Loras College Magazine - Winter 2009

inside this issue C O V E R S TO RY

Leader, Leading, Leadership F E AT U R E

Student Leadership: Representing Their Peers PERSPECTIVE

“Ya Gotta Believe”

D E PA RT M E N T S ADVANCING THE COLLEGE

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I N S I D E L O RA S

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S P O RT S

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A LU M N I N E W S

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A LU M N I N O T E S

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THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | VOL. 58 | NO. 1 | WINTER 2009

The Loras College Magazine WINTER 2009

E D I TO R ’ S PAG E

Letter from the Editor

VO L U M E 5 8 | N O. 1

PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James E. Collins (’84) PROVOST AND ACADEMIC DEAN . . . . . . Cheryl Jacobsen, Ph.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT . . . . . . . Jack Wertzberger (’75) VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Lail Bunders, Ed.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen Schmall (’83) ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arthur Sunleaf DEAN, CAMPUS SPIRITUAL LIFE . . . . . . . . .The Rev. John Haugen ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . .Valorie Woerdehoff (’82) PUBLISHER Lisa Lail Bunders, Ed.D. MANAGING EDITOR Angie FitzPatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/EDITORS Chris Budzisz, Ph.D. Cheryl Jacobsen, Ph.D. Alana Caligiuri (’09) Helen Kennedy Mary Ellen Carroll, Ph.D. Stephanie (Burgmeir) Ludovissy (’05) Leah Corkery (’09) Twyla (McCabe) Marlow (’03) Sue (Bishop) Czeshinski (’87) Kate (Kenneally) McLenaghan (’95) Jon Denham (’02) Rajendra Thakurathi (’11) Bobbi Earles (’88) Andrew Tranel (’12) Sheila Germaine Kim Walsh Mike Gibson The Rev. Douglas Wathier, S.T.D. Sandra Gonzales (’05) Joyce Whelan Greg Gorton Valorie Woerdehoff (’82) PHOTOGRAPHY/ART Doug Donald Dave Eischeid (’67), Eischeid Photography Terry Grant David E. Jackson Chris Maiers, Memories Photography Mary Kay Mueller Daniel Randolph (’10) Rajendra Thakurathi (’11) The Loras Archives DESIGN Kelly Jo (Huntington) Fassbinder (Alumnus), Imagine That!

Mary Kay Mueller PRINTING Woodward Printing Services NATIONAL ALUMNI BOARD Carl P. Adducci (’63) Western Springs, Ill. Michael Blouin (’66) Dubuque, Iowa Amy (Deluhery) Breitfelder (’92) Dubuque, Iowa William H. Callaghan, Jr. (’74) Midlothian, Ill. Jane (Noonan) Demmer (’76) Cedar Falls, Iowa Kendall Griffin (’94) Forest Park, Ill. Thomas J. Lowenberg (’60) Pine Springs, Minn.

Audra (Gaiziunas) Marotta (’97) Hillsborough, N.C. Michael A. McCrea, Ph.D. (’88) Wauwatosa, Wis. Kelly (Stevens) Moshier (’97) Minneapolis, Minn.

Eugene E. Murphy, Jr. (’84) Evanston. Ill. Thomas M. Onan (’57) Lake Forest, Ill. Autumn (Esch) Pino (’99) Maquoketa, Iowa Lori (Welsch) Thielen (’87) Dubuque, Iowa Luke Vandermillen (’88) West Des Moines, Iowa Kelly Walsh-Hunt, Ph.D. (’90) Rocky River, Ohio Todd T. Welu (’86) Naperville, Ill. The Loras College Magazine is published approximately twice a year for alumni, students, parents, faculty and friends of the College. The contents are selected to stimulate thought, opinion and discussion, to demonstrate the diverse interests and pursuits of the campus community, and to provide news about the College and its alumni. Worldwide circulation is approximately 23,000.

EDITORIAL OFFICE 30 Keane Hall 1450 Alta Vista Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Phone: (563) 588-7811 Fax: (563) 588-4941 E-mail: magazine@loras.edu

ALUMNI OFFICE 200 Keane Hall 1450 Alta Vista Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Phone: (563) 588-7170 Fax: (563) 588-4941 E-mail: alumni@loras.edu

The last three issues of The Loras College Magazine, including this one, have focused on important aspects of the College’s distinct nature and strategic vision for the future: Catholic identity, experiential learning and now leadership. The way in which the community engages in each of these aspects is unique to Loras College and worth not only recognition, but celebration.

Leadership invokes many images, references and traits in people’s minds.

Some may think of politics, others of service. Some may think of successful business people while others reflect on the Church. Leadership encompasses all of these and more. In the cover story beginning on page 10, you will get a glimpse of some of the varying ways leadership is woven into the Loras experience. A closer look at the formal student leadership of Student Union follows in the feature story found on page 17. Finally, leadership takes many forms, as you will read about a courageous Loras alumna in the perspective on page 48.

On another note, you will notice that the format of this magazine is somewhat different than in the past. In an effort to be good stewards of our resources, we have begun to take steps to reduce both the overall cost of the publication as well as the carbon footprint of its creation. In doing so, we have reduced the overall pages in this issue. Several articles provided here have been shortened to fit within the new page count, but are available in their entirety online. We have also changed the process in which the magazine is printed, which has increased efficiency and unexpectedly allowed us to bring you the publication in full color. Over the course of the next several issues, we will continue to explore ways to bring you this quality publication in more affordable and green ways.

ANGIE FITZPATRICK, Managing Editor The Loras College Magazine encourages letters to the editor. Please send your letters to: Angie FitzPatrick, The Loras College Magazine, Loras College, 1450 Alta Vista Dr., Dubuque, IA 52001. You may also email your letters to magazine@loras.edu. All letters to the editor must include the author’s full name, class year, address and phone number. The Loras College Magazine staff reserves the right to edit letters and to omit letters for reasons of space and appropriateness. Letters not intended for publication should be clearly marked as such.

The Rev. Robert Beck, D.Min. (’62), professor of religious studies, has authored a book titled, Sunday Homilies, which is a collection of homilies for 40 Sundays of Cycle B of the Liturgical Year.

David Cochran, Ph.D., associate professor of politics and director, Kucera Center for Catholic Studies, performed a series of activities in the months leading up to the recent election based on his co-authored book, The Catholic Vote (Orbis, 2008). These included papers at the annual meetings of the American Political Science Association and the New England Political Science Association; campus lectures at The University of St. Thomas (Texas), Lewis University (Ill.) and Carroll College (Mont.); interviews with the Catholic News Service, Sirius Satellite Radio and local media; and approximately a dozen talks and workshops around Eastern Iowa.

Gerald Eagleson, Ph.D., professor emeritus, was invited to be a member of the selection committee for the best poster or oral communication during the LARC meeting in Rouen, France, Oct. 16-19, 2008. LARC is a French Neuroscience group that encourages European graduate students to submit oral communications and posters explaining their recent significant findings as they progress toward their doctorate degrees. On Nov. 7, 2008, Eagleson gave an invited talk to the graduate and research faculty of the Brain Institute of Bremen University.

The talk was entitled, “Studies on the Early Development of the Anterior Brain Areas of Xenopus laevis.” Upon recommendation of the dean of sciences at Raboud University Nijmegen, Eagleson was appointed as a member of the Doctoral Examination Board for Ms. A.H. Kidane’s doctoral defense entitled, “Regulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the neuroendocrine melanotrope cell of Xenopus laevis,” held at Raboud Center at the University of Nijmegen on Dec. 5, 2008.

advancing the college

Faculty and Staff Recognitions

Matthew Garrett, Ph.D., associate professor of physical education and chair, division of physical education and sport studies, presented, “Religious Issues in Interscholastic Athletics,” at the Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance state conference in November.

Michael Gibson (MA ’91), director of the Center for Dubuque History/College archivist, submitted seven entries for the newly published Biographical Dictionary of Iowa, ed. by David Hudson, Marvin Bergman, and Loren Horton (Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 2008).

Mary Johnson, Ph.D. (MA ’81), professor of psychology, has been elected chair of the Psychology Licensure Board for the state of Iowa. Membership on the board is by governor appointment and the board then elects their chair from among its members. The board oversees licensure and discipline processes for all Iowa licensed psychologists.

3 Bob Schultz (MA ’94)

Debra Sazama

Kimberly Walsh

Scott Scheuerell, Ph.D. (’95)

Kevin Koch, Ph.D. (’81), professor of English and chair, division of language and literature, had the article, “Is This Really Iowa?” published in The Telegraph Herald Tri-State Outdoors Magazine, November 2008.

The article focused on the Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge.

Bob Schultz (MA ’94), head coach, cross country and track and field, received the 2008 Father John Naumann Award. The award, presented by Loras College student government, is given to a faculty or staff member who demonstrates outstanding support for and involvement with Loras students.

Paul Kohl, Ph.D., associate professor of communication arts, delivered the paper, “‘When I get to the bottom I go back to the top…’: The Carnivalesque World of the Beatles,” at an international conference on the Beatles at the University of Lodz, Poland, June 2-3.

Kohl was also elected to the executive board of the Midwest Popular Culture Association at their fall conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.

John Upstrom, M.B.A., professor of finance, made several presentations on personal finance topics this past fall for various groups. The first was a presentation for the Loras College Board of Regents Retreat on July 26 titled, “Planning and Investing for Retirement.”

The second was for the Loras Club of Chicago on Sept.

18 titled, “Life After Loras,” and the third was for the 25th Annual Women’s Awareness Day on Sept. 25 titled, “Smart Women Finish Rich,” held at Sinsinawa Mound.

T H E L O R A S C O L L E G E M AG A Z I N E | A DVA N C I N G

Kenneth McLaughlin, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering, has co-authored a manuscript entitled, “Use of partial-wave decomposition to identify resonant interference effects in the photoionization-excitation of argon,” that was recently accepted for publication in an international journal dedicated to research in atomic and molecular physics (Journal of Physics B, Institute of Physics Publishing, Bristol, UK). This paper will appear in an upcoming volume that will be devoted to current research into the process by which a particle of light can eject an electron from its previously bound atomic or molecular orbital. The first quantum description of this process was published by Albert Einstein for which he was later awarded a Nobel Prize.

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James Pollock, Ph.D., associate professor of English, published the following poems: “Prow,” “House,” “Grandmother’s Bible,” and “The Museum of Death,” The Fiddlehead, No. 238, Winter 2009; also “Radio,” Maisonneuve, Issue 27, Spring 2008. Pollock also published several critical review essays: “Hine Recollected,” Arc Poetry Magazine, No. 61, Winter 2009; “Anne Carson and the Sublime,” Contemporary Poetry Review, August, 2008; and “Cursing with a Broken Art,” Canadian Notes & Queries, #72, 2008.

Debra Sazama, assistant professor of physical education and sports studies, presented, “Talk to My Students…Are you Kidding?” at the Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance state conference in November.

Scott Scheuerell, Ph.D. (’95), assistant professor of education, had the article, “Gallup Poll: Using the Internet to Learn about the Influence of Public Opinion in Politics,” published in the July/August 2008 edition of The Social Studies. He also presented, “Integrating Technology and Local History: A Partnership Preparing Pre-Service Teachers,” at the 2008 NCSS (National Council for the Social Studies) annual conference in Houston, Texas.

John Waldmeir, Ph.D., associate professor of religious studies, delivered a paper at the 31st Annual Global Studies Conference, held Oct. 2-4, 2008, at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. The paper, “Tracing an Inner Compass,” examined the poetry of contemporary Egyptian/American poet Pauline Kaldas.

Kimberly Walsh, director of student life, will be presenting with Kristin Anderson-Bricker, Ph.D., associate professor of history, a talk titled, “Innovative Collaboration: Academic and Student Affairs Partnerships Improving the First-Year Experience,” at the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators conference in Seattle in March. Walsh also presented, “Supporting Students Successful Academic and Co-curricular Transition through an Experiential and Learning-based Orientation Program,” with Lisa Grinde Budzisz, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, at the National First Year Experience Conference in Orlando, Fla., in February.

Jack Wertzberger (’75), vice president for institutional advancement, has been appointed to the board of directors for the Dubuque Symphony and the Dubuque Museum of Art. The Rev. William Wilkie, Ph.D. (’50), professor emeritus, has been notified by The Cambridge University Press that his book, The Cardinal Protectors of England: Rome and the Tudors before the Reformation, has been reprinted.

Regents Thanked for Service, Named Emeriti B Y VA L O R I E W O E R D E H O F F ( ’ 8 2 ) , A S S I S TA N T T O T H E P R E S I D E N T

Thomas Giovingo (’78)

Kevin Malone (’69)

David Walsh (’71)

Three members of the Loras College Board of Regents were honored in October for their years of service. Each of these individuals has served for nine years as a regent and is now retiring. All three were unanimously voted to emeritus status by the board at the February 2009 meeting. Leaving the board are Thomas Giovingo (’78), Kevin Malone (’69) and David Walsh (’71).

Giovingo joined the Board of Regents in February 1999. He is senior vice president for business solutions at Fidelitone Logistics located in Wauconda, Ill. Giovingo is past-president of the Loras College National Alumni Board and past-president and founder of the Loras Alumni Club of Rockford. His wife Kathy is a member of the Loras class of 1976. They are also parents of 2006 graduate Thomas Giovingo, Jr. Malone also joined the Board of Regents in February 1999. He served as chair and a member of the Presidential Search Committee. Malone is the president and founder of Greenrock Research, LLC, located in Chicago, Ill. Walsh joined the Board of Regents in May 1999. He currently serves as president and chief executive officer for Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, located in New York City. He is a former Alaska insurance director and president for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Loras College thanks these three individuals for their dedicated service on the board.

Loras College earned the 13th spot in the Top Tier among Best Midwest Baccalaureate Colleges in the 2009 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report.

Indicators of academic quality for Loras were noted in the increase over last year from 23% to 30% of freshman in the top 25% of their high school class, as well as the jump in the average alumni giving rate from 21% to 23%. Other areas within the rankings that improved for Loras include average freshman retention rate, student/faculty ratio, acceptance rate and percent of faculty who are full-time.

The graduation rate ranking earned Loras a place on the separate list of the top five highest graduation rates in the Midwest Baccalaureate Colleges category.

In discussing the rankings, Loras College President Jim Collins (’84) commented, “While I continue to be proud of how well we rank in what is clearly a highly competitive tier, I am more pleased to see our percentages improve.

For the Loras College community, what is truly important is our continuing diligence at ever increasing quality, rigor and access for all of our students.”

WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Loras 13th

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Coach for a Day

BY SANDRA GONZALES (’05), DIRECTOR OF THE LORAS FUND

Loras College athletics has a long and proud history.

Alumni have fond memories of their time competing for the purple and gold and many life-long friendships with teammates as well as coaches were forged on the practice field. Duhawks are also loyal fans and many remember carrying their team to victory with their cheers and chants. Being a part of the Duhawk culture, whether you competed or not, is something all alumni will forever cherish.

The Loras College athletic department is excited to now offer all alumni a unique opportunity to participate in the excitement of game day once again. The Loras College Coach for a Day program allows Loras alumni to support their favorite team while getting the opportunity to experience game day like no one else.

T H E L O R A S C O L L E G E M AG A Z I N E | A DVA N C I N G

“Alumni support is invaluable to the Loras athletic department,” said Brad Soderberg, interim director of athletics. “The presence of our alumni at sporting events helps our student-athletes better understand the pride, spirit and tradition that is Duhawk athletics. The goal of our athletic department is to establish ourselves as one of the finest sports programs in the country.

Many factors will contribute to the accomplishment of this goal, but none bigger than the financial support of our alumni and friends.”

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“Loras provided me with an opportunity that will always be very special to me. I think it is important to give back and to provide those opportunities to as many student-athletes as possible,” Lekki reflected.

The Coach for a Day program also offers student-athletes a unique opportunity to get to know alumni better. Head Soccer Coach Dan Rothert (’96) stated, “Having Dan Lekki as Coach for a Day was a lot of fun for everyone involved. Personally, I think it was great for our guys. Dan spoke with them and told them about his experiences at Loras and told the team how he and all alumni were so proud of what the team had accomplished.”

Lekki has already signed up to participate again and said, “My favorite experience was being able to give the team a pre-game speech. The overall experience was fantastic.”

Please contact Sandra Gonzales (’05), director of the Loras Fund, at (563) 588-7328 or at sandra.gonzales@loras.edu for more information on the Coach for a Day program.

Supporting the Coach for a Day program not only benefits the athletic department, but also the team of your choice. A gift of $500 allows any alumni to experience being a Coach for a Day. This fall during Homecoming weekend, Dan Lekki (’96) took part in the program, helping to “coach” the men’s soccer team. He attended the team’s pre-game meeting, helped run the warm-up drills and shared the bench with the team during the game.

Dan Lekki (’96) served as Coach for a Day for the men’s soccer team during Homecoming weekend.

President, Provost Appointed to National and Regional Posts siasm for Catholic higher education, experience as an accomplished campus president and a commitment to enrich collaboration between Catholic higher education and other Catholic ministries. ACCU and its member institutions are very fortunate to have him serving on the board of directors as we face a future that is both challenging and promising.”

Jim Collins (’84)

Cheryl Jacobsen, Ph.D.

Loras College President Jim Collins (’84) has been appointed to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) board of directors. He joins 17 other Catholic college presidents in serving on the board, including the Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame; Mary Lyons, Ph.D., president of the University of San Diego; and Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., president of St. Bonaventure University.

They represent over 220 Catholic colleges and universities across the United States.

“I am delighted to welcome President Jim Collins to the board of directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities,” said Richard A. Yanikoski, Ph.D., president and CEO of ACCU. “He brings enthu-

Cheryl Jacobsen, Ph.D., provost and academic dean for Loras College, has been appointed to the Institutional Actions Council for the Higher Learning Commission where she will serve a four-year term.

The 26-member Institutional Actions Council is made up of 20 peer-reviewers who are recognized for their knowledge, experience and understanding of the accreditation process. The council reviews recommendations and related materials that pertain to the affiliation status of institutions.

The Higher Learning Commission, which is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, oversees the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in 19 Midwestern and South-Central states.

Loras College was selected by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) to receive a WealthEngine award for overall improvement in educational fundraising.

