Spirit of Giving

Spirit of Giving Spring 2013

GRATEFUL RAVEN DAY SOG Spring 2013.indd 1

5/8/2013 3:10:11 PM

Benedictine College EDITOR Tom Hoopes, G’10

PRODUCTION MANAGER Beth Hoffman, ’09

DESIGNER

2

Spring 2013

Culture of Philanthropy From the Vice President for Advancement, Kelly J. Vowels, ’85

Hayleigh Diebolt

WRITERS Tim Andrews, ’88 Andi Miller Dupre, ’09 Steve Johnson, G’12 Paula Moss Rosemary Wilkerson

CLASS NOTES Kathy Garrison

PHOTOGRAPHERS Hayleigh Diebolt Kelly Elias, ’85 Kady Weddle

WAYS TO GIVE GIVE BY MAIL

Gifts made by check should be payable to Benedictine College and mailed to: Office of Advancement, 1020 North Second Street, Atchison, KS 66002-1499

GIVE BY PHONE 1-800-766-0078 ext. 7416

ONLINE GIVING Visit http://my.benedictine.edu/bcannualfund.

GIFTS OF STOCK

By donating appreciated securities or mutual fund shares, you can provide a lasting contribution while receiving tax benefits, such as capital gains tax savings.

REAL ESTATE

Your gift provides a convenient way for you to enjoy a charitable deduction based on the current fair market value of your property, and it can reduce the size and complexity of your estate.

Our school mascot, Rocky the Raven, danced with students on their way to class.

Students gathered under tents to get stickers for giveaways and learn about giving.

Big colorful price tags adorned the buildings of Benedictine College we all know and love.

Creative members of our staff invented “Grateful Raven Day” in order to foster a culture of philanthropy among our students. The day allowed Benedictine students to learn about all the ways our benefactors affect our lives through their generosity and help in fulfilling the mission.

And how do you reach students? With music and giveaways!

We will continue to provide opportunities for our students to engage in building the culture of philanthropy on our campus. And this was a great start.

It takes a considerable amount of money to operate Benedictine College. Tuition dollars do not stretch far enough and by the middle of the spring semester they run out.

So, instead of sending eviction notices or raising the price of a Benedictine education, the balance of the year is covered by the generosity of our benefactors, through the Benedictine College Fund. This is a seamless transition of which our students are unaware.

While there are very visible signs of benefactor generosity with new buildings, Raven Walk, Mary’s Grotto, and Frederick Hart statues, students don’t realize that to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship, money is also raised to simply bridge the gap between tuition dollars and operating expenses.

Throughout this Spirit of Giving issue you will meet a variety of alumni and friends who embrace and share their philanthropy with the College and our students. It is not just the dollars that we rely on; it is the generosity of time and talent as well.

Thank you for including Benedictine College in your giving. Without you, the unique experience that this special place offers students would be impossible. And these are great students!

I am a Grateful Raven!

ESTATE PLANNING

Remember Benedictine in your Will or estate plan.

We also offer life-income gifts that provide income and immediate tax benefits. Please contact Tim Andrews, ’88 at 913-360-7363 or tandrews@benedictine.edu. If you already have named Benedictine College in your estate plan, contact us so we can welcome you into the Benedictine Legacy Society.

SOG Spring 2013.indd 2

Cover Photo: The student ambassadors responsible for the success of the first Grateful Raven Day (right to left) Zachary Reichenberger, Kelley Cofield and Katherine Kennedy take a moment during the festivities to express their gratitude and pose with nursing student Maree Lehman (far left) and Rocky the Raven.

5/8/2013 3:10:13 PM

Benedictine College

Spring 2013

3

Grateful Raven Day Students Spend a Day Saying ‘Thank You!’ to Benefactors “I want to stop and thank you baby,” sang James Taylor through speakers in the quad.

“How sweet it is to be loved by you!”

That was just one of the many “gratitude” themed songs that played across campus April 9, when Benedictine College hosted its first Grateful Raven Day. The day was created to raise awareness of the generosity of alumni and friends of Benedictine College who make Benedictine College’s education possible.

“The main thing we wanted to accomplish was to help our students recognize the scholarships, classrooms, buildings, and other opportunities our donors make possible,” said Paula Moss, Executive Director of Annual Giving. “Then, we wanted to help them show their appreciation.

Although we have many ways of thanking our benefactors throughout the year, this is a very specific and special way our students can show their gratitude.”

An underlying goal of the event was to help educate students on philanthropy. By raising

SOG Spring 2013.indd 3

the awareness of the generous donors who give to the annual Benedictine College Fund, organizers hope Grateful Raven Day will inspire students later in life to think about the many opportunities to be philanthropic in their lives.

