Maryville Magazine Fall/Winter 2023

ENHANCING STUDENT

Dr. C. Oliver Tacto Joins Maryville as Dean of Student Wellness

IN THIS ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS

Maryville community members enjoy a nature walk on Student Wellness Day. Pictured, from left: Dahlia Bertolino; C. Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES®; Aretha Hardrick, EdD; and Ash Doherty.

A Day of Service

Maryville Reaches Out sends over 1,200 students, faculty and staff into the community to give of themselves. What they come back with can’t be measured.

EDITORIAL

Editor: Chris Reimer

Design and Layout: Cisneros Design

Contributing Writers: Nancy Fowler, Tim Fox, Chris Reimer, Gabbie St. Pierre, Genetta Tomnitz-Sucher, Katie Totra, Gabrielle Young

Contributing Photographers: Max Bouvatte, Dan Donovan, Caleb Kincheloe, Chris Reimer, Adam Wurr

ADMINISTRATION

President: Mark Lombardi, PhD

Vice President, Community and Government Relations: Laraine Davis

Executive Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications: Gabrielle Young

Be Well

C. Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES®, brings a vision and renewed focus on student wellness to Maryville University.

16 Teaching 1 Turns 10

Take a trip down memory lane and review what 10 years of Teaching 1 has taught us about the DNA of Maryville.

Keeping Connected

Maryville faculty teaching online classes needed a way to replicate the critical human connection offered by on-ground learning. The answer? A platform called Slack.

Playing Is Learning

Maryville’s CA2 program opens a brick-and-mortar space, and families are flocking to the science, technology, engineering and math classes offered.

32 Farewell to a Legend

Director of Athletics Lonnie Folks prepares to retire from Maryville, leaving a legacy of transformation and mentorship.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends,

Our Fall 2023 semester was truly an amazing time of achievement and wonder for our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Our enrollment triumphs continue to amaze and defy the prevailing trends, as we registered our 17th consecutive year of undergraduate enrollment growth and were named the third fastest-growing private university in the nation by the Chronicle of Higher Education Maryville Reaches Out (MRO), our annual day of service, set a record for participation across the region as we worked with over 100 community-based organizations throughout the metro area. Our awardwinning music therapy program celebrated 50 years of outstanding education.

We launched several incredible AI-based initiatives designed to revolutionize and augment student services and learning for close to 10,000 students across the nation.

In athletics, we achieved new heights in our fall sports, including NCAA appearances in men’s and women’s soccer; GLVC accolades in volleyball, cross-country and field hockey; and dominance in two new esports leagues, Valorant and Rocket League. We also once again won the Division II President’s Award for academic excellence, with over 90 percent of our student-athletes graduating in four years.

We also welcomed an incredible team of achievers in student life, building upon decades of success under the leadership of new Vice President Raphaella Prange. This helped us renew our profound commitment to a comprehensive approach to student wellness under the leadership of C. Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES®.

Together, an amazing array of faculty and staff are designing the future of Maryville University with a collective, innovative and digitally forward set of values. All of this fine work is rooted in one fundamental truth: Maryville is the innovative leader in higher education, forging a revolution in student learning that expands access and opportunity for all.

As always, thank you for your good counsel, unwavering support and deep passion for this good and great University.

Warmest regards,

Mark Lombardi, PhD

SHIFT FORWARD

Undergraduate Enrollment Continues to Grow

Maryville University announces an over 9 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment for Fall 2023.

In the face of an ever-changing higher education landscape, the University announced an over 9 percent increase in the undergraduate population for the 2023 – 2024 academic year.

This surge in enrollment not only reflects the growing demand for Maryville’s unique programs but also highlights the University’s pivotal role in shaping the future of education and commitment to access and opportunity.

President Mark Lombardi expressed his enthusiasm for the extraordinary achievement.

“Our growth is a testament to the innovation of our faculty, the quality of our programs and our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional 360-degree experience for our students. It is also a signal that empowering students from around the country is a vital need for the digital economy of today and tomorrow.”

Maryville has seen undergraduate enrollment growth for 17 consecutive years and now has over 6,000 undergraduate students and more than 10,000 total. This significant spike solidified the University’s status as one of the top 10 fastestgrowing private universities in the nation.

Shani Lenore-Jenkins, vice president for enrollment, shared insights into Maryville’s recruitment strategies. “When I arrived 17 years ago, I kept hearing phrases like ‘hidden gem’ and ‘best kept secret’ when people spoke about Maryville. Well, I can proudly say we’ve dropped the ‘secret’ and ‘hidden’ part of these phrases,” Lenore-Jenkins shared. “In addition to the growth and expansion of the Maryville brand, I believe our personalized and innovative approach to engage with prospective students and their families through the college search process has undoubtedly contributed to our sustained enrollment growth.”

Maryville has seen undergraduate enrollment growth for 17 consecutive years and now has over 6,000 undergraduate students.

Cybersecurity Program Earns ‘INSIGHT’ Award

Maryville’s cybersecurity program received the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The award honors the program for offering local startups and nonprofit agencies cost-free IT security analysis and knowledge about compliance requirements. In turn, these partnerships provide Maryville cybersecurity students the opportunity to practice and develop workforce-ready skills.

“One of the pillars of Maryville’s strategic plan is diversity, equity and inclusion, and we’ve worked hard in our tech programs in the School of Business to be intentional about diversity in both our curriculum and the activities our students engage in outside the classroom,” said Brian Gant, PhD, assistant professor of cybersecurity and assistant interim dean of the John E. Simon School of Business. “Partnering with startups and nonprofits provides a critical business service that might not otherwise be affordable and gives our students the real-world experience they’ll need to start their careers.”

Gant said the award is already opening doors for the program. “We held our Cybersecurity Summer Institute this past year, and both parents and students were asking about the award. We also hosted Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club on campus. The Maryville name has already been out in the community, but winning this award reinforces our message,” he said. “I’m passionate about tech, our community and diversity, so this award means a great deal to me personally. We’re working to ensure that everyone knows how committed the institution is to diversity, and we’ll continue to drive impact in the lives of young people in our community.”

For those considering a career in cybersecurity, Gant’s message is clear. “There is no ‘best time’ to explore a career in cybersecurity, except now. You can have experience or no experience. You can be in high school or a working professional ready for a career change. Cybersecurity offers access and opportunity to a rewarding career to people from all walks of life.”

POWERING THE FUTURE: EV CHARGING STATIONS INSTALLED ON CAMPUS

The University took a giant leap toward sustainability and embracing the future of transportation with the recent installation of two Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus. These stations, strategically located in front of Buder Hall and in front of the Donius University Center, will revolutionize the way we power our rides and contribute to a greener campus environment.

Equipped with two charging ports each, the stations have the capacity to service up to four cars simultaneously. Maryville students, faculty and visitors can power their electric vehicles efficiently while on the go.

To ensure easy identification of the charging stations, the designated parking spaces have been striped green and are marked with pavement stencils to highlight their purpose. A range of payment options are available, including pay at the station, pay via the Blink app and with a Blink RFID card.

The two EV charging stations are more than just a place to plug in. They signify the University’s commitment to sustainable practices and innovation. Plug in, power up and drive toward a more sustainable future!



Suspended tongs minimize cross-contamination, and digital signage displays nutrition and allergen information.

Raising the (Salad) Bar

Maryville adds high-tech self-service station to on-campus dining options.

Maryville’s food service provider, Fresh Ideas, has partnered with Swedish company Picadeli to install a tech-enhanced salad bar in Gander Dining Hall. Picadeli salad bars are found across Europe and increasingly in American grocery stores. However, Maryville is the first university in the United States to install the salad bar.

Linda Thacker, director of dining services, saw the unique salad bar at her local supermarket and wondered if it could improve Maryville’s dining experience.

After some due diligence (including many taste tests), a partnership was forged and the Picadeli salad bar debuted at the start of the 2023 – 24 school year.

“We are always looking for new, innovative ways to serve Maryville’s students,” said Kris Lensmeyer, chief innovation and experience officer with

Fresh Ideas. “This solved many issues.”

Ingredients are shipped in containers with QR codes that are scanned upon arrival. Those codes subsequently provide nutrition and allergen information displayed on digital signage. Ultraviolet lights are utilized to disinfect surfaces. Tongs are suspended above food, minimizing cross-contamination. Sensors measure the temperature of ingredients and monitor how long a product has been stored and when it is no longer fresh. To reduce waste, the bar has a night setting that preserves food for the following day. Most importantly, the salad bar is a lowermaintenance unit that can operate for extended hours — a feature that has been requested by Maryville students.

The introduction of the Picadeli salad bar not only enhances Maryville’s dining experience but also sets a new standard for innovation and sustainability in university food services nationwide.

Soccer Adventures in Italy

The Maryville University women’s soccer team embarked on a 10-day summer journey to Italy. Beginning their excursion in Rome, they then spent time in Florence and Venice, exploring the cultural riches of these historic cities. Free-time activities included dining out, shopping for souvenirs and searching for the best gelato. Additionally, the Saints engaged in a series of exhibition games, including a match against Ternana Calcio of the Italian Serie B league. Wrapping up their trip, the team took a day to explore the stylish city of Milan before heading back home.

Maryville Reaches Out:

A Day of Service and Community Connection

Maryville’s annual day of service, Maryville Reaches Out (MRO), took center stage this year as over 1,200 dedicated students, faculty and staff embarked on a mission to give back and make a positive impact across the St. Louis metro area.

Now in its 15th year, MRO is a highlight of the school calendar and continues to exemplify the University’s commitment to community engagement and positive change. Classes are canceled for the day, allowing the campus community to put schoolwork aside and focus on living out Maryville’s core values while forging meaningful connections with one another.

Each year, the monumental task of planning and executing over 100 service projects falls to a few staff members and students. Jennifer Donovan, chief of staff for student life, and this year’s volunteer MRO student coordinators, Tanisha Patel and Victor Torres Nole, did the heavy lifting in the months leading up to the big day.

A post-pandemic record 106 service projects were undertaken, spanning the greater St. Louis area. From revitalizing parks and lending a helping hand at local shelters to packing dog food and removing litter from our highways, Maryville Saint volunteers demonstrated unwavering dedication and selflessness. This year also marked the inclusion of the University’s first-ever online project, showcasing adaptability and innovation in the face of evolving circumstances.

For students, MRO is an important part of the Maryville experience. “I think one of the most valuable things we have is time,” said Colin Nicks, a fourth-year biochemistry major. “Volunteering is taking one of those valuable resources I have and using it to help someone else in need. It makes me feel great! Being able to contribute at community service events helps me become more aware of things going on in my city. It’s crazy how giving a little bit of our week to volunteer can make such a big impact in our community.”

CRYSTAL W E AVER

Music Therapy Program Celebrates 50 Years, Eyes Innovative Future

In 1973, Ruth Sheehan, RSCJ, became the first director of the music therapy degree program at Maryville University. As Maryville celebrates the 50th year of the program, it remains the only college in St. Louis that offers a music therapy degree. Maryville is one of 86 colleges nationwide that offer a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, and it’s one of 47 that offer a master’s-level program.

The program has developed partnerships with organizations throughout St. Louis, including educational groups such as Special School District and Parkway School District; health facilities like Mercy, BJC, SSM Health and The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic; and large organizations including Rawlings, the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues, Edward Jones and Maritz. These programs provide students with hands-on learning through projects and real-world experiences.

