Mount Mary Magazine Fall 2021

POWERFUL IMPACT 4

mtmary.edu/magazine

2 From the President

4 POWERFUL IMPACT Immersive programs introduce young women to Mount Mary

Mount Mary’s newly redesigned program offers flexibility in earning stackable certificates or your whole MBA.

2021-22 CERTIFICATE TOPICS:

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Small Business Management

• Leadership and Organizational Behavior

• Managing Talent and Organizational Culture

Mount Mary alumnae who enroll in the MBA program can receive a $500 SCHOLARSHIP toward their first course. To learn more and apply today, contact mmu-gradinfo@mtmary.edu

12 A PLACE FOR ALL Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Julie Landry shares her vision

10 Living our Catholic Identity

15 Alumnae Profile

19 Women’s Leadership

21 Student Spotlight

22 Leading Lady

23 Campus News

27 Achievements & Accolades

29 Grants in Action

16 LEAVING ELM GROVE School Sisters of Notre Dame make their way to a new home

30 Class Notes

35 In Memoriam

36 Reflection

©2021 Mount Mary University

LEARN MORE: MTMARY.EDU/MBA

Compiled by Mount Mary Office of University Marketing and Communications, Kathy Van Zeeland, Editor Contributors: Erin Broderick, Stephanie Chadek, Joan Hartin, Jennifer Janviere, Anne Kahl, Jamie Hollins Mast, Cassie Jeffery-Miller, Joan Penzenstadler SSND, President Christine Pharr, Taylor Robinson, Office of Alumnae and Donor Relations

Mount Mary University is sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

VIEW:

Enjoy the grand opening ceremony for the new Health Sciences Center at magazine.mtmary.edu.

READ: Stay informed on Mount Mary’s presidential search and read the retirement announcement from Mount Mary President Christine Pharr, Ph.D., at magazine.mtmary.edu.

ON THE COVER: Mount Mary University is developing high-impact opportunities to bring transformative education to high schoolers through dual degree credit offerings and the Summer Leadership Academy.

Investiture for new students, August 2021

Dear Mount Mary Alumnae and Friends,

As you read this letter, we will be approaching the end of the fall semester. What a great fall it has been, both by comparison to the last COVID year and in terms of our forward progress as a University!

It was a banner year for new student enrollment with the largest incoming class of new students in over 20 years. Our residence halls are close to full capacity and the campus is alive with the vibrant return of employees and students to campus. Mount Mary students are more diverse than ever and we have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as #1 in the Midwest for social mobility. Yes, COVID has changed us (in some ways for the better) and it has also made us appreciate the gift of community that is so valued at Mount Mary.

FROM PRESIDENT

Christine Pharr, Ph.D., President, Mount Mary University

Many have asked me to what do I attribute these wonderful successes. My answer is that it was no accident, nor was it just good luck. It is the result of following our strategic plan diligently and resolutely, despite the many challenges put in our path the last two years. In 2019, Mount Mary rolled out our 2019-2025 strategic plan. Because of the efforts of so many, we have made excellent progress on all five major initiatives in our first two years and we have plans for this year that will continue that work. In this letter I would like to highlight a few of those accomplishments and explain a context for many of our actions.

To set the stage for the foundations of the strategic plans, small colleges live or die by enrollment. So growing enrollment had to be a cornerstone of our plan, however, we also realized that there is much more than recruitment that creates strong enrollment; things like high-quality academics, student support, an inclusive environment, good facilities, high-demand programs and reasonable student costs are just a few. Our plan was developed with the backdrop of declining numbers of high school graduates both now and into the future. This means to enroll students our plan had to do all of these things exceptionally well.

An example from our strategic plan that has led to success thus far includes new program development that meets the needs of students today. The Compass Year program for undecided students, our Nursing 1-2-1 and the new bachelor of science in nursing program, our masters in dietetics, our doctorate in occupational therapy and the new Ph.D. in counseling education and supervision are all examples of high-demand programs that lead to good careers.

COVID required us to respond to the need for more remote delivery and thus our classrooms are now equipped with excellent technology and our faculty have developed new pedagogies that allow for more flexibility in course delivery. COVID made these changes a priority, but they were in the plan originally. However, enrolling students is only part of the plan; keeping them is paramount. Strong leadership in student affairs has led the entire campus in creating and implementing a student success plan. This includes a revised new student registration event, an improved new student orientation and a new student mentor program. The development of Trinity Woods has not only created housing for School Sisters of Notre Dame, seniors and single mothers, but also an on-campus learning site for students in many disciplines, an on-campus child care facility and health care services for the campus that had not previously existed. Renovations across campus include the new Health Sciences Center, the chapel, music lab, virtual reality room and the first floor of Notre Dame Hall, and make Mount Mary an inviting institution. Finally, our focus on federal grant writing has led to over $19 million in funding over the last five years, nearly $8 million of it since August. (See page 29.)

There is much more, but suffice it to say that many people, on and off campus, have been instrumental in moving Mount Mary’s strategic plan forward. I am grateful for our outstanding faculty, staff and administrators who have taken ownership to implement our robust strategic

plan. It is especially important to recognize their work at this time of transition as I approach my retirement this summer to move closer to family. I share my pledge to you that I will be working tirelessly in the coming year with a university of supportive personnel to ensure that Mount Mary continues to experience growth and success.

to Dr. Pharr for being named a notable woman in education for 2021 by the Biz Times!

This year we will open Trinity Woods; roll out the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; implement mission committee initiatives; explore more community partnerships; and enhance our sustainability initiatives to name just a few of those on the docket. We have a busy year ahead and now more than ever, we thank you for all your support, prayers and contributions. We are all part of Mount Mary’s future success! n With gratitude,

Read Dr. Pharr’s retirement announcement and stay informed on the search for the next Mount Mary president at mtmary.edu/presidentialsearch.

IMPACT

Immersive programs for

any knowledge of the college experience,

peek at the university experience before having to make their college decision.

Knowing that there were opportunities for curriculum enhancements at the high school level that Mount Mary could help to fill, Karen Friedlen, vice president for academic affairs, and Dave Wegener, vice president for enrollment services, reached out to several area high schools. Some schools, such as the Elmbrook School District, were seeking opportunities to offer enhanced content and expertise within their fashion, interior design and food science career exploration strands. Others, like Messmer High School, wanted to give students the benefit of earning credits toward both high school and college through their calculus and British literature classes, and Mount Mary is supporting these programs. Mount Mary’s resulting dual-credit enrollment program answers the unique needs of several high school partners, and exemplifies the university’s strength at offering immersive career exploration opportunities for pre-college students.

Students in the 2021 Summer Leadership Academy learned an array of confidence-building skills, including self-defense.

Mount Mary is partnering with a number of Milwaukee-area high schools, providing students with opportunities to earn college credit during high school.

Depending on the school’s particular arrangement, students may discern which path best fits their interests, skill sets and personalities, and oftentimes gain exposure to distinctive academic programs that are not offered at their high schools. In other instances, they earn college credit during high school that fills general education requirements accepted by most colleges and universities.

Students learn new subjects and more

Mount Mary’s “Fashion Concepts and Careers” class is a great match for the program, as the course provides a broad overview of the fashion industry and is required for all Mount Mary first-year fashion students. Students learn about career options, key business vocabulary, and sustainability concerns.

Instructor Ashley Brooks felt confident from the start that the high schoolers would fit in well with their college peers and be able to manage the course load.

“Since it’s a 100-level class, it’s not tremendously difficult. Students just have to keep up and pace themselves in order to succeed,” she said. “This class offers the high school students a great chance to practice the time management skills that are crucial at the university level.”

Brooks reveals that her dual-credits students are often surprised by how many paths are available to them. They tend to think their career options with a fashion major are just designer or buyer, but this class illustrates how many directions are actually possible. Building this foundational knowledge before formally enrolling in college is invaluable, and saves students money and time, as these classes are paid for by each student’s school district.

Projects engage all

One of the most popular class projects involves researching fashion influencers from modern history, which mediasavvy high schoolers and college students appreciate.

“We try to relate things in the industry to what high school and college students are already familiar with – and right now that’s the Instagram influencer,” Brooks said. “So I ask my students to research a 20th century influencer.”

Students then create a visual presentation that details the era their fashion icon impacted, describes their signature look and reveals where their influence can still be seen today.

“It’s important that they look to the past to understand fashion as well as being able to forecast future trends,” Brooks said.

“Our dual-credit students are highly motivated and engaged in class,” Brooks said. “They’re great contributors; it’s nice to have a mix of students in this class who are set on their future career goals and some who are still

Dual Credit at a Glance

HOW IT WORKS:

Students who enroll in a Mount Mary dual-credit class earn credit toward both their high school degree and their future bachelor’s degree.

SAVING TIME & MONEY:

Dual-credit students get an early start on earning college credit and their school district covers the cost of tuition and textbooks.