“All in all this day was a huge success,” said Zachary Reichenberger, a junior business management major from Wichita, Kan., who helped plan Grateful Raven Day. “It was great to set one day aside out of the year to thank our benefactors and dedicate a whole day to them.

Sometimes as students and even faculty and staff we forget what it takes to run one of America’s greatest Catholic colleges.”

“The event’s timing was perfect,” he said, “following all of the improvements and new buildings that have been added to the college.”

“Benedictine has thrived within the past few years and sometimes you have to stop and wonder why,” he said. “This event was needed on campus to really get students thinking how we wouldn’t have half of the things we have

today if it wasn’t for our loyal benefactors.”

Benedictine College had a number of fun and spirited events taking place across campus during Grateful Raven Day. Students had the opportunity to write thank you postcards to benefactors, take pictures with Rocky the Raven, participate in a video contest, obtain giveaways, and learn fast facts about charitable giving.

Student leaders were invited to a question and answer panel with benefactors. Special deals were offered at campus stores to anyone wearing the “I’m a Grateful Raven” sticker.

Recognizing benefactors’ gifts also helped get people excited about the college.

“All the fun activities and giveaways really got the students pumped up about the day and increased school spirit,” Reichenberger said.

“Many students took some time out of their day to stop and write a thank you postcard to our benefactors. It just reinforced that students at Benedictine College truly are some of the best.”

5/8/2013 3:10:27 PM

Benedictine College

6

Spring 2013

What a Night!

Ball Honors Leaders, Mount and Abbey, Unveils Science Vision A record crowd of 763 danced the night away Feb. 23 to celebrate the achievements of Benedictine College, recognize the college’s honorees, and raise money for student scholarships.

The 42nd annual Scholarship Ball was held at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. The event highlighted the college’s two sponsoring communities, naming an endowed professorship in honor of the sesquicentennial anniversary of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery and featuring the new abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey. The co-chairs for the event were Lené Westerman, ’85 and Stephen, ’91 and Joan (Koechner), ’90 Charbonneau.

Student performers entertained the crowd and Benedictine student Kristen Adlhoch, ’14, inspired attendees with her story, previously featured on the Today show, of how she battled back from near-paralysis in her freshman year.

She credited the prayers and encouragement of Benedictine College with speeding her recovery. “That is worth so much more than any other kind of therapy,” she said.

At the event, two couples received the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict: Archdiocese of Kansas City-Kan. youth ministry leaders Dana and Debbie Nearmyer, and former Benedictine College president Dan, ’68 and Terri Carey.

SOG Spring 2013.indd 4

Deborah thanked their families for standing with them and giving them the foundation to do what they do.

“Dana and I were blessed with families who taught both of us the love of Jesus Christ,” she said. “Our shared stories of struggles, of loss, of triumph and wonder, they bind us. They bind us in this mission to pass on the faith to the next generation. Benedictine College has done this very important work since before the Civil War. We are humbled and we are grateful for this moment.”

Dan and Terri Carey are Scholarship Ball veterans. The former Benedictine College president told the audience that he and his wife have attended 18 of the events consecutively.

“If you are an alum of St. Benedict’s College, Mount St. Scholastica College, or Benedictine College; if you are a current or a past employee of Benedictine College; if you are a benefactor that believes in this special college, Terri and I accept this honor only on your behalf. You are the ones who made it happen. Thank you,” Dan said.

A highlight of the evening was the naming of Benedictine College music department chair Ruth Krusemark, ’73 as the first ever Mother Evangelista Kremmeter Professor of Benedictine Traditions and Values. The endowed professorship at the college also serves

to celebrate one of the college’s two sponsoring institutions, the sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kan. The sisters are celebrating their sesquicentennial anniversary this year.

The evening began with Mass celebrated by newly appointed Abbot James Albers O.S.B, ’94 of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, Kan., and ended with energetic dancing to the music of the Michael Beers Band. President Stephen D. Minnis, ’82 announced that more than $500,000 was raised at the ball.

In his address on the state of the college, Minnis described how key buildings served as launching pads for the school to reach national impact with its mission of community, faith, and scholarship. Elizabeth Hall launched a nationally recognized student life program, and Mary’s Grotto launched a nationally known program of faith ministry.

Likewise, he said, the construction of the multi million-dollar Ferrell Academic Center, now in its first year of operation, will be a launching pad for a new focus on academics.

He said the mission of Benedictine College in the sciences was “To be the Catholic, liberal arts college that recruits and develops aspiring doctors, engineers, scientists, and health care professionals for the 21st century,” and shared images of a multimillion dollar science center the school is interested in building.

