STORIES OF RESILIENCE
The Class of 2024 triumphed beyond COVID to Commencement, balancing life, work, athletics and education
IN THIS ISSUE
Tech Bolsters Growth
Maryville attributes new AI investment to record enrollment growth, driven by 17 years of visionary leadership and the dedication of faculty and staff.
Generations of Impact
Maryville educator connects with former teaching student and her protégé to celebrate three generations of educating lives. These teachers share the beauty of educating our community and Maryville’s impact on education.
Adaptive and Accessible
Maryville Online celebrates 33,000 learners and reflects on the changing landscape of accessible learning over the last
Dear Friends,
The 2023 – 24 academic year was one of milestones, thriving innovation, new initiatives and unprecedented athletic success. We celebrated important benchmarks for our Kids Rock Cancer program (15 years), our Cybersecurity Center achieved national recognition (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense), and we launched a comprehensive health and wellness program for all students. We’re investing $21 million over four years in AI technology to facilitate student learning and five-star service. And we celebrated the beginning of a second decade of nationally recognized online programs in our School of Adult and Online Education (SAOE).
We also achieved unprecedented success in athletics:
■ Women’s and men’s DI club ice hockey were ranked No. 5 and No. 6 in the nation, respectively.
■ STUNT qualified for the national tournament and finished No. 3 nationally.
■ We continued our domination of esports, winning two more national championships.
■ Men’s soccer was ranked in the Top 10 and reached the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament.
■ Women’s soccer was ranked in the Top 25 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
■ Wrestling won a share of the GLVC championship, its first in program history.
■ Women’s bowling earned its first-ever GLVC championship.
■ Men’s lacrosse earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament, the program’s first ever.
■ Women’s lacrosse was ranked in the Top 10 nationally and was one win away from a final-four finish.
■ Baseball won its first GLVC championship.
■ For the 10th time in the last 12 years, Maryville athletics won the Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for Division II schools for student athlete graduation (90%).
Maryville continues to lead the way as we forge the access and opportunity revolution. Our strategic plan built on never raising tuition, innovative digital advancements that personalize and expand student learning, five-star service for all, and a profound commitment to outstanding student outcomes and career success sets us apart in an era of uncertainty in higher education. Maryville’s future is teeming with achievement, innovation and possibilities. Pass the word: Higher education’s future is safe in Maryville’s good hands. Thank you all for your generosity and good counsel.
Warmest regards,
Mark Lombardi, PhD
26 Grads Show Resilience
SHIFT FORWARD
Summit Puts Focus on Well-Being
Inaugural event designed to educate, empower Maryville community
MADAPTING WITH AI
aryville recently held its first Health and Well-Being Summit, a collaborative effort led by C. Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES© dean of student wellness, in collaboration with the student group Maryville HEROES, human resources and other University departments. Designed for the entire community, the goal of the summit was to inspire, educate and empower participants through personal growth and connection.
LEARN: Empowers informed health decisions through educational workshops that cover all eight dimensions of wellness.
EXPLORE: Encourages trying new wellness activities, focusing on broadening health support avenues.
CONNECT: Fosters community and support through group activities and social events, highlighting the value of social engagement in well-being.
THRIVE: Focuses on personal growth, resilience and a positive mindset through various workshops and sessions.
Maryville announces $21 million investment in AI and new technologies amid record growth
In a bold move that counters the conventions of more traditional schools, Maryville University has unveiled a substantial $21 million multiyear investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technologies. This groundbreaking initiative is set to transform the higher education experience. Powered by the latest technology, it will support student success and a five-star experience for thousands of students both on campus and online.
said Maryville President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “Our significant investment in AI and cutting-edge technology is focused on student success and five-star service. We are proud of our growth and our innovative strategic plan that will enable our students to thrive in the digital age.”
In 2022, Maryville rolled out a strategic plan designed to reinforce its position at the forefront of educational innovation.
Maryville is ranked as the third fastestgrowing private nonprofit university in the nation by the Chronicle of Higher Education, keeping a top-five ranking for the fifth consecutive year. The Chronicle also noted that Maryville has seen steady growth in undergraduate enrollment for 17 straight years, marking a 9% increase in its full-time undergraduate population in Fall 2023.
“Due to our record growth, Maryville University is committed to not only adapting to the changing dynamics of higher education but leading the charge,”
This plan has a laser-like focus on using AI and the latest in data analytics to provide a lifelong learner journey that delivers outstanding student outcomes. This financial commitment, along with deep partnerships with industry leaders such as Apple, Salesforce, BurstIQ and Capacity, means Maryville students across all its platforms will receive the finest education combined with five-star service.
The investment is in personalized, AIenhanced student support. The increase in capabilities in engagement, service, learning technologies and a leading-edge data ecosystem are all built to scale for growth
and power in AI. By integrating advanced technologies into the fabric of its educational model, Maryville is poised to redefine what it means to be a student-centric institution.
“With this technology modernization initiative, Maryville University is at the forefront of educational institutions embracing AI and data-driven approaches,”
said Phil Komarny, chief innovation officer.
“By leveraging a comprehensive data strategy and the capabilities of the Maryville Collective, the University is poised to revolutionize the academic landscape and set a new standard for personalized education.”
Maryville University’s vision of the future is clear: a world where education is more accessible, inclusive and effectively prepares students for the dynamic challenges of the modern workforce. With this new technological venture, Maryville continues to break barriers and uphold its reputation as a leading light in the academic community.
The four-day summit was a comprehensive initiative promoting wellbeing across Maryville University and highlighted the University’s commitment to wellness. It integrated the eight dimensions of wellness — academic, environmental, emotional, financial, social, belonging, purpose and physical — into almost 40 workshops and activities. Expert-led sessions provided a platform for sharing wellness strategies, fostering a supportive environment and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
“We’re trying to normalize, prioritize and destigmatize health and well-being on campus,” said Tacto. “It should be embedded in our everyday conversation. We look forward to learning more about our community and seeing its wellness journey unfold.”
The summit kicked off with keynote speaker Tianna Faye Soto, associate health and wellness editor for Women’s Health magazine, who discussed boosting happiness in our everyday lives. Workshops and activities revolved around four key pillars to enhance well-being:
The summit concluded with the Health and Wellness Festival, which showcased over 45 departments and local St. Louis businesses and organizations. The final day offered giveaways, interactive experiences and direct interactions with wellness experts, highlighting the collective effort to support well-being at Maryville University and beyond.
The Health and Well-Being Summit was a rousing success and will become an important new tradition at Maryville.
Get to know more about our participating programs!
A Rockin’ New Brand
Kids Rock Cancer celebrates 15 years with a new look
Kids Rock Cancer (KRC), an outreach initiative of Maryville’s music therapy program, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with a new look, new partnerships and a benefit concert. The program offers therapeutic songwriting sessions for children, teens and other family members who are dealing with a diagnosis of cancer or blood-related disorders like sickle cell disease. Kids Rock Cancer provides therapeutic services at no charge to families.
Kids Rock Cancer’s new logo and website were designed with an eye toward inclusion and accessibility. “We focused on KRC’s four tenets — self-expression, self-esteem, accomplishment and optimism — and brought them to life via the KRC characters,” said Gabrielle Young, executive director of strategic marketing and communications. “We think the new brand rocks!”
The program isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “We are marking our 15th anniversary by taking our mission to the next level,” said Damon Mitchell, development director of outreach programs. “We have the new logo and website; we held a Mother’s Day tribute concert featuring Brian Owens at
BUSINESS STUDENTS NETWORK, ELEVATE SKILLS AT NABA CONFERENCE
The Sheldon concert hall; and we’re developing game-changing partnerships to expand our reach.”
In addition, Maryville University is pleased to announce new members of its Kids Rock Cancer advisory board. The newly appointed advisory board consists of program and community leaders who will be instrumental in identifying future strategies and innovative opportunities and serving as ambassadors for Kids Rock Cancer.
Maryville University
Kids Rock Cancer Advisory Board:
Michelle Goetz, DO, FACOI, Population Health Palliative Medicine, Mercy Hospital Washington
Carolyn Lemen MMT, MT-BC, Music Therapist, SSM Health
Sherry Ward Vice President of Total Rewards, SSM Health
Laraine Davis Vice President of Community and Government Relations, Maryville University
Laura Ross Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Maryville University
accomplishment self-expression self-esteem
Students from the John E. Simon School of Business recently attended the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) regional conference in Minneapolis. NABA works to empower and inspire diverse professionals to reach new heights in their business careers and personal growth. The conference included keynote addresses by industry leaders, educational workshops, networking and the opportunity to meet the founder of NABA. Maryville students attended on scholarship and found it to be a rich learning experience.
First-year student Dion Starks, a Rawlings Sport Business Management major, said the workshops enhanced his skills and business knowledge. “We learned about money management and how to keep a business financially stable,” said Starks. “I also enjoyed making connections in the industry. Their knowledge can elevate my knowledge.”
Jaime Peters, DBA, assistant professor of accounting and assistant dean of accounting, economics and finance, said the conference opportunity was extended to non-accounting majors for a reason. “Accounting firms are now so much more than tax and audit,” she said. “Firms have massive consulting wings encompassing finance, cybersecurity, forensic accounting and more.”
The networking was a highlight for Starks. “It meant a great deal to me to connect with other African American students striving to be successful in finance and business,” he said. “It was an opportunity to celebrate Black excellence with them.”