The award, which is a component of CASE’s Circle of Excellence program, recognizes superior fundraising programs nationally. Loras was chosen to receive the award based on a threeyear analysis of fundraising data, which had been submitted through the Council for Aid to Education’s annual Voluntary Support of Education survey.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a nonprofit organization that serves professionals in the fields of alumni relations, communications, marketing and development. Established in 1974, the international organization serves nearly 3,400 colleges, universities, independent elementary and secondary schools and educational associates in 60 countries around the world.

WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Loras Recognized for Exemplary Fundraising

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Donors Help Students with Their Loras College Education B Y S H E I L A G E R M A I N E , S E N I O R D E V E L O P M E N T A S S I S TA N T

More than 200 donors and Loras College students attended the annual Scholarship Luncheon on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008. This event provides students an opportunity to interact with donors and share their experiences about receiving a Loras College education, thanks to the generous support from benefactors. As Kyle Haase (’12) (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) noted in his blessing before the meal, “We… recognize that without the support of the benefactors here today, many students would find it difficult, or impossible, to receive the kind of education that Loras College can offer.”

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This year’s luncheon recognized two exceptional people in Helen Molo and Charles Weepie (’53). Molo, who established the Robert E. Molo Scholarship named after her late husband, a 1952 Loras graduate, generously sponsored this year’s luncheon. Weepie and his wife, Tina, were recognized and honored as longtime friends of the College whose generous support to Loras has recently exceeded $1 million. Weepie addressed the students and donors who were present at the luncheon with a challenge to continue to enhance financial assistance to future Loras College students in the form of scholarships. The Charles Weepie Family Scholarship, which was established by Charles and Tina Weepie, has assisted more than 20 students since 2004.

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The annual Scholarship Luncheon is a means by which students can come together and reflect on the importance of the generosity of others who are helping them walk the path to their future. It also affords an opportunity for donors to intermingle with the students they are supporting on a personal level. Elizabeth Brannon (’12) (La Crosse, Wis.) summarized it well in her remarks, “The alumni of Loras College are one of the reasons that I chose Loras. They make this school...they are this school, and for them I am truly grateful.”

Student recipients of the Charles Weepie Family Scholarship were able to spend time with Weepie at the 2008 Scholarship Luncheon.

Pictured are (l to r) Megan Beer (’12) (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Ryan Collins (’12) (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Kyle Haase (’12) (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Charles Weepie (’53), Allison Dayton (’12) (Marion, Iowa) and Jordan Harrelson (’12) (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).

Loras Welcomes Czeshinski as Director of Communication Sue (Bishop) Czeshinski (’87) joined Loras College in December as director of communication. In this newly created role she is managing the messaging and branding of the College, as well as overseeing the marketing and public relations functions.

Sue (Bishop) Czeshinski (’87)

Czeshinski most recently served as director of the Dubuque Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce where she developed and implemented plans to promote the Dubuque area as a convention and tourist destination. She also served as president of the Tri-State Tourism Council and Eastern Iowa Tourism Association and received the Governor’s Award for Volunteerism for her service in these roles in 2008.

“Loras is blessed to have the opportunity to work with a wonderful professional from Dubuque,” stated President Jim Collins (’84). “We are confident that Sue will assist the College by telling our story to constituents in Dubuque and beyond. We’re thrilled to have Sue join the Loras community.”

Nursing Program Agreement Signed Loras College has signed a collaborative agreement with Allen College in Waterloo, Iowa, enabling qualified Loras students the opportunity to complete a bachelor of science (BS) degree in biology or general science at Loras College, then enter Allen College’s accelerated nursing program, earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree as well.

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“In the past students could and did transfer to nursing programs, but did not have the dual degree option and did not have any guarantees,” said David Speckhard, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and chair, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences. “The dual degree also gives students more options in the future since the BS is general preparation for many careers, while the BSN is preparation for a specific licensed career. We already have current and prospective students inquiring about the program.”

Jerry D. Durham, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., chancellor of Allen College, and James E. Collins (’84), president of Loras College, signed an agreement whereby Loras graduates can enter an accelerated BSN program at Allen College.

WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Allen College’s accelerated program collapses the fouryear nursing coursework into 15 months of intensive study (two summers and one academic year). All general education requirements for the nursing program will be fulfilled during the student’s coursework at Loras.

cover story

Leader, Leading, Leadership B Y C H E RY L J A C O B S E N , P H . D . , P R O V O S T A N D A C A D E M I C D E A N

“Leadership”—as embodied in a person, an experience or as a concept—is much on the minds of Americans since we’ve recently inaugurated a new president. For Loras students, political leadership has been an academic study, beginning with a January Term in 2008, taught by Associate Professor Chris Budzsiz, Ph.D., that focused on the Iowa caucus system. As you will read later, Budzsiz’s perspective on leadership and politics includes two important observations. One is that the greatest leaders “help shape the future” while the second is that leadership can be exercised by those who share similar characteristics of foresight, integrity and commitment. Recently, a second January Term taught by Professor MaryLynn Neuhaus, J.D., considered the qualities, priorities and style of President Obama. As part of the class, students attended the inauguration in Washington, D.C., to experience the orderly transition of power that marks the change in national leadership and priorities.

These two recent experiences with presidential leadership reflect common approaches to leadership: namely that it may be centered on an individual with identifiable qualities and skills, that it may be a focus on process—gathering information, communicating, deciding on a course of action, or that it may be a concept—an idea, with a history of development and application to the concerns or culture of a particular time.

On the Loras campus, leadership is emerging as a focus for study and development in several areas and in ways that are unique to the tasks and values of the College. Students, faculty and staff occupy both formal and informal positions of leadership—in student organizations, as division chairs or curriculum innovators, in mentoring and tutoring roles, in activism and service both on and off campus. You will be introduced to some of them in the articles that follow, but the writers capture only a portion of the breadth of opportunities that exist at Loras.

Our conversations about the concept, person or experience of leadership is part of a long intellectual and practical tradition of studying leaders and what they do that distinguishes them from nonleaders. There have been several models of leadership, often tied to a particular period of history or culture, that provide the groundwork for contemporary theory and analysis. The “great man” concept of leadership emerged prior to 1900. As a means to explaining individuals such as Napoleon, George Washington or Gandhi, the thesis was that particular men could shape or change history because of their dominant, authoritative and assertive characteristics. It took some time, and a few major social movements, before a “great woman” leadership model emerged. When it did, it also identified intrinsic qualities that made women “fit” for leadership. Depending on the historical period, women’s leadership might stem from qualities distinct from those of men: cooperative or collaborative and self-effacing. At other times, women leaders might be indistinguishable from their male counterparts in their self-confidence, assertiveness or ambition. Gender, and whether women really do lead differently than men, remains a complicating element of the leadership discussion.

Among Loras students, it may be a timely discussion since all but one of the Student Union officers this year are women, a point Alyssa Hauser (’09) (Bolingbrook, Ill.), student union president, made at a recent Student Union and College Administrative team joint meeting.

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The “great man” idea of leadership was gradually modified to focus on traits and skills that all leaders bring to a task. The identification of traits often depended on psychological measures, while the emphasis on skills and behaviors introduced the assumption that leadership could be learned or developed. At their base, most leadership programs build on the emphasis of learning skills and developing successful approaches to involving others and accomplishing goals.

As cultural and social pressures increased through the 1960s-70s, theory turned to the “transformational” aspects of leadership, especially as leaders considered the ethical implications of their actions.

Having vision and charisma also often identified the transformational leader. The servant-leader model is one refinement that emphasizes ethical responsibilities and service to followers, stakeholders or society. Many of the leadership studies and activities at Loras share this sense of the leader’s role in changing self and society for the better. Kim Walsh, director of student life, provides a discussion of the Lead 4 Loras student leadership program based on a social change model.

As a variant on transformational or servant-leadership concepts, the social change model includes identification of one’s values and commitments as elements of leadership. In other ways, students who assume responsibilities as peer assistants, supplemental instructors or writing consults for fellow students are exhibiting elements of the servant-leader model. They have skills and personal traits that make them successful in tutoring their peers and working with faculty as assistants in the learning process. They frequently understand their roles as service to

a greater good—at least on a case-by-case educational basis—as they work on transition to college, physics, chemistry, writing or math issues with their peers.

At other levels within Loras, the transformational or servant-leader model is embedded in the curriculum and co-curriculum. Mary Ellen Carroll, Ph.D., associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of experiential learning, speaks to faculty leadership in curriculum development, especially as faculty integrate Catholic Social Teaching themes, community-based pedagogies and disciplinary content. Greg Gorton sees his leadership role as head basketball coach in terms of developing trust in one’s abilities—but not just for the basketball court.

The Rev. Doug Wathier, S.T.D., professor of theology, offers the theoretical background to the Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders program at Loras. The program’s curriculum resonates with some aspects of the “great person” Catholic intellectual, but ties this older tradition to that of the servant-leader with its emphasis on ethics and commitment to community.

than previous models. Contemporary theory takes into account the context, skills, attitudes, values, behaviors, relationships and processes necessary for realizing shared goals. Nonetheless, most contemporary theorists share two fundamental assumptions: leadership is a complex phenomenon; leadership can be developed—i.e. it can be learned.

Given what we know about leaders, leading and leadership, Loras College has identified this as a potential focus in our most recent strategic plan, “Educating Leaders for a Complex Future.” Recently, a faculty committee (John Waldmeir, Ph.D., religious studies, chair; David Cochran, Ph.D., politics; Fred Schnee, Ph.D., biology; Karen Sturm, C.P.A., business administration, and the Rev. Doug Wathier, S.T.D., religious studies) has suggested that a leadership institute at Loras could be developed. It might include classes, speakers, mentors, certificate programs, problem-focused projects and other academic and experiential opportunities. When a leadership institute eventually becomes a reality, it will develop and sustain leaders, leading, and leadership—building on what is already in place at Loras College.

political Not surprisingly, current ways of understanding leadership are more complex

Political Leadership: Shaping the Future B Y C H R I S T O P H E R B U D Z I S Z , P H . D . , A S S O C I AT E P R O F E S S O R O F P O L I T I C S

Great political leaders tend to share common characteristics: an ability to recognize opportunity (requiring an understanding of people, time and place), an ability to clearly and convincingly articulate a message regarding ends to be pursued, the knowledge and skill to give rise to a common purpose or identity necessary to achieve the desired end, the insight and fortitude to know when to accept or reject conventional wisdom, to solicit advice, and to even revise or reject one’s own plans. Through their actions these leaders do not simply react to circumstances. They help shape their circumstances and in the cases of the greatest leaders, they help shape the future.

When people discuss leadership in politics they most often discuss presidential politics, and there is a tendency to populate the pantheon of great American political leaders with presidents. Scholarly rankings of the “great presidents” are often equated to a list of the greatest political leaders, those figures whose actions and insights moved people in important ways. These scholarly rankings also reveal who is perceived to provide examples of failed leadership, or perhaps more accurately, a lack of leadership. Presidents Washington, Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt stand atop such rankings, with Presidents Pierce, Harding and Buchanan at the bottom.

The first three presidents are rightly remembered for exhibiting the characteristics of leadership described above. However, there is more to political leadership than the presidency.

Political Leadership, continued...

Most Americans view the president as the titular position in American politics and the president as leader.

This may be because people tend to view individuals as the central form of a leader. However, political leadership can be exerted by individuals, parties, institutions or groups. Individuals outside of elected office have served as political leaders, as have institutions other than government branches and agencies.

From activists to interest groups, think tanks to civic associations, American politics and political history is full of examples of political leadership from those other than elected officials.

Beyond politics, leadership can similarly be exercised by individuals, groups and institutions. What makes for good political leadership is largely the same as leadership in other areas. People, groups or institutions that recognize opportunity, articulate a clear and convincing message, give rise to a unity of purpose and identity, choose the correct path regardless of pressures, gather information and remain open to revision and change, will be leaders in any area. Whether politics or education, science or industry, successful leaders will exhibit many of these same traits and qualities.

Students in the January Term course “Presidential Inauguration Seminar” traveled to Washington, D.C., to take part in the ceremonies, traditions and rituals surrounding the inauguration and transfer of leadership to the newly elected President. The following are some of their thoughts on the experience:

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“ ” ” “ ” “ and listening to Standing in a sea of people speeches to the one of the most inspiring ion’s history was American public in our nat ever had at Loras the best experience I’ve College, hands down. es City, Iowa) — Brian Davis (’09) (Charl

America ’s core re sides in be a par D.C. and t of such I felt priv a p life-alter ileg ing expe atriotic experien r ce. It wa ed to ie has ultim nce! Goin s truly a ately ins g to Wash pir in the po litical ar ed me to apply fo ington, D.C., ena. r an inte rnship — Linds ay Dunk irk (’10) (Cedar R apids, Io wa)

To have had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to witness the historical commencement, be a part of the official ceremonies and to meet so many of the millions of people who traveled from all over our country to do the same is truly an inconceivable memory that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

— Nichole Hayden (’10) (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Watching the change of leadership was an incredible thing to be a part of on so many levels. Obama has inspired so many people and to see him do this first-hand meant so much more to me than just watching it on television. Since being back in Iowa I have had many ask me, ‘Why was it so cool? Was it really worth it?’ My response every time is that of course it was. Being able to see history unfold right before my eyes with millions of others watching was an incredible feeling. The trip to Washington, D.C., was one of the best opportunities that Loras College has offered me.

— Peter Kloberdanz (’09) (Charles City, Iowa)

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servant Forming Servant Leaders B Y M A RY E L L E N C A R R O L L , P H . D . , A S S O C I AT E V I C E P R E S I D E N T F O R A C A D E M I C A F FA I R S A N D D E A N O F E X P E R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G

At Loras, students are being transformed into leaders in ways that often go unnoticed. One of the most subtle forms of leadership development taking place on the Loras campus occurs every day through coursework.

While there are many dimensions of the curriculum worthy of being highlighted, this article features six faculty who were awarded grants to redesign courses in their discipline. Collaboratively sponsored by the Center for Experiential Learning and the Kucera Center for Catholic Studies, the redesigned courses integrate

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disciplinary content with themes of Catholic Social Teaching and utilize the community as a surrogate classroom. None of the courses were designed to promote student leadership, but it is clear that one of the unintended benefits emerging from these courses is the increased opportunity for students to gain skills associated with servant leadership.

profile:

h of Englis ninerofessor p te om the ia c fr o e s r s a u lt ., u h.D ture nd c Teaching tone, P merican Litera cation a c Social S u li d n o e a of , th s e a r u C S n-A of dy. One teratu E: Africa elements erican li nder stu e Multiu m w s A o r h n o COURS a s th e ic eys “Afr nt” and examin rature of the au volunteer at th t help rse surv se te to rse migh This cou tury to the pre es and li uired students this cou : d the liv n q w e e te o c r c h a e th p d s n r e tee cou eplied ave im n ask in and h ts of the Dubuque.Whe , Stone r n e e r n tu mo p fu emerge om wn s that co in the signed c downto ibutors ts in way n re tr e lo n d p o x tu c the rede mily Center in s e te to m to nsible Fa immedia rages the , strengths be respo d u n o a to Cultural c l n a e ts n re o gifts nce It als stude use their nd differe ng assignments. xperienrolled ar t and iversity a e ti gh this e me d h ri u s w ro e to k h d a m n [T e a m o s th e g .… e rs d in k u m n d the rea to ta lor a s “This co aditional ial Teaching and d around for people of co tr rl o e w th e t n th c plime prove olic So passion s of Cath rs and im od and had com em.” principle es to help othe th to e rs c e r und urc usly fa and reso lt that they bette es that continuo su fe ence] all rical and social is to is h e th of Nancy Zachar Fett, L.M.S.W . (’90), associate COURSE: Human professor of socia Behavior in the l work Social Environm ent This course ex amines social an d behavioral th addresses differe eories that relat nt ways in which e to all phases these theories achieve these sa of human life an can be applied. me outcomes, bu d This course was t more explicitly all people.A spec redesigned to emphasize the hu ific component m of an the course rede dignity and uniq erly partner each sign was to requ ueness of week to apply an ire students to vis d integrate pers how this course it with an eldpe ctives from class experience prep room discussion. ares future socia responded: When asked l workers to be leaders in their profession, Fett “One of the adde d benefits in relat ion to social work relationship. Som is students learning e are easy and th how to start and e conversation flows gle and students begin a ‘required’ very naturally wh must prepare mor ile others are muc e to engage the pa tionship. Both of h more of a strug rtner and help th these experiences em to feel comfo are a reality in th much like you in rtable in the relae world of social your thinking and wo rk be .