5/8/2013 3:10:30 PM

Benedictine College

SOG Spring 2013.indd 5

7

Spring 2013

5/8/2013 3:10:39 PM

Benedictine College

Spring 2013

4

Asher Field Neighbor’s Gift of Land To Be New Ballparks James and Pat Asher really stepped up to the plate when they donated more than seven acres of land adjacent to Benedictine College’s Larry Wilcox Stadium, allowing the college to expand to the north. The property could become a new baseball/softball stadium that will carry the family’s name.

Groundbreaking for the Asher Sports Complex could come as early as May of this year, with leveling of the land the first step. Additional fundraising will be necessary to complete the construction. The block on which the Asher home is located will continue to be a residential neighborhood as originally developed. Although the couple will no longer see farmland to the east of their home, they have been assured the land will be maintained and developed appropriately. Plans for the complex are still being formulated.

“We will be forever grateful to Jim and Pat Asher and their family for this generous investment in Benedictine College’s baseball and softball program,” said President Steve Minnis. “We look forward to gathering with the campus and greater Atchison community to watch the first pitch at the new Asher Complex in the future.”

Jim Asher, a retired Atchison hospital administrator and his wife, Pat, a retired Benedictine College employee, sent all seven of their children to Benedictine College. Members of their Raven family include James’74; Martin ’77; John ’80; Mary ’80; Paul ’85; Elizabeth Gruenbacher ’86 and Robert ’89.

“It was by no accident we chose the current location to live when we moved to Atchison almost 50 years ago,” said Pat Asher. “The cross above the Abbey Church beckoned to us when we strolled through the neighborhood in search of a place to build our home. That cross throughout the years has continued to deepen our appreciation of the Benedictine monks and sisters with whom we’ve been associated since moving to town.

“It is our privilege to give to the Benedictine College community the seven and a half acres of land adjacent to our home to help meet the college’s need for expansion, necessitated by its growing enrollment,” she added. “We look forward to our association with Benedictine College for many years to come.”

Preliminary Concept

O’Malley Field

SOG Spring 2013.indd 6

5/8/2013 3:10:44 PM

The President’s Circle

Newest Giving Society

ICTINE COLL

EG

.

.

E

D NE

E

B

-- President John Quincy Adams

Benedictine College is delighted to announce a new giving society: the President’s Circle. This special group of benefactors will be an integral part of the college’s Mission of forming unique leaders for America.

These benefactors will have a special relationship with the college.

The timing for the new giving society is just right. Benedictine College has reaffirmed its unique academic mission and applied it to a new time with its bold, visionary Benedictine 2020 plan.

The college’s recent success has meant we are launching more leaders for America than ever. Today’s graduates will follow in the footsteps of Ravens who are leaders in Washington, leaders in state houses, presidents of universities, sisters, bishops, doctors, lawyers, CEOs — leaders in their communities, parishes, and homes.

The President’s Circle will help provide the leadership gifts we need to propel Benedictine College’s mission into the 21st century.

As Jack Newman, President of the Benedictine Board of Directors puts it: “I believe the President’s Circle will inspire many to make a generous gift to the annual fund and stand with the faculty, staff, board of directors, and President Minnis in helping lead Benedictine forward.

These gifts are so important in providing scholarships for students, assisting with faculty development, and providing strong student services and faith formation programs.”

AN INVITATION TO ENTER THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Members of the President’s Circle stand with President Stephen Minnis in advancing cardinal priorities to guide Benedictine College on the path to greatness.

A gift of $20,000, or more, to the Benedictine College Fund, will help the college fulfill its promise to develop students as critical thinkers, principal leaders, and ethical decision makers. President’s Circle members make a generous investment in the future direction of Benedictine College and help shape tomorrow’s leaders in mind, body, and spirit.

SOG Spring 2013.indd 7

RS LA

IT

N

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

HIP

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MU

y

Spring 2013

10

COM

pt

Benedictine College

Y

. F AITH .

H SC

O

RECOGNITION OF LEADERSHIP The President’s Circle of Benedictine College recognizes alumni and friends who demonstrate philanthropic leadership through their annual gifts. Such support is vitally important in providing Benedictine College with the financial resources it needs to continue to provide an outstanding education to a growing number of students each year.