Holocaust Survivor Encourages Others To Be Upstanders
Maryville University welcomed Holocaust survivor and motivational speaker Sami Steigmann to campus, sponsored by Maryville Hillel. Students, faculty and staff joined Steigmann, one of the last surviving witnesses of the Holocaust, to hear his story of survival and his perspective on hope, life and faith. Maryville Hillel has hosted the annual Holocaust speaker series since 2015. “From the first year we brought a survivor to campus and had the library fill up, it became clear that the Maryville community wanted to learn more about the Holocaust and its lessons,” said Joey Abeles, manager of Maryville Hillel. “Each year, we learn that it’s important to stand up against hate.”
Steigmann has students moderate his discussions because he likes to demonstrate that young people can be leaders. Maryville student and Hillel President Teri Klein was chosen to lead the discussion as Steigmann shared his potent message of being an upstander and not a bystander. He also reminded the audience that the Holocaust may be in the past but is not necessarily a one-time thing. “The policies, steps and feelings that led to the Holocaust can happen again,” Abeles said. “The ‘othering,’ the dehumanizing, sometimes seems like it’s happening again today.”
Steigmann, 83 years old at the time of his presentation, flew in from New York and had only one request: that he be afforded an opportunity to speak at as many places in St. Louis as possible. Abeles lined up
speaking engagements in several local school districts, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School and more. “He’s the most energetic 83-year-old I’ve ever met,” Abeles said.
Steigmann made an impression on everyone he met in St. Louis. “He’s a joyous man,” Abeles said. “When I first met him, he called me over and demanded a bear hug. I gave him a hug, and he said, ‘No, that’s not a bear hug. You have to squeeze me as hard as you can!’ That’s who he is.” Abeles believes the message shared is clear. “At Maryville, everyone is valuable. Whatever background you come from, whatever your family status, you have a place here.”
Cybersecurity Space Rebranded as Cybersecurity Center of Excellence After Earning National Recognition
In early 2023, Maryville University was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense for its undergraduate cybersecurity curriculum, granted by the National Security Agency (NSA).
The designation is awarded to regionally accredited institutions offering cybersecurity programs at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels.
This led the University to rebrand the cybersecurity classroom space as the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE).
The CCoE combines academic excellence
with real-world experience to position Maryville students to succeed while raising cybersecurity awareness throughout the community.
“We know that the federal government, in particular the National Security Agency (NSA) and Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), embodies the highest standards of cybersecurity for our nation,” said Brian M. Gant, EdD, associate dean of the John E. Simon School of Business. “As an NSA-accredited Center of Academic Excellence (CAE), both current and future Maryville students will receive
education from established curriculum, competency development, community outreach and leadership development. Maryville focuses on the integration of cybersecurity practice across all disciplines within the institution, which prepares students for the cybersecurity challenges of the future.”
The CCoE allows Maryville students to learn, practice and develop workforceready skills in an immersive, real-world environment. Students will enjoy using the CCoE space for years to come.
Maryville proudly displays the new NSA designation for students in their active learning environments.
CAREER CLOSET HELPS
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The Office of Student Success and the Office of Career and Professional Development recently co-launched The Career Closet, a resource for all Maryville students.
The Career Closet is located in Student Success and provides Maryville students with new or gently worn business professional attire for career fairs, networking events and on- and off-campus interviews. The resource is free to all students, and the closet is jam-packed and growing. This resource was made possible by the generous donations of Maryville’s staff, faculty and campus partners.
Arren Romeril, director of career success coaching and employer partnerships, shared some of the thought process behind the closet: “We wanted to provide our students with five-star service and something nice to wear to important events, regardless of socioeconomic status. Some students felt uneasy attending career events because they lacked business attire. The goal was to take at least one burden off their minds as they navigate their future career journey.”
Maryville continues to find ways to support its students and, with the launch of this resource, the student success team is taking yet another step toward providing members of the student community the resources they need to succeed. NEW
Maryville Students, Industry Leaders Connect at Business Symposium
Maryville hosted its first Inclusion in Business Symposium in March.
Presented by the John E. Simon School of Business in partnership with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the symposium afforded students the opportunity to hear from industry leaders and engage in networking with business professionals from a variety of organizations.
The symposium was organized by Antoinette Boyd, EdD, assistant professor of business; Brian Gant, EdD, associate dean in the John E. Simon School of Business; and Nina Caldwell, EdD, vice president, diversity, equity and inclusion.
The half-day event kicked off with a panel discussion featuring:
Titus Blackmon, diversity and inclusion system lead, SSM Healthcare
Dr. Tiph Jones, chief economic inclusion officer, YWCA Metro St. Louis
Lamont Orange, global chief information security officer, Cyera
Scott Chadwick, chief of corporate partnerships, interim dean of the John E. Simon School of Business, Maryville University
“What a wonderful event,” said attendee Carla R. Lively, supply chain and innovation leader. “And the panel was very impressive — including hearing the stories of what experiences led those individuals to work in higher education. I hope to see this event grow and evolve in the years to come, but most importantly, continue!”
Students learned about the importance of career readiness in areas such as intercultural communication and fluency and received tips on career success in professional and business environments. Following the panel discussion, the symposium concluded with a networking reception. Students gained valuable networking experience as they made connections and engaged in conversation with industry professionals.
Gant said the symposium was an important event for students. “One of the key principles of Maryville’s strategic plan is diversity and inclusiveness. What better way to demonstrate our commitment to this endeavor than hosting our own Inclusion in Business Symposium, connecting students with industry leaders in a multitude of business circles?”
Carla Lively, manager of supply chain at Boeing, interacts with Maryville students.
Lamont Orange, global chief information security officer at Cyera, networks with students.
Saints Serve StudentstraveledtoAtlantaforaspringbreakservicetrip
PLACE STAMP HERE
Steve DiSalvo, director of service and spiritual life, led a group of students on an educational, service-oriented spring break excursion to Atlanta. Students packed meals at Open Hand Atlanta and planted trees at Chastain Park. The group visited Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Ebenezer Baptist Church, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, the Fernbank Natural History Museum, and the World of Coca-Cola. Upon departure, students made reflection videos on what they learned on the trip. It was a fulfilling experience!
From left, Aaliyah Wirthwein, Melly Sands, Steve
and Eva
pose with a tree they planted.
Melly Sands carries pots that had held the now-planted trees to the Trees Atlanta truck.
From left, Oliva Navarrete, Lucy Lopez, Taia Condie, Micaiah Johnson, Eva Gusha, Willie “Lee” Cody, Eva Wilson, Melly Sands and Aaliyah Wirthwein at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Students pack meals for people with chronic illnesses at Open Hand Atlanta.
From left, Aaliyah Wirthwein, Melly Sands, Micaiah Johnson, Taia Condie and Willie “Lee” Cody visit Ebenezer Baptist Church at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta.
From left, Micaiah Johnson, Willie “Lee” Cody and Taia Condie.
DiSalvo
Wilson
Steve DiSalvo and students spent the morning volunteering at Zoo Atlanta.
Touring the World of Coca-Cola Museum.
FACULTY / STAFF NEWS
JAN LOTT JOINS MARYVILLE AS NEW HR DIRECTOR
Maryville welcomes Jan Lott, MA, SHRM-SCP, to Maryville University as its new executive director of human resources. Lott brings over 25 years of experience at some of the largest employers in St. Louis, including BJC Healthcare and Enterprise Rent-ACar. Most recently, she served as vice president of human resources at the Doe Run Company. Throughout her career, Lott has overseen a variety of human resource functions, including recruiting, training, performance management, leadership development, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, and organizational development. Lott also has successfully led organizational change efforts to enable companies to better meet the needs of their customers and the markets they serve.
Renovations to Health and Wellness Space Designed to Improve Service
Maryville recently completed renovation of its health and wellness space, located adjacent to the library on the west side of campus.
Several upgrades have also been made to enhance and improve service delivery and recordkeeping systems.
According to C. Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES©, dean of student wellness, “We made many improvements to the space, and we’re happy to say the clinic offers more comprehensive health services and is now ADA-compliant, with specific changes made to the door at the entrance.”
Maryville is merging its student health clinic with student counseling. The combined entity will be called Student Health and Counseling Services (SHAC).
“This will allow us to look at their collective processes more holistically,” said Tacto.
“The merger includes combining two patient health information systems into one. Appointments will be easier to make via the web, and health records easier to maintain.”
In addition, iPads will soon be installed at the health clinic and counseling center to enhance the patient check-in process.
“This will make it easier to gather consent forms and get students the care they need,” said Tacto. “It’s more tech-driven and more seamless for administrators to collect data by monitoring the traffic flow and make improvements to care.”
Maryville has also hired a new licensed clinical social worker, Tonia Green. “This is a game changer for the University,” Tacto said. “She’s housed in between the counseling center and Student Success’ life coach team, easily guiding students through their Maryville experience to ensure they’re well supported and resourced to be successful.”
JESSE KAVADLO, PhD, professor of English, published a chapter in the new academic book Don DeLillo and the Arts. Kavadlo, a noted DeLillo scholar, titled his chapter “Phones, Words, and Silences: On Performance and Performativity in DeLillo’s Narrators.”
C. OLIVER TACTO, DSW, MPH, CHES© was the closing keynote speaker for the 2024 Well-Being in Higher Education: Raising Literacy and Advancing the Conversation Conference. He was also named ACHA Central College Health Association Affiliate member-at-large representative for the state of Missouri.
