VOLUME XXX NUMBER 2 | Fall 2020
MOUNT MARY MAGAZINE
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STANDING STRONG
POWERFUL VALUES LEAD US THROUGH TURBULENT TIMES
AMANDA LESLIE
Undergraduate Art Therapy
This piece embodies the light that is within me, and how it grows when I share it with others. The golden lines represent how the warmth of my community has strengthened my sense of self, my creativity and my passions.”
Bringing a nationally recognized speaker to campus has a greater purpose than the lecture itself. The speaker and her ideas become a launching point for deep on-campus learning. Last fall and this spring, a number of classes engaged in projects around the concept of personal power, set forth by Nilofer Merchant, author of “The Power of Onlyness.” Visit magazine.mtmary.edu to see how students like Amanda are inspired by the experiences that only a Mount Mary education can provide.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE 4 6 11
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CONTENTS
Our quest for equity Coronavirus and campus adaptations Mount Mary to offer on-campus nursing degree and first-ever Ph.D. Community takes shape at Trinity Woods Lynn Kapitan’s art reflects phases of her professional life
3 10 13 16 21 22 23 24 27 30 35 36
mtmary.edu
Online
mtmary.edu/magazine
From the President
VIEW:
Leading Lady
Our campus reopening & meet our student team at magazine.mtmary.edu
Student Spotlight Alumnae Spotlight Then and Now Women’s Leadership University Development
Dr. Pharr’s message to spring grads at magazine.mtmary.edu Take a peek inside our new high-tech classrooms at magazine.mtmary.edu The 2020 VOL student projects at mtmary.edu/sla
ON THE COVER:
The statue of Our Lady stands at the front of campus, a sign of strength and a symbol of our mission.
Campus News Achievements & Accolades Class Notes In Memoriam Reflection
©2020 Mount Mary University Compiled by Mount Mary Office of University Marketing and Communications, Kathy Van Zeeland, Editor Contributors: Genaviv Alcantara, Joan Hartin, Sister Joan Penzenstadler SSND, President Christine Pharr, Taylor Robinson, Kou Vang, Kayla White, Office of Alumnae and Donor Relations Mount Mary University is sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
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For all of Mount Mary’s upcoming events, visit mtmary.edu.
Summer Leadership Academy
Leadership academy for high school girls
JUNE 21-24 Registration opens Jan. 1, 2021 mtmary.edu/sla
DECEMBER 2020
5 12
Be an Influencer: Virtual Visits at MMU (see page 26 for additional December date)
Winter Commencement (virtual) mtmary.edu/commencement
JANUARY 2021
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Summer Leadership Academy Applications Open mtmary.edu/sla
Be an Influencer: Virtual Visits at MMU (see page 26 for additional January date)
FEBRUARY 2021
15-19 18 24
Visiting Fellows (see page 22)
Founder’s Day Celebration
Show the Love Giving Day mtmary.edu/givingday
MARCH 2021
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Summer Leadership Academy Applications Close mtmary.edu/sla
Mount Mary University Awards Celebration Saturday, April 24, 2021 Reception 11 a.m. Luncheon & Program Noon
Distinguished Alumnae Award Winners Madonna Medal for Professional Excellence Perie Jane Longo ’62 Ph.D., MFT Madonna Medal for Service to the Alumnae Association Beth Kowall ’74 Tower Award Lakiesha Russell ’10, M.S. ’13 President’s Award of Distinction Gary and Judy Jorgensen
For event details and nomination information: mtmary.edu/awards
APRIL 2021
24
Awards Celebration mtmary.edu/awards
MAY 2021
24
Spring Commencement mtmary.edu/commencement
JUNE 2021
21-24
Summer Leadership Academy mtmary.edu/sla
SEPTEMBER 2021
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Starving Artists’ Show mtmary.edu/sas
OCTOBER
1-3
Alumnae Reunion Weekend mtmary.edu/reunion
FROM THE PRESIDENT
FROM PRESIDENT Christine Pharr, Ph.D., President, Mount Mary University Dear Mount Mary Alumnae and Friends, We are making history! They say that history is told through the lens of the author and certainly we know that to be true based upon historical records where many uncomfortable truths are omitted. As I reflected upon the last eight months while preparing for this magazine, I am struck by the multitude of perspectives that this magazine will present about our current situation and yet I wonder what perspectives we are missing. In these challenging days we are searching to ensure we are part of portraying the truth. Certainly we are living in unparalleled times. Some have named it the age of two pandemics: COVID-19 and racism. Regardless of your perspective, this time has challenged the university in ways we have not previously encountered and has called upon us to think and act with new and inventive approaches. In many ways, it has been a truly humbling experience. As we strive to meet our students’ learning needs while keeping them healthy and safe, the creative nature of our faculty and staff has been admirable and determined as is described in the article on coronavirus and campus adaptations (page 6). As the issues of racism have become increasingly visible in the Midwest, our state and the very neighborhood of Wauwatosa surrounding our campus, we have grown in our desire for reflection, discussion and a need to truly address issues of inequity and injustice in our society in alignment with the core values instilled in our institution by our founders, the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The article, “Our Quest for Equity,” on page 4 details some of our successes, but much work remains to remove all barriers for people of color. During these past months many students and employees have struggled with both of these pandemics, however, there are some silver linings becoming apparent.
and implemented new technologies and teaching methodologies that would have taken months or years under more “normal” circumstances. We have created broader and deeper safety nets for students than those that were already present. By that, I mean financial, academic, technological and emotional safety nets. We have found and utilized extensive communication to keep people informed — email, text messages, announcements, Zoom, Skype, Teams and the list goes on! We have realized we can do a lot of work from home and still stay connected as individuals and as a community. We have effectively engaged students in addressing our challenges through new types of work study positions. And perhaps most importantly, I believe we have grown as a community, which sometimes happens during difficult times. Seldom have I seen people work so hard to serve and support students and each other. Rarely have I observed so many selfless gifts of time, talent and treasure. Not only those people on campus, but our larger community of alumnae, friends and our Board of Trustees have provided tremendous support to Mount Mary through these challenging times. The outcome is that we are going to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. These pandemics have prepared us to be more versatile educators, more empathetic and united to our students and employees of color, better communicators and more creative problem-solvers. I have never been more proud to be the President of Mount Mary University than I am today. I am exceedingly grateful to our campus community and our commitment to one another. These unparalleled times will ultimately serve us well as we humbly seek to transform lives though education and service to each other. With gratitude,
What have we discovered? We have learned that we are far more adaptable than we realized when it comes to serving our students. We developed
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Unity in diversity is at the heart of our SSND mission. We commit to building an inclusive environment that promotes unity in a divided world.
Our quest for equity United by common values, we navigate difficult times together
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n times of hardship and uncertainty, it’s invaluable to have a cornerstone to revisit, both as a source of strength and as a vision for the future. As racial inequality, social injustice and the oppression of marginalized communities continue to occur across the nation, we return to our foundation. Now more than ever, our core values of competence, community, compassion and commitment have been the guideposts in remaining true to our mission and relevant in an ever-changing world. These values enable us to foster a learning environment that welcomes and celebrates students from diverse backgrounds. Today, 58 percent of our undergraduate students identify themselves as ethnically diverse. This spring, Mount Mary became a designated HispanicServing Institution, a classification by the U.S. Department of Education based upon an institution’s ability to enroll and serve at least 25% Latinx undergraduate students. Peace Vigil, June 2020
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Using our values as a lens, we highlight
areas of progress of we’ve made in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion and share our vision for the future.
COMPETENCE: STAYING INFORMED Effective change requires a certain level of knowledge about social issues. Knowledge then becomes the bridge to empathy, understanding and ultimately, justice. Students are introduced to these concepts in the Leadership for Social Justice Seminar (LSJ), a course that first-time undergraduate students are required to take during their first year. LSJ reviews issues of oppression and privilege, spanning across sexism, racism, classism, religious oppression, heterosexism, trans oppression, as well as youth and elder oppression. Students learn about the intersectionality of issues and analyze the viability of proposed solutions. In the employee realm, faculty members receive ongoing education and training on inclusive and equitable teaching, covering topics such as microagressions in curriculums to equitable test-taking practices. Inclusive Excellence Curriculum Specialist, Aza Baylor, Ph.D., guides faculty through trainings to learn about the social and historical context of exclusionary practices in higher education in the U.S. Her work is funded through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. This grant also funds ongoing professional
CAMPUS SNAPSHOT development programming. Past discussions have included Milwaukee’s civil rights history, the historical and sociopolitical context of Latinx Milwaukee, and the health disparities affecting LGBTQ youth and young adults. An important contributor to community knowledge is the Haggerty Library. In response to racial injustices, the library staff recently compiled and continues to curate a list of antiracist resources. Library staff members are also committed to updating collections to be more inclusive, and the staff works closely with faculty to inform them of diverse options that can supplement their curricula. “While MMU is making headway on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, we would do well to continue our efforts as lifelong learners,” said Jason Meyler, Ph.D., an assistant professor and chair of the World Languages Department. “The fact that there is much more to do with our time on earth should not impede us from working harder right now.”