LOCATION LOGISTICS:

Some classes are held on Mount Mary’s campus and some are held at the student’s high school. Classes that are taught at the high schools are carefully reviewed to ensure that the course curriculum and faculty credentials meet higher education requirements. All dual-credit students become familiar with Mount Mary student resources through an orientation experience.

Ashley Brooks, chair of the fashion department, welcomes dual degree-earning high school students into her class.

All dual credit students on campus and off have access to Mount Mary student support services and academic resources.

COLOR CODE: Students take classes at Mount Mary: Brookfield Central, Hmong American Peace Academy Mount Mary classes held at high school: Messmer, St. Joan Antida Classes taught at both high school and Mount Mary: Brookfield East

The Summer Leadership Academy really made me feel closer to becoming someone who will be able to make those important decisions as to what I want to do.

— EVA BILLEB

2021 SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PARTICIPANT AND SOPHOMORE AT HARTFORD UNION HIGH SCHOOL

Explore WHAT'S POSSIBLE

2022 Summer LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2022 Summer

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS...

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The Summer Leadership Academy will bring together up to 100 high school girls from across the U.S. to Mount Mary University for a residential college-prep, career exploration and leadership program. Jump start your college experience and earn two college credits upon completion!

June 19-24, 2022 | Sunday-Friday

6-day, 5-night residential program

Immersive personal development and career exploration sessions led by Mount Mary faculty and staff alongside Milwaukee business leaders provide a leadership experience like no other!

APPLICATION OPENS: January 1, 2022

DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 1, 2022

LEARN MORE: mtmary.edu/sla

Proud participant from 2020 Summer Leadership Academy

undecided. They all learn from one another and have the opportunity to understand that it’s okay to have your mind set, and it’s also okay to still be finding your path.”

Summer program re-envisioned for 2022

To further fill the community need for early career exploration, Mount Mary will offer a re-imagined and expanded Summer Leadership Academy in June 2022. This is an additional option for high school students who don’t have the time to take a semester-long course or can’t find a dual-credit class that meets their interests. The Academy, presented annually by the Women’s Leadership Institute, brings together girls from across the United States to develop personally and professionally into tomorrow’s leaders.

Students attend programming on campus and stay overnight in the residence halls from Sunday, June 19 through Friday, June 24.

The 2022 Academy’s creative new format offers leadership development activities in the morning and in-depth career exploration sessions in the afternoon. Students can choose from the track that best fits their interests –arts & design, humanities and business or STEM – and will learn from Mount Mary faculty about the exciting programs and pathways available within each area of study.

Program built on successful foundation

Past participants in the Academy have left the experience with deepened confidence and resilience, stronger

Summer Leadership Academy: Help us spread the word!

Do you know a high school student interested in building her leadership skills, exploring possible careers and who wants to earn college credit at the same time?

networking skills and a greater ability to engage with and advocate for others from diverse backgrounds.

“The Summer Leadership Academy was right up my alley. I loved every minute of it and honestly it really made me feel closer to becoming someone who will be able to make those important decisions as to what I want to do,” said 2021 participant Eva Billeb, who is now a sophomore at Hartford Union High School in Hartford, Wis.

Another compelling benefit for the 2022 Academy, thanks to its rigorous curriculum, is the ability to earn two college credits upon program completion.

Today’s needs, tomorrow’s students

Though students and parents are increasingly eager to get a realistic preview of potential professional pathways, Mount Mary is well equipped to meet this need and encouraged by the positive feedback from the students themselves. The university is proud to provide them with meaningful resources, clarity and reassurance.

“Our dual-credit courses and the Summer Leadership Academy allow students to have an outstanding experience on our campus and with our faculty, and to picture themselves attending Mount Mary in the future,” said Vice President for Enrollment Services Dave Wegener.

“We continually strive to make each student’s transition to college easier and more successful.” n

The Summer Leadership Academy, June 19-24, 2022, has been re-imagined and expanded into a 6-day, 5-night residential program. This updated program will feature leadership development, college prep, personal and professional development, and expanded career exploration selections. Upon completion of the program, participants are awarded two college credits at Mount Mary.

The application will open on January 1, 2022. A link to the application will be at mtmary.edu/sla. If you have any questions about the Summer Leadership Academy, please contact the Women’s Leadership Institute at mmu-womenldr@mtmary.edu.

Sacred space receives

The restoration was designed to bring out the beauty of this sacred space and included new paint on the walls and ceiling, new window shades, carpeting and energy efficient LED lighting. The corbels and medallions that line the walls just below the ceiling now bear touches of gold.

Many members of the campus community got involved in this project. Wendy Allstrom-Ried ’89 (bottom far right) was one of the alumnae who refinished the pews, while Steve Pharr, the husband of President Christine Pharr, Ph.D. (bottom inside left), removed carpeting, stripped, sanded and stained the step leading to the altar.

The new renovations were in place for the Mass of the Holy Spirit in September (see left) and some updates continue and should be finished in time for the Advent season: Josephine Niemann, SSND, directs the Liturgical Fabric Arts Center in St. Louis, and designed two new sets of banners and wall hangings to be displayed in front of the altar and the lecturn.

The former confessionals are being converted into alcoves featuring statues of Mary from different cultures, and the frames of the Stations of the Cross, painted on metal by Mary Leo Hargarten, SSND, are being refinished. n

Weekly Masses are held at noon Wednesdays during the school year. For more information email mmu-ministry@mtmary.edu.

Our Lady Chapel, refurbished over the spring and summer, glows with renewed spirit.

Grace will take us to greatness.

Living above the line, she said, “is a call to action for our campus community to be empowered through ownership, accountability, and responsibility; the opposite of which is disempowerment through blame, excuses, and denial.”

Supporting our diverse community

Certainly, Mount Mary has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting all women, a commitment that spans years and has resulted in a vibrant and diverse student population. According to the most recent institutional numbers, 83% of Mount Mary undergraduate students are either first-generation, eligible for Pell grants (need-based federal financial aid), or a person of color; 21% of students fall under all three categories.

Since 2020, Mount Mary has achieved status as a Hispanic Serving Institution. It is one of two institutions in Wisconsin with this designation. In fall 2021, 31% of undergraduate students identify as Hispanic. This designation opens opportunities for federal funding based on our ability to serve diverse student populations. (See page 29 to read about $7.6 million in federal funding based upon this HSI status.)

Furthermore, U.S. News and World Report ranked Mount Mary number one in the Midwest for social mobility, which measures the success rate of graduating Pell students based upon six-year graduation rates, and rated it among the top schools in both economic and ethnic diversity.

MOUNT MARY’S INAUGURAL VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION SHARES HER VISION OF A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL

In every email that she sends, Julie Landry signs off with three simple words: YOU BELONG HERE.

Landry established Mount Mary’s first Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion shortly after she joined the campus community on June 1, 2021. The creation of this office marks another milestone in both Mount Mary University’s mission and strategic efforts, and Landry has moved with purpose in ways both great and small.

“Everyone has their own definition of ‘inclusion’ and that causes confusion,” said Landry. “Inclusion is not initiatives that strive to make marginalized groups feel included or when marginalized groups assimilate. Assimilation is not inclusion.”

Instead, she says, inclusion is a deep and enduring sense of belonging for all.

Creating a safe place

Landry has set the context for her work by sharing her broad view of inclusivity with campus during information sessions where she explains the idea of “living above the line,” to take ownership of one’s actions and create a culture of purpose and kindness. This concept, she said, serves as a means to integrate psychological safety across campus in all of our interpersonal and professional work relationships.

Living above the line is a practice Landry has adopted in her professional and personal relationships as a way of calling out an individual’s potential for greatness. This will, in turn, inspire us all to show up as the best version of ourselves.

“It’s about social justice, it’s about kindness, it’s about treating others as we want to be treated, and being Christ-like,” said Landry. “These things should come naturally to our campus culture. Grace will take us to greatness.”

While these student numbers demonstrate great commitment, they only tell part of the story. Mount Mary’s creation of the DEI office will coordinate and institutionalize the strategic efforts necessary to support a diverse community.

Bringing campus together

Initiatives to support students and build an environment of equity abound across campus, and campus leaders say that having a DEI office provides a greater sense of direction and purpose. Some of Mount Mary’s signature programs, such as the Grace Scholars Program and Promise Program, operate with the direct goal of providing students with academic, personal and financial support. Interdepartmental groups, such as the Latinx Task Force, come together to examine the enrollment process with an eye toward equity.

“I take ownership of DEI strategy, but also collaborate with the directors in Enrollment Services by ensuring our recruitment practices are culturally, socioeconomically and linguistically inclusive,” said Gabriela Barbosa, director of visitor services and a leader of the Latinx Task Force. Additionally, operational departments are purposefully putting strategies in place to increase DEI practices. Human resources has new measures to actively recruit diverse candidates, and new purchasing practices across campus encourage the support of relationships with Minority and Women Owned Businesses (MWBEs).

Inclusive and inspirational artwork decorates the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Mount Mary University.

