LORAS
SUMMER 2025 Volume 71, Issue 1
Loras, as a Catholic liberal arts college, creates a community of active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decisionmakers, and responsible contributors in diverse professional, social, and religious roles. Inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and rooted in the transformative power of learning, Loras enriches lives and serves humanity.
Editorial Office
1450 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 563.588.7407 | marketing@loras.edu
LEADERSHIP
President Michael H. Doyle, J.D. (’91)
Senior Vice President
Arthur W. Sunleaf, Ed.D.
Provost
Sarah K. Nytroe, Ph.D.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Joshua D. Boots (’04, MBA ’19)
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Maria Gentile, MBA
Vice President for Catholic Identity, Mission, and Vocation
Fr. Dustin Vu, M.Div.
DESIGN
Claire Connery
CONTRIBUTORS
Brie (Pumilia) Burnett (’15)
Maxwell Clasen (’26)
Connor Day (’26)
Dani (Gaydusek) Dodds (’06)
Stephanie (Burgmeier) Ludovissy (’05)
Bill Lynch (’64)
Stacia (Edwards) McDermott (’03)
Rachel Moser (’17)
Nora Noonan (’25)
Lexi Schroeder
Annika Sunleaf-Hudson (’21)
Michael White (’25)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Amanda Osheim
Andrea Cannon
Trent Hanselmann (’18)
Jeremy Vallin (’18)
Lexi Schroeder
Center for Dubuque History
Stay Connected
DEAR LORAS COMMUNITY, President's Letter
As a student at Loras College from the fall of 1987 through the spring of 1991 I never dreamed that one day I would be named president of our beloved alma mater. Yet, here I am, serving as the twenty-seventh president of Loras and there are many I need to thank for making this possible.
I begin by giving thanks to God for this incredible opportunity and sacred responsibility of leading Loras and upholding our values of truth, respect, responsibility, excellence and service. I firmly entrust my leadership to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As I shared with our campus community on July 23, 2024, whether we are having success, or enduring difficulties, the one constant will be our faith and belief in the Holy Spirit providing guidance on our journey.
Thank you to our current and future students of Loras; they are the reason that our faculty and staff do what we do. I often tell students they provide us with the inspiration, passion, and purpose needed to deliver the best educational experience possible at one of the leading Catholic liberal arts colleges in the country. You will have the opportunity to read some of their work throughout this issue.
To our Board of Regents and Chancellor Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, I say thank you for the trust you place in me. I look forward to working closely with you in the years ahead and I am grateful to have your leadership and support.
I was part of President Collins’ senior management team for ten of his twenty-one years as president. Together, we led the most successful fundraising campaign in school history, raising over $105 million. I am grateful for the opportunities Jim provided during my tenure from June 2007 to December 2021, Jim left Loras with a solid foundation in place for which I am thankful.
Given our solid foundation that is rooted in legacy, we will rise together, as it is time to take Loras to the next level by charting a bold course forward that will enhance student success, expand our reach and deepen our institutional impact. We will rise through strategic growth, academic innovation, and community engagement.
I am excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our greatest strength is our Loras community. It will be this community working together that will allow Loras to overcome the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead resulting in Loras rising to heights never dreamed possible.
Blessings To All and Go Duhawks!
Michael H. Doyle, J.D. (’91) President
President Mike Doyle and wife, Martha
FACULTY AND STAFF NOTES
FACULTY TENURE & PROMOTIONS
The following individuals have been recognized for their outstanding performance in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service by being awarded tenure and/or promotion effective with the 2024-2025 academic year.
Tenure & Promotion to Associate Professor
Devayan Bir, Ph.D. Engineering Program
Kathryn DeShaw, Ph.D. Kinesiology Program
Kirstin Lauritsen, Ph.D. Psychology Program
AWARDED SABATICAL
Promotion to Associate Professor Ryan Decker, M.F.A. Theatre Director
Promotion to Full Professor Christopher Budzisz, Ph.D. Politics Program
Emily DiFilippo, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Spanish - Spring 2026
Nancy Zachar Fett (’90), L.M.S.W. Professor of Social Work - Academic Year 2025-2026
RETIREES
James Collins (’84), President
Ralph Ellwanger, PT Safety & Security Officer
Becky Frommelt, Academic Secretary
Bernard Douglas Gambrall, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Business Administration
Deb Gaul, Assistant Director of Information Services
Donna Heald, Ph.D., Provost and Academic Dean
William Hitchcock, MBA, Dean of the Francis J. Noonan School of Business, Engineering & Innovation
Bobbi Martin, CEL Office Coordinator
Kenneth McLaughlin, Ph.D., Professor of Physics & Engineering
Julia Omarzu, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology
Anne Vaassen, Webmaster
THANK YOU, DONNA!