JESS BOWERS, PhD associate professor of English and humanities, released her debut fiction collection, HORSE SHOW, published worldwide by Santa Fe Writers Project. The book garnered advance praise and is already in its second printing.
Maryville Trustee BETH RUDDEN, MA, recently appeared on the Masters of Scale podcast with Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, to discuss ethically scaling artificial intelligence. She also delivered a keynote presentation at SXSW EDU on her company’s work with Maryville.
KYRA KRAKOS, PhD, professor of biology, is overseeing final field data collection of orchard flowering and pollination on the USDA grant she manages with 10 Maryville students.
CHRISTINA BRANSON, MA, instructor of humanities, and ALEXANDER WULFF, PhD, associate professor of English and director of the Writing Studio, have worked on a strengths-based tutoring model for academic support that aligns with Maryville’s life coaching model and increases student appointments.
BRIAN GANT, EdD was named associate dean in the John E. Simon School of Business. He was also named to FOCUS St. Louis’ emerging leaders spring cohort.
JOSH TEPEN, executive director of design and development, recently attended the RTM Spring Higher Education Congress. He received the Dave Perry Award for Dreaming Big in Innovation at the 2024 Salesforce Education Summit.
DANIEL SCHMIDT, MBA, senior program coordinator for the Rawlings Sport Business Management program, led a group of students to Las Vegas for the first Las Vegas Classic. Students gained valuable industry experience in promotions, media and operations.
KENT BAUSMAN, PhD, professor of sociology, was recently interviewed by Yahoo Finance on upward social mobility, a topic near and dear to his heart. He’s also co-teaching a multidisciplinary course on poverty.
SCORING REAL-WORLD
EXPERIENCE
“It showed me that everything we take in, in the classroom, is apparent in the real world. It helped me connect the dots and better understand everything we’re learning.”
ADDISON KOTH, ’27
Rawlings Sport Business Management students make connections at Women’s College World Series
BY NANCY FOWLER
Maryville University has always prioritized realworld immersion, but a recent event hit it out of the park for two Rawlings Sport Business Management students.
Michala Fairchild, ’26, and Addison Koth, ’27, jumped at the chance to represent Rawlings Sporting Goods at Fan Fest, part of the 2024 Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. The event is an interactive experience in which attendees hobnob with players, test their pitching skills and peruse the latest sports equipment. Both students are grateful Jason Williams, assistant dean of the John E. Simon School of Business and director of the Rawlings program, encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunity.
“Being able to help out a great company like Rawlings was something I’ve always wanted to do,” Koth said.
The 11-year-old educational partnership between Maryville and Rawlings Sporting Goods aims to turn a student’s passion for sports into a career they love. At Fan Fest,
Koth and Fairchild chiefly worked a booth at which they demonstrated a variety of bats to young athletes and their parents. Koth, who plays softball for the Maryville Saints, said she enjoyed connecting the players with young attendees to discuss the merits of different bats.
Koth also saw Fan Fest as an opportunity to hone skills she might use in her future career, including brand awareness. She noted the strategic placement of a large, inflatable baseball embellished with the words, “Rawlings, Official Ball, NCAA Championship.”
“They made sure to put the ball in a specific spot so that when people take pictures, the photo has ‘Rawlings’ at the top,” Koth said.
Fairchild, a Maryville soccer player who envisions a career in marketing, enjoyed learning about strategies such as creating demand for specialized products.
A controlled supply of pink and blue-andpink gloves were available, along with a limited-edition bat.
“That was our bestseller the entire weekend,” Fairchild said.
Both students appreciate the networking opportunities Fan Fest provided and the
variety of Rawlings employees they met: store managers, bat and glove specialists and social media professionals. Through conversation and activities, they learned what it’s like to work in these positions.
One Rawlings social media expert created a video featuring Fairchild and Koth and tagged them in an Instagram reel. Fairchild was excited to see the attention the post brought to her account.
“A lot of other people from Rawlings followed me after that video,” Fairchild said. “And now when people look at my Instagram, it shows I worked with Rawlings.”
The experience strengthened Fairchild’s desire to focus on marketing.
“The connections I made will be helpful if I want to work at Rawlings,” Fairchild said.
“But also if I want to work somewhere else.”
At Fan Fest, Fairchild and Koth saw classroom knowledge come to life in a working environment, illustrating Maryville’s Active Learning Ecosystem.
“It showed me that everything we take in, in the classroom, is apparent in the real world,” Koth said. “It helped me connect the dots and better understand everything we’re learning.”
Michala
CUTTING EDGE TRULY ON THE
Occupational and physical therapy programs use new digital dissection device to enhance learning
BY NANCY FOWLER
An innovative digital device that replicates cadaver dissection is enhancing the learning experience of Maryville’s occupational and physical therapy students.
In Fall 2023, the OT and PT programs welcomed a Sectra Table, an immersive and interactive touch device. The table has replaced 50% of the cadavers that formerly would have been needed for labs. Cadavers are costly, hard to obtain and difficult to maintain, said Robert Cunningham, assistant dean for the Walker College of Health Professions and director of the OT program.
Over the past few years, Cunningham and his colleagues envisioned the benefits of digital dissection. In Fall 2022, he asked that funds for the 3-by-4-foot table — $100,000 including licenses and software — be included in the following year’s budget. As he’d hoped, it was approved.
“That illustrates the importance Maryville places on active learning and being studentcentered,” Cunningham said.
The arrival of the table coincided with a wave of innovation. OT students had recently begun working with cadavers already dissected by faculty and graduate students, providing them with many additional learning hours, and 3D-printed skeletons complete with removable, realisticfeeling clay muscles joined the lab.
Fall 2023 also marked the first time PT offered its own anatomy classes. The first reaction to the digital table by students in both programs was excitement, said Laura Landon, assistant professor of occupational therapy.
“It was like Christmas morning,” Landon said.
After an initial learning curve, instructors, then students, began to realize the device’s full value. Only a couple of students at a time can interact with cadavers. But because their iPads have the same software as the table, an entire classroom can participate at once.
For example, a roomful of students can use iPads to zoom in on an image such as the brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the shoulder, and virtually dissect it at their own pace in order to problem-solve.
“They will see, ‘Oh, the nerves are way down there, the muscles are sitting on top and here’s where it is in relation from the neck down to the fingers,’ ” Landon said. This method also allows students to study and manipulate the images at home. In addition, it’s sparking deeper collaboration between the OT and PT programs. This year, a new virtual reality
component will enable students to point to a particular muscle or other body part, pull it out and turn it in space.
“We’re just going to keep getting better at using the technology,” Cunningham said.
“So I can’t even imagine what’s going to happen down the road.”
Laura Landon, third from right, shows students Maryville’s new Sectra Table to examine the area around a woman’s ovary. The interactive table allows
Education
links three generations
of teaching professionals
BY TIM FOX
Three Maryville University educators have proven the truth of the saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
In 2002, Jen McCluskey, PhD — currently Maryville’s vice president of student success — joined Maryville as director of retention initiatives. The position had a teaching component, and just a year after McCluskey arrived, she welcomed an eager first-year student to her M-Pact Scholars class.
That student, Jill Loyet, EdD, was one of about 20 students in 2003 who had received M-Pact scholarships — financial awards that required serving the campus community. McCluskey’s class helped awardees develop projects to meet the scholarship’s service requirement.
A TALE of THREE TEACHERS
From left, Jen McCluskey, PhD; Tamira Davis, MA; and Jill Loyet, EdD, share a bond that can be traced from classroom to classroom, starting at Maryville.
The impact a teacher can have on someone’s life is longstanding — and it’s beautiful.
Jill
Loyet, EdD, former student of Jen McCluskey, PhD, and former teacher of Tamira Davis, MA
“Jill was phenomenal!” McCluskey recalled. “She was one of the few students in that class who did not live on campus, but she was always there, always active.”
Part of Loyet’s project, the Getting Acquainted Program (GAP), involved recruiting student musicians to perform at lunch in the Donius University Center.
“She had just arrived in August, but by November she had recruited all these students and was putting on shows that put some extra life into campus during the day,” McCluskey said. “She was so creative, and it was fun to watch her grow, develop, prosper and thrive at Maryville.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree in English in 2006, Loyet became an eighth grade teacher at St. Louis’ Parkway Southwest Middle School. In her first year of teaching, she had a young woman named Tamira Davis, MA, as a student.
“I had a challenging group of eighth graders, but Tamira lit up the room,” Loyet said. The two stayed in touch through Davis’ high school years at Parkway South High School, and after school, Davis worked with 4- and 5-year-olds at a KinderCare Learning Center up the road from South High.
Davis initially attended the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff for college, where she chose to study education, before returning to St. Louis and continuing her studies at Harris-Stowe State University. Following Loyet’s advice, Davis transferred to Maryville to finish her degree.
“Maryville had such a great education program, and I especially liked that it focused on taking a very personal, one-onone approach,” Davis said. “When I became a teacher, I continued that approach in the classroom.”
Seven years after that eighth grade class, Davis took another class under Loyet, who had become an instructor at Maryville. Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in early childhood and elementary education from Maryville, and she spent the next two years teaching sixth graders at Central Elementary. She then returned to teaching 4- and 5-year-olds at Duchesne Elementary. Davis, who went on to
earn her master’s in educational leadership from Maryville and obtained her principal certification, now has five years of professional experience in early childhood education.
