Mount News Fall 2017

MOUNT NEWS MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY | FALL 2017

THE SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS Alumni attribute their experiences at the Mount as a key ingredient for fulfilling careers.

THE LEGACY GROWS Learn more about the Mount’s sharp growth following World War II, resulting in the need for a new 75-acre campus.

REMEMBERING THE REMARKABLE SISTER JEAN PATRICE HARRINGTON 1922-2017

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Mount Alumni, It’s our turn … and it’s our time!

The Sisters of Charity most certainly embraced that “carpe diem” moment in the years following World War II, when the Mount leveraged its growing enrollment and recognized the need to open a new campus (as told in this issue’s feature story, “The Legacy Grows”). Now, we stand at the precipice of another milestone that will define Mount St. Joseph University’s legacy for decades to come.

As I shared last spring and continue to discuss with supporters and advisors of the Mount, Transformation 2025—our new strategic vision—will embrace, augment, and amplify the Mount’s rigorous, holistic approach to continually improving our teaching capacity and effectiveness, and preparing students to meet the future as they devise creative, impactful solutions that serve communities. This new vision embraces critical dimensions for enhancements as we strive to provide students the learning experiences that produce their desired outcomes—jobs, graduate school placements, and enriched lives.

In the months ahead, as this vision evolves into a strategic plan, we will share more details regarding Transformation 2025, including ways all of you can get involved. Even the most enterprising and well-defined goals require the support of our dedicated Mount community. I am confident you will be pleased with the transformative roadmap we have begun to lay out for the many years ahead.

As we move closer to the University’s centennial celebration in 2020, we begin to recognize and appreciate more intensely the boundless wisdom, intelligence, and commitment of our Sisters of Charity. Perhaps no one exemplified these qualities better than the incredible Sister Jean Patrice Harrington, SC, ‘53, who graces this issue’s cover. An unforgettable influence to all who knew her, she inspired students, faculty, parents, alumni, the Cincinnati community, and beyond. Indeed, I was humbled by her presence when she attended my inauguration and—like the entire Mount community—I mourned her passing this past summer. To earn even a fraction of the success she earned while serving as Mount president would make me most fortunate.

To recount Sister Jean’s innumerable contributions and the lives she touched would be an impossible endeavor. I encourage you to share your memories with Mount News, at msj.edu/SisterJeanPatrice, for a future issue. For now, we can all take comfort knowing that we are blessed to have her as a guiding light that will forever define Mount St. Joseph University. Moreover, I think she would be pleased to know that we embrace fully the notion that it’s our turn and it’s our time, to move the Mount to the next level of excellence—to meet the challenges of the next 100 years and beyond!

Best regards, H. James Williams, Ph.D.

CONTENTS

Around the Quad

2

Faculty/Staff Report 24 Lion’s Corner

26

Alumni Updates 28 alumni profile 29 classnotes 30 passages 30

THE REMARKABLE SISTER JEAN PATRICE HARRINGTON 6 To reflect on Sister Jean’s life and her contributions is to be in awe of her business acumen, find inspiration in her courage, remember her faith-filled service, and smile at the stories.

PUBLISHED BY Division of Institutional Advancement Mount St. Joseph University 5701 Delhi Road Cincinnati, OH 45233-1670 msj.edu

MOUNT EDITORIAL TEAM Raye Allen Jeannette Bryson Tara Byrd Kathleen Scanlan Cardwell ’87 Amanda Gratsch ‘15 Greg Goldschmidt ’07 Trevor Griffith Emily Joyce Michelle Olmsted Mark Osborne Anya Rao Zach Silka Kara Gebhart Uhl

SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS 10 Meet eight young alumni who are already leading great careers, and who attribute their experiences at the Mount as the key ingredient for success.

DESIGNER Susie Jones Richmond ’97

MANAGING EDITOR Michael Schiavetta

THE LEGACY GROWS 18

CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITOR

From 1945–1965, the Mount experienced tremendous growth, resulting in a new, 11-building campus on 75 acres across from the Motherhouse. Learn more about this crucial era of the University’s history in our ongoing series.

Arlene Werts All photos by Don Denney unless otherwise noted. Historical photos are courtesy of the Sisters of Charity Archives. If you would like to contact a member of the editorial team, call 513-244-4330 or 800-654-9314. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please email alumni@msj.edu.

Cover photo: Sister Jean Patrice Harrington presidential portrait, courtesy of Blanken Photography.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Mount St. Joseph University (“the University”) is committed to providing an educational and employment environment free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other minority or protected status. This commitment extends to the University’s administration of its admission, financial aid, employment, and academic policies, as well as the University’s athletic programs and other University-administered programs, services, and activities.

The University has designated the chief compliance and risk officer, 513-244-4393, Office of the President, as the individual responsible for responding to inquiries, addressing complaints and coordinating compliance with its responsibilities under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and other applicable federal and state civil rights laws. The University has designated the director of Learning Center & Disabilities Services, 513-244-4524, as the individual responsible for responding to inquiries, addressing complaints and coordinating compliance with its responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

FALL 2017 • 1

AROUND THE QUAD

news

SHOWCASING CREATIVE WORKS OF YOUNG MINDS The walls of the Mount’s Studio San Giuseppe art gallery were filled with a parade of new art exhibitions completed by artists in grades 1-8, where they showcased their work from the Mount’s annual summer art camp.

During the week-long camps held in June and July, young art students could choose between two themes— “Art & Our World: Exploring Ideas” and “Art & Stories: Imagination Creation.”

They enjoyed courses taught by alumni Maria Alexis ’17 and Suzanne Surface ’14, who now run their own art classrooms throughout Cincinnati.

The exhibition ranged from sculptures to paintings, 3-D tunnel books, comic strips, personalized T-shirts, and self-portraits. Art Education Program co-directors Susan Lawrence ’80 and Sylvia Dick ’85, along with Gallery Director Velma Dailey ’98, ’08, provided the expertise necessary for organizing supplies, planning lessons, and channeling the creativity of these students. Their knowledge and support contributed to another successful year of artmaking and an opportunity for budding young artists to showcase their talents and work.

NEW TECHNOLOGY A CUT ABOVE The Mount introduced a new virtual anatomy program known as Anatomage to allow students to learn human anatomy on an interactive table. The program features virtual “cadavers,” both male and female, which can be digitally dissected and rotated to look at different angles to better understand human musculature, skeletal structure, and other vital parts of the body.

“This gives students an appreciation for the location of structures in a true threedimensional perspective,” says Patrick Cafferty, MPAS, PA-C, PA program director and chair of physician assistant studies. “Think of this as a six-foot iPad.” On a traditional cadaver, once human tissue has been cut or removed, there is little room for error or re-dos. Using Anatomage, however, if students dissect a cadaver incorrectly, the process can be “undone” so they can perform the procedure correctly. In addition, the digital table is portable, allowing it to be used in multiple classroom settings. The table also features HDMI and USB ports that allow faculty to project the images onto other screens or incorporate into presentations. Furthermore, radiographic images allow a student to compare gross anatomy to radiographic anatomy.

Programs throughout the School of Health Sciences and various other programs, such as biology in the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences, will also utilize the Anatomage tables in their teaching and learning experiences.

“The combination of state-of-the-art technology with a small class size will allow the faculty to work closely with students to assure they receive a great education,” says Cafferty.

Another piece of new technology called Simulation iQ is an online suite of products for simulations in healthcare training. The products allow for the creation of scenarios or cases where students are given information about a patient situation and engage in a real-life medical encounter with standardized patients trained to act out various medical conditions. Students will use this technology in classrooms at the Mount where their performance will be recorded for review.

Photo courtesy of Anatomage.

2 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

MAKE WAY FOR THE CLASS OF 2021 Incoming freshmen of the Class of 2021 and their families were welcomed to New Student Orientation by a talented team of campus leaders and Lions cheerleaders for the busy two-day event.

Following breakfast with President Williams and his wife, Carole, the group met with MSJ faculty and staff and socialized at a late-night open gym and movie.

Freshmen and parents also interacted with student organizations and campus departments as they explored athletics, residence life, and professional development opportunities at the Mount.

The orientation festivities were capped by the Commissioning Ceremony in the Mater Dei Chapel, where new students signed themselves into the Book of Names as new members of the campus community—just the first step in what will be a lifelong relationship with the Mount.

HONORING COMMUNITY NURSING LEADERS Mount St. Joseph University honored nursing professionals Sara Frazee, Judi Schofield, Michael Mullen, Julie Miller, and Tonya Stewart Honeycutt ’92 (pictured below, from left) with the Leadership in Nursing Awards presented on Oct. 11 at Drees Pavilion in Devou Park.

For more than 20 years, the program has recognized outstanding nursing leaders, with honorees who have a record of enhancing the image of nursing as well as promoting the professional development of themselves and others.

The Mount has been a leader in nursing education programs for more than eight decades, with a rich heritage in educating and fostering the development of health care leaders who are committed to serving communities throughout Cincinnati and beyond.

GRANT RECEIVED FOR INTEREST-FREE STUDENT LOANS The Mount has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Charles E. Schell Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee. The funds will be used to offer interestfree loans to returning students through the Schell Student Loan Program.

Unexpected gaps in federal funding is one of the reasons students struggle with financing their college education; the grant from the Schell Foundation will aid the Mount in directly impacting this critical need.

“The timing of this grant is extremely beneficial as we help returning students and their families finalize their financial aid plans for the next school year,” says Kathy Kelly, the Mount’s director of student administrative services. “More than 95 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid, and these loans can immediately reduce the financial gap in a student’s education budget.”

These interest-free loans are often referred to as honor loans, as the students are entrusted with repaying the loans when they are able, versus within a specific period. Students receiving the loans will be expected to understand the Schell Foundation’s guidelines for the loans, including an emphasis on the intrinsic, pay-it-forward values of repayment, so future Mount students can benefit from these loans.

FALL 2017 • 3

AROUND THE QUAD

news

CFO ANNE MARIE WAGNER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT NEWS BRIEFS: Affordable Pathway to Law School The Mount has introduced new 3+ dual degree programs that enable students to earn a law degree in addition to their undergraduate degree in just six years. The current agreements are with Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law and with University of St. Thomas law school in Minneapolis.

“This is an exciting new option for students who want to make their undergraduate education affordable while leading to an opportunity to study at a top law school,” says Maggie Davis, Ph.D., associate provost at the Mount.

Brew-Hoo! Thanks to the Mount’s Beer Brewing and Appreciation course, seniors Victoria Hancock and Adylnn Anaya crafted an oatmeal stout beer that is now being sold on tap in The Woodburn Brewery & Taproom located in Walnut Hills, Cincinnati. Woodburn’s head brewer visited the class and selected the students’ recipe as the brewery’s newest addition.

“This is the first time we have had a beer selected from our students to be sold on tap in a brewery, so this is a very exciting time for our students,” says Tim Lawson, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Psychology and co-instructor of the course.

PA Program Earns Provisional Accreditation The Mount has been granted Accreditation-Provisional status for its Physician Assistant Program. The cohort of 32 students starts in January 2018.

With her signature grace and tenacity, Anne Marie Wagner ’84 accepted many roles at Mount St. Joseph University, first as a student, followed by more than two decades of leadership in her role as CFO. She considers it an honor to have served the Mount community, the Sisters of Charity, and most recently, President Williams. Wagner’s last official day at the Mount will be Dec. 31, 2017.

