Mount News Magazine- Fall 2025: To New Heights

MOUNT NEWS

MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY | FALL 2025

Dear Friends,

It’s a beautiful fall day, and outside my window, the campus is bustling with students who are ready to Climb Higher, exploring passions and possibilities so that they may rise To New Heights and unleash their potential. Change is happening and I’m excited to share with you our vision for the year 2030:

The Mount is a dedicated learning community, rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, that equips every student to graduate, flourish in their chosen professional path, lead a life of purpose, and contribute to a better world for all.

More than 1,000 members of our Mount Community helped create We Rise to New Heights: Strategic Plan 2030. To each of those members, thank you! Our Catholic heritage and values cultivate a community that makes the Mount truly special, and our commitment to our heritage and values runs deep. We will achieve our vision for 2030 by engaging with one another, through values that demonstrate our dedication to excellence and the common good: Charity, Collaboration, Commitment, and Curiosity.

I’m thrilled to share with you the Strategic Plan’s five bold goals to:

• provide an unsurpassed student experience that nurtures mind, body, and spirit;

• become a national leader in student-centered success and support;

• enhance operational strength and high-impact infrastructure investment;

• foster a community that embodies a culture of care and belonging; and

• raise the Mount St. Joseph University profile with contemporary, integrative, and distinctive academic programs.

With these bold goals in mind, I am proud of what we have already accomplished. The University is rising To New Heights, with significant enrollment gains, marking its largest incoming first-year undergraduate class in 15 years.

We are well known for our support of first-generation, transfer, non-traditional, and graduate students. Every day, our faculty and staff meet our students where they are at and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in a dynamic career environment.

The re-envisioned Center for Mission & Belonging aims to ensure we nurture the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Already, our new First-Year Experience is providing students with the support they need to work through their future personalized Student Success Plans, knowing a pride of lions has their back, including alumni like yourself who can help unlock potential.

Operationally, every decision we make flows through the lens of Strategic Plan 2030. We’re seeking grants, developing new corporate partnerships, enhancing efficiency, and fundraising to update all classrooms, offices, and public spaces, including the new MSJ Esports Arena, equipped with top-of-the-line computers built by MSJ students.

I encourage you to think of how you can help Light the Way for our students and the larger Mount Community, perhaps, with a new co-op, mentoring, or shadowing opportunity, or by supporting a scholarship. Also, visit us! Experience one of our theatre productions. Cheer on our athletes. Sit in our new giant Adirondack chair.

It is one of my greatest honors and privileges to support our students as they rise To New Heights. Join me!

In closing, I know that many eagerly await an update on the Mount’s Sponsorship Transition. Our petition has been submitted to the Vatican for review, and once a decision has been made, it will first be announced by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. May God continue to bless all of us—and may God continue to bless Mount St. Joseph University!

Sincerely,

H. James Williams, Ph.D. President

AROUND THE QUAD

WE RISE TO NEW

HEIGHTS 2

Learn how the new 2030 Strategic Plan builds on the Mount’s 100year legacy as a dedicated learning community, rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, that equips every student to graduate, flourish in their chosen professional path, lead a life of purpose, and contribute to a better world for all.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Greg Goldschmidt Jr., MSOL ’23, ’07

Melissa Rouse ’21

DESIGNER

Amanda Absher ’08

MANAGING EDITOR

Kara Gebhart Uhl

WRITERS

Jessica Baltzersen, M.A. ’13

Amanda Gratsch, MSOL ’24, ’15

Heather Konerman

Tabari McCoy

Alex Taft ’17

Richelle Thompson

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.

PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM LIGHTS THE WAY, ONE STEP AT A TIME 10

The Mount’s physical therapy program is committed to engaging students in a personalized and collaborative learning environment that encourages a commitment to life-long learning and a passion for serving others. Learn how the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) faculty, alumni, and students Light the Way in their communities through a student-run pro bono clinic.

MOUNT MOMENTS 18

Mount Moments share the MSJ experience. MSJ Love Story profiles two alumni who met in the Criminology Club. In Milestone, a student finds strength in theatre. A DPT student Climbs Higher while building a future at the Mount. Heart of a Lion is a story of harmony and empowerment. A student Lights the Way by founding a Bible study for women. To New Heights profiles an NFL coach and director of graphics and design at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

The new Strategic Plan 2030 builds on a legacy rooted in commitment to the common good.

by Jessica Baltzersen

’13

There comes a time when growth demands change—an opportunity to advance further and evolve in a dynamic landscape. But as that moment arrived, the Mount wanted to not only look ahead, but also reflect on the heritage that defined its values for more than 100 years.

MSJ faculty and staff were met with a question: “How can we grow while staying true to who we are and those we serve?”

After more than a year of intentional thought and development, honest conversation, and shared ambition, the We Rise To New Heights: Strategic Plan 2030 arrived, charting the course for how the Mount can provide an unsurpassed student experience, become a national leader in studentcentered success, enhance operations and infrastructure, foster a culture of care and belonging, and integrate contemporary and distinctive academic programs.

Strong progress has already been made toward each of these goals, from new MSJ traditions and student experiences, to restructured departments, revitalized campus spaces, forwardthinking academic programs, and expanded leadership and wellness opportunities. Learn more about these changes in Around the Quad (pages 28 to 39).

“The plan is designed to move the University to the next level of excellence for teaching and supporting students, academic and student support facilities, as well as strengthening the University’s financial sustainability,” says President H. James Williams, Ph.D.

More than 1,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and partners came together in working groups and listening sessions to define what constitutes overall success. What emerged is a plan that blends tradition with transformation. It’s grounded in the values that have always defined the Mount—Charity, Collaboration, Commitment, and Curiosity—but reimagined through the lens of a new generation of students.

“Developing a Strategic Plan requires a monumental effort on the parts of everyone involved; it is, indeed, worth celebrating its completion,” Dr. Williams says. “However, the point of the Plan is its execution. Consequently, every aspect of the Strategic Plan affects one or more of the essential elements of the Mount’s work in educating students, supporting faculty and staff, responding to the needs of the community, and withstanding the headwinds that confront the Higher Education Sector.”

At its heart, Strategic Plan 2030 is communitycentered. For many students, that sense of belonging starts before the first class even begins. Already, the new orientation experience has improved what it means to arrive on campus, replacing trepidations with excitement and confidence for the college experience ahead.

“A lot of the things I saw at orientation carried over into the first semester,” says Sergio Pacheco Ortiz ’28, student and orientation leader. “I heard many students found really good friends over the summer and spent time together, which is a big concern as they begin college and are trying to fit in.”

where support has felt personal and connections have formed naturally.

“Community is a big part of the Mount,” Ortiz says. “We are a smaller campus, and I think we bring the community aspect to life really well. Student leaders, club organizations, and students overall are very welcoming, especially toward firstyear students, which makes it easy to adjust and ask for help.”

Building on a legacy of service and faith, the Strategic Plan 2030 provides a holistic framework anchored by intentional strategies that will shape the Mount’s future. Markers of success will be evaluated through retention, continuation, and graduation rates. In addition to meeting the annual established retention goal, the University aims to increase four-year graduation rates by 12 percent by 2030, and raise retention rates by 4 percent by fall 2026.

“Through the implementation of this plan, faculty and staff members should notice enhanced environmental and support mechanisms to make their work lives better and more productive. And, the broader community should see and feel the impacts of more MSJ engagement in community activities and events,” says Dr. Williams. “We expect students to see the impact of the Plan in their dayto-day education and through elements of support. They will experience enhanced co-curricular activities, events, and support. Indeed, these enhancements should lead to better student satisfaction in so many of their overall experiences.”

That energy already has carried throughout campus, +12%

Rate by 2030 +4% Retention Rate by Fall 2026

ONTEMPORARY & D I STINCTIVEACADEMICS UNSURPASSED STUDENT EXPERIENCE

CULTURE OF CARE & BELONGING

VISION

LEADINGSTUDENT

MSJ is a dedicated learning community, rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, that equips every student to graduate, flourish in their chosen professional path, lead a life of purpose, and contribute to a better world for all.

HOW WE ACHIEVE OUR VISION

Every ambitious plan needs a compass. And the true north of the University’s Strategic Plan 2030 will be guided by the values of Charity, Collaboration, Commitment, and Curiosity, steering the Mount further towards excellence and the common good. These aren’t just lofty words tucked away into a mission statement or framed on a wall. They will be the daily practices that shape how the Mount learns, works, and grows. Charity has always been at the heart of the Mount, embedded in the legacy of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, who founded the institution. The Strategic Plan will continue to position the Mount as an example of what happens when kindness extends to one another, especially one that places the well-being of others above self. This will be reflected in the countless ways the campus lives its mission of service and the

CHARITY

We share kindness and a generous spirit, upholding the well-being of others.

COLLABORATION

We partner to achieve results, valuing diverse opinions.

L SUCCESS&

& SUPPORT

idea that “when one person thrives, we all do.”

Collaboration fuels progress. The University recognizes that a bold strategy can’t be realized in isolation. Partnering across disciplines, departments, and even beyond Campus is essential. By valuing diverse opinions and perspectives, the University wants to ensure that academia remains inclusive and far stronger than any single voice could achieve alone. From faculty and staff co-creating programs to students working side-by-side with mentors, Collaboration values multiple perspectives and transforms them into collective strength. Commitment shows up in an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement, as well as the Mount’s willingness to push for excellence and to honor its goals. Commitment will be—and always has been—what keeps the Mount Community strong. It demonstrates the steady pursuit of improvement, the

COMMITMENT

We seek continuous improvement, honoring our shared goals.

CURIOSITY

We engage with the strategic plan, demonstrating openness to explore, experiment, and create.

resilience to overcome challenges, and the shared dedication to carrying out the mission.

Finally, Curiosity ensures the vision never stands still. It urges students and faculty to question, to experiment, and to reframe challenges as possibilities. It shapes a holistic way of thinking that extends far beyond campus, as graduates carry that same spirit of discovery, creativity, and understanding into the world.

These four values, tied together with the Strategic Plan’s five bold goals, are already cultivating a Community that’s truly distinctive. One that rises To New Heights and carries the torch into the next century.

CONTEMPORARY, INTEGRATIVE, AND DISTINCTIVE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

When students step into classrooms at the Mount, they are not always met with lectures. Sometimes, they find themselves solving real problems for a local nonprofit, shadowing a professional in the field, or designing a project with peers across disciplines. This blend of classroom rigor and real-world application is no longer the exception. It’s the standard.

In today’s fast-changing world, a college education must prepare graduates to adapt, innovate, and thrive. This challenge is being met head-on with the goal of raising the University’s profile through contemporary, integrative, and distinctive academic programs.

while also embedding practices that ensure graduates thrive in today’s global economy.

“In doing so, the Mount honors its tradition of care and service while positioning itself as a forward-looking institution ready to adapt to demographic and industry changes,” Saylor says.

Annual program reviews, employer-informed curriculum updates, and new micro-credentials will keep the Mount’s offerings fresh and responsive. Additionally, the Plan aims to position the School of Business and Communication (SOBC) to be a leading regional choice for students and professionals.

“Every academic program is designed not only to deliver rigorous disciplinary knowledge but also to integrate high-impact practices, career milestones, and experiential learning.”

“It means ensuring every academic program is designed not only to deliver rigorous disciplinary knowledge but also to integrate high-impact practices, career milestones, and experiential learning,” says Dean of Education, Laura Saylor, Ph.D. “These elements make programs distinctive by preparing students for professional readiness, while differentiating the Mount from peer institutions through innovative offerings, including holistic advising, partnerships with employers, and potentially micro-credentials.”

This plan builds on those values by strengthening support for first-generation, transfer, and non-traditional students,

“Increased social media presence and connections with alumni and employers will raise the profile of the SOBC,” says Dean of the School of Business & Communication, Charlene Kalenkoski.

“Career-relevant curriculum and increased networking, co-op, mentoring, and other career-prep opportunities will enhance business and communication students’ pathways to success in the workforce after graduation.” Looking ahead, the vision is ambitious and inspiring.

“Our academic programs are at the core of our institutional mission,” says Provost Steven Almquist, Ph.D. “We will continue to provide contemporary programs in the areas that have long defined the Mount’s important place in our region— healthcare, education, and the arts.”

UNSURPASSED STUDENT EXPERIENCE

The best college experiences aren’t defined by a single moment. They’re a collection of memories mosaiced together over time. They’re built with classmates who become friends, professors who become mentors, and experiences on campus that grow their community bond.

Delivering an “unsurpassed student experience” is critical to the Strategic Plan 2030—one that provides a robust student life, fostering relationships and connections; broadens student employment opportunities; and is guided by the Mount’s Catholic identity and heritage.

experience; not just mind, not just body, not just spirit, but all three,” Hopperton says.

The recently restructured Student Affairs department, into The Center for Mission & Belonging, builds on that legacy, ensuring that every student—beginning with events like the new First-Year Experience and Welcome Weekend through the Senior-Year 100 Days to Graduation Toast and Pinnacle Series—is connected to the University’s Catholic identity and its enduring mission to guide discovery of purpose.

Even with strong support systems already in place, the Mount is pushing further. The strategic plan will organize and build new systems to centralize programming and resources, ensuring students can easily access everything that’s available to them.

“The best student experience can be achieved by putting our students’ needs first while also making their experiences unique to The Mount.”

“Having an ‘unsurpassed student experience’ means that all employees at the Mount are striving to not only improve the student experiences within their jobs, but to make them the best,” says Tyler Hopperton, head football coach. “The best student experience can be achieved by putting our students’ needs first, while also making their experiences unique to the Mount. We strive not just to be better, but to be the best.”

That pursuit of “best” isn’t a new concept, but one that’s deeply familiar to the Mount’s mission.

“The Mount has always believed in a holistic student

Beyond campus, the Mount is building its alumni and professional networks to widen the circle of connections. The Mount’s location within the Greater Cincinnati region lends a tremendous opportunity to involve diverse groups of external partners who can support students at the same scale that much larger universities typically provide.

“Involved alumni reassure current students that what they’re currently a part of and working towards will stick with them in the future as well,” Hopperton says. “Alumni who come back to support or simply be on campus help paint a picture for current students of what can be and will be.”

The vision for 2030 is that every student leaves with a lasting sense of connection.

Hopperton says he hopes that future graduates can look back and say with confidence that they had the times of their lives, and built skills, experience, and confidence, while surrounded by faculty and staff who relentlessly put them in the right places, at the right times, to be successful.

CULTURE OF CARE & BELONGING

Ask anyone who spends time at the Mount what makes the University stand out, and chances are they’ll say it’s the people and connections. A sense of care and belonging is hard to define but easy to feel. Especially with the University’s emphasis on fostering a community that embodies a culture of care and belonging.

For the Mount, this means more than a warm welcome.

It means creating an environment where employees thrive, students feel supported, and the entire community flourishes together.

“We’re really committed to this,” says Jaimi Cabrera, Director of the Wellness Center. “Culture of Care and Belonging is so very important for our employees to thrive, but then more importantly, for our students to be successful and to also thrive.”

The plan outlines two priorities: cultivating an environment that recruits and retains talented faculty and staff, and positioning the Mount as a top place to work. In practice, that involves promoting meaningful collaboration, enhancing workflow processes, streamlining campus-wide communication, and offering opportunities for professional growth.

“Once you get here, we want to support you.”

One example is the new We Rise Together Leadership Series, designed to build individual strengths and elevate career journeys. Alongside it, the University is launching a strengthsbased culture initiative with the VIA Institute on Character (Values in Action Inventory), helping faculty, staff, and students identify and build on their unique talents.

“It’s for all individuals, of all faiths and beliefs,” Cabrera says. “Once you get here, we want to support you.”

The Mount is adopting a holistic approach that encompasses the eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social health. With a commitment to caring for the whole person, the Mount will help students with immediate needs like emergency funds and food supplies, and also with long-term resources that will continue to support them. The University has even expanded its on-campus health and wellness services through a partnership with TriHealth.