Fin ha more than just a viors can make fo ding someone wh smile to open up r a good working o is very and share their liv relationship, but m ing connection re es with us. Learnin any will take quires skill and pr g ho w to develop a ge actice. Students ga paradigm and be nuine and trustin a different persp gin early to unde ective outside of rstand the ar t an their own world d skill of relationsh ip building.”

profile:

Dedra Tentis ,P COURSE: Intr h.D., associate professor of oduction to C riminal Justice criminal justice This course is “d system.This in esigned to give students an cludes a heavy ac emphasis on th ademic and applied unders sions of crimin tanding of the e recruitment, al justice prof es cr tr the course re design, new re sionals at all levels in law en aining, socialization and disc iminal justice adings were in retionary deci forcement, co and specific Bi ur tr sh oduced that in ts and correctio te work and poin op encyclicals that address crime in societ grated themes of Catholic ns.” Through t of departure Social Teaching y. These readin for the site vi cussions and br sit gs ought a “very humanistic appr s, structured reflection, gues provided an overall framethe site visits t in the redesig ned course to oach” to all of the course co speakers and classroom di sthose made w nt ent.When aske “First, students hen taught un d to compare went in with a de r th e ol so d design, Tentis has human dign cial justice foun da ity stated: penalty, manda , value and wor th.This not on tion. Being created in the liken ly challenged m ess and image tory sentencing, of an immigration, et done.… Second Go y of their existin c., th g mental model d, ever yone way. In the past e conversations that took plac but it provided a framework s , students took for questioning on the death e with the crim the inal ho as-observers. So me wore a bulle role of a complete observer. Af justice professionals seemed w things are to t proof vest, ca the officer up te rried a radio, ra r this redesign, students beca be more twoto the car that n radar, conduc me participant was stopped, w Students report sted ere present du ed ring the handlin license plate checks, followed became even m being outside their comfort g of a domestic zones often with ore evident.…

St di prison, which is udents also qu estioned wheth these experiences and this is spute, etc.… wha er w of offenders who t Catholic Bishops call for.W alking through meaningful work (for ever y of here learning don’t have a jo the prison cour fender) exists in b in prison had these experienc tyard in the pres es being life-ch a profound impa ence of hundre anging.” ct on students. ds Several students commented on

tion of educa ofessor r p t n ta ssis . (’95), a of diverell, Ph.D cation r e u e areness h w c a u S d n E t a d to t l p a o r Sc ultu ceed an c develo E: Multic hers to ents suc c d oli a tu th te s a e ll C COURS a ic s the help e-serv te r to a p r s g r e ie te fo g u in strate lass is e co rs urse l of the c ctive classroom ucation.” The co ddressed in th a ] e o g h [t e h “T ed s a t in effe icultural ity issue g projec es, learn sity issu vocates for mult with the divers The culminatin city of Dubuque ad d l.). “ the ial become hings associate ity, et a ltural issues in olic Soc ng Cath u ac on, dign e ti ti ic T a er a lt r r l u th o ig ia o p m c r m te So im into inco investiga poverty, d them .” Since s (racism, uires students to n their findings s also integrate of the course ha a o t q h n e o e r ll m e n o e e o r id s fr p te om cour igital v Scheue to replica service c duce a d to this course mmunity uld be impossible o c and pro in e h s T e “ wo them eves, gs which Teaching teaches. He beli learn thin to e y h it s n e s tu cour oppor dents the lecture.” given stu y n a r ook o the textb

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Servant leadership is a concept first articulated by Robert Greenleaf in 1970 when he took inspiration from Christ’s teaching and witness to describe a leadership style that was “other centered” and intentionally designed to build community. [Greenleaf, 1982] The commonly identified skills and characteristics of a servant leader include: • Listening • Empathy • Healing • Awareness • Persuasion • Conceptualization • Foresight • Stewardship • Commitment to the Growth of People • Building Community [Spears, 2005]

Each of the snapshots described offers a glimpse of how these six redesigned courses provide students with excellent opportunities to grow as servant leaders. The direct quotes originate from the grant applications and direct correspondence with the faculty members.

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profile:

r professo associate ., .D h P er, n-Brick ce 1945 nderso A in t is tory sin is Kr H s te ments d Sta y rm move lues fo of histor in Action: Unite e r n o phasis hing ging va cial Teac place em ontent on chan der, sexo S to c t li n o a c ,I w E: Cath class, gen e course is course COURS focus th ue around race, rview individuon of th ld ti u a o n r w a g c is dialo 5.Th ew in y to inte ubuque-area “In the n hange since 194 ding the dynamic portunit p o aD e th c l clu ipate in emeshave and socia nge of issues in g 2009 s nts will ill partic e in w d r p d tu s n S a a r e ” ge nt. g th around a vironme cial chan se durin tated: d the en to promote so aching this cour se, she s r u s o c uality an is ts te r th is o ff it enable n r e e ig k s ric de e in vements, n expeo m l als activ ject. Anderson-B tivated her to re ia c gh so erica o ro 45 throu f the Am s service p en asked what m since 19 e heart o the belief system th ry t to h a is w g h d in n n a e a c a in e ri re e m m ter an a -a m of A uque to ex es and h which with Dub nd culthe study ialogue over valu g u g g n n ro ti si c th u c ra s a the d “By fo of life s a len . By inte g supplie to explore pponents the American way ey see that our class olic Social Teachin ents and their o th e t a se l th m ts wil ope ath cial move ice project, studen ls and groups. I h of the past.” rience. C so e th y ua db serv tors of individ articulate d engaging in a as the ac an e activism nsform America th rs e f o rm lt fo re tra resu ges as a e ability to ture chan tion has the sam era their gen Paul Kohl, Ph.D., associ ate professo COURSE: C r of commun ity as Text – ication arts Dublin Study Abroad Cour “City as Text is se a course requ ired by studen ter a deeper ts studying ab understandin g of Irish cult road in Dublin and readings ure through , Ireland. The . But the he a variety of course seeks art of the co through ethn methods, incl to fosurse is expe ographic met uding classro riential, cons hods of the Teaching prov om lectures isting of com broad scope ide a way of munity-based of Irish cultur illuminating th its poor, its research e. The doctri e most crucia marginalized nes of Catho l discussions and its natu Teaching to lic Social of any cultur ral environm the City as Te e, ho ent. Adding xt course w moral issues service learni w that culture treats ill give studen of our time ng and Catho ts a first-han and how they students to th lic Social d experience are being ad e co of these mo dressed.” Ko the recognition ncept of analyzing ever yday st essential hl re de of what is no st si ru gn ctures and pr t present or w zens are unde actices for thei ed the course “to introduc hat is not avai rserved by th r deeper mea e lable to a port e community ning. Part of th tion of the co ion of the po and most of th urse to look at is is pu em la tion. Many of are unseen.T the stories an believes that our citihis prompted d the students’ the idea of us broader perspe issues of those who are ge students, havi ing a porne ctives will outla rally hidden fr ng learned of om ever yday st their experie the principles ciples in prac view.” He of Catholic So nce in Ireland tice will contin cial Teaching an . “Hopefully m ue in some ca ginalized in so any of our d having expe pacity to cont ciety. From m rienced some inue working y experience of th to ease the bu so far, I believe rdens of the po ose printhat will be th or and mare case.”

The course redesigns described above demonstrate how faculty have created learning environments that closely align with a leadership model that affirms the College’s Catholic identity and commitment to engaged learning. While these courses are integrated into the College curricula and do not constitute a specific leadership thread in the curriculum, there impact is no less profound. Students from across the College will encounter these courses (and others that these inspire) and deepen their abilities to listen, to see, to empathize, to persuade and to honor the dignity and value of each person. Though subtle in their association with leadership, these courses are forming the servant leaders of tomorrow.

Greenleaf, Robert K. (1982). The Servant as Leader. Indianapolis, Indiana: The Greenleaf Center.

Spears, Larry (2005, August). The Understanding and Practice of Servant Leadership. Servant Leadership Research Roundtable, from http://www.regent.edu/acad/sls/publications/conference_proceedings/servant_leadership_roundtable/2005/pdf/spears_practice.pdf

Citizen Leaders: Engaged in Service to the Common Good

citizen B Y K I M WA L S H , D I R E C T O R O F S T U D E N T L I F E

The Student Life Office has developed a leadership program based on The Social Change Model of leadership. The model was developed in the mid 1990s by a variety of college and university professionals. The core belief of the model is that “leadership is regarded as the ability to effect positive change for the betterment of others, the community and society. Leadership is not done alone but involves collaborative relationships that lead to collective action grounded in the shared values of the people who work together to effect positive change” (Higher Education Research Institute, University of California, 1996).

T H E L O R A S C O L L E G E M A G A Z I N E | C O V E R S TO RY

The model has two primary goals for leadership development. First, leadership development programs should enhance student learning and development by helping students develop greater self knowledge and leadership competence. Students need to understand themselves, as well as their beliefs, gifts and talents so they can better empower others to serve and work collaboratively. Second, leadership development programs should help students learn how to facilitate positive social change in their community. In other words, leaders work to make their community function more effectively and humanely.

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In looking at achieving these two goals, the model examines leadership development from three different domains or levels. In each domain there are several skills we want students to achieve. Because each of these skills begins with the letter C, the creators dubbed it as the “7 Cs” of leadership development for social change.

The first domain is “The Individual.” In this domain students learn about themselves. Students examine and develop personal skills needed to be effective leaders.

The three primary skills needed in this domain are consciousness of self, congruence and commitment.

Consciousness of self means awareness of one’s beliefs, values, attitudes and emotions and how those motivate one to take action. Congruence means that students think, feel and behave with consistency, genuineness, authenticity and honesty toward others. Commitment is the intrinsic motivation of an individual that drives them to work toward the collective effort.

The second domain is “The Group.” In this domain students learn about the relationship between themselves and others. Students examine and develop skills needed to work with others. The three primary skills need-

ed in this domain are collaboration, common purpose and controversy with civility. Collaboration is the ability to work with others in a common effort. Common purpose is best achieved when all members of the group share the same vision and articulate the purpose and goals of the group and actively work to achieve those goals. Controversy with civility is the ability to recognize differences in viewpoints and work through those differences in an open and civil manner.

The third and final domain is “The Community/Society.”

In this domain students learn how to connect themselves to their environment and to the greater community. The primary skill in this domain is citizenship. Citizenship is the process where students recognize the importance of working toward positive change on behalf of others and that their group’s common purpose must include a sense of concern for the rights and welfare of all those who might be affected by the group’s efforts.

Change then is the underlying value which gives meaning and purpose to the 7 Cs. In other words, the ultimate goal of the leadership process is to make positive change for self and others. Leaders have an obligation to make their group/organization/community/society better for themselves and others.1 Based on the Social Change Model of Leadership, Student Life has developed a leadership program, Lead 4 Loras. The Lead 4 Loras program is a four-tiered leadership program designed to allow students to continue enhancing their leadership development and understanding through their years at Loras College.

Each tier focuses on a different domain of the Social Change Model of Leadership: Individual Skills, Group Skills, and Community/Societal Skills. Through active participation and completion of all the tiers, students have a better understanding of leadership, their own values and abilities and will be committed to a life of involvement and citizenship.

The first tier, Lead 4 Learning, focuses on enhancing the individual. Participants learn more about their personal values and leadership style. Students take the Myers-Briggs personality indicator and the Leadership Styles Inventory. They examine their personal values and see how those values relate to their decision making. Furthermore, participants are encouraged to investigate groups/projects/organizations that are in sync with their passions and fundamental beliefs.

The second tier, Lead 4 Exploring, focuses on group dynamics and values. Students explore how to effectively work with others. They participate in an overnight retreat focused on group development. During the retreat, students complete a ropes course and various other team-building activities. In addition, students are expected to participate in a service project in order to help them understand and actively pursue creative solutions to community problems.

The third tier, Lead 4 Applying, focuses on service and commitment to community and society. Participants plan and execute a campus-wide service and philanthropic project. Participation will prepare students to participate fully as citizen leaders, engaged in service to the common good within a diverse and complex world.

Students accomplish this by participating in the planning and implementation of the Loras Dance Marathon.

Dance Marathon is a philanthropic program that raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Through their involvement in the Dance Marathon, students gain knowledge about the organization, interact with children and families who have received services from Children’s Miracle Network and learn about the importance of philanthropy. Last year the students raised $47,000 and hope to raise $50,000 this year.

an action plan that positively impacts the program or service. In years past, participants have worked to change the hours in the post office on campus, developed a plan for the College to fund and install wireless technology in the residence halls and proposed a new meal plan for students on campus. Through these experiences, participants discover the importance of social change and gain an appreciation for civic responsibility.

Lead 4 Loras is a relatively new program on campus.

However, because of the positive impact of the program on students and on the campus, the Student Life Office hopes to grow and expand the program in the upcoming years.

Higher Education Research Institute, University of California. (1996).

A Social Change Model of Leadership Development Guidebook Version III. Los Angeles: Higher Education Research Institute.

1 The information given about the Social Change Model of Leadership comes directly from A Social Change Model of Leadership Development: Guidebook III

Finally, the fourth tier, Lead 4 Dedicating, focuses on promoting social change. Participants utilize the skills and knowledge they have gained in previous tiers and select a cause to focus on throughout the semester. Once the cause is determined, participants explore key issues surrounding the program or service to gain a complete understanding of it. Furthermore, participants develop

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catholic

The Catholic Thinker and Leader B Y T H E R E V. D O U G L A S WAT H I E R , S . T. D . , P R O F E S S O R O F R E L I G I O U S S T U D I E S A N D E N D O W E D P R O F E S S O R , B R E I T B A C H C AT H O L I C T H I N K E R S A N D L E A D E R S P R O G R A M

Thanks to the generosity of J. Paul (’60) and Frances Breitbach, Loras College has launched its Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program. Two cohorts of 15 students are exploring what can be learned about leadership from the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The program situates itself in an ethics of return based on the exhortation of Jesus, “what you have received as gift, give as gift.” The Catholic Leader is first of all one who has been touched by the grace of Christ. The vocation of the Catholic Thinker and Leader is “contributing with the light of the Gospel to the building of a more human world, a world fully in harmony with God’s plan” (John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 39).

The first course of the Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders program is a Modes of Inquiry course on character and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. Students read St. Augustine, Cardinal Newman and Thomas Merton to gain a deeper understanding of good character. Through these authors, the students are asked to reflect critically on key components for effective Catholic leadership in our world.

From St. Augustine, one of the greatest thinkers in the history of Christianity, we recognize the value of humility for the leader. In The Confessions, he asserts, “Unhappy is anyone who knows all things but does not know you [Lord God of truth], whereas one who knows you is blessed, even if ignorant of other things.”

Augustine confronts the reader with the need for a humble, lifelong pursuit of meaning. In the beautiful opening of The Confessions he places a challenge for the grounding of all Catholic leaders, “You arouse us so that praising you [O Lord] may bring us joy, because you have made us and drawn us to yourself, and our heart is unquiet until it rests in you.”

Cardinal Newman summons the leader to recognize the need for accountability. For Newman, a main point of education is to form an organic vision of reality, that “all knowledge forms one whole.” This vision, in Newman’s estimation, carries with it the claim that there is no such thing as a value-free fact. The educated person then

must be an ethical decision-maker and this is even more so the case for a leader. For Newman, education provides a person with “a conscious view of his/her own opinions and judgments, a truth in developing them, an eloquence in expressing them, and a force in urging them” (The Idea of a University). According to Newman, the liberally educated leader is prophetic from a knowledge of history, is heart-searching from a knowledge of human nature; is charitable from a freedom from littleness and prejudice; and appreciates beauty and harmony because of a connection with the eternal order of things.

Thomas Merton helps a leader grasp the importance of thinking communally. He gives this advice to the leader, “Do not depend on the hope of results. … As you start to concentrate less on the results, and more on the value, the rightness, the truth of the work itself, you will gradually struggle less and less for an idea and more and more for specific people. In the end, it is the reality of personal relationship that saves everything.” Ultimately, Merton understands the leader’s commitment to community as a consequence of the Incarnation: “it is a glorious destiny to be a member of the human race, though it is a race dedicated to many absurdities and one which makes terrible mistakes; yet, with all that, God himself gloried in becoming a member of the human race.”

In reflecting on the character and traits of a Catholic Leader, first year student Kevin Earleywine (’12) (Brodhead, Wis.) notes, “I guess to put it simply, to be a Catholic leader is to live a life of love; a true and deep, joy-filled, peace-filled and fulfilling love for all people, and for the entire world that only comes from a deep, intimate relationship with God.… Through this love, leaders rejoice in the opportunity to build relationships with other people and share their journey of life with them through all the discoveries, failures, burdens, sorrows and joys. … It is this love that makes a Catholic leader, it is with this love that a Catholic leader will change the world, setting it on fire with God’s love.”

Meredith Patt (’12) (Saint Paul, Minn.) corroborates this point of view, “…we have found a deep sense of responsibility to live out our faith as an example for our peers. Through the Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program, we are given the ability to develop personally through growing together in a love of Christ and learning how we may share this love with others.…

We are given the tools and guidance to develop our leadership skills and spread them to others.… Overall, we feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of such a program and are anxious to witness the amazing things that will come of it in our future.”

Saint Thomas Aquinas coined a phrase that expresses well the goal of the Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders program: contemplata aliis tradere, to hand on to others what we ourselves have contemplated. Our best proclamation, our best witness, our best leadership has its foundation in the Word that has taken root in our hearts.

What you have received as a gift, give as a gift. The life of the Catholic Thinker and Leader is marked by the rhythm of reception and donation, acceptance and gift.

Following a course on human dignity and human rights, sophomore Kevin O’Brien (’11) (Davenport, Iowa) observed, “In order to be ethical decision-makers, we must seek the counsel of the Church and not be alone in our plights or our follies. We are a community, no one of us is separate from another. As children of God, the divisions of race, sex, class, education, politics, religion, age and physicality are ridiculously self-depriving. It is only in our unity that we can become a force powerful enough to make the bad become good and the good become great. Human dignity is a grace given by God that transcends fences and walls as well as borders and oceans.”

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studentathlete Coach and Student-Athlete, Leaders Both B Y G R E G G O RT O N , H E A D M E N ’ S B A S K E T B A L L C O A C H

Of course the comparisons are inevitable. Two men, separated by 148 years, place their left hands over the very same velvet-covered Bible while their right hand is held high. The same nation in turmoil listens intently to every word of their inaugural addresses hoping to hear words that will inspire and, most importantly, lead the country.

As I write this, and watch President Obama, I find myself realizing the enormous significance of this 20th day of January, 2009. Equally evident to me is the difficulty one would have in finding a person who has had more written about their firm grasp of leadership than our sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln.

T H E L O R A S C O L L E G E M A G A Z I N E | C O V E R S TO RY

I do not propose to hold a unique perspective or to claim any formal knowledge of the subject of leadership. All I can say is when my feet hit the floor every morning I’m delighted to participate in a profession that, as Lincoln once said, allows me “to unite, to guide and to inspire.” As a coach, we are asked to do these things on a daily basis and at a moment’s notice. Most would consider that leading.

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I have student-athletes who get up every day believing they need to prove to themselves they are capable.

Their progress is that of a roller coaster with equal highs and lows. Others have a self-directed belief in their ability and grow closer to mastery of their skills in a stair-step approach of limitless height. What makes one student-athlete different from the other?

The greatest leaders I have ever coached hold a few common traits. They have a firm knowledge of themselves that has been determined not by what others have stated, but out of self-invention and experience.

True leaders trust their instincts but can only do so after they believe their opinion has been reached through experience and knowledge. In essence, the leaders I’ve coached learn from others but are not made by others.

Confidence cannot be generated through smoke and mirrors and can only be present when a student-athlete trusts their instincts. I once worked for a sales manager by the name of Bob Solfelt who said to me, “Greg, until you TRUST that your audience NEEDS to hear something you have to say, you cannot deliver your message with enough conviction to be believable.”