She served five Mount presidents and, throughout it all, managed the financial complexities of three payroll systems and more than five capital campaigns. She also dedicated her time and talents to numerous nonprofits, including serving as chair of the financial committee for the DePaul Cristo Rey High School feasibility study.

The Mount experienced tremendous changes while Anne Marie was CFO, including the expansion of the campus from 75 to 92+ acres. From 2003–2006, six major construction projects were completed on time and under budget. All of these monumental efforts—which included the Sports Complex, Midland Plaza, Schueler Field, the parking garage, and renovations to Seton Center—stimulated enrollment growth and built awareness while garnering the positive attention of alumni, business leaders, and loyal Mount supporters.

“I am proud of the part I was able to play in the Mount’s history,” she says. “My motivation was from knowing that so many people believed in me and my ability to make prudent decisions that helped to sustain the Mount and its mission. A true gift is to be able to choose when one wants to retire. I have been blessed.”

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM HONORS STUDENTS AND EMPLOYERS On Aug. 17, the 12th annual Summer Employment Program (SEP) Celebration Luncheon honored students and nonprofits who have participated in the program, which is made possible through the generous support of the SC Ministry Foundation. The Mount’s SEP allows students to gain real-world experience working for various employers in the Cincinnati area.

“The Summer Employment Program has impacted the lives of more than 500 students since it began in 2006, providing them with meaningful positions at over 50 nonprofit agencies,” says Peggy Smith, who recently retired as coordinator of the program. “Students experience the passion that it takes to enact social change in order to make a difference in the lives of people.”

“I love this program!” says Development Assistant Leslie Schultz of Santa Maria Community Services, one of the participating nonprofits. “It’s a great opportunity to share what we do in the nonprofit world, mentor students, and receive help in getting our tasks done.”

Students at the luncheon had the opportunity to share their experiences as well.

“Working at DePaul Cristo Rey High School as an IT intern has given me the opportunity to develop new skills that I can use to help others,” says junior Toria Black.

4 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS The Board of Trustees at Mount St. Joseph University welcomed five new members: Janet D. Castellini ’66 is a licensed clinical psychologist with the Cincinnati Center for Psychoanalysis. She earned her undergraduate degree at the Mount and also holds graduate degrees from Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati as well as a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Xavier University.

Don Doyle Jr. ’89 is senior vice president of The Cincinnati Insurance Company, where he holds executive-level responsibility for the excess and surplus lines insurance subsidiary, The Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Company.

He earned his undergraduate degree at the Mount and also holds a graduate degree from Xavier University.

Bernard J. Joyce is president of HyperDrive, a digital, direct-to-customer marketing agency that creates and manages multi-channel marketing programs for a variety of national and regional businesses. He holds an undergraduate degree and two M.B.A. degrees from the University of Cincinnati.

Annette Muckerheide, SC, ‘63 holds degrees in biology, including a Doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

She spent 27 years of her career teaching at the Mount and currently supervises an after-school program for children and volunteers at Working in Neighborhoods.

Steven D. Mullinger brings 30 years of experience in corporate finance as the leader of US Bank’s Greater Cincinnati Middle Market Commercial Banking team.

He also serves the community as a board member for REDI Cincinnati, the Goering Center, and 3CDC’s finance committee.

NEWS BRIEFS:

STUDENTS TRAVEL TO NETHERLANDS FOR GLOBAL HEALTH PROGRAM During the summer semester, six Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students traveled to The Netherlands to participate in a three-week global health program in collaboration with the Health Sciences Division of The Netherland’s Hanze University. While the Mount’s DPT faculty helped plan and collaborate with Hanze, the students themselves traveled independently for this exciting opportunity.

While in The Netherlands, DPT students resided at Hanze University and took classes with other students from all over the world—all while continuing to balance their other U.S. summer courses via the Internet and email.

The experience helped DPT students broaden their global perspectives and expand their professional networks worldwide—a “healthy” way to begin their careers as physical therapists.

Mount Roar! App Launches The Mount Roar! App, an official mobile application for students, has officially launched.

The app allows any student to get to know his or her classmates and contact them via their Instagram and Snapchat accounts, as well as check daily schedules to see when and where courses are being taught and the professor teaching them. In addition, a newsfeed was developed where students can see detailed posters of information on upcoming events. To promote interactivity, students participate in fun polls that update live after they vote.

“We wanted to create a product that would help students to build lifelong connections at the Mount,” says Alex Nakonechnyi, associate vice president of campus technology. “In the interviews with Mount students and alumni, we continually heard that being a part of the ‘Mount Family’ was one of the most important parts of the university experience.”

From left: Benjamin Fannin, Samantha Harrigal, Alexis Smith, Danielle Hausfeld, Lindsey Moore, and Lauren Cain.

FALL 2017 • 5

THE REMARKABLE SISTER JEAN PATRICE HARRINGTON (1922-2017) The Mount honors the passing of a legend.

By Kathleen Scanlan Cardwell ’87

She was an educator, a change agent, and a dear friend. Her numerous achievements included graduating from the Mount in 1953, followed by 12 years as a teacher and principal in Denver, Colo. In the late 1960s, Jean Patrice Harrington, SC, completed her post-doctoral internship at Saint Louis University, during which she visited more than 20 liberal arts college campuses across the country. She kept a personal record of her college visits and also noted the names of each friend or family member with whom she stayed along the way. She later participated in the Religious Leaders Program at the University of Notre Dame.

By that point, it was 1977 … and Sister Jean Patrice was just getting started.

No amount of words and recollections can adequately recount the many friends she made, the many students she inspired, and the many lives she touched. To reflect on Sister Jean Patrice’s life and her contributions is to be in awe of her business acumen, to find determination in her courage, to remember her faith-filled service, and to smile at the stories.

Sister Jean Patrice with students in the quad, 1986.

6 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

BUSINESS PANACHE What some would call near miracles, Sister Jean Patrice saw as her responsibility. In 1977, when she was named president at the Mount, she faced a $1.2 million deficit, declining enrollment, and next to nothing in fundraising practices. In the first five years of her presidency, she led efforts to surpass the $100,000 gift income level for the first time in the Mount’s history. It’s no surprise that a 1984 article in The Cincinnati Enquirer hailed her as a “financial and administrative wizard on all sides.” By her retirement from the Mount in 1987, Sister Jean Patrice had secured a reserve fund of $1.5 million and nearly doubled enrollment.

Armed with fortitude and ingenuity, she organized fundraising events and recruited top corporations to join her cause. Within two months of her presidency, Sister Jean Patrice had met with more than 30 business leaders of Cincinnati’s principal industries, including Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, and Messer.

Doubling the enrollment at the Mount was a tireless effort. Sister Jean Patrice implemented salary freezes and stringent budget management practices.

She worked with faculty to expand the curriculum to new segments of prospective students, including adult learners interested in weekend classes, nurses seeking to advance their careers with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and teachers in need of graduatelevel course work. She also launched cooperative education, staffed offices to support international students, and began a tailored program for students with learning disabilities, known today as Project EXCEL. Several of these first-time ventures placed the Mount on firmer financial footing and launched a trajectory for future growth.

Many beyond Cincinnati took notice of her accomplishments. In 1984, Sister Jean Patrice was invited by former trustee Will Storey to talk with then Vice President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara Bush. The conversation included an exchange about the 1983 education reform, known as “A Nation at Risk.”

Sister Jean Patrice offered a direct question: “Do you approve of the rather irresponsible statements made by Secretary Bennett concerning increases in student tuition?” which was said to have flustered the future 41st president of the United States. After the discussion ended, Mrs. Bush was said to have commented: “Sister, I’m sorry my husband couldn’t answer your question more satisfactorily.”

Her wisdom and her pragmatic approach, often paired with a sharp sense of humor, were a few of the undeniable and enviable traits of her leadership. In 1988, the year after her presidency at the Mount ended, former P&G executive John Pepper asked Sister Jean Patrice to serve as executive director of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative — a bold, energetic, organized effort in education reform for Cincinnati’s future college students.

Around the same time, Sister Jean Patrice also served as interim president of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and as chairperson

of Miami University’s Board of Trustees. Her leadership at Miami was an appointment from former Ohio governor Dick Celeste and the first time a woman religious led a public institution’s board of trustees in Ohio.

BADGES OF COURAGE In so many ways, Sister Jean Patrice was a trailblazer; she was so often the first one to challenge, to question, and to propose a new idea or a better way forward. Numerous times, she found herself where others might not have dared to go, such as business meetings at the once all-male University Club in downtown Cincinnati. Sister Jean Patrice once commented: “I was quite often the only woman in the room, and most always, the only nun in the room.” She would not be deterred by stereotypes or invisible boundaries.

Sister Jean Patrice’s courage and reputation earned her much respect in the business community. In 1978, she was elected to the board of directors of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, the only woman among 27 directors.

In the mid-1980s, Sister Jean Patrice was invited to speak at the annual Christmas dinner of the Commercial Commonwealth Club at the Cincinnati Country Club. The request came with a catch — she was later told that some felt it would not be appropriate for her to attend the dinner, since the membership was all male. Sister Jean Patrice channeled conflict into grace. She arrived at the appointed time, was invited to join the chairman’s table for dessert, and delivered a speech that resulted in a standing ovation.

At the age of 81, she was taking classes at the University of Cincinnati and volunteering with Good Samaritan Hospital. In 2004, William A. Weathers, then a reporter with The Cincinnati Enquirer, captured the essence of Sister Jean Patrice’s unbelievable spirit: “I’m still on five boards, I’m just a very busy lady,” she told him. “I’m retired, and I’m attempting everyday not to be doing something the next 15 minutes, and I’m not succeeding.”

From top: Erma Bombeck, Commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient, with Sister Jean Patrice, 1979. Sister Jean Patrice receives the St. Francis Xavier Medal from Albert J. DiUlio, S.J., former president of Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Her sense of humor was matched only by her modesty, as Sister Jean Patrice once said: “I’m just surrounded by people who make me look good.”

FAITH-FILLED SERVICE AND FRIENDSHIPS Fellow Sisters of Charity would confirm the importance of faith to Sister Jean Patrice. In her many travels and life experiences, her vocation was her constant compass. In the pages of her informal autobiography, Sister Jean Patrice wrote about numerous adventures with friends, special social events at the Mount, and trips with Sisters, such as participating in the InterAmerican Conference in South America.

She fondly mentions Helen Frazzini, a close friend since the second grade, and Sister Jackie Leech, a longtime friend and colleague from Colorado.

Sister Jean Patrice also reflected on the

“Develop a sense of humor about yourself; a sense of humanity about others; a sense of humility as we recognize the power for good that is ours; a responsibility to exercise that power wisely and gently; and remember, God is ever present.”

– Sister Jean Patrice

FALL 2017 • 7

SR. JEAN PATRICE HARRINGTON Patrice’s passing, she shared: “She cared for me and my parents during a very difficult time. Sister Jean Patrice and my parents shared a friendship for many years that followed. The love and concern was immeasurable and will never be forgotten. God bless you, Sister Jean Patrice!”

Sister Jean Patrice’s faith was her guide and her travel companion. She traveled to witness the mission work of her fellow Sisters stateside, as well as in Peru and Ecuador. When she wasn’t traveling, she focused on her volunteer work and board memberships, which over the years, totaled more than 42 appointments. Her devotion to education, health care, and the wellbeing of families, along with her proven leadership in finances and fundraising, resulted in Sister Jean Patrice impacting so many lives, across so many critical support systems, including nonprofits, hospitals, and schools.

many people who supported her along the way, including Sr. John Miriam Jones (a classmate of Sister Jean Patrice’s from Cathedral High School), Terri Logan, and Sr. Agnes Maria Ryan. Throughout all the tales shared in her writings, the common thread was her deep gratitude for her family, her peers, and her many friends.