A redesigned Human Resource Talent Management Model is

also central to the strategy. A newly created Talent Management Manager role will focus on learning, career development, and succession planning. At the same time, partnerships with organizations like Gartner and EAB will strengthen leadership training and skill-building opportunities across campus. Early signs of progress are already visible. This year’s Welcome Week activities engaged employees across departments in new ways, including an energizing new move-in day experience for incoming students.

The Mount envisions a community where employees are deeply connected to their purpose, students flourish in an inclusive environment, and everyone feels empowered to contribute to a better world.

“If individuals feel that sense of belonging and have that connection to their ‘why’, then they’re going to show up, be engaged, and help our students succeed here on campus and beyond, as we truly are better together," Cabrera says.

LEADING STUDENT SUCCESS & SUPPORT

What does it take to be a true leader in higher education?

For the Mount, the answer is clear: meet students where they are, surround them with support, and prepare them not only for graduation day, but for every day that follows.

The Mount is setting the bar high. It aims to be a leader in student success and support, not only regionally, but nationally as well.

“When we think about being a national leader in student success, we envision the Mount as setting the standard for student success,” says Vice Provost Christa Currie, Ph.D. “We want to develop programs and support systems that could serve as a model for other programs. We want our students to feel as though the Mount advocated for them on every step of their journeys.”

This will be envisioned in two ways. The first is by implementing a Student Success Plan during the 2026-27 school year, that includes academic, professional, and personal development dimensions for all students; one that is developed during summer orientation and carry into the student’s first semester. The plan will be highly personalized.

“As students progress through their times at the Mount, the plan will be continuously updated to reflect their growth and priorities,” Currie says.

To ensure success, each student will develop a support team that can include faculty, coaches, and other MSJ employees.

“We want our students to feel as though the Mount advocated for them on every step of their journeys.”

Advisors will meet with each student at least once a semester to continue developing this plan, based on the student’s goals and priorities. Through MountConnect, the University’s new engagement platform launched this Fall, students and mentors will work together to support every dimension of their time in college.

“The plan itself is designed to be holistic,” Currie says. “This is not just a set of courses that a student needs to take to graduate. It also includes areas such as engagement on campus and getting ready for life beyond graduation.”

The second aspect of this goal is to create a comprehensive undergraduate onboarding and welcoming experience. The new First-Year Experience was implemented in Summer 2025 with a reimagined Orientation and Welcome Week Experience, including Lionpalooza (a fun evening with live music, food, games, and giveaways), followed by FYE 101—a first-year experience course dedicated to helping students familiarize themselves with higher education, financial awareness, and MSJ

resources. In this course, students are encouraged to ask key questions about how they learn best, who their mentors are, and where they need support. With a population of students who have experienced learning loss from the COVID-19 Pandemic, the University understands it’s imperative to meet individuals where they are.

Ultimately, the goal is for students to look back and say their

times at the Mount were transformational.

“I hope they would reflect on their times at the Mount and say that they made the right choices for their educations,” Currie says. “That it was time well spent and that it has made lasting impressions on their lives.”

OPERATIONAL STRENGTH & INVESTMENT

Strong institutions don’t happen by accident. They’re built on careful planning, smart investments, and a culture of accountability. The Strategic Plan will double down on operational strength, ensuring that every decision, from technology upgrades to financial stewardship, supports its mission of student success.

“By embracing technology and refining processes today, we’re preparing our faculty, staff, and students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

This will be accomplished through the following aspects:

1) bolstering the Mount’s financial resources through increased grant-funding and the development of corporate partnerships;

2) identifying and implementing a new Student Information System and centralized Student Experience Dashboard, to enhance efficiency in all areas of operations; and

3) implementing a fundraising strategy that prioritizes a new Health Sciences Building and Phase-In Plan to update all existing classrooms, offices, and public spaces by 2030.

“We see operational strength in two complementary ways,” says Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement Tim Bucher. “It means being sound, from business processes and technology perspectives, investing in the right systems and infrastructure to streamline operations, and elevating student and alumni experiences. By embracing technology and refining processes today, we’re preparing our faculty, staff, and students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“Equally important is investing in our physical infrastructure, our buildings, grounds, and student spaces, to support evolving teaching and learning models. These upgrades create environments that invite our community to grow with us

as we look ahead to 2030 and beyond,” says Bucher.

By aligning today’s learning environments with future trends, the Plan ensures all students can thrive now and adapt as their careers evolve.

“What excites me most about this goal is the chance to position the Mount for its next great chapter,” Bucher says. “Our value proposition is already strong, but to stay ahead of the curve, we must invest in the infrastructure that will propel us forward, creating spaces and systems that prepare our students to lead with workforce readiness, curiosity, and compassion.”

Behind every transformative student experience is a University that runs with purpose and precision. At the Mount, its commitment to operational strength ensures that the systems, structures, and resources powering the Mount are as innovative and forward-looking as its classrooms. This year, the Mount renovated the Office of Admission and Seton lobby, refreshed classrooms and athletic facilities, opened the MSJ Esports Arena—the most powerful in the region—and held the To New Heights Scholarship Benefit.

“Our goal is to build a campus that is agile, adaptable, and welcoming, honoring our history and the legacy of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, while incorporating the tools and spaces needed for the future of teaching and learning,” Bucher says. “We don’t build for the sake of building; we invest strategically to ensure the Mount endures for generations to

come. This campus belongs to all of us, students, faculty, staff, and alumni—and together we are shaping a place greater than ourselves.”

With a united purpose and a vision rooted in shared values, the University reaffirms its commitment to Climb Higher, with the Heart of a Lion, and to Light the Way, inspiring generations to rise To New Heights in the century to come.

We appreciate the time, talent, and insight that so many shared during the strategic planning process.

Thank you to the more than 1,000 members of the Mount Community—students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees—for your engagement, and to the Strategic Planning Team:

Steve Almquist, Ph.D.

Provost

Natalie Akers

Doctor of Physical Therapy Student

Jeffrey Briggs, MBA, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Swati Chopra, M.DES.

Assistant Professor of Art & Design, School of Arts & Sciences

Teri Compton, MSOL ’05, ’90

Chief Human Resources Officer

Christa Currie, Ph.D.

Vice Provost

Megan Dinnesen, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Graduate Education, School of Education

Paige Ellerman, J.D.

Vice President Compliance, Risk, Legal Affairs/General Counsel/ Title IX Coordinator

Lisa Gick, Ph.D., ‘87

Assistant Professor, Management & Leadership, School of Business & Communication

Miles Harding

Communication & New Media Studies Student

Andrew Hoelmer, MSOL ’20, ‘10

Assistant Director of Graduate Admission

Tyler Hopperton, M.Ed., ‘12

Head Football Coach

Elizabeth Keller

Criminology Student, School of Arts & Sciences

Scott Lloyd, M.A., M.DIV., M.L.S.

Director of Library Services

Alex Nakonechnyi, Ph.D.

Associate Provost for Campus Technology

Kerigan Pollard

Art Education Student, School of Arts & Sciences

Jamie Titus, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry & Academic Assessment

Coordinator, School of Arts & Sciences

Darla Vale, Ph.D.

Dean, School of Health Sciences

H. James Williams, Ph.D.

President

Left, Chase Menchofer ’24; center Matthew Webb; right, Tyler Schnitzler ’24; sitting, Physical Therapist Drew Burchett ’11.

Physical Therapy Program Lights the Way, One Step at a Time

by Richelle Thompson

When doctors told Matthew Webb he would never walk again, he refused to believe it.

In July 2022, while vacationing in the Bahamas, Webb fell 25 feet, shattering his L1 vertebrae and paralyzing him from the waist down. For months, he worked with therapists, determined to regain movement.

Two weeks after he took his first assisted step, the rehabilitation center delivered devastating news: he had exhausted his insurance coverage.

“They told me I was out of visits—unless I wanted to pay $20,000 a month,” Webb says. “It was crushing. To be working so incredibly hard and get that glimpse of success, and then to hear that news was devastating—especially at such a pivotal time for healing and recovery.”

One of his therapists suggested he try Mount St. Joseph University’s pro bono physical therapy clinic. Webb immediately reached out.

“There’s no way I would be where I am now without the clinic,” says Webb, who lives in Northern Kentucky with his wife and two young children. “They literally helped me get back on my feet.”

After hundreds of hours of therapy, about six months ago, he took his first unassisted steps—wobbly ones, but still steps.

“It was sheer joy,” he says. “Sheer excitement … I am working hard every day to recover so I can go back to work and provide

for my family.”

Today, Webb walks with arm crutches. He hasn’t sat in a wheelchair in nearly a year. Before the accident, Webb spent the summers wake-surfing at Norris Lake with his family. He was active in CrossFit and enjoyed a round of golf. He wants to return to that active lifestyle, and he’s made great progress. He can navigate his way across uneven ground on the soccer fields to cheer on his children, 11-year-old Violet and 8-year-old Wyatt.

Now on long-term disability, Webb completes some type of physical therapy every day. But his insurance still maxes out at 20 visits a year. His time at the pro bono clinic continues to play a crucial role in his recovery and moving toward fulfilling his ultimate goal: walking his daughter down the aisle one day when she gets married.

“Everything the Mount clinic has done has allowed me to take these steps,” Webb says.

Webb’s recovery inspired his niece, Makenzie Guenther, to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Today, she is a firstyear student in the Mount’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

“It feels amazing to know I’m part of something that helped change his life,” Guenther says. “I have seen firsthand how much the professors and the students care about the clinic and about helping serve their community. I knew that was the type of place where I wanted to learn.”

$82,997

673 Clinic Visits FALL 2023 to present

In Pro Bono Care Provided 10-89

Client Age Range

TOP CONDITIONS TREATED:

• Shoulder, Lumbar, and Hip Dysfunction/Pain

• Spinal Cord Injuries

• Strokes

• Balance Dysfunction

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY LIGHTS THE WAY

The Mount’s Physical Therapy program offers numerous opportunities for DPT faculty, alumni, and students to Light the Way in their communities. A master’s program for Physical Therapy began in 1999, under the umbrella of the University’s School of Health Sciences, which also includes nursing, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, social work, and exercise science.

In 2006, the exercise and integrative health science master’s program transitioned into a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Based on a three-year (nine-semester) calendar, the program combines rigorous academics with extensive clinical experience.

Since the inaugural class in 1999, the Mount’s Physical Therapy program has graduated 786 students, all with a mission for “Engaging students in a personalized and collaborative learning environment that empowers them to become physical therapists who have a commitment to lifelong learning, a passion for serving others, and a dedication to interprofessional practice that inspire them to optimize the health and well-being of the community.”

Dr. Karen Holtgrefe, a former faculty member of the Mount’s Physical Therapy program, along with Dr. Lisa Dehner, the program’s current department chair, believed that a pro bono clinic embodied that mission. They worked for years to get all the necessary pieces in place to establish a student-run pro bono clinic. Holtgrefe collaborated with Maegan McCarthy, then-director of the student pro bono clinic board and a 2024 DPT graduate, as well as nearly 25 other second-year students, to develop processes and policies that enabled them to begin serving the community in the fall of 2022.

The clinic traditionally runs for 10 weeks in the fall and 10 weeks in the spring, on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Students are supervised by volunteer, licensed physical therapists—often alumni—and run the clinic under the guidance of faculty liaison Dr. Jamie Bayliss, director of clinical education and associate professor. In addition to providing therapy, the students’ work includes patient scheduling, DPT student, and volunteer clinician scheduling, marketing, fundraising, clinic operations, and data collection.

To date, students have already provided more than 673 visits for patients, ages 10 to 89, with a variety of diagnoses, ranging from orthopedic to neurologic conditions, delivering a total of $82,997 in free care.

For Webb, every step he takes is proof of that mission in action.

“The impact of this program in the community is tremendous,” he says. “It’s been such a blessing.”

“The clinic provides MSJ students with an opportunity to serve the community and individuals like Webb who might otherwise not receive the therapy they need,” Bayliss says.

“It also serves our students by allowing them to utilize the skills they’re learning in the classroom and to perfect those skills,” she says. “Another wonderful thing we’ve experienced is the relationship that develops between these patients and students. The patients know our students are learning, so

Back, Chris Zody ’24; center, Matthew Webb; front, Tyler Schnitzler ’24.

they’re very understanding. Our students come out of the experience with more confidence, so when they begin their clinicals, they hit the ground running.”

Third-year student William “Willie” Wolfe says the clinic confirmed his sense of vocation.

“The pro bono clinic gave me my first real patient interactions,” he says. “Seeing patients progress and regain movement reinforced why I’m doing this. I feel like my place in this world is to be a bridge to a better life for others.”

In addition to the pro bono clinic, students donate hundreds of hours of volunteer service each year, from conducting fallrisk screenings at senior centers to supporting adaptive sports programs for athletes with disabilities. Some students even volunteer at one of the local fire stations, helping firefighters do strength training to prevent injuries.

“I think the Mount really emphasizes the importance of going above and beyond to get to know your patients and really, truly care about them, rather than just getting them in and out of the door,” says Tanner Perry, a third-year student who serves as the vice president of the MSJ Student Physical Therapy Association. “That’s something I’m going to take with me as I begin my career: that our job is to show true care and compassion.”

Bayliss agrees.

“We’re Lighting the Way by educating students who not only have the knowledge to treat people, but also the compassion to serve.”

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

model that every day.”

Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Darla Vale, echoes that sentiment.

“Our faculty members are very passionate about their profession and committed to teaching students not only how to be competent practitioners, which is very important, but also to understand that compassion is a critical part of the job. I always think about the words of Maya Angelou that people may forget what you say, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”

Faculty members extend that passion outside the classroom, too—hosting fundraisers for student scholarships, creating a “draft day” celebration when students receive their first clinical education experiences assignments, and serving side-by-side with students in the pro bono clinic.

“I think what makes the Mount stand out is that we really cater to the student individually,” says Monica Myers, a physical therapy instructor. “My students know me. They’re constantly coming up to me, in my office or after class, asking questions. Being at a smaller school is hugely beneficial because we can spend a lot of time with our students and get to know them.”

The curriculum is designed to forge those deep connections. Faculty begin with first-year students and then follow the students into their second and third years.

“The impact of this program in the community is tremendous. It’s been such a blessing.”

At the heart of the program are faculty members who are passionate practitioners and teachers. They have an open-door policy and meet frequently with students, one-onone or in small groups. And they model deep engagement with colleagues, students, patients, and the profession.

“We are all American Physical Therapy Association members,” Dehner says. “We are advocates for our profession and for our students. And we are all clinicians. Every single one of us still sees patients.”

Faculty practice what Dehner calls a “formal informal” approach.

“The analogy I like to use is that we’re all in the boat,” she says. “I’ve got an oar, you’ve got an oar, and we’re in this together. I think that creates a lot of modeling where the students see that we are professionals with experience and knowledge to share—and we are also colleagues working together for the same goal.”

The program is intentionally student-centered, with a focus on competence and compassion.

“Our grads are known for their professionalism and compassion,” Bayliss says. “If you can’t communicate, if you can’t actively listen, you can’t treat patients effectively. We

“I get to see them from when they first walk in and they’re scared to death, to their progression in the second year, to the third year, when they’re studying for their boards and able to answer questions for the new cohort of students,” Myers says. “I think our individualized program gives a lot of people who may not have done well in a big academic institution an opportunity to thrive and succeed.”

CALLED TO SERVE

Both faculty and students liken physical therapy to a calling—a vocation deeply rooted in the desire to serve and help others. For many, a personal experience with physical therapy solidified their interests.

Bayliss injured her ankle at the age of 10 while competing in gymnastics.

“My therapist was so passionate and knowledgeable,” she says. “She made such an impression on me, and I wanted to be able to help people like she did.”

Years later, Bayliss would discover that very therapist—Mary Romanello—had become chair of the Mount’s Physical Therapy program.

“I guess it was fate or divine intervention,” Bayliss says, “for the program chair of my program to be the reason I got into the profession in the first place.”

Perry was inspired by his father’s accident in 2011.

