Mount Mercy Magazine: Spring/Summer 2020

THE MAGA ZINE OF MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSIT Y | CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

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EMBEDDED IN OUR CITY Students and alumni understand the value of working and serving others within Cedar Rapids—our city. The Mercy tradition carries with it rooted connections, lasting relationships, and a sense of community.

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MEET OUR NEW PRESIDENT DR. ROBERT BEATTY Spring/Summer 2020

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Sister Linda A. Bechen ’74 leads the Office of Campus Ministry, collaborates with Mount Mercy’s faculty and staff to foster the university’s mission and identity, and works to infuse and integrate the vision of the founding Sisters of Mercy into all aspects of campus life and ministry. Prior to MMU, Sister Linda ministered as the parish life coordinator at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Anamosa, Iowa, and the North Linn Catholic Cluster. She has also ministered in several Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa parishes as a pastoral associate and educator.

Sister Linda A. Bechen ’74 Vice President for Mission & Ministry

1 Welcome to her office.

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The collage of three saints—Mary of Magdala, Teresa of Avila, and Elizabeth Ann Seton—have a distinct role in the development of the Catholic church. After saving these pictures from various magazines, Sister Linda’s friend framed the collage, which makes this piece not only a reminder of the saints but also a reminder of their friendship.

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An imagination quote is significant, as it symbolizes the combination of the passion of the heart with the possibilities of the mind. To actualize anything in life, you have to have both. Despite being in the present, this quote reminds Sister Linda of the future and what it could be.

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The Suscipe of Catherine McAuley was a cross-stitched gift by her cousin for her 25th jubilee in the Chapel of Mercy. It is Catherine’s prayer, which raises herself and her needs to her God. It helps Sister Linda raise her own heart to God every day, and she has used particular lines in her own prayer, such as “Take from my heart all painful anxiety,” and "Grant me acceptance of your plan.”

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The fiddler’s house painting encourages Sister Linda to live an animated and joyful life. “People easily miss the life, energy, and love that is part of our life,” she said. "This joyful presence is hopefully how I am perceived by others. By being this, I also invite others to be animating agents of all around them."

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A saying reminds her to whom she belongs and her purpose on earth. Whatever she does, whatever decisions she makes, and whomever she engages with is in God. Doing so gives her consolation.

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This picture summarizes all elements of Sister Linda’s Mercy life— Catherine McAuley, the rosary, the cross, and the teacup. On her deathbed, Catherine McAuley said, “Remember to have a comfortable cup of tea when I am gone.”

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 8 | EMBEDDED IN OUR CITY While their paths to Mount Mercy vary, four alums have established careers, families, and relationships—all while calling the Corridor “home.”

17 | A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUTH, BARRY DOE ’20 Barry volunteers his time working with children in Cedar Rapids.

The impact Barry has on the kids—and the kids’ impact on Barry—is a two-way street.

22 | HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL From experiential learning in Paris, to a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Hill is buzzing with opportunities rooted in service, knowledge, and excellence.

36 | STAYING CONNECTED Check out 10 ways to get involved—wherever you are! Mark your calendars for upcoming events, including Homecoming & Alumni Weekend.

39 | CLASS NOTES See what fellow classmates and other members of the Mount Mercy alumni community are up to, and help them celebrate personal and professional accomplishments.

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Mount Mercy Magazine is published

by Mount Mercy’s Office of Marketing & Communications.

CONTRIBUTORS

Caroline Groesbeck ’21 | Recruitment Marketing Coordinator Jamie Jones | Director of Marketing & Communications Morgan Ortmann ’17 | Assistant Director for Alumni Relations Madelyn Orton ’20 | Writer/Content Strategist Maximilian Rieger ’20 | Marketing Intern Krystal Schatzle | Senior Graphic Designer Jada Veasey ’21 | Content Intern Peter Werning | Digital Marketing Specialist

OFFICERS OF THE INSTITUTION

Dr. Robert Beatty | President Sister Linda Bechen ’74 | Vice President for Mission & Ministry Anne Gillespie | Vice President for Business & Finance Brenda Haefner ’96 | Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations Nate Klein ’07 | Vice President for Student Success Tim Laurent | Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Charles Rohde | Chair, Board of Trustees

CONTACT INFORMATION

Mount Mercy University | 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 319-363-8213 | mtmercy.edu | magazine@mtmercy.edu

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER. When we first started working on this issue of the Mount Mercy Magazine, students were wrapping up finals, making plans for winter break, and preparing for J-Term trips. Faculty and staff were finalizing grades and projects, enjoying hors d’oeuvres at the holiday party, and setting up for Market at the Mount.

We, like you, have experienced great change since that time. But the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us—even more so—that “town and gown” has a deeper meaning here in Cedar Rapids. We are truly connected, embedded in our wonderful city.

Our nursing alumni are working on the front lines at Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint-St. Luke’s. Our Master of Business Administration and Master of Strategic Leadership alumni are leading their teams and employers through disruptions like we’ve never seen before. Marriage and family therapy alumni and our Olson Clinic are offering counseling to so many during this time of fear and anxiety. And our alumni in education and social work helped students transition to online learning and stay mentally active, engaged, and healthy.

We lift up in spirit and prayer everyone who has been affected, lost loved ones, or who has loved ones struggling with COVID-19. These are truly unprecedented times, and we recognize your strength.

We’re so grateful for our compassionate alumni, students, faculty and staff, Board of Trustees, and friends who have said, “We’re in this together.” And we appreciate the extremely valuable community partnerships—from Linn County Public Health’s continued guidance to Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint-St. Luke’s to all the Cedar Rapids employers and organizations you’ll read about in this issue. Embedded in this vibrant city is the willingness to work together and make town and gown always better.

Finally, it’s been my honor to serve as your president and the president of Mount Mercy for six years. The institution will be in tremendously good hands with Dr. Robert (Bob) Beatty’s entrepreneurial and progressive leadership, and we welcome he and his wife Raynette back to Cedar Rapids. (See page 22!)