My coaching style, as it was when I was part of the corporate world, is to persuade my team to trust their instincts and let the self emerge. I want my teams to educate themselves and develop conclusions on their

own without me dominating that process. Only then will future self-direction be possible and, most importantly, sustainable. I agree with Warren Bennis in his book, On Becoming a Leader, that, “the greatest leaders of them all are the ones whose followers don’t realize they are following.” I want my players to trust in my experience as a coach, which hopefully allows me to keep a pretty clear vision of what’s coming in the future. I tell my players it’s not where the ball is now; the key is to understand where it will go next.

One of the roles I take very seriously is the education we as coaches provide our student-athletes outside the classroom. Throughout every season, every game, every practice our players face adversity in one form or another.

There are few environments such as these where immediate results are measured. Some people look at college and the process of education as continually learning new ideas and gathering facts. I believe the process of developing leaders has more to do with unlearning.

Students-athletes are taught by their parents, teachers and peers how to quantify success both inside and outside the classroom. I believe true leaders tend to dismantle these standards and cultivate their own measure of success…to forge their own path. The point is to understand yourself and utilize all your gifts completely. In my opinion, leadership is a by-product of a life filled with the pursuit of that end.

HENRY JAMES WROTE IN HIS NOTEBOOKS, I have only to let myself go! So I have said to myself all my life – so I said to myself in the far-off days of my fermenting and passionate youth. Yet I have never fully done it. The sense of it – of the need of it – rolls over me at times with commanding force: it seems the formula of my salvation, of what remains to me of a future. I am in full possession of accumulated resources – I have only to use them, it insists, to persist, to do something more – to do much more than I have done.

The way to do it – to affirm one’s self – is to strike as many notes, deep, full and rapid, as one can. All life is – at my age, with all one’s artistic soul the record of it – in one’s pocket, as it were. Go on, my boy, and strike hard…..Try everything, do everything, render everything – be an artist, be distinguished to the last.

Henry James, Notebooks of Henry James, edited by F.O. Matthiessen and Kenneth B. Murdock, Oxford University Press (1961).

Representing their Peers B Y L E A H C O R K E RY ( ’ 0 9 )

Senior Alyssa Hauser (’09) (Bolingbrook, Ill.) knows a thing or two about leadership; she spends most of her time volunteering within the community, working at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and staying involved with Campus Ministry. On top of that, she currently serves as the president of the Loras College Student Union.

Student Union comprises three organizations: Residence Hall Association (RHA), College Activities Board (CAB) and Student Senate. “Each of these branches plays a different role on campus, all with the intent to better the experience of Loras College students,” said Hauser.

RHA focuses specifically on the experience of students in the residence halls and helps to set policies, organize programming and address concerns of residents. CAB is responsible for bringing entertainment and positive weekend programming to campus, including musical artists, speakers, comedians and magicians. CAB also helps to plan larger campus events such as Homecoming and Family Weekend.

The third branch of Student Union is Student Senate, which is made up of seven representatives from each class: president, vice president, treasurer and four senators. Hauser is especially familiar with this branch as she has played a role within the organization for three years. Now as a senior, Hauser is the president of Student Union. “Ultimately, Student Union allows for the three organizations to work together and have open communication,” she said. To ensure just that, the executive board of Student Union meets each week with College representatives from Student Life and each month with members of the College’s administration.

The members of Student Senate speak to and serve their peers. “The senate has the responsibility to voice student concerns and be the means of communication between the administration and the student body,” said Hauser. It is also responsible for leading projects. This year those include hosting an open forum for student ideas on improving campus, organizing a book swap and approving new student organizations. Senate has also provided appropriations for a number of organizations and individuals to fund such activities as attending conferences, purchasing supplies and equipment and organizing events.

feature story

Student Leadership:

The responsibilities and roles of Student Senate and Student Union have not changed much over the years; they continue to serve as the voice of the students and a liaison with the administration. When asked to identify any changes she has witnessed in her four years, Hauser commented, “There is a much stronger female presence now!” One look at the Student Union executive board photograph will tell you she’s right.

The Student Union Executive Board members are (front row, l to r) Ray Werner (’11) (Dysart, Iowa), RHA president; Megan Hauber (’09) (Ridgeway, Iowa), vice president; Megan Stralow (’09) (Dubuque, Iowa), CAB president; (back row, l to r) Caitlin Niggemeyer (’09) (Maynard, Iowa), director of finance; Casey Driscoll (’09) (West Allis, Wis.), procedural chair; Beth Jenn (’09) (Coralville, Iowa), director of communication; and Alyssa Hauser (’09) (Bolingbrook, Ill.), president.

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inside loras

Cross Country Teams Aid Cedar Rapids Flood Victims

BY ALANA CALIGIURI (’09)

This summer most of downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was under more than 10 feet of water. A railroad bridge had collapsed, thousands of homes were without power or had been evacuated and hundreds of people resided in Red Cross shelters.

In concert with the mission of Loras College, 42 students participating in men’s and women’s cross country, along with three coaches, visited Cedar Rapids on Aug. 19-20, to help flood victims repair their homes and local churches.

The teams helped with the demolition of a house by removing dry wall and aiding in yard work.

At St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, students helped remove and haul limestone, placing the rock into five-gallon buckets and passing it along an extensive human chain. They also helped pour new cement in the basement.

It was head coach Bob Schultz (MA ’94) who presented the idea of helping the Cedar Rapids flood victims to the team captains. Traditionally, a week before school starts, the team takes an overnight trip to a scout camp where they focus on team building and bonding. This year the team decided that helping the flood victims would enhance team bonding more than ever while, at the same time, allowing them to donate their time to a great cause and to those in need.

“This year our team gained more camaraderie than any year I have been at Loras and we did it in a way that not only benefited us, but a whole parish of people who were also looking for unity,” noted team captain Tyler Meyer (’10) (Asbury, Iowa).

Schultz added, “We did a wonderful job of getting closer and coming together as a group. It was an awesome service project.”

22 Members of the men’s and women’s cross country teams aided St.Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, clean up after a devastating flood this summer. They hauled the pile of rocks and rubble by hand from the basement of the church.

Performances Provide Perspective B Y R A J E N D R A T H A K U R AT H I ( ’ 1 1 )

Common Time on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2008, had no lectures or presentations from speakers. Students, faculty and staff jam-packed in the Marie Graber ballroom had something special to applaud for, the Culture Fest 2008.

International students clad in colorful garments danced and sang traditional songs that revolved around folklore from their countries. Songs and dances from Colombia, Mexico, Nepal, Peru and Pakistan kept the audience in their seats until the very end.

The songs chosen mostly had ethnic and traditional meanings. The Nepali songs portrayed guys trying to woo girls. The Colombian songs, typically from the Caribbean region, had movements representing the sound of the waves in the ocean.

“I wanted to share belly dancing with the audience, and it made me happy to know they enjoyed it,” said Luisa Jimenez (’12) (Cundinamarca, Colombia), who amazed the audience with her dance.

Organized by the Loras Intercultural Student Association (LISA), the event is not the first of its kind.

Similar events were held in the past in honor of “Culture Night.”

The Intercultural Office has been invited by Provost Cheryl Jacobsen, Ph.D., to make this event an annual Common Time occurrence.

President Jim Collins (’84), who was among the audience, said, “It was one of the proudest moments I have experienced in all my years at Loras. It was evident that a packed ballroom of students, staff and faculty were engaged, informed and connected. The education provided in the forms of dance, song, humor, narratives and instruments made for greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment.”

Priyanka Parajuli (’11) (Kathmandu, Nepal), who performed a typical Nepali dance, was approached by some students asking for dance lessons. “What could be more exciting than this?” she asked. “I’m glad that the performances had a huge impact on people. They really got an opportunity to view the world from a different perspective.”

The event ended with the emcees of the show, Abhishek Agarwal (’11) (Kathmandu, Nepal) and Jime González (’09) (Bogotá, Colombia), asking questions of the audience to promote viewing the world from a different perspective. Meanwhile, students joined the performers on stage to dance along to a funky Hindi song.

Sandra Anaya (’12) (Chicago, Ill.) performs a traditional Mexican folk dance during Culture Fest.

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“We decided to try Common Time and found it to be a huge success,” said Cindy Behnke, office coordinator for Intercultural Programs. “This exceeded our expectations and we were proud to hear that some students felt that it was the best Common Time event they had been to so far.”

The event amazed some of the students. Nicholas Spike (’12) (West Des Moines, Iowa) stated that “the native dances made me want to learn more about their cultures.” With a wide smile, he added, “I think I’m in love with all that funky music.”

You Interned WHERE?!

B Y L E A H C O R K E RY ( ’ 0 9 )

As a senior and soon-to-be graduate of Loras College, I’m quite proud of the opportunities Loras has continued to provide to its students. More, I am constantly impressed by the initiative demonstrated by Loras College students to enrich their undergraduate lives and create opportunities for themselves.

When I returned to campus at the start of fall semester I was thoroughly impressed with the internships my peers had just begun, were continuing or had just completed. Their own drive had taken them across the state, across the nation and even across the borders of our country. Here are the experiences of three individuals who participated in particularly exceptional internships.

Jake Oeth (’09) MAJORS: Political Science and Politics HOMETOWN: Ogden, Iowa On campus, Jake Oeth may be known for his skill on the basketball court – after all, he’s played on the men’s basketball team all four of his years at Loras. But Jake isn’t known simply as “the basketball guy.” Most of Jake’s peers know of his passion for politics as well.

That passion led him straight to the heart of American government and our nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C. With the help of a scholarship from the Loras College Center of Experiential Learning, Jake spent the summer of 2008 interning in the Washington, D.C., office of Senator Tom Harkin.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Jake. While interning at Senator Harkin’s office, Jake had the opportunity to attend hearings and committee meetings as well as give tours of the Capitol to constituents. “My favorite part,” said Jake, “was meeting other Iowans in Washington, D.C.” Mid-tour, Jake discovered he shared a mutual friend with a visitor from his home state. “It was incredible to realize how closely connected people are in the State of Iowa.”

meandering through monuments in his free time? “I drafted a lot of memos,” Jake laughed. For the experience, I’d call that an even trade. So would Jake, who strongly encourages everyone to pursue an internship experience, “You can’t put a price tag on an internship; the experience is priceless.”

Maria Camila Andrade (’09) MAJORS: Marketing and Public Relations HOMETOWN: Cali, Colombia Maria Camila Andrade didn’t want just any internship – she dreamed of an internship more than 4,500 miles from Loras College in Barcelona, Spain. In the summer of 2008 she was able to realize that dream as a marketing intern at MCI Barcelona. Camila’s internship was organized through the University of Dreams, an organization she had heard about in 2006. Unable to afford the program at the time, a year later she resolved to actively pursue the Barcelona Program for the coming summer. Camila received the Buntz Family Scholarship, awarded to only one individual each year, which covered tuition making the program much more affordable.

Though Jake professed he found a “second home” in the Capitol building where he so often gave tours, he was also able to spend some time as a tourist. Strolling among the monuments in Washington, D.C., is on the to-do list of most tourists to the area, and Jake was no different. “My favorite monument was the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, especially when the waterfalls were backlit in the evening.”

Aesthetics aside, the historical significance of his summer home was not lost on Jake, a politics and political science major. “It’s so interesting to recall what seems like a long history of our country, which is fairly young compared to others.”

So what does an intern at the senator’s office do when he’s not giving tours of buildings steeped in history, or

’09) Jake Oeth (

Scholarship in hand, it was only a few more months until Camila found herself in Barcelona, living at the University of Barcelona in Bellaterra with other students involved in the University of Dreams program. “There were 83 other students from all over the U.S., and one from Canada, who participated in the program with me.”

Camila completed her internship at MCI Barcelona, a global business and residential communications company that operates in more than 65 countries. Camila’s internship awarded her the opportunity to work as a marketing intern for the company, where she gathered information for project proposals, Web site content design and the company newsletter. She also researched potential markets for the company in Scandinavia, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

The location of her internship and the planned activities of the University of Dreams internship program provided Camila the opportunity to travel to other parts of Spain as well as other countries on the weekends, including France and Italy. Though the thousands of photographs she took span many European cities, Camila points to Barcelona as the location she was most grateful to have spent her time abroad, and acknowledges the relationships formed there. “My favorite part of this summer was having the opportunity to immerse myself in a vibrant city, interact with individuals from all over the world and establish relationships with friends who I still remain in touch with to this day.”

I booked the segment and got Olympic gold-medalist snowboarder Seth Wescott and freeskiing champion Lynsey Dyer to come onto the show.” Both Wescott and Dyer were featured in the film and discussed its release with anchor Jeremy Hubbard during the segment.

Having completed his internship in December, Marcus has returned from the bustle of Times Square and is back in Dubuque. “New York City was incredible, but I’m glad to be back on campus for my last semester at Loras.

And a bit of advice: don’t fall asleep on the subway!”

Ah, the life lessons we learn.

In a mere three months, Jake, Maria and Marcus will don caps and gowns with the rest of the May 2009 graduates, shake the hand of President Collins and cross the stage. If the enterprises of these three students in the last nine months have been any indication of their future success, I suspect they’ll be well prepared.

Marcus Soukup (’09) MAJOR: Media Studies HOMETOWN: Fairfax, Iowa

Maria Camila Andrade (’09)

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” he said before he left in September. As a production assistant intern, Marcus helped produce the program both off-site and on-location, which included coordinating delivery of production materials between ABC buildings and aiding guests at the studio of the show, among many other responsibilities.

Marcus’s favorite aspect of his internship was producing his own segment about Warren Miller’s film Children of Winter. “I brought the idea to the team about doing a ski segment – they loved the idea, and let me produce it! So

Marcus Sou kup (’09)

WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

In September of 2008, Marcus Soukup received a rather exciting phone call. A representative from ABC News NOW called to offer him an internship position as a production assistant for the television show Good Morning America NOW. After making the necessary arrangements with his professors and the Communication Arts Department, he accepted the position. The next week, he had packed his bags and was on a plane to New York City.

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Many other Loras students have had incredible internship experiences.

Here are a few snapshots of their work.

Rachel Gunderson Rachel Gun derson

Graduation year: 2009 Major(s): Spanish and Public Relations; International Studies Minor Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Ill. Internship: Development Intern with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest “As the development intern at the Ronald McDonald House my main responsibilities included planning The Classic, an annual golf and tennis tournament. I have had a lot of experience in event planning previously, but this internship helped me to hone my skills, and increase my knowledge, especially of nonprofit donor management and database management. In addition to logistical planning for the classic, I also got to take part in writing some materials for the annual newsletter and the day-today activities at the house.”

Kate Flattery

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | INSIDE LORAS

Graduation year: 2009 Major(s): Social Work and Spanish Hometown: Lincoln, Neb. Internship:World Relief Summer Program Intern courtesy of the Valder Memorial Scholarship through Campus Ministry and the Fr. Ray Herman Peace and Justice

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“World Relief - Chicago runs The Pambazuka Project, a six-week summer learning program, to help recently arrived refugee children and youth adapt successfully to the city of Chicago and the school system that they are now in. Students participate in community exploration (learning about the police station, fire department and other helping entities), recreational events (swimming, bowling and soccer) and field trips (museum, zoo and parks) all while practicing English and learning new social norms.

I was a summer learning program intern at World Relief and helped to research, plan and implement each day’s activities. I assisted staff with various activities and administrative tasks on a daily basis, led a small group of students through each day’s activities, assisted with escorting students to and from program sites and aided teachers and staff with activities and field trips. I was also in the position to act as a positive role model for refugee youth, helping with post-program evaluations and feedback, and providing general support to the Youth Program staff.”

Kate Flattery

Erin Brady Graduation year: 2010 Major(s): International Studies and Spanish Hometown: Alpha, Ill. Internship: Student Advisor with World Study Educação Intercultural-Vitória, Brazil “World Study Educação Intercultural is a Brazilian company that organizes study, work, volunteer and training abroad opportunities for Brazilian and foreign students and adults. I assisted in translating business documents and preparing program participants for their time abroad by conducting interviews, career fairs with international employers and orientation meetings. Also, I was able to gain pertinent knowledge on working in an international organization abroad, improve my Portuguese language skills and experience the Brazilian cultural and work environment through my host family and colleagues.

Erin Brady

Alejandra Monroy Graduation year: 2009 Major(s): Integrated Visual Arts and Media Studies Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia Internship: Creative Intern with Bagby and Company

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“During my internship I worked in the creative department of an advertising agency in downtown Chicago. I was able to sit in on meetings with designers, art directors and clients. I was also able to pitch ideas for print ads and for holiday cards. The other intern and I had a final project for which we had to design a direct mail piece for a new product and then present it in front of the account executives and the creative directors. I also got a chance to go to a recording studio to see the recording of a radio commercial for TAG Heuer and to go visit the facilities of a TV studio. I rotated among the other departments like the account and production departments doing competitive reviews for some of their clients. It was a great experience to be able to see how an advertising agency works, which helped me clarify what I want to do after I graduate.”

Daniel Randolph Graduation year: 2010 Major: Media Studies Hometown: Perry, Iowa Internship: Post Production Intern with Screenscape Studios “Screenscape Studios in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a high-quality production company that has grown from the original three-man operation to one that employs more than 20 people and a host of talented freelancers.

Screenscape develops videos using the latest technology in production and post production. I worked in the post production department that has three full-time Avid editors, a duplication coordinator, an art director specializing in After Effects, and another motion artist that specializes in 3D and After Effects. I worked with everyone in the department from dubbing tapes in the machine room to spending a lot of time working with art director Scott Just on a varity of projects using After Effects. I worked with clients from Wells Fargo and Principal Financial to Winnebago and iWireless, developing the graphic look of their commercials and corporate videos.

The highlight of my internship was developing the graphics for three iWireless commercials completely on my own and getting to see them air on television for over a month and having my friends and family get to see them. It was great to see people watching my work.

The staff at Screenscape are the best in their fields and I learned more than I could have ever imagined in post production and motion graphics.”

Kelly Krapfl Graduation year: 2009 Major(s): Marketing and Public Relations Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Internship: Public Relations Intern with The Integer Group-Midwest “I had the opportunity to work closely with advertising and public relations professionals in a fast-paced, challenging and fun environment. I learned and accomplished a lot by working directly with the media. I was able to work on projects for a variety of clients including Pella Windows & Doors®, The Iowa Department of Economic Development, Holmes Murphy and Embrace Iowa.