She often found herself leading others to prayer. In 1987, her colleagues at the Mount, along with then Ohio House of Representative Thomas Luken, arranged a trip to the state capital for Sister Jean Patrice.

As she stood before the House of Representatives session as guest chaplain, she prayed for “the striving of justice and equity and peace for all.”

Sister Jean Patrice extended her faith to her Mount family in countless ways, often unsolicited, and never for public acknowledgement.

Martha Wright Waters ’80, and her parents, Pete and Helena Wright, were recipients of her selfless, caring spirit. According to Waters, following her involvement in a serious auto accident, Sister Jean Patrice insisted that her parents live at the Mount for three months instead of staying in a hotel while she recuperated in the hospital. In an email that Waters sent upon hearing the news of Sister Jean

A CELEBRATED LIFE Sister Lynn Heper, SC, ’84, was one of Sister Jean’s closest friends. They first met in 1961, when Sister Lynn was a freshman at Denver’s Cathedral High School, where Sister Jean Patrice served as principal. Later, their paths crossed again, when Sister Lynn was earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing at the Mount during Sister Jean Patrice’s presidency. And, as their relationship developed over the years, Sister Lynn found herself in the roles of friend, companion, confidant, and finally health advocate.

“Our roles switched,” she says. “In high school, she looked out for me and she was my sponsor in the community.

As she grew older, I looked out for her.

As a student and even a young Sister, I never thought that I would someday be her voice. What a privilege and a blessing Sister Jean Patrice has been in my life.”

This past April, Sister Jean Patrice, at the age of 94 and with Sister Lynn at her side, attended the inauguration of the Mount’s current president, Dr. H. James Williams. To no one’s surprise and everyone’s delight, Sister Jean Patrice received a standing ovation during the ceremony.

Exactly 30 years ago, Sister Jean Patrice was featured on the cover of The Mount Magazine in recognition of her landmark achievements and devotion to

8 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

the Mount and its family of students, alumni, benefactors, faculty, and staff.

Her sage advice, shared with Norman L. Stewart in the 1987 MSJ Report, still rings true today: “Develop a sense of humor about yourself; a sense of humanity about others; a sense of humility as we recognize the power for good that is ours; a responsibility to exercise that power wisely and gently; and remember, God is ever present.”

TELLING HER STORY Who can provide the details of the story about Sister Jean Patrice sliding down a banister at the Motherhouse? What was it like to play bridge with Sister Jean Patrice? Join us as we continue to honor the remarkable Sister Jean Patrice with your stories in the spring 2018 issue of Mount News.

Share your anecdotes and memories of Sister Jean Patrice at msj.edu/SisterJeanPatrice.

SPECIAL THANKS The editors wish to sincerely thank the many members of the Sisters of Charity who graciously and selflessly contributed to this issue of Mount News, especially to the Centennial story and the story about Sister Jean Patrice. A special thanks is offered to Sister Victoria Marie Forde, Sister Lynn Heper, Sister Judith Metz, and Veronica Buchanan.

IN MEMORIAM Contributions to the Mount made in memory of Sister Jean Patrice Harrington will go to the Emergency Fund for Students.

This fund assists students with emergency funds for books, a bus pass, a commuter meal plan, or other incidental emergency expenses that help them to continue their educational path. Please send memorial contributions to: Mount St. Joseph University, Memorial Fund for Sister Jean Patrice, 5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 452331670 or online at msj.edu/give.

A SISTER AND A CLOCK President Williams and his wife, Carole, met Sister Jean Patrice at a reception in their honor at the Motherhouse during the first weeks of his presidency.

“Of all the Sisters I met that day, I remembered her,” he recalls. “She was this amazing person. Right then, I realized what I had done; what I had accepted as my responsibility.

I understood just how deeply she still cared about the Mount. She made it clear in our conversation that day that she knew things were going to go well, and she made sure I knew she was praying for us.”

Dr. Williams visited Sister Jean Patrice often, always hopeful that she would share some tidbit of advice, always certain that he would depart armed with her encouragement. On one particular visit, Sister Jean Patrice agreed to be the honorary chair of the Mount’s next capital campaign to fund initiatives tied to Transformation 2025.

Those directly involved with the campaign are now guided by her legacy of leadership and love for the Mount.

During his inauguration in April, Dr. Williams found that the best part of the day was to have had the privilege of recognizing Sister Jean Patrice. “It was magical,” he says,

“to know all the things that have happened in the past and to have been able to look into Sister Jean Patrice’s eyes to see the strength, the courage, and the love she had for this place.”

Like so many in the Mount community impacted by the passing of Sister Jean Patrice, Dr. Williams is comforted by the fond memories of her. But for him personally, he looks to a clock in his office that was given to Sister Jean Patrice when she retired from the Mount in 1987. Sister Lynn Heper, SC, ’84 felt it was fitting that Dr. Williams watch over the special keepsake… and she was right.

The bright gold of the clock and its strong, heavy base seems to represent the brilliant, steady leader that Sister Jean Patrice was when she sat in the chair now occupied by the Mount’s current leader.

“There’s not a day I don’t look at that clock when I walk into my office,” says Dr. Williams. “It is a constant reminder of Sister Jean Patrice and what she still stands for, and what she expects of me and those around me and this whole community.”

FALL 2017 • 9

SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS Meet eight alumni who have wasted no time putting their Mount degree to work.

By Anya Rao

In a constantly evolving global marketplace, a college education provides a solid foundation for building a successful career. Those first years after graduation are often the most crucial for many young professionals as they begin to chart courses that may greatly impact their lives.

Mount News recently interviewed eight recent graduates who are already leading successful careers in their own right. Though their professional interests range from education to business to sports, they all share one thing in common—each attributes much of their success to the lessons they learned in Mount classrooms, as well as from the dedicated professors, coaches, and advisors who helped define their college experiences.

Sometimes your dream job ends up being your first job. For Sara Treash ’16, her dream of working for the Cincinnati Reds as a graphic designer became a reality shortly after graduation.

During her senior year at the Mount, Treash saw a posting for a seasonal graphic design position with the Reds. She applied for the job even though she thought it was a long shot. Much to her surprise, she landed the position—and quickly realized what a challenge it would be to manage the job and her final

SUCCESS BY DESIGN

10 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

college semester. She managed to have success with the Reds and simultaneously finish her education. The seasonal position turned into a full-time opportunity for Treash, who now works as a junior graphic designer for the MLB team.

“Sometimes I can’t believe I am doing this,” she says.

Treash notes that her job requires her to dabble in many areas of design. “We do everything in house, and I learn something new every day,” she says. “I’m learning everything from digital design to print and production. I’m seeing how our work impacts and connects with the fans.”

Treash confesses to a “rock-star moment” when she was grocery shopping and saw someone wearing a Reds T-shirt she had designed. It was then that she felt the impact she was making with her daily work.

Treash adds that the Mount provided a critical foundation for her career path and her alma mater’s small size allowed her to feel that personal touch in the classroom. She still keeps in touch with Assistant Professor Kurt Grannan, and still marvels at the guest speakers who were brought in to help prepare students for the workforce and improve the quality of their academic work.

THE FAST CLIMBER John Lich ’11 has experienced a sharp rise within his chosen mater and keeps in touch with several former professors. He field in the years since he graduated from the Mount with a said it’s not the books or classes that stick with him, but rather business degree. the real-world lessons his professors used as examples to drive Lich started his career with Gannett, a media company, home the material. in a digital sales role. In less than two years, he was “I refer back to lessons from my professors and promoted to a sales management position for the how they taught us that learning never stops,” digital ventures section of the company—the Lich says. Simply relying on textbook learning, “I refer back youngest person to earn that role. he adds, isn’t enough to succeed. “It’s about to lessons from my After three years at Gannett, Lich worked what you do outside of those textbooks and professors and how they briefly for a startup tech company before how you apply that knowledge.” joining Community Newspaper Holdings Lich serves as vice president of Mount St. taught us that learning never (CNHI), another media company that Joseph’s alumni board and was named 2016 stops. It’s about what you do owns more than 100 newspapers, as Alumnus of the Year by the School director of digital sales. of Business. outside of those textbooks “Obviously, newspapers have been “I feel like we have a duty to make the and how you apply that declining, but people consuming news Mount succeed as much as we can and to knowledge.” has not,” Lich says. “I am responsible for root for the people who are currently there,” developing go-to-market strategies with all our he says. “I want to give back and help build digital offerings for our clients across the country.” the brand.”

Lich—whose wife Alissa ’11 is also a Mount alumna—played lacrosse at the Mount and has coached a local high school lacrosse team near his home in the suburbs of Indianapolis. He maintains a close connection with his alma

FALL 2017 • 11

SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

involvement in the group. Bookser, a former Imago board As an art teacher and artist, Adrian Vance Hawk ’07 member, led the Mount’s service learning program when encourages her young students to express themselves Hawk was a student. through their work, just as she expresses her own love of Hawk has also served on the board of the Ohio Art nature in her artwork.

Education Association for the past 10 years. When she’s not A focus on the environment, an appreciation for the teaching or volunteering, she creates art pieces in her home outdoors, and a love of art has helped guide Hawk in her studio. Her work was recently featured as part of last year’s career. In her early years teaching in New Richmond near alumni show at the Mount.

Cincinnati, she helped launch community art nights, an “I am into upcycled, recycled, repurposed art club, recycling club, and a green team. She is material,” Hawk says. “I don’t buy anything now a junior high art teacher in Milford, Ohio.

“I loved new except the thread for my sewing machine.

Hawk still keeps in touch with her former I create collages from old books or things professor and advisor, Sharon Bollen, Ed.D., ’68. being part of the that people give me like old maps, wood, “I still think about her every day and often community at the Mount and metal and incorporate natural materials think, ‘What would she do?’” Hawk says. “I where I felt like I knew like twigs to make a commentary on our loved being part of the community at the relationship with the natural world.”

Mount where I felt like I knew everyone and everyone and we were we were all supporting each other and in it Growing up on a farm in a small Ohio all supporting each together, especially in the art department.” town, Hawk says her family recycled before While at the Mount, where she earned it was popular. While at the Mount, she was other and in it bachelor’s degrees in both art education and involved in student government and helped together…” fabric design, Hawk was encouraged to get implement a recycling program.

“My connection to the environment is a involved with Imago, a nonprofit environmental combination of my upbringing and connecting with the organization and urban nature preserve set on 37 acres in right people at the Mount,” Hawk says.

Cincinnati’s Price Hill neighborhood. Hawk—who now sits on Imago’s board—credits Sister Mary Bookser for her initial

WHERE ART AND NATURE INTERSECT

12 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

THE WHOLE NINE YARDS Later, Minter secured a ground-level opportunity to get With a father who’d coached college football, Jesse Minter into the NFL. He was hired by the Baltimore Ravens as a ’05 has been around the sport since he was a child. defensive assistant this past February 2017, with his first NFL And to be close to his father, who ran the University of game in Cincinnati. (Minter and his wife, Rachelle ’05—who Cincinnati football team from 1994 to 2003, Minter visited were married on the Mount campus—live in Baltimore and Mount St. Joseph University and fell in love with its small, have a one-year-old daughter.) tight-knit community. He played for the Lions (football, of “The NFL position is a great opportunity to again course) while earning a degree in liberal studies. get my foot in the door like I’ve done before,” After graduating from the Mount, Minter went to Minter says. “I hope to eventually work my way the University of Notre Dame as an intern for the up, the same way I did in the college ranks.” football program in 2006. That was followed by a “I’ve been Minter’s experience as a coach was largely year at the University of Cincinnati as a graduate fortunate to get influenced by his own coaches while playing assistant with their football program during the at the Mount, which included Rod Huber 2007-2008 season. some really good “I’ve been fortunate to get some really and Jim Hilvert.