Best wishes to all of you, and thank you for the many incredible memories.

With Mercy and deep gratitude,

Laurie Hamen, JD #MADEBYMERCY MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE

The entire Mount Mercy coMMUnity would like to thank and congratulate Laurie on an incredible six years of service.

We wish you all the best!

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EMBEDDED IN OUR CITY

EMBEDDED IN OUR CITY

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MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSITY mtmercy.edu |

MASTER’S PROGRAMS MAEd | Master of Arts in Education MFT | Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy MBA | Master of Business Administration MSN | Master of Science in Nursing MSL | Master of Strategic Leadership

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS DNP | Doctor of Nursing Practice PhD in MFT | Marriage & Family Therapy On-campus, online, and hybrid options

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ANDJELA CALASAN ’19 BBA | Management: International Management Producer Coordinator, Construction Specialty Group, TrueNorth Companies

From Serbia to Arizona to Cedar Rapids, Andjela Calasan ’19 found that Cedar Rapids was a great city to start her professional career.

“I knew MMU was the place for me once I arrived and realized how nice and welcoming everyone is. They made my transition seamless,” said Calasan.

Calasan came to Scottsdale, Arizona, as part of an exchange program her senior year of high school.

While she missed home, she was very grateful for her host family.

“They welcomed me like they knew me for years,” she said. “I believe they’re one of the reasons I ended up staying here and liking the American lifestyle.”

“I’m not sure how I found MMU, but I somehow connected with the women’s soccer coach and talked to her about possible scholarships,” said Calasan. “She was amazing and connected me with Amir Hadzic ’05, ’10 MBA, director of international recruitment and head men's soccer coach.”

Calasan and Hadzic formed a close bond soon after getting to know his background.

“Amir was born in Bosnia and, since we both came from the former Yugoslavia, we connected really well,” said Calasan.

“He told me there was a great program for international students and that I would enjoy the experience.”

Growing up, Calasan was exposed to her family’s business and really enjoyed it. That led to her majoring in marketing and international management. Throughout her four years at Mount Mercy, Calasan was involved in Enactus, a student business club on campus, which allowed her to make professional connections.

The summer before her senior year, Calasan landed a marketing internship with TrueNorth, an insurance company in downtown Cedar Rapids. She stayed with the marketing department after the summer was over and then transferred to the risk management division, working with the construction specialty group.

“TrueNorth was amazing in providing me the opportunity to learn about other departments within the company and try something new,” said Calasan. “They made it fun, challenging, and interesting.”

Before Calasan graduated, TrueNorth offered her a full-time position as producer coordinator in the construction group.

She credits internships as a great way to prepare students for the professional world, especially since TrueNorth is still her employer.

Her host family grew up in Des Moines, and both parents went to the University of Calasan is glad she stayed in Cedar Rapids because she’s now Iowa. They endorsed Iowa when it came able to build on the connections she made while in school. time to choose a college because of the state’s reputation for high quality “Working for TrueNorth has been so enjoyable,” said Calasan.

“It stuck out to me because of the way they treat their education and the opportunity to experience a different part of the U.S. employees. They promote and invest so much in young talent.”

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EMBEDDED IN OUR CITY

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WYATT O’CONNOR ’19 BS | Mathematics & Secondary Education Math Teacher, Springville High School

With around 100 students entering his classroom each day, Wyatt O’Connor ’19 realizes the impact he can have beyond just teaching the numbers.

“In general, one of the most important things for teachers to do is to develop a relationship of trust with their students,” said O’Connor. “This helps students know that I’m not trying to make their lives more difficult.

I give the rationale as to why we’re doing what we’re doing, which helps create more of that relationship with the students.”

Seeing growth in his students is most important to O’Connor.

“Since math isn’t most people’s cup of tea, it can be difficult for students, but every day I get to see the students learn. I love seeing it ‘click’ when they really get something.”

O’Connor built great relationships with his math professors at Mount Mercy and looks to be a similar resource for his own students—as he’s now the one standing in front of the classroom. “When a student comes to me and is excited about getting their license or asking for help with their first job application or college scholarship essay, it is particularly meaningful since it shows the students value my input,” he explained.

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EMBEDDED IN OUR CITY

Despite having to juggle the care of four kids, fulltime jobs, and all their other activities, Tyson ’19 and Jesse Branscomb ’19 graduated from Mount Mercy with degrees in health care administration and RN–BSN, respectively.

Tyson came to MMU from Kirkwood Community College, seamlessly transferring his credits between the two schools.

“Advisors from both schools worked well together, making sure that I was staying on track with classes that not only transferred between schools, but were also directed toward my eventual degree,” said Tyson.

Jesse had always planned on pursuing her RN–BSN, but between pregnancies, work, and time constraints it was challenging to find a program that worked with her busy schedule—not against it.

“Tyson and I had been talking for a while about how much he was enjoying the program and how helpful everyone was,” said Jesse. “I received an email one day from MMU about the accelerated program and that there were only a few days left to register for classes, so I went for it. Now the rest is history.”

Jesse enrolled in the online RN–BSN program, and suddenly the couple was on their ideal degree path. Even though both parents were enrolled in two different programs at the same time, none of their classes overlapped.

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TYSON BRANSCOMB ’19 BS | Health Care Administration Director of Dietary & Activity Services, Solon Retirement Village

JESSE BRANSCOMB ’19 RN–BSN RN, UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s, Labor & Delivery

“I can’t say how amazing the accelerated online program was!

It allowed me to stay home with our children, attend all their activities, and work a weekend package—all while completing my degree,” said Jesse.

“The flexibility of MMU’s program was key to our success,” added Tyson.

“We were both adults returning to school in our early 30s who are also working to raise our four children.”

After graduating, Tyson continued his work at a long-term care facility in the couple’s hometown of Solon, Iowa. Jesse, now in a master’s program, plans to enroll in MMU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2021.