Maryville’s program is unique in that it is housed under the College of Health Professions instead of the College of Arts and Sciences. Students take courses and work internships alongside other health professions students. This allows others in the field to begin their careers with an understanding of how music therapy can be integrated into healthcare.

Crystal Weaver, MHA, LPC, CRC, MT-BC, ’04, ’10, assistant professor of music therapy and program director, spoke about the program being embedded into the culture of the Maryville community. “The alumni are

strong, stay in the community and keep in touch,” she said. One such alumna, Alison Tompkins Cole, MT-BC, ’04, has stayed in the community, instituting the Heartbeat Project. This project incorporates a patient’s heartbeat into a song their family can listen to and treasure after the patient has passed. Another program alumnus, Andrew Dwiggins, MT-BC, ’13, works in the community with SSM Health. “Maryville is centered on alumni and having longterm relationships,” noted Weaver.

Weaver is also an alumnna of the program. After spending her first year as director with a focus on fostering community, Weaver has two goals going into her second year. “The first is to preserve the tradition and legacy of the program,” Weaver said. Her second goal is to “help the music therapy program move into the future.”

Weaver feels the next 50 years of the program will be affected by social media platforms and how communication changes. As the music therapy field moves more virtual, how will the music therapy program stay beneficial, relevant, value-based and change with the communication styles of the times? With Maryville’s focus on innovation, Weaver feels confident the University will remain relevant by piloting future technical applications in the program. Weaver and Maryville’s music therapy graduates are grateful for 50 successful years and are ready for the future of music therapy.

SHIFT FORWARD

BRIDGING GAPS AND BUILDING FUTURES:

CA 2

IN ACTION

The Center for Access and Achievement (CA2) partners with schools and nonprofits in underserved communities to provide access to high-quality STEM programs, modeling skills and abilities students need to achieve success in life, postsecondary education and future professions.

Steve Coxon, PhD, professor of education and executive director of CA 2 , leads a team of dedicated professionals who are always busy in the community. Here are some of their latest initiatives:

The team recently opened the Interactive STEM Studio in Chesterfield Mall, providing STEM-focused classes to children in the St. Louis metro area. (see feature on Page 26)

CA 2 has over 700 kids in after-school STEM clubs annually, thanks to support from Boeing.

Maryville education students are using the latest ed tech, such as 3D printing and virtual reality, in Coxon’s Integrating the Arts class.

A professor at University of Missouri is doing research with CA 2 ’s LEGO Foundation-funded Playful Learning math activities in St. Louis schools.

Coxon spoke to a National Science Foundation group in the Washington, D.C., area, and he and Dustin Nadler, PhD, gave a presentation to Maxine Clark’s Blueprint4 organization.

Coxon has a forthcoming article appearing in the Childhood Education Innovations journal on “Playful STEM Learning.”

New Leadership at Kids Rock Cancer

Maryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer is expanding, now offering more comprehensive music therapy services. Additionally, KRC has committed to supporting children, teens and young adults by offering follow-up and follow-through therapeutic songwriting sessions during key phases of their journey.

To support these expanded efforts, Damon Mitchell has been named development director of outreach programs including Kids Rock Cancer and The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic. Mitchell brings over a decade of operations, strategic partnerships and

collegiate retail management experience in higher education to his new position. In his previous role at Maryville, he oversaw the student experience for dining, retail, laundry, vending, printing and mail services.

Alison Cole, MBA, MT-BC, ’04, has joined the KRC team as the new lead music therapist. Cole also serves as a “music therapist in residence” for the Maryville University music therapy program. She is a mentor, guide and expert for music therapy students, providing lectures and master classes to undergraduates and graduate students, as well as creating learning opportunities for students through fieldwork.

CA 2 has an ongoing NSF grant with Tufts University, implementing their machine learning motor in CA 2 ’s summer and after-school programs.

While honoring the therapeutic songwriting tradition of KRC, Cole will draw from years of clinical experience supporting pediatric patients and engaging families to move KRC toward new horizons. For example, new “heartbeat songs” will allow Kids Rock Cancer to serve infants and toddlers in addition to children, adolescents and young adults. A pilot project of audio “legacy recordings” allows children to invite parents, grandparents and guardians to be active participants during therapeutic songwriting sessions.

“Music is an amazing tool in therapy,” said Cole. “Engaging someone in music can be a strong diversion when dealing with a diagnosis of cancer or blood disorders, as well as a form of self-expression about a patient’s needs, feelings or level of pain. I love helping people and I love music.”

Online Social Work Program Growing as It Recognizes First Graduates

Maryville University is proud to unveil its latest academic offering, an online bachelor’s in social work (BSW) program designed to empower the next generation of compassionate leaders in the field. The program’s first four graduates earned their degrees in May 2023, with two making the trip to St. Louis to proudly walk across the Commencement stage.

Social workers advocate for positive change and social justice as they help people navigate difficult circumstances. Ellie Wideman, PhD, MSW, LCSW, program

director of the social work program and assistant professor of social work, has worked at Maryville since 2010 and joined the new BSW program for its Fall 2020 launch. As with any academic program at Maryville, real-world experiences and connections are keys to success.

“At Maryville, we are committed to meeting our BSW students where they are in their educational journeys,” said Wideman. “Our students engage with their faculty both inside the online classroom and outside through advising and mentoring. They also created the BSW Community Student Group, the University’s first online student

Get to know the program’s first graduates!

group, and participate in our chapter of Phi Alpha, a national honor society for social work students.”

With over 300 students now pursuing their social work degrees online at Maryville, Wideman sees a vision realized. “I’m so proud of our graduates and know they are carrying a stellar degree from Maryville University’s CSWE-accredited BSW program. Our students are gaining the social work knowledge, values and generalist practice skills that will ready them for working in the field.”

The first graduates of the online Bachelor of Science in social work program earned their degrees in May 2023, with two making the trip to St. Louis to take part in Commencement.

Welcome to Our Newest Saints!

Our newest Maryville Saints enjoyed a seamless move-in process, greeted by the spirited enthusiasm of the dedicated Saints Nation team. A dynamic group of student and staff volunteers extended a warm welcome to over 450 first-year students as they settled into their campus residence halls. In keeping with tradition, the fun began with Orientation, Convening of the Class, lively gatherings on the quad, the President’s Picnic and the capturing of the cherished annual #BigRedM photo. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional faculty, staff and students for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to ensuring that the incoming Class of 2023 feels embraced and valued. Every day is a great day to be a Saint!

Professor, Friend and Storyteller: Dr. Wickersham Reaches Milestone

Popular philosophy instructor reflects on his career and 60 years at Maryville.

When he graduated from college in the 1960s, John Wickersham, PhD, professor of philosophy, had no thoughts about becoming a teacher. His main goal was to stay out of the Army.

Now, at age 83, the popular professor known as Wick began his 60th year on the Maryville faculty, teaching what he calls the “queen of the sciences” — philosophy.

“I had not envisioned myself as a teacher,” he said. “A university professor was just a matter of having to do something. Just stay out of Vietnam.”

Besides his long academic career, Wickersham also has published a novel, illustrated by his son Jamie, and he has had exhibitions of photographs on subjects like the Missouri River and German towns in outstate Missouri.

Q:What was your introduction to classroom teaching?

“When I was a senior at the University of San Diego, the president of a local high school said my name had been given to him as somebody who might be willing to do a little substitute teaching. He said he had a class of sophomores who needed somebody to take over their English class. So that’s kind of how it began.

“I’ve got this classroom full of kids who do not want to be there, who are kind of half wild anyway. And I’m given the task of trying to teach them romantic poetry. I discovered on my own that everybody loves a story. So when I finally got them to quiet down, I said, let me tell you a little bit about myself, about being raised in a family of free-range children. We pretty much were left to do whatever we wanted to do. And so telling these little tales from my youth, they loved it and I had them eating out of my hand. I never forgot that. That has become a pillar of my pedagogy.

“Ever since the beginning of my career, I have made it my practice on the very first day of class to tell my students that I extend the offer of friendship to them. I’m telling you this genuinely: If you’d like to be my friend, I welcome that. And, of course, the kids look at one another like, what’s this guy

doing? But out of every class, I will typically garner two or three or four students who do end up being my friends from whom I hear on a regular basis or who come and visit me in my office. I have students from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and so on with whom I still correspond.”

Q:Why have you stayed so long in the Maryville classroom?

“I never bought into the publish or perish mantra. I was very happy to be a teacher, and I’ve had a great career as a teacher. I’ve not ever regretted that decision. But the other side of it is that without a long publication record nowadays, you have no chance at all of moving from one school to another, which I was fine with. I was very happy here.

“The secret to being a good teacher and a successful teacher, in my experience, is to get your students to love you. To really love you. And to do that, you have to present yourself as a really authentic person who cares about them, is interested in helping them, who wants them to be successful, who is interested in all their stories and so on, which I have always done. And that has been, if anything, the secret to whatever academic success I’ve had.”

Professor of data analytics BETH CUDNEY, PhD, was invited to give the keynote address at the 2024 World Summit and Expo on Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Applications (WSERAA) in Bern, Switzerland.

FACULTY / STAFF NEWS

Director of Storytelling CHRIS REIMER started the Maryville StoryCast, a podcast focusing on telling impactful stories about the vibrant Maryville community. Look for it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Adjunct instructor SHEILA VOGEL, EdS, was honored with Maryville’s inaugural Adjunct Faculty Spotlight award for her true enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring students.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion

RENELLE SPINKS, MPA, was named a 2023 St. Louis American Foundation Young Leader at a ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Associate professor of occupational therapy ASHLYN CUNNINGHAM, OTD, OTR/L, CDP, was named a 2023 Missouri Athletic Club Woman of Distinction. The award honors female professionals in the St. Louis community.

DUSTIN YORK, EdD, filmed his second LinkedIn Learning educational video series titled “Generative AI for Innovative Business Branding” at LinkedIn’s offices in Santa Barbara, California.

AMBER SPRATLIN, MLIS, library research and instruction specialist, spearheaded the implementation of Lean Library, a browser extension and iOS app that connects users directly to Maryville Library resources from open web searches.

Assistant professor of accounting

SANG TRAN, DBA, CPA, introduced an innovative class bonus point system that has increased thoughtful participation in peer assignments and improved learning outcomes.

After seven years in various videography roles at Maryville, TRAVIS LUFSEY joined the Admissions team as assistant director of strategic communications and prospective student engagement.

Assistant professor of cybersecurity

BRIAN GANT, EdD, and assistant professor of business administration

ANTOINETTE BOYD, EdD, co-presented on the Access and Opportunity Revolution at the 2023 AAC&U Conference on Global Learning.

ENGAGEMENT A GATEWAY TO CAMPUS

Maryville’s Involvement Fair — which saw record attendance this year — provides an opportunity to discover more than 100 student organizations and contribute to a vibrant, diverse community.

BY CHRIS REIMER

The annual Involvement Fair stands as a testament to the vibrant spirit and dynamic community that defines campus. Held on the first Thursday of the new school year, this event serves as a nexus for the University’s 100+ student organizations, offering an exciting opportunity for both new and returning students to explore the rich tapestry of involvement opportunities available on campus. With record-breaking attendance this year, the Involvement Fair exemplifies the enthusiasm and eagerness of the student body to actively engage in the Maryville University experience.

FOSTERING A THRIVING COMMUNITY

The Involvement Fair is a cornerstone of campus culture, emphasizing the importance of active participation in extracurricular activities. With over a hundred student organizations spanning a wide array of interests and fields, students have the chance to find their niche and contribute to a vibrant, diverse community. From academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational clubs, Maryville offers an extensive range of opportunities for personal growth, skill development and community service.