In June, Dr. Donna Heald retired after eight years of dedicated leadership at Loras. The Loras community wishes her and her husband, Joe, many blessings as they enter this new chapter.
Dr. Heald brought her expertise as an educator, administrator, and leader when she joined Loras in June 2017. Before that, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton and her master’s and doctoral degrees in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her professional career began in 1991 at Trinity College in Connecticut as a visiting assistant professor, followed by a year at Middlebury College. In 1993, she became an assistant professor at the University of Scranton, earning tenure and promotion to associate professor in 1999. In 2003, she joined Siena College as associate professor.
In 2006, Donna became Associate Dean for Science Education, Director of Pre-Health Professions Advising, and Associate Professor at Fordham University. She remained there until 2013, when she was named Dean and Professor at Russell Sage College, later serving as Associate Provost.
Dr. Heald brought unwavering commitment and integrity to her role at Loras. She led the creation of a plan to ensure quality teaching and learning during the pandemic, and her collaboration with the associate provost, faculty, and administrators helped secure a ten-year reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in 2020.
A woman of faith and conviction, Dr. Heald supported students both academically and personally, advocating for them by securing funding and attending their events. She balanced strength and empathy in difficult decisions and led significant academic and program changes to further Loras mission.
The College was honored to award Dr. Heald the Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, on May 3, 2025.
WELCOME, SARAH!
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Sarah K. Nytroe as our new provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Dr. Nytroe comes to Loras College after a fifteen-year career at DeSales University in southeastern Pennsylvania. In that time, she co-led two institutional wide and multi-year projects, the university’s reaccreditation process with the Middles States Commission on Higher Education, and implementation of a new general education curriculum. She also served as the chair of a multi-discipline department for three years and the head of an academic division comprised of pre-professional and liberal arts programs for four years. Most recently, she served as the provost fellow for retention and student success. In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Nytroe has extensive teaching experience as a Professor of History, having taught seventeen different courses, and an established scholarly record on topics relating to modern American religion and religious experiences. This includes her current historical project, “We Catholics Don’t Die Like Them”: Living with Death Before the Second Vatican Council,” under contract with The Catholic University of America Press.
Loras College recent graduate Declan O’Connor (’25) has been named one of two recipients of the 42nd annual McElroy Graduate Fellowships, one of the most competitive academic honors in Northeast Iowa.
LORAS SENIOR AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS McElroy Fellowship
By Lexi Schroeder
“It felt like recognition not just of my work, but of the journey and support behind it,” said O’Connor.
The fellowship provides $36,000 over three years to support graduate study. O’Connor, a standout student recognized for his academic excellence and leadership, will pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “My long-term goal is to innovate at the intersection of fluid mechanics and medical imaging to advance patient care.”
Established by the McElroy Trustees in 1983, the fellowships aim to “encourage
a person of accomplishment, intelligence, integrity, and leadership ability to pursue challenging academic careers.” The $12,000 annual stipend is renewable for up to two additional years based on satisfactory progress toward a Ph.D. in a nonprofessional field.
O’Connor credits Loras College with helping shape his academic and personal growth. “Working in the Joe Schaefer (’62) Wind Tunnel Lab, Dr. Devayan Bir introduced me to research I didn’t know existed,” he said. “Dr. Bir pushed me out of my comfort zone and developed my skills
in writing and research. Developing those skills led to earning the Undergraduate NASA ISGC Research Scholarship and competing at the Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Competition in Maryland, all of which opened my eyes to new possibilities.”
The McElroy Trust was established to benefit “deserving young people” pursuing higher education. Its benefactor, Ralph J. McElroy, was a pioneer broadcaster who founded the Black Hawk Broadcasting Company in 1947. He passed away in 1965.