“My dad became a bilateral below-the-knee amputee,” he says. “Watching his therapists help him walk again showed me the power of physical therapy. They didn’t just restore his physical ability; they helped him see that life may not be what it was, but there’s nothing wrong with making ‘different’ your new normal.”

Myers’ interest in physical therapy sparked in high school when a family friend suffered a non-traumatic spinal cord injury.

“She’s still paralyzed to this day and uses a manual wheelchair, but she is completely independent,” she says. “It was truly inspiring to see the role physical therapists played in helping her get back to doing everything she wanted—going to college, living on her own. That experience really piqued my interest.”

Before she came to the Mount, Myers worked at a Cincinnati rehab center, where she encountered Webb. When she learned that his insurance wouldn’t cover additional treatment, she referred him to the Mount’s pro bono clinic. She has seen him progress from celebrating the wiggle of a toe to walking and driving.

“It’s wonderful to see how excited the students are to work with Matthew and see his progress over time,” Myers says. “They are invested in his recovery. He will have a lasting impact on these students. They will always remember him and see the possibilities of what working really hard can do.”

LASTING LESSONS

The experiences at the Mount continue to shape the lives of students long after they graduate.

Like some of her peers, Dr. Maggie Nielsen ’22, was drawn to the field after she watched the impact physical therapy had on her father. When she was 13, her father fell from the roof of the house and suffered a serious brain bleed. She remembers going to one of his physical therapy sessions and seeing him walk for the first time.

“Something clicked,” she says. “I thought, ‘Wow. His physical therapist gets to help people like my dad every single day’ I wanted to be a part of something that really makes a difference in people’s lives.”

Matthew Webb; his wife, Sanja Webb; their son, Wyatt; and their daughter, Violet.

Since graduation, Nielsen has returned to the Mount as a volunteer at the pro bono clinic and continues to be in touch with faculty and classmates.

“I felt like the Mount listened to my story,” Nielsen says. “They looked at me like a person, not just like a number. That was what really drew me in. I had such a great experience there, so I want to give back. I know how valuable it was to me when graduates would come back and talk about their experience, so I want to do that for the students who are there now.”

Dr. Adam Waite ’21 left a career in engineering to pursue a vocation where he could help people. He checked out some different programs, but when he interviewed at the Mount, he knew he had found the right fit.

“I got the sense that this is a faculty that would be rooting for me,” he says. “They would do everything they could to try to help me across the finish line.”

Today, he brings that same passion and desire to support and encourage others into his work as a therapist at Cincinnati

MEET THE PHYSICAL THERAPY TEAM

Dr. Lisa R. Dehner PT, BSPT, Ph.D., CEEAA

Chairperson and Professor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Dehner is a practicing physical therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience and advanced credentialing in geriatrics as a Certified Exercise Expert in Aging Adults (CEEAA). Her clinical practice is focused on annual physical therapy exams for aging adults, specializing in improving balance and reducing falls, and her teaching practice includes neuroscience and geriatrics courses. She has a background as a researcher in the field of neurobiology and pharmacology and has multiple publications and presentations. Her current research is focused on education practices, including those related to geriatrics. She recently published an update to entry-level essential competencies and developing clinical reasoning skills in physical therapy students.

Dr. Jamie Bayliss ’05, ’03, PT, MPT, DHSc

Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor

Dr. Bayliss is a practicing physical therapist with 20 years of experience working with patients across the lifespan in outpatient orthopedic settings. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Physical Therapy from the Mount, a Doctor of Health Science from the University of Indianapolis, and she’s a graduate of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)’s Educational Leadership Fellowship. Her interests include assessing clinical education processes and developing grassroots-level initiatives in order to enhance best practices within physical therapist clinical education.

Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“I feel incredibly grateful to the Mount for giving me the opportunity to study there and go through its program, because it literally changed my life and has helped me lead a happier, more fulfilling life,” Waite says.

Dr. Bobby Curtis ’17, feels a similar sense of indebtedness to the Mount. A clinical with the Cincinnati Reds as a thirdyear student helped Curtis establish a career in sports physical therapy. He worked at Rutgers University as a rehabilitation coordinator and director, and then, in June, was named director of rehabilitation for the University of Tennessee’s football program.

“I can say with certainty that if I had gone anywhere else, I’m not sure I would be a physical therapist right now,” Curtis says.

In November of his first year, his mother passed away from cancer. The faculty’s compassion and support helped him navigate the grief and get back into a successful situation.

“I think they had more faith in me at the time than I did,”

Dr. Ellen Dilts PT, DPT, CCS Instructor

Dr. Dilts earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chatham University. She’s a board-certified cardiovascular and pulmonary clinical specialist. She’s served as a case reviewer for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Oncologic Clinical Specialization Section. She’s also an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy and the Academy of Acute Care. Clinically, she practices at Bethesda North Hospital, treating patients with a range of diagnoses.

Dr. Christy Heinrich ’06, ’04, PT, DPT, OCS

Assistant Professor

Dr. Heinrich earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Physical Therapy degrees from the Mount, followed by her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Shenandoah University. With 19 years of clinical experience, she has practiced in hospital-based outpatient clinics, inpatient acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Beyond her academic role, she is deeply engaged in community service. She serves as co-chair of the Cincinnati Chapter of Cerebral Palsy Soccer and fosters student involvement in adaptive sports through her collaborations with The Bridge Adaptive Sports and Recreation, be.well, and CB Moves.

Curtis says. “That’s why I tell anybody who will listen about the Mount. They’re not just investing in you professionally, but personally.”

GROWTH AND VISION

Naturally, a faculty committed to its students wants to expand the opportunities and offerings. A new building that houses all the Health Science programs could significantly impact the healthcare shortage in Ohio by enabling the Mount to expand capacity and increase the number of graduates in high-demand fields, including DPT and Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP). The increase in both underinsured populations and underserved populations throughout Greater Cincinnati have already resulted in increased DPT and MSLP clinic visits, making student-run pro bono clinics a vital service in the region. An interdisciplinary clinic would bring together various health professions to provide coordinated care that better meets the complex needs of the community.

Dr. Erin Hofmeyer ’07, ’03, ’02, PT, DPT, GCS

Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of Clinical Education

Dr. Hofmeyer earned her Bachelor of Health Science, Master of Physical Therapy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from the Mount, and is completing an Ed.D in Leadership Studies at Xavier University. She served on the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board from 2015 to 2023. She currently serves as Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA) State Affairs Chair and was elected as an APTA House of Delegates representative for Ohio (2025-2027). She’s a professional member of the National Academies of Practice and a graduate of the OPTA L.I.F.E. Series Leadership Academy.

Dr. Monica Myers, PT, DPT, NCS Instructor

Dr. Myers received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from A.T. Still University. She has clinical experience working in a skilled nursing facility, an outpatient neuromuscular rehabilitation facility, a vocational rehabilitation facility, and an inpatient rehabilitation facility with patients with a variety of neurological disorders. She teaches continuing education courses focusing on interventions for patients with hemiplegia following stroke or brain injury. She’s a leader in the Ohio Physical Therapy Association and an active member of the Southwest District.

“It would be great to be able to have our students interact in a more holistic way instead of just one slice of patient care,” Vale says. “We would love to be able to have patients come into the clinic and see different practitioners in the same appointment, instead of three, so that the whole health care team can be there and work together to provide comprehensive care. That’s our goal.”

MSJ STUDENT-RUN PRO BONO DPT CLINIC

672 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45233 | 513-244-4282

For the most up-to-date business hours, or to schedule an appointment, visit msj.edu/ pt-clinic or scan the QR code.

Dr. Mike Obert, PT, MPT, OCS, DHSc

Assistant Professor

Dr. Obert is a board-certified clinical specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy with nearly 20 years of clinical experience and over 10 years of teaching experience at the Mount. His primary clinical focus is on individuals with orthopedic and sports medicine injuries, including post-operative care, as well as those with vertigo and dizziness. He holds certifications in dry needling, Graston Technique, and vestibular rehab, and has extensive training in manual therapy. His research focus is on the assessment and development of clinical reasoning and metacognition in DPT students.

Dr. Eric Schneider ’06, ’04, PT, MPT, OCS, DHSc

Assistant Professor

Dr. Schneider has 20 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. He’s a board-certified specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and serves as the coacademic director of the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency Program at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. His teaching responsibilities include biomechanics and kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, applied orthopedics, orthopedic manual therapy, and research principles. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations related to dry needling and best practices in DPT admissions. He’s taught several continuing education courses for licensed physical therapists, and has been invited to present at both local and national conferences.

MOUNT MOMENTS

Stories of Mount Moments breathe life into and showcase the unique experiences held on Mount St. Joseph University’s campus, and beyond. From academic achievements to personal milestones, they tell the stories of our Mount Community as they Climb Higher, dare to risk a caring response with the Heart of a Lion, rise To New Heights, and Light the Way in their communities, with dedication and passion.

www.msj.edu/mountmoments

CRIMINOLOGY CLUB LEADS TO ‘PARTNERS IN CRIME’:

ALLIE & DONNIE WILSON’S LOVE STORY

By Heather Konerman

What started as a shared interest in the complexities of crime blossomed into a beautiful romance, leading to a lifelong partnership and successful careers in law enforcement.

By the time Allie (Weismann) Wilson ’19 was a senior, Donnie Wilson ’22 was just starting his journey at the Mount. Little did they know, a whirlwind romance was soon to follow.

Allie grew up in Bright, Indiana, and attended East Central High School. Donnie attended Elder High School, where he joined the wrestling team. It was through the Mount’s head coach that he learned about MSJ Wrestling. Allie was drawn to the Mount because of the small class sizes.

After beginning his first year at the Mount in 2018, it didn’t take long for Donnie to cross paths with Allie. They held a shared interest in criminology. Allie was majoring in Psychology and Criminology, while Donnie was majoring in Criminology with a concentration in Victimology.

Allie, eager to gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom, became the vice president of the Criminology Club. Their first meeting was on September 30, 2018. Allie clearly remembers walking down the hallway, seeing a guy ahead of her wearing a blue hoodie, and thinking that he was cute. He then walked into the same room where the Criminology Club meeting was being held.

After the meeting, she found Donnie’s Instagram account and followed him. They began to message each other, and a few months later, Donnie asked Allie to be his girlfriend. She said yes. Even after Allie graduated, they continued to meet at the Mount, walking around campus and eating lunch.

Donnie began working as a corrections officer at Hamilton County’s Juvenile Justice Center in 2020, while still an MSJ student. Allie began working with the Butler County Prosecutor’s office in 2021 as a victim advocate. In 2022, they bought their first condo together. To celebrate this exciting step

in their lives, they had a housewarming party and invited their family and close friends.

At one point during the party, Allie was in the kitchen making another round of food when Donnie called her to the living room.

“Donnie asked me to take a seat in front of the fireplace and then called our dog over,” she says. “Our dog was wearing a harness with a small pouch with a zipper. Donnie opened the small pouch and pulled out a ring, got down on one knee, and in front of our friends and family, he proposed!”

On October 4, 2024, Allie and Donnie were married. Their shared love for criminology, which began before they first met at the Mount, and their careers

in the legal field inspired their law enforcement-themed wedding.

“It only seemed right,” Allie says, since the MSJ Criminology Club brought them together.

Allie and Donnie now have three dogs, a new house, and their dream jobs. Donnie is a Cincinnati police officer, and Allie is currently a criminalist whose main priority is to assist in the investigation of cold cases.

Joining the Criminology Club helped them pursue their academic and career goals and find their life partners. Allie says their paths wouldn’t have crossed, if it weren’t for the Mount and Associate Professor J.W. Carter II, Ph.D., who asked her to be the vice president of the club.

ELIZABETH KELLER: FINDING STRENGTH AND COURAGE IN THEATRE AT THE MOUNT

By Alex Taft ’27

A performer may be asked to wear many faces. Keller is no exception.

Elizabeth Keller ’26 wears the face of a Financial Economics major, a performer in the MSJ Theatre Arts program, and a member of the class of 2026 just to name a few. She performed a leading role as Leeann, an anti-war nurse, serving to help the wounded of the Vietnam War in the 2023 theatre production of “A Piece of My Heart.” Since then, she has been continuing her education and starred as Sally Perks in the spring production of “Puffs.”

It took time for Keller to get here.

“My freshman year, I was all over the place,” she says. “I was in way too many clubs and organizations to really dedicate much time to each of them, and I wasn’t able to connect well with other people.”

But once she was cast in “A Piece of My Heart,” she felt a calling to theatre,

and it was a Milestone moment.

“Somewhere between seeing my castmates four days a week, millions of inside jokes, our ice cream Thursday bonding sessions, and lots of hard work ground out together, I felt at home,” Keller says. “I was surrounded by some of the most open-minded, hilarious, and creative people who shared a passion for putting on a good show and having fun while doing so.”

Director of Theatre Arts, Lauren Carr, had an impact, too.

“Her dedication to directing an accurate and authentic piece encouraged all of us,” Keller says. “She fostered a safe environment for us to ask questions, explore different acting choices, and dive into the horror that was the Vietnam War.”

The play, “A Piece of My Heart,”

addresses the physical and mental challenges that the women of the Vietnam War faced, especially post-traumatic stress disorder after their service. Keller says Carr ensured each performer felt safe, while tackling important scenes.

“We can’t rely on things like CGI or the ability to cut and re-do scenes until we get the perfect shot, like in movies,” Keller says. “Everything is in real-time, and the only way to make this work is by listening to our fellow actors and having each other’s backs.”

Keller and her fellow performers faced these challenges and put on a great show through perseverance and teamwork.

“Theatre is a team effort, and every person—both on and off stage—are equally important,” she says. “There must be mutual trust and respect among all actors to tell a story seamlessly.”

Keller feels a particular connection with, Leeann, her character. At the start of the play, Leeann is dedicated to nursing, but re-evaluates and changes her career entirely after realizing that nursing doesn’t align with her passions as much as she thought it would.

“I think this speaks to the college experience in general,” Keller says. “I’ve changed career pathways since starting my journey at the Mount, and it can be scary not following a plan that I’ve had laid out since I was in sixth grade. However, I would rather take a risk with a new plan than stay on a path that I know won’t fulfill me.”

Reflecting on Leeann’s character gave Keller the strength to face her own challenges in starting college at the Mount.

“I think I drew strength and courage from Leeann when she risked so much to choose a new path and never looked back,” Keller says.

Keller encourages anyone attending the Mount to look into joining the theatre program.

“Whether you’re interested in working onstage or behind the scenes, there’s always a place for you to grow, contribute, and have fun,” she says. “MSJ’s theatre program is a fantastic opportunity to learn, build connections, and be a part of something truly special.”

A NEVER-ENDING JOURNEY: LUAN AGUIAR’S ’27 JOURNEY OF GROWTH IN THE MOUNT’S DPT PROGRAM

By Alex Taft ’27

Aguiar almost instantly found a place to build his future at the Mount.

Hailing from Brazil, Luan Aguiar ’27 moved to the United States nine years ago. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he entered the competitive MSJ Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

The interview process to get into the program “was very welcoming and really made me feel like the staff cared about the students’ success at an individual level,” he says. “I wasn’t just another GPA/GRE on their Excel sheet.”

After officially being accepted into the program, Aguiar had to take a Human Gross Anatomy course. With the combined challenge and excitement of taking this class and entering a new program, Aguiar’s doubts began to speak louder. However, through hard work and determination, he performed very well on the quizzes and exams in the class. The experience served as an excellent morale booster and helped build Aguiar’s confidence in the DPT program.

Aguiar also became involved with CB Moves, an adaptive ballet program organized by Cincinnati Ballet for children with disabilities.

“It is truly rewarding to see their improvements either physically or personality-wise,” he says.

Currently, with a group of fellow Physical Therapy students, Aguiar is designing an adaptive soccer research project for students with cerebral palsy. The project aims to analyze the influence that participating in adaptive soccer has on children with cerebral palsy and provide a more objective understanding of how impactful physical activity is for children with disabilities.

