Mount Magazine fall 2017

MOUNT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY

MAGAZINE

FALL 2017

Nancy Abu-Bonsrah Mount alumna makes Hopkins history

LEARN . DISCOVER.THRIVE .

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On May 14, 2017, more than 522 students graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University. Where is the class of 2017 now? Check out p. 08 to find out!

CONNECT /

Share your memories with us on Instagram.

Tag #MountProud in your posts for a chance to be featured on the Mount’s website or social media.

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Dear alumni, parents and friends, It is an honor to address you as the 26th president of Mount St. Mary’s University.

I am deeply grateful to the board of trustees and the entire Mount community for your continued faith in me. As I reflect on my first year at the helm of this incredible institution, it is the people – alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends – that stand out in my mind. You are the foundation for the great work we do on Mary’s mountain.

Much has happened on our beautiful campus as the leaves have turned, fallen and blossomed again. Throughout the year our athletic teams kept us on the edge of our seats – especially this winter! Congratulations again to the men’s basketball team for securing the NEC Championship title. Read more about head coach Jamion Christian, C’04, and his vision for the team’s future on p. 18. In other athletics news, our men’s rugby sevens team won their division at the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship tournament, one of the largest collegiate and high school rugby festivals in the world!

With spring also came historic news on the academic front. First, five students secured prestigious Fulbright recognition – more than we’ve ever had in the Mount’s 209-year history. Congratulations to Elizabeth Boyle, C’19; Brigid Flay, C’17; Sydney Johnson, C’19; Samantha Solis, C’16; and Alyse Spiehler, C’17, for their various successes, from summer programs to year-long grants abroad. Read about their bright futures on p. 14.

Our alumni are also making headlines! Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, C’12, received national media attention as the first female African-American neurosurgery resident at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Congratulations, Nancy!

We featured Nancy’s incredible journey from Ghana to the Mount and beyond on p. 32. This summer, we also caught up with some of the alumni leading the restaurant industry up and down the East Coast – find out more about how their liberal arts education prepared them to persevere in this trying industry on p. 24.

I’m excited to get back on the road and meet with many of you this fall. Together we are moving forward! We will continue to do great things.

Go Mount!

COVER STORY

Mount alumna makes Hopkins history

Mount MAGAZINE FALL 2017 PRESIDENT Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D.

VP, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Robert Brennan, C’85

VP, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Jack Chielli

MAGAZINE EDITOR Lauren Hagan, MBA’16

COPY EDITOR Hilary Douwes

WRITERS Steve Fink Joe Paciella, C’03, MBA’11 Courtney Twigg, C’17

ALUMNI NEWS TEAM Jessica Francis Kim Johnson Emily Myers, C’13, MBA’15

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew McDonald, C’18 Johns Hopkins Medicine Mary Kate McKenna Tom Lesser Turner Photography

DESIGN Lisa Gorham

PRINTING Graphcom, Inc.

STAY CONNECTED Mount Magazine Mount St. Mary’s University 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road Emmitsburg, MD 21727 301-447-5366 themagazine@msmary.edu www.msmary.edu/magazine Change of address? Email advancementservices@msmary.edu

Contents FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

04 Q&A with Mount St. Mary’s University President

08 Mount News

Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D.

Dr. Trainor reflects on his appointment to president

TIMOTHY E. TRAINOR, PH.D. MOUNT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

The Office of University Marketing and Communications publishes Mount Magazine two times a year for alumni, parents and friends of Mount St. Mary’s University. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not specifically represent opinions of the magazine staff or the university.

Reader response and alumni contributions are welcome. The Mount reserves the right to refuse or revise comments or contributions for style and length.

14 Ful-bright Futures

Three alumnae, two students recognized with prestigious opportunity

18 Limitless

38 Alumni News 48 Class Notes 56 Event Calendar

Jamion Christian, C’04, envisions the future of Mount mayhem

24 Recipe for Success

Alumni share ingredients for remarkable restaurants

CORRECTION/ In the story “More Than a Hashtag,” which appeared in the Fall 2016 issue of Mount Magazine, Kim Hansen, Ph.D. was incorrectly referred to as an associate professor of criminal justice. Dr. Hansen is an associate professor of sociology.

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32 Match Day Milestone

Mount alumna’s dream makes Hopkins history FALL 2017 MOUNT MAGAZINE

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FEATURE STORY

with Mount St. Mary’s University President

Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. Dr. Trainor reflects on his appointment to president

This summer, Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D., became the 26th president of Mount St. Mary’s University. On June 3, Mary D. Kane, C’84, chair of the board of trustees, announced the board’s unanimous appointment of the then-interim president.

Trainor, a former dean and chief academic officer at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, arrived in Emmitsburg a little more than a year ago. Highlights from his first year include launching five new academic programs and expanding Division I and club athletics to include the return of men’s soccer and elevating women’s rugby to a varsity sport.

Furthermore, Trainor ushered in more than 525 new students this August, one of the largest freshman classes in the Mount’s history. He also led efforts to increase the freshman-tosophomore retention rate. Currently, Trainor is spearheading a $30 million fundraising campaign: Forward! Together As One. Mount Magazine caught up with the new president to talk about his time at the Mount and his vision for the future.

Mount Magazine (MM): Congratulations!

Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. (TT): Thank you, I’m really excited to be the 26th president of Mount St. Mary’s University! It sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it?

Interview conducted by Lauren M. Hagan / MBA’16

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FEATURE STORY

We are a really deeply caring institution, very faith- and values-based. That’s exciting to me. I learned that people are really committed to the success of the institution and our students.

MM: So tell us, in light of your first year at the Mount, what are one or two initiatives you’re looking forward to continuing in your next year as president?

TT: First and foremost is enrollment growth – not just our undergraduate population, but also our seminary and graduate and adult students at the Frederick campus.

The reason for growth is because we have so many good things going on here and I want more students to be able to partake in the goodness.

program, it really showed me that this generation is about serving others. I want to make sure that we provide those opportunities more, and that we enhance them.

The second big piece is enhancing our facilities. Going into this year, we’re focusing on enhancing facilities across campus, including the creation of more collaborative learning spaces, enhancements to the ARCC, and much needed renovations to the seminary and Grotto. This is all part of the capital campaign, which alumni will hear a lot more about this fall. The campaign, Forward! Together As One is about growing mind, body and spirit. Enhancing our facilities will help us accomplish those goals.

One opportunity we’re in the process of developing is a pilot program for a service semester away. We’re going to start in Philadelphia and students are going to work in non-governmental organizations and provide service to others. While they do that they will take courses online and they’ll also get service learning credits.

MM: You’ve mentioned that your first priority when you arrived last year was to listen and engage. Can you talk about what it is you’ve learned?

TT: What I learned is who we are. We are a really deeply caring institution, very faith- and values-based. That’s exciting to me. I learned that people are really committed to the success of the institution and our students. The other piece I learned is that there is so much diverse talent through so many different areas.

MM: And how about the long-term – you’ve been working on the strategic plan throughout the summer. Can you share some of the highlights of this plan and the long-term goals for the Mount?

TT: We’ve been working really hard at this, taking input from the entire community. We’ve asked ourselves, “What do we deeply value here at the Mount?” We deeply value our people: Our students, our faculty, our staff. We deeply value our intellectual capital. We deeply value our Catholic identity, and who we are. Our faith. We deeply value having a transformative educational and experiential environment here. There’s a number of other values – you’ll see a set of nine or 10 values that help us answer the questions, “What do we value?” and “What do we want to do?”

there were those who helped them succeed by providing their time, talent and treasure. Now we’re asking our alumni to pay it forward.

As we’ve gone along this process, we’ve identified areas we believe we need to focus on. The first area is student success. Everything to do with students from recruiting to providing the best educational environment and setting them up to lead lives of significance in service to God and to a changing world. That’s a phrase that’s come to light in the planning process. It’s something we do differently here.

The other areas are financial sustainability and stewardship, and having a faith- and values-based campus environment.

Under each of these, we have a set of goals and objectives and we’ll measure how well we’re doing at meeting those goals and objectives over five years.

MM: Is there a way alumni can get involved with executing the plan?

TT: They can help our students be the most successful they can be! I think of it this way: When our alumni were students 6

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MM: “Students first” is a message you’ve championed.

Tell us about what that means to you.

TT: Bottom line: Students are why we are here. “Students first” means that in all of our programs – educational, athletic, spiritual, emotional, social – we need to help our students be the best versions of themselves.

TOP TO BOTTOM / Dr. Trainor interacting with students on his first day on the job in August 2016.

The president and Emmit attending the FIRST Tech Challenge, a robotics competition hosted at the Mount.

Dr. Trainor displaying his Mount pride by posing with the NEC Championship trophy.

MM: You’ve talked in the past about making service learning a priority. Can you tell us more about what service means to you, and what service learning means for students at the Mount?

TT: Service is sharing yourself with others to help them achieve something they haven’t been able to gain. Seventyfive percent of our students perform voluntary service while at the Mount. When I learned that number and I saw our students in action in programs like our social justice

MM: What’s your favorite Mount Proud moment?

TT: There’s a lot, but one that stands out is our men’s basketball game versus Villanova, and it’s not because of the success of the team. I’m Mount Proud because after we lost that game our student athletes shook the hands of the Villanova team, then came over to the cheering student section – we had the loudest fans in that arena! – and thanked us for the support. Watching the team exit the court and get a standing ovation from Villanova’s fans was a poignant moment. It showed me that our players are selfless and that they realized they weren’t just successful because of their own work, but because of the fans behind them. That says a lot about the Mount community.

Another Mount Proud moment was that we had five students earn a Fulbright scholarship or grant… Five!

That says a lot about the students and the dedication of our faculty and staff who helped prepare them for success.

MM: Is there anything we didn’t ask you that you’d like to expand upon?

TT: Just that I am really honored and humbled for this opportunity to be the 26th president of this wonderful institution. I look forward to continuing to serve.

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MOUNT NEWS

THE CLASS OF 2021...

525 NEW Mounties

includes – that’s 108 more than last year!

Students come from District of Columbia

25 states plus the

BY THE NUMBERS

Class of 2021 welcomed to campus On August 18, Mount St. Mary’s University welcomed the class of 2021 to campus to begin the 2017-18 academic year. Selected from a pool of 6,200 applicants, the newest Mounties are our most diverse class ever with approximately 46 percent of the class representing students of color.

The diversity of the class of 2021 extends to students’ interests, talents and life experiences. Students include a National Institutes of Health (NIH) intern, as well as a number of bilingual students who speak up to four languages other than English – Spanish, French, German, Yoruba, sign language, Twi, Portuguese and Italian, to name a few – a total of 18 languages overall! Students also exhibit talent in academics and the arts. One student is a published author with the Geological Society of America, and another released three singles on iTunes – plus a music video.