From Dubuque to Hollywood
By Maxwell Clasen (’26)
In the filmmaking capital of the world, Hollywood, Rajendra "Raj" Thakurathi (’11) is known for his distinctive vision and love for storytelling. Raj attributes his success in the film industry to the foundation he built at Loras, where he lit the spark that ignited his creative path. After starting his studies as a Physics major, Raj was introduced to the Creative Media program. “I thought maybe I could take a class or two, I started studying media classes and I really fell in love with filmmaking,” said Raj.
During his years at Loras College, Raj discovered his passion for creating films with guidance and support from Creative
Media professors, especially Seth Myers and Craig Schaefer (’89). “And there were classes, like the experimental filmmaking course with Professor Myers, where I got behind the camera and really started experimenting with editing and storytelling,” Raj recalls. “Those experiences made me take filmmaking seriously.”
Beyond academics, Raj credits much of the skills he gained as a resident assistant (RA) for shaping his ability to manage collaborative projects in filmmaking. Raj says, “The leadership, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills I learned as an RA are things I still use in my career.”
After graduating, Raj attended filmmaking school in Los Angeles, building on the solid foundation from Loras. His talent quickly earned him recognition in the industry; he has contributed to major Pixar films, including Toy Story 4, Incredibles 2, and Onward. His portfolio also includes recent hits like 20th Century Fox’s Barbarian, Shudder’s Arcadian, and Lionsgate’s Detective Knight trilogy.
Raj’s work stands out for its authenticity and creativity; traits he attributes to the lessons learned during his college years. “Loras encouraged us to take creative risks and gave us opportunities to experiment. That’s what filmmaking is all about,” he shares.
Raj’s journey from Dubuque to Los Angeles serves as an inspiring example for current and prospective Loras students. “Begin pursuing your passion, even if it’s just making videos on your phone. Keep doing what you love, and eventually good things will happen to you” Raj advises. He emphasizes taking full advantage of Loras’ opportunities and hands-on experiences, which prepare students for success in any field.
As Raj continues to make his mark in Hollywood, his story demonstrates how a strong foundation, like the one he built at Loras College, can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Students in Loras College’s Breitbach Catholic Thinkers & Leaders program had the rare opportunity to witness history unfold during a recent academic trip to Italy. While visiting the Vatican in early May, they attended the first Sunday blessing of newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff.
The group traveled to Rome as part of a May term course exploring the impact of church art and architecture on worship. Although most of the group arrived shortly after the announcement of the
new pope, three Loras juniors, Kate Cain (’26), Ian Borelli (’26), and Alex Read (’26), were already in the city and made it to St. Peter’s Square in time to see Pope Leo’s first public appearance.
“It was like we didn’t really know how or even want to leave the square,” said Kate Cain. “We were just taking in the history of the moment and how amazing it was to say we were there.”
Later, the full group gathered again in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Leo’s first Sunday blessing. In his address, translated
for the students by their guide, the pope called for peace in global conflicts and encouraged young people to take an active role in shaping the future of the Church and the world.
The experience brought a new level of depth to the students’ coursework, offering a unique spiritual and cultural connection. As they traveled through Rome, Florence, and Ravenna, the significance of their studies came to life in a deeply personal way.
FRONT ROW FOR Faith History &
By Lexi Schroeder
Matthew Kruse: Loras College Student Ambassador
From leading student sections at basketball and volleyball games to excelling as a student-athlete, Matt Kruse (’26) followed his mother, Anne (Miller) Kruse (’95) and brother, Ted Kruse (’25) by making a significant impact at Loras College. Beyond his involvement in athletics, he also served as a Student Ambassador for the Admissions Office, a role that allowed him to influence the next generation of Duhawks.
“As a Student Ambassador, I just loved inspiring the students to come to a DIII school and showing them that you didn’t have to go to a school like Iowa State — you didn’t have to go to Iowa to have fun and get a good education,” Matt shared. “You could come get a quality education and
have fun here in a nice small community.”
Matt’s role as a Student Ambassador involved meeting with new students weekly, leading campus tours, and creating personalized experiences for prospective students. Whether they were local, out-ofstate, or international, he ensured every visitor received a personalized glimpse into life at Loras. To Matt, it was more than just walking prospective students around campus, it was about crafting an experience that aligned with their individual interests and goals. “We actually had the freedom to completely personalize the tours,” he explained. “We were sent a PDF with their year, their information, and what they planned to study.”