Some of my main responsibilities included drafting news releases, feature stories and online articles; conducting media relations; successful media pitching and coordinating placements; managing and maintaining client relationships; and assisting with project and promotional event coordination.”

Diana C. Pena Graduation year: 2009 Major(s): Finance and International Studies; Minor in Politics Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia Internship: Business Analyst Intern with Prudential Financial “I work within the Business Intelligence Department. My role involves designing strategies to manage projects that involve the development of Prudential’s retirement sector. I also create or improve tracking systems for investment transactions that are tracked in their databases. Finally, I also provide cost-efficiency and financial analyses about different projects on a monthly basis.”

Katrina Berning

Rachel Gun derson

Graduation year: 2009 Major(s): Media Studies and Integrated Visual Arts Hometown: Sinsinawa,Wis. Internship: Multimedia Reporter with the Telegraph Herald “Basically, I shoot, write and edit news packages for THonline. I am the first person they have ever hired for the position, which means I have a lot of freedom with the job. We are learning how to navigate the online world together. They know newspapers; I know video; the two come together on the web. I use my freedom to be creative with the videos I post. I don’t have to shape and mold each story into the TV formats that are used in the nightly news. Instead, I put them together in the way that I feel best conveys the moment and emotions. I love the fact that my job is different every day; that I never know what is going to happen when I walk through the door. I get to meet a lot of people and hear a lot of fascinating stories, all while working with new media technology.”

29 Graduation year: 2009 Major(s): Psychology and Sociology; Minor in Gender Studies Hometown: Oak Park, Ill. Internship: Intern, Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the Center of Alcohol Studies at Rutgers University “The research that I took part in was aimed at understanding alcohol and other drugs that affect cognition with the ultimate goal of advancing the treatment of addictive behaviors. Throughout my time working in the lab, I was responsible for running a ratings study, which was designed to see how people generally perceive the alcohol and drug-related pictures.

The other purpose was to see whether the way the participants perceived pictures and their alcohol and drug use patterns are related. I was also responsible for entering data for multiple studies.”

WINTER 2008 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Meghan Saxine

National Television Series Highlights Loras as “Hidden Gem” Eye on America, an innovative television series that educates viewers on a variety of current topics, trends and issues, featured Loras College in a segment which aired nationally on the Fox Business Network and the Travel Channel. The segment was part of the show’s series, Hidden Gems of Higher Learning, Spirituality, and Education for the 21st Century.

The show, hosted by Loras alumnus Greg Gumbel (’67), highlighted four members of the Loras community: President Jim Collins (’84), the Rev. Douglas Wathier, S.T.D., associate professor of religious studies and coordinator of the Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program, as well as students Nathaniel Gee (’09) (Aurora, Ill.) and Lauren Squires (’08) (Germantown, Tenn.).

Eye on America, which airs during the day on wellknown news networks throughout the country, consists of various five-minute segments brought together by a common theme. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects which allow viewers to gain insight on opportunities for their families, business, lifestyle and financial future. The Loras segment also aired 18 times regionally on CNN Headline News and other regional news networks.

Watch Loras’s Eye on America segment at: http://depts.loras.edu/FeatureStories/ AcademicExcellence.html.

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | INSIDE LORAS

Loras Welcomes Alta Vista Research Group to Campus 30

For nearly 25 years companies and organizations have turned to the Loras College Center for Business and Social Research (CBSR) to help fulfill their research needs. Now the torch has been passed, so to speak. While the legacy of conducting solid, actionable research continues, it has now evolved into a new and exciting partnership.

Alta Vista Research Group, a private, for-profit, independent research firm headed by President Bob Woodward III (’04), has opened with an office located in Keane Hall. The new full-service research firm will replace the CBSR at Loras College, which was founded in 1985. CBSR, under the direction of Leonard Decker, Ph.D., professor of criminal justice, has assisted various organizations by conducting descriptive research to meet their needs. Alta Vista Research Group will take the original center to the next level by combining the expertise of a team of research professionals with the academic rigor of Loras College.

“Loras College has appreciated the work done by our Center for Business and Social Research for the past 24 years.

Loras now welcomes Alta Vista Research Group to campus as a partner in continuing to provide and enhance the critical, quality research needs for current and future clients. This will be a great addition to the Loras and Dubuque communities,” said Loras College President Jim Collins (’84).

Alta Vista Research Group’s business model allows for flexibility to provide clients with high-level research and actionable items at a reasonable cost. For each project, a dynamic team of experts will be assembled to provide customized research based on the needs of the client. Alta Vista Research Group will conduct research projects for consumer, business-to-business, community, healthcare, financial and other related clients.

“I am very excited to be able to work with a team of seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table,” said Woodward. “Our clients will benefit from the advanced research and broad-based background our company provides.”

A Unique Theatrical Experience

BY ALANA CALIGIURI (’09)

The Loras Players were hard at work performing two full-length productions at the same time; learning twice the amount of lines, twice the amount of blocking and putting in twice the amount of rehearsing to get the two shows, Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, to come together in time. Erin Horst (’09) (Vinton, Iowa) notes, “It was quite the challenge, but I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Since then, Donald has been amazed at how things fell into place. He was able to work with a professional fight choreographer from New York City, found a fantastic costume designer from Fly-By-Night Productions, gathered a dedicated and talented cast, and was awarded an art grant from the City of Dubuque. Horst concludes, “I feel more than blessed to have been able to share the stage with such an amazing cast of actors for this very unique theatrical experience.”

The Loras Players started with a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet on Thursday, Oct. 30. The next night, they performed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. The shows were performed two weekends in a row with four alternating performances of each show.

The goal of this unique structure of performances is for the audience to see both shows, as one play is based on the other. Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a spinoff where the same story is told from the perspective of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters in Hamlet.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a portrait of what the audience does not see happening in Hamlet, or an example of what is going on when those two are not onstage. The difference between the two performances is that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is written in a modern language by playwright Tom Stoppard and is a comedy. This balanced nicely with Hamlet as the audience could experience a tragedy one night and comedy the next. Doug Donald, associate professor of communication arts and director of both performances said, “Since I first saw a production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead in 1970, I have dreamed of doing these two productions at the same time, with the same cast. I felt they fit perfectly together and the experience of seeing one production would be enhanced and further informed by seeing the other one.”

Another unique component of this production was the collaboration of the Loras Players and Fly-By-Night Productions, which allowed everyone to play a character their own age. Fly-By-Night is a Dubuque community theatre run by Donald’s wife and artistic director, Lenore Howard. Donald notes that many audience members’ experience with each play was enhanced and heightened by seeing the same actor play the same character in each show. The King, Queen, and Polonius were played by Fly-By-Night actors. Jean Merrill, assistant professor of English, helped with the dramaturge.

Kevin Grady (’09) (Marshalltown, Iowa), as Hamlet, and Erin Horst (’09) (Vinton, Iowa), as Ophelia, perform Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet.

LCTV Goes Live for Election Day Broadcast ALANA CALIGIURI (’09)

The students of Loras College Television (LCTV) recognized a need in their community and decided to fulfill it in an unprecedented way. On Nov. 4, Election Day, the students put together a continuous, live, threehour localized broadcast for both Loras College, on LCTV Channel 13, and the entire Dubuque community, on Mediacom Channel 17.

Three students, Morgan Finke (’11) (Oak Creek, Wis.), Jordan Rasmussen (’09) (West Des Moines, Iowa) and Megan Stralow (’09) (Dubuque, Iowa), reported live from the LCTV newsroom and remote locations at the local Democratic Party headquarters and the Dubuque County Courthouse. Nick Helten (’10) (Garwin, Iowa) and Andrew Huck (’09) (Mc Henry, Ill.) served as anchors. Huck was also a coexecutive producer with Dan Randolph (’10) (Perry, Iowa). A large team of media studies students took part in basic crew positions while Craig Schaefer (’89), professor of communication arts, Jill (Olson) Specht (’01), coordinator of media operations, and Paul Kohl, Ph.D., associate professor of communication arts, advised the media studies students throughout the entire process.

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | INSIDE LORAS

Huck, majoring in both media studies and political science, and Randolph, majoring in media studies and minoring in political science, came up with the idea to broadcast live. Randolph said, “When you’re a student

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in college, the presidential election only happens once so it’s something we felt that we had to do; something really important to journalism.” Huck adds, “Just the fact that we’re the only television media outlet in Dubuque, we couldn’t not be doing something.”

To put together the broadcast, media studies students worked with the Dubuque county auditor’s office, Dubuque county Republican Party and Dubuque county Democratic Party. They also worked with political science professors Christopher Budzisz, Ph.D., David Cochran, Ph.D., and Chadwick DeWaard, Ph.D., who gave political advice and great insight. On the day of the broadcast, the entire media studies department conducted exit polling, guided by Budzisz.

On the night of the broadcast, the political science professors appeared as on-set guests in the LCTV newsroom to speak about their area of expertise. Cochran talked about Catholic voters, DeWaard discussed foreign policy and issues the next president may have to face while Budzisz, the main analyst and political commentator, answered questions from the anchors throughout the night.

Along with the broadcast, viewers could keep up-todate on results by checking out LCTV’s Web site at LCTV13.com. The Web site had a live blog in which students from Budzisz’s Campaigns and Elections class participated. All the coverage, including live results, was posted and updated throughout the night.

Both Randolph and Huck agreed that the broadcast was an excellent learning experience because it involved planning over an extended period of time and required assistance from several people. It was interesting for the students to see how much time it takes to put together a three-hour broadcast. Huck remarked that learning how to produce a show, coming up with the concept and content and delegating roles and assignments to make the broadcast successful, was a great learning experience.

The broadcast received feedback from a large number of Loras students, faculty and staff who were impressed with the students’ ability and what they accomplished.

Randolph said that the community members outside of Loras who knew about LCTV’s broadcast showed interest beforehand and were extremely impressed.

sight

hind

ng commitment to ents demonstrated a stro More than 600 Loras stud rts in Dubuque effo g dba san in d iste they ass service and leadership as sted on April cre er Riv i when the Mississipp the clock during the flood of 1965 und ts aro worked tirelessly in shif floodthe 26 at 26.8 feet. Students to r prio ue buq Du save downtown for several weeks to help 3. wall being erected in 197 The archives, as Loras College Archives.

Photo contributed by the tory, are intereste Center for Dubuque His well as the Loras Colleg bilia including ora mem ue buq lege and Du ed in collecting Loras Col Mike Gibson, t tac , letters, diaries, etc. Con photographs, postcards buque, Iowa, Du St., ta Vis Alta 0 lege, 145 archivist at Loras Col n@loras.edu. bso l.gi hae -7163, or e-mail mic 52001, or call (563) 588

Your leadership and support of the Loras Fund provides students with educational opportunities and life-changing experiences

which are preparing them to be tomorrow’s leaders.

YOUR INVESTMENT SUPPORTS: Financial Aid Challenging Curriculum Student Government Lead 4 Loras Student/Faculty Research Partnerships Campus Ministry Service Trips Study Abroad Opportunities Division III Athletics

Sandra Gonzales (’05) Director of the Loras Fund 563.588.7328 sandra.gonzales@loras.edu www.loras.edu | Click on “Give to Loras.”

A Lot of Planning and a Little Coincidence: Loras Adopts Holocaust Theme for 2008-09 Academic Year B Y L E A H C O R K E RY ( ’ 0 9 )

“Our experience ultimately went far beyond learning about the Holocaust.”

-CRAIG SCHAEFER, PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATION ARTS

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | INSIDE LORAS

The decision of the Loras College Arts & Culture Series to adopt a focus on the Holocaust for their 2008-09 event calendar served as the catalyst for the rest of campus.

Some campus events and initiatives were reshaped to compleHolocaust survivor Inge ment the theme while Auerbacher spoke to the others by mere coinciLoras College community dence found their plans in September. already did. It took months of planning, but the result is a theme for the 2008-09 academic year that addresses global human rights and discusses the history and impact of the Holocaust.

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The fall semester began with the reading of Elie Wiesel’s Night, selected by the First Year Experience Committee, chaired by Lisa Grinde, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology. A series of small group discussions of the work were hosted by the Loras Literary Society. The autobiographical novel, which won the 1986 Nobel Peace prize, is acclaimed as the most pivotal writing of the post-World War II period and is based on Wiesel’s own experience as a Holocaust survivor.

In September, Loras was fortunate enough to welcome Inge Auerbacher, a Holocaust survivor and human rights activist, to speak on campus. As a child, Auerbacher spent three years imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp in Czechoslovakia, from which only one percent of 15,000 children survived. During her presentation, Auerbacher discussed life before and after the Holocaust and provided visualization by showing slides of her experience, including photos of her village, the village of her grandparents and the camp where she was held. She also detailed her return trip as an adult to the Terezin concentration camp and related stories of friends and family during the struggle, including losing her grandmother.

“It’s not very often you get the chance to hear about these things from people who experienced it firsthand,” said Liz Ball (’09) (Marion, Iowa), who attended the event. “It’s great that Loras students were able to hear her story and connect it to things we already knew and read about the Holocaust. Hearing someone speak about it is so much different than reading about it in a textbook.”

Two courses added to the curriculum certainly approached the subject of the Holocaust in a different manner as well. Degenerate Art, an art history course taught in the fall by Jennifer Walker, adjunct faculty of communication arts, discussed the role of art in Hitler’s regime and the ethics of its use to propagandize. “It was a really interesting course,” said Lauren Lehenbauer (’09) (Davenport, Iowa), an integrated visual arts and sport management double-major. “It’s hard to believe how far Hitler and the Nazi’s went to silence the Jews and anyone else they didn’t like.”

The second course, Documenting the Holocaust, fit into the academic year’s Holocaust theme rather serendipitously. Craig Schaefer (’89), professor of communication arts, had planned for the January-Term course independently and was pleasantly surprised to find others on campus had recognized the same rich opportunity for learning. Schaefer and his 12 students traveled to Germany to film a documentary and were able to visit many locations important to the Holocaust and its history, including a number of concentration camps and the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin.

They also conducted a number of interviews with German adults and high school students about their perception of the Holocaust, personalizing the historical event. Schaefer explained that there are two experiences when making a documentary film, “You must approach the subject objectively and at a distance, but yet you want to take in the full emotion of the experience. So for our students, it’s about as complete a learning opportunity as you will find.” The film is scheduled to be presented to the Loras community sometime during the spring semester.

Months after the initial steps toward planning, the Holocaust theme will end with those who instigated its start: the Loras College Arts & Culture Series. In April, the Arts & Culture Series will present two events. The first, a day-long event, To Do Justice, will feature a showing of the film, “Voices from the Holocaust,” followed by presentations by the filmmaker, Joshua Greene, and Douglas Bates III, son of the chief defense counsel of the Dachau War Crime Trial. Chase Gruszka (’09) (Streamwood, Ill.) and John Healey (’10) (Neenah, Wis.), members of the Loras Mock Trial Team, will re-enact the actual closing arguments given by both sides in this historic war trial. The second event will include welcoming a speaker to campus to discuss human rights since the Holocaust.

Ball applauded the theme choice for not taking the form of a flat history lesson, but rather a lesson on upholding global human rights. “The Holocaust might seem like something that happened a long time ago, but by continuing to discuss it we’re reminded of what can happen when human rights are ignored.”

Loras students spent January Term creating a documentary about the Holocaust, traveling to Germany and interviewing adults and high school students.

This is Only a Test...

Loras Implements New Emergency Notification System

The system allows campus administrators and security professionals the ability to reach the Loras community with information and updates during unforeseen events or emergencies through phone calls, e-mails and/or text messages.

“Being able to communicate essential information in a variety of ways to our campus community is very important to us,” said Arthur Sunleaf, associate vice president for student development and dean of students. “We are pleased to have our first test of the emergency notification system work successfully. Of course, it is something we hope we don’t need to use often, but Loras has implemented a best practice for sharing emergency communication.”

Students, faculty and staff have been encouraged to enter multiple points of contact into the Connect-Ed database to ensure they receive these important alerts. They also have the ability to enter family members’ contact numbers so they can be made aware in the case of an emergency as well.

35 WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Loras College has implemented a new emergency notification system which can be used to alert students, faculty and staff within minutes of a situation or incident. The rapid, multi-modal Connect-ED® communication service from Blackboard Connect Inc., was successfully tested campus-wide in early February.

loras sports

Hall of Fame Inductees 2008 The following people were inducted into the Loras College Varsity Athletics Hall of Fame on Sept. 6, 2008: Leo Costello (’92) was a member of the first Loras College wrestling team to finish in the top ten at the NCAA Championships (8th) in his junior season and helped the Duhawks jump two spots (up to third) in the IIAC and one spot in the NCAA (7th) as a senior. Individually, his top performance came during his junior season when he posted a career high in wins (33), finished second in the IIAC and was runner up at the NCAA Championships at 167 pounds. He followed with another dominant season in 1991-92 (also at 167 pounds), his final campaign with the Duhawks, going 32-6 and finishing fourth at the NCAA Championships. His two finishes at the NCAA Championships earned him two-time All-American status.

Costello was a member of the IIAC’s All-Academic team and an Academic All-American during his wrestling career. His academic success, service to the community and leadership also vaulted him onto the “National Outstanding Leaders” list in Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1992. Under Dan Neff and Larry Reynolds, Costello compiled a 95-35-2 career record on the wrestling mat.

Al McGuire (’85) began setting records immediately as a Duhawk during the 1981-82 season.

Under head coach Pete Ross and diving coach Bob Wren, McGuire landed a spot at the NAIA National Swim Meet as a freshman while becoming the first Loras College athlete to qualify for nationals as a diver.

In total, McGuire qualified four times for the NAIA National Swim Meet on the 1-meter springboard and three times on the 3-meter springboard. He earned All-American honors twice in the 1-meter competition and once, his senior season, in the 3-meter competition. He was also a champion at the Iowa Small College State Meet at both heights and a captain of the men’s team in three of his four seasons.

McGuire currently holds every Loras College men’s diving record. His career best and recordholding marks, which were each set during his senior season, are: 1-meter, six dives, 266.6; 1-meter, 11 dives, 457.9; 3-meter, six dives, 297.45; 3-meter, 11 dives, 489.3.