While neither graduate’s career changed directly after graduation, the couple has high hopes for the future.

“My role at work hasn’t changed since graduating with my BSN, but I feel I’m more aware of how I interact with students, new grad employees, and management,” said Jesse. “I have also joined new committees at work seeking new ways to improve patient satisfaction and care.”

Tyson plans to enroll in MMU’s MBA program to make him more marketable in the health care industry.

“My biggest piece of advice to anyone who is thinking about starting at MMU is just do it! I wish I wouldn’t have waited as long as I did to enroll,” said Tyson. “Although juggling a family, career, and school can be challenging, the flexibility of the programs and support from all of the MMU staff made it a reality for both of us.”

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IN CLASS

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Management students are seeing first-hand how their field is tied to one of the Sisters of Mercy’s Critical Concerns: Earth.

Offered every spring, the Corporate Social Responsibility class explores the fundamental psychological, cultural, ethical, and economic sustainability issues that impact global stakeholders. Students examine sustainable business models and how to create a more sustainable workforce—plus visit two local sustainable businesses, Frontier Co-op and New Pioneer Food Co-op.

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ALUMNI REFLECT ON CLASS

“I was taught how to identify harmful and toxic substances for avoidance. Now I can select the proper products in the real world and make positive environmental impacts one step at a time. I enjoyed the lessons and readings thoroughly, and I will continue to pursue more responsibly-produced products and encourage others to do so as well—in order to create a healthy and better world.”

—Eunice Njue ’15 MSN

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PROFILE

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BARRY DOE ’20

BA | COMMUNICATIONS

You’ve worked at Four Oaks, the Jane Boyd Community House, and Mount Mercy’s JumpStart program—how have these experiences brought you closer to the community?

When I started working at Jane Boyd, a lot of the kids there reminded me of my little brothers back home or my nieces and nephews, and some of the kids reminded me of myself when I was younger. With that and JumpStart, I just know what a lot of the kids go through or are going through. They’re a lot like me when I was growing up.

What did you gain by being involved with JumpStart?

You meet a lot of parents, speakers, and kids through JumpStart. It’s a warm feeling seeing people in the community, but now that you know them they see that you’re a good person.

JumpStart also improved my networking skills. I learned that once the initial communication is done, don’t stop there. Check up on people. A lot of the parents I talked to gave me job opportunities after graduation that I never would have thought of before JumpStart.

What experience impacted you the most?

We were with the kids at Jane Boyd all day during the summer. For a lot of them, that’s the highlight of their day, and they go home to nothing. I really had to up my activity level and really talk to the kids—because it’s all they have.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself being kind of what Jason Pershing ’04, JumpStart program director and assistant athletic director, is right now. He balances a lot of jobs, but he’s a big part of whatever committee he’s involved in. I feel like whatever job I have, I’ll enjoy that job, but my most important goal is to be a figure in the community and look out for kids.

Before JumpStart, I never would have thought about staying in Cedar Rapids. I felt like there was nothing here for me, but there’s actually a lot of opportunities. So, now it has become a possibility to stay in Cedar Rapids.

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PROFILE

DANIELLE MONTHEI ’19 MBA Danielle Monthei ’19 MBA used her degree to boost her confidence while job searching and in her current role at Van Meter.

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How long have you been in Cedar Rapids, and how did you hear about Mount Mercy?

What advice do you have for working professionals who want to get an advanced degree?

I’ve been working in Cedar Rapids since 2015. I heard about Mount Mercy through our employer tuition discount benefit!

My biggest draw to Mount Mercy was the family atmosphere within a bigger university. I loved how connected the staff was with their students.

My advice is to make it relevant. When I was assigned projects in class, I asked leaders at Van Meter what I could do within the business that would align with the assignment. Not only was I completing an assignment, but I was working through real-life business problems.

How did your MBA impact your career at Van Meter?

How do you stay motivated to push for change in your role?

I was able to take specific objectives and apply them to my most recent promotion to continuous improvement specialist.

I felt more confident during the interview process and first initial days on the job because of the knowledge and support I received in the MBA program.

I value feedback and will ask key leaders for feedback. For me, staying motivated to push for change comes from passion. I am very passionate about improving things around me and pushing other people to be successful.

Anything else to add?

Find your passion and what fills your cup every day. I leave work happy knowing I supported everyone as best as I could— that’s what pushes me to come back with passion day after day.

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PROFILE

ANGELA MCKINNEY ’19 BA | SOCIAL WORK

After moving to Cedar Rapids from Chicago in 2014, Angela McKinney ’19 went on to earn an associate’s degree from Kirkwood and a bachelor’s degree from Mount Mercy—while working for the Jane Boyd Community House in an after-school program.

“The after-school program was a safe place for children who lived in the Wellington Heights/Oakhill-Jackson Community to go after school,” said McKinney. “In 2017, five hours a week were cut from programming. That’s when I decided I would return to school to complete my bachelor’s degree.”

McKinney wanted to open more opportunities for herself, so she enrolled at Mount Mercy. The social work program began to prepare her for both the professional community and graduate school. When interviewing for graduate school placement, she found that many of the assignments and projects she completed at MMU were brought up and discussed.

“My field placement impacted my career goal through the program structure and how the Transitional Housing Program works with women as a whole (health, finances, wellness, connections to the community) to help women gain their independence and lead a meaningful life,” said McKinney.

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Her two field placements—at Tanager Place and the Catherine McAuley Center—also connected her with local professionals, while challenging her to learn and do more.

“My children enjoy it here, and the opportunities are endless,” said McKinney. “I’ve developed connections to the community through my work with Jane Boyd and my MMU education. Cedar Rapids is a resource rich city. I feel the local agencies have a common goal: to help people build a stronger foundation. This is why I want to give back to the Cedar Rapids community.”

McKinney is now a case manager for Catherine McAuley Center’s Transitional Housing Program, which works with unaccompanied women who are homeless as a result of substance abuse, domestic violence, or mental illness. This opportunity was opened to her after a conversation with the program manager. They discussed what would be best for her career goals, and McKinney began as full-time in June 2019.