By Connor Day (’26)
Through his passion for student life and commitment to future Duhawks, Matt embodied the welcoming and inclusive spirit of Loras College. His efforts not only helped prospective students feel at home but also left a lasting impression of what it means to be part of the Loras community. Matt became a dynamic presence on the Loras College campus; if you didn’t see him up in Keane working or running out on the track, you’d likely see him out supporting the Duhawks dressed in purple and gold! Matt was also named the 2024–2025 Faculty/Staff Scholarship recipient—a testament to his dedication, leadership, and impact on the campus community.
2002 Lynch McCarthy Apartments constructed (LMAC)
2003 Wahlert Hall reconfigured from library to classrooms
2007 Athletic Wellness Center completed (AWC)
2011 Dedication of new Grotto
2014 Duhawk Plaza added to the Rock Bowl
2015 Loras Parkway Welcome Center and Einstein Bros. Bagels
2019 Bill A. (’52) and JoAnne Miller Academic Resource Center (MARC) dedication
2019 Rock Bowl field resurfaced and Finnegan Family Track dedication
2019-2024 Renovations to Keane Hall
2021 Patrick J. Lillis (’71) AWC dedication
Rooted in tradition, Loras College continues to evolve. With each new or updated building, the campus reflects a lasting commitment to growth, innovation, and a future shaped by progress.
PHASE I BECKMAN HALL
A Fond Farwell
The Man Behind the Curtain
I remember when I first started working at Loras and I had this fear that it would be like the scene from the Wizard of Oz when the place/person you hold in great regard, turns out to be a dysfunctional guy behind the curtain. After working here now for thirteen years, eight of which Jim served as my direct supervisor, I can gladly say this couldn’t be further from the truth. Often, I have marveled at Jim’s unwavering ability to find the good in all situations, hold so much weight of the college and the community with what appears to be effortless grace, and answer emails with such swiftness. I wonder if he has one of those time-turners from Harry Potter. Jim, you have shown me tremendous support and autonomy, entertaining outside of the box ideas as well as listening with compassion and care both in my personal life and within ministry at Loras. You have encouraged me to grow professionally by pursuing my master’s degree, attending conferences, and contributing to local and national ministry efforts. Truly, I could not ask for a better mentor or supervisor who is a model of integrity and deep faith. I am excited for you to now take a step back and enjoy your family, perhaps some travel for leisure, and play more pickleball. Thank you. Two words that will never be sufficient, but I hope you can feel my gratitude and admiration. To borrow from the Liturgy, “Go in peace to (continue) to love and serve the Lord” (with hopefully a few more days to sleep in).
Stacia (Edwards) McDermott (’03), Associate Vice President for Catholic Identity, Mission, and Vocation
A Generous Spirit
I had the privilege and good fortune of knowing Jim during his forty plus year at Loras College. He loves Loras and the entire Loras community. His openness, sincerity, and deep involvement are evident daily in all he does, especially if it involves anything purple and gold. Nothing is too big or too small for him to manage or care about. He is thoughtful, and has a strong vision to see future needs and opportunities for the College.
Jim prides himself on knowing the students as evident with his regular lunch and dinner engagements in the cafeteria and at local restaurants, just talking about classes and life. He’s been a loyal supporter of Loras athletics, music, theater, and beyond, attending nearly every event and learning the names of each student. He has a unique gift for inspiring those around him, students, faculty, and staff alike, and encouraging them to exceed their own expectations— to puruse their dreams.
What some don’t know, is Jim travels extensively through the year, visiting alumni and attending gatherings around the country. He goes out of his way to recognize the big and small accomplishments of the whole Loras community. He is a thoughtful listener, a consensus-builder, and a trusted leader to faculty, the board of regents, and donors alike. Jim’s word is truly his bond.
Through Loras’ triumphs and its challenges, Jim’s presence, energy, and leadership are always front and center. One vivid example of this came during the near-fatal crash involving Loras staff and international students. Jim made sure all were taken care of, including those taking care of others. Recovery took months and Loras stood by them every day. Jim personally made regular trips to the hospital and called their concerned families overseas with regular updates. That is who Jim is—steadfast, compassionate, and present.
Jim’s love for Loras is unmatched. Only his faith, his wife Lisa, and their children hold a higher place in his heart. He’s filled with tremendous ideas, gratitude, and generous spirit. He leaves an amazing legacy, and Loras is a stronger, healthier institution because of Jim’s remarkable leadership.