Then, in December 2023, the FergusonFlorissant School District posted a photo of Davis on social media, recognizing her as Teacher of the Year — and that’s when this full-circle story fell into place.
Loyet saw the district’s post. Proud of her friend and former student, she shared it on her Facebook page. McCluskey saw Loyet’s post and immediately made the connection: Davis had taught her sons at KinderCare.
“All the connections between us are so
cool,” McCluskey said. “I had Jill in my first class, she had Tamira in her first class and then Tamira taught my sons!” McCluskey even produced a letter of recommendation she penned for Loyet 20 years ago. “I believe the School of Education and Jill Loyet make a wonderful match,” she wrote. But where did this letter come from in 2024? “Perhaps my computer files go back a little too far,” McCluskey joked. Davis noted that she always greets her students with a smile, no matter what, and she prides herself on adapting quickly to children’s short attention spans and rapidly changing moods.
“Constant innovation is central to what we do at Maryville, and that’s taking Tamira far in this profession,” McCluskey said, “But what I remember most about Tamira is her genuine care and concern for my baby. Her smile says, ‘I’m going to set aside what’s going on in my world because my students need me and I want to serve them.’ ” Loyet, who now has a master’s and doctorate in education from Maryville, believes the three teachers’ story is more than coincidence. “These interconnections demonstrate the power of teaching,” Loyet said. “The impact a teacher can have on someone’s life is long-standing — and it’s beautiful.”
Tamira Davis, center, taught the sons of Jen McCluskey. McCluskey, left, taught Davis’ eighth grade teacher, Jill Loyet, right, at Maryville.
BY NANCY FOWLER
Log into an online course at Maryville and join a community of students working toward shared goals that change lives. Learners engage in ways beyond what you might typically imagine as an online student. Through Maryville Online, students are immersed into dynamic learning experiences, such as a 360-degree crime scene investigation, complex patient diagnosis simulations and AI-augmented business development experiences.
In 2011, Maryville made the decision to launch online programs. The decision stemmed from changes in the market, like the influx of for-profit institutions, and from listening to students about their needs. Maryville was largely driven by expanding access and opportunity.
At the time, the University was known for serving nontraditional students with the Weekend and Evening College programs for 30 years. The site-based model was sufficient, but as technology advanced, so did expectations. “We were listening to our students,” said Katherine Louthan, dean of the School of Adult and Online Education. “They had busy lives and were less interested in driving across town at night and sitting in class for four hours after a long day of work.”
Maryville strategically chose two nurse practitioner programs, the Master of Science in nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice as the first step into the rapidly growing online market. An important factor in developing nursing first was to drive the importance of high-quality online academic programs. Healthcare programs at Maryville are recognized as some of the strongest in the region. Maryville knew these outstanding
ONLINE LEARNING: ACCESSIBLE AND ADAPTIVE
THRIVING IN THEIR SECOND DECADE, MARYVILLE’S ONLINE PROGRAMS
CONTINUE TO OPEN DOORS, UTILIZE NEW TECHNOLOGY
Katherine Louthan, dean of the School of Adult and Online Education, and Dan Viele, now retired dean of the school, have been instrumental to the growth of Maryville’s online programs.
AI-ENHANCED EXPERIENCES PROVIDE STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY
TO LEARN THROUGH COMPLEX, SCENARIO-BASED SITUATIONS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THEIR INDUSTRY.
programs would provide proof of quality and external validation through accrediting bodies and licensure boards.
“We knew if we could succeed online in rigorous graduate-level nursing, we could take any program online,” Louthan said.
As student needs evolve, Maryville Online remains driven by access and opportunity, while continuing to innovate the hightech and high-touch experiences that keep students motivated in their work. Maryville provides personalized learning and creates a sense of belonging for learners who are balancing education with competing life priorities. What was once considered a unique modality has since become an organic part of the learning experience, even for traditional students. For Maryville, this shift came naturally. “We have always focused on building community and creating a sense of belonging, regardless of how students choose to learn with us. We continue finding new and creative ways to help students achieve their goals,” Louthan said.
THE NEXT LEVEL
Initially, Maryville contracted with an outside company to produce its online offerings. A goal was to enroll 400 students within three years. It took only one term to reach the mark. Seeing the potential, the University hired Dan Viele to bring the work in-house. Viele, the now-retired dean of the School of Adult and Online Education, built the team, a production studio and supported faculty and instructors in the online learning design process.
“After their experience, many instructors say, ‘It provided new perspectives and made me a better teacher,’ ” Viele said.
By the time Mykale Elbe, assistant dean of nursing, arrived at Maryville in 2015 as an instructor, online learning had come a long way. Lacking experience, Elbe was nervous. But after a thorough introduction, she jumped into teaching online.
“Orientation was very helpful,” Elbe said. “I liked that we offered the live sessions for students to talk with faculty and that we had a variety of assignments and not just discussion boards or papers.”
As technology progressed, Elbe’s students began enjoying a growing number of
engagement opportunities that illustrate the University’s Active Learning Ecosystem. Now, students participate in practice telehealth visits in which instructors pretend to be patients and students, the nurses. One scenario involves a sore throat. Students must determine if the patient has strep, mono, an upper respiratory infection or acid reflux.
“The activity gives students the opportunity to work through many possible diagnoses,” Elbe said.
PROLIFERATION OF TECHNOLOGY
From the beginning, Maryville has been intentional about providing access to technology that enhances the online learning experience. One of the first tools was the “green screen,” which makes it possible for instructors to provide creative lectures, such as discussing the Roman Empire while appearing to be in front of the Colosseum. Other devices include the “lightboard,” a see-through glass board on which instructors facing the camera from behind the board write out ideas or formulas, and the Surface Hub, a 70-inch touch screen. It’s similar to the screens TV weathercasters use to illustrate the path of an approaching heat wave or thunderstorm, said Tom James, creative director of the School of Adult and Online Education.
“It’s a way to walk students through complex problems and theories in a way that they can see,” James said. Students can learn through gamified activities, enter a 360-degree construction zone for a safety lesson or explore a forensics crime scene. They can see what living with disorders might be like by donning virtual reality headsets to experience visual and auditory challenges. The format is in line with how students operate in the rest of their lives, James said.
“ALL IN FOR AI”
Maryville began incorporating AI into its online math curriculum in 2016. Today, AI is playing a larger role and can be found throughout the curriculum. For example, AI-supported chatbots greet students and answer essential orientation questions while virtual assistants and specialized business partners complement classroom
experiences. AI-enhanced videos offer experiences like business owners sharing the needs of their business, virtual patients speaking with their healthcare provider or a group of Spanish speakers navigating a day at the office for a lesson in conversational Spanish.
In the conversational Spanish course, co-workers begin by introducing themselves as others join. Soon, three or four individuals are engaged in conversation, said Pamela Bryan Williams, chief strategist of learning design and development.
“They’re talking about their day and the type of work they’re going to do and who to go to for help,” Bryan Williams said.
“Through these experiences, students can practice listening, interpreting and responding to authentic conversations in a growth-oriented environment.”
AI-enhanced experiences provide students the opportunity to learn through complex, scenario-based situations that can occur in their industry, something that might not be possible without AI.
“We are all in for AI-enhanced learning with new tools in development. We are excited about the opportunities that AI provides with respect to student learning, resources and retention” Bryan Williams said. “As for the future of AI within the online experience, we are only limited by imagination.”
SOURCE OF PRIDE
In 2018, Maryville ambitiously launched 30 online undergraduate programs for the millions of Americans who have college credit but no degree. Today, the University offers over 50 online degree programs. More than 6,000 of Maryville’s more than 10,000 students are currently enrolled in online programs, and many others are taking one or more online classes.
“It’s opened doors for people from rural and underrepresented urban communities to complete degrees or earn certificates,” said Maryville President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “Online learning is a great way to democratize access to education.”
Maryville’s early advancement in online learning meant the University was well positioned to serve students when the pandemic hit. During that period, it became evident how much online and on-campus offerings complement each other.
“There’s much to appreciate about Maryville’s success in online learning,” Lombardi said. “It’s one of the things I’m most proud of during my time as University president,” he said.
Providing rigorous, quality education while fully engaging students is a hallmark of excellence in online learning. Aaron Rippelmeyer, DNP, ’15, said Maryville succeeds on both fronts. Rippelmeyer was
part of the first cohort of online nursing students. Through phone calls, texts and email, the cardiology nurse practitioner formed important bonds with classmates.
“We were quite engaged and became online friends,” Rippelmeyer said. Aeron Sheffield, BSN, ’19, DPN, ’23, said the personal touch Maryville offers was critical to earning an online advanced degree. The medical spa owner said he became overwhelmed while working on an important paper during clinicals, but instructor Rita Wunderlich saved the day.
“Over Zoom, we talked about how to take some of that pressure off my plate,” Sheffield said. “She made everything seem less intimidating.”
This past December, an online nursing student in Louisiana illustrated her close relationship with the University by bringing her husband, children, parents and in-laws to graduation.
“We have entire families who want to be here, wanted to know us, wanted to learn more,” Bryan Williams said. For her, the interaction sums up her hope for creating lifelong relationships with all students.
“We want students to feel proud and connected to Maryville,” Bryan Williams said.
“And that they had experiences that enabled them to take the next step in their career with memories that will last a lifetime.”
When he came to Maryville as dean of the School of Adult and Online Education, Dan Viele, center, and his team built a production studio to support the online learning design process.