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HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL

READ MORE ABOUT DR. BEATTY mtmercy.edu/president Dr. Beatty and wife Raynette with their two Bernese mountain dogs, Piper and Sonsie MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE

MEET OUR NEW PRESIDENT DR. ROBERT BEATTY Dr. Robert (Bob) Beatty joins the Mount Mercy community on July 1 as our university’s 10th president. A Cedar Rapids native, Dr. Beatty most recently served as dean of the Soules College of Business and F.M. and Fannie Burke Professor of Computer Science at the University of Texas at Tyler. Welcome to the Hill, Dr. Beatty!

What drew you to Mount Mercy?

It has been my lifelong career aspiration to one day be a part of a vibrant, distinctive, and transformative learning community whose rich traditions and enduring values ensure graduates have the confidence, character, and knowledge to have a positive and profound impact in today’s complex global society.

I believe students come to Mount Mercy because they know they will be a part of a nurturing, welcoming, diverse, and supportive campus climate where they will be encouraged to explore, examine, and reaffirm their values and beliefs throughout their educational and social journey. The dedicated faculty and staff have always had a well-earned reputation for being passionate teachers, caring mentors, and dedicated life advisors—both in and out of the classroom.

I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to join this special community and am honored and humbled to have been selected by the Mount Mercy family to help build on the university’s solid foundation of academic excellence and service to others.

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HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL

What are your favorite ways to serve and give back?

I am blessed to have been raised in a family that values the importance of helping people in need and have been privileged to work with some incredibly kind and thoughtful individuals in organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Junior Achievement, and the Uncommon Friends Foundation. I have also been invited to serve on numerous community foundations, economic development boards, and chamber of commerce committees.

It is these experiences collaborating with people to benefit society and humanity that have helped guide my approach to servant leadership. I make every effort to develop and cultivate a positive, respectful, and collegial organizational culture where people enjoy coming to work because they know they will be empowered and encouraged to use their unique gifts and talents to help the university achieve its vision, mission, and priorities. I believe this leadership approach promotes an organizational ethos that values candid and professional dialog that ensures positive, impactful, and long-lasting improvements to the organization’s current and future educational and organizational landscape.

What excites you most about moving back to Cedar Rapids?

I am excited about the opportunity to be back in a town that holds a very special place in my heart. While I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel all over the United States, I have truly missed living in a city that embodies

what is great about living in the Midwest—the people.

My wife and I look forward to moving back to a place where: people value a honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, your name and your reputation are your most prized possessions, a firm handshake and a warm smile is how you greet people, and generosity and friendliness are simply a way of life.

Besides, where else can you find Sykora’s delicious kolaches, Maid-Rite’s traditional loose meat sandwiches, and some of the most delectable pork tenderloin sandwiches in the world? Only in my hometown of Cedar Rapids.

Tell us about your vision, goals, and ideas for Mount Mercy.

I will rely on Mount Mercy’s institutional foundation as a starting point to begin having candid and thoughtful discussions with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members about the future of the university. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the members of the Mount Mercy family to plan and implement impactful institutional priorities that will build on the university’s reputation for educational excellence while seamlessly exploring pioneering and innovative initiatives aimed at differentiating the university in an increasingly competitive educational marketplace. My goal in this process will be to encourage and empower my colleagues to reimagine opportunities where the university can take bold strides to redefine the private university educational model in the 21st century.

"I think what I will love most about returning to my hometown can be best summed up by a retired English teacher, Ms. Charlotte Best, who emphatically stated, 'Midwesterners are helpers. When there is trouble, they will come a running with a snow shovel, a chainsaw, a casserole, or a checkbook.'"

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What’s a quote or piece of advice you live by?

My parents instilled in me at a very young age the importance of being a person of integrity.

While I have read countless descriptions and definitions of what it means to be a person of integrity, I believe the best quote I have read is from an unknown author and appears in various inspirational publications. It states: The highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity. Choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over popularity ... these are the choices that measure your life. Travel the path of integrity without looking back, for there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.

What’s something others might not know about you?

I am an “entrepreneur wannabe.” While I have spent the better part of my life working with visionary, imaginative, and forward-thinking risk-takers to help them transform their dreams into prosperous realities, I simply have never been willing to “roll the dice” and take a chance on any of my ideas. I have been content to work closely with inventors, scientists, mentors, lawyers, fabricators, business planners, investors, and other serial entrepreneurs to create spaces and environments that will support entrepreneurship. I have enjoyed partnering with experienced entrepreneurs to develop and implement professional and academic initiatives targeted at helping the next generation of innovators get their ideas off the ground.

If you have the next great idea, give me a call.

Daughter Shelby and husband Adam

Son Sean and wife Shannon

HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL

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MUSTANGS STUDY LITERATURE IN THE CITY OF LIGHT Almost 100 years after the literary greats of the modernist period fled to Paris, Mount Mercy students traveled there to follow in their footsteps.

Students spent the first week of the J-Term class reading and studying expatriate writers and artists, such as Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and Langston Hughes.

The class went on walking tours of Hemingway’s path, the Left Bank, and the Montparnasse Quarter, home to Josephine Baker Square.

Once in Paris, the class visited the cafés, writing studios, and homes of the authors they read about.

Students also got a chance to explore well-known monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre Museum, as well as the Picasso Museum and the Musee d’Orsay.

“A student can read a piece of literature off a page and learn from it, but a student who is immersed in the culture that piece of literature engages with gets so many additional inputs—history, geography, architecture, art, food, and what Paris feels like in the wintertime,” said Joy Ochs, professor of English.

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BSN PROGRAM OFFERS EARLY ADMISSION FOR INCOMING FRESHMEN Mount Mercy will offer early Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) admission for incoming freshmen, starting in Fall 2020.

If a high school student has a minimum ACT score of 25, a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and meets all existing admission criteria, a place will be saved for them in the esteemed 88-spot nursing program.