CONNECTING STUDENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The event transforms the Donius University Center quad into a bustling hub of activity and interaction. Student organizations set up booths, showcasing their missions and activities. This face-toface interaction creates a valuable platform for organizations to demonstrate their missions, goals and activities to students, allowing them to make informed decisions about which ones resonate most with their interests and aspirations. New members are welcomed with open arms.

Scan to watch a video of this year’s Involvement Fair

Student organizations rely on the Involvement Fair to make connections with students and bring new members into the fold. “We gained a great deal of exposure and support from the Involvement Fair,” said Dion Starks, chair of community engagements at Maryville’s chapter of the Association of Black Collegians (ABC). “It was great to meet so many people that day who were interested and willing to support ABC.”

GAMES AND SWAG: ADDING FUN TO ENGAGEMENT

While the Involvement Fair serves as a serious platform for connecting students with organizations, it’s also a celebration of the Maryville spirit. The lively atmosphere is punctuated with engaging activities and games — think arm wrestling with the wrestling team — that add a dose of fun and excitement to the day. Students eagerly participate, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among attendees. Moreover, the fair is a treasure trove of swag, offering students a tangible and memorable connection

to the organizations they choose to join. They usually grab more than they can carry.

KEY TO A FULFILLING UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE

Maryville recognizes that a holistic education extends far beyond the classroom. Active involvement in student organizations offers students the chance to develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships and contribute to causes they are passionate about. Through participating in clubs and groups, students cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose that enriches their overall university experience.

“Socio-emotional engagement during the college experience contributes to enhanced overall student wellness,” said Raphaella Prange, vice president of student life. “Opportunities such as student organizations, campus traditions, mentoring and leadership development activities hone skills that employers are looking for in the marketplace. Engaging on campus, outside of the classroom can create a more purposeful and enjoyable college experience that gives students a real return on investment now and in their careers.”

Maryville’s Involvement Fair stands as a beacon of campus unity, where students come together to celebrate the kaleidoscope of opportunities available to them. This year’s record attendance numbers are a testament to the eagerness of our student body to come together in person and embrace the full Maryville experience.

1TEACHING

omatterwhatelsemightdefinethepurposeofhighereducation,atitscoreisacallforstudentlearning,achargeMaryvilleUniversityfacultymembers approachwithinnovative,outcomes-basedteachingandplentyofenergy.Through technology,communityandcorporatepartnerships,newandenhancededucational formatsandmore,studentlearningshiftsfromapassive,stand-up-and-deliver processtoanactiveandengagingapproachtoknowledgethatoftenfeaturespreprofessionalcareerexperiencesaspartofeverydayinstruction. Inthesepages,wehighlightjustfiveinspiringprofessors—KyraKrakos,PhD; JasonWilliams;LindaSchultz,PhD,MSN;DustinLoeffler,JD,CFA,PMP,’02;and ScottAngus,MFA.However,MaryvilleUniversityboastsmany giftedfacultywhoareexpertsintheirrespectivedisciplinesand whoprovideoutstandingstudentlearningopportunities.

BeyondthiseditionofMaryvilleMagazine,we’llcontinueto slipintoclassroomsandlistentogroupdiscussionswithkey businessleadersandpractitioners,followprofessorsand studentsastheyleavecampustoexploretheirrespectivefields, andspeakwithstudentsabouthowinnovativelearning experiencesimpacttheirglobalperspectivesandcreate significantcareeropportunities.

Lookforadditionalprofilesofexceptional MaryvilleUniversityfaculty,includingthose shownonthecoverofthismagazine,online at maryville.edu/teaching1

Mentoring enthusiastic EXCEPTIONAL

LABCHAT:(lefttoright)StudentsRyanHulseyandAdamHoeftwillcontinueworkingonan independentresearchprojectthissummerundertheguidanceofProfessorKyraKrakos.

summer SoapstonePrairieandWarren Wyo.Shestayedoneweek—herstudents, RyanHulsey,stayedthree.Theexperienceelevated learningtoanewandexcitinglevel. “Itookthetrainingwheelsoff,”Krakossaid.“Theywere welltrainedandknewwhattodo.”Infact,theydevelopedso manynewprojectideasthatatsomepoint,Krakoscutthem off.“Thatwassodifferentfromtwoyearsago,whenthey asked,‘Whatdoweresearch?’”shesaid.“Theynowknow wheretheedgesare—wheretofindthenextquestions.” majors.Hoeft,asenior,andHulsey,ajunior,arebothbiologyTheirfieldworklastAugustwaspartofResearch401,

WhileResearch401students withfieldtechniquestheylearnthelanguage todesignexperimentsandhowtowritegrantsand primaryliteratureforreference,Krakossaid.Theyalsopresent atregionalandnationalconferences.“Thisisimportant becausenotonlydostudentslearnthechallengesinherentin preparingprojects,butthey’reexposedtothebroaderworldof science,”shesaid.Anyonecanbagplantsandcollectseedsandcountthem, Krakossaid,“buttoknowwhattodowiththem,toknow whatthatmeans,that’swhatIwantseestudentslearning.”

10 YEARS OF

TEACHING 1

BY CHRIS REIMER

little over 10 years ago, President Mark Lombardi, PhD, and staff took stock of Maryville University’s place in the world of higher education. If one had to describe what kind of school Maryville was, what might one say? As legend has it, the thought process went as follows:

We’re not a Division I school. We’re not an R1 research institution. Our professors utilize an active and engaging approach to knowledge that often features preprofessional career experiences as part of everyday instruction. We’re a “Teaching 1” university.

As stated in the Spring 2014 issue of Maryville Magazine, “Through new technologies, business and community partnerships and innovative learning environments, Maryville University professors create exceptional opportunities for students to discover new pathways to career success. No matter what else might define the purpose of higher education, at its core is a call for student learning.”

An editorial shift was made to shine a light on the groundbreaking professors and practices that enhance the Maryville University experience, and the Teaching 1 section of Maryville Magazine was born. Pulling the last 20 issues off the shelf and taking a trip down memory lane, themes emerge that naturally align with Maryville’s DNA. What makes Maryville University a proud Teaching 1 institution?

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Everyone is now used to Zoom calls, but prior to their ubiquity, Maryville was using technology to connect students with experts. In the Spring 2016 issue, former Maryville professor Erika Rasure, PhD, explained how she used Google Hangouts and Skype interviews to give her students’ learning a worldwide reach. “There are so many experts, on a global scale, that want to contribute to student learning,” she said. Interviews with industry leaders from around the world were shared with her on-campus and online students.

Spring 2018 featured associate professor of biology Stacy Donovan, PhD, and her use of a game app borrowed from TV host Ellen DeGeneres. “Biology can be terminology-heavy,” she said. “How can we have a conversation if everybody doesn’t know what the terms are?” Employing DeGeneres’ Heads Up! app, students were charged with finding innovative ways of describing words like “mitosis” and “cytokinesis.” The result was increased class engagement, excitement and understanding.

PARTNERSHIPS

Victor Kizer, CSCS, TSAC-F, and the exercise science program graced the pages of the Fall 2018 issue. “In our Human Performance Lab, we tie the science to the practice,” Kizer said. “I look for opportunities for students to do hands-on work in the lab, on the field or at the court.” Partnerships with

Sindustryleader. MattRaithel,professorof studiopracticeofgamedesign,isalsotheownerand directorofGraphiteLab,aSt.Louisbrandsbasedcompanythatdevelopsvideogamesfor likeHasbro,Disney,CartoonNetworkand,now,Atari. RollerCoasterRaithelandteam'slatestcreation,TycoonStory,isbasedonthe belovedfranchise.Thevideogame,whose wasobjectiveistorebuildadecrepitthemepark, recentlyfeaturedas“GameoftheDay”in hadover140countriesinApple'sappstore.But Raithelnotunderstoodtheimportance hisofbeingbothpersistentandflexibleearlyon, achievedcompanyGraphiteLabmightneverhave thislevelofsuccess. 2004,AftergraduatingfromMissouriStatein Raithelbeganapplyingforinternships andpositionswithgamedesigncompanies. “Everybodywaslike,‘no,no,no,’”Raithelsaid. startedSoRaithelandsomebusinesspartners theirowncompany.Whenthey beganpitchingtheirconceptstogame wantedpublishers,itwasasimilarstory;noone theirideas.Butthentheyaskedif gameRaithelandhispartnerscouldworkontheir idea.Hedidn’thesitatebeforesaying yes.“I’vehadtobescrappyandresourceful,” Raithel said. RaithelEvenwhiledevelopingothers’ideas, pursuedhisowngameconcepts. Oneofthecommerciallysuccessfulgames Jump,”developedbyGraphiteLabincludes“Hive releasedlastyearonNintendoSwitch andXboxOne.Andafewyearsago,Raithel pitchedanotheroriginalideatoAtari.“Once

isMattRaithel,professorofpracticeofgamedesign, RollerCoasterridingawaveoftriumphwithhisnewestcreation, TycoonStory®. hasTeachingTreisandhismanyotherstudents accordingsimilaritiestoplayingavideogame, interactive,”toRaithel.“TeachingisalsoRaithelsaid.“Andit’slike,‘Is skills?thestudentlearningthecontentandthe Cantheymoveuptothenextlevel?’”addingInthegamingworld,designerskeepmorelevelstotheirvideogames.Some toformerMaryvillestudentshavereachedout they’veRaitheloversocialmediatolethimknow RollerCoastercompletedall600existinglevelsof TycoonStory—andareready partformore.Thiskindoffeedbackisjustanother “BeingofwhatRaithellovesabouthiswork.

thenagain,weweretold,‘No,’”Raithelsaid.“But rollercoastertheysaid,‘Ifyouwanttoworkonthis RollerCoastergame,it’savailable.’”TycoonStory,releasedinisJanuaryforAppleandAndroiddevices, RollerCoasterinspiredbya1999franchisecalledTycoon.Playersmustrestore timetheEaglelandthemeparkoneprojectata piecesbymatchingbrightlycoloredgame on board,avisualexperiencenotunlikethepopularCandyCrushSaga. upsPlayerscanpurchaseboostersorpowerEagle—includingonecalledScreechin’ —tohelpthemsolvepuzzlesfaster “Theandmovethroughthegamemorequickly. referencetoSixFlags’Screamin’Eagle isanhomagetotheSt.Louisrollercoaster,” Raithelsaid. writers,SixteenGraphiteLabemployees—story artists,programmers,designersand soundandmusicengineers—workedonthe forfamily-friendlyRollerCoasterTycoonStory internsayearbeforeitsrelease.TwoMaryville flowerbedsassistedinitsdevelopment,arranging andothersceneryandhelpingwithtestingandfeedback. term“Studentsaremostlyexposedtoshorterprojects,”Raithelsaid.“Thisexposed themtosomethingonalargerscale,andto longer-termcollaborations.” intern,MichaelTreis,aformerGraphiteLab professionallyworkedonRollerCoasterTycoonStory intheareasofprogramming tookandvisualdesign.AsRaithel’sstudent,Treis, tohearthisteacher’smantra,“Test earlyandtestoften,”whichhefollowedin creatingthevideogamethatwashissenior capstoneproject. game“Asaresult,allthestuffIaddedontomy wasn’tmoveditforward,”Treissaid.“There lotofbacktrackingandfixingthings.”

the St. Louis Blues and EXOS were cultivated to provide Maryville students experiential learning opportunities crucial to their futures.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Students pursuing a game design concentration at Maryville learn real-world skills from an industry leader. The Fall 2020 issue featured professor Matt Raithel and his company, Graphite Lab. Two Maryville students served as interns during the development of the company’s RollerCoaster Tycoon Story, arranging game scenery in the app and helping with testing and feedback. “This exposed our students to a large-scale project and longer-term collaborations,” Raithel said.