“The idea of ‘living above the line’ brings forth the humanity in the work that we do,” said April Forray, senior director of human resources. “I lead with the intention of creating fair policy so that all community members can thrive.”

Building true engagement

In order to create an environment that is truly supportive of all, people must engage with one another in the spirit of positive intent, take responsibility for actions and words, and hold one another accountable to high standards of conduct.

“Successes of living above the line model makes courageous conversations much easier,” said Landry. Building this culture of inclusivity rests upon every member of the campus, and this awareness resonates around campus.

“In order to feel included, it is important to know that you belong and that you matter, based on how you experience the environment and your interactions with others,” said Andrea Greer, director of the Grace Scholars Program.

By drawing upon the foundation of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and the experiences of Mount Mary’s diverse community, Mount Mary will become an even more caring place.

“I feel most safe when I’m with Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) folks and the LGBTQ+ community,” said Barbosa. “I especially feel this with fellow women of color who naturally understand the pressures and struggles that come with intersectionality.

“I also feel safe when I’m in spaces that visually signal inclusion in some way. I look for both subtle and explicit indicators that diverse folks are welcome and can bring their authentic selves to that space,” Barbosa said. Barbosa said she supports DEI efforts that continue to grow Mount Mary into a place “where students and employees can be celebrated and bring their authentic selves, regardless of socioeconomic background, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity and cultural background.”

Landry has set her vision for Mount Mary, to become the most sought-after university for Latinx and BIPOC students in southeastern Wisconsin.

Leadership through action

In this new role at Mount Mary University, Landry serves as a member of the president’s council and the campus leadership team.

Previously, Landry has worked with some of the largest public sector employers in Wisconsin. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a license in elementary education. She holds a master’s of science in administrative leadership, and has over 20 years of human resource cabinet-level leadership.

Landry oversees Mount Mary’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, and has restructured the group’s focus to align with her objective of building psychological and emotional safety for all. She also leads monthly campus “huddles,” or short meetings for all employees to hear updates directly from the leadership team.

She teaches a certificate course in DEI practices in Mount Mary’s newly restructured MBA program (See the inside cover of this magazine for details.) And she makes sure to find time for thoughtful outreach to students, in the form of welcome treats during the first week of school and organized activities for Hispanic Heritage Month.

“I would do anything for this organization because I am committed and feel a connection here, and being here makes me feel like I’m making a positive contribution.”

Faith will lead the way

The act of embracing diversity also involves uniting around our commonality.

Faith, Landry believes, is a primary source of strength and it should set the cultural tone of standard for our campus.

“This is a Catholic campus with strong faith traditions, but we recognize and appreciate the commonalities that all faiths bring to campus,” Landry said. “We must acknowledge the School Sisters of Notre Dame as an foundational asset and a strength to create the culture we want to have,” she said. “This is our opportunity.”

It is through community and through faith that we lift one another up and realize our goal; it is the one Landry sends with each email that she writes, that every person belongs in this place.

“Every voice matters,” she said. n

Pioneering banker recognized for lifetime of service

Mary L. Staudenmaier ’60, graduated from Mount Mary with a mathematics degree and a strong commitment to others.

“She was trained as a math teacher, but was called to learn about the justice system and be trained as a lawyer so she could reach out to others to have their rights recognized, said Marilyn Kesler, SSND, a former provincial leader for the School Sisters of Notre Dame who worked closely with Staudenmaier on many initiatives.

In 1971, Staudenmaier earned her law degree from Marquette University and two years later, founded the Trust Department at The Stephenson National Bank & Trust (SNBT) in Marinette, Wis.

She was appointed the bank’s first female president in 1979 and named chairman of the board, carrying on in this role until her retirement in 2013. The bank grew from $27 million to $300 million in assets under her leadership.

In late October of this year, Staudenmaier was one of five individuals honored by the Wisconsin Bankers Association for their excellence in banking, community service and civic involvement.

“Mary’s outreach was driven by personal convictions of fairness and inclusion,” Kesler said.

“These leaders have made significant contributions to Wisconsin’s banking industry and to the economic well-being of our state,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA

president and CEO. “Part of what makes them exceptional leaders is that they have inspired others to succeed in their professions and in service to their communities.”

Staudenmaier served on the Board of Trustees at Mount Mary, and served from 1998 to 2006, sharing her expertise on the Investment Committee and the Institutional Advancement Committee.

Staudenmaier served on the Women’s Leadership Institute’s Advisory Board and was instrumental during its infancy. In 1990, the Alumnae Association awarded her the Madonna Medal for Professional Excellence.

In 1997, Staudenmaier was appointed by the Wisconsin State Supreme Court to the Wisconsin State Board of Bar Examiners and became its chair in 2002. In 2002 and 2003, she was named the Person of the Year by two different area chambers of commerce.

Staudenmaier is a member of the Mount Mary Fidelis Society and in 2012 she established the Mary Staudenmaier Endowed Scholarship.

“Mary came to Mount Mary to get her education and graduated with a mission in her heart,” said Kesler, “to continually assess her reality and to respond by developing her own gifts to transform that which needed to be addressed.”

Last month, the Wisconsin Bankers Association honored Staudenmaier with a plaque on its “Wall of Excellence” at its headquarters in Madison, Wis. n

From left to right: Indigenous People’s Day event; students participating in creating multicultural artwork; student at DEI event; gift bags welcoming incoming students and introducing the new office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Mary Staudenmaier (center) is one of 17 bankers honored on the Banking Excellence Wall at the headquarters of the Wisconsin Bankers Association in Madison, Wis. She is pictured here with WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and WBA Board Chair Ken Thompson.

Elm Grove Goodbye

Called to be educators in a new environment

by Mariel Kreuziger, SSND

We, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, will be moving soon to Trinity Woods on the Mount Mary University campus. We look at this move full of emotions – eagerness, anxiety, a new venture, a call to mission and sadness and loss –to name a few.

Moving to the Mount Mary campus is a coming home of sorts, to the place where many of us were educated. This presents a new and different kind of educational opportunity and we ask ourselves, how are we being called to be educators in this new environment?

Being present to others

Certainly, it will be different than our home at Notre Dame of Elm Grove. We will be interacting more closely with other senior citizens and female students with children under 12. We will eat with them, pray with them, be more available to socialize and help with homework, and be near when someone is hurting.

We’ve been doing all this, but at Trinity Woods, we will be living with them. That can be a great opportunity to carry on our mission of being one; something Jesus wants for all. We need to become grounded in that opportunity. Living Jesus’ life, living our faith in Jesus’ way, reaching out beyond ourselves.

Living in community

Second, most of us were trained in religious life many, many years ago and are familiar with concepts like convent, enclosure, silence, etc. But religious life keeps evolving, just like everything else. We see more deeply into the message of Jesus, to go out to the world; that’s what we are doing.

We still treasure silence, alone time, prayer time, but we are now stretching outward once again to others. These ‘others’ are also being called to Jesus’ way. All have been called, not to seclude ourselves, but to reach beyond and interact with all.

The School Sisters of Notre Dame took hundreds of cuttings of these Concord grapes to be transplanted at their new home at Trinity Woods.

This summer, as the sisters prepared for their move, the iconic landmarks from Notre Dame of Elm Grove, such as the Heritage Room and Marian grotto, were open for a public reception and community farewell.

We have loved Elm Grove, the land

God gave us so many years ago, but as the saying goes, ‘We have no resting place’... We are going on mission again to a new place.

Voices of Leadership Projects showcase student learning

Mount Mary’s annual Voices of Leadership is not only an event that brings to campus a groundbreaking woman leader, it provides an opportunity for vibrant student learning at the same time.

This annual event enhances curriculum and the educational experiences for students through student projects that align with course learning objectives and also incorporate the themes from the keynote address.

Saying goodbye

Will we miss Elm Grove? Yes, especially walking in our beautiful outdoors, visiting our dear deceased Sisters, who we shared life and ministry with, prayed with, rejoiced with and followed in the footsteps of our Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger and Mother Caroline.

We will miss walking in procession down our grape arbor as we celebrate big events. We may even miss our oneness at prayer, meals and meetings, just to be by ourselves. However, I’m sure there will be opportunity for that also. We need that to build community, to become one. Sometimes families also need some alone time to pray together, to celebrate, to build community.

Responding to God’s call

We are going on mission again to a new place. God is calling us and we are packing to respond once again. We have loved Elm Grove, the land God gave us so many years ago, but as the saying goes, ’We have no resting place.’ Others used and reverenced this land before us and now we pray that the new owners will respect this land and care for it as we tried to do. Yes, there is nostalgia for the castle, but it will not be taken down. It is a reminder of our roots, when Mother Caroline wanted a place to care for orphaned children, and also a retirement place in the country for her senior Sisters.

God has cared for us beyond measure and we are grateful. God is still caring for us and we are still grateful. Our ministry has taken us many places during our lives as women religious. Our ministry has challenged us in so many different ways with things we never dreamed we could do.