“I always thought the biggest thing I good opportunities at a young age,” Minter opportunities at learned from Coach Huber was the ability says. “My dad’s a coach, so I have always said a young age.” to bring people together,” he says. “Coach my name got me in the door, but what do you Hilvert was a mentor to everyone on the team do once you’re in the door?” and he became lifelong friends with a lot of the In 2009, he went to work for Indiana State and, guys, myself included. In my experience, they helped in 2011, became the youngest defensive coordinator shape the personality I took on as a coach.” in the division. When Indiana State’s head coach got a job at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Minter made the move as well, serving as the university’s defensive coordinator from 2013 to 2016 (also that division’s youngest person to fill that role).

FALL 2017 • 13

SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

Teddy Kerr ’16 has spent so much of his life on the soccer field that making a career out of the sport he loves seemed only natural.

While still a student, Kerr—who played soccer for the Mount as a junior and senior (and led the team as captain)— learned that FC Cincinnati was launching as the city’s first professional soccer team. He immediately reached out to the team about possible internships.

Kerr’s tenacity paid off. He landed an internship for the team’s first season.

“I got to know the right people,” Kerr says, who earned a sports management degree and a minor in business from the Mount. “And I kind of took charge of all the other interns because that’s my personality.”

That experience as an intern enabled Kerr to stand out in the eyes of FC Cincinnati’s leadership. After the first season, he kept in contact with both the vice president of operations and the president of the club, which led to a full-time job with the team after graduation.

Today, Kerr is the team manager for the Division 2 United Soccer League team, which is hoping for a Major League Soccer bid in the near future. Because he’s the only team manager and equipment manager, Kerr’s responsibilities are many. His job includes ordering uniforms and gear, managing the team’s equipment on road trips, assisting with practice,

KICKING IT UP A NOTCH

14 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

setting up drills, acting as a liaison between team members and the club, and making sure members of the team have whatever they need to be ready to play.

“There was a focus at the Mount on always working through everything to get to a farther goal, which is very helpful in sports,” Kerr says. “Being the only manager, I am sometimes working 22-hour days and traveling across the country for every game, which does wear on you. But the Mount instilled in me a determination and spirit that if you work hard, you will be rewarded.”

He credits his sport management professors for helping him to have a realistic view of working in professional sports.

“They didn’t sugarcoat the fact that working in sports is low-paying at first because it’s so competitive and there are many interested candidates,” Kerr says.

FC Cincinnati’s quick rise to success and popularity (the team has broken attendance records for the league) means that Kerr wants to stick with the team.

“Growing up playing soccer, it’s exciting to finally have a professional soccer team in Cincinnati that is exploding,” Kerr says.

COMMITTED TO SERVING OTHERS While many college students spend spring break relaxing on a beach, Maria Eichhold ’08 spent hers volunteering to build homes with Habitat for Humanity.

That experience inspired Eichhold to dedicate her career to helping others. With several partners, she is launching In My Shoes, a group home for pregnant homeless women in the Dallas area.

Eichhold, who earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the Mount and then a master’s in social work from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, started her career with two years of service working and living in a home for pregnant women in Phoenix called Maggie’s Place.

“When they came to this supportive community, I saw how these women were really transformed, not only in appearance, but emotionally and with their stability,” Eichhold says. “We were helping these women and walking side by side with them.”

From Phoenix, she moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for Catholic Charities for a year as a case manager for people with mental illness and addiction. A few of Eichhold’s friends from her time at Maggie’s Place had the idea that they should move to Dallas to open their own home for pregnant homeless women in need.

“Initially, I said that was crazy,” Eichhold recalls of the move to Dallas. “But then I ended up doing it.”

While working to get In My Shoes up and running, Eichhold also worked another job. She then moved to the

for-profit sector in a marketing and recruiting role at an engineering firm for three years.

In February 2017, In My Shoes had reached the point where Eichhold could resign her day job and become the 501(c)3 organization’s full-time executive director.

“It’s about support when the babies are in the womb, but also during their first six months of life so they have a stable environment, which is such an important part of their development,” Eichhold says. “Furthermore, it’s about the women and showing them love and compassion that they may have never seen in their lives. We are giving them the tools they need, such as counseling, coping skills, job skills, and resume writing so they can be on their feet when they leave.”

Eichhold—who played basketball at the Mount while earning her social work degree—thinks often about the lessons from Ronald Arundell, Ed.D., who was one of her professors and an advisor at the Mount.

“Some of the things he said have always stuck with me,” Eichhold says. “He was always very good about saying let’s look at these issues and let’s dig deeper into what’s really going on with people and the different things that might be affecting them in their lives.”

FALL 2017 • 15

SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

teacher at Linden Grove School in Cincinnati, where she designed Her voice wavers with emotion when she talks about the work a life skills class for autistic students. She even launched a restaurant she is doing as a special needs teacher for Lakota Local Schools in her classroom, so students could learn about shopping and near Cincinnati. Catherine “Cat” Perlson ’12 has found her preparing food, taking orders, managing the bills, and true calling. having the chance to spend what they earned.

“There is nothing else in this world that I should be This school year is Perlson’s second as an doing,” she says. “I get to watch miracles happen “There is intervention specialist in Lakota schools. She keeps every day.” in touch with some of her professors when she It took until age 25 for Perlson to set nothing else in this needs advice and regularly refers back to old her professional life on its current course. world that I should lecture notes from her classes at the Mount.

Her undergraduate degree is in mass Perlson also volunteered as a board member communications, and she had planned to be doing. I get to watch for Children Inc. in Northern Kentucky, and has become a sports reporter, but an internship served as a speaker at the Learning Through Play in the field changed her mind. She worked for miracles happen conference at the Cincinnati Museum Center for three years as a special projects manager for the every day.” the last three years.

Ohio attorney general, but that position didn’t feel “When I am educating a child, I would want my “right” either.

Eventually, Perlson decided to obtain her master’s professors to be proud of the work that I am doing degree in multicultural special education at the Mount. Her because I am representing their hard work,” says Perlson, brother is also a graduate; in fact, Perlson attended her brother’s who was named a Mount Future Five Award winner in 2016. undergraduate 2010 commencement in the morning and started She cites Adjunct Professor Lisa Campbell and Graduate Special her master’s program that same afternoon.

Education Program Director and Associate Professor Clarissa Rosas, Ph.D., as two professors who helped shape her into the educator She held down two jobs while earning her degree, which she she is today. says the Mount made manageable. While a student, Perlson worked “I am carrying on their legacy by being a quality teacher,” as an aid in a special needs classroom and also worked privately with Perlson says. “I hope to one day come back to the Mount and families and kids who have autism. inspire even more students the way I have been inspired.”

Upon completing her master’s degree, Perlson worked as a

THE PASSIONATE EDUCATOR

16 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

VETERINARY DREAMS nonprofit cancer research lab for one semester and spent An academic foundation from the Mount and a love for two and a half years working in the molecular genetics animals helps propel Katie Taylor ’17 when she is facing department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital eight-hour class days in veterinary medicine school Medical Center. followed by four hours of evening study—though In addition, Taylor was part of several she does manage to squeeze in time for the “There’s a campus clubs, including the student alumni occasional nature hike and rock climb.

She graduated from the Mount with a association and TriBeta Biology Honor correlation to what biology degree, which allowed her to fulfill Society, and served as vice president of the Campus Activities Board in her senior year. many of the prerequisites for vet school.

I took at the Mount “Also because of the small class sizes, “It almost feels like vet school so far is and what I am I got to know my professors one on one,” a review because I remember learning all she says. “They took an interest in what of this in biology,” Taylor says. “There’s a doing now.”

I was doing. There’s a family aspect to correlation to what I took at the Mount and the Mount.” what I am doing now.”

The Springfield, Ohio, resident credits the Mount’s career center for guiding her to valuable opportunities for co-ops when she was an undergraduate student. Through the career center, Taylor worked in a

Are you a recent graduate of the Mount?

Tell us your story at msj.edu/alumni. We may include you in a future issue of Mount News. We encourage you to share: • promotions and career accomplishments; • marriages and births; and • any professional and personal news you wish to share with our readers.

FALL 2017 • 17

The Mount’s extraordinary growth following World War II put in motion plans for a new 75-acre campus, seen in aerial views of the new campus under construction (left) and completed (center). At right, the blessing of the bronze bells for the tower of Mater Dei chapel with (from left) Mrs. Dirr, Mother Omer, Mrs. Muckerheide, and Sister Maria Corona.

THE LEGACY GROWS From 1945 to 1965, the Mount experienced tremendous growth, resulting in a new, 11-building campus on 75 acres across from the Motherhouse.

By Kara Gebhart Uhl

In the years following World War II, space at the Motherhouse was in short supply. By 1946, enrollment had reached 380 students, including 156 freshmen. And by 1953, Mother Mary Zoe, ex officio president, had gradually phased out Mount St. Joseph Academy (a four-year high school that offered college-level classes) to make more room for the College of Mount St. Joseph.

Postulants had to be separated into three sleeping areas, and novices were housed on the fifth floor of Mother Margaret Hall in the infirmary building. Butler Building, a temporary aluminum building, housed the junior professed sisters.

College students lived two to a room in Seton Hall. Wooden dressers had flip-down surfaces for use as a desk. Students provided their own curtains, bedspreads, and rugs. The gym was located in Marian Hall and had a low ceiling. Frances Hornikel ’52 remembers having to wear a gym suit that consisted of

bloomers with a skirt over top. “You learned to play volleyball serving very low,” she recalls laughing.

The demand for a college education was growing nationwide. In 1959, 11.6 percent of qualified applicants had to be turned away from the Mount; in 1960, it rose to 20.7 percent. By the 1963-64 academic year, the Mount’s enrollment had climbed to 1,174, which included 998 full-time students and 176 part-time students.

LIFE AND TIMES AT THE MOUNT

The student newspaper, Seton Journal, regularly documented joyous occasions on campus. As early as 1946, articles appeared speaking of new fashions using material “of special interest to those who seek relief from staple war materials.” There were Bonfire-Song Fest rallies and a Moonlight Mixer on the terrace themed “April in Paris,” complete with “stereophonic sound, colorful lights, and open café.”

1950

1952

1953

Five-year nursing program replaced by four-year program.

Sisters of Charity celebrate the centenary of their establishment.

Elementary education program begins.

18 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

Proms were held at The Netherland Plaza. In 1953, “Queen” Catherine Neuhoff wore a bouffant-skirted gown of white nylon tulle with organdy applique at the neckline and carried a bouquet of orchids. “We had dances on Sunday evening with Xavier men,” says Kathleen Ware ’66. “There were plenty of activities. A bus ran downtown from the Mount.”

In 1952, day-hops were given a new mode of transportation: a “baby” Greyhound bus. Each day Gordon Guilfoyle, Mount’s driver for 15 years, picked up and dropped off 35 students around the city for class.