COMMUNITY: WELCOMING ALL A sense of community and connection is as important as ever during these times that may leave us feeling isolated and alone. Shortly after the death of George Floyd, the Mount Mary community came together to hold a peace vigil for change, equity and justice. Over 70 individuals from all parts of campus gathered to advocate for change. Another response to the increased visibility of social and racial injustices this year is the development of reoccurring, campus-wide internal discussions. Community members have also created their own discussion groups and book clubs. President Christine Pharr, Ph.D., also held a listening session with student leaders from Spectrum (LGBTQIA+), Black Student Union, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM), Asian Student Organization and Students Achieving Leadership through Spanish Activities (SALSA). All discussions are held with the desire to learn how best to serve one another. These acts of community are aligned with efforts by the School Sisters of Notre Dame,
ETHNIC DIVERSITY: HIGHEST DIVERSITY INDEX
SOCIAL
ECONOMIC DIVERSITY:
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#
FOR PELL-ELIGIBLE STUDENTS AT TOP-RANKED SCHOOLS
MOBILITY:
3
#
SUCCESSFUL GRADUATION RATES FOR PELL-ELIGIBLE STUDENTS
BEST VALUE: #19 BEST SCHOOLS:
TOP HALF OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES IN THE MIDWEST
who have taken corporate stances on social justice issues such as immigration reform, racial bias, systemic racism and peacemaking. Reaching out and finding connection in times like this is critical. “Find somebody you are comfortable with to have a continual conversation,” said Kathy Boyle, Ph.D., assistant professor in the biology department. “This cannot be one-and-done. It’s okay to say the wrong thing – you need to keep trying.” Recognizing the needs of our community, we seek to create safe, inclusive spaces for healing and reflection. To that end, Christ King Chapel, located in the lower level of Notre Dame Hall, was redesigned earlier this year as a shared interfaith space called Place of Peace. The new space offers stations for reflection, meditation and private prayer. “It’s not in spite of our Catholic identity that we have an interfaith center, it’s because of our identity that we created a space for every student to explore their relationship with God, seek silence and promote peace,” said Campus Ministry Director Katie Coffey. Our Lady Chapel, on the second floor of Notre Dame Hall, remains a Catholic chapel. Additionally, a religious observance policy will be added to all syllabi in spring, outlining provisions that respect religious practices for students.
COMPASSION: SERVING ONE ANOTHER Service and social justice are interwoven into the Mount Mary mission and identity. From the Caroline Scholars, who are required to complete 300 hours of service learning each year, to the many service-oriented clubs and organizations on campus, our students recognize the need to serve. One of the many Mount Mary student organizations dedicated to service is Bold MKE. Bold MKE puts the four values into action by focusing programming around two values each semester. Past events have included dinners with the SSNDs. Participants viewed documentaries on social issues together and discussed ways they can effect change.
Continued on page 7
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Coronavirus and campus adaptations Mount Mary rises to the challenge On March 13 campus closed abruptly in compliance with the city’s order. But we never stopped engaging with one another. Through spring and summer, our learning community switched gears and faculty and students transitioned to fully online. Campus reopened bit by bit in summer, and in fall we petitioned the city to reopen, based upon stringent cleaning and social distancing protocols in place. This was approved and life returned to campus. The reopening required enormous support efforts. Some of these measures benefitted students directly, while so much else took place behind the scenes, unseen yet essential. Here, some key leaders from the university provide a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs achieved by engaging in our core competencies — agility, ability to navigate complexity, resilience and responsiveness.
members took their classes online, many found that engagement and discussions among students actually increased, albeit in an altogether different form. Even today, face-to-face instruction looks and feels different than before. Professors have found strategies to deliver their curriculum safety, through various hybrid, in-person and online meeting formats. Even if students cannot attend in-person, through modern technology and the sensitive teaching practices of our faculty, their presence is seen, felt and honored. Not a single student should have to decide between their education or protecting the health of their children or immune-compromised loved ones. All are equally important. We educate for the growth and development of the whole person; this understanding infuses AS I WALK THROUGH everything we do.
How do you teach a sewing class virtually? How does an emerging occupational therapist learn to administer a standardized evaluation with a patient?
It takes courage to enter into a classroom and teach through the discomfort of social distancing and face masks, to students who are apprehensive in these uncertain times.
These are just a few of the dilemmas Mount Mary faculty have encountered over the past eight months — and overcome on a daily basis. Last spring, when faculty
Karen Friedlen, Vice President for Academic Affairs
FACULTY AND ACADEMICS:
MAKING SURE NO STUDENTS ARE LEFT BEHIND
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THE HA LLWAYS A ND LOOK INTO THE CLASSROOMS, I MARVEL AT HOW OUR FACULTY MEMBERS TUNE OUT THE DISTRACTIONS AND FOCUS ON OUR STUDENTS.
Meet the student team:
magazine.mtmary.edu
Continued from page 5
“One of the reasons why I started Bold MKE is to allow students to make a change, both in ourselves and in the community,” said Bold MKE founder and biology health sciences major Jaqueline Reyes.
COMMITMENT: ENVISIONING THE FUTURE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:
REOPENING CAMPUS WITH STUDENT ASSISTANCE This summer, we piloted a new leadership program for student workers. This hardworking crew of seven students assisted in remaking the campus, working alongside everyone from the Buildings and Grounds team to academic deans charged with re-envisioning classroom spaces. These students were part of a team that measured and assessed every inch of campus for optimization. Spaces such as Stiemke Hall were repurposed and turned into classroom space (it can accommodate 40 people and is now our largest classroom space). The academic faculty, led by deans Cheryl Bailey, Wendy Weaver and Barbara Armstrong, thoroughly assessed and directed the setup for every one of our classrooms. These students were part of a team that logged thousands of miles over the summer. They hung posters in every hallway and doorway, and in every classroom they measured and taped precise spots on the floor where tables, chairs and desks can be located. They filled hundreds of bottles of disinfectant and hand sanitizer, and distributed ample supplies to every student and employee on campus. We appreciated having our students work with us, as they are intimately familiar with student behavior and with how classrooms must function. They told me they felt much safer knowing the work that goes into making sure all of the right measures are taken. Under the most challenging conditions they have learned what it takes to be servant leaders. Beth Bartelt, Facilities and Events Coordinator, Buildings and Grounds
COVID-19 TASK FORCE:
BUILDING UPON OUR EXPERTISE Having worked as a clinician, I was already very familiar with the safety protocols associated with infectious disease protection, and I share this expertise and experience through Mount Mary’s COVID-19 Task Force. I co-lead this group along with Jennifer Dahlman, assistant professor of nursing. We, along with representatives from human resources, student affairs and the president’s office, provide safety recommendations for campus. This is one of two groups that have sprung into action to address the many issues related to COVID-19. The Emergency Response Team, a group of 22 leaders from across campus, also confers with Dr. Pharr as necessary (at some points this group has met daily to address the many ways COVID-19 has affected operations).
Mount Mary’s strategic plan spells out our commitment to creating a thriving university community in which learning, living and working together brings forth the greatest potential for all. We recognize the progress that has been made on campus and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. Earlier this year, Mount Mary University pledged to advance diversity and inclusion on campus in partnership with CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™. Diverse hiring practices are one way to help us to fulfill this goal. All advertised positions are posted on at least one job board that is focused on the recruitment of diverse populations in higher education. All interviewees receive at least one question related to diversity, equity and inclusion to assess if candidates are a good fit with the mission and goals of the university. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, chaired by Aza Baylor, is collaborating with every department on campus to set goals that support diversity, equity and inclusion. By doing so, DEI will be interwoven into every aspect of the university. The Council works closely with University leadership in support of creating a positive, inclusive campus community for all. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion is the work of every individual on this campus,” Baylor said. “In the spirit of the South African concept of Ubuntu, I am who I am because of who we all are. “Ubuntu reminds us that we are all connected and should always aim to respect, trust and care for those in our community.”
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Watch our campus reopening:
magazine.mtmary.edu
I’ve seen firsthand how many ideas and creative approaches have gone into our preparations and our ongoing efforts. Each day I am amazed to see how much, in a time of uncertainty, this community has pulled together with care and concern to say, “We can do this.” Kari Inda, Ph.D., Professor and chair of Occupational Therapy
ALUMNAE AND DONOR RELATIONS:
PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH SUPPLIES, JUST IN CASE
Our donors understood the level of need during this pandemic and responded with care and thoughtfulness to the needs of our students. This, combined with federal CARES Act stimulus relief funds, was able to ease the burden for 757 students.
Stiemke Hall, one of the largest gathering rooms on campus, has been repurposed as a socially distant classroom.
Pam Owens, Vice President for Alumnae and Donor Relations
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN:
Through the uncertain nature of the virus, one thing has been sure: The support of donors who respond to the needs of our students.
CONNECTING VIRTUALLY THROUGH HIGH-TECH CLASSROOMS
Particularly thoughtful initiatives to enhance the student experience include donor-funded supply kits for students, to keep them involved in hands-on learning in case there is a need to return to off-campus learning. These kits maintain academic integrity even while offsite.
Participatory, collaborative and active. Before the pandemic, these may not have been words some educators would have used to describe remote learning.
Educational materials that would normally be available in labs and studios will now be available for students at home. Occupational therapy students, for example, received kits with goniometers (to measure joint mobility) and gait belts (used to help lift and transfer people), enabling them to perform their competencies from home. Kits for design students include tailoring materials and art students receive the appropriate materials and supplies for their classes. This type of emergency measure provides students with the supplies essential to their learning, and brings great peace of mind to the faculty, who are assured students will have everything they need to carry on. Students can feel confident as they persist in completing their degree, no matter where they need to be due to the pandemic.
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But there’s been a discovery that online learning can be meaningful and productive, and Mount Mary faculty have been particularly creative in attending to the evolving situation that requires them to accommodate students in-person and remotely. Mount Mary has directed over $350,000 of COVID-19 relief funding to enhance the technology in all classrooms. Two classrooms are fully immersive, four now have enhanced technology and the remainder of the classrooms are equipped with cameras for remote/hybrid learning. Our IT department rose to the challenge and spent the summer upgrading classrooms and technology all over campus. How do some of these upgrades help faculty teach better? Here are a few ways:
Screens in the back of the classroom allow professors to see all students, including those participating from home.
I knew we had to find a way to honor their achievement. On a bright blue Saturday morning in August, we welcomed 95 graduates into the Alumnae Dining Room, which was carefully set up to accommodate the group. As each of their names were called, they walked across the stage, while their families witnessed the event on enormous screens set up in the parking lot outdoors, or livestreamed at home. It was the first drive-in commencement ceremony in Mount Mary history! I thank God for this moment of joy amid uncertainty, because it brought such happiness to graduates and deep satisfaction to me. Take a peek inside Mount Mary’s new high-tech classrooms: magazine.mtmary.edu
Microphones make it easier to deliver lectures that might otherwise sound muffled by face masks.