Moving forward

And now God is asking us once more to go forward and serve His people in a whole new way. This was Blessed Theresa’s vision when she saw how neglected girls in rural areas in Germany were not being given an opportunity to become educated. Blessed Theresa saw this need in her time and now, we, her daughters, are being asked to see the needs in our time: helping single mothers with children get a better education so they can get a job that pays a living wage.

We pray that our young adult women will see a need they can respond to through the education they are receiving, to build a better world for all. n

On November 4, Mount Mary welcomed barrier-breaking businesswoman Linda Alvarado to campus (for details of her speech, see page 23). The courses represented in the student projects this year include dietetics, interior architecture and design, human resources in business, world languages, Spanish, studio art and fashion, and the event included displays that showcased the breadth and depth of these projects.

The dietetics students started off the day by creating a breakfast buffet specifically designed to combat stress. The menu included seven tested and modified recipes, and the students sourced, priced and prepped many of the ingredients themselves for the event. Among the menu were selections like the Midwest Bake and Morning Glory Muffins, rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D, which are beneficial because they assist in producing dopamine and serotonin and positively influence anxiety and academic performance, among other things.

Interior architecture and design students drafted activity and education centers for women, known as “Women’s Houses,” in Senegal, Africa to promote gender equity. They created spaces that will encourage local meetings to discuss equality and human rights through designs filled with symbolism and local traditions that are also ecological and sustainable.

Student Catherine Starosta describes the project as influencing her educational experience by showing the power of collaboration between the Women’s Leadership Institute and Mount Mary.

“Such a fitting team; it would almost be silly if opportunities like this were not created!” Starosta said.

The School Sisters of Notre Dame established Notre Dame of Elm Grove in 1859 to provide an orphanage for children in the area, which later became a home for elderly and ill sisters.

Sister Mariel Kreuziger enjoys the natural beauty at Notre Dame of Elm Grove in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.

New program extends leadership learning

A new program provides further support for students who have attended the Summer Leadership Academy in high school and have enrolled at Mount Mary.

The Women’s Leadership Institute’s Leadership Education And Development (LEAD) program gathers for a monthly lunch-andlearn program to further develop their skills and allow them to make connections within the school and local community.

“I have been able to make friendships before I even started my freshman year,” said Megan Frerichs, who started at Mount Mary this fall. “The LEAD program has helped me strengthen my relationships and made me feel more connected to both staff and students here on campus.”

The program develops leadership skills, expanding knowledge of career skills and choices, and becoming more thoughtful, self-aware and confident students and leaders.

Students in the business department researched human resource topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, trailblazers who were the first in a specific career, and industry shifts that have broken barriers within the business field. They created infographics as a visual representation of the facts on topics such as how things have changed since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, why paid parental leave is important, and the use of social media in human resources.

The World Languages program students chose to write aspirational pieces for their class project. Those double-majoring in Spanish wrote essays about how they will break barriers with college degrees in a language that will support their goals to bridge the communication gap in their career.

The Leadership for Social Justice students put a spin on the required class text, “Great Peacemakers,” and wrote chapters on some peacemakers of their own choosing, based on what the class learned about race, gender, class and intersectionality. Their entries included information about their peace leader, as well as 10-20 notable quotes in a format that mimics the text.

Three-dimensional design students discussed the social impact of Alvarado’s leadership. Students learned woodworking skills to create a series of three sculptures. In the process of research, students discussed equity and the importance of access to resources in our communities.

Fashion design students, inspired by the story of Ana Kraft, founder and CEO of the Milwaukee company Xena Workwear, chose to research and design items for either tradeswomen or professional women. They researched the challenges women face when shopping for functional workwear. and went through the steps of the design process to develop one complete look and an outerwear piece that address at least three key issues for their target customers. n

Transfer student f inds fit in new nursing program

In addition to her BSN, Casey has chosen to minor in psychology, thanks to the encouragement of her adviser, Chief Nurse Administrator Kara Groom, saying, “her enthusiasm really makes the program exciting. She makes all of us really want to get into it.”

Casey was first introduced to Mount Mary three years ago when her boyfriend’s sister, an MMU alum, brought her to campus. She received a tour at the time which included a stop at the old swimming pool, a full-circle moment for her now as that’s the current site for her classes and the new nursing skills lab.

A passion for helping others and a deep family history of caregiving inspired sophomore Delainie Casey to seek a career in nursing.

“I think it’s because my dad’s a nurse; he’s always been my role model and I love the way he takes care of people,” said Casey. Her older brother is also a nurse. Her mom is a pharmacy technician and her grandmother previously worked as a supervisor for a nursing care facility. To say health care runs in the family would be an understatement.

Casey transferred to the new Nursing BSN Prelicensure Program at Mount Mary University in the spring of 2021. The chaos of COVID-19 wasn’t the ideal time to make a collegiate transition, but with a high acceptance rate and automatic placement into the nursing program, Casey says Mount Mary was an easy decision.

Coursework for the program began this fall and so far, Casey couldn’t be happier with her decision.

Casey credits Mount Mary for providing her more opportunities than she’d ever expected, noting how caring and nurturing the Mount Mary experience has been so far.

An interest in nursing started early for Casey, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) while in high school and working at a nursing home. She loved helping with an older population because, “you actually get to know your patients (in that setting).” Upon graduation, she’d consider a career in geriatric medicine, but her real passion lies in helping children with developmental issues. Casey continues her role as a CNA while in school, currently working at West Bend Hospital.

Departing Campbellsport, Wis., for Milwaukee was a big leap, but part of the draw for her was Mount Mary’s unassuming placement in the city. “It’s in the city but it feels like the country. I like that it’s small and you can walk to everything.” When not studying or working, Casey enjoys watching movies, exploring Milwaukee and bowling. On weekends, she often returns home to study with her dad and ride horses.

Still early in her career, Casey looks forward to diversifying her clinical experience and working in the labs on campus. If she decides to continue her education beyond the BSN, Casey hopes to teach nursing. “I like helping other people understand what I do.” n

CAMPUS NEWS

T ARA BEAUCHINE

LAND MAN A GER

In the three years that Tara Beauchine has been nurturing the flowers, trees and plants on the Mount Mary campus, she has brought a new understanding to the importance of her work, and has redefined the scope of her role.

Tara has become the campus’ first land manager, signifying that this work of sustainability and mission encompasses more than simple groundskeeping.

“I came to Mount Mary with a lot of knowledge and plant identification skills,” she said. She had worked at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside, Wis., as a land manager, where she also learned native plant restoration. There, she realized her reverence for the interconnectedness and abundance of life in a particular place.

“I’m called to be a steward of the earth by recognizing and caring for the birds, insects, geology and geography by understanding the land and the inhabitants,” she said. Beauchine supervises seasonal crews during the growing season and during winter snow removal. Among her many fall projects was the planting of dozens of new trees along the U-drive –tulip, northern catalpa, Ohio buckeye, sugar maple, swamp white oak and Japanese tree lilacs – and planting around campus hundreds of disease-resistant native plants –raspberry wine monarda, troleus, catmint and phlox.

She has mobilized volunteer gardeners, made up of employees, students, alumnae and community members, to adopt and maintain flowerbeds and garden plots. Thanks to a recent grant she acquired from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, she was able to hire a crew of students to clear buckthorn from the wooded area on the northeast side of campus.

“The Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program enabled us to clear the forest floor and give it light so our canopy trees could propagate and stay diverse instead of perpetuating the monoculture of buckthorn,” she said. The buckthorn branches went through a woodchipper and the chips are being used to pave walking trails through the woods. Beauchine also participated in an advisory committee on behalf of Trinity Woods, applying for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program. This $1.3 million grant enabled Trinity Woods to install semipermeable pavers in the parking lot and three large bioswales designed to filter and divert water runoff from entering the storm sewers and nearby Menomonee River.

The more time she spends caring for the land, the more she is inspired to do, even in winter. She plans to take advantage of the dormant season by pruning trees and shrubs, and writing more grants to further her vision for the Mount Mary landscape.

“When you are surrounded by plants and trees, you become a better naturalist every day.” n

Alvarado gained wisdom and success in nontraditional industry

During her long, unconventional career, Linda Alvarado has been mistaken for the company lawyer, a realtor, a banker and even the cleaning lady.

But all along, she has embraced her role as a building contractor and later, an owner of a major league baseball team. And all the while, she has been a trailblazer.

Doubly proud of the paths she forged as both a woman and a Latina, Alvarado shared nuggets of wisdom during her keynote speech at the Voices of Leadership event on November 4, which brings together Milwaukee business professionals and the Mount Mary community.

If it’s never been done before, it’s possible. Born in Albuquerque, NM, Alvarado grew up in a two-room adobe house with her parents and five brothers. She learned how to wrestle and change the oil in the car. After initially being turned down as a member of a sports team, she proudly showed her first-place ribbon for the long jump in track that she earned in 1964.