...with the majority from Maryland

The students have PLENTY in common…

Like the most popular first names

7X HANNAH

9X NICHOLAS

…and their intended majors – business, biology and criminal justice are the top three.

TOP

MAJORS

This year, the Mount also welcomed more than 50 transfer students, the largest transfer class in history. Classes began for all students on August 21.

61%

Business 17% Biology 10% Criminal Justice 7%

Welcome, CLASS OF 2021!

46% ...and 46% representing students of color.

And one EVEN MORE IMPORTANT thing…

Their long-lasting pride for the Mount! 58 students have a family member who is also a Mountie.

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Keep up with the Class of 2021 – discover what’s happening at the Mount by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and SnapChat.

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MOUNT NEWS

Bonson named NEC scholar-athlete of the year

Transfer partnership with FCC supports STEM programs ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Learn more about majors and minors online at www.msmary.edu/majors.

Two new articulation agreements will make it easier for Frederick Community College (FCC) graduates to transfer to Mount St. Mary’s University to complete bachelor’s degrees in STEM-related fields. This is among the first moves as part of a larger, long-term initiative to make the Mount more accessible to students.

dean of the School of Natural Science and Mathematics at Mount St. Mary’s University. “Our goal is to remove barriers and red tape so that these motivated students are encouraged to make the transition.”

The two institutions already have an articulation agreement for their criminal justice programs.

Cybersecurity and biology were selected because they are popular programs that provide indemand skills for careers in growing industries.

The agreements in cybersecurity and biology are the first between FCC and the Mount’s School of Natural Science and Mathematics.

The partnership ensures students know exactly what courses at FCC can be applied toward the “We’re excited to continue to shape and develop bachelor’s degree requirements at the Mount. educational opportunities that truly benefit students in their pursuit of a meaningful and “Often transferring can be confusing and full of productive career,” said Mount St. Mary’s hurdles,” said Jeffrey Simmons, Ph.D., former University President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D.

Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship to open this fall Earlier this year President Timothy E. Trainor, “The opportunity to create a visionary, state-of-thePh.D. announced the establishment of the art entrepreneurship center reflects an opening to Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship, an bring collaborative thought leadership and new innovative student resource that will provide venture creation to the next generation of campusstudents with skills, mentorship and experiences based experiential learning,” said Adamow. “The vital to entrepreneurship. Christine L. Adamow, campus and the world are enormous fields upon which we can create new, sustainable, innovative director, will lead the center, which opened solutions to real life problems.” this fall.

Prior to joining the Mount, Adamow served as a consultant and faculty member of the International Collaborative Leadership Institute, Inc. She led business planning, strategy and programming efforts. Additionally, she served as the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Miami University (Ohio).

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In addition to getting the center up and running, Adamow will work in conjunction with university faculty and administration to deliver both a major and minor in entrepreneurship.

The center was established thanks to a generous donation from Paul Palmieri, C’92, and Diane Loiello Palmieri, C’83.

GO MOUNT! To view game schedules, team rosters and other athletic information, visit www.mountathletics.com.

Women’s rugby goes Division I, welcomes new coach This fall, Mount St. Mary’s University became the seventh college in the country to field an NCAA Division I women’s rugby team. Led by inaugural head coach Farrah Douglas, the Mount joined Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart and the U.S. Military Academy.

Douglas comes to the Mount after spending time as a member of the 2006 and 2010 U.S. Women’s National Team, where she registered 26 international caps.

Most recently, she was head coach of the USA Girl’s High School All-American Team (USA U-18) for two seasons, assistant coach with the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2012 and assistant coach with Penn State University prior to that.

“Having Farrah as the head coach is an incredible opportunity for us,” said Director of Rugby Operations Jay Myles. “She is an amazing coach and mentor for young women across the nation.”

Sarah Bonson, C’17, was named one of five Northeast Conference (NEC) Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Bonson, a recent graduate, was on the swimming and diving team at the Mount.

In its 11th year, the NEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award goes to male and female student-athletes who have exhausted their athletic eligibility, graduated and compiled the highest grade-point average in the conference at the conclusion of the academic calendar.

“Sarah is everything you could ask for in a student-athlete, and someone who has truly helped shape our program.

She is smart, tough and resilient, and is committed to success in each of her endeavors,” said Head Coach Neil Yost.

“Sarah is the type of student-athlete you want to build your program around.”

Bonson graduated in May with dual degrees in biochemistry and chemistry and a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was also one of the Mount’s top swimmers throughout her four years with the program, owning top 10 times in program history in six different events.

In terms of her coaching style and philosophy, Douglas said her biggest strength is her experience as a player.

“The commitment of my coaches, teammates and the athletics staff, as well as the dedication of my professors inspired me to strive for excellence in all of my endeavors,” said Bonson.

On being a coach at the Mount, she explained, “What I bring to the players here is that I will be a coach that cares about the whole individual and understanding and helping to develop their identity, not just on the field but off the field as well.”

Her selection marks the second straight year a Mount St. Mary’s swimmer has earned the award, joining former teammate Haley Fournier, C’16.

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MOUNT NEWS

JIANNE CASTELO DE RAYA

MICHAEL NACHTRAB

HOMETOWN: GERMANTOWN, MD MAJOR: BIOCHEMISTRY

HOMETOWN: BRIGHTON, MICH. MAJOR: ACCOUNTING

Pharmacology Program, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

Assurance Team Associate, CohnReznick LLP

“My experiences at the Mount taught me to be inquisitive, to seize all the opportunities open to me and to make the best out of them, even if things do not go as planned.”

Where are they now: the Class of 2017 Since the 209th commencement exercises on Sunday, May 14, members of the Class of 2017 have begun life after the Mount.

Recently minted alumni are pursuing graduate programs in law, dentistry, the sciences and international studies, as well as working as entrepreneurs, researchers, special education teachers and serving nonprofits.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Where did a Mount education take members of the Class of 2017?

Visit www.msmary.edu/ClassOf2017 to find out.

MAGGIE FIORE

JULIAN WOODS

HOMETOWN: WESTMINSTER, MD MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY

HOMETOWN: SYKESVILLE, MD MAJOR: BIOCHEMISTRY

Pursuing M.A. in science writing, Johns Hopkins University

Pursuing dental degree, University of Maryland School of Dentistry

“A column I wrote with Dr. Slezak was published in the Psi Chi International Magazine. The experience gave me more confidence as a writer, and helped me see that I’m capable of more than I thought I was!”

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“I chose the Mount because it has Division I track and a good science program. The Mount has given me both the academic understanding and personal skills to excel at anything in life. ”

KRIS HINES

KENNEDY CITRO

HOMETOWN: COLUMBIA, MD MAJOR: BUSINESS

HOMETOWN: ELLICOTT CITY, MD MAJOR: SPECIAL/ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Assistant project engineer, MK Concrete “Being involved in Outdoor Adventures, and leading a week-long canoeing expedition on the Alleghney River trip allowed me to not only grow as a student and individual, but also as a leader. ”

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“I loved being a member of the SGA and being able to be an agent of change and advocating on students’ behalf.

Help is always available here, all you have to do is ask.”

Special education teacher, Montgomery County Public Schools “I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl. The Mount’s dedicated professors and challenging curriculum all helped make that dream come true.”

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FEATURE STORY

M M

M

FUL-BRIGHT

FUTURES Three alumnae, two students recognized with prestigious opportunity

M As a college student, acceptance into a program that produced 57 Nobel Prize winners, 29 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, 82 Pulitzer Prize winners and 37 individuals who served as heads of state or government is no small accomplishment.

But this past year, not just one, but three Mount St. Mary’s University students – now alumnae – applied for and became finalists for such a program – the Fulbright U.S. Student program.

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By Joe Paciella / C’03, MBA’11

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FEATURE STORY

LOOKING AHEAD: WHERE TO FIND THE MOUNT’S FINALISTS Flay, an economics and philosophy double-major with a minor in conflict, peace and social justice, has always had a passion for Central Asia and a desire to learn the Russian language. Her ultimate goal is to work in the Foreign Service, continuing to promote global peace and cooperation. In addition to Fulbright, Flay was accepted to the Middlebury Institute of International Studies to pursue a master’s degree in International Trade and Economic Diplomacy. Flay opted to pursue her master’s degree.

Through Fulbright, Brigid Flay, C’17, Samantha Solis, C’16, and Alyse Spiehler, C’17, were offered English Teaching Assistant (ETA) grants: Flay to Kazakhstan, Solis to Argentina and Spiehler to Mexico. Last year only one institution in the nation had a perfect 100 percent success rate with at least three applicants.

complimented the students. “You should all be very proud of your hard work, effort and desire to ‘export the goodness’ of the Mount,” said Trainor. “I’m truly confident that you’ll be great representatives of our university wherever your academic pursuits take you.”

While John-Paul Heil, C’15, was a Fulbright Finalist to Fulbright, which also offers research and study Italy, this is the first time the university celebrated three opportunities, enables ETA award winners to join finalists of the prestigious program in the same year.

English teachers abroad, helping students learn the English language as well as American culture.

“It is the same motivation, talent and passion, and the stories that these women have to tell that have Aiding in the application process, Director of helped them succeed in the Fulbright program,” says Competitive Fellowships and Assistant Professor of Gianoutsos. “When I began meeting with Samantha, History Jamie A. Gianoutsos, Ph.D., explains, “Our Brigid and Alyse a year ago to discuss their long-term goal in the Office of Competitive Fellowships is to help goals and map out a series of possible trajectories, I students dream big and translate what they learned in told each of them that they might run into the enviable the classroom into action for the world.” problem of having to choose between multiple offers.

In the end, all three have indeed had to make tough Along with Gianoutsos, Thane Naberhaus, Ph.D., choices between many significant opportunities.” associate professor of philosophy and Garth Patterson, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, oversaw the Fulbright applicants and conducted Fulbright on-campus interviews as part of their roles on the Competitive Fellowships Committee.

ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT / Solis, Spiehler and Flay attend a press conference announcing their Fulbright achievements.

During a press conference in the spring, Mount St. Mary’s University President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D., 1 6

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OPPOSITE TOP TO BOTTOM / Boyle and Johnson explore the United Kingdom during summer programs.

Solis, a double major in English and Spanish with a creative writing minor, has a love of Latin American literature and teaching the Spanish language. Her goal is to pursue a doctorate in English literature, focusing on 20th and 21st century literature by Latinx writers.

In addition to Fulbright, she was also accepted into an English doctoral program at UCLA. Solis decided to pursue her doctoral degree.

An American by birth, Spiehler, an English and philosophy double major, says the most formative years of her childhood were spent in General Cepeda, Mexico. While she was accepted to graduate programs in philosophy at the University of Dallas, Texas State University and Tulane University, Spiehler decided to accept the Fulbright ETA award to Mexico and defer her graduate admission. Eventually, Spiehler would like to work in nonprofit organizations and local school systems.