The nursing program on the Hill is one of the longest-established and most recognized nursing programs in the state. “Early admission into the nursing program will not only be attractive to high achieving high school students, but aid in reducing attrition rates at Mount Mercy,� said Dr. Kim Bro, assistant professor of nursing and BSN chair.

According to Bro, several high school students have already taken advantage of this opportunity.

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BLACK STUDENT UNION LAUNCHES MLK DAY OF SERVICE To celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Mount Mercy will host a campus-wide community service day on MLK Day, beginning January 2021.

“We wanted to do something more to celebrate and appreciate Martin Luther King and uphold his wishes to serve others,” said Orlando Clark ’20, past president of Mount Mercy’s Black Student Union.

Students and faculty in J-Term classes will have the opportunity to volunteer on this day. Professors will be encouraged to incorporate this day of volunteerism within their classes.

“I want the professors to work with students to be able and go out and do something charitable in honor of King,” said Clark.

Other members of the Mount Mercy community not involved with a J-Term course will also have the opportunity to serve on this day.

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HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL

SOCIAL WORK PROFESSOR GARNERS NATIONAL MEDIA ATTENTION Her research focuses primarily on the opioid epidemic’s impact on parents and their children.

Dr. April Dirks, professor of social work, received national attention from NPR and CBS for her work on the opioid epidemic.

“NPR wanted my interpretation of federal data that was not yet released, and wanted to see what I thought of the data,” said Dirks.

Dirks was also approached by CBS News to offer her professional critique of data.

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Dirks will be taking a sabbatical in Fall 2020 to continue her research on the correlation between the opioid epidemic and the increased number of children in the foster care system. She plans to focus on parents who have lost custody of their children due to an opioid addiction.

“There is a crisis in the foster care system,” said Dirks. “If we can learn from the parents, then we can help reduce the numbers in the foster care system.”

CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS GALLOP TO THE RECORD BOOK The women’s cross country team and individual men’s cross country qualifier Jacob Blackmon ’20 competed at the 2019 NAIA Cross Country Championships in Vancouver, Washington, this past fall.

Vanessa Cortes ’20, Emily Erickson ’22, and Andrea Ertz ’19, ’22 MBA placed in the top 100 with Kelsi Huhndorf ’22, Jessica Ertz ’20, Hallie Kephart ’23, and Mady Roth ’20 helping the team to a 21st place finish—the highest team finish ever at the national level.

Blackmon was a top 200 finisher out of 335 runners in the men’s 8k race. He ran almost two minutes faster than he did at the 2017 national championships.

WOMEN’S BOWLING HAS BEST SEASON IN SCHOOL HISTORY The Mount Mercy women’s bowling team saw their best season in school history before their season was cut short due to COVID-19.

Ayra Nur Jehan Aminuddin ’23 was named Rookie of the Year and NCBCA First Team All-American while Cassidy Courey ’21 and Sydney Urben ’22 received honorable mention. Head coach Andy Diercks was named Women’s Coach of the Year.

The Mustangs finished the season ranked second in the nation.

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RETIRING FACULTY SHARE MEMORABLE MOMENTS This year, as in year’s past, we recognize our retiring faculty for their years of service to our students and community. Thank you for your valuable contributions to Mount Mercy!

DR. MOHAMMAD CHAICHIAN | SOCIOLOGY “My most memorable moment at Mount Mercy goes back to the summer of 1994, when I visited campus for a job interview. One of the people I was scheduled to meet was the late Dr. Robert (Bob) McMaster, who was the director of faculty development and long-time faculty member. We met in Warde Hall, and he came out of the first-floor elevator in a wheelchair to greet me. He was a bright, witty, and genuinely caring individual, who made every effort to make our 30-minute interview stress-free and enjoyable.

Later during that day, I learned from others that he had taught philosophy, but his Parkinson’s disease advanced to a point that it was difficult for him to teach. So MMU reassigned him to this new position. Not only was I impressed by his mild manner and easy-going personality, but also with the administration’s compassionate approach to his situation. When I was offered the job, my memorable meeting with Bob left no doubt in my mind that I should accept the position!

As faculty development director for many years until his retirement, Dr. McMaster continued to enlighten me and many other colleagues in so many ways, such as leading the popular weekly Lunch & Learning series on campus. He has left us, but his memory lives on!”

DR. JAN ROHNER | EDUCATION “One of the best aspects of teaching at Mount Mercy is the four-year journey you take with each student—meeting and teaching students as freshmen, then the early experiences of sophomore classes like Children’s Literature, then the junior-level reading methods classes with intense work in the field, and finally, student teaching, interviewing, and being hired. Along the way you watch them grow and develop as a person and as a professional—wow, what a gift. I really enjoy seeing our graduates in area schools when I visit.”

DR. ELLEN WARRINGTON | EDUCATION “The best feeling a faculty member can have is when students who have struggled financially, academically, or personally complete their degree at Mount Mercy and then blossom into amazing professionals! I’ve seen numerous students during my tenure in the education department who have worked very hard to attain their degrees; they kept pushing when they could have given up because of the struggles. Now they’re teachers and have had such a positive impact on their students. It gives such joy to me when students go beyond even their own dreams or expectations!”

SGA LEADERSHIP AWARD NAMED AFTER BRANDT WORLEY The Student Government Association (SGA) has named its top leadership award after Brandt Worley, the former chair of Mount Mercy’s Board of Trustees.

“We would like to thank and recognize Brandt for his leadership over the last several years to engage students with the board,” said Connor Christophersen ’20, 2018-19 SGA vice president. “His leadership in starting the Liaison Committee has given students and faculty the opportunity to meet with our board, share what we’re up to, and get feedback on ideas to improve our campus.”

The Brandt Worley Student Leadership Award will honor student leaders who have made a positive impact on Mount Mercy’s campus, like Worley has.