WE THANK YOU, JIM, and wish you abundant joy in the years ahead. Some may say I have been fortunate to know and work closely with you all these years. I would say, I was blessed.
Bill Lynch (’64), Regent Emeritis
President Emeritus
"I have marveled at Jim’s unwavering ability to find the good in all situations."
"He has a unique gift for inspiring those around him, students, faculty, and staff alike, and encouraging them to exceed their own expectations."
"That is who Jim is—steadfast, compassionate, and present."
Dear Loras Alumni and Friends,
In August of 1980, I enrolled at Loras as an introverted, slightly above average student. Loras was experiencing an increase in enrollment and didn’t have the necessary residential space, so eighty-five freshman guys lived at Clarke for a few months up to a year. I lived there until I moved into Keane Hall for the next two years and transitioned off-campus for my senior year. These were incredibly formative and impactful years for me. I was sad to be leaving Loras but determined to move back to the Chicago area and pursue a career in banking.
In August of 1984, I returned to Loras for a brief visit. As fate would have it, I bumped into the great Frank Noonan (’42) who encouraged me to inquire about the open admission counselor position. I met briefly with Director of Admission Dan Conry who said he would hire me so long as President DiPasquale approved. I began working at my alma mater in September 1980 and “the rest is history.” I am grateful to these three mentors and the many others who gave me a chance and supported me throughout the past fortyone years.
The “moments” described above are literally a few among millions that I have had the good fortune to experience during my Loras years. It will always be the people of Loras for whom I am most grateful. The board of regents have been incredible in providing Loras with exceptional leadership, care, support, and wisdom. Our alumni, parents, benefactors, and friends have been generous with their treasure, presence, and prayers. My faculty, staff, and colleagues dedicated their lives, being student-centric, and missiondriven in ways that inspired and humbled me without fail. Our students brought joy and meaning to my everyday vocation. Having the pleasure of engaging with and celebrating them as they became alumni has been a privilege and a great source of pride. Finally, I thank God for the selfless sacrifices and support Lisa, our children, and their families have afforded me all these years.
As I move to retirement, please know that I will always love and support Loras. My heart and prayers are forever with you. Thanks for affording me the honor of a lifetime.
God Bless! Go Duhawks!
Pro Deo et Patria,
"Our students brought joy and meaning to my everyday vocation."
James E. Collins (’84) President Emeritus
On June 9, 2025, the Loras College Board of Regents approved the conferral of President Emeritus status upon James E. Collins (’84), honoring his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment as he concluded his tenure as the College’s twenty-sixth president. Though stepping down from his presidential role, President Collins will remain a vital part of the Loras community—mentoring future leaders, supporting strategic initiatives, and continuing to champion Duhawk values.
Earns National Recognitions
Loras College’s Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter has been recognized by its national organization as a Top Performing Recruiting Chapter for 2024, an honor that reflects the chapter’s commitment to growth, leadership, and excellence. In addition to this chapter-wide recognition, two student leaders earned national distinction.
Chapter President Patrick McGreevey (’26) was selected for the prestigious Tragos Quest to Greece, a highly competitive leadership and cultural immersion program. Vice President of Programming, Swagat Karki (’26), was also named a finalist. As an international student, Swagat says the recognition is especially meaningful. “It feels incredible and extra special as it’s a victory for all international students,” said Swagat. Swagat’s achievement reflects the supportive environment SigEp fosters. He credits the chapter with helping him grow personally and professionally by encouraging authenticity, risk-taking, and self-expression.
The chapter’s recruiting success was a team effort. Patrick
credited Vice President of Recruitment, Shree Prakash "SP" Shah (’25), for his standout efforts in building the brotherhood. SP’s inclusive approach and ability to make genuine connections brought in a strong, engaged group of new members.
With a motivated executive board and a calendar of service, leadership, and brotherhood-driven events, Loras’ SigEp chapter continues to build momentum and make a lasting impact on campus and beyond.
Helping the Next Duhawks Spread their Wings
Twenty-seven years after graduating from Loras College, Molly Menster (’98) has returned to her alma mater with a renewed passion for supporting the next generation of Duhawks. Armed with a degree in social work, a minor in Spanish, and a career devoted to service, Molly now serves as Loras’ Academic Success and Retention Coordinator—a role that perfectly aligns with her lifelong vocation: guiding students both academically and personally.