President’s Circle currently consists of two recognition levels determined by giving to the Benedictine College Annual Fund:

$50,000 + President’s Gold Circle

$20,000 - $49,999 President’s Circle

In appreciation of their leadership support: President’s Circle members will receive the following benefits: • Annual webinar/conference call with the President of Benedictine, Board of Directors Chairman, and CFO to get exclusive updates on the news and events of Benedictine • Commemorative keepsake emblematic of your membership • Exclusive reception at the annual Scholarship Ball and event recognition • Listing on the Leadership Recognition Wall in the Westerman Executive Suites on the 4th floor of the Ferrell Academic Center • Invitation to an annual leadership retreat In addition, the President’s Circle members will enjoy all the benefits of the Cornerstone Society membership: • Listing in the annual Donor Report • Invitation to annual thank you event with college president • Receive the Spirit of Giving and the Raven Review The Benedictine College Fund is successful because of generous donors at all levels. Find the giving society that fits right for you at www.benedictine.edu/giving or call (800) 766–0078.

5/8/2013 3:10:46 PM

Benedictine College

Spring 2013

8

Welcome Back To Campus

From the Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations, Tim C. Andrews, ’88 Dear Alumni, “You will find, when you leave Atchison, that Benedictine College will never leave you,” said Sean Doherty, ’82, at our recently held Grateful Raven Day Donor Panel. Sean was a member of a panel of donors who explained to our students how important it has been for him and his wife, Julie (Zook) Doherty, ’86, to support the mission of Benedictine College.

Sean and the panel members are a very small sample size of alumni who take time to come back to campus to give back. As you can see on the facing page, alumni come back for many different reasons.

Their presence on campus is important to our students. They get to see how vast and incredibly loyal the Benedictine community is. Our students realize they are part of something much bigger than themselves and their immediate social circle. They realize their Benedictine experience is only just beginning.

Just in the last few months, we have had visitors return for varsity and alumni games, campus visits for soon-to-be college students, mentors, guest speakers, career day volunteers, and countless others who return because they feel the need to stay connected. Regardless, each visit, conversation, re-told story and tear (there always seems to be a tear or two) adds to the interconnectedness and spirit to which all alumni and current students can relate. Thank you to all of our visitors. You are all welcome and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Another great reason to return is to attend Alumni Reunion. We are expecting another great crowd for all classes ending in “3” and “8” at the Annual Alumni Reunion June 14–16, 2013. And make plans for Homecoming Weekend October 18–19, 2013.

So please do me a favor: let us know when you are on campus. Stop by the Alumni Relations Office in St. Benedict Hall (“North Ad” to my friends) and tell us you are here. Get your picture taken. Tell us a good story. Tell our current students how lucky (and wise) they are to have chosen Benedictine College!

For Benedictine,

Calling All

Mount St. Scholastica, St. Benedict’s and Benedictine College Alumni!

Come home to Atchison…You are invited to join us on June 14–16 for Reunion 2013! All are welcome and our feature classes are years that end with a “3” or an “8.” Don’t miss this great time to reunite with old classmates and re-ignite old memories.

REGISTER FOR REUNION AT: http://my.benedictine.edu/reunion2013

SOG Spring 2013.indd 8

5/8/2013 3:10:53 PM

Benedictine College

Spring 2013

9

Alumni Back on Campus

Who was spotted on campus recently?

In April, Ken Winkelman, ’71 made a presentation on marketing and advertising.

Craig Husting, ’87 with his son Max, ’13, presented his experience managing a $33 billion investment portfolio through the financial crisis of 2008.

Cecelia Koechner, ’88 Hand, Nicole, Ryan, Bridget, and Tim Hand, ’89

Dave Hill, ’84 and son David who signed a letter of intent for football.

Grateful Raven Day Panel of Benefactors: L to R: Bud Cray, Stephen, ’91 and Joan Koechner, ’90 Charbonneau, Sean Doherty, ’82, Michelle Collins ’09 Thacker and Christopher Thacker, ’09, Dr. Dianna Henderson, ’85 and Larry Buessing, ’60.

SOG Spring 2013.indd 9

5/8/2013 3:11:04 PM

Benedictine College

12

Spring 2013

Surprise! A Professorship Dr. Krusemark Named to Position Honoring Mount’s 150th

“When they first announced the endowment, I thought it was a great thing,” said Dr. Krusemark, “but when they called my name, I was completely caught by surprise. I just thought, ‘I’m not worthy!’”

This year’s Scholarship Ball included one surprise.

During his State of the College address, President Stephen D. Minnis paused to announce that Dr. Ruth Krusemark, ’73, chair of the Music Department, would be the recipient of the inaugural Mother Evangelista Kremmeter Professorship of Benedictine Traditions and Values.

“When they first announced the endowment, I thought it was a great thing,” said Dr. Krusemark, “but when they called my name, I was completely caught by surprise. I just thought, ‘I’m not worthy!’”

The newly endowed professorship was announced at the college’s Scholarship Ball on February 23, and is named for Mother Evangelista Kremmeter, OSB, the first prioress of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, Kan. The announcement was timed to honor the Benedictine Sisters during their sesquicentennial celebration.