Only one year later, in the Fall 2021 issue, adjunct professor of management information systems Mike Lavella shared an innovative approach to faceto-face collaboration in his online Agile Methodology class. Students met up in Minecraft, a video game in which players use building blocks to create structures. Lavella barely knew of Minecraft but was quickly sold on its use in the classroom. “It’s really a fun and interactive way for students to engage with each other,” he said.

DEDICATED PROFESSORS

Geralyn Frandsen, EdD, RN, ’83, was highlighted in the Fall 2017 issue, and she shared her enduring enthusiasm for preparing students for the nursing

profession. “I wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember,” said Frandsen. She shared stories of patient care in her classes, hoping to instill a greater sense of empathy among students. Notably, this was three years before the pandemic placed unprecedented pressure on nursing at large, which impressed an even deeper appreciation of the contributions nurses make to patient health.

In the Fall 2019 issue, Kevin Stokes, EdD, shared thoughts on the importance of leadership. “Leading is about changing,” he said. “If you want a doctorate in educational leadership, you must have a commitment to changing things to make them better.” He accomplishes this with study abroad trips, immersing his students in other cultures. “Experiencing something is much more powerful than seeing or hearing about it.”

Spring 2022 brought us the story of assistant professor of nursing Demetruis M. Leonard, MSN, RN, ’13, and her 25-year climb up the nursing career ladder. She joined the U.S. Army in 2000 and was eventually deployed to Iraq. Upon returning to the U.S., she completed her bachelor’s at Maryville and advanced her career while raising four children. “I always wanted to set the example for my young African American children that we can do anything we set our minds to,” she said.

We look forward to the next 10 years of Teaching 1 features showcasing our professors and their innovative,

classroom approaches.

WITH SLACK KEEPING CONNECTED

BY NANCY FOWLER

When Maryville faculty and staff were designing the online Master of Science in speech-language pathology, planners asked themselves: How can we replicate the critical human connection offered by on-ground learning?

“We needed to figure out how students could build community,” said program adviser Caitlin Ladd, ‘09. “The answer would have to involve informal, authentic communication tools — almost like social media — and also allow for the sharing of important, detailed programmatic information.”

The solution: Slack, a messaging app and workspace organized into channels for different topics, projects and groups of people. It allows students to connect with professors or their entire cohort at once, and they can also interact in smaller groups. Using Slack, they create and upload videos, share files and crowdsource questions. Notifications alert students to new messages in specific channels.

THE SLACK APP CONNECTS ONLINE SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY STUDENTS TO INSTRUCTORS AND ONE ANOTHER.

One year after the launch of the online program, 100 percent of SLP students are using Slack. In surveys, students noted appreciation for the ways in which the platform helps them feel close to people who may live hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away.

“They reported an enhanced sense of belonging and a direct connection with peers as well as faculty members,” Ladd said.

FOSTERING LASTING CONNECTIONS

Speech-Language Pathology Program Director Meaghan Goodman is pleased with how Slack lets students interact with each other through online posts as they might in a brick-and-mortar classroom.

after graduation. To drive home this point, Goodman shows students photos of her own graduate school cohort who are still involved in every facet of her life.

“Some of them were in my wedding, and a few of them are godmothers to my children,” Goodman said. “All of them are very valuable resources when I’ve been faced with treating a client or a disorder that I don’t really have a lot of clinical experience with.”

Students of Maryville’s online SLP program hail from all over the country. They live in four time zones and 20 states — double the number of states from which on-ground students originate. More than half work part time and some full time. Nearly one-third care for aging parents

matter often message each other directly. In many instances, Davis only needs to jump in when she sees an incorrect answer — a single response that would be impossible using older formats.

“This eliminates the need for 14 emails to different students about the same question,” Davis said.

Davis agrees with Goodman that even as Slack serves as a virtual workspace, it also provides a social glue, something enhanced by photo sharing. She recalled a student who posted a photo of her young daughter with special needs achieving a milestone. In turn, Davis shared an image of her typically introverted son dressed up for his first homecoming dance.

Through the platform, students who have questions about a coursework or clinical matter often message each other directly. In many instances, Davis only needs to jump in when she sees an incorrect answer — a single response that would be impossible using older formats.

“They might ask each other, ‘Hey, did anybody start the project for such-and-such class?’ Or ‘What did the professor mean by this or that?’ ” Goodman said. “Or they might have a question regarding a client and ask, ‘Hey, does anybody have any ideas?’ ”

Over the life of an academic program, this kind of regular back-and-forth adds up to valuable connections that last long

or other loved ones, or they are raising children. As they enjoy the essential flexibility of an online program through the asynchronous Canvas platform, the addition of Slack fosters synchronous connections.

As Maryville’s online SLP program grows, Slack is also expanding, said professor Amy Davis. Earlier this year, the platform added a video chat feature called a Huddle.

“I might be messaging live with a student and get to the point where I’m like, ‘You know what? This is just going to be easier to tell them face to face,’ so I’ll say, ‘Hey, do you have time for a Huddle?’ ” Davis said. “If they’re at work and they can’t, it’s no big deal, but if they can, you just click a button right there in the message threads, and it starts a video chat.”

While fostering closer communication within their cohort and between students and faculty, Slack also gives faculty a break. Through the platform, students who have questions about a coursework or clinical

“When you’re in person, students get to know the names of your kids and see photos of them,” Davis said. “Slack allows that kind of connection.”

STUDENTS APPRECIATE FAST RESPONSES

Favorite Slack features include the ability to respond with a quick emoji to let instructors or other students know they saw a message. All messages are archived and easily searchable for current students and future graduates of the online program. Madison Dressler of Topeka, Kansas, is a member of the program’s first cohort who are set to earn their degrees in Spring 2024. Before enrolling in Maryville’s online speech-language pathology program, Dressler had never heard of Slack.

“In past online programs, when you email a professor, you might not get a response for a while,” Dressler said. “But with Slack, they can communicate back and forth super quickly, even if maybe they’re at home on the weekend and we have an emergency question.”

The Slack logo is becoming a familiar sight among business and professional users alike.

AFTER THE LAUNCH OF THE ONLINE PROGRAM, 100 PERCENT OF SLP STUDENTS ARE USING SLACK. IN SURVEYS, STUDENTS NOTED APPRECIATION FOR THE WAYS IN WHICH THE PLATFORM HELPS THEM FEEL CLOSE TO PEOPLE WHO MAY LIVE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF MILES AWAY.

Recent confusion over a reading assignment was quickly cleared up, thanks to the platform.

“One of my classmates noted in Slack, ‘Hey, just so you know, I’ve talked to our professor and let her know,’ ” Dressler said. “And a few minutes later, the professor wrote that we were supposed to be reading chapters eight and nine, not 10 and 11.”

Since beginning the program, Dressler has become more and more comfortable with Slack and has seen her colleagues do the same. She feels it allows her to freely ask small questions she might not have asked over email.

Some in Dressler’s 24-person cohort wanted a channel in which they could chat among themselves with no faculty or staff oversight. She was pleasantly surprised when the answer was yes.

“Their response and the fact they listen to the students showed me that they care that we’re involved with our cohort,” Dressler said. “That they want us to succeed and they’re 100 percent there to help us do that.”

Brittany Leiser-Melton, ’23, of Evansville, Indiana, who just finished her second semester, was extremely hesitant to enroll in an online program. Her fears of feeling disconnected were greatly alleviated by knowing it would include Slack. As a remote literacy tutor, Leiser-Melton was already active on the platform.

Between work and school, she said she spends nearly every waking hour on Slack. She finds it the perfect method of communication with her cohort and professors.

“Not everybody checks their email, and texting might be too invasive and then your phone’s blowing up all the time,” LeiserMelton said. “So Slack is just a really nice way to connect.”

This past spring, Slack helped save the day when Leiser-Melton realized she and her class partner had failed to include citations when they turned in their final project. Even though it was nighttime, she didn’t hesitate to reach out to her partner.

“I wrote her, ‘Oh, my gosh, we could potentially get a zero if we don’t go back and rerecord it,’ ” Leiser-Melton said.

Because the partner had Slack notifications set up, she saw the message right away and the pair worked together online to fix it. Their grade? 100 percent.

One feature Leiser-Melton enjoys is the mentor channel in which her cohort is connected with another cohort one semester behind theirs. The channel has doubled the number of students she’s forging bonds with for the present and the future.

“That’s why I applied to the Maryville grad program in the first place. They listen to their students and understand things like the need for a platform like Slack.”

The Slack success stories faculty and staff are hearing from students are so glowing that the app will eventually find a place in every Maryville program — onground and online — according to program adviser Ladd.

“Slack is directly tied to our strategic plan and our vision for the University,” Ladd said. “The overall goal for the University is to ensure that all students have Slack as part of their daily lives.”

EXPLORING A DIMENSIONAL PATH TO WELLNESS STUDENT

Inside C. Oliver Tacto’s Strategy as Maryville’s Inaugural Dean of Student Wellness

C.BY TIM FOX

Oliver Tacto, DSW, MPH, CHES®, is a man with a vision, and as Maryville’s inaugural dean of student wellness, he’s confident that he has all the resources to make his vision a reality.

“I see my position as an opportunity to use my skill set to cocreate with the community of Maryville in developing a strategy to embed wellness into the everyday lives of students,” Tacto said. “When I learned more about Vice President of Student Life Raphaella Prange’s commitment to creating a sense of belonging on campus, and President Mark Lombardi’s ideas about access and inclusion, I knew it was a perfect fit.”

Wellness is Tacto’s passion — but not in the way you might think of it. In 2016, he was completing his master’s in social work at the University of Southern California when the International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges released its Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting University and Colleges.

A call for higher education to lead the way in promoting a more holistic view of wellness, the Okanagan Charter was inspirational — and aspirational — for Tacto.

BY TIM FOX

“It’s aimed at creating a university environment that commits all of its processes, systems and built environments to encouraging wellness for all faculty, staff, alumni, parents and students,” Tacto said. “That environment should even extend to the St. Louis community.”

For Tacto, wellness is much more than the absence of illness.

“At Maryville, I think of wellness as having eight dimensions: academic or intellectual, environmental, social, financial, purpose, physical, belonging, and emotional or mental wellbeing,” he explained.

Another important part of the Okanagan Charter is its emphasis on wellness metrics, or key performance indicators (KPIs). KPIs provide baseline measures of campus wellness and monitor progress or growth areas. Tacto’s strategy includes reporting the metrics out to the campus community.

“That will allow us to identify who can affect which indicator and start building a common agenda around campus wellness,” Tacto said. “It’s essential that everyone on campus understand our dimensions of wellness, because our student wellness staff can’t be everywhere.”

For example, food service staff recently shared that some students have trouble paying for meals. That led to conversations about food insecurity on campus.

“Examples like that are important because they show that a student’s financial and physical health are at risk, too, which can affect their academic wellness and sense of belonging,” Tacto said.