Although Ware says the Mount was a very disciplined environment in the 1960s (students had to wear skirts or dresses with stockings, and had to be in their rooms or the library Monday through Thursday from 7:25 p.m. to 9:25 p.m.), college life for postulants, novices, and junior sisters differed greatly. Sister Barbara Davis, SC, ’65, remembers cleaning Seton Hall as a postulant during the summer of 1961.

“We had to take the mattresses off the

1955 Rosa Parks arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat.

bunk beds and clean the box springs or a med tech or you taught.” But with toothbrushes to get all the dirt with a new decade on the horizon, and dust out,” she says. In addition new professions began opening up for to taking up to 18 credit hours, Davis women. In the Nov. 6, 1958, issue began her day waking up at 4:55 of Seton Journal, Mary Jo Albertz, a.m. for morning prayer, A.B., ’57, was interviewed followed by chapel, regarding her use of her meditation, and Mass, all Mount chemistry degree “…the role before breakfast. at Procter and Gamble.

“The rules then During the Mount’s of women has were very strict, so we first graduation at changed more in the were not supposed the new campus in last four generations to talk or interact 1963, Very Reverend than it had in all with other students Michael P. Walsh, SJ, outside of class,” says president of Boston previous centuries.”

Sister Mary Bookser, College, said: “It is not —Rev. Michael P. Walsh, SJ SC, ’67, who spent an exaggeration to say the morning, afternoon, that the role of women and evening in prayer as has changed more in the last a postulant at the Mount. In four generations than it had in all addition to prayer, classes, chores, and previous centuries.” study time, postulants typically only On Nov. 22, 1963, tragedy struck had a half hour of recreation each day. with the assassination of President John Bedtime was 9 p.m.

F. Kennedy. A special, one-page Seton In the early 1950s, jobs for women Journal insert stated: “All the simplewere still limited. “Back then, people minded panacea-seeking ignorance in didn’t have that much of a choice,” our society, gathered by madness into Hornikel says. “You became a nurse a single shot, cut down the young wise

1959

1959

Mother Mark Omer Downing, SC, elected as Mother Superior of Sisters of Charity, holds office for ex officio president of the college for only a few hours.

Sister Maria Corona Molloy, SC, dean of the College since 1933, named first president of the College.

FALL 2017 • 19

THE LEGACY GROWS man who stood as a ‘light of hope for the world.’ The outrageous slaying of our President is an indictment of extremism of all ideological shades, just as his memory is a monument to the courage of moderation.”

The announcement came over the Mount’s loudspeaker system as students were changing classes. “I was on my way up the staircase to the second floor of the main classroom building, talking with a friend,” says Charlotte (Strange) Scarcelli ’65, who worked for JFK at the White House Annex in D.C., the summer before she came to the Mount. “I didn’t hear the announcement, but my friend did and her face went white. She jerked me to a halt, hissed, ‘Listen!’ and we heard it again. Students began crying. Some rushed out to the quad and went straight to the chapel in a spontaneous movement to prayer. Some doggedly kept going toward their classes (as I did), maybe in the hope that acting normally might make the world behave normally, too. I recall that the professor just stood there, in shock, while we all buzzed around, trying to figure out what to do. …The whole event was so tragic. A lot died that day.”

From Seton Journal’s insert: “A great President was buried, and a college bowed its head.”

BUILDING A NEW MOUNT

The Mount’s extraordinary growth put in motion plans for a new campus.

For months, a flurry of typed letters was mailed back and forth from the architects to Mother Mary Romana, Mount’s president from 1953 to 1959, regarding everything from when the 75-acre site preparation would begin (in the fall, after the crops are harvested) to the finest of details. Aug. 10, 1956: “Will the students return the soiled dishes at all meals?” Nov. 23, 1956: “Would you please get us a decision on the Natatorium; whether or not you will furnish the swimming suits for the girls.” Feb. 1, 1957: “It is our understanding that each girl will have a personal box locker assigned to her for the year.”

The first spadesful of earth were turned with a gilded shovel by Mother Mary Omer Downing, SC, at the March 19, 1960, groundbreaking ceremony, with an audience of more than 2,000, including alumnae and news media. Congratulatory Western Union telegrams and letters poured in from high-profile people and institutions across the nation. Cincinnati Mayor Donald D. Clancy passed a resolution congratulating the Mount.

But then came the issue of funding.

“It takes a great deal of courage to put up buildings that will cost 15 million dollars, when there is no public support and no endowment,” Most Reverend Karl J. Alter stated at the groundbreaking ceremonies.

“Mount St. Joseph is not like some of our old, established institutions such as Yale or Harvard, which have millions of dollars in capital funds.

These Sisters have no endowment— they are dependent upon themselves and upon their friends.”

Thus, the Sisters of Charity began a $1.5 million fund drive, the first in the order’s 138-year history. It included solicitation for Living Memorials and

1959

1961

1962

Enrollment increases to 650.

Vietnam War begins.

First mass in Mater Dei Chapel.

20 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

gifts payable on a pledge basis. The Department of Development also established the Presidents Society, with membership awarded to those who contributed $100 or more annually.

The Mater Dei Chapel and statuary on campus were designed

by Mount art students under the fastidious direction of Sister Augusta Zimmer, chair of the Art Department.

This included everything from the Chapel’s crucifix over the altar and its 10 stained-glass windows to its 12’ x 27’ mosaic, which contains 130,000 pieces of Venetian glass. The day of the college’s dedication, Hornikel, who at the time was doing a myriad of jobs at the Mount, including running the print shop and design work, remembers Sister Augusta up on scaffolding with a blowtorch, removing lacquer from a chandelier, while men took scaffolding down around her.

The Mount held a formal dedication of the new campus with solemn blessings of Mater Dei Chapel and the new college buildings on May 1, 1963, spurring positive remarks and press from around the country.

Enrollment continued to grow.

In a program commemorating the new campus, Sister Maria Corona, SC, president, wrote: “Buildings for our humanities, sciences, and fine arts join hands with the social center and residence hall on two sides of the quadrangle, while on a third side, a slender shaft supporting a simple cross rises high and God-ward to dominate the whole scene. Yes, we planned it as a symbol of the undeviating course of our lives, and of the whole Christian story that permeates our philosophy of education.”

Did you attend the Mount from 1965 to 1980? We’d love to hear your stories about life as a college student during those years. Please email alumni@msj.edu and let us know!

1962

1963

1963

Last graduation at the Motherhouse.

Formal dedication of the new campus and the solemn blessing of Mater Dei Chapel and new college buildings.

First graduation on the new campus.

FALL 2017 • 21

THE LEGACY GROWS

MISS MOUNTEE, THEN AND NOW In the March 19, 1959, issue of Seton Journal, the following article appeared comparing a typical 1947 Mountee to a 1959 Mountee, based on the results of questionnaires sent out both years.

Miss Typical Mountee of 1959 is one inch shorter, two pounds lighter, wears a shorter, more casual hair style, but has the same color hair and eyes as the 1947 model had.

Based on a similar survey in 1947, this comparison evolved from a questionnaire recently distributed by Seton Journal.

Today’s typical Mountee? To a five-foot-five figure, weighing 126 pounds, add a pair of blue eyes … a short brown bobbed hair-do … a congenial disposition … blend in the spirit of the Mount, and there she is.

Among the preferences of this year’s composite girl are casually tailored clothes, steak, sewing, and reading. Her major is elementary education, minor English, and favorite course English with chemistry running a close second.

In 1947, she also preferred tailored clothes and her choice for a date, as now, was dancing. Replacing Vaughn Monroe, Dinah Shore, and Bing Crosby in the music score are Ralph Marterie, Doris Day, and Perry Como, especially if he’s singing “Stardust.”

Miss Mountee in the 1940s, with her tailored dress, socializing between class on the patio outside Regina Hall.

Marriage is in the future for our Mount Miss but only after graduation and a short career. She dreams of “not necessarily” a tall, dark, and handsome husband who is Catholic, intelligent, understanding, has a love for family, and is thoughtful. A college graduate, she will smoke cigarettes, preferably Kents, and have enough ambition to support a family. Unlike the girl of 12 years ago, she admires the intellectual rather than the athletic he-man type.

Her literary interests include “Peanuts,” The Saturday Evening Post, “How Do I Love Thee,” and Jane Eyre.

Although she keeps her size 11 figure by swimming and playing tennis, she has weaker moments in which she cooks pastries and Italian foods.

Miss 1959’s favorite color matches her eyes. When dressed up, she applies Revlon red lipstick and clear nail polish (as in ’47), powder, and eyebrow pencil, and adds a finishing touch of Chanel No. 5. If it’s a dance date, she is thrilled to receive a wrist corsage of roses.

Contrary to the girl of 1947, she enjoys a cigarette during her daily half hour in the social hall. Like her predecessor, however, she bides in a hand of bridge. She’ll rave about South Pacific but James Stewart and Ingrid Bergman are her most popular box office attractions.

Much like the Miss Mountee in the late 1950s, these ladies meet in a friends‘ room in the new dormatory to chat.

Learn more about the Mount’s history through exclusive web content at msj.edu/mountnews.

1963

1964

1964

President John F. Kennedy assassinated.

Enrollment surpasses 1,000.

Late afternoon and evening courses are offered; summer sessions begin.

22 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

A VIEW FROM ALL SIDES A Golden Jubilarian recalls her days at the Mount, both at the old campus and new, and as a traditional student and postulant.

Charlotte (Strange) Scarcelli ’65 is one of several family members to attend the Mount. Fellow Mountees included Scarcelli’s aunts on her father’s side—Margaret, Alberta, and Monica.

Margaret Strange graduated from the Academy in 1917. She taught in Indiana public schools for two years prior to entering the Sisters of Charity in 1921.

Taking the name Sister Marie Norberta, Margaret received her master’s degree in French in 1935, and began teaching— and serving as dean—at the Mount.

She lived in the Motherhouse with her cousin, Helen Strange (at the time also a member of the Sisters of Charity), until dying of cancer.

Alberta and Monica attended the Academy sometime between 1915 and 1922. Alberta married in 1921 and raised seven children. Monica married in 1924 and had five children. A generation later, Alberta’s daughter, Bernarda (Matthews) Simendinger ’50, attended the Mount and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

TRANSITIONING FROM OLD TO NEW

“We cherished many of the traditions that we would be the last to experience once we moved across the street,” says Scarcelli, who attended both Mount campuses. “The old Mount had tunnels between buildings which permitted us to creep from one dorm building to the other and to sneak around at night heading for late-night ice cream treats in the kitchen without having to go outside in our pajamas.”

Sister Maria Corona, the Mount’s first president, kept students up-to-date with informational meetings regarding the new campus. “We kept hearing about a fabulous new library and modern science labs,” Scarcelli says. “Five floors of dorm rooms in one building. A huge cafeteria with one entire wall of windows looking out over the bluffs. An incredibly beautiful chapel designed and decorated by our art professors and art students.

An outstanding full-sized theater with a music wing and orchestra pit.”

Scarcelli and her classmates went home in the spring of 1962 and three months later returned to a new campus.

“In the new dorm rooms, we had built-in beds disguised as couches with upholstered storage areas to hold our pillows, pajamas, and extra blankets,” she says. “We had built-in closets and upright dressers in the rooms. Under each window ran a long counter, which became our writing surface, with a sink at one end and mirrors and drawers at both ends. And the long-awaited phones, lounges, baths with plentiful showers … we were in heaven!”