Barry Harris (’89) rewrote the sprint records during his senior season with the Loras College track and field team on his way to becoming a three-time national champion. His first national championship came during the indoor season of his senior year. Harris posted a 0:06.39 in the 55 Meter Dash to win the championship. He also set the Loras record in the 55 Meter Dash with a 0:06.38.

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Varsity Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees (l to r) Al McGuire (’85), Barry Harris (’89), Leo Costello (’92) and Bob Lutgen (’54). Not pictured: M.S. “Bill” Howie, Ph.D. (’55).

When the outdoor season rolled around, Harris was primed to set the 100 Meter and 200 Meter records in his final season on the heels of his record setting winter season. Not only did he break those records, but he also won his second and third national championships that spring at the 1989 NCAA III Championships. For 19 seasons, Harris has held the records in those events. His 0:10.54 in the 100 Meter Dash and 0:21.39 in the 200 Meter Dash remain Loras records.

Harris also won eight Iowa Conference Championships.

He won the 100 Meter Dash three consecutive times (1987-1989), the 200 Meter Dash in back-to-back years (1988-1989), and the 400 Meter race in his senior season (1989). He was also a member of two conference champion relay teams. Under the direction of Loras College Hall of Fame head coach Robert Tucker, Ed.D, the Duhawks won three Iowa Conference outdoor track and field team titles during Harris’ career.

M.S. “Bill” Howie, Ph.D. (’55), arrived at Loras College in 1951 and embarked on a four-year baseball career that few have matched. As a freshman on the 1952 squad, Howie helped the team to its first pennant when they amassed a record of 7-0 in the northern division of the Iowa Conference. That year he established himself as a high percentage hitter under head coach Vince Dowd, notching 15 hits in 38 total at bats (.395 batting average).

Howie never hit below .309 in a season and topped out at .451 in 1954 when the team compiled an 11-3 record. He had a team high 23 hits that year. Howie was essentially a singles machine from his middle infield positions over the

course of his career, but also managed two homeruns during his senior season when the team went 14-4. For his career, he hit .387 and scored at least ten runs in every season. In the four seasons Howie lettered with the baseball squad the Duhawks went 37-13.

Bob Lutgen’s (’54) Loras College career as a studentathlete typically began in late August and ran clear through until the middle of March. A two-sport star for the Duhawks in the early 1950s, Lutgen was regarded for his offense and defense both on the football field and the basketball floor. He also earned a reputation for lategame contributions in both sports.

Lutgen began his football career (without any prior formal experience) as a linebacker, but was converted to the fullback position for his final two seasons. He averaged 4.5 yards per rush in his senior season and found the end zone five times. Lutgen helped the Duhawks claim the Victory Bell during the 1953 season on the football field with a fourth-quarter touchdown against St. Ambrose.

In basketball he was a force in the backcourt, widely regarded for his playmaking abilities on offense, relentless defense and efforts rebounding the basketball. He was one of three freshmen on the 23-7 hoops squad that made the trip to Albany, N.Y., for the National Catholic Invitational Tournament.

Nominations for next year’s Varsity Athletics Hall of Fame inductions are being accepted. Go to http://depts.loras.edu/ sports/hof/ to fill out the online nomination form.

BY JON DENHAM (’02), SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

Brad Soderberg has joined the College as interim director of athletics. Soderberg was the head men’s basketball coach at Loras from 1987-1993 where he amassed a 79-45 record in five seasons in his first head coaching position. He rejoined the Loras staff in this new position in July.

Most recently Soderberg worked with the Saint Louis University Billikens in Saint Louis, Mo., where he went 80-74 from 2002-2007. He also had successful stops at the University of Wisconsin and South Dakota State University. As a head coach, the Wisconsin native had winning records at each institution and boasted a 100 percent graduation rate.

Brad Soderberg

President Jim Collins (’84) notes that Soderberg “has genuine regard for Loras and a strong willingness to assist us at this juncture. I believe his passion, integrity, skill-set and knowledge of Loras and intercollegiate athletics will serve us well.”

Soderberg was equally excited about his return to Loras College and Dubuque, Iowa. “Both my family and I are thrilled to be back in Dubuque,” he commented. “I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for Loras because they gave me the chance to be a head basketball coach at 26 years old.”

“I just have so much respect for the institution, its mission and the Catholic identity we promote to our students,” Soderberg stated. “I am excited to be back at Loras in this capacity.”

37 WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Soderberg Joins College as Interim Director of Athletics

wraps

fall

I N S I D E S P O RT S

T H E L O R A S C O L L E G E M AG A Z I N E | L O R A S S P O RT S

The Loras College Department of Athletics enjoyed a memorable fall season in 2008. The volleyball, men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams each qualified for NCAA Division III Championships – and men’s soccer once again finished as a semifinalist at the Final Four and the #4 ranked team in the country. The volleyball team moved into their new home and promptly went 60 in the Athletic and Wellness Center. Loras won Iowa Conference team titles in volleyball and men’s soccer.

Four student-athletes earned Most Valuable Player honors out of eight fall sports. Video webcasts made their debut over the Loras athletics web page. The Duhawks are second in the IIAC All-Sports Trophy standings through the first eight sports. The football team improved four games overall and four slots in the standings after going 6-4. All of these things occurred under the guidance of Interim Director of Athletics Brad Soderberg, who took over the position late in the summer 2008.

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Members of the men’s soccer team celebrate with fans in the Rock Bowl after their Nov. 22 double overtime win over Augsburg.

The football team was 6-4 in Steve Osterberger’s third season, a season which was highlighted by the running abilities of Alex McGrew (’09) (Van Horne, Iowa). The senior ran for a school record 20 touchdowns and posted the second best all-purpose yardage in all of NCAA Division III on his way to Iowa Conference MVP honors. Six other Duhawks were named to the All-IIAC squad, including wide receiver Ben McMahon (’10) (Waterloo, Iowa) who tied for the league lead in touchdown catches. They also won the inaugural “Rivalry by the River” game against the University of Dubuque, 42-6.

The women’s tennis team finished seventh in the Iowa Conference in 2008, and was much improved in their matches across the board. Lindsay Dunkirk (’10) (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) won six matches in the #1 singles slot. Breann Billiet (’10) (Decorah, Iowa) and Alejandra Ruales (’12) (Bogotá, Colombia) proved to be the Duhawks best doubles tandem for head coach Karl Stubben. The season’s wins all came in a midseason winning streak over Dubuque, Morningside, Buena Vista and Beloit. The core of the team returns in 2009 and will push for a spot in the IIAC team tournament.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams provided plenty of top level results this fall. Each was in the top 40 teams in the final USTFCCCA Poll. The teams finished second (men) and third (women) at the IIAC Championships. John Fry (’11) (Elmhurst, Ill.) and Mary Bridget Corken (’09) (Dubuque, Iowa) led the Duhawks to the finish line on that day and throughout the season. The teams parlayed their success on the conference level to regionals with a pair of top-six finishes in Grinnell, Iowa, on Nov. 15. Corken was fourth at the NCAA Division III Regionals and sixteenth at nationals. She set the school record during her senior season as well, posting a time of 21:12 in winning the Iowa Conference Championship and MVP honors.

IIAC MVPS FALL 2008 IIAC MVPS

9) Grew ('0 Alex Mc ) a w Io , e n (Van Hor

Mary Bridge t Corken (' 09) (Dubuque, Iowa)

The women’s golf team finished sixth at the four-round Iowa Conference Championships this fall. Jackie Kieffer (’09) (Spencer, Iowa) led the way for Loras in her senior season, finishing as a medalist in ninth place and shooting a final round 79. Brittney Boffeli (’09) (Cascade, Iowa) also finished in the top 20 (18), and posted three rounds in the 80s. Loras finished fourth in the annual Fall Invitational at Lacoma Golf Club. Their season continues with a handful of events scheduled for the spring.

The soccer teams once again put their stamp on the Iowa Conference in 2008. The men’s team won the Iowa Conference for the third straight year and the women returned to the NCAA Division III Championships with a shootout win in the IIAC Tournament Championship

ett, Ill.) 9) (Bartl 0 (' la b ziu Jenny D

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The volleyball team celebrates their Iowa Conference title in Indianola, Iowa, after defeating Simpson 3-2 to go 8-0.They went on to earn their first berth to the NCAA Championships.

game. They each followed with wins in the NCAA tournament. The men marched all the way to the national semifinals for the second consecutive season. On their way to the NCAA semifinals, they hosted four games in the Rock Bowl and outscored their opponents 9-2. The teams combined for 16 All-IIAC athletes, three AllRegion, and Santiago Mejia (’10) (Cali, Colombia) repeated as an All-American. Miguel Bonilla (’11) (Cali, Colombia) was voted the Iowa Conference men’s MVP. Mejia and women’s goalkeeper Torey Murray (’09) (Des Moines, Iowa) each planted themselves in the record books. Murray leaves with the most career shutouts and Mejia, through three seasons, owns the assists record.

WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

The volleyball squad made history in head coach Teresa Kehe’s third season. Since rejoining the NCAA and the Iowa Conference in 1986, the Duhawks had never won the Iowa Conference title or qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships—but 2008 was that year. Loras went 8-0 in the league, dropping just five sets and winning 24. They hosted the Iowa Conference tournament after claiming the regular season title on the road against Simpson College in a five-set thriller. They won both games in the Athletic and Wellness Center in front of significant home crowds during the tournament and punched their ticket to the Championships in the process. Another thrilling five-set match followed, but the Duhawks could not snag the win. A number of players were named all-conference, including MVP Jenny Dziubla (’09) (Bartlett, Ill.). Head coach Kehe was voted Coach of the Year by her peers.

Miguel Bonilla ('11) (Cali, Colombia)

alumni news

National Alumni Board Welcomes Two New Members B Y B O B B I E A R L E S , E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R O F A L U M N I A N D C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

Amy (Deluhery) Breitfelder (’92)

Jane (Noonan) Demmer (’76)

The National Alumni Board welcomed two new members to the board on Oct. 3, 2008. Amy (Deluhery) Breitfelder (’92) and Jane (Noonan) Demmer (’76) have been elected to fouryear terms. Loras College and fellow board members wish to thank Jim Brems (’71) and Richard Kenney (’63) who completed their second four-year terms in October.

Breitfelder is a senior vice president with U.S. Bank, leading the retail side of banking for Northeast Iowa for six years. She currently volunteers with the Junior Board of the Visiting Nurses Association and Junior Achievement of the Heartland. Breitfelder recently completed her term as president of the Loras Alumni Club of Dubuque and is currently finishing up her tenure on the board. She is married to Tim (’91) and they have one son, Andrew, who is in 5th grade.

Demmer graduated with a degree in mathematics in 1976. Following her education at Loras she received an M.B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa. After working three years for Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Mich., Demmer accepted a position with John Deere, where she has worked for 29 years. Most of that time has been spent in Information Technology supporting Engineering. Demmer is currently the manager of Product Delivery Systems for John Deere Power Systems Division in Waterloo/Cedar Falls. For the last three years, she has served as the secretary/treasurer on the board of directors for a user group affiliated with engineering software and is also involved with the Coaching Program and WomenREACH organizations at John Deere. Demmer and her husband John have two children, Molly (’04) and Matt.

MISSION STATEMENT: The National Alumni Board was formed in 1989 under the direction of the Loras College Office of Alumni Relations. The board serves to develop and promote support of alumni and friends through a variety of programs, events and communication in an effort to strengthen the College.

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In support of the priorities of Loras College, the National Alumni Board of directors created a scholarship in 2006. Tara Kilburg (’11) was the first recipient and Andrew Tranel (’12) received the second award. The $2,500 scholarship will be given to Kilburg and Tranel each of the four years they attend Loras contingent on the financial and academic requirements. In addition, the National Alumni Board plans to expand the scholarship and award to another student for the 2009-10 year. The board continues to raise funds for the scholarship and you can be part of this effort. Learn more by logging on to http://alumni.loras.edu.

National Alumni Scholarship Recipient

(’12) ranel T w e Andr

My name is Andrew Tranel and I am honored to have been chosen as the second recipient of the National Alumni Scholarship. I would like to share with you a little bit about myself, why I chose Loras and the importance of this scholarship to me.

I grew up on a 100-cow organic dairy farm in rural Cuba City, Wis., and graduated with honors from Wahlert Catholic High School.

While at Wahlert I participated in golf, baseball, debate and was fortunate enough to win a state championship in basketball on a last-second three-pointer.

Often times I am asked why I chose Loras College. I knew that I wanted to stay close to home.

Automatically that narrowed my colleges down to four. I visited Loras and fell in love with the campus, the people and the overall atmosphere. I knew that I wanted a faith-based school and the overall feeling of faith that is present at Loras overwhelmed me and made my decision very easy.

I would like to thank the National Alumni Board for making this scholarship possible and for the generosity that they have shown me. Thank you!

Andrew Tranel (’12)

41 WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

My first semester at Loras College went very well. The transition in the beginning of the year was a little difficult; however, after I got settled in everything seemed to go smoothly. I love every part of Loras College. My favorite part has to be the people and the friendships that I have made. While at Loras I have been involved in the Breitbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders program. This program has introduced me to some incredible students and faculty.

Knobbe Family Counts Blessings, Including Loras

BY ALANA CALIGIURI (’09)

One of the many blessings in life is being able to share memories with the ones you love. Whether it is creating new memories, or revisiting the old ones, both are meaningful. This summer, Joe (’49) and Jan Knobbe took approximately 30 family members on a charter bus trip to visit a handful of significant places in their lives, one of them being the campus of Loras College.

The family drove the bus eight hours west on June 6 to share memories with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and assorted spouses.

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ALUMNI NEWS

The purpose for visiting Loras, which was the first stop on a visit across Iowa, was to begin visiting the family’s roots. The first stop on campus was Christ the King Chapel, which was built while Knobbe was a student.

After touring the chapel, the family visited with the

Rev. John Haugen, dean of campus spiritual life, to reminisce about staff members and students from Knobbe’s era.

The next stop was a tour of Keane Hall where Knobbe resided while attending Loras. A visit to the Office of Alumni Relations resulted in looking at pictures of Knobbe in Purgolds and reminiscing about staff members and classmates during his time at Loras.

When asked what the family received from their experience of visiting Loras, Joe Knobbe Jr. stated, “It was a wonderful opportunity for all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren to see where their grandfather went to college and to learn more about who he was before he married their grandmother.”

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This summer, Joe (’49) and Jan Knobbe took approximately 30 family members on a charter-bus trip to visit a handful of significant places in their lives, one of them being the campus of Loras College.

Summer Alumni Gatherings

Young alumni in Chicago gathered to enjoy a presentation entitled, “Life after Loras,” facilitated by John Upstrom, M.B.A., professor of finance.The Loras Club of Chicago hosted the event at the Schoolyard Tavern and Grille in Southport, Ill. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Pictured (l to r) are: Mary McDonnell (’04), Erin White (’01), Liz John (’04), Liz Furth (’04) and Katie Sullivan (’03).

The Loras Club of Cedar Rapids/Iowa City started the summer with their annual scholarship golf outing and dinner at Hunters Ridge Golf Course on June 9, 2008.

Alumni and friends showed their support of the College by golfing during the day and enjoying the dinner, auction and raffle that night. Each year, the Loras Club of Cedar Rapids/Iowa City gives out 10 scholarships to local students attending Loras.

The Loras Club of Quad Cities held a Mass and picnic on Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Scott County Park in Lone Tree, Iowa. The Rev. Msgr. Francis Friedl (’39) celebrated the Mass and alumni and families brought food to share.

The summer stayed busy with four All Sports Camp receptions. The Loras College Alumni Relations and Admission offices teamed up to welcome families as they dropped off their children at camp. The hospitality receptions were held on June 15, June 22, July 6 and July 13, 2008. Alumni and friends enjoyed tours of the new Athletic and Wellness Center and refreshments before they hit the road.

Alumni and families participated in the Loras Club of La Crosse Golf Outing on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at the La Crosse Country Club in Onalaska, Wis. The event proceeds combined with other donations allowed the club to help six students from the La Crosse area currently attending Loras College.

Alumni hit the links at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008, as the Loras Club of Waterloo/Cedar Falls hosted its annual outing. Two area students, Will McIntee (’11) and Dustin Newhoff (’12), were awarded scholarships at the dinner held following the event.

The Loras Club of Northeast Iowa celebrated the end of summer on Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, with a picnic for new and returning students along with alumni and their families. Joe (’76) and Mary Beth Bouska, parents of current student Daniel Bouska (’11), hosted the event at their home in Decorah, Iowa.

The Loras Club of Des Moines hosted an event during an I-Cubs game on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. More than two dozen alumni of all ages enjoyed the game at Principal Park with their families.

43 WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

For more than 30 years the Loras Club of Dubuque has held a Scholarship Golf Outing to raise funds for area students attending Loras. The tradition continued on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008, at Thunder Hills Country Club in Peosta, Iowa. Nearly 300 alumni and community members participated in the event which raised more than $20,000.

Many thanks to the grand prize sponsors: Conlon Construction, Diamond Jo and Travel Headquarters, and all the Loras Club of Dubuque Scholarship sponsors. Pictured (l to r) are Rick Ackley, Bob Hoefer, Steve Chapman and Randy Skemp (’78).

Fall Alumni Gatherings The Loras College soccer teams were treated with alumni hospitality on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, while competing on the road. National Alumni Board member Kelly (Stevens) Moshier (’97) and her husband Mark hosted a luncheon for alumni and student-athletes in their home in Plymouth, Minn.

The Loras Club of Cedar Rapids/Iowa City hosted a tailgate prior to the football game against Coe College on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. Alumni, friends and parents of players, as well as Tom Shey (’88) and family (pictured), enjoyed the reception at Xavier’s in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ALUMNI NEWS

President Jim Collins (’84) traveled to Huntington Beach, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, with the Rev. Msgr. Charles Lang (’61) to meet with alumni. Jim (’56) and Audrey Smith opened up their home for the gathering.

The final Loras Club of Dubuque Duhawk Den was held on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, in front of the Fieldhouse. The Loras Duhawks took on the University of Dubuque Spartans defeating them 42-6.