2020 2020
A Winding Road
From COVID to Commencement
This year’s graduating class weathered a storm unlike any other in recent memory. The graduates were high school seniors when the COVID-19 pandemic upended life in March 2020, abruptly robbing them of hallmark experiences like prom and graduation ceremonies. Undeterred by the tumult, yet still facing the specter of the pandemic, they pressed forward in August 2020 to pursue their
BY CHRIS REIMER
degrees at Maryville. Now, after persevering through virtual classes, social distancing and quarantines during high school and the first semesters of their college life, they made it to the finish line. This resilient class walked across the stage in cap and gown as newly minted Maryville University graduates — a hardearned triumph over adversity. How did they do it? Here are their perspectives and experiences, in their own words.
ABBY DREYER NURSING, TRACK AND FIELD
CALISSA SWAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CAMERON THOMAS FINANCE
CLAIRE DOLL EDUCATION, HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS AND MATHEMATICS
JULIE ANN V. LIM BIOLOGY
PARIS THOMAS NURSING
INTERRUPTION AND ANXIETY
DREYER: We were getting ready for the start of track season, senior sunrise, AP tests, prom, graduation — all the fun things you do in your senior year. Excitement was building, and then we got the notification that the school district would be “taking a pause” for two weeks.
LIM: I was sad about not having a graduation. It was more of a slideshow on YouTube Live. Everyone was in their house. We did a drive-by to pick up our diplomas. I was valedictorian, but then I was just a picture on a slideshow.
SWAN: I was so stoked about prom. I was like, “I’m going to be the prom queen!” My speech was so good. And then we received the email that prom had been canceled. My spirits were down. That’s a part of our culture I missed out on. You think about prom as a little girl.
P. THOMAS: We were planning our senior trip, which never happened. I graduated valedictorian in an empty arena. My siblings couldn’t even come watch me graduate. These were my dreams being halted.
C. THOMAS: I never got a senior yearbook because most of the fun activities that go in the yearbook got canceled. That hurt. We have pictures on our phones but nothing else to commemorate our senior year.
TRANSITION AND CONNECTION
LIM: I came to Maryville all the way from Hawaii, and people thought I was crazy. I got here and said to myself, “COVID is happening. I don’t need to talk to anyone. I don’t need to make friends. I’m here to study and get a degree.” This was a mental thing for me — put on a tough face. I didn’t want to get my hopes up. If I tried to make friends and didn’t, I thought I’d be sad.
RESILIENCE AND CLOSURE
SWAN: I was so involved on campus, but I’m actually very shy. Maryville helped me get out of my shell. That’s what Maryville does to you. It’s the Maryville effect! The school helps you become a great leader. I have so many positive memories of Maryville. I’ve been crying these past few days just thinking about it. This is such a great school. It was the best experience of my life.
DOLL: Every day we were getting thrown some new challenge, some hurdle to jump over, some technology issue to overcome. We just had to keep going. It was sink or swim, and sinking wasn’t an option. After that, we had been through so much that college seemed easy.
LIM: I had doubts about making it to the end. But I’d always remind myself that the worst-case scenario isn’t failing a class. It’s that the world could come to an end. So, no matter what, things were going to be OK.
C. THOMAS: I just kept reminding myself, “It’s always going to get better. Life is a marathon, a hilly marathon.” Everything did get better. We all got to know each other, and we created a community. We made Maryville our own. My classmates and I played a part in lifting Maryville back up after COVID.
P. THOMAS: I remember my first night at Maryville, my first day at college. It was eerie. It was just too quiet for the first day of my freshman year. I did get to know my suitemate. The RAs did a good job of helping us to get to know each other.
C. THOMAS: I was so excited to come to Maryville and experience the vibrancy of campus. My mom gave me a reality check when she said, “Honey, that’s not going to happen right away.” Staff helped us connect with each other with Zoom, text messages and virtual events.
DREYER: The social aspect of that first year was a little rough. It was so hard to find a group of people to get to know. It was intimidating not knowing the people around you. It’s hard to hold a positive mindset and be a cheerleader for other people and yourself when so many negative things are happening. At the end of my first year, I met some of the most amazing people. Going into sophomore year, things were more normal, and we made up for lost time.
LIM: Once the masks started coming off, I was able to make more connections with professors. In person, I was able to put faces with names that had previously just been on a screen. Breakout rooms became group projects. I ended up making the best friends.
C. THOMAS: In October 2020, the Potter RAs all dressed up in onesies for Halloween. We got to see each other in these silly costumes. They were throwing candy in our rooms. It was a memorable experience during a difficult time.
SWAN: Maryville did a good job of making it feel normal, even though it wasn’t. Professors facilitated classes and got us talking to each other. When the mask mandate got lifted, we were already communicating with each other. It was like, “Oh my gosh, this is what you look like!”
DOLL: Sophomore year, I signed up for Saints Nation, and that’s what jump-started everything. I was with people who had lonely freshman years just like me. When I felt alone, it turns out I wasn’t alone! Friendships and my involvement on campus grew from there. I said to myself, “Let’s make up for lost time.”
C. THOMAS: The scale used to tilt toward, “I’m just going to stay in my room.” First semester junior year is when people started coming out of their shells. I give credit to the freshman class that year because much of their high school experience was online, lived with restrictions, cooped up for two years. They were ready to get to college!
DOLL: I’m going all out for Maryville graduation because I didn’t get that in high school. We’re getting dressed up, we’re getting nails done, we’re doing everything humanly possible to enjoy it! I can’t wait.
SWAN: Everyone has a new appreciation for life. People aren’t scared anymore to live as their authentic selves. We never thought the world could stop, but now we know it’s possible, so we’re living our best lives. You can’t control everything, but we can live with no regrets.
2024 2024
LEGACY LIVING UP TO THE
BY DARLA FERRARIO
What positive difference can one alum make? Look to Lonnie Folks, ’82, ’98, former director of athletics and recreation, for an extraordinary example. His devotion to his alma mater has been woven into the fabric of Maryville itself, spanning his 45 years as an athlete, alum, coach, director and donor.
For Folks, Maryville athletics has been more than a career. His work has influenced state-of-the-art facilities, championships and inaugural programs. Collegiate sports have a profound impact in the lives of students — shaping leaders; forging lifelong friendships; and teaching invaluable lessons of teamwork, resilience and integrity. Folks’ work drove a collective understanding of this impact and the inclusion of the student-athlete’s perspective into Maryville’s mission.
A GOLDEN ERA
Folks’ Saints athletics journey began as a men’s soccer and baseball player, where he encountered firsthand the challenges student-athletes face when balancing their
academics and athletics commitments.
He knew the value in reaping the reward of hard work after Maryville soccer named him Freshman of the Year in 1978.
He used these understandings to shape his time as a coach, taking his soccer, softball and basketball teams to championships. His success as a coach gained him recognition, including being twice named SLIAC Coach of the Year. In 2009, his time as an athlete and coach was recognized when Maryville inducted him into the Athletics Hall of Fame.
He returned to Saints Nation in 2018, this time as director of athletics and recreation. Upon his triumphant return, he shared his expertise not only within the athletics department but also across the wider Maryville community.
“Lonnie’s tenure has been a golden era of mentorship, growth and community building at Maryville. His relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the field, has not only uplifted our athletic programs but also fostered an environment of access and opportunity where our students excel academically
and personally,” said Maryville President Mark Lombardi, PhD. Folks’ time as director of athletics and recreation was punctuated by stellar accomplishments — including new programs, facilities construction and a record number of GLVC championships and NCAA postseason appearances.
Awarded the NCAA DII Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence five times
Established programs:
– Stan Musial Sports Scholarship
– Overwatch (esports)
– Rocket League (esports)
– Valorant (esports)
– Women’s field hockey
– Men’s ACHA M1, M2 and M3 ice hockey
– Women’s ACHA M1 and M2 ice hockey
– Women’s lacrosse
– In-line roller hockey club team (reinstated)
Won historic GLVC championships:
– 2024 baseball
– 2024 men’s wrestling
– 2024 bowling
– 2022 first GLVC champions in same season for men’s and women’s soccer
– 2022, 2021, 2018 men’s soccer
– 2022 women’s soccer
– 2021 men’s golf
Developed facilities:
– 2019 Maryville University Ice Hockey Center
– 2019 Maryville Athletic Complex
– 2018 Track and Soccer Pavilion
LEGACY LIVES ON
Upon his retirement in May 2024, Folks passed the baton to Brittany Fennell. Fennell, who had served alongside Folks as assistant director of athletics since 2016, ushers Maryville athletics into a new era. The expertise Folks shared will continue to influence Saints athletics and the lives of its student-athletes.
Folks’ enduring legacy will live on in another way, too — Maryville awards members of the University’s athletic community who demonstrate the values of good sportsmanship, stewardship, service and spirit with the Lonnie Folks Award.
Folks Field.” maryville.edu/lonnielegacy
As a permanent marker of his legacy, the alumni community is campaigning to name the Maryville soccer field in his honor. Folks continues as an active alumnus and Maryville donor, helping to ensure the continued high quality and integrity of Maryville athletics. Laraine Davis, ’16, vice president of community and government relations, expressed that “Lonnie has been a beacon within our community. His vision and dedication have elevated Maryville athletics to unprecedented heights. We honor his legacy by supporting the next generation of student-athletes, ensuring they receive the same opportunities to excel both on and off the field.”