Boyle spent time at the University of Bristol in a program focused on the history of the Atlantic Slave Trade, while Johnson attended the institute at the Queen’s University Belfast, in a program focused on international conflict transformation.

The hard work of these students, along with the support of the Competitive Fellowships Committee, allowed each to seek a meaningful and impactful career path. While it’s too early to tell exactly where they will make their greatest contributions, one thing is clear: The futures of these young women are bright and full of promise.

FULBRIGHT SUCCESS CONTINUED

In addition to the Fulbright ETA award finalists, two Mount students, Elizabeth Boyle, C’19, and Sydney Johnson, C’19, were selected for Fulbright US-UK Summer Institute programs.

Through this program, students spend four weeks completing an academic and cultural program in the United Kingdom, joining a small cohort at a highly regarded university. There, students explore the culture, heritage and history of the U.K., and develop their academic ability by improving presentation, research and communication skills.

Notable Fulbright Scholars LINUS PAULING / Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 1954, Nobel Peace Prize 1962 JOHN STEINBECK / Nobel Laureate in Literature 1962 JAMES D. WATSON / Nobel Laureate in Medicine 1962 HENRY KISSINGER / Nobel Peace Prize 1973 MILTON FRIEDMAN / Nobel Laureate in Economics 1976 JOSEPH STIGLITZ / Nobel Laureate in Economics 2001 PETER HIGGS / Nobel Laureate in Physics 2013 FALL 2017 MOUNT MAGAZINE

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FEATURE STORY

LIMITLESS Jamion Christian envisions the future of Mount Mayhem

There’s a brief moment between pregame introductions and the opening tip when the Mount St. Mary’s head men’s basketball coach quiets his mind.

Jamion Christian, C’04, seated with his eyes closed and back to the court while his players huddle, lets the roar of the crowd become just another element in the scene’s backdrop – like the championship banners that hang from the wall in honor of past teams. After a moment, he’s ready to launch the mayhem.

Mount Mayhem. This, Christian’s style of play, is about as popular among the Emmitsburg faithful as an order of Ott House gravy fries. With a mix of relentless, full-court defensive pressure and a three-point aerial assault, opponents have a hard time handling the barrage on both ends of the floor.

By Joe Paciella / C’03, MBA’11

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FEATURE STORY

In just his sixth season as head coach, Christian has already achieved great success, capturing the team’s first NEC regular season championship in 21 years (2016-17) and two NEC Tournament titles (2013-14, 2016-17). He’s also guided his squad to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2013-14, 2016-17) and earned his first NCAA Tournament win this past March. And he says he’s just getting started.

“The passion I feel for our program I believe has been evident from the first day that I set foot on this campus,” explains Christian. “I love the Mount. I love what we are becoming as a university. I love what we are becoming as a basketball program. We’ve had some success here over the past five seasons, and to take the next step we all needed to define our commitment.”

One can’t help but think that his time spent as a player under coach Jim Phelan had something to do with his success. In fact, he was on the floor when the final buzzer sounded for Phelan’s 1,354th game, the last of his prodigious career. At the time, that stood as the highwater mark for the most ever college games coached, and earned the 49-year coaching vet his 830th career victory. Today, 35-year-old Christian leads his team on the same court that now bears the legend’s name and signature bowtie graphic.

And define they did, when earlier this summer he and school officials inked a multi-year contract extension through the 2026-27 season.

“I believe we can be as elite a program as there is in this country,” says Christian. “I believe with our university support, fan support and the rich recruiting base we live within, that our future is limitless.”

Director of Athletics Lynne Phelan Robinson, C’79, could not agree more. “Since Jamion’s return to the Mount, the men’s basketball program has flourished,” says Robinson. “In addition to leading the team to outstanding success on the court, Jamion has maintained a tireless commitment to the welfare and It was even more fitting that in the season that saw the academic success of our student-athletes, as well as Mount win its first-ever NEC Tournament championship serving as a tremendous ambassador for Mount St. on that very floor, the conference named Christian the Mary’s in the community and with our alumni.”

2016-17 Jim Phelan NEC Coach of the Year, the firstever coach from the program other than Phelan to win Since Christian was first hired by his alma mater on the award.

March 26, 2012, a few weeks shy of his 30th birthday, he’s made the Mount a contender. The program has CollegeInsider.com also presented Christian with the become the only NEC team with a winning regular Ben Jobe Award for 2016-17, a distinction given to the season record in each of the last five seasons, qualifying top minority coach in men’s NCAA Division I basketball. for the NEC Tournament in each of those campaigns.

In 2012-13, Christian was a finalist for this same award, as well as the Joe B. Hall Award, given to the top firstyear coach in men’s Division I. The former high school and college standout understands how Mount basketball was built and what previous coaches, especially Phelan, did for the program and for the many student-athletes they mentored. “Those who came before worked to create a better today for all of us, and we are so appreciative of our history, which shows that we can continue to be great,” reflects Christian.

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ABOVE / Christian celebrates the program’s first NEC Tournament Championship win at home along with his team.

LEFT / Phelan welcomes his former player and the NEC Championship trophy to his home.

Christian cuts down the nets at Knott Arena after the team’s win.

Division I basketball is a tough business for even the most seasoned professionals, which makes his rise to the top of his conference, gathering national media attention, even more impressive. For those that know him, they understand that part of the formula for his success is due to his preparation and how he conducts himself on and off the court.

This offseason, Christian was responsible for figuring out how to replace five players who transferred to other programs, three of which were key components to the Mount’s run into the NCAA Tournament. But in his true sense of being prepared, Christian already had an incoming class of six freshmen, along with two redshirts, ready to go.

“Coach Christian pours his heart and soul into developing our student-athletes to become ethical leaders ready to serve others in the future,” says Mount St. Mary’s University President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. “The public sees his energy and enthusiasm when he’s coaching during a game, but they don’t see that he puts just as much, if not more, effort into his responsibilities with his team, administrators, the media and the Mount community at large.”

It’s only a mid-July practice, but Christian is coaching with the same focus he brings to a game in March.

How the Mount is able to lock down opponents isn’t something that just happens. Body positioning, footwork and how to play different angles are all covered in training.

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Thank you, game watch sponsors!

Mounties make a fan for life

Mounties all over the country tuned in to support Mount Mayhem! Basketball game watch events were hosted at the following locations during the 2016-17 season.

LETTER TO PRESIDENT TRAINOR FROM JOE SCHICHTEL

Joe Schichtel of Hamburg, New York attended a Mount St. Mary’s men’s basketball game as a guest of a friend during the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

With no ties to the Mount, Schichtel was only present to enjoy a Division I sporting event located nearby. To his surprise, he was welcomed warmly by all the Mounties he met before and during the game – so much so that he drafted a letter to Mount St. Mary’s University President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D., detailing his appreciation and respect for the students and community on Mary’s mountain. Schichtel’s letter so accurately captured the essence of the Mount community that we decided to share it with readers.

N E W J E R S E Y A N D N E W YO R K Allendale Bar and Grill in Allendale, N.J. Owners: Craig Kunisch, C’91, and Chris Kunisch, C’90 Brielle Ale House in Brielle, N.J. Spring Lake Tap House in Spring Lake, N.J. Stout in New York, N.Y. Surf Taco in Jackson, N.J. Owners: The Courtney Family Village Pourhouse in Hoboken, N.J.

M A RY L A N D El Bufalo in Baltimore Owner: Dom Lascola, C’99 Five and Dime Ale House in Hampden Owner: Kerry O’Connell Kelly, C’99 Glory Days Grill in Frederick Langway’s All American Sports Bar in Crofton Magoo’s Pub in Frederick Owner: Jennifer Dougherty, C’83 Ocean Pride Restaurant in Timonium Pratt Street Ale House in Baltimore Owner: Kerry O’Connell Kelly, C’99 The Ott House in Emmitsburg

N O RT H CA R O L I N A Tyber Creek Pub in Charlotte Home of Tim Buck, C’87, in Huntersville

P E N N SY LVA N I A Blue and Gray in Gettysburg Field House in Philadelphia MaGerks in Fort Washington

VIRGINIA Crystal City Sports Pub in Arlington Owners: Bill Bayne, C’86, Jim Madden, C’86, and Art Dougherty, C’88

D E L AWA R E Grotto’s – Concord Pike in Wilmington Jackson Inn in Wilmington Owner: Fred Bourdon, C’72

W E ST E R N STAT E S Home of Anne Wassman, C’10, in Denver, Colo.

Jack & Grill in Roanoke, Texas 2 2

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I am at a loss trying to decide where to start because so many people from the Mount were so kind. My friend and his wife managed to get tickets in your student section of the arena in Buffalo for the NCAA game against Villanova. I felt if I were to be in the Mount’s section I should dress for the occasion.

ABOVE / Fan favorite Junior Robinson, C’18, shields a defender as he drives to the hoop. Robinson will be one of the Mount’s leaders this season.

Maybe the most interesting aspect of his coaching style, though, is how he doesn’t direct or motivate by constantly raising his voice. He doesn’t have to. His words and instructions are precise and understated. At such a young age, he already commands respect from his team. His players believe in him and the process — and this may just be the key to his success.

“We’ve seen what can happen when we all work together,” says Christian. “We’ve seen what can be accomplished when a group of believers plays with an extreme passion for one another. With the workings of this commitment, we have something special. We have something that says we are going for it as a university and as an athletic department.”

The task of melding eight players with no game experience with three senior leaders isn’t dissuading Christian from thinking big with the goal of pushing the program further than anyone may have yet imagined.

“Being limitless is particularly important to me,” says Christian. “The ability to be limitless in our dreams and our wants, mixed with an extreme desire to work for our dream is a dangerous combination. We have that at the Mount.”

Wednesday night I went to watch the team practice. I asked the cheerleaders if they knew where I might buy a Mount t-shirt to wear during the game. They were almost apologetic that there was nothing to be had except the generic NCAA shirts. The young ladies were considerate and polite to an older (66-year-old) stranger.

A few minutes later as the team was leaving the floor, I asked an assistant coach if he might know where I could get a shirt. When Elijah Long heard my request and that there were none to be had, he literally gave me the shirt off his back. What a thoughtful act! I couldn’t thank him immediately because he was being interviewed by a local TV station.

While I was waiting to thank Elijah I had the chance to watch Junior Robinson interact with some young fans. He took the time to talk with them and sign autographs.

Thursday evening when we arrived at our seats we found a contingent of students just in front of us. There were so many of them that when I was asked to take some pictures, I had to climb back a couple rows to get most of them in. Needless to say I proudly showed my new Mount basketball shirt.

The student section was the most energetic group in the arena! Most stood for the entire first half and I believe some stood for the entire game. Not only did they cheer almost constantly for the team but they would cheer for the cheerleaders. I was swept up with their enthusiasm and found myself cheering and whistling like a long-time fan!

After the game the entire team came over to the front of the fan section and thanked everyone for their support. Just a class act!