Of course, those stressors affect mental and emotional health, too, but Counseling Center Director Verne Wilson said ensuring mental health is everyone’s responsibility — and it can’t be limited to one place.

Maryville first-year student Jillyan Hendricks made Knots of Love Blankets as part of Student Wellness Day in October.

“Therapy doesn’t just happen in a room,” Wilson said. “As counselors, we go out into the community where the students are. My staff and I show up to campus events so that students know we’re there, and we can start building relationships with them.”

The Counseling Center also makes the best use of Maryville’s built environment. The center now has a main office near the freshman residence hall and a satellite office near the athletic department.

PHYSICAL

ACADEMIC

Engaging in the learner journey to discover new and innovative knowledge and skills.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Thriving in healthy, sustainable and vibrant surroundings that ensure inclusion and safety.

Prioritizing the importance of vitality and health through movement, nutrition, sleep and self-care.

EMOTIONAL

PURPOSE

Seeking fulfillment in our lives as we embrace our true calling, beliefs and values.

“Students don’t have to walk across campus to find us,” Wilson said. “That’s important for faculty to know, as well, in case a student is facing challenges in their classroom. Our multiple models allow us to serve the greatest number of students as effectively as possible.”

Tacto introduced his vision of campus wellness during the University’s first-ever Student Wellness Day on Oct. 9. The event was organized by Maryville HEROES, a student-led organization that Tacto has empowered to spread his wellness message across campus.

HEROES — which stands for Holistic, Empowerment, Research, Outreach, Education and Support — is the reinvigorated version of a group that had struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Tacto, its student leaders have even provided input into the new wellness program itself, including adding questions to a new campus health survey.

8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

Courageously acknowledging life’s challenges through utilizing support and cultivating satisfying relationships.

FINANCIAL

Understanding current circumstances and developing literacy while charting a course toward a secure future.

BELONGING

Identifying personal characteristics, identities and strengths while utilizing them to find a place in the collective community that gives life meaning.

“We proposed a question regarding residence halls because we wanted to see if there was any correlation between where students live and their health metrics,” said first-year student Caroline Stolarik during a nature walk that was part of Wellness Day.

“Dr. Tacto let us choose which wellness dimensions we wanted to work on based on our passions and interests,” added Jill Hendricks, another HEROES student. “My work here gives me purpose every day.”

Meanwhile, Tacto is already thinking beyond his wellness vision.

“I’m excited about the potential that new technologies like AI and virtual reality hold for contributing to wellness,” he said. “Students already get iPads to help

SOCIAL

Encouraging the development of meaningful connections, engagement and a vibrant social community

with their schoolwork. What if they also received Oculus headsets to participate in a counseling session or to take a virtual nature walk during a stressful time?

“We have many ways to embed wellness on our campus, and technologies like these can be another way to benefit the human experience, on campus or elsewhere. That excites me.”

Scan to hear more about C. Oliver Tacto’s thoughts on wellness

FROM SUMMER CAMP TO

S T U DI I O

Maryville’s CA² program expands into brick-and-mortar space, readying young minds for an open-ended future.

BY NANCY FOWLER

Inside a space once known for dozens of retail stores and a robust food court, Maryville is helping St. Louis-area kids gear up for future careers.

In September, the University opened its Interactive STEM Studio inside the reimagined Chesterfield Mall, not far from Maryville’s campus. The pop-up space next to The Cheesecake Factory is stuffed with LEGOs, robots, drones and other supplies where kids ages 4 to 16 hone their creativity along with their science, technology, engineering and math skills.

The project demonstrates the University’s mission to be a force for good in the community, according to Steve Coxon, professor and executive director of Maryville’s Center for Access and Achievement (CA²).

“We’re very excited,” Coxon said. “We’re able to offer classes that are a really good value with phenomenal teachers and provide a lot of access for kids around Maryville’s campus.”

“MOVING FAST ON GOOD IDEAS”

The STEM Studio’s inaugural session includes more than a dozen evening and Saturday classes, with offerings for homeschoolers during the school day. A combined 200 kids are taking advantage of the studio’s offerings for a fee of $90 for six once-a-week classes.

The idea builds on Maryville’s popular summer robotics camps, which enrolled 1,100 kids this past summer. Coxon and Angelina Moehlmann, program director for the CA² elementary school science and robotics program and the STEM Studio, wanted to serve more children and teens. They also aspired to make use of camp materials — including literally millions of LEGOs provided by a $250,000 grant from the toymaker — for longer than just three months a year. Moehlmann located the inexpensive mall space, and they pitched the idea to the administration.

“And we got a really, really quick approval,” Coxon said. “Maryville is all about moving fast on good ideas.”

Coxon and Moehlmann worked with STEM Studio Associate Director Dustin Nadler, PhD, and Coordinator Gretchen Roberts to make their vision a reality. The process included a bit of dirty work as they cleaned up debris to make the dilapidated space habitable. “It was very hands-on,” Coxon said.

Keeping it hands-on is also a key component of the lab’s classes. In ageappropriate groups, young people learn to program robots and drones, create video games and virtual reality experiences, and build skyscrapers and bridges. It’s nothing like school — no tests, grades or red-pencil corrections, according to Moehlmann.

“It’s loud and busy, student-driven and play-based,” she said. “You have a buy-in from the kids when learning happens through the activities they’re doing rather than a teacher just doling out information.”

Even as they enjoy themselves, students are honing their problem-solving skills and spatial abilities while engaging in highlevel processes, including design thinking and prototyping — all components of the modern workplace. “In a rapidly changing world, no one can predict what jobs will actually exist by the time these kids enter into their careers,” Moehlmann said. Still, no matter what the future looks like, understanding how to work with others will remain essential.

The Sphero Mini, consisting of an iPad app and rolling balls on the floor, is a cost-effective programmable robot that can be scaled up for multiple levels of coding.

“What we’re doing gives them not just the hard skills but the soft skills, too — like collaboration and communication,” she said. Giving kids the chance to maximize communication is particularly important right now, according to Coxon. During the pandemic, many were isolated for as long as two years, losing out on opportunities to interact with others. STEM Studio classes are designed to meet each child where they are, taking into account differences in social skills, prior knowledge, learning styles and brain wiring.

All in all, the lab provides high value at no cost to the University. Class fees and money collected from events such as birthday parties are used to pay teachers and meet other expenses.

SUCCEEDING “EXCEPTIONALLY”

STEM Studio instructor Tarren Fritz enjoyed a decadeslong career as an elementary school teacher. Fritz likes to teach STEM skills in combination with storytelling. When introducing younger kids

to drones, she shows the children how to program them to perform simple tasks such as going forward or backward or making a square. Then, using LEGOs, they build a setting for a dramatic storyline.

“It might be that there’s a forest fire and we need to rescue some horses,” Fritz said. “And then we’ll talk about the parameters of the fire and the limitations and constraints of the drone.”

Another of Fritz’s lessons marries classical art with math and engineering. Kids work to recreate a Picasso or Monet

LEGOs play an important role in enhancing learning outcomes at the Interactive STEM Studio.

using LEGOs to form the shapes, colors and textures of the painting.

Fritz loves the open-ended curriculumplanning that’s possible only in a non-school setting.

“We’re not beholden to standards and we don’t have to meet any certain criteria,” Fritz said. “We based the classes on interest and ideas from the public.”

Teacher Matt Sinclair, ’23, enjoys seeing his students work the steps to meet a challenge such as creating a new video game level using Mario Maker design tools.

“Their eyes light up and they might say, ‘Oh, I can really see myself getting into this and doing this when I’m older,’ ” Sinclair said.

Sinclair enjoys encouraging kids to use their imagination as well as their intellect. In his Dungeons and Dragons class, students learn how to design effective dungeons and create memorable characters such as believable good guys and proper villains.

As a bonus, Sinclair likes helping kids take an interest in something that can assist them in making and keeping friends.

“Gaming is a great way to socialize,” Sinclair said. “Like, maybe I don’t have a great excuse to hang out with my new coworker, but I know he plays Call of Duty and that’s something we can talk about.”

Sinclair applauds the University for expanding its popular summer program into a year-round endeavor.

“I feel like that’s a huge thing with Maryville,” Sinclair said. “It’s like, ‘Hey, we succeeded — now how can we succeed exceptionally?’”

As Coxon and Moehlmann look to the future, they envision a permanent, standalone space for the STEM Studio. They hope to set up a fund for scholarships. Moehlmann hopes to serve kids coming in for school field trips and Scouting excursions while also expanding their slate of regular classes.

“Just as we ask kids to tinker and develop their ideas in our classes, that’s what we’re doing with our programming,” Moehlmann said.

Virtual reality headsets are one of many learning tools utilized by students at the Studio.

BUILDING A FIRM FOUNDATION

Maryville welcomes Raphaella Prange as the new vice president of student life. Prange comes to Maryville from Millikin University in Illinois and has over 24 years of experience in higher education. She’s proud to be a first-generation college student and the child of a Latin American immigrant. She has a proven track record of supporting student success with strategic and innovative programming.

Tell us about your background and your path to working in higher education. My father immigrated from Nicaragua, and I am a second-generation Latina American. I am the oldest of five daughters and definitely identify as a matriarch, losing both my parents when we were young. I grew up near Miami, Florida, until I went to college as a first-generation college student. I intended to be a broadcast journalist. I have always been a storyteller, and I aspired to tell stories of the human experience. I believe I do that now in how I advocate for students, helping to narrate their lived experiences on college campuses to ensure their needs are met. I call myself an “educational inclusionist” because I center my work on access and opportunity within higher education. I received my master’s degree in higher education administration from Indiana State University and began my student affairs career at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1998, working in residence life. In 1999, I transitioned to a 24-year-long career at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, where I served in all aspects of student affairs and in the teaching faculty.

What are your goals for your new role at Maryville?

We have an amazing opportunity to build a new team within student life at Maryville. I am so excited to foster a team of talented professionals whose passions exist in creating a sense of belonging and success for all students. I plan to work with our fantastic team to create strategies to improve engagement across all student types: residential, commuter and

online. I would also like to bridge a strong cooperation between student life and other areas of the University, with a focus on removing barriers to student retention and persistence. I would also like to become involved in the St. Louis metro area and within organizations that have capacitybuilding impacts for our students.

Why did you want to join the Maryville community?

After reading Dr. Mark Lombardi’s book, Pivot, I knew I wanted to work under his leadership. I believe the philosophy of students first as our customers and clients, paired with the groundbreaking use of technology on the Maryville campus, is the innovative and progressive approach all institutions of higher education should be taking. This approach keeps universities relevant and produces the return on investment sought by and needed for our students and their families. After my oncampus interview, I felt so welcomed and knew that Maryville was the challenge and support I needed in my next professional endeavor.

What support systems do students most benefit from?

There is no “one-size-fits-all approach” to student support. Empathy is not the enemy of rigor. We can appropriately challenge and support students simultaneously. All students deserve access to equitable support systems based on their lived experiences. Holistically, I believe all students can benefit from trauma-informed practices and strengths-based advising models. At the

foundation of student support, however, is relationships. Our goal should be to make a human connection with each student, utilizing our entire team of faculty, staff and alumni to find that one caring adult who can mentor each student in accordance with their needs and aspirations. Removing barriers of insecurity — whether those are related to engagement, finances, housing, nutrition, or medical and mental health needs — factors into a successful student support strategy.

What are some current trends in student life and student involvement that you’re following?