Tracking cameras focus on the teacher, even as she or he moves around the classroom.
Professors can use iPads to show close-up demonstrations and work, which can be projected on the screens in the classrooms or viewed remotely.
Integrated multimedia software makes the coursework easy to access for students.
Multiple monitors allow professors to display material for in-class and at-home viewing.
John Futterer, Instructional Designer
STUDENT AFFAIRS:
CELEBRATING MILESTONES, DESPITE THE DISTANCE When we sent out a poll to our spring graduates asking them how they would like to celebrate their Commencement, they overwhelmingly asked us to postpone the ceremony until August, in hopes that we would be able to gather with one another “as normal.”
I sometimes reflect upon what in my 25 years of higher education leadership prepared me to guide an institution through a pandemic. The answer is dichotomous, nothing and everything. My background in science taught me enough about infectious diseases to be dangerous. My teaching career taught me that uncertainty can lead to fear and great anxiety. An emergency planning meeting that happened to use the example of a pandemic taught me enough to know that the reality of the situation would be extremely complicated. Putting all these experiences all together I realized nothing seems certain. We are not out of the woods, so to speak, and we are in the process of determining what our December Commencement will look like. But I have learned that the collective efforts of people who care about each other bring sufficient clarity to focus on our goals and persevere until the day we can once again be physically together. And through the hard work of good people, and with tremendous faith in God, we have come a long way. Christine Pharr, Ph.D., President
Family members watched from their cars as graduates walked across the stage at the modified in-person Commencement ceremony held in August.
As the summer months progressed, we knew that even an August ceremony would require strict social distancing measures. At the same time, we realized how important the experience would be for students who had worked so hard to don a cap and gown and walk across a stage and pick up their diplomas.
2020 | 9 See Dr. Pharr’s message to spring grads:FALL magazine.mtmary.edu
LEADING LADY
BUILDING LEADERSHIP THROUGH COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS “Business professionals are working in the field on a daily basis and in tune with the latest trends. Allowing businesses to inform the curriculum helps us educate our students in ways that are most relevant to industry,” Kahl said. Kahl also oversees the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), which offers activities, resources and programming for leaders of all ages and backgrounds. Keystone events include the community Voices of Leadership (VOL) event, the Summer Leadership Academy for highschool girls, and the Visiting Fellows Program (VFP) in partnership with the Council of Independent Colleges.
M
ount Mary’s vision is to educate women to transform the world in partnership with local, national and global organizations. And Anne Kahl, executive director of the Leadership Institute and corporate partnerships, plays an important role in fulfilling that vision.
The themes of the WLI programming are integrated into many curriuculums, and Kahl works with faculty and staff to bring WLI into the classroom. She also orchestrates the student-facing WLI events, which often include several days of networking with the guest speakers and industry experts featured at VOL and VFP.
Kahl joined Mount Mary seven years ago as the director of corporate & foundation relations, and her primary focus was relationship development with foundations and corporations for fundraising purposes. Today, corporate relations has expanded to include connecting Mount Mary’s academic programs with business industry experts and other learning opportunities for students, such as internships, research projects and mentorships.
A key trait of a great leader is the ability to be flexible and change when needed, and Kahl had to quickly restructure this year’s WLI programming from in-person to virtual in the midst of COVID-19. The events were still engaging and successful, based on the positive feedback from the participants. One of them wrote:
These ongoing partnerships, which continue to grow thanks to Kahl’s leadership and expertise, create unique opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with the changing market and better equip them with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields after graduation.
“I have gained many different leadership skills. I feel a lot more confident about the steps I need to take to succeed in and after high school. The sessions I
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FEATURE: NEW PROGRAMS
attended cleared up any confusion that I was having about the future while also teaching me new skills.”
MOUNT MARY TO OFFER FIRST-EVER PH.D.
Kahl holds a bright vision for future possibilities of the Women’s Leadership Institute. Her team recently launched the LEAD program, which is an ongoing leadership program for past participants of the Summer Leadership Academy who now attend Mount Mary. Her department is currently looking at opportunities for the intergenerational audience that will be on campus soon as a part of the Trinity Woods housing project. When asked what inspires her career in leadership and influences the WLI programming, her answer was unexpected. “In high school, I participated in a variety of leadership camps that got me out of my comfort zone and connected me to individuals across the state of Ohio. I went into these experiences not knowing a soul and left with lifelong friends; a network, if you will,” Kahl said. “Interestingly enough, what most informs the programming and content WLI offers, especially to our high school and college audience, is what I didn’t learn or experience during those years and really wish I had.” Yet that’s often how leaders are made—by solving a problem they experienced so others don’t have to experience the same. And now Anne Kahl has become a leader in equipping others with the tools, skills and knowledge they need for success. Alums are always welcome to share their industry knowledge with students through mentorships, panel sessions, WLI events and more. To connect with Anne Kahl, contact her at kahla@mtmary.edu or (414) 930-3248. To learn more about the Women’s Leadership Institute, visit mtmary.edu/wli.
Jane Rheineck, Ph.D., will lead the Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Two major programs are under development, both with significant implications for the future. A four year, on-campus nursing program will open in fall 2021 (see next page), as will a Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision. “Both of these programs will support the documented need for well-trained, well-qualified leaders in their professional communities,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Karen Friedlen.
COUNSELING PH.D. A CAMPUS FIRST Friedlen said the Counselor Education and Supervision program will serve the counseling community by educating Ph.D.-level professionals equipped to teach at the university level and work in clinical settings. This is the first Ph.D. program offered at Mount Mary, “utilizing a scientist practitioner model of conducting primary research that contributes to the theoretical body of knowledge in the field as part of the curriculum,” Friedlen said. The program is open to licensed professional counselors, school counselors, rehabilitation counselors and other master’s-level mental health professionals. The program is the only Ph.D. of its kind in the metro Milwaukee area and only one of three in the state. It will be offered evenings, days and weekends through in-person, hybrid and online delivery. Practicum placements within the community will pair students with Ph.D.-level professional supervisors. This program, which has an evidence-based research component to it, will prepare students for professional practice in multicultural settings, “while developing a strong counselor identity, advocacy and leadership skills, integrity and a deep sense of social justice,” said program director Jane Rheineck, Ph.D. For more information, visit mtmary.edu/phd-ces
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NURSING PROGRAM EXPANDS
For more information, visit mtmary.edu/bsnprogram The need for nurses with BSN degrees is urgent. The Institute of Medicine targeted a goal of 80 percent of all RNs having BSN degrees by 2020. In Wisconsin, only 47.5 percent have their BSN or higher. Mount Mary University is now accepting student applications for a four-year, fully on-campus degree program for women to begin next fall. This program is designed to complement Mount Mary’s existing options for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing:
Having a variety of options for students provides multiple pathways for them to become nurses, said Chief Nurse Administrator Kara Groom, Ph.D. “For some students, spending four years at Mount Mary, in our small class environment, in the campus that they know well and are thriving in, is going to be a really attractive option for them,” Groom said. “For others, a Nursing 1-2-1 Program that enables them to work as an ADN at the end of their junior year will let them enter the profession earlier.
BSN at Mount Mary (new) Nursing 1-2-1 (offered in partnership with Milwaukee
“Each student is unique and needs to find the program that is the best fit for them, and we are pleased to offer these distinct pathways to let them become successful nurses who will go on to serve our community.”
RN to BSN online program (open to women and men)
Mount Mary’s baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the RN to BSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Mount Mary CCNE accredited RN to BSN program is a component of the Nursing 1-2-1 program. The ADN component of the Nursing 1-2-1 program is accredited separately through partner institutions.
Area Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College and Waukesha County Technical College)
A new, 6,500 square foot Health Sciences Center is being constructed for the on-campus nursing program and includes a nursing skills lab and interprofessional simulation lab, along with additional classroom and office space.
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“PEOPLE ARE RECEPTIVE TO MY PERSPECTIVE”
EVITA EVERS PUTS WORDS INTO ACTION From her time as a freshman in 2016 through her senior year in 2020, presidential elections have bookended Evita Evers’ college experiences.
Notre Dame Hall, and orchestrating a pledge drive.
While she recalls being “highly and emotionally involved in 2016,” she became a driving force in 2020, spearheading multiple campus initiatives to engage students, designing and installing a large banner in
Evers came to Mount Mary from her hometown of Seattle through the recommendation of aunts and cousins who came here. “A small, all-women’s Catholic school was everything I didn’t know I wanted,” she said. “It is a place where we build each other up.”
“WHAT BETTER WAY TO EMPOWER OTHERS THAN TO GIVE THEM A VOICE.” EVITA EVERS
“I’ve always been vocal and informed in a way that my peers look to me for background,” she said.
Evers designed this large banner to accompany a voting drive she helped organize. It was displayed in the corridor of Notre Dame Hall.
Earlier this year, the creative agency, Mueller Communications, recognized Evers’ passion, awarding her their competitive Ben Barkin Scholarship for a summer long internship. The work was virtual, and Evers was able to participate in meetings with clients who were managing their marketing strategies around the pandemic in real time. “Everything had to change this year,” she said. “The creativity I saw was inspiring.”
Evers plans to attend law school after graduation, a fitting step in her pursuit of moving ideas into action. All of Evers’ experiences at Mount Mary seem to have led her to this moment. She is an honors student, studying communication and justice with a minor in history and a certificate in peace building. She serves as president of what used to be called the communications club, which she helped rebrand last year with a new name and mission, Empowering Voices. “What better way to empower others than to give them a voice,” she said.
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STUDENTWOODS TRINITY SPOTLIGHT
A COMMUNITY TAKES SHAPE
P
rogress continues at a rapid pace at Trinity Woods, the intergenerational housing community and innovative three-way partnership between the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mount Mary University and Milwaukee Catholic Home.
The housing community will be comprised of 90 market-rate, independent living apartments for individuals over the age of 62, 24 dormitory units for single mothers enrolled as students at Mount Mary University and their young children under the age of 12, and 52 private residences for the School Sisters of Notre Dame. All buildings will be fully interconnected by a Town Center that incorporates numerous spaces to bring people together.