Following the game, alumni and their families who currently have children attending Loras gathered for the Legacy Reception in Wahlert Hall with President Jim Collins (’84).

The Loras Club of Chicago finished out the month of October with their annual fall meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008. Prior to their board meeting, members met with Loras students currently enrolled in internships through the Chicago Center.

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During Homecoming Weekend in October, Loras hockey alumni gathered at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque for an alumni match. Participating were (standing, l to r) Aaron Seehusen (’07; 4 assists), Joe O’Connell, Ryan Small (’08; 2 goals, 1 assist), Brian Steuer, Nick Zimmerman (’89; 1 goal, 1 assist), Drew Arensdorf (1 goal, 1 assist), Derek Chemers (’04; 5 goals, 7 assists), (kneeling, l to r) Pat “Larry” Flaherty (’93; 1 assist), Kyle Calvert (’08; 10 saves),Tim Althaus (’93; 3 goals), Rick Callahan (’05; 2 goals) and Jason Calvi (’04; 1 goal). Not pictured is Steve “Hippie” Vlcek (’90).

Winter Alumni Gatherings Students and alumni gathered in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, 2009, for a reception at the newly constructed Capitol Visitors Center. Loras College professors David Salvaterra, Ph.D., and Mary Lynn Neuhaus, J.D., traveled there with students for a Jterm experience.

The annual $125 Dinner hosted by the Loras Club of Cedar Rapids/Iowa City was held on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, at A Touch of Class. This event helps raise money for scholarships for area students attending Loras.

Archdiocesan priests from Dubuque gathered on campus for the annual Retired Priests Christmas Dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008.The Rev. John Haugen, dean of campus spiritual life, held a prayer service prior to dinner in the Alumni Campus Center. During the evening President Jim Collins (’84) provided the group with a College update followed by a trolley ride through Murphy Park to enjoy the light displays. Pictured (l to r) are: the Rev. Tom Rhomberg (’48), the Rev. John Haugen and the Rev. Msgr. David Wheeler (’49).

Wrestling alumni gathered for the 35th Annual Loras Alumni Wrestling Meet on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. Pat “Flash” Flanagan (’63) served as coach for the alumni squad. The day was filled with alumni matches and scrimmage matches between current student-athletes. A social with Loras Wrestling Coach Randy Steward and alumni rounded out the day.

The Loras Club of Dubuque board members welcomed alumni and fans to the Athletic and Wellness Center on Jan. 7, 2009, for the women’s and men’s basketball games against cross-town rival, the University of Dubuque.

Coaches Greg Gorton and Justin Heinzen spoke to the group about their respective programs.

Goes Green In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, the Office of Alumni Relations is communicating information about alumni gatherings and events through e-mail when possible.

To stay up-to-date on events coming to an area near you, please send your e-mail address to alumni@loras.edu!

45 WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

The Loras Club of Rockford welcomed alumni and friends to their annual scholarship luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008. Cheryl Jacobsen, Ph.D., provost and academic dean, was the featured speaker and shared thoughts on educating leaders for a complex future. First year student Chris Busker (’12) received the 2008-09 Loras Club of Rockford Scholarship and was recognized along with his parents at the luncheon.

Alumni Office

Homecoming 2008 Class of 1958

Homecoming Weekend kicked off on Friday, Oct. 3, 2008. Thousands of alumni and their families returned to campus to celebrate special reunions and receptions including the class of 1958 which celebrated its Golden Jubilarian and the class of 1983 celebrating its Silver Jubilarian.

Class of 1983

009 2Homecoming September 25-27

For more information on the weekend’s events, continue to check for updates at http://alumni.loras.edu You can also contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 563.588.7170

To see more photos from Homecoming Weekend, visit: http://alumni.loras.edu and click on the Photo Albums.

Homecoming 2008 Class of 1963

Class of 1968

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Class of 1978

WINTER 2008 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Class of 1973

Homecoming 2008 Class of 1988

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ALUMNI NOTES

Class of 1993

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Class of 1998

Class of 2003

Homecoming 2008 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients Loras College and the National Alumni Board recognized five individuals with distinguished alumni awards during the Homecoming Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008.

Pictured (l to r) are Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Joseph Schaefer, Ph.D. (’62),Thomas Green (’63), Michael Blouin (’66) and Jim Theisen (’56).

The Rev. John C. Friedell, Ph.D. (’51), received an award for Contributions Made as a Staff, Faculty or Administrative Member. Friedell attended Loras Academy and then received his bachelor’s degree from Loras College with majors in philosophy and mathematics. After studying theology for four years in Rome at the North American College, he obtained an S.T.L. degree from Gregorian University. His service has included being a parish priest to college professor.

Despite his retirement from Loras, he continues to mentor and help students on campus.

Thomas Green (’63) graduated from Loras College with a degree in business. After working for JCPenny for several years, Green found his true calling at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. His focus was on increasing the parish’s outreach to the poor and disadvantaged.

Green received the Contributions Made in Christian

Service and Volunteer Service award and credits his mother for creating in him a desire to serve others and being committed to making the world a better place. He also notes that his Catholic education impressed upon him the importance of community service and integrity.

From rural Iowa to NASA, Joseph A. Schaefer, Ph.D. (’62), has had an impact both at Loras College and beyond. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in physics, Schaefer went on to receive his Ph.D. from Northwestern University. He was a member of the faculty of Loras College from 1964 through 1999 and is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University.

Schaefer was honored with a Contributions Made as a Staff, Faculty or Administrative Member award.

The impact Jim Theisen (’56) has had at Loras will be felt long into the future. Over the years, Theisen has been supportive of scholarships, building maintenance, new construction projects and annual needs of the College. As a member of the Board of Regents he serves on the Development Committee. He has also been involved with the Boys and Girls Club, Hospice and numerous other community groups. Theisen was honored with the award for Professional Achievements and Contributions Made to Loras. Loras College is grateful for the many ways in which Theisen and his wife Marita have selflessly given of their time, talent and treasure.

We welcome your nominations for 2009. Log on to http://alumni.loras.edu and click on the Distinguished Alumni Awards link.

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Michael T. Blouin (’66) was honored with Contributions Made as a Public Servant for his work as an elected official and vision for growing Iowa. Shortly after graduating from Loras College, Blouin began his political career serving in roles that ranged from an Iowa Senator to U.S. House Representative, eventually being appointed by Governor Tom Vilsack to the Iowa Department of Economic Development. In 2007, Blouin returned to Dubuque becoming the president of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation.

The Rev. John C. Friedell, Ph.D. (’51), Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, is congratulated by President Jim Collins (’84).

scrapbook scrapbook Future Cross Country Runners

Mock Trial A GROWING FAMILY A growing Loras family with lots of future Duhawks celebrated Christmas together.

Pictured are (Row 1, l to r): Lillian Feltes, Linden Feltes, Carson Hammer and Caleb Spires. (Row 2): Johnny Freund, Mary Feltes,Tom Feltes (’71) and Ethan Spires. (Row 3): Sara Freund and Mary Freund. (Row 4): Walter Freund, Amy (Feltes) Freund (’98), Kathy (Feltes) Linden (’95), Sarah (Feltes) Spires (’99), Charlie Hammer, John Freund (’00), Duncan Freund and Jane (Feltes) Hammer (’01). (Row 5): Todd Feltes (’95), Ryan Spires (’98) and Doug Hammer .

FUTURE DUHAWK CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS Buddies and future Duhawk cross country runners Connor Tierney Sands and Clara Anne Saros are showing their school pride with their Loras apparel. Connor is the son of Katy (Tierney) (’01) and Jim Sands and Clara is the daughter of Laura (Hillebrand) (’01) and Kyle Saros.

LORAS COLLEGE MOCK TRIAL AT UCI Art Cook (’58) and his wife Pat met up with MaryLynn Neuhaus, J.D., professor of communication arts and director of the mock trial program, and Loras mock trial students when they competed at University of California Irvine.

IRIS AND ROSE CASES Iris Cases sports her Duhawk t-shirt while playing in the leaves with her sister Rose.

They are the daughters of Lynn (Portz) Cases (’97).

P laying in the leaves

ALUMNI NOTES 1940s The Rev. Msgr. Paul Steimel (’48) has written a book of reflections, We Can – Letters from Fr. Paul Steimel, with the intent to help young people grow in their faith. All proceeds go to Columbus High School in Waterloo, Iowa, where Steimel is chaplain for the football team.

1950s Richard Kunnert (’58) received the Rockford Register Star’s Exalibur Award for his dedication to the needs of the mentally ill.

Future Duhawks

Thomas Schmitz, M.D. (’58) will serve as medical director of the Order of Malta Oakland Health Clinic in Oakland, Calif.The clinic is free and was opened as part of the Cathedral of Christ the Light’s outreach ministry.

1960s Joseph Thomas Babbo (’60) has authored a book of poetry, Collected Poems: A Life’s Work,Vol. 1.

Michael Mihm (’64) was recently named to the Board of Directors of the U.S. Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and Rule of Law, based on a recommendation of the U.S. State Department and has been named chair of the Rule of Law Advisory Committee of the Board. He has been actively involved in international rule of law activities in Russia and many other countries since 1993.

Alaska Tour

FUTURE DUHAWKS AT HOMECOMING These future Duhawks decided to join in the festivities of Homecoming 2008.

Pictured (l to r) are: Elli Wulfekuhle, Hunter Weyant, Ella Klein, Ethan Klein and Jared Wulfekuhle.They are the children of Loras roommates Jeremy Wulfekuhle (’98), Chris Klein (’98) and Scott Weyant (’98).

ALASKA-LORAS GRADS Frank Strathman (’65) took an Alaskan tour in June 2008 with his wife, and was surprised to notice the Crew Chief of the tour boat drinking from a Loras College coffee mug… and even more surprised to discover he was Tom Callahan (’65), a fellow 1965 graduate! The two posed for a photo with the mug and four more touring Duhawks (pictured l to r): Susan Croatt (’92), Roger Hingtgen (’66), Twila Hingtgen (’89), Frank Strathman (’65), Tom Callahan (’65) and Barbara Strathman (MA ’96).

Richard Lamm (’66) and his wife Becky recently donated two manuscripts to Chicago’s Newberry Library. The first was the personal letters of Dr. Frank Siebert whose American collection was the largest held by an individual.The second was a codex of 17th century Spanish letters documenting the life of Ferdinand III, King of Castile. These letters supported his canonization in 1671. Lamm is a trustee of the Manuscript Society and serves as chair of the Finance Committee.

Mike Connolly (’67) has retired after 30 years as an Iowa legislator. Connolly served 10 years in the Iowa House of Representatives and was named head of the transportation and economic development committees after his fourth year of service. Connolly was then elected to the Iowa Senate, where he served for 20 years.

Albert Ruffalo (’69) was honored by Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa as one of the three 2008 Junior Achievement East Central Iowa Business Hall of Fame Laureates.This honor acknowledges the outstanding business and community achievements of the honorees.

1970s Scott Keener (’74) was recently promoted chief master sergeant of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, the ninth and highest noncommissioned rank in the service.

Robert Holz (’64) has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2007. He is a shareholder of the Davis Brown Law Firm in Des Moines, Iowa, practicing in the Business Division.

Bill Finn (’80) is being inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Men’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his remarkable coaching accomplishments.

James Phillips (’76) was appointed chief operating officer of VGM Group, Inc. John Galo (’78) was announced as stage manager of the play Little House on the Prairie, performed at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, Minn.

1980s

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ALUMNI NOTES

James Quigley (’81) has recently become the sole owner of Avante LLC, a sheet-fed commercial printer in Addison, Ill.

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Richard Brimeyer (’82) has authored the book Every Hundred Years… or so: A Typical Cubs Fan Chronicles an Atypical Season. Proceeds of the project will be donated to Brimeyer’s brother-in-law, Phil Doll, who is battling multiple myeloma.

Amy Stark (’86) was recently published in Inside Indiana Business with the article, “Indiana Not-For-Profits Must Not Let Fear Dictate Their Use of Social Media.”

Sue (Bishop) Czeshinski (’87) received a 2008 Governor’s Volunteer Award for her work on behalf of the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association.

The Rev. Mark Stoll (’88) has been appointed pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church in Kingsley, Iowa, in addition to his positions as pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Moville, Iowa, and vice-chancellor of the Diocese of Sioux City.

Marvin Oakes (’68), former senior vice-president and general manager of Wilton Products, Inc., has been promoted to President of Wilton Enterprises.

1990s Amy Blouin (’91) has been named as one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award winners for 2008 for her work at the nonprofit Missouri Budget Project.

Jennifer (LoBianco) Pillard (’91) has earned her Life and Health License for the State of Iowa. She is an account executive in the group benefits department of TRICOR Insurance & Financial Services.

Tiffany (Crowley) Kolb (’93) has been named principal of St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Mauston,Wis. Crissy (Fah) Prull (’94) has been promoted to field sales manager for Marmon/Keystone’s Minnesota region.

Kate (Kenneally) McLenaghan (’95) serves as style and market director for Objets d’Envy and recently persuaded celebrities Susan Sarandon and Paula Deen to begin wearing the company’s jewelry.

Wendy Ellis (’99) participated in the Accenture Chicago Triathlon, raising more than $2,000 for cancer research as a member of Team in Training. She finished the swimming, cycling and running event in one hour, 42 minutes.

2000s The Rev. Nils Hernandez (’00) has been appointed pastor at St. John Catholic Church in Clarion, Iowa, clustered with Sacred Heart in Eagle Grove and St. Francis Xavier in Belmond.

The Rev. Msgr. Francis P. Friedl (’39) was named the recipient of the Telegraph Herald’s 2008 First Citizen Award. He also authored the book, “Doc” Kammer Lives, about the former Loras athletic trainer.

Josh Breitbach (’02), a senior programmer/analyst at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded the quarterly Rockwell Collins Open Innovator Award, the first non-engineer to be awarded the honor.

Breitbach improved efficiency by using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to locate missing job assignments.

Kelly Spiegel (’02) obtained her master’s degree in education: reading specialist PreK-12 from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan., on August 8, 2008.

Tim Olson (’03) has been selected to showcase Authentic Dubuque Scenes, a series of drawings, in the Farnham Galleries of Simpson College.

Lindsay (Wright) Fahrner, M.D. (’04) received her doctor of medicine degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine on May 3, 2008.

ALUMNI WEDDINGS Breanne Miller (’07) to Kevin Kessenich (’08) on July 11, 2008.

ALUMNI BABIES 1980s To Cathy (Scott) (’81) and Bruce Haylock, a daughter, Hope, on Aug. 6, 2008.

To Jim (’88) and Finola (Keohane) (’89) Pommerich, a son, Rory Patrick, on March 6, 2008.

Beth Biesiadecki (’00) married James Dietrich on Sept. 29, 2007.

Fellow Duhawks in attendance included: (top row, l to r) Pat Winn (’71), Charles Steffens (’64), Raphael Yalden (’70), Nate Steffens (’94), John Nuccio (’66), (bottom row) Heather Judge (’01), Nicki Blatner (’01) Beth (Biesiadecki) Dietrich (’00), James (Bish) Biesiadecki (’67), Jody (Glass) Murray (’01) and Abby Smith (’01).

Tom Foley (’98) married Elizabeth McGowan on Sept. 20, 2008.

Joining in their celebration were: (back row, l to r): Jim Conlon (’98), Zach Pitz (’98), Bob Byrne (’98), Chris Kettmann (’98),Tom Foley (’98), Scott Steiner (’98), Julie (Jenks) Kettmann (’98), Corie (Harkness) Frasor (’00), (middle row) Jeanne (Cafaro) Conlon (’00), Sean Merrick (’98), Kevin Gorman (’98), Keith Hermann (’98), Liz Foley, (kneeling) Brett Shemansky (alumnus), Jeremy Frasor (’98) and Matt Sterencuk (’98). Not pictured:Walter Farrell (’69).

53 WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Cortney Kettmann (’05) married Travis Kueter (’04) on June 14, 2008. Helping them celebrate were: (1st row, l to r): Luke Casey (’99), Kelly (Kettmann) Vaughn (’01), Joe Roling (’04), Cortney (Kettmann) Kueter (’05),Travis Kueter (’04), Jackie (McGonagle) Lagoni (’04), Ashley (Caccia) Cleary (’04), Michele Kearney (’05), (2nd row): Mary Tedore (’04), Sara Gerlach (’04), Sarah Hayek (’04), (3rd row): Lori (Lampe) Kilburg (’80), Kathy (Kaiser) Lampe (’85), Karen (Gonner) Sturm (’80), Melissa (Zeimet) Casey (’04), Mary (McNee) Kettmann (’97), Erin (Hodges) Fisher (’04), Erin Demmer (’05), Jessie Gerlach (’06), Dianne (Scheiden) Nelson, Angie Pitts (’04), Laura (Schwitzer) Ludwig (’04), Julie (Jenks) Kettmann (’98), Mary Nosbisch (’05), Rob Lagoni (’03), Alica (Davis) Kapp (’05), Erin Boxleiter (’04), John Heiar (’05), Kristen Anderson (’04), Eric Wilgenbush (’04), (4th row): Chris Lampe (’83), Ron Roling (’70),Tom Kettmann (’97), David Fischer (’04),Tim Cundiff (’04), Brent Kohlenberg (’07), Jared Kohlenberg (’05), (5th row): Brittni (Sturm) Imhof (’05), Joel Sturm (’78), Brad Theisen (’05), Shelly (Kilburg) Theisen (’06), Kim (Muenster) Schroeder (’06), Ryan Kettmann (’06), Corey Kettmann (’02), Jacob Sturm (’07), Michael Hermes (’07), Peter Hoff (’07) and Jesse Kueter (’07).

Dr.Tiffany Juergens (’98) married Dr. David Clark on July 19, 2008. Sharing their special day with them were (back row, l to r): Jenny (Prenger) Onderak (’98), Lisa (Domeyer) Wilkie (’98), Jenni (Biver) Bauer (’97), Rosalyn Juergens (’96), Jenny (Hamilton) Hirner (’98), Jill (Blocklinger) Welch (’98),Tiffany (Juergens) Clark (’98), Mike Domeyer (’69), Becky Nischik (’01), Peter Juergens (’04), Beth Ann (Nischik) Mund (’96), Aaron Juergens (’01), Ron Juergens (’73), (front row, l to r) Steve Loppnow (’05), Julius Robinson (’98) and Kelly (Kopp) Daily (’98).