My research and practice interest for the last 10 years has been trauma-informed practices and pedagogy. I believe the study of how the brain, learning and resilience are impacted by trauma and toxic stress, especially in the context of collective and cultural trauma, is critical in shaping our work with students in and outside the classroom. I am also very interested in generational research related to Gen Z and Gen Alpha to inform current student affairs practice.

What do you love most about St. Louis?

My most favorite thing is the food! As a foodie, I cannot get enough of the vast opportunities to try food from different cultures and cuisines. Did you know that St. Louis is home to the only Nicaraguan restaurant in the Midwest? Fritanga on Jefferson is amazing and transports me back to my childhood kitchen and to la comida de mi papa

Farewell ,

SAINTS NATION FOLKS

Maryville Bids Heartfelt Goodbye to Director of Athletics, Who Will Retire at End of May

BY GABRIELLE YOUNG

Lonnie Folks, director of athletics and recreation, ’82, ’98, has announced his retirement. A St. Louis native and alumnus of the John E. Simon School of Business, Folks began his role as director in February 2018.

Prior to being named director, Folks was already a staple in the athletics program. During his tenure at Maryville, which began in 1982, Folks rose through the ranks to become assistant director of athletics and head coach for women’s soccer and softball. In his time at Maryville, he has secured four conference titles, two conference tournament titles and moved the women’s soccer team from a borderline club team to a championship program. He also served as the head women’s basketball coach and sports information director, confirming his transformative leadership has reshaped the landscape of Maryville athletics.

“As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Lonnie Folks, we are reminded of the power of dedication,

leadership and his transformative role in athletics by shaping the lives of our students,” said President Mark Lombardi. “Lonnie’s tenure has been nothing short of 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 can excel academically and personally. As he steps into retirement, I want to express our deepest gratitude on behalf of the entire University community for his unwavering service.”

His tenure is marked not just by achievements on the field but also the profound and lasting relationships he built along his journey. “The relationships that I built here are important to me. I’ve been asked to not just attend weddings of the former athletes, but I have actually been a part of the wedding party more than once,” said Folks.

While accolades and victories are a testament to a successful career, it’s the lives touched that resonate in Folks’

legacy. Folks added, “I think about one student-athlete here who came in as a borderline student academically. They not only excelled on the playing field, but also received a master’s degree from the University.”

“Maryville would like to thank Lonnie for his many years of service as both a beloved alumnus and employee here at Maryville,” said Raphaella Prange, vice president of student life. “During his tenure, Lonnie has been an established difference-maker for Maryville athletics, leading the creation of several programs and facilities. We are so excited to celebrate him as he moves into the next phase of his connection with Maryville, as a mentor and as a retiree.”

Folks expressed pride in the current and future state of the athletic program, the coaching staff in place and the academic success that Maryville’s student-athletes continue to achieve. As Maryville bids farewell to a leader who has truly left the University better than it was upon his arrival, it is done with heartfelt gratitude for a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of athletes and leaders for years to come.

Sherertz Named New Wrestling Coach

Charlie Sherertz has been named the new head coach of the Maryville wrestling team. With a proven track record of success and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the mat, Sherertz is set to lead the team to new heights.

“We are delighted to welcome Charlie to the Maryville family. His extensive experience, dedication and commitment to the holistic development of studentathletes align very well with our values,” said President Mark Lombardi. “We believe that under his guidance, our wrestling program will flourish and our student-athletes will thrive both academically and athletically.”

Sherertz brings a wealth of expertise to the position, having previously served as the head wrestling coach at Whitfield School in Creve Coeur, Missouri. During his tenure, he developed a reputation for nurturing talent and building a culture of sportsmanship. His accolades include winning Missouri Wrestling Coach of the Year 12 times, 11 state championships and coaching 60 individual state champions. Sherertz’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment has garnered respect from both athletes and peers.

program,” Folks said. “We look forward to seeing our wrestling team thrive under his guidance and achieve new milestones.”

Former coach Mike Denney was the first and only previous head coach in program history. “Coach Denney put the Maryville wrestling program on the map. I’m confident that Coach Sherertz will be able to build upon and enhance the impressive legacy Coach Denney built,” Folks said.

As the new head wrestling coach, Sherertz is eager to take on the challenge.

“I am honored and excited to join the Maryville wrestling program,” he said. “My goal is to build upon the strong foundation already in place and elevate the team to even greater heights. I am committed to developing well-rounded studentathletes who excel not only on the mat but also in the classroom and the community. I can’t wait to help the program achieve its full potential.”

In addition to working with the Whitfield program, Sherertz has coached for the Team St. Louis Wrestling Club since 2005, with prior experience at Berkeley High School and three seasons of experience as an assistant at the University of Missouri.

Lonnie Folks, director of athletics and recreation, ’82, ’98, shared his enthusiasm. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Charlie Sherertz join Maryville athletics. His passion, extensive knowledge and ability to inspire and mentor studentathletes make him a great fit for our

His own athletic accomplishments are equally as impressive, qualifying for the NCAA Division I National Tournament two times in his collegiate career at the University of Missouri while winning a spot on the 1988 NCAA Division I AllAmerica Team. In 1985, he was selected to the USA Wrestling 20U World Freestyle Team where he became a Freestyle National Champion.

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS

MEN’S WOMEN’S

Men’s soccer reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season.

TENNIS SOCCER

WOMEN’S

GOLF

Effie Perakis finished third overall at the McKendree Bearcat Dual Gender Tournament and earned All-Tournament honors.

WOMEN’S

Billur Gonlusen and Carolina Velazquez became the first women’s tennis players to qualify for the ITA Nationals Cup.

VOLLEYBALL

Taylor Hasbrook surpassed 1,000 career digs.

Women’s volleyball made its second straight appearance in the GLVC Tournament and advanced to the semifinals for the first time.

MEN’S

LACROSSE

Fourth-year student Justin Morgan was drafted in the sixth round of the National Lacrosse League Professional Entry Draft. He became the second Maryville lacrosse player drafted by a professional league.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Caleb Pyle won the Border War Cross Country 8K meet with a finish time of 26:12.3.

Lyric Ford won the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year award and led Maryville to a ninth-place finish at the GLVC Championship.

ESPORTS

WOMEN’S

SOCCER

Women’s soccer claimed the first Great Lakes Valley Conference Regular Season Championship in program history, celebrating their historic achievement along with their seniors during the final regular-season game of 2023.

The team also reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.

The League of Legends team won its third NACE National Championship in a row, and Overwatch took home its second in a row.

WOMEN’S

FIELD HOCKEY

Field Hockey scored six goals in a victory at Marian, setting the school record for most goals in a game. Tia Sansone broke the record for goals scored by a single player in the same game, with four.

Maryville Esports Adds Two Teams

New varsity squads compete in Valorant and Rocket League

BY CHRIS REIMER

In a continuation of the University’s commitment to collegiate esports, Maryville has added two new varsity teams to its national championship esports program. Teams began competing in Valorant and Rocket League in Fall 2023.

The Maryville esports program started in 2015 with a League of Legends team. That squad has won five national championships and 22 major tournaments overall. In 2018, Overwatch came to Maryville, and now they are four-time national champions, with 12 major tournament trophies on the shelf. The varsity esports program now competes in four games from its campus home base,

the Esports Performance Center, aka “The Lab.”

The success of League of Legends and Overwatch meant it was the right time for expansion, said Lonnie Folks, director of athletics and recreation.

“As Maryville Esports continues to be the premier collegiate esports program, Valorant and Rocket League fit our profile of staying connected to games that interest prospective students and where we can confidently recruit the top performers worldwide.”

Maryville’s esports program now works with several major sponsors, including McDonald’s, 1st Phorm and Under Armour. “These partnerships allow our teams to fund operations, compete in and travel to more events, and support our players

during their educational and collegiate esports journeys,” said Jordan Ousley, esports media director.

To accommodate the new squads, the Esports Performance Lab was renovated. Additional team rooms were added, along with soundproofing, new flooring, windows, and a social media and video content creation room.

The outlook for these two new varsity teams is bright. “We have a winning tradition at Maryville that I expect will continue with Valorant and Rocket League,” said Dan Clerke, director of the esports program. “Our participation in these games will also allow us to expand our coaching outreach to local high schools as we work to build out the St. Louis esports ecosystem.”

Welcome Back: Homecoming 2023

A week of Homecoming festivities this fall brought alumni, students, faculty and staff to campus to reconnect and enjoy class reunions, lip-sync battles, formal dances, the President’s Reception and Saints sporting events. The Class of 1973 came together at the Golden Circle luncheon in honor of their 50-year class reunion. Current Saints students descended on The Palladium in Lafayette Square for their formal dance, now known as the “Sneaker Ball” (it’s all about the shoes). The weekend culminated with the second annual DeBaun Black Alumni Network Prayer Breakfast and the traditional women’s and men’s soccer games — two wins, Go Saints!

Alumni venture to Austria, Belize, Canada and beyond; designer wins global competition; author promotes literacy with tongue twisters.

1960s

1 Marcelline “Marcie” McNamee Dairaghi, ’62, ’94, of St. Louis, shares a photo of Megan Dairaghi, ’19, and Jacob Dairaghi visiting their grandmother’s class brick on campus.

2 Colleen “Coke” Hennessy, ’63, of Manchester, Mo., recently returned from a 16-day trip to Italy with her sister, Helen (who was born at the start of Coke’s junior year at Maryville) and two friends. Highlights included visiting Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Florence and Venice. When in St. Louis, Coke continues to offer mindfulness classes through the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center.

3 Jacqueline “Jacque” Thaman Niekamp, ’66, of St. Louis, recently reconnected with Maryville coach Maggie Durbin Young. Maggie’s mother, Kathleen Hannigan Durbin, ’64, attended Maryville at the same time as Jacque, and

they continued their friendship following graduation. Maggie has fond memories of attending Cardinals baseball games with Jacque and her mother and wanted to thank her for her past generosity. This led to Jacque recently attending the next-tolast game of the season for the Women’s Field Hockey team — and they won! Maggie noted that her mother’s twin sisters, Ellen Hannigan Ribaudo, ’60, and Mary Hannigan Fox, ’60, also attended Maryville.

Patricia “Patty” Simpson, ’67, of St. Louis, has been selected as a recipient of the annual 2023 Très Bien Award. The Très Bien Award is given by the Associated Alumnae of the Sacred Heart to alumnae throughout the nation who demonstrate the traditions and values of a true child of the Sacred Heart. The award recognizes service or achievement

in the community or to one’s family, church or profession. This year, the Très Bien Award was presented at the annual Villa Duchesne Alumnae Mass prior to the fall reunion weekend.

Ann Geis Boyce, ’68, of St. Louis, and her husband, Don, along with Mary Ann Rotermund Diehr, ’68, of St. Louis, and her husband, George, traveled aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train this past summer. The train traveled from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. The food, service and attention to detail on the train rated an A-plus. They also visited Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta, which were beautiful. Other highlights included a walk on a glacier and a float trip on the Bow River. It was a trip to remember.

Berta Boix Kapoor, ’68, of Pasadena, Calif., and her husband, Wishwa, recently made the move from Pennsylvania to be closer to their children.

Marie “Martha” Roy King, ’68, of St. Louis, and her husband, Jerry, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Ireland. The two split their time between Portland, Oregon, and St. Louis. While in St. Louis, they spend their time working for and being with the residents of Assisi House, which has helped to give over 70 previously unhoused men and women a place to call home.