The back of Fidelis and Kostka Halls are visible from the Trinity Woods construction site, located on the north side of campus along Burleigh Street.
“We celebrate this vision becoming a reality for the many benefits it bring to the campus and the broader regional community,” said Mount Mary President Christine Pharr, Ph.D., at the groundbreaking celebration held in early September. The name Trinity Woods has a special significance and was chosen with thoughtful consideration. “Trinity” simultaneously reflects the Catholic/Christian faith and the three entities that are sponsoring this community. “Woods” reflects growth, wisdom and the beautiful, wooded grounds of the Mount Mary campus. “Trinity Woods will be a vibrant living community where Sisters, seniors, students and their children can live in a mutually supportive, first-of-its-kind venture in the city of Milwaukee,” Pharr said. “Our intention has been to incorporate numerous spaces to bring people together in friendly conversation, dining, prayer, learning and socialization.” The complex is set to open in fall 2021 for School Sisters of Notre Dame and seniors. A housing representative from Trinity Woods has an office in Gerhardinger Center at Mount Mary
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It’s exciting to see the foundation walls begin to rise above ground level. To watch a live feed of the construction progress in real time, visit trinitywoods.com.
TRINITY WOODS
and is available to meet with prospective seniors residents by appointment. Housing for single mothers and their children will be available as units become available in fall 2021, and for the start of the spring 2022 semester. The complex will also include a 6,750 square-foot child care center that can accommodate up to 100 children. It is open to the Mount Mary community and members of the public and will be managed by Wauwatosa Day Care.
The central hub of the complex (top right) is beginning to take shape. This area will connect the various housing units and house the Town Center gathering spaces. Deep foundation work will accommodate underground parking.
To watch a live feed of the construction progress in real time, visit trinitywoods.com, or follow Trinity Woods on Facebook @TrinityWoodsCommunity.
COME BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!
Coming Fall 2021 | Now Reserving Senior Apartments! Introducing Trinity Woods, an intergenerational living community where comfort, convenience and connectedness are right outside your door! Enjoy a lifestyle enhanced by unique intergenerational engagement, enriching MMU learning opportunities, dining experiences offering organic produce, and more—all on our beloved and expansive wooded campus.
Call Lori today to learn more! 414-225-8252 | TrinityWoods.com
Information Office: Gerhardinger Center—Mount Mary University
A partnership of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mount Mary University, and Milwaukee Catholic Home. | Equal housing opportunity. All faiths welcome.
ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT
HISTORY ALUM
PAYS IT FORWARD RUCKER ADVOCATES FOR DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN MILWAUKEE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
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arjorie Rucker ’00, executive director of The Business Council Inc., is transforming the economic and social landscape for marginalized populations in Milwaukee — and beyond. For her efforts, the Milwaukee Business Journal recognized her as one of 2020’s Women of Influence at an awards ceremony in September.
For six years, Rucker has led The Business Council Inc., a membership association affiliated with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) that matches diverse businesses (those owned by women, LGBTQ+, veteran and ethnically diverse populations) with corporations and public sector entities that are looking to diversify their business partnerships. Through this work, the council drives economic growth in diverse communities, which ultimately leads to increased revenue generation, a larger workforce and increased education throughout Wisconsin. Since 2005, The Business Council Inc. has helped its members produce at least $170 million dollars’ worth of business worldwide.
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Coming Soo n Rucker is also chair of the Ethnic and Diverse Business Coalition, which works to improve the business environment in Wisconsin by advocating for or against policies that are harmful or beneficial for ethnic and diverse businesses. The work requires leadership skills, confidence and a passion for service, all of which she credits to her Mount Mary education. “If it weren’t for Mount Mary, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to succeed,” Rucker said. “Being surrounded by women and many nontraditional students in age and background really opened my eyes to the world and what I could achieve.” Rucker was undecided on her major when she started at Mount Mary but had the goal of attending law school. She chose history, a decision she made with the help of history professor S. Linda Marie Bos, SSND, who helped her realize that history majors are prepared for whatever they choose to do in the world because their perspective is both
Featuring ALUMNAE-OWNED BUSINESSES
Are you an alum entrepreneur? Sign up to be part of the new online alumnae-owned business directory. • LEARN MORE •
mtmary.edu/directorysubmission
local and global. This ability to maintain diverse perspectives in her work, in combination with her law degree, ensures Rucker is successful in creating change that ripples far beyond the city of Milwaukee. It’s a perspective she believes will help create positive change in the world. “We need to be open to learning and listening. Even if we don’t agree or embrace it, we need to maintain human dignity and respect,” Rucker said. “No matter what your personal beliefs are, you can still have a positive impact if you are still willing to learn.” And in 2000, a new Mount Mary tradition started with Rucker — she became the first student speaker to deliver a Commencement address to her fellow graduates. “I thought, ‘if I can do this now, what can I do in the future?” she said. “I learned I can have an impact, no matter how small. We all have the ability to create positive change, now and for future generations.”
EASY ACCESS Thank you to the Mount Mary University
Alumnae Association for leading the way and helping make Bergstrom Hall a welcome and accessible place for all. The new elevator was installed in early fall.
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!
Professor, administrator, creator
KAPITAN STEPS OUT
FROM BEHIND THE DESK
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s Lynn Kapitan prepares to retire at the end of the academic year, her exhibit this fall in the Marian Gallery visually captured the creative energy that has been her constant companion.
Her ongoing drive for creative expression has nourished her through 35 years of teaching, serving in leadership roles and “through countless hours of meetings,” said Kapitan, professor and director of Mount Mary’s professional doctorate in art therapy. Artmaking has accompanied me through all my various roles,” she said. “In this exhibit, I wanted to show the range of these experiences through art.” The theme of balancing day-to-day life and creativity could be seen throughout the exhibit. The largest object that proves her point is her very own desk, which was transported from her office in Fidelis Hall, across campus and into the gallery for this exhibit. Artifacts from her career, such as a gavel
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My lens on art is deeply informed by art therapy. Art-making serves as a witness and practice that keeps me centered, grounded, open and able to be in relationship with other people. Lynn Kapitan, professor and director of Mount Mary’s professional doctorate in art therapy
from her tenure as president of the American Art Therapy Association, sat alongside hand-bound journals of her sketches and watercolors. The exhibit underscores the act of Kapitan stepping out from behind the desk, in a very literal and figurative way. Kapitan joined Mount Mary in 1985 as the director of the pre-master’s art therapy institute, and then founded and directed the master’s program and subsequently the doctorate in art therapy. When she started at Mount Mary, she was the mother of one, with another child soon on the way. She is now a grandmother with two grandchildren. Some of Kapitan’s pieces represent the push-pull of having a career and parenting. A sculptural object in the image of a barbed-wire fence speaks to the topic of separation. “The themes that touch me on a personal level are ones that I express on a transcendent level,” she said. “The image of a fence speaks to the larger notion of sacrifice, of being caught up in something.” One wall was dedicated to the drawings she created during faculty and other meetings. Having her sketchpad enabled her to focus better and tap into creative and visual
FALL 2020 | 19
thinking. Some of them still have the ragged edges from the spiral-bound notebook. These were mounted to the wall appropriately — using office supplies such as push pins and binder clips. Kapitan has held an active presence in art therapy, both nationally and around the world, writing, editing academic journals and actively contributing to the emerging field. She established a professional relationship with Cantera, a nongovernmental organization in Nicaragua almost two decades ago. In addition to her research and consulting work there, she brought many art therapy students to intern and work in urban and rural communities throughout the country. She incorporated art therapy into hundreds of Cantera’s social action projects, from programs for street children and mural making with rival gangs, to leadership training for a rural women’s cooperative, post-trauma interventions, and more. Her art from these experiences captures the sense of turmoil and hope she has encountered. One piece, “Managua, Nicaragua (December, 2018): Refuge,” displays an image of a peace vigil, framed by a news account of community violence. This news account is sliced into thin slats and painstakingly stitched together, showing the fragmentation of Nicaragua’s postwar, post-conflict society and efforts to mend it again. Kapitan says that each piece of artwork reflects a piece of her heart and mind, but one small drawing in particular illustrates the origins of the creativity that has taken her through life. The picture is a small lithograph self-portrait from the age of 5. She is smiling and wearing a large straw hat. “Who am I now compared to who she was?” Kapitan paused to reflect. “She was looking for her way into the world, she wanted to journey,” Kapitan recalled. “She wanted to be out from behind the desk.” Surrounded by the creative output from her many years of professional life, Kapitan has reached that place indeed. Learn more about Lynn Kapitan’s accomplishments at Mount Mary magazine.mtmary.edu.
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THEN & NOW
THEN & NOW
Take a virtual stroll across campus, no matter where you are
Would you love to revisit campus today? You can see your old haunts and check out our new spaces using our new virtual campus map. The project was completed earlier this spring due to the pandemic, when alumnae, prospective students and visitors weren’t able to come to campus in-person. Now, it’s possible to “visit” the Mount Mary campus from anywhere in the world.
Catherine Loeser ’68, found the new map to be both interesting and helpful, noting several impressive changes on campus such as the bookstore, Marian Gallery and Admissions Welcome Center. She also enjoyed the opportunity to virtually visit new additions to campus such as the food lab, which opened in 2017. This state-of-the-art, interactive learning space is used by various disciplines including food science, dietetics and occupational therapy.
The online map is full of interactive content including images, videos, written descriptions and fun historical facts on many stops across campus. Visitors can easily search for a specific location to quickly find what they are looking for. Tour stops are categorized by interests such as student life, dining and athletics, and are narrated by current student guides who work in the Welcome Center.
“I’m glad for the new food lab; it is wonderful for the students to have such a great opportunity,” she said. Soon to be added to campus is the new 6,500 square-foot Health Sciences Center as part of the new BSN program at Mount Mary. The Health Sciences Center will be located in the lower level of Caroline Hall where the old lockers, pool, and storage area were. The Caroline gym will remain as-is.