My point for this letter is to let it be known that I believe the students, athletes, cheer squad and staff are a fine tribute to the quality of people you have at Mount St. Mary’s University. I had so much fun I will consider myself a fan for life. By the way, I will be wearing the shirt when I play ball with the senior (old) group that I play with!

M O U N T M AY H E M B E G I N S AGA I N !

Catch coach Christian and the Mountainaineers on the court this season! The men’s team welcomes Loyola on December 2 and will travel to face Marquette, Notre Dame and Pitt in early season nonconference action.

Knott Arena will also host some great NEC matchups for both the men’s and women’s teams. Help the Mount lead the conference in attendance again!

Men’s NEC home games Jan. 4 / Bryant Jan. 6 / CCSU Jan. 11 / Sacred Heart Jan. 25 / LIU Jan. 27 / St. Francis (Brooklyn) Feb. 3 / St. Francis University Feb. 15 / Fairleigh Dickinson Feb. 22 / Robert Morris Feb. 24 / Wagner Women’s NEC home games Jan. 6 / Sacred Heart Jan. 8 / Fairleigh Dickinson Jan. 22 / Robert Morris Jan. 27 / Wagner Feb. 3 / LIU Feb. 5 / St. Francis (Brooklyn) Feb. 17 / Bryant Feb. 19 / CCSU Mar. 2 / St. Francis University

CAN’T MAKE IT TO EMMITSBURG? Catch the Mount on www.necfrontrow.com to livestream most games.

Thank you all for making the experience so rewarding for me.

Joseph H. Schichtel Hamburg, New York FALL 2017 MOUNT MAGAZINE

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RECIPE FOR

SUCCESS Alumni share ingredients for remarkable restaurants

Opening a restaurant – it’s the ultimate dream of any self-proclaimed “foodie.”

State University found that about a quarter of restaurants in the U.S. fail within the first year of business. That number ballooned For decades, Mount St. Mary’s University to nearly 60 percent by an establishment’s alumni have pursued – and accomplished – third year. this goal. In fact, so many alumni have sought this path that Mount Magazine and the So, how are Mount alumni beating the Office for University Advancement easily odds? Mount Magazine caught up with five identified dozens of alumni who now own successful restauranteurs to discover more. or operate successful eateries up and down the East Coast.

Paired with an exceptional education, alumni also reported the importance of perseverance, One might wonder how and why students from a small liberal arts university are able a trait they say budded at the university and to thrive in this fast-paced industry, many later bloomed into an essential ingredient without formal study in the culinary arts or for success. When further pressed, it boiled down to one key ingredient that is also even hospitality. extremely apparent on Mary’s mountain – The statistics are certainly stacked up against community, and how it takes friends and Mounties, and others in the food industry. family and staff and others to make the dream A 2005 study by researchers at the Ohio a reality.

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FEATURE STORY

points to a mindset she learned from former women’s lacrosse head coach, Courtney Connor.

“For me [lacrosse] was everything…from how to be a leader, how to be a team player, how to motivate your team, how to critique your team when things aren’t going right, how to rally,” she says. “You’re not gonna TEAM EFFORT win every game and you have to understand you’re When Leeann Robustelli-Mason, C’06, was named gonna fail at times and you have to learn from it.” captain of the Mountaineers’ women’s lacrosse team in her senior year, little did she know the experience That was a hard lesson the couple discovered while would lay the groundwork for her success as owner of opening Luca. Though Ma(i)son encountered few two acclaimed restaurants in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. hiccups at the outset, the pair admits getting its younger sibling off the ground caused some “brutal” “Most of what really prepared me for business is the and unexpected headaches. structure and the competitiveness of playing a Division I sport,” she admits. “The commitment that you have to “As the journey began to opening Luca, the amount of have, the energy, the drive, the leadership skills are what doors that were closed in our faces and the amount prepared me to take on this task of an entrepreneur.” of banks that turned us down for funding [led to] an immense amount of resilience and hard work that’s That mindset proves paramount for her to smoothly been irreplaceable on the road to success,” says Taylor. operate the intimate French farmhouse-inspired “You’ve gotta be willing to take risks and then be ready “urban cookery” Ma(i)son with husband and executive to put the work in.” chef Taylor Mason, C’07, as well as their newer Italian kitchen, Luca.

More than anything, the couple agrees that their steadfastness has been a guiding light.

Unique ambiance and menus make both restaurants stand out, but Leeann says each business couldn’t win “I think the recipe for success – and it’s not even for without a well-oiled, always motivated team. Here, she restaurants, it’s anything you’re passionate about that you want to do, whatever it is – you have to stay true to your vision,” says Leeann. “You’re gonna doubt it.

There’s gonna be times when you doubt it and think, ‘I don’t know if I can keep going.’ But whatever wakes you up and keeps you going is what you need.”

Adds Taylor: “I think it’s having courage to have an idea and to develop a concept and obviously be smart about how you’re integrating that into the market – not letting consumer opinions or dead ends or dollars or all these things kind of get in your way. There’s this kind of resilience that you have to take into it.”

The Masons taking a break from the hustle and bustle of restaurant ownership at their Italian restaurant, Luca.

For restaurant owners who go into the business with a spouse, Leeann emphasizes the importance of a healthy marriage. There’s a certain parallel to the sanctity of a relationship and the outcome of a business run by a couple, she notes.

“I’m not trying to be mushy here, but I’m really proud of our marriage and how we’ve done this together so successfully,” she says. “Because if we were falling apart individually or our marriage was crumbling then everything else is a wash. But Taylor and I have maintained such a solid unit in life and in our family and our businesses, I think that’s what I’m most proud of.”

MA(I)SON: maisonlancaster.com LUCA: lucalancaster.com

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C H E F TAY L O R ’ S S U G G E ST I O N S + Salad Lyonnaise // Ma(i)son + Daily farm-fresh specials // Ma(i)son + Pizza from the wood-burning oven // Luca

A S L I C E O F A DV I C E “You’ve gotta be willing to take risks and then be ready to put the work in.”

FEATURE STORY

LEFT / Clayton-Fernandes preparing for an evening at Alvin & Friends.

RIGHT / Red Velvet White Chocolate Bread Pudding ready for dessert.

BELOW / The dining room set and ready for guests to enjoy a meal.

At the Mount, he and his roommates, who he lived with all four years, referred to themselves as the “U.N.” because of their different backgrounds – Korean, Irish, American, and, of course, Trinidadian. Being able to cater to all walks of life is an element he believes has made Alvin & Friends a hit.

“The one thing I’m most proud of the restaurant for, which almost every article that’s written about it says, is that we’re the most diverse restaurant in Westchester, probably New York,” he boasts. “You come in and the diversity is really America.”

Naturally, winning over his social circle allowed the launch of Alvin & Friends, hence the name. Several of his closest companions agreed to invest in the business, but getting people on board took patience.

THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

“There’s always gonna be naysayers with what you do.

There were naysayers when I was getting ready to open the restaurant, but the one thing that they didn’t know was what I had in me and what my desire was,” he admits.

Watch Alvin Clayton-Fernandes, C’82, work the dining room at his upscale Caribbean- and SouthernTo prove that, he found he needed to truly own the influenced restaurant, and it won’t take long for you restaurant. The buzz behind building a business must to notice his prevailing quality: The most important carry over into its operation. That means working person in the room is always the one in front of him. tirelessly and ensuring each guest’s satisfaction – even when things go awry.

Guests are treated like friends at Alvin’s, which is an

A LV I N ’ S S U G G E ST I O N S + Curry Corn Crab Chowder + Jerk Duck with Pork Rind Reduction + Red Velvet White Chocolate Bread Pudding

A S L I C E O F A DV I C E “The group is better than the individual.”

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important ingredient in making his critically-acclaimed eatery in New Rochelle, New York (appropriately named “People see there’s a face with the restaurant, it’s not just a name and the concept,” he says. “There were several Alvin & Friends) flourish. times when we first opened that things didn’t go correctly.

“I think people feel a sort of comfort when they walk into People like to give one chance, maybe two, and then the restaurant because I’m here all the time,” he says. they’re gone. But if you take ownership of it and people “I greet all my guests. I try and go to all the tables. It’s say, ‘You know what, they did the right thing there,’ it’s almost like coming to visit me when they’re coming to almost like a personal relationship with the restaurant.” visit the restaurant.”

In the end, no matter how long a day is, Alvin says seeing Alvin understood early in life the value of assimilating his new “friends” happy and earning his community’s with his surroundings. An immigrant from Trinidad, in trust fills him with a feeling of accomplishment. high school he was voted student council president and received All-Met status, earning him a full-ride to the “You’re the first there, the last to leave sometimes,” he says. “But the reward, at least for me when I walk Mount as a starter on the soccer team. around my restaurant and I see people, especially diverse people all sitting and having a great meal, and “The Mount community was really a welcoming half of them waiting before they leave to say, ‘Thank community and it really was embracing from day one. I you it was such a great meal,’ that’s part of my reward.” think just being from a different culture and just getting along with people from different backgrounds [helped].

ALVIN & FRIENDS: alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com That environment allowed me to be myself.”

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

When Michael Courtney, C’92, wanted to make a few extra bucks during his days at the Mount, he’d hop in the car with his roommates and head to local concerts.

Not for the music, but the money. The group would hit parking lots when major acts were in town and sell burritos to hungry concertgoers.

“In the restaurant industry, you have to try to understand what the next generations are gonna want,” he explains. “It all has to go back to demography and studying the trends and understanding what society is teaching people.”

But as good as the product and the experience is, Michael says the number one thing that allows Surf Taco to excel is the staff.

“We saw that as an opportunity that, hey there’s a lot of people, we can sell things and make some money,” he recalls. “That business sense was always there. I used “You are only as good as the people you surround to talk about doing this with my cousin constantly.” yourself with,” he says. “The reason this organization is successful is because we surround ourselves with Turns out his cousin was listening. In 2001, Michael’s good people, and we treat them the best way we can.” cousin opened the pro surfer-inspired burrito and taco restaurant Surf Taco, enlisting Michael as director of Finding those people, however, is a painstaking process. operations. Later, Michael’s brother Jimmy Courtney, C’88, also opened one of the company’s 11 locations.

Jimmy, owner of the Seaside Park Surf Taco, says hiring reliable staff is one of the hardest aspects of running What’s made their idea work in such a saturated a restaurant. market? For starters, there’s the company motto: Good Food. Good People. Good Vibe. Michael says he figured That was a lesson learned his first summer on the job. out how to ensure customers those elements through He recalls hiring two young adults – one in particular his studies as a sociology major at the Mount. he felt confident would excel.

“The first one I hired who I thought was going to be exceptional, was horrible,” he says. “The other one ended up being my manager for 11 years. She’s fantastic.

It’s the hardest thing in the world to find people that have that gift, but some of it is training and trying to learn and giving them time to get better.”