Worley, president of Worley Companies in Cedar Rapids, joined the board in 2002 and served as chair from 20122019. Charles Rohde, president of King’s Material in Cedar Rapids, is the current chair.

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HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL

ESSENTIAL PENDANTS FINDS SUCCESS WITH ENACTUS AND MARKET AT THE MOUNT In its sixth year, Market at the Mount welcomed over 1,400 customers and helped over 75 local vendors generate $23,000 in combined sales.

“I began wearing a little diffuser necklace to help me deal with some of the symptoms, and I was amazed at the benefits,” she said.

With its minimal vendor fee, ideal location, and consistent high attendance, Mount Mercy’s Enactus club serves as a catalyst in connecting local vendors to area consumers.

For Maree Bean and her business, Market at the Mount is one of their most profitable shows.

“The Enactus club has been an important factor in the growth of our family business,” said Maree, founder of Essential Pendants, located on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids.

Maree started Essential Pendants after she found success in using essential oils to combat her symptoms of Lyme disease.

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Maree and her aunt design, sculpt, hand paint, and kiln-fire all the oil diffuser jewelry. They sell their jewelry at vendor shows and on their website.

As a seasoned vendor of Market at the Mount, Essential Pendants also presented at Enactus’ vendor workshop to give customer service, advertising, sales, and display tips to other vendors.

“Enactus has amazed us with their excellent, out-of-thebox ideas that help local vendors move their businesses forward,” said Maree.

MOUNT MERCY WEBSITE GETS A NEW LOOK After nearly one year of work and planning, Mount Mercy’s website received a muchneeded redesign.

To make the new site more robust and accessible, over 10 years of content and over 7,000 pages were reviewed and condensed to under 500 pages.

“Our new site makes it easier for prospective students and families to find essential information, such as available majors, financial aid details, and application steps,” said Joe Slocum ’12, ’16 MBA, dean of admissions.

MMU’s marketing team partnered with two national vendors, who have significant experience in higher education web redesigns, back-end development, and web hosting environments.

The new site, launched in January, features an advanced program finder, updated photography and video capabilities, and is compliant with ADA accessibility guidelines. Additional enhancements will be rolled out in Phase II. The previous website was 10 years old, and according to Slocum, the maintenance and upkeep was becoming unmanageable.

“Our new site provides the platform to showcase the exceptional value of a Mount Mercy education,” said Slocum.

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STAYING CONNECTED

ALUMNI BOARD UPDATE Hello, fellow alumni: The Mount Mercy University Alumni Board meets twice a year to discuss ways to engage with alumni in the Corridor and beyond to continue moving Mount Mercy forward with our time, talent, and treasure.

With over 15,000 MMU alumni, we try to provide a variety of ways for all alumni to stay connected to the university—whether it’s been days or years since your last time on campus. Getting involved with Mount Mercy has never been easier, and there are many ways to reconnect with your alma mater. Here are a few of my favorites!

Share your MMU pride There are so many ways for you to share your MMU pride—wear your Mustang blue and gold, encourage students to visit and attend MMU, or follow Mount Mercy Alumni on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Connect with current students professionally Many of our current students (and recent graduates) are looking for internships, networking opportunities, and even mentors as they begin their professional careers— and connecting with a fellow Mount Mercy alum is a great way to get their career off to a great start! Send us an email at alumni@mtmercy.edu to learn more about how to help students and recent grads.

We hope to see you back for Homecoming & Alumni Weekend, September 25-27, to celebrate our alma mater and hear about university updates while enjoying free food, beverages, and events on campus! By offering your time, talent, and treasure in support of Mount Mercy, you make a huge impact on current and future students alike.

Go Mustangs!

Attend an event We host multiple events on campus, in the Corridor, and beyond throughout the year. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the details by checking our Facebook events—we’d love for you to join us!

Join the 1928 Club Join this giving society by making monthly gifts of at least $19.28 (in honor of our founding year) to the Mount Mercy Fund, which directly benefits our students through scholarship support, student resources, campus improvements, technology upgrades, and everything in between—and receive access to exclusive events at MMU through your participation! Learn more at mtmercy.edu/1928club.

Kathy Harriott ’87 President, Mount Mercy Alumni Board

Have a great idea—or just want to connect with your Alumni Board? Let us know! You can reach us at alumni@mtmercy.edu.

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MERCY THANK HAVE YOU MERCY TO GIVE OUR MERCY HAVE MERCY alumni | donors | students | faculty & staff

for showing your MMU spirit loud and proud and supporting our coMMUnity during #HaveMercyGiveMercy on May 1!

Ashley (Chambers) Besong ’15 MBA

Ashley was enrolled in the MBA graduate program while Clayton was enrolled in the MSL graduate program, and sometimes the two programs had an overlapping class. One class was International Business, led by Dr. Celina Peerman and Dr. Deb Oliver, which had a week-long trip to Belize where we got to know each other. We weren’t the only students on that trip that ended up meeting during the class and getting married (Brian & Lesley [Stomp] Mullan). That class trip was in January 2016.

Clayton Besong ’16 MSL

Fast forward to June 2017 when we reconnected in downtown Cedar Rapids and had our first official date on July 29, 2017. Two days later I accepted a job in Minneapolis, MN, and relocated on September 14. After many months of long-distance dating and international travels, we got engaged on August 8, 2018. We closed on a house on August 29, 2018, in the Twin Cities suburbs, got married on October 26, 2019, and the rest (or best) is yet to come!