“This serves as a great opportunity for me to have a more direct contact with research, and I’m sure it will be a very useful experience in my professional future,” he says.

Aguiar is thankful to the Mount for the support provided to him. The Mount Community atmosphere, he says, makes him feel like he’s a part of something bigger, and is in a place where he can get any support he needs and be there

to support others. He’s grateful for his professors at the Mount, who have provided him with valuable insights and constructive criticism when he needed help in his studies.

“They always make the conversations important to you as a student and as a professional, which creates many opportunities for growth,” he says.

Aguiar is also grateful for the role faculty and staff play in building the Mount Community that has helped him grow so profoundly. This includes administrative assistants, who he says have always been timely and helpful, and the custodian who supports the Physical Therapy program by keeping classrooms clean and organized.

“I have had the pleasure to have many conversations with them,” Aguiar says. Looking forward, Aguiar plans to

work in the pro bono physical therapy clinic, which he had the opportunity to participate in for a few hours last fall. Aguiar says he hopes to use his talents, knowledge, and skills to create treatment plans for patients who don’t have to worry about insurance restrictions and limitations. In the next few years, he expects his continued hard work to guide him into a professional career in physical therapy, where he can help even more patients.

For Aguiar, Climb Higher signifies a never-ending pursuit of excellence and perfection—an abstract peak that will guide him on a journey of continuous growth and improvement.

“It is not about the next accomplishment, but rather the impact you have on your way towards them,” he says. “It is about how much you can grow as a person and use that growth towards making the lives of others better.”

TWO HOMELANDS, ONE HEART: VICTOR LUNA-MATA ’26 EMBARKS UPON HARMONY & EMPOWERMENT AT THE MOUNT

By Alex Taft ’27

Navigating cultural differences and the challenges of a new college, Luna-Mata, an MSJ student from the Dominican Republic, ultimately found his place by embracing his identity and building meaningful connections.

Victor Luna-Mata ’26, a junior Financial Economics major, has been making the most of his time at the Mount. He has plenty of friends, great relationships with professors, and aspirations to secure a “purposeful and impactful career, something that holds meaning not only in the present but for years to come,” he says. However, it’s not been without struggle.

“Adapting to a new cultural environment has come with its challenges, including adjusting to a different pace of life, overcoming language barriers, and navigating the experience of being a minority in my community,” Luna-Mata says. “The American lifestyle is much more fast-

paced compared to the more relaxed rhythm of life in the Dominican Republic.”

The most pressing hurdle was being unable to relate to peers.

“I often found myself as one of the few students without a similar cultural background, making it difficult at times to find peers who could fully relate to my experiences,” Luna-Mata says.

He found it difficult to get involved in activities at the Mount, as he struggled to relate to others and was constantly left wondering whether he should embrace his Dominican culture or lean into American customs.

“I discovered that people genuinely appreciate the social and welcoming

nature of Dominican culture, as well as the drive and efficiency often associated with American culture,” Luna-Mata says. “Bringing a mix of both allowed me to contribute meaningfully while staying true to myself.”

While embracing aspects of American culture, Luna-Mata has maintained his Dominican heritage in a way that has allowed him to be his authentic self. He remains deeply connected to his Dominican heritage through food, music, and language. But most importantly, he notes, he shares his culture.

“Seeing people express curiosity and interest in learning about a culture different from their own makes it easier to bridge gaps between people and build meaningful connections,” he says.

Luna-Mata now has a sense of belonging. Consider the Spring Formal.

“That night, I had conversations with people I wouldn’t normally interact with,” Luna-Mata says. “And I even danced, something I don’t do often!”

Luna-Mata is thankful for an environment that the Mount that has allowed him to excel academically, in large part due to the strong student-toprofessor ratio.

“I have never felt like just another statistic here,” Luna-Mata says. “My professors genuinely take the time to engage with students.”

Luna-Mata learned to adapt with the Heart of a Lion, while remaining true to himself.

“Whether as a student contributing to classroom discussions, a friend supporting my peers, or a role model for future college students, I recognize that I have a purpose here,” he says.

Luna-Mata encourages fellow MSJ students to carve their own paths.

If your goal is academic success, commit to it, attend classes, and study hard. If your goal is to make meaningful connections with peers, put yourself out there and at the Mount, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

“I encourage you to embrace every opportunity with confidence,” he says. “Even if you have butterflies in your stomach, do it anyway.”

ILLUMINATING THE UNTOLD: SAVANNAH COOMER ’27

& HER VISION FOR ON-CAMPUS BIBLE STUDY

By Alex Taft ’27

The Book of Judges tells the story of a woman chosen by God to lead—a parallel to sophomore Savannah Coomer’s leadership in “Hidden Gems” on campus.

In the Bible, Deborah was a judge, a prophetess, and a leader, whose connection with God lit a path out of tyrannical Canaanite rule. She acted as a shining beacon of grace, and is one of many women in and outside of the Bible empowered by God to lead.

The Mount’s very own Savannah Coomer ’27 is a testament to this belief. Just as Deborah was a leader for the Israelites, Coomer is a leader for the Mount.

Coomer is a MSJ Mission Ambassador, as well as an Education major with hopes to serve her community through middle childhood education after graduating. She’s also a co-founder of Hidden Gems, a campus Bible study for women that focuses on the often-overlooked stories of women in the Bible.

Members of Hidden Gems discuss the stories of Biblical women, as well as relationships, redemption, spirituality, and personal struggles, in the context of the Bible and scripture. Coomer holds that there’s something beautiful about sharing your struggles with others, exclaiming that “there is nothing stronger than women coming together in unity to pray!”

Coomer describes Hidden Gems as a group where young women can come together to build community and fellowship through growing their faith.

“I want it to be a group where we discover our identities in Christ as godly women,” Coomer says. “The media tells them they have to look and act a certain way as women, and if they don’t then they don’t belong.”

Coomer was inspired to form Hidden Gems during a night of prayer at Mater Dei Chapel. She asked God for guidance; she wanted an opportunity to touch lives at the Mount. Then, God told her to start a group for young women to learn about who they are as women of God

by learning the untold stories of godly women in the Bible. She started Hidden Gems with the help of her best friend, Sophie Hirt ’26, who she had met at the Mount in freshman year.

“She is full of wisdom, faith, and love for everyone around her,” Coomer says.

Coomer and Hirt were able to form Hidden Gems with the help of Assistant Director of Mission, Michelle Arnold ’17, ’19, alongside Sr. Karen Elliot, C.PP.S.

“Whether it be with Hidden Gems, my academics, or even my faith, they were always there to offer me encouragement and a much needed hug,” Coomer says.

The impact of Hidden Gems has even spread outside the group. Coomer recalls

a game they played during a Hidden Gems meeting, where everyone in the group competed to see who could write the most Bible verses and stick them around the Harrington Center. The next day, someone came to Coomer, and told her that one of the women’s coaches had found one of the scriptures and shared it with her team to give them encouragement.

Coomer feels forever blessed to have started Hidden Gems, is thankful for the wonderful students she has met because of it, and tries to spread love on campus because of it.

“Something simple that I try to do is reflect God in everything,” Coomer says. “So, I make sure to give out compliments, to smile to people as I pass them, and to always be kind.”

As she prepares to spread love in a classroom as an educator, Coomer says, “I will continue to try to be a light no matter where I end up.”

Jesse Minter’s story is not one of overnight success. Rather, it’s one of perseverance, of family, of treating every setback as a learning experience, and living a life with a purpose: to lift others up.

In 2002, Minter transferred to Mount St. Joseph University with one goal: to play football. As a wide receiver, Minter helped the Lions compile a 30-10 record with consecutive conference titles and two Division III playoff appearances. But it wasn’t without setbacks. In his first season at the Mount, he broke his leg. This was followed by emergency surgery for Crohn’s disease. In his third season, he broke his arm.

Back then, reaching the NFL was admittedly more of a dream than a goal.

“It was something I thought would be

cool, but I didn’t know the path it would take to get here,” he says.

It was when his playing days were over, however, that he would begin the work that would eventually lead him to his current post: working alongside the Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh, strategizing defensive measures to take down the division’s perennial powerhouse, the Kansas City Chiefs. As the defensive coordinator for the Chargers, Minter isn’t letting anything hinder the continuation of his family’s football legacy and is cementing his own legacy in the process.

On September 2, Minter, featured in The New York Times, noted that he still has the first 98 rejection letters he received while looking for a job after graduating from the Mount with a

degree in liberal studies in 2005.

Eventually, he landed a dream job for someone so young: a defensive intern at the University of Notre Dame.

Next, he worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Cincinnati—the same institution where his father, Rick, had once served as head coach from 2007 to 2008. He then spent four years at Indiana State as linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator, a position he would hold again at Georgia State University, from 2013 to 2016.

Minter got his first taste of the NFL working for a different Harbaugh—Jim’s brother, John, the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. There, Minter served as a defensive assistant (2017 to 2019) and later defensive backs coach (2020). He spent one year as the defensive

PRIDE OF THE LIONS By Tabari McCoy

Mount St. Joseph Lions’ alumnus Jesse Minter ’05, is living his National Football League (NFL) dream in Los Angeles.

Jesse Minter ’05 before the Los Angeles Chargers played the Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Image provided by Los Angeles Chargers.

coordinator at Vanderbilt University before heading to the University of Michigan to work under his current boss, later following him to the NFL. At Michigan, he was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2022, an honor presented annually to college football’s top assistant coach.

Minter says growing up in a coaching household helped him “develop a deeper appreciation and love for the game.” However, he says the biggest key to his coaching development and progress has been treating every job as if it’s the highlight of his career.

“Every time we move or go somewhere else, it’s just another chance to leave a place better than I found it,” he says. “I’ve also realized the jobs you don’t get are sometimes the biggest blessings.”

Minter delivered the keynote address at the Mount’s 114th Commencement in May.

“I said in my commencement speech that after getting fired at Georgia State, there was a job in my hometown that I wanted and felt I was the best candidate for,” he says. “After interviewing, I was very disappointed that I didn’t get it. A week later, John Harbaugh hired me at the Ravens.”

If Minter had gotten the job in his hometown, he says he’s not sure he’d be

where he is today.

“At the end of the day, every experience is valuable, good or bad,” he says. “I see them all as learning opportunities.”

He offers similar advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps.

“Any experience in coaching is a good experience—always try to find ways to improve,” he says. “Try to go to various camps or clinics, to meet coaches, and expand your network. At the end of the day, embrace the journey and treat every

job like it’s the best you’ve ever had.”

Now, in the throes of another NFL season, Minter is focused on one task: setting operational standards, while also developing and nurturing strong relationships throughout the organization, through both good times and bad. He makes it a point not to concern himself with anything but his own responsibilities, including others’ salaries and lamenting injuries.

“I’m sensitive to it, we are all human, but I owe it to the rest of the defense to still put them in the best position to have team success,” he says.

What does personal and professional success look like to Minter?

His answer reflects the same humble yet competitive nature that continues to serve him well on and off the field.

“Success would be to be known as a family guy, being a loving husband, and a supportive father to my kids,” he says. “Relationships are most important to me. Success related to football would be a player feeling I impacted his career in a positive way, or an organization feeling I’ve impacted it in a positive way. I’m just always trying to leave a place better than I found it. But also, I wouldn’t hate a Super Bowl ring.”

As of Week 10 in the 2025 NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers were 7-3 and second in the AFC West.

Jesse Minter ’05 coaching on the sidelines as the Los Angeles Chargers play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Image provided by Los Angeles Chargers.

Jesse Minter ’05 celebrating a win in the locker room as the Los Angeles Chargers beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Image provided by Los Angeles Chargers.

A LEGACY OF ‘FIELD WORK’ By Jessica Baltzersen ’13

How a design degree led to a ‘home-run’ career.

In Cooperstown, New York, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (BHOF) stands as an iconic keeper of America’s pastime. Its exhibits entertain, inform, and inspire millions of visitors each year. Behind many of those stories is Director of Exhibits and Design, Mary Wiedeman Quinn ’87. For more than two decades, Quinn has shaped the way visitors experience the game, through history, culture, and the spaces she has designed to bring baseball to life.

When Quinn first attended the Mount, however, her path wasn’t so clear.

“I knew I was creative and liked art, but turning that into a career? That seemed unlikely,” she says. “I also had interests in teaching and sociology, so I felt very undecided.”

But that uncertainty shifted during her first semester when she enrolled in an Intro to Design course, taught by Sharon Kesterson Bollen, Ed.D.

“When it came time to register for spring courses, I met with her to talk about my future—and to ask whether art was even a viable path,” Quinn says. “She didn’t hesitate. She saw something in me and made that clear. For the rest of my college career, she became my advisor and mentor. Her confidence in me was unwavering, and that made all the difference.”

Quinn went on to graduate in 1987 with a degree in Graphic Design.

“The Mount was instrumental in shaping my career,” she reflects.

Breaking into the workforce, though,

proved challenging.

“At the time, employers were looking for computer-savvy candidates— unfortunately, that wasn’t me,” she says. “I picked up a few short-term jobs, but nothing truly stuck until I landed a position as a visual merchandiser in Dayton, Ohio, where I really discovered my love for visual storytelling.”

Still, retail didn’t quite feel like the right long-term fit. Quinn, then, enrolled in the Museum Studies program at The George Washington University, focusing on Exhibition Design. During graduate school, she interned at the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Exhibits Central, where she later secured a full-time position.

“It was an incredible experience that shaped the way I think about audience, narrative, and space,” she says. “I stayed for five years, loving the work, my co-

Mary Wiedeman Quinn ’87, director of exhibits and design at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

workers, and the Smithsonian!”

Eventually, she and her husband began looking to settle down in Maryland, when she spotted a job posting that would change the course of her career: Director of Exhibits and Design at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. She applied, got the job, and never looked back.

“Twenty-six years later, I’ve had the most amazing career,” she says.

Though she has always loved the game, she wouldn’t call herself “a baseball nut” she says. “I like to leave that title to the true ‘seamheads.’ For me, baseball has always been more than stats and standings. It’s a familiar, comfortable conduit for exploring deeper, more complex stories. Stories about civil rights, inclusion, gender equity, labor, economics, and American culture.”

That perspective has guided her work at the BHOF, where she sees each exhibit as an opportunity to connect audiences to something larger.

“Working in the museum field, and especially at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, has allowed me to use the game as a storytelling tool—one that connects visitors to broader historical and social themes through a subject they already care about,” she says. “That’s the real magic of baseball: it opens the door to conversations that go far beyond the field.”

One of those conversations became the highlight of her career. The project she’s most proud of is “The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball.”

The exhibit, which opened in May 2024, was built on a remarkable collaboration between the Hall of Fame team, five leading scholars, and a diverse advisory group of historians, professionals, and people active in the game today.

“The stories of Black baseball shaped not just the content, but the very form of the exhibit,” she says. “It was a project that demanded resourcefulness, creativity, and care—and it’s one I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career.”

Looking back, Quinn is deeply aware of the legacy she has created.

“The Hall of Fame’s exhibits, culture, and identity have my fingerprints all over them,” she says. “It’s incredibly meaningful to know that my work will continue to speak—quietly but powerfully—for years to come.”

To today’s students, she offers

the wisdom of someone who once stood at the same uncertain starting line.

“It’s OK not to have it all figured out,” she says. “When I started college, and even after, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Stay open—you’ll find your path.”

She encourages them to listen to those who believe in them, just as she once did.

“One professor’s confidence in me changed everything,” she says. “Sometimes others see your potential before you do.”

And most of all, she emphasizes collaboration.

“The best projects happen through collaboration, listening, and learning from others.”

"The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball," an exhibit Mary Wiedeman Quinn ’87 designed for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Mary Wiedeman Quinn ’87 with her son, Ian, and her husband, Ted, at Ian’s University of Dayton graduation, May 2025.