Not only is it a great way for prospective students to get an overview of campus before they tour Mount Mary in person, it’s a fun way for alumnae to see how campus has changed over the years and explore new spaces.
“I am excited about the new nursing classrooms,” Loeser said. “This is great for MMU. It will be a wonderful program for future nurses.”
Explore the map and visit Mount Mary anytime, anywhere at
mtmary.edu/map.
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WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Visiting Fellows create new connections POLITICAL JOURNALIST CLIFT SHARED INSIGHTS FROM HER DECADES IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
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ount Mary was honored to welcome Visiting Fellow Eleanor Clift to campus, virtually, the week of October 5 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. With the purpose of creating better understanding and new connections between the academic and nonacademic worlds, Clift provided online guest lectures and conversations with over a dozen undergraduate courses and scholar programs at Mount Mary University. She also delivered a public community keynote and Q&A moderated by local newscaster Shannon Sims of WTMJ. Clift is currently a political columnist for the Daily Beast, an online publication. However, Clift began her career at Newsweek and was one of the first women at the magazine to move from secretary to reporter. During her 50 years with the magazine, Clift covered every presidential campaign since 1976. While also an accomplished author, Clift is probably best known as a longtime panelist on the syndicated talk show, “The McLaughlin Group.” Coordinated by the Women’s Leadership Institute, the Visiting Fellows Program engages students in exploring the most significant and complex issues of our time with experts on the front lines. Clift spoke from a place
of experience on topics such as how the dissemination of media has changed over the years, the importance of voting, and key takeaways from the vice presidential debate that took place that same week. She also spoke from a place of compassion and interest when she provided feedback to students on their individual projects. One student shared, “I think it’s great to connect a successful woman [like Eleanor] who has contributed to society with her knowledge and opinions with other young woman who are trying to also make a difference and make their presence known. It’s very helpful to learn from someone who’s done so much as a reporter to inform the public on major topics like the elections.” A professor shared, “The students really appreciated the chance to talk with such an experienced, wise, and interesting speaker. While the topic of Eleanor’s talk wasn’t centrally related to the main thrust of our new media class, there were a surprising amount of connections and the students learned a lot, I think, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the class period. I got the impression that the majority of students were really impressed by Eleanor and that they would welcome many more opportunities like this on campus.”
TV PRODUCER CROSSLEY TO PRESENT IN FEBRUARY Mark your calendars for the week of February 15, 2021, for the next Visiting Fellow, Callie Crossley, a television and radio commentator and documentary and TV news producer. Crossley was a producer for “Eyes On the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years,” which earned her an Oscar nomination, a national Emmy, and the Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Award, the Gold Baton. Crossley currently hosts “Under the Radar with Callie Crossley” for WGBH in Boston, Massachusetts. She also appears weekly on WGBH-TV’s “Beat the Press,” examining local and national media coverage, and frequently hosts “Basic Black,” which focuses on current events concerning communities of color. Crossley will help the Mount Mary community explore topics such as media literacy; media and politics; the intersection of race, gender and media; presidential politics; young people and political participation; civil rights history; ethics and journalism; women and leadership; and documentary filmmaking. Visit mtmary.edu/visitingfellows.
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UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT
A legacy makes you look at the past as well as the future. Mount Mary was one of the key institutions to help me advance my professional career and therefore I’ve selected them to be a part of my planned giving. Karen Lechowich ’69, Dietetics, Fidelis Society Member
Through legacy giving, Fidelis Society members remain forever faithful At Mount Mary, the idea of “giving back” is the top priority. After that, many want woven deep into the fabric of our mission. to leave a legacy in appreciation for their Students here learn so much more than blessings. Fidelis Society members feel academics, they learn to be leaders, to build that Mount Mary as enriched their lives, integrity and to move through life with and they want to pass on those blessings to compassion. Many who leave this campus young women who come after them. carry the teachings Estate planning may and wisdom they’ve “ALTHOUGH I ONLY SPENT TWO YEARS sound overwhelming AT MMU, I WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL developed at Mount and only for the Mary with them FOR THE COURAGE IT GAVE ME TO wealthy, but in for the rest of THINK THROUGH MY LIFE AND THINK reality it can be their lives. BROADER THAN I WAS ACCUSTOMED simple and accessible TO THINK. IN TWO YEARS, I GAINED As life progresses for anyone. For and experience example, MMU can STRENGTH TO BE THE PERSON I WAS deepens, many CREATED TO BE AND WILL BE FOREVER be added as a part alumnae continue beneficiary to a life GRATEFUL.” to feel deeply insurance policy, KARLEN PITZKA JABLONSKI, connected to their IRA, investment FIDELIS SOCIETY MEMBER time at Mount portfolio or bank Mary. When it account. A codicil comes time to think about how to distribute can also be added to a will which involves earthly possessions, many reflect on minimum attorney time and expense. what’s been important to them during When talking about estate or other planned their lifetime and what has made a lasting gifts, it’s important to understand that it’s impact on them. One alumna recently said, not all or nothing. A gift can be a percentage “The older I get, the more I understand the or a specific dollar amount. Even a small important impact this place had on me.” percentage can have a big impact for the Fidelis means faithful in Latin. The Fidelis Society is a group of individuals who are forever faithful to supporting the mission of MMU and paying it forward to the next generations of students. Today, over 129 alums and friends have chosen Mount Mary to be part of their legacy giving. As people begin their estate planning, taking care of loved ones is understandably
students at Mount Mary.
When you extend your support of Mount Mary with a gift in your will or living trust or through a beneficiary designation gift, you join a visionary group of donors who have discovered the beauty of these powerful gifts.
Please contact Lisa Breitsprecker at (414) 930-3131 to learn more about planning a gift that works for your lifestyle and celebrates your connection to Mount Mary University. Or go online to mtmary.edu/fidelis to learn more.
FALL 2020 | 23
CAMPUS NEWS Noted design expert Bob Schwartz to lead Arts and Design, Business
ALIOTO NAMED VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
MMU welcomes Bob Schwartz as Dean of the School of Arts & Design and the School of Business. Formerly the Vice President for Global Design & User Experience at GE Healthcare, he has held executive leadership roles at P&G, Levolor Kirsch, Motorola, IDSA and AdvaMed. In 2015 the Industrial Designers Society of America named Schwartz among the 50 most notable industrial designers of the last 50 years. He won a Design Management Institute lifetime achievement award in 2019. Schwartz has a master’s degree in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design and a bachelor of fine arts in industrial & graphic design from the Kansas City Art Institute.
Keri Alioto has been named the Vice President for Student Affairs at Mount Mary University. She joins Mount Mary after 19 years at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. At Franklin, Alioto most recently managed the college’s student involvement team and center for student success and served as the chief retention officer. At Mount Mary, the Student Affairs division includes oversight of student success, persistence and engagement efforts. Alioto is currently enrolled in Northern Illinois University’s executive Doctor of Education Program in higher education. She is also a watercolor artist and has been involved in competitive dog sports with her golden retrievers.
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CAMPUS NEWS
Undecided to unstoppable:
Strong gains continue for Compass program When the Compass Year program launched in 2019, advisors Beth Felch and Katie Kramer set out to provide adequate resources and guidance to first-year students who have yet to declare a major. The first cohort consisted of 16 students. Today there are 25 students enrolled in the program, representing a 56% student increase. “These numbers do not shock us,” Felch said. “Students feel more at ease knowing there is a program dedicated just to them.” In the first semester of the program, over 62% of students chose their
majors due to extensive guidance, guest speakers, aptitude tests and individualized counseling. By the end of the year, only one student remained undecided, and she has continued to take advantage of the services Advising and Career Development offers. “Now that we are in the second year, Compass is more integrated into the Mount Mary community,” according to Kramer, who said the program continues to make strong gains. “We have more access to advising resources and students feel support across campus from faculty and staff.
In the Compass Year program, you are a part of a community that supports who you are, helps you determine your skills and interests, and cheers you along as you determine your purpose and passion in life. Katie Kramer, Career Development Specialist Title III
FIRST GRADUATES REFLECT UPON MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTS MINOR This spring, five students were the first to graduate with Mount Mary’s multidisciplinary arts minor, which was created in 2017. This minor exposes more students to the benefits of the fine arts in a way that enhances their major area of study. It also makes students more marketable to employers as they embark on their careers. “When I found out about this minor, I knew I had to add it to my coursework,” said Hannah Rose ’20, who graduated in occupational therapy in May. “It allowed me to have a creative outlet amidst my more science-based courses.”
Elmbrook students participate in dual enrollment Mount Mary initiated a partnership with the Elmbrook School District that enabled 12 high school students from that district to earn high school and college credit by taking classes on campus. The college credits earned will count toward their future college education, and also serve the purpose of familiarizing students with Mount Mary’s campus, faculty and online learning platform, Canvas. Students took classes in fashion and nutrition. Next semester’s offerings include classes in interior design and food science.
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CAMPUS NEWS
PANDEMIC CAUSES INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS TO PIVOT, CREATE PODCAST With a decline in the number of internships available to interior design students, department chair Gigi Szeklinski and students Megan Tacke and Kylie Flores devised a weekly podcast, an innovative solution to fullfill their requirement. “They’ve taken it to a whole new level,” Szeklinski said. “It’s far exceeded what I expected.” Every Wednesday on “Design Speaks,” the students interview alumnae from the interior design program. It has been streamed in North America and Europe and this student-led format is one-of-a-kind in the industry, according to Szeklinski. The podcast has been an essential tool in the classroom in connecting students with alums who would normally come to campus for visits. “Our freshmen are loving this platform,” she said. Find “Design Speaks” on Spotify to hear the latest episodes.
INTRODUCING VISIT DAYS FOR ALUMS AND GUESTS Young women are profoundly influenced by the women they admire. If Mount Mary changed your life, share your experience with a sister, niece, neighbor or friend by bringing them to campus virtually for a special tour opportunity.