Naturally, Jimmy also hired his son, James Courtney, C’20, a sophomore at the Mount (and the third James Patrick Courtney to attend the school). Should James choose to follow in his dad’s footsteps, Jimmy believes studying at Mount St. Mary’s is the right first step.

ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT / James P. Courtney IV, C’20, Lisa Courtney, C’87, James P. Courtney III, C’88, Michael Courtney, C’92, and Hon. James P. Courtney Jr., C’60 RIGHT / The Maverick burrito, smothered.

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“The Mount was such a well-rounded education,” he says. “It’s also a place that’s so family oriented, there’s so much connection with all the other Mounties, which also helps in a business like this because you’re really trying to build a community here, too.”

SURF TACO // surftaco.com

Up and down the East Coast, establishments founded and operated by Mount alumni are serving up food to make you Mount Proud. To find a location near you visit www.msmary.edu/MountFoodies.

M I C H A E L ’ S S U G G E ST I O N S + Signature dish: Surf Taco + Staple burrito: The Maverick + All-time favorite: Surf Burrito

A S L I C E O F A DV I C E “You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”

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MATCH DAY MILESTONE COVER STORY

Mount alumna’s dream makes Hopkins history Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, C’12, fiddles with a letter opener as she sits at a table in her cozy third-floor apartment. The downtown Baltimore brick walkup is situated in Fells Point, a few blocks from the worldrenowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. The opener, she explains, is the very one given to all the newly minted doctors by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine this past March, during the pomp and circumstance of “Match Day.”

By Steve Fink

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Abu-Bonsrah overlooks the hospital’s downtown Baltimore views on her first day of residency.

FEATURE STORY

In one hurried motion, the dull knife unseals “It’s very intimidating – but it’s motivating too. the document that turns her dreams as a girl When you want to do something, it’s easier to growing up in Ghana into medical history imagine yourself in that position when there at Hopkins: matching into the hospital’s are people who look like you or that have neurosurgery program – and becoming the first been through similar experiences,” she says. female African-American neurosurgery resident “There’s nothing more lonely than wanting to in Hopkins history. do something and not having anyone to guide you.”

The hospital is the birthplace of neurosurgery, fathered by Dr. Harvey Cushing, who joined the institute in 1896. Currently ranked third in the country in research by U.S. News & World Report, Growing up in the farming village of Dannso in the elite program is known for being among the Ghana, Abu-Bonsrah spent her toddler years toughest to match into. with her parents and two older brothers in a small mud hut without electricity.

“It’s a humbling experience and a huge privilege,” Abu-Bonsrah says. “Going through the history of Fortunately, her father, who worked for the the things that have been done here, I’m like, ‘Wow, nonprofit Adventist Development and Relief that happened at Hopkins?’ Great innovations in Agency (ADRA), eventually landed a job in Kumasi, the field came from here, and it’s a privilege to be the capital city of the region, and moved the family a part of that cohort of people.” into a more modern home. Because the family visited relatives in the village occasionally, AbuSince the revelation, media outlets across the Bonsrah was still exposed to the difficult world globe have featured her – from USA Today, there, especially when it came to sickness. “You CNN and Essence magazine, to the BBC and hear all these stories about people who need help The Independent. and they don’t get it in time. There’s just a lack of access to care there in general,” she says.

“I knew she was going to do something legendary,” says her husband of two years, Kwabena Yamoah, Those experiences, coupled with her father’s a third-year student at the University of Maryland work, are among the first factors that sparked School of Medicine. “I’m very proud of her her interest in being a doctor. commitment to service. I can boast about it: she’s an excellent woman.”

“One of the reasons why my dad worked for ADRA was a program ADRA does for farmers Being a standout student is nothing new for the and low-income families. He would be able to soft-spoken, yet eloquently charming 26-year-old, direct some of that care to our village and we but after matching she quickly realized just how were able to build a school, get a pump for water,” much she stood out. A hallway in the neurosurgery she recalls. “So that was deeply ingrained in us wing dons photographs of every resident that growing up to give back to the community, and I came before her. In scanning them, reality hit her: thought medicine also served that purpose.” not one looked anything like her.

Her mother also preached the value of giving back It’s something the current chief resident, Dr. and often told the children stories of life before Rory Goodwin, who is also African-American, Kumasi. The stories weighed heavily on Aburecognized several years ago.

Bonsrah, and only fueled her medical dreams — though she never considered they’d take place “I was always struck, even over the years, that in America. there never was a black female resident. I think she serves as a good role model for other people The news that her father accepted a new job who want to go into the field, especially women,” in the U.S. just as she’d finished middle school he says. shocked her. Always the head of her class, she took a natural liking to the sciences and had For Abu-Bonsrah, a 2012 graduate of Mount St. been thrilled after being accepted into a top Mary’s University’s biochemistry major, it’s now boarding school for girls. Leaving for America a driving force in her future goals. would be bittersweet.

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FEATURE STORY

The family packed up and moved to Laurel, Maryland “I was trying to explain something to the students in 2006, when she was just 15-years-old. She attended and give them a suggestion for how to remember the Hammond High School in Columbia, and didn’t let go difference between two chemical molecules, and I said, of her goal to be a doctor. She continued to excel in ‘I’ve never come up with a good way to remember this.’ science despite the more challenging setting — even Nancy raised her hand and said, ‘Well, you could do this.’ earning the second-highest grade of “4” in Advanced I said, ‘Oh yeah – that works!’ I remember that vividly,” Placement chemistry. gushes McCauslin, adding that she’s continued to use the example in class to date.

When it came to evaluating her choices for higher education, she recalls receiving a brochure in the Naturally, it didn’t take long for the professor to mail one day for a school she’d never heard of: Mount recognize Abu-Bonsrah as gifted. The title of “professor” St. Mary’s. soon changed to “mentor,” as McCauslin took the freshman under her wing and invited her to become After receiving her acceptance along with three a lab assistant. scholarships, including the Women in Science Leadership Award and Presidential Scholarship, she “She was on everybody’s radar in the department,” decided to make the Mount her home. She remembers says McCauslin. thinking the small campus just felt right – it matched her quiet personality, and the student-to-professor The relationship was equally as enriching for the ratio appealed to her love for learning. student, who often turned to McCauslin for advice. “At every point in time I told her what I wanted to do and how I wanted to get there. She was there every step of It is a Saturday night and Abu-Bonsrah can hear the the way,” Abu-Bonsrah says. voices of party-goers outside the building. She turns to a friend and jokes, “Are we supposed to be in here or out there?” The laughter and chatter from students enjoying the weekend rattle on, but the pair tunes it out and returns to their own recreation: studying organic chemistry inside the science department, with the occasional back-and-forth dribble of a soccer ball – a ritual that usually lasted into the early morning hours.

For Abu-Bonsrah, that was why she came to the Mount.

“It was just those kinds of choices, making them every day and knowing that there’s a reason you chose to study versus choosing to do other things,” she explains, making it clear, however, that she wasn’t always delved into her textbooks. She also played intramural soccer and took a job working at the sandwich bar in the dining hall.

Still, her razor-sharp focus when it came to studying prevailed: “It was like a full-time job. There was just an outcome you were looking for.”

A key figure in helping to achieve that outcome was Christine McCauslin, Ph.D., an associate professor and chair of the science department. When McCauslin reflects back to first meeting Abu-Bonsrah, then a freshman in the introductory biology course, she instantly remembers an early interaction with the precocious student as if it happened last semester.

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TOP TO BOTTOM / Abu-Bonsrah peers into a research surgical microscope.

Abu-Bonsrah is visited at Hopkins by her mentor, McCauslin, and mentee, Oneeobari Nwogu, C’18.

It’s a characteristic that Abu-Bonsrah finds “I think those experiences at the Mount were what representative of the Mount, noting similar guided me a lot in terms of what I want to do,” she relationships with chemistry professor Patricia Kreke, says. “My dream is to do a Paul Farmer fellowship in Ph.D., as well as her freshman advisor, Michael Barry, global surgery. You learn how to approach surgery in Ph.D., among others in the department. a low resource setting. Even if that doesn’t work out, I’ll probably do a master’s in public health here at Hopkins “At the Mount, you can pretty much walk into any and then build global network connections.” professor’s office, even if you didn’t schedule an appointment. At Hopkins you need an appointment weeks ahead of time,” she laughs. “What stands Whatever she does, those close to her know this latest out to me at the Mount a lot was just those casual achievement of hers is only scratching the surface of conversations you could have with the professors. You what’s to come. could sit on the stairs of the science department and just kind of shoot the breeze if that’s what you wanted to do.” “I imagine that she will continue to sort of push the boundaries and expectations for women in that field.

During her sophomore year, she served as a peer I do see her going back to Ghana and establishing advisor for incoming freshmen. New students some kind of clinic or doing some kind of service and were assigned to read the book Mountains Beyond outreach,” says McCauslin.

Mountains by Tracy Kidder, which details the work of anthropologist Paul Farmer, founder of the global health Adds Goodwin: “My hope is that in the next seven years agency Partners In Health. The organization helps you won’t hear a thing from her – because she will be bring medical aid to impoverished nations. busy dedicating herself to this craft and learning it so After reading that book, Farmer quickly became a role she can be the best neurosurgeon. After that, I think she model for Abu-Bonsrah. It was clear in looking back at can be one of those pioneers and champions for global her experiences in Ghana, when she knew as a little girl health. Hopefully, there’ll be a follow-up story on her that she wanted to help her native land, that the Mount in 10 years and she’ll show you how she’s about to take over the world.” was helping mold the dream.

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ALUMNI NEWS

NAA PRESIDENT’S LETTER

NAA PRESIDENT BIO Ed Caruso, C’86, came to Mount St. Mary’s University from his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During his time as a student, Ed was active in many student activities, including the rugby team, as well as serving as a resident assistant, on the executive council of the student union board and the student government association, as photography editor of the yearbook, as a student defense counselor and as treasurer of the Class of 1986. He earned his Bachelor of Science in business and finance.

After graduating, Ed began a career as an insurance agent through Aetna’s two-year training program. Shortly after he completed the program, his father founded Caruso Insurance, which specializes in personalized one-on-one client relations and risk management. For thirty years, Ed and his father have worked together building a successful family owned insurance agency.

In 2016, Ed accepted a role on the alumni council of the National Alumni Association (NAA). He was elected president of the NAA in June 2017.

Currently, Ed and his wife, Lynise, a Mountie by marriage, reside in Devon, Pennsylvania with his daughters Katie and Caroline.

DEAR MOUNT ALUMNI, It is with great honor and pride that on June 4, 2017, I began my term as president of the National Alumni Association (NAA). Bringing members of the Mount community together has been a passion of mine since I was a student. I hope that during my two-year term I can continue to increase our alumni connections with the university faculty and administration, the current students and most importantly with one another.