In 2015, Scarcelli returned to the Mount to celebrate her 50th graduation anniversary. “I think the Mount is a wonderful small college—big enough to offer many choices, small enough to offer many support systems,” she says.

“If any of my grandchildren were to end up attending the Mount, I’d love to treat myself to some more wonderful and nostalgic visits.”

Visit msj.edu/mountnews to learn more from Charlotte (Strange) Scarcelli about what it was like to be a Mount student in the 1960s.

A LIFE FULFILLED

Scarcelli decided to enter the Sisters of Charity between her junior and senior years. She moved back to the Motherhouse, where postulants were discouraged from socializing with the college students. Scarcelli ended up spending four years living as a Sister of Charity, teaching high school French and English classes. After leaving the religious community, she found a teaching job in Indiana and later received a master’s degree in French literature from Purdue University.

Scarcelli married and raised five children while earning another master’s degree in parent education. She taught part-time and then moved to full-time administrative work with a United Way agency. After 20 years of marriage, she and her husband divorced, and Scarcelli took a job in administrative support services in the Department of Foreign Languages at Purdue. After nearly two decades in that role, the Mount alumna retired, took up writing, and is now a published author.

A LASTING LOVE FOR HER ALMA MATER

Two generations after Scarcelli’s time at the Mount, Simendinger’s granddaughter, Allison Simendinger ’12, earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the Mount, “bringing my family’s connection to the Mount full circle,” she says.

From top: Dian (Vieth) Korb ‘65 and Charlotte, who were roommates for three years (photo courtesy of Korb). Charlotte with granddaughter Téa.

Does your family’s connection to the Mount span generations?

Let us know at alumni@msj.edu.

FALL 2017 • 23

FACULTY & STAFF UPDATES

accomplishments

John Ballard, Ph.D., professor emeritus of management in the School of Business, presented the paper, “Triangulating Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: The Construction of Management Studies’ Famous Pyramid,” at the meeting of the Academy of Management in Atlanta, Ga.

DESTINED FOR SUCCESS Staff Spotlight Yashica Gayle, who joined the Career and Experiential Education Center in January 2017, is ready to embrace change and new opportunities.

Originally hired to be learning assessment coordinator, she is now the coordinator of cooperative education experiences for students interested in health care careers.

It’s no wonder Gayle is settling in so well—the Southeast Asian etymology of her first name means “success.”

Gayle’s previous experience includes working in human resources for Cargill, DuPont, and Toyota. She earned a bachelor’s degree in professional communication from Marquette University in her hometown of Milwaukee, Wis., and a master’s degree in human resources and industrial relations from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Gayle and her husband, Dwight, reside in northern Kentucky though she still enjoys regular visits to Milwaukee, where her parents, siblings, and six nieces and nephews live. The couple also plans to one day visit his native country of Jamaica.

For now, Gayle is enjoying her new responsibilities as she pairs students with career opportunities.

“Helping students plan for their careers energizes me,” she says. “The students here are impressive. They are diligent, goal-driven, and have great attitudes about their futures.”

Gayle also takes advantage of any chance to learn more about the Mount community, including an insightful Mount orientation session at the Motherhouse.

“The influence of the Sisters of Charity and the connection between their mission and the Mount’s mission is so evident,” she says. “It really helps to reinforce the work I do with students.”

Sharon Kesterson Bollen, Ed.D., professor emerita of art education in the School of Humanities, taught a course titled, “Fabric Design Workshop: Narrative Art,” as part of the Teachers-As-Artists summer program for graduate students.

Ulrike Brinksmeier, M.M., associate professor in the School of Arts and Humanities, presented her paper, “Core 474: Immigration: Achievements and Perils at the Core of our Nation,” at the 2017 Clute Institute International Conference on Education in Stockholm, Sweden.

J.W. Carter, Ph.D., professor of criminology and criminal justice in the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences, presented a paper co-authored with Mount colleague Brooke Gialopsos, Ph.D., titled, “Faculty, Staff, and Student Perceptions of Active Shooter Training: An Update,” at the annual meeting of the Midwest Criminal Justice Association in Chicago, Ill. B.C. Stuart Charles-Liscombe, Ed.D., ATC, chair of the Department of Athletic Training in the School of Health Sciences, along with Assistant Professor Erin Lewis, M.Ed., and seven athletic training students, presented a hands-on workshop titled, “Low Cost Approaches to Moulage, Standardized Patients, and High Fidelity Simulation,” at the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association’s annual meeting in Chicago, Ill. Dr. Charles-Liscombe and instructors Tom Gooding, M.Ed., Nicole Harshbarger, and Stephanie Madura, M.S., ATC, also served on the medical staff for the 2017 Flying Pig Marathon. In addition, he presented on “The Professional Degree Transition in Athletic Training— Implications and Opportunities” at the Greater Cincinnati Athletic Trainers Association meeting.

Mary Kay Fleming, Ph.D., professor of psychology in the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences, published a personal essay, “The Next Best Thing,” in an anthology, These Summer Months, about coping with the death of a parent. She also

24 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

published “A Shred of Decency” at the Erma Bombeck Humor Writer’s blog, where her work was named most popular blog post of August 2017.

Linda Jackson, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and new media studies in the School of Arts and Humanities, presented a talk, “Communication and Cultural Sensitivity,” in August 2017 at the Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center.

Gene Kritsky, Ph.D., dean of the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences, was selected by the membership of the Entomological Society of America for Honorary Membership for service to the organization and contributions to the field of entomology with distinction.

This recognition is awarded to only 1 percent of the society’s membership.

Keith Lanser, M.A., manager of service learning and civic engagement in the career and experiential education office, presented at the Ohio Campus Compact Annual Gathering in Columbus, Ohio, on election engagement efforts with students in a session titled, “Mount St. Joseph University’s Campus Report for the Voter Friendly Campus Designation.”

Craig Lloyd, M.F.A., associate professor of art in the School of Arts and Humanities, had a painting accepted into Watercolor Ohio 2017, the Ohio Watercolor Society’s 40th Annual Juried Exhibition, at the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus, Ohio.

Lloyd was also part of the facultystudent team that painted a mural for the Delhi Parks and Recreation Department’s farmer’s market.

Tim Lynch, Ph.D., professor of history in the School of Arts and Humanities, published “How Did Workers Win the Right to Form a Union and Go on Strike?” with George Washington University’s History News Network, historynewsnetwork.org.

Dan Mader, M.A., professor of art in the School of Arts and Humanities, offered a presentation and lecture at Career Day at Finneytown Middle School, during which he discussed being an artist and teaching art.

Mader also offered a presentation and lecture at the Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community in the Cincinnati community of Hyde Park.

His topic was the culture and artifacts of French Polynesia.

Tracy McDonough, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology in the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences, was invited to speak about mental illness and the Schizophrenia Oral History Project to students in the social work program at Northern Kentucky University and to psychiatry residents in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Amy Murdoch, Ph.D., chair for the School of Education’s online reading science master’s degree program and certificate program, was the recipient of the Johnson Outstanding Mentor Award at the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills Summit in Las Vegas, Nev. Murdoch was also honored in October with the Distinguished Alumni Award for University of Cincinnati’s School Psychology Program, School of Human Services, in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

Elizabeth Murray, Ph.D., professor of biology in the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences as well as a biological/ forensic anthropologist, served as a guest lecturer for scientific American travel on a Northern European Holland American cruise, stopping at ports in Denmark, Norway, England, Ireland, and Scotland.

Dr. Murray gave four lectures on various topics related to forensic science as part of an onboard speaker series.

Robert Pennington, Ph.D., associate professor of religious studies in the School of Arts and Humanities, completed his Ph.D. program in practical theology after defending his dissertation, “A Study of the Geneaology of Contemporary Catholic Methodology: The Turn Toward Practical Theology Grounded in Praxis, Historical Reality, and a Preferential Option for the Poor.” He also presented a paper, “What Makes an American Saint? S. Blandina Segale’s Mission Work: From Sante Fe to Cincinnati to the Classroom,” at the annual meeting of the College Theology Society at Salve Regina University.

Meg Riestenberg, Ph.D., associate professor emerita, in the chemistry and biology departments of the School of Behavioral and Natural Sciences, co-authored a paper titled, “A List of the Vascular Plants of Bender Mountain Preserve,” and was published in Ohio Biological Survey Notes 7.

Rick Sacksteder, clinical counselor, was recognized for his more than 25 years of support of the freshART program

at the Behringer Crawford Museum in Devou Park, located in Covington, Ky. Cindy Veraldo, Ed.D., assistant professor of sport management in the School of Business, published an article titled, “Theory of Planned Behavior and Women in Senior-Level Athletic Administration,” in Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal. Dr. Veraldo also traveled to the Dominican Republic with colleague Dan Yost, chair of the Department of Sport Management, and a group of Mount students to engage in service learning at the Mariposa Foundation.

Karle Zuelke, Ph.D., M.F.A., director of the writing, math, and science centers, presented a combined poetry and paintings session titled, “Knowing the Damned Butterflies: Illustrations and Poetry,” at the Association for the Study of Literature and Environment Conference in Detroit, Mich.

NEW HIRES Welcome to the following new faculty and staff members at the Mount: Tyler Evans, academic advising Rebecca Hyde, Katherine Marrero, Davis Schaefer, and Matt Taske, admissions Alexander Villasanti, athletic training Anthony Kidston, Meaghan Malloy, Katie Roberts, Abigail Smith, Amber Sneed, Alan Spell-Morris, and Elliott Spence, athletics/coaching

Maria Do Amaral, biology Edward Houze, Leslie Stephens, and John Walter, buildings and grounds Sister Karen Elliott, campus ministry Kimberly Krekeler, children’s center Kathryn Pielage, education Jennifer London, facilities Michelle Herling and Kathleen Hurley, fiscal operations Prudence Barker-Cremeans, Jacqueline Roberts, and Fan Yang, information services and support Emily Joyce, institutional advancement Joshua Zeller ’17, library Thelma David, medical certification Kate Doyle, multicultural Stephanie Bolden and Julie Eberwine, nursing Jeff Briggs, President’s Cabinet Loraine Delaney, physical therapy Phillip Smith and Steven Ward, physician assistant program Whitney Kessinger, planning and research Janice Schaefer and Kenneth Schmidt, project EXCEL Stephen Knapp, Robert Lee, Candice Mason, Neil Reatherford, and Patrick Wilder, public safety Christina Hoesl, residence life Crystal Bossard, social work Aaron Morehart, student administrative services

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Faculty Spotlight Eric Schneider ‘05, ‘06, M.P.T., is as happy (and busy) as ever. He splits his time teaching physical therapy to Mount students and working as a physical therapist in Cincinnati. But what connects them both is what he enjoys the most—helping people.

One of the many rewarding things he finds about teaching is watching his pupils evolve from nervous firstyear students to qualified, experienced professionals.

“It’s so rewarding to witness that progress and to be a part of it, especially here at the Mount, where teaching and learning are both so student-centered,” he says.

When he’s not teaching, Schneider works as a physical therapist at Beyond Exercise in Cincinnati, where he helps athletes in need of rehabilitation or improved performance. With more than eight years of playing football (including four at the Mount), he’s no stranger to athletics.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation science and master’s degree in physical therapy, Schneider is an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties-certified specialist in orthopedic therapy. And he’s still on the move.