Mary Wiedeman Quinn ’87 working on an installation at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

AROUND the QUAD

Contributors: Haley Codling, Amanda Gratsch, and Alex Taft ’27

For more inspiring stories of what’s happening on campus, and the latest events, check out www.msj.edu/news.

ENROLLMENT GROWTH

The Mount is soaring To New Heights, with significant enrollment gains for Fall 2025, marking the University’s largest incoming first-year undergraduate class in 15 years.

At a time when many colleges across the Nation face enrollment declines, the Mount’s continued growth underscores its personalized approach to higher education, coupled with a robust student life. On the first day of classes, the Mount’s first-year class had grown by 12 percent over last year. Within 10 days, the first-year class had grown by 18 percent, in comparison with the previous year.

“This moment represents more than just numbers on a page; it’s a sign of the Mount’s incredible momentum,” says President H. James Williams, Ph.D. “Guided by our legacy from the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, we have created

a culture where students can Climb Higher, discover their callings, and make differences in the world. Together, we are rising To New Heights, as a University and as a community.”

Vice President for Enrollment, Chris Powers, credited the University’s continued growth to its uniquely customized educational experience.

“While higher education, nationwide, is facing enrollment challenges, the Mount is thriving because students and families recognize the value of our individualized attention, strong academic programs, and supportive community,” Powers says. “Our Mission and our employees set us apart, and that is why more students are choosing the Mount as their home.”

The Mount’s growth comes as the University launches its ambitious

Strategic Plan 2030, which outlines bold goals for academic innovation, student experience, and campus vibrancy over the next five years.

“I am especially excited about the We Rise To New Heights: Strategic Plan 2030, which places a sharp focus on delivering an unsurpassed student experience,” Dr. Williams says. “It emphasizes student success and support, contemporary and distinctive academic offerings, operational strength and investment, and a culture of care and belonging that defines our community.”

2025 TRANSFER HONOR ROLL

The Mount was honored to be named to the 2025 Transfer Honor Roll from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for its success in creating dynamic pathways to support a wonderful transfer student experience. The Transfer Honor Roll is determined by 40 key metrics, related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life, admission practices, and bachelor’s degree completion.

SILVER MILITARY FRIENDLY AWARD

THE NATIONAL LEADER IN READING SCIENCE

The Mount, has once again, been awarded for its consistent efforts to serve and empower military-connected students. The Military Friendly Schools survey is the longest-running and most comprehensive review of college and university investments in serving military and veteran students. The Mount earned silver status for the 202526 Military Friendly Award designation.

The Mount’s Center for Reading Science hosted its fifth Annual Reading Science Summit: Bridging the Research to Practice Gap, in June, bringing together more than 400 educators from across the country for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation in evidence-based literacy instruction. This year’s summit featured two of the most respected voices in the field: Louisa Moats, Ph.D., author of “Speech to Print” and the influential “LETRS” professional development series, and Anita Archer, Ph.D., renowned for her work on explicit instruction and author of “Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching.” Attendees also participated in breakout sessions led by MSJ Reading 2025 EXCELLENCE

IN MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING AWARD

The Mount was named a recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award by Insight Into Academia magazine, the leading national publication focused on a positive campus culture and belonging in higher education. This prestigious award recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to integrating mental health and emotional well-being into their campus culture, through accessible services, peer support, resilience-building initiatives, and policy advancements.

HEALTH SCIENCES EXCELLENCE

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN-MAGELIN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs both achieved a 100% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate. With this achievement, we’ve earned the No. 1 NCLEX pass rates in Ohio for 2024. The Mount’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) pass rate was also 100% in 2024. The Mount’s Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) ultimate pass rate was 100% in both 2024 and 2025.

Science doctoral students, who are conducting cutting-edge research on structured literacy, intervention strategies, and effective assessment practices.

The Center is also accepting preorders for its print materials. Joyful Discoveries—Project Ready (2024) has been approved for inclusion on the Ohio list of high-quality core curriculum and instructional materials for English language arts—preschool curriculum. It’s also approved for intervention in preschool. Materials will always be available for free download. Print versions can be pre-ordered here: readingscience.org/preschool.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION EARNS HIGHEST MARKS

The Mount’s School of Education earned the highest marks in the region from the National Council of Teacher Quality (NCTQ) with an A+ rating in Reading Excellence and No. 1 in Ohio for Overall Program Excellence in 2024 with a 3.7 GPA, from NCTQ.

MSN GRADUATE PROGRAM RECOGNIZED

The Mount’s MSN-MAGELIN program has been ranked among the top 100 online programs in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 rankings.

Anita Archer leads a session at the Reading Science Conference, June 2025.

NEW DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & COMMUNICATION

Charlene Kalenkoski, Ph.D., CFP(R), is the Mount’s new dean of the School of Business & Communication. With a robust academic and research background in economics and financial planning, Kalenkoski will oversee curriculum development, faculty recruitment, strategic partnerships, and student-engagement initiatives. She will also foster handson learning, including internships and student-run enterprises that are in alignment with the Mount’s mission to develop competent professionals.

NEW CHIEF MISSION OFFICER

As the new chief mission officer, Joe Shadle will lead efforts to expand the Mount's commitment to its mission, Catholic identity, and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Shadle joins the Mount with more than 25 years of experience in Catholic higher education, spiritual formation, and mission integration. A dynamic speaker and retreat leader, Shadle is known for engaging students, faculty, staff, and community members through the topics of scripture, spirituality, and leadership.

GRANT HIGHLIGHTS

The Mount is proud to announce the receipt of a $2 million grant to create an open-source, comprehensive English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for early elementary education. This transformative grant will enable the MSJ Center for Reading Science to develop high-quality, accessible instructional materials grounded in the Science of Reading. Initial development will focus on kindergarten and first grade, with plans to expand through fifth grade.

4 NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Rev. Jonathan Brown, Ed.D., has been president of City Gospel Mission since January 2023. Prior to this, he held leadership roles in education for over 30 years. Since 2014, he has also served as senior pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, in Walnut Hills, ministering to at-risk youth, families in poverty, and those battling addiction. He and his wife, Sandra, are the proud parents of two children.

Greg Goertemoeller joined Messer Construction in 2006. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati. As a senior building systems executive, he’s responsible for leading the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Indianapolis Building Systems Groups at Messer Construction. Greg and his wife, Danielle, have three children. They are active parishioners at St. Antoninus

The Mount’s cITe Program has been awarded $1,185,100 over the next five years through the Choose Ohio First (COF) initiative. This funding provides scholarships of up to $8,000 per year for Ohio-based undergraduate students studying either Computer Science: Application Development or Computer Science: Social Computing at the Mount. The COF program supports the recruitment and retention of students pursuing degrees in high-demand STEM fields across the state.

Catholic Church and reside in Delhi. Ryan Grinstead has spent the past 21 years in the financial services industry, with 19 of those years at PNC. He’s currently a senior vice president and wealth director for PNC Private Bank in Cincinnati. Grinstead resides in Mason with his wife Judy and their son, Chase, who is a sophomore at the Mount. Robert Killins is the director of special initiatives at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. A native of Oakdale, Louisiana, he holds a bachelor’s degree in French from Grambling State University. He and his wife live in Cincinnati’s West End, where they raised two daughters and a son. Before joining GCF, Robert spent 24 years at Procter & Gamble, initially in IT and, later, transitioning into roles in philanthropy, public affairs, and community relations. He has also spent time as a substitute teacher in Cincinnati Public Schools.

The MSJ Archbishop Alter Library was awarded a 2025 Celebrating Ohio Book Awards & Authors (COBAA) grant from the State Library of Ohio. This funding enabled the library to purchase books by Ohio authors, as well as titles recognized by Ohio-based book award programs. As a result, MSJ librarians acquired, cataloged, and processed 173 new books, including works on exceptionalities, graphic novels, and Spanish-language translations for MSJ English and Education classrooms.

Joe Shadle

Charlene Kalenkoski, Ph.D.

Back row, left to right: Robert Killins Jr.; Greg Goertemoeller; Rev. Jonathan Brown; Vincent O. Terry; Jackie Reau; Dan Sutton. Middle row, left to right: Kevin Gade; Jeremy Viltro; Kevin Rice; Steven D. Mullinger; H. James Williams Ph.D.; Kevin Malvey; The Honorable Sylvia Sieve Hendon; Lisa Vannis; Paul Garrett; Jonathan M. Hiltz (Vice Chair); Dominic Iacobucci; Jennifer Damiano. Front row, left to right: Pamela Rossman; Ann M. Saluke M.D.; Harold D. Brown (Chairperson); S. Patricia A. Cruise; SC; S. Annette Muckerheide, SC; Robyn Caponi.

Not pictured: Mary Ellen Adcock; Ryan Grinstead; Jennifer Jackson; Corey Johnson; Michael B. Mattingly; Thomas Shockley, M.D.; John Young; Lori Hallmark.

President H. James Williams, Ph.D., was recognized at the 2025 “Men of Honor: A Salute to African American Men” event in November. Each honoree received a $5,000 grant from the 7 Principles Foundation to designate for an organization of his choice that serves African American males. Cincinnati Magazine’s 2024 Cincinnati 300 publication recognized Dr. Williams, and additionally, MSJ Board of Trustees members Jennifer Damiano, Steve Mullinger, Jackie Reau, and Dan Sutton ’08, ’95, as some of the most powerful business leaders across the region's public, private, and nonprofit companies. As one of the few women of color to enter the financial sector in the 1980s, First Lady Carole Williams was honored as a Changemaker, by Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, for her strength and bravery in guiding young women to display courage and character with confidence.

MSJ Senior Director of Creative Services & Marketing Operations, Greg Goldschmidt Jr., MSOL ’23, ’07, was awarded the 2025 Distinguished Communicator of the Year Award from the Salesian Guild of Greater Cincinnati. This award recognizes a local, Catholic communicator who demonstrates commitment to both professional excellence and a strong faith in action within the workplace.

Caroline Meyer, assistant director of service learning and engagement, was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service (PVSA) Lifetime Achievement Award. An initiative of AmeriCorps and administered by Points of Light, this prestigious award recognizes Meyer’s exceptional dedication and significant contributions to our community, through volunteer service.

Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Briggs, MBA, CPA, was a Cincinnati Business Courier’s 2025 C-Suite Awards winner. These awards honor top Tri-State executives for their leadership and performance. Chair of the Department of Computer Science & Mathematics and Assistant Professor, Rebecca Allen, Ph.D., recently had her AI research published as a medical editorial in Lippincott Journals. Physical Therapy Chairperson and Professor, Lisa Dehner, PT, Ph.D., CEEAA, attended the 2025 World Physiotherapy Congress in Tokyo, Japan, in May to present

her research on entry-level essential competencies and developing clinical reasoning skills in physical therapy students.

Professor Swati Chopra’s Artwork was selected for the prestigious 132nd Annual Juried Exhibition & Sale, for The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati.

Chair of the Department of Creative Arts, Michaelann Kelley, Ed.D., received the 2024 OAEA Award for “Distinguished Fellows—2024 Inductees” from the Ohio Art Education Association. She also was presented the 2024 Lone Star Art Advocate Award by the Texas Art Education Association.

Associate Professor of Creative Arts, Kurt Grannan, has been appointed to the executive board of Directors of the Cincinnati Art Club.

President H. James Williams, Ph.D.

Jeff Briggs, MBA, CPA

Caroline Meyer

First Lady Carole Williams, MBA, CPA

Rebecca Allen, Ph.D.

Lisa Dehner, PT, Ph.D., CEEAA

Greg Goldschmidt Jr., MSOL ’23, ’07

Swati Chopra, M.DES.

Michaelann Kelley, Ed.D.

Kurt Grannan, M.F.A.

The Center for Mission & Belonging was restructured this summer to align with the Strategic Plan 2030’s five bold goals. Based on internal and external data collected during the strategic plan development, we expanded The Center’s scope to better provide all students with an unsurpassed MSJ experience that nurtures their mind, body, and spirit. Since its inception, the Center has overseen events and programming that celebrate and enhance the Mount’s Catholic Identity, the Mount’s mission, and shared connections across all members of the Mount Community. With the restructure, The Center for Mission & Belonging now includes residence life, student leadership development, and family and parent engagement. The most significant changes to The Center for Mission & Belonging include the following elements:

1. expanding the former Coordinator of Mission Ambassadors position to become the Assistant Director of Mission & Belonging Scholars, which continues to manage the successful Mission Ambassadors Program and has now launched new and expanded programming and support for Lion’s First Scholars (first-generation college students) and MOSAIC Scholars;

2. expanding the former Director of Residence Life position into the Director of Student Leadership and Residence

Life position, to drive student leadership development and engagement more strategically;

3. adding a new Student Experience and Family Engagement Manager, who will enhance MSJ communication and programs for students’ families, building stronger student support networks;

4. adding a new position on the Academic Advising team to provide enhanced support to students who enter the University undecided on their major or career interests; and

5. relocating the Academic Advising team closer to the Learning Commons, and providing expanded space (within the advising center) for students to gather and study. Within this space is also the Director of First Year Experience.

“We want to ensure our student support services are structured in such a way that the student will receive wraparound support,” says Vice Provost Christa A. Currie, Ph.D. “We want to ensure that our services are easy to find and grouped together in a way that makes sense from a student perspective.”

Currie says the restructure also puts many of the services and MSJ staff that a first-year student is likely to need in a single location.

“It also encourages collaboration among our employees to best support our students,” she says.

FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE)

The first semester is a time of transition for many students who are living independently, stepping up their academic rigor, expanding their responsibilities, and changing their social circles. First-Year Experience (FYE) is a new program designed to help. A new orientation process includes an online onboarding course, in-person orientation day, and a week full of events that include an exciting new-student move-in, commissioning ceremony, academic major meetings, and scavenger hunts.

In the fall, students take the new FYE course, which focuses on study strategies, critical thinking, and academic planning, and partners with the advising department to promote long-range academic planning, contributing to retention, progression, and graduation goals.

The course also fosters a sense of belonging, inclusion, and community, by connecting first-year students to campus resources, peer mentors, and faculty, reducing equity gaps and improving engagement.

FYE also integrates wellness, financial literacy, and career exploration, supporting the whole student. Students build self-awareness, resilience, and lifelong learning habits, aligned with personal and institutional success.

“As an alum, it’s been so wonderful to come back ‘home’ and make an impact in a new way,” says Director of First-Year Programming Kate Mitchell ’97. “It’s incredibly rewarding.”

A students tries The Flying Trapeze in the Quad during Lionpalooza.

Mission Ambassadors by the MSJ Letters.

SUCCESS+

Reflecting its commitment to belonging, the Mount launched Success+, a redesigned and enhanced version of the longstanding Project EXCEL program, now offering tiered levels of support under a new name.

Designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners, including students with learning differences, Success+ empowers students to personalize their experiences by selecting the type of support that best aligns with their academic goals. Success+ builds on the strengths of Project EXCEL, while introducing two key enhancements: a flexible, tiered model of support and the addition of social skills development for neurodivergent students. The program continues to offer executive function

MOUNTCONNECT

MountConnect is a studentengagement and success hub where MSJ students can find information about their classes, faculty, and connect with a variety of student services designed to offer support, streamlining, and coordinating care across all departments. MSJ faculty and staff can use the portal to find important information about individual students.

Prior to the implementation of MountConnect, it wasn’t always easy for students to know who to contact for help and when facing multiple challenges, support was often siloed. Now, any faculty or staff member can submit a Lions Alert in the MountConnect system, describing challenges a student is facing. An intervention team evaluates the report and assigns alerts to various support areas. The platform also helps coordinate multiple alerts to provide

coaching, subject-specific tutoring, and personalized academic strategy sessions. Students receive one-on-one support from professional tutors, with the ability to choose the level of service that best fits their needs.

Further, the new social skills component uses a neuro-affirming approach to help students initiate, maintain, and navigate friendships and social interactions. Whether seeking targeted guidance or a comprehensive support package, Success+ is designed to grow and adapt alongside students throughout their college journeys.