BY THE NUMBERS

Alumni survey results In April 2016 more than 1,600 alumni shared their thoughts about the Mount through our first alumni survey. Below are a few of the highlights. Thank you for telling us more about what you love about the Mount, and how you would like to be involved in the future.

As I step into this role, I can tell that Mount alumni are more engaged than ever! Together, we’ve watched as our men’s basketball team won the NEC Championship and then battled Villanova in the first round of the NCAA March Madness Tournament. We’ve applauded the successes of five Fulbright Scholars, as well as an alumna who is making history as the first African-American woman accepted into the neurosurgery residency program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This is just a small sampling of the reasons to be “Mount Proud” of our alumni accomplishments!

Last year, we heard from many of you as respondents of the alumni survey, which was distributed in April 2016. Thank you for participating and for telling us more about how you are involved with the university and how you would like to be involved moving forward. The results of this survey are illustrated on the opposite page.

I have met so many of you in the past year and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming years. Whether on campus at a rugby game, at an alumni chapter event, or at one of our National Alumni Association meetings, I look forward to swapping stories about our time on the mountain, as well as how we can continue to move the NAA forward. Please reach out with your stories, good news and ideas – my personal contact information can be found below.

of respondents indicated a STRONG or VERY STRONG CONNECTION to the Mount.

Among the respondents, alumni noted that they MOST VALUE the beautiful campus environment

centuries of rich history

hearing about other successful alumni

Sincerely,

Moving forward, 59% of alumni want to be more engaged than they

are currently – and 85% of alumni indicated an interest in supporting the Mount now and into its bright future.

85%

When alumni have RETURNED TO CAMPUS in the last five years, they’ve been here to ED CARUSO/C’86 PRESIDENT NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CARUSOEM@COMCAST.NET

visit the Grotto

attend reunion or homecoming

cheer on the Mountaineers

Stay connected with THE MOUNT! Add Mount St. Mary’s University Alumni on social media to learn more about events and opportunities on campus and in your area. @MSMUAlumni

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ALUMNI NEWS

Reunion weekend 2017 It’s a date on the calendar that alumni circle months, if not years, ahead of time. The first weekend of June is a special time on campus, as hundreds of Mount grads return to their mountain home for Reunion Weekend. This year was no different, as the classes ending in “2” and “7” reconnected with former classmates and took part in a number of events.

A total of 47 classes were represented, with 14 classes celebrating a special reunion. Overall, more than 755 alumni, family and friends registered for reunion activities, and even more were on campus that weekend.

This year, the Class of 1967 celebrated their golden anniversary, marking 50 years. The class was honored at Friday’s alumni banquet along with the presentation of the Bruté Medal to John F. O’Neill, M.D., C’52, and James P. Flynn, Ed.D., C’67.

Class of 1992 Silver Reunion

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SAVE THE DATE! Reunion 2018 is on the books for June 1-3. Look out for special information from the Office of Alumni Engagement.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Year in review 2016-17

Why we give: donor Q&A

Our Mount family let us know how much they care about the university by giving back their time, talents and treasures. We’re excited to report that in 2016-17, alumni, parents and friends helped us surpass goals for multiple fundraising initiatives. The following report provides a philanthropic overview of several of our most significant achievements over the last year.

Charitable recap

$155,690

From 200 more people making a gift in 24 hours for One Mount One Day to doubling our members of the 1808 Legacy Society by putting the Mount in their estate plans, Mounties are increasing their philanthropic involvement year after year.

A big accomplishment for the year included exceeding our $1.5 million annual fund unrestricted goal.

over

$2M

918

raised in 24 hours

alumni, parents, students, friends made a gift

than last year 31% more

over our $1.5M goal

classroom technology enhancements

unrestricted dollars received

student scholarships

Annual Fund Supports Campus Initiatives

4 2

2/3

2X

of the class of 2017 made a senior class gift

the number of new members of the 1808 Legacy Society

MOUNT MAGAZINE FALL 2017

Why do you give back to the Mount?

For us it’s simple. It’s our way of giving back to a place that has given us so much.

What does the Mount mean to you?

The Mount is where our story began. Without the Mount a young woman from Baltimore would never have met a young man from Philadelphia. When we bring the girls back to visit I remind them, “This is where our story starts.”

Neither of us had picked the Mount as our first choice but after visiting we both experienced this pull, this gravity that just told us this is where we are supposed to be. Both my father and a high school advisor questioned my choice.

Years later I reached out to that advisor with a picture of Kelly and the girls. I explained to him that had I allowed him to influence me then I wouldn’t have this family. He got it then.

We left the Mount in 1997 with great educations, wonderful life experiences and the beginnings of an amazing family.

33%

Donor Details

Two of the many donors that helped us reach our 2016-17 goals were Michael Smith and Kelly Klein Smith from the class of 1997. The Smiths met as students on Mary’s mountain and later married. They now have three children, Mariella Rose is 13, Amelia Marie is 11, Penelope Jade is 9, as well as a dog, Ruby. For the Smiths, Mount St. Mary’s is where the story of their family begins, which is why they feel passionate about giving back.

campus enhancements

student experience

What does it mean to be part of the Mount alumni family?

Many of our closest friends are alumni of the Mount, and not just from the class of 1997. Mount alumni were there at our wedding, the births of our daughters, their baptisms, birthdays and also at the funerals of family members.

When Michael lost his father in 2012 the outpouring from the Mount blew my mind. Alumni friends drove hours to be at his memorial and then his funeral, they sent letters, notes, flowers and more. That’s what family does.

What is your hope for the future of the Mount?

We want the Mount to continue being that place where other young women and men can have their stories start like ours did. We hope for a university that offers a wonderful Catholic education and experience. We want the Mount story to continue on through the ages.

ALUMNI NEWS

Thank you!

Mount athletics had a record-breaking fundraising year – exceeding $1 million for the first time in Mount history. In addition to increasing unrestricted and restricted dollars, there was also a significant increase in the number of donors.

Without the ongoing support of our Mount family, we could not continue to provide a top-notch experience to each and every student. Thank you for your support in the previous year, and we hope that you will continue to support the Mount as we strive for greatness! It was because of you that the Mount earned a spot in the Top 200 on the Forbes 2017 Grateful Grads Index. This list measures great colleges and universities by the happy and successful alumni who give back financially to their alma mater.

over

$1M

training & facility enhancements

first time over the $1M mark!

Unrestricted Dollars

athletic scholarships

track and field team center

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Online. Make a gift that impacts your mountain home immediately by going to msmary.edu/give. You can choose between making a one-time or recurring gift.

Donors

Phone. Did you hear us calling? Our phonathon runs both fall and spring semesters.

When you answer the phone, you get to talk to current students about their Mount experience, update your contact information, and learn how your gift impacts the Mount’s current students.

Planned Giving. The desire to build a lasting legacy is growing at the Mount. Join other Mounties by thinking about the Mount in your estate planning and becoming the newest member of the Mount’s 1808 Legacy Society. Learn more at msmary.edu/plannedgiving.

facility improvements

Restricted Dollars

GRADS INDEX

Mail. Use the enclosed envelope to make your gift via mail to the Office of Alumni Engagement, and send to 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. equipment support

baseball field renovations

200 GRATEFUL

Here are a few ways you can make a gift to support the university: addition of new teams

received

FORBES

TOP

Athletic development review

10%

Charitable Annuity. A charitable gift annuity is a great way to make a gift with potential tax benefits, all while providing consistent support to your alma mater. Learn more about our charitable annuity offerings at msmary.edu/annuities.

more donors

79%

124%

increase in unrestricted athletic giving

increase in overall athletic giving

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni awards

Alumni sponsored scholarships BALTIMORE CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Each candidate for the Rev. Carl J. Fives Scholarship is selected based on financial need, service to the Mount and service in his or her local community. One of the six scholarships is awarded to a Mount legacy student.

Recipients must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Established in 1971 by the National Alumni Association, the Mount St. Mary’s Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes former athletes who exhibited athletic prowess of an outstanding nature in an intercollegiate sport. Five individuals were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on January 28, 2017, at the hall of fame brunch during the winter homecoming celebration.

DEAN’S CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE Five extraordinary alumni were inducted into the Mount St. Mary’s University Dean’s Circle of Excellence on March 11, 2017. The Circle of Excellence recognizes distinguished Mount alumni – particularly those who achieved significant accomplishments in their professional field or in service to their community.

LEFT TO RIGHT / Men’s Lacrosse / Terence McNulty, C’87 Men’s Lacrosse / Joshua Warfield, C’03 Women’s Lacrosse / Erin LaMotte Koenig, C’05 Track and Field / Stephen Long, C’86

Savannah Stose, C’18 Major: Business with a concentration in management

Aida Kamizi, C’17 Major: Business

Samantha Boyd, C’19 Major: Communications Minors: Biology and creative writing

NOT PICTURED / Cross country, track and field / Amy DeBor Blanco, C’98

LEFT TO RIGHT / Seminary / Cmdr. Daniel L. Mode, CHC, USN, S’92 School of Natural Science & Mathematics / Dr. Fred S. Neuer, C’67 Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business / Thomas D. Ryan, C’63 School of Education & Human Services / Lt. Clark Allen Pennington, C’10 College of Liberal Arts / Gracelyn Ashby McDermott, MBA, PMP, C’93

“Thank you for your contribution, it helps me continue my education and pursue my passions here at the Mount!”

SAMANTHA BOYD/C’19

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

SIMON BRUTÉ MEDAL The Simon Bruté Medal is the highest honor conferred upon an alumnus/a who distinguished himself or herself through commitment to career, community, the university or service to fellow citizens.

2017 RECIPIENTS LEFT TO RIGHT / James P. Flynn, Ed.D., C’67 John F. O’Neill, M.D., C’52 4 6

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The Distinguished Young Alumni Award recognizes alumni who, through hard work, perseverance and education, reached a high level of achievement in their chosen profession. The award also honors graduates who brought honor and distinction to their alma mater by their success, interest and support of the Mount through the National Alumni Association. Three individuals received the award during the Athletic Hall of Fame event on January 28, 2017, at the Mount’s winter homecoming celebration.

LEFT TO RIGHT / DeWitt Bauer, C’03 Leeann Robustelli Mason, C’06 Taylor Mason, C’07

REVEREND CARL J. FIVES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Hanley Allen, C’18 Majors: Political science, international studies Third generation Mountie

Zachary Beavers, C’18 Majors: Political science, fine arts with a concentration in visual arts

Dylan Holden, C’18 Majors: Biochemistry, biology Minor: Philosophy

Molly Kennedy, C’18 Majors: English and communications

Savannah Stose, C’18 Major: Business with a concentration in management

Alexis Watson, C’18 Major: Communications Minor: French

CONNECTICUT CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP Traci Schmiedel, C’19 Majors: Elementary and special education

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CLASS NOTES Class notes are listed by the class year, in ascending order to most recent, and alphabetically by last name. Notes are written as a news brief. Information about future events is not included. In this issue of the magazine, notes are published based on submissions received from July 31, 2016-July 31, 2017. Submit your notes to themagazine@msmary.edu.