Amber Gille (’05) married Kristopher Stallman (’05) on Sept.

27, 2008, in Christ the King Chapel at Loras College. Pictured are (front row, l to r): Amber (Gille) Stallman (’05), Kristopher Stallman (’05); (second row, l to r): Joe Wendl (’05),Tony Monaghan (’05), Katie Zurek (’05), Erin Hall (’05), Andrew Thibadeau (alumnus); (third row, l to r): Jessi Warner (’11), Chris Michel (’03), Kristen (Johnson) Greazel (’05), Greg Greazel (’03),Tony Welch (’05), Mark Dempsey (’05); (fourth row, l to r): Brock Gille (’11), Nate Reilly (’05), Nathan Bahr (’05), Jon Heiar (’05) and Jeff Ludovissy (’05). In attendance but not photographed: Bob Fink (’05), Alejandro Pino (’99) and Autumn (Esch) Pino (’99, MA’03).

To Scott (’89) and Susan (Johnston) (’91) Lake, a daughter, Madeline Elise, on Sept. 23, 2008.

To Jan (Schaff) (’89) and Mark Mailloux, a daughter, Kiara Katherine, on Nov. 30, 2008.

1990s

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ALUMNI NOTES

To Steve (’92) and Paula Ervolino, a daughter, Lauren Grace, on Oct. 17, 2008.

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To Jason Deutmeyer (’93) and Sonia Meria-Deutmeyer, a son, Johann, on June 6, 2008.

To Rose (Corkery) (’94) and Tim Gorton, a son, Andrew Joseph, on May 28, 2008.

To Lynn (Kruse) (’94) and Scott Schilling, a daughter, Gabriella Marie, on July 8, 2008.

Megan Perry (’03) and Jake Crawford were married on Oct. 18, 2008, at Herrick Chapel in Grinnell, Iowa. Celebrating with them were (l to r): Joanna Diem (’04), Dave McDermott (’01), Stacia (Edwards) McDermott (’03), Jarrod Phelps (’04), Jake Crawford, Megan (Perry) Crawford (’03), Mark Smith (’02) and Jamie (Wilhelm) Smith (’03).

To Chris (’95) and Danielle (Hosier) (’97) Kerper, a son on April 30, 2008.

To Joe (’96) and Erin (Goodman) (’96) Maloney, a son, Henry Hamilton, on Nov. 7, 2008.

To Lynn (Portz) (’97) and Ricardo Cases, a daughter, Dahlia Rae, on Sept. 10, 2008.

To Kyle (’97) and Jody (Even) (’98) Decker, a daughter, Isabelle Ruth, on July 3, 2008.

To Chris (’98) and Julie (Jenks) (’98) Kettmann, a son, Gavin Christopher, on May 17, 2008.

To Eric (’98) and Jenni (Gerlach) (’99) Thome, a son, Greyson Thomas, on Sept. 9, 2008.

Lindsay Wright (’04) was married to John Fahrner on May 24, 2008, in Davenport, Iowa. Several Loras alumni participated in the wedding. Pictured (l to r) are: Meredith Fahrner, Angela Bruck (’04), Rachel Hutchins (’04), Elaine Rusin, Lindsay (Wright) Fahrner (’04), Helen Hughes (’04), Jody Takes (’04), Holly Wilken, Sarah Ledger (’03), and in front, Jenna Wilken.

Kyle Kuntz (’07) and Taryn Robinson (’08) were married on Nov. 8, 2008. Sharing their special day with them were Loras alumni (l to r): Kathleen Kraft (’08), Kyle Kuntz (’07),Tom Engelen (’08), Taryn (Robinson) Kuntz (’08), Joanna Brady (’08), Brian Driscoll (’06), Ryan Begley (’07), Niall Connellan (alumnus) and Mike Rerucha (’07). Not pictured: Michael Dolphin (’07).

To Ryan (’99) and Carola Gogerty, a son, Finn Nicholas, on Dec. 6, 2007.

To Anne (Kinsella) (’99) and Charles Hilby, a daughter, Cecilia Anne, on Aug. 25, 2008.

To Michelle (Mensen) (’99) and Ryan Schockemoehl, a son on Nov. 14, 2008.

Sandra Gonzales (’05) and Jonathan Denham (’02) were married in Christ the King Chapel on Aug. 23, 2008. Many Duhawk faculty, staff and alumni attended their reception.

To Laura (Hillebrand) (’01) and Kyle Saros, a daughter, Clara Anne, on Jan. 31, 2008.

To Brian (’02) and Tammy Kallback, a daughter, Josie Ann, on Nov. 19, 2008.

To Mike (’02) and Ann Marie (Noel) (’05) Rohner, a daughter, Ella Constance, on Oct. 23, 2008.

2000s To Sarah (Remakel) (’00) and Dan Henkels, a son on Nov. 20, 2008.

To Joni (Kunkel) (’01) and Kevin Dement, a son.

To Katy (Tierney) (’01) and Jim Sands, a son, Connor, on Oct. 30, 2007.

To James (’97) and Carrie (Smith) (’98) Kennedy, a daughter, Ella Gail, on Nov. 24, 2008.

To Nicole (Frommelt) (’05) and Garth Gibson, a child on Nov. 17, 2008.

To Jodi (Morris) (’05) and Todd Stevens, a daughter, Addison Marie, on Aug. 14, 2008.

1930s

Charles Plamondon (’30) on Oct. 17, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

The Rev. Msgr.William Leonard (’39) on Dec. 10, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

1940s The Rev. Donald Weydert (’40) on Aug. 5, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Cyril Reilly, Ph.D. (’41, A ’37) on June 29, 2008, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

James Lynn (’44, A ’40) on April 29, 2008, in Mesa, Ariz.

Wilfred McWilliams (’46, A ’43) on Sept. 9, 2008, in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The Rev. Msgr. Raymond Klaas (’46, A ’44) on Oct. 15, 2008, in Madison,Wis.

To Jamie (’01) and Cassie (Sloan) (’01) McDonald, a son, Seamus William, on To Mike O ) 94 (’ Feb. 7, 2008. z le a tto (’94) an a Gonz d Su gh shmeeta (Jo au d To Adrian a , ño o lly) Nanda, nd Lo s a son, Jayden 08. and Nicola 20 , 21 A . na pt nd, on Aug. on Se 16, 2008. ter, Emma,

2) and rwald) (’0 ter, To Jill (Vo gh au d a , pson Matt Sam , on May 28, e at Annabel K 2008.

55 WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

To Jane (Feltes) (’01) and Doug Hammer, a son, Charles “Charlie” Tyler, on Aug. 21, 2008.

To Chad (’02) and Jennifer Wernimont, a son, Braden, on Oct. 30, 2008.

ALUMNI DEATHS

Ralph O’Brien (’49) on Sept. 3, 2008, in Madison,Wis.

1960s Richard Ripp (’60) on May 23, 2008, in Madison,Wis.

1950s

Janice M. Quere (MA ’81) on Oct. 22, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Kelly Ludwig, Ed.D. (’84) on June 7, 2008, in Orland Park, Ill.

James Comiskey (’50) on Nov. 27, 2008, in Chicago, Ill.

Francis Scheidel (’60) on Jan. 20, 2008, in Ocean Shores,Wash.

Robert McCauley (’51) on April 19, 2008, in Cambria, Calif.

The Rev. John Friederick (’61) on Nov. 2, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Dana Reicks (’95) on Sept. 18, 2008, in Jerico, Iowa.

Daniel Whalen (’51) on Oct. 26, 2008, in Eugene, Ore.

Thomas Hummel (’62) on Feb. 1, 2008, in Colorado.

Andrew Krayer (’97) on May 22, 2008, in Milwaukee,Wis.

John McLychok, M.D. (’52) on Nov. 1, 2008, in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Thomas Kennedy (’64) on April 25, 2008, in Hackettstown, N.J.

2000s

George Murphy (’52) on Aug. 14, 2008, in California.

James Cooney Jr. (’65) on Sept. 29, 2008, in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Donald Schneider (’54, A ’50) on Dec. 1, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Stephen Schoening (’65) on Aug. 8, 2008, in Caledonia, Ill.

John Tigges (’54, A ’50) on Oct. 29, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Robert Smith (’67) on April 29, 2008, in Rockford, Ill.

Donald Wand (’54, A ’50) on Dec. 6, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Steven Behr (’69) on June 15, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Donald Johnson (’55) on June 20, 2008, in Beloit,Wis.

John Feltes (’69) on Aug. 25, 2008, in Crystal Lake, Ill.

John Altfillisch (’56) on May 1, 2008, in Galena, Ill.

Leonard Schultz Jr. (’69) on Aug. 2008, in Illinois.

John Hagan (’56) on Sept. 7, 2008, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

1970s

1990s

THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ALUMNI NOTES

Gregory Kuehn (’57) on June 16, 2008, in California.

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Samuel Cordaro (’59) on May 2, 2008, in North Carolina.

John Rowland II (’59) on June 20, 2008, in St. Louis, Mo. David Hinkel (’59, A ’55) on May 19, 2008, in Wisconsin.

James Baker (’59, A ’55) on May 26, 2008, in Crystal, Minn.

To Cheri (Strutt) (’06) and Jonathon Moser, a daughter, Mariah Cirila, on May 14, 2008.

William Cooey (MA ’01) on Oct. 7, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

John Mayrose (’02) on Dec. 3, 2008, in Williamsburg, Iowa.

Andrew Hoock (’05) on June 30, 2008, in Seattle,Wash.

Alumni Stacey Ament (alumnus) on Sept. 6, 2008, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Francis Brems (alumnus) on Dec. 13, 2008, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

James Montalbano (’74) on June 18, 2008, in Illinois.

Steven Meineke (’75) on May 4, 2008, in Prairieville, La. E. Dan Hudek (’77) on July 3, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

1980s Sheila (Gallagher) Augustine (’81) on Sept. 6, 2008, in Fort Collins, Colo.

Catherine (Renk) Stribling (’81) on Dec. 11, 2008, in Jersey City, N.J.

96) and (Emke) (’ To Penny n, so a i, wsk Tad Grale 24, To Mark (’99) an n, on Oct. d Liz Ronald Tyso Lawler, a daughte r, Maura .

08 20 Ann, on Aug. 2, 20 08.

To Richard (’95) and Marie Albanese, a daughter, Adelyn Nicole, on Oct. 24, 2008.

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1) and Judi To Frank (’8 cz, a (’88) Kudla (Johnson) h, on et ab iz olly El daughter, M .

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dy 01) and Jo a To Rob (’ ay, rr u M ) 1 0 (Glass) (’ n Robert, o son,Tyler .

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To Richard (’91) and Sun Hee Oberfoell, a son, Xavier Cho, on June 18, 2008.

d Carrie To Erik an ), a Brown (’03 rn r) (Muelle , bo ie ar M an lli daughter, Li .

08 Sept. 15, 20

To Michelle (Ruggaber) (’98) and Michael Dougherty, a son, Benedict Raymond, on Sept. 10, 2008.

(’04) (Tressel) To Laura son, a , Cooley and Lance v. 13, o N n o , mas Aidan Tho 2008.

Robert Burns Sr., M.D. (alumnus) on July 29, 2008, in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Harrison O’Brien (alumnus) on July 9, 2008, in Sun City West, Ariz.

James Close (alumnus) on Nov. 4, 2008, in Pekin, Ill.

The Rev. Edmund Petit (alumnus) on July 28, 2008, in Aurora, Ill.

Thomas Connolly (alumnus) on July 30, 2008, in Aspen, Colo.

Robert Rettenmaier (alumnus) on Nov. 14, 2008, in Owatonna, Minn.

Elroy Dannewitz (alumnus) on Aug. 13, 2008, in Ottawa, Ill.

George Ruetz (alumnus) on Oct. 12, 2008.

Arthur Dupons (alumnus, A ’44) on June 18, 2008, in Tomahawk,Wis.

Sr. Mary Kathleen Saunders RSM (alumnus) on Aug. 4, 2008, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Melvin Kiebel (A ’47) on Aug. 13, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Ronald Schmitt (alumnus) on Oct. 25, 2008, in Rickardsville, Iowa.

John Benecke (A ’50) on July 28, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Richard Schmitz Sr. (alumnus) on Oct. 14, 2008, in New Jersey.

William Ihm (A ’54) on Aug. 10, 2008, in Kieler,Wis.

John “Jack” Shekleton (alumnus) on Feb. 27, 2008, in Rochester, Minn.

Donald Leslein (A ’55) on June 13, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Patricia (Horton) Goodrum (alumnus) on Aug. 4, 2008, in St. Cloud, Minn.

Virgil Stammeyer (alumnus) on May 17, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Vincent Wallenhorst (A ’55) on May 28, 2008, in Cuba City,Wis.

Charles Hauck (alumnus) on Feb. 3, 2008, in White Plains, N.Y.

Tom Stratman (alumnus) on Aug. 11, 2008, in Seattle,Wash.

Hugh McQuestion (A ’56) on March 13, 2008, in Wisconsin.

James Johnson (alumnus) on Nov. 29, 2008, in Elkader, Iowa.

Robert Wagner (alumnus, A ’38) on July 2, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Paul Gansen (A ’59) on July 5, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

John Kelly (alumnus) on Nov. 3, 2008, in Dayton, Ohio.

James Welton (alumnus) on Oct. 17, 2008, in Utah.

David Oeschger (A ’59) on July 2, 2008, in Cascade, Iowa.

George Lemke (alumnus) on Aug. 9, 2008, in Clinton, Iowa.

John Jacobs (alumnus, A ’46) on Aug. 28, 2008, in Phoenix, Ariz.

Gary Hird (A ’61) on May 27, 2008, in Wichita, Kan.

Richard Levad (alumnus) on Feb. 27, 2008, in Grand Junction, Colo.

Richard Runde, D.D.S. (alumnus, A ’52) on Nov. 27, 2008, in Mequon, Wis.

James Schmitt (A ’61) on Nov. 26, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

James Flannery (alumnus) on July 9, 2008, in Arlington Heights, Ill. Thomas Galligan (alumnus) on May 9, 2008, in Waterloo, Iowa.

Cletus Gauer (alumnus) on Nov. 10, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Michael McKenzie (alumnus) on Dec. 10, 2007, in Ohio.

Michael Melcher, O.D. (alumnus) on Aug. 18, 2008, in Thorp,Wis.

Academy Robert Kies Sr. (A ’32) on Dec. 4, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Robert Schmidt (A ’39) on May 19, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Leo Glaser (A ’45) on May 22, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Thomas Flynn (A ’46) on May 29, 2008, in Rochester, Minn.

Gordon Roberts (A ’46) on July 26, 2008, in Cordova,Tenn.

Thomas Weig (A ’62) on Aug. 6, 2008, in Mississippi.

Mike Cahill (Academy) on Sept. 17, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

William Lange (Academy) on Aug. 29, 2008, in New Berlin,Wis.

57 WINTER 2009 | THE LORAS COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Donald Masters (alumnus) on May 1, 2008, in Albany, Ga.

Donald Cox (A ’45) on Oct. 27, 2008, in Dubuque, Iowa.

perspective 58

“Ya Gotta Believe” B Y K AT E ( K E N N E A L LY ) M C L E N A G H A N ( ’ 9 5 )

My Loras College roommate and friend, Jenny (Galloway) McDevitt (’95), was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor on Sept. 17, 2003. She had her first craniotomy three days later, which was followed by chemotherapy and radiation. She was told that her tumor was a grade III anaplastic astrosytoma, specifically a pleomorphicxanthroastrocytoma with possibly grade IV features. The prognosis that she was initially given by her doctor in Chicago was that she would live for three, maybe four years. This was told to her with an 8-week-old baby at home. Jenny was only 28 years old….

Soon after her prognosis set in, Jenny realized what she really wanted to do was run a marathon. She had always wanted to run a marathon but never had a reason. With the recent turn of events in her life she decided this was as good a time as any to start. “I am going to run this out of my body,” she told herself. Jenny started training in March 2004, about six months after her diagnosis. Jenny’s first race was a half marathon just weeks prior to the 2004 Chicago Marathon. At mile 11 she happened to look down at her watch and glance at the time. The date was Sept. 17, exactly one year after receiving her diagnosis. At that moment, Jenny realized that believing she could run this race had paid off.

Since that date, Jenny has run many full and half marathons in different cities and is still here with us. In fighting for her own life, she has taken on the cause of those like her and has spent these last few years traveling all over raising awareness of brain cancer with the Tug McGraw Foundation.

This past October I joined Jenny and the Tug McGraw Foundation and ran my very first marathon with her at the age of 35. That marathon was a journey for me that is still so hard to put into words…to push your body to its limits, to experience every range of human emotion is one thing, but to run it alongside someone like Jenny…it was an immensely spiritual journey as well. You see, not only was I running with Jenny, but I was also running with other cancer fighters/survivors and their doctors. Any time along that run when someone was cramping up or getting tired, it was Jenny who would slow her pace and run alongside him or her and make sure they were okay. I remember thinking to myself what a leader she was to all of us, that she made me believe in myself and that I could do this. Here was a woman who has lost sight in her left eye due to the tumor and has spent the last five years in and out of chemotreatments fighting for her life and she certainly believes in herself! She led our pack of runners over 26.2 miles and she did it smiling and laughing the whole way.

Now, as I sit here and write this on Feb. 1, 2009, Jenny is dealing with yet another recurrence of her cancer, but she is fighting it and she’s still running.

She is as invested in telling her story and helping raise money for the Tug McGraw Foundation as she ever was.

Jenny realizes this is not just happening to her, but to many others as well, and that quality of life is important. In dealing with her own disease, Jenny has reached out and inspired others with her story of dedication and determination to fight cancer, and her lesson is a powerful one…when you go to help others you help yourself more than you can ever imagine. When you believe in yourself you can do great things. Jenny has come to understand that this happened to her for a reason and she knows that she has a responsibility to use her voice and share her story and she does so with the kind of grace and strength that we should all aspire to have whatever battles we have to face in our own lives. She is a leader and truly my inspiration. I can only hope that I can help spread her message and light of hope for those who are fighting battles similar to these. As Tug McGraw said, “Ya Gotta Believe.”