“Ruth is a leader in the field of music and has selflessly enhanced the musical experience for our students for more than 30 years,” said Benedictine College President Stephen D.

SOG Spring 2013.indd 10

Minnis. “She has had our students perform for the Pope and put on countless excellent programs. She epitomizes what the Mother Evangelista Kremmeter Professorship is meant to represent.”

After Krusemark was presented with the honor, Sister Ann Shepard said the award was appropriate for both the music professor and the Mount as it celebrates its anniversary. She noted that a piano was an early purchase by Mother Kremmeter.

Dr. Krusemark will hold the professorship until she retires from full-time teaching. The position comes with a stipend and a special fund to allow for campus programming such as speakers and performers. According to Minnis, the professorship is funded by the College dedicating unrestricted endowment dollars for this purpose, but donor contributions to the fund are welcome.

“I am very honored to receive this,” said Krusemark.

Dr. Krusemark received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Benedictine College in 1973, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Kansas in 1976, and a Doctor of Musical

Arts Degree in Organ from the University of Kansas in 1998. She directs the Concert Chorale and the Chamber Singers and teaches piano, organ, and music theory at Benedictine College. In 1994, she received the Benedictine College Educator of the Year Award. She has performed as organist, pianist, accompanist, singer, and choir director at more than three thousand venues during her career.

She directed the Benedictine College Chamber Singers in four performances at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome for Pope John Paul II and once for Pope Benedict XVI. She has several original compositions published by Oregon Catholic Press and is the composer for the college’s Alma Mater. She is also active in the community as the director of the Riverbend Concert Choir of Atchison, Kan., and has spent more than 40 years as the organist and choir director of the First Christian Church.

For more information on how to make a gift to the endowment for the Mother Evangelista Kremmeter Professorship or to create your own endowed fund, contact Rosemary Wilkerson, Executive Director of Development at 913-4265876 or email rosemaryw@benedictine.edu.

5/8/2013 3:11:05 PM

Benedictine College

5

Spring 2013

Atchison Thanks Students Hunger Coalition Honored by Chamber Each year, the Atchison Area Chamber of commerce recognizes a group that has made a positive difference in Atchison.

This year, that team was the Benedictine College’s Hunger Coalition.

“It was a very special surprise to me for the Atchison Chamber to award the Hunger Coalition Team of the Year,” said Amanda Wert, a Benedictine College senior and the president of the Hunger Coalition.

“It is always humbling to receive the gratitude of the individuals we serve each week,” she said, “and it was especially beautiful to be told we positively impact the community as a whole.”

More than 400 Benedictine College students skip their Wednesday dinner each week, donating the funds from their meal plans to the college’s Hunger Coalition.

That money then goes to purchase food, which the students, faculty and staff involved with the group make into lunches and deliver every Saturday to the needy of Atchison.

Students do the bulk of the work, but faculty and staff of the college carry the load during breaks and over the summer so a Saturday delivery is never missed.

According to Dr. Richard Coronado, chair of the Department of Economics at Benedictine College and longtime Hunger Coalition advisor, the move to create the Hunger Coalition started at Benedictine in 1984 after an event called “World Hunger Day” and follow-up discussions among students on the World Hunger Committee.

“I remember Tim Mullane, ’87, was determined to take action,” said Coronado. “He kept saying, ‘We can’t just talk, we have to do something.’”

SOG Spring 2013.indd 11

“Students had tried a skip-a-meal program, just once a semester, to raise money to send to Mother Teresa’s mission,” recalled Father Meinrad Miller, OSB, ’89, who was a freshman in 1984 when the group began. It was decided to move forward with a plan to do a weekly skip-ameal and then feed the hungry of Atchison.

“It was pretty small at first,” said Fr. Meinrad. “It seems like it was only about 20 people skipping. But it was a start and it involved us going weekly to see the people of Atchison. I was a helper and Dave Armstrong and I were part of the group that first made deliveries.”

According to Coronado, the group started off with around 16 students skipping dinner.

That number went up to 40, and then 60, and then 85. They got names of shut-ins, needy families, and others from local service agencies and churches and delivered for about eight weeks at first.

“By the end of the fifth or sixth year, we had 100 students skipping,” C o r o n a d o said.

Increasing enrollment meant that the Hunger Coalition could help more people.

For the past few years, the number of students skipping a meal has been over 400.

“Looking back, I think one of the greatest things about the Hunger Coalition is that connection between the students and the people of Atchison,” Fr. Meinrad said.