The Mount reserves the right to refuse or revise submissions for style and length.

1961 Richard Christopher/C’61 was awarded the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award by The Del-Mar-Va Council Boy Scouts of America. Richard is the retired president and chief executive officer of Patterson-Schwartz & Associates. He was selected for his community leadership and contributions to improving the quality of life in Delaware. A reception and fundraiser took place on Oct. 11, 2016 at the Chase Community Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware. The awards ceremony is in its 12th year.

1973 Frank Ryan/C’73 was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 101st District on Nov. 8, 2016.

1975 Charles Newton Weaver Jr./C’75 was recently elected president of the Worcester County Historical Society. The society has more than 200 members who are interested in protecting and preserving the history of Worcester County. Charles was also elected to the board of the Eastern Shore Baseball Foundation located in Salisbury, Maryland.

The Foundation operates the hall of fame and museum located in the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, a single A Minor League Club.

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1964 Rev. Charles J. Cummings/C’64 wrote a book entitled “Love, Laughter and Living Saints.” It is a compilation of childhood memories and parish happenings from his more than 45 years as a priest of the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Joseph Zeterberg/C’64 celebrated his 10-year anniversary at work anniversary at Hope Hospice in Ft. Myers, Florida. Joseph is an assistant medical director, mentoring facilitator and IT liaison.

1976 Brian Barry/C’76 celebrated the marriage of his daughter with other Mount alumni. Pictured (L to R): Rick Barry/C’66; Barbara Spartana Conticelli/C’78; Brian Barry/C’76; and Tony Conticelli/C’77.

1978 Diana O’Neill/C’78 received the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Long Island Chapter (AFPLI). Diana, a resident of Garden City, New York, received the award on Philanthropy Day, Nov. 18, 2016. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership as a volunteer in the Long Island fundraising community.

1965 David Davenport/C’65 received his commemorative Golden Mountaineer Medal while visiting campus recently. He is pictured with Bob Brennan/C’85, vice president for university advancement at the Mount.

1966 Dr. Francis L. Delmonico/C’66 was inducted as a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences by Pope Francis at the Vatican in November 2016. Members of the academy are chosen on the basis of their eminent original scientific studies. They receive a lifetime appointment. Francis previously met with Pope Francis to discuss his work with the World Health Organization, where he is recognized as a world leader in assisting member nations to develop ethical donation and transplant standards. Francis is a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and emeritus director of MGH Renal Transplantation.

1979 Tom Delmoor/C’79 was among the 12 honorees at the 54th annual Norwalk Old Timers dinner. The event was held on Nov. 9, 2016 at the Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien, Connecticut. Tom was also inducted into the Mount Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 for track and field.

1980 Charles J. Haberkorn/C’80 was named CEO of Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc. on June 6. Charles will continue to also serve as general manager, a role he has held since June 2015.

1970 Terry Kline/C’70 and wife Ginny founded Connection of Friends in 2009. Connection of Friends is a nonprofit organization that provides a social gathering place and an opportunity for teenagers and adults with special needs to engage within the community and create lasting relationships.

1971 Gene Whissel/C’71 was elected president of the 800 member Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Association. Gene, whose office is in Annapolis, practices throughout Maryland and is the father of daughters Caitlin/C’15 and Michelle/C’18.

1982 Fr. Thomas Metzger/S’82 attended the School Pastors’ Institute along with Msgr. Brian Donahue of the Diocese of Fargo, Fr. Joseph Ganiel of the Diocese of Camden and Fr. Thomas Metzger of the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana. The conference was hosted by the Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana from July 11-14, 2016. The focus of the event included transformative school leadership, Catholic culture and identity, financial management, welcoming Latino children and families and other topics related to fostering excellence in Catholic schools.

Dennis E. Rice/C’82 won best of show in the homebrew and mead categories at the 2016 Frederick Fair. As a result, Brewer’s Alley in Frederick, Maryland will brew and serve his beer before the 2017 Frederick Fair.

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CLASS NOTES

1983 Chuck Quackenbush/C’83 was promoted to deputy counsel with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Chuck has served as associate counsel/ director of litigation since 2014.

1985 Dr. Jeff Lawrence/C’85 was recently promoted to the rank of captain with the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. He was also awarded the U.S. Public Health Service’s second highest individual award – the Meritorious Service Medal with Valor. This honor is awarded by the U.S. Surgeon General for lifesaving and voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy.

2003 DeWitt Bauer/C’03 participated in the “Run 4 Life” Dustin Bauer Memorial 5K/1-Mile Walk. More than 100 runners and walkers participated in the event on November 13 at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland including; Marie Graney/C’08; Kevin Lynch/C’08; Chris Hagood/C’08; Sara Brown/C’09; Ryan Audy/C’08; Josh Dzyak/C’08; Terri Gibbons/C’06; Mychal Sterling/C’09; Bernie Rendler/C’07; Steph Dickerson Connole/C’08; Kurtis Lunz/C’09; Christina Praydis/C’12; Tim Connole/C’11; and Julie Jeffery Bauer/C’03.

2007 Adam Alexander/C’07 graduated with a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in May 2016. After graduation, his wife Nicole/C’08 and their three children moved to the U.S. Military Academy where he now teaches international relations and comparative politics.

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1987 Christopher Currens/C’87 received the 2016 Distinguished Graduate Award from the National Catholic Educational Association. Each year, the association provides St. John Regional Catholic School the opportunity to honor one of its distinguished graduates. The award provides recognition to Catholic elementary school alumni who demonstrate personal and professional achievements.

1993 Hon. Christina M. Simpson/C’93 was sworn in as judge of the court of common pleas of Adams County, Pennsylvania in January 2016.

Christina is the first woman in the county’s history to serve in this position.

She presides exclusively over family law cases. Christina is the daughter of David E. Simpson/C’69.

1997 Mike Baynes/C’97 was named the Ernst & Young 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year in Maryland in the financial services category. Mike is the co-founder and managing partner of Homeside Financial.

1999 Elizabeth Angerman/C’99 was named a 2017 finalist for a Service to America Medal. Elizabeth created standards and methods for federal agencies to consolidate common administrative functions more easily, allowing government leaders to focus more of their time and resources on mission-related responsibilities.

1992 Tamika Tremaglio/C’92 was named to lead Deloitte & Touche LLP’s massive Greater Washington practice, the largest accounting, consulting and audit operation in the region. She was also elected to the board of trustees at Tuskagee University.

George B. Delaplaine Jr., honorary degree holder/C’97, was recognized for his philanthropic efforts in a 30-minute documentary titled “Focus on Philanthropy.” The documentary traces his life and achievements through interviews with George as well as his colleagues, community leaders and family members. The documentary aired on Maryland Public Television.

2009 Sara Madgey/C’09 developed a technology tool that takes the confusion out of school lockdowns and other emergency situations. Her new app, Pinpoint, was tested with teachers throughout the country.

2012 Justin Mostowtt/C’12 was promoted to vice president in the legal and regulatory group at Bank of the West in San Francisco. Justin was hired as an assistant vice president upon graduating from Washington & Lee University School of Law in 2015.

2014 Christine Saah/C’14 received the opportunity to serve as a missionary for Sts. Cyril and Methodius Center for Evangelization, which is part of the Language and Catechetical Institute in Gaming, Austria. The program began in January 2016 and ends in July 2018.

Melanie Schwer Betz/C’09 met up with Mount friends, including Kathleen Rossetti Plumb/C’09; Mallory Longfield Kymingham/C’09; and Brianna Gauthier Griffin/C’09.

2013 Julia Mostowtt/C’13 graduated with her master’s degree in special education with a focus on autism from Mary Baldwin University.

2015 Tyler Giles/C’15 began his first year as a graduate student at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. He is pursuing a doctorate in economics, specifically labor and public economics.

Megan Whelan/C’13 competed in the North American Irish Dance Championships hosted in New Orleans on July 4 and placed 40th in the 22 and over age group. The North American Championships is an international competition where dancers must qualify to compete each year. This was Megan’s first year competing.

2002 Brad Borchers/C’02 was named a 2016 Centers of Influence Honoree by Smart CEO magazine. Brad is PNC Bank’s senior business banker for the Towson region.

2016 Hunter Old Elk/C’16 was promoted to the title of curatorial assistant for the Plains Indian Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Wyoming.

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CLASS NOTES

Weddings

Nicholas Whitney/C’07 and Sasha Alegbeleye Whitney/C’09 September 9, 2016 Fort McNair Officers Club in Washington, D.C. Officiant: Fr. John Barry/S’88

Engagements

Stephanie Gnau Gibson/C’03 and Matt Gibson Bridal party: Katie Holahan Zackson/C’03; Monica Serianni/C’03; and Hayley Howe/C’04

Andrew Lawton/C’13 and Megan Boyle/C’13 May 6, 2017 St. Rose Church in Belmar, New Jersey

John Robert Lynch/C’08 and Jordan Christine Schoenbeck/C’08 became engaged on July 9 at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

John Romano/C’14 and Bridget McGann/C’14 became engaged on July 15. The two met sophomore year in McCaffrey Hall.

Ryan Brophy/C’12 and Katie Deane/C’11 April 22, 2017 Mount St. Mary’s University

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS! Send your updates and photos to alumni@msmary.edu for submission to Mount Magazine.

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Thomas Healy/C’12, MBA’14 and Colleen Crann Healy/C’15 November 5, 2016 Ceremony: St. Lucy Filippini Chapel in Morristown, New Jersey Reception: The Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey Officiant: Fr. Edward Seton Fittin/O.S.B./C’86 Eric Ososki/C’12 and Kirby Day Ososki/C’06 August 13, 2016 Hunt Valley Golf Club in Phoenix, Maryland Officiant: Tom Woods/S’05 Bridal Party: Becky Dausch/C’06; Leeann Mason/C’06; Jenna Duffy/C’07; Nicole Weszka/C’05; Katie Prochilo/C’06; Lauren Hunt/C’06; and Ellie Raabe/C’06

Tim Nickas/C’12 and Danielle Grace/C’14/MBA’16 became engaged on July 31 at Mount St. Mary’s University.

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CLASS NOTES

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Births

Cardinal William H. Keeler

AUGUST 1, 2016-JULY 31, 2017 // A full listing of deceased alumni is available on the alumni web page at msmary.edu/alumni. Deaths listed in order by class year.

1/Jessica Halliday Barthman/C’09 and husband Carl Olivia Grace Barthman December 17, 2016

Cardinal William Henry Keeler, former chancellor of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, died March 23, 2017 at the age of 86. Keeler’s time as chancellor of the Mount began in April 1989 with his appointment as archbishop of Baltimore, and concluded with his retirement in 2007.

Education was very important to the cardinal.