2020 ALUMNI BOARD Kathy Harriott ’87 | President Dr. Susan O’Conner-Von ’76 Nick Timm ’14 | Vice President Amber Vranek O’Connor ’97 Mary Daehn ’86 | Secretary Lisa Lindmeier Roughley ’90 Peggy Bruns Detweiler ’92 | Past President Andy Small ’79 Patti Barnes ’79, ’11 MBA Shelby Sorensen ’18 Tony Dickinson ’02 Janet Teahen ’17 April Hageman ’08 Tricia Hoffman-Simanek ’98 Karen Woodhouse Jahlas ’84 Michael Kaduce ’09 Sara Kendall ’90 Marcel Kielkucki ’02 Katherine Kielkucki ’06 Tammy Clemenson Koolbeck ’86 Kellie J. Lala ’89 1970S 1930S Ron Maxa Jr. ’06, ’11 MBA John McDermott ’05 Lawrence Heese ’72 Mildred Ramer Keller JC ’39 Joan Kress McFarland ’92, ’16 MSN Mary Plueger Johnson ’73 Frank Lundon ’74 1940S Jerry Baird ’76 Inez Welsh JC ’41 Charles Karlan ’78 Marie Murray Simmons RN ’44 Marie Harrington Ludeke JC ’47 1980S Sister Elizabeth Derga AC ’49, ’60 Joyce Simpson Pruss ’80 James Murphy ’81 1950S Gary Leach ’85 JoAn Knight Herren JC ’52 Norma Fagan Leinen JC ’53 1990S Anna Thole Donlon JC ’53 Marie Costigan Riesenberg ’91 1960S 2000S Ann Casey ’61 Tami Sorenson Anderson ’05 Jeanne Slattery Nolte ’69 Randall Hixson ’06

IN MEMORIAM

AC = Academy CM = Commercial School JC = Junior College RN = Mercy Hospital School of Nursing

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STAYING CONNECTED

TOP 10 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WHEREVER YOU ARE! 1 | Mentor a student 2 | Refer a student 3 | Nominate someone

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8 | Wear blue and gold 9 | Share your story and takeover on the Alumni Instagram

10 | Serve on the Alumni Board

for an alumni award 4 | Support MMU financially 5 | Volunteer at MMU 6 | Attend events 7 | Be a guest lecturer/speaker

Visit mtmercy.edu/alumni for more information.

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All alumni and their families are invited back to campus to attend one of Mount Mercy’s favorite coMMUnity traditions on the Hill, Homecoming & Alumni Weekend!

This year, we especially look forward to celebrating our honored class reunions: Class of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015.

Stay up-to-date on Homecoming & Alumni Weekend information and events at mtmercy.edu/alumni-reunion.

Questions about planning your class reunion?

Morgan Ortmann ’17 Assistant Director for Alumni Relations mortmann@mtmercy.edu | 319-286-4405

CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES 1970s

1980s

1990s

Sister Vicky Arndorfer ’70 was

Maureen Dale Ernst ’80 retired as

Maria Chicchelly ’90 is the assistant

Greg Dickinson ’83 was part of

Bill Feldmann ’90 received the

named to the Board of Trustees for MercyOne in Centerville, IA.

Dave Heiar ’75 was inducted into the 2019 Iowa League of Cities Hall of Fame.

Kathy Drilling Jepson ’75 received the Iowa Talented and Gifted Association’s 2019 Distinguished Service Award.

Ed Lehner ’77 published his

second novel, The Awakening of Russell Henderson, and works for B-Frank Foundation, a non-profit in Durango, CO.

the director of All God’s Children Preschool and Childcare in Shueyville, IA. a two-man show at the Maquoketa Art Experience in Maquoketa, IA. Previously, he was part of a two-man show at Quad City Arts in Rock Island, IL.

Patrick Touhey ’85 is the head men’s

basketball coach at Niles High School in Niles, MI.

Tammy Clemenson Koolbeck ’86 was named board chair for the International Association of Venue Managers.

Tom Button ’79 is the division director of infection prevention at HCA MidAmerica Division in Overland Park, KS. He was also selected to the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Board.

vice president of patient care at Methodist Hospitals’ Northlake Campus in Gary, IN.

Volunteer of the Year Award from the Anamosa Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mary Ellen Oldham ’91 received the 2020 Business of the Year Award from the Anamosa Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly Langfitt Bell ’94 is a

boundary county supervisor at the North Idaho CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

Rochelle Mikulas ’96 is the

overnight crisis intervention specialist at CommUnity.

Angela Weber Schadler ’96 is an assistant professor of nursing at Mount Mercy University.

Kim Larson Venner ’97, of Tanager

Place, is a 2019 C-Suite Award honoree from the Corridor Business Journal.

Corey Brinkmeyer ’98 retired Seven friends from the 1986 nursing class vacationed together in Estes Park, CO, last fall. Featured in photo:

Brenda Anstoetter Ehlers, Lois Bentler-Lampe, Michele Cahalan Wolf, Ann Kelly Regan, Lee Klaus Patterson, Bev Langel Koehler, and Ann Peterson.

Barb Myers ’87 married Greg Francisco on June 15, 2019.

from coaching men’s soccer at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, IA after 20 years.

Andrea Pettyjohn Henley ’98 and

Jamie purchased Giving Tree Theater in Marion, IA.

Carole McAndrew Cigrand ’99 retired

after 21 years of working at the Western Dubuque Community School District.

Mark Hennessey ’88 is the director

of talent acquisition and workforce planning at Congruex Group LLC.

Patrick Burr ’89 is the director of

musical activities at Muscatine Community College in Muscatine, IA.

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STAYINGCLASS CONNECTED NOTES

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CLASS NOTES 2000s Michelle Rutten Johnson ’01 joined

Jessica Esch Schneider ’04 is the

(6) Emily Goedert Ruley ’07

Blake Mikesell ’01 is the director of

(2) Rikka Knoll Burroughs ’05

(7) Heather Swift Steele ’07 and

PIP Marketing, Signs, Print in Iowa City, IA.

maintenance and operations at Fargo Public Schools in Fargo, ND.

Tony Dickinson ’02 is the president at NCMIC Finance Corporation at NCMIC Group, Inc. in Clive, IA.

Chris McCarville ’02 is the president

of Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. Also, Chris and Erica had a baby boy, Cole Joseph, on January 13, 2020.

(1) Travis Wilson ’02 was selected for the Sports 40 Under 40 list by Coach & A.D. magazine and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association for 2019.