Saturday virtual visits December 5 and 19, and January 9 and 23. Tour campus virtually, learn about the admissions process and connect with fellow alumnae and current students. Sign up:
mtmary.edu/alumvisit
P.S. Prospective students interested in undergraduate or graduate studies at MMU are welcome.
Best of MMYOU
To you, the new generation of Mount Mary University, I pass the torch. I share my hope and my highest expectations that you will find a loving community here … To you I pass down a piece of a home that I have come to know, and with it the community that built me. Julia Wachuta ’20
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Julia’s reflections of her time at Mount Mary formed the basis of the new “Best of MMYOU” blog. Read more at mtmary.edu/bestofMMU
ACHIEVEMENTS
ACCOLADES
This section highlights recent noteworthy accomplishments and awards of the Mount Mary University faculty, staff and students.
FACULTY AND STAFF Kerry Bergin, M.S., Caroline Scholars Director, contributed to
the “Wisconsin Community Engaged Professional COVID-19 Conversation and Resources” document, a Wisconsin Campus Compact tool for service learning and civic engagement professionals in higher education.
Faculty awarded at Investiture During our virtual Investiture ceremony on August 20, we welcomed one hundred incoming students into our community. Students introduced themselves, shared how they would transform the world and committed themselves to lifelong learning through the Cap & Gown Pledge. Also at this event, the 2020 Teaching Excellence Awards for full-time and part-time instructors were presented. Congratulations to Jennifer Kontney, Ph.D., assistant professor in English (far left) and director of the composition program, and Keri Erickson instructor in counseling (left).
Nicole Boyington, O.T.D., OTR/L, Occupational Therapy,
was elected President of the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association. She was also a co-presenter in a webinar, “State Advocacy Update: Ensuring Access to OT During a Pandemic,” in April.
Cindy Clough, Ph.D., Occupational Therapy, taught a three-week course
Shawnee Daniels-Sykes, Ph.D., Theology, was featured in an April
via distance technology for the Université Episcopale d’Haiti in Haiti in April.
2020 article for the National Catholic Reporter entitled, “Triage and Ventilator Rationing not the Only Ethical Issues in the Pandemic, Bioethicists Say.”
Jennifer Dahlman, R.N., Ph.D., Nursing, wrote an article, “Diverse
Nicole Gahagan, Ph.D., Student Support Specialist, wrote a three-part
Students Collaborating to Address Social Determinants of Health Using Listening Session,” that was published in the Journal of Professional Nursing in April.
blog and webinar in September about making transformational institutional change that promotes student success for Complete College America.
Andrea Greer, M.S., Grace Scholars Director, wrote an article for the Negro
Educational Review Journal that was published in January. “Forecasting the Future Success and Well-Being of Black Women in Student Affairs” was a qualitative study describing the perspectives of 34 Black women.
Julie Hunley, Ph.D., Occupational Therapy, had a journal article accepted for publication in the Journal of Lymphoedema titled “Lymphoedema Practice Patterns: The Current State of the Industry,” in April.
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FALL 2020 | 27
CELEBRATING STUDENT WORK, VIRTUALLY The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of in-person events, exhibits and presentations, including the CREO Student Designer Fashion Show. Before the pandemic struck, the Fashion Show Production class had already selected the visual theme of the event, pictured here. This graphic design was created by Nraim Vang and the garments featured in this illustration were designed by See Yang. The CREO Art & Design Senior Exhibitions in studio art, art education and graphic design transitioned from an in-person exhibit to a print catalog of the students and their work. Also, students in interior design set up a YouTube page as a means of presenting their projects to peers, faculty and staff. Both of these projects can be viewed at mtmary.edu/magazine.
Carrie King, Ph.D., Counseling,
collaborated with the Wisconsin School Counselor Association and the California School Counselor Association on the development of the website: http:// covid19k12counseling.org.
Jason Meyler, Ph.D., World Languages, was one of two presenters
for an academic workshop titled, “Building an Inclusive Classroom” at a summit titled Advancing Equity in Our Colleges and Universities held at Alverno College, Feb. 2020.
Environmental Journalism class wins prestigious honor for website
STUDENTS Quinn Clark was one of five finalists
for a Pinnacle Award from CMA for Best Photo Package for her photo series, “Becoming Becky.” The Pinnacle Awards are national awards that attract hundreds of applicants from schools of all sizes. Here is a link to her photos: http://archesnews.com/becoming-becky/
Ariana Coward, Haley Jacquez, and Sara Rubovits, along with Psychology Professor Laurel End, presented their research on math anxiety in a virtual conference held by the annual Association for Psychological Science in June.
The Environmental Journalism class, which moved online after the pandemic broke out in spring, created a website on the topic of climate change. The site, Climate414, won a Pacemaker Award, the most prestigious award in collegiate journalism. “It is the college world’s answer to the Pulitzer Prize for professional journalism,” said English Program Chair Paula Reiter, Ph.D. The students used a solutions-based approach to cover climate issues with local impact. Visit mtmary.edu/magazine to view this project. Undergraduate and graduate students who contributed to the project include:
• Quinn Clark • Meghan Gresk • Shaina Reno ’20 • Samantha Dahm ’20 • Nina Kesic ’20 • Madelyn Schneider • Michael Greer • Jeanna Prudhomme • Kathy Van Zeeland
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Kristin Hardwick won the 2020
Readers’ Choice award from MKE Lifestyle for her senior garment collection (above).
Helen (Baker) Pratt, counseling graduate student, received the
Mike Troy Graduate Student Scholarship presented by the Wisconsin School Counselor Association.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES
Grants in Action
GRANT-FUNDED PROGRAMMING SUPPORTS STUDENT PERSISTENCE AND RETENTION
Read how Mount Mary has been awarded $12.8 MILLION from federal agencies and national organizations to support programs, scholarships and thriving initiatives. SDS Health Resources and Services Administration Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
$2.6 million
MMU’s Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) grant for the Clinical Mental Health program ended in July 2020. During the four years of the grant, 36 students graduated with their M.S. in Professional Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. Overall, a total of 59 students received scholarship funds through this grant, 70% of whom were under-represented minorities. As a result, the counseling program saw increased retention of disadvantaged and underrepresented minority students from 40 percent to 95 percent.
$3.25 million
In July 2020, Mount Mary was recently awarded a new SDS grant to benefit low-income, minority students in the Occupational Therapy program over the next five years. The PromOTe Success Scholars program seeks to transform the OT profession, creating a more diverse field. According to the most recent figures from the American Occupational Therapy Association from 2015, fewer than 15 percent of occupational therapy practitioners identify themselves as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino or Asian.
National Science Foundation S-STEM
$650,000
The Jewel Scholars wrapped up their yearlong research project regarding hemoglobin. A part of their research included a visit to the MMU’s virtual reality room where they had the unique experience of being ‘in’ a hemoglobin molecule which allowed the students a new appreciation for how a protein is composed and arranged as a threedimensional molecule. Their research projects culminated in making three-dimensional models of the various hemoglobin proteins and presenting their research findings in a poster.
$1 million
MMU was also recently awarded a second grant from the S-STEM program beginning in the summer of 2021 and will expand upon the success of the current grant in providing scholarships and support services to low-income and academically talented students in STEM majors.
US Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions
$3 million
Title III provided a number of faculty development opportunities over the summer in English and math that covered a number of relevant topics including the development of compassionate and equitable course policies during COVID-19. Each department also hosted a multi-week book study for faculty and came together over a six-week period to discuss the readings and how to incorporate what they learned into their pedagogy.
U.S. Department of Education TRIO Student Support Services
$1.3 million
In August, MMU was awarded $1.3 million grant to continue the Promise Program for another five years. In September, the Promise Program partnered with MMU’s Grace Scholars Program, Title III program, and Compass Program to hold a virtual graduate school retreat. Students were able to connect with representatives from Mount Mary, Cardinal Stritch University, Alverno College, UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University and Concordia University to learn about graduate programs at each school.
HHMI Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence
$1 million
The HHMI grant continues to offer campus-wide trainings related to inclusive excellence. In February, Karen Nelson of NelStar Leadership and Diversity Consulting presented “How Culture Fit Destroys Diversity.” In October and November, Katie Hamm, a consultant for Diverse & Resilient, presented a virtual seminar, “LGBTQ101: Health Disparities Stress and Impact of Inclusion.” Additionally, MMU faculty from the mathematics department participated in a three-day workshop in June to learn ways to manage student’s math anxiety with practices that can be incorporated into their pedagogy.
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CLASS NOTES Author recognized for fiction work Kerri Lukasavitz ’12 has received several recognitions for her writing this year. She won the Lakefly Writers Flash Fiction genre and is currently a finalist in the WOW! (Women On Writing) Summer Flash Fiction contest. She was also a semifinalist in the Bethlehem Writers Short Story Award competition. She was offered a contract from HenchelHAUS Publishing (a small, traditional press) to publish her novels “Gray Horse at Oak Lane Stable” (released September 1) and “Mystery Horse at Oak Lane Stable” (to be re-released in November).
1970-1979 1972 Susan Hansen was named a 2020 Lawyer of the Year for her work in family law mediation by U.S. News.
1983 Sue Richter Loesl received this year’s WAEA Outstanding Art Educator Award. She worked for over 30 years as an adaptive art specialist/art therapist in Milwaukee Public Schools and currently teaches as an adjunct instructor at Mount Mary.
1992 Carol Anderson Wiertzema started as a strategic client partner at Avesis, a Guardian Life Company, continuing her nearly 20-year career in Medicaid and Medicare benefit administration.
1984 Brenda Schweder was featured in an episode of the Jewelry Artist podcast by Interweave.
1993 Laura Schalk started as the director of interior design at JAKnetter Architects in Waukesha, Wis. She taught as an adjunct instructor at Mount Mary during the fall 2019 semester.
1986 Susan Pillar Muenter was selected as the next legislative chair for the Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance. She works as the director of human resources for the Mukwonago Area School District.