“I’ve been happy to call Atchison my home for the past four years and the Hunger Coalition has been a very positive way for me to feel like I am a part of the community here,” Wert said. “This award has cemented this feeling for me by recognizing the Hunger Coalition as an important member of the Atchison community.”

5/8/2013 3:11:13 PM

Benedictine College

Spring 2013

11

Giving the Gift of Gab Raven Returns to Help Students Hone Job Interview Skills

L iving O ur

Faith Benedictine Mission Trips

With the growing competition for jobs in today’s world, it’s not just what you know that counts — it’s how well you interview.

Benedictine College alumni, Tom Gorczyca, class of ’77, visited campus this spring to offer mock interviews to students, and to give a presentation on the essentials of interviewing.

“Over the years I have interviewed a number of young people coming straight out of college,” said Tom. “What I found was that they had great credentials but lacked the skills for a good interview. I wish I had someone who would have better prepared me for the real world by assisting with the important process of how to sell myself to a potential employer before I left Benedictine.”

Students were grateful for the insights Tom provided and the chance to practice in a less intimidating environment.

Frank Cummings, a senior majoring in business management, said he would do it again if the opportunity presented itself. “And, next time I would encourage my classmates to sign up too,” he said.

Charlotte Ward, a senior in business administration and management, had an actual interview later that day and wanted some practice beforehand. “I have interviewed before but never for a job that I wanted long term. Getting feedback from someone who has seen it all and knows what he is doing was extremely helpful. It gave me an extra confidence boost.”

Tara Bailey, a freshman majoring in art, wanted to add to her professional experiences, believing that, “You can never have too much professional formation.”

Tom said there is no better gift to give than to help Benedictine College do what it exists to do: help a young person get a step up in life.

“There are very talented alumni who have a lot to offer,” he said. “If they have the time and would like to give back to the college, this is one way they can do it.”

Tom enjoyed his visit to campus and volunteered to do it again next year. “I got as much out of the experience as the students,” he said. “Benedictine College has been great to my family, and it was nice that I had the opportunity to give back to the college in a small way.”

SOG Spring 2013.indd 12

Mission Trips – Benedictine students living out their faith by serving others. Benedictine College students are traveling the world during Christmas break, spring break, and over the summer. Their destinations include the Phillipines, Rwanda, El Salvador, North Dakota, Kansas City, Atchison, and many more locations – serving the poor and sharing their faith. When you support Benedictine College you help our students continue to grow in their faith through service. Thank you for making this possible!

2012 – 2013 Academic Year:

34 MISSION TRIPS OVER 900 PEOPLE

WENT ON MISSION TRIPS

2,459,336 MILES

OVER TRAVELED FOR CHRIST

$172,139 RAISED TO GO ON MISSION TRIPS

5/8/2013 3:11:15 PM

Benedictine College

Spring 2013

13

Join us in honoring the Kansas Monk and Offeramus award recipients at the Alumni Reunion Weekend, June 14–16, 2013. For more information go to: http://my.benedictine.edu/reunion2013

Kansas Monk Award Dr. Tom Kemlage, ’83

&

Thank you for picking up the phone and participating in our phonathon. We had another successful year! Our enthusiastic students enjoyed visiting with you — the many friends and alumni of Benedictine College. It is because of people like you investing your treasures that help make Benedictine College the special place it has always been.

SOG Spring 2013.indd 13

Offeramus Medal Award Dr. Ruth Krusemark, ’73

Did you miss the call? It is not too late to give!

Visit www.benedictine.edu/giving or contact James at 800-766-0078 ext. 7416 and give to the phonathon today!

5/8/2013 3:11:19 PM

Benedictine College

14

Class Notes December 6, 2012 – March 3, 2013 Class notes are condensed. Please refer to http://my.benedictine.edu for full stories and photographs.

Portia K. Maultsby, Ph.D., ’68, Bloomington, Ind., was featured in a February 2013 article by an AAUW Higher Education intern regarding “Demarginalizing African American Pop Music.” Dr. Maultsby, the Laura Boulton Professor of Ethnomusicology in the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology at Indiana University Bloomington’s College of Arts and Sciences, is professor, author, co-curator, program designer, multimedia consultant, and a Charles Seeger Lecturer, a high honor in her field of expertise, ethnomusicology. Portia delivered the Seeger Lecture in November 2012, at the 57th annual meeting of the Society for Ethnomusicology in New Orleans. Portia, a faculty member of Indiana University since 1971, is currently a consultant for the National Museum of African American Music, slated for construction in Nashville, Tenn.