Travis Hergert ’03 is the minor league assistant pitching coordinator for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Alen Kudumovic ’03, ’18 MSL is

the head women’s soccer coach at Mount Mercy University.

director of marketing at DuTrac Community Credit Union.

published the article, “Bone Health Assessment in Men and Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: A Nurse Practitioner-led Quality Improvement Protocol,” in the November/December 2019 issue of the Urologic Nursing Journal.

Chad Hollmer ’08 is the head

men’s soccer coach at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.

Megan Schloemer Isenberg ’08 was

Cuevas on February 23, 2019.

Amir Hadzic ’05, ’10 MBA was named

Sarah Jencks Watson ’08 was a 2019

the 2019 MVC Division Coach of the Year for boys’ soccer at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, IA.

honoree in the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.

Rachel Worm ’05 married Sarang Deodhar on July 13, 2019.

Joshua had a baby boy, Jackson, in March 2019.

Lora Cook ’06 married Matt Schall

Erika Brighi ’09 was a 2019 honoree

on September 17, 2018.

(4) Ashley Kuennen Nost ’06 and

Matt had a baby girl, Indie Grace, on February 15, 2019.

Dr. Travis Peters ’06 is the visiting

assistant professor of mathematics at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in St. Joseph, MN.

Emily Kadlec ’04 married Marc Rood

(5) Alisa Newman Rusch ’06 and

on July 7, 2018.

Andrew had a baby girl, Audrey, on November 18, 2019.

a 2019 honoree in the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.

(3) Angie Carlton ’05 married Luis

of annual giving for the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

Jeff Schneider ’03 is the director

and Joe had a baby girl, Annie, on July 30, 2019.

(8) Chelsea Johnson Acree ’09 and

in the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.

(9) Michael Kaduce ’09 received the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians’ Education Service Award at the EMS World Expo in 2019.

Marcus had a baby girl, Sylvie Claire, on July 1, 2019.

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STAYING CONNECTED

CLASS NOTES 2010s Brian Heinemann ’10 is an editorial

page editor and special projects editor for The Republic in Columbus, IN. He is also part of The Republic’s Editorial Board.

outreach coordinator at Transitions Mental Health Services in Rock Island, IL.

(9) Mariah Kidd Mione ’17 and

David Mione ’17 had a baby boy, Benedict, on October 6, 2019.

Jamarco Clark ’18 MSL received

baby boy, Truett.

counselor at Foundation 2 in Cedar Rapids, IA.

the 2019 Distinguished Young Alumni Award from Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, IA.

Megan Munoz ’11, ’13 MSN launched

(6) Clayton Besong ’16 MSL married

(10) Ethan Ford ’18 married

26, 2019.

Mark Freed ’18 MSL and Kayla

(1) Lindsay Johnson ’10 MBA had a a website called Type2andYou for those living with Type 2 Diabetes, which includes a podcast.

(2) Nenad Simovic ’11, ’16 MBA and

Bernadine Milota ’15 is a crisis

Ashley Chambers ’15 MBA on October Mandy Smith Bieber ’16 is the

Kaitlyn Schumacher Simovic ’12 had a baby boy, Vesko, on October 4, 2019.

first-ever civilian communications supervisor for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office in Cedar Rapids, IA.

(3) Taylor Feltes Wolter ’12, ’16 MSL

Melissa Boyle ’16 married David

and Kevin had a baby girl, Vivian Noelle, on March 1, 2019.

(4) Becca Cuvelier Rausch ’13

Breuer on October 6, 2018.

(7) Kayleigh Gauger ’16 was

and Eric had a baby boy, Donald, on August 2, 2019.

promoted to lead recovery center counselor at Area Substance Abuse Council in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Jenny Kramer ’13 MAEd is an assistant

Michael Markham ’16 is an LMSW at

professor of education at Mount Mercy University.

(5) Samantha Smothers ’14 and

the Alli Center in Coralville, IA.

Melissa Looney Pence ’16 MSL

Kurt had a baby girl, Danielle Evelyn, on June 25, 2019.

is a region fundraising advisor at Amperage Marketing in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Linda Cosgrove Tumilty ’09, ’14 MBA

(8) Capria Davis ’17 is a solutions

retired from Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, after 23 years.

Ann Luensmann Davidshofer ’15 MSN is an assistant professor of nursing at Mount Mercy University.

Randah Espy ’15 married Finnian

O’Doherty on September 9, 2017.

Randah also owns a design business called Lola and Finn Paperie in Overland Park, KS.

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Alyssa Hartwig ’15 is the community

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manager with Verizon Wireless in Minneapolis, MN.

Leslie Hoffmann ’17 married Drew Schultz on September 27, 2019.

Goar Kempf-Heitlinger ’17 is a supply chain manager at FC Bayern Munich in Munich, Germany.

Mark Mettler ’17 is a licensed

funeral director for Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge, IA.

Heidi on September 28, 2019. had a baby boy, Eli Steven, on December 18, 2019.

(11) Alexis Freydenfelt ’18 joined the Mercy Volunteer Corps in New York City, NY.

Chris Higgins ’18 MSL was named

the 2019 MVC Division Coach of the Year for girls’ soccer at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Matheus Alonso ’19 is an associate at AlphaSights in New York, NY.

Cali Arbuckle ’19 is an RN at Mayo

Clinic on the surgical, trauma, and general care unit in Rochester, MN.

(12) Olivia Coe ’19 is an RN within the cardiac unit at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.

Jessica DeSotel ’19 is a senior

engineer project assistant at Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Melinda Jones ’19 is an imaging

services supervisor at UnityPoint Health–Jones Regional Medical Center.

(13) Logan Langer ’19 is an

insurance agent at GEICO in Cedar Rapids, IA.

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14 (14) Marisa Modlin ’19 is an RN at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, IA. Marisa was also inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.

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(15) Kathryn Vander Poel ’19 is a farm assistant

at Skyview Dairy in Bakersfield, CA.

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