Noting how he advocated for everyone to receive a values-based education, Monsignor Andrew R. Baker, S.T.D., rector/vice president of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, said that Keeler supported Catholic schools in inner city Baltimore and was a proponent for helping low-income families have access to Catholic education.

Keeler also founded the Partners in Excellence Scholarship program in 1996, which has provided $28 million in need-based tuition toward Catholic schools for Baltimore city families.

The cardinal had a wonderful relationship with St. John Paul II. The pope visited Baltimore in 1995, celebrating mass at Camden Yards and interacting with local parishioners, seminarians and volunteers.

In the early 2000s, Keeler led a $32 million restoration of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore.

He worked tirelessly to make the world a better place, specifically bringing together people of different faiths. Part of his efforts were focused on improving ecumenical and interfaith relationships through councils such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

“His faithful work will likely continue to bear fruit for years to come,” said Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori, S’77.

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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace, Amen. May their souls and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Mr. Philip A. McDonnell/C’43 November 26, 2016 Hon. Harry St. A. O’Neill/C’43 January 21, 2017 Dr. Robert Ignatius Scileppi/C’49 May 03, 2016 Mr. Michael J. Masotti/C’49 February 13, 2017 Mr. Gerald J. Flanigan/C’50 May 22, 2017 Mr. Daniel J. Keyack/C’50 September 01, 2016 Mr. Thomas J. Kokoska/C’50 May 23, 2017 Mr. John James Brown Jr./C’52 August 19, 2016 Mr. Richard Allen Puckett/C’52 October 14, 2016 Mr. William R. Dollard Sr./C’53 October 26, 2016 Lt. George B. Dolan/C’55 October 05, 2016 Mr. Raymond R. Donadio Sr./C’55 March 26, 2017 Mr. Thomas Francis Campion/C’56 August 21, 2016 Mr. Richard T. Pastorett/C’56 December 16, 2016 Mr. Francis E. Smith/C’56 April 18, 2017 Mr. Edmund A. Brenner Jr./C’57 April 23, 2017 Mr. Hank F. Barbeau/C’58 November 12, 2016 Mr. Clifford F. Evers/C’58 September 14, 2016 Mr. Richard E. McBride/C’58 August 31, 2016 Mr. Thomas E.J. Jacobi/C’58 February 10, 2017 Mr. Larry Jenkins/C’60 January 19, 2017 Mr. Edward Joseph Luksic/C’60 November 22, 2016 Maj. Gen. John A. Studds, USMC (Ret.)/C’60 May 10, 2017 Prof. Charles E. Robinson/C’62 November 20, 2016 Mr. Frank J. Broschart/C’63 September 01, 2016 Mr. John F. Loome Jr./C’63 August 24, 2016

Mr. George A. Eichhorn III/C’63 April 01, 2017 Mr. Charles P. Duffy/C’66 February 15, 2017 Mr. Henry J. Roesser Jr./C’66 February 09, 2017 Lt. Col. Richard J. Bartolomea/C’67 May 18, 2017 Mr. Brian M. Donegan/C’67 June 08, 2017 Mr. Paul K. Mikules/C’67 May 09, 2017 Mr. Gary M. Urbanski/C’ 67 September 28, 2016 Mr. Thomas E. Wallace/C’68 May 24, 2017 Mr. Robert W. Warnock/C’68 September 15, 2016 Mr. Robert A. Burke Jr./C’69 May 09, 2017 Mr. Michael Louis Gall Jr./C’69 August 29, 2016 Mr. John F. McCarthy/C’70 December 24, 2016 Dr. Louis V. Myers III/C’71 August 16, 2016 Mr. Timothy J. Losch/C’72 April 21, 2017 Mr. Patrick J. Gillis/C’73 February 05, 2017 Mr. W. Edward Hearthway/C’73 May 14, 2017 Mr. Charles E. Spliedt/C’74 April 22, 2017 Mr. Charles M. Zlockie Jr./C’77 January 09, 2017 Mr. Dennis B. Miller/C’78 October 26, 2016 Mr. James F. Schneider/C’81 May 30, 2017 Mrs. Christine McBride Viggiano/C’81 August 02, 2016 Mr. David P. Baumgardner/C’86 February 19, 2017 Mr. Paul C. Dettor/C’88 August 01, 2016 Mr. Sammuel J. Lancelotta/C’91 May 16, 2017 Mr. Robert F. Baronner Jr./C’92 January 22, 2017 Ms. Meredith A. Mahr-Edmunds/C’10 July 29, 2017

1

2/Jillian Driscoll/C’08 and husband Patrick Mason Driscoll Thumm July 15, 2016 3/Dave Marinelli/C’04 and wife Kristen Gabriella Valentina Marinelli May 22, 2015 2

4/Madeleine Stross/C’14 Bradley Timothy Stross Rohrbach June 25, 2016 5/ PICTURED L TO R Kathleen Rossetti Plumb/ C’09 and Robert Plumb/C’09 Jackson Plumb May 13, 2016 3

Melanie Schwer Betz/C’09 Lucca Betz February 1, 2016 Mallory Longfield Kymingham/C’09 and Jason Kymingham/C’11 Jacob Kymingham November 14, 2015

4

Brianna Gauthier Griffin/C’09 John Griffin IV August 7, 2015

CHILE TRIP 2018 Explore Easter Island and Santiago OCTOBER 5-15, 2018 TENTATIVE TRIP ITINERARY Led by Diana Rodriguez-Lozano, Ph.D., associate professor, department of foreign languages and literature October 5-6 Depart U.S. (overnight flight) / Arrive in Santiago / Free afternoon October 7 Isla Negra excursion, Pablo Neruda’s home October 8-10 Depart Santiago / Easter Island excursion October 11 Depart Easter Island / Arrive in Santiago October 12 Free day / Optional excursion to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso October 13 Wine tour at Santa Rita Winery / Farewell dinner, show and regional dancing at Bali Bali October 14 City tour / Visit to Los Dominicos / Depart Chile (overnight flight) October 15 Arrive in U.S.

TRIP PRICES Estimated price: $2,600* Estimated airfare from U.S.: $1,000 *Price includes all excursions, breakfasts, Marriott Hotel in Santiago for 6 nights, transfers to hotel and airport, cultural activities and round trip airfare to Easter Island. Price does not include round trip International airfare from U.S. to Chile, tips, meals and optional excursion.

DEADLINES November 15, 2017 Application and non-refundable $500 deposit January 15, 2018 First payment, $1,500 March 15, 2018 Final payment, remaining balance

LEARN MORE For application, final price, itinerary and inquiries, email lozano@msmary.edu

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DATES TO REMEMBER

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017

Fall NAA Meeting

Join the National Alumni Association for their biannual meeting.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2017

The Inauguration of Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. The ceremony celebrates the formal installation of the 26th president of the university.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017

Fall Mainstage Theatre Production

This semester’s production is Dead Man’s Cell Phone, written by Sarah Ruhl. When a woman answers a dead man’s cell phone in a café, she sets off on a journey and develops relationships with the man’s colleagues and family.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR A DAY AT THE MOUNT / EVENTS SPORTS TRIPS

12 DAY PILGRIMAGE to the Shrines of France

Hosted by Father Michael Barone and Lori Stewart, director of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

CREATE YOUR LEGACY… For the Moments that Define You as a Mountie.

Join the 1808 LEGACY SOCIETY

MARCH 5-16, 2018

Paris / Lisieux / Caen / Normandy / Bayeux / Mont St. Michel Chartres / Tours / Nevers / Paray le Monial / Ars / Lyon / Lourdes $3,699 from Washington, D.C. | Apply by October 15, 2017 LEARN MORE www.nsgrotto.org/europe-pilgrimages QUESTIONS? Contact Jessica Root at jroot@msmary.edu

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Catholic Clash

Cheer on the Mountaineers as they take on the Loyola University Maryland Greyhounds at home. Catholic Clash is a 173-year-old tradition.

JANUARY 27, 2018

Homecoming Weekend

Mingle with alumni at the annual homecoming social, cheer on men’s and women’s basketball teams in Knott Arena and congratulate inductees of the Athletic Hall of Fame at this favorite Mount event.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018

LET’S STAY IN TOUCH! Update your alumni profile, search fellow classmates, register for events and more by logging into alumni.msmary.edu.

Spring NAA Meeting

Join the National Alumni Association for their biannual meeting.

JUNE 1-3, 2018

Reunion Weekend

Graduating classes ending in “3” and “8” are encouraged to return to their mountain home. Reunite with old friends and enjoy a round of golf, live music, hiking in the Catoctin Mountains and the annual festival.

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

GETTYSBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 28

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COOKING UP MOUNT PRIDE Did you know dozens of Mounties have pursued careers in the restaurant industry? Get a taste of alumni-owned eateries on p. 24.

How do you log in?

REGISTRATION OR TICKETS may be required for some events. For event details and to view the full calendar of events visit www.msmary.edu/calendar.

Your Mount alum ID is listed on the address block of your magazine mailing label.

If you and your spouse are both Mounties, only one ID number is listed. Request the second by calling 301-447-5362 or emailing alumni@msmary.edu

Larry Peterson, C’61 Following graduation from Mount St. Mary’s University in 1961, Larry Peterson pursued a career in finance; first, as a certified public accountant in Washington, D.C., and later as the chief financial officer of Lutheran Hospital of Maryland. He also worked with companies such as Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., and eventually became the vice president for finance at Tulane University. Upon leaving Tulane, Peterson started a consulting business that focused on strategic planning for health and higher education clients.

Because of his career success, Peterson never forgot the Mount.

He credits much of his professional success to the education he received from his alma mater.

“The accounting classes got me through the CPA exam. Some of my electives even gave me a love of history and science that I enjoy to this day,” he says.

In addition to academics, Peterson explains that the incredible, close-knit community at the Mount is one of the attributes that inspire him to give.

“There is a big advantage in small universities. I have former classmates, now life-long friends, which I still meet for coffee. You can only gain that at the Mount, and that is why I continue to love it so much.”

An estate gift to Mount St. Mary’s University is easy to arrange, will not alter your current lifestyle in any way and can easily be modified to address your changing needs. You are invited to join Larry Peterson, C’61, in caring for the Mount now and in the future.

Contact us to learn more.

Patrick McAuliffe Jr., C’81, MBA’84, director of gift planning 301-447-5435 or mcauliffe@msmary.edu

FOR YOU. FOR THE MOUNT. FOREVER. 5 6

MOUNT MAGAZINE FALL 2017

FALL 2017 MOUNT MAGAZINE

57

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

GETTYSBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 28

16300 OLD EMMITSBURG ROAD EMMITSBURG, MD 21727

COOKING UP MOUNT PRIDE Did you know dozens of Mounties have pursued careers in the restaurant industry? Get a taste of alumni-owned eateries on p. 24.

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MOUNT MAGAZINE FALL 2017