As part of this evolution, the Mount has unified its academic support services under the Learning Commons, which brings together the former Learning Center, Student Accessibility Services, and the Success+ Program. This integrated structure streamlines access to resources, including peer tutoring, writing support, academic coaching, accessibility services, and professional support, through Success+.

seamless care.

In less than two months, MountConnect received 136 alerts related to stress and mental health, academic concerns, financial need, and physical health, and addressed those concerns.

“The idea behind MountConnect is to support the students before a little problem turns into a larger challenge,” says Vice Provost Christa A. Currie, Ph.D. “For example, thanks to MountConnect, we have been able to provide financial support from our emergency funds to help students afford textbooks and other basic needs. We have been able to connect students with physical health challenges to the Division of Accessibility Services, which can help them navigate class absences or take a medical leave of absence, depending on their personal circumstances. By dealing with these issues earlier, we can ensure that the impact they have on a student’s academic journey is minimized.”

NEW WEBSITE

Infused with dynamic, bold energy and excitement, the Mount’s new website combines innovative technology with intuitive navigation. The new homepage features a personalized program search bar designed for student users, allowing prospective students to search for programs of interest. The newly designed website also features an array of student testimonials, a city spotlight section, and social media highlights. Additionally, the majors, minors, and programs pages are now easier to navigate, with program boxes that showcase the different offerings. The fresh and contemporary design, featuring a bright blue and gold color palette, brings the To New Heights campaign to life.

The project was led by Assistant Director of Web Services & Digital Media Amanda Gratsch MSOL ’24, ’15 and Olena Holub ’25, with tremendous work from cITe, and the Mount’s marketing and ISS teams as well.

“I love that the website refresh tells the Mount’s story in an easy-to-navigate and creative way, and shows off what makes the Mount unique,” Gratsch says. “Whether it’s making the process of enrollment smoother, or showing off our student life and services offered, this refresh elevates our brand and fuels excitement.”

THE PARENT ACADEMY OF CISE AND THE MOUNT EMPOWER FAMILIES AND STUDENTS

The Parent Academy of CISE (Catholic Inner-city Schools Education) and the Mount are proud to continue their shared mission of breaking the cycle of poverty by helping more low-income students access a pathway to college success.

The partnership first launched with Holy Family School, where an eight-week program equipped parents and caregivers with practical tools, knowledge, and resources to support their children’s academic journeys. By fostering growth, encouraging perseverance, and connecting families to financial aid opportunities, the program helped students build confidence and thrive, inside and outside the classroom. Through advocacy and genuine human connection, families were empowered to help their children overcome school challenges and explore college and career possibilities.

Led by Johanna Richardson, program director and Wellness Center social worker, the Parent Academy of CISE and the Mount are excited to expand this meaningful work in Fall 2025 with new partnerships at St. Lawrence Catholic School and St. Francis de Sales School— continuing to strengthen families, nurture student success, and build brighter futures across the community.

TRIHEALTH PARTNERS WITH WELLNESS CENTER

The TriHealth Health & Wellness Center is committed to fostering a culture of care and belonging, serving as a model for student-centered health and wellness to support student success. The Mount expanded its partnership with TriHealth at the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year. New this year, the Center offers Health Services five days a week, providing MSJ students, faculty, and staff with access to a dedicated TriHealth nurse practitioner and medical assistant. Available services include sick visits, point-of-care testing, on-site prescriptions for select medications, select immunizations, and management of specific psychotropic non-scheduled medications.

To better support students experiencing basic needs insecurities, the Lions Cupboard is now part of the TriHealth Health & Wellness Center. This on-campus food pantry, in partnership with Be Concerned, provides an assortment of free, nonperishable food items and hygiene

products to all MSJ students.

“Our expanded partnership with TriHealth has allowed us to continue providing on-campus physical health services for our students,” says Jaimi Cabrera, LISW-S, director of the TriHealth Health & Wellness Center. “This expansion also opened services to employees and their eligible dependents.

The TriHealth team has been a wonderful addition to our Wellness Center, offering a high level of care and support to both students and employees.”

For more information, visit msj.edu/ wellness

NEW MASTER OF ARTS IN PEDAGOGICAL STUDIES

The Master of Arts in Pedagogical Science with Combined Ohio Endorsements and/or second licensure offers teachers a unique opportunity to expand their professional learning by “stacking” two endorsements or certificates in their areas of interest. Teachers can obtain a master’s degree and Ohio endorsement credentials through a fully online program that meets their needs as a working professional. The Mount, currently, offers eight endorsements and certificates from which teachers can choose, including a new Computer Science Endorsement, which equips educators with cuttingedge skills in teaching computer science.

NEW MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

The Mount is introducing a new Master of Social Work (MSW) program, with advanced generalist and behavioral health specializations, preparing compassionate, skilled, and justicedriven social-work professionals to meet the complex needs of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Curriculum will be structured in a hybrid format, consisting of online classes and in–person classes in the evening. The anticipated start date for MSW is Fall 2026 for traditional students who have an undergraduate degree outside the field of social work. For those who have a Bachelor of Social Work degree, a one-year advanced standing track is planned to start in Summer 2027.

MSJ HELPS SISTERS OF CHARITY OF CINCINNATI BED BUILD

In an event led by Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Sisters of Charity, along with faculty, staff, and students from the Mount, DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Elder High School, and Seton High School, came together to make blankets and build 40 beds for children in the Greater Cincinnati area.

2025 Parent Academy Graduates.

SUSTAINABLE SCULPTURES

After a visit from Cincinnati Reds Museum Curator Chris Eckes, ’00, a team of MSJ student artists created a commemorative sculpture celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cincinnati Reds’ legendary Big Red Machine. The sculpture, which was on display at Great American Ball Park in June, was created in the Mount’s Sustainable Sculpture course, taught by renowned Cincinnati sculptor and adjunct faculty member Tom Tsuchiya.

Additionally, MSJ Art Guild students

BASECAMP TO BETTER HEALTH

Basecamp to Better Health is a physical activity and exercise service learning classroom project open to MSJ faculty and staff, launched by Chair of Exercise Science & Integrative Health, B.C. Charles-Liscombe, Ed.D., in Spring 2025. The program was such a success that this year, MSJ students will once again help nine individuals identify their fitness goals and develop a personalized exercise and fitness program for aerobic fitness, muscular strength, endurance, mobility, and balance. The program, with room to grow in the future, allows students to become familiar with working with adults and older individuals who are at a moderate health risk.

participated in the Rain Barrel Art Project, sponsored by the Cincinnati Zoo, Save Local Waters, and Indigo Hippo. This project promotes the use of rain barrels throughout the Ohio River Valley. The finished rain barrels were on display at the Cincinnati Zoo in April.

These projects represent a series of community-engaged artworks, from the Mount’s Department of Creative Arts, that reflect the University’s commitment to sustainability, experiential learning, and civic impact.

3 NEW STUDENT CLUBS

Members of the Mount St. Joseph University Student Investment Fund (MSJUSIF) discuss market trends and investment strategies. The students raise money for the fund and President H. James Williams, Ph.D., devoted $50,000 of the University Endowment for students to invest. Faculty mentors include Professor Charles Kroncke, Ph.D., and Visiting Instructor Phil Muldoon. The fund, which began in 2025, proved to be profitable immediately.

The Leadership Case Competition Club was organized by Chairperson of Graduate Programs and Assistant Professor of Management and Leadership, Lisa Gick ’87, Ph.D., PCC, and Visiting Assistant Professor of Management and Leadership, Jim Barge, who are both members of the International Leadership Association (ILA), which holds an undergraduate and graduate student case competition at its Global Conference each year. This year, MSJ students travelled to Prague to analyze a global issue within the UN Sustainable Goals and develop a solution that includes the application of various leadership theories and approaches.

The Entrepreneurship Club, whose faculty advisor is Gick, inspires and equips students to explore entrepreneurship through education, networking, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. Students plan activities, including workshops, speaker nights, pitch events, and skill-building sessions. They recently hosted a team from Jostin Construction led by CEO Albert Smitherman and Paul Silva ’87, president of the Eagle Realty Group at Western Southern Life, to discuss their roadmaps of success, the challenges of growing a business, and the entrepreneurial mindset.

Lauren Gayhart ’27 and Nathan Graf ’26 traveled to Prague to participate in the Leadership Case Competition at the 2025 ILA Global Conference.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

The Office of Admission has been refreshed with a new welcome area, a floor-to-ceiling glass wall to create a new conference room, additional storage areas within the office suite, a kitchenette space, and new paint, graphics, furniture, and lighting.

In Seton lobby, new glass railings are being installed on the center staircase that leads to the Commuter Lounge. The information desk has been completely transformed, with a new quartz counter and wood paneling. The lobby also features new paint, furniture, carpet,

and lighting upgrades, as well as new casework for food deliveries for students.

Our new MSJ Esports Arena is now the most powerful in the region, with new computers built by MSJ students and expanded space. An updated wrestling room features new mats and branding. Additionally, we are in the process of updating the Auxiliary Gym, located inside the Jean Dowell Gymnasium, which will be renamed the Pat Shibinski Practice Facility, in honor of Coach Shibinski, who served the Mount for 42 years. You can read more about the MSJ Athletics updates beginning on page 40.

The next time you’re at the Mount, take a photo in our newest campus icon—a 7-foot-tall, 11-foot-wide, 6-footdeep Adirondack chair, big enough to fit eight students, located just outside the Quad and Japanese Garden, near Seton Center West. It has quickly become a photo destination and hangout among MSJ students.

The Giant Adirondack Chair joined the University’s growing list of campus

icons in August 2025. These include the MSJ Letters sculpture, the Archbishop Alter Library Lily Mural, a mural created in collaboration between EarthConnection (a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati) and MSJ Art Guild Students, the St. Joseph Statue, and Catamount St. Joseph.

NEW CAMPUS ICONS

Seton Lobby rendering.

Top: Mural in Admission conference room. Bottom: New Admission Welcome Desk graphics.

Top left: Lily mural in the Archbishop Altar Library. Top right: EarthConnection mural. Bottom: Giant Adirondack Chair.

MATER DEI CHAPEL DOCUMENTARY

In celebration of Mater Dei Chapel’s National Historic Register status, the Mount, in partnership with Picturemusic, produced a documentary, “Mater Dei Chapel: A Story of Sacred Art & Inspirational Women,” and a short film, “Mater Dei Chapel: The Journey to the National Register.”

The documentary features an interview with Judith (Judy) Dettenwanger Ebbeler ’61 and Margaret (Peg) Rolfes Brungs ’60—two alumna who helped create the Chapel’s Sacred Art—where they recount stories of the design and creation of the Chapel’s stained-glass windows, mosaic Stations of the Cross and Reredos, Crucifix, statues, woodwork, and fixtures, and stories about Marlene Hoffman ’61, Sister Augusta Zimmer, SC, and Sister Maria Corona Molloy. The introduction was provided by Sister Judith Metz, SC, and Maddie Williams, director of preservation and historic rehabilitation at MSA Design.

The short film, featuring Sr. Judith and Williams, provides an overview of the unique history and creation of Mater Dei Chapel, and its journey to the National Register of Historic Places.

Visit msj.edu/chapelart for the documentary and msj.edu/nrhp for the short film.

A NEW ORGAN FOR MATER DEI CHAPEL

Pipe organ music will once again fill Mater Dei Chapel, and it all began with Dean of Arts & Sciences, Michael Sontag, Ph.D., getting a haircut.

The original organ, in Mater Dei Chapel, has been inoperable for about nine years.

“Our instrument had not had regular repair for several decades, and there were times when the temperature in Mater Dei was allowed to fluctuate significantly, and so a number of systems were failing within it, and it was badly out of tune,” says Professor of Psychology Jim Bodle, Ph.D.

A new organ can easily cost more than a million dollars. An electronic organ has a shorter lifespan compared to a pipe organ, and it doesn’t have the same impact.

In 2024, Sontag got a haircut at Delhi Barber.

“Victor Fabro is the barber there, and he is also active at Holy Family Parish in Price Hill,” Sontag says. “Someone from the Sisters of Notre Dame called Holy Family to let them know that the chapel was being torn down, and Victor visited to check out some furniture that he thought might be useful at Holy Family. Victor was telling me about his visit to the soon-to-be-torn-down chapel and all the items they were looking to find homes for. Half-jokingly, he mentioned the organ.”

Sontag was intrigued. Back on campus, he reached out to Chairperson and Assistant Professor of Music Mark McCafferty, M.F.A., who confirmed that the organ would fit.

“Is this how the Holy Spirit works?” Sontag asks, laughing. “I’m so glad we found a home for the Sisters’ organ, as I know they wouldn’t have wanted it to be destroyed, and I’m glad we have some people around who will love and perform on the organ. I can’t wait to hear it.”

The Sisters of Notre Dame organ dates to 1930.

“It was built and maintained by the

local division of Kilgen Organ Company from St. Louis,” Bodle says. “When the larger company went out of business, the manager of the local office continued to keep it in operation, and Jerome Schaedle bought the business from them in the 1980s. In some way, you could say that it has been regularly maintained by the same group since it was built in 1930.”

Schaedle Pipe Organ Service rebuilt the organ in the 1980s and updated the electrical system in 2010. The instrument should faithfully operate for many decades with minimal repairs and regular tuning.

“It will be installed in the choir loft in the space between the two large pillars that form the base of the bell tower,” Bodle says. “The way that this organ console communicates with the pipes allows it to reuse the seven ranks of pipes in many ways that give the organist a greater level of flexibility for artistic expression. This instrument will add to the variety of ways that we can accompany worship in our chapel, as well as weddings or other special services. It will also give us opportunities for our students to learn to play the organ, which they cannot currently do on our campus, and if desired, it gives an opportunity for them to hold recitals here.”

The organ’s relocation and installation, which will cost about $40,000, is expected to be completed in Summer 2026.

Join us in restoring Mater Dei Chapel: msj.edu/restore-chapel

Organ in its original home with the Sisters of Notre Dame.

CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEADERSHIP IN NURSING AWARDS

The program inspires commitment, curiosity, and charity, as MSJ students witness what they can achieve in nursing. by Kara Gebhart Uhl

In October, Mount St. Joseph University’s Department of Nursing held its 30th Leadership in Nursing Awards Program. The 2025 award recipients included the following persons:

• Distinguished Nurse Administrator: Laura Flesch, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP, vice president of patient services at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center;

• Distinguished Nurse Researcher: Randi A. Bates, Ph.D., APRN-CNP, assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing;

• Distinguished Nurse Educator: Piper Coleman, MSN, MPH, RN, NPC-BC, CPN, clinical education consultant, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; and

• Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership: Megan Vasseur, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, NPD-BC, director of organizational development and education at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

“Nurses are often the unsung heroes in healthcare, making incredible contributions behind the scenes in quiet and unassuming ways,” says Darla Vale, Ph.D., RN, Dean of Health Sciences. “This event is an opportunity to publicly celebrate nurses who have had a positive influence on thousands during their careers.”

Brother Ignatius Perkins, Ph.D., OP, DNSc, MAEd, RN, FAAN, served as chair of the Mount’s Department of Nursing from 1993 to 1997, and in that time, founded the Leadership in Nursing Awards Program, along with faculty. He returned to the Mount in 1999 to serve as associate academic dean. Today, he serves as the founding director of the St. Martin de Porres Center for Health and Human Dignity at Providence College in

Rhode Island.

In 2004, Bro. Perkins received the Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership Award.

“In the early fall of 1993, several particularly stressed nursing students came to me in search of an answer to their question: ‘Will you teach us how to care?’” Bro. Perkins said in his acceptance speech. “‘We cannot teach you how to care,’ I replied. ‘But we will show you caring.’ And with a courageous strategic vision, we did just that. We wrote poems, offered careful reflections, designed new learning paradigms, formed enduring relationships, and journeyed with one another through the discovery of new ideas and new dreams, and through tragedy, human suffering, and healing. With our students and the Mount Community, we celebrated one another, our achievements, and the privilege of caring for others.”

