Science Transformation Meet the campaign leaders in Benedictine’s unprecedented building project
The Science and Engineering Building addition and renovation campaign is rising as a symbol of how philanthropy can make exceptional science education at Benedictine College even better. Key donors are helping make the $26 million project possible. Along with a major donation from Dr. Judith Hemberger ’69, a member of Benedictine College’s Board of Directors, leading donors include Dr. Tom Kemlage ’83, a dentist in Fenton, Missouri, and his wife, Joan Moyer Kemlage ’85; Larry ’60 and Tresa Buessing, who have joined Benedictine College students on multiple research trips, and Dr. F. Jay Ohmes ’84, a dentist in Weldon Spring, Mo., and his wife, Jane Wetta Ohmes ’84, who are the proud parents of recent Benedictine College graduate Michael Ohmes ’16.
The Climber
Dr. Judith Hemberger ’69, loves the outdoors. It is not uncommon to find her hiking behind her home in Colorado. Although hiking and climbing are both a hobby and a fitness activity for Judy, she has also made quite a climb in her education and career over the years. “I was brought up by these remarkable nuns who were leaders in their field and good mentors, so I never knew a glass ceiling,” said Judy. “I was taught by women leaders. After graduating from Mount St. Scholastica College in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Judy received her MBA from Rockhurst University and her PhD in pharmacology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She continues to work in the field of cancer research to develop drugs for patients with Head and Neck and Glioblastoma (brain) cancer. As a current member of the Benedictine College Board of Directors, Judy has supported many causes; but when the campaign for the Science and Engineering Building was announced, she knew she was being called to make another climb. Judy understood that without fixing the Westerman building, great science couldn’t continue. A pledge of $1 million was a lofty gift for her financial situation, but Judy decided the college’s need for excellence in the sciences was great and she could accomplish her goal over several years. to give back,” said Judy. “It is a real joy to W E“You S T - Ahave D D I TaI Oresponsibility N offer support to people who have sacrificed for you. Science changes, but fundamental ethical and spiritual principles don’t change.”
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The Connectors
If you are a Benedictine College graduate living in or around the St. Louis area, chances are you have met Dr. Tom ’83 and Joan Moyer ’85 Kemlage at the alumni golf tournament or the annual alumni Christmas party. “Joan and I are so passionate about Benedictine because we met there and we met most of our best friends there while we were in school,” said Tom. In 2006, the Kemlages donated $10,000 to help create a $100,000 endowed fund for student summer research on the Benedictine Bottoms. In 2008, the Kemlages donated $25,000 to establish the Kemlage Endowed Biology Travel Fund. “There were research trips every year, and I was lucky enough to go,” Tom said. “That kind of experience is what really gives you a full liberal arts science degree.” Last year, Tom and Joan were the first to pledge their support with a gift of $100,000 for the science and engineering campaign. Not only did they make a gift, but Tom also began calling every Raven he knew within a 100-mile radius, every classmate from his days in the Westerman Hall labs, and even a former roommate living in Germany to encourage them to make their own pledge. “The renovation of the Science Hall is very important to me,” said Tom. “I felt it was my duty and honor to call fellow alumni and ask them to also support their alma mater.” He added: “I remember a group of us talking with Dr. Bowen after a senior trip and he said, ‘Don’t forget about giving back to the college when you graduate.’ I would like to challenge my buddies to get together and name a hall to honor Dr. Dan Bowen.”
Celebrating the Past. Transforming the Future.