He plans to begin working toward a Doctorate of Health Sciences at Indiana University, with a goal of earning his terminal degree in December 2018.

FALL 2017 • 25

LION’S CORNER

athletics

NEW COACH ROUNDUP NEW COACH READY TO BUMP IT UP

The Mount’s Department of Athletics is excited to welcome Abby Smith as the new head coach of the women’s volleyball team.

She brings more than five years of college coaching experience, including three years as an assistant coach at Denison University, where she managed three first-team all-conference performers and handled much of the program’s recruiting. When she played volleyball at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, her team compiled a 159-35 record and competed in the school’s first-ever National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics championship in 2007.

“I am thrilled to be a part of a program and a University with such a rich history of excellence on the court and in the classroom,” says Smith.

Director of Athletics Steve Radcliffe adds: “Abby is very passionate about the game of volleyball and the student-athlete experience.

She brings with her a love of the game and knowledge of how it can transform a student’s life.”

MOUNT ALUM HEADS UP LIONS FOOTBALL

Tyler Hopperton ’12 has been named the Head Football Coach at Mount St. Joseph University.

He has been serving as the Lions’ interim coach since March 9, 2017, following the retirement of Rod Huber. Since then, Hopperton has begun to put his stamp on the program, both on and off the field.

The Mount graduate spent four years playing linebacker for the Lions, and after graduation, he immediately began his coaching career at the Mount. He has also served as the team’s linebacker coach, special teams coordinator, assistant head coach, and director of recruiting.

Off the field may be where Hopperton has made the most impact during his first season leading the football program. In teaching his players all about the Mount’s mission, he helped coordinate a Lions inaugural service day, in which members of the team volunteered in service to others (see Sports Briefs on opposite page).

“I am extremely grateful to President Williams, Athletic Director Steve Radcliffe, and Associate Athletic Director Melanee Wagener for their trust in me to be the head coach of this football program,” says Hopperton.

“I have been a part of this program as a player and a coach for the last 10 years and I’m very excited for the opportunity to lead it.”

26 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

BACK TO THE MAT The Mount’s Department of Athletics welcomes Elliott Spence ’09 as the new head coach of the Lions’ wrestling program.

He is a 2004 graduate of Elder High School, where he qualified for the Ohio state high school championship tournament three times, placing in each of his three appearances.

During his career at the Mount, he was a three-time NCAA All-American, placing eighth in the nation in both 2006 and 2007. A hard worker on and off the mat, he was selected twice by the National Wrestling Coaches Association as an Academic All-American.

In an interview with intermatwrestle. com, Spence said: “I am excited to take over the Mount St. Joseph University wrestling program. I grew up a mile from the Mount and can remember going to their camps as a youth wrestler, and never thought that one day I would have the opportunity to lead the program.”

SPORTS BRIEF: Get in the Front Row with new MSJ Sports App Available for iOS and Android devices, the free MSJ Sports Front Row app gives Lions fans the chance to catch up on their favorite team anywhere! Highlights include up-to-date news and stats for all Mount athletics teams, schedules and upcoming events, live scoring, game recaps, photo galleries, and videos. You can also sign up for notifications and alerts for breaking news. To download, please visit the Google Play store or iTunes app store.

Visit msjsports.com for the latest sports news and schedules.

MAKING THE LIONS ROAR

NCAA HONORS CO-OP

Managing NCAA Division III athletics is complicated. It requires a steady amount of flexibility and coordination, along with ingenuity. It also promises to be different nearly every day.

Men’s volleyball player and Sports Information Co-Op Darien Bradley was selected by NCAA Division III to receive a fully sponsored trip to the Collegiate Sports Information Directors Association Convention, June 11-14, in Orlando, Fla. The event is designed to help future and current sports communication professionals through career training activities, networking opportunities, and showing how they can create more positive experiences for studentathletes at universities nationwide.

Just ask Athletic Director Steve Radcliffe. “It most definitely takes a lot of team work, behind the scenes, to make sure things run smoothly on and off the field for our student-athletes and our coaches,” he says. “It’s also vital that we share the success stories of all our teams.”

Blake Watson, Darien Bradley, and James Vinson are quite familiar with the dayto-day operations of the MSJ Lions. They are the team behind the teams.

Watson, sports information manager at the Mount, leads a team of two co-op students. When he isn’t preparing for another sporting event, scheduling a streaming broadcast of a game, or posting the latest scores to msjsports.com, he’s in the classroom as a junior majoring in sports management and minoring in business administration.

Prior to continuing his education at the Mount, Watson spent six years serving in the United States Navy as an aviation mechanic, which took him to such places as Japan and Germany. He has also worked for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, where he had the opportunity to mentor young people through sports-related activities. Watson has volunteered as a coach for numerous sports, with a variety of organizations in and around the Cincinnati area. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue his career in sports communications. He spends nearly all of his free time with his wife, Courtney, and their five-year-old son, Jaxon.

Meeting deadlines and managing priorities would be impossible for Watson without the hard work of co-op students Bradley and Vinson.

“These two are the best,” he says. “They each have unique skills and talents they bring to their jobs. And both have a real passion for playing and managing sports, which means they are learning a lot and enjoying what they do.”

“I am honored to have been selected to get this opportunity,” says Bradley. “I would like to thank Sports Information Manager Blake Watson and our Director of Athletics Steve Radcliffe for nominating me.”

SPORTS BRIEF: Lions Lend a Helping Hand On Aug. 20, more than 110 members of the Lions’ football program took time away from the field to travel to three separate locations for their inaugural service day.

They began their day volunteering at EarthConnection by landscaping the grounds and helping to clean up the exterior of the building. Later, they helped at Be Concerned by organizing the food pantry and furniture, and washing the vehicles that are used to deliver the supplies to families in need.

Lastly, the Lions traveled to Independence, Ky., to run a football camp for Upward Sports, the world’s largest Christian youth sports provider, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

From left: James Vinson, Blake Watson, and Darien Bradley. Photo by Adam Williams.

FALL 2017 • 27

ALUMNI UPDATES

news

Dear Alumni and Friends of the Mount, As President Williams outlines earlier in this issue, we’ll be sharing more information regarding Transformation 2025 in a future edition of Mount News. It is crucial, however, that we have the generous support of Mount alumni to help fund these bold initiatives.

When it comes to paying for college, our students know that a Mount degree is an investment in themselves—one that will pay dividends throughout their professional and personal lives.

To our alumni, I’d like to add this: donating to the Mount and projects such as Transformation 2025 is an investment in you as well. As this strategic plan begins to reshape our University and usher us into a new era, so, too, will our reputation

grow as more people equate a Mount education with state-of-theart academic programs that lead to professional excellence. This, in turn, only adds value and prestige to your own Mount degree.

But you don’t need to wait until we share more news. Donating to the Mount today can help support scholarships, specific programs, and campus services—you choose how your gift is directed. Feel free to contact me at 513-244-4611 or visit msj.edu/give to learn more.

Sincerely, Raye Allen Vice President for Institutional Advancement raye.allen@msj.edu 513-244-4611

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS TO THE MOUNT The Mount’s Office of Institutional Advancement welcomed two new professionals to its team—Director of Development and Campaign Planning Michelle Olmsted and Coordinator of Alumni Programs Emily Joyce.

As a senior member of the advancement team, Olmsted will help drive strategic direction for future fundraising programs. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education fundraising, including alumni relations and annual and major giving across individuals, corporations and foundations. Most recently, Olmsted served as director of development for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University, raising $25 million for the construction of the L. William Seidman Center. In this capacity, she had the distinct pleasure of working with President Williams, who was then serving as dean of the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley.

“I am so pleased to have this opportunity to join a talented and dedicated team,” says Olmsted. “Our goal is to create a campus environment that will add value to student experiences and develop their skills to be our next generation of competent and compassionate leaders who will make a difference in the world.”

28 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

From left: Michelle Olmsted and Emily Joyce

Joyce joins the Mount as a recent graduate of Wright State University, where she earned a degree in organizational leadership. As a student leader, she planned events, oversaw fundraisers, and managed colleagues.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity of building new relationships with alumni,” says Joyce. “I believe the roots of great alumni come from great undergraduate experiences. My goal is to help students see the importance of alumni as well as the important role they will play as alumni after graduation.”

ALUMNI UPDATES

profile

PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS To paraphrase a proverb: it took a university to raise a pediatrician.

“I consider the Mount to be the reason I’m a doctor,” says Libbey Spiess, M.D., ’88. “It was the first academic institution where I was told I was smart.”

The Cincinnati native always had a love of science and a desire to help people. Dr. Spiess also loved volleyball, earning scholarships to play at Morehead State University in NCAA Division I while she also majored in pre-physical therapy. But she wasn’t happy at the school, so she took some time off to regroup and look for a new place to continue her education.

That was when Dr. Spiess ran into Lions coach Mary Biermann at a volleyball tournament.

“I knew the Mount had a very good reputation,” she says.

With the help of scholarships, the young volleyball ace was convinced to play for the Lions. She proved to be one of Biermann’s best recruits. While at the Mount, Dr. Spiess was named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American, NAIA District 22 MVP and First Team, and AllOhio Academic Team. She also helped lead the Lions to the 1986 NAIA National Tournament. For her outstanding performance as a student-athlete, Dr. Spiess was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.

That inspiration also drives her today as attending physician at Queen City Physicians in Cincinnati, where she has been treating young patients for more than two decades. Her career includes several accolades such as the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society Award, Children’s Hospital Outstanding Resident in Neonatology Award, Children’s Hospital Resident Teaching Award, Children’s Hospital Samuel Dalinski Award, and the Cincinnati Pediatric Society Outstanding Resident Award. In addition, Dr. Spiess has been ranked among Cincinnati Magazine’s Top Doctors nine times and recently named a finalist for the “Above and Beyond Doctor of the Year people Award” from the Audrey Rose Foundation.

But what happened off the court had the most impact on Dr. Spiess and her career. “The people at the Mount encouraged me so much, and they made me feel like I could do anything,” she says. “I wouldn’t have had the confidence without that “The environment where I was surrounded by special people who had faith in me.” at the One of those “special people” was Sister Jean Patrice Harrington, who served as Mount president during her undergraduate years. After graduating magna cum laude, Dr. Spiess applied to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Mount encouraged me so much, and they made me feel like I could do anything.”

“In my life and career, I want to emulate the good people at the Mount,” she says.

“I want to encourage young people with my words and my faith in them.”

Ever committed to the welfare of children, the Mount alumna encourages parents to always follow their instincts. “It’s important to have a doctor who listens to you carefully, asks questions, and respects your concerns,” she says. “Follow your instincts and stick with it if you think something is wrong with your child.”

— Dr. Libbey Spiess ’88

“Sister Jean wrote a personal letter of recommendation for me,” she recalls. “And when I interviewed at UC Medical School, I was told I was the first applicant to ever have a personal recommendation from the president of their undergraduate institution.”

Dr. Spiess’ decision to enter pediatrics stems from her volunteer work years earlier. “In high school, I volunteered at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,” she says.

“Whenever I went there, I felt like I was coming home. I knew I had an affinity for working with children.” Her love for Children’s Hospital continues as she has served as a member of its medical staff for more than 20 years.

When she’s not treating patients, Dr. Spiess likes to unplug from the digital world and spend time outdoors or catch up on college sports. She also returns to the Mount whenever she can to catch a Lions game.