1995 Margie Wirth published a new edition of “The Carrot Monster’s Cookbook” featuring gluten-free and vegan recipes. She also created a yoga video series to help people maintain active lifestyles during this time of social distancing.
1980-1989
1990-1999
1983 Bailey Earith created a mixed media fiber arts installation comprised of song lyrics to help her Tennessee community cope with the current pandemic.
1992 Laura Suess started as the senior labor investigator at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry in the MinneapolisSt. Paul area.
1996 & 2005 Amy Dedow presented a workshop, “Inspiring Volunteer Leadership,” at the Association of Volunteer Managers serving Southeastern Wisconsin. She moderated a panel discussion with the founding members of Tosa Together.
1977 Eloisa Gomez wrote an essay on her poll worker experience during the April 7 election for the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County’s May-June issue. 1978 Linda Zuern Nikcevich started Bobolin Media. She spent the past year editing and publishing her husband’s first book. Linda credits “sheer determination and much of my business background, which started at Mount Mary, for getting us to this point.”
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CLASS NOTES
1996 Jo Kedrowski Maze now works as the assistant director of strategy and business operations at Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee. 1996 Jenny Schultz led a class for first-year undecided students during the Compass Year “Jump Start” orientation in August. She is the owner of Grey House Creative Market in Wauwatosa, Wis. 1998 Nilda Cintron-Cortez started as the chief human resources officer at Luther Manor in Wauwatosa, Wis. She earned her Ph.D. in Leadership for Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University. 1999 & 2016 Priscilla Hernandez Balderas started as the director of rehabilitation services at Adaptive Rehabilitation Services. 1999 Laura Weber Hutchison now works as the senior director of distribution growth ventures at Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee. She was named a BizTimes Notable Women in Finance.
2000-2009 2000 Angie Rodakowski Holtski started as a certified hand therapist at Ultra Physical Therapy and Hand Center and Orthopedic + Fracture Specialists in Beaverton, Oregon. 2001 Tiffany Wynn was named the new vice president of marketing and communications for Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis. 2005 Lisa Runge started as the training coordinator for the State of Wisconsin legislative human resources office. In her role, she will be responsible for designing and facilitating legislative-wide managerial, supervisory and employee development and training programs. She has spent the last 10 years developing creative and engaging training programs for businesses, most notably at Kohl’s Corporate and Johnson Controls, Inc.
2006 Malynnda Campbell Johnson now works as the admissions and advising coordinator for the genetic counseling center at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. 2006 Angela Kimbrough Madlock started as a care manager at My Choice Family Care in Milwaukee. 2007 Sarah L’Heureux started as a clinical therapist supervisor at Behavioral Treatment Services for Weld County, Colo. 2007 Susan Whitehead started as a licensed professional counselor at Willow Tree Therapy Services, LLC in Sparta, N.J. 2009 Rita Dziedzic Afonso started at Zumesac in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. She has been living in the Canary Islands for the past 4 years.
2010-Present 2010 Amber Jay started as the Strategic Brand Relationship Director at the Compass Group. She, her husband, and their two boys (ages 6 and 1) live in San Antonio, Texas.
A LUMNAE SURVEY
Your voice is important to the Alumnae Association! Share your thoughts and help guide our future. This fall we are launching a survey to help us determine the interests of our alums. Your insights will provide us with much needed information to help us create relevant programming for you.
Fill out your survey today!
• To complete online go to mtmary.edu/alumsurvey OR • Call the Alumnae Office at (414) 930-3025 to receive your paper copy
HURRY! Enter to win!
Fill out the survey before Dec. 31 and be entered to win one of five fun Mount Mary winter swag packages! FALL 2020 | 31
CLASS NOTES
2011 Heather Tileston Franks now teaches math at Steyning Grammar Secondary and Sixth Form School in Steyning, England.
2012 Diane Stahl Littel started as the lead victim of crime therapist at HIR Wellness Institute in Milwaukee and a behavioral health psychotherapist for the Menominee County Health System.
2011 Maureen Kasdorf published a new book “Lessons for a Lifetime: Children’s Stories We Never Outgrow.” 2013 Mandy Webster published her latest novel, “Demons of the Night.” 2011 Gina Bonan Morrow was promoted to replenishment manager 2014 Leona Knobloch started at WR Group, Inc. – Consumer Health as the development director at Brands in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ozaukee Washington Land Trust in West Bend, Wis.
Noted medical administrator retires Gwenn Balling Rausch ’72 recently retired as CEO of the Chicago-area Heartland Health Centers. During her ten years there, she grew the patient base to provide an accredited primary care medical home for 28,000 people who would otherwise lack access to quality care. She also worked closely with several area behavioral health organizations to create integrated health homes for persons experiencing severe mental illness. In 2019, her organization received Joy in Medicine Awards from the American Medical Association for its exceptional efforts to reduce physician burnout. Rausch received a Madonna Medal from the Mount Mary Alumnae Association in 2016 for Professional Excellence.
2011 Natasha Padiachee Smet published chapters in the 5th edition of “Pediatric Skills for Occupational Therapy Assistants” and the 8th edition of “Case-Smith’s Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents.” 2012 & 2017 Elizabeth Idzikowski started as an English language arts teacher for the Oconomowoc Area School District.
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2014 Emily Goldstein Nolan started as a professor of practice in art therapy for the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y. 2014 Jordan Weber now works as an assistant designer-women’s at Kohl’s Corporation in Menomonee Falls, Wis.
2015 Lorelle Luckett started a fitness workout business, Bodied by Lo in Houston, Texas. She also works as a facilitator at Thrive, a human development company. 2015 Yasmin Henderson Tucker launched a new app designed for creative therapists, ArtsXMeets. 2015 PaKou Vang was selected as a designer for the “Once Upon a Time: Fresh Traditions” fashion show. 2016 Catrina Duncan started as a clinical therapist for Waukesha County. 2016 Lauren Roskos Michael started as a staff accountant at Crimson Renewable Energy, LLC. She and her husband relocated to Denver, Colo. this past spring. 2016 Anita Nathan started as an intake specialist at Rogers Behavioral Health. 2016 Brenda Reasby started as a transfer agent for investor services at UMB Fund Services in Milwaukee. 2017 Mary Andrus co-published an article in the Canadian Journal of Counseling and Psychotherapy, titled “Prosocial behaviors in a creative arts day camp for children with and without special needs.” She wrote a chapter in the anthology “Art Therapy and Childbearing Issues: Birth, Death and Rebirth,” entitled “Infertility to Motherhood: Collective Voices in Art Therapy Challenge Social Constructs.” 2017 Tricia Hohnl Dobrient accepted a position at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota as the coordinator of new student orientation and academic success. She graduated from Marquette University with a master’s degree in education and received the Values Award from the Association of College Unions International.
CLASS NOTES
2017 Cassandra Kaminski now works as a business process excellence consultant at Northwestern Mutual in Franklin, Wis. She received her Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate last May. 2017 & 2018 Courtney Tarmann Kowalczyk started as a clinical representative at Cranial Technologies, Inc. in Milwaukee. 2017 & 2020 Jamie Hollins Mast started as an English instructor at Bryant and Stratton College in Wauwatosa, Wis. and an adjunct instructor of English for North Central University. She got married this past June. 2017 Sheniqua Norman was promoted to the senior accounts payable specialist at Milwaukee Tool. 2017 Shelia Suda graduated from Gonzaga University with a Master of Arts in organizational leadership with a concentration in change leadership. 2017 Brittany Fitzpatrick Tillman now works as the manager of refunds for Advocate Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee. 2018 Emily Dachs started as the human resources manager at Easton Motors in Beaver Dam, Wis. 2018 Naureen Fatima started as the program manager for the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition. She got married in August 2019. 2018 Lydia Ferraro started as a child and family therapist, focused on school-based mental health at SaintA in Milwaukee. She curated a virtual student art gallery in honor of children’s mental health awareness through Freemont, California’s Youth and Family Services.
Fashion AT THE
Sasha Solana Walton ’13 showcased her collection, “Opulence” at Fashion Week Studio in Paris at the Ritz hotel earlier this spring. She is the first designer to showcase a plus-size collection at the event. She returned to campus this October to share her story with fashion design students.
2018 Courtney Furlow got married this past June. 2018 Holland Huron started as a merchandise assistant at Stein’s Garden & Home in Milwaukee. 2018 Sophie Kubly now works as the sourcing and design assistant at Florence Eiseman in Milwaukee. 2018 Madeline Kulpa now works as a behavioral specialist at Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc, Wis. 2018 Catilyn Narr was promoted to assistant merchandising manager for kids and men’s outerwear at Lands’ End in Madison, Wis. 2019 Monique Beasley started as a tech connected college coach at College Possible in Milwaukee. 2019 Ashley Duncan moved to New York City to work as a production assistant for DíOMí.
2019 Pilar Rios Joseph started as a CCAS (cross-college advising service) academic advisor at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also works part-time as a mental health counselor at Shore Clinic in Wauwatosa, Wis. 2019 Emma Larson was promoted to an account executive at LogRocket in Boston, Mass. 2019 Bethany Lato helped launch Mudita Magazine, “a publication dedicated to promoting wellness of our physical, emotional, mental, creative, and occupational selves.” 2019 Samantha Martinez now works as the prestige sales manager at Ulta Beauty in Milwaukee. 2019 Emilee Seegert started as an adult care worker at Calm Harbor in West Bend, Wis. Last August, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Roland.
CALLING ALL ALUMS! Send us your updates. Access our online form at:
mtmary.edu/magazine.
FALL 2020 | 33
CLASS NOTES
Alumnae share the write stuff
Four young grads who use their writing skills in varied ways shared their career journeys during a Writers on Writing presentation in October. They discussed their first job, how and why they moved to new jobs and the writing skills that come in handy every single day.
Loni Luna ’08
Demand Generation Manager, MSI Data Luna began her career in technical writing with non-profit organizations and has happily landed in marketing for a B2B SaaS company. In her current role at MSI Data, Luna is in charge of demand generation, social media, events, web content, email marketing, media relations, product marketing, customer marketing and much more.
