MURZYN, RODEY AMONG HONOREES
ADVISORY BOARD PROFILE
Michelle Feldner Lancaster ’77 Barb Murzyn, a University of Chicago Outstanding Teacher honoree, explains a scientific concept to her class.
Social Studies teacher Bob Rodey is a finalist in the Chicago area for the prestigious Golden Apple Award.
Science teacher Barb Murzyn was honored in November by the University of Chicago with an "Outstanding Teacher Award," through the recommendation of a former Marian student. The award honors teachers who have opened new vistas and realms of discovery, challenged students intellectually for the first time, or channeled their private interests into productive paths for intellectual growth. A graduate of Illinois State in both Medical Technology and Biology Education with a Masters from Purdue in Instructional Design, Murzyn began teaching at Marian in 1993. In 1993, she had her first daughter, Elizabeth, who will join the Class of 2011 next fall and her second daughter, Sarah will join the class of 2014. “I’m excited that my oldest daughter will be a student at Marian in the fall and will get to experience the MCHS environment,” Murzyn said. Murzyn’s labs stay current: recently in her AP Biology class, students genetically engineered E-coli bacteria and made them fluorescent green by incorporating jellyfish DNA. “My experience in the hospital laboratories has added to my teaching,” Murzyn explained. “I am able to draw from it when teaching AP Biology or Chemistry. I love to add new labs and experiences that will get students excited about chemistry.” Social Studies teacher Bob Rodey is one of 32 Chicago-area finalists for the 2007 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching for grades 9 through 12. In his 14th year at Marian following a career at Rich East, student favorite Rodey currently teaches American Government, American Studies and AP U.S. History. A total of 941 teachers from the Chicago area were nominated for the award and ten Gold Apple winners will be announced in mid-March. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 12 at the Hyatt Recency Chicago, which subsequently will be aired as a one-hour prime-time special on WTTW/Channel 11. Each of the 10 Golden Apple Award winners will receive a tuition-free fall-term sabbatical at Northwestern University, a personal computer, $3,000 and membership in the Golden Apple Academy, which has inducted 210 expert teachers in the past 21 years to ensure that all children have the excellent teachers they deserve. Social Studies teacher and 14-year men’s golf coach Jim Mendenhall was named East Suburban Catholic Conference Coach of the Year by his peers. Mendenhall led the Spartans to an 11th place state finish, as well as an 11-1 overall record and second place finishes in the ESCC, IHSA Regional and Sectional.
7th Graders Invited to
Cinderella SHADOW SPRING MUSICAL
Contact Sr. Dorothy Marie by May 4, 2007 708-756-9762
Friday, March 30 ~ 7:30pm Saturday, March 31 ~ 7:30pm Sunday, April 1 ~ 2:00pm
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START OF TERM: Fall 2004 FAMILY: Husband Hilary; daughters Jessica ’06 and Shannon ’06 both attend Illinois Wesleyan University; and son Neil ’10. Parents, Dr. Ronald & Phyllis Feldner of Schererville sent all 5 of their children to Marian Catholic: Dr. Mark Feldner ’75 of Schererville and his wife have 2 grown children and 2 children planning on attending Marian; Dr. Barry Feldner ’80 of Kearney, Nebraska and his wife have 6 children; Mona Feldner Bajzek ’81 of Tinley Park and her husband have 5 children; and Carla Feldner Schwartz ’84 of Naperville and her husband have 2 children. OCCUPATION: Dentist, New Lenox Dental Group COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Member of the American, Illinois, Will County, and Cook County Dental Associations, past coach of youth soccer and softball, assistant for Marian's fencing club, Appalachia the last two years, traveled to Poland for Snowball, Snowball staff member this year. HOBBIES: Family, running, tennis, cooking, piano, completed the Chicago Marathon with my daughters, plan to complete a triathlon with all three of my children this summer! VISION FOR MCHS FUTURE: Marian Catholic's future is EXCITING! Academic accolades validate the outstanding college-prep program, activities are abundant, travel opportunities are plentiful, and the Christian atmosphere is safe and energized. The Leadership Center is nearing completion which will support the school's dedication to nurturing leadership ability and strength of character in each and every one of its students. Marian Catholic has accomplished so much in its young lifetime of almost 50 years - there's no limit for what the vibrant community of students, families, faculty, and staff will accomplish down the road! God has blessed, and may He continue to bless Marian!