Molly’s commitment to serving others has taken her far and wide. After graduation, she volunteered overseas, traveled annually to Washington, D.C., as a member of Iowa’s Board of Education, and spent years as a school counselor at Dubuque Wahlert Catholic High School. So when the opportunity arose to return to the college she once called "home", the answer was easy.
by Michael White (’24)
In her new role, Molly works directly with students to develop better study habits, note-taking skills, test-taking strategies, and time management plans. Most of her advisees are referred by professors or the Lynch Learning Center, but Molly’s open-door policy means any student is welcome. “If you invite me to do something, I will almost always say yes,” Molly says. “All it takes is an invitation—I’m on your side.”
Beyond one-on-one coaching, Molly also teaches two sections of Strategies for College Success, a one-credit course designed to help first-year students adjust to college life. Carmine Mashinter (’28), a student in Molly’s class, shares how her dedication stood out. “She’s here because she wants to be here, and she wants to help the kids she’s working with,” he said. “She met with me individually to help me balance wrestling, classes, homework, and social time.”
Molly’s student-centered approach reflects her deep belief in the value of individualized support. “I’ve learned that every student has different needs, and it takes a different approach to reach each one. I’m learning every day from my interactions with the students here.”
Molly’s return to Loras is more than a full-circle moment—it’s an investment in the future of Duhawks, helping them navigate challenges, celebrate victories, and discover their own paths to success.
Loras Cares
Through the generous support of Bill (’64) and Kathleen Lynch, Loras is pleased to announce the expansion and enhancement of the FirstGeneration scholarship program, with the addition of the Loras Cares Summer Bridge Program. This program is designed to support firstgeneration students as they begin their college journey. Held in the weeks leading up to the start of the academic year, the program will provide a strong foundation for success—academically, socially, and personally for these students. The program’s curriculum was developed to allow students to earn two college credits prior to the official start of classes, while simultaneously exploring the greater Dubuque area and developing meaningful relationships with faculty and peer mentors. Bill graduated in 1964, has been a longtime supporter of first-generation initiatives at Loras College, and also serves on the board of directors with Big Shoulders, supporting students at Catholic high schools in and around Chicago.
ETHICS BOWL
The Loras College Ethics Bowl team made an impressive debut at the APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Championship, placing fifteenth in their first year of competition. Competing against thirty-six top teams, including Stanford, Duke, and West Point, the three-person Loras squad proved they belonged among the best. Led by Dominic Mailloux (’25), Patrick McGreevey (’26), and John Garrett (’27), the team earned a key win over Rollins College, last year’s fifth-ranked team, and finished ahead of Duke. This success was made possible through the support of generous donors, especially Andrew P. Studdert, former board member and benefactor of the Endowed Chair of Business Ethics & Crisis Leadership. His contributions enable Loras to offer the Ethics Bowl course, which will return in the fall with plans to grow.
Service-Fueled, Student-Focused
For Kelsey Callahan (’16), Loras College has always felt like home. Growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, her roots were already planted deep in Duhawk soil. Her mom, Deanne (Foley) Callahan (’90), aunts, uncles, and cousins are all proud Duhawks. From childhood summers spent at Loras All-Sports Camp to college visits with family, Kelsey knew Loras was something special. But it was during Iowa Private College Week that everything clicked.
As a student, Kelsey double-majored in English Literature and Secondary Education and later went on to earn a master’s in General Psychology. On campus, she fully embraced the Loras experience by getting involved with Dance Marathon, Loras Student Alumni Council, and service trips that helped shape her understanding of the world and her place in it. Through those activities, she formed a tight-knit bond with a group of friends she still treasures today, affectionately known as the “Loras Ladies.”
Among her most meaningful Loras experiences were the service trips. Having participated in similar opportunities in high school, Kelsey knew she wanted to continue that work in college. Through Loras, she found opportunities to give back to communities across the country, blending travel and service in a way that shaped her worldview and deepened her call to help others.
After graduating, Kelsey stayed in Dubuque to help guide the next generation of Duhawks. She worked in the Admission Office, recruiting students from Chicagoland, before transitioning to Student Life, where she continued to support students through mentorship and programming. She reflects on those years with deep gratitude, saying, “I can’t imagine my post-college journey going any differently.”