Bro. Perkins said he helped create the Leadership in Nursing Awards Program to celebrate and acknowledge the decades of service and contributions nurses provide to the larger community.

“When we first began, we intentionally chose to highlight nursing

leadership roles that were not widely recognized,” Vale says. “Healthcare systems often acknowledge nurses providing direct patient care, which is both vital and essential. However, there are also nursing roles that support, enhance, and strengthen direct care. We identified three such areas to focus on: leading, researching, and educating. The

Brother Ignatius Perkins and the inaugural 1996 LNAP Award recipients: Distinguished Nurse Administrator Diane Mary Seiwert ’77, MSN, RN, ARNP; Distinguished Nurse Educator Marjorie A. Ryan ’60, MSN, RNC; and Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership Nancy Savage ’55, Ph.D., RN.

Lifetime Achievement Award offers broader flexibility, typically honoring someone who has served in multiple roles and made significant, lasting contributions in many important ways.”

A team reviews nominations anonymously.

“Given the outstanding qualifications and extensive experience of the nominees, the selection process is always a challenge,” Vale says. “This year, we received a record number of nominations. Each nominee exemplifies intelligence, integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. The COVID-19 Pandemic disrupted healthcare in countless ways, and the nominations continue to highlight how these leaders remained visionary, shaping the future of nursing education and practice through innovation and resilience.”

Bro. Perkins says the annual event has always been well attended, and “remains a powerful witness to the integrity of nursing and the seminal work

of the Department of Nursing.”

MSJ students are also present at the event, and Vale says they frequently express how inspired they are after hearing the remarks of the recipients.

“For many, it provides a new ‘north star’ and a powerful example of the impact nurses can have,” she says.

President H. James Williams, Ph.D., says the 30th anniversary of the Leadership in Nursing Awards illustrates how much MSJ Health Sciences has evolved over the years.

“Next year marks our 100th year of robust learning experiences in health sciences,” President Williams says.

“For decades, the Mount has produced inspirational leaders who have had a positive effect on nursing across the nation. It has been an honor to celebrate these trailblazers for 30 years.”

Each year, Vale looks forward to hearing recipients’ stories during their acceptance remarks.

“They often speak with humility, expressing deep gratitude for the people and opportunities that shaped their journey,” she says. “Their reflections bring a human dimension to their accomplishments, and their passion always shines through.”

2010 LNAP Award recipients: Distinguished Alumni Nurse Leader Carol C. Tierney ’98, Ph.D.(c), MSN, RN; Distinguished Nurse Researcher Beverly S. Reigle, Ph.D., RN; Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership Mary E. Duffey, MBA, BSN, RN, PHR; Distinguished Nurse Administrator Carmen Pitman, RN, MSN, NEBC, HP. Gail M. Burns, DNP, RN, then Chair of Nursing Department, College of Mount St. Joseph.

Liz Bonis from Local 12 hosting the LNAP event in 2018.

2015 Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership Mary Ellen Betz, EdD, RN, with MSJ Department of Nursing faculty and staff.

2015 LNAP Award recipients: Distinguished Nurse Administrator Debbie Hayes, MS, RN; Distinguished Nurse Researcher Myra Martz Huth, Ph.D., RN; Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership Nancy Barone Kremer, MSN, RN, MBA, FACHE; Distinguished Alumni Nurse Leader Connie Gallagher ’68, BSN, RN, CPHQ.

Darla Vale; Distinguished Nurse Researcher Randi A. Bates, Ph.D., APRN-CNP; Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership Megan Vasseur ’07, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, NPD-BC; student Lainey Ryan; student Erica Scarborough; Distinguished Nurse Educator Piper Coleman, MSN, MPH, RN, NPC-BC, CPN; Distinguished Nurse Administrator Laura Flesch, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP; student Blessing Bassey; Kristin Clephane DNP, RN, CPN, Associate Professor, Assistant Dean and Chairperson of Nursing at the 30th Anniversary of LNAP.

LIONS’ CORNER

By Tabari McCoy

It’s an exciting time to be a Mount St. Joseph University Lions’ athlete, coach, and fan. Consider the last season:

“Football won its third consecutive HCAC championship,” says Vice President & Director of Athletics Melanee Wagener. “Women’s Soccer won the HCAC championship. Women’s Volleyball finished second in the conference, which is pretty darn good, both in the conference regular season and the conference tournament. Women’s Basketball has really taken a big jump forward. Women’s golf won the HCAC for the first time in school history

and went to the national tournament. Baseball did an excellent job on their season and played in the HCAC tournament and had one of their best seasons they’ve had in quite some time.”

Wagener says much of this success can be attributed to coaches and staff who are truly invested in their athletes, and how well everyone works together.

“Our teams are rising,” she says. “It’s just a great time to be here.”

With 200-plus freshmen athletes calling the Mount home this year, Wagener is focused on the University’s future—and the future is now!

ESPORTS ARENA EXPANDS

The MSJ Esports team is enjoying new computers, and expanded practice and competition space in its new Esports Arena—the most powerful Esports arena in the region—located inside the Jean Patrice Harrington, S.C., Student Center, just in time for the 2025-26 year.

“The new computers are fantastic,” says MSJ Esports Head Coach Christian Duvall.

In the past, Esports members had to alternate among just eight computers. Now, players have exclusive access to 24 custom-built computers, featuring powerful processors and graphics cards, allowing multiple teams to practice and compete on different games simultaneously. The arena also features a student lounge and digital classroom.

Duvall says the expanded space supports the program’s development and is appealing to prospective students, in addition to the Mount’s $1,000 per year Esports Scholarship.

“There are students who enjoy the competitive aspect with all different games we offer,” Duvall says. “We’ve also seen growth in people who want to work in Esports, whether that’s gaining experience in broadcasting, working in team management, or anything that you would see parallel in traditional sports.”

MSJ Board of Trustees member Jackie Reau says the new Esports arena is “a game-changer,” in its design, hardware, enhancement to student life and building community.

“From the competition arena with state-of-the-art gaming rigs to the digital classroom and student lounge, this space positions Mount St. Joseph University

as a forward-thinking leader in collegiate Esports,” says Reau, who is also CEO of Game Day Communications and president of the Cincinnati Fear professional Esports team. “As the founder of Cincinnati Fear and a proud trustee, I see this as a powerful tool for recruitment and retention, a space where students can learn, compete, and connect through the rapidly growing world of gaming. By investing in cutting-edge technology and an inclusive space for gamers of all skill levels, we’re showing prospective students, and their families that Mount St. Joseph is serious about supporting the next generation of digital leaders.”

SPIRIT PROGRAM ADDS SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

MSJ Spirit Program Coordinator/ Head Dance Team Coach, Miranda Hopgood, feels very positive about her athletes, heading into the 2025-26 year—and a new scholarship program has given her 1,000 reasons to be in high spirits.

“We did great last year,” Hopgood says, noting that in the past two years, the program had no deductions (mistakes) in their routine at nationals.

Hopgood says a new, $1,000 per year scholarship will help attract five additional dancers and 10 cheerleaders to the program.

“The scholarship opportunities allow us to branch out a little bit more,” she says.

Sophomore Lauren Gayhart, a member of the cheer team, says the rapid growth has her excited about the program’s future.

“The Mount’s athletic program has provided me with not only an amazing family, but confidence in myself as an athlete, student, and a person,” Gayhart says. “My coaches and teammates work to build an environment of perseverance, strength, friendship, and empathy. Each practice teaches me more about

problem-solving and how to effectively work as a team, which are skills that have an insurmountable amount of value to me. Joining the cheer team and spirit program here at the Mount has proven to be one of the best choices I have made in my adult life, and I will carry with me the experiences I’ve had with my team and the lessons I’ve learned for the rest of my life.”

Senior Kayleigh Diamond, a member of the dance team, says her experience has boosted her confidence as well.

“In addition to cheering and performing at all home football and basketball games, we also make appearances at events, both on campus and in the community, to spread spirit to those around us,” Diamond says. “This experience creates a family like atmosphere within the team, as we spend nearly every day encouraging one another to stay positive, even when things get tough. Because of this, I have learned many things from my time on the team and gained valuable skills, including leadership, teamwork, time management, and perseverance.”

MSJ TO LAUNCH WOMEN’S WRESTLING PROGRAM

Women’s Wrestling is set to join the MSJ Athletics Family next year. The Mount hired Rob Dearwester as associate head coach, who will lead the Women’s Wrestling Program under the direction of Charles Mason, head coach of the men’s program. The women’s program seeks to have up to 30 athletes ready to compete across several weight divisions.

“Wrestling has been a great sport for us at the Mount,” Wagener says. “We have our only national champion, Cornell Beachem Jr., who was a wrestler and now assistant coach here. It’s a phenomenal sport and is just growing by leaps and bounds.”

Mason, who says the Cincinnati area is loaded with women’s wrestling talent, agrees.

“I’m excited to get Women’s Wrestling

started because I’ve seen the passion of young ladies in Cincinnati, which is a real hotbed nationally for women’s wrestling right now,” Mason says. “I feel like we can build a very competitive team.”

Both teams will have access to an updated wrestling room, with new mats and branding that pays homage to former athletes who have won championships, earned All-American honors, and more.

“When you do the right things in life, you hold yourself accountable and you use your sport as your tool for that; you produce athletes who change the world in a lot of different ways,” he says. “We have a lot of young talent coming in this freshman class ... The returning athletes have been great mentors, great influences, and it’s really speeding up the development of our team right now.”

TRACK & FIELD RECRUITMENT GROWING

By the time Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach, Adam Cokonougher, arrived on campus last year, his athletes had already arrived, leaving him with only the opportunity to build his staff and set the tone for the season.

“The coaches did a great job and the athletes did a phenomenal job,” he says, reflecting on the 2024-25 season. “We had a much smaller team than we’ve had in previous years; half the team was borrowed from other teams as we would just take as many football players as possible or anybody who was willing to come out. So, while the team looked large, it was realistically a bunch of people who really hadn’t competed in track and field before.”

For the 2025-26 season, Cokonougher recruited 20-plus track and field and cross country-only athletes to the team with 30-plus new faces joining the program in total. In addition to developing the athletes already on the team and returning all the previous

season’s coaches, Cokonougher says this year’s program has lots of talent.

“Being able to sell the Mount is really easy when you believe in it as a place where everyone can grow, learn, and develop to be the best version of themselves in four years,” he says. “We have a beautiful indoor facility, a beautiful campus, amazing professors, and a tremendous administration, from the top down.

Incoming freshman Dalton Armstrong, a throwing recruit hailing from the city of Soldotna, Alaska, says he was sold on the Mount because of its campus, its Nursing Program, and Cokonougher’s energy.

“I really enjoy it here; it’s a great school,” he says. “The recruiting they did this year was just insane. It’s going to be huge for the school, not even just for track, but for all sports.”

NEW BOOK DETAILS EARLY HISTORY OF MSJ ATHLETICS

Jean Dowell is many things. She’s a former high school basketball star who championed for, and then coached, the first women’s basketball teams at the University of Georgia. She’s a musician and songwriter who released her first album, “A Place Way in Time,” in 2016. She’s a frequent fan at MSJ Women’s Basketball and Volleyball games. She’s also a former coach and athletic director at the Mount, the institution she proudly called home starting in 1970 until her retirement in 1994.

Now, at 81 years young, she is adding another title—author—to her resume with a book detailing the formative years of sport at the Mount.

Published by MSJ Press this fall, “Early History of Mount St. Joseph University Athletics” is exactly what its title advertises: Stories of MSJ teams, especially volleyball and basketball, who achieved “unbelievable success during the early years of women’s intercollegiate sports,” she says. “No women’s athletics program in Ohio, large or small, was more successful.”

The book details several important histories, including championships, how the Mount became known for its physical education program, the graduates who went on to enjoy coaching careers, and the beginnings of men’s athletics, including its first football victory.

Pat Shibinski, who dedicated 42 years

to the Mount as a coach and faculty member, encouraged Dowell to write this book around 2013. Dowell says interviewing the 50 or so key figures was the most challenging aspect of the project, which was originally not even intended to be a book, just a preservation of nearly lost history. She hopes all those who read it become as inspired as the MSJ athletes and administrators who paved the way for the Mount’s winning ways.

The Early History of Mount St. Joseph University® Athletics 1969-1994 is now available for order on Amazon.

Jean Dowell at the 50 Years of Women's Basketball celebration in 2020.

Basketball Final Four team, 1992.

Tanya Fasnacht, '88, MSJ Hall of Fame and District 22 Offensive Player of the Year.

HONORING PAT SHIBINSKI

Pat Shibinski was a Mount St. Joseph mainstay, enjoying an impactful 42-year career as a coach and in various other roles at the University. Now, her name is set to be emblazoned across the walls of a facility where MSJ athletic teams will continue to honor and add to her legacy.

Elected to the Mount’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, Shibinski devoted herself to the University’s health and physical education program. She was a pioneer in the Mount’s women’s athletics programs, launching them three years before the passage of Title IX. Now, the Auxiliary Gym—located inside the Jean Dowell Gymnasium—is set to be renamed the Pat Shibinski Practice Facility, in her honor. A fundraising campaign has been launched to support the rebranding and renovations.

MSJ Vice President & Director of Athletics, Melanee Wagener, says the facility will also be upgraded to match the historic work its namesake put in for athletes’ benefit for so many years.

“We’ve installed padding to make it safer for our student-athletes, added new branding and logos and fixed damage from years of previous use,” Wagener says. “We’d also like to upgrade it with a bit of homage to the history of women’s athletics at the Mount because it so rich. There’s also such a rich history for Pat, how people feel about her and the role she played in their lives. You can ask any alumna who was here during her time and she would know who Pat was, so this just feels right.”

HELP US HONOR PAT'S LEGACY AT THE MOUNT

Scan the QR code or visit msj.edu/pat to make a gift to the Pat Shibinski Practice Facility Fund.

Pat Shibinski and family at the 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The newly redesigned Auxiliary Gym, set to be renamed the Pat Shibinski Practice Facility.

Pat Shibinski at the 50 Years of Women’s Basketball celebration in 2020.

Pat Shibinski in the 1970s.

TO NEW HEIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT

The Mount kicked off Homecoming Weekend in spectacular style with the To New Heights Scholarship Benefit. Hosted by President H. James Williams, Ph.D. and First Lady, Carole Williams, this mission-driven celebration of student success raised $173,521 at the time of printing—more than triple of its $50,000 goal.

Money raised will directly impact MSJ students, from covering essentials like textbooks, lab fees, and leadership training to funding internships and hands-on learning experiences that help the students serve and lead. Gifts will also help shape the students’ futures, by powering state-of-the-art labs, innovative programs, and scholarships.

Guests spent the elegant evening enjoying hors d’oeuvres and a bourbon tasting, while meeting the new Mission Ambassadors and Scholarship Recipients who shared how scholarships transformed their lives. The camaraderie among alumni, faculty, staff, and friends was rooted in feelings of pride, gratitude, and giving, aligning the spirit of Homecoming with the heart of the MSJ mission.

THE HERITAGE SOCIETY: HONORING LEGACY COMMITMENTS

Mount St. Joseph University proudly recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the University, through a planned gift and by joining the esteemed ranks of the Heritage Society.

What is a Planned Gift?

A planned gift is a meaningful way to support the mission of Mount St. Joseph University. These gifts are typically

part of a donor’s will or estate plan, ensuring the generosity benefits future generations. Each year, planned gifts allow the University to meet current funding needs, establish and strengthen programs, and provide critical scholarship support to students. Heritage Society members play a vital role in ensuring the long-term financial stability of the University, enabling its mission to thrive for years to come.

To learn more about, or to enroll in, the Heritage Society, please visit msj.edu/heritagesocietyenrollment, or contact Dan Emsicke at 513-244-4955 or dan.emsicke@msj.edu

Michelle Glass Schneider and James Glass

Caponi Family Foundation William Black, UBS

President H. James & Carole Williams

& Jeane Elliott

The Kevin Rice Family

MURDER MYSTERY EVENT

The Murder Mystery fundraiser returned with great energy and was once again a well-attended event, with more than 125 guests. With a Derby-style “Run for the Roses” theme and interactive format, the evening drew in alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, for a lively experience. The event generated notable fundraising support for University initiatives by raising more than $45,000 towards the Annual Scholarship Fund.