Dr. Sylvester J. Schieber, ’68, New Market, Md., in January 2013, was presented the 17th annual TIAA-CREF Paul A. Samuelson Award for Outstanding Scholarly Writing on Lifelong Financial Security. Syl was recognized for his latest book, The Predictable Surprise: The Unraveling of the U.S. Retirement System. A former Chairman of the Social Security Advisory Board, Syl is the author or editor of numerous books on various aspects of population aging and retirement.

Mary Niemczyk, Ph.D., ’82, Phoenix, Ariz., has authored her second book, Using Your Brain to Learn: Strategies for Success. The book, which was released in December 2012, is a compilation of her research in educational psychology and provides students better study strategies and methods of learning based on how our brains learn and remember information. Mary’s first book was released in 2009; she is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Aviation programs at Arizona State University.

Dr. Katherine Glaude-Bolte, ’83, earned her doctorate in Instructional Leadership in 2010. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and a Gifted Education Specialist. Kath lives in Gerald, Mo., with her husband, Donald Bolte, and their chickens.

Marjorie Henningsen, ’86, Beirut, Lebanon, spoke on the TEDxBeirut2012 stage about rethinking early years education.

TEDx is an independently organized TED event aimed as spreading innovative ideas (www.ted.com). Marjorie was one of 18 speakers at last year’s TEDxBeirut.

SOG Spring 2013.indd 14

Spring 2013 Rt. Rev. James R. Albers, OSB, ’94, Atchison, was elected the ninth Abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey, Dec. 28, 2012. His Abbatial Blessing by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was held March 17, 2013, at the Abbey. Before the election, Abbot James, since 2002, was the Prior of St. Benedict’s Abbey, and from 2000 to 2002, he was Director of Alumni Relations for Benedictine College.

Hannah Kathryn born to Mindy Heidesch Plummer, ’97, and Ben Plummer, Sept. 3, 2012. She joins older siblings, Landon, Kaitlyn, and Mikayla at the family home in Atlanta, Ga. Noel A. Rueb, ’98 MEA, will retire July 1, 2013, from Unified School District #409, Atchison, Kan. His career with the school district spanned 32 years with an array of positions, including: maintenance/custodian, 11 years; sixth grade teacher, assistant football coach, assistant wrestling coach and Stuco sponsor for the Atchison Middle School, six years; assistant principal and athletic director at AMS, three years; and intermediate principal at Atchison Elementary School for 12 years. Noel resides in Atchison with his wife, Jeannette.

Davyeon Ross, ’00, Overland Park, Kan., became a citizen of the United States of America, at 1:00 p.m., Jan. 25, 2013, in Kansas City. During his teenage years, Davyeon left Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies, and moved to the United States to pursue education and athletics. In February, Davyeon was the inaugural speaker for the 2013 Technology Entrepreneur Speakers Program series, highlighting the region’s most innovative technology business leaders. Davyeon currently advises and supports several start-ups and organizations in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Elaine Gabrielle born to Ruth Mersmann Finnegan, ’03, and Bob Finnegan, Feb. 11, 2013. She joins her brothers, Bobby and Bishop, at the family home in Atchison.

Michael Patrick Gallagher, III, born to Michael Gallagher, ’03, and Rachel Wolberg Gallagher, ’02, Aug. 9, 2012. He joins older sisters Isabella, Norah, and Hannah, at the family home in Lovington, N.M. Stephen Sebastian born to Michael French, ’04, and Amanda Weckman French, ’05, Feb. 20, 2013. He joins older siblings, William, Beth Ann, Genevieve, and Felicity, at the family home in Atchison.

Liam Marcus born to Daniel Edgington, ’05, and Hilary Edgington, Nov. 20, 2012. The family resides in Lenexa, Kan., where Dan is employed with the Department of Homeland Security.

5/8/2013 3:11:19 PM

Benedictine College Deacon Nathan Haverland, ’05, Kansas City, Kan., will be ordained to the priesthood May 25, 2013. That evening, he will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving in Atchison at St. Benedict’s Church, and May 26, Fr. Nathan will celebrate Mass in Kansas City at his hometown parish, St. Patrick’s Church. He will complete a master’s of divinity degree and a master’s of arts degree in theology in May 2013 from Kenrick School of Theology in St. Louis.

15

Spring 2013

will reside in Lenexa, Kan. Suzanne is a Doctor of Chiropractor, specializing in Pediatric Care in Overland Park, and Casey is attending school for Unmanned Aerial Systems at the Salina K-State Campus and will graduate in May 2013.

Savannah Lily born to Matt Hoeing, ’05, and Clementine Muhrer Hoeing, ’06, Nov. 9, 2012. She joins her older sisters, Autumn and Allison, at the family home in St. Louis, Mo.