“IF I’M ANY GOOD AT ALL TODAY, IT’S BECAUSE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT I HAD AT MARYVILLE AS A STUDENT AND AN EMPLOYEE.”
LONNIE FOLKS
Scan to learn more about the campaign to name the Maryville soccer field “Lonnie
A NEW CHAPTER IN HER SAINTS STORY
Tell us about your background and how you first found your way to Maryville.
As a first-generation college student, navigating the college search process was intimidating. I knew I wanted to attend college, but the considerations of how far from home I was willing to go, what the financial burden would be and what I wanted to learn were important questions. With the unwavering support of my mom, I applied to just three universities within a two-hour radius of home. The sacrifices she had made for my older brother and I fueled my desire to find a small, communityoriented university close to home that would foster my personal growth. Upon visiting Maryville’s campus, my decision was easy after immediately feeling welcomed, valued and safe to be myself.
What transpired over the next four years is a series of fond memories. I completed two years of the nursing program before deciding I enjoyed what I was doing outside the classroom more than inside the classroom. After getting involved on campus, I had discovered a new passion of serving lifelong learners, so I changed my major to psychology/sociology on the second day of my junior year with the goal
of working in higher education. The sense of belonging and acceptance I felt during my first visit to Maryville remains to this day.
What was your first role on Maryville’s staff?
After completing graduate school, I rejoined Maryville as an assistant director of admissions in Fall 2014, where I gained valuable experience in first-year and transfer student recruitment. As I built relationships with prospective students and their families transferring to Maryville, I discovered my passion for supporting students beyond their initial decision to join Saints Nation. With the support of Jen McCluskey, PhD, vice president for student success, whom I have had the privilege of knowing and being mentored by since my student worker days in 2008, I transitioned to the role of life coach in 2016. At the time, the life coach model was only in its second year, yet was making an immense impact and capturing the attention of fellow higher education institutions. The opportunity to be part of a brand-new, innovative and forward-thinking student support model was a privilege and truly unlocked my career growth trajectory at Maryville.
What are your goals for your new role at Maryville?
In my new role, my ultimate goal is to champion a digital-first approach to studentcentered service and support throughout the learner journey, while collaborating with colleagues in the Division of Student Success and Digital Learner Experience to adopt and utilize innovative technology to make the business of being a student easy and seamless. With over a decade of experience in student success generalist and leadership roles, combined with my passion for leveraging emerging technology, my new role has positioned me to utilize my strengths to impact the on-campus and digital student experiences. I thrive at the intersection of behind-the-scenes operations and front-line service, which energizes me to collectively build a seamless, personalized experience for all our students through this new digital layer of the learner journey.
Describe the importance of our student success team and their work.
The Division of Student Success is an immensely talented team of professionals committed to providing a personalized, five-star experience for our students.
Julie Krebel’s Maryville journey has taken her from student to assistant director of admissions to life coach. Now, as the executive director for digital strategy and service, Krebel brings the same passion for the University she’s had since first visiting campus.
The collective work we do with partners across the University ensures our students can focus on their academic and career goals while spending minimal time completing the business tasks required of being a student. We are reimagining our coaching philosophy to provide holistic and dynamic support to all students in the areas of academic, career, digital and financial success. This innovative approach to student support requires leveraging real-time data and hyper-personalization to ensure that coaching conversations occur organically throughout every interaction students have with support teams or digital resources.
If you had to describe Maryville in one to two sentences, what would you say?
At Maryville University, we foster a diverse and inclusive community where every learner not only belongs and matters but also has the opportunity to thrive while pursuing their personal and career goals. Our growing community of students, faculty, staff and alumni embodies the spirit of Saints, driven by a shared mission to positively influence our world and leave a lasting legacy.
TIEMANN
puts the in
“TEAM”
BY TIM FOX
Don’t call the Maryville Saints women’s lacrosse team a “Cinderella story.”
Though the Saints closed the 2022 season with a 4-8 record, everyone who loves the team knew a big turnaround was always in them. They had talent. They had the basis for success. They just needed to put the puzzle pieces together.
Head coach Melissa Gyllenborg delivered an essential missing piece when she moved to Maryville from McKendree University at the end of the 2022 season. When McKendree standout Sydney Tiemann, ’24, followed Gyllenborg to Maryville that fall, another critical building block fell into place.
With the help of Tiemann, assistant coach Carly Shisler and other leading Saints like Ronnie Skorcz, Helen Bae and Jessie Hynes, the team achieved a 17-3 record in 2023 and advanced to their first NCAA Tournament. The team entered the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Tournament with 18 victories, the most in school history. They set the school record for longest winning streak, and their No. 6 ranking in the IWLCA poll was the highest in program history.
Along the way, Tiemann continued breaking scoring records and receiving coveted GLVC designations. In 2024, USA Lacrosse Magazine
named her Division II Preseason Player of the Year.
“It’s amazing where we are now compared to where the team was just a few years ago,” Tiemann said. “But even when coaches Gyllenborg and Shisler were my coaches at McKendree, I always wanted to win so badly, and I’m always ready to learn.”
Gyllenborg and Shisler agreed Tiemann was always ready to improve and her attitude was contagious. As a senior in the 2024 season, Tiemann also took on the role of team captain.
“Sydney is an all-around great person,” Gyllenborg said. “She’s a leader on and off the field. She holds herself and the other players accountable and loves to compete.”
Shisler added, “As younger players join the team, they look up to Syd as an example. She is so confident and sure of herself that she’ll show them old films from her early years and point out her own mistakes. She’s not afraid to critique herself to help other players grow.”
Tiemann started playing lacrosse in seventh grade. One day, her PE teacher suggested she try lacrosse. It combined her knack for hand-eye coordination and her passion for running.
At Maryville, lacrosse became an important social outlet for Tiemann, too.
Shisler noted that while Tiemann was concerned about the social aspect when she joined the Saints, the team allowed her to be herself. Tiemann also leaned into the challenge. Though she lived off campus with her family in Eureka, Missouri, Tiemann spent most of her time on campus.
Class of 2024 graduate leads Maryville women’s lacrosse to new records and first NCAA Tournament
“That’s where most of our team bonding takes place outside of practice,” Tiemann said. “We play pickleball together, have coffee dates, hang out in the locker room or go out for team dinners. Most of my friends are athletes, and the girls are so fun to be with.”
Those friendships also paid off when the team was not performing as well as they knew they could or when team members were in a slump.
“It’s amazing where we are now compared to where the team was just a few years ago.”
Sydney Tiemann, team captain
“Last year, we lost to Indianapolis three times. We were all flustered. When that happens, we’ll try to hype each other up, or if an individual is just down, we’ll take them out to lunch or just hang out — anything not lacrosse-related!” Tiemann laughed.
As a scholar-athlete, Tiemann found Maryville academically rigorous; however, she said her new environment helped her become more strategic with her time.
“Maryville is a great school, and it is challenging,” said Tiemann, who majored in marketing. “To balance school and sports, I scheduled my classes around my daily weightlifting and lacrosse practice.” Gyllenborg and Shisler both instilled a high-energy, positive vibe, and music was an important part of keeping the players moving and motivated — especially for Tiemann.
“Her mom is a line dance instructor, and Syd loves dancing, too,” Shisler noted. “Every now and then, Syd will know one of the songs and practice stops as she leads the team in a line dance. We have video of her leading 12 other players in a line dance. She is fun and easygoing, but when the ball hits the stick, it’s all business.”
That combination of hard work and fun prepared the team to battle on the field. Tiemann credited Gyllenborg and Shisler with creating an atmosphere where the players could “click” when competing. And the atmosphere in the stands often included professors attending home games.
“The culture here is truly special and unique,” Gyllenborg said. “I’ve never seen professors in the stands before, but they turn out for Maryville, and sometimes they’ll gather to celebrate before games. That helps us with our on-campus recruiting efforts.”
As Tiemann approached the end of her collegiate lacrosse career, she was grateful for the opportunity to compete at Maryville.
“Our coaches hold us all to a higher standard,” she said. “I’m really excited to see what they will build in the future.”
1000 Saints Celebration
In late February, Maryville held its 1000 Saints annual celebration in Simon Center. The night included performances by Maryville Dance and Maryville Cheer, a goodbye to retiring athletics director Lonnie Folks, Louie and LJ whipping the crowd into a frenzy, and impassioned performances by the Maryville Pep Band. Most importantly, both women’s and men’s basketball brought home big wins for Saints Nation!
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
WORLD STAGE AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION
ESPORTS CHAMPIONS
Maryville is the dominant esports collegiate program in the United States, boasting national championships, major tournament titles, world recognition and multiple players moving to the professional level. This year, Maryville clinched the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Championship for the newest team, Rocket League, marking a significant milestone in the University’s burgeoning program.
National Esports Collegiate Conference Legends 2024
National Association of Collegiate Esports 2024 Spring, 2023 Fall, 2023 Spring, 2022
National Association of Collegiate Esports 2023 Fall, 2023 Spring
Overwatch Collegiate Championship 2022, 2021, (2020 finalist) College League of Legends Championships 2019, (2024, 2023 finalist)
University League of Legends 2017
North Conference 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017
University of Kentucky Invitational 2023 Fall, 2023 Spring
Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup 2023
Unified Esports Festival 2022
LA Comic Con Invitational 2022
National Association of Collegiate Esports Open Premier 2022 Fall Gateway Legends 2022, 2021
SixtySix Games 2021
University of California Los Angeles Invitational 2020
Harrisburg University Esports (HUE) Fest 2020, 2019 Varsity Series
(HUE) Fest 2019, 2018
Esports Collegiate Program of the Year 2021
Starlan Gaming Club Top 3 2020 International Collegiate College Cup World Finalist 2019
Collegiate World Finalist 2019
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Fennell Takes Helm as Director of Athletics
Leader has brought expertise, passion to program since 2016
Maryville University proudly announced the promotion of Brittany Clarke Fennell to the role of director, athletics and recreation.