Suzanne “Suzie” Desloge Weiss, ’68, of St. Louis, and her husband, Charles, visited Washington, D.C., in early 2023 to attend a dinner at the Supreme Court — where the St. Louis Inn of Court was among the honorees.

Susan “Sue” O’Callaghan Lorenz, ’69, of Chesterfield, Mo., a watercolor artist, was accepted into the annual Art in the Park show at Francis Park in St. Louis.

Jan Dunn, RSCJ

1946 – 2023

The Maryville University community mourns the loss of Sister Jan Dunn, RSCJ, ’68, a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart for 54 years. She pronounced her first vows at Villa Duchesne in St. Louis in 1972 and made her final profession on May 31, 1979, in Rome.

Sister Dunn graduated with honors from Maryville College with a bachelor’s in history. She earned her master’s in English from Saint Louis University in 1977 and a master’s in education administration from the University of Houston in 1982. She held certificates as an administrator in Louisiana and Nebraska. She served on the Maryville board of trustees and on the boards of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland, and Old St. Ferdinand Shrine in Florissant, Missouri. She authored books and articles published by the Society of the Sacred Heart. Among the titles were the beloved children’s book Under the Pear Tree, written in 1996, and Life at Sacred Heart in 1986. She also

1970s

4 Mary Lund Crider, ’70, of St. Louis, organized a Maryville campus tour for herself and several of her classmates: Jane Rodenfels Hayes, ’70, of Glenview, Ill.; Joan Roach Fee, ’70, of Yonkers, N.Y.; Patricia “Patty” Greene McCulloch, ’70, of New Rochelle, N.Y.; Mary Patricia “Pat” Fernholz, ’70, of Chicago; Nancy Martin Hammond, ’70, of Glenview, Ill.; and Kathleen “Kathy” Sanders Hurst, ’70, of Chesterfield, Mo.

Elzbiata Krasicka Reavis, ’70, of St. Louis, is the subject of a new book by her son, Toni Reavis. The book, Bisia & Isham: the Countess and the POW, is about how she and his father, Isham, met during wartime. After escaping to the U.S. and graduating from Maryville, Elzbiata was a respected and much beloved teacher at Villa Duchesne.

wrote Faithful Friend, a biography of Ursula McAghon, RSCJ, in 2014, and Catherine Collins: Innovator with Heart and Vision, in 2021.

In 2022, Sister Dunn moved to Houston and joined the Duchesne Houston Community, where she was to be engaged in education and retreat work. On March 27, Sister Dunn suffered a fatal medical attack, dying suddenly. Her death was a shock to her community and to the Society of the Sacred Heart. She was loved by many students, parents and friends and will be dearly missed.

Sister Dunn was preceded in death by her parents Edward A. Dunn and Jane Hebert Dunn. She is survived by her sister Jenny Blanc (Mike) of Houston; a niece, Paige, and nephew, Evan, and six grand nieces and nephews; and her sisters in the Society of the Sacred Heart.

Mary Catherine Bobbett, ’71, of Henderson, Nev., is retired but “on call” to work mornings for two dental offices where she used to work dental hygiene. Mary is also working for the state of Nevada dental board a few times a month as an infection control inspector. Since she is still physically active, she loves helping out where she can!

Kathleen “Kathy” Claus Brinkmann, ’72, of Santa Clara, Calif., and her husband, John, are planning to catch up with several Maryville classmates during an upcoming visit to St. Louis.

Nancy Good, ’72, of St. Louis, has moved back to the area from Michigan.

4

Pamela “Pam” Schilling Korns, ’72, of Naples, Fla., and her husband, Ken, managed to escape the summer heat by spending several months in Michigan.

Julie “Smitty” Smith Steinlage, ’72, of Hilton Head Island, S.C., and her husband, Arnie, recently enjoyed a Rhine River riverboat cruise.

Edmee “Toni” Combs West, ’72, of Downingtown, Pa., recently traveled with her family to Colorado for a family wedding.

Sharon Donnelly Woelbling, ’72, of Wentzville, Mo., and her husband, Don, spent time this past summer in Munich, where they met up with two of her nephews. They continued their travels by train to Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. Before returning home, they met up with one of Don’s relatives in Leipzig, Germany.

From left: Jane Rodenfels Hayes; Joan Roach Fee; Patty Greene McCulloch; Pat Fernholz; Nancy Martin Hammond; Kathy Sanders Hurst; and Mary Lund Crider.

Claudius Pritchard

1927 – 2023

The Maryville University community mourns the loss of Claudius H. Pritchard, Jr., PhD, president emeritus of Maryville University. Pritchard passed away in South Carolina on June 27, 2023, at age 95. His leadership and impact are still evident today at Maryville, and we celebrate his enduring legacy.

Pritchard was Maryville’s first lay leader, serving as president from 1977 to 1992. His tenure was marked by a period of dynamic growth. The NCAA-level Saints intercollegiate athletics program launched under his leadership, and he hosted the initial meeting that led to the formation of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). Maryville competed in Division III NCAA athletics in the SLIAC until 2009, when it moved to Division II. In 2022, Pritchard was inducted into the Maryville Athletics Hall of Fame.

Pritchard also oversaw significant growth through on-campus facility construction, including the John E. and Adaline Simon Athletic Center, the University Library, several athletic fields, Ranch House (later renamed McNally), and Charles M. Huttig Memorial Chapel. Upon retiring in 1992, Pritchard was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, and years later, the East Wing of Gander Hall was named in his honor.

He was instrumental in building Maryville’s initial endowment with the Maryville Centre development. Under his leadership, Maryville also created the Weekend College, expanding access to adult education in the region. Maryville was the first university in St. Louis to launch such a program. Pritchard also oversaw the accreditation process for nursing, physical therapy, interior design and numerous other programs.

Claudius H. Pritchard, Jr. was born June 28, 1927, in Charleston, West Virginia. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He received his bachelor’s degree from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, his master’s from Longwood University in Virginia and his doctorate from Florida State University. He worked at HampdenSidney College for 16 years prior to becoming president of Sullins College in Virginia for four years. He arrived at Maryville in 1976 and was named president in 1977.

Pritchard is survived by his wife of

70 years, Marjorie Pullen Pritchard, and four children: Virginia Pritchard Ashby (Richard), Katherine Pritchard Napier (Ronald), Olivia Pritchard Sharpton (James) and Claudius H. Pritchard, V (Mary Beth); eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

As Maryville mourns the loss of an exceptional leader, let us also celebrate Pritchard’s extraordinary life and remarkable contributions to the success of Maryville University. We extend our deepest condolences to Pritchard’s family, friends and loved ones.

Claudius H. Pritchard, Jr., PhD, was Maryville’s first lay leader, serving as president from 1977 to 1992.

Patricia Connolly Arnold, ’73, of Sugar Land, Texas, is a retired elementary school teacher. She enjoys substitute teaching a couple of times a week. Patricia has five precious grandchildren from her daughter, Courtney, who lives with her husband in Wauwatosa, Wis. Her older daughter, Kathleen, is an intensive care unit nurse in Austin, Texas.

Claire Thompson Lawrence, ’73, of Keller, Texas, and her husband, William, celebrated 51 years of marriage on April 3, 2023. The two have five children and eight grandchildren together.

5 Stephen C. Huckstep, ’79, of Farmington, Mo., and Stephen “Steve” B. Musial, ’81, of Boulder, Colo., enjoyed another joint family spring break trip in Belize. The two have gotten their families together for beach trips, usually once every year or two since graduation, and reminisced about their enjoyable Maryville years and decades of friendship. Both retired in 2019, nearly 42 years after starting at Maryville, with Huckstep serving as the director for Midwest Transplant and Musial as senior director with AbbVie Laboratories. Both enjoy retirement and time with family, including numerous grandchildren, and annual beach travel.

1980s

Patricia “Trish” Roth Goldberg, ’80, of Duluth, Minn., is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic. She specializes in elder care.

Melody Coretta Schroer, ’84, of St. Louis, is the associate professor and coordinator of Paralegal Studies at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill.

Dr. Michelle Jenkins, ’89, of  St. Louis, married Frank Zeller on July 30, 2023. Dr. Jenkins is dean of Maryville’s Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions.

Claire Porter Newton, ’89, of St. Louis, is the president of Federal International Inc., a private, familyowned company founded in 1914 and the parent company of business units Federal Recycling & Waste Solutions, Federal Foam Technologies and Federal Eco Foam. She’s the first female, nonfamily member to lead the company. Under her leadership, Federal International became a certified Women’s Business Enterprise. Newton led multiple company acquisitions throughout the U.S. and internationally and oversaw the consolidation of the company’s European business entities in 2021. She spearheaded a companywide donation campaign for war relief efforts in Ukraine and is committed to leading all three business units toward a more sustainable future in St. Louis and globally.

1990s

Sarah Roe Sise, ’94, of St. Louis, has joined the Chicago office of Quarles & Brady LLP as a partner in the Labor, Employment and Benefits Practice Group. She is working remotely from her residence in St. Louis, but she works occasionally from the Chicago, Milwaukee, San Diego and Phoenix offices. Sise previously worked for nearly eight years at Armstrong Teasdale LLP, most recently as a partner. She also made partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, where she worked from 1997 to 2015.

FAITH AND A MUSICAL LIFE

BY CHRIS REIMER

Evadine Cheryl Peyton Houck, ’13, never thought she could teach piano, nor write a book. But like many Saints, she found her calling and answered it. She has been a constant presence in the areas of Christian music, piano studies and music therapy in the Alton, Illinois, area during a nearly seven-decade career.

Houck began her educational journey in her 40s with an associate degree at Lewis and Clark College, followed by a bachelor’s of music education at Southern Illinois University. While Houck was at Lewis and Clark in the 1980s, a professor told her of a new discipline for music majors called music therapy. “At the time, it went in one ear and out the other,” Houck said. “I was married with four children, traveling with our gospel quartet, doing homework on the bus. I felt I didn’t have the time to dedicate to it, so I dismissed it. I taught music at Lewis and Clark and then retired.”

Twelve years later, still retired, she woke up in the middle of the night with thoughts of music therapy front and center. Trusting in her faith, she said, “Lord, if this is something you would like me to work on, you have to send somebody across my path.” Soon after, she was volunteering at a hospital and happened upon a brochure with a reference to Maryville’s music therapy program. Her educational path was set.

Houck’s love of music began with piano lessons at age 6, and just 10 years later, a neighbor approached her with a request to provide piano lessons for their child. “I thought, ‘You’re kidding, I’m only 16, I can’t do that.’ But then I realized I could help out a little bit. I dragged my old lesson books out, and I loved it. That was the start of a 64-year career providing piano lessons to thousands of students.”

Houck recently published her first book, Roses and Broken Sidewalks: My Musical Journey through Life, in which she shares first-person accounts of the influence of music in her own life. She recently held an autograph celebration at her church. “The congregation turned out and supported me. I sold so many books that day, I had to pinch myself!”

Houck’s faith continues to guide her as she brings the joy of music to her students. “I’m still providing piano lessons,” she said. “I’m 80 years old now. I have no problem with my age. Numbers don’t mean anything to me.”

EVADINE CHERYL PEYTON HOUCK, ’13

Rosemary Bearss, RSCJ

1931 – 2023

The Maryville University community mourns the passing of Trustee Emeritus Rosemary Bearss, RSCJ, at age 92. Sister Bearss’ spirit and dedication to service through education and ministry touched the lives of many throughout her distinguished career.