Don’t look for excuses, find reasons you can succeed. Because she knew she might not be taken seriously as a woman, Alvarado applied for her first job using her initials instead of her name. She learned to read blueprints, do surveying and apply new technology for jobsite efficiency. Before long, she started her own company. “How to break through barriers? I don’t know that there’s

MOUNT MARY WELCOMES LARGEST INCOMING CLASS SINCE 2000

This fall, 190 first-time undergraduate students stepped onto campus, the largest incoming class in the school’s history, and to say the students at Mount Mary are beautifully diverse is an understatement:

a simple answer,” she said. Using baseball terminology, she continued, “you’ve got to take risks.” “You won’t get to second base if you keep your foot safely on first.”

Better to ask a dumb question then to correct a dumb mistake. When starting her business, Alvarado was told to change the name of her construction company from Alvarado Construction, and she was told to be less feminine. “Double trouble negatives,” she was told. “But I thought to myself, what happens when you multiply two negatives? You get a positive.”

The worst failure is failure to try. “You fall down but eventually you’re able to crawl, skip and then climb mountains,” she said of her progression from building bus shelters by the hundreds to eventually becoming an owner of the Colorado Rockies. “You are making a difference 365 days of the year; this isn’t just happening during women’s history or Hispanic heritage month.”

The road of life is always under construction. Alvarado said she never imagined becoming a contractor or the owner of a baseball team.

“My dad played ball with a rec league when I was young,” she said. “I used to go with him and it was my job to clean off the plate.”

Many years and marvelously unconventional experiences later, she added with a sly wink, “It’s the only plate I still know how to clean.” n

1 out of 3 are the first in their family to attend college (twice the national average) 2 out of 3 receive Pell grants and are considered limited income 2 out of 3 identify as a person of color 10% are student mothers

Students identify with 11 different religions and speak 15 languages other than English

This is what makes Mount Mary special; the students are trailblazers and transforming their families and communities. In her welcome orientation to new employees, Joan Penzenstadler, SSND, Vice President for Mission and Identity, references Luke:24 by saying “I see it as our work to be like Jesus and set the table so all are welcome at the table of Mount Mary.”

A student identifying as person or color, first generation, or receiving Pell grants is classified as being underrepresented in higher education; 21% of Mount Mary undergraduate students this fall identify in all three categories.

U.S. News and World Report has recognized and ranked Mount Mary in the regional universities in the Midwest category of its Best Colleges report for 2022. Mount Mary’s overall ranking in the Midwest increased from #122 in 2018 to 51 for 2022. However, the school is most proud of our ranking as the #1 school in the Midwest for social mobility. This metric measures the success rate of graduating low-income students based upon six-year graduation rates.

Six months after graduation, our institutional research office follows up with alumnae to collect information on where students have landed. Consistently, 90% of our alumnae decide to stay in Wisconsin. The top employers were public school districts, the city of Milwaukee and Ascension Health Care.

If you have an alumnae story to share, contact the Office of Alumnae and Donor Relations at mmu-alumnae@mtmary.edu.

SCHWALBACH NAMED

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Mount Mary’s board of trustees awarded Eileen Schwalbach, Ph.D., the status of President Emeritus at Mount Mary University in June 2021. “Schwalbach has been a vital part of the Mount Mary community for many years and in many capacities, with exemplary service as an educator, administrator and leader,” said Debra M. Sciano, SSND, provincial leader and president of Mount Mary’s corporate board.

“Her commitment to the mission of the School Sisters of Notre Dame was and continues to be evident in who she is and how she relates to others, which now includes her membership on the SSND Central Pacific Province Ministry Commission.”

MOUNT MARY UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Stephanie Russell, Ph.D.

Board Chair 2021

VP for Mission Integration Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities

Janet Abbacchi, SSND

Joan Andert, SSND President Emeritus Rosati-Kain High School

J. Omar Andrietsch Founder, Colour Palate

Gail Bast ‘89 Board Vice Chair

CEO and Owner of Association Acumen

Susan Bellehumeur ‘85

Managing Director, Robert W. Baird & Co.

Erickajoy Daniels

Senior Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Aurora Health Care, Inc.

Blaine E. Gibson

VP Financial Advisor, NMLS

WE Wealth Management Group RBC Wealth Management

Erica-Nicole Harris ‘07 Board Vice Chair Vice President, Wispark

Beth Heikkila ‘79 Community Volunteer

Jessica Helfer Senior Designer, Kohl’s Corporation

Heather Herling Senior Human Resource Director/Digital Solutions, Johnson Controls

Kathy Hust ‘00 Retired Executive, US Cellular

Lisa Jansen ‘88 Director of Interior Design, Zimmerman Architectural Studios

Dave Jorgensen Executive Vice President,, VJS Construction Services, Inc.

David Krutz Partner and Firm Managing Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Mary Jo Layden Community Volunteer

Lena Lee ‘85 Private Fund Management

Ann Nattinger, M.D. Associate Provost for Research, Medical College of Wisconsin

Scott Naze President & CEO – Wisconsin, Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC

Marie O’Brien ‘08 President and CEO Enterforce, Inc.

Debra M. Sciano, SSND Provincial Leader, Central Pacific Province of the School Sisters of Notre Dame

Joan M. Shafer

Retired CEO, Seton Catholic Schools

Marilka Vélez ‘03

Senior Vice President & Senior Director of Marketing, Associated Bank

Health Sciences Center celebrates grand opening

Sandra Ann Weinke ‘63, SSND Former Mount Mary Associate Professor of Theology

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Kathryn Maegli Davis ‘71 Community Volunteer

Geneva B. Johnson

Retired President/CEO, Family Service America

Gary Jorgensen Chairman, VJS Construction Services, Inc.

Gary V. Zimmerman, FAIA Founder, Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc.

The grand opening ceremony for the Health Sciences Center took place on September 9, 2021, highlighting the collaborative nature of this new space with hands-on demonstrations from a variety of health care disciplines.

This center is located in the lower level of Caroline Hall where the pool and old locker room once stood.

The 6,500 square-foot state-of-the-art facility has been designed for students across multiple health disciplines,

including art therapy, counseling, dietetics, nursing and occupational therapy, to utilize the space. This is designed to foster a sense of collaboration around the common goal of providing exceptional healing and care for patients.

The Health Sciences Center houses the Nursing Skills Lab. Mount Mary welcomed its first Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) class to campus this fall.

THE HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER INCLUDES:

Immersive classroom for simultaneous in-person and virtual participants. Eight hospital bed-style skills stations to give students high-tech and hands-on practice to master nursing skills.

State-of-the-art interprofessional simulation center for students across different health care majors to collaborate on patient simulations and debrief together as a health care team.

CPR training lab where students can practice and complete their required CPR certification right on campus.

Chief Nursing Officer Kara Groom, Ph.D., celebrated the Health Sciences Center grand opening by cutting a ribbon of disposable face masks.

ACHIEVEMENTS ACCOLADES

FACULTY AND STAFF

Jordan Acker Anderson, M.F.A., Art & Graphic Design, and Josh Anderson, M.F.A., Art & Graphic Design, had artwork juried into the exhibit, “Art of Water V,” by the James May Gallery of Wisconsin. The virtual exhibit was presented on Artsy.net.

Barrington ’69 named magazine adviser of the year

Muslim prayer space supports mission to nurture spiritual well-being for all

The Muslim Prayer Room, located adjacent to the Place of Peace interfaith center on campus, is a private setting that can accommodate 8-10 students. It opened in September.

Approximately two percent of Mount Mary undergraduates identify as Muslim. Having a space such as this at Mount Mary aligns with the school’s Catholic heritage, said Campus Ministry Director Theresa Utschig.

“True to the Catholic tradition of the University, everyone is welcome at the table, and this prayer space enables Mount Mary to further its mission of nurturing the spiritual well-being of everyone on campus and attending to the development of the whole person,” Utschig said.

This space has historically been a place of prayer, as it was originally the sacristy for the Christ King chapel where priests prepared for Mass. “It has been a sacred space for a long time,” Utschig said.

This new Muslim Prayer Room is a significant addition to the campus prayer spaces already available to the students, faculty, and staff of Mount Mary University, including Our Lady Chapel, the Place of Peace, the outdoor labyrinth, peace pole and reflection pool.

“Some may be curious about why a Catholic university would create a Muslim prayer room but I think that answer lies in our mission,” said Mount Mary President Christine Pharr, Ph.D. “In the words of Pope Francis, ‘Catholics and Muslims are both descendants of the same father, Abraham. He encourages us to practice our mission of fraternity and (sorority) as we walk together as brothers and sisters of one human family.’” n

Read the article about the dedication ceremony in the Wisconsin Muslim Journal at magazine.mtmary.edu.

Counseling Center opens in new space

Mount Mary’s new Counseling and Wellness Center, located on the first floor of Haggerty Library, now offers free and confidential counseling services to the Mount Mary community through individual counseling, group counseling and wellness activities.