Fennell has been an integral part of Maryville’s athletics program, serving as associate athletics director (AAD) and senior woman administrator (SWA) since July 2016. Her dedication, leadership and commitment to student-athletes have earned her this well-deserved promotion. In her previous role as AAD and SWA, Fennell oversaw key aspects of the athletics department, including NCAA compliance efforts, financial aid coordination, academic support and Title IX compliance. Furthermore, she served as the sport administrator for women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, tennis and lacrosse programs, bringing her expertise and passion to every step of her journey.
President Mark Lombardi, PhD, expressed his congratulations, stating, “Brittany’s promotion to athletic director is a testament to her exceptional dedication and leadership within our University community. Her commitment to our student-athletes’ success and the growth of our athletics program is beyond commendable. We look forward to her continued success in this new capacity.” Fennell’s contributions extend beyond the Maryville campus. She has been an active member of the NCAA Division II regional women’s golf committee and has participated in several conference committees. Her dedication to both
“The opportunity to serve in this role helps to continue the tradition of excellence that Maryville is known for.”
BRITTANY CLARKE FENNELL, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Maryville University and the broader collegiate athletics community is exemplary.
Vice President of Student Life Raphaella Prange added her congratulations.
“Brittany’s impact on the lives of our student-athletes is immeasurable. Her unwavering commitment to their success, both on and off the field, has made her an invaluable member of our community.
Brittany’s passion for building collective partnerships and inclusion will create even stronger connections between our athletics programs and campus community. We are excited to see the positive changes she will bring as the new director.”
Prior to joining Maryville University, Fennell gained valuable experience at the University of Central Florida, where she held positions as assistant director-monitoring
and later associate director of compliance, overseeing eligibility for a substantial student-athlete population. She also served as a compliance assistant at Eastern Michigan University and interned at the University of Michigan.
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Fennell earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Michigan.
Subsequently, she completed her master’s degree in higher education-student affairs at Eastern Michigan University.
“The opportunity to serve in this role helps to continue the tradition of excellence that Maryville is known for,” Fennell said.
“It is my goal to grow the University’s athletics program and take it to new heights that undeniably serve Maryville and our broader community.”
Alumni leave their mark by writing books, rescuing animals, educating students; others celebrate jobs, weddings, births, retirement.
1960s
Kathleen “Kathy” Rogers Coffey, ’69, of Castro Valley, Calif., recently published a book, A Generous Lap: A Spirituality of Grandparenting The book talks about the importance of a grandparent’s role as a spiritual model and in providing spiritual wisdom in the life of their grandchildren.
1970s
Martha “Marti” Barrett, ’72, of Jacksonville, Fla., recently retired after 22 years as a senior vice president at Bank of America.
1980s
Patricia “Patti” Mielke, ’86, of Ballwin, Mo., has fully embraced being retired from AnheuserBusch. One of her “pet” projects is volunteering with Second Chance Ranch. Their mission is to give senior dogs a second chance with a forever family or live the best remainder of their lives right there at the ranch. Patti set a great example by adopting two of their dogs: Puppet, 11, and Jolene, 12. They are thriving in their new environment. Patti’s newest hobby is travel in general and specifically hiking and biking in preparation to hike the North Rim to the South
Rim of the Grand Canyon and bike the full Katy Trail — once she has recovered from recent knee replacement surgery.
1990s
Dr. Jennifer “Jenni” M. Nebgen, ’92, of Montrose, Colo., received a certification for canine rehabilitation in 2005 and a doctorate in physical therapy in 2017. She will be celebrating her second anniversary with her husband, Tom Maceyka, on Sept. 20.
Laura K. Derickson, ’93, of St. Louis, was promoted to trade marketing manager at Booksource. This is her second promotion in four years.
1 Darin W. Sorrell, ’97, of Brentwood, Mo., is excited to share that his son, Will, was accepted into the 2024 freshman class at Maryville University.
Bridgette Sava Evans, ’98, of O’Fallon, Mo., has wrapped up her 23rd year of teaching and looks forward to more years to come!
2000s
Lauren L. Curtis, ’02, ’03, of St. Louis, enjoys volunteering with Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
Activities include training, caring for the animals, and helping educate the public through tours and by visiting local schools to share with students about the ranch activities and animal welfare.
Dr. Heather Pemberton Stamer, ’03, of St. Charles, Mo., is a physical therapist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Her focus is as a clinic therapist in neurology, cerebral palsy and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) follow-up clinics.
Christa Hendrickson Barr, ’05, of Florissant, Mo., is happy to share that she is a certified healthcare interior designer.
Dr. Amanda L. Nuyt, ’06, ’07, of Perryville, Mo., is a clinic manager and physical therapist with Athletico Physical Therapy in Perryville. She is also the Perryville High School girls’ assistant basketball coach.
Sara Hotze Lane, ’07, of Tolono, Ill., accepted a position as director of human resources at Dawson Logistics in October 2023.
Michael “Mike” Spring, ’07, of Westfield, Ind., joined Johnson Brothers in 2022 as a retail director. He is excited to announce his promotion to general manager at Johnson Brothers.
THE WORK WAS WORTH IT
Valerie Fortier, DNP, ’17, ’23, had dreams of accelerating her nursing career but faced many of the challenges online students encounter. As a single mom, she needed a school that would allow her the time to work, maintain a household and take care of her kids. “At first, was looking for schools near me, but it turns out that online school was the way to go,” Fortier said. “I wanted to advance my career in nursing and take care of myself and my family.” She earned her Master of Science in nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Maryville University. Originally from Quebec, Canada, Fortier spoke French as her first language, but she learned English at the age of 21 when she moved from Quebec to Halifax, Nova Scotia. She moved to the United States when she was 22. She currently serves as a nurse practitioner in the ER at Carle Health in Peoria, Illinois, and as an adjunct instructor at Bradley University. She finds her work at Carle to be gratifying. “We take care of people in their time of need. love solving puzzles and working to identify the problem. It’s very rewarding.”
Walking across the Commencement stage and shaking the president’s hand was a thrill Fortier didn’t want to miss in 2023. “Due to scheduling conflicts, didn’t attend Commencement for my master’s degree,” she shared. “So, when I finished my doctorate, I planned everything well ahead of time. It was so important for me to be there with my children (ages 14 and 12). They observed me studying and writing at all hours of the night, so I wanted them to witness my graduation and realize that hard work does pay off. Commencement weekend was my first visit to campus. “Of course we went to the M Store, and my son wanted to buy all the Maryville T-shirts. Then he insisted I get a commemorative brick on the campus Graduate Walkway. He said, ‘Mom, I’m going to bring my kids here someday. It’s going to be part of our family forever.’ ”
Fortier has a healthy outlook on what her time at Maryville means. “My story is only one of thousands,” she said. “There are many students at Maryville just like me, getting their degree online while working a job, taking care of a home, kids, aging parents and more. Skipping bedtime stories, staying up studying till 1 a.m. A lot of work goes into school, especially as an older adult. But never doubt that you can do it.”
Kelly L. McClain, ’08, ’13, of Edwardsville, Ill., became the new Litchfield School District superintendent in 2024.
Bryan S. Pearlman, EdD, ’08, of St. Louis, is the co-founder and head trainer of Most Valuable Professional Development. As an esteemed educator and mental
Kristen D. Wann, ’11, of St. Louis, is the director of human resources at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) in St. Louis.
Victoria “Tori” Tyner Dunnam, ’12, of Royse City, Texas, welcomed her first son, Parker, on Dec. 30, 2021, and is expecting her second child in July 2024.
health advocate, Bryan has set a goal to reach 100,000 educators to positively impact the lives of millions of students through traumainformed care, mental health, challenging behaviors and effective problem-solving strategies.
2010s
2 Jenna Bartak Patterson, ’10, of St. Peters, Mo., married Jeremy Patterson in Wentzville, Mo., on Nov. 4, 2023.
3 Lauren Dieckmann Piel, ’10, of St. Louis, and her husband welcomed their second child, Zoey Piel, on Feb. 27, 2024.
4 Margaret “Meg” Kurtz Pearson, ’11, of St. Louis, married Nick Pearson, of Kansas City, Kan., on Jan. 13, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in South St. Louis. The reception was held at the Chase Park Plaza. While a cold and snowy day, it didn’t keep her Maryville family from celebrating together.
Kimberlee Calvert, ’13, of Collinsville, Ill., is a certified medical-surgical registered nurse.
5 Stephanie Oldani Doerr, ’13, of Wright City, Mo., welcomed Ronald James Doerr on July 18, 2023.
6 Alicia Smock Smith, ’13, of De Soto, Mo., is currently working as a human resource recruitment coordinator for Jefferson College in Jefferson County, Mo. Alicia was one of 12 selected from 100 applicants for the College and
University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) Human Resources National Ignite Leadership program for 2023 – 24.