Now back in Chicago, Kelsey serves as Director of Admissions at Marist High School, where she recruits students in grades 6-8 and helps them take the next steps in their educational journeys. The shift from working with college students to middle schoolers was a change, but one she’s embraced with purpose and energy.
Still, Loras remains close to her heart. Kelsey stays connected by attending Homecoming and supporting student organizations like Dance Marathon, now known as DuThon. Watching current students carry on the same traditions she once helped lead brings her continued joy. “Loras is always evolving, and that’s what makes it so special,” she says. Whether she’s cheering from Chicago or visiting campus, Kelsey’s Duhawk pride runs deep, and it’s clear she’ll always be part of Loras College.
Her story will inspire you. From student to mentor, Kelsey reflects on how her time at Loras shaped who she is today on the June episode of the Duhawk Dozen podcast, hosted by the Young Alumni Advisory Board. Stream it now on Spotify or at loras.edu/news/category/alumni
DANCING through the
By Nora Noonan (’25)
DECADES
Loras College DuTHON, previously known as Dance Marathon, is celebrating twenty years as an iconic studentled organization, which has raised over $2.3 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital (UISFCH) since its start in 2005.
Kim Walsh’s inspiration to start the organization began when she became the assistant dean of students, wanting to give students exposure to volunteerism and philanthropy, showing them how they can impact others. Students in a campus leadership class followed Walsh’s lead and sought to start their own chapter of Dance Marathon on campus.
Throughout the years and with their funds raised, DuThon has most notably funded the
Loras College Dance Marathon Playroom at the UISFCH, a space for families to enjoy while receiving treatment. This playroom helps families escape the clinical hospital environment and allows kids to simply be kids.
Students get involved in many different capacities; however, all roles center on service and vocation. As Walsh states, "through fundraising and direct support to local families facing childhood illnesses, students see firsthand the impact of community, compassion, and service. Their dedication to DuTHON shows students that they can make a difference, strengthening their dedication to service."
DuTHON leaders that graduated have gone on to service-based careers with organizations including the Children's Miracle Network, University of Iowa Healthcare, and Boy Scouts of America.
Walsh's contributions often go unrecognized, although more than ten percent of her work week is dedicated to mentoring DuTHON students and teaching them essential leadership and philanthropy skills.
Alumni and former Dance Marathon president Kevin Meyers (’13) says Walsh empowered him. "She believed in me, challenged me, and helped me grow as much as anyone,” he said. “In my job interviews I spoke about Dance Marathon more than any other experience I had by that point. It made a huge impact on me getting started in my career, and I am thankful for what I was able to learn from her tutelage as some of the lessons I still carry out today. I am so thankful to be one of the thousands that Kim has made an impact on in her career at Loras."
Loras College welcomed back former Director of Athletics Kevin White, Ph.D., for a Fireside Chat celebrating the release of his new book, The Good Sport: Reflections on a Full Life in College Sports. Held on April 12, 2025, in the Alumni Campus Center Ballroom, the event drew students, alumni, and community members for a thoughtful conversation moderated by Chip Murray (’74). Dr. White reflected on his time at Loras and his fifty-year career in NCAA Division I athletics, including leadership roles at Notre Dame, Duke, and Arizona State. Now a professor at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, he shared insights on the evolving college sports landscape. The event concluded with an audience Q&A and book signing, marking a meaningful return to campus for one of the most influential figures in college athletics.
EMMA SEIPEL 3X LONG JUMP NATIONAL CHAMPION
Emma Seipel (’25) led the way for the Duhawks, winning three individual event titles and earning Most Valuable Field Performer honors. She claimed gold in the long jump (6.11 meters), 60-meter dash (7.56 seconds) and 200-meter dash (24.74 seconds). Her 60-meter time set new championship and facility records, and both her 60-meter and 200-meter marks rank second in program history. She also earned All-Conference honors in the triple jump, 400 meters and as part of the 4x400-meter relay team.
SOFTBALL
HISTORIC SEASON
Loras Softball capped off a historic 2025 season in the American Rivers Conference—the best in program history—and a milestone sweep of Central College. Freshman pitcher Kaili Henning (’28) was named A-R-C Rookie of the Year and earned NFCA Region IX Second Team honors.
LORAS LEGACY BALL