Dr. Melinda Morrison Pregont, D.C., ’09, Overland Park, Kan., graduated magna cum laude in May 2012 from Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City, with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. In March 2013, Melinda opened Trusted Care Chiropractic, LLC, Atchison. In her spare time, Dr. Pregont enjoys traveling with her husband of three years, Justin Pregont, ’09.

Graham Thomas born to Stefani Reynolds Hoeing, ’05, and Andy Hoeing, ’06, Dec. 3, 2012. Graham joins older sisters, Madison and Makenna, at the family home in Saint Louis, Mo.

Thomas Patrick born to Patrick Caskey, ’10, and Melissa Hill Caskey, ’10, May 30, 2012. The family resides in Roeland Park, Kan.

Lucy Anne born to Justin Reuter, ’05, and Ashley Reuter, Sept.

7, 2012. Lucy joins big brother, Calvin, at the family home in Olathe, Kan.

Gina Sanders, ’11, Beloit, Kan., is engaged to Rusty Lueger. The couple will exchange wedding vows, June 22, 2013, and will reside in Beloit.

Anne Boever, ’06, Lincoln, Neb., wed Paul Thomas Brandt, Kansas City, Mo., July 7, 2012. They reside in Kansas City, Mo.

Sister Teresa Marie (Katie) Wozny, CK, in 2009 entered the School Sisters of Christ the King in Lincoln, Neb., and made her first profession of vows, July 30, 2012. Sister Teresa Marie, formerly of Columbus, Neb., attended Benedictine College from fall 2007 to fall 2008.

Josh Beying, ’06, Garden Plain, Kan., is an Accountant with Koch Industries, Inc., Wichita. His wife, Sarah Farmer Beying, ’05, is the Director of Youth Ministry of Padua Catholic Church in Garden Plain. They have three children, Sebastian Michael, Gianna, and Xavier.

Tala Burnison, ’06, Nashville, Tenn., is studying for a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. She will complete her degree in May 2013, and plans to work as a mental health therapist.

Dr. John Palsmeier, Ph.D., ’06, Conway Springs, Kan., graduated in July 2012 from the University of Missouri – Columbia, earning his Doctorate degree in Nuclear Engineering. John is employed at the Nuclear Science and Engineering Institute as a Postdoctoral Fellow.

Jessica Schaefer, J.D., ’07, in May 2012, graduated cum laude from South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas. She passed the Texas Bar Exam and was sworn in Nov. 12, 2012. She is currently employed by Winstead, PC, in Houston, Texas, as an associate specializing in Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning.

Felicity born to Amanda Stack Buttig, ’08, and Daniel Buttig, April 18, 2012. The family resides in Kansas City, Mo. Suzanne Wolverton, D.C., ’08, and Casey Adams, ’09, are engaged! Casey popped the question to Suzanne, Sept. 1, 2012, on the balcony of the Haverty Center at Benedictine College.

Their wedding date is May 26, 2013, in Kansas City; and they SOG Spring 2013.indd 15

In Memory: To view a listing of alumni, alumnae and friends of the college, please visit http://my.benedictine.edu, and under Spread the Word, please click on Spirit of Giving Newsletter.

GIVING OPPORTUNITY: The following deceased alumni/ae and friends have established Memorials at Benedictine College. Their complete class note, along with other constituent deaths, may be found online. To make a Memorial donation by mail, please write your check payable to Benedictine College, be sure to identify the fund name in the memo section, and send to: Benedictine College, Attn: James Kew, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison, KS 66002.

• John Schmiedeler, ’52, died Dec. 13, 2012. John L. Schmiedeler Scholarship.

• Patricia Vader Matson, ’62, died Jan. 22, 2013. Raven Memorial Park Fund.

• Betty Diane Stafford Friend, parent of current student, died March 1, 2013. Raven Memorial Park Fund.

• Jack Davis, former Benedictine College Biology lecturer from 1990 to 2010, and Biology consultant at the time of his death, died Jan. 19, 2013. Biology Department Fund.

5/8/2013 3:11:19 PM

BENEDICTINE COLLEGE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT 1020 North Second Street Atchison, KS 66002 913-360-7414 www.benedictine.edu/giving

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID KCMO 2257

What do you think of our Spirit of Giving? Send your comments, suggestions and story ideas to bcadvancement@benedictine.edu.

Benedictine College State of Kansas license plates are now available!

Support Benedictine College and show your pride with your very own license plate. Get all the details at the following link: http://my.benedictine. edu/benedictine-kansasplate.

Send us a photo at alumni@benedictine. edu or post a photo on the Benedictine College Facebook page www.facebook. com/benedictinecollege.

Pictured Right: Steve McBride, ’77

SOG Spring 2013.indd 16

5/8/2013 3:11:20 PM