“There is a myth that counseling is only for when things are going ‘wrong’ in life; counseling is for any stage of life,” said Mary Rodgers, director of the counseling center. “Sometimes, things are going really well and you want to take it to the next level.”

Students in Mount Mary’s new Counseling Education and Supervision doctorate program serve as counselors at the center.

Meghan Anderson, M.S., Occupational Therapy, and Heather Martin, M.S., Occupational Therapy, both earned their Post-Professional OTD degrees from Mount Mary this May. Anderson defended her project titled, “Promotion of Self-Regulated Learning in Occupational Therapy Students through Case-Based Learning and Reflection.” Martin’s project was “Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Parents of Children with Special Needs.”

Gabriela Barbosa, director of Visitor Services and Chair of Latinx Task Force, served as Lead Co-Chair for the Advancing Racial Equity in our Colleges and Communities Summit in March 2021. Additionally, Barbosa and Andrea Greer, director of the Grace Scholars program, were accepted into the Emerging Women Leaders Program with TEMPO Milwaukee.

Chris Belkofer, Ph.D., Art Therapy, co-presented at the 2021 National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) conference on a presentation titled “Social Justice: Community Healing through Movement.”

Kara Coleman, MBA, Business, received a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.

Jennifer J. Dahlman, Ph.D., Nursing, will have an article published in the Nursing Education Perspectives Journal. The article is entitled, “The Use of Virtual Mentoring with Underrepresented Minority (URM) Groups in Baccalaureate Programs of Nursing (BSN): A Systematic Review of the Literature.”

The College Media Association has named longtime Arches adviser Linda Barrington ’69 adviser of the year.

Barrington has been an adjunct instructor at Mount Mary for 27 years and for 14 of those years also served as an advisor for Arches, working with students on layout and design.

“When we started advising, Arches was a third-class newspaper, as designated by the Associated Collegiate Press,” she wrote in her advising statement to the CMA. “It is now an AllAmerican publication as designated by the ACP, and staff members have received more than 100 national and regional awards, including Pinnacle and Pacemaker nominations.

The payoff has been richly rewarding, Barrington said.

“We have students who are passionate about making a difference in the world.”

Shawnee Daniels-Sykes, Ph.D., Theology, was honored as a Woman of Influence in Saint Francis of Assisi Parish’s “Blessed Are You Among Women” series during Black History Month, with an acknowledgment in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Catholic Herald in late February.

“I teach journalism to empower my students to investigate, tell all sides of a story and make a difference in the lives of others.”

Kara Groom, Ph.D., Nursing, was a featured speaker on the Nurse Educator Tips for Teaching podcast, where experts share teaching strategies listeners can use in their nursing courses.

Lynn Kapitan, Ph.D., Art Therapy, exhibited her work, “Pandemic Book (Twelve Months),” a mixed media artist book, in the 2021 Faculty Biennial Exhibition, Marian Gallery.

Pat Kempen, M.S., Dietetics, presented with UWM’s Lori Klos and MATC’s Heidi Katte work on a USDA grant to increase availability of nutrition and dietetics education and to increase diversity and inclusion in the profession in greater Milwaukee County. She was also named president-elect of the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for 2021-2022. Additionally, she is chairing the 2021-22 membership committee for the Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors, a national member group within The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

This section highlights recent noteworthy accomplishments and awards of the Mount Mary University faculty, staff and students.

Mount Mary President Christine Pharr, Ph.D., addresses an interfaith group during a dedication of the Muslim prayer space (left). The space enables 8-10 students to perform daily prayers (right).

Counseling administrative assistant Jamie Hollins Mast

Jennifer Kontny, Ph.D., English; Katie Homan, Ph.D., Philosophy and Theology; Lynn Diener, Ph.D., Biology; and Deb Dosemagen, Ph.D., Education; presented the project, “A Writing Rubric Across Disciplines,” at the Society for College Science Teachers National Association. The project showcased the Mount Mary Writing Framework, an assessment tool built by Mount Mary instructors across a wide span of academic disciplines and student support offices.

Jennifer Kontny, Ph.D., English, presented with Sherrie Serros, Ph.D., Mathematics, at the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Persistence and Completion Series. The talk on multiple measures placement was titled, “From Structural Oppression to Statistical Regression: Anti-Racist Placement Policies and Practices at Mount Mary University.”

Faculty awarded at Investiture

The 2021-22 Teaching Excellence Awards were presented at Investiture, the August event that welcomes new students to campus and celebrates excellence within our community.

Congratulations to Colleen Conway, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, who received the full-time faculty award, and to adjunct faculty member Christopher Mohar, M.F.A., who received the part-time faculty award for his work in the English department.

“Signature Pedagogies for Art Therapy Education: A Delphi Study” by Heather Leigh, Ph.D., Art Therapy, appeared in Art Therapy: The Journal of in the American Art Therapy Association. In March it was selected for open access due to its exemplar content for the field of art therapy.

Jenni Moody, Ph.D., English, published “Pandemic Algorithms of Moss and String” as an invited blog post by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Rhetorical Society of America in April 2021.

Donald Rappé, Ph.D., Theology, was interviewed for and quoted in “Fasting and Finals: How Ramadan is Fueling a Cultural Shift in Wisconsin Universities” in Wisconsin Muslim Journal, published May 2021.

Jane Rheineck, Ph.D., Counseling, presented “LGBTQ Older Adults: Trends Disparities and Intersectionality of Counseling Practice” at the annual American Counseling Association conference.

STUDENTS

Dannie Esterline, Art Therapy, was featured in Art Therapy Today for their presentation at a symposium at Johns Hopkins University in April.

Nia Taylor, Psychology, hosted “Mindfulness Semester,” a vision board workshop at the Milwaukee Public Library in October. In this session, she shared the significance of vision boards and instructed participants on how they can use boards as a tool to cultivate inspiration for school.

Grants in Action

Mount Mary awarded $7.8 million in federal grants in 2021

Hispanic-Serving Institution designation opens opportunities for all students

Two major federal grants have been awarded to Mount Mary since August, a $4.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education and a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

Both of these grants were awarded to schools designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); Mount Mary became a HSI in spring 2020 and is one of two schools in Wisconsin eligible for such grants.

“Proyecto Descubrir,” or Project Discovery1, is a fouryear program to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income women enrolled in STEM programs by 10 percent. This $4.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will address a gap in Hispanic and low-income women enrolled in a STEM degree program through a multi-pronged approach to remove barriers and increase retention and completion.

Center Lounge, Ewens Center and the STEM department office to create a multicultural center and to make the lounge spaces more user-friendly by incorporating features such as tables with charging stations for portable devices.

A gracious thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s Starving Artists’ Show a great success! 2021 marked our 51st show and over 120 volunteers came together to bring this longstanding tradition to life.

“STEM by Design”2 is a program developed through a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation awarded in June. This program will introduce strong technology elements throughout the institution and offer a human-technology interface degree program.

“These grants confirm the caliber of the University’s programing and leadership, and highlight our trajectory,” said Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Julie Landry. “Mount Mary is withholding nothing to close the educational and opportunity gap for these women as we cultivate and maintain an inclusive community.”

While these grants are focused on increasing access to education for Hispanic students, both grants have a campus-wide impact that will increase access for all students. For instance, the HSI STEM grant will fund the remodeling of the Caroline Hall Lounge, Gerhardinger

Another significant gain for Mount Mary’s campus community is a third recent award, Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS), a $120,000 four-year grant through the U.S. Department of Education3 that provides funds up to $1,000 per year to eligible student parents to cover child care costs at an approved child care provider. Funds are paid directly to the child care provider. One option will be the new on-campus Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Center located in Trinity Woods that is slated to open in late fall 2021.

These new grants for 2021 bring the five-year total to $19.3 million in federal support.

(1) The Hispanic-Serving Institutions – Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics and Articulation Program (HSI STEM) grant in the amount of $4,646,922 is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

(2) This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2122881. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

(3) The Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant in the amount of $120,000 is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Unity is strength . . . when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.

– Mattie Stepanek

CLASS NOTES

Alum elected to State Assembly

Rachael Cabral-Guevara ’00 was elected to represent the 55th Assembly of the Wisconsin State Assembly, an area that encompasses the western side of Appleton and the community of Neenah. She works as a nurse practitioner and operates her own clinic, Nurse Practitioner Health Services, providing affordable and convenient health care to her community. Rachael earned her bachelor’s in biology and chemistry from Mount Mary in 2000. She went on to earn her master’s in nursing, in the area of family nurse practitioner, from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee in 2008.

“Mount Mary provided the foundation for professionalism, self-worth and confidence I needed to be successful. Without Mount Mary, my professional achievements would not have been obtainable. I am forever grateful to Mount Mary for the pathway it has provided for my family, my employees, the constituents I represent and myself.”

1960-1969

1969 Linda Steele Barrington, longtime adviser for Mount Mary’s student news magazine, Arches, was awarded the College Media Association Distinguished Adviser Award.