FALL 2017 • 29

ALUMNI UPDATES

classnotes

1950s Mary Ellen Hughes Leite ’57 of Fremont, Ohio, and her husband received the Heritage Award from the Saint Joseph Central Catholic High School Alumni and Friends Association.

1970s Peg Bradley-Doppes ’79 of Denver, Colo., announced that she will step down as chancellor for athletics and recreation from the University of Denver as of June 30, 2018. She will continue as vice chancellor for athletics and focus on high-end fundraising, coaching endowments, raising money for the Denver Tennis Park, and other capital projects.

Jo Ellen Flynn ’77 of Indianapolis, Ind., gathered with friends from the Mount’s Class of 1977, including Denise Huesman Clark ‘77, Cathy O’Brien Stange ‘77, Cindy Grilliot Scott ‘77, Jo Ellen Flynn ‘77, and Martha Harper Whitmer ‘77.

1980s Diane Mucci ’89 of Manassas, Va., has been named dean of the Science and Applied Technologies Division at the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

1990s Karen Smith Menchen ’92 of Cincinnati welcomed a new grandson, Connor Joseph.

2000s Deborah Kleinhenn Uchtman ’01 of Cincinnati was awarded a Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in May 2017.

Eric Johnson ’03 of Kingsburg, Calif., has been promoted to program director at VMS Family Counseling Services where he oversees two programs—Building Successful Families and the Leadership Exploration and Development Program.

Amanda Hauck Fischer ’07 of Sardinia, Ohio, and husband Shane Fischer welcomed their first child, Bryson Douglas Fischer, on March 14.

Julie Von Hertsen ’07 and Phil Von Hertsen ’08 of Cincinnati welcomed their daughter, Eden Marie, on Feb. 16.

Kelly Moore ’05, ’07, ‘08 of Milford, Ohio, gathered with fellow 2007 Mount physical therapy graduates for a reunion at Sharon Woods in September.

2010s Jason Harris ’13 of Cincinnati completed his internship with American Association of People with Disabilities in Washington, D.C. He is in his second year at Syracuse University working towards a master’s degree in cultural foundation education and a certificate of advanced study in disability studies.

Kelsey Copes Miles ’14 of Cincinnati married Anthony Miles ’16 last May in the Mater Dei Chapel at the Mount.

Joseph Kyle Vennemeier ’15 of Harrison, Ohio, was promoted to police officer for Delhi Township.

Tristan Chaput ‘15 of Waltham, Mass., is assistant director of affinity programs at Babson College in Wellesley, Mass.

IN MEMORIAM We honor the passing of Kylie Anne Kireta, 23, of Franklin, Ind., a first-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. She was a 2012 graduate of Franklin Community High School and a 2016 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in movement and sports science. Before beginning her studies at the Mount, Kylie worked for Hayden Physical Therapy in Greenwood, Ind. Her absence is strongly felt by her DPT faculty, classmates, and the Mount community.

30 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

ALUMNI PASSAGES Jeanette “Kloey” Klosterman

Stermer ’39 Rose Virginia Brown, SC, ’44 Patricia Carroll Blaney ’47 Mary Elizabeth “Betty”

Wagner Daly ’47 Rita Rice Deery ’48 Mary Anne Arata Dickert ’49 Mary Belle Powell Kugele ’50 Agnes Ann Gardt, SC, ’51 Majda Vracko Remec ’51 Elizabeth Redmond Duffey ’53 Jean Patrice Harrington, SC, ’53 Miriam Thomas Busch, SC, ’55 Rosemary Gornick, SC, ’58 Rita Szakats Banjoff ’59 Patricia Ann Dempsey, SC, ’59 Barbara (Gregory) Huber, SC, ’61 Ruth Kuhn, SC, ‘61 June Patricia Hendry

O’Connor-Cavanaugh ’61 Mary Egan, SC, ‘62 Jeannine Selzer, SC, ’62 Catherine “Cathy” Walter

Sullivan ’62 Ruth “Sis” Wimmel ’62 Betty Rosselot Flottman ’65 Rita Stankus Mulcahy ’65 Marie Virginia Lovato, SC, ’69 Jean Marian Schaefer Wiggins ’69 Susan Roncker Zink ’69 John Taylor Scherz ’82 Carolyn Rolfes ’83 Dororthy Walters ’84 Carol Dean Bugg ’89, ’93 Louise Hess ’92 Anne Harmon ’96 Passages listed are current as of press time.

TELL US A STORY Got married? New job? We want to hear from you! Share your personal and professional accomplishments with the entire Mount community in an upcoming issue of Mount News.

You can submit stories and photos online at msj.edu/classnotes.

ALUMNI UPDATES

news

ALUMNI BOARD UPDATE The Alumni Board is eager for a new year, and we’re looking for your help!

As we prepare for the Mount’s Centennial, we invite you to take advantage of a unique opportunity to help students. The Mount is offering a scholarship match of $25,000 for every $25,000 donated to create an endowed scholarship. The Alumni Board has made it their goal to create an endowed scholarship that will provide financial relief to a returning student so they, too, can continue the Mount legacy.

We ask for your support of this new Alumni Board Scholarship. You can give online by visiting msj.edu/ alumnischolarship or by denoting the scholarship on the enclosed envelope with this issue of Mount News.

From left back row: Coordinator of Alumni Programs Emily Joyce; Manager of Alumni Programs and Lead Annual Giving Mark Osborne; Terri Vollmer ’86; Stephanie Albertz ’07; Alumni Board Vice President John Lich ’11; Mary Jo Kathman ’75, ’83; Susan Dawes ’88; Rosemary Oglesby-Henry ’13, ’15; Eric Young ’97; (front row) Alumni Board President Andrew Brunsman ’10; Aimee Cordrey ’95; Chris Uselmann ’12; Alumni Board Secretary Cynthia Schmid-Perry ’82; and Alumni Board Treasurer Ingrid Weber ’80.

SAVE THE DATES All members of the Mount community are invited to our 2018 Mount Jubilee and Alumni Reunion Weekend!

April 6, 2018 — MOUNT JUBILEE Join us as we honor friends of the Mount and our Future Five Award recipients. All proceeds benefit the Scholarship Fund, making a Mount education possible for more than 1,000 students every year. Information about sponsoring the 2018 Mount Jubilee Gala will be mailed in the coming weeks.

On behalf of the many students who benefit from the generosity of our sponsors through scholarship dollars, we offer sincere gratitude. We especially thank the 2017 Mount Jubilee sponsors: 1919 Investment Counsel Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel BHDP Architects BIG Bill and Mary Cashman Ivers Vince and Robyn Caponi Cincinnati Business Courier Cincinnati Coin Laundry Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services, Inc.

Deerfield Digital Printing Education at Work George & Jeane Elliott Esther Price Fifth Third Bank Follett Higher Education Group Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. Frost Brown Todd, LLC Humana Indian Lookout Apartments IRI JTM Provisions

Kroger Messer Modern Office Methods Multi-craft Mark Murray Netherland Rubber Bernadette & Norman Plair Prestige PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Dave Ricchiute Sanger & Eby SC Ministry Foundation School Outfitters

Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati StreamKey The Cincinnati Insurance Companies Eric & Marty Massoud Thiemann TriHealth US Bank USI Insurance

June 2–3, 2018 — REUNION WEEKEND Reconnect with friends, see how our campus has grown, and create even more memories at the Mount. For more information, please contact 513-244-4871 or alumni@msj.edu.

FALL 2017 • 31

ALUMNI UPDATES

one last thought

THE MOUNT HONORS HALL OF FAME HONOREES! On Sept. 29, the Mount welcomed four new members into our Athletics Hall of Fame: Tom Bill ’98, ’99 (baseball), Mark Schorsch ’01 (baseball and football), Katie Straub Young ’04 (softball), and Michael Schuster, former MSJ board member and founder and principal of MSA Architects, who received the Champion Award.

Top left: Michael Schuster, founder and principal of MSA Architects, former Mount St. Joseph University trustee, recipient of Champion Award, Athletic Hall of Fame. Top right: the Athletic Hall of Fame took place inside Fifth Third Hall at Mount St. Joseph University. Center row, left to right: Induction ceremony and dinner; Katie Straub Young ’04 inductee (softball); Tom Bill ’98, ’99 inductee (baseball); and Mark Schorsch ’01 inductee (baseball and football), Athletic Hall of Fame. Bottom, left to right: President Williams; Tom Bill; Michael Schuster; Katie Straub Young; Mark Schorsch; and Mount Athletic Director Steve Radcliffe.

32 • MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

ALUMNI UPDATES

one last thought

HOMECOMING WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS On Sept. 30, the Mount welcomed alumni, faculty, students, family, and friends to celebrate our annual homecoming. A tailgate was held in Lions Park with plenty of food and fun to go around. After the tailgate, fans cheered our Lions to victory over Hanover, 35-20. Go Lions!

Top row, left to right: the MSJ dance team performs; young Lions fans enjoy the jousting arena. Center row, left to right: the University Band performs during the Homecoming football game; the MSJ cheerleaders pause for a pre-game formation. Bottom row, left to right: tailgating at the Delta Tau Delta tent; defensive back Troy Speakman during a return in the Homecoming football game against Hanover; student club promotions and photo moments during Homecoming festivities.

EXPANDED WEB EXCLUSIVES Can’t get enough Mount News?

Visit msj.edu/mountnews for web exclusive material and digital editions of this and past issues.

FALL 2017 • 33

DECEMBER 14 Fall Semester Ends 16 Commencement 25–26 Christmas Break (University Closed)

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI OHIO PERMIT NO 7116

IMPORTANT DATES

JANUARY 1–2 7–13 15 16 16

19–20

New Year’s Holiday (University Closed) New Orleans Mission Service Trip Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (University Closed) Spring Semester Begins Studio San Giuseppe Exhibit: MSJ Art and Design Faculty Overture Awards

FEBRUARY 3

6 14 19 23

Mount Madness Forever 22 Scholarship Event and basketball tournament Faculty Recital Ash Wednesday Mass Discovery Day Mid-Semester Holiday (University Closed)

5

12–17 30

Studio San Giuseppe Exhibit: Art for Peace and Justice Spring Break (No Classes) Easter Break (University Closed)

APRIL 2 6 7 12 20

26

Easter Break (University Closed) Mount Jubilee Time Jumpers Country Music Concert Celebration of Teaching and Learning Studio San Giuseppe: 2018 Senior Thesis Degree Projects Spring Concert: Band

MAY 1 12 28

Concert: University Singers Commencement Memorial Day Holiday (University Closed)

Division of Institutional Advancement 5701 Delhi Road Cincinnati, OH 45233-1670

MARCH

JUNE 1–3

Reunion Weekend

For complete calendar listings, visit msj.edu/calendar.

For MSJ Lions schedule, visit msjsports.com.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/MountStJoseph facebook.com/msjalumni twitter.com/_theMount twitter.com/MSJ_Alumni

Snapchat MountStJoseph

instagram.com/_themount instagram.com/msj_alumni linkedin.com/edu/mount-st.joseph-university-19101 youtube.com/user/MSJ1920

MISSION STATEMENT Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic academic community grounded in the spiritual values and vision of its founders, the Sisters of Charity. The University educates its students through interdisciplinary liberal arts and professional curricula emphasizing values, integrity, and social responsibility. Members of the Mount community embrace: excellence in academic endeavors; the integration of life and learning; respect and concern for all persons; diversity of cultures and beliefs; and service to others.

If you have received Mount News in error or wish to update your mailing preferences, please contact us at alumni@msj.edu or call 513-244-4871.