversations." It is a student-led program focused on conversations that engage the Fordham community on topics that explore faith, hope, love, passion, meaning, and social justice. Furthermore, it seeks to provide conversation and dialogue between students, and learn how faith applies to our real-life experiences. Scholarship is vital and important to our students and chapters because learning and knowledge truly changes how an individual engages with the world around them. Currently, there are many conversations that are happening and should be happening regarding the world around us, and Fordham's A∑N chapter believes that it is important to hold space for these conversations. While Alpha Sigma Nu's core tenets are scholarship, loyalty, and service, we think that having a space for all three invites a sense of community for our students.

INTERVIEW WITH THOMAS FONSECA

Q: What inspired the Marquette chapter to host programming with the Ignatian year and loyalty as the theme?

Marquette University

Through the Ignatian year and the marking of the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius' cannonball moment, the A∑N chapter at Marquette University led by Thomas Fonseca (Marquette ’21) created outstanding programming demonstrating loyalty and a commitment to the Jesuit mission. The chapter coordinated an event where university and A∑N students wrote down their “cannonball moment” on balls resembling cannonballs. These personalized pieces were placed in a display in the student union on campus. The chapter held another event for the campus community where A∑N members interacted with students and discussed A∑N, Jesuit values and personal cannonball moments. These activities furthered the A∑N mission and immersed the campus community in the promotion of the Jesuit ideals.

A: Our university President, Michael Lovell, sharing via campuswide email his own cannonball moment and his battle with Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. That email and his hopeful message struck a chord with the members of our executive board and the programming ideas were inspired by that message of hope amidst our own cannonball moments and life struggles. This message of hope was also incorporated into our joint planning committee meetings regarding the Caring for our Common Home: Our Hope Filled Future event regarding what students are doing to combat climate change in their local communities across continents and around the world. All these programs inspired hope and loyalty to the Jesuit mission.

BEST LOYALTY PROGRAMMING

INTERVIEW WITH JIN LIN CHEN

BEST SERVICE PROGRAMMING

Universidad Loyola Andalucía

The A∑N Chapter at Universidad Loyola Andalucía consistently creates outstanding service programming. The chapter’s exemplary leadership team imagines and executes events that immerse student members, alumni, the university and local community into partnership and participation in activities that further the Jesuit mission. This year, led by chapter president, Juan Galera Calleja (Loyola Andalucía ’20), the Andalucía chapter coordinated the creation and delivery of two hundred stress relief packs for finals season and organized a “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” simulation with reflection sessions on the Sevilla and Córdoba campuses in partnership with various university departments and local organizations. The chapter further demonstrated their commitment to service by coordinating a tree planting and immersive experience with members from Alpha Sigma Nu and the campus community at a local sustainability farm focused on reintegrating excluded individuals back into society. At this event, A∑N members and the campus community spent the day with the employees at the farm who are at risk of poverty or social exclusion.

Q: Why is service so vital and important today to our students and chapters?

A: Service helps us connect with one another and with the realities around us. It helps us develop empathy and understand the issues and concerns of less fortunate people in the world. Service enlarges our heart and deepens our bonds with those around us. Service is vital because it emphasizes an essential dimension of the professional career and personal development of our members, and helps our chapter and students develop as people for others and incorporate the care for the less fortunate into our daily lives.

Q: What were the desired goals of the events? What were the outcomes?

A: The main goal of all events was to stir the conscience and foster reflection in our members and participants. We wanted to create some discomfort so that we all truly experienced what it means to be marginalized and not have access to certain basic needs and wants. The events served not only to offer specific, timely service opportunities to our members, but also to create a long-lasting spark of collaboration.

INTERVIEW WITH JUAN GALERA CALLEJA

INCORPORATION OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION MEASURES IN INDUCTION Rockhurst University

The chapter for the best Incorporation of Diversity & Inclusion Measures in Induction goes to Rockhurst University, led by chapter president, Taylor McCarthy. This year, the A∑N chapter at Rockhurst University included a preamble to their induction ceremony with a land and labor acknowledgement. The ceremony also incorporated a moment to recognize current events and the impact on members of A∑N and humanity. The moment specifically focused on the invasion of Ukraine and called for A∑N members to be the change to create a more inclusive global society. Rockhurst University’s inclusion of a land and labor acknowledgement along with the moment of reflection and prayer focusing on social justice is an excellent example of using Ignatian spirituality practices of embracing prayer and discernment towards a life of service to others.

INTERVIEW WITH TAYLOR MCCARTHY

Q: Briefly describe any special ways in which you incorporated or highlighted the A∑N and Jesuit ideals in the ceremony.

A: In addition to the preamble to the ceremony that had a land and labor acknowledgement, we also added a moment to recognize current events and how they impact us as members of A∑N and of the wider world.