1969 Maureen Sullivan Rueber retired from Harding High School in St. Paul, Minn., where she taught home economics, now known as family and consumer sciences, for 50 years.

1970-1979

1979 Pat Strelka Kempen was named the 2021-2022 president-elect for the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (WAND).

1980-1989

1984 Cynthia Dohmen LaConte was recognized in the BizTimes for her work building healthy communities as CEO and founder of the Dohmen Company Foundation and for the 2020 launch of the foundation’s Food for Health program.

1985 Kathleen Reppert Kaufman published her first book, “Healing thru Art: My Journey to Self-Love” in June.

1986 Susan Pillar Muenter began a new job in July as the executive director of the Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators. In her role, she supports the work of human resources professionals within schools.

1989 & 2010 Lisa Harteau began as a social worker for Waukesha County, WI.

1990-1999

1990 Lisa Fohey started as the director of market access and custom analytics at Intuitive Surgical.

1991 Debbie Cetnarowski Gerke began as an art consultant and project manager for Art Expressions in Milwaukee.

1991 Monique Minkens became the executive director of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

1994 Diane Szydel started as the vice president of global life science commercial operations at Meridian Life Science, Inc. in Oklahoma.

1996 Dana Hansen began as an account executive at Artesian Bottleless Water in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

1997 Lisa Scirrotto Mathy started as the communications manager for global brand and corporate communications at Fiserv in Brookfield, Wis.

1998 Diane Edwards Blankenheim began as a design researcher at Generac Power Systems in Waukesha, Wis.

1999 Amy Keltner started as the director of architectural, engineering and environmental services for Milwaukee County.

1999 Kathi Kube began as a proposal coordinator at Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC.

2000-2009

2000 Melyssa Torcivia-Grundle Bauer got married last year. She and her husband opened a retail store called The Flannel Fox in Wauwatosa, Wis. Earlier this year, Melyssa was promoted to a human resources recruiter for Delta Defense LLC. She has worked in HR for over 15 years, moving from fashion design to what she says is her true calling.

2003 Britt Miller received a grant to enhance the scope of her work and passed the exam to be a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She works for St. Louis County, Minn., Public Health and Human Services as a substance use disorder social worker.

2005 Andrea Bauman Hick completed the health information technology program at Waukesha County Technical College and received her registered health information technician (RHIT) credential.

2006 & 2018 Nicole Kelling Engstrom started as a senior recruiter at the United States Steel Corporation in Pittsburgh, Penn.

2007 Erin Houk Bauer now works as the product development manager of ASQ Excellence for ASQ – World Headquarters. The team she leads is responsible for producing their trade association’s organizational excellence benchmarking research. Their work was recently featured in Forbes.

2008 Melanie Helmbrecht Brelsford began as the director of account services at Allied Stone, Inc. in Dallas, Texas.

2008 Harmony Koch Dubinsky started as the senior customer service manager at IEWC Global Solutions in New Berlin, Wis.

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2008 Candice Kozinski began as a quality technician at Kleen Test Products Corporation.

2008 Jennifer Roberts Zanow now works as a diabetes educator for Aurora Health Care.

2010-2019

2010 & 2013 Lakiesha Russell took on a leadership role within the Wisconsin Counseling Association. It is a 3-year-term where she will hold the positions of president-elect, president and former president. She’s “honored to be able to help transform the face of counseling.”

2010 Megan Brown Sangha started as the senior product marketing manager for Citrix.

2011 Sierra Cooper celebrated her one-year anniversary as a procurement compliance analyst at Johnson Controls.

2011 Mallory Davis started as an account supervisor at TRAFFIK, Global Advertising Agency in Orange County, Calif.

2011 Michelle Kempen began as an interior designer at Korb and Associates Architects.

2011 Lauren Kenney started as a global supply manager for Apple.

2011 Gina Bonan Morrow received a promotion and now works as the director of product management at WR Group, Inc.

2012 Allison Klenke Furlan started as a senior interior designer at Pivot North Architecture in Boise, Idaho.

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2012 Tyronda Gray began as an advanced-practice nurse practitioner at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

2012 Michelle Kozeniecki was named a 2021 ASPEN fellow by the American Society for Parenteral and Eternal Nutrition.

2012 Michelle DeLoncker Lewis started as a Self-Directed Personal Care Registered Nurse for TMG Health.

2014 Charmyse Tillman ‘14 inspired Compass Year students by sharing her experiences at Mount Mary, including switching her major, and discussing the importance of building and maintaining relationships. She recently started as an analyst at Avicado Construction Technology Services, LLC in Milwaukee, Wis.

2014 Danyale Hegwood spoke with Compass Year students this fall, sharing her strengths, values and how they have shaped her career journey.

2014 Leona Knobloch was named a notable marketing executive by the Biz Media Times. She works as the development director for the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust in West Bend, Wis.

2016 Adrianne Bonow graduated with her master’s in infectious diseases from Drexel University in spring 2021. She works at Covance by LabCorp as a trainer in immunology and immunotoxicology.

2016 Taylor Majewski received a promotion to associate designer at Kohl’s Corporation in Menomonee Falls, Wis. She is proud of her work on the Kohl’s Jammies for your Families line.

2016 & 2020 Hailey Thomas started as a substance abuse counselor (SAC-IT) and licensed professional counselor (LPC-IT) at the Waukesha Comprehensive Treatment Center.

2017 Mary Andrus was interviewed by 1859 Oregon’s Magazine for the article “Art and Soul,” which focused on educating the public about the benefits of art therapy.

2018 Caitlyn Narr was promoted to associate merchandise manager for men’s knits and sweaters at Lands’ End in Madison, Wis. In December 2020, she got engaged to her fiancé, and their wedding is set for August 27, 2022.

2018 Aniyah Stubblefield was promoted to librarian 1 of business, technology, and periodicals for the Milwaukee Public Library. She recently graduated with her master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

2018 Kaoly Thao began as a psychometric assistant at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

2018 Lexi Woerishofer started as the director of human resources and community engagement at Van Zeeland Nursery and Landscape in Little Chute, Wis.

2018 Kimberly Xiong now works as the business development coordinator at Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories. Prior to this role, she supported the administrative functions of their technical leadership team and the MCW medical directors focused on COVID-19 initiatives and testing relations. She recently adopted a five-year-old energetic Shih Tzu poodle as a playmate for her ten-year-old Pomeranian.

2019 Becca Basten worked a summer apprenticeship as a production apprentice for the 2021 Telluride Film Festival in Telluride, Colo.

2019 Krystin Kantenwein Boyd started as the coordinator of learning support services at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

2019 Tiernee Schatz opened her own art therapy-counseling practice in West Bend, Wis., called Blue Pine Counseling-Holistic Arts Studio.

2019 Colina Vang started as a social media strategist at US Tech Solutions.

2019 Zakia Wells painted the largescale wooden Bronzeville letters with artist Anna Rose Menako as part of the 10th annual Bronzeville Week in Milwaukee.

2020-Present

2020 Marissa Philippi Fremut began a new position as a food safety specialist at the American Pasteurization Company.

2020 Paloma Aguilera Gomez started as an associate analyst at WEC Energy Group in Milwaukee.

2012 Kerri Lukasavitz’s novel “Gray Horse at Oak Lane Stable” is book two in her middle-grade adventure series and was a silver medal finalist for the 31st Annual Midwest Book Awards.

2012 Michelle Ray got married last year, bought a house and brought home a puppy.

2013 Mikaya Tolbert Clark was promoted to the manager of strategic initiatives at BMO Harris Bank.

2013 Adrianna Humphrey started as an occupational therapist in Milwaukee Public Schools.

2013 Mandy Webster was promoted to an academic science advisor for chemistry and physics at Illinois State University.

2014 Rebecca Giebenrath began as an assistant space planner at Batteries Plus Bulbs in Hartland, Wis.

2014 & 2017 Ana Solano-Pacheco started as a licensed professional counselor for the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, Inc. in Milwaukee. She received her professional counselor license in March 2020 and provides bilingual (Spanish) services within her community. Ana got engaged in November 2020 and has an eight-year-old daughter named Evalyn.

2015 Traci Singleton began as a financial business consultant for TLA Financial Services, LLC. in Franklin, Wis.

2015 Brooke Slamka started as a P-EBT program supervisor at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

2015 Deidre Carr Surendonk now works as the web communications specialist for the office of communications at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

2017 Emily Goetz Grams started as a microbiology specialist in the beer and beverage quality division of Molson Coors Beverage Company in Milwaukee.

2017 Hayley Hove began as a buyer for CURiO Brands in Minneapolis, Minn.

2017 Cassandra Kaminski started her own business, CKMG Properties, LLC.

2017 Mikaela Kinjerski was promoted to the associate category manager of apparel at Fleet Farm.

2017 Lauren Wiech began as a junior art director for Pellizzi & Co. in Milwaukee.

2018 Emily Boutcher started as an implementation coordinator at Fetch Rewards.

2018 Lauren Harris began as a design assistant at Let’s Remodel in Portland, OR.

Online

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2019 Lindsey Henneberry Edquist began as high school counselor at Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, Wis.