Sister Bearss’ remarkable journey within the Society of the Sacred Heart spanned more than six decades. She embraced her dual role in classroom and provincial administration, serving as a guiding light for students, colleagues and fellow sisters. Sister Bearss began her first teaching role at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Omaha, Nebraska. She later served as treasurer for

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in actuarial science from Maryville University in 1994 and a law degree from the University of Illinois in 1997.

6 Wendy Noory, ’95, of St. Louis, is owner and interior designer of Chromatix Hue and recently won an award from a global design competition, the 19th Annual Hospitality Design Awards. The Chromatix Hue Let’s Begin collection won in the product category. Congratulations, Wendy and Chromatix Hue!

Kimberly Karzen, ’98, of Glenview, Ill., held the first reading of a book tour at the Cascade Public Library for her new book, Tongue Twisters That Teach, in November 2022. The Cascade, Iowa, native previously worked as a high school teacher for 28 years in various Illinois school districts. After taking early retirement from teaching in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic classroom restructuring, Karzen recognized a need to assist students who were falling behind in their reading and writing levels. Karzen designed the book’s tongue twister-themed use of

Duchesne College, as well as a teacher and administrator at Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois. She also served on the Provincial Team of the United States Province and as financial director at Coconut Grove Cares Inc. in Miami. She worked in pastoral ministry with retired sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart.

Maryville remembers and honors Sister Bearss with gratitude and sends deepest condolences to her family and friends, as well as to the Society of the Sacred Heart community.

6

2000s

alliteration to focus children’s minds on how words go together, because it entertained them. According to Karzen, Tongue Twisters That Teach is designed for students in prekindergarten through third or fourth grade. Karzen attended Indiana University (IU) and ran crosscountry and indoor/outdoor track on scholarship. After completing her degree in marketing at IU, she went on to get her teaching certification and master’s in education from Maryville University. Karzen is also a 500-hour certified registered yoga teacher. This is Karzen’s first book.

Christina “Christy” Cantú Brooks, ’00, of Wentzville, Mo., is an educational professional with a passion for making a positive impact in the field of education. After graduating with her elementary education certification in 2000 from Maryville, she earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix and pursued a second master’s in educational administration, as well as an education specialist degree in instructional leadership with elementary math specialist certification, both from Lindenwood University. In November 2022, she proudly obtained a doctorate in educational technology from Walden University. Currently, Brooks is honored to be an educational consultant at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), a respected nonprofit organization known for its research and technical assistance work in addressing pressing challenges in education, both in the United States and globally.

Dr. Janene Reeves, ’02, ’03, of St. Louis, was recently promoted to associate administrator, Office of the President, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Reeves also participated in a student-led career development webinar at Maryville as an alumni panelist. The event took place through a partnership between the DeBaun Black Alumni Network and the newly formed student organization Black Women Initiative, and it was open to both students and alumni. The panel offered perspectives on career development as Black women in the industries of healthcare, government, nonprofit and corporate.

Heather Drury Jokerst, ’07, of Sainte Genevieve, Mo., has been promoted to senior compliance officer for MRV Banks. Jokerst started with MRV Banks in 2019 as a loan processor. In July 2020, she moved to a position in compliance. As MRV Banks’ senior compliance officer, Jokerst will help ensure that the bank’s practices align with state and federal regulations. Jokerst received her bachelor’s in business administration from

Maryville University in 2007. She became a certified community bank compliance officer in 2021. She has been married for seven years, and she and her husband have three daughters. Jokerst says she is passionate about her family and her career.

Joel D. Hermann, ’09, ’11, of Chesterfield, Mo., has been appointed to the Children’s Miracle Network of Greater St. Louis Board of Trustees. In his role, he will serve as the dance marathon committee chair, assisting high schools and colleges in the area in raising funds and awareness for this nonprofit through programming and philanthropic efforts.

7 Kara Korte McGarrahan, ’09, of Edwardsville, Ill., started a fulltime position as an occupational therapist for Granite City School District #9 in February 2023.

2010s

Kathryn “Katie” Mannion, ’12, of Chesterfield, Mo., is employed at Verywell Health as a freelance writer and occupational therapy assistant. She has clinical experience across multiple healthcare and education settings. She currently works with the geriatric population in skilled nursing facilities as well as with pediatric patients in early childhood and elementary schools. As a writer, she focuses on

various aspects related to mental health, wellness, relationships and entertainment. Her work has been featured in various publications, including People, and online with Healthline and SheKnows.

Amanda Van de Riet Jasper, ’14, and Neal P. Jasper, ’15, both of Fenton, Mo., are excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Adeline Finley Jasper. Adeline was born on April 18, 2023, weighing 5 lbs, 15 oz and measuring 19 inches long.

Laraine Luster Davis, ’16, of Kirkwood, Mo., vice president of community and government relations at Maryville, was an honoree at the Missouri Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)’s third annual Tribute to Women Business Leaders Brunch on March 25, 2023 — in recognition of Women’s History Month. Key sponsors of the 2023 Missouri MBDA event included World Wide Technology, Ameren, Maryville University, Regions Bank, St. Louis Development Corporation, the Small Business Empowerment Center, HME Consulting, St. Louis County NAACP and KMOV Channel 4. Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Maryville.

Brianna Harrell, ’16, of O’Fallon, Ill., starred in the independent film, Un-Resolved, that aired in August 2023.

A JOURNEY TO ACHIEVEMENT

BY CHRIS REIMER

In December 2023, Haley Beck, ’21, ’23, walked across the Commencement stage wearing the regalia of a two-time Maryville alumna. Beck earned her first Maryville degree in May 2021, proudly donning the Bachelor of Science in healthcare management hood. She then continued her educational journey at Maryville, earning her master’s in health administration.

Yet her path was far from conventional. “I was shy in high school. I wasn’t very confident in myself, but I was a hard worker and always made honor roll,” Beck said. “I grew up in a small town and wanted to go away to college in a big city. I took the ACT and got a call to the guidance counselor’s office. With other students present, he looked at me and said, ‘Everyone scored a 25 or higher except you.’ I just wanted to disappear.”

During a subsequent 12-year period, Beck found herself at a community college that seemed more like high school to her.

“It was a poor fit for me. But that guidance counselor made me think a great university was out of the question. I left the community college and started cosmetology school.” From age 18 to 30, she worked various jobs and remained skeptical of her chances of earning a four-year degree.

At age 30, Beck began attending St. Louis Community College and soon transferred to Maryville. Over a 10-year period, she attended evening and weekend classes, slowly working toward her bachelor’s degree. “I loved coming to campus for classes,” she said. “It was so beautiful, just as I had envisioned it when I was in high school. I didn’t care that I was in my 30s!”

Upon graduating (twice), the first thing Beck did was proudly update her LinkedIn profile. “Oh that felt good!” she said.

“I did it. I got my master’s. I can say that now.” She works at BJC Healthcare and has plans to become an abstractor. “I’m interested in patient outcomes, and I think I can contribute on the analytics side. In my classes at Maryville, I learned a great deal about the importance of data.”

It took 12 years for Beck to reclaim her belief in herself and another 12 years to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Now, at age 42, her achievements underscore the fact that it is never too late to become the person you’ve always aspired to be. “Whatever your goals are, you can achieve them,” Beck said. “Don’t let anyone deplete your confidence.”

HALEY BECK, ’21, ’23

In Memoriam

1950s

Mary Frances O’Connor Moriarty, ’52

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Moloney, ’57

Maire Shaughnessy Braun, ’58

Joan Bardenheier Harrison, ’59

Mary Casey Kunderer, ’59

Patricia “Patsy” Dickmann Sheehan, ’59

1960s

Margaret Pfeffer Gilleo, ’60

Mary “Mary Cay” Callahan Murray, ’60

Kathleen Hogan Maley, ’61

Margaret Anne “Mico” Clark Barkofske, ’64

Susan Crummey Hamilton, ’64

Ann Bernadine Howard, ’64

Patricia Guinan Rushin, ’64

Barbara Lund Wickersham, ’65, ’90

Jan Evelyn Dunn, RSCJ, ’68

Mary Feldewert, CPPS, ’68

1970s

Sandra “Sandy” Marie Burke Moehn, ’71

1990s

Richard Scott Bradrick, ’99

2000s

Jerry M. Davis, ’01

2010s

Tia Elizabeth Kingsbury, ’13

Cynthia “Cindy” Kay Berry, ’18

Johannes Wich-Schwarz

1966 – 2023

Johannes Wich-Schwarz passed away on April 17, 2023, after suffering from pancreatic cancer for several months. Johannes studied literature, philosophy and religion in Germany, England and the United States, and he earned his PhD in religion and literature from Boston University. His research interests included Modernism, post-Holocaust poetry and literary translation. His best-known book is Transformation of Language and Religion In Rainer Maria Rilke (Peter Lang, 2012). At Maryville, Johannes served as a full-time English and humanities faculty member from 2007 – 2020. He made powerful contributions to the humanities program, developing numerous courses

Evan J. Reister, ’16, of Chelan, Wash., has been selected to continue as the permanent Lake Chelan School District athletic director. Reister took over as interim athletic director on Nov. 1, 2022, and previously served as Chelan Middle School athletic director from 2018 to 2020, as an assistant varsity baseball coach and as a middle school basketball coach.

Haley N. Klockenga, ’17, and Dr. Hayden T. Klockenga, ’17, ’19, both of Mount Vernon, Ill., welcomed Amelia Kate Klockenga on Feb. 7, 2023, in Mount Vernon, Ill. Amelia is the little sister of her big brother, Beckham, and her big sister in heaven, Lucy.

Caitlin Petry, ’18, of Hannibal, Mo., has joined the Regional Medical Group. Petry earned her family nurse practitioner degree from Maryville and enjoys caring for patients in all stages of their

and helping to update the English and philosophy curricula. His colleagues especially appreciated his penchant for catchy, clever course titles.

As a teacher, Johannes drew upon contemplative psychology — his classes often began with a few minutes of quiet consideration, and he preferred to arrange his classrooms so everyone could sit in a circle. He included active listening and oneon-one conferences in all of his courses, helping students develop their unique voices in a supportive atmosphere.

lives. “My heart has always been in providing care to patients in small communities and the surrounding rural areas. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to care for patients who may not have the same access to care as those we see in larger communities. I believe everyone deserves accessible, quality healthcare,” Petry said. Petry will be providing care through Hannibal Regional’s Express Care locations.

Robin C. Thompson, ’18, ’19, of St. Louis, was promoted to marketing manager at Brown-Forman.

Christina R. Carey, ’19, of Albuquerque, N.M., a certified acute care nurse practitioner in gastroenterology, has joined Lovelace Medical Group. Carey earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Governor’s University. She completed both her master’s

degree and Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Maryville.

Daniel P. Covert, ’19, of St. Louis, is a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual. He enjoys being active by working out at the gym, playing slowpitch softball and competing in cornhole tournaments.

Aretha Perry Hardrick, EdD, ’19, of St. Louis, began serving as dean of students at Maryville University in June 2023.

Kayla Griffith, ’22, ’23, of St. Louis, was hired by Abstrakt Marketing Group as a sales development representative. She shares that she is excited about the opportunities the new role will bring!

Emilie Griscom Overberg, ’23, of St. Louis, received a National Council for Interior Design certification in 2023.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE: The Cultural Festival is the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s signature annual event celebrating the many cultures and cultural student organizations that are represented at Maryville University and around the world. Students enjoy performances, food, photo booths and togetherness.