This year focused on the invasion of Ukraine and how we as members of A∑N must do better to create a more inclusive world as this is a worldwide organization and way of life that extends past the borders of the United States.

CHAPTER INNOVATION

John Carroll University

The John Carroll University A∑N student chapter, led by chapter president, Jonathan Sandstrom (John Carroll ’19), hosted the collaborative event, Caring for our Common Home: Our Hope Filled Future which demonstrated a deep commitment to care for our global environment. The innovative event created a space for hundreds of participants to connect, focusing on the Universal Apostolic Preference. Widespread promotion pre-event and broad distribution of the recorded event increased awareness and discussions surrounding our environment, thus furthering the mission of the event. The event proved successful in energizing and motivating participants.

INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN SANDSTROM

Q: Describe the educational events your Chapter held this year.

A: In honor of the Ignatian Year, John Carroll University’s student chapter hosted an International Student Panel: Caring for our Common Home: Our Hope Filled Future. Chapter Member, Caitlin Matthews, moderated a virtual panel with breakout rooms including participants from Peru, Chicago (USA), Spain, India, South Africa, and Belize. The event allowed students from around the world to share their thoughts about the environment and what actions they take to care for our common home. This was a very successful, eye-opening, and enlightening experience/event. A link was sent out after to those who could not attend. The event was a John Carrol University A∑N event as a part of John Carroll University’s Mission Week in association with A∑N, AJCU, and the Society of Jesus.

Alpha Sigma Nu is proud of the inspiring work taking place across all our member campuses and for the opportunity to highlight and recognize those who have been extraordinary in their efforts. We commend our student chapters for their perpetual resilience, energy, and fortitude to promote the Alpha Sigma Nu mission.

Magis Medal

The Magis Medal is awarded annually to lay Alpha Sigma Nu members who best exemplify scholarship, loyalty, and service in their work to better the world. The award serves to highlight the exemplary work A∑N members are doing as they live their A∑N pledge out in the world and to inspire new members to carry that flame with them as they graduate. Read full bios of this year's winners on the A∑N website.

MICHAEL J. SCHUCK

Saint Louis ’73

Dr. Michael Schuck is a Professor of Christian Ethics in the Theology Department at Loyola University Chicago, where he has introduced students to the world of theological ethics and environmental ethics. He holds a dual appointment in Loyola’s School of Environmental Sustainability. In addition to his many years in the classroom, Mike served as the Director of the Hank Center for Catholic Intellectual Heritage at Loyola. Mike has been an integral teacher and mentor in the Jesuit First Studies Program for several decades. Through this work, Mike teaches and prepares Jesuits for the rigorous studies that mark their formation. Mike is also the co-director of the International Jesuit Ecology Project that has produced Healing Earth, a free online textbook in Environmental Science, ethics, spirituality, and action. Out of this work, Mike was called upon by the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) and the Vatican’s Dicastery on Integral Human Development to lead international efforts to help Jesuit and other Catholic universities across the world respond to Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.

DAVID HUFF Rockhurst ’69

Inspired by his Jesuit education, David Huff has engaged in a tireless pursuit of spiritual growth and service to others. In 1970, David completed a program to become the first eucharistic minister for his home parish. For over five decades since, he has charted a life-long calling as a eucharistic minister. David has brought communion to the ill, aged, hospitalized, nursing home residents, and disabled. Following his education as an undergraduate, David completed specialized training to become a physician’s assistant and worked with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He was a volunteer Catholic prison chaplain, assisting at Mass, offering homilies, and providing communion to inmates.

Since his retirement, David has continued to be active in serving his Church and community in Mexico including volunteering as the medical officer for an orphanage for abandoned boys. Speaking fluent Spanish, David has counseled, nurtured, and offered a positive role model to traumatized youth.

He is an example of inspiring, dedicated, and soulful service to others, embodying the spirit of A∑N.

AMY BETROS

Canisius ’20

In 1992, Amy Betros was a successful entrepreneur and owner of her own restaurant, Amy’s Place. Amy teamed up with Norm Paolini to start their charitable service, Madonna on the Streets Inc., working out of the back of Betros’ restaurant. On Aug. 1, 1994 they purchased the property and St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy was born.

St. Luke’s Mission has grown to encompass over 250 regular families, with 16 full time missionaries, 85 associate missionaries and hundreds of volunteers. They also have grown with 23 homes for women and children and have a school program that educates 22 children.

Her message continues to come loud and clear. “If someone is hungry, it is likely someone will say to them, ‘go to St. Luke’s,’” said St. Luke’s school program offers children in unfortunate circumstances an opportunity.

Alpha

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Patient Trust

Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages.

We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.

And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability— and that it may take a very long time.

And so I think it is with you; your ideas mature gradually— let them grow,

let them shape themselves, without undue haste.

Don’t try to force them on, as though you could be today what time (that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will) will make of you tomorrow.

Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.

Amen.