2019 Angelique Hernandez started as the dropship assortment coordinator for the Neiman Marcus Group.

2019 Bristall Johnson began as a style team lead at Target.

2019 Lexie Kline now works as an allocation analyst at Kohl’s Corporation in Menomonee Falls, Wis. For the past few summers, she has been teaching in Mount Mary’s Fashion Academy for middle and high school students.

2019 Emma Larson started as an enterprise account executive for Brandwatch.

2019 Jannah Muhammad received a promotion and now works as the loan coordinator team lead at Homefinity Loans in Milwaukee.

2020 Rachel Hahn married Joseph Zenzola on August 28 of this year.

2020 Darien Horst began as a junior stylist at Wantable, Inc. in Milwaukee.

2020 Maribel Loera Arista now works as a team leader at City Year. This past year, she was awarded City Year’ Service Warrior Award for her service to a cause greater than herself.

2020 Stephanie Osei began as an interior design assistant at Che Bella Interiors in Burnsville, Minn.

2020 Katie Rodenkirch started as a professional counselor for the Chicago Center for Sexual Wellbeing.

2020 Kylie Slavek began as a behavioral health clinician for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in Denver, Colo.

2020 Meghan Gresk Swanson started as the braille production manager at Audio and Braille Literacy Enhancement, Inc. in Milwaukee.

2020 Halee Vande Boom was promoted to the director of operations at Ryloo Boutique.

2021 Margaret Dishaw began the student affairs in higher education graduate program at Marquette University this fall. She works on campus as a graduate assistant for prevention and education programs.

2021 Genesis Hall started as a merchandise specialist at Kohl’s Corporation in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

2021 Kristin Hardwick recently participated in New York Fashion Week and had her brand displayed on billboards across the country promoting the event. She showcased a 10-piece collection of her take on the modernized Egyptian culture in the Maximum Exposure Fashion Series in St. Louis. Her collection, Inner Stature, was featured in Vigour Magazine. Kristen works as a part-time manager at Maurices. Her next project is a futuristic photoshoot with director Immanuel Baldwin that will highlight a tailored men’s coat she made.

2021 Lillian Koch started as an assistant designer at Kohl’s Corporation in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

2021 Adia Kolell began as an assistant designer for HarleyDavidson Motor Company in Milwaukee. She and fellow alumna Cassie Stutzmann had fashion pieces featured at the Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts in October.

2021 Sonje Kozinski started as a sample specialist at Kohl’s Corporation in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

2021 Jade Langkau started as an area manager with Amazon Operations.

2021 Shelly Mendieta Ramirez began her medical assistant career with Ascension.

2021 Abigail Platts started as a merchandise specialist at Kohl’s Corporation in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

2021 Kaylee Reeder began as a buyer at KGP Logistics.

2021 Sehiry Tapia started as the communications coordinator at Scenic View Country Club. This past summer, she took the lead on several events and golf outings for the country club. Before graduating, she completed a digital marketing internship and published three articles on the Trivera website.

2021 Hayley Knowles now works as a fashion stylist at Faye’s Boutique Limited, thanks to a networking opportunity from Mount Mary.

2021 Rachel Watts started as an occupational therapist at Leaps and Bounds Pediatric Therapy. She also recently took on managing social media for the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association.

IN MEMORIAM

1943 Mary Zoe Doyle Klein on 10/27/2019

1948 Joan Lou Long Kolosso on 5/29/2021

1949 Lillian Molkentin Herriot on 7/21/2021

1950 Rosemary Bauer on 2/4/2021

1950 Patricia Slattery Flynn on 2/28/2021

1950 Eileen Burns Karmis on 5/30/2021

1950 Rosann Siegelin Madden on 4/1/2021

1950 Ruth Starshak Martin* on 7/20/2021

1951 Marilyn Briggeman Thimmig on 12/20/2019

1952 Joan Berry Ledebur on 2/2/2021

1952 Lillian Radseck Walsh on 7/29/2021

1953 Gail Gray Lofy on 1/27/2021

1953 Kathryn Leuver Sheeran on 5/1/2021

1954 Ellyn Lathers Beilmann on 4/7/2020

Celebrate Change.

Ready to try something new? At Trinity Woods, enjoy the freedom of maintenance-free living and time to pursue your passions. Say goodbye to the burdens of homeownership: leaf raking, lawn mowing, and the inevitable… snow shoveling. Change is good!

Opening Late Fall 2021

1954 Marilyn Hennessy on 3/27/2021

1954 Ruth Mueller on 6/12/2021

1955 Mary Oldershaw Lerps on 3/17/2021

1956 Virginia Milton Bowe on 3/18/2021

1956 Josephine Turkal Kopnick on 4/15/2021

1957 Jeanne Zilles Brunette on 3/8/2018

1959 Mary Kramer Wible on 4/10/2021

1960 Mary Cor Marie Cielocha, SSND, on 6/1/2021

1961 Carol Natalizio Hanrahan on 5/1/2021

1962 Kathryn Smithwick Morey on 9/4/2021

1963 Jean Arthur Laubach, SSND, on July 1, 2021

1967 Theresa Link Lesniak on 1/18/2021

1968 Alice Mary Druffel, SSND, on 4/2/2021

1970 Johnnye Roscoe Busch on 11/7/2016

1970 Linda Polachek Herkert on 3/16/2021

1971 Patricia Lipka Wax on 10/21/2010

1979 Cynthia Hoffmeister on 3/22/2021

1988 Mary Jean Metzdorf Hardt on 7/19/2021

1988 Mary Agnes McNulty Jones on 4/5/2021

1990 Elaine Mackinson Jacobson on 7/22/2021

2002 & 2011 Cyndie Weis on 4/18/2020

Non Degreed Alumnae

Margaret Lane Danielson on 2/18/2021

Esther Guzman Rhoades on 2/10/2021

* Fidelis Society member

The following is a list of deaths reported to us as of October 13, 2021.

Please contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at (414) 930-3025 or mmu-alumnae@mtmary.edu to notify us of the passing of an alum.

REFLECTION

that heightened awareness of the trinitarian life in which the sisters participate. God’s very being is a giving and a receiving of love, a community of radical equality and diversity in unity. God is what God does. In the dance of reciprocal love, the Trinity is not the dancers, but the dance itself. (If you are interested in learning more, I recommend the book by Richard Rohr, “The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation”). We make God visible by doing what God does. We live the life of the Trinity by a giving and a receiving of love and respect, a living together in trust. This is the dynamic at the heart of SSND community. This is the energy that the sisters bring to Trinity Woods.

By Joan Penzenstadler, SSND Vice President for Mission and Identity

There’s a new space on campus called Trinity Woods –a catchy name that, on the surface, seems obvious. The relations among Milwaukee Catholic Home, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and Mount Mary comprise this reality, which borders the wooded area on campus.

The significance and promise of this name, however, go far deeper, and hold the values and activity that make the gift of the sisters so very precious. The spirit of the School Sisters of Notre Dame flows from a spiritual heritage, which includes the gifts of St. Augustine, who formed a community to be of one heart and one soul, reflecting the very essence of God as Trinity.

Mindful of the mystery of God as love and desiring to explore their spiritual heritage more deeply, the sisters participated in a symposium on the Trinity this past summer.

Fr. Stephen Bevans offered language

The fact that the buildings of Trinity Woods adjoin the wooded area on campus also speaks of the living community. Suzanne Simard, a professor of forest ecology, notes the wisdom of a high-functioning forest. She calls the mature hub trees in a forest “mother trees” who “parent” or “elder” and pass on their wisdom in a mode of mutuality and reciprocity. So, in the woods, she says, “Every tree is linked to every other tree. All the little trees – the seedlings, the saplings are all linked into the networks that these old trees had established through their lifetime, and the biggest, oldest trees were the hubs of the network… The big old trees have big root systems. They’ve got many points of contact. And they have great big photosynthetic crowns that basically transmit energy into the ground that feeds the network.”

The School Sisters of Notre Dame are part of a vital network, continuing to be educators in all that they are and do, reflecting God’s life by their very being and living into the gift of Trinity Woods.

You can help make an education at Mount Mary University accessible for all.

If you donate now to the Resilient Young Minds Endowed Scholarship Fund, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar by the fund’s creators, alumna Lena Lee (‘85) and her husband Robert J. Stets, Jr.

Your donation will also trigger an additional matching federal grant supporting the university.

You’ll essentially be TRIPLING YOUR IMPACT!

PLEASE

BY

God’s very being is a giving and a receiving of love, a community of radical equality and diversity in unity.

Thank you to our alumnae, donors and community for your continued faith in Mount Mary.

We are grateful for your commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive learning community that educates students to transform the world!