EVENT SPONSORS

Carol Ann Roe ’75, grew up in Crystal Lakes, a small town in Clark County, Ohio. As a child, encouraged and supported by her parents, Roe spent a lot of time participating in church activities, Girl Scouts, and extracurricular activities at school, including the Future Nurses Club in high school. She and her family also traveled extensively, camping to make the trips affordable, and soaking up as much history as possible along the way.

During one such vacation, 13-year-old Roe developed a terrible case of poison ivy and ended up in an emergency room in a small town in Alabama. There, she was shocked to see signs dictating which water fountain Black people were allowed to use and where they could sit.

“It was appalling to me to see the total discrimination,” she says. “It had an impact on me.”

By that time, Roe already knew she wanted to be a nurse. But it was then that she began to question how laws and policies weren’t always consistent with her Christian beliefs.

After graduating from Bethesda School of Nursing, Roe knew she needed a bachelor’s degree in nursing to pursue her career.

“Mount St. Joseph was the most understanding of the fact that diplomaschool graduates did have some experience that should be accounted for in terms of awarding a BSN,” she says. “At the time, they were the only place around that had any process for granting previous credit.”

At first, Roe was a bit disgruntled about having to obtain a BSN. However, while pursuing her degree at the Mount, she took courses unrelated to nursing that she found stimulating, including one on the philosophy of science and another on the history of art. The latter course led to a lifelong passion for impressionistic art.

“I began to understand the value of a

liberal arts education,” she says. “That art class just opened up a whole new world, in terms of things I hadn’t known.”

During this time, Roe became active in what is now the Southwest Ohio Nurses Association, the local chapter of the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA), which is the state organization of the American Nurses Association. She was elected to the board of the state chapter. Later, as a lobbyist for the association, Roe helped develop a legislative strategy to recognize advanced practice registered nurses as primary healthcare providers in Ohio. She also helped establish minimum standards for Ohio dialysis technicians.

Much of Roe’s life is rooted in the values of Charity, Collaboration, Commitment, and Curiosity, with a dedication to positively impacting people’s lives.

“I think that’s why we’re here on Earth,” she says. “That’s what it’s about.”

Early in her career, Roe began to

understand the impact of policy on public health more clearly.

“Laws for the practice of nursing aren’t decided by nurses,” she says. “They’re decided by policymakers. You need to be at the table where decisions are made that impact people’s lives.”

Roe felt this so profoundly that she obtained a law degree to better advocate for nurses and patients in the public policy arena. Other titles she held include nursing administrator, clinical nurse specialist, faculty member, lobbyist, nursing regulator, compliance manager, risk manager, and

CAROL ANN ROE ’75, RN, MSN, JD

Carol Roe Hughes, 1975.

Carol Ann Roe ’75 shaking President Bill Clinton's hand during Ohio night at The White House in 1995, with her friend and nursing colleague Kathleen Montgomery.

mayor of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Roe loved campaigning to be mayor, simply because it allowed her to meet the many diverse groups of people who lived in her town.

“I got to hear people’s stories,” she says. “I got to understand the needs

of the community. I believe, if you see something wrong, you try to make it better.”

One of the proudest moments in Roe's nursing career happened quietly, during a grand rounds at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where she worked during the height of the AIDS epidemic. As a nursing administrator, Roe worked collaboratively with the medical staff and administration in developing policies, procedures, and care systems for patients with AIDS.

“I saw nurses take care of patients

that society was basically casting out,” she says. Hearing nurses talk about the commitment they had to caring for patients with AIDS and knowing she helped nurture that kind of environment impacted her greatly.

Roe has dedicated much of her life to encouraging fellow nurses to become involved in public policy and run for office. Recently, Roe attended the American Nurses Association—Ohio state meeting. Its current president is Rebecca Patton, DNP, RN, CNOR, FAAN, who also served as president of the American Nurses Association. When Patton was a new graduate nurse, Roe also helped nurture her career trajectory.

to one’s community and voting, and imbued Roe with a faith that emphasized helping those who are less fortunate and treating every individual with equal respect.

Roe is the recipient of many awards, including the Mount’s 2001 Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership Award and the 2025 Sister Mary Lea Mueller Human Service Award, in a nomination that came from Ohio State Representative Rachel Baker.

“I am blessed by all those individuals who either mentored me or contributed to me as a student, nurse, attorney, candidate, and elected official,” said Roe in her acceptance speech. “I am grateful also for the leadership experiences I gained as a volunteer in professional and alumni associations, women’s and healthcare organizations, church, and political campaigns. I hope that I have been successful in paying it forward by mentoring less-experienced individuals in those arenas and by encouraging nurses to pursue their education and to run for office.”

Roe also thanked her parents, who instilled in her the values of advanced education and independent thinking, stressed the importance of service

Personally, Roe spent many years happily married to her late husband, Gerald Layton, who supported her while she attended law school and worked full-time. The two also established Layton Roe Consulting, a healthcare and leadership consulting firm. Roe’s also proud of her close relationship with her stepson, John. After years of living in Cleveland, she now resides near Dayton, Ohio, where she remains actively involved in her church and community.

Roe is gratified to witness the nurses she’s mentored in the past succeed in trying to make the world a better place. After all, making the world a better place is what it’s all about, she says.

Carol Ann Roe ’75 attending a fundraiser with President Joe Biden (who was then vice president) and Senator Sherrod Brown in 2015.

Carol Ann Roe ’75 being sworn in as mayor of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, by Federal Judge Solomon Oliver, in 2018.

Carol Ann Roe '75 celebrating her MSJ Nursing School Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Leadership Award with her husband, Gerald Layton, in 2001.

Signing SB 154 in 1996, which recognized Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Ohio. Ohio Gov. George Voinovich (front, middle), along with Ohio Senate sponsor Merle Kearns (front, left), and Ohio Representative Joan Lawrence (font, right). Carol Ann Roe ’75 is behind Sen. Kearns in the navy suit.

To her left is Dr. Peter Somani, director of the Ohio Department of Health. Various nursing groups in Ohio are also represented.

CLASS OF 1975 50TH REUNION & ROYAL MOUNTEE ALUMNAE LUNCHEON

In May, the Office of Alumni Engagement successfully hosted its second combined Royal Mountee and milestone 50th Reunion celebration on campus, creating a meaningful and memorable day for both groups. The joint approach allowed the 50th Reunion class to be honored as Royal Mountees during their anniversary year, deepening their connection to this important tradition. The Mount welcomed 97 Royal Mountees to campus, alongside 20-plus faculty, staff, and students. The event included a live-streamed Mass (the first Mass to be live-streamed in the historic Mater Dei Chapel), induction ceremony, luncheon, and opportunities for classmates to share memories. Next year’s celebration will take place on May 14, 2026.

ALUMNI AWARDS

The Mount St. Joseph University Office of Alumni Relations is proud to recognize the following alumni for outstanding contributions and service.

Sister Mary Lea Mueller, SC Human Service Award: Anne Mulligan ’75

Sister Mary Lea Mueller, SC Human Service Award: Carol Roe ’75

Anne Mulligan’75 and Carol Roe ’75

HOMECOMING & HALL OF FAME

In October, students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered on a crisp fall weekend to reconnect and make memories at this year’s Homecoming Celebration! On Friday, the Mount kicked off the weekend with the all-new To New Heights Scholarship Benefit and honored the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame class. This year’s program included the following inductees:

• Steve Radcliffe, director of MSJ Athletics from 1990 to 2020;

• Chuck Murray, Baseball coach from 1994-2013;

• Cristina Webb ’02 (Women’s Volleyball);

• Alex Harbin ’10 (Football); and

• Katie (Playko) Meiner ’10 (Women’s Volleyball).

Saturday included a Homecoming alumni lunch and tailgate at the MSJ Sports Complex. Cheers from 1,500 fans were heard throughout Schueler Field as the MSJ Lions defeated Franklin University 52-21. Alumni were invited to join the Lion’s Roar Pep Band. We closed out the memorable Homecoming Weekend with a special Mass on campus in Mater Dei Chapel, followed by brunch in the 5/3 Dining Hall.

Nikki Giovanni, a renowned American poet and former creative writing professor at the Mount, passed away on December 9, 2024, at the age of 81, following her third cancer diagnosis. As a poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator, Giovanni’s work touched on many topics, including race and social issues, defining the African American voice since the 1960s and beyond. She published poetry anthologies and

Patricia J. (Murray) Shibinski, known by the Mount Community as Pat, passed away on December 19, 2024, at the age of 93. She was trailblazer in the world of women in athletics and one of the matriarchs of athletics at the Mount.

Born February 17, 1931, Shibinski attended St. Aloysius on the Ohio grade school and graduated from Seton High School in 1949. She earned a

Mary Kay Fleming, Ph.D., a beloved faculty member, passed away on May 20, 2025, of cancer. She was 70 years old. Fleming, professor emeritus of psychology, touched the lives of her students, faculty, and friends with a career marked by commitment to learning, a deep spirituality, and a finely tuned sense of humor.

Fleming graduated from Notre Dame Academy, earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and special education

recordings, nonfiction essays, and children’s literature.

In 2022, Giovanni returned to the Mount to celebrate National Poetry Month. Chair of the Department of Liberal Arts Elizabeth Bookser Barkley ’70, Ph.D., describes Giovanni’s poems as direct, courageous, and often funny.

“Nikki Giovanni was a talented poet whom many of my students had never read, so I am deliberate about introducing her poetry in my AfricanAmerican Writers class,” Bookser Barkley says.

Growing up in Lincoln Heights, Cincinnati played a significant role in Giovanni’s life and career, shaping her

bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in physical education from the University of Cincinnati, where she also played basketball, field hockey, softball and volleyball. In 1989, she was inducted into the University of Cincinnati (UC) Athletic Hall of Fame, with UC describing her as “one of the truly outstanding female athletes at UC in the early 1950s.”

Shibinski served the Mount and its students for 42 years in various roles, both as faculty and coach. During that time, she coached field hockey, basketball, and volleyball, while also serving as the chair of the physical education department. In 2010, she

from Edgecliff College, and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Cincinnati. After spending 37 years teaching at the Mount, she retired at the end of the 2020 academic year.

An award-winning essayist, Fleming won the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition in the global humor category in 2016, and, in 2019, she was named a first-place winner in the humor writing category by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

Fleming was preceded in her death by her parents, her brother Thomas A. Jordan, and her sister Mary Rita Jordan. She is survived by her sister Mary Ann Baker, her brother William Jordan, her husband of 41 years Donald A. Fleming,

worldview on racism and activism that influenced her published works. She leaves behind a rich legacy that will forever be cherished for generations.

“It was a profound honor to speak at the Cincinnati tribute to Nikki Giovanni, whose time teaching at Mount St. Joseph University remains a cherished part of our history,” says President H. James Williams, Ph.D. “Her life’s work reminded us that words—when guided by truth, faith, and courage—can transform both hearts and communities.

Nikki’s legacy continues to inspire us at the Mount to educate with purpose, serve with compassion, and uphold the dignity of every person.”

was inducted in the Mount St. Joseph University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Shibinski was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert L. Shibinski, her parents, and six siblings. She is survived by her three children, Kim, Mike, and Shaun, as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Mater Dei Chapel on December 27, 2024.

A lifelong educator and advocate of sports, especially women in sports, the Mount Community will always be grateful for Shibinski’s influence on generations of future coaches and educators who continue to carry on her legacy.

her son Stephen Fleming (and his wife Kayla Wheeler), her daughter Julia (Fleming) Beattie (and her husband, Lucas), and three grandchildren.

“She was a generous, kind, respectful, and caring mentor who quickly came to be a dear colleague and friend,” wrote Professor of Psychology Jim Bodle, Ph.D., in a tribute. “Her passion for social justice as a developmental psychologist was inspirational and has left a significant impact on my teaching and mentoring. Most of all, her impact in student lives, her deep commitment to family, and her incredible sense of humor bonded us as colleagues and friends.”

Nikki Giovanni

Pat Shibinski

Mary Kay Fleming, Ph.D.

ALUMNI PASSINGS

Rose Ann Joyce ’51

Mary Louise Yemc ’51

Marie Elizabeth Blackett ’53

Maryann James ’53

Claire Kemme ’53

Mary Loyola Mathia, SC ’53

Catherine Winkler ’53

Mary Katherine Kurz ’54

Mary Dyar ’55

Martha E. Sagel ’55

Pamela Freihofer ’57

Carolyn Razzano ’57

Kathleen A. Sweeney ’57

Patricia Paukstis ’58

Barbara Muth, SC ’59

Barbara A. Counts, SC ’60

Mary C. Niehaus ’61

Frances Zingales ’61

Marianne Zook ’62

Dolores Maureen McDonald, SC ’63

Joanne Hendy ’64

Jacquelyn Mayer ’67

Carol J. Dreyer ’68

Christine McGuire ’68

Anne G. Dick ’69

Maureen Field ’69

Jane F. McKeon ’70

A PRAYER FOR OUR DEPARTED MSJ FAMILY

Gracious and loving God, we join in prayer for our departed brothers and sisters, entrusting them to your divine charity and mercy. We pray with Mary the Mater Dei, Saint Joseph, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, along with all of the angels and saints, that you will welcome them with your divine and loving embrace for all eternity.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Rose M. Burns, SC ’71

Karen R. Curry ’72

Rosemarie Gerrety, SC ’72

Ann Goyette ’73

Vicki L. Welsh ’74

Katherine O'Donnell ’80

Nancy Clark ’81

Maureen Agnes Leonhardt ’81

Nancy J. Peters ’81

Julie A. Desenberg ’82

Mark Ligett, OFM ’85

Gregory T. Becker ’88

Robert A. Bissett ’90

Cathryne L. Stevens ’91

Margarita M. Brewer, SC ’93

Marilyn Konkoly ’93

Jennifer G. Sweemer ’93

Dolores Clement ’94

Beverly W. Fischesser ’95

Nichole K. Nelson ’96

James J. Miller ’98

Susan E. Kennealy ’02

Geralyn M. Schneider ’05

Kathleen A. Murray, SC ’07

Tammy A. Kolde ’13

Passings listed are current as of press time.

ONE LAST THOUGHT

To have more than 1,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and partners come together to create We Rise to New Heights: Strategic Plan 2030 is a testament to the power of the Mount Community. Built on a legacy of service and faith, Strategic Plan 2030 is grounded in our core values, blending tradition with transformation as we seek to meet our five bold goals:

• Contemporary & Distinctive Academics;

• Unsurpassed Student Experience;

• Culture of Care & Belonging;

• Leading Student Success & Support; and

• Operational Strength & Investment.

In this issue are myriad examples of how we are already rising To New Heights.

This fall, we welcomed the largest first-year undergraduate class in 15 years, with a brand-new orientation process and resources, including a student-engagement and success hub, to better provide all students with an unsurpassed MSJ experience that nurtures their mind, body, and spirit.

After doctors told Matthew Webb he would never walk again, the MSJ student-run pro bono physical therapy clinic changed his life—and the lives of those who worked with him.

Elizabeth Keller ’26 found strength in theatre. Luan Aguiar ’27 found a home in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Victor Luna-Mata ’26 found empowerment in opportunities.

Savannah Coomer ’27 found connection by creating a Bible study for women.

We celebrated MSJ programs that received impressive accolades, MSJ faculty and staff who received high honors, MSJ athletes who continue to excel on and off the field, the 30th anniversary of our Leadership in Nursing Awards program, and the Class of 1975. As we Climb Higher, we are grateful to the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati who provided us a solid foundation, heritage, and values, enabling us to embrace challenges with a Heart of Lion, as we rise To New Heights, so that we can continue to Light the Way for others.

ONE LAST THOUGHT