Nicole Vetter, ’16, of Belleville, Ill., will serve as a family care nurse at SSM Health Medical Group in Mt. Vernon, Ill.
INVOLVED AND GIVING BACK
Joel D. Hermann, ’09, ’11, took an important message to heart during his time at Maryville. Saints students are encouraged to “get involved on campus,” and Hermann’s numerous extracurricular activities not only enriched his Maryville experience; they led him to a career and a nonprofit organization he remains involved with today.
“I transferred to Maryville my sophomore year,” Hermann said. “I got involved with Orientation, the Center for Student Engagement, University Week of Welcome, Saints Nation and more. My involvement at Maryville likely led to my current role as senior director of community engagement at Fontbonne University.” Hermann works with student leaders, supervises orientation programming and advises the Omicron Delta Kappa chapter, into which he was inducted during his time at Maryville. Hermann first worked with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) as a graduate student at Maryville. “We took a team of students to a program called Dance Marathon at Washington University in St. Louis, and that sparked my passion for the organization.” Dance Marathon is run by college students on campuses all over the country and involves students dancing for six to 12 hours straight, all to raise money for children in need. “We used to go dance just for fun, but then we started to understand the importance of the mission. may never have discovered CMN had it not been for Maryville.”
Hermann was recently appointed to the Children’s Miracle Network of Greater St. Louis’ board of trustees. Coming full circle, he will serve as the Dance Marathon Committee chair, assisting area high schools and colleges in raising funds and awareness for the nonprofit organization through programming and philanthropic efforts.
Getting involved during his college years was the start of his appreciation for giving back. “Being an orientation leader was my first love at Maryville. needed that time at Maryville to grow as a young person and figure out why it mattered.”
Hermann’s advice for the current generation of Maryville students? “Leadership is not about position. It’s about action. You may want a fancy title, but you can make a difference no matter what. Don’t hold back.”
VALERIE FORTIER, DNP, ’17, ’23
JOEL D. HERMANN, ’09, ’11
NEVER-ENDING CONTRIBUTION
Kathy Quinn, EdD, ’85, ’16, arrived on Maryville’s campus in 1981 as an undergraduate student, ready to make her contribution to Saints Nation. No one could have predicted, however, the breadth and depth of the impact she would make.
Here is just a brief overview of her roles and accomplishments at Maryville: four years of varsity tennis; three years on the basketball team (a two-sport athlete!); interim director of residential life (immediately following graduation); assistant women’s basketball coach; men’s and women’s tennis coach; assistant dean of students; director of student activities; senior woman administrator for athletics; first faculty member in the Rawlings Sport Business Management program; adjunct faculty member; University Seminars instructor; associate dean of students; dean of students; interim director of public safety and health and wellness (while also serving as dean of students); and associate vice president for strategic projects.
Throughout these many years, what has she learned about Maryville and herself?
“Two things,” Quinn said. “One, perspective is everything. At times, I’ve said to myself, ‘How am going to do all of this?’ But then considered it an opportunity to not only make my contribution but to learn about these different areas and continue my own personal and professional growth.
“Two, in the almost 45 years I’ve been here, so much has changed. But the focus on our students has been the one constant.”
Word to the wise: Don’t challenge Quinn in cornhole. It never ends
well for her opponents. “It all started by accident,” Quinn explained.
“One day went outside to interact with students on the Quad, and they invited me to play. I sunk my first four throws, which raised a few eyebrows.”
Quinn is also an inventor, holding several patents. Her latest entrepreneurial venture aligns well with Maryville’s expertise in health professions. “Kay Inspired was a tribute to my mom, Kay, who lived with mobility issues after a few hip surgeries,” Quinn said.
“She lamented her inability to dry off after showering. had some ideas but put them to the side.” After seven years and the passing of her mother, Quinn wanted to do something to honor her legacy, and the Mobility Towel was born. “I’ve learned some expensive lessons along the way, but I’m honored the product has helped people maintain some functional independence.”
In her fifth decade of involvement at Maryville, Quinn continues giving and learning. “I love making a difference, even if it’s one person at a time.”
7
Ashley Daniels, ’17 of Mt. Vernon, Ill., is a primary care nurse with the SSM Health Medical Group in Mt. Vernon. She earned a Master of Science in nursing from Maryville in 2017.
Valerie Fortier, ’17, of Dunlap, Ill., began the online nursing master’s program in 2013 as she worked full time and cared for two preschool-aged children. She graduated in 2017 with a Master of Science in nursing, which has helped her live a more stable life. In 2020, she returned to pursue a nursing practice doctorate and is proud to announce her graduation in December 2023! She enjoyed her first time visiting campus with her dad and two children. Valerie shared: “I am happy that have pushed through two advanced degrees in a foreign language while being a single mom and working full time. I taught my kids the invaluable lesson that a little determination can take you a long way!”
Emily Greenstein, ’17, of Horace, N.D., an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in podiatry, has joined Essentia Health-South University Clinic.
Nathan Burch, EdD, ’19, of Ballwin, Mo., is the principal of Claymont Elementary and was recently selected by the St. Louis Elementary Suburban Principals Association as the Distinguished Principal of the Year for the St. Louis Region.
2020s
7 Emma Pinson Layton, ’20, of St. Peters, Mo., married her best friend, Cole, on Oct. 7, 2023.
Temeka T. Buggs, ’21, of Dothan, Ala., joined Dothan Behavioral Medicine Clinic as a nurse practitioner in October 2022. She earned a her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner postmaster’s certificate from Maryville.
Joan Luttig Schoor
1948 – 2024
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Maryville University has lost a great friend and benefactor with the passing of Joan Luttig Schoor, age 75. Schoor was beloved by many at Maryville and is being remembered as a remarkable individual whose legacy of community service and commitment to education leaves an enduring impact on future generations.
Schoor worked as an administrative assistant at Washington University Medical School and was a member of Maryville University’s National Leadership Council, as well as the Stars Society of St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the Lamplighters Society of the St. Louis YMCA. She also served as president of the Crestwood Women’s Club and was a volunteer and gardener at the historical Sappington House in Crestwood, Missouri.
Schoor and her late husband, Bob, were champions of Maryville’s mission to expand educational access and
opportunity. They became staples at campus events, and their contributions greatly benefited Maryville students, particularly those in the Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions. In honor of their generosity, Maryville named the Robert E. Schoor and Joan Luttig Schoor Undergraduate Nursing Program (in the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing) after the couple in 2018. In acknowledgment of her tireless leadership and inspirational commitment to advancing higher education at Maryville, Schoor was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in higher education leadership on April 25, 2020. Maryville remembers Joan Luttig Schoor with gratitude and sends deepest condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.
KATHY QUINN, EDD, ’85, ’16
In Memoriam
1950s
Mary Louise Gavan, RSCJ, ‘56
Marjorie Hogan Thiel, ’56
Jane Venneman Sulze, ’58
Roberta Marie “Joy” Chauvenet Hopkins, ’58
Rose Marie Koerner, ’58
1960s
Judith “Judy” Gerlach Shimkus, ’60
Kathleen Burkemper Hopper, ’61
Nancy Ghio, RSCJ, 63
Susan “Sue” Schurk Emerson, ’65
Patricia (Pat) Kelly Ford, ‘67
Mary Claire Purcell Ucinski, ’68
1970s
Pamela “Pam” Schilling Korns, ’72
Mari-Louise O’Neill Donovan, ’73
Dorothy Engelland O’Rourke, ’74
Mary Carmody Hodapp, ’76
1980s
Patricia “Pat” McLaughlin Bolling, ’83
Mary Jacqueline Buck Liddy, ’85
James “Jim” D. Shepardson, ’87
2000s
Joseph L. Toenjes, ’06
2010s
Tammie Bowles Hickman, ’16 44
8 Michelle Bishop, ’23, of Southaven, Miss., is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau National Society of Leadership and Success.
9 Amar Hodzic, ’23, of St. Louis, recently completed his first year working at Boeing and also
celebrated a promotion to L3 full information systems security officer.
Allison Partin Portwood, ’23, of Castroville, Texas, recently graduated from Maryville University’s Master of Health Administration program.
Bonnita Smith, ’23, of Lapwai, Idaho, is working as a certified speech-language pathologist assistant (C-SLPA)
in a public-school setting in Idaho and is applying to several speech-language pathology master’s programs.
Danielle E. Urness, ’23, of Hermantown, Mo., is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in vascular surgery at Essentia Health — St. Mary’s Medical Center.
LIVING OUR CORE VALUES: Maryville hosted Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. as the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day speaker. Glaude led a conversation with University faculty, staff and students emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion as core values and how taking personal responsibility can lead to transformation.
Brian Nedwek,
PhD
1941 – 2024
Maryville University mourns the passing of Brian Nedwek, PhD, at age 82. Nedwek previously served as vice president of academic affairs at Maryville, as well as interim president. He was a champion for excellence in education and held numerous senior leadership positions in higher education throughout his career.
Nedwek also authored or co-authored more than a dozen scholarly works and consulted widely on academic planning and quality management. He leaves an enduring legacy as a scholar and dedicated university administrator who was generous with his knowledge.
In an essay published in The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), Nedwek wrote, “There may be the physical loss, but does not that person live on in our memories? The key to a fuller life is realizing it as an intricate set of interdependencies that never cease. Change, yes, but never die.”
The Maryville community offers deepest condolences to Nedwek’s family, friends and colleagues.