Shannon Molter ’15
UX Designer, Walmart Global Tech Molter started her career with Kohl’s Corporate where she held various roles in the technology communications and training/ early talent departments. Last year, she accepted a new role with Walmart Corporate as a project manager. She recently made a career/role change into User Experience Design. She is currently the UX lead on an associate-facing website where she leads a team of designers/developers and also manages the user research, site content and design updates.
2019 Zakia Wells was part of a two-woman show at Arts at Large in Milwaukee this past August with artist Nicole Acosta. 2020 Maribel Loera Arista started as a student success coach at City Year in Milwaukee. 2020 Candace Briggs started as a house manager at Vertava Health in Southaven, Miss. 2020 Yazi Suarez Cournia started as a pre-kindergarten teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools. She recently had a daughter named Eloisa.
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Megan Nordvall ’15
Senior IRB Analyst at the University of Chicago One of Nordvall’s jobs out of college included working with the Kern Family Foundation, where she managed grant reports and communications for 34 universities around the country. Nordvall continued her work in grants as an administrator for the University of Chicago before transitioning into a role as a senior analyst for the Institutional Review Board at the University of Chicago’s social and behavioral sciences division.
Julie Weber ’09, ’19
Commercial Program Manager, Rockwell Automation Weber has held previous positions at Honeywell, Johnson Controls and SpaceSaver. Prior to starting her career in marketing and communications, she had a career in interior design.
Listen to their insights at magazine.mtmary.edu
2020 Aisha Ullius Dikeman got married this past June. She started as an elementary art teacher for the Campbellsport School District in Eden, Wis. 2020 Jordan Green begun as a design consultant I at Aptura, a Direct Supply company based in Milwaukee. She worked as an intern for Direct Supply for the past 2.5 years. Jordan received the Emerging Professional of the Year Award from the Wisconsin chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.
2020 Monica Hooper started as the administrative assistant for the main substance abuse counselor at the American Indian Council, a rehabilitation center for substance abuse in Milwaukee. 2020 Darien Horst was promoted to first assistant manager at Maurices in Wauwatosa, Wis. 2020 Karmelita Moore, a mother of seven and first-generation university graduate, had an amazing year of triumphs. She graduated with her master’s in clinical mental counseling and started as a mental health consultant at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Karmelita and her husband celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. 2020 Emily Oschmann received the Outstanding Dietetics Student Award for Coordinated Programs in Wisconsin from the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2020 Sara Rubovits was awarded a neuroscience research fellowship at the National Institute for Health in Washington, D.C. 2020 Johnelle Suto received her phlebotomy technician certification from Phlebotomy Career Training in August. 2020 Alison Bubloni Voss started as a fourth grade teacher at Thoreau Elementary School in Milwaukee. She also recently got married. 2020 Erin Walker started as a quality control laboratory technician at Chr. Hansen, Inc. in Milwaukee. 2020 Ariah Zwolinski was promoted to workforce connection center consultant at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
CALLING ALL ALUMS! SEND US YOUR UPDATES! Access our online form at:
mtmary.edu/magazine.
IN MEMORIAM
1944 Mary Margaret McGurk McGinn on 8/30/2020 1944 Dorothy Wiggers Puetzer on 8/14/2020 1945 Gloria Seelman Wahlen on 4/20/2020 1946 Margaret Lukaszewski on 9/7/2020 1947 Elizabeth Hahn Karolzak on 3/8/2020 1947 Alice Pluta Kniewel on 9/29/2019 1950 Dolores Hahn Schendt on 3/25/2020 1950 Sister Mary Francele Sherburne, SSND on 4/9/2020 1951 Sister Regine Collins, SSND on 4/6/2020 1951 Theresa Andrea Crewe on 10/7/2020 1952 Nancy McCabe Daleiden on 3/12/2020 1952 Jean Bloomquist Urmanski on 3/11/2020 1953 Donna Botsch Jakus on 7/9/2020 1954 Sister Miriam Therese Gill, SSND on 4/2/2020 1955 Mary Krembs Martin on 3/5/2020 1955 Rosemary Carmody Siewers on 6/15/2020 1957 Susan Smrz Aehl on 6/19/2020 1957 Sister Marilee Ketterhagen, SSND on 9/27/2020 1958 Mary Plashal Brennan on 2/23/2020 1958 Sister Emmanuel Fallenstein, SSND on 4/6/2020 1958 Sister Jean Hasenberg, SSND on 9/25/2020 1958 Mary Raymark Schroeder on 7/1/2020 1959 Marilyn Devereaux Kavanaugh on 10/4/2020 1959 Sister Melmarie Stoll, SSND on 4/16/2020 1959 Jane Tojek on 2/11/2020 1960 Sister Elizabeth Marie Hoell, SSND on 3/26/2020 1960 Sister Irene Stanczyk, SSND on 2/16/2020 1960 Sister M. Andrea Zelenak, SSND on 7/4/2020 1961 Sister Dorothy Cherrier, SSND on 10/2/2020 1961 Alice Catherine Foley on 6/26/2020
1962 Sister Monica Mary DeQuardo, OSF on 3/2/2020 1962 Sister Margaret Mary Janke, SSND on 4/8/2020 1962 Sister Gabriel Mary Spaeth, SSND on 4/24/2020 1963 Sister Rita Ann Eisner, SSND on 5/5/2020 1963 Sister Mary Laura Funk, SSND on 8/5/2020 1963 Mary Ann Padol on 8/13/2020 1963 Jane Stich on 12/3/2019 1964 Sister Therese Marie Everts, SSND on 3/29/2020 1964 Evylina Ojoe on 12/1/2019 1964 Mary Alice Nowak Sierveld on 5/16/2020 1966 Irene Cavosi Heumann on 1/28/2020 1966 Sister Carla Rose Scheider, SSND on 3/21/2020 1967 Sister Mary Ann Srnka, SSND on 8/9/2020 1968 Sister Sylvia Borgmeier, SSND on 3/5/2020 1973 Carol Merrett Wilson on 7/28/2020 1976 Florence Kelly on 5/3/2020 1981 Christa Voss Katz on 4/11/2020 1981 Sandra Wilch on 6/10/2020 1989 Marianne Preston Thode on 5/29/2020 1991 Jayne Yatso on 5/21/2020 1992 Lanette Schulz Losselyong on 4/21/2020 1996 Beth Ruehlman Farlow on 3/13/2020 Non-Degreed Alumnae Rosalie Locatis Clark on 6/24/2020 Dorothy Dreis Kliebhan on 6/4/2020 Former Trustee Michael Revane on 4/7/2020 Former Faculty and Staff Lawrence Foster on 9/30/2020 Gerald Schaefer on 9/23/2020
FALL 2020 | 35
REFLECTION
REFLECTION By S. Joan Penzenstadler, SSND, Vice President for Mission and Identity
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” This passage from Charles Dickens is one you may have heard quoted in these past months of pandemic and protests, fires and floods, job loss and school and business closings. Just how do we claim this as the best of times or the season of light? Examples of courage and commitment, creativity and community-building have abounded on the news, in our hospitals and nursing homes, on the frontlines of natural disasters, and in our educational institutions. Is the response of those who have taken leadership enough to evoke a season of light? Are the efforts enough to transform the hearts of others so that care and compassion are the norm for all human beings? Over the decades, we School Sisters of Notre Dame have learned the truth of Mother Caroline’s words that what cannot be achieved by love is unattainable. Actions that emerge from love have a lasting effect and truly help to shape our world. This anchoring conviction, of course, comes from the sisters’ belief that the way of Jesus in binding up wounds, giving sight to the blind and including all at the table is the only way that leads to the season of light and the spring of hope. Focusing on that Gospel way guided the sisters through the epidemics of the 19th and 20th centuries, even when it meant sharing their home with the children they were educating because their parents had died. The stock market crash of 1929 brought out all the resourcefulness of the sisters at Mount Mary, who found ways to remain hope-filled and to offer an exceptional education in the midst of great loss and deprivation. These “worst of times” were guided by the light that could not be seen, by a faith pulsating in darkness. Today, one of the ways the sisters of the Central Pacific Province live out the mandate of Jesus is through our corporate stance for Gospel Nonviolence and Just Peace. Every Sunday since June, sisters, associates and friends gather on a street corner in Milwaukee to publicly pray together for deeper understanding, compassion and just action concerning our Black and Brown sisters and brothers.
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S. Joan Penzenstadler, SSND
In a very real sense, the core values that summarize the mission of Mount Mary emerge from the bedrock of the spirit of the School Sisters of Notre Dame—competence, community, compassion and commitment. These values emerge from the everexpansive call to love that resonates in competencies shared and compassion lived out. “There are three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.” [1Corinthians 13:13] Sue Monk Kidd has said, “Stories have to be told or they die. And when they die, we don’t remember who we are or why we are here.” With her words as encouragement, let me close with one story from SSND history. After WWII, Europe was in shambles, the Munich Motherhouse had been bombed beyond repair, and Germans were looked upon with suspicion if not hatred. The General Superior, Mother Almeda, had taken her team to a remote village in Germany to discern whether SSND around the world were meant to stay united or if this was the time to separate and become national congregations. At that very time, a letter from Mother Fidelis in the United States found its way to the remote village. In it, Mother Fidelis asked how the SSNDs in America might be able to help. She wrote, “No sacrifice will be too big for us.” She concluded with, “Even if the whole world lets you down, we will remain faithful to you.” Fidelity at a time of crisis meant the difference between closing in or seeing a way forward. It was the light that dispelled darkness and announced that unity was still possible. It was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom.
Filled with
GRATITUDE! “Nudge us, Gracious God, into pondering what we have been given, so that we can move into the next season with trust in our hearts.� S. Joan Penzenstadler, SSND
THANK YOU
to our alumnae
and donors for helping us weather the storm of this unprecedented year. Your faith and belief in Mount Mary gives students the education they deserve so they can find their vocation and make